bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procalcitonin Biomarker for Sepsis in Postoperative Pediatric Trauma
Patients: Three Years of Experience from a Tertiary University Hospital
Authors: Albuali Waleed H. 
Published: September 2022

Background:
The biomarker procalcitonin (PCT) PCT is good in detecting sepsis in postoperative pediatric trauma patients, especially those with a high suspicion of sepsis, and formu-lating a quick treatment. Its use is still limited to pediatric surgical patients, particularly those in in-tensive care units (ICUs), who are more susceptible to sepsis. The purpose of this study was to see if procalcitonin could be used as a reliable and quick biomarker for sepsis in postoperative pediatric trauma patients and were brought to the PICU.

Methods:
This retrospective longitudinal study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019. Postoperative pediatric trauma patients aged > 2 weeks old who were hospitalized at the PICU of King Fahd Hospital of the University due to serious trauma or post-acute surgical events were included. Within 24 hours of admission, PCT levels were measured, and again 48-72 hours later.

Results:
In our study, 31% of severely ill children developed post-surgical sepsis. When compared to the PRISM III score and 24-hour PCT level, PCT levels at 48-72 hours exhibited the largest area under the curve (AUC). With a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 65%, the predictive AUC value was estimated to be 0.71. The AUC of PCT levels at 48-72 hours was 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65-0.79; p < 0.001), indicating high predictive validity using a cutoff point > 0.10, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 68.4%, 63.6%, 45.8%, and 81.8%, respectively.

Conclusion:
PCT is a sensitive biomarker for detecting sepsis in postoperative pediatric trauma pa-tients, especially those with a high pre-test suspicion for sepsis. In addition, PCT can be used alone or in combination with other clinical findings to help formulate a rapid primary diagnosis of sepsis in this subset of patients.
Deciphering the Plasticizers for the Development of Polysaccharide based
Biodegradable Edible Coatings
Authors: Kumar Vikram , Lakhawat Sudarshan Singh , Sharma Pushpender Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Pandey Aishwarya 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
There is persistently a high demand for fresh fruits and vegetables all over the world. One of the crucial factors that reduces the shelf life of fruits and vegetables is temperature- dependent oxidation during transportation and long storage. Fruits and vegetables coating using eco-friendly coatings hold great advantage over the other synthetic coating materials. The fruits and vegetables coated with coating can prevent from rapid oxidation even at warm temperatures. It enhances the quality and shelf life and maintain the nutritional properties. Though, edible coatings prove to be beneficial, the major drawbacks associated with it is the vulnerability towards moisture- dependent rapid degradation of these fruits and vegetables. Use of appropriate plasticizers would be helpful in enhancing the moisture and oxidation resistance. The current review article will highlight the use of various plasticizers used with polysaccharide-based coatings.
Medical Students’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Radiology:
The Current Understanding and Impact on Radiology as a Future
Specialty Choice
Authors: Alamer Ali 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Medical students' career choices and motivations might be significantly impacted by the rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and the recent hype around it.

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the impact of AI on medical students’ preferences for radiology as a future specialty choice.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2021 among all medical students in the three regional medical colleges in Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia.

Results:
The survey resulted in 319 complete responses. Among the respondents, 26.96% considered radiology to be one of their top three future specialty choices. Only a minority of the respondents (23.2%) believed that radiologists would be replaced by AI during their lifetime. The misperceptions of the potential impact of AI led 22.26% of the students to be less likely to consider a career in radiology. Students with an interest in radiology were less influenced by such misperceptions (p=.01). Based on self-reported confidence measures, the basic understanding of AI was higher among students with an interest in radiology and students with prior exposure to AI (p<.05).

Conclusion:
The students' preferences for radiology as a future specialty choice were influenced by their misperceptions of the potential impact of AI on the discipline. Students' interest in radiology and prior exposure to AI helped them grasp AI and eliminate the hype around it.
COVID-19 and Diabetes: will Novel Drugs for Diabetes Help in COVID-19?
Authors: Prabhakar Pranav Kumar , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Al-Kuraishy Hayder Mutter , Al-Gareeb Ali Ismail , Mostafa-Hedeab Gomaa , Dubey Rupal 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has afflicted more than 245.37 million individuals worldwide and resulted in more than 4.9 million deaths as of today, with a mortality rate of 2.1%. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and its secondary complications are the major serious global health concerns today due to its growth rate, and it is the fastest-growing non-communicable disease. According to International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data, one out of 11 adults is diabetic, and the projection says that the figure will reach 642 million by 2040 globally. The occurrence of DM and its secondary complications is also associated with the severity of COVID-19 and high mortality. People with DM have a weakened immune system owing to innate immunity defects affecting phagocytosis, neutrophil chemotaxis, and cellmediated immunity; however, the high prevalence of diabetes in serious cases of COVID-19 may reflect the higher prevalence of type 2 DM (T2DM) in older people. Moreover, DM is linked to cardiovascular illness in older people, which could underlie the correlation between COVID-19 and fatal outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 infects via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is found in pancreatic islets, and infection with SARS-CoV-1 has been linked to hyperglycemia in individuals who do not have DM. And hence diabetic patients need to take more precautions and maintain their blood glucose levels. Many pieces of research say that COVID-19 and DM, especially its secondary complications are interlinked. But it also needs more elaborative evidence on whether the anti-diabetic drugs can manage only blood glucose or SARS-CoV-2.
Natural Product Ligands of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma as Anti-Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Derangula Madhavi , Ruhinaz Kumarla Kaluva , Panati Kalpana , Subramani Parasuraman Aiya , Tatireddigari Venkatramana Reddy Arva , Narala Venkata Ramireddy 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:Immunologists have long considered inflammation to be a two-edged sword. Short-term inflammation can be beneficial, but long-term chronic inflammation is damaging. Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cancer have recently been added to the never-ending list of inflammatory diseases. The nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) is involved in inflammation and obesity. Clinicians employed PPAR-γ agonists, both synthetic and natural, to treat disorders such as obesity and T2D without fully understanding the biochemical features and potential adverse effects. This is one of the reasons for the controversy surrounding the thiazolidinedione class of medicines, including rosiglitazone and pioglitazone. Nonetheless, various natural PPAR-γ ligands, including endogenous physiological ligands, are discovered regularly around the world. This review aims to summarise the physiochemical properties and possible antiinflammatory actions of ligands discovered in nature. Future research in this area should be supported in order to find improved commercial PPAR-γ ligand anti-inflammatory products.
Fitbits for Monitoring Depressive Symptoms in Older Aged Persons: Qualitative Feasibility Study
Authors: Mughal Fiza , Raffe William , Stubbs Peter , Kneebone Ian , Garcia Jaime 
Published: September 2022

Background
In 2022, an estimated 1.105 billion people used smart wearables and 31 million used Fitbit devices worldwide. Although there is growing evidence for the use of smart wearables to benefit physical health, more research is required on the feasibility of using these devices for mental health and well-being. In studies focusing on emotion recognition, emotions are often inferred and dependent on external cues, which may not be representative of true emotional states.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using consumer-grade activity trackers for apps in the remote mental health monitoring of older aged people.

Methods
Older adults were recruited using criterion sampling. Participants were provided an activity tracker (Fitbit Alta HR) and completed weekly online questionnaires, including the Geriatric Depression Scale, for 4 weeks. Before and after the study period, semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted to provide insight into the acceptance and feasibility of performing the protocol over a 4-week period. Interview transcripts were analyzed using a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis.

Results
In total, 12 participants enrolled in the study, and 9 returned for interviews after the study period. Participants had positive attitudes toward being remotely monitored, with 78% (7/9) of participants experiencing no inconvenience throughout the study period. Moreover, 67% (6/9) were interested in trialing our prototype when it is implemented. Participants stated they would feel more comfortable if mental well-being was being monitored by carers remotely.

Conclusions
Fitbit-like devices were an unobtrusive and convenient tool to collect physiological user data. Future research should integrate physiological user inputs to differentiate and predict depressive tendencies in users.
Perceptions of US Medical Students on Artificial Intelligence in Medicine: Mixed Methods Survey Study
Authors: Liu David Shalom , Sawyer Jake , Luna Alexander , Aoun Jihad , Wang Janet , Boachie Lord , Halabi Safwan , Joe Bina 
Published: September 2022

Background
Given the rapidity with which artificial intelligence is gaining momentum in clinical medicine, current physician leaders have called for more incorporation of artificial intelligence topics into undergraduate medical education. This is to prepare future physicians to better work together with artificial intelligence technology. However, the first step in curriculum development is to survey the needs of end users. There has not been a study to determine which media and which topics are most preferred by US medical students to learn about the topic of artificial intelligence in medicine.

Objective
We aimed to survey US medical students on the need to incorporate artificial intelligence in undergraduate medical education and their preferred means to do so to assist with future education initiatives.

Methods
A mixed methods survey comprising both specific questions and a write-in response section was sent through Qualtrics to US medical students in May 2021. Likert scale questions were used to first assess various perceptions of artificial intelligence in medicine. Specific questions were posed regarding learning format and topics in artificial intelligence.

Results
We surveyed 390 US medical students with an average age of 26 (SD 3) years from 17 different medical programs (the estimated response rate was 3.5%). A majority (355/388, 91.5%) of respondents agreed that training in artificial intelligence concepts during medical school would be useful for their future. While 79.4% (308/388) were excited to use artificial intelligence technologies, 91.2% (353/387) either reported that their medical schools did not offer resources or were unsure if they did so. Short lectures (264/378, 69.8%), formal electives (180/378, 47.6%), and Q and A panels (167/378, 44.2%) were identified as preferred formats, while fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence (247/379, 65.2%), when to use artificial intelligence in medicine (227/379, 59.9%), and pros and cons of using artificial intelligence (224/379, 59.1%) were the most preferred topics for enhancing their training.

Conclusions
The results of this study indicate that current US medical students recognize the importance of artificial intelligence in medicine and acknowledge that current formal education and resources to study artificial intelligence–related topics are limited in most US medical schools. Respondents also indicated that a hybrid formal/flexible format would be most appropriate for incorporating artificial intelligence as a topic in US medical schools. Based on these data, we conclude that there is a definitive knowledge gap in artificial intelligence education within current medical education in the US. Further, the results suggest there is a disparity in opinions on the specific format and topics to be introduced.
Health Extension for Diabetes: Impact of a Community-Based Diabetes Self-Management Support Program on Older Adults’ Activation
Authors: Dietz Christina J. , Sherrill Windsor Westbrook , Stancil Michelle , Rennert Lior , Parisi Michelle , McFall Danielle 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveThe goals of this study were to determine whether completion of a community-based diabetes self-management support (DSMS) program delivered through a university Cooperative Extension network increased Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scores and to examine predictors of improvement in PAM score in individuals participating in the DSMS.MethodsThe Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a 4-month program delivered via a paraprofessional extension agent in partnership with an established diabetes self-management education and support program. The study population included 148 adults (median age 69 years; interquartile range 60–74 years) with diabetes recruited from local community organizations. Data for the analysis were collected before and after participation in the intervention as part of a longitudinal study, using the PAM and Self-Efficacy for Diabetes instruments. Descriptive statistics were gathered, and hypothesis tests and simple and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe mean PAM score increased by 6.58 points, with a 5-point change considered clinically significant. From pre- to post-intervention, PAM scores significantly decreased for 23 participants, decreased for 6, did not change for 14, increased for 21, and significantly increased for 84. Higher pre-intervention PAM scores, younger age, greater educational attainment, and higher baseline self-efficacy scores were associated with increased post-intervention PAM scores when not controlling for potential covariates. Age was no longer associated with higher PAM scores after controlling for covariates.ConclusionCommunity-based DSMS interventions can be effective in generating positive change in individuals’ activation. HED provides a feasible and accessible DSMS option that addresses key diabetes self-management components while effectively improving individuals’ activation. It is recommended that people living with diabetes attend a DSMS program such as HED to increase their ability to effectively self-manage various components of their chronic condition.
Longitudinal Associations of Air Pollution with Body Size and Composition in Midlife Women: The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation
Authors: Wang Xin , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie A. , Gold Ellen B. , Derby Carol , Greendale Gail , Wu Xiangmei , Schwartz Joel , Park Sung Kyun 
Published: September 2022

<p> </p>
<p><strong>Objective:</strong> We examined longitudinal associations of air pollution exposure, including fine particulate matters (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) with weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fat mass, lean mass, and proportion fat mass in midlife women.</p>
<p><strong>Research Design and Methods</strong>: The study population included 1,654 White, Black, Chinese and Japanese women from the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation, with the baseline median age of 49.6 years, followed from 2000 to 2008. Annual air pollution exposures were assigned by linking residential addresses with hybrid estimates of air pollutant concentrations at 1-km2 resolution. Body size was measured, and body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at approximately annual visits. Linear mixed effects models were used to examine the associations between air pollution and body size and composition measures and whether these associations differed by physical activity.</p>
<p><strong>Results</strong>: After adjusting for potential confounders, an interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 concentrations (4.5 µg/m3) was associated with 4.53% (95% CI: 3.85%, 5.22%) higher fat mass, 1.10% (95% CI: 0.95%, 1.25%) higher proportion fat mass, and 0.39% (95% CI: -0.77%, -0.01%) lower lean mass. Similar associations were also observed for NO2 and O3. Weaker associations of PM2.5 and NO2 with body composition were observed in participants who engaged in more physical activity.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusions</strong>: Our analyses provide evidence that exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and O3, is adversely associated with body composition, including higher fat mass, higher proportional fat mass, and lower lean mass, highlighting their potential contribution to obesity.</p>
“Horja” sebagai Implementasi Budaya Gotong Royong dalam Pelaksanaan Tradisi Pernikahan
Authors: Siregar M. Yusuf , S Nurman , Dewi Susi Fitria , Ersya Muhammad Prima 
Published: September 2022

“Horja” sebagai implementasi budaya gotong royong dikhawatirkan dapat menggeser nilai-nilai horja sebagai budaya gotong royong dalam adat Mandailing. Gotong royong dalam horja berupa pemberian bantuan uang dan pemberian bantuan tenaga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan pelaksanaan, faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi dukungan masyarakat seta implikasi terhadap kehidupan sosial bagi yang melaksanakan dan bagi masyarakat yang tidak melaksanakan horja sebagai budaya gotong royong. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan melakukan observasi, wawancara dan studi dokumentasi. Selanjutnya, dilakukan reduksi data terhadap hasil wawancara tersebut hingga didapatkan data yang yang paling absah menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Gotong royong dalam horja berupa pemberian bantuan uang dan pemberian bantuan tenaga. Dalam gotong royong horja masyarakat mandailing di Nagari Sontang Cubadak terbagi dua golongan yaitu Horja yang melibatkan keluarga terdekat (dongan sahudon) dan Horja yang melibatkan masyarakat.
The influence of IL-1 and C-reactive protein levels in synovial fluid of companion dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis on various clinical disease parameters
Authors: Alves J. C. , Santos A. , Jorge P. , Lavrador C. , Miguel Carreira L. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate IL-1 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the synovial fluid in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis and their relation to animals’ clinical, radiographic, and thermographic disease signs.

SAMPLE
100 joints from police working dogs.

PROCEDURES
Synovial fluid, IL-1, and CRP levels, weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs of the joints were recorded. Data from 4 clinical metrology instruments (CMIs) were collected. Results were compared by age, sex, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip scores with the independent samples t test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient (P < .05).

RESULTS
The sample included 100 pelvic limbs, equally distributed between left and right pelvic limbs 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. IL-1 levels, particularly above 200 pg/mL, may be related to the development of caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte, which then expresses a toll on the patient’s levels of pain and activity. It was unclear if the CRP levels were a consequence of inflammatory activity within the joint or a reflection of a better prognosis. Increasing body weight was related to worse CMI scores.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
We described the relation of IL-1 and CRP synovial concentration levels with several clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, laboratory findings, and CMI results of animals with osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to determine the interest of each parameter for the prognosis and treatment monitoring.
Risk factors of inability to live independently in the course of lung cancer
Authors: Tradecki Marek , Ziółkowska Jolanta , Roemer-Ślimak Roma , Mazur Grzegorz , Butrym Aleksandra 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Introduction
A number of articles focus on functioning with lung cancer. However, there are no articles on factors which result in the inability to live independently in the course of this disease. This study assesses risk factors regarding the inability to live independently among individuals with lung cancer.

Materials and Methods
This study included 134 patients who displayed interest in obtaining a certificate of the inability to live independently.

Results
Over the study period, 75% of the patients obtained the certificate of inability to live independently (group A) and 25% of them did not obtain the certificate (group B). In group A, 56.4% of individuals were men, and in group B, 42.4% of them were men. In group A, 11.8% of patients were diagnosed with small cell lung cancer; no such case was found in group B. Metastases were revealed in 83.2% of patients from group A and in 57.6% from group B. Patients from group A had a significantly lower score in the Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living and lower body mass index compared with those from group B.

Conclusions
Information on body mass index, histopathological diagnosis, and the presence of metastases is useful in assessing the risk of being unable to live independently in patients with lung cancer. The Barthel Index for Activities of Daily Living is helpful in assessing the inability to live independently.
Effect of suction on the mechanical behaviour of unsaturated compacted clay–sand mixtures
Authors: Bouchemella Salima , Taibi Said 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In this work, a series of unconfined compression tests at different water contents were performed to investigate the mechanical behaviour of clay–sand mixtures compacted in standard Proctor conditions. For studying the effect of water content and suction on unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and on strain secant modulus (E50 modulus) of these mixtures, drying–wetting paths were defined by measuring the soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs) using osmotic and salt solution techniques and filter paper method. The results highlighted that an increase in sand content of the mixture leads to an increase in the maximum dry densities and a decrease in the optimum water content of the materials. However, at the given state, when clay is mixed with 25% of sand, the UCS and E50 modulus increase to 37% and 70%, respectively, compared to those of clayey samples. But when clay is mixed with 50% of sand, the UCS and E50 modulus decrease to 38% and 46%, respectively, compared to those of clayey samples. The results also indicate that the UCS and E50 increase with a decrease in the water content and an increase in suction, irrespective of the sand content.