bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Hypertension at Admission predicts ICU Mortality in Elderly Critically ill with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kurnik Marko , Božič Helena , Vindišar Anže , Kolar Petra , Podbregar Matej 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a useful diagnostic tool for non-invasive assessment of critically ill patients. Mortality of elderly patients with COVID-19 pneumonia is high and there is still scarcity of definitive predictors. Aim of our study was to assess the prediction value of combined lung and heart POCUS data on mortality of elderly critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study. Data of patients older than 70 years, with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to 25-bed mixed, level 3, intensive care unit (ICU) was analyzed retrospectively. POCUS was performed at admission; our parameters of interest were pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and presence of diffuse B-line pattern (B-pattern) on lung ultrasound.ResultsBetween March 2020 and February 2021, 117 patients aged 70 years or more (average age 77±5 years) were included. Average length of ICU stay was 10.7±8.9 days. High-flow oxygenation, non-invasive ventilation and invasive mechanical ventilation were at some point used to support 36/117 (31%), 39/117 (33%) and 75/117 (64%) patients respectively. ICU mortality was 50.9%. ICU stay was shorter in survivors (8.8±8.3 vs 12.6±9.3 days, p=0.02). PASP was lower in ICU survivors (32.5±9.8 vs. 40.4±14.3 mmHg, p=0.024). B-pattern was more often detected in non-survivals (35/59 (59%) vs. 19/58 (33%), p=0.005). PASP and B-pattern at admission were both univariate predictors of mortality. PASP at admission was an independent predictor of ICU (OR 1.0683, 95%CI: 1.0108-1.1291, p=0.02) and hospital (OR 1.0813, 95%CI 1.0125-1.1548, p=0.02) mortality. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) was a strong predictor of ICU and hospital mortality.ConclusionsPASP at admission is an independent predictor of ICU and hospital mortality of elderly patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. During ICU stay development of VAP was a strong predictor of ICU and hospital mortality.
A Practical Approach to choosing Formulae for Economic Index Numbers
Authors: Wood John 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Traditional axiomatic, economic and stochastic approaches to choosing a formula for economic index numbers are based on theoretical considerations, with little regard to whether they reflect the actual circumstances affecting the markets to which they relate. This paper presents an approach to index number formulation based on how markets operate and presents a general, parameter-based formula for price and quantity indices. Two variants of this general formula cater for the “substitution effect” in different ways and one of these variants provides a practical expression for an economic-theoretic index based on purchasers' revealed preferences. Another variant applies this approach to short-term inflation indices. A final variant provides a straightforward means of estimating purchasing power parities for spatial indices. The analysis also emphasises the importance in National Accounts of using coherent price and quantity indices, whose products generate the corresponding value indices.
Botulinum toxin as adjuvant therapy for hypertonic dysfunction in a neuro-rehabilitation cohort
Authors: Hora Thiago Falcão , Guerra Agostinho de Alencar , Kuhne Gerson Otmar , Alvarenga Vinícius de Sousa , Oliveira Sabrina Fonseca , Fortes Caroline Echevarria , Montanaro Vinicius Viana 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, in recent decades, BTX has become an important adjunct treatment to neurological or rehabilitative strategies.We aimed to describe the clinical aspects of patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital who were treated with BTX for spasticity and dystonia. Methods: This was a historical cohort; data was collected from the electronic charts of all outpatients treated with BTX between 2014 and 2016 in the spasticity and movement disorders service of a quaternary, open access, rehabilitation hospital. The inclusion criteria were limb spasticity due to traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke; limb tremor; cervical dystonia; and generalized limb dystonia from any cause in addition to pain that limits rehabilitation. We used relatively lower doses than those generally published in the literature. Therapeutic response was determined by the Goal attainment scale (GAS), pain (graded by visual analogue scale ), independence for daily living activities, target joint range of motion (pre- and post-application), and gait analysis (only for walkers patients). Results: A total of 63 patients were enrolled in this study with a mean follow-up of 2 years. There was significant improvement in joint restriction ) with 66.7% of patients reporting improvement in the GAS scale, best improvement occurred with ortheses and limb adjustments. Conclusions: Most patients have improved functionality on the GAS scale after treatment with BTX, which is used as an adjunct therapy in subjects already in rehabilitation programs. The main rehabilitation objectives with the GAS scale were achieved in most patients.
A parent-led intervention to reduce anxiety in autistic children with a severe to profound intellectual disability: protocol for the LADDERS pilot feasibility trial
Authors: Waite Jane , Tarver Joanne , Pearson Effie , Hughes Jessica , Edwards Georgina , Bird Megan , Greenhill Courtney 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
There is a need for evidence-based approaches to reduce anxiety experienced by autistic children with severe to profound intellectual disability (ID). Avoidance of anxiety triggers, as a response to pronounced anxiety, occurs irrespective of age, background and neurodiversity. When avoidance is unhelpful, evidence-based anxiety reduction approaches aim to reduce it gradually (graded exposure), subsequently reducing anxiety. Combining graded exposure with emotional regulation techniques may be effective and acceptable for autistic children with severe to profound ID, if sensitive to needs and characteristics of autistic children. We have developed a 16-week, parent-led intervention (LADDERS) to reduce anxiety in this population of autistic children. LADDERS consists of psychoeducation, graded exposure-based tasks, and skills building, delivered utilising a person-centred approach. This study aims to assess whether LADDERS 1) reduces anxiety and 2) whether autistic children and parents find it acceptable and feasible.
Method
A single-site, multiple baseline, single case experimental study will be conducted. Participants will be parents of autistic children aged between 4-15 years. A minimum of 8 participants will be recruited through a research participant database, the Autistica Discover Network and social media. Once eligibility is confirmed, participants will be assessed at baseline, during the intervention and at a 2-month follow-up (week 24). The primary outcome measure will be a daily diary that assesses child anxiety.
Discussion
The study will provide preliminary evidence of whether LADDERS reduces anxiety in autistic children with severe to profound ID. Qualitative data from parents and child engagement will provide data on acceptability and feasibility.
Prognostic Factors of Disease-Free Survival in Postoperative Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Panquan , Zhang Lixiang , Ding Bocheng , Chen Lei , Zhou Baichuan , Wei Zhijian , Xu Aman 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary malignancy of the hepatocyte with high risk of invasion, metastasis and poor prognosis, which leads to a high mortality rate in recent years. This study aims to investigate the independent prognosis factors of DFS(disease free survival) in primary hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radical hepatectomy and construct a nomogram prediction model.
Methods
This study retrospectively analyzed 358 patients admitted to the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical College from December 2009 to December 2014. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square test. The survival curve was plotted by kaplan-meier method and tested by log-rank method. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic factors. A nomogram was constructed to predict the 3-year and 5-year DFS of HCC patients based on these factors. The performance of the nomogram was assessed with the C-indexes and calibration plot diagrams.
Results
Among the 344 patients with HCC, 298 cases (86.63%) are young patients (<70years), and 46 cases (13.37%) were elderly patients (≥70 years). The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that age, TNM stage, history of hepatitis B were the independent factors for DFS. The Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that elderly patients, TNM I-II stage and no history of hepatitis B had longer DFS. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.604(95%CI:0.561-0.647), and the Calibration curve showed that the actual DFS curve of the nomogram fits the predicted DFS curve.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that age, TNM stage, history of hepatitis B were independent factors for predicting DFS of HCC patients. Patients older than 70 years had a better prognosis than young patients. Patients with early TNM stage and no history of hepatitis B had longer DFS. We constructed and validated a new nomogram for predicting DFS in HCC patients.
Acinetobacter Baumannii – Virulence Factors and Epidemiology of Infections
Authors: Marszalik Anna , Sidor Karolina , Kraśnicka Agnieszka , Wróblewska Marta , Skirecki Tomasz , Jagielski Tomasz , Stachowiak Radosław 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative saprophytic rod inhabiting both moist niches and dry surfaces. The wide spread of the microbe in the environment by means of minimal nutritional requirements and exceptional survival capabilities give the opportunities to occupy hospital niches, and thus to create threats for hospitalized patients. This bacterium may be a part of the human microbiota as an opportunistic pathogen which upon the host’s weakening, causes less or more serious diseases. A. baumannii is an etiological factor of ventilator-associated pneumonia, which is especially dangerous for patients in intensive care units (in Poland every fifth patient suffers from such infection). Due to the increasing multidrug resistance of A. baumannii, this bacterium belongs to the group of priority pathogens. Fighting such dangerous bacteria is difficult due to their natural resistance as well as acquired resistance mechanisms in response to environmental threats. The unique ability of A. baumannii to cause diseases and acquire resistance to numerous antibiotics, make it necessary to control and prevent these infections.
Rana Oparzeniowa – Procesy Jej Rozwoju Oraz Wybrane Czynniki Etiologiczne Zakażenia
Authors: Korzekwa Kamila , Sobolewski Kamil , Sobolewski Bartłomiej 
Published: January 2022

Streszczenie
Chociaż tematyka oparzeń wydaje się być stosunkowo dobrze opracowana w piśmiennictwie, nadal istnieje potrzeba określenia związku patomechanizmu urazów termicznych z kluczową kwestią zakażeń w ich obrębie. Niezmiernie istotna w przypadku zakażeń ran oparzeniowych jest diagnostyka mikrobiologiczna. Prawidłowe pobranie materiału klinicznego i wykonanie badań mikrobiologicznych pozwala na ustalenie czynnika etiologicznego zakażenia i dobranie antybiotykoterapii celowanej. Jest to szczególnie istotne w dobie narastania oporności drobnoustrojów na antybiotyki i częstego izolowania szczepów wieloantybiotykoopornych. Oparzenie bowiem, zwłaszcza rozległe, stanowi unikalne środowisko, które – wraz z nieprzemyślaną, bądź niecelowaną terapią – determinuje u drobnoustrojów nabywanie oporności na antybiotyki. Fizjologiczna obrona organizmu przed urazem prowadzi do sytuacji, kiedy w ranie oparzeniowej środki przeciwdrobnoustrojowe mogą nie osiągać MIC/MBC, co drastycznie zmniejsza szanse powodzenia terapeutycznego.
Systematyka i Analizy Genomiczne Bakterii z Rodzaju Azotobacter
Authors: Kozieł Monika , Gałązka Anna 
Published: January 2022

Streszczenie
Bakterie z rodzaju Azotobacter są przedmiotem wielu badań prowadzonych zarówno w Polsce jak i za granicą. Zainteresowanie tą grupą bakterii w dużej mierze związane jest z ich właściwościami, które mogą być wykorzystywane w rolnictwie. Najnowsze badania opierają się na zaawansowanych metodach molekularnych i bazują na poznanej sekwencji genomów dwóch gatunków: Azotobacter vinelandii i Azotobacter chroococcum. W 2009 roku Setubal i in. opublikowali pełną sekwencję genomu Azotobacter vinelandii DJ, z kolei pełną sekwencję genomu Azotobacter chroococcum 8003 opublikowali Robson i in. w pracy z 2015 roku. Obie bakterie mają pojedynczy, kolisty chromosom o wielkości odpowiednio 5,365,318 pz. i 5,192,291 pz. Poznanie i porównanie sekwencji genomów Azotobacter vinelandii DJ i Azotobacter chroococcum 8003 pozwoliło odpowiedzieć na wiele pytań dotyczących ewolucji, różnorodności i miejsca tych bakterii w środowisku. Zsekwencjonowanie większej liczby genomów innych szczepów A. chroococcum i A. vinelandii przyniosłoby wiele korzyści i pozwoliłoby uporządkować dotychczasową wiedzę na ich temat.
Effects of Oils and Fats on the Quality Characteristics, Nutritional Value, and Storage Capacity of Cookies
Authors: Demchenko Elena , Savenkova Tatiana , Mizinchikova Inessa 
Published: January 2022

Introduction. The quality profile and nutritional values of cookies depend on the raw material. The research objective was to study the effect of oils and fats on the quality characteristics and storage capacity of cookies.
Study objects and methods. The study involved such types of oils and fats as margarine, confectionery fat, milk fat substitute, palm oil, sunflower oil, and high oleic sunflower oil. It was based on standard methods of sensory, physicochemical, structural, and rheological analyses.
Results and discussion. The experimental formulations relied on contemporary dilatory recommendations, consumer acceptability, and traditionality of sensory indicators. The mass fraction of fat was limited to ≤ 18%; added sugars – to ≤ 22%; salt – to ≤ 0.3%. For each type of oil and fat, as set of experiments was performed to define the optimal technological emulsion and dough parameters. Other aspects involved the patterns of moisture transfer, indicators of oxidative spoilage, fatty acid composition, sensory properties, physicochemical and microbiological indicators, storage capacity, etc. The samples with vegetable oils instead of fat had a lower content of saturated fatty acids, which fell from 8–9 to 2–3 g/100 g. However, the risk of oxidative spoilage increased significantly. On storage day 104, the content of linoleic acid in the samples with sunflower oil decreased from 62.0 to 60.4%, while the samples with high oleic sunflower oil maintained the same level of linoleic acid. The samples with confectionery fat and palm oil demonstrated the lowest rate of oxidative processes, while those with margarine and milk fat substitute had the best sensory profile after storage.
Conclusion. The cookies with sunflower oil and high oleic sunflower oil appeared to have a shelf life of two months, while for those with milk fat substitute, margarine, palm oil, and confectionery fat it was six months. Further research should focus on various emulsifiers and antioxidants capable of forming bonds with proteins and starch fractions of flour, which could increase the resistance of liquid vegetable oils to oxidation.
Innovative Wastewater Treatment Technologies for Resource-Saving Activities of Feed Mills
Authors: Mizanbekova Salima , Bogomolova Irina , Vasilenko Irina , Urazova Olga 
Published: January 2022

Introduction. National economies are looking for tools to activate the explicit and hidden resource potential. Innovative resource-saving projects are such a tool. Feed production strives to increase its resource efficiency.
Study objects and methods. The present research featured the feed industry of the Russian Federation and regional feed mills. It involved structural, functional, and systematic approaches and standard research methods.
Results and discussion. Liquid waste proved to be an important resource potential of modern feed production. It contains substances with high nutritional, biological, and energy value and can be used to produce methionine. The experimental part featured an industrial enterprise in the Voronezh region, which expects to produce 1452 tons of methionine worth 58 080 thousand rubles. The profitability will be 616.76%, the gross return on sales − 86.1%, the payback time – 1.44 months, the efficiency of capital investments – 8.45.
Conclusion. The innovative project will reduce the negative impact on the environment, increase the resource efficiency of the enterprise, and provide additional income.
Thermophysical Parameters of a Semi-Finished Watermelon Product as an Object of Dehumidification
Authors: Nugmanov Albert , Meshcheryakova Galina , Lebedev Viktor , Borodulin Dmitry , Aleksanian Igor , Sokolova Ekaterina 
Published: January 2022

Introduction. Pectin-based protective coatings can produce a perfect biodegradable edible film. Secondary watermelon raw materials are a promising resource for this type of food coating as it contains 13.4% of pectin components, of which 8.1% is protopectin. The present research objective was to find the density and thermophysical characteristics of the pectin extract in order to optimize the drying process.
Study objects and methods. The research featured a pectin extract from watermelon rind. Its thermophysical properties were defined according to the thermocouple inertia method. The calorimetric method was used to change the aggregation state, while the pycnometric method was applied to calculate the density. The method of criterion equations helped to define the heat transfer coefficient.
Results and discussion. The average density of the final film material was 652 kg/m3 and that of the liquid semi-finished product was 1,028 kg/m3. The research also revealed the dependence of physical density and humidity W, heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity. For different W, averaged were 3393, 3225, 3137, and 3113, respectively. The study also provided the criterion dependence for determining the heat transfer coefficient and modified α on the speed of the air coolant for artificial convection at conventional coolant temperature (≈ 100°C) in contact with the food product surface (≈ 80°C).
Conclusion. The article introduces the thermophysical characteristics and physical density of watermelon gel for various humidity and thermal agent parameters, as well as a modified criterion dependence for determining the heat transfer coefficient. The research results can be used to design dehydration operations, other thermophysical processes, and their equipment.
Application of the Rural Water Sustainability Index (RWSI) in Amazon rural communities, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Crispim Diego Lima , Fernandes Lindemberg Lima 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes an adaptation of the Rural Water Sustainability Index (RWSI) to the Brazilian Amazon region. Policymakers can use this tool to identify areas of water stress and develop actions to guarantee water access to rural communities. Multi-criteria analysis and a geographical information system were integrated to incorporate various indicators and produce maps displaying spatial water sustainability levels in rural communities. The RWSI was employed on a case study at 16 rural communities in Santa Luzia do Pará, Pará, Brazil. In total, 380 closed and structured interviews were conducted with people living in the area to collect local information for the model application. The results showed a varied spatial behavior between rural communities of Santa Luzia do Pará, with similarities and differences based on the overall condition of water resources (final index values). Half of the locations had ‘Poor’ or ‘Poor-Medium’ water quality. The remaining sample obtained scores ranging from ‘Medium-Good’ to ‘Good’ water sustainability. RWSI scores varied widely (from 5.7 to 6.5) among the communities. It was also found that localities more distant from surface water presented more water stress.
Application of Meshless local Petrov-Galerkin approach for steady state groundwater flow modeling
Authors: Mohtashami Ali , Monfared Seyed Arman Hashemi , Azizyan Gholamreza , Akbarpour Abolfazl 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The complicated behavior of groundwater system in an arid aquifer is generally studied by solving the governing equations using either analytical or numerical methods. In this regard, analytical methods are just for some aquifers with regular boundaries. Numerical methods used for this aim are finite difference (FDM) and finite element methods (FEM) which are engaged for some simple aquifers. Using them in the complex cases with irregular boundaries has some shortcomings, dependent on meshes. In this study, meshless local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) method based on the moving kriging (MK) approximation function is used to simulate groundwater flow in steady state over three aquifers, two standard and a real field aquifer. Moving kriging function known as new function which reduces the uncertain parameter. For the first aquifer, a simple rectangular aquifer, MLPG-MK indicates good agreement with analytical solutions. In the second one, aquifer conditions get more complicated. However, MLPG-MK reveals results more accurate than FDM. RMSE for MLPG-MK and FDM is 0.066 and 0.322 m respectively. In the third aquifer, Birjand unconfined aquifer located in Iran is investigated. In this aquifer, there are 190 extraction wells. The geometry of the aquifer is irregular as well. With this challenging issues, MLPG-MK again shows satisfactory accuracy. As the RMSE for MLPG-MK and FDM are 0.483 m and 0.566 m. therefore, planning for this aquifer based on the MLPG-MK is closer to reality.
Promotion of Cervical Cancer Cell Proliferation by miR-130b Expression
Level Changes and Inhibition of its Apoptosis by Targeting CDKN1A
Gene
Authors: Mu Hong , Wang Yanli , Yang Lei , Fan Caihong , Han Munan , Liu Tao , Xie Lili , Gao Qiang 
Published: January 2022

Background:
Dysregulation of miR-130b expression is associated with the development
of different cancers. However, the description of the biological roles of miR-130b in the growth
and survival of cervical cancer cells is limited.

Method:
The miR-130b levels in cervical cancer cells during different stages of growth were determined
using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The methylation level of DNA sequences upstream
of the miR-130b gene was measured using an SYBR Green-based quantitative methylation-
specific PCR. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and fluorescence report
assays were used to identify the miR-130b-targeted gene. Cell counting kit-8 and comet assays
were used to determine cell viability and DNA damage levels in cells, respectively. EdU Apopllo488
In Vitro Flow Cytometry kit, propidium iodide staining, anti-γ-H2AX antibody staining, and
Annexin-V apoptosis kit were subsequently used to determine DNA synthesis rates, cell cycle distribution,
count of DNA double-strand breaks, and levels of apoptotic cells.

Result:
miR-130b levels increased at exponential phases of the growth of cervical cancer cells but
reduced at stationary phases. The methylation of a prominent CpG island near the transcript start
site suppressed the miR-130b gene expression. MiR-130b increased cell viability, promoted both
DNA synthesis and G1 to S phase transition of the cells at exponential phases, but reduced cell viability
accompanied by accumulations of DNA breaks and augmentations in apoptosis rates of the
cells in stationary phases by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A mRNA.

Conclusion:
miR-130b promoted the growth of cervical cancer cells during the exponential phase,
whereas it impaired the survival of cells during stationary phases.