bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining optimal parameters using Taguchi’s design of experiments (DOE) for improving the quality of biogas generation process
Authors: Kanakavalli Prakash Babu , More Satish R 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The use of an anaerobic process of biogas production depends on various parameters. Increasing the methane (CH4) production percentage is a critical task in an anaerobic process. In the present investigation, the role of the four most common process parameters are temperature, pH value, solid concentration, and C/N ratio optimized for two responses i.e. biogas production and higher methane percentage. A Taguchi Design of Experiment (DOE) methodology was used to investigate and analyze the effects of different parameters using an L9 orthogonal array. The investigation results for both responses showed that solid concentration had a higher contribution of 65.37% and 73.37% for biogas production and methane percentage respectively. The second rank responsible parameter for both the responses is pH having the same contribution of 18%. the initial pH and rotation speed of the process was the most effective parameters for comparison with others. While the other factors’ temperature and C/N ratio contribution are 15.54% and 0.13% for biogas production and 3.48% and 4.25% for methane percentage. Biogas production and methane percentage model found with correlation percentage (r2) 0.98 and 0.92 respectively which is agreeable. The confirmation test results with Taguchi’s model show errors of 7.46% and 2.43% for biogas and methane production percentages respectively.
A case for continuing statin medications in the intensive care unit: Reducing the risk for delirium
Authors: Navia Kyra L , Anthony Bridget K , Berlau Daniel J 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Purpose
The objective of this review is to detail the utility of statin medications in the prevention and treatment of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium.

Summary
Delirium is a syndrome characterized by altered mental status, inattention, and disorganized thinking. It is particularly concerning in the ICU where specific risk factors are much more prevalent. Nonpharmacological therapy is the mainstay of treatment, aimed at increasing patient awareness; pharmacological therapies have also been explored with varying success. The utility of statin medications in this scenario has been investigated because of the numerous pleiotropic effects of these drugs. Although the benefits in terms of treating delirium are uncertain, statins may be good candidates for prevention. The peak anti-inflammatory effect of statins is delayed, so initiating a statin on admission will likely have little protective benefit, whereas continuation of a home regimen seems more likely to exert an effect.

Conclusion
Statin medications are very commonly used, and, while their role in treating delirium is unclear, continuation of these medications from a home regimen is reasonable to decrease the odds of delirium in the intensive care population.
Mosquito Control Workers in Malaysia: Is Lifetime Occupational Pesticide Exposure Associated With Poorer Neurobehavioral Performance?
Authors: Yusof Muhammad Zubir , Cherrie John W , Samsuddin Niza , Semple Sean 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Background
Use of pesticides has been linked to neurobehavioral deficits among exposed workers. In Malaysia, organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides are commonly used to control mosquito-borne diseases.

Objectives
This study aims to assess workers’ lifetime occupational pesticide exposure and examine the relationship with neurobehavioral health.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 158 pesticide-exposed and 176 non-exposed workers. To collect historical exposure and job tasks, a questionnaire and an occupational history interview were used. Pesticide exposure was measured in a subgroup of workers via inhalation and skin contact. The total pesticide intake of each worker was assessed using inhalation and dermal exposure models. CANTAB® computerised neurobehavioral performance assessments were used.

Results
The participants’ mean age was 31 (8) years. Pirimiphos-methyl (median = 0.569 mg/m3, Interquartile range [IQR] = 0.151, 0.574) and permethrin (median = 0.136 mg/m3, IQR = 0.116, 0.157) had the highest measured personal inhalation concentrations during thermal spraying. The estimated total lifetime pesticide intake for exposed workers ranged from 0.006 g to 12800 g (median = 379 g and IQR = 131, 794 g). Dermal exposure was the predominant route of pesticide intake for all workers. Compared to controls, workers with high lifetime pesticide intake had lower Match to Sample Visual (adjusted B = −1.4, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = −2.6, 0.1), Spatial Recognition Memory (adjusted B = −3.3, 95% CI = −5.8, 0.8), Spatial Span (SSP) (adjusted B = −0.6, 95% CI = −0.9, 0.3) scores. Workers with low pesticide intake performed worse than controls (adjusted B = −0.5, 95% CI = −0.8, −0.2) in the SSP test, but scored higher in the Motor Screening test (adjusted B = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.1, 1.6). Higher Paired Associates Learning test scores were observed among higher (adjusted B = 7.4, 95% CI = 2.3, 12.4) and lower (adjusted B = 8.1, 95% CI = 3, 13.2) pesticide intake groups. There was no significant difference between the Reaction Time and Pattern Recognition Memory tests with lifetime pesticide intake after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion
Pesticide exposure has been linked to poorer neurobehavioral performance. As dermal exposure accounts for a major fraction of total intake, pesticide prevention should focus on limiting dermal exposure.
Identification and Expression Profiles of Putative Soluble Chemoreception Proteins from Lasioderma serricorne (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) Antennal Transcriptome
Authors: Wang Gui-Yao , Chang Yan-Bin , Guo Jian-Hua , Xi Jia-Qin , Liang Tai-Bo , Zhang Shi-Xiang , Yang Meng-Meng , Hu Li-Wei , Mu Wen-Jun , Song Ji-Zhen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), is a destructive stored product pest worldwide. Adult cigarette beetles are known to rely on host volatiles and pheromones to locate suitable habitats for oviposition and mating, respectively. However, little is known about the chemosensory mechanisms of these pests. Soluble chemoreception proteins are believed to initiate olfactory signal transduction in insects, which play important roles in host searching and mating behaviors. In this study, we sequenced the antennal transcriptome of L. serricorne and identified 14 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 5 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and 2 Niemann-Pick C2 proteins (NPC2). Quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR) results revealed that several genes (LserOBP2, 3, 6, and 14) were predominantly expressed in females, which might be involved in specific functions in this gender. The five LserOBPs (LserOBP1, 4, 8, 10, and 12) that were highly expressed in the male antennae might encode proteins involved in specific functions in males. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the olfactory system in this stored product pest and will assist in the development of efficient and environmentally friendly strategies for controlling L. serricorne.
Related factors and changes of angiopoietin-like protein 2 with chronic heart failure patients participating in phase III cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Tanaka C , Kurose S , Takao N , Miyauchi T , Iwasaka J , Shiojima I , Oike Y , Kimura Y 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): the research grant D2 from Kansai Medical University

Objectives
Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a protein, whose structure is similar to that of angiopoietin, but binds to a different receptor. Overexpression of ANGPTL2 promotes chronic inflammation and relates to the development of aging-related diseases. ANGPTL2 has been reported to be mainly secreted by adipose tissue. Although ANGPTL2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure, there are no studies about serum ANGPTL2 levels in patients with heart failure participating in cardiac rehabilitation program. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics, related factors and changes of ANGPTL2 in patients with chronic heart failure during phase III of cardiac rehabilitation program.

Methods
The subjects included 57 patients (70.1 ± 10.2 years old; 46 men) with chronic heart failure whose serum ANGPTL2 levels were measured during the maintenance phase of cardiac rehabilitation program. Furthermore, we classified 25 patients (70.6 ± 7.5 years old; 23 men) from the 6-month course into a reduced group and an unchanged group to characterize change in ANGPTL2. We excluded patients who were admitted or discharged within 3 months of the evaluation of serum ANGPTL2. We evaluated exercise tolerance using the cardiopulmonary exercise test, grip strength, body composition using a body composition analyzer, blood examinations, and echocardiography. Serum ANGPTL2 was measured by solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
The median value of ANGPTL2 was 4.05 ng/ml. ANGPTL2 was positively correlated with body weight, body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, C-reactive protein (CRP) and total protein (TP) levels, and negatively correlated with skeletal muscle mass percentage and anaerobic threshold (AT). From the result of the logistic regression analysis, AT (OR=0.68, 95% CI:0.47-0.97and TP (OR=20.1, 95% CI:2.52-160.63) were extracted as independent factors related to the level of ANGPTL2. In addition, overall serum ANGPTL2 levels decreased significantly after 6 months. Changes in ANGPTL2 in the reduced group showed a positive correlation between baseline peak VO2, left ventricular ejection fraction and skeletal muscle rate, and a negative correlation with baseline ANGPTL2, CRP, body fat mass. In an unchanged group, HbA1c increased, but no significant change was observed in other factors.

Conclusions
Exercise tolerance in patients with chronic heart failure during maintenance phase might be related to the inflammation marker ANGPTL2. Serum ANGPTL2 levels with stable chronic heart failure patients decreased significantly 6 months after continued cardiac rehabilitation.
Effect of smoking on prognosis in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chung I 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Cigarette Smoking is a well-known risk factor for increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, by causing inflammation, thrombosis, oxidation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and is associated with increased myocardial fibrosis as late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI. Myocardial fibrosis is a powerful factor for predicting arrhythmic deaths and mortality in heart failure patients. Little data is available on effect of smoking on non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICMP). We hypothesize that smoking has an adverse effect on prognosis of patients with NICMP.

Methods
This study included 447 patients with heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF &lt;40%) due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, all have coronary angiogram to exclude significant coronary artery disease (&gt;70% stenosis). Mean follow-up duration of 6.34 ± 4.16 years. Composite endpoints include death, ventricular arrhythmia (VA) or hospitalisations for heart failure.
Data were analysed using STATA version 16.0. Cox regression was used to explore the relationships between smoking and composite endpoints. Statistical significance was denoted as p&lt;0.05.

Results
Mean age 63.07 ± 14.19 years, male patients 314 (72%). Mean LVEF 22.89 ± 8.50%. Patients with diabetes mellitus 38%, hypertension 76%, atrial fibrillation 38%, stroke 9%. LDL 2.78 ± 1.04 mmol/l, HbA1c 6.56 ± 1.62%. Patients taking ivabradine 9%, b-blocker 88%, Angiotensin inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker 66%, Sacubitrial/ Valsartan 26%, spironolactone 57%, SGLT-2 inhibitor 9%. 40 patients (9%) received device therapy (AICD and Cardiac resynchronization therapy), 19% secondary prevention, 81% for primary prevention.
Smoking (100 cigarette pack year) increased the hazards for composite endpoint by 2.39, [HR (95% CI): 1.074, 5.325; p = 0.033].

Conclusion
Smoking increases the hazards for composite endpoints in patients with NICMP and smoking cessation is recommended.
Analysis of the overshoot of the respiratory exchange ratio during recovery from maximal exercise testing in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Vecchiato M , Quinto G , Borasio N , Zanardo E , Grassi M , Battista F , Ermolao A , Neunhaeuserer D 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Transient increases (overshoot) in respiratory gas analysis parameters have been observed during recovery after maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), but their clinical significance is not clearly understood.(1) Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) at peak exercise (RER peak) is an objective index to evaluate exercise effort.(2) Moreover, overshoot phenomenon of the RER is commonly observed during recovery from CPET.(3) On the other hand, the overshoot of some CPET parameters during recovery has been found reduced in magnitude in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).(4)

Purpose
We aimed to examine the clinical significance of RER behaviour after a maximal effort and to understand if this could help in the classification of specific subpopulations of patients.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study patients with HFrEF who underwent functional evaluation with CPET between 2017 and 2020 were included. A maximal CPET with at least two minute of recorded recovery was performed and always RER achieved at peak of exercise was higher than 1.10. RER behaviour during recovery has been evaluated, assessing its maximal value (RER max), the magnitude of the RER overshoot (RER mag), the time to reach RER max during recovery and the linear slope of increase of the RER from peak exercise to RER max (RER slope). Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed.

Results
80 patients with HFrEF were included. Figure 1 shows an example of analyzed RER overshoot parameters. Principal clinical characteristics, CPET parameters and recovery metrics are shown in Table I. Significant correlations between RER recovery parameters and prognostically relevant CPET indices of cardiorespiratory fitness and efficiency were found, especially between RER mag and VO2peak (r=0.333; p=0.03), and RER mag and VE/VCO2slope (r= - 0.494; p&lt;0.01). At multiple linear regression, VE/VCO2slope was the only determinant of RER mag. Patients in a more severe disease state (Ventilatory class III/IV and Weber’s classes C/D) present RER overshoot parameters significantly reduced compared with those in a light/moderate disease state (Ventilatory class I/II and Weber’s classes A/B), (all p=0.01).

Conclusions
The overshoots phenomena of RER during recovery from maximal exercise were associated with patients’ cardiopulmonary function, and their magnitudes were less prominent in HFrEF patients with a lower cardiorespiratory efficiency. Thus, the evaluation of the overshoot during recovery from CPET might represent an interesting clinical and prognostic tool in patients with HFrEF.
Colchicine for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, a cost per outcome analysis
Authors: Tsaban G , Alnsasra H , El Nasasra A , Aboalhasan E , Azuri J , Hammerman A , Arbel R 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Pharmacological modulation of systemic inflammation significantly reduced cardiovascular risk among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), beyond guideline-directed therapy. However, most anti-inflammatory therapies substantially increase the risk of infections. Low-dose (LD) Colchicine is currently the only non-lipid-lowering anti-inflammatory agent effective for secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases that does not significantly increase infection risk. The clinical cost-effectiveness of LD Colchicine to prevent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) remains unexplored.

Methods
We calculated the annualized number needed to treat (aNNT) to prevent MACE with LD Colchicine based on the outcome data of the LoDoCo2 trial. We then analyzed the annualized cost needed to treat (aCNT) of LD Colchicine to prevent one MACE. We estimated the aCNT by multiplying the aNNT by the annual cost of therapy. LD Colchicine costs were based on 75% of the 2021 US National Average Drug Acquisition Cost listing and EU prices.

Results
In LoDoCo2, the aNNT for avoiding MACE with LD Colchicine was 150 (95% CI: 97-524). The annual cost of LD Colchicine is $1,889 and €352 in the US and EU, respectively. The corresponding aCNTs to prevent one MACE were 282,610$ (95% CI: 184,025$-989,137$) and 82,815€ (34,154€-184,502€) in the US and EU, respectively.

Conclusion
LD Colchicine might serve as an effective treatment strategy to reduce secondary cardiovascular risk among patients with CAD. The CNTs of LD Colchicine are sensitive to the drug’s pricing and thus differ between the US and the EU.
Interleukin-6 predicts recovery of systolic function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Jenca D , Jarolim P , Melenovsky V , Mrazkova J , Sramko M , Zelizko M , Kotrc M , Franekova J , Viczenova D , Adamkova V , Kautzner J , Wohlfahrt P 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic

Background
Interleukin (IL)-6 is an important mediator of the inflammatory response to acute myocardial infarction (MI). Increased IL-6 levels are associated with adverse outcomes after MI. However, there are only limited data on the association of IL-6 levels with recovery of systolic function after MI.

Purpose
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the independent predictive value of IL-6 level for recovery of systolic function among patients hospitalized for their first MI.

Methods
Consecutive patients without previous history of MI or cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% measured by transthoracic echocardiography upon hospital discharge and available follow-up LVEF evaluated between 3 months and one year since hospital discharge were selected from a prospective registry of MI patients (n=1323).

Results
In total, data from 183 patients (mean age 64.2±11.2, 29% female, mean EF upon discharge 32.6±5.8) were analyzed. In the multivariate linear regression, IL-6 level measured within 24 hours from the hospital admission was positively associated with NT-proBNP, maximal hs-Troponin T a glycemia level and negatively with female gender, total cholesterol and admission systolic blood pressure. During follow-up, LVEF increased by 6.1±9.0% and LVEF recovered to value &gt;50% in 43 (23.5%) patients. In the multivariate analysis, LVEF improvement was predicted by lower IL-6, lower maximal troponin level, female gender, lower heart rate at the time of hospital admission and Killip class I. In the ROC analysis (AUC 0.72, p&lt;0.001), IL-6 ≤ 15.7ng/L had 51% sensitivity and 87% specificity to predict LVEF recovery.

Conclusion
The inflammatory response to MI, as assessed by IL-6, is associated with MI size, glucose and lipid metabolism and is lower in women. IL-6 independently predicts change in LVEF among patients with moderate to severe LV dysfunction. This supports previous findings that IL-6 inhibition can increase myocardial salvage after MI and identifies possible patients that may benefit from targeted therapy.
TAVI, multidimensional early benefits in elderly patients
Authors: Cunha NPD , Alves Da Silva P , Garcia B , Pinto R , Pinto F J , Abreu A 
Published: May 2022

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Aortic stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in Europe and in symptomatic patients, when untreated presents a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is estimated to grow even more, given the aging of the population. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) emerged as a safe and efficient procedure in patients with high or prohibitive surgical risk or in older patients, who are much often frailty, with impaired cognitive function and have poor quality of life.

Aim
To assess the acute benefits (in 1 moth) of TAVI on cognitive function, anxiety and depression and independence in activities of daily living.

Methods
Single center prospective study of patients submitted to TAVi between April 2021 and September 2021. Patients were evaluated at baseline (before TAVI) and one month after the procedure. To assess cognitive function, anxiety and depression and independence in activities of daily living we used the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living; and Lawton-Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, respectively. Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon test were used to statistical analysis.

Results
We included 20 patients, with a mean age of 85±5,86 years, 40% (8) male. 19 patients undergone TAVI due severe native aortic stenosis and 1 due to bioprosthetic aortic valve dysfunction. The vascular access site was transfemoral in 19 patients and transapical in 1 patient. The median MMSE results were higher 1 month after TAVI (21,3 versus 23,5, p=0,012), essentially due to a better results in the temporal orientation and evocation domains (p=0,011 and p=0,022, respectively). Patients experienced lower levels of anxiety and depression after TAVI, mean score 5,4 versus 3,9 (p=NS) and 7 versus 4,25 (p=0,002) respectively for anxiety and depression, as assessed by HADS scale. No statistical difference was observed on the results of basal and post TAVI evaluation of Katz and Lawton-Brody scales.

Conclusion
In an elderly population, TAVI appears to have an early and beneficial effect on cognitive function and depression, but no benefits were observed on independence in activities of daily living.