bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Deep Learning Model on Interim 18F-FDG PET/CT for Predicting Primary Treatment Failure of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Shi Qing , Huang Xinyun , Wang Li , He Yang , Li Biao , Zhao Weili , Qian Dahong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Prediction of primary treatment failure (PTF) is necessary for patients suffering from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), since it serves as a prominent means for enhancing front-line outcomes. Utilizing interim 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) image data, we aimed to construct multimodal deep learning (MDL) models to predict possible PTF of low-risk DLBCL, which could enable individualized treatment decision-making in clinical practice.Methods: From June 2016 to November 2020, 205 DLBCL patients undergoing interim 18F-FDG PET-CT scans and the front-line standard-of-care were enrolled. We also collected other 44 patients for the external validation. We built a powerful backbone by redesigning the famous visual recognition network named Conv-LSTM in aspects of network architecture and learning strategy. On top of our improved backbone, multiple MDL models using different feature fusion strategies were developed and compared, including pixel intermixing model, separate channel model, separate branch model, quantitative weighting model, and hybrid learning model. Moreover, we proposed to use a contrastive training objective in the above best model to enhance the modal correlation of semantic embeddings for further improving prediction performance. For visualization, the region of interest was instructed using an activation map.Results: The MDL model using the hybrid learning strategy provided the best performance in predicting possible PTF with the accuracy of 89.76% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.85%–93.20%) in the test cohort. After further optimized by contrastive objective training, the accuracy was improved to 91.22% (95% CI: 86.55%–94.37%). The AUCs of contrastive hybrid learning achieved 0.926 and 0.925 in the test cohort and external validation cohort, respectively. Conclusion: Our model showed outstanding performance for predicting PTF of low-risk DLBCL and hold promise of improving clinical individualized treatment strategies.
Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Experiences of How the COVID-19 Pandemic Influenced on Learning– A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Rohde Gudrun , Johannessen Berit , Maaseide Markus , Flatland Sylvi , Skisland Anne VS , Moi Ellen B , Haraldstad Kristin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic mandated the reconstruction of educational programs globally. Online distance learning, digital seminars, and supervision became the new normal. For nursing students in need of practical learning and training as a part of their curriculum, the pandemic also caused restrictions and alterations in practical placements and limited access to simulation training at campuses. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore how the COVID- 19 pandemic influenced baccalaureate nursing students’ experiences of learning MethodWe used a mixed method study design including quantitative data from one of the universities (University of Agder) from a national Norwegian survey of baccalaureate nursing students and qualitative data from focus-group interviews from the same university. The quantitative data were analyzed using t-test for continuous data and chi-square test for categorical data, while the qualitative data were analyzed using Systematic Text Condensation and an editing analysis style.ResultsThe quantitative survey included 396 baccalaureate nursing students (response rate, 46%). We arranged five focus groups with a total of 23 students (15 female and 8 male). The students took part in one of the focus-group interviews. Most students (70%) were concerned about the quality of the education program. In clinical placement, 83% of students had cared for patients with confirmed COVID-19 or unclear COVID-19 status. The qualitative data revealed three main themes: missing the social dimension of learning; worries and challenges in clinical placement; and experiencing normal instructive days in clinical placement. The general picture emerging from our analysis is the importance of social interactions for learning.Conclusion As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, our findings of students’ worries about the quality of the education program and not reaching learning outcomes must be taken into consideration. Social interaction is considered crucial and fundamental for student learning. A follow-up study following baccalaureate completion is necessary to explore the consequences over time of disrupted education.
Analysis of Patients Flow in an Emergency Ward Using Fuzzy Critical Path Method and Fuzzy Program Evalution and Review Technique (a Case Study of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria)
Authors: SHUAIBU ALI MAIANGUWA , Muhammad Maryam Nuraini 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to handle project scheduling problem under vagueness. This is done by assuming the durations of activities to be imprecise and represented by trapezoidal fuzzy numbers. In particular, the paper aimed to model patients flow process in imprecise or vague circumstances using critical path analysis. Furthermore, the research discusses utilization of fuzzy critical path method in conjunction with fuzzy program evaluation and review technique to determine the duration required for the treatment of patients in emergency ward of Aminu Kano teaching hospital. The activities considered are those affecting patients flow during treatments in the emergency ward and the related project network is drawn. The reason for incorporating fuzzy logic in this research comes from the fact that fuzzy numbers are more reliable in dealing with ambiguous processes such as witnessed in the emergency ward of a hospital. The choice of emergency department for this work is because it is a major access point where from the beginning patients are given treatments for a wide range of sicknesses and injuries. These sicknesses and injuries may be deadly and requires prompt attention. Therefore, any delay in patient treatment in the emergency ward may result in undesired consequences and losses of lives.
Findings through the application of fuzzy CPM and fuzzy PERT enabled the determination of the critical path, slack times and patients’ treatment expected completion time. The entire idea is to reduce unnecessary delay, eliminate unnecessary activities at the same time increase the quality of treatment of patients in the hospital
Association between early ondansetron administration and outcomes in critically ill patients
Authors: Fang Yingying , Xiong Chao , Wang Xinghe 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: While ondansetron (OND) is widespread availability, the contribution of OND to improve patient outcomes among intensive care unit (ICU) patients has not been examined. This study aimed to illustrate the association between early OND use and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients and investigate whether this association differed according to OND dose. Methods: The MIMIC-IV database was employed to identify patients who had and had not received OND. Statistical approaches included multivariate logistic regression, propensity score matching (PSM), and propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) models to ensure the robustness of our findings.Results: In total, 51342 ICU patients were included. A significant benefit in terms of in-hospital mortality was observed in the OND patients compared to the non-OND group in the early stage [odds ratio (OR) = 0.75, 95% CI 0.63-0.89, p < 0.001]. In the circulatory system group, the early OND administration was associated with improved in-hospital mortality in ICU patients (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34-0.66; P < 0.001). The risk of in-hospital mortality was also lower in early OND users than in non-OND users both in the medical admission group and the surgical ICU admission group, and ORs were 0.57 (95% CI 0.42-0.76; P < 0.001) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.62-0.91; P < 0.001), respectively. A positive role of daily low- and moderate-dose OND treatment in early-stage was showed on the in-hospital mortality in PSM cohort, and the ORs were 0.75 (95% CI 0.62-0.90; P < 0.001) and 0.63 (95% CI 0.43-0.91; P < 0.001), respectively. The relationship between the daily low- and moderate-dose of OND and in-hospital mortality was also significant in ICU patients with cardiovascular diseases, and ORs were 0.51(95% CI 0.36-0.73; P < 0.001), and 0.26(95% CI 0.11-0.65; P < 0.001), respectively. Daily low-to-moderate dose of OND was also associated with in-hospital mortality in ICU entire cohort.Conclusions: Early OND use is associated with lower in-hospital mortality in ICU patients. Daily low-to-moderate dose of OND application is protective against in-hospital mortality. This association is more evident in the circulatory system group.
New Emerging Inorganic-Organic Systems for Drug-Delivery: Hydroxyapatite@Furosemide Hybrids
Authors: Rocca Marzia La , Rinaldi Alessia , Bruni Giovanna , Friuli Valeria , Maggi Lauretta , Bini Marcella 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In the pharmaceutical market, the need to find effective systems for the efficient release of poorly bioavailable drugs is a forefront topic. The inorganic–organic hybrid materials have been recognized as one of the most promising systems. In this paper, we developed new Hydroxypapatite@Furosemide hybrids with improved dissolution rates in different media with respect to the drug alone. The hybrids formation was demonstrated by SEM/EDS measurements (showing homogeneous distribution of the elements) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The drug was adsorbed onto hydroxyapatite surfaces in amorphous form, as demonstrated by XRPD and its thermal stability was improved due to the absence, in the hybrids, of melting and decomposition peaks typical of the drug. The Sr substitution on Ca sites in hydroxyapatite allows increasing the surface area and pore volume, foreseeing a high capacity of drug loading. The dissolution tests of the hybrid compounds show dissolution rates much faster than the drug alone in different fluids, and also their solubility and wetting ability is improved in comparison to furosemide alone.
Distinguishing and Quantifying Reversible/Irreversible Lithium in Practical Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Wei , Yin Xue , Bao Wurigumula , Zhou Xufeng , Hu Zhiyuan , He Bangyi , Qiu Bao , Meng Ying Shirley , Liu Zhaoping 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Practical lithium metal batteries have been researched worldwide, but due to excessive “Li reservoir” in the anode, quantification of the authentic reversibility of practical cells remains unresolved. Quantitative method for assessing the reversibility and irreversibility of Li anode is thereby essentially needed. Here we propose an index system composed of several quantitative parameters to evaluate the reversibility of practical lithium metal batteries. Mathematical relationships between these parameters and cycle number are successfully established based on the mass of active and inactive Li in the cycled Li anode. By establishing a novel and universal analytical method, mass of active Li can be quantitatively distinguished from the inactive one of cycled lithium metal anode in Ah-level pouch cells. Through fitting quantified data of active and inactive Li under different cycles, values of parameters representing for the reversibility and irreversibility of Li are quantitatively decoupled. The quantitative analysis method presented in this work provides new criteria to accurately assess practical lithium metal batteries for more reliable degradation analysis and failure prediction.
SARS-CoV-2 variants’-Alpha, Delta, and Omicron D614G and P681R/H mutations impact virus entry, fusion, and infectivity
Authors: Khatri Ritika , Siddqui Gazala , Sadhu Srikanth , Maithil Vikas , Vishwakarma Preeti , Lohiya Bharat , Goswami Abhishek , Ahmed Shubbir , Awasthi Amit , Samal Sweety 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants acquire mutations to survive within the host and evade immunity. In addition to harboring D614G mutation in spike domain, P681R/H mutation at the junction of the S1/S2 furin cleavage site, is found to be the key mutation in variants of concerns (VoC); Alpha, Delta, and Omicron (B.1.1.519). The impact of these acquired mutations on entry, transmissibility, and infectivity of SARS-CoV2 VoC is not clearly identified. Here, using the spike-based pseudovirus, Delta and D614G+P681R synthetic mutants showed a significant increase in the pseudovirus entry, fusion, and infectivity. In contrast, Omicron spike-based pseudovirus and a synthetic P681H mutant showed preferential hACE2-mediated virus entry over TMPRSS2, less fusion, and highly susceptible to Cathepsin L inhibitor. Taken together, these results indicate while the Delta variant utilizes both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mediated entry, thus causing systemic infection; Omicron has favored growth in ACE2 expressed cells thus mainly replicating in the upper respiratory tract.
Barriers and facilitators for population genetic screening in healthy populations: a systematic review
Authors: Shen Emily C. , Sriniva Swetha , Passero Lauren E. , Allen Caitlin G. , Dixon Madison , Foss Kimberly , Halliburton Brianna , Milko Laura V. , Smit Amelia K. , Carlson Rebecca , Roberts Megan C. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Studies suggest that 1-3% of the general population in the United States unknowingly carry a genetic risk factor for a common hereditary disease. Knowing this information could help guide improved disease risk management and preventive care. Population-based genetic screening is the process of offering otherwise healthy patients screening for genetic variants that predispose them to certain diseases that are “clinically actionable”, meaning that they can be prevented or mitigated if they are detected early in asymptomatic individuals. Optimizing population genetic screening may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from these diseases by informing risk-specific prevention or mitigation strategies and facilitating appropriate participation in early detection and screening. To better understand current barriers, facilitators, perceptions, and outcomes related to the implementation of population screening, we conducted a systematic review and searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for articles published from date of database inception to May 2020. We included articles that (1) detailed the perspectives of participants in population screening programs and (2) described the barriers, facilitators, perceptions, and outcomes related to population genetic screening programs among patients, healthcare providers, and the public. We excluded articles that (1) focused on direct-to-consumer or risk-based genetic testing and (2) collected data before January 2000. Twenty-nine articles met these criteria. Barriers and facilitators to population genetic screening were organized by the Social Ecological Model and further categorized by themes. We found that research in population genetic screening has focused on stakeholder attitudes about screening with all included studies designed to elucidate individuals’ perceptions. Additionally, inadequate knowledge and perceived limited clinical utility presented a barrier for healthcare provider uptake. There were very few studies that conducted long-term follow-up and analysis of population genetic screening. Our findings suggest that these and other factors, such as prescreen counseling and education, may play a role in the acceptance and implementation of population-based genetic screening. Future studies to investigate macro-level determinants, provider buy-in and education, prescreen counseling, and long-term outcomes of population genetic screening are needed for the effective design and implementation of such programs.
Incidence and Immunomic Features of Apyretic COVID-19 in Patients Affected by Solid Tumors: a Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Ravera Francesco , Borea Roberto , Cirmena Gabriella , Dameri Martina , Ferrando Lorenzo , Gallo Maurizio , Casini Cecilia , Fallani Neri , Barbero Valentina , Murialdo Roberto , Tixi Lucia , Cappuccio Margherita , Cuboni Andrea , Sivieri Irene , Fornarini Giuseppe , De Maria Andrea , Ballestrero Alberto , Zoppoli Gabriele 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background and rationale: Little is known about SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in asymptomatic patients affected by solid cancer, and whether it is associated with specific transcriptomics changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).Methods: patients affected by solid cancer treated in a top comprehensive cancer center in Italy during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave, and negative for COVID-19-symptoms since the first detection of COVID-19 in Italy, were prospectively evaluated by SARS-CoV-2 serology in the period between April 14th and June 23rd 2020. Follow-up serologies were performed, every 21-28 days, until August 23rd, 2020. All SARS-CoV-2 IgM+ patients underwent confirmatory nasopharyngeal swab (NPS). PBMCs from a subset of SARS-CoV-2 IgM+ patients were collected at baseline, at 2 months, and at 7 months for transcriptome sequencing.Results: SARS-CoV-2 serology was performed on 446 of the 466 recruited patients. A total of 14 patients (3.14 %) tested positive for at least one SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin in the period between April 14th and August 23rd 2020. Viral RNA could not be detected in any of the NPS. PBMC serial transcriptomic analysis showed progressive downregulation of interleukin 6 upregulated signatures, chemokine-mediated signaling and chemokine-chemokine receptor KEGG pathways. B- and T-cell receptor pathways (p-values = 0.0002 and 0.017 respectively) were progressively upregulated.Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion rate in asymptomatic patients affected by solid cancer is consistent with that of asymptomatic COVID-19 assessed in the general population through NPS at the peak of the first wave. Transcriptomic features over time in IgM+ asymptomatic cases are strongly indicative of previous viral exposure.
Protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of LPG cookstoves compared to usual cooking practices to reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity in rural Bangladesh called Poriborton: The CHANge Trial.
Authors: Raynes-Greenow Camille H , Alam Ashraful , Billah Sk Masum , Islam Sajia , Agho Kingsley , Rokonuzzaman SM , Thornburg Jonathan , Arifeen Shams El , Chowdhury Atique Iqbal , Dibley Michael J 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundHousehold air pollution is a leading health risk for global morbidity and mortality and a major health risk in South Asia. However, there are no prospective investigations of the impact of household air pollution on perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our trial aims to assess the impact of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking to reduce household air pollution exposure on perinatal morbidity and mortality compared to usual cooking practices in Bangladesh.Hypothesis:In a community-based cluster randomised controlled trial of pregnant women cooking with LPG throughout pregnancy, perinatal mortality will be reduced by 35% compared with usual cooking practices in a rural community in Bangladesh.MethodsA two-arm community-based cluster randomised controlled trial in the Sherpur district, Bangladesh. In the intervention arm, pregnant women receive an LPG cookstove and LPG in cylinders supplied throughout pregnancy until birth. In the control or usual practice arm, pregnant women continue their usual cooking practices, predominately traditional stoves with biomass fuel. Eligible women are pregnant women with a gestational age of 40 - 120 days, aged between 15 and 49 years, and permanent residents of the study area. The primary outcome is the difference in perinatal mortality between the LPG arm and the usual cooking arm. Secondary outcomes include i) preterm birth and low birth weight, ii) personal level exposure to household air pollution, iii) satisfaction and acceptability of the LPG stove and stove use, iv) cost-effectiveness and cost-utility in reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. We follow up all women and infants to 45 days after the birth. Personal exposure to household air pollution is assessed at three-time points in a sub-sample of the study population using the MicroPEM™. The total required sample size is 4,944 pregnant women.DiscussionThis trial will produce evidence of the effectiveness of reduced exposure to household air pollution through LPG cooking to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality compared to usual cooking practices. This evidence will inform policies for the adoption of clean fuel in Bangladesh and other similar settings.Trial registration:Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618001214224, 19th July 2019, www.anzctr.org.au.Version 1 28th Sept 2021
Anticancer and Antimicrobial Evaluations on Alternative Reading Frame
(ARF) Peptides and their Derivatives
Authors: Sarojini Vijayalekshmi , Wang Yuxin , Patel Kamal , Wu Zimei 
Published: February 2022

Background:
Alternative reading frame (ARF) protein up-regulates the intracellular level
of a tumour suppressor protein, p53, by blocking MDM2 mediated p53 ubiquitination. The two
homologous forms of ARF proteins are p19ARF in mice and p14ARF in humans. In our study,
p19ARF-derived peptide ARF (26-44) and its cell-penetrating peptide conjugate Tat-ARF (26-44),
p14ARF-derived peptide ARF (1-22), and its NrLS conjugate ARF (1-22)-NrLS were designed,
and their anticancer properties were investigated.

Objective:
Our objective is to study the anticancer and antimicrobial properties of ARF-derived
peptides and their cell-penetrating and NrLS conjugates.

Methods:
Peptides synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) were purified using
RP-HPLC and characterized using Bruker MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated
on HeLa and BE(2)-C cells by cell viability IC50 determination. Minimum inhibitory concentrations
(MIC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. Morphological studies were
carried out using SEM and TEM techniques, live/dead staining, ROS and Hoest staining.

Results:
Peptides Tat-ARF (1-22) and ARF (1-22)-NrLS exhibited potent cytotoxic effects, comparable
to the known standard cisplatin. Cellular morphological studies showed signs of apoptosis
which were confirmed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and Hoechst nuclear staining.
ARF peptides showed potent antimicrobial activities at low micromolar concentrations without haemolysis.

Conclusions:
Tat modification improved the activity of ARF (26-44) by 9 folds against HeLa and
5 folds against BE(2)-C cells. NrLS modification of ARF (1-22) imparted 12 fold potency against
HeLa and 2-fold potency against BE(2)-C cells. This study helps to further understand the effect of
these peptides on MDM2 proteins and their role in the apoptosis signalling pathway.
Diagnostic Approach and Treatment Regimens in Adult Patients Suffering from Antibody- mediated or Paraneoplastic Encephalitis
Authors: Macher Stefan , Bsteh Gabriel , Berger Thomas , Höftberger Romana 
Published: February 2022

Abstract:Identification of patients with antibody-mediated encephalitis poses a diagnostic challenge and any delay in that respect will increase the interval until initiation of immunotherapy and may negatively affect the patient´s clinical outcome. Within this review we focus on therapeutic strategies in antibody-mediated encephalitis and propose how to proceed with patients, who are suspected to have encephalitis of unknown origin. We further briefly outline differences in treatment of paraneoplastic and antibody-mediated encephalitis according to its pathomechanisms.