bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of new copper-64 labeled rhodamine: a potential PET myocardial perfusion imaging agent
Authors: AlHokbany Norah , AlJammaz Ibrahim , AlOtaibi Basem , AlMalki Yousif , AlJammaz Bander , Okarvi Subhani M. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is one of the most commonly performed investigations in nuclear medicine procedures. Due to the longer half-life of the emerging positron emitter copper-64 and its availability from low energy cyclotron, together with its well-known coordination chemistry, we have synthesized 64Cu-labeled NOTA- and 64Cu-NOTAM-rhodamine conjugates as potential cardiac imaging agents using PET.

Results
64Cu-NOTA- and 64Cu-NOTAM-rhodamine conjugates were synthesized using a traightforward and one-step simple reaction. Radiochemical yields were greater than 97% (decay corrected), with a total synthesis time of less than 25 min. Radiochemical purities were always greater than 98% as assessed by TLC and HPLC. These synthetic approaches hold considerable promise as a simple method for 64Cu-rhodamine conjugates synthesis, with high radiochemical yield and purity. Biodistribution studies in normal Fischer rats at 60 min post-injection, demonstrated significant heart uptake and a good biodistribution profile for both the radioconjugates. However, the 64Cu-NOTAM-rhodamine conjugate has shown more heart uptake (~ 10% ID/g) over the 64Cu-NOTA-rhodamine conjugate (5.6% ID/g).

Conclusions
These results demonstrate that these radioconjugates may be useful probes for the PET evaluation of MPI.
Comparative responsiveness and minimally important difference of Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) scales and the FSI-3 in trials with cancer survivors
Authors: Mosher Catherine E. , Secinti Ekin , Johns Shelley A. , Kroenke Kurt , Rogers Laura Q. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Fatigue is a highly prevalent and disabling symptom in cancer survivors. Although many measures have been developed to assess survivors’ fatigue, their ability to accurately capture change following intervention has rarely been assessed in post-treatment survivors. Ultra-brief fatigue measures are preferable in clinical practice but have limited evidence supporting their use with cancer survivors. We examined the psychometric properties of four Fatigue Symptom Inventory (FSI) measures, including the new FSI-3, in cancer survivors. Examined properties included responsiveness to change and minimally important differences (MIDs).

Methods
We analyzed data from three randomized controlled trials with post-treatment cancer survivors (N = 328). Responsiveness to change was evaluated by comparing standardized response means for survivors who reported their fatigue as being better, the same, or worse at 2–3 months. Responsiveness to intervention was assessed via effect sizes, and MIDs were estimated by using several methods. We also computed area under the curve (AUC) values to assess FSI measures’ discriminative accuracy compared to an established cut-point.

Results
All FSI measures differentiated survivors who reported improvement at 2–3 months from those with stable fatigue, but did not uniformly differentiate worsening fatigue from stable fatigue. Measures showed similar levels of responsiveness to intervention, and MIDs ranged from 0.29 to 2.20 across FSI measures. AUC analyses supported the measures’ ability to detect significant fatigue.

Conclusions
Four FSI scales show similar responsiveness to change, and estimated MIDs can inform assessment of meaningful change in fatigue. The FSI-3 shows promise as an ultra-brief fatigue measure for survivors.
Can patient-reported outcome measures be used to predict consultation needs in patients with psoriasis?: A survey study
Authors: Krontoft Anna Sophie Belling , Jensen Johanna Walsøe , Pedersen Mette Charlotte , Pors Maria , Kaur-Knudsen Diljit , Zachariae Claus , Skov Lone 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are emerging tools used to capture a patient’s daily health status and enhance communication between patients and healthcare professionals. This study examined whether PROMs can be used to predict consultation needs in an outpatient clinic setting including patients diagnosed with psoriasis.

Method
We evaluated a nationally developed set of PROMs for psoriasis patients, which included a standard set of questionnaires that capture patients’ perceptions of their experience and quality of life. Patients (n = 187) answered the psoriasis PROMs prior to an in-person consultation. Their responses were evaluated alongside patient, doctor, and nurse opinions on whether the subsequent consultation was necessary. Additionally, comments about the consultations from the patient, doctor, and nurse were collected and provided insights as to why certain consultations were deemed necessary.

Results
Comparing the patient, doctor, and nurse responses addressing a need for consultation compared to the coded psoriasis PROMs results (red or green/yellow outcome), 23% of the patients with a green/yellow outcome were in need of a doctor’s consultation. Upon considering a subset of psoriasis PROMs questionnaires that reflect subjective responses (e.g., DLQI, PEST, MDI-2, and side effects), the proportion of patients that yielded a green/yellow outcome and were identified to require a doctor consultation increased to approximately 45%.

Conclusions
The preliminary results show that the psoriasis PROMs were supportive in the consultation but alone cannot sufficiently guide healthcare professionals to determine whether in-person consultations are required.
Portal vein embolization with absolute ethanol to induce hypertrophy of the future liver remnant
Authors: Santhakumar Cositha , Ormiston William , McCall John L , Bartlett Adam , Duncan David , Holden Andrew 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) is widely used prior to major liver resection to reduce the risk of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of PVE using absolute ethanol.

Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing preoperative PVE between February 2003 and February 2020 at a high-volume tertiary institution were retrospectively reviewed. Hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) was determined by comparing volumetric data using semi-automated software on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging before and after PVE. Efficacy of absolute ethanol was evaluated by the percentage increase in the FLR volume and the ratio of the FLR to the total liver volume (TLV). Technical success and complications following PVE were evaluated. Feasibility of hepatectomy following PVE and the incidence of PHLF were determined.

Results
Sixty-two patients underwent preoperative PVE using absolute ethanol. The technical success rate was 95.2%. Median time interval between PVE and follow-up imaging was 34 days (range 6–144 days). The mean increase in FLR volume and ratio of the FLR to TLV were 43.6 ± 34.4% and 12.3 ± 7.7% respectively. Major adverse events occurred in 3 cases (4.8%) and did not preclude consideration of surgery. Forty-two patients (67.8%) proceeded to surgery for intended hepatectomy of which 36 patients (58.1%) underwent liver resection. Major post-operative complications occurred in 4 patients (11.1%) and there were no cases of PHLF.

Conclusion
Preoperative PVE with absolute ethanol is effective and safe in inducing hypertrophy of the FLR before partial hepatectomy to prevent PHLF.
Profiling of insulin and resveratrol interaction using multi-spectroscopy and molecular docking study
Authors: Yanti Sahri , Chien Wei-Jyun , Agrawal Dinesh Chandra 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Resveratrol, a phenolic compound, has various medicinal properties, including anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, etc. Diabetes is a killing disease, especially for people who cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle. People with diabetes need additional information about a supplement that can prevent and treat diabetes. The present study aims to investigate the interaction of insulin with resveratrol using fluorescence spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, CD spectropolarimeter, and molecular docking methods. As an outcome of this study, we expect to understand the contribution of resveratrol in insulin resistance.

Result
The fluorescence spectroscopy results showed that the peak intensity of insulin emission decreased with resveratrol. The interaction of insulin with resveratrol involved a combination of static and dynamic quenching effects. Temperature changes caused the binding constant (K) and the binding site (n) unstable. The interaction occurred through hydrogen bonding, van der Waal, and was hydrophobic. The results of UV–Vis spectroscopy showed that the addition of resveratrol caused a peak in a blueshift, and the absorbance was hyperchromic. Also, there was a reduction in electron transition and the extinction coefficient. The CD spectropolarimeter results showed that the addition of resveratrol affected the secondary structure of insulin. The amount of α-helix and β-sheet slightly change and increase in the secondary structure’s length. The molecular docking study showed that resveratrol interacts via hydrogen bonding with glycine and asparagine. van der Waal interactions occurred in asparagine, phenylalanine, and cysteine. The interaction of electrons occurred through the π orbitals of resveratrol with tyrosine A and B. The binding energy of molecules interaction happened spontaneously on a hydrophobic surface.

Conclusion
Profiling the interaction of insulin and resveratrol shows that resveratrol can stabilize insulin structure and prevent insulin resistance in diabetes.
Thyrotoxicosis in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical presentation
Authors: Azeez Taoreed Adegoke , Adetunji Tajudin Adesegun , Adio Mosunmoluwa 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Thyrotoxicosis is a common endocrine disorder. The clinical presentation is variable, and it is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late in Africa. This study was aimed at collating and analyzing the clinical characteristics of the disease across the continent so as to enhance correct and timely diagnosis.

Methods
The study is a systematic review with a meta-analysis. Studies, done in Africa, which documented the clinical features of thyrotoxicosis were selected. African Journal Online (AJOL), PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar, Research Square, SciELO, and medRxiv were systematically searched using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Heterogeneity was determined using I2 statistic and Cochran’s Q test. LFK index and the symmetry of the Doi plot were used to assess publication bias.

Results
The eligible studies were 59 and the total sample size was 9592. The most common symptoms of thyrotoxicosis on the continent included palpitations (69%), weight loss (65%), heat intolerance (64%), tiredness (49%), increased appetite (49%), hyperhidrosis (48%), and insomnia (47%). The most common signs were thyromegaly (88%), tachycardia (67%), sweaty palms (54%), hand tremor (49%), and exophthalmos (49%). Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and thyrotoxic heart disease were found in 9, 12, and 22% respectively. Other findings were hypertension (25%) and diabetes (9%).

Conclusion
Clinical presentation of thyrotoxicosis varies, and understanding these peculiarities would mitigate misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in Africa.
Serum fibrinogen to albumin ratio in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: correlation with disease activity and severity
Authors: Ibrahim Noha Hosni , El Hanafy Mounir Serag-El Deen , El Brashy Abdel Wahab Shams-El Deen , Abd-Elmonem Enas Adel 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
The fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) has risen to prominence as a novel biomarker for various conditions, including systemic inflammation. Therefore, this study aims to assess the role of FAR in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its correlation with disease activity, severity, and functional status of AS patients. Thirty adult patients with AS were enrolled, along with 20 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects as controls. Bath Indices were used to determine the disease activity, severity, and functional status.

Results
The patients’ mean age was 35.3 years, including 22 males (73.3%) and eight females (26.7%). The median disease duration was 10 years, ranging from 1 to 28 years. AS cases showed higher FAR than the control group (P < 0.001). Active cases were associated with significantly higher FAR when compared to cases in remission (P < 0.001). FAR showed significant positive correlations with Bath Indices including BASDAI, BASFI, and BASMI scores (P = 0.002, 0.002, < 0.001, 0.019, 0.022).

Conclusion
FAR has been increased in AS, particularly in active cases. FAR has also been associated with the impaired functional status of AS patients. FAR can represent a novel inflammatory parameter for monitoring disease activity and severity in AS.
Performance evaluation of electric discharge machining of titanium alloy-a review
Authors: Rathod Rajusing , Kamble Dinesh , Ambhore Nitin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractTitanium alloy has a high specific resistance, excellent machining performance is non-corrosive, and the capability to withstand greater temperatures while maintaining outstanding mechanical properties. This alloy is, therefore, the right choice for aerospace, maritime, biomedical, and industrial applications. But machinability of titanium alloy is challenging as a result of its poor thermal conductivity, highly chemically reactive, and low elastic modulus hence it is treated as a difficult-to-cut material. Fast tool wear is observed during the machining of titanium alloy in conventional machining methods. Therefore, unconventional processing methods are used for the treatment of titanium alloy. Electric discharge machining (EDM) is one of these unconventional machining processes which are used for cutting with high precision, having a high degree of machinability, and getting a better surface finish. It is considered the best choice for machining titanium alloy. In the EDM process, different techniques are used to understand the effects of process parameters such as polarity, peak current, electrode type, pulse on time, and gap voltage on material removal rate, tool wear rate, surface roughness, and wear ratio. This paper critically investigates different types of EDM processes, experimental setups used for machining of titanium alloy, the effect of different tool electrodes and dielectric media on machining parameters, machined surface characteristics, and metal removal rate and tool wear rate.
Metric-Distortion Bounds under Limited Information
Authors: Anagnostides Ioannis , Fotakis Dimitris , Patsilinakos Panagiotis 
Published: July 2022

In this work, we study the metric distortion problem in voting theory under a limited amount of ordinal information. Our primary contribution is threefold. First, we consider mechanisms that perform a sequence of pairwise comparisons between candidates. We show that a popular deterministic mechanism employed in many knockout phases yields distortion O(log m) while eliciting only m − 1 out of the Θ(m2 ) possible pairwise comparisons, where m represents the number of candidates. Our analysis for this mechanism leverages a powerful technical lemma developed by Kempe (AAAI ‘20). We also provide a matching lower bound on its distortion. In contrast, we prove that any mechanism which performs fewer than m−1 pairwise comparisons is destined to have unbounded distortion. Moreover, we study the power of deterministic mechanisms under incomplete rankings. Most notably, when agents provide their k-top preferences we show an upper bound of 6m/k + 1 on the distortion, for any k ∈ {1, 2, . . . , m}. Thus, we substantially improve over the previous bound of 12m/k established by Kempe (AAAI ‘20), and we come closer to matching the best-known lower bound. Finally, we are concerned with the sample complexity required to ensure near-optimal distortion with high probability. Our main contribution is to show that a random sample of Θ(m/ϵ2 ) voters suffices to guarantee distortion 3 + ϵ with high probability, for any sufficiently small ϵ > 0. This result is based on analyzing the sensitivity of the deterministic mechanism introduced by Gkatzelis, Halpern, and Shah (FOCS ‘20). Importantly, all of our sample-complexity bounds are distribution-independent.
From an experimental standpoint, we present several empirical findings on real-life voting applications, comparing the scoring systems employed in practice with a mechanism explicitly minimizing (metric) distortion. Interestingly, for our case studies, we find that the winner in the actual competition is typically the candidate who minimizes the distortion.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Among Food Handlers regarding Hand Hygiene in Galkayo District Somalia.
Authors: Mohamed Mohamud Abdulkadir 
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUNDGlobally there is an estimated 1.7 billion cases of diarrheal disease caused by lack of proper hand hygiene annually (13). The highest proportions of the burden of infectious diseases related the lack of proper hand hygiene occurs in the middle- and low-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, In developing countries (Including Somalia) diarrhea (due to poor Hand hygiene) ranks as the second leading cause of death among children below the age of 5 years accounting for about 18 % of all the deaths. Africa and South East Asia accounts for about 78% of all the diarrhea related deaths among children below 5 years (16).
OBJECTIVETo assess the level of the knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Food handlers regarding the hand hygiene in Galkayo District, Somalia.
METHODOLOGYThe study employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design where data was collected using semi structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling was employed to identify respondents of the study. The data analysis was done using Excel.RESULTS
The study presented using by tables and graphs. Ethical clearance was sought from Puntland Ministry of Health, the administration of Galkayo district and respondents respectively.Respondents in this study showed low knowledge about the hand hygiene where 75.4% of them have not enough knowledge about the hygienic methods of hand washing. Also this study shows that 59% of the respondents have negative attitude toward the hand hygiene practice.CONCLUSIONIn this study provides evidence that there are low rates of knowledge and negative attitude about the proper hand hygiene practice in Galkayo city, Somalia. Additionally the data suggests that hand washing before handling the food has significant influence on the rate of many infectious diseases in the city.
The role of gut microflora dysbiosis in clinical manifestation of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Authors: Khachidze Tatia , Barbakadze Gocha , Sulaberidze Gela , Burnadze Koba 
Published: July 2022

Background and aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of gut microbiota with wide variety of clinical manifestations of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Methods: The study enrolled 133 cases of patients with NAFLD/NASH who were diagnosed at Enmedic Clinic, Tbilisi/Georgia and carried out between May 2017 and May 2021. Patients were 21-65 years of age attending our clinic. Patients were diagnosed with NASH/NAFLD based on fibroscan of liver and ultrasound investigation, and additionaly for NASH with raised serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartat aminotrasnferase (AST) levels greater than upper limit of normal (40 IU/ ml). Trial profile of patients is shown on figure 1.
10 patients loss follow up The 123 patients were divided into three groups. Group A (61 patients) was diagnosed with NAFLD, the 42 patients of group B were diagnosed with NASH and group C (control) were 20 healthy volunteers.
Results: Family Enterobacteriaceae, family Lactobacillaceae, and genus Bacteroides like Streptococcus were increased in patients with NAFLD/NASH compared with controls, also uncultured Clostridiales as well as entero-hemolytic Escherichia Coli were increased, whereas genus Faecalibacterium, and genus Bifidobacterium as well as hemolytic Enterococcus faecalis were decreased in patients with NAFLD/NASH. Significant loss of beneficial bacteria for intestinal barrier function like Faecalibacterium was observed. The diversity of the microbiota was decreased in patients compared with controls.
Conclusions: This study found that the gut microbiota play a large role in the development of NAFLD/NASH. NAFLD developed in the initially in patients with significant dysbiosis. It suggests also that the gut microbiome correction may be beneficial for the treatment of patients with NAFLD/NASH.
Capital Structure, Investment Decision and Financial Performance of SMEs in Uganda
Authors: Abanis Turyahebwa , Eliab Mpora Byamukama , Sunday Arthur , Eton Marus 
Published: July 2022

The paper explored the relationship between capital structure, investment decision and financial performance of SMEs in Uganda a case of Central Uganda. The study adopted a descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational design. The sample size was 226 SMEs in Central Uganda.
The findings point to a moderate significant positive relationship between capital structure, investment decision and financial performance of SMEs. Capital structure and financial performance of SMEs (r = 0.642, P-value = 0.000), investment decision and financial
performance of SMEs (r = 0.488, P-value = 0.000).

From the results, we confirm that capital structure, investment decision, predict up to 66.2% of the change in financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Central Uganda.
The results show good model fits and fig.2 defines the model of capital structure and investment decisions on financial performance of SMEs in Uganda and is encompassed of 4 proportions of capital structure in terms of Equity, Long term Debt, Short term debt as well as investment decisions and their predictive power on financial performance of SMEs in Uganda. Figure 2 and table 1 and 2 clearly indicate that capital structure and investment decisions are significantly associated with return on assets (ROA) which in turn leads to improved financial performance.
The study recommends an appropriate mix of capital structure coupled with premeditated investment decisions so as to have improved financial performance of SMEs in Uganda.
The current study underwrites to academic research by providing empirical proof to support theories pertinent to the elucidation of financial performance. The study was anchored on Pecking Order theory together with Modigliani&Miller theory and the results depict the behaviours that managers have while making decisions concerning capital structure and investment decisions. With such, the precursors of capital structure, investment decisions on financial performance of SMEs in Uganda and other related developing countries has been revealed.