bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and prognostic value of pulmonary embolism in COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gong Xiaowei , Yuan Boyun , Yuan Yadong 
Published: March 2022

Background
Pulmonary embolisms are frequently and prognostically in individuals infected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); the incidence of pulmonary embolisms is varied across numerous studies. This study aimed to assess the pooled incidence of pulmonary embolic events and the prognostic value of such events in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions of patients with COVID-19.

Methods
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EmBase were systematically searched for eligible studies published on or before October 20, 2021. The pooled incidence of pulmonary embolism was calculated using the random-effects model. Moreover, the prognostic value was assessed by measuring the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (PLR and NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results
Thirty-six studies involving 10,367 COVID-19 patients were selected for the final meta-analysis. The cumulative incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients with COVID-19 was 21% (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 18−24%; P<0.001), and the incidence of pulmonary embolism in ICU and non-ICU patients was 26% (95%CI: 22−31%; P<0.001) and 17% (95%CI: 14−20%; P<0.001), respectively. The predictive role of pulmonary embolism in ICU admission was also assessed, and the sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0.31 (95%CI: 0.21−0.42), 0.84 (95%CI: 0.75−0.90), 1.88 (95%CI: 1.45−2.45), 0.83 (95%CI: 0.75−0.91), 2.25 (95%CI: 1.64−3.08), and 0.61 (95%CI: 0.57−0.65), respectively.

Conclusion
This study found that the incidence of pulmonary embolism was relatively high in COVID-19 patients, and the incidence of pulmonary embolism in ICU patients was higher than that in non-ICU patients.
The impact of rifaximin on inflammation and metabolism in alcoholic hepatitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kimer Nina , Meldgaard Mads , Hamberg Ole , Kronborg Thit Mynster , Lund Allan M. , Møller Holger Jon , Bendtsen Flemming , Ytting Henriette 
Published: March 2022

Background and aimsAlcoholic hepatitis (AH) is characterized by acute liver failure, neurocognitive impairment and renal failure. Severe inflammatory reactions are also known to occur in AH. Inflammation and bacterial translocation in the gut are thought to have major impact on disease development and progression. The mortality rate for AH is close to 50%. We aimed to assess the efficacy of rifaximin in treating AH and its impact on inflammation and metabolism.MethodsThe trial was approved by relevant authorities (EudraCT no: 2014-02264-33, Scientific Ethics Committee, jr. no: H-1-2014-056). Primary outcomes were changes in metabolic and inflammatory markers. Secondary outcomes were portal hypertension, kidney and neurocognitive function.ResultsThirty-two patients were randomized to standard medical therapy (SMT) or SMT plus rifaximin, allocation was concealed. Four patients in the SMT group and five patients in the SMT + rifaximin group died due to AH and liver failure. No adverse events related to the study medication were observed. We found no significant differences in amino acids or inflammation markers (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, interferon-γ) between the groups after 28 and 90 days.ConclusionRifaximin does not alter inflammation or metabolism in patients with AH.
Determinants of maternity waiting home utilization in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tenaw Zelalem , Fikre Rekiku , Gemeda Hirut , Astatkie Ayalew 
Published: March 2022

Objective
To estimate the magnitude of maternity waiting home utilization and identify its associated factors in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 748 mothers who gave birth within the last year in the selected woredas (districts) of Sidama Zone. Data were collected from April 1–30, 2019 by using pre-tested and structured questionnaires. Data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.5.1 and exported to Stata Version 13 software for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with maternity waiting home utilization adjusting for confounders.

Results
The mean (SD) of the age of the mothers was 31.26(6.42). Utilization of maternity waiting home in Sidama Zone was 67.25% (95% CI: 63.79–70.53).Maternity waiting home utilization was positively associated with protestant religion (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.00–2.82) and having a spouse who can read and write (AOR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.11–3.66) while it was negatively associated with maternal age of 31–40 (AOR = 0.4; 95%CI: 0.28–0.64) relative to the age group of 20–30, daily laborer occupation of mothers (AOR = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.06–0.76), monthly income under the poverty level (825-1320EBR) (AOR = 0.6; 95%CI: 0.36–0.92) relative with extreme poverty line (<825 EBR), lack of knowledge about maternity waiting home (AOR = 0.009; 95%CI: 0.002–0.03).

Conclusions
Women who had knowledge about maternity waiting home, had a husband who can read and write and protestant religion followers have higher probabilities of maternity waiting home utilization, whereas women (31–40 years old), daily laborers and whose family income is below the poverty level have lower probabilities of maternity waiting home utilization. Therefore, Health education about maternity waiting home utilization, spouse education, and women’s economic empowerment is crucial to enhance maternity waiting home utilization.
Resistin production does not affect outcomes in a mouse model of acute surgical sepsis
Authors: Bonavia Anthony S. , Chroneos Zissis C. , Ruiz-Velasco Victor , Lang Charles H. 
Published: March 2022

Introduction
Because of the strong correlation between the blood concentration of circulating resistin and the illness severity of septic patients, resistin has been proposed as a mediator of sepsis pathophysiology. In vitro data indicate that human resistin directly impairs neutrophil migration and intracellular bacterial killing, although the significance of these findings in vivo remain unclear.

Objective
The objectives of the present study were: (1) to validate the expression of human resistin in a clinically relevant, murine model of surgical sepsis, (2) to assess how sepsis-induced changes in resistin correlate with markers of infection and organ dysfunction, and (3) to investigate whether the expression of human resistin alters immune function or disease outcomes in vivo.

Methods
107 male, C57BL/6 mice transgenic for the human resistin gene and its promoter elements (Retn+/−/−, or Retn+) were generated on a Retn−/− (mouse resistin knockout, or Rko) background. Outcomes were compared between age-matched transgenic and knockout mice. Acute sepsis was defined as the initial 24 h following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Physiologic and laboratory parameters correlating to the human Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score were measured in mice, and innate immune cell number/function in the blood and peritoneal cavity were assessed.

Results
CLP significantly increased circulating levels of human resistin. The severity of sepsis-induced leukopenia was comparable between Retn+ and Rko mice. Resistin was associated with increased production of neutrophil reactive oxygen species, a decrease in circulating neutrophils at 6 h and an increase in peritoneal Ly6Chi monocytes at 6 h and 24 h post-sepsis. However, intraperitoneal bacterial growth, organ dysfunction and mouse survival did not differ with resistin production in septic mice.

Significance
Ex vivo resistin-induced impairment of neutrophil function do not appear to translate to increased sepsis severity or poorer outcomes in vivo following CLP.
Foot posture index and body composition measures in children with and without developmental coordination disorder
Authors: Yam Timothy Tsz Ting , Fong Shirley Siu Ming , Tsang William Wai Nam 
Published: March 2022

Background
Foot posture which forms the distal supporting structure influences on postural stability. Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) who are more likely to be overweight or obese may present with flat foot with symptoms that affect daily activities. The aim of this study was to compare the foot posture and body composition measures between children with and without DCD. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between foot posture and fat percentage.

Methods
Fifty-nine children with DCD (mean age = 8.07±1.10) and sixty-two typically developing children (mean age = 7.97±1.05) were recruited to the DCD and control group respectively. All children received a foot posture assessment and a whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. Foot Posture Index 6 (FPI-6) total scores, sub-scores and lower limb body composition measures including fat mass, lean mass, total mass, fat percentage and fat mass index were measured.

Results
Children with DCD revealed a significantly higher FPI-6 left (1.12; 95% CI: 0.172, 2.061) and right (1.15; 95% CI: 0.218, 2.079) total score. FPI-6 sub-scores (talar head palpation and abduction/adduction forefoot on rearfoot) illustrated significant differences between children with and without DCD. Children with DCD had a significantly higher total fat mass (1247.48g; 95% CI: 121.654, 2373.304), total fat percentage (1.82%; 95% CI: 0.115, 3.525) and fat mass index (0.56kg/m2; 95% CI: 0.036, 1.069). There was a significant relationship between FPI-6 right total score and total fat percentage.

Conclusion
The findings of this study showed that children with DCD exhibited significantly more pronated foot posture and higher body composition measures compared to typically developing children. Moreover, with FPI-6 right total score significantly related to the total fat percentage, it may require more than just detecting abnormal foot structures in children with DCD but also promoting a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity.
A systems radiation biology approach to unravel the role of chronic low-dose-rate gamma-irradiation in inducing premature senescence in endothelial cells
Authors: Babini Gabriele , Baiocco Giorgio , Barbieri Sofia , Morini Jacopo , Sangsuwan Traimate , Haghdoost Siamak , Yentrapalli Ramesh , Azimzadeh Omid , Rombouts Charlotte , Aerts An , Quintens Roel , Ebrahimian Teni , Benotmane Mohammed Abderrafi , Ramadan Raghda , Baatout Sarah , Tapio Soile , Harms-Ringdahl Mats , Ottolenghi Andrea 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the effects of chronic low-dose-rate gamma-radiation at a multi-scale level. The specific objective was to obtain an overall view of the endothelial cell response, by integrating previously published data on different cellular endpoints and highlighting possible different mechanisms underpinning radiation-induced senescence.Materials and methodsDifferent datasets were collected regarding experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) which were chronically exposed to low dose rates (0, 1.4, 2.1 and 4.1 mGy/h) of gamma-rays until cell replication was arrested. Such exposed cells were analyzed for different complementary endpoints at distinct time points (up to several weeks), investigating cellular functions such as proliferation, senescence and angiogenic properties, as well as using transcriptomics and proteomics profiling. A mathematical model was proposed to describe proliferation and senescence.ResultsSimultaneous ceasing of cell proliferation and senescence onset as a function of time were well reproduced by the logistic growth curve, conveying shared equilibria between the two endpoints. The combination of all the different endpoints investigated highlighted a dose-dependence for prematurely induced senescence. However, the underpinning molecular mechanisms appeared to be dissimilar for the different dose rates, thus suggesting a more complex scenario.ConclusionsThis study was conducted integrating different datasets, focusing on their temporal dynamics, and using a systems biology approach. Results of our analysis highlight that different dose rates have different effects in inducing premature senescence, and that the total cumulative absorbed dose also plays an important role in accelerating endothelial cell senescence.
Estimations of Means and Variances in a Markov Linear Model
Authors: Gutierrez Abraham , Müller Sebastian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Multivariate regression models and ANOVA are probably the most frequently applied methods of all statistical analyses.
We study the case where the predictors are qualitative variables and the response variable is quantitative.
In this case, we propose an alternative to the classic approaches that does not assume homoscedasticity but assumes that a Markov chain can describe the covariates’ correlations.
This approach transforms the dependent covariates using a change of measure to independent covariates.
The transformed estimates allow a pairwise comparison of the mean and variance of the contribution of different values of the covariates.
We show that, under standard moment conditions, the estimators are asymptotically normally distributed.
We test our method with data from simulations and apply it to several classic data sets.
Experimental study on the scale-up of a multi-ring inclined nozzle spout-fluid bed by electrical capacitance tomography
Authors: Chen Zhao , Jiang Lin , Yang Xu , Liu Zebing , Liu Rongzheng , Liu Bing , Shao Youlin , Liu Malin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractScale-up studies of fluidized beds are important for numerous fields. Fluidization in a multi-ring inclined nozzle spout-fluid bed (MRIN spout-fluid bed) is one of the most critical factors that affect the coating efficiency and uniformity of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) nuclear particles in the fluidized bed chemical vapor deposition (FB-CVD) process. In this work, the flow pattern similarity principle was proposed to scale up a specially designed spout-fluid bed, which was aimed at maintaining the gas-solid contact efficiency, and was validated by electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) measurements. First, the traditional ECT method was developed for the specially designed MRIN spout-fluid bed according to the filling method. Then, the reconstruction algorithms were updated using the alternating direction multiplier method (ADMM) by introducing optimization constraints. The fluidization laws were investigated for different superficial gas velocities and distributor structures. We found that the gas distributor structure affected the merge point of the jets, which played an essential role in fluidization pattern changes. The statistically-based coefficient of variation (Cv) was proposed to distinguish the different flow patterns. Multi-ring spouting was then selected as a typical flow pattern for good fluidization and mixing, where the Cv ranged from 0.25 to 0.65. Then, the optimal design principles for the enlarged spout-fluid bed gas distributor were obtained. We determined that a smaller nozzle diameter (0.71d0), larger nozzle spacing (1.12x0), and slightly inclined angle (1.50θ0) could improve fluidization, and that nozzle spacing was the most important factor. This study may be beneficial for the industrial design of the FB-CVD process and for the fabrication of high-density nuclear fuel particles. Additionally, it could be presented to a more general audience for scaling-up fluidized beds with a complex distributor, which would be beneficial for the fluidization research community.
Subcutaneous adipose tissue is a positive predictor for bone mineral density in prepubertal children with Prader–Willi syndrome independent of lean mass
Authors: Kawai Masanobu , Etani Yuri , Ida Shinobu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Emerging evidence suggests a fat depot-specific relationship with bone mineral density (BMD) in children, particularly in those who are overweight/obese. However, this has not yet been investigated in detail in children with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a genetic syndrome characterized by a decreased lean mass (LM) and increased fat mass (FM). The objective of this study is to investigate the relationships of LM and FM, particularly fat distribution, with bone mineral parameters.

Methods
This is a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Forty-seven prepubertal Japanese children with PWS (22 males, mean age: 6.86 years) were included. No subjects had type 2 diabetes mellitus or osteoporotic medications. LM, FM, and BMD and bone mineral content in the total body less head and the lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, in addition to subcutaneous/visceral adipose tissue (SAT/VAT), and the ratio of VAT to SAT (V/S) by computed tomography at the umbilical level. Bone mineral apparent density was calculated to correct for bone size.

Results
LM positively correlated with bone mineral parameters after controlling for age, sex, growth hormone (GH) treatment, and FM. Although FM did not correlate with bone mineral parameters, compartment-specific analysis revealed that SAT positively and V/S negatively correlated with bone mineral parameters after controlling for age, sex, GH treatment and LM.

Conclusions
A compartment-specific effect of FM on bone mineral parameters was noted such that SAT was a positive predictor for BMD independent of LM in prepubertal children with PWS.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnant women with inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Tuccinardi Alicia , Czuzoj-Shulman Nicholas , Abenhaim Haim A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Pregnancy outcomes in women with inflammatory myopathies (IM) are not well studied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of IM on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) from 1999 to 2015. Among all pregnant women who delivered during this period, those with a diagnosis of IM were identified using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) coding, which included all patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were compared in pregnant women with and without IM. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted effects of IM on these outcomes.

Results
A total of 13,792,544 pregnant women delivered between 1999 and 2015, of which 308 had a diagnosis of IM, for an overall prevalence of 2 per 100,000 pregnant women, with rates increasing over the study period. Pregnant women with IM were more likely to be older, African American and suffer from other autoimmune connective tissue diseases. IM in pregnancy was associated with greater risk of preeclampsia, caesarean delivery, major postpartum infections, urinary tract infections and longer hospital stay. Neonates born to mothers with IM had greater risk of prematurity, small for gestational age and intrauterine fetal demise.

Conclusions
Pregnant women with IM are at higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and should be closely followed in specialized centers with collaboration between maternal-fetal medicine and rheumatology.
Effects of a flow obstacle on liquid film thickness in relation with CHF enhancement
Authors: Belt R. J. , Mudde R. F. , Van Der Hagen T. H. J. J. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

There is evidence in literature that the insertion of flow obstacles in the coolant flow of a boiler flowing in an annular regime postpones the film dryout emergence on the heated surfaces. Specifically, the obstacle is believed to force the deposition of droplets to the wall, hence to increase the film flow rate, and therefore to delay dryout. The two objectives of the present research are (i) to confirm the increase in the film flow rate due to the obstacle, by (ii) building an appropriate flow-loop equipped with suited techniques for film thickness and film velocity measurements. A solid cylinder is inserted in the center of a vertical water-air annular tube flow. Variations in liquid film characteristics, e. g. film thickness and interfacial parameters (disturbance waves velocity and frequency), are measured through a local conductance probes technique. This work shows that the presence of an obstacle in an annular flow leads to an increase in the film thickness, specifically the substrate thickness, and does not affect the interfacial behavior of the film. An increase in the droplet deposition constant is observed and agrees reasonably well with predictions from the Windecker et al. (1999) correlation. The flow-loop and the measurements techniques are suited for extensive droplet deposition measurements.
Concentration and temperature measurements by means of Raman spectroscopy in case of condensation with non-condensable gas
Authors: Goldbrunner M. , Karl J. , Hein D. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Condensation in presence of non-condensable gas is safety relevant in case of loss-of-coolant accidents in pressurised water reactors. Non-condensable gas reduces the heat and mass transfer in the vapour phase, especially with low steam velocities. Insufficient heated emergency core cooling water can cause thermal shocks at the reactor pressure vessel for example. Within the scope of a research project supported by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft (BMWI) experiments have been performed to study the effect of non condensable gases on direct contact condensation at horizontal stratified steam/water flow. The paper presents the laser-optical measurement technique linear Raman spectroscopy for determination of concentration profiles in the vapour phase and temperature profiles in the liquid phase with high local resolution. The film theory, described in this paper, allows the approximation of these measured concentration profiles and therefore the calculation of local heat and mass transfer. If homogenous condensation occurs, the fog density in the vapour phase can also be estimated by means of Raman spectroscopy. Steady state and transient experiments are presented.
Mathematical efficiency calibration in gamma spectroscopy
Authors: Kaminski S. , Pruisken J. , Wilhelm Chr. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mathematical efficiency calibration with the LabSOCS software was introduced for two detectors in the measurement laboratory of the Central Safety Department of Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe. In the present contribution, conventional efficiency calibration of gamma spectroscopy systems and mathematical efficiency calibration with LabSOCS are compared with respect to their performance, uncertainties, expenses, and results. It is reported about the experience gained, and the advantages and disadvantages of both methods of efficiency calibration are listed. The results allow the conclusion to be drawn that mathematical efficiency calibration is a real alternative to conventional efficiency calibration of gamma spectroscopy systems as obtained by measurements of mixed gamma ray standard sources.
New architecture of leaf-tents in American oil palms (Elaeis oleifera) used by Pacific tent-making bat (Uroderma convexum) in Panama
Authors: Cvecko Patrick , Brändel Stefan D. , Hiller Thomas , Rose Andreas , Bechler Jan P. , Page Rachel A. , Tschapka Marco 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this study, we report for the first time the use of the American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) as roost by the Neotropical Pacific tent-making bat (Uroderma convexum). Palms with tent roosts consisting of modified leaves were found within the semi-deciduous lowland rainforest in Panama. We present detailed information on a new style of leaf modifications and compare these to tent architectures in other palm species used by U. convexum.