bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of exercise therapy on chemotherapy delivery and response in primary breast cancer: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Iyengar Neil M. , Scott Jessica M. , Lee Jasme , Lavery Jessica A. , Foug Katherine L. , Lee Catherine P. , Michalski Meghan G. , Chun Su S. , Harrison Jenna , Moskowitz Chaya S. , Jones Lee W.
Published: September 2024

Background

Whether structured exercise therapy improves chemotherapy delivery, tolerability, and tumor response is unclear.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a phase 2 trial investigating exercise therapy (n = 72) versus usual care (n = 72) in patients with primary breast cancer. Exercise therapy comprised individualized treadmill walking three times weekly for 20–50 minutes per session at 55%–100% of pretreatment exercise capacity. Chemotherapy delivery was assessed according to the relative dose intensity (RDI), tolerability was assessed according to patient‐reported outcomes and blood laboratory values, and response was assessed based on the pathologic complete response rate in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

In the exercise therapy group, 51 patients (71%) reached 100% RDI (median, 100%; interquartile range, 100%–100%) compared with 41 patients (57%) in the usual care group (median, 100%; interquartile range, 95%–100%; p = .08). Tolerability was similar in both groups; the rates of grade 3 or higher neutropenia and anemia were 22% versus 39% and 7% versus 10% in the exercise and usual care groups, respectively. In patients who received anthracyclines (n = 104), 41 (77%) had 100% chemotherapy RDI in the exercise therapy group versus 29 (57%) in the usual care group (p = .026). In the neoadjuvant chemotherapy subgroup (n = 51 tumors), the postneoadjuvant therapy (yp) pathologic complete response (ypT0ypN0) rate was 27% (95% confidence interval, 12%–50%) in the exercise therapy group compared with 28% (95% confidence interval, 13%–47%) in the usual care group (p > .9).

Conclusions

In patients with primary breast cancer, exercise therapy was associated with improved delivery of anthracycline‐based chemotherapy. Although exercise therapy was not significantly associated with tumor response, effects varied by tumor subtype (trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01943695).
Survival outcomes of neoadjuvant versus adjuvant therapy in patients with T1c, node‐negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population‐based study
Authors: Wang Xuelian , Shang Yuhang , Zhang Jiayang , Liu Jiangwei , Fang Zhengbo , Liu Yansong , Cheng Weilun , Duan Yunqiang , Hu Anbang , Zhang Jiarui , Li Mingcui , Li Yanling , Zhang Hanyu , Rong Zhiyuan , S. Shakila Suborna , Kong Fanjing , Guo Baoliang
Published: September 2024

Background

Persistent debates exist regarding the superiority of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) over adjuvant therapy (AT) for patients with T1c, node‐negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive (HER2+) breast cancer, and relevant guidelines for these patients are lacking.

Methods

Data on patients with T1cN0M0‐stage HER2+ breast cancer who received chemotherapy and surgery were extracted from 2010 to 2020 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create well‐balanced cohorts for the NAT and AT groups. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the differences between NAT and AT in terms of overall survival (OS) and breast cancer–specific survival (BCSS). Additionally, logistic regression models were used to explore factors associated with response to NAT.

Results

After PSM, 2140 patient pairs were successfully matched, which achieved a balanced distribution between the NAT and AT groups. KM curves revealed similar OS and BCSS between patients receiving NAT and those undergoing AT. A multivariate Cox model identified achieving pathological complete response (pCR) after NAT, compared with AT, as a protective prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.35–0.77; p < .001) and BCSS (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37–0.98; p = .041). A logistic regression model revealed that White race and hormone receptor–negative status independently predicted pCR.

Conclusions

For patients with T1cN0M0‐stage HER2+ breast cancer, NAT demonstrated comparable OS and BCSS to AT. Patients who achieved pCR after NAT exhibited significantly better survival outcomes compared with those who received AT.
Pharmacokinetics of Two Formulations of Altrenogest Administered to Mares
Authors: Loy Jaymie , Cawley Adam , Sornalingam Kireesan , Scrivener Colin J. , Keledjian John , Noble Glenys K.
Published: September 2024

Altrenogest is a synthetic progestin that suppresses reproductive behaviours and assists pregnancy maintenance in female horses. Two formulations are available, a 'weekly' intramuscular injection and a daily oral formulation. Altrenogest administration has returned positive swabs for steroids; consequently, using injectable altrenogest in racing mares is prohibited. Oral administration may be permitted in race mares if there is one clear day between dosing and racing. The only pharmacokinetic data available were generated from geldings. Therefore, to assist veterinarians and analysts in determining accurate dosing and detection intervals, pharmacokinetic analysis using mares is required. Blood samples were taken from 10 mares pretreatment to obtain baseline concentrations. Mares were administered altrenogest, either oral (PO; 0.044 mg/kg; daily for 15 days) or intramuscular (IM; 0.3 mg/kg; twice; Days 0 and 7). On the first and last treatment day, blood samples were taken at designated times post dosing. After a 3‐week washout, mares received the alternative treatment with sampling repeated. At the initial dose, for IM administration mean (± SD) plasma altrenogest Cmax was 18.0 ± 6.6 ng/mL at 7.9 ± 3.9 h compared with PO dosing 13.2 ± 5.8 ng/mL at 0.8 ± 0.8 h. Plasma Cmax on the final day was significantly higher (p = 0.002 [IM]; p = 0.006 [PO]). At 24 h post final oral treatment, mean (± SD) plasma altrenogest was 1.0 ± 0.8 ng/mL and at 48 h were 0.65 ± 0.5 ng/mL. Plasma concentrations well exceeding this may indicate that the one clear day rule or dosage recommendations have not been adhered to.
High‐Throughput Equine Doping Controls on a Trapped Ion Mobility Quadrupole‐Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometer: Technical Considerations of dia/slice/prmPASEF Applied to the Long‐Term Detection of Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Delcourt Vivian , Pinetre Justine , Chabot Benjamin , Barnabé Agnès , Cacault Marie , Loup Benoit , Becher François , Fenaille François , Popot Marie‐Agnès , Garcia Patrice , Bailly‐Chouriberry Ludovic
Published: September 2024

Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) methods employing a scanning quadrupole were recently described across multiple platforms. These strategies display remarkable performances in untargeted proteomics studies thanks to rapid duty cycles, leading to ultrashort liquid chromatography gradients while maintaining enough data points per peaks when coupled to fast‐scanning mass analyzer. In this article, we perform the evaluation of three data acquisition strategies named diaPASEF,slicePASEF, and prmPASEF on a trapped ion mobility spectrometry quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight (TIMS‐Q‐TOF) mass spectrometer for high‐throughput doping control screening analyses. We report that slicePASEF outperforms diaPASEF and is almost as sensitive as prmPASEF in detecting humanized monoclonal antibodies for several weeks in equine plasma after administration. We observed that diaPASEF is still providing the best performances in untargeted proteomics studies employing high amounts of input materials, which is linked with the high complexity of slicePASEF data and current processing algorithms.
Suitability of Hair Testing in Medical Dispensing Errors: A Fatal Case of Gliclazide Poisoning
Authors: Riess S. , Klinger N. , Roussel O. , Cheze M. , Gonçalves R. , Cirimele V.
Published: September 2024

A patient was prescribed a new treatment, 40 mg furosemide. Her pharmacist mistakenly dispensed 40 mg gliclazide instead. After 3 weeks of treatment, the patient was found in a coma, was hospitalised and died after a week. Hair sample was collected during post‐mortem examination and tested for gliclazide on three 2 cm sections, starting at the root end. Hair strands were decontaminated, segmented and incubated in the presence of diazepam‐d5, and a solid–liquid extraction has been performed. Finally, toxicological analyses were performed by UFLC Shimadzu Prominence ‐ MS/MS Sciex 6500 QTRAP. Gliclazide was found on the proximal (238 pg/mg), median (77 pg/mg) and distal (69 pg/mg) segments. The concentration in the proximal segment was largely higher than in the other two, which demonstrates repeated intake of gliclazide by the patient during at least the last 2 months before death. The lower concentrations in the medial and distal segments, as well as a part of the concentration in the proximal segment, may be linked to external hair contamination. These could be due to either radial sweat diffusion, possibly occurring in the last week hospitalisation of the patient, or to biological fluids contamination during post‐mortem examination. This case illustrates the opportunity to confirm slow and fatal chronic poisoning by gliclazide using hair analysis and shows the benefit of hair testing for the investigation of medical or dispensing errors.
La(OTf)3‐Mediated [3+3]‐Annulation of Benzoxepines and Aminocrotonates: Easy Access to Bridged Bicyclic Benzoxepine Heterocycles†
Authors: Teja Kolla Sai , Hariprasad Kurma Siva , Balasubramanian Sridhar , Raju Bhimapaka China
Published: September 2024

A new and effective method for making bridged bicyclic benzoxepine derivatives were devised through the intermolecular [3+3]‐annulation of benzoxepine‐3‐carboxylates with aminocrotonates in the presence of La(OTf)3. The compounds were formed through reactions involving the benzoxepine moiety's C‐3 and C‐5 carbons to produce C−C and C−N bonds. One of the compound structure (±) 12‐ethyl‐6‐methyl‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐2,3,4,7‐tetrahydro‐3,7‐methano benzo[h][1,4]‐oxazonine‐6,12‐dicarboxylate was confirmed by single crystal X‐ray analysis.
Matcha and exercise synergy: Elucidating mechanisms and central signaling pathways modulating glycolipid metabolism in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Zhou Jihong , Ding Lejia , Chen Wei , Tan Yanliang , Xie Dengchao , Wang Yuefei
Published: September 2024

Matcha green tea, renowned for its rich composition of catechin, theanine, caffeine, and fiber‐bound polyphenols, distinguishes itself with heightened bioavailability and promising potential in addressing obesity and metabolic disorders. Our comprehensive analysis delved into matcha's components and antioxidant activity. Employing a multi‐omics approach, we explored the synergistic effects of matcha combined with voluntary exercise, focusing on anti‐obesity outcomes in high‐fat diet mice. Our findings revealed that matcha co‐exercise significantly mitigates glycolipid metabolism abnormalities, increasing serum antioxidant enzymes. This combination notably influences peripheral metabolism, especially amino acids and their metabolisms. Moreover, the observed activation of the BMP‐SMAD signaling in the hypothalamus implies a central regulatory role mediating matcha co‐exercise effects. Collectively, these findings underscore matcha's potential as a robust adjunct in mitigating obesity through antioxidant and metabolic regulation, supporting its use as a promising supplement to enhance exercise benefits in combating obesity.
Global, regional, and national burdens of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly population from 1999 to 2019: A trend analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Su Mengdan , Wang Tianhong , Zou Congcong , Cao Keyu , Liu Fei
Published: September 2024

Dementia represents a significant health issue, afflicting both patients and their families. To assess the global trends in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias in the elderly population, the Global Burden of Disease Study (1999−2019) was used. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) was estimated using linear regression. Stratified analysis of the global trends by age, sex, region, national level, and social development index (SDI) were also performed. The global incidence of AD and other dementias increased from 507.96 per 100,000 in 1990 to 569.39 per 100,000 in 2019, showing a significant increase in this period. In males, the incidence increased from 387.56 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 462.40 per 100,000 in 2019 (AAPC = 0.61), whereas females experienced a slower rise (AAPC = 0.31) and had a higher incidence in 2019 (662.93 per 100,000 population). The most significant increase was observed in individuals aged 60−64 and those in the middle‐SDI quintile. Regionally, the high‐income Asia Pacific had the highest incidence (890.01 per 100,000 population) and DALYs (3043.86 per 100,000) in AD and other dementias in 2019. As for national trends, Japan had the most pronounced increase in the incidence and DALYs of AD and other dementias during the 1990−2019 period. These findings highlight the growing burden of dementias on life expectancy at a population level, which is significant for healthcare professionals and decision‐makers to conduct the ongoing debate on the policy of AD and other dementias.
New players in the landscape of renal cell carcinoma bone metastasis and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Cesana Beatrice , Cochet Claude , Filhol Odile
Published: September 2024

Approximately one‐third of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients develop osteolytic bone metastases, leading to skeletal complications. In this review, we first provide a comprehensive perspective of seminal studies on bone metastasis of RCC describing the main molecular modulators and growth factor signaling pathways most important for the RCC‐stimulated osteoclast‐mediated bone destruction. We next focus on newer developments revealing with in‐depth details, the bidirectional interplay between renal cancer cells and the immune and stromal microenvironment that can through epigenetic reprogramming, profoundly affect the behaviors of transformed cells. Understanding their mechanistic interactions is of paramount importance for advancing both fundamental and translational research. These new investigations into the landscape of RCC‐bone metastasis offer novel insights and identify potential avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
Performance of point‐of‐care glucose testing for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes in South Africa
Authors: Khambule L. , Chikomba C. , Adam Y. , Khan L. , Haldane C. , Vetter B. , George J.
Published: September 2024

Objective

Lack of accessibility to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in South Africa means many pregnant women go without testing for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study evaluated point‐of‐care (POC) glucometers against the laboratory‐based glucose method in pregnant women.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study on pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic in Johannesburg who were recommended for the OGTT. OGTTs were conducted as per International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) guidelines. Women who consented to the study donated both venous and capillary blood for laboratory‐based and POC glucose measurements using seven POC glucometers: I‐STAT, Xpress, LDX, VivaChek‐Ino, Accu‐Chek Active, StatStrip, and Codefree. By assessing sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and comparing Bland–Altman plots, the diagnostic accuracy of each glucose meter was compared with the reference method, the laboratory‐based glucose method.

Results

Data were analyzed for 1076 pregnant women. Based on OGTT testing, 83 women had GDM (7.7%). Overall, the POC glucometers performed poorly, with sensitivity ranging from 17.6% to 87.18% and specificity ranging between 62.7% and 99.8%. The AUC ranged from 0.59 to 0.79. All POC glucometers showed moderate to poor reliability. Laboratory‐based fasting plasma glucose (FPG) surpassed the POC glucometers in sensitivity, specificity, and AUC, with values of 94.0%, 100%, and 0.98, respectively.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that laboratory‐based FPG has the potential to be used as a diagnostic test for GDM and that the POC glucometers cannot replace OGTT laboratory‐based measurements.
Multisystem organ failure secondary to group a streptococcal sepsis in a non‐pregnant female
Authors: Kalata M. , Claflin I.
Published: September 2024

Synopsis

In multisystem organ failure, clinicians should consider gynecologic origin for source of infection. Obtaining early tissue samples can be a critical component in source control.
Actively changing the narrative: An exploration of culturally grounded parenting and social skills
Authors: Suma Katharine , Morton LaRen , Allen KeLa , Caughy Margaret O.
Published: September 2024

Recognizing culturally salient aspects of socialization practices and understanding how these practices support culturally valued aspects of development is an integral component in conducting anti‐racist research and validating the lived experiences of minoritized families. With this aim, we explored how Active Direction, an observational rating of an African American approach to parenting measured during mother–child interactions at age 2.5 (n = 172), supported social skills and emotion regulation for children living in a Southwestern metropolitan area of the United States concurrently, in kindergarten (n = 109), and in 1st grade (n = 108). Descriptive findings indicated few significant associations between Active Direction and socials skills or emotion regulation. Exploratory analyses, which included traditional parenting behavior measures of Sensitivity and Intrusiveness, also indicated limited significant relations between any measure of parenting and child skills. However, moderation analyses indicated that high levels of Active Direction attenuated the effects of sensitivity on aspects of child social skills. The lack of significant findings across the current study highlight how extant measures—of child social skills and parentings behaviors—are not performing as expected within these African American families.
Analgesic effects of co‐administration of mirogabalin and diclofenac sodium on neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Chikubu Hiroto , Inage Kazuhide , Orita Sumihisa , Shiga Yasuhiro , Inoue Masahiro , Shimizu Keisuke , Suzuki‐Narita Miyako , Tajiri Ikuko , Mukai Michiaki , Nozaki‐Taguchi Natsuko , Ohtori Seiji
Published: September 2024

Co‐administration of mirogabalin besylate and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs is effective for neuropathic pain; however, mechanism of its action remains unknown. We aimed to evaluate the mechanism of this synergistic effect of the concomitant administration for neuropathic pain using chronic constriction injury model rats. Fifty male Wister rats of 7‐week‐old were used. Right sciatic nerve ligation was performed in 40 rats and they were sub‐divided into four groups: vehicle, mirogabalin, diclofenac sodium and co‐administration of them. Ten rats underwent sham surgery. Fluorogold was attached to sciatic nerve during surgery. Von Frey filament and weight bearing tests were performed on postoperative Day 6 as behavioral assessments and drug was administrated intraperitoneally. Half rats in each group underwent behavioral assessment and perfusion fixation using 4% paraformaldehyde on postoperative Day 7 and remaining on postoperative Day 14. Subsequently, dorsal root ganglion at L4 to L6 was collected and examined immunohistochemistry for calcitonin gene‐related peptide, and their immunoreactivity in fluorogold‐labeled neurons was measured. Spinal cord at lumbar swelling was resected, immunostained for ionized‐calcium‐binding adapter molecule‐1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein, and immunoreactive neurons in dorsal horn of spinal cords were calculated as the occupancy of them. Mirogabalin suppresses the neuropeptide‐release from presynaptic afferent neuron directly and it resulted in suppressing glia cells activation. Diclofenac sodium inhibits cyclooxygenase‐2 and prostaglandin production, related to allodynia. These effects of mirogabalin and diclofenac sodium, respectively, inhibited glia cells strongly, which is presumed to be one of the mechanisms for the effectiveness of their co‐administration for neuropathic pain.
Association between longitudinal changes in phase angle and mortality rate in adults critically ill with COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: García‐Grimaldo Alan , Trujillo‐Mercado Ander Samuel , Rodríguez‐Moguel Nadia Carolina , Rios‐Ayala Martin Armando , Hernandez‐Cardenas Carmen Margarita , Osuna‐Padilla Ivan Armando
Published: September 2024

Background

Phase angle (PhA) obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) works as a predictor of clinical outcomes. Specific cutoff values for longitudinal changes and their relationship with clinical outcomes are still undetermined for patients with critical illness. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the association between longitudinal changes in PhA during intensive care unit (ICU) stay and all‐cause 90‐day mortality in patients critically ill with COVID‐19.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of adults critically ill with COVID‐19 undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation with a length of stay >14 days. BIA was performed at ICU admission and at days 7 and 14 of ICU stay; PhA and hydration parameters were collected. Differences between survivors and nonsurvivors were assessed. Longitudinal changes were evaluated using repeated‐measures analysis of variance. A receiver operating characteristics curve for PhA declined (%) during the first 14 days, and all‐cause 90‐day mortality was performed. Survival probability was reported using hazard ratios (HR).

Results

One‐hundred nine patients were included. The change in the value of PhA was close to 17.1%. Nonsurvivors had a higher prevalence of individuals with a decrease in PhA >22.2% (area under the curve = 0.65) in the first 14 days in comparison with survivors (70% vs 34.8%, P < 0.01). PhA decrease >22.2% at 14 days was a significant predictor of all‐cause 90‐day mortality (HR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.71–3.6, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Changes in PhA are associated with all‐cause 90‐day mortality. Future studies should be directed to interventions to prevent changes in this nutrition marker.
Congressional briefing a call to action in addressing maternal MH suicide
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2024

Approximately 20% of the perinatal population will suffer from a maternal mental health disorder, but less than 20% of the perinatal population ever receives mental health treatment, attendees heard during a congressional briefing on maternal health and suicide in the perinatal population held on Sept. 10, on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Outpatient treatment carries a heavy price tag for the poor
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2024

Low‐income individuals in the U.S. bear a heavy burden in out‐of‐pocket costs for outpatient mental health care, newly published data suggest. Results of a study covering the period from 2018 to 2021 also illustrate some of the real‐world difficulties in achieving full insurance parity for mental health conditions.
Most adults would seek MH care if advised by faith leader
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2024

Most adults have said they believe that their faith or spirituality is important for their mental wellness, according to a survey released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) assessing the relationship between faith and mental health. Additionally, a majority of the individuals who responded to the poll would pursue mental health care if it were recommended by their faith leader.
Comprehensive approach used to help youth with MH, SU issues
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2024

Focusing on the specific needs of youth with mental health and substance use issues while also addressing health care inequities are the objectives behind a program developed by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
CDC examines economic, social factors in lowering suicide risk
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2024

Insurance coverage, broadband internet access and household income are some examples of the kinds of county‐related factors that can play an important role in lowering suicide risk, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vital Signs report released Sept. 10.
Least squares estimation of uncertain partial differential equations
Authors: Yang Lu , Liu Yang
Published: September 2024

Since parameter estimation of uncertain partial differential equations (UPDEs) is a classical problem with broad applications and relevance across various practical domains, this study introduces a novel approach for estimating unknown parameters, combining least squares estimation with the residuals of UPDEs. At first, analytical formulae of the residuals are established, considering that the residual serves as a link between UPDEs and least squares estimation. Subsequently, the uncertain least squares estimation of UPDEs is performed and is verified using an empirical example. Moreover, uncertain least squares estimation is performed to model the male population density in Chinese cities, with uncertain hypothesis test conducted to evaluate the fitness of the estimated parameters.
Attention‐enhanced multiscale feature fusion network for pancreas and tumor segmentation
Authors: Dong Kaiqi , Hu Peijun , Zhu Yan , Tian Yu , Li Xiang , Zhou Tianshu , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo , Li Jingsong
Published: September 2024

Background

Accurate pancreas and pancreatic tumor segmentation from abdominal scans is crucial for diagnosing and treating pancreatic diseases. Automated and reliable segmentation algorithms are highly desirable in both clinical practice and research.

Purpose

Segmenting the pancreas and tumors is challenging due to their low contrast, irregular morphologies, and variable anatomical locations. Additionally, the substantial difference in size between the pancreas and small tumors makes this task difficult. This paper proposes an attention‐enhanced multiscale feature fusion network (AMFF‐Net) to address these issues via 3D attention and multiscale context fusion methods.

Methods

First, to prevent missed segmentation of tumors, we design the residual depthwise attention modules (RDAMs) to extract global features by expanding receptive fields of shallow layers in the encoder. Second, hybrid transformer modules (HTMs) are proposed to model deep semantic features and suppress irrelevant regions while highlighting critical anatomical characteristics. Additionally, the multiscale feature fusion module (MFFM) fuses adjacent top and bottom scale semantic features to address the size imbalance issue.

Results

The proposed AMFF‐Net was evaluated on the public MSD dataset, achieving 82.12% DSC for pancreas and 57.00% for tumors. It also demonstrated effective segmentation performance on the NIH and private datasets, outperforming previous State‐Of‐The‐Art (SOTA) methods. Ablation studies verify the effectiveness of RDAMs, HTMs, and MFFM.

Conclusions

We propose an effective deep learning network for pancreas and tumor segmentation from abdominal CT scans. The proposed modules can better leverage global dependencies and semantic information and achieve significantly higher accuracy than the previous SOTA methods.
Experimental validation of a FLUKA Monte Carlo simulation for carbon‐ion radiotherapy monitoring via secondary ion tracking
Authors: Ochoa‐Parra Pamela , Schweins Luisa , Abbani Nelly , Ghesquière‐Diérickx Laura , Gehrke Tim , Jakubek Jan , Marek Lukas , Granja Carlos , Dinkel Fabian , Echner Gernot , Winter Marcus , Mairani Andrea , Harrabi Semi , Jäkel Oliver , Debus Jürgen , Martišíková Mária , Kelleter Laurent
Published: September 2024

Background

In‐vivo monitoring methods of carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) includes explorations of nuclear reaction products generated by carbon‐ion beams interacting with patient tissues. Our research group focuses on in‐vivo monitoring of CIRT using silicon pixel detectors. Currently, we are conducting a prospective clinical trial as part of the In‐Vivo Monitoring project (InViMo) at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) in Germany. We are using an innovative, in‐house developed, non‐contact fragment tracking system with seven mini‐trackers based on the Timepix3 technology developed at CERN.

Purpose

This article focuses on the implementation of the mini‐tracker in Monte Carlo (MC) based on FLUKA simulations to monitor secondary charged nuclear fragments in CIRT. The main objective is to systematically evaluate the simulation accuracy for the InViMo project.

Methods

The implementation involved integrating the mini‐tracker geometry and the scoring mechanism into the FLUKA MC simulation, utilizing the finely tuned HIT beam line. The systematic investigation included varying mini‐tracker angles (from to in steps) during the irradiation of a head‐sized phantom with therapeutic carbon‐ion pencil beams. To evaluate our implemented FLUKA framework, a comparison was made between the experimental data and data obtained from MC simulations. To ensure the fidelity of our comparison, experiments were performed at the HIT using the parameters and setup established in the simulations.

Results

Our research demonstrates high accuracy in reproducing characteristic behaviors and dependencies of the monitoring method in terms of fragment distributions in the mini‐tracker, track angles, emission profiles, and fragment numbers. Discrepancies in the number of detected fragments between the experimental data and the data obtained from MC simulations are less than 4% for the angles of interest in the InViMo detection system.

Conclusions

Our study confirms the potential of our simulation framework to investigate the performance of monitoring inter‐fractional anatomical changes in patients undergoing CIRT using secondary nuclear charged fragments escaping from the irradiated patient.
Design of bionic water jet thruster with double‐chamber driven by electromagnetic force
Authors: Cao Chong , Zhang Yasong , Zhang Chengchun , Shen Chun , Cheng Wen , Wei Zhenjiang , Wu Zhengyang , Ren Luquan
Published: September 2024

In response to the limitations of the single‐chamber water jet thruster used in underwater vehicles mimicked by natural cephalopods, a novel approach involving a double‐chamber water jet thruster has been proposed. This thruster utilizes electromagnetic force to manipulate the diaphragm, thereby altering the volume of the upper and lower chambers to achieve water jet propulsion. Experimental investigations were conducted to determine the tensile length‐force characteristics of the diaphragm made of Agileus30. Subsequently, key parameters of essential propulsion components, such as solenoid coils, electromagnets, and currents, were established based on the tensile length‐force curve, and the propulsion capabilities of the system were evaluated through theoretical analysis. Theoretical assessments indicate that the system does not produce reverse thrust regardless of whether the coil moves up or down. Further experimental results demonstrate that the maximum peak propulsion force generated by the dual‐chamber water jet thruster within a 3‐s cycle is 0.253 N.
Poor nutrition status associated with low patient satisfaction six months into treatment for head and neck/esophageal cancer treatment: A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Widaman Adrianne M. , Day Andrew G. , Kuhn Maggie A. , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Baracos Vickie , Findlay Merran , Bauer Judith D. , de van der Schueren Marian , Laviano Alessandro , Martin Lisa , Gramlich Leah
Published: September 2024

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures have been associated with survival in oncology patients. Altered intake and malnutrition are common symptoms for patients treated for head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer (HNC/EC). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between patient‐reported satisfaction with medical care and nutrition status.

Methods

This prospective cohort study collected data from 11 international cancer care sites.

Results

One hundred and sixtythree adult patients (n = 115 HNC; n = 48 EC) completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire (the Canadian Health Care Evaluation Project Lite) and were included. HNC/EC patient global satisfaction with medical care was 88.3/100 ± 15.3 at baseline and remained high at 86.6/100 ± 16.8 by 6 months (100 max satisfaction score). Poor nutrition status, as defined by the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form, was associated with lower patient satisfaction with overall medical care, relationship with doctors, illness management, communication, and decision‐making 6 months into treatment (P < 0.01). There was no difference in global satisfaction between patients who did and did not report swallowing difficulty (P = 0.99) and patients with and without feeding tube placement (P = 0.36). Patients who were seen by a dietitian for at least one nutrition assessment had global satisfaction with care that was 16.7 percentage points higher than those with no nutrition assessment (89.3 ± 13.8 vs 72.6 ± 23.6; P = 0.005)

Conclusion

In HNC/EC patient‐centered oncology care, decreasing malnutrition risk and providing access to dietitian‐led nutrition assessments should be prioritized and supported to improve patient satisfaction and standard of care. Feeding tube placement did not decrease patient satisfaction with medical care.
Achieving a high‐performance anti‐corrosive polyvinyl ester based on bisphenol a coating by addition of polyaniline‐Cu‐based metal organic framework composite
Authors: Bolghari Amir Jafari , Mostafapour Amir , Hosseini Mir Ghasem , Sefidi Pariya Yardani
Published: September 2024

Corrosion of steel is one of the challenging issues that researchers has focused on it. Among corrosion control methods, organic coatings with suitable lifetime and efficiency are a great of interest. In the present research, polyaniline‐ copper‐based metal organic framework (PANI‐Cu‐MOF) is synthesized using in‐situ oxidation polymerization method and successfully characterized with different techniques. Then, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt. % of PANI‐Cu‐MOF composite are added to vinyl ester (VE) resin based on bisphenol A and coated on ST37 steel. The performance of the as‐prepared coatings on ST37 is evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for 360 h. The EIS results showed that loading of PANI‐Cu‐MOF (0.5 wt. %) in VE led to the highest protective properties against aggressive species with |Z|0.01 Hz = 6.76 × 107 Ωcm2 after 360 h. The uniform distribution of PANI‐Cu‐MOF composite in VE and its hydrophobic property causes a delay in the penetration of the corrosive species into the coating, thus increasing the corrosion resistance.

Highlights

PANI‐Cu‐MOF composite is embedded to VE resin as novel anti‐corrosive pigment.

The highest Rcoat are achieved for VE‐PANI‐Cu‐MOF 0.5 wt. %.

In the presence of PANI‐Cu‐MOF, the corrosive species penetrations decreased.
Investigating the effect of GO‐ZnO nano‐hybrid on the mechanical, rheological, and degradation performance of poly (butylene succinate)
Authors: Khaleghi Razieh , Dadashi Parsa , Babaei Amir
Published: September 2024

This paper reports on preparing two types of graphene oxide‐zinc oxide (GO‐ZnO) nano‐hybrids and their effect on the performance of polybutylene succinate (PBS) matrix. This view synthesized GO, ZnO, and GO‐ZnO nano‐hybrids at 1:1 and 1:2 weight ratios. Subsequently, various spectroscopy and microscopy analyses (FTIR, UV, Raman, AFM, and TEM) were employed to characterize the structure of synthesized nanomaterials. The obtained results revealed that the hybridization was successfully occurred and microstructure of two types of prepared nano‐hybrids are basically different depending on the preparation procedure. Following this, PBS nanocomposites with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt% of GO‐ZnO nano‐hybrids (NPs) were produced via the solvent‐blending method. The mechanical, microstructural, rheological, biodegradability and UV‐shielding properties of the fabricated films were then investigated. Mechanical properties showed that addition of 0.5 wt% ZnO‐GO nanohybrids improved elongation at break from 21.6% to 28.7% and increased tensile strength by 20%. However, rheological assessments showed a one‐order‐of‐magnitude decrease in viscosity with the addition of only 0.5 wt%. In degradation analysis, 100 percent of mass loss was observed during 5 weeks for PBS with 1.5 wt% of GO‐ZnO. PBS/GO‐ZnO nanocomposites indicated tailored mechanical properties, biodegradability, suggesting a promising potential in packaging applications.

Highlights

GO‐ZnO nanohybrids were successfully synthesized.

Incorporating GO‐ZnO into PBS improved its hydrolytic degradation

The thermal decomposition of PBS was accelerated by the addition of GO‐ZnO.

Adding GO‐ZnO nanohybrids to PBS resulted in a drop in viscosity.

Nanohybrids with higher ZnO content exhibited greater hydrolytic and thermal degradation.
Synergistic impact of hybrid carbon nanotube and graphene on crystallinity and thermo‐mechanical behavior of polymer blends
Authors: Rajabifar Nariman , Ghanemi Somaye , Rostami Amir , Bahrami Mostafa
Published: September 2024

Polymer nanocomposites boast complex microstructures with instant control of final performance, including mechanical strength, thermal stability, and crystallinity. Although tremendous studies have been devoted to understanding the structure–property relation of polymer nanocomposites, the effect of simultaneous nanomaterial contents on binary polymers remains unclear. Here, we report how the microstructure and rheological characteristics are subject to change upon adding a hybrid multi‐walled carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP). We choose a refined binary system based on polypropylene (PP) as a commodity polymer with proven long‐standing applications, alongside ethylene‐butylene copolymer (EBC) with a random ethylene and butylene monomers orientation for better impact strength acquisition. Rheology and microscopy imaging support an adequate dispersion of both materials across the PP/EBC blend, similar to when a single‐particle nanocomposite is examined. Beyond investigating the heterogeneous nucleation role of CNT and GNP, the crystallinity rate and the half‐time parameter for completing the ordered transformation are calculated using the Avrami equations. The thermal stability as well as the mechanical properties of all nanocomposites reveal improved resilience under heat and external stress, leading to a rising trend in decomposition temperature, tensile strength, and modulus.

Highlights

Synergistic effect of hybrid CNT and GNP on the thermal stability of PP/EBC.

The impact of hybrid CNT and GNP on crystallization kinetics.

Improvement of the mechanical performance with CNT/GNP loading.

Role of PP‐g‐MA on the dispersion and distribution of CNT and GNP.
Development of stab resistant armor for different energy levels using shear thickening fluid reinforced multi‐layered p‐aramid fabrics
Authors: Das Jyotirmoy , Butola Bhupendra Singh , Majumdar Abhijit
Published: September 2024

Stab‐resistant armors are important protective gear for the law enforcement officers and security forces. This research attempts to develop stab‐resistant armors for different impact energy levels using multi‐layer neat and shear thickening fluid (STF)‐ treated Kevlar® fabrics. The developed panels were tested using National Institute of Justice's (NIJ) P1 knife at wide range of stabbing energy from 6 to 36 J. The panel containing 16 layers of STF‐treated Kevlar® fabric met the requirements at normal and over‐test conditions showing penetration depth lower than 7 and 20 mm, respectively. For stabbing at high energy level (≥ 24 J), the effect of number of Kevlar® fabric layers was found to be highly beneficial in case of STF‐treated condition and not so for the neat one. STF treatment reduced the stab penetration depth by 40%–68% at 24–36 J energy level without any increase in effective weight of the panel. The fabric‐knife interaction was also studied using a novel sharpness tester and optical microscopy. It was found that the tip of knife deformes and sharpness declines at a faster rate in case of STF‐treated fabric. The study opens up possibilities to explore other materials that would damage the tip of knife during stabbing ensuring better protection.

Highlights

Stab resistant armor has been developed for different energy levels.

Effect of number of neat fabric layers is less pronounced at higher energy levels.

STF can reduce the penetration depth significantly at high energy levels.

Silica particles damage the knife tip during stabbing.

STF‐treated panels are lighter and efficacious than their neat counterparts.
Interlaminar fracture properties of UV and plasma‐treated glass fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Scarselli Gennaro , Prasad Vishnu , Quan Dong , Maffezzoli Alfonso , Murphy Neal , Ivankovic Alojz
Published: September 2024

Despite the low density and high specific strength properties, the fiber‐reinforced composites are characterized by a relatively low interlaminar fracture toughness and their ultimate properties are strongly affected by the fiber matrix adhesion. This study aims to investigate the influence of fiber surface treatments, such as UV and atmospheric plasma, and of the interfacial shear strength, on the flexural properties and Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of glass fiber epoxy composites. The vacuum‐assisted resin infusion technique is used for the composite fabrication. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis is used to observe and to explain the changes in the morphology of the fibers after surface treatment. Remarkably, the results showed an overall reduction in the mechanical properties. The interfacial shear strength values of the UV and plasma‐treated samples were reduced by 34.9% and 49.5% respectively. The flexural strength was reduced by 7.9% and 5.9% respectively. The Mode I fracture toughness values for the UV and plasma‐treated samples were also reduced by 49.8% and 62.2% respectively.

Highlights

UV and plasma treatments were performed on glass fibers to improve performance.

Push‐out tests were carried out to evaluate fiber/matrix adhesion.

An aerospace grade epoxy resin curing in thermal press‐clave was used.

Mechanical tests related Interfacial Shear Strength to composites performance.
Enhanced dry machinability of honeycomb‐reinforced ablative thermal protection composites by longitudinal ultrasonic‐assisted milling
Authors: Shi Zhanli , Yang Zhiyong , Hou Bo , Chen Chen , Bao Yongjie , Gong Yongjun
Published: September 2024

Honeycomb‐reinforced ablation thermal protection (HRATP) composites are widely used in aircraft thermal protection systems as one of the most effective thermal protection methods. The conventional milling (CM) method renders it susceptible to various processing damages, which directly affects the bonding strength of the whole component. Aiming at the poor surface quality caused by the large cutting force in the cutting process, a longitudinal ultrasonic‐assisted milling (LUAM) method was proposed, which realized the periodic separation of multi‐edge micro‐tooth milling cutter and workpiece, effectively reduced the cutting force and improved the surface quality. A motion trajectory model for a multi‐edge micro‐tooth milling cutter was developed, and an experimental study of LUAM was conducted. The effects of different tools and ultrasonic characterization parameters on cutting force, cutting temperature, and surface quality were compared and analyzed. The results of the comparison between the four different tools indicate that the multi‐edge micro‐tooth milling cutter exhibits the highest machining quality. Compared with CM, applying longitudinal ultrasonic vibration to the multi‐edge micro‐tooth milling cutter reduces the inlet burr length by 33.3%, and the chip was mainly removed in a small particle manner.

Highlights

A multi‐edge micro‐tooth LUAM model was established of HRATP composites.

Sensitivity analysis of milling and vibration parameters on temperature.

LUAM reduces the cutting temperature by 12.4% and the burr by 33.3%.

LUAM significantly enhanced the surface quality compared with CM.
STEM professional development of early childhood teachers
Authors: Erol Ahmet , İvrendi Asiye
Published: September 2024

Early childhood teachers are critical in promoting young children's STEM learning. However, research indicates that early childhood teachers are unfamiliar with STEM and do not have confidence in their abilities and skills to implement STEM education. Despite this issue, previous research has focused less on early childhood teachers' STEM professional development. This mixed‐method study investigated the effects of the STEM Professional Development Program (SPDP) on 12 early childhood teachers' attitudes toward STEM education, STEM practices, self‐efficacy, and instructional beliefs, which were used as pretest and posttest measures. The quantitative dimension of the study investigated the effects of the SPDP on early childhood teachers' attitudes and STEM practices, self‐efficacy, and instructional beliefs towards STEM education by using the pretest and posttest only, without a control group design. The qualitative dimension, participating teachers' experiences, perceptions about the SPDP, and thoughts about the SPDP's influence on their beliefs, self‐efficacy, and attitudes about STEM were explored using phenomenology design. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results showed that the SPDP positively affected teachers' self‐efficacy for STEM practices, attitudes toward STEM education, and instructional beliefs. Moreover, participating in the SPDP influenced teachers' perspectives on STEM education, supported their learning about STEM content, and increased their awareness of the importance of STEM in early childhood.
Causal Fermion Systems and Octonions
Authors: Finster Felix , Gresnigt Niels G. , Isidro José M. , Marcianò Antonino , Paganini Claudio F. , Singh Tejinder P.
Published: September 2024

The authors compare the structures and methods in the theory of causal fermion systems with approaches to fundamental physics based on division algebras, in particular the octonions. It is found that octonions and, more generally, tensor products of division algebras come up naturally to describe the symmetries of the vacuum configuration of a causal fermion system. This is achieved by associating the real and imaginary octonion basis elements with the neutrino and charged sectors of the vacuum fermionic projector, respectively. Conversely, causal fermion systems provide octonionic theories with spacetime structures and dynamical equations via the causal action principle. In this way, octonionic theories and causal fermion systems complement each other.
Matching the Vilkovisky–DeWitt Effective Action of Quantum Gravity to String Theory
Authors: Calmet Xavier , Kiritsis Elias , Kuipers Folkert , Lüst Dieter
Published: September 2024

In this work, the matching of the Vilkovisky–DeWitt effective action of quantum gravity is discussedwith an example of an ultra‐violet complete theory of quantum gravity. The authors show how this matching enables a calculation of the local Wilson coefficients of the effective action. Several examples in string theory are provided. Moreover, the matching conditions within the context of the swampland program are discussed.