bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Adults with Therapy-Related Acute Myeloid Leukemia: a Retrospective Multicentre Study on behalf of the SFGM-TC
Authors: Tavernier Emmanuelle , Rey Gaëlle , Daguenet Elisabeth , Bonjean Paul , Devillier Raynier , Fegueux Nathalie , Forcade Edouard , sr micha , chevalier patrice , robin marie , Suarez Felipe , Micol Jean-Baptiste , labussiere helene , Bilger Karin , Daguindau Etienne , Bay Jacques Olivier , Fayard Amandine , BULABOIS Claude-Eric , Nguyen-Quoc Stéphanie , Genthon Alexis , Orvain Corentin , TURLURE Pascal , Loschi Michael , Poire Xavier , Guillerm Gaella , Beguin Yves , Maillard Natacha , Mear jean-baptiste , Chalayer Emilie , Cornillon Jerome
Published: March 2023

We report the results from a multicentre retrospective study of 220 adult patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) for therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML). Median age at t-AML diagnosis was 56 years, with a prior history of haematological (45%) or gynaecological neoplasia (37%). Median time from cytotoxic exposure to t-AML diagnosis was 54.7 months. At transplant, around 20% of patients had measurable residual disease and 3% of patients were not in complete remission. The median follow-up was 21.4 months (Q1-Q3, 5.9–52.8). At 12 months, overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), and graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD)-free-relapse-free survival (GRFS) were 60.7% (95% CI 54.6–67.5), 52.8% (95% CI 46.5–68.4), and 44.1% (95% CI 37.6–51.8), respectively. At 5 years, OS, EFS, and GRFS were 44.1% (95% CI 37.4–52.1), 40.4% (95% CI 33.9–48.1), and 35.3% (95% CI 28.8–43.3), respectively. At last follow-up, 44% of patients were in complete remission (n = 96) and transplant-related mortality accounted for 39% of all deaths (n = 119). Multivariable analysis revealed that uncontrolled t-AML at transplant was associated with lower EFS (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.0-3.7, p = 0.041). In conclusion, alloHSCT for t-AML shows encouraging results and offers additional opportunity with the emergence of novel pre-graft therapies.
Distinct decadal modulation of Atlantic-Niño influence on ENSO
Authors: Park Jae-Heung , Kug Jong-Seong , Yang Young-Min , Sung Mi-Kyung , Kim Sunyong , Kim Hyo-Jeong , Park Hyo-Jin , An Soon-Il
Published: March 2023

The summer and winter Atlantic-Niño events are capable of triggering the El Niño–Southern oscillation (ENSO) in the subsequent winter with half-year and one-year leads, respectively. Here, we examine the interdecadal modulation of the effect of the Atlantic-Niños on ENSO by analyzing observational reanalysis datasets. During mid-Twentieth Century, the winter Atlantic-Niño intensified and expanded westward as a result of local warm and humid climates. Accordingly, convection occurred from the Amazon to the Atlantic, and the resulting atmospheric teleconnection induced trade wind discharging and equatorial Kelvin waves, leading to the development of ENSO. In contrast, during late-Twentieth Century, summer Atlantic-Niño events expanded westward as linked to the South American low-level jet, which induced strong convection over the Amazon to the Atlantic. This caused a modulated Walker circulation, which in turn triggered ENSO. We conclude that the prerequisite for the lagged relationship between Atlantic-Niño and ENSO events is a wide convection over the tropical South America to the Atlantic, which influences the level of atmospheric teleconnection toward the Pacific. It seems that climatological Pacific mean state plays some role in determining the lead-time of the Atlantic-Nino effect on the ENSO.
Effect of pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with adjustable suspension technique through natural channel on the treatment of primary vesicouretral reflux disease in infants
Authors: Cui Xu , Huang Wen-Hua , Wang Yun-Jin , Chen Liu , Zhang Jian-Qin , Zhou Chao-Ming
Published: March 2023

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with adjustable suspension technique through natural channel on the treatment of primary vesicouretral reflux disease in infants.
Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 31 infants who underwent pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with adjustable suspension technique through natural channel in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. We also collected the clinical data of 29 infants who underwent open Cohen surgery in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 as a control. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.
Result: All the pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery were successfully completed, and no one transferred to open surgery. The amount of bleeding, duration of postoperative analgesic, duration of postoperative hematuria, incision size and length of hospital stay in the pneumovesicoscopic surgery group were significantly lower than those in the open surgery group (P<0.05). The operation time of pneumovesicoscopic surgery group was significantly longer than that of open surgery group (P<0.05). Both groups were followed up 6 months after surgery. At the 6 months follow-up time, there were no significant differences in the degree of hydronephrosis, renal scar, renal atrophy, glomerular filtration rate, KIM-1 and MCP-1 expression between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Pneumovesicoscopic Cohen surgery with adjustable suspension technique through natural channel on the treatment of primary vesicouretral reflux disease in infants was safe and effective, it had the advantages of less trauma, quick recovery and good cosmetic effect.
Bone Scan Index (BSI) scoring by using bone scintigraphy and circulating tumor cells (CTCs): predictive factors for enzalutamide effectiveness in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases
Authors: Hirano Hisashi , Nagata Masayoshi , Nagaya Naoya , Nakamura So , Ashizawa Takeshi , Lu Yan , Kawano Haruna , Kitamura Kosuke , Sakamoto Yoshiro , Fujita Kazuhiko , Isobe Hideyuki , Tsujimura Akira , Muto Satoru , Horie Shigeo
Published: March 2023

Background
Reports of Bone Scan Index (BSI) calculations as imaging biomarkers to predict survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) have been mainly from retrospective studies. To evaluate the effectiveness of enzalutamide (ENZ) in Japanese patients with mCRPC and bone metastases using BSI (bone scintigraphy) and circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis.
Methods
Prospective, single-arm study at Juntendo University affiliated hospitals, Japan. Patients were administered 160 mg ENZ daily, with 3-monthly assessments: BSI, prostate specific antigen (PSA), CTC and androgen receptor splicing variant-7 (AR-V7) status. Primary endpoint: BSI-decreasing rate after ENZ treatment. Secondary endpoints: PSA and progression free survival (PFS). Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon t-test, Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and log-rank test.
Results
Median observation period: 17.9 months, and median PFS: 13.8 (2.0-43.9) months (n = 90 patients). At 3 months 67% patients showed a ≥ 50% PSA reduction, and 70% after ENZ treatment. At 3 months 20% patients showed a ≥ 50% BSI reduction (10% complete response [CR]; BSI value 0.00), and 38% patients (29% CR) at study end. PSA decline (3 months) significantly prolonged median PFS: 18.0 (estimated) vs 6.4 months (HR 2.977 [95% CI: 1.53–5.78], p = 0.001). Best BSI decline response significantly prolonged PFS: 18.1(estimated) vs 7.8 months (HR 2.045 [95% CI: 1.07–3.90], p = 0.029). CTC negative status (n = 20) significantly prolonged PFS: 13.4 [estimated] vs 8.6 months (HR 2.366, 95% CI: 0.97–5.71, p = 0.041). CTC positive/AR-V7 positive status significantly reduced PFS: 5.9 months (HR 8.56, 95%CI: 2.40–30.43, p = 0.0087).
Conclusions
PSA reduction (3 months), BSI reduction (after ENZ), and a negative CTC status were significant predictive factors for ENZ efficacy in patients with mCRPC.
Microbial Communities and Sulfur Isotopes of the Cenozoic Sulfurous Oil Reservoirs in the Southwestern Qaidam Basin, Western China
Authors: JIAO Yue , AN Liyun , WANG Wei , MA Jian , WU Chaodong , WU Xiaolei
Published: March 2023

Sulfur-rich natural gas reservoirs have been discovered in the southwestern margin of the Qaidam Basin, marking a breakthrough in the Cenozoic natural gas exploration. 16S rRNA extraction and analysis were performed on crude oil samples from H2S-rich reservoirs at the Yuejin, Shizigou and Huatugou profiles to understand the sulfurous gas origination, which was also intergrated with carbon and hydrogen isotopes of alkane and sulfur isotopes of H2S collected from the Yingxiongling Area. Results show that microorganisms in crude oil can be classified into Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Haloanaerobe, etc., which can survive in hypersaline reservoirs. Methanogens and nitrate-reducing bacteria are popular in three profiles, while sulfate-reducing bacteria are abundant in Yuejin and Huatugou profiles, which contributed to methane and H2S in natural gas. The gas components and sulfur isotopes at the Yingxiongling Area show that the natural gas was mixed by coal-type gas and oil-type gas, which was primarily derived from thermal degradation, and natural gas from the Yuejin and Huatugou profiles also origniated from biodegradation. It agrees well with the tested microbial sequencing, i.e., H2S-rich natural gas from the Cenozoic reservoirs in the southwest margin of the Qaidam Basin was primarily thermal genesis, with microbial genesis of secondary importance.
Quick insights into whisky – investigating rapid and efficient methods for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis
Authors: Haug Helen , Grasskamp Andreas T. , Singh Satnam , Strube Andrea , Sauerwald Tilman
Published: March 2023

The evaluation of aroma properties of beverages both analytically as well as with human sensory is a challenging task and most often related to time- and cost-intensive analyses. Whisky is a spirit offering a wide variety of aroma impressions caused by a complex mixture of aroma active compounds. In the present study, methods for the efficient evaluation of aroma characteristics are evaluated for 16 whisky samples of different origins (Scotch and American). Rate all that apply (RATA) was applied as a rapid sensory method for the sensory evaluation of whiskies. Sensory evaluation of the samples led to the determination of eight significant aroma attributes: Caramel / cream caramel / toffee, vanilla, (canned) peach, phenolic, smoky, fruity, flowery and (fermented) apple / cider. Chemical analysis was conducted by stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry in combination with an in-house data processing tool for automated analyte detection. Through chemical analysis of the whisky samples and automated compound detection, over 200 mostly aroma-active volatiles were reported. To test both approaches for their potential for sample classification, a simple classification problem (Scotch vs. American) was applied. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) indicates both that sensory evaluation by RATA (97.86%) and the applied analytical procedure (96.94%) are suitable for the distinction between the two whisky types. For both approaches, markers were identified for the classification. These investigations build a solid foundation for the implementation of a versatile platform for rapid and efficient aroma evaluation for various foodstuffs and beverages.
Tracking exceptional points above laser threshold
Authors: El-Ganainy Ramy , Yacomotti Alejandro M. , Ge Li , Ji Kaiwen , Beaudoin Gregoire , Sagnes Isabelle , Raineri Fabrice , Zhong Qi
Published: March 2023

Recent studies on non-Hermitian optical systems having exceptional points (EPs) have revealed a host of unique characteristics associated with these singularities, including unidirectional invisibility, chiral mode switching and laser self-termination, to mention just a few examples. The vast majority of these works focused either on passive systems or active structures where the EPs were accessed below the lasing threshold, i.e. when the system description is inherently linear. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate that EP singularities in coupled semiconductor nanolasers can be accessed and tracked above the lasing threshold, where they become branch points of a nonlinear dynamical system. Contrary to the common belief that unavoidable cavity detuning will impede the formation of an EP, here we demonstrate that this same detuning is necessary for compensating the carrier-induced frequency shift, hence restoring the nonlinear EP in the lasing regime. Furthermore, unlike linear non-Hermitian systems, we find that the spectral location of EPs above laser threshold varies as a function of total pump power and can therefore be continuously tracked. Our work is a first step towards the realization of lasing EPs in more complex laser geometries, and enabling the enhancement of photonic local density of states through non-Hermitian symmetries combined with nonlinear interactions in coupled laser arrays.
Investigating Travel Behavioral Changes Throughout 10 Years: A Case Study on Southeast Michigan
Authors: Alhomaidat Fadi , Alhadidi Taqwa , Eljufout Tamer , Abushattal Mousa
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a descriptive analysis of travel behavior over ten years using household survey data collected by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) in 2005 and 2015, respectively. The data used in this work were 12,000 and 6,500 sample sizes for 2005 and 2015, respectively. Generally, results indicated that a 12% reduction for all trip rates occurred during the study period. On the other hand, trip rates for multiple age ranges, including the elderly, increased from 2005 to 2015. Also, the average travel distance for all modes increased during the study period, and transit was mainly used for long travel distances. Also, several spatiotemporal changes in human travel behavior were analyzed using different travel indicators, namely: travel time, trip purpose, travel mode, and travel distance. The analysis results show the change in travel behavior across different counties in the SEMCOG area during the study period. The study indicates that the travel time changes across different travel modes, as well as trip purposes, were influenced by the economic impact change along the study period. It was found that travel time distributions for most purposes are concentrated on trips of travel time shorter than 40 minutes.
Ageism, welfare, and the energy transition: a comparative analysis of the energy practices of the elderly in Poland and Norway
Authors: Szulecki Kacper , Neerland Maria Aspen , Tomter Håkon , Wæringsaasen Cecilie Agathe Blomberg , Żuk Paweł , Żuk Piotr
Published: March 2023

Background
One of the potential dimensions on which exclusion and injustice may occur in energy transitions is age. That age-based pattern of exclusion – ageism – has recently been conceptualized in the context of decarbonization as energy ageism. This paper offers a comparative empirical analysis of the impact of energy poverty as well as the senior citizens’ outlook towards an imminent energy transition in two European states: Norway and Poland.
Results
Drawing on interviews and focus groups with Polish and Norwegian seniors, we present the differences and similarities between the two countries, and the determinants of energy ageism, as well as the concept’s overall applicability and empirical usefulness. We find that socioeconomic conditions outweigh ageism, that is, the resilience of senior citizens in dealing with energy poverty during a transition is conditioned by their material standing and welfare state robustness rather than age-based. An important factor is household heating technology, which combined with economic vulnerability can push some individuals into energy poverty while others using alternative sources of heat can navigate through energy crises unscathed.
Conclusions
We note the importance of mainstreaming social inclusion considerations in energy policy and of targeted digital competence building which can enhance senior citizen integration in the energy transition. Lower levels of digital competences among senior citizens certainly play a role and need to be addressed with education programs to increase senior citizens participation. In both countries, household heating is a major issue and heating sources are strong predictors of energy poverty and regulatory measures and subsidies should be designed at national, regional, and municipal level to assist vulnerable groups in this area.
LncRNA expression signature identified using genome-wide transcriptomic profiling to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with stage T1 and T2 gastric cancer
Authors: Dong Zhebin , Xiang Hanting , Wu Hengmiao , Chen Zhengwei , Chen Sangsang , He Yicheng , Li Hong , Yu Weiming , Liang Chao
Published: March 2023

Background: Lymph node (LN) status is vital to indicate and evaluate the curative potential of relatively early gastric cancer (GC; T1–T2) treatment (endoscopic or surgery). Currently, there is a lack of robust and convenient methods to identify such metastasis before therapeutic decision-making; therefore, there is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that could aid the identification of patients with LN metastasis.
Methods: Genome-wide expression profiles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in primary T1 gastric cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used to identify an lncRNA‑expression signature capable of detecting LN metastasis of GC, and establish a 10-lncRNA risk‑prediction model based on deap learning. The performance of the lncRNA panel in diagnosing LN metastasis was evaluated using both in silico and clinical validation methods. In silico validation was conducted using TCGA and Asian Cancer Research Group (ACRG) datasets. Clinical validation was performed on T1 and T2 patients, and the panel's efficacy was compared with that of traditional tumor markers and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Results: Profiling of genome-wide RNA expression identified a panel of lncRNA to predict LN metastasis in T1 stage gastric cancer (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.961). A 10-lncRNA risk-prediction model was then constructed, which was validated successfully in T1 and T2 datasets (TCGA, AUC = 0.852; ACRG, AUC = 0.834). Thereafter, the clinical performance of the lncRNA panel was validated in clinical cohorts (T1, AUC = 0.812; T2, AUC = 0.805; T1+T2, AUC = 0.764). Notably, the 10-lncRNA panel demonstrated significantly better performance compared with CT and conventional tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9).
Conclusions: The novel 10-lncRNA could diagnose LN metastasis robustly in relatively early gastric cancer (T1–T2), with promising clinical potential.
Anticancer effect of combinational therapy (sorafenib and anti-miR-222) on renal cell carcinoma cell lines: an invitro study
Authors: Komijani Erfan , Delashoub Masoud
Published: March 2023

Background: Sorafenib chemotherapy drug can fight renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells, the most common kidney cancer, by preventing cell migration and viability and stimulating apoptosis. In recent years, studies on combination therapies in cancer have increased due to greater effectiveness and prevention of drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the apoptotic and anti-metastatic effect of sorafenib and anti-miR-222 on RCC cell lines
Methods: 786-O and Caki-1 were used as RCC cell lines. Gene expression of PD-L1, Bim, miR-34a, miR-122, miR-513, and miR-570 were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) before and after sorafenib treatment. Changes in cell viability, apoptosis, and cell migration respectively were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test, flow cytometry, and scratch assay after treatment of 786-O and Caki-1 cell lines with sorafenib and anti-miR-222.
Results: Sorafenib led to increased expression of PD-L1, Bim, miR-34a, miR-122, miR-513, and miR-570genes in 786-O and Caki-1 cell lines. MTT assay results showed that cotreatment of 786-O and Caki-1 cell lines with sorafenib and anti-miR-222 solely and together decrease cell viability but combination therapies results were more significant. Also, the data of the apoptosis test showed an increased apoptosis rate in both 786-O and Caki-1 cell lines after treatment with sorafenib and anti-miR-222 solely and together but combination therapies results were more remarkable. The scratch test results also showed a decrease in cell migration in both cell lines in the treatment with sorafenib and anti-miR-222 solely and together after 24 and 48 hours but combination therapies results were more considerable.
Conclusion: Therefore, the present study shows a significant enhancement of the increase in apoptosis, as well as a significant decrease in cell migration and viability, after the use of sorafenib and anti-miR-222 at the same time. It seems that these results can contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies against RCC.
Impact of the approach on conversion to open surgery during minimally invasive restorative total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
Authors: Larach José Tomás , Kong Joseph CH , Flynn Julie , Wright Timothy , Mohan Helen , Waters Peadar , McCormick Jacob , Warrier Satish , Heriot Alexander
Published: March 2023

Background: The aim of this study is to explore the impact of the approach on conversion in patients undergoing minimally invasive restorative total mesorectal excisionwithin a single unit.
Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a public quaternary and a private tertiary centre. Patients with rectal cancer undergoing minimally invasive restorative total mesorectal excision between January 2006 and June 2020 were included. Subjects were grouped according to the presence of conversion. Baseline variables and short-term outcomes were compared. Regression analyses were performed to examine the impact of the approach on conversion.
Results: During the study period, some 318 patients had a restorative proctectomy. Of these, 240 met the inclusion criteria. Robotic and laparoscopic approaches were undertaken in 147 (61.3%) and 93 (38.8%) cases, respectively. A transanal approach was utilised in 62 (25.8%) cases (58.1% in combination with a robotic transabdominal approach). Conversion to open surgery occurred in 30 cases (12.5%). Conversion was associated with an increased overall complication rate (P=0.003), surgical complications (P=0.009), superficial surgical site infections (P=0.02) and an increased length of hospital stay (P=0.006). Robotic and transanal approaches were both associated with decreased conversion rates. The multiple logistic regression analysis, however, showed that only a transanal approach was associated with a lower risk of conversion (OR 0.147,0.023–0.532,P=0.01), whilst obesity was an independent risk factor for conversion (OR 4.388,1.852–10.56,P<0.00).
Conclusions: A transanal component is associated with a reduced conversion rate in minimally invasive restorative total mesorectal excision, regardless of the transabdominal approach utilised. Larger studies will be required to confirm these findings and define which subgroup of patients could benefit from transanal component when a robotic approach is undertaken.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans：clinical and pathological analysis of Asian samples from one center experience.
Authors: Peng Qili , Lu Yi , Huang Renhua , Tong Pengpeng , Hu Xiaohong , Fu Mingang , Pi Qingmeng , Huang Yixiong , Chen Rui
Published: March 2023

Background：Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans（DFSP）is one of rare and low-grade fibrohistiocytic tumor with malignant potential biological behavior. With the pathological character of the finger-like lesion invading soft tissues, DFSP is considered to be high rate of local recurrence.
Method: In this study, we reported a retrospective study of 17 DFSP patients with surgery medical history and long-time follow-up period. All the cases were reviewed by research group with the clinical features, operation outcomes and pathological parameters.
Results: 17 Asian patients were included in this study (the mean age is 41.82 years old with 9 females and 8 males). Location of DFSP are the belly (7/17 41.2%), the chest（2/17 11.8%）,the shoulder(5/17 29.4%), the face(1/17 5.9%), the perineum（1/17 5.9%） and the right leg（1/17 5.9%）. 6 cases were closed by plastic surgical suture（35.29%），3 cases by full thickness skin graft（17.65%）and 8 cases by pedicled flap（47.06%）. CD34 and Vimentin positively is 100%, 90% respectively. Desmin and S-100 negatively were 100%. The median value of Ki-67 is 12%.
Conclusion: The challenge of DFSP is clinical local control after operation. The first choice of DFSP treatment is surgery with the aim of clear margin and properly reconstruction. For the clinical practice, Enhancing the clinical recognition of DFSP in the initial medical visit is important for proper management and operation opportunity.
Spatial distribution for assessing exposure of particulate matter (PM 10 ) in a densely populated coalfield using land use regression model
Authors: Srivast Amartanshu , Elumalai Suresh Pandian
Published: March 2023

It is prudent to explore the spatial distribution of air pollution especially in mining affected land use as the coal mining area are expanding with increasing energy demand. In this study, the LUR model is developed to predict the spatial distribution of respirable particulates (PM10) concentration in a cluster of coal mines situated in a thickly populated region. Taking the agglomeration of Kusunda-Bastacolla administrative areas in JCF of India as a case study, the modified LUR model was tested. Results revealed that the eastern zone of the study area had higher concentration levels due to high population density and opencast coal mines as the major cause of elevated PM10 concentration levels. The PM10 concentration levels also followed a seasonal trend with being more elevated in winter followed by post-monsoon and summer. This study's potential predictor variables were area proportions of land use, traffic road length, population density, elevation, and land surface temperature (LST). The model validation showed that the modified LUR model with LST as predictor variable performed moderately with obvious average cross-validation based R2 (0.47) and lower RMSE (30.6 µg/m3). It can be concluded that the modified LUR model can provide a feasible tool for mapping PM10 concentration and exposure on population while planning future coal mining expansion.
Click-Through Rate Prediction Based on User Behaviors and Feature Importance
Authors: Wang Yingqi , Ji Huiqin , Yu Junyang , He Xin , Li Zheng , Liu TianXu
Published: March 2023

Click-through rate prediction is one of the hot topics in the field ofrecommendation and advertising systems. The existing CTR predictionmodels mainly include feature interaction and behavior sequence. Forexample, PNN, DCN and other models use deep learning methods toextract feature interaction information, while DIN and DIEN captureuser interest through user’s historical behavior, and then use attentionmechanism to model the relationship between target items and behavior sequences. However, the existing CTR prediction techniques eitherignore both aspects or only consider one of them, which limit the prediction performance. In order to solve the above problems, we proposea click-through prediction model CUBFI that combines user behaviorand feature importance in this paper. Firstly, In order to extract interests, Global-local Gate and Post-LN Informer module are proposed atthe interest extraction layer. In addition, we introduce auxiliary losses tosupervise the extraction of user interest features. Secondly, In the interestupdate layer, we introduce A-GRU to enhance the relationship betweeninterest expression and target items. Finally, for non-temporal features,this paper proposes a multi-cross layer to increase the nonlinear abilityof the model. Experiments show that our model can effectively improve the click-through rate prediction accuracy of advertisements. The codes will be available at https://github.com/jihuiqin2/sequence ctr.
Beyond Image Defined Risk Factors (Idrfs): A Delphi Survey Highlighting Definition of the Surgical Complexity Index (Sci) in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Avanzini Stefano , Dall’Igna Patrizia , Bjornland Kristin , Braungart Sarah , Cross Kate , Flores Paula , Gabra Hany , Gomez-Chacon Javier , Irtan Sabine , Lobos Pablo , Loh Amos , Matthyssens Lucas , Metzelder Martin , Parodi Stefano , Pio Luca , de Ven Cornelius Van , Fuchs Joerg , Losty Paul , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE
Preoperative evaluation of Image Defined Risk Factors (IDRFs) in neuroblastoma (NB) is crucial for determining suitability for upfront resection or tumor biopsy. IDRFs do not all carry the same weighting in predicting tumor complexity and surgical risk. In this study we aimed to assess and categorize a surgical complexity (Surgical Complexity Index, SCI) in NB resection.
METHODS
A panel of 15 surgeons was involved in an electronic Delphi consensus survey to identify and score a set of shared items predictive and/or indicative of surgical complexity, including the number of preoperative IDRFs. A shared agreement included the achievement of at least 75% consensus focused on a single or two close risk categories.
RESULTS
After 3 Delphi rounds, agreement was established on 25/27 items (92.6%). A severity score was established for each item ranging from 0 to 3 with an overall SCI range varying from a minimum score of zero to a maximum score of 29 points for any given patient.
CONCLUSIONS
A consensus on a SCI to stratify the risks related to neuroblastoma tumor resection was established by the panel experts. This index will now be deployed to critically assign a better severity score to IDRFs involved in NB surgery.
Dominance of epigenetic modulators shared among the inflammatory disorders with prominent thrombotic phenotypic feature
Authors: CHANCHAL SHANKAR , Sharma Swati , Mohd Syed , Mishra Aastha , Ashraf Mohammad Zahid
Published: March 2023

Objective
Exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms between inflammation and coagulation pathways using publicly available transcriptome datasets of inflammatory disorders with pro-thrombotic phenotypic features.
Methods
Publicly available mRNA and miRNA expression datasets of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) along with venous thrombosis (VT) were retrieved from GEO database. Pre-processing of the gene expression datasets was followed by functional analysis, Protein-protein interaction network, hub genes analysis, and their interactions with differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs).
Results
Functional analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed enrichment of epigenetic pathways. PPI analysis showed epigenetic genes Histone Deacetylase 1, Histone Deacetylase 2, Fos Proto-Oncogene, Protein Kinase, DNA-Activated, Catalytic Subunit, RB Binding Protein 4, and Chromatin Remodeling Factor among the top hub genes. Meta-analysis of miRNA datasets showed 30 shared DEmiRs. 9 common miRNAs hsa-mir-198, hsa-mir-298, hsa-mir-520b, hsa-mir-422a, hsa-mir-484, hsa-mir-449, hsa-mir-429, hsa-mir-326, and hsa-mir-375 regulating DEGs involved in epigenetic modulation were identified between the DEmiRs and miRNA interacting partners of top hub genes.
Conclusion
An overrepresentation of chromatin modulators among the top enriched pathways and histone modifying enzymes among the top identified hub genes indicates a promising epigenetic aspect for exploration in the context of immunothrombosis.
Improving access to early intervention for autism – findings from a proof-of-principle cascaded task-sharing naturalistic developmental behavioural intervention in South Africa
Authors: Rieder Amber D , Viljoen Marisa , Seris Noleen , Shabalala Nokuthula , Ndlovu Minkateko , Turner Elizabeth L , Simmons Ryan , Vries Petrus J , Franz Lauren
Published: March 2023

Background
Despite the high number of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities in sub–Saharan Africa, access to early intervention is almost non-existent. It is therefore important to develop feasible, scalable early autism intervention that can be integrated into systems of care. While Naturalistic Developmental Behavioural Intervention (NDBI) has emerged as an evidence-based intervention approach, implementation gaps exist globally, and task-sharing approaches may address access gaps. In this South African proof-of-principle pilot study, we set out to answer two questions about a 12-session cascaded task-sharing NDBI – whether the approach could be delivered with fidelity, and whether we could identify signals of change in child and caregiver outcomes.
Methods
We utilized a single-arm pre-post design. Fidelity (non-specialists, caregivers), caregiver outcomes (stress, sense of competence), and child outcomes (developmental, adaptive) were measured at baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2). Ten caregiver-child dyads and four non-specialists participated. Pre-to-post summary statistics were presented alongside individual trajectories. Non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test for paired samples was used to compare group medians between T1 and T2.
Results
Caregiver implementation fidelity increased in 10/10 participants. Non-specialists demonstrated a significant increase in coaching fidelity (increases in 7/10 dyads). Significant gains were seen on two Griffiths-III subscales (Language/Communication – 9/10 improved, Foundations of Learning – 10/10 improved) and on the General Developmental Quotient (9/10 improved). Significant gains were also seen on two Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Third Edition) subscales (Communication – 9/10 improved, Socialization – 6/10 improved) and in the Adaptive Behaviour Standard Score (9/10 improved). Caregiver sense of competence improved in 7/10 caregivers and caregiver stress in 6/10 caregivers.
Conclusions
This proof-of-principle pilot study of the first cascaded task-sharing NDBI in Sub-Saharan Africa provided fidelity and intervention outcome data which supported the potential of such approaches in low-resource contexts. Larger studies are needed to expand on the evidence-base and answer questions on intervention effectiveness and implementation outcomes.
Exploring the association between network centralities and passenger flows in metro systems
Authors: Kopsidas Athanasios , Douvaras Aristeides , Kepaptsoglou Konstantinos
Published: March 2023

Network science offers valuable tools for planning and managing public transportation systems, with measures such as network centralities proposed as complementary predictors of ridership. This paper explores the relationship between different cases of passenger flows at metro stations and network centralities of both metro and alternative public transport (substitute) networks; such an association can be useful for managing metro system operations when disruptions occur. For that purpose, linear regression and non-parametric machine learning models are developed and compared. The Athens metro system is used as testbed for developing the proposed methodology. The findings of this study can be used for deriving medium-term ridership estimates in cases of metro disruptions, as the proposed methodology can support contingency plans for both platform and rail track disruptions.
Prevalence of Palliative Radiotherapy Abstracts Presented at Annual Scientific Meetings of the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology: 2003-2021
Authors: Sidhoo Saveen , Ghosh Sunita , Barnes Elizabeth A , Cuartero Julie , Fairchild Alysa
Published: March 2023

Purpose.Approximately half of all radiotherapy (RT) is delivered with palliative intent. Clinical research in palliative RT aims to manage symptoms, improve quality of life (QoL), evaluate supportive care, and determine optimal dose-fractionation schedules. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of palliative research at the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology (CARO) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) over time.
Methods. Published abstracts (2003-2021) were independently reviewed by two authors who categorized each as: curative-intent; palliative-intent; pertaining to both populations; or neither. Abstracts were considered palliative if they described incurable malignancy and interventions primarily for symptom control or QoL. Type of study, primary, site treated, and symptoms palliated were recorded. Descriptive and summary statistics were calculated including one-way ANOVA test for trend.
Results. 339/4566 abstracts (7.4%, range 2.4-13.9% per year) were classified as palliative. 7.7% (26/339) described phase I-III trials. The main primary site was lung (39/339) and the most common metastatic site was bone (34.2%). QoL, symptom and toxicity outcomes were reported in 31.6% (107/339), 37.8% (128/339) and 17.7% (60/339), respectively. The most common symptom investigated was pain (38/339). The proportion of abstracts classified as curative, palliative or reporting toxicity endpoints demonstrated significant change over time (all p<0.0001).
Conclusion. While proportion of palliative themed abstracts has increased with time, there remains a significant gap before equivalence with the prevalence of palliative RT in clinical practice is achieved.
Female philopatry and unsuccessful male dispersal of a top predator in a human-modified landscape revealed by relatedness analysis
Authors: de Oliveira Marina E. , Saranholi Bruno H. , Miotto Renata A. , Silos Andiara S. M. C. , Dirzo Rodolfo , Galetti Pedro M.
Published: March 2023

Habitat loss and fragmentation threaten population persistence because they affect the individuals’ ability to disperse between remaining habitat patches and reduce areas of refuge for populations. In cougars (Puma concolor), males are predominantly dispersers while females tend to be philopatric. To examine cougar philopatry and dispersal ability in a human-dominated landscape in Brazil, we performed relatedness and spatial autocorrelation analyses based on genetic samples of cougars inhabiting forest fragments within a human-modified matrix, a continuous forest, and a pool of road-killed individuals. Our expectation was that females would be more related to each other and show a more positive autocorrelation than males in areas with less human disturbance because male dispersal would not be constrained. We found similarly high relatedness and a positive spatial autocorrelation at the shortest spatial scale (0-100 km) for both males and females from the forest fragments within a human-modified matrix. We also detected higher male:female ratio from roadkills, likely due to males’ higher tendency to disperse. Our results confirm female philopatry in the forest fragments. However, high relatedness and positive autocorrelation also observed for males in these fragments suggest male kin clustering, which could be a result of unsuccessful dispersal. Cougar unsuccessful dispersal has already been reported in North America in response to human-altered landscapes, but here we present the first evidence of this process in a South American cougar population. Further research is warranted to assess the specific causes of male unsuccessful dispersal and how it can affect species persistence in human-dominated landscapes.
Access to Care and Therapy for Kawasaki Disease in the Arab Countries: A Kawasaki Disease Arab Initiative (Kawarabi) Multicenter Survey:
Authors: Alzyoud Raed , El-Kholy Nermeen , Arab Yousra , Choueiter Nadine , Harahsheh Ashraf S. , Aselan Adnan Salem , Kotby Alyaa , Bouaziz Asma , Salih Aso F. , Abushhaiwia Awatif , Alahmadi Fahad , Agha Hala M. , Elmarsafawy Hala M. , Alrabte Hanifa , Al-Saloos Hesham , Boudiaf Houda , Hijazi Issa , Bouayed Kenza , Senaidi Khalfan Salim Al , Boughammoura Lamia , Jalal Maryam , Ladj Mohamed S. , Abu-Shukair Mohammed E. , Ganzoury Mona M. El , Hammadouche Nacera , Elsamman Nora , Mouawad Pierre , Boukari Rachida , Benalikhoudja Nassiba , Jd Salima , Al-Saoud Sima Y. Abu , Touri Soued Nabila , Kammoun Thouraya , Fitouri Zohra , Dahdah Nagib
Published: March 2023

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is still the most common acquired heart disease in children below the age of five years; it has been well described in the developed world; however, data from the Arab world are limited to case reports or single-center case series. In an effort of optimizing KD research in the Arab world, a group of physicians and researchers established the KD Arab Initiative (Kawarabi) in 2021, and published the first survey, which showed disparities in the availability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); this had prompted Kawarabi to assess the access to care and therapy of KD patients in Arab countries. A 32 structured questions survey was conducted in thirteen Arab countries and addressed KD patients’ access to healthcare in urban and rural settings. The survey results showed that access to care was uniform across large, mid-size cities and rural areas in 7/13 (54%) countries, while in 6/13 (46%) countries, it was in favor of large and mid-size cities over rural areas. The quality of medical services received by children with KD in large cities was rated as excellent in 6/13 or good in 7/13 countries compared to fair in 4/13 or poor in 4/13 countries in rural areas. Availability of IVIG was limited (23%) in mid-size cities and almost impossible (23%) in rural areas. The KD patients in mid-size cities and rural areas have limited access to standard healthcare in the Arab world. This survey laid the foundation for future Kawarabi endeavors to improve the care of children with KD.
CVD-associated SNPs with regulatory potential drive pathologic non-coding RNA expression
Authors: Zhu Chaonan , Baumgarten Nina , Wu Meiqian , Wang Yue , Das Arka Provo , Kaur Jaskiran , Ardakani Fatemeh Behjati , Duong Thanh Thuy , Pham Minh Duc , Duda Maria , Dimmeler Stefanie , Yuan Ting , Schulz Marcel H. , Krishnan Jaya
Published: March 2023

Background:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified many single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) appearing in non-coding genomic regions in CVDs. The SNPs may alter gene expression by modifying transcription factor (TF) binding sites and lead to functional consequences in cardiovascular traits or diseases. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms, it is crucial to identify which variations are involved and how they affect TF binding.
Methods:
The SNEEP (SNP exploration and analysis using epigenomics data) pipeline was used to identify regulatory SNPs, which alter the binding behavior of TFs and link GWAS SNPs to their potential target genes for six CVDs. The human induced pluripotent stem cells derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs), monoculture cardiac organoids (MCOs) and self-organized cardiac organoids (SCOs) were used in the study. Gene expression, cardiomyocyte size and cardiac contractility were assessed.
Results:
By using our integrative computational pipeline, we identified 1905 regulatory SNPs in CVD GWAS data. These were associated with hundreds of genes, half of them non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), suggesting novel CVD genes. We experimentally tested 40 CVD-associated non-coding RNAs, among them RP11-98F14.11, RPL23AP92, IGBP1P1, and CTD-2383I20.1, which were upregulated in hiPSC-CMs, MCOs and SCOs under hypoxic conditions. Further experiments showed that IGBP1P1 depletion rescued expression of hypertrophic marker genes, reduced hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte size and improved hypoxia-reduced cardiac contractility in hiPSC-CMs and MCOs.
Conclusions:
IGBP1P1 is a novel ncRNA with key regulatory functions in modulating cardiomyocyte size and cardiac function in our disease models. Our data suggest ncRNA IGBP1P1 as a potential therapeutic target to improve cardiac function in CVDs.
Comparison functions, operational laws and aggregation operators for ambiguous set: Application in solving multi-criteria group decision-making problem under ambiguous environment
Authors: Singh Pritpal
Published: March 2023

Ambiguous set has recently been proposed to represent inherent uncertainties, imprecision, and vague information. In this study, we generalize the concept of ambiguous set to a single-valued ambiguous number (SVAN). We propose many comparison functions and operational laws for SVANs. This study also introduces three new aggregation operators, such as the ambiguous weighted geometric operator (AWGO), the ambiguous ordered weighted geometric operator (AOWGO), and the ambiguous hybrid geometric operator (AHGO), which are used to aggregate input information in the form of SVANs. We discuss some significant properties of the operators along with numerical examples. Based on the AWGO and AHGO, we develop a method for solving the multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problem. Finally, a real-time example of an MCGDM problem associated with the selection of cars by customers is presented, and its solution is recommended using the proposed method.
miR-377 inhibits the tumorous behavior of prostate cancer cells by targeting MYC
Authors: Azimi Yasamin , Hajibabaei Sara , Azimi Ghazal , Rahimi-Jamnani Fatemeh , Azizi Masoumeh
Published: March 2023

Aims
The MYC gene is one of the regulatory and proto-oncogenic genes that is overexpressed in most prostate cancers. Studies have shown that abnormal expression of microRNAs is involved in the onset and development of many different types of human cancer, including prostate cancer.
Materials and methods
In this study, we first evaluated targeting the effect of miR-377 on MYC by luciferase assay. Real-time PCR was used to figure out whether miR-377 could decrease the target gene mRNAs in transfected PCa cell lines (PC3 and DU145). The effects of miR-377 on apoptosis cells, proliferation, cell cycle, and wound healing were analyzed.
Results
We showed that miR-377 targets MYC mRNA by luciferase reporter assay. A significant reduction in MYC mRNA level was detected, following miR-377 transfection in PC3 and DU145 cell lines. The higher levels of miR-377 in PCa cell lines induced apoptosis, reduced proliferation, and migration, and stopped the cell cycle.
Conclusion
All these data reveal that miR-377 functions as a tumor suppressor in PCa and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of this cancer.
Laboratory induction of accelerated corrosion in rebars of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: COVATTI Leonardo , MEDEIROS Arthur , FILHO Luiz Carlos Pinto SILVA , BAPTISTA-PEREIRA Catarina , OLIVEIRA Matheus Pontes
Published: March 2023

The study of pathologies in the construction industry are rising and getting more focused in the field of reinforced concrete. In these types of structures, the most common pathologies are: excessive displacement, efflorescence, lack of concreting and cracks and/or crazing, which usually occur due the corrosion of rebars, or due to excess of water and poor cure, respectively. In this study, laboratory tests were performed to accelerate the corrosion process of steel samples. To achieve that, it was used the Tamori's methodology, the electrolytic corrosion. The tests were performed in ten circular reinforced concrete specimens and, due to equipment constrains and time limitations, the specimens were divided in two main groups. The cement used was the Brazilian Portland CP-V ARI and the rebar was CA-50 with a 6.3 mm nominal diameter. After applying a constant electric current in the steel rebars of the reinforced concrete specimens for a certain pre-defined period, it was possible to identify stains and fissures in the faces of the specimens, as well as to measure the corrosion that occurred. To measure the corrosion of the rebars of the specimens, the samples were fractured, the rebars were removed and they were later subject to a thermochemical bath. Finally, it was measured that the rebars had different percentages of corrosion loss when comparing with theoretical values from the literature.