bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simplified sigmoidal curve fitting for a 6 MV FFF photon beam of the Halcyon to determine the field size for beam commissioning and quality assurance
Authors: Choi Min-Geon , Law Martin , Yoon Do-Kun , Tamura Mikoto , Matsumoto Kenji , Otsuka Masakazu , Kim Moo-Sub , Djeng Shih-Kien , Monzen Hajime , Suh Tae Suk 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAn O-ring gantry-type linear accelerator (LINAC) with a 6-MV flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beam, Halcyon, includes a reference beam that contains representative information such as the percent depth dose, profile and output factor for commissioning and quality assurance. However, because it does not provide information about the field size, we proposed a method to determine all field sizes according to all depths for radiation therapy using simplified sigmoidal curve fitting (SCF).MethodsAfter mathematical definition of the SCF using four coefficients, the defined curves were fitted to both the reference data (RD) and the measured data (MD). For good agreement between the fitting curve and the profiles in each data set, the field sizes were determined by identifying the maximum point along the third derivative of the fitting curve. The curve fitting included the field sizes for beam profiles of 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 6 × 6, 8 × 8, 10 × 10, 20 × 20 and 28 × 28 cm2as a function of depth (at 1.3, 5, 10 and 20 cm). The field size results from the RD were compared with the results from the MD using the same condition.ResultsAll fitting curves show goodness of fit, R2, values that are greater than 0.99. The differences in field size between the RD and the MD were within the range of 0 to 0.2 cm. The smallest difference in the field sizes at a depth of 10 cm, which is a surface-to-axis distance, was reported.ConclusionApplication of the SCF method has been proven to accurately capture the field size of the preconfigured RD and the measured FFF photon beam data for the Halcyon system. The current work can be useful for beam commissioning as a countercheck methodology to determine the field size from RD in the treatment planning system of a newly installed Halcyon system and for routine quality assurance to ascertain the correctness of field sizes for clinical use of the Halcyon system.
Incidence and root causes of surgical site infections after gastrointestinal surgery at a public teaching hospital in Sudan
Authors: Hassan Rawan Sharaf Eldein Elamein , Osman Sarah Osman Sayed , Aabdeen Mohamed Abdulmonem Salih , Mohamed Walid Elhaj Abdelrahim , Hassan Razan Sharaf Eldein Elamein , Mohamed Sagad Omer Obeid 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common healthcare-associated infections and associated with prolonged hospital stays, additional financial burden, and significantly hamper the potential benefits of surgical interventions. Causes of SSIs are multi-factorials and patients undergoing gastrointestinal tract procedures carry a high risk of bacterial contamination. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and causing microorganisms of SSIs among patients undergoing gastrointestinal tract surgeries.

Methods
A hospital based, cross-sectional study conducted at Soba University Hospital in Khartoum, Sudan. We included all patients from all age groups attending the gastrointestinal tract surgical unit between 1st September and 31st December 2017. We collected data about the socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors of SSI, and isolated microorganisms from patients with SSIs. A Chi-square test was conducted to determine the relationship between the independent categorical variables and the occurrence of SSI. The significance level for all analyses was set at p < .05.

Results
A total of 80 participants were included in the study. The mean age was 51 +/- 16 years and most of the patients (67.5%) did not have any chronic illness prior to the surgical operation. Most of them (46.3%) of them underwent large bowel surgery. Twenty-two patients (27.5%) developed SSI post operatively and superficial SSI was the most common type of SSIs (81.8%). Occurrence of SSI was found to be associated with long operation time (p > .001), malignant nature of the disease (p > .001), intra-operative blood loss (p > .001), and intra-operative hypotension (p = .013). The most prevalent microorganism isolated from SSI patients was E coli (47.8%), followed by Enterococcus fecalis (13.0%) and combined Pseudomonas aeruginosa + E coli infection (13.0%).

Conclusions
The results showed a high prevalence of SSIs among patients attending the gastrointestinal tract surgical unit and the most prevalent microorganism isolated from them was E coli. Measures should be taken to reduce the magnitude of SSI by mitigating the identified associated factors.
Thromboembolic complications in critically ill COVID-19 patients are associated with impaired fibrinolysis
Authors: Kruse Jan Matthias , Magomedov Abakar , Kurreck Annika , Münch Frédéric H. , Koerner Roland , Kamhieh-Milz Julian , Kahl Andreas , Gotthardt Inka , Piper Sophie K. , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Dörner Thomas , Zickler Daniel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is emerging evidence for enhanced blood coagulation in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients, with thromboembolic complications contributing to morbidity and mortality. The mechanisms underlying this prothrombotic state remain enigmatic. Further data to guide anticoagulation strategies are urgently required.MethodsWe used viscoelastic rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) in a single-center cohort of 40 critically ill COVID-19 patients.ResultsClear signs of a hypercoagulable state due to severe hypofibrinolysis were found. Maximum lysis, especially following stimulation of the extrinsic coagulation system, was inversely associated with an enhanced risk of thromboembolic complications. Combining values for maximum lysis with D-dimer concentrations revealed high sensitivity and specificity of thromboembolic risk prediction.ConclusionsThe study identifies a reduction in fibrinolysis as an important mechanism in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. The combination of ROTEM and D-dimer concentrations may prove valuable in identifying patients requiring higher intensity anticoagulation.
Electrical impedance tomography to titrate positive end-expiratory pressure in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Perier François , Tuffet Samuel , Maraffi Tommaso , Alcala Glasiele , Victor Marcus , Haudebourg Anne-Fleur , Razazi Keyvan , De Prost Nicolas , Amato Marcelo , Carteaux Guillaume , Mekontso Dessap Armand 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rationale
Patients with coronavirus disease-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (C-ARDS) could have a specific physiological phenotype as compared with those affected by ARDS from other causes (NC-ARDS).

Objectives
To describe the effect of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on respiratory mechanics in C-ARDS patients in supine and prone position, and as compared to NC-ARDS. The primary endpoint was the best PEEP defined as the smallest sum of hyperdistension and collapse.

Methods
Seventeen patients with moderate-to-severe C-ARDS were monitored by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) and evaluated during PEEP titration in supine (n = 17) and prone (n = 14) position and compared with 13 NC-ARDS patients investigated by EIT in our department before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results
As compared with NC-ARDS, C-ARDS exhibited a higher median best PEEP (defined using EIT as the smallest sum of hyperdistension and collapse, 12 [9, 12] vs. 9 [6, 9] cmH2O, p < 0.01), more collapse at low PEEP, and less hyperdistension at high PEEP. The median value of the best PEEP was similar in C-ARDS in supine and prone position: 12 [9, 12] vs. 12 [10, 15] cmH2O, p = 0.59. The response to PEEP was also similar in C-ARDS patients with higher vs. lower respiratory system compliance.

Conclusion
An intermediate PEEP level seems appropriate in half of our C-ARDS patients. There is no solid evidence that compliance at low PEEP could predict the response to PEEP.
Association of breast cancer with MRI background parenchymal enhancement: the IMAGINE case-control study
Authors: Watt Gordon P. , Sung Janice , Morris Elizabeth A. , Buys Saundra S. , Bradbury Angela R. , Brooks Jennifer D. , Conant Emily F. , Weinstein Susan P. , Kontos Despina , Woods Meghan , Colonna Sarah V. , Liang Xiaolin , Stein Matthew A. , Pike Malcolm C. , Bernstein Jonine L. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) on breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be associated with breast cancer risk, but previous studies of the association are equivocal and limited by incomplete blinding of BPE assessment. In this study, we evaluated the association between BPE and breast cancer based on fully blinded assessments of BPE in the unaffected breast.

Methods
The Imaging and Epidemiology (IMAGINE) study is a multicenter breast cancer case-control study of women receiving diagnostic, screening, or follow-up breast MRI, recruited from three comprehensive cancer centers in the USA. Cases had a first diagnosis of unilateral breast cancer and controls had no history of or current breast cancer. A single board-certified breast radiologist with 12 years’ experience, blinded to case-control status and clinical information, assessed the unaffected breast for BPE without view of the affected breast of cases (or the corresponding breast laterality of controls). The association between BPE and breast cancer was estimated by multivariable logistic regression separately for premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Results
The analytic dataset included 835 cases and 963 controls. Adjusting for fibroglandular tissue (breast density), age, race/ethnicity, BMI, parity, family history of breast cancer, BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, and other confounders, moderate/marked BPE (vs minimal/mild BPE) was associated with breast cancer among premenopausal women [odds ratio (OR) 1.49, 95% CI 1.05–2.11; p = 0.02]. Among postmenopausal women, mild/moderate/marked vs minimal BPE had a similar, but statistically non-significant, association with breast cancer (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.92–2.27; p = 0.1).

Conclusions
BPE is associated with breast cancer in premenopausal women, and possibly postmenopausal women, after adjustment for breast density and confounders. Our results suggest that BPE should be evaluated alongside breast density for inclusion in models predicting breast cancer risk.
Physico-chemical assessment of torrefied Eurasian pinecones
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Atsu Divine , Toth Laszlo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Biomass pre-treatment is gaining attention as a standalone process to improve the qualitative aspect of the lignocellulosic material. It has been gaining ground in the power station by replacing the coal with the pre-treated biomass. In this context, this paper enlightens the operating condition of carrying out the torrefaction so that the process can be made relatively more effective. The influence of physico-chemical characteristics on the heat of reaction of pyrolysis reactions, mass loss and temperature regimes are evaluated by thermogravimetry of the pre-treated samples of the pinecone; whereas, the structural transformation in the basic constituents is determined via knowing the fractional change in cellulose, hemicellulose and acid-insoluble lignin contents of the pine cone. The thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were performed to determine the physical as well as the thermal behaviour of the thermally processed biomass. The samples had undergone thermal decomposition at heating rates of 5 °C min−1, 10 °C min−1 and 15 °C min−1. Nitrogen gas was used as a purge gas for the pyrolysis of the pre-treated samples. The volumetric rate of 200 ml min−1 was pre-set for the thermal decomposition of the samples at 600 °C; whereas, the selected torrefaction temperature range varied from 210 to 250 °C.

Results
The heat of reaction for the pre-treated samples was found to vary from 1.04 to 1.52 MJ kg−1; whereas, it was 0.91–1.54 MJ kg−1 for the raw samples. The total annual production cost of processing 3.6 Mg of fuel in a year at a pilot scale was $ 36.72; whereas, the fiscal burden per kilogram of fuel during thermal degradation of the processed fuel was reduced by 0.08–1.5ȼ. The entropy of the system decreased with an increasing ramp rate. The exergetic gain in the system increased by 1–2%. The loss of energy during the energy-intensive processing of the pre-treated fuel was relatively low at a heating rate of 5 °C min−1.

Conclusion
By the physico-chemical assessment, it was determined that pinecones required the highest torrefaction temperature and time to provide the upgraded pinecones. It was concluded that the duration of the torrefaction should be at least 15 min for a temperature of 250 °C so that the chemical exergy of the system, energy yield and the energy density of the processed material are qualitatively improved. The volatile and ash contents were noticed to decrease during the torrefaction process. The least fractional change in the volatile content was estimated at 210 °C for a torrefaction time of 15 min; whereas, the ash content was minimum at 210 °C for a torrefaction time of 5 min.
Heparan sulfate functions are altered in the osteoarthritic cartilage
Authors: Shamdani Sara , Chantepie Sandrine , Flageollet Camille , Henni-Chebra Nadia , Jouan Yohann , Eymard Florent , Hay Eric , Cohen-Solal Martine , Papy-Garcia Dulce , Chevalier Xavier , Albanese Patricia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundHeparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans (PG) may be found at the chondrocyte surface and in the pericellular cartilage matrix, and are involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. An important function of HS chains is to regulate cell fate through specific interactions with heparin-binding proteins (HBP) modulated by their complex sulfation pattern. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disorder characterized by the degradation of articular cartilaginous extracellular matrix. The aim of this study was to investigate HS structure and functions in osteoarthritic cartilages compared to normal cartilages (controls).MethodsGlycosaminoglycans (GAG) were extracted from human macroscopically normal cartilages (controls,n = 7) and (OA cartilagesn = 11). HS were isolated and quantified using the DMMB quantification method. Their structure and functions were then compared using respectively a HPLC analysis and HBP binding tests and their phenotypic effects on murine chondrocytes were studied by RQ-PCR. Statistical analyzes were performed using a one-way ANOVA followed by a Dunnett’s test or attest for pairwise comparisons.ResultsIn OA, HS were characterized by increased sulfation levels compared to controls. Moreover, the capacity of these HS to bind HBP involved in the OA pathophysiological process such as FGF2 and VEGF was reduced. Chondroitin sulfates and keratan sulfates regulated these binding properties. Finally, HS from OA cartilages induced the mRNA levels of catabolic markers such as MMP3, MMP13, and TS4 and inhibited the mRNA levels of anabolic markers such as COL2, ACAN, SOX9, and VEGF in murine articular chondrocytes.ConclusionThe sulfation of HS chains was increased in OA cartilages with changes in HBP binding properties and biological effects on chondrocyte phenotypes. Thus, modified HS present in altered cartilages could be a novel therapeutic target in OA.
Preclinical comparison of four [18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7 isomers: influence of the stereoconfiguration on pharmacokinetics
Authors: Wurzer Alexander , Parzinger Mara , Konrad Matthias , Beck Roswitha , Günther Thomas , Felber Veronika , Färber Stefanie , Di Carlo Daniel , Wester Hans-Jürgen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Radiohybrid (rh) ligands, a novel class of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radiopharmaceuticals, can be labeled either with [18F]fluorine via isotopic exchange or with radiometals (such as [68Ga]Gallium, [177Lu]Lutetium, [225Ac]Actinium). Among these, [18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7 has recently entered clinical assessment.

Aim
Since [18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7 is composed of four stereoisomers ([18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7.1, -7.2, -7.3 and -7.4), we initiated a preclinical selection process to identify the isomer with the most favorable pharmacokinetics for further clinical investigation.

Methods
A synthetic protocol for enantiopure [19F, natGa]rhPSMA-7 isomers has been developed. The comparative evaluation of the four isomers comprised human serum albumin binding, lipophilicity, IC50, internalization and classical biodistribution studies and competition experiments in LNCaP tumor-bearing CB-17 SCID mice. In addition, a radio high-performance liquid chromatography-based method was developed allowing quantitative, intraindividual comparison of [18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7.1 to -7.4 in LNCaP tumor-bearing mice.

Results
Cell studies revealed high PSMA affinity and internalization for [18/19F, natGa]rhPSMA-7.2, -7.3 and -7.4, whereas [18/19F, natGa]rhPSMA-7.1 showed approximately twofold lower values. Although the biodistribution profile obtained was typical of PSMA inhibitors, it did not allow for selection of a lead candidate for clinical studies. Thus, an intraindividual comparison of all four isomers in LNCaP tumor-bearing mice was carried out by injection of a diastereomeric mixture, followed by analysis of the differential uptake and excretion pattern of each isomer. Based on its high tumor accumulation and low uptake in blood, liver and kidneys, [18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7.3 was identified as the preferred isomer and transferred into clinical studies.

Conclusion
[18F, natGa]rhPSMA-7.3 has been selected as a lead compound for clinical development of a [18F]rhPSMA-based candidate. The intraindividual differential uptake and excretion analysis in vivo allowed for an accurate comparison and assessment of radiopharmaceuticals.
Construction of a mApple-D6A3-mediated biosensor for detection of heavy metal ions
Authors: Ji Yangyang , Guan Feifei , Zhou Xin , Liu Xiaoqing , Wu Ningfeng , Liu Daling , Tian Jian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPollution of heavy metals in agricultural environments is a growing problem to the health of the world’s human population. Green, low-cost, and efficient detection methods can help control such pollution. In this study, a protein biosensor, mApple-D6A3, was built from rice-derived Cd2+-binding protein D6A3 fused with the red fluorescent protein mApple at the N-terminus to detect the contents of heavy metals. Fluorescence intensity of mApple fused with D6A3 indicated the biosensor’s sensitivity to metal ions and its intensity was more stable under alkaline conditions. mApple-D6A3 was most sensitive to Cu2+, then Ni2+, then Cd2+. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments demonstrated that mApple-D6A3 successfully bound to each of these three metal ions, and its ability to bind the ions was, from strongest to weakest, Cu2+  > Cd2+  > Ni2+. There were strong linear relationships between the fluorescence intensity of mApple-D6A3 and concentrations of Cd2+ (0–100 μM), Cu2+ (0–60 μM) and Ni2+ (0–120 μM), and their respective R2 values were 0.994, 0.973 and 0.973. When mApple-D6A3 was applied to detect concentrations of heavy metal ions in water (0–0.1 mM) or culture medium (0–1 mM), its accuracy for detection attained more than 80%. This study demonstrates the potential of this biosensor as a tool for detection of heavy metal ions.
Multiple organs involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Wang Hua 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and the anticipated health burden is huge. There are limited therapeutic approaches for NAFLD now. It’s imperative to get a better understanding of the disease pathogenesis if new treatments are to be discovered. As the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, this disease involves complex interactions between different organs and regulatory pathways. It’s increasingly clear that brain, gut and adipose tissue all contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis and development, in view of their roles in energy homeostasis. In the present review, we try to summarize currently available data regarding NAFLD pathogenesis and to lay a particular emphasis on the inter-organ crosstalk evidence.
On global dynamics of 2D convective Cahn–Hilliard equation
Authors: Zhao Xiaopeng 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we study the long time behavior of solution for the initial-boundary value problem of convective Cahn–Hilliard equation in a 2D case. We show that the equation has a global attractor in$H^{4}(\Omega )$H4(Ω)when the initial value belongs to$H^{1}(\Omega )$H1(Ω).
SARS-Coronavirus-2 cases in healthcare workers may not regularly originate from patient care: lessons from a university hospital on the underestimated risk of healthcare worker to healthcare worker transmission
Authors: Schneider Sandra , Piening Brar , Nouri-Pasovsky Pauline Assina , Krüger Anne Caroline , Gastmeier Petra , Aghdassi Seven Johannes Sam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents an unprecedented healthcare challenge. Various SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in healthcare facilities have been reported. Healthcare workers (HCWs) may play a critical role in the spread of the virus, particularly when asymptomatic. We examined four healthcare-associated outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infections that occurred at a university hospital in Berlin, Germany. We aimed to describe and analyze the spread of the virus in order to draw conclusions for effective containment of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare facilities.

Methods
Healthcare-associated outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infections were defined as two or more laboratory confirmed infections with SARS-CoV-2 where an epidemiological link within the healthcare setting appeared likely. We focused our analysis on one of three sites of the Charité-University Medicine hospital within a 2 month period (March and April 2020).

Results
We observed four healthcare-associated outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a total of 24 infected persons (23 HCWs and one patient). The outbreaks were detected in the departments of nephrology and dialysis (n = 9), anesthesiology (n = 8), surgical pediatrics (n = 4), and neurology (n = 3). Each outbreak showed multiple unprotected contacts between infected HCWs. A combination of contact tracing, testing, physical distancing and mandatory continuous wearing of face masks by all HCWs was able to contain all four outbreaks.

Conclusions
HCW to HCW transmission represented the likely source of the four outbreaks. Ensuring proper physical distancing measures and wearing of protective equipment, also when interacting with colleagues, must be a key aspect of fighting COVID-19 in healthcare facilities.