bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of retinal and choroidal microvascular impairment in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Rommel Felix , Prangel David , Prasuhn Michelle , Grisanti Salvatore , Ranjbar Mahdy 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the correlation between retinal and choroidal microperfusion in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods
In this cross-sectional study SSc patients without clinical evidence of ocular involvement and healthy, age- and sex-matched volunteers were recruited. Participants underwent specific rheumatological and ophthalmological examinations, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCTA. Retinal and choroidal thicknesses as well as perfusion of the retina and the choroidal sublayers were evaluated.

Results
A total of 15 SSc patients (30 eyes) with a median disease duration of 60 months and 15 matched, healthy controls (30 eyes) were recruited. OCT data revealed a significantly lower macular volume, as well as Sattler’s layer and Haller’s layer thickness in SSc patients compared to controls. In OCTA analysis, the perfusion of both retinal plexus as well as Sattler’s and Haller’s layer were significantly reduced in the SSc group. Patients with a disease duration of more than 60 months showed a statistically significant positive correlation between retinal and choroidal malperfusion, while those with a shorter disease duration did not.

Conclusion
OCTA analysis confirmed impairment of retinal and choroidal microperfusion in SSc patients, supporting the hypothesis of wide spreading vascular injury. In early stages, either the retinal or the choroidal perfusion seems to be involved, while later on, vascular impairment affects both tissues alike. Both, retinal and choroidal examinations should be considered as soon as the diagnosis of SSc is made, to avoid missing out on early alterations.
Targetable alterations in invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Riedlinger Gregory M. , Joshi Sonali , Hirshfield Kim M. , Barnard Nicola , Ganesan Shridar 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Invasive pleomorphic lobular carcinoma (PLC) of the breast is a subtype of invasive lobular cancer which compromises approximately 1% of all epithelial breast malignancies and is characterized by higher nuclear pleomorphism and poorer prognosis than classic invasive lobular cancer (ILC). Since PLC is more aggressive than classical ILC, we examined the underlying molecular alterations in this subtype of breast cancer to understand the possible benefit from targeted therapies.

Methods
In this study, we investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular alterations in 16 PLC from our institution. Additionally, we examined the clinical and genomic features in 31 PLC from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Results
Overall, our analysis of PLC found that 28% had activating ERBB2 mutations, 21% had ERBB2 amplification, and 49% activating PIK3CA mutations. Among cases from our institution, we found 19% with activating ERBB2 mutations, 25% had ERBB2 amplification, and 38% with activating PIK3CA mutations. In data from TCGA, 32% had activating ERBB2 mutations, 19% had ERBB2 amplification, and 55% had activating PIK3CA mutations. While classic ILC in TCGA had similar percentages of PIK3CA alterations compared to PLC, activating ERBB2 alterations were exceedingly rare, with no activating ERBB2 mutations and only one case with ERBB2 amplification. Interestingly, in further examining TCGA data which included FGFR1 and PTEN, 94% of PLC had alterations in ERBB2, FGFR1, or the PI3K pathway.

Conclusions
Our results show a high frequency of ERBB2 and PIK3CA alterations in PLC and suggest all PLC should be tested for potential therapeutic targeting.
Maximising recruitment to a randomised controlled trial for chronic rhinosinusitis using qualitative research methods: the MACRO conversation study
Authors: McDermott Clare , Vennik Jane , Philpott Carl , le Conte Steffi , Thomas Mike , Eyles Caroline , Little Paul , Blackshaw Helen , Schilder Anne , Hopkins Claire 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the ‘gold standard’ of medical evidence; however, recruitment can be challenging. The MACRO trial is a NIHR-funded RCT for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) addressing the challenge of comparing surgery, antibiotics and placebo. The embedded MACRO conversation study (MCS) used qualitative research techniques pioneered by the University of Bristol QuinteT team to explore recruitment issues during the pilot phase, to maximise recruitment in the main trial.

Methods
Setting: Five outpatient Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) departments recruiting for the pilot phase of the MACRO trial (ISRCTN Number: 36962030, prospectively registered 17 October 2018). We conducted a thematic analysis of telephone interviews with 18 recruiters and 19 patients and 61 audio-recordings of recruitment conversations. We reviewed screening and recruitment data and mapped patient pathways at participating sites. We presented preliminary findings to individual site teams. Group discussions enabled further exploration of issues, evolving strategies and potential solutions. Findings were reported back to the funder and used together with recruitment data to justify progression to the main trial.

Results
Recruitment in the MACRO pilot trial began slowly but accelerated in time to progress successfully to the main trial. Research nurse involvement was pivotal to successful recruitment. Engaging the wider network of clinical colleagues emerged as an important factor, ensuring the patient pathway through primary and secondary care did not inadvertently affect trial eligibility. The most common reason for patients declining participation was treatment preference. Good patient-clinician relationships engendered trust and supported patient decision-making. Overall, trial involvement appeared clearly presented by recruiters, possibly influenced by pre-trial training. The weakest area of understanding for patients appeared to be trial medications. A clear presentation of medical and surgical treatment options, together with checking patient understanding, had the potential to allay patient concerns.

Conclusion
The MACRO conversation study contributed to the learning process of optimising recruitment by helping to identify and address recruitment issues. Although some issues were trial-specific, others have applicability to many clinical trial situations. Using qualitative research techniques to identify/explore barriers and facilitators to recruitment may be valuable during the pilot phase of many RCTs including those with complex designs.
Innovations in anaerobic digestion: a model-based study
Authors: Postawa Karol , Szczygieł Jerzy , Kułażyński Marek 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Increasing the efficiency of the biogas production process is possible by modifying the technological installations of the biogas plant. In this study, specific solutions based on a mathematical model that lead to favorable results were proposed. Three configurations were considered: classical anaerobic digestion (AD) and its two modifications, two-phase AD (TPAD) and autogenerative high-pressure digestion (AHPD). The model has been validated based on measurements from a biogas plant located in Poland. Afterward, the TPAD and AHPD concepts were numerically tested for the same volume and feeding conditions.

Results
The TPAD system increased the overall biogas production from 9.06 to 9.59%, depending on the feedstock composition, while the content of methane was slightly lower in the whole production chain. On the other hand, the AHPD provided the best purity of the produced fuel, in which a methane content value of 82.13% was reached. At the same time, the overpressure leads to a decrease of around 7.5% in the volumetric production efficiency. The study indicated that the dilution of maize silage with pig manure, instead of water, can have significant benefits in the selected configurations. The content of pig slurry strengthens the impact of the selected process modifications—in the first case, by increasing the production efficiency, and in the second, by improving the methane content in the biogas.

Conclusions
The proposed mathematical model of the AD process proved to be a valuable tool for the description and design of biogas plant. The analysis shows that the overall impact of the presented process modifications is mutually opposite. The feedstock composition has a moderate and unsteady impact on the production profile, in the tested modifications. The dilution with pig manure, instead of water, leads to a slightly better efficiency in the classical configuration. For the TPAD process, the trend is very similar, but the AHPD biogas plant indicates a reverse tendency. Overall, the recommendation from this article is to use the AHPD concept if the composition of the biogas is the most important. In the case in which the performance is the most important factor, it is favorable to use the TPAD configuration.
Gabapentin for phantom limb pain after amputation in pediatric oncology: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Jiang Shuang , Zhou Meng-meng , Xia Rong , Bai Jing-hui , Yan Li-hui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a prevalent problem for children after amputation because of the chemotherapy treatment. Gabapentin is a potential option to manage PLP after amputation in pediatric oncology. However, no systematic review specifically investigated this topic. Thus, this study aims to appraise the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for post-amputation PLP in pediatric oncology.

Methods
Electronic databases (Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Scopus, WANGFANG, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database) will be systematically searched from the beginning to the present without limitations to publication status and language. Primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes are analgesic drug consumption, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, health-related quality of life, and adverse events. The treatment effect of all dichotomous outcome data will be estimated as risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and that of continuous outcome data will be calculated as mean difference or standardized mean difference and 95% CIs. Methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be assessed using Cochrane risk of bias tool and that of case-controlled studies (CCSs) will be appraised using Newcastle-Ottawa Tool. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

Discussion
This study will summarize up-to-date high-quality RCTs and CCSs to assess the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for PLP after amputation in pediatric oncology. The findings of this study will help to determine whether or not gabapentin is effective and safe for children with PLP after amputation.

Systematic review registration
INPLASY202060090
$(\mathrm{p},\mathrm{q})$-Analysis of Montgomery identity and estimates of $(\mathrm{p},\mathrm{q})$-bounds with applications
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Talib Sadia , Set Erhan , Awan Muhammad Uzair , Noor Muhammad Aslam 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe main objective of this article is to establish a new post quantum version of Montgomery identity. Some estimates of associated post quantum bounds are also obtained. In order to obtain the main results of the article, we use the preinvexity property of the functions. Some special cases are also discussed in detail. Finally, we present some applications of the obtained results, which shows the significance of the discussed results.
Influence of grass lawns on the summer thermal environment and microclimate of heritage sites: a case study of Fuling mausoleum, China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Peng , Xu Gongwen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The thermal environment and microclimate of heritage sites has been severely impacted by rapid urbanization. This study collected various meteorological measurement data as a reference for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation settings. Then CFD was applied to simulate the impact of lawns on the thermal environment and microclimate of Fuling Mausoleum. We found that lawns and soil can cool the air through evaporation, and thus have a specific cooling effect on the bricked ground. Simulations with the lawns, the bricked ground temperature decreased by 1.56–17.54 °C than that simulations without the lawns at 14:00, a decrease of 2.68%–24.20%. Under normal circumstances, when the wind speed or relative humidity increased, the ground temperature dropped. Greenbelt vegetation can adjust the microclimate and human thermal comfort indicators. The consistency of the difference between the actual measurement and the CFD simulation results shows that CFD simulation can thus accurately reflect the internal temperature field distribution if the selection of simulation parameters is reasonable. Theoretical calculation and analysis, experimental measurement research, and modern computer simulation analysis methods applied together constitute a complete system for studying modern physical environmental problems and can provide reliable and economic results.
SDPSO: Spark Distributed PSO-based approach for feature selection and cancer disease prognosis
Authors: Tadist Khawla , Mrabti Fatiha , Nikolov Nikola S. , Zahi Azeddine , Najah Said 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Dimensionality Curse is one of the most critical issues that are hindering faster evolution in several fields broadly, and in bioinformatics distinctively. To counter this curse, a conglomerate solution is needed. Among the renowned techniques that proved efficacy, the scaling-based dimensionality reduction techniques are the most prevalent. To insure improved performance and productivity, horizontal scaling functions are combined with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based computational techniques. Optimization algorithms are an interesting substitute to traditional feature selection methods that are both efficient and relatively easier to scale. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is an iterative search algorithm that has proved to achieve excellent results for feature selection problems. In this paper, a composite Spark Distributed approach to feature selection that combines an integrative feature selection algorithm using Binary Particle Swarm Optimization (BPSO) with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm for cancer prognosis is proposed; hence Spark Distributed Particle Swarm Optimization (SDPSO) approach. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated using five benchmark genomic datasets as well as a comparative study with four state of the art methods. Compared with the four methods, the proposed approach yields the best in average of purity ranging from 0.78 to 0.97 and F-measure ranging from 0.75 to 0.96.
Postoperative acute multiple organ failure after hepatectomy in a Nigerian male with sickle cell trait: a case report
Authors: Iwasaki Toshimitsu , Nara Satoshi , Nishimura Yuuki , Ueda Hiroki , Kishi Yoji , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a monogenic disease characterized by sickle hemoglobin (HbS). Patients homozygous for HbS experience symptoms resulting from sickled erythrocytes no later than adolescence. However, heterozygous HbS carriers, or those with the so-called sickle cell trait (SCT), may undergo surgery without their hemoglobinopathy being known.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old Nigerian male with hepatitis C infection underwent radiofrequency ablation therapy for multiple hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) 17 months prior. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) revealed a solitary tumor (3.2 cm) in the medial section of the cirrhotic liver. The Child–Pugh score was five, and the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min was 17.4%. The nontumorous liver of the medial section accounted for 10% of the total liver volume according to CT volumetry. With the diagnosis of recurrent HCC, left medial sectionectomy was performed under intermittent blood flow occlusion by Pringle’s maneuver. Intraoperative ultrasonography confirmed that hepatic blood flow had been preserved after hepatectomy. However, laboratory tests on postoperative day (POD) 1 revealed severe liver damage: aspartate aminotransferase 9250 IU/L, alanine aminotransferase 6120 IU/L, total bilirubin 2.8 mg/dL, and prothrombin time% 20.9%. The patient’s renal and respiratory functions also deteriorated; therefore, continuous hemodiafiltration and plasma exchange were initiated under mechanical ventilation. Whole-body contrast-enhanced CT showed no apparent ischemia of the remnant liver, but diffuse cerebral infarction was detected. Despite intensive treatments, he died of multiple organ failure on POD 20. The pathological examination of the resected specimen revealed that the intrahepatic peripheral vessels were occluded by sickled erythrocytes. Additionally, chromatographic analysis of hemoglobin detected the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, although microscopic examination of the peripheral blood erythrocytes did not show morphological abnormalities. Based on these findings, we determined that he had SCT and developed vaso-occlusive crisis involving multiple organs just after hepatectomy.

Conclusion
SCD is a rare disease in eastern Asia, but its prevalence is increasing globally. Surgeons should pay increased attention to this disease, especially when performing hepatectomy under blood flow occlusion.
A joint inventory–finance model for coordinating a capital-constrained supply chain with financing limitations
Authors: Emtehani Faranak , Nahavandi Nasim , Rafiei Farimah Mokhatab 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFaced with economic recession, firms struggle to find ways to stay competitive and maintain market share. Effective coordination of the supply chain can solve this problem, but this may fail if existing capital constraints and financial flows are ignored. This study addresses the challenge by exploiting coordination through joint decision-making on the physical and financial flows of a capital-constrained supply chain. We also consider the capital-constrained member’s financing limitations that lead to lost sales. Two scenarios based on non-coordinated and coordinated structures are modeled in the form of bi-objective optimization problems that simultaneously optimize system costs and service levels. The models are solved using the $$\varepsilon$$
ε
-constraint method. The results indicate that the non-coordinated model cannot satisfy more than about 50% of the demand due to capital shortage and financing limitations, while the coordinated model can satisfy all of the demand via internal financing. Furthermore, the proposed coordination scheme leads to cost reduction for the members and the total system. To motivate all members to accept the proposed coordination scheme, a cost-sharing mechanism is applied to the coordination procedure. Finally, a sensitivity analysis concerning financial parameters is provided for validating the coordination model.
A virtual-hybrid approach to launching a cardio-oncology clinic during a pandemic
Authors: Brown Sherry-Ann , Patel Sahishnu , Rayan David , Zaharova Svetlana , Lin Mingqian , Nafee Tarek , Sunkara Bipin , Maddula Ragasnehith , MacLeod James , Doshi Krishna , Meskin Joshua , Marks David , Saucedo Jorge 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in cancer survivors, the new subspecialty of Cardio-Oncology has emerged to address prevention, monitoring, and management of cardiovascular toxicities to cancer therapies. During the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we developed a Virtual-Hybrid Approach to build a de novo Cardio-Oncology Clinic.MethodsWe conceptualized a Virtual-Hybrid Approach including three arms: information seeking in locations with existing Cardio-Oncology clinics, information gathering at the location for a new clinic, and information sharing to report clinic-building outcomes. A retrospective review of outcomes included collection and synthesis of data from our first 3 months (at pandemic peak) on types of appointments, cancers, drugs, and cardiotoxicities. Data were presented using descriptive statistics.ResultsA de-novo Cardio-Oncology clinic was developed structured from the ground up to integrate virtual and in-person care in a hybrid and innovative model, using the three arms of the Virtual-Hybrid Approach. First, we garnered in-person and virtual preparation through hands-on experiences, training, and discussions in existing Cardio-Oncology Clinics and conferences. Next, we gleaned information through virtual inquiry and niche-building. With partners throughout the institution, a virtual referral process was established for outpatient referrals and inpatient e-consult referrals to actualize a hybrid care spectrum for our patients administered by a multidisciplinary hybrid care team of clinicians, ancillary support staff, and clinical pharmacists. Among the multi-subspecialty clinic sessions, approximately 50% were in Cardio-Oncology, 20% in Preventive Cardiology, and 30% in General Cardiology. In the hybrid model, the Heart & Vascular Center had started to re-open, allowing for 65% of our visits to be in person. In additional analyses, the most frequent cardiovascular diagnosis was cardiomyopathy (34%), the most common cancer drug leading to referral was trastuzumab (29%), and the most prevalent cancer type was breast cancer (42%).ConclusionThis Virtual-Hybrid Approach and retrospective review provides guidance and information regarding initiating a brand-new Cardio-Oncology Clinic during the pandemic for cancer patients/survivors. This report also furnishes virtual resources for patients, virtual tools for oncologists, cardiologists, and administrators tasked with starting new clinics during the pandemic, and innovative future directions for this digital pandemic to post-pandemic era.
Synthesis of DOTA-pyridine chelates for 64Cu coordination and radiolabeling of αMSH peptide
Authors: Yang Hua , Gao Feng , McNeil Brooke , Zhang Chengcheng , Yuan Zheliang , Zeisler Stefan , Kumlin Joel , Zeisler Jutta , Bénard François , Ramogida Caterina , Schaffer Paul 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
64Cu is one of the few radioisotopes that can be used for both imaging and therapy, enabling theranostics with identical chemical composition. Development of stable chelators is essential to harness the potential of this isotope, challenged by the presence of endogenous copper chelators. Pyridyl type chelators show good coordination ability with copper, prompting the present study of a series of chelates DOTA-xPy (x = 1–4) that sequentially substitute carboxyl moieties with pyridyl moieties on a DOTA backbone.

Results
We found that the presence of pyridyl groups significantly increases 64Cu labeling conversion yield, with DOTA-2Py, −3Py and -4Py quantitatively complexing 64Cu at room temperature within 5 min (1 × 10− 4 M). [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-xPy (x = 2–4) exhibited good stability in human serum up to 24 h. When challenged with 1000 eq. of NOTA, no transmetallation was observed for all three 64Cu complexes. DOTA-xPy (x = 1–3) were conjugated to a cyclized α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (αMSH) peptide by using one of the pendant carboxyl groups as a bifunctional handle. [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-xPy-αMSH retained good serum stability (> 96% in 24 h) and showed high binding affinity (Ki = 2.1–3.7 nM) towards the melanocortin 1 receptor.

Conclusion
DOTA-xPy (x = 1–3) are promising chelators for 64Cu. Further in vivo evaluation is necessary to assess the full potential of these chelators as a tool to enable further theranostic radiopharmaceutical development.