bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating Cancer Risks Due to Whole Lungs Low Dose Radiotherapy With Different Techniques for Treating COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Banaei Amin , Hashemi Bijan , Bakhshandeh Mohsen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Low dose radiotherapy (LDRT) of whole lungs with photon beams is a novel under evaluation method for treating COVID-19 pneumonia. The purpose of this study was to estimate the cancer risks induced by lung LDRT as the only radiation side effects at low doses for different radiotherapy delivery techniques.Method: Four different radiotherapy techniques including 3D-conformal with anterior and posterior fields (3D-CRT AP-PA), 3D-conformal with 8 coplanar fields (3D-CRT 8 fields), 8 fields intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and volumetric modulated arc therapy using 2 full arcs (VMAT) were planned on the CT images of 32 COVID-19 patients. Organ average and maximum doses, and PTV dose distribution indexes were calculated and compared between different techniques. The radiation induced cancer and mortality risks were estimated and compared for the assessed techniques.Results: In IMRT and VMAT techniques, heart (mean, and max), breast (mean, and max), and stomach (mean) doses and also maximum dose in the body were significantly lower compared to 3D-CRT techniques. The calculated conformity indexes were similar in all the techniques. However, the homogeneity indexes were lower (i.e. better) in intensity modulated techniques (P<0.03) with no significant differences between IMRT and VMAT plans. Lifetime lung cancer incident risks for all the delivery techniques were statistically similar (P>0.4). Cancer risks for organs located closer to lung like breast, and stomach were significantly higher in 3D-CRT techniques compared to IMRT or VMAT techniques (for a 30 years old man: 2.041±0.237% Vs 1.560±0.210%; and woman: 6.624±0.548% Vs 4.963±0.462%) (P<0.03). However, 8 fields 3D-conformal had significantly lower breast cancer risk compared to the 3D-CRT AP-PA technique (P<0.01).Conclusion: Although all the radiotherapy techniques had low cancer risks, the overall risks induced by IMRT and VMAT radiotherapy techniques were lower than the 3D-CRT techniques and can be used clinically in younger patients or patients having higher concerns about future cancers. Higher cancer risks except the lungs are related to breast, and stomach which must be considered for lung LDRT.
A Novel TPS Toolkit to Assess Correlation Between Transit Fluence Dosimetry and DVH Metrics for Adaptive Head and Neck Radiotherapy
Authors: Antoniou George , Penfold Scott 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Inter-fractional anatomical variations in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients can lead to clinically significant dosimetric changes. Adaptive re-planning should thus commence to negate any potential over-dosage to organs-at-risk (OAR), as well as potential under-dosage to target lesions. The aim of this study is to explore the correlation between transit fluence, as measured at an electronic portal imaging device (EPID), and dose volume histogram (DVH) metrics to target and OAR structures in a simulated environment. Planning data of 8 patients that have previously undergone adaptive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) at the Royal Adelaide Hospital were selected for this study. Through delivering the original treatment plan to both the planning and rescan CTs of these 8 patients, predicted electronic portal images (EPIs) and DVH metrics corresponding to each data set were extracted using a novel RayStation script. A weighted projection mask was developed for target and OAR structures through considering the intra-angle overlap between fluence and structure contours projected onto the EPIs. The correlation between change in transit fluence and planning target volume (PTV) D98 and spinal cord D0.03cc with and without the weighting mask applied was investigated. PTV D98 was strongly correlated with mean fluence percentage difference both with and without the weighting mask applied (RMask = 0.69, RNo Mask = 0.79, N = 14, p < 0.05), where spinal cord D0.03cc exhibited a weak correlation (RMask = 0.35, RNo Mask = 0.53, N = 7, p > 0.05) however this result was not statistically significant. The simulation toolkit developed in this work provided a useful means to investigate the relationship between change in transit fluence and change in key dosimetric parameters for head and neck cancer patients.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of the Brain in Takifugu Rubripes Shows Its Tolerance to Acute Hypoxia
Authors: Bao Mingxiu , Shang Fengqin , Liu Fujun , Hu Ziwen , Wang Shengnan , Yang Xiao , Yu Yundeng , Zhang Hongbin , Jiang Chihang , Jiang Jielan , Liu Yang , Wang Xiuli 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Hypoxia is reduced levels of oxygen. Especially in water, due to the complex environment, hypoxic situations often occur. Although fish can survive in low-oxygen waters, this survival ability depends on a complete set of coping mechanisms such as oxygen perception and gene-protein interaction regulation. The research on this mechanism is very meaningful. The present study was undertaken to examine the short-term effects of hypoxia on the brain in Takifugu rubripes. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the brain in T. rubripes to studied their response mechanism to acute hypoxia. Total 167 genes with adjusted P values<0.05 were diﬀerentially expressed in the brain of T. rubripes exposed to acute hypoxia. However, hif1a, the master transcriptional regulator of the adaptive response to hypoxia, was not significantly regulated, which indicated that the T. rubripes brain might prevent the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Then Gene Ontology and KEGG Enrichment Analysis were carried out. The results indicated that hypoxia could cause metabolic and neurological changes, showing the clues of their adaptation to acute hypoxia. Overall, the sequenced transcriptomes of the brain in T. rubripes showed small changes under acute hypoxia. As the most complex and important organ, the brain of T. rubripes might be able to create a self-protection mechanism to resist or reduce damage caused by acute hypoxia stress.
An Energy Efficient Quantum-dot Cellular Automata Design of 1/2 and 1/3 Convolution Encoder
Authors: Jahangir Rahil , Fazili Mohammad Mudakir , Tripathi Neeraj 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) technology is considered to be the future of nanoelectronic device fabrication technology. The fabrication density of the transistors in a particular area in the current nanoelectronic industry has saturated. Adroit alternate to current CMOS based VLSI technology is being researched upon. QCA technology is considered to be the noblest post-CMOS era fabrication technology. In this paper, novel energy-efficient QCA designs for 1/2 and 1/3 convolution encoders have been presented. Both the presented designs were proven to be efficient than previously designed circuits. The efficiency of the design is calculated for critical design parameters like cell count, cell area, latency (clock phases), complexity and energy dissipation. The proposed 1/2 convolution encoder uses 21 QCA cells consuming an area of 0.012µm2. The complexity of this design was calculated to be 2. The energy dissipation analysis revealed that the presented circuit dissipated 14.03meV of energy. The proposed 1/3 convolution encoder uses 32 QCA cells consuming an area of 0.025µm2. The energy dissipation analysis revealed that the presented circuit dissipated 16.88meV of energy. Both the proposed designs used only a few more extra cells than the previously designed circuits but induced stronger polarizations and were more fault-tolerant. It was found that the circuits proposed are 25% more energy efficient than previously designed circuits. The latency of the proposed designs was of 2 clock phases, thus making it suitable for high-speed operation. Significant improvement of the designs was done to optimize the circuit for secure nano-communication devices.
Characterising Childhood Blackwater Fever and Its Clinical Care at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Paasi George , Ndila Carolyne , Okiror William , Namayanja Cate , Okalebo Benard Phelan , Abongo Grace , Alaroker Florence , Abeso Julian , Kasoro Andrew , Okello Francis , Olupot-Olupot Peter 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

In eastern Uganda, reports suggest that cases of Blackwater Fever (BWF) are on the rise. We summarise the base-line characteristics and routine care available to patients with BWF presenting at two tertiary hospitals in Eastern Uganda prior to the Phase I/II trial on use of paracetamol for acute kidney injury in children with BWF (PARIST; ISRCTN84974248).
Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive study for the period January – December 2018 for children admitted with a clinical diagnosis of BWF at Mbale and Soroti Regional Referral Hospitals in Eastern Uganda. Data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, routine in-patient care and outcomes were abstracted using a customised study proforma and analysed using STATA.
Results

We obtained 9578 admission records during the study period, of which 1241 (13.0%) were admitted with a diagnosis of BWF. The median age was 60 months (IQR 36–90). Male: female ratio was 1.5:1. More cases of BWF 682/1241 (55.0%) were in children > 5 years compared to 559/1241 (45.0%) ≤ 5 years [95% CI (0.41–0.59); P = 0.0002]. The common symptoms included fever 1109/1241 (89.4%), vomiting 599/1241 (48.3%) and abdominal pain 494/1241 (39.8%). Conversely, the common signs recorded were clinical pallor 742/1241 (59.8%), clinical jaundice 369/1241 (29.7%), fever 332/1241 (26.7%) and prostration 231/1241 (18.6%). In addition, abdominal tenderness was documented in 120/1241 (9.7%), splenomegaly in 122/1241 (9.8%) and hepatomegaly in 86/1241 (6.9%). Case records with BWF were more in the second half of the year with a peak in the months of July and September. 510/1241 (41.1%) were treated with antimalarial drugs mainly parenteral Artesunate 501/510 (98.2%). 660/1241(53.2%) of the patients were managed with antibiotics mainly parenteral ceftriaxone 616/660 (93.3%). There were 426/1241 (34.3%) patients who received blood transfusion during admission. Clinicians used steroid treatment in 388/1241 (31.3%), mainly parenteral hydrocortisone 370/388 (95.4%).
Conclusions

BWF accounted for 13% paediatric hospital admissions in the region. It was predominant in children > 5 years of age. It typically presents with passing dark urine, fever, abdominal pain, clinical jaundice and pallor. Locally there are no treatment guidelines for BWF. These data provide background data useful for future studies on BWF in the region.
Dosimetric characteristics of a thin bolus made with real time variable shape tungsten rubber for photon radiotherapy
Authors: Okuhata Katsuya , Monzen Hajime , Tamura Mikoto , Nishimura Yasumasa 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study, we aim to clarify the dosimetric characteristics of a real time variable shape rubber containing tungsten (STR) as a thin bolus in 6-MV photon radiotherapy. The percentage depth doses (PDDs) and lateral dose profiles (irradiation field = 10 × 10 cm2) in the water-equivalent phantom were measured and compared between no bolus, a conventional 5-mm gel bolus, and 1-, 2-, and 3-mm STR boluses. The characteristics of the PDDs were evaluated according to relative doses at 1 mm depth (D1mm) and depth of maximum dose (dmax). The water-equivalent thicknesses of the STR boluses were determined by shifting the distance of the PDD’s build-up curve until it overlaid that with no bolus. The penumbra size and width of the 50% dose were evaluated using lateral dose profiles. The D1mm with no bolus, 5-mm gel bolus, and 1-, 2-, and 3-mm STR boluses were 47.6%, 91.5%, 86.6%, 89.3%, and 89.4%, respectively, and the respective dmax values were 15, 10, 12, 11, and 10 mm. The water-equivalent thicknesses of the 1-, 2-, and 3-mm STR boluses were 4.4, 4.9, and 5.1 mm, respectively. There were no differences for those in lateral dose profiles. The 1-mm-thick STR thin bolus shifted the depth dose profile by 4.4 mm and could be used as a customized bolus for photon radiotherapy.
Structural, Dielectric, and Magnetic Studies of ZnCuFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: D Baba Basha 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The zinc copper ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal method. Further, the X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the formation of cubic spinel structure. The microstructure was analyzed using the FESEM and TEM study. The results revealed that the symmetrical and asymmetrical nanospheres were found in the surface morphology. The dielectric studies indicated that the behavior of dielectric constant and dielectric loss as a function of frequency and composition. In addition, the Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization was observed. Similarly, the ac-electrical conductivity behavior was well understood. The M-H loops indicated the ferromagnetic behavior of ZnCu ferrite samples.
A UAV- and field-based investigation of the land degradation and soil erosion at opencast coal mine dumps after 5 years’ evolution of natural processes
Authors: Xiao Wu , Ren He , Sui Tao , Zhang Heyu , Zhao Yanling , Hu Zhenqi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Open-pit coal mining has a large impact on land surface, both at the mining pits themselves and at waste sites. After artificial management is stopped, a reclaimed opencast coal mine dump is affected by wind and water erosion from natural processes, resulting in land degradation and even safety incidents. In this paper, the soil erosion and land degradation after 5 years of such natural processes, at the Xilinhot open pit coal mine dump in Inner Mongolia, were investigated. A multi-source data acquisition method was applied: the vegetation coverage index was extracted from GF-1 satellite imagery, high-precision terrain characteristics and the location and degree of soil erosion were obtained using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and the physical properties of the topsoil were obtained by field sampling. On this basis, the degree and spatial distribution of erosion cracks were identified, and the causes of soil erosion and land degradation were analyzed using a geographical detector. The results show that: 1) The multi-source data acquisition method can provide effective basic data for the quantitative evaluation of the ecological environment at dumps; 2) slope aspect and vegetation fractional coverage are the main factors affecting the degree of degradation and soil erosion. Based on this analysis, several countermeasures are proposed to mitigate land degradation: 1) The windward slope be designed to imitate the natural landform; 2) engineering measures should be applied at the slope to restrain soil erosion; 3) pioneer plants should be widely planted on the platform at the early stage of reclamation.
Spatio-Temporal Variation in Stable Isotope and Elemental Composition of Key-Species Reflect Environmental changes in the Baltic Sea
Authors: LIENART Camilla , GARBARAS Andrius , QVARFORDT Susanne , WALVE Jakob , Karlson Agnes ML 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are increasingly used to study long-term change in food web structure and nutrient cycling. Whether isotope composition in primary producers and consumers (so-called isotope baselines) reflect environmental changes in a similar manner is largely unknown. We take advantage of long-term oceanographic monitoring data and archived biological samples for the well-studied Baltic Sea to retrospectively analyse elemental composition (C, N and P) and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in the filamentous ephemeral macroalgae Cladophora spp. and in blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from three contrasting regions (coastal Bothnian Sea and Baltic proper, open sea central Baltic) with the aim to statistically link the observed spatial and interannual (8–24 years’ time-series) variability in elemental and isotope baselines with environmental changes. We find clear differences in isotope baselines between the two major Baltic Sea basins. However, the temporal development in Mytilus δ13C was remarkably similar among regions and, at the open sea station, mussels and algae δ13C also correlated over time, likely reflecting a global Baltic Sea or Northern Hemisphere pattern. In contrast, δ15N of both taxa responded to regional and local drivers (water nutrient concentrations). δ15N in source amino acids allowed detection of diazotrophic N signal in Mytilus, which was masked in bulk δ15N. Finally, Cladophora N:P reflected regional nutrient levels in the water while P %, which differed for both taxa, was linked to food quality for Mytilus. This study highlights the potential of a multi-taxa and multi-stable isotope approach to understand nutrient dynamics and monitor long-term environmental changes.
Clinical Evaluation of Protein Energy Wasting in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: jing ZHANG , jie TIAN , hongling WANG , zhengzhong HE 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a common complication of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study aimed to explore the PEW evaluation method in MHD patients. Methods: Clinical data, physical parameters, laboratory values, and a questionnaire survey of MHD patients were collected from PEW and non-PEW patients in our hospital from September to December 2019. Analysis of variance was used to assess the difference between the two groups. ROC analysis was used to compare the diagnostic efficacy of physical measurement and nutrition scores and find the appropriate evaluation criteria for clinical application. Results: 1. There were statistically significant differences in many physical parameters between the two groups (p<0.05). 2. ROC curve analysis showed that the diagnostic efficiency of a single physical measurement or nutritional score was not high, and multiple indexes should be combined. 3. The simplified Pew risk score formula was 27.4 + abdominal circumference + 0.4 * main handgrip strength - 3.2 * body mass index -1.9 * upper arm circumference, which had a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 94.4% at AUC of 0.864 and cutoff of 0.043346. Conclusion: A combination of abdominal circumference, main handgrip strength, BMI, and upper arm circumference could comprehensively evaluate PEW to improve the diagnostic efficiency.
Role of Aspirin Resistance, Mechanical Factors and Inflammation on Early Saphenous Vein Graft Thrombosis After CABG
Authors: hanafy Dudy Arman , Setianto Budhi Setianto , Rachmat Jusuf , Soesanto  , Abdullah Arman Adel , Sukrisman Lugyanti , Adisasmita Asri C , Puruhito Ito 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the role of pre-operative and transient aspirin resistance in the formation of early saphenous vein graft (SVG) thrombosis six weeks after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and to analyze the other factors, such as mechanical and inflammation factors, that are also suspected of contributing to the formation of early thrombosis.Methods: Pre- and post-operative blood samples were taken from 99 subjects, whom 74 patients were undergoing elective on-pump CABG and receiving aspirin as monotherapy, for evaluation of inflammation parameters and the state of aspirin resistance using a Platelet Function Analyzer-200 (PFA-200). Transit time flow measurements (TTFM) were performed intra-operatively to determine mechanical factors. Multi-sliced computed tomography (MSCT) was done six weeks after surgery to determine the patency of the vein grafts.Result: In the 222 vein conduits, aspirin resistance was related to early vein graft failure due to thrombosis (p < 0.001; relative risk (RR) = 3.69). The massive increase of interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels after surgery were related to the existence of post-operative transient aspirin resistance (p < 0.001). Transient aspirin resistance (IL-6 > 122.5) was associated with early graft failure (p = 0.029; RR = 8.6) compared to the aspirin-sensitive group (IL-6 > 122.5).Conclusion: Aspirin resistance plays a primary role in early vein graft thrombosis. Transient aspirin resistance accompanied by an increase of inflammation factor (IL-6) significantly increases the risk of early vein graft thrombosis after CABG.
Combination therapy of Tocilizumab and steroid for COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: moosazadeh Mahmood , Mousavi Tahoora 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe coagulation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-2R, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-a) and Lymphopenia are associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease. The use of anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids (CS) or Tosilizumab (TCZ) has been suggested for the treatment of advanced stage of COVID-19 and reduction of mechanical ventilators and mortality. The aim of this meta-analysis is to determine the role of combination therapy with Tocilizumab and steroid in COVID-19 patient. Material and methodsRelevant studies were found using online international databases and suitable studies were selected and assessed by two independent researchers. The quality of all papers were determined by a checklist. Heterogeneity assay among the primary studies was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2 index. The statistical analyses were done using Stata ver. 14 package (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) software. Publication bias was estimated through the Egger's test and the impact of each study on the overall estimate was assessed by sensitivity analysis.Result 6 studies were entered into this meta-analysis. The results of these studies showed that the risk of death for COVID-19 patients treated with the combination of corticosteroids and Tocilizumab compared to Tocilizumab or [C1] control group was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.36-1.50) and 0.48(95% CI: 0.31-0.74) respectively. ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that the risk of death in COVID-19 patients who treated with Corticosteroids and Tocilizumab was lower than Tocilizumab and control group (26% and 52% respectively).
Randomized Phase II Study of SOX+B-mab Versus SOX+C-mab in Patients With Previously Untreated Recurrent Advanced Colorectal Cancer With Wild-Type KRAS (MCSGO-1107 Study)
Authors: Nishizawa Yujiro , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Kim Hirotoshi , Ide Yoshihito , Nakata Ken , Okamura Shu , Kudo Toshihiro , Satoh Taroh , Uemura Mamoru , Matsuda Chu , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Murata Kohei , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Although chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has improved, the standard chemotherapy regimens for patients with RAS wild-type mCRC remain debated.Methods: This randomized phase II, open-label, multicenter study compared the efficacy and safety of S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX)+bevacizumab (B-mab) with SOX+cetuximab (C-mab) in patients with previously untreated recurrent advanced CRC with wild-type KRAS. Between February 2012 and October 2016, 45 patients were enrolled.Results: Overall response rates were 59.1% and 43.5% (p=0.29) and disease control rates were 90.9% and 91.3% (p=0.96) in the SOX+B-mab and SOX+C-mab groups, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) was 25.3 and 15.5 months (HR=0.607, p=0.167) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 11.7 and 5.5 months (HR=0.558, p=0.077) in the SOX+B-mab and SOX+C-mab groups, respectively. The OS and PFS of patients with early tumor shrinkage (ETS) were not significantly different in the SOX+B-mab group. However, they were significantly better when ETS was ≥20 in the SOX+C-mab group (p=0.032 and p=0.003, respectively).Conclusions: The efficacy and safety of SOX+B-mab and SOX+C-mab for wild-type KRAS recurrent advanced CRC as first-line chemotherapy were almost the same. Consideration of the treatment strategy based on ETS may improve patient prognosis, especially in patients receiving the SOX+C-mab regimen.Trial registration: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000006706)Date of registration: NOV/11/2011URL of trial registry record:https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000007920