bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of GNPS on the Enhancement of Proton Therapy of Breast Tumor Using MCNPX Simulation
Authors: hosseinimotlagh seyede nasrin , niknam nasrin , parang zohreh 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The beam therapy plays an important role in the treatment of cancer, which is the most common and successful form of treatment used after surgery. In proton therapy, proton beam (PB) particles irradiate the tumor. To enhance the treatment of breast tumor it is possible to inject gold nanoparticles (GNPS) into the tumor at the same time as irradiating the PB. The aim of this paper is the simulation of the treatment of breast tumors by using PBs and injecting GNPS with different concentrations, simultaneously. Therefore, we introduce the breast phantom (BP), then we irradiate it with a proton pencil beam, which is also injected with GNPS at the same time. In order to show the enhancement of the absorbed dose in the tumor, we use MCNPX.2.6 code. Results: The findings of our simulations show that the location of the Bragg's peak within the tumor shifts to higher depths with increasing energy. Also, by injecting GNPS in different amounts of 10, 25, 50 and 75 mg / ml with simultaneously irradiation of the PB, the rate of absorbed dose increases up to 1.75% compared to the non-injected state. Our results also show that the optimal range of proton energy that creates Bragg peaks within the tumor is between 52 to 65 MeV, which causes the creation of spread out of Bragg peak. It should be noted that the amount of absorbed dose is affected by quantities such as total stopping power, average Coulomb scattering angle, CSDA range and straggling range. Conclusion: This work offers new insights based on the use of GNPS in the treatment of breast cancer through proton therapy and indicates that the addition of GNPS is a promising strategy to increase the killing of cancer cells while irradiating fast PBs. In fact, the results of this study confirm the ability of GNPS to enhance treatment by increasing the absorbed dose in breast tumors using proton therapy.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Infection Control Measures Among HealthCare Workers at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) in Riyadh, KSA
Authors: Alshathri najod 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Infections acquired in healthcare facilities have become an increasingly challenging issue worldwide. The prevention of infectious diseases is a critical issue since healthcare workers develop acquired infections while providing services to patients. However, infection prevention and control are challenging, especially in healthcare facilities. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers in King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH). Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at KKESH, total of 285 healthcare workers, including physicians, nurses, optometrists, radiographers, and ophthalmic assistants were investigated. A close-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward infection control prevention measures. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Chi-squared was computed to identify associations between factors within the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infection prevention.Results: The study showed that 81% of respondents had good knowledge, 82% had a positive attitude, and only 59% had safe infection prevention practices. Doctors were more knowledgeable than other staff, and nurses showed a high level of positive attitude and safe practices. There was a statistically significant correlation between age, occupation, education, and years of experience with infection prevention practices among healthcare providers (P<0.05). The availability of infection prevention guidelines was associated with excellent knowledge, a positive attitude, and safe practices.Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that most healthcare workers had adequate knowledge and displayed a positive attitude, but practices toward infection control were not sufficient. Therefore, regular training, that contain educational programs, should be supported to maintain the highest level of practice.
Modified Double-tract Reconstruction in Terms of Postoperative Quality of Life in Patients With Early Esophagogastirc Junction Adenocarcinoma After Proximal Gastrectomy
Authors: Chang Xusheng , Luo Tianhang , Li Xu , Cui Hangtian , Gong Xiao , Zhang Jinghui , Yin Kai 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background Increased reflux symptoms limited clinical application of proximal gastrectomy (PG) in the patients with early adenocarcinoma of esophagogastirc junction (AEG). The purpose of this study is to describe a method of modified double-tract reconstruction (DTR) after PG, and to evaluate the feasibility, safety, surgical outcomes, postoperative gut function and nutritional status post operation. Methods Prospective cohort data of 25 patients with early AEG who presented to a single tertiary hospital from Jan 2019 to Jun2019 and underwent DTR after PG were analyzed respectively. The data of this prospective cohort included: clinicopathologic characteristics, surgical outcomes, time to first flatus and defecation, Visick Score, degrees and extent of remnant gastritis, Los Angles Classification in 1-year follow-up.Results The mean operation time was 206.54±75.44 min; estimated blood loss was 128.85±48.38 ml; length of proximal and distal resection margin were 2.53±0.83 and 4.86±1.49 cm; and number of retrieved lymph nodes reached 23.54±8.04. The postoperative complication rate was 8% (n = 2), which were both treated by conservative management. The postoperative gut function improved gradually and the volume of postoperative daily intake could reach over 700ml on 6th POD. The levels of albumin and prealbumin returned to normal status and weight loss also remained steadily at 3-month after operation. The rate of reflux symptoms was 12% (n = 3), which were classified as Visick grade II at 1-year follow-up after operation. ConclusionThe short-term outcome of this modified DTR was satisfied, which could improve the nutrition status and quality of life post operation.Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR 1900024826. Registered 29 July 2019. https://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.aspx?title=&officialname=&subjectid=&secondaryid=&applier=&studyleader=&ethicalcommitteesanction=&sponsor=&studyailment=&studyailmentcode=&studytype=0&studystage=0&studydesign=0&minstudyexecutetime=&maxstudyexecutetime=&recruitmentstatus=0&gender=0&agreetosign=&secsponsor=&regno=ChiCTR1900024826&regstatus=0&country=&province=&city=&institution=&institutionlevel=&measure=&intercode=&sourceofspends=&createyear=0&isuploadrf=&whetherpublic=&btngo=btn&verifycode=&page=1
Tuning the Optoelectronic Properties of Cross Conjugated Small Molecules Using Benzodithiophene As a Core Unit With Favorable Photovoltaic Parameters
Authors: Majeed Sana , Rehman Shafiq Ur , Zia Anjum , Iqbal Javed 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In a recent study, cross conjugated molecules (BDT-C1 to BDT-C6) based on Benzo [1,2-b:4,5-bʹ] (BDT) as core units linked with different acceptor moieties are designed for encouraging photovoltaic applications. The optoelectronic study has been conducted by density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP 6-31G (d, p) basis set combination by equating them with recently reported cross conjugated reference (BDT-CR) molecule and to study basic parameters such as frontier molecular orbital , density of states, reorganization energy, maximum absorption, dipole moment, transition density matrix (TDM) and open-circuit voltage (VOC). Six new cross conjugated molecules (BDT-C1 to BDT-C6) with modified acceptor moieties are designed to evaluate their photophysical behavior in photovoltaic cells and the optoelectronic analysis of designed molecules indicates that among all cross conjugated molecules, BDT-C3 molecule exhibited the lowest bandgap value (1.83 eV) and broad absorption (747 nm) spectrum in dichloromethane (DCM) due to extended conjugation in molecule than BDT-CR. TDM results reveal the easy dissociation of exciton due to the transfer of electron density in a diagonal direction from donor to acceptor moieties. The lowest value of electron mobility (0.0030 eV) and hole mobility (0.0027 eV) of BDT-C4 indicates its excellent electron and hole transfer behavior. The newly architecture molecule BDT-C5 displayed the highest VOC value of 1.75 eV concerning PC61BM. All above-mentioned outcomes reflects that our newly architecture cross conjugated molecules are suitable applicants for photovoltaic cells and can exhibit wonderful results in the quest of power conversion efficiency (PCE).
Burden of Risk Factors For Human Immunodeficient Virus Among Women of Reproductive Age In Sierra Leone: A 2019 Nationwide Survey
Authors: Kawuki Joseph , Kamara Kassim , Sserwanja Quraish 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background and aim: For over 40 years of the HIV/AIDS global epidemic, no effective cure nor vaccine is yet available, making the current control strategies focused on curbing new infections through risk reduction. The study aimed to determine the burden (prevalence) of HIV risk factors and their associated socio-demographics among women of reproductive age in Sierra Leone. Methods: We used weighted data from the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (SLDHS) of 2019 for 12,005 women aged 15-49 years. Multistage sampling was used to select study participants. Exposure to HIV risk factors was considered if a woman reported at least one of the following; having multiple sexual partners, transactional sex, non-condom use for the unmarried, and having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We, then, conducted multivariable logistic regression to explore the associated socio-demographics. All the analyses were done using SPSS (version 25). Results: Of the 12,005 women, 38.1% (4577/12005) (95% confidence interval (CI): 37.3-39.0) had at least one of the four risk factors. Women of 15 to 19 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.34, 95% CI: 1.00-1.80) and 20 to 34 years (AOR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.05-1.49) had more odds of having HIV risk factors compared to those of 35 to 49 years. Urban residents (AOR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.17-1.89) and those from the Northwestern region (AOR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.26-2.60) were also more likely to encounter HIV risk factors compared to their respective counterparts. Moreover, unmarried women (AOR=111.17, 95% CI: 87.55-141.18) and those working (AOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.14-1.67) also had higher odds of having HIV risk factors, compared to their respective counterparts. Sex of household head and parity were also significant associates.Conclusions: More than a third of women in Sierra Leone had encountered at least one HIV risk factor, and this was associated with age, place of residence, region, marital status, working status, household head and parity. There is a need for strengthening HIV/AIDS education programs, laws and policies targeting the young, working, unmarried and urban-resident women.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Maize Ear Heterosis During the Inflorescence Meristem Differentiation Stage
Authors: Shi Xia , li Weihua , Guo Zhanyong , Wu Mingbo , Zhang Xiangge , Yuan Liang , Qiu Xiaoqian , Xing Ye , Sun Xiaojing , Xie Huiling , Tang Jihua 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Heterosis is widely used in many crops and is important for global food safety. Maize is one of the most successful crops to take advantage of heterosis. Gene expression patterns have an effect with the development of maize ear. However, the mechanisms of heterosis on transcriptional-level control are only partly understood. Results: In this study, we sampled inflorescence meristem (IM) ears from the single-segment substitution maize (Zea mays) line lx9801hlEW2b, containing a heterotic locus hlEW2b associated with ear width, the receptor parent lx9801, the test parent Zheng58, and their corresponding hybrids, Zheng58 × lx9801hlEW2b and Zheng58 × lx9801. After RNA-sequence and a transcriptomic analysis, 1638 genes were identified in at least one hybrid with nonadditively expressed patterns and different expression levels between the two hybrids. A functional analysis showed that these genes were enriched in development-related processes, which are potentially associated with heterosis. In particular, 2263 (12.89%) and 2352 (14.65%) genes showed allele-specific expression (ASE) in Zheng58 × lx9801 and Zheng58 × lx9801hlEW2b, respectively. The ASE genes of Zheng58 × lx9801hlEW2b were significantly enriched in biological processes related to biosynthesis and catabolism, which implied that strong material metabolism was the basis for heterosis formation. Additionally, several critical genes involved in auxin metabolism and IM development were differentially expressed in hybrids with nonadditive expression or ASE patterns. Alterations in the expression abundance levels of these genes may lead to auxin homeostasis variations in IM and affect the transcription of core genes (such as WUS and KNOX) that control IM development.Conclusion: Our research suggest that nonadditive expression and ASE may fine-tune the expression levels of crucial genes controlling auxin metabolism and ear development to optimal states, and transcriptional variation may play important roles in maize ear heterosis. The results provide new information that increases our understanding of the relationship between transcriptional variation and heterosis formation during maize ear development, which may be helpful in clarifying the genetic and molecular mechanisms of heterosis.
Deep Superpixel-Based Network For Blind Image Quality Assessment
Authors: Yang Guangyi , Zhan Yang , Wang Yuxuan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The goal in a blind image quality assessment (BIQA) method is to simulate the process of evaluating images by human eyes and accurately assess the quality of the image. Although many methods effectively identify degradation, they do not fully consider the semantic content in images resulting in distortion. In order to fill this gap, we propose a deep adaptive superpixel-based network, namely DSN-IQA, to assess the quality of image based on multi-scale and superpixel segmentation. The DSN-IQA can adaptively accept arbitrary scale images as input images, making the assessment process similar to human perception. The network uses two models to extract multi-scale semantic features and generate a superpixel adjacency map. These two elements are united together via feature fusion to accurately predict image quality. Experimental results on different benchmark databases demonstrate that our method is highly competitive with other methods when assessing challenging authentic image databases. Also, due to adaptive deep superpixel-based network, our method accurately assesses images with complicated distortion, much like the human eye.
Successful Laparoscopic Sigmoid Transposition for Cervicovaginal Agenesis in Presence of Functional Uterus; a Case Series
Authors: Alborzi Saeed , Najarkolaee Elnaz Hosseini , Askary Elham , Alborzi Soroush , Chamanara Kefayat , Zahiri Ziba , Poordast Tahereh 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
This study has been designed to investigate the long-term outcomes of laparascopic sigmoid cervicovaginoplasty in patients with congenital cervicovaginal atresia with a functional uterus and stepwise description of surgery.
Methods
Seven patients with cervicovaginal atresia with a functional uterus, underwent laparoscopic sigmoid cervicovaginoplasty surgery, between 2016 and 2020. All subjects underwent a successful surgery with no major complications. Mean follow-up duration was 25.9 months (2-48 months). All the patients had regular menstrual cycles. The average length of vagina was 8.9 cm (7.6-10.5 cm). In one patient, proximal stenosis of neovagina was observed 12 months after surgery.
Results
The mean age and BMI of the patients were 18y (12-27y) and 19.7 (17.6-22.4). The average time period between the initiation of disease symptoms and the operation was 52.28 months (2-156 months). We had no significant post-operative short term complication. We did not perform hysterectomy in our patients either at the time of first surgery or as a result of a complication. None of our patients complained of signs of low anterior resection syndrome. Two subjects had sexual activities without dyspareunia, post coital bleeding, or malodor vaginal discharge.
Conclusion
Sigmoid cervicovaginoplasty is a safe and effective procedure with satisfactory long term outcomes. This surgery eliminates the psychological burden of hysterectomy in these patients. Through preserving the uterus, patients may have a chance of possible future pregnancy if abdominal cerclage is performed.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Whole-Slide Image Classification and Search Using Deep Learning
Authors: Safarpoor Amir , Shafiei Sobhan , Gonzalez Ricardo , Parwani Anil , Tizhoosh Hamid 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The size of whole slide images (WSIs) in digital pathology can vary from millions to billions of pixels. Accordingly, training state-of-the-art deep learning models with WSIs may not be feasible due to existing memory and computational constraints. In addition, not all WSI pixels may contain useful information about the scanned biopsy sample, e.g., background, debris, and artifact pixels. Furthermore, distilling expressive features from WSIs is a challenging task as there is generally no region-of-interest annotation in real-world archives. Hence, many methods focus on patch processing which can result in improper representation.

Methods: Unlike the patching approach, we propose a novel framework for learning and the creation of unique, meaningful, and compact features that are critical for indexing kidney cancer WSIs. In this method, a deep convolutional neural network is trained on low magnification patches. Then, slide-level features are extracted from the feature maps at low magnification using the same deep model by considering tissue location and the corresponding filter responses. This procedure enables us to represent a large image using a small set of features.

Results: We used data from the publicly available TCGA dataset to train our model, and it was assessed by both the TCGA and an additional external test cohort of 141 patients from the Ohio State University. We achieved state-of-the-art performance for WSI image search and classification in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) subtypes on both datasets.

Conclusions: Our study depicted that deep neural networks can be used to learn morphological patterns required for accurately representing large whole-slide images. These features can be applied to build WSI search engines to help reducing inter- and intra-observer variability.
DFT Study of Pt/TiO2 Single Atom Catalyst with Oxygen Vacancy Rich Surface
Authors: Zhang Yongkang , Wang Yuhang , Wang Fengping 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The titanium dioxide (TiO2) surface is suitable as a substrate for single-atom catalysts(SACs). As a common defect on TiO2, oxygen vacancy may have significant impact on the adsorption and activity of the adatoms. This work aims to investigate whether titanium dioxide containing surface oxygen vacancies is more suitable as a base material for SACs. This paper calculates the changes in the adsorption energy of Pt atoms and the energy of the d-band center on the perfect surface and the surface containing oxygen vacancies. With respect to perfect surface, the surface containing oxygen vacancies fixes Pt atom more firmly, and increases the center energy of the d-band of Pt, thereby improving the performance of Pt atom as SACs. Consequently, the (110) surface of Rutile TiO2 with oxygen vacancies may be the best substrate for SACs.
Trends and Spatiotemporal Patterns of Meteorological Drought Incidence in North Wollo, Northeastern Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Simachew Bantigegn , Mengistu Daniel Ayalew , Birlie Arega Bazezew 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The study was aimed to detect and characterize meteorological drought risk areas using remote sensing data in North Wollo, Ethiopia. Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) rainfall estimate was used to compute Z-Score Index (ZSI) and depict droughts during the meher season (2000 – 2019). MOD13Q1 from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image datasets was also used to generate Land Surface Temperature (LST) to investigate its association and trend with ZSI and the precipitation. To analyze the seasonal and annual rainfall trend, Mann-Kendal (MK) test was applied, and Sen’s slope estimator was used to fix the magnitude of change. The MK test result revealed that an increasing trend of total annual rainfall (1.2 – 10.7 mm year-1) has been observed in many districts, while the kiremt season showed a decreasing trend (-0.43 to -3.85 mm year-1). However, the belg (0.05 – 0.23 mm), and bega (0.54 – 2.80 mm) seasons revealed a slightly increasing trend in some districts. The ZSI value revealed that 2002, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2019 were characterized by a rainfall deficit resulting in droughts. Though the spatial extent and intensity level varies, there has been drought incidence in the area each year. However, 2009 and 2015 were the driest years with Z-score intensity of -2.01 to -2.84. Based on the regression and correlation result, ZSI has positive significant relationship (r = 0.93 – 0.99) with precipitation, and negative (r = -0.1 to -0.52) with LST. Thus, ZSI showed a significant increasing trend with rising precipitation and decreasing with LST. In the last 20 years, each district of the area encountered a rainfall deficit repeatedly (15 – 18 times), so that the area is categorized as an extremely high meteorological drought risk zone. Such spatiotemporal meteorological drought risk events have an imminent threat to the rainfed agricultural activities imposing immense influence on agro-based livelihoods of the local community. Therefore, it demands continuous drought monitoring and application of effective early warning systems.