bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of an internal density change in an anthropomorphic head phantom via tracking of charged nuclear fragments in carbon‐ion radiotherapy
Authors: Schweins Luisa , Kirchgässner Rebekka , Ochoa‐Parra Pamela , Winter Marcus , Harrabi Semi , Mairani Andrea , Jäkel Oliver , Debus Jürgen , Martišíková Mária , Kelleter Laurent 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundCarbon‐ion radiotherapy provides steep dose gradients that allow the simultaneous application of high tumor doses as well as the sparing of healthy tissue and radio‐sensitive organs. However, even small anatomical changes may have a severe impact on the dose distribution because of the finite range of ion beams.PurposeAn in‐vivo monitoring method based on secondary‐ion emission could potentially provide feedback about the patient anatomy and thus the treatment quality. This work aims to prove that a clinically relevant anatomical change in an anthropomorphic head phantom may be detected via charged‐fragment tracking during a treatment fraction.MethodsA clinically representative carbon‐ion treatment plan was created for a skull‐base tumor in an anthropomorphic head phantom. In order to imitate an inter‐fractional anatomical change — for example, through tissue swelling or mucous accumulation — a piece of silicone was inserted into the nasopharynx. Fragment distributions with and without the silicone insert were subsequently acquired with a mini‐tracker made of four hybrid silicon pixel detectors. Experimental irradiations were carried out at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Centre (HIT, Germany). FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations were performed to support the interpretation of the experimental results.ResultsIt was found that the silicone causes a significant change in the fragment emission that was clearly distinguishable from statistical fluctuations and setup uncertainties. Two regions of fragment loss were observed upstream and downstream of the silicone with similar amplitude in both the measurement and the simulation. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the observed signature is a consequence of a complex interplay of fragment production, scattering, and absorption.ConclusionsCarbon‐ion therapy monitoring with charged nuclear fragments was shown to be capable of detecting clinically relevant density changes in an anthropomorphic head phantom under realistic clinic‐like conditions. The complexity of the observed signal requires the development of advanced analysis techniques and underscores the importance of Monte Carlo simulations. The findings have strong implications for the ongoing InViMo clinical trial at HIT, which investigates the feasibility of secondary‐ion monitoring for skull‐base cancer patients.
Coupling of state space modules and attention mechanisms: An input‐aware multi‐contrast MRI synthesis method
Authors: Chen Shuai , Zhang Ruoyu , Liang Huazheng , Qian Yunzhu , Zhou Xuefeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundMedical imaging plays a pivotal role in the real‐time monitoring of patients during the diagnostic and therapeutic processes. However, in clinical scenarios, the acquisition of multi‐modal imaging protocols is often impeded by a number of factors, including time and economic costs, the cooperation willingness of patients, imaging quality, and even safety concerns.PurposeWe proposed a learning‐based medical image synthesis method to simplify the acquisition of multi‐contrast MRI.MethodsWe redesigned the basic structure of the Mamba block and explored different integration patterns between Mamba layers and Transformer layers to make it more suitable for medical image synthesis tasks. Experiments were conducted on the IXI (a total of 575 samples, training set: 450 samples; validation set: 25 samples; test set: 100 samples) and BRATS (a total of 494 samples, training set: 350 samples; validation set: 44 samples; test set: 100 samples) datasets to assess the synthesis performance of our proposed method in comparison to some state‐of‐the‐art models on the task of multi‐contrast MRI synthesis.ResultsOur proposed model outperformed other state‐of‐the‐art models in some multi‐contrast MRI synthesis tasks. In the synthesis task from T1 to PD, our proposed method achieved the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) of 33.70 dB (95% CI, 33.61, 33.79) and the structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.966 (95% CI, 0.964, 0.968). In the synthesis task from T2 to PD, the model achieved a PSNR of 33.90 dB (95% CI, 33.82, 33.98) and SSMI of 0.971 (95% CI, 0.969, 0.973). In the synthesis task from FLAIR to T2, the model achieved PSNR of 30.43 dB (95% CI, 30.29, 30.57) and SSIM of 0.938 (95% CI, 0.935, 0.941).ConclusionsOur proposed method could effectively model not only the high‐dimensional, nonlinear mapping relationships between the magnetic signals of the hydrogen nucleus in tissues and the proton density signals in tissues, but also of the recovery process of suppressed liquid signals in FLAIR. The model proposed in our work employed distinct mechanisms in the synthesis of images belonging to normal and lesion samples, which demonstrated that our model had a profound comprehension of the input data. We also proved that in a hierarchical network, only the deeper self‐attention layers were responsible for directing more attention on lesion areas.
Cyclosporine A Delays the Terminal Disease Stage in the TfamKO Mitochondrial Myopathy Mouse Model Without Improving Mitochondrial Energy Production
Authors: Chatel Benjamin , Varlet Isabelle , Ogier Augustin C. , Pecchi Emilie , Bernard Monique , Gondin Julien , Westerblad Håkan , Bendahan David , Gineste Charlotte 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroduction and AimsMitochondrial myopathies are rare genetic disorders for which no effective treatment exists. We previously showed that the pharmacological cyclophilin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) extends the lifespan of fast‐twitch skeletal muscle‐specific mitochondrial transcription factor A knockout (Tfam KO) mice, lacking the ability to transcribe mitochondrial DNA and displaying lethal mitochondrial myopathy. Our present aim was to assess whether the positive effect of CsA was associated with improved in vivo mitochondrial energy production.MethodsMice were treated with CsA for 4 weeks, beginning at 12 weeks (i.e., before the terminal disease phase). Hindlimb plantar flexor muscles were fatigued by 80 contractions (40 Hz, 1.5 s on, 6 s off) while measuring force and energy metabolism using phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsForce decreased at similar rates in Tfam KO mice with and without the CsA treatment, reaching 50% of the baseline value after ~14 ± 1 contractions, which was faster than in control mice (25 ± 1 contractions). Phosphocreatine (PCr) decreased to ~10% of the control concentration in Tfam KO mice, independent of the treatment, which was larger than the ~20% observed in control mice. The time constant of PCr recovery was higher in untreated Tfam KO than that in control muscle (+100%) and similar in untreated and CsA‐treated Tfam KO mice.DiscussionThe results do not support improved mitochondrial energy production as a mechanism underlying the prolonged lifespan of Tfam KO mitochondrial myopathy mice treated with CsA. Thus, other mechanisms must be involved, such as the previously observed CsA‐mediated protection against excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation.
A Critical Need for Advanced Practice Nurse Education in Sub‐Saharan Africa and Lessons Learned From the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Discursive Review
Authors: Itambo Jacqueline , Owusu Brenda , McCamey Danielle , Baptiste Diana‐Lyn 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo discuss the need to expand advanced practice nurse education in Sub‐Saharan Africa as a strategic response to the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignDiscursive paper.MethodSearching international literature in PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases, we explored the impact of COVID‐19 in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the advanced practice nurse role and education in the pandemic response.DiscussionThe COVID‐19 pandemic served as a barrier to healthcare access and disrupted routine immunizations and care, reduced facility‐based healthcare services, increased disease burden and mortality, strain and is expected to worsen the healthcare workforce shortage in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The COVID‐19 pandemic has further emphasised the necessity to strengthen advanced practice nurse education in Sub‐Saharan Africa.ConclusionThis discursive paper underscores the critical role of advanced practice nurse education in Sub‐Saharan Africa as a proactive strategy to strengthen the healthcare workforce and systems. The lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic highlight the urgency to invest in advanced practice nurse education and training programmes in the region.Patient or Public ContributionThere was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this discursive paper. The authors reviewed the literature to develop a discussion about advanced nursing practice.
GLP1Ra‐based therapies and DXA‐acquired musculoskeletal health outcomes: a focused meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Beavers Kristen M. , Cortes Tiffany M. , Foy Colleen M. , Dinkla Lauren , Reyes San Martin Fernando , Ard Jamy D. , Serra Monica C. , Beavers Daniel P. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP1Ra)‐based therapies on change in dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐acquired lean mass (LM) or bone mineral density (BMD).MethodsPubMed and Web of Science were searched from database inception through January 29, 2024, for randomized, placebo‐controlled trials reporting on change in DXA‐acquired LM or BMD measures associated with 12+ weeks of GLP1Ra‐based treatment. Of 2618 articles, 9 trials met prespecified search criteria, with 7 reporting on change in total body LM and 2 reporting on change in BMD. For LM outcomes, a hierarchical Bayesian model was used to estimate treatment mean differences. BMD outcomes were described narratively.ResultsLM was reported in a total of 659 participants (GLP1Ra‐based therapies: n = 419; placebo: n = 240), with follow‐up times ranging from mean (SD) 12 to 72 (33.5) weeks. At baseline, participants were aged mean (SD) 41.7 (7.6) years, and 75% were female, with BMI values ranging from 30 to 43 kg/m2. Compared with placebo, GLP1Ra‐based treatment was associated with significantly reduced total body weight (−6.9 kg; 95% credible interval [CI]: −10.7 to −3.0). GLP1Ra‐based treatment was also associated with significantly reduced LM (−1.9 kg; 95% CI: −3.5 to −0.2).ConclusionsApproximately 30% of body weight lost with GLP1Ra‐based therapy is LM. More data are needed assessing BMD outcomes.
Siesta behavior and genetics interact to influence obesity risk
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martín María , Salmerón Diego , Dashti Hassan S. , Isabel Cascales Ana , Aragón‐Alonso Aurora , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Saxena Richa , Garaulet Marta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveIn this cross‐sectional study, we aim to investigate the interactions between obesity, siesta behavior, and the genetic propensity for siesta in a Mediterranean population, in whom siesta is deeply rooted.MethodsWe applied a previously generated Siesta‐Polygenic Score (PGS) in the ONTIME study (n = 1278). Siesta and other Mediterranean lifestyle behaviors were characterized using questionnaires. We further determined obesity grade. Secondarily, we measured weight loss during treatment as well as long‐term weight‐loss maintenance. Logistic regression analyses were performed to address our aim.ResultsA total of 42.4% of the population usually took siesta. A significant genetic influence on siesta propensity was found, with a higher genetic predisposition linked to taking siesta more frequently (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03–1.32; p = 0.015). Participants with a higher genetic propensity for siesta showed poorer dietary habits (p < 0.05). Among individuals with a high genetic propensity for siesta, we found that those who usually take siesta have lower odds of having obesity (p = 0.038) compared with those who do not. Similarly, in exploratory analysis, among individuals with a high genetic propensity for siesta, we found that those who usually take siesta have higher odds of weight‐loss success (p = 0.007) compared with those who do not. ConclusionsConsidering the ongoing debate regarding whether siesta is beneficial or detrimental, our findings suggest that individual genetic predisposition to siesta might influence the association between siesta and health.image
Not a border crisis, but a labor market crisis: The often overlooked “pull” factor of U.S. border crossings
Authors: Bahar Dany 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the link between Southwest U.S. border crossings and labor market tightness, measured by the job openings to unemployed ratio, over nearly 25 years (2000 to 2024). Analyzing monthly data, it finds a strong positive correlation, suggesting that increased border crossings strongly align with greater job availability. Exploiting data across different presidential administrations reveals no statistically significant differences in this relationship, regardless of the President's party. The findings suggest a natural economic adjustment mechanism in which crossings naturally decrease as the labor market cools.
Acid–Base Interaction Induced Removal of Methylene Blue From Wastewater by Using Ring Cross‐Linked Polyphosphazene Material
Authors: Song Linhua , Mu Yonghang , Yang Hailiang , Zhao Xiaodong , Li Zhiheng , Wang Zi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDye‐containing wastewater (DCW) has become a serious environmental issue worldwide. In this work, thepoly(cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐2,4‐diamino‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine) (PBMA) material was synthesized by precipitation polymerization method to probe the adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) from DCW. The adsorption conditions were optimized as pH = 7, initial MB concentration = 100 mg L−1, and adsorption time = 800 min. Based on the acid–base interaction, the MB molecules in the DCW was adsorbed over the surface of PBMA. The surface morphology, surface elemental composition and surface functional group changes of PBMA were monitored by scanning electron microscopy images, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The thermodynamic analysis showed that the removal of MB prefers a single‐layer adsorption over PBMA surface according to the good fitness of the adsorption results by using Langmuir isotherm (R
2 = 0.9906). The kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorptive removal of MB follows the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, with intra‐particle diffusion and external diffusion as the dominant factors. The PBMA maintained a high adsorption capacity even after undergoing five consecutive adsorption–desorption experiments (Over 90%). The development of polyphosphazene material provides potential application in the field of dye removal from DCW.
Development of a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model for Ritonavir characterizing exposure and drug interaction potential at both acute and steady‐state conditions
Authors: Ngo Lien Thi , Jung Woojin , Bui Tham Thi , Yun Hwi‐yeol , Chae Jung‐woo , Momper Jeremiah D. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRitonavir (RTV) is a potent CYP3A inhibitor that is widely used as a pharmacokinetic (PK) enhancer to increase exposure to select protease inhibitors. However, as a strong and complex perpetrator of CYP3A interactions, RTV can also enhance the exposure of other co‐administered CYP3A substrates, potentially causing toxicity. Therefore, the prediction of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and estimation of dosing requirements for concomitantly administered drugs is imperative. In this study, we aimed to develop a physiologically‐based PK (PBPK) model for RTV using the PK‐sim® software platform. A total of 13 clinical PK studies of RTV covering a wide dose range (100 to 600 mg including both single and multiple dosing), and eight clinical DDI studies with RTV on CYP3A and P‐gp substrates, including alprazolam, midazolam, rivaroxaban, clarithromycin, fluconazole, sildenafil, and digoxin were used for the model development and evaluation. Chronopharmacokinetic differences (between morning vs. evening doses) and limitations in parameter estimation for biochemical processes of RTV from in vitro studies were incorporated in the PBPK model. The final developed PBPK model predicted 100% of RTV AUClast and Cmax within a twofold dimension error. The geometric mean fold error (GMFE) from all PK datasets was 1.275 and 1.194, respectively. In addition, 97% of the DDI profiles were predicted with the DDI ratios within a twofold dimension error. The GMFE values from all DDI datasets were 1.297 and 1.212, respectively. Accordingly, this model could be applied to the prediction of DDI profiles of RTV and CYP3A substrates and used to estimate dosing requirements for concomitantly administered drugs.
A Cost Comparison of Pump‐and‐Treat and In Situ Colloidal Activated Carbon for PFAS Plume Management
Authors: Birnstingl Jeremy , Wilson John 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis article compares the full installation and operational costs of a hydraulic containment (“pump‐and‐treat,” P&T) system with those of a hypothetical contemporary in situ colloidal activated carbon (CAC) barrier. Worked examples are provided using public domain data from the FT‐02 fire‐fighting training site on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI. The projected CAC costs are approximately a third of the P&T costs over projection periods of 15–100 years ($ 7.2 M vs. $ 19 M at 30 years; 38%). Hydraulic containment and CAC remediation systems prevent the spread of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)‐contaminated groundwater. Hydraulic containment works by extracting contaminated groundwater, removing the contamination using activated carbon or other means, and re‐injecting the cleaned groundwater. The arrangement of extraction and injection wells and the related groundwater pumping rates create a hydraulic barrier that captures and contains the PFAS plume. In situ CAC barriers work as passive underground filters. Micron‐scale particles of activated carbon are injected into contaminated aquifers using drilling equipment or injection wells. Once injected, the carbon particles attach to the soil. An in situ permeable barrier is installed across a contaminant plume through the injection of a number of points at suitable spacings. Groundwater flows through the barrier zone unimpeded while PFAS contamination is captured and contained by the activated carbon. The longevity of the barrier is determined by the quantity of carbon emplaced relative to the contaminant flux. Barriers are typically designed to last for years (decades), after which time, carbon re‐applications can be made, if required. Principal differences between the approaches are the scale of operation and maintenance requirements, and, for P&T, the bringing of PFAS‐impacted water above ground to treat. This generates a filtration medium that is contaminated with PFAS, and which therefore requires handling as a PFAS waste with attendant liability. Hydraulic containment is also an active technology (requiring external energy input) and requires the operation and maintenance of pumping and filtration equipment. In situ CAC barriers are passive (powered by natural groundwater flow) and have no operation and maintenance requirements. They do not bring PFAS‐impacted material above ground and do not generate waste. Performance data of the installed P&T hydraulic containment system were analyzed to estimate the time to remedial completion using the system alone. Data extrapolation supported by statistical analysis indicates clean‐up targets will not be reached within 100 years of pumping. It is not realistic for P&T to be regarded as a means of aquifer clean‐up as the aquifer will remain contaminated for the realistic future. Comparison is made between P&T and CAC on their common basis as containment approaches. The goal is to reduce the exposure of down‐gradient receptors to PFAS.
Development of a New Emotional Intelligence Tool for Facilitating Systemic, Second‐Order Change Among Individuals, Teams and Organizations
Authors: Wilke Stephen D. , Wilke Jared R. D. , Viglione Donald J. , Gustaveson Cody , McGraw Danielle 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe Developing Emotional Competency Questionnaire (DECQ) is designed to measure emotional intelligence (EI) to aid EI improvement within organizational interventions. It is unique in that one rates not only oneself but also one's work team and organization. It aims to induce mental constructs of EI at these three levels within a training intervention that focuses on systemic and second‐order change elements. This focus of the DECQ as a training tool to enhance EI necessitates balancing technical and psychometric concerns with utility and applied instructional realities. Thus, (a) measuring EI at three levels and (b) using this measurement as the foundation to train workforces about EI are the two distinctive qualities of the DECQ that distinguish it from other EI measures. Accordingly, it acts as both an instrument and an intervention. Archival, de‐identified data from 1058 individuals undergoing organizational consultations were accessed to maximize ecological validity. Internal consistency reliability, structural validity, factorial invariance and the normative foundation are presented. Findings are consistent with Goleman's EI model and recent revisions. Results provide initial support for DECQ ratings of self, work team and organization to identify EI strengths and weaknesses to target interventions.
Mobilität und Daseinsvorsorge zwischen Staat und Markt
Authors: Gegner Martin 
Published: December 2024

ZusammenfassungIn diesem Beitrag wird die Relation von Daseinsvorsorge und Verkehr nachgezeichnet: Von den Anfängen der begrifflichen Fassung der Daseinsvorsorge in den 1930er-Jahren über die Karriere des Konzepts in der alten Bundesrepublik und über den Versuch der konzeptionellen Harmonisierung mit dem französischen service public in der Europäischen Gemeinschaft/Union bis hin zu ihrer Renaissance in verschiedenen sozial- und wirtschaftspolitischen Kontexten im Angesicht von multiplen Krisen zu Beginn der 2020er-Jahre. Dabei wird argumentiert, dass eine begriffliche und inhaltliche Neufassung des Konzepts notwendig ist, um einerseits das existenzialphilosophische und politisch belastete Erbe des Begriffs abzuschütteln. Anderseits soll eine Neufassung unter dem Dach eines Existenzvorsorgegesetzes den aktuellen sozial- und krisenpolitischen Rahmenbedingungen besser gerecht werden und die verschiedenen Aspekte von Verkehr, digitaler Mobilität, sicherer Energieversorgung und Gesundheitspolitik aufeinander abgestimmt bündeln. Damit soll ein gesetzlicher Rahmen der wirtschaftlichen und politischen Kopplung der genannten Sektoren vorgegeben werden.