bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
18F-FDG PET/CT as a Potential Predictor of Lung Inflammation After Arc-Based Radiotherapy for Esophageal Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hsu Chen-Xiong , Lin Kuan-Heng , Shueng Pei-Wei , Wu Yen-Wen , Tsai Wei-Ta , Chang Chiu-Han , Tien Hui-Ju , Wang Shan-Ying , Wu Tung-Hsin , Mok Greta S. P. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
PurposeFluorine-18-fuorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) scan serves as a useful tool not only for tumor detection, radiotherapy (RT) target volume delineation but also for the assessment of the inflammatory changes in normal organs. Previously we proposed the volume-based algorithm (VBA) method to reduce low dose-volume of lung by improving the arc angle in dynamic arc-based RT. The aim of this study was to assess lung inflammation by integrating 18F-FDG PET/CT with VBA before and after arc-based RT for esophageal cancer (EC).MethodsThirty EC patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging before RT (pre-RT) and after RT (post-RT) on a retrospective pilot study. The VBA was used to define the high dose (HD) (≧ 5 Gy) region and the low dose (LD) (< 5 Gy) region in the lungs. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), and global lung glycolysis (GLG) of the HD and LD regions in the lungs were quantified. The pre-RT and post-RT SUVmax, SUVmean, and GLG of HD and LD regions in lungs were analyzed in radiation pneumonitis (RP) ≧ grade 1 and non-radiation pneumonitis (nRP) lungs. The mean lung dose (MLD), V5, V10, V15, V20, V25, V30 in lungs were analyzed. Vx indicates the organ volume percentage exceeding a radiation dose of x (Gy). Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used to identify optimal cut-off values for RP after RT.ResultsIn RP lungs (n = 30), the SUVmax, SUVmean and GLG of the HD region between pre-RT and post-RT showed significant increases (all p < 0.05). Whereas there were no significant differences in those of the HD and LD regions in nRP lungs (n = 22). The post-RT SUVmax (2.78 vs. 2.07, p = 0.000) and post-RT SUVmean (0.64 vs. 0.52, p = 0.015) of the HD region in RP lungs were significantly higher than those in nRP lungs. The MLD (10.15 Gy vs. 8.11 Gy, p = 0.041), lung V5 (49.78% vs. 38.07%, p = 0.010) and lung V10 (32.25% vs. 24.71%, p = 0.017) in the RP lungs were significantly higher than those in nRP lungs. The area under the curve (AUC) of post-RT SUVmax of the HD regions was 0.852, and the AUC of the lung V5 was 0.727. For predicting RP, the optimal cut-off values of post-RT SUVmax and lung V5 were > 2.28 and > 47.14%. respectively. ConclusionThis study successfully integrated 18F-FDG PET/CT with VBA to assess RP in EC patients undergoing dynamic arc-based RT. The post-RT SUVmax and post-RT SUVmean of HD (≧5 Gy) regions can be used to evaluate RP. The post-RT SUVmax > 2.28 of HD regions and lung V5 > 47.14% may be a potential predictor of RP. 18F-FDG PET/CT is a promising tool to detect RP for EC patients treated with arc-based RT.
A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis: The Role of anti- angiogenic agents in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Helali Aya El , Wong Charlene HL , Choi Horace CW , Chan Wendy WL , Dickson Naomi , Siu Steven WK , Chan Karen K , Ngan Hextan YS , Ngan Roger KC , Kennedy Richard D 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents (AAAs) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to synthesize evidence of their comparative effectiveness for improving overall survival (OS) among EOC patients. MethodsWe searched six databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from their inception to February 2021. We performed a NMA with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate comparative effectiveness among different AAAs in two disease settings, chemotherapy naïve, and recurrent EOC. P-score was used to provide an effectiveness hierarchy ranking. Sensitivity NMA was carried out by focusing on studies that reported high-risk disease chemotherapy-naïve, platinum-resistant, and platinum-sensitive EOC. The primary outcome was OS.FindingsWe identified 23 RCTs (n=11,560) which assessed effectiveness of eight different AAAs. NMA results showed no significant OS difference among anti-angiogenic agents in chemotherapy-naïve. In recurrent EOC, concurrent use of trebananib (10mg/kg) and chemotherapy was likely to be the best option (P-score: 0.88, NMA estimate versus chemotherapy: HR= 1.67, 95% CI: 0.94; 2.94). The sensitivity NMA indicated that bevacizumab plus chemotherapy with maintenance treatment (P-score: 0.99) and pazopanib plus chemotherapy (P-score: 0.79) had the highest probability of being the best intervention for improving OS in high-risk chemotherapy-naïve and platinum-resistant setting, respectively. InterpretationAAAs may not play a significant clinical role in chemotherapy-naïve and platinum-sensitive EOC. Conversely, the concurrent use of trebananib with chemotherapy was likely to be the best intervention in recurrent EOC.
Changes of Tears MCP-1 Level After External Dacryocystorhinostomy in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Karab Müjdat , Saruhan Ercan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To define tears MCP-1 changes after uncomplicated external dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery.Methods: In this prospective, longitudinal study, we included patients diagnosed with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and underwent dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery. Tears samples were collected with a Schirmer strip placed lateral conjunctival cul-de-sac and stored in Eppendorf tubes at -80°C. At the end of the study, they were taken out of the -80°C cabinet and brought to room temperature. The papers were cut into small pieces and incubated in 2 milliliters tubes with phosphate-buffered saline solution in a shaker at 100 revolutions per minute. Then they were centrifuged at 1.000 revolutions per minute for 5 minutes. MCP-1 levels were determined by using an ELISA kit. Results: Of the patients, 14 (56%) were female, and 11 (44%) were male. The mean age was 52.7±10.3 years (ranged from 30 to 63 years). The MCP-1 levels were 498.66±101.35 ng/L, 576.40±149.78 ng/L, 422.53±85.94 ng/L, 436.96±81.38 ng/L before surgery, in the first week, the first and third months after surgery, respectively. The mean MCP-1 level significantly increased in the first week compared to the preoperative level (p < 0.001). In the postoperative first month, there was a prominent decrease (p < 0.001). In the third postoperative month, the mean MCP-1 level was not significantly increased compared to the postoperative first month (p=0.196).﻿Conclusion: The tears MCP-1 level was significantly decreased after uncomplicated external dacryocystorhinostomy with bicanalicular silicone tube intubation surgery
Development of The Music Background Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Lin Wuji , Mao Deng , Li Jiahui , Jiang Xiaoqian , Pi Yiqiao , Lin Jingyuan 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
People with different levels of music experience have been reported to differ significantly in cognitive abilities such as verbal memory, phonological awareness and reading development. However, studies often comparing the cognitive ability between musicians and non-musicians. Among the non-musicians, there are differences in music experience levels. Besides, many non-musicians with higher music experience than musicians. However, at present there is no reliable and valid measure of music experience in the literature. In the current study we developed the Music Background Experience Questionnaire for use in the field of music psychology. An initial set of 45 items was compiled based on the literature and on semi-structured interviews with 10 musicians and psychologists. These items were then tested in a pilot study of 402 participants. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, 11 items were selected and classified into the two dimensions of "music training" and "music contact." A sample of 2,228 participants (1,465 women, average age 27.62 years) then completed the new measure. A subsample of 49 completed the questionnaire again after three weeks. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, structural validity and construct validity were strong. These strong psychometric properties suggest that the Music Background Experience Questionnaire is appropriate for use in music psychology research.
Seasonal Variations In Species Composition And Community Structure In The Eastern Coast of South Korea
Authors: Han Jeonghoon , Kang Do-Hyung , Park Heung-Sik , choi Young-ung 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The seasonal variations in species composition of set net fisheries were investigated in the eastern coast of Korea, from 2007 to 2008. In total, 51 species were found that were classified into 15 orders and 33 families. The water temperature of the study area was 0.1–2.1 °C during the study period, which was higher than the average water temperature in the last decade. Monthly variation in the number of species peaked twice, in May (spring) and November (autumn) when the water temperature increased and decreased, respectively, and monthly variation in the number of individuals showed a remarkably high trend in winter and autumn and was mainly caused by large migratory species. Based on the cluster analysis of the 18 most dominant species with more than 0.4% of the total number of individuals, we divided the species composition and community structure into three groups: fishes with temporary appearance (Group A), fishes with long-term appearance (Group B), and dominant pelagic fishes appearing with long-term appearance (Group C). We could conclude that seasonal variation in the fish community structure was mainly caused by pelagic migration of species under high water temperature conditions during the study period.
Introducing a Novel Beta-ray Detector Based on Polycarbonate/ Bismuth Oxide Nanocomposite: Simulation and Experiment
Authors: Safdari Seyed Musa , Malekie Shahryar , Kashian Sedigheh , Akbari Morteza 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this research, for the first time, the detection response of Polycarbonate/Bismuth oxide composite to a pure beta-emitter 90Sr with two energies of 546.2 keV, and 2.28 MeV is studied. Firstly, the range and stopping power of the electrons of 90Sr in the composite at various concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt% were calculated using the ESTAR program. Results of simulation demonstrated that the concentration of the heavy metal oxide particles into the polymer matrix played an important role to evaluate the range and stopping power of the electrons in the composite. Secondly, at the experimental phase, the sample of 50 wt% composite with dimensions of 4 cm×4 cm×0.1 cm3 was prepared. Afterwards, the sample was irradiated by 90Sr and the amount of electric current was measured using an electrometer at voltages of 100-1000 V. Additionally, the I-V plot exhibited a linear response at different voltages in the fixed source surface distance. Results of this study showed that this composite can serve as a novel beta detector.
Integrated structural reconstruction of unit structures of the meta-stable grain boundaries in diamond-structured materials presents first-order like phase transition.
Authors: Xie Yaoshu , Shibata Kiyou , Mizoguchi Teruyasu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
One of the important issues of studying grain boundaries (GBs) which has recently attracted increasing interests is to investigate the phase behavior of GBs that one GB with determined disorientation and plane orientation (known as macroscopic parameters) can exist as distinct phases and perform phase transition. While such an issue has been investigated in fcc and bcc metals, GB phases in other elemental materials have not been reported. This work by applying molecular dynamics (MD) simulation explored totally around 7000 meta-stable GB phases of the <110>∑9(22‾1‾) symmetric tilt GB of silicon, germanium and diamond carbon as diamond-structured elemental materials. Meta-stable phases commonly exist in different elements were discovered and some of them were successfully verified to be reasonable by first-principle simulation. The verified meta-stable GBs were subsequently proved to have different capability to transform to the ground-stable GB at elevated temperature under MD simulation and to perform different pre-melting behaviors. We discovered a bi-directional structural reconstruction mechanism of the unit structure belonging to one of the verified meta-stable phases, by which the unit structures can transform to identical unit structures of the ground-stable GB which can present ‘opposite orientation’. Through computing the kinetic barriers by nudged-elastic-band and annealing simulation using MD, the integral behavior of the unit structures’ reconstruction is found to be a first-order like phase transition. Our work extended the research on GB phases from metals to diamond-structured materials and discovered a new GB phase transition mechanism which has not been reported before.
Quality of Life of Postmenopausal Women With Teriparatide, Denosumab And Alendronate: One-Year Prospective Study With A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison
Authors: Lam Pun Yuet , Cheung Prudence Wing Hang , Lau Sin Ting , Cheung Jason Pui Yin 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate and compare the effects of parathyroid hormone analogues, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand inhibitors (RANKL inhibitors) and bisphosphonates on the quality of life of postmenopausal women.Methods: A prospective observational study of 23 matched post-menopausal women was conducted with propensity score analysis on quality of life (QOL). Baseline and 12-month follow-up data were compared. Visual analogue scale (VAS) for back pain, the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire-Physical Function (OPAQ-PF), EuroQol 5-level 5-dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, ambulatory status assessment and Adherence Evaluation of Osteoporosis treatment (ADEOS-12) were carried out as QOL or treatment adherence measurements. A general linear model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) adjustment with propensity score was constructed to predict one-year average back pain progression.Results: Teriparatide use was associated with significant improvements in VAS back pain (most severe pain reduced from 8.0 to 0.0, p=0.029; average pain reduced from 6.0 to 0.0, p=0.006), EQ-5D-5L general health status (EQ-5D summary index scores increased from 0.47 to 0.87, p=0.001; EQ-VAS increased from 65.0 to 80.0, p=0.008) and OPAQ physical function (from 40.0 to 79.5, p<0.001), whereas denosumab and alendronate groups only demonstrated improved OPAQ scores but worsened back pain. Baseline average VAS back pain was the only significant factor predicting one-year average back pain progression (partial eta squared=0.617, p=0.001).Conclusions: One-year continuous teriparatide treatment is most effective in improving QOL outcomes in postmenopausal osteoporotic women, but baseline average VAS back pain remained the only predictive factor for one-year back pain progression in the IPTW adjusted model.
Machine Learning-Based Cervical Cancer Screening Using Cervigrams During Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid: a Systematic Review.
Authors: Viñals Roser , Cattin Magali , Petignat Patrick , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Vassilakos Pierre 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for promoting effective management of cervical cancer screening in low- and medium-income countries (LMIC) include human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as primary screening followed by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and, if required, treatment. The application of acetic acid induces a transient whitening effect which appears and disappears differently in precancerous lesions and cancer than in benign conditions. However, this assessment by human observers is generally subjective and accuracy is limited. This study presents a systematic review of the automated algorithms for cervical (pre)cancer screening based on images taken during VIA with the objective of assessing their potential as screening tool.Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. The selected studies introduce automated algorithms for the classification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) with respect to benign conditions, based only on images taken during VIA. We included studies that use, as gold standard, histopathology for CIN2+ cases and, histopathology or normal cytology and colposcopy for benign conditions. The selected studies were analysed in terms of specificity and sensitivity. From each study, the algorithm with the highest accuracy was further studied considering key features such as type of algorithms, acquisition devices, the number of images used per patient, or its performance in comparison to the experts’ classification. The quality and risk of the studies was assessed following the QUADAS-2 guidelines.Results: Of the 1519 studies identified, nine met the inclusion criteria. The algorithms with the highest accuracy from each study reported a sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 0.60 to 0.93 and 0.67 to 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: Machine learning-based cervical cancer screening algorithms have the potential to become a key tool for cervical cancer screening in countries that suffer from a lack of healthcare infrastructure and personnel. Nevertheless, the selected studies assess their algorithms using small datasets made of highly selected images without reflecting real screened populations. Large-scale and real conditions testing is required to assess the potential of these algorithms as the future of cervical cancer screening.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021270745
The reliability and economic analysis of rainwater harvesting system for commercial building with large rooftop area
Authors: Fulazzaky Mohamad Ali , Syafiuddin Achmad , Roestamy Martin , Yusop Zulkifli , Jonbi Jonbi , Prasetyo Dedy Dwi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The problem of water shortages faced by many countries including the country that having sufficient water source needs to be provided a practical engineering solution. The reliability analysis of rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) installed at the commercial building of AEON Taman Universiti located in Johor Barhu city of Malaysia was based on the rainfall pattern, rainwater use and rainwater storage tank. The economic analysis using the net present value (NPV), return on investment (ROI) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) was performed to assess the optimal management of RWHS installed during the period of construction and retrofitted after the operation of commercial building. The results showed that the balance of water supply and demand is reliable to implement the RWHS and the optimal management of 1000-m3 RWHS tank installed during the construction could be more promising than that retrofitted after the operation of AEON Taman Universiti commercial building. The operation of RWHS installed during the construction of building is obviously more feasible due to the values of NPV, ROI and BCR tend to be high. The reliability and economic analysis of RWHS installed during construction and that retrofitted after operation of commercial building demonstrated the benefit of RWHS installation will contribute to the future of building design for achieving an effective water management.
A Systematic Review of Alternative Nicotine Delivery System (ANDS)-Based Interventions on Smoking-Related Health Outcomes Among Marginalised Population Groups.
Authors: Scheibein Florian , Gooney Martina , Jones Adrian , Matthews Evan , McGirr Kevin , Morrison Andy , Wells John SG 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background: Smoking and smoking-related disease is endemic amongst many marginalised populations such as people experiencing homelessness, people who use drugs, people living with HIV, sex workers and members of the LGBTQ+, Indigenous, Traveller and migrant communities. Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems (ANDS)-based interventions including those using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) show promise in supporting people to reduce their smoking. However, little is known about ANDS-based smoking reduction interventions with marginalised populations. This systematic review provides a best evidence synthesis of ANDS-based smoking reduction interventions to address this gap.Methods:A systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020158832) and literature review conducted through MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, OVID SP, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. The primary outcomes of cigarette smoking, and biochemical validation of abstinence were reported. Secondary outcomes reported included physical health, mental health and other outcomes.Results: Twenty-Nine studies were included in this review. Thirteen of the included studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (n= 2828) and 16 studies were quasi controlled studies (n=1172). The sample size across the studies ranged from 9 to 775 participants. The mean reported age of participants ranged from 32.4 to 56.9 years old with an overall mean age of 39.55. A minority of study participants identified as female (33.43%; with two studies not reporting gender). A range of ANDS-interventions were found to be effective in reducing smoking amongst a range of marginalised groups. However, the overall quality of both the controlled and quasi experimental studies, as evaluated using the JBI Appraisal Tool, was found to be low.Conclusions: Studies are often evaluated as homogenous interventions although they are frequently a group of interventions and lack power analysis of the effects of individual components of the intervention effect. Several studies suggest potential mental health benefits consequent of ANDS-based intervention, though this effect is poorly explored. There is a current lack of RCTs related to ANDS-based smoking related interventions with people experiencing homelessness. Similarly, there is a lack of properly controlled RCTs exploring the use of ENDS with marginalised populations. Future studies should aim to address these deficits.
The Splitting 660 km Discontinuity Associated with Lithospheric Delamination in the Northern Part of the North-South Seismic Zone, China
Authors: He Chuansong S. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The north-south seismic zone (NSSZ) is a destructive zone of large-scale earthquakes in China, and the earthquake mechanism associated with deep structures remains unclear. Previous studies have indicated that lithospheric delamination or absence of lithospheres in the western part of the NSSZ may facilitate the eastern extrusion of the Tibetan Plateau and lead to stress accumulation and release. However, the deep process of lithospheric delamination needs to be further clarified. In this study, I collect abundant high-quality teleseismic data recorded by permanent seismic stations and perform common conversion point (CCP) stacking of receiver functions in the north part of the NSSZ. The results show that lithospheric delamination might result in the splitting 660 km discontinuity and a thickening region of the mantle transition zone (MTZ).