bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of regulations and studies on stem cell therapies: focusing on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based treatments
Authors: Song Seohyun Jennie , Nam Yoojun , Rim Yeri Alice , Ju Ji Hyeon , Sohn Yeowon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractStem cell therapies have emerged as a promising approach in regenerative medicine, demonstrating potential in personalized medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery. Therapies based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) particularly stand out for their ability to differentiate into various cell types while avoiding ethical concerns. However, the development and application of these therapies are influenced by varying regulatory frameworks across countries. This study provides a comparative analysis of regulations and research on stem cell therapies in key regions: The European Union (EU), Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, and the United States. First, the study reviews the regulatory frameworks on stem cell therapies. The EU and Switzerland maintain rigorous guidelines that prioritize safety and ethical considerations, which can hinder innovation. In contrast, the United States adopts a more flexible regulatory stance, facilitating the rapid development of stem cell therapies. South Korea and Japan take a balanced approach by incorporating practices from both regimes. These regulatory differences reflect each country’s unique priorities and impact the pace and scope of stem cell therapy development. Moreover, the study examines global trends in clinical trials on stem cell treatments based on data obtained from two sources: ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP. Findings indicate a significant growth in the number of clinical trials since 2008, particularly in that involving iPSCs. Therapeutic studies involving iPSCs predominantly target conditions affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems which are considered vital. The results put emphasis on the safety of stem cell treatments. Meanwhile, the number of such trials also varies by country. The United States and Japan, where relatively flexible guidelines on stem cell research are adopted, are in a leading position. However, countries in the EU fall behind with rigorous regulations imposed. This reflects the need for more flexible regulatory guidance for active development of stem cell therapies. The findings underscore the importance of legal frameworks in facilitating innovation while ensuring safety. Regulatory agencies in different countries should collaborate to achieve a balanced global standard to ensure the safe and efficient advancement of stem cell therapies. Global regulatory convergence will promote international collaboration in research and the applicability of new treatments.
A Novel Analytical Bond Model for ETS FRP Bars in Shear Rehabilitation of Concrete Members
Authors: Mofidi Amir , Mirzabagheri Sara , Doyle Andrew Kevin Kenneth , Chaallal Omar 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this article, an unprecedented fracture mechanics-based bond model for embedded through-section (ETS) fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars installed in concrete blocks is proposed. Various methods have emerged for rehabilitating substandard and deteriorated concrete structures. The ETS FRP bar method provides numerous advantages over existing shear strengthening methods, but no reliable and comprehensive bond–slip model exist to predict the method’s bond behaviour. In this study, a state-of-the-art analytical bond model is derived for determining the debonding force of the ETS FRP bars from concrete blocks using a newly proposed bi-linear bond–slip relationship that is expressed as a function of the maximum shear stress and its corresponding slip. The accuracy of the results predicted by the proposed model is verified with the existing push–pull data of ETS FRP/concrete joints in the literature. The results show that the newly proposed model can be used for both carbon FRP (CFRP) and glass FRP (GFRP) ETS bars with an average Pexp/Pmax ratio of 1.04 with superior statistical accuracy measures when compared to the existing bond models’ predictions.
Urinary pentosidine as a potential biomarker of muscle and physical performance in young adult men
Authors: Nishimura Takayuki , Loh Ping Yeap , Tomita Yoshihito , Ng Ted K. S. , Maeda Takafumi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPentosidine is representative of the cross-linked structure of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and has been suggested as a biomarker to assess bone and muscle quality. As studies on pentosidine in young adult men remain limited, we aimed to clarify the associations of urinary pentosidine with musculoskeletal status and physical performance in young men. Participants in this study comprised 32 men (age range: 19–39 years). Anthropometric measurements (body composition by InBody 430; stiffness index by ultrasound), muscle performance (grip strength by dynamometer, thigh muscle thickness by ultrasound), physical performance (functional reach test, 30-s chair stand test, and timed up and go test), and urinary biomarkers (pentosidine, N-telopeptide of type I collagen, and creatinine) were measured. In partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and height, higher urinary pentosidine levels were significantly associated with lower fat-free mass index (rho = − 0.368, p = 0.046), grip strength (rho = − 0.433, p = 0.017), rectus femoris thickness (rho = − 0.393, p = 0.032), and anterior thigh thickness (rho = − 0.416, p = 0.022), and a marginally inverse correlation was noted between urinary pentosidine levels and functional reach test (rho = − 0.327, p = 0.078). Our findings suggest that pentosidine correlates inversely with a few muscle and physical performance indicators. Pending future validations, urinary pentosidine may be a biomarker of AGEs in young men.
The Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS): an Italian validation using confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis
Authors: Soraci Paolo , Bevan Nadia , Griffiths Mark D. , Pisanti Renato , Servidio Rocco , Ferrari Ambra , Di Bernardo Carla , Pakpour Amir H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe present study examined the psychometric properties of the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). A total of 742 Italian participants (84.6% female), with a mean age of 33.08 years (SD = 12.44) took part in a cross-sectional survey study. Confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were used to examine the psychometric properties. The CFA showed that the SWEMWBS had a unidimensional structure with robust psychometric properties and showed good internal consistencies (Cronbach’s alpha 0.88; McDonald’s omega 0.91). Overall, most items showed no substantial differential item functioning in the Rasch analysis, except for Item 7, indicating that female participants reported more difficulty with this item than the male participants. The SWEMWBS was positively associated with life satisfaction and negativity associated with general psychological distress (i.e., anxiety, stress, and depression). In sum, the SWEMWBS showed robust psychometric properties capable of assessing positive aspects of mental health and well-being among Italian-speaking adults.
Impact of cell geometry, cellular uptake region, and tumour morphology on 225Ac and 177Lu dose distributions in prostate cancer
Authors: Miller Cassandra , Klyuzhin Ivan , Chaussé Guillaume , Brosch-Lenz Julia , Koniar Helena , Shi Kuangyu , Rahmim Arman , Uribe Carlos 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Radiopharmaceutical therapy with 225Ac- and 177Lu-PSMA has shown promising results for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the distinct physical properties of alpha and beta radiation elicit varying cellular responses, which could be influenced by factors such as tumour morphology. In this study, we use simulations to examine how cell geometry, region of pharmaceutical uptake within the cell to model different internalization fractions, and the presence of tumour hypoxia and necrosis impact nucleus absorbed doses and dose heterogeneity with 225Ac and 177Lu. We also develop nucleus absorbed dose kernels for application to autoradiography images.

Methods
We used the GATE Monte Carlo software to simulate three geometries of LNCaP prostate cancer cells (spherical, cubic, and ovoid) with activity of 225Ac or 177Lu internalized in the cytoplasm or bound to the extracellular membrane. Nucleus S-values were calculated for each geometry, source region, and isotope. The cell models were used to create nucleus absorbed dose kernels for each source region describing the dose to each nucleus in a cell layer, which were applied to simulated tumours composed of normoxic, hypoxic, or necrotic cancer cells to obtain dose rate maps. Absorbed doses within the tumours and dose heterogeneity were analyzed for each tumour morphology and isotope. Cell geometry made a minimal impact on S-values to the nucleus, however internalization resulted in higher nucleus doses. Applying the kernels to the simulated tumour maps showed that doses to each cell type varied between 225Ac and 177Lu depending on tumour morphology. Dose heterogeneity within tumours was slightly higher with 225Ac, however the tumour morphology made a larger impact on dose heterogeneity compared to the choice of isotope, with hypoxic and necrotic tumours having very heterogeneous dose distributions.

Conclusions
Cell geometry simplifications may still allow robust results in simulation studies. Furthermore, the morphology of the tumour itself may make a larger impact on treatment response compared to other variables such as ratio of internalization. Finally, nucleus absorbed dose kernels were created that could enable microdosimetric studies with autoradiography.
A case report of porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) reproductive disease in Iberian semi-outdoor reared sows
Authors: Cobos Àlex , Sibila Marina , Huerta Eva , Pérez Mónica , Marcos Marcial , Menjón Rut , Jiménez Marta , Gálvez Laura , Segalés Joaquim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a recently discovered swine pathogen associated with reproductive disease. To date, clinical problems linked to PCV3 have been described in intensive rearing pig farms. The present case describes an Iberian semi-outdoors sow farm affected by PCV3 reproductive disease.

Case presentation
The affected farm was composed of 420 self-replaced Iberian sows, working in 3-week batches (60 sows per batch). The farm was free from porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and had been previously affected by porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) reproductive disease, which was successfully managed through sow vaccination. In spring 2022, reproductive disease was noticed with a high increase in the number of mummified foetuses and stillborn piglets from gilts as the most remarkable finding; multiparous sows were not affected. A first analysis with pooled stillborn tissues ruled out most swine reproductive pathogens and revealed detection of PCV3. To further elucidate PCV3 implication in the reproductive disease, a complete post-mortem examination of stillborn and mummified foetuses from two affected litters was conducted. Pooled tissue samples yielded high PCV3 loads by quantitative PCR. Grossly, one (out of 5) stillborn had an enlarged, flaccid heart. Histopathological evaluation revealed PCV3 lesions consisting of lymphohistiocytic and systemic periarteritis (3/5). The grossly affected heart had lymphohistiocytic myocarditis with fibrosis and lymphohistiocytic endocarditis. By in situ hybridization, high amounts of PCV3 genome were observed within histological lesions. Moreover, immunohistochemistry against PRRSV and PCV2 resulted negative in the same tissues.

Conclusions
This is the first report of PCV3 reproductive disease in a semi-extensive production Iberian pig farm, affecting exclusively gilts. Moreover, this is the first description of grossly apparent myocarditis associated to PCV3 infection. Therefore, PCV3 should be considered within the differential diagnostic list of swine reproductive problems in non-intensive pig rearing production.
Defensive medicine practice among physicians in Egypt versus Saudi Arabia: causes and associated factors
Authors: Adel Rana , Gaballah Mohammed Hassan , Sehsah Radwa , Sayed Sara Ibrahim , Asem Mostafa Mohammed , Yousri Nada A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background

Defensive medicine (DM) is an international dilemma affecting developed and developing countries. Most research studies were conducted in high-income countries. Thus, the current study aimed to compare the attitudes and practices of DM among different specialty physicians practicing in Egypt and Saudi Arabia (KSA). Associated factors and causes of DM practice were also examined. This survey study is based on a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of seven domains that targeted physicians with different specialties and workplaces in Egypt and KSA.

Results
A total of 829 physicians completed the questionnaire. Physicians practicing in Egypt (31.4%) exhibited significantly higher rates of DM practice than those in KSA (13.2%). Regarding types of DM practice, 47% and 40% of all studied physicians practiced positive and negative DM, respectively, with significantly higher rates in Egypt than in KSA. Factors that predict DM practice were different among both countries; however, legal concerns are the basic factors that are significantly associated with positive and negative DM practice in both countries. Fear of legal concern is the main reason physicians practicing in Egypt use DM practice while following clinical standards and ethics is the main cause reported by those practicing in KSA.

Conclusion
Defensive medicine practices are prevalent among physicians in Egypt and KSA, with some differences between both countries in associated factors. Addressing physicians' legal concerns, improving medical education, and implementing evidence-based practices may help reduce unnecessary DM.
Numerical simulation of turbulent airflow around a tall telecommunication tower model
Authors: Moradi Alireza , Salajegheh Eysa , Tavakol Mohammad Mehdi , Heidari Ali , Ahmadi Goodarz 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this study, wind flow around a telecommunication tower (Milad Tower) model was numerically simulated. Several computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed using the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and the Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (DDES) models. Two cases resembling the tower head with different inlet turbulence intensity profiles were considered, and computational results for wind flow and pressure distributions on various sections around the tower head and structure were presented and compared with the available wind tunnel data. Good agreement of the simulated pressure coefficient distributions around the head section in the windward and leeward sides of the tower with the wind tunnel data was observed. The regions with positive and negative pressures on the tower surface were identified based on the pressure coefficient distributions. In addition, the airflow characteristics around a model of the entire Milad Tower were studied. The simulation results for the airflow and the drag and lift coefficients acting on the tower for the high and low-intensity winds were evaluated and discussed. It was demonstrated that the DDES model was preferred for the simulation of mean pressure coefficients over the tower; however, the RNG k–ε model results, which were obtained at lower computational costs, were also satisfactory. In addition, the DDES showed better performance in simulating the maximum and minimum pressure coefficients on different tower levels and predicting the mean aerodynamics drag and lift coefficients. The results of the DDES model illustrated the higher power spectral density of velocity fluctuations on the leeward side of the tower compared with the windward side.
Cross-Sectional National Survey of Practice Patterns in Radiotherapy for Rectal Cancer: A Snapshot of India
Authors: Krishnatry Rahul , Mathew Ashwathy , Das Sayan , Misra Shagun , Khosla Divya , Ramireddy Jeba Karunya , Lewis Shirley 
Published: November 2024

PURPOSE
The information on the practice of radiotherapy, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) use for rectal cancer in India, is lacking. This national survey was planned to understand the current status of knowledge, attitudes, and practice among radiation oncologists, specifically concerning the practice of IMRT for rectal cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A national survey was sent to radiation oncologists through e-mail or a WhatsApp message, where feasible, with a request letter containing the link to the survey questionnaire. The survey questionnaire was adapted from the UK IMRT survey with permission from the authors. It explored rectal cancer management, IMRT use, reasons for nonadoption, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), dose fractionation schedules and radiotherapy processes like radiotherapy simulation, target volume/organ at risk definition, and treatment planning, evaluation, and verification. Descriptive statistics is used to present the results.

RESULTS
Over 300 radiation oncologists were approached, and 182 (60.6%) of the 153 institutes responded. Around 88% (160 of 182) indicated using IMRT or volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to treat rectal cancer, of whom 32% used exclusively IMRT/VMAT in all their patients. The reasons for not adopting IMRT were affordability/lack of insurance, resource constraints, and lack of guidelines. Long-course chemoradiation (capecitabine-based) followed by surgery was the most common neoadjuvant approach, with short course and TNT in less than a third of patients. Daily verification feasibility was reported by 60%. Seventy-three percent emphasized the need for a national IMRT guidance document.

CONCLUSION
This national survey from India indicates a scope of routine implementation of IMRT in rectal cancer, highlighting the urgent need for a national IMRT guidance document, which could significantly enhance the quality of care for patients with rectal cancer in India.
Against Inevitability
Authors: Ben-Yishai Ayelet 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Emergency situations around the world have always presented a complicated and ostensibly paradoxical mix of crisis and continuity. This essay builds on the author's research into the cultural and literary history of the Emergency in India (1975 – 77) and on a reading of Paul Lynch's 2023 novel Prophet Song to address the ongoing and horrific crisis of 2023–24 in Palestine and Israel. Turning to genre as a way to look at emergencies and the ways in which we comprehend them, the article argues that once identified and declared, an emergency brings about an array of generically determined actions and reactions that seem inevitable and necessary. The crisis becomes disconnected from its historical origins, attendant only to the immanent logic of its genre. The logic of inevitability does not then allow a recognition of those strands of reality that are not embedded in the genres through which the world is already understood. Paying attention to the genres in which the current emergency is narrated, the article argues that the deadly violence in the Middle East is not, in fact, just a singular moment of crisis, nor is it just “more of the same,” or an inevitable result of a two-sided “conflict.” Shifting genres, one can recognize that the deadly violence today, and the occupation of which it is part, has a history and a politics that are human-made and can thus be unmade.
External Validation of the ARISE Prediction Models for Aneurysmal Rebleeding After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Mijderwijk Hendrik-Jan , de Winkel Jordi , Nieboer Daan , Abdelaal Ahmed , Germans Menno R. , Karadag Cihat , Cornelius Jan F. , Sorteberg Angelika , Roozenbeek Bob , Lingsma Hester F. , Boogaarts Hieronymus D. , van Lieshout Jasper H. 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
To externally validate the Aneurysmal RebleedIng after Subarachnoid hEmorrhage (ARISE) prediction models that predict preinterventional aneurysmal rebleeding within 24 and 72 hours after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS:
We pooled data from two international hospital registries from University Hospital Oslo, Norway, and University Hospital Rotterdam, The Netherlands, to validate the ARISE base model (including patient age, sex, hypertension, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade, Fisher grade, aneurysm size, and cerebrospinal fluid diversion) and the ARISE extended model (adding aneurysm irregularity to the base model). Model performance was assessed with discrimination (Harrell c-statistic, model-based c-statistic) and calibration (calibration-in-the-large, calibration slope, and calibration plots). After validation, we updated the ARISE models as appropriate.

RESULTS:
The combined cohort consisted of 1467 patients, of whom 143 (10%) suffered preinterventional rebleeding. In the University Hospital Oslo, Norway cohort, the externally validated c-statistics were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71-0.80) for the ARISE base model and 0.71 (0.66-0.76) for the ARISE extended model. In the University Hospital Rotterdam, The Netherlands cohort, the c-statistics were 0.70 (0.64-0.76) for the ARISE base model and 0.64 (0.57-0.72) for the ARISE extended model. Calibration-in-the-large was poor; the average predicted risks were lower than the average observed risk for both models in both centers. After updating the baseline hazard, the base model calibrated excellently over the range of clinically relevant probabilities of rebleeding.

CONCLUSION:
The ARISE base model had good discriminative ability for the prediction of preinterventional rebleeding in patients suffering from aSAH. Updating the baseline hazard for each center was needed to improve calibration. After local validation and adjustment of the baseline hazard if required, the ARISE baseline model may well be used for risk prediction in patients with aSAH in other settings. The ARISE extended model needs further modification before reliable application can take place.