bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adding-on nivolumab to chemotherapy-stabilized patients is associated with improved survival in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Shih-Hung , Kuo Sung-Hsin , Lee Jen-Chieh , Chen Bang-Bin , Shan Yan-Shen , Tien Yu-Wen , Chiu Sz-Chi , Cheng Ann-Lii , Yeh Kun-Huei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are rarely used to treat advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) due to marginal efficacy.

Patients and methods
This study included 92 consecutive patients diagnosed with advanced or recurrent PDAC who received nivolumab-based treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors. A control group of 301 patients with PDAC who achieved disease control with palliative chemotherapy but without ICIs was selected for comparison using propensity score matching (PSM).

Results
The median overall survival (OS) since nivolumab treatment was 15.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.5–19.0), 2.4 (95% CI 1.2–3.6), and 1.1 (95% CI 1.0–1.2) months in patients who received add-on nivolumab after achieving disease control with chemotherapy, in those who received concomitant nivolumab and chemotherapy without prerequisite confirmation of disease control, and in those who received nivolumab without concomitant chemotherapy, respectively (P < 0.001). After PSM, the median overall survival (OS) since initiation of the concomitant chemotherapy that achieved disease control was significantly longer (P = 0.026) in patients who received add-on nivolumab (19.8 months; 95% CI 14.5–25.1) than in those who received chemotherapy alone (13.8 months; 95% CI 10.8–16.9). The immune profiling of the tumors in resected patients revealed higher scores of CD8+ T cells to Tregs in patients with add-on nivolumab comparing to those who received chemotherapy alone.

Conclusion
Adding-on nivolumab was associated with improved OS in patients with advanced PDAC who achieved disease control following chemotherapy.
Optimized UV-barrier carboxymethyl cellulose-based edible coatings reinforced with green synthesized ZnO-NPs for food packaging applications
Authors: Salama Hend E. , Abdel Aziz Mohamed S. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe widespread use of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the production of edible coatings is returned to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic nature. However, neat CMC edible coatings lack UV-shielding activity and have poor antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to develop a CMC-based coating with optimal UV-barrier properties by incorporating aloe vera (AV) and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The composition and synergistic effects of CMC, AV, and ZnO-NPs were optimized using central composite design to achieve the best UV-barrier properties. When using the optimized compositions of CMC (1.0 g), AV (3.0 g), and ZnO-NPs (5.0 wt%), the minimum UV-transmittance achieved was 4.75%. Fourier transform infra-red and wide-angle X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the interactions between the coating components. The incorporation of ZnO-NPs into CMC/AV was validated through surface morphology analysis via scanning electron microscopy and by examining the distribution of ZnO-NPs using transmission electron microscopy. CMC/AV/ZnO-NPs coatings showed excellent water barrier, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties when compared with the neat carboxymethyl cellulose coating. In addition, CMC/AV/ZnO-NPs coatings significantly resisted both mass loss and spoilage of green capsicum for a 15-day storage period. These results proved that the optimized coating could replace the plastic packaging candidates and be used potentially to preserve food products.
Stress-based topology optimization using maximum entropy basis functions-based meshless method
Authors: Khan Imran , Ullah Zahur , Ullah Baseer , Siraj-ul-Islam  , Khan Wajid 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis paper presents volume-constrained stress minimization-based, topology optimization. The maximum entropy (maxent) basis functions-based meshless method for two-dimensional linear elastic structures is explored. This work focuses to test the effectiveness of the meshless method in handling the stress singularities during the topology optimization process. The commonly used moving least square basis functions are replaced with maximum entropy basis functions, as the latter possess weak Kronecker delta property which leads to the finite element method (FEM) like displacement boundary conditions imposition. The maxent basis functions are calculated once at the beginning of the simulation and then used in optimization at every iteration. Young’s modulus for each background cell is interpolated using the modified solid isotropic material with penalization approach. An open source pre-processor CUBIT is used. A comparison of the proposed approach with the FEM is carried out using a diverse set of problems with simple and complex geometries of structured and unstructured discretization, to establish that maxent-based meshless methods perform better in tackling the stress singularities due to its smooth stress field.
Reducing spatial discretization error on coarse CFD simulations using an openFOAM-embedded deep learning framework
Authors: Gonzalez-Sieiro J. , Pardo D. , Nava V. , Calo V. M. , Towara M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWe propose a method for reducing the spatial discretization error of coarse computational fluid dynamics (CFD) problems by enhancing the quality of low-resolution simulations using deep learning. We feed the model with fine-grid data after projecting it to the coarse-grid discretization. We substitute the default differencing scheme for the convection term by a feed-forward neural network that interpolates velocities from cell centers to face values to produce velocities that approximate the down-sampled fine-grid data well. The deep learning framework incorporates the open-source CFD code OpenFOAM, resulting in an end-to-end differentiable model. We automatically differentiate the CFD physics using a discrete adjoint code version. We present a fast communication method between TensorFlow (Python) and OpenFOAM (c++) that accelerates the training process. We applied the model to the flow past a square cylinder problem, reducing the error from 120% to 25% in the velocity for simulations inside the training distribution compared to the traditional solver using an x8 coarser mesh. For simulations outside the training distribution, the error reduction in the velocities was about 50%. The training is affordable in terms of time and data samples since the architecture exploits the local features of the physics.
Multi-million-year magmatic and hydrothermal activity is key to the formation of supergiant to behemothian porphyry copper deposits
Authors: Virmond Adrianna Luiza , Wotzlaw Jörn-Frederik , Rojas-Arancibia Rodrigo , Selby David , Chelle-Michou Cyril 
Published: September 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the primary controls on mineral deposit formation and size is essential for sourcing the metals required by our ever-growing economy. The tonnage of porphyry copper deposits ranges five orders of magnitude but the key mechanisms and processes that modulate the size of these deposits remain enigmatic. Here, we investigate the behemothian deposits of the Chuquicamata Intrusive Complex (CIC) in northern Chile employing high-precision U–Pb and Re–Os geochronology. We resolve a complex long-lived magmatic-hydrothermal activity that lasted over 3.3 Myr. High-precision zircon petrochronology data indicate two distinct porphyry emplacement episodes, separated by 0.5 Myr, with the younger generation closely tied to the main intervals of hydrothermal mineralization. High-precision Re–Os molybdenite dates reveal a prolonged hydrothermal mineralization interval (> 2.5 Myr) that progressively migrated southwards within the CIC and continued after the end of the (apparent) magmatic activity. We show that the rate of copper precipitation varies little in nature (0.025–0.10 Mt/kyr) and is independent of the size of the deposit. Consistent with evidence from smaller deposits, our findings provide unprecedented evidence that copper endowment in porphyry copper deposits positively correlates with the timescales of magmatic and hydrothermal activity. Supergiant to behemothian deposits require multi-million-year magmatic-hydrothermal activity, linking the largest porphyry copper systems to a simple metric – the duration of magmatic-hydrothermal activity.
Rapid differentiation of MOGAD and MS after a single optic neuritis
Authors: Pakeerathan T. , Havla J. , Schwake C. , Salmen A. , Ringelstein M. , Aktas O. , Weise M. , Gernert J. A. , Kornek B. , Bsteh G. , Pröbstel A.-K. , Papadopoulou A. , Kulsvehagen L. , Ayroza Galvão Ribeiro Gomes A. B. , Cerdá-Fuertes N. , Oertel F. C. , Duchow A. S. , Paul F. , Stellmann J. P. , Stolowy N. , Hellwig K. , Schneider-Gold C. , Kümpfel T. , Gold R. , Albrecht P. , Ayzenberg I. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Optic neuritis (ON) is a common manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) and myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein IgG-associated disease (MOGAD). This study evaluated the applicability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for differentiating between both diseases in two independent cohorts.

Methods
One hundred sixty two patients from seven sites underwent standard OCT and high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) testing at least 6 months after first ON. Of these, 100 patients (32 MOGAD, 68 MS) comprised the primary investigational cohort, while 62 patients (31 MOGAD, 31 MS) formed a validation cohort. A composite score distinguishing between MOGAD and MS was developed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results
Bilateral simultaneous ON occurred more frequently in MOGAD compared to MS (46.9 vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001). OCT revealed more peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) atrophy in all segments in MOGAD compared to predominantly temporal pRNFL atrophy in MS (p < 0.001). HCVA was better preserved in MS (p = 0.007). pRNFL thickness in all except for temporal segments was suitable for differentiating MOGAD and MS. Simultaneous bilateral ON and critical atrophy in nasal (< 58.5 µm) and temporal superior (< 105.5 µm) segments were included into the composite score as three independent predictors for MOGAD. The composite score distinguished MOGAD from MS with 75% sensitivity and 90% specificity in the investigational cohort, and 68% sensitivity and 87% specificity in the validation cohort.

Conclusion
Following a single ON-episode, MOGAD exhibits more pronounced global pRNFL atrophy and lower visual acuity after ON compared to MS. The introduced OCT-based composite score enabled differentiation between the two entities across both cohorts.
Apalutamide for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC): real world data of a multicenter study
Authors: Hegele Axel , Häußermann Rainer , Schultheis Stefan , Skrobek Lennart , Vink Meike , Hollwegs Sebastian , Ludwig Martin , Huwe Petra , Maywurm Manfred , Bartsch-Polle Anke , Weber Jost , Thiemer Markus , Varughese Denny 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Apalutamide plus androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) improved outcomes in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Nevertheless real-world data are limited. The aim of this multicenter study was to generate real-world data from nmCRPC patients treated with ADT plus apalutamide.

Methods
In this observational cohort based investigator initiated trial data of nmCRPC patients receiving apalutamide plus ADT were collected focusing on patient demographic data, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) declines, safety profile including dose modification/discontinuation as well as subsequent therapy and metastasis-free survival (MFS).

Results
Data from a total of 31 nmCRPC patients were documented. Compared to the Phase III study Spartan real-world patients are older, showed a higher ECOG-PS and more aggressive tumors. In the cohort PSA decreased about 98.1%, 74% of patients showed a PSA decrease over 90% and 54.8% reached a PSA-level < 0.2ng/ml. Apalutamide was well tolerated in real world patients: adverse events occurred in 67.7% but were in the majority mild (≥ grade 3: 6.5%). Dose reduction was necessary in 38.7% and 32.2% discontinued apalutamide treatment. MFS was 43 months and majority of patients were subsequently treated with abiraterone.

Conclusion
In real world more comorbid nmCRPC patients with a higher ECOG-PS and more aggressive tumors are treated with apalutamide plus ADT. Nevertheless efficacy results as well as side effects are similar in real-world compared to Spartan trial showing also a rapid, durable and deep PSA response with a median MFS of 43 months.
Efficacy and safety of fenoldopam for the treatment of hypertensive crises in children with kidney disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Bertazza Partigiani Nicola , Vigezzi Serena , Meneghesso Davide , Tinnirello Matteo , Brazzale Alessandra Rosalba , Daverio Marco , Vidal Enrico 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Hypertensive crises in children represent critical medical situations characterized by severe hypertension and potential organ damage. Fenoldopam, a dopaminergic medication, offers a viable therapeutic option for managing such clinical scenarios. We aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of fenoldopam in the management of hypertensive urgencies and emergencies.

Methods
This retrospective analysis focused on pediatric patients affected by acute or chronic kidney disease, aged 1 month–18 years, admitted to the Pediatric Nephrology and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at University-Hospital of Padua, Italy, who presented with a hypertensive crisis treated with fenoldopam between March 2010 and December 2022.

Results
The study included 74 patients with median age 10 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4–15 years) who received 102 fenoldopam infusions. Seventy-two percent were already receiving antihypertensive treatment before admission. In all cases, fenoldopam was associated with a reduction of blood pressure (BP) after 8 h of treatment, but in 87% of patients reduction of the initial mean arterial pressure (MAP) was higher than 25% of calculated drop pressure. MAP normalized in 26% of cases after 24 h and in 35% after 48 h. Occurrence of hypotension was 7%, while hypokalemia was observed in 13% of cases. Patients who presented a MAP reduction not exceeding 25% of calculated drop pressure received a lower median fenoldopam dose (0.2 mcg/kg/min; IQR 0.1–0.2) compared with patients having a MAP reduction > 25% of calculated drop pressure (0.4 mcg/kg/min; IQR 0.2–0.6; p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Fenoldopam seems effective and safe for the treatment of hypertensive crises in children with kidney disease, at a starting dose of 0.2 mcg/kg/min. Strict BP monitoring is required to identify possible excessive drop pressure in the first hours of infusion.

Graphical abstract
To biopsy or not to biopsy a teenager with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome? Biopsy first
Authors: Bigatti Carolina , Chiarenza Decimo S. , Angeletti Andrea 
Published: September 2024

AbstractKidney biopsy plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of several glomerular diseases. While it is generally considered a routine and safe procedure in children, it should be conducted with the primary objective of addressing the following question: do the prognosis and treatments vary based on the findings of kidney biopsy? In children presenting with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), guidelines suggest to consider kidney biopsy for individuals older than 12 years, primarily due to the possible increased incidence of different glomerulonephritis compared to younger patients, who predominantly manifest with minimal change disease. However, these guidelines also advocate for uniform therapeutic strategies, typically steroids, irrespective of the age or histological findings. Whether the age of more than 12 years may be a recommendation for performing kidney biopsy at presentation of INS is debatable. Instead, kidney biopsy could be reserved for steroid-resistant cases. On the other hand, when kidney biopsy is performed in INS, particularly in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, histology may reveal additional lesions, that are strongly associated with a poorer response to treatment and worse clinical outcomes. Therefore, current guidelines on treatments of nephrotic syndrome may appear overly restrictive, despite the relevant findings provided by kidney biopsy. Therefore, in the present manuscript, which is part of a pro–con debate on the management of nephrotic syndrome in adolescents, we emphasize the potential role of performing a kidney biopsy before initiating corticosteroid treatment.
Plastics in the Indian economy: a comprehensive material flow analysis
Authors: Emami Nargessadat , Baynes Timothy M. , Kaushik Trinayana , Singh Mandavi , Bhattacharjya Souvik , Locock Katherine , Schandl Heinz 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPlastic is valued for its flexibility to be utilized in different applications, yet it poses a significant threat to our environment because of mismanaged plastic waste. India’s compound annual growth of plastic consumption has been around 7% for a decade. Despite this significant growth, there has not been a comprehensive study of Indian plastic flows since 2000. This work presents a 20-year update, detailing plastic production, consumption by all plastic types and sectors, and the overall material flow for 2018–19 to fill the gap in the data on post-consumer plastic flows. The analysis reveals a total plastic production of 19.3 Mt, 22% of which is Polyethylene as the most wildly used plastic. The total mass of plastic in products distributed in various applications is 23.9 Mt. Key sectors for plastic consumption are Packaging (30%), Textiles (17%), and Buildings and Construction (16%). Plastic waste generation is 15.5 Mt, primarily from packaging and textiles. Only 13% of this plastic gets recycled, 46% is mismanaged, and the rest incinerated or dumped. The study’s unique nationwide, mass-balanced, transparent approach offers a rigorous reference point for decision-makers. Yet, the lack of reliable data is the main barrier to design, implement, and monitor of policy interventions.
Sonothrombolysis Using Microfluidically Produced Microbubbles in a Murine Model of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Xie Yanjun , Huang Yi , Stevenson Hugo C. S. , Yin Li , Zhang Kaijie , Islam Zain Husain , Marcum William Aaron , Johnston Campbell , Hoyt Nicholas , Kent Eric William , Wang Bowen , Hossack John A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The need for safe and effective methods to manage deep vein thrombosis (DVT), given the risks associated with anticoagulants and thrombolytic agents, motivated research into innovative approaches to resolve blood clots. In response to this challenge, sonothrombolysis is being explored as a technique that combines microbubbles, ultrasound, and thrombolytic agents to facilitate the aggressive dissolution of thrombi. Prior studies have indicated that relatively large microbubbles accelerate the dissolution process, either in an in vitro or an arterial model. However, sonothrombolysis using large microbubbles must be evaluated in venous thromboembolism diseases, where blood flow velocity is not comparable. In this study, the efficacy of sonothrombolysis was validated in a murine model of pre-existing DVT. During therapy, microfluidically produced microbubbles of 18 μm diameter and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) were administered through a tail vein catheter for 30 min, while ultrasound was applied to the abdominal region of the mice. Three-dimensional ultrasound scans were performed before and after therapy for quantification. The residual volume of the thrombi was 20% in animals post sonothrombolysis versus 52% without therapy (

$$p = 0.012 < 0.05$$

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=
0.012
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), indicating a significant reduction in DVT volume. Histological analysis of tissue sections confirmed a reduction in DVT volume post-therapy. Therefore, large microbubbles generated from a microfluidic device show promise in ultrasound-assisted therapy to address concerns related to venous thromboembolism.
“So Many Other Things Improve” with Transdiagnostic Treatment for Sleep and Circadian Problems: Interviews with Community Providers on Treating Clients with Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Sarfan Laurel D. , Bajwa Zia , Diaz Marlen , Tiab Sondra , Fisher Krista , Agnew Emma R. , Howlett Shayna A. , Oliver Sophia , Callaway Catherine A. , Harvey Allison G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCommunity mental health centers (CMHCs) offer invaluable, publicly-funded treatment for serious mental illness (SMI). Unfortunately, evidence-based psychological treatments are often not delivered at CMHCs, in part due to implementation barriers, such as limited time, high caseloads, and complex clinical presentations. Transdiagnostic treatments may help address these barriers, because they allow providers to treat symptoms across multiple disorders concurrently. However, little research has investigated CMHC providers’ experiences of delivering transdiagnostic treatments “on the ground,” particularly for adults with SMI. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess CMHC providers’ perspectives on delivering a transdiagnostic treatment – the Transdiagnostic Intervention for Sleep and Circadian Dysfunction (TranS-C) – to adults diagnosed with SMI. In the context of a larger parent trial, providers were randomized to deliver a standard version of TranS-C (Standard TranS-C) or a version adapted to the CMHC context (Adapted TranS-C). Twenty-five providers from the parent trial participated in a semi-structured interview (n = 10 Standard TranS-C; n = 15 from Adapted TranS-C). Responses were deductively and inductively coded to identify themes related to Proctor’s taxonomy of implementation outcomes. Four novel “transdiagnostic take homes” were identified: (1) transdiagnostic targets, such as sleep, can be perceived as motivating and appropriate when treating SMI, (2) strategies to bolster client motivation/adherence and address a wider range of symptom severity may improve transdiagnostic treatments, (3) balancing feasibility with offering in-depth resources is an important challenge for transdiagnostic treatment development, and (4) adapting transdiagnostic treatments to the CMHC context may improve provider perceptions of implementation outcomes.
Cultural diplomacy at second-tier global events: The case of Qatar’s 2023 Horticultural Expo
Authors: Koch Natalie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHorticultural Expos are second-tier expositions sanctioned by the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) and the latest event was held in Doha, Qatar from October 2023 to March 2024. Organized around the theme of “Green Desert, Better Environment,” Expo 2023 included pavilions from about 80 countries and organizations, and aimed to entice 3 million visitors to Qatar. Although Horticultural Expos are smaller and receive less attention than top-tier World’s Fairs, they are nonetheless important sites for host countries to engage in cultural diplomacy. Drawing from an event ethnography at the Expo in December 2023, this article shows how the Qatari hosts adapted nationalist scripts about the desert and local identity – to cement the state-led storyline that Qatar is committed to a sustainable and globally-engaged path to future development – in crafting its cultural diplomacy discourse for the event. Though cultural diplomacy works differently at second-tier global events, the case of Qatar’s Expo 2023 still has concrete effects that must be understood and evaluated on their own terms.