bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Elekta Synergy Platform Linac at 6 MV Photon Beam using PRIMO Monte Carlo Software
Authors: Marzon Jan Risty Lucido , Convicto Vernie C. , Lapening Melbagrace A. , Berondo Andelson L. , Bacala Angelina M. 
Published: September 2024

Aims:
The objective was to validate the initial beam parameters of the Davao Doctors Hospital’s 6 MV Elekta Synergy Platform linac, which performs to the specification of the commissioning data per our records using the gamma-index analysis toolkit integrated inside PRIMO software.

Materials and Methods:
In PRIMO, a sequence of optimization processes is performed, in which the measured and simulated percent depth dose (PDD) and lateral beam profiles at various depths are compared, using the stringent gamma-index passing rate at 1%/1 mm criteria (GPR11). Using four fields of sizes 3 cm × 3 cm, 4 cm × 4 cm, 5 cm × 5 cm, and 10 cm × 10 cm, the dose is calculated on a water phantom measuring 16.2 cm × 16.2 cm × 30.0 cm. In addition, one field of size 20 cm × 20 cm is used on a 50.0 cm × 50.0 cm × 30.0 cm water phantom with a bin size of 0.2 cm × 0.2 cm × 0.2 cm at a source-surface distance of 100.0 cm.

Results:
For PDD and beam profiles comparison at the largest field size, the 6.5 MeV initial electron beam energy, 0.25 MeV full-width-half-maximum energy, 0.20 cm focal spot size, and 3° beam divergence tuned configuration yield GPR11 values of 94.0% and 97.7% (PRIMO PDD and lateral beam profile at 200 mm scan depth, respectively) with a statistical uncertainty of 2.9%. For lower field sizes, the GPR11 values are consistent at more than 90% for the PDD, whereas GPR11 values of 80.3% and 70.6% for the lateral beam profiles (at 15 mm and 200 mm scan depths) at 10 cm × 10 cm and 5 cm × 5 cm, respectively. The percentage difference between the measured and simulated PDD
20,10 ratios of not more than 2.45% is observed in all field settings.

Conclusions:
These tuned beam parameters are remarkably in agreement with the suggested beam parameters listed on the PRIMO website for the 6 MV Elekta linac which was optimized with a different set of measurements.
Agar-based Phantom for Evaluating Targeting of High-intensity Focused Ultrasound Systems for Breast Ablation
Authors: Filippou Antria , Damianou Christakis 
Published: September 2024

Aim:
Phantoms are often utilized for the preclinical evaluation of novel high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) systems, serving as valuable tools for validating efficacy. In the present study, the feasibility of a homogeneous agar-based breast-shaped phantom as a tool for the preclinical evaluation of HIFU systems dedicated to breast cancer was assessed. Specifically, the effect of the increased phantom curvature on temperature increase was examined through sonications executed on two sides having varied curvatures.

Materials and Methods:
Assessment was performed utilizing a 1.1 MHz focused transducer. Sonications on the two phantom sides were executed at varied acoustical power in both a laboratory setting and inside a 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Sonications were independently performed on two identical phantoms for repeatability purposes.

Results:
Temperature changes between 7.1°C–34.3°C and 5.1°C–21.5°C were recorded within the decreased and increased curvature sides, respectively, for acoustical power of 3.75–10 W. High-power sonications created lesions which were approximately symmetrically formed around the focal point at the decreased curvature side, while they were shifted away from the focal point at the increased curvature side.

Conclusions:
The present findings indicate that increased curvature of the breast phantom results in deformed focal shapes and decreased temperatures induced at the focal area, thus suggesting treatment correction requirements in the form of focus control or accurate robotic movement. The developed breast-shaped phantom can be utilized as an evaluation tool of HIFU systems dedicated to breast cancer since it can visually verify the efficacy of any system.
Ultrasonic Sensor-based Water Leveling for Three-dimensional Water Phantom: Prototype Development
Authors: Kim Taehyung , Kim Jeongun , Kim Engchan 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to develop a prototype for controlling the water level of a three-dimensional (3D) water phantom using ultrasound sensors and Arduino technology and evaluate its performance in setting up the 3D water phantom for radiation beam measurements.

Materials and Methods:
A prototype consisted of an Arduino Nano board and two types of ultrasound sensors (US015 and SR04). The accuracy of both sensors was tested at various distances and the performance was evaluated through statistical analysis. The distance measurement test was performed rigorously at intervals of 2 cm from 5 cm to 21 cm, measuring an average error and a maximum deviation for each sensor.

Results:
Both sensors demonstrated the measurement accuracy within 2 mm. When using the traditional and prototype-based setup methods, the measured photon and electron beam profiles did not show any significant difference. This result suggests the equivalent setup capability when using these two different 3D water phantom setup methods.

Conclusion:
The ultrasound sensor-based prototype is demonstrated as a more effective device in maintaining the 3D water phantom setup consistently compared to the traditional method, which is prone to human error, and it will aid in facilitating precise phantom setup during the commissioning and routine quality assurance (QA) of linear accelerators in radiotherapy clinics.
Assessment of Organ-at-risk Sparing in Esophageal Cancer: A Comparative Dosimetric Evaluation of Hybrid, Noncoplanar, and Coplanar RapidArc Plans
Authors: Zope Mukesh Kumar , Patil Deepali Bhaskar , Saroj Dinesh Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Aim:
The purpose of this study is to improve the precision of radiation treatment and sparing of organ-at-risk (OAR) in patients with thoracic esophageal cancer (EC) affecting the heart, lung, and spinal cord. To improve and personalize cancer treatment plans, it assesses the dosimetric benefits of coplanar RapidArc (RAc), hybrid arc (RAHyb), and noncoplanar RapidArc (RAnc).

Materials and Methods:
Fourteen patients with EC were chosen for our investigation from our hospital’s database. RapidArc (RA) plan patients had already received treatment. Retrospectively, additional RAnc and RAHyb plans were made with a prescription dose of 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions for the planning target volume (PTV). A prescription dose of 95% of PTV was used, so that three different treatment planning procedures could be compared. The cumulative dose-volume histogram was used to analyze the plan quality indices homogeneity index (HI), conformity index (CI), conformation number (CN) as well as the OARs doses to the lung, heart, and spinal cord.

Results:
In comparison to RAc and RAnc techniques, the study indicated that RAHyb plans significantly increased D95%, CI and HI; Dmax and CN did not differ substantially. In addition, compared to RAc (lung: 16.15 ± 0.03 Gy and heart: 23.91 ± 4.67 Gy) and RAnc (lung: 15.24 ± 0.03 Gy and heart 23.82 ± 5.10 Gy) plans, RAHyb resulted in significantly lower mean lung doses (15.10 ± 0.03 Gy) and heart doses (21.33 ± 6.99 Gy). Moreover, the RAHyb strategy showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) lower average MU (452.7) than both the RAc (517.5) and RAnc (566.2) plans.

Conclusion:
The D95%, conformity, and homogeneity indices were better for hybrid arc plans compared to RAc and RAnc plans. They also successfully managed to reduce the lung and heart doses as well as the mean MU per fraction.
Photon and Neutron Dose Estimation Using Monte Carlo Simulation in TrueBeam’s Room
Authors: Quoc Soai Dang , Fujibuchi Toshioh , Arakawa Hiroyuki , Hamada Keisuke 
Published: September 2024

Purpose:
The distribution of neutron ambient dose equivalent within the TrueBeam 10 MV photon chamber was investigated.

Materials and Methods:
The research used particle and heavy ion transport code system (PHITS) code and JENDL-5.0 to simulate the neutron ambient dose equivalent on and around TrueBeam’s head. The simulated results were compared with the measured results using CR-39 detectors when TrueBeam radiated 5000 monitor units of 10 MV photons with field sizes 20 cm × 20 cm and 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm.

Results:
Out of field size, the neutron ambient dose equivalents of the 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm field size are higher than those values of the 20 cm × 20 cm field size from 4% to 30%. The differences between the simulated value and the measured value of the neutron ambient dose equivalents at all points out of field size are smaller than 20%.

Conclusion:
The neutron ambient dose equivalents, simulated with PHITS and JENDL-5.0, are satisfied with the measured neutron ambient dose equivalent.
Impact of Plasma Focal Adhesion Kinase, Ephrin Receptor Type A4, and Adiponectin in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Latif Noor Jalal , Al-Rubaie Haithem Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), ephrin receptor type A4 (EphA4), and adiponectin (ADPN) are important indicators in inflammation, tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis in some cancers. The predictive impact of their concentrations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients to be identified remains. The research sought to explore the effect of FAK, EphA4, and ADPN as prognostic biomarkers, and their influence on patient survival, and to look for any potential correlation between their levels with hematological parameters in AML patients.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS:
The study was carried out on 65 newly diagnosed adult de novo AML patients and 15 controls. Plasma levels were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at diagnosis. The overall survival (OS) was determined after 12 months.

RESULTS:
The FAK concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher among AML patients than the controls. EphA4 level was insignificantly lower in AML patients than in control (P = 0.902), and insignificantly higher ADPN concentrations among AML patients than the control (P = 0.352). There were no significant differences between monocytic and nonmonocytic AML patients in FAK, EphA4, and ADPN levels. Regarding the OS, cases with lower than median levels of FAK were associated with a significant (P = 0.002) higher OS time in days, and cases with higher than median levels of EphA4 and ADPN had a significant (P = 0.007 and P = 0.039, respectively) higher OS time in days.

CONCLUSIONS:
FAK, EphA4, and ADPN can be used as noninvasive prognostic markers in AML patients with a possible role in AML pathogenesis, and resistance to chemotherapy.
Evaluation of the Possible Pathophysiological Role of Redox Status in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Shanan Wiqar Fadheel , Thuwaini Mahdi Murshd , Khudhair Hasan Abd Ali 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The disease of sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited blood disease that causes several complications, and oxidative stress (OS) may play a very important role in its complications and pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVE:
The aims of the study is to evaluate the possible pathophysiological role of some antioxidant and oxidant biomarkers within SCA patients and to evaluate the correlation of OS and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) to predict the cardiovascular risk in SCA subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A case–control research includes three study groups: SCA patients, sickle cell trait (SCT) subjects, and healthy controls (HCs). All study groups were evaluated for their serum catalase (CAT), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as plasma triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using (SPSS) version 31 program. The frequencies, relative frequencies, and means were obtained as descriptive methods. The associations among parameters were obtained using the Chi-square statistical method.

RESULTS:
The results revealed significantly lower levels of serum SOD and GPx among sickle cell disease (SCD) and SCT subjects than the HCs, whereas the inverse findings were reported for CAT and AIP. However, the MDA results revealed a significantly higher level in SCD patients compared to SCT and HC. Furthermore, the levels of SOD and MDA were positively associated in all study groups, and the levels of GPx and MDA were negatively correlated in SCD and SCT groups. The AIP was positively correlated with MDA in the SCT group and negatively correlated with CAT in the SCD group.

CONCLUSIONS:
The conclusion of the study indicated the presence of an OS and antioxidant compensatory status in patients with SCD and the SCT subjects. The altered biomarkers in SCA patients made it clear that the impairment and generation of OS in this disease, as well as antioxidant biomarkers, are contributory factors toward cellular redox homeostasis. This addressed the aim of the study.
Relationship between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Depressive Disorder in Iraqi Sample Patients
Authors: Alkhalidi Fatima Abd Al-Kathem 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:
Depression is considered one of the principles of debility in most of the world and the main share in general increased universal burden of diseases. The top important complication of depression from the point of the patient’s view is social and living problems, which lead to permanent disability.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:
Weight changes could occur with depression due to variability of appetite, so this study was to define the association between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and depression disorders.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
One hundred participants enrolled in the study with a mean age of 37 ± 8.2 years in this case–control study conducted in Diwanyiah Educational Hospital from February 1 to May 1, 2022, the study enrolled patients with depression features visiting the psychiatric clinic in the hospital selected as cases and matched age and sex selected from another clinic in the same hospital or attendant with patients as control.

RESULTS:
The mean age for healthy control was 36.3 years and for cases, it was 38.5 years; there were 64% of patients and 16% of healthy control had anemia, whereas, for depression, patients 32% not presenting with anemia and 84% of control had no anemia.

CONCLUSION:
This study highlights the association between IDA and depression disorder.
Neutrophil CD64 – A Reliable Predictive Marker of Sepsis in Adult Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Waykole Rohan , Nisal Amit Ravindra , Christopher Anu , Danu Nishtha , Nimbargi Ravindra C 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Sepsis poses a significant threat to adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), contributing to substantial morbidity and mortality. Neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) expression has been linked to inflammatory responses during infection or tissue injury, suggesting its potential as a predictive marker for sepsis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
We conducted a prospective analytical study over 2 years at a tertiary care hospital, enrolling 91 sepsis cases from the adult ICU. Alongside routine laboratory parameters, including complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin, the expression of nCD64 was analyzed using a Beckman Coulter Navios flow cytometer. Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) was calculated for these cases. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 software, with a significance threshold of P < 0.05.

RESULTS:
MFI scores demonstrated a notable increase in diagnosed sepsis cases, as determined by clinical and biochemical parameters. Moreover, changes in MFI scores on Day 4 exhibited a correlation with other clinical and biochemical parameters, strengthening the association between nCD64 expression and sepsis severity.

CONCLUSION:
Our findings suggest that nCD64 serves as an independent prognostic factor in adult ICU sepsis patients. It offers a promising alternative to traditional sepsis markers for predicting patient outcomes, emphasizing its potential clinical utility in guiding therapeutic interventions and improving patient care in ICU settings.
Anemia and Iron Profile in Hemodialysis and Nonhemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Al Sharifi Liqaa Mohammed , Haddawi Karrar Haider 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern, with anemia being a significant complication. Anemia in CKD patients is multifactorial and often leads to poorer outcomes. Assessing the iron profile, including serum ferritin, iron, and transferrin saturation, is crucial for identifying absolute or functional iron deficiency anemia (IDA). An objective evaluation of the iron profile is essential for effective and comprehensive management of anemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The study involved 100 adult patients with CKD and anemia, who were divided into two groups based on age and sex. The patients were divided into two groups: one received regular hemodialysis (HD) 2–3 times per week, whereas the other received no dialysis or dialysis infrequently. Exclusion criteria included infections, inflammation, renal injury, neoplasms, acute hemolysis, and thalassemia.

RESULTS:
Anemia is a common complication in patients with CKD, both those on HD and non-HD. Among the types of anemia observed, 50% of HD patients and 72% of non-HD CKD patients have normochromic anemia. In addition, 46% of HD patients and 24% of non-HD patients have IDA. Specifically, 24% of HD patients have absolute IDA and 22% have functional IDA, compared to 12% of both absolute and functional IDA in non-HD CKD patients, with a significant statistical difference between the two groups. Furthermore, serum iron and transferrin saturation levels show significant differences between HD and non-HD CKD patients.

CONCLUSION:
Anemia, especially IDA in CKD patients undergoing HD, requires accurate diagnosis through transferrin saturation and serum iron levels, and customized treatment based on dialysis status and anemia type is crucial.
Rhomboid intercostal block with subserratus plane block versus thoracic paravertebral block in video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized comparative study
Authors: Hegazy Mohammed A. , Sanad Mohammed , Awad Gehad , Kishta Mohamed , Elsaied Ahmed M. , Gad Mona 
Published: September 2024

Background
Most anaesthesiologists consider thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) the main analgesic modality for providing analgesia following “video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.” However, it carries a potential risk for neuro-axial injuries and pneumothorax. “Rhomboid intercostal with subserratus block” (RISS) is a relatively newer block technique that has been described to be effective and safe in such cases, with no previous studies comparing its efficacy to PVB. Herein, we compare these two blocks in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in our Egyptian tertiary care setting.

Patients and methods
Sixty-two patients were enrolled in our prospective trial, and they were randomly allocated into two groups: PVB group (n=31) and RISS (n=31). Postoperative fentanyl consumption was our primary outcome.

Results
Both blocks were associated with comparable intraoperative hemodynamic measurements, and most of these readings were within the normal reference values. Postoperative pain scores during rest were also comparable between the two blocks, and all recorded readings indicated mild to moderate pain intensity. In these cases, fentanyl consumption had mean values of 101.61±27.58 μg in the PVB group compared to 100.65±25.16 μg in the RISS group (P=0.886). No block-induced complications were encountered, and most patients were satisfied or highly satisfied with their analgesic regimen in both groups.

Conclusion
RISS provides an excellent alternative to thoracic PVB. Both block procedures have almost comparable intraoperative hemodynamics, duration of analgesia, fentanyl consumption, pain scores, and patient satisfaction.
Exploring the Protective Effects of Xueshuantong Injection on Central Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Chen Qiang , Zhang Jing , Liu Xin-Yu , Xu Kai , Guo Hui-Yi , Li Ya-Min , Guo Yu-Qing , Liang Li-Na 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effects of Xueshuantong (XST), a traditional Chinese medicine that has been studied for its protective effects on the cardiovascular system and anti-inflammatory properties, on central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in rabbits and rats.

Materials and Methods:
CRVO was induced in rabbits and rats by laser photocoagulation. The animals were then treated with different doses of XST or lyophilized XST (L). Color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography, histological examination, TUNEL assay, and immunofluorescence staining were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects.

Results:
The study revealed that both XST and lyophilized XST injections exhibited therapeutic effects against CRVO in rabbits and rats. The drugs improved retinal lesions and structure and mitigated apoptosis of retinal cells to varying degrees. Additionally, downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 within the retina was observed in both drug groups.

Conclusions:
The results indicate that XST injection exhibited significant protective effects against experimental CRVO by regulating angiogenesis and inflammation, suggesting its potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for treating CRVO.
Hepatic ectopic pregnancy with hemorrhage secondary diaphragmatic adhesion: A case report
Authors: Yang Xiu-Ci , Fang Miao , Peng Yi-Gen , Wang Liang , Ju Rong 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Primary abdominal pregnancy is an extremely rare form of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies that occur in the liver and diaphragm are even rarer, limited case reports are available in the literature.
CASE SUMMARY
A woman of childbearing age was transferred to the emergency department due to lumbar and abdominal pain radiating to the back toward the lower right. After a series of physical and auxiliary examinations, she was clinically diagnosed with hepatic ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopic surgery was performed to remove the pregnancy tissue and achieve hemostasis. After a period of follow-up, the patient was successfully cured.
CONCLUSION
Paying attention to the patient's signs and utilizing imaging examination methods can help avoid missed diagnoses of liver pregnancy.
Effects of bean cake cooked in different packaging materials on hematological indices and kidney function of Wistar albino rats
Authors: Wali P.C. , Gbaranee L. , Onyeike E.N. , Belonwu D.C. 
Published: September 2024

This research assessed the effect of bean cake packaged with different materials (Thaumococcus danielle leaf, aluminum foil and plastic plate) on the proximate composition, and the hematological indices and kidney function of Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats were grouped into five (5 rats per group). Group one was fed with cerelac, group two with commercial rat feed, group three with bean cake packaged in T. danielli leaf, group four with bean cake packaged in aluminum foil and group five fed with bean cake packaged in plastic plate and; all the groups were fed ad libitum for twenty eightdays. The results of the proximate analysis showed that bean cake is rich in carbohydrate (51%), protein (20%) and is a good source of Minerals. There was a significant difference among the Potassium Sodium, Urea and Creatinine levels of the test animals and the control at p<0.05. However, there was no remarkable difference in the haematological indices of the Control and Test groups. The results of this research showed that packaging materials had no significant effect on haematological indices and kidney function of Wistar rats in 28 days and plastic retained more nutrients than other packaging material.