bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The VALTIVE1 study protocol: a study for the validation of Tie2 as the first tumour vascular response biomarker for VEGF inhibitors
Authors: Carucci Margherita , Clamp Andrew , Zhou Cong , Hurt Chris , Glasspool Rosalind , Monaghan Phillip J. , Thirkettle Sally , Wheatley Michael , Mahmood Madia , Narasimham Monica , Cox Tracy , Morrison Hilary , Campbell Susan , Nelson Annmarie , Holland-Hart Daniella , Hopewell-Kelly Noreen , Thomas Abin , Porter Catharine , Slusarczyk Magdalena , Irving Alys , Dive Caroline , Adams Richard , Jayson Gordon C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Anti-angiogenic, VEGF inhibitors (VEGFi) increase progression-free survival (PFS) and, in some cases, overall survival in many solid tumours. However, their use has been compromised by a lack of informative biomarkers. We have shown that plasma Tie2 is the first tumour vascular response biomarker for VEGFi in ovarian, colorectal and gall bladder cancer: If plasma Tie2 concentrations do not change after 9 weeks of treatment with a VEGFi, the patient does not benefit, whereas a confirmed reduction of at least 10% plasma Tie2 defines a vascular response with a hazard ratio (HR) for PFS of 0.56. The aim of the VALTIVE1 study is to validate the utility of plasma Tie2 as a vascular response biomarker and to optimise the Tie2-definition of vascular response so that the subsequent randomised discontinuation VALTIVE2 study can be powered optimally.

Methods
VALTIVE1 is a multi-centre, single arm, non-interventional biomarker study, with a sample size of 205 participants (176 bevacizumab-treated participants + 29 participants receiving bevacizumab and olaparib/PARPi), who are 16 years or older, have FIGO stage IIIc/IV ovarian cancer on treatment with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab. Their blood plasma samples will be collected before, during, and after treatment and the concentration of Tie2 will be determined. The primary objective is to define the PFS difference between Tie2-defined vascular responders and Tie2-defined vascular non-responders in patients receiving bevacizumab for high-risk Ovarian Cancer. Secondary objectives include defining the relationship between Tie2-defined vascular progression and disease progression assessed according to RECIST 1.1 criteria and assessing the impact of PARPi on the plasma concentration of Tie2 and, therefore, the decision-making utility of Tie2 as a vascular response biomarker for bevacizumab during combined bevacizumab-PARPi maintenance.

Discussion
There is an urgent need to establish a test that tells patients and their doctors when VEGFi are working and when they stop working. The data generated from this study will be used to design a second trial aiming to prove conclusively the value of the Tie2 test.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04523116. Registered on 21 Aug 2020.
How does the position of the pelvis and femur influence the selection of prosthesis size during 2D preoperative planning for total hip arthroplasty?
Authors: Wu Junzhe , Lin Chaohui , Zhuang Xunrong , He Lijiang , Wang Jiawei , Zhou Xinzhe , Xu Nanjie , Xie Huating , Lv Hanzhang , Ye Hui , Zhang Rongmou 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is the primary treatment for hip diseases today. Nevertheless, total hip arthroplasty has its challenges, and one of these challenges is the potential for incorrect execution of the preoperative planning process. Such errors can lead to complications such as loosening and instability of the prosthesis and leg length discrepancy. In this study, we used human phantoms to investigate the influence of pelvic and femoral factors on prosthesis size selection in the preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty and to provide a reference standard for clinical imaging in preoperative planning of total hip arthroplasty.

Methods
In this experiment, we utilised a custom-made experimental device that enabled us to manipulate the movement of the pelvis and femur in various directions. The device also incorporated sensors to control the angle of movement. By obtaining X-rays from different positions and angles, we were able to determine the size of the prosthesis based on the 2D preoperative planning generated by the mediCAD software.

Results
When the pelvis was in a nonneutral position, the size of the acetabular cup varied within a range of three sizes. Similarly, when the femur was in a nonneutral position, the size of the femoral stem varied within a range of two sizes. The movement of the pelvis and femur in the coronal plane, relative to the neutral position, did not impact the selection of the prosthesis size. However, the motion of the pelvis and femur in the sagittal and transverse planes had a notable effect.

Conclusion
The selection of the prosthesis size for preoperative planning can be significantly influenced by specific positions of the pelvis and femur. It is crucial for the radiographer to ensure that the pelvis and femur maintain a standard neutral position, particularly in the sagittal and transverse planes, during the image acquisition process.
Pioneering point-of-care obstetric ultrasound integration in midwifery education – the MEPOCUS study
Authors: Groos Julia , Walter Adeline , Plöger Ruben , Strizek Brigitte , Gembruch Ulrich , Wittek Agnes , Recker Florian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Ultrasound technology is indispensable in perinatal care due to its non-invasive and painless nature, offering vital insights into foetal development and childbirth. With the academisation of midwifery in Germany, there is a growing necessity to incorporate ultrasound training into midwifery education. This paper discusses the development and implementation of an introductory obstetric ultrasound curriculum tailored for midwifery students, focusing on fundamental ultrasound techniques in obstetrics.

Materials and methods
We used Kern’s six-step approach of curricular development comprising [1] problem identification and general needs assessment [2], needs assessment of the targeted learners [3], goals and objectives [4], educational strategies [5], implementation, and [6] evaluation and feedback. The individual components of the curriculum were meticulously designed based on comprehensive literature reviews, thorough consultations with experienced ultrasound experts and evaluated needs of participants prior to the course instruction.

Results
Twenty-seven ultrasound-naive midwifery students participated in the newly developed obstetric ultrasound course. Structured as a modular and integrated framework, the course aimed to provide theoretical and practical instruction in basic obstetric ultrasound, with intrapartum sonography and focused assessment with abdominal sonography for trauma (FAST) as key supplementary specialisations. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the students’ overall knowledge and practical skills, as evidenced by the median post-course total score rising from 20 to 60 out of 75 (p < 0.001) in the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and from 9 to 19 out of 20 (p = 0.001) in the knowledge test. Additionally, students reported high satisfaction with the course and noted substantial personal benefits.

Conclusion
The integration of basic obstetric ultrasound training within the midwifery curriculum is feasible and effective to teach fundamental knowledge and skills of obstetric ultrasound examinations to midwifery students. Expansion, standardisation and regulatory structures are critical components for a continued improvement and realistic integration into midwifery educational frameworks and thus the further development of the midwifery profession.
The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function among foundry workers
Authors: Koskela Kirsi , Lehtimäki Lauri , Uitti Jukka , Oksa Panu , Tikkakoski Antti , Sauni Riitta 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Foundry workers are occupationally exposed to a variety of inhalable chemical substances. Occupational exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes can lead to adverse health effects on the respiratory system and cause chronic respiratory diseases, such as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Research on respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function in foundry workers over the past few decades has been limited. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases and declined lung function of current foundry workers, ex-foundry workers, and unexposed controls.

Methods
We assessed respiratory symptoms, diseases, and lung function among 335 current foundry workers, 64 ex-foundry workers, and 161 unexposed controls. The cumulative dust exposure (mg-y) of each participant was calculated, and the median cumulative dust exposure according to the main places of exposure was determined.

Results
A higher prevalence of chronic bronchitis, as reported in a questionnaire, was found among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls, even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking (p = 0.009). Additionally, cough and wheezing in adulthood without respiratory infection, and chronic rhinitis symptoms were more common among current and ex-foundry workers compared to unexposed controls. These differences remained significant even after adjusting for pack-years of smoking and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007 and p  < 0.001, respectively). Impaired lung function was more prevalent among both ex-foundry workers (29.7%) and current foundry workers (15.5%) compared to the unexposed controls (8.7%), with the difference remaining significant even after adjusting for the pack-years of smoking and BMI (p = 0.009). According to the questionnaire, the number of physician-diagnosed cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis was unexpectedly low compared to the indications from the symptom questionnaire and lung function test results, suggesting a potential underdiagnosis. The prevalence of silicosis was low (0.8%) among current and ex-foundry workers.

Conclusions
Respiratory symptoms are common among foundry workers. Current and ex-foundry workers exhibited lower lung function in spirometry compared to unexposed controls. There is a potential underdiagnosis of COPD and chronic bronchitis among foundry workers.
Prostate Cancer Risk Stratification in NRG Oncology Phase III Randomized Trials Using Multimodal Deep Learning With Digital Histopathology
Authors: Tward Jonathan David , Huang Huei-Chung , Esteva Andre , Mohamad Osama , van der Wal Douwe , Simko Jeffry P. , DeVries Sandy , Zhang Jingbin , Joun Songwan , Showalter Timothy N. , Schaeffer Edward M. , Morgan Todd M. , Monson Jedidiah M. , Wallace James A. , Bahary Jean-Paul , Sandler Howard M. , Spratt Daniel E. , Rodgers Joseph P. , Feng Felix Y. , Tran Phuoc T. 
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE
Current clinical risk stratification methods for localized prostate cancer are suboptimal, leading to over- and undertreatment. Recently, machine learning approaches using digital histopathology have shown superior prognostic ability in phase III trials. This study aims to develop a clinically usable risk grouping system using multimodal artificial intelligence (MMAI) models that outperform current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) risk groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The cohort comprised 9,787 patients with localized prostate cancer from eight NRG Oncology randomized phase III trials, treated with radiation therapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Locked MMAI models, which used digital histopathology images and clinical data, were applied to each patient. Expert consensus on cut points defined low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups on the basis of 10-year distant metastasis rates of 3% and 10%, respectively. The MMAI's reclassification and prognostic performance were compared with the three-tier NCCN risk groups.

RESULTS
The median follow-up for censored patients was 7.9 years. According to NCCN risk categories, 30.4% of patients were low-risk, 25.5% intermediate-risk, and 44.1% high-risk. The MMAI risk classification identified 43.5% of patients as low-risk, 34.6% as intermediate-risk, and 21.8% as high-risk. MMAI reclassified 1,039 (42.0%) patients initially categorized by NCCN. Despite the MMAI low-risk group being larger than the NCCN low-risk group, the 10-year metastasis risks were comparable: 1.7% (95% CI, 0.2 to 3.2) for NCCN and 3.2% (95% CI, 1.7 to 4.7) for MMAI. The overall 10-year metastasis risk for NCCN high-risk patients was 16.6%, with MMAI further stratifying this group into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk, showing metastasis rates of 3.4%, 8.2%, and 26.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION
The MMAI risk grouping system expands the population of men identified as having low metastatic risk and accurately pinpoints a high-risk subset with elevated metastasis rates. This approach aims to prevent both overtreatment and undertreatment in localized prostate cancer, facilitating shared decision making.
Comprehensive Genomic Assessment of Advanced-Stage GI Stromal Tumors Using the Japanese National Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics Database
Authors: Fujii Hiroyuki , Hirano Hidekazu , Shiraishi Kouya , Shoji Hirokazu , Hirose Toshiharu , Okita Natsuko , Takashima Atsuo , Koyama Takafumi , Kato Ken 
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE
Clinical utility of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) for precision medicine has become evident. Although there are several reports on the genomic landscape of GI stromal tumors (GISTs), large-scale data specific to GIST are limited, especially in Asia. Additionally, the applicability of molecular-targeted agents identified using CGP has not been extensively examined. We investigated the status of genomic alterations in Japanese patients with advanced GISTs using the National Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics (C-CAT) database to identify novel treatment strategies and drug development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and CGP data of patients with advanced-stage GIST registered in the C-CAT database to assess the genomic landscape and potential actionable alterations.

RESULTS

Data from 144 patients were reviewed. Oncogenic alterations were detected frequently in
KIT
(78%),
CDKN2A
(37%),
CDKN2B
(29%),
RB1
(11%),
STK11
(10%),
TP53
(9%),
PDGFRA
(6%), and
SDHB
(6%). Loss of
CDKN2A
/
CDKN2B
was only observed in
KIT/PDGFRA
-mutated GISTs, while alterations in
SDHA/SDHB
were only detected in
KIT/PDGFRA
wild-type GISTs. Among 119
KIT/PDGFRA
-mutated GISTs, 95 (80%) had oncogenic genomic alterations and 29 (24%) had actionable alterations, excluding
KIT
and
PDGFRA
. However, among 25
KIT/PDGFRA
wild-type GISTs, 22 (88%) had oncogenic alterations and 11 (44%) had actionable alterations. Representative candidate drugs for genome-matched therapies in
KIT/PDGFRA
-mutated and wild-type GISTs were as follows: pembrolizumab for tumor mutation burden–high in one and two patients, respectively; poly-adenosine diphosphate ribose polymerase inhibitors for alterations related to homologous recombination deficiency in 12 and one patient, respectively; NTRK inhibitor for
ETV6-NTRK3
fusion in one with
KIT/PDGFRA
wild-type GIST; and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-antibody-drug conjugate in one with
KIT/PDGFRA
-mutated GIST.

CONCLUSION
This study highlights the genomic landscape of advanced GISTs and the important role of CGP in identifying rational molecular-targeted therapeutic options.
Reciprocal-reward–based environmental feedback promotes cooperation in spatial prisoner's dilemma game
Authors: Lu Shounan , Wang Yang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Reciprocal rewards for cooperative behavior are seen as a way of solving social dilemmas. In fact, reward values should not be fixed, but rather linked to the level of social development. Thus, this work proposes a mechanism by which reciprocal reward values in the spatial prisoner's dilemma game depend on region environmental feedback. Therefore, the reciprocal reward values are non-linear and inversely correlated with the environmental state. Numerical simulations show that the non-linear and dynamic reciprocal reward can significantly improve cooperation compared to the traditional version, which can also reduce social costs to some extent. In addition, a higher level of sensitivity to changes in the environment is beneficial for cooperative evolution. Specifically, while setting reciprocal rewards based on greater local environmental feedback can increase the threshold of temptation b at which cooperators become extinct, its contribution to encouraging cooperation is limited. Furthermore, different interval ranges of b-values will have a corresponding range of local environment to encourage cooperation to achieve the optimum. Finally, the results show that the system has good robustness.
„Wszystko dla Jezusa przez bolejące Serce Maryi”
Authors: Dębski Kazimierz , Dębska Joanna 
Published: October 2024

Zgromadzenie Córek Matki Bożej Bolesnej (sióstr serafitek) zostało założone w 1881 r. w Zakroczymiu na terenie zaboru rosyjskiego. Po 10 latach siostry przeniosły się do Galicji, a pierwsze ich placówki powstały w Hałcnowie i Oświęcimiu. Znaczny rozwój zgromadzenia nastąpił w czasach, gdy w Bachowicach działał ks. Franciszek Gołba. Pragnął on, aby miejscowe dzieci mogły znaleźć opiekę w założonych przez niego ochronkach, dlatego do parafii sprowadził siostry serafitki.
W okresie międzywojennym ochronki działały w trzech różnych budynkach. Prowadziły je początkowo osoby świeckie, m.in. Maria Momot, a później siostry serafitki. Po II wojnie światowej prowadziły one jeszcze przedszkole podległe „Caritas”, które odebrano im w 1962 r. Od tego momentu siostry zajmowały się nie tylko kościołem, ale także katechizacją dzieci, początkowo w domu zakonnym, a w latach 1990-2014 w miejscowej szkole.
Spośród sióstr pełniących posługę w Bachowicach najbardziej zapadła w pamięci mieszkańców s. Perpetua Kuc (1899-1978). W latach 1932-1945 oraz od 1962 r. do śmierci w 1978 r. świadczyła pierwszą pomoc medyczną w czasach, kiedy była ona trudno dostępna. Pracowała ponadto z dziećmi w ochronkach i angażowała się w życie codzienne mieszkańców wioski. Jej rodzona siostra – Domicela (1910-1980) – również wstąpiła do zgromadzenia sióstr serafitek i przez pewien czas pracowała w bachowickiej ochronce.
Na zakończenie artykułu przywołane zostały wspomnienia mieszkańców Bachowic o s. Perpetule, o której pamięć jest ciągle żywa.
Prevalence of visual impairment and its causes in adults aged 50 years and older: Estimates from the National Eye Surveys in Malaysia
Authors: Salowi Mohamad Aziz , Naing Nyi Nyi , Mustafa Norasyikin , Wan Nawang Wan Radziah , Sharudin Siti Nurhuda , Ngah Nor Fariza 
Published: October 2024

Background
Population surveys are necessary to measure a community’s eye care needs. We conducted simultaneous surveys in two regions in Malaysia in 2023 to estimate the prevalence of blindness and/or visual impairment (VI), identify its main causes, and compare the results with the survey in 2014.

Methods
The surveys were simultaneously done in Eastern and Sarawak administrative regions using the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) technique. It involved a multistage cluster sampling method, each cluster comprising 50 residents aged 50 years and older. The prevalence of blindness and/or visual impairment (blindness, severe, moderate, and early) and its primary cause were determined through a visual acuity test and eye examination with a hand-held ophthalmoscope. Results were compared with the previous survey in 2014.

Results
A total of 10,184 subjects were enumerated, and 9,709 were examined (94.5% and 96.2% responses for Eastern and Sarawak, respectively). The prevalence of blindness and severe VI appeared lower than the previous survey. For blindness: Eastern 1.4%, 95%CI (0.9, 1.9) to 0.8%, 95%CI (0.5, 1.1) and Sarawak: 1.6% 95%CI (1.0, 2.1) to 0.6%, 95%CI (0.3, 0.9). For severe VI: Eastern 1.2%, 95%CI (0.8, 1.7) to 0.9%, 95%CI (0.6, 1.1) and Sarawak 1.1% 95%CI (0.6, 1.6) to 0.9%, 95% CI(0.6, 1.2). The main cause of blindness was untreated cataracts: 77.3% (Eastern) and 75.0% (Sarawak). Diabetic retinopathy was the 2nd main cause of blindness for Eastern at 9.1%, but it only caused early to severe VI in Sarawak.

Conclusion
The prevalence of blindness and severe VI were lower than in the previous survey. It could have been attributed to a community cataract program implemented soon after the survey in 2014. However, more efforts are needed to address the high percentage of avoidable blindness within both regions.
Alterations in aortic elasticity indices among type 2 diabetes patients in a low and middle income country using M-mode echocardiography: A cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Dang Hai Nguyen Ngoc , Luong Thang Viet , Nguyen Khoi Quan , Nguyen Uyen Ngoc Phuong , Pham Nguyen Nguyen Khoi , Tran Hieu Thi Nguyen , Tran Hung Khanh , Cao Mai Thi Thu , Ho Binh Anh , Doan Thang Chi , Nguyen Hung Minh , Anh Hoang Tien , Van Huynh Minh 
Published: October 2024

Background
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of noncommunicable diseases worldwide. It is known to induce cardiovascular remodeling, which can result in a variety of complications, including a considerable increase in aortic stiffness. While studies in Western populations have explored these effects, data on Asians, mainly Vietnamese, are limited. This study aimed to assess aortic elasticity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients compared to healthy individuals.

Methods
This quantitative, cross-sectional study compared aortic elasticity indices between individuals with T2DM and healthy controls in Vietnam. Aortic elasticity indices were assessed for all participants using M-mode echocardiography.

Results
A comparison between the healthy and T2DM groups revealed substantial differences in aortic elasticity indices. The aortic stiffness index (ASI) was significantly greater in the T2DM group than in the control group, with median values of 6.10 (3.64–12.47) and 3.79 (2.40–8.50), respectively (p = 0.003). Aortic strain (AS) was substantially lower in the T2DM group than in the control group, with median values of 8.21% (4.24–13.07) and 10.66% (6.01–18.23), respectively (p = 0.039). Furthermore, the median aortic compliance (AC, 10-2mm/mmHg) and aortic distensibility (AD, 10-3mmHg-1) in individuals with T2DM were 4.07 (2.28–7.44) and 3.08 (1.57–5.26), respectively, lower than those in the control group, with median values of 6.40 (3.08–10.75) and 5.33 (2.80–9.79). A longer diabetes duration was linked to a greater ASI (r = 0.43, p < 0.05), while the AS decreased (r = -0.37, p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Substantial variations in aorta elasticity indices were found in patients with T2DM using M-mode echocardiography. These differences highlight the impact of T2DM on vascular health. More research is needed to investigate the consequences of these discrepancies and their significance for clinical purposes.