bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Elderly Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Kakish Hanna , Jung Carmen A. , Doh Susan J. , Mulligan Kathleen M. , Sheng Iris , Ammori John B. , Mangla Ankit , Hoehn Richard S. , Rothermel Luke D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed less often for older patients with melanoma. We investigated the association of SLNB and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) in the elderly.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER: 2010–2019) for patients ≥ 70 years with cT2-4N0M0 melanoma. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the impact of SLNB performance and SLN status on MSS at increasing age cutoffs. In addition, we evaluated the association of different factors with SLNB performance using multivariable logistic regression.

Results
We identified 11,548 patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy occurred in 6754 (58.5%) patients, 1050 (15.5%) of whom had a positive SLN. On adjusted SEER analysis, a negative SLN was independently associated with improved MSS (overall hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–0.67) for patients up to 87 years old. Positive SLNB was independently associated with inferior MSS (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.93–1.98). Increasing age groups were significantly associated with decreased SLNB performance.

Conclusions
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with cancer-specific survival and adds prognostic information for elderly patients with melanoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy performance should not be eliminated in elderly patients based on age alone, unless justified by poor performance status, patient preference, or other surgical contraindications. Decreased SLNB performance with increasing age in our cohort may indicate a missed therapeutic opportunity in the care of elderly patients with melanoma.
Testing effectiveness and implementation of a standardized approach to sexual dysfunction screening among adolescent and young adult-aged survivors of childhood cancer: A type I hybrid, mixed methods trial protocol
Authors: Demedis Jenna , Reedy Julia , Miller Kristen , Hu Junxiao , Klosky James L. , Dorsey Holliman Brooke , Peterson Pamela N. , Chow Eric J. , Studts Christina 
Published: July 2024

Background
Approximately 20–50% of adolescent and young adult-aged childhood cancer survivors (AYA-CCS) experience sexual dysfunction (SD), although this healthcare need is widely underrecognized. Previous research from both AYA-CCS patients and their providers report that SD needs are unaddressed despite patient desires for SD discussions to be incorporated as part of their care. Patients and providers agree that standardized use of a patient-reported outcome measure may facilitate SD discussions; an SD screening approach was developed with patient and provider input. This study will measure the effectiveness of a standardized SD screening intervention and assess implementation outcomes and multilevel barriers and facilitators to guide future research.

Methods
This multi-site, mixed methods, type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial will be evaluated using a pre-post design (NCT05524610). The trial will enroll 86 AYA-CCS (ages 15–39) from two cancer centers in the United States. The SD intervention consists of core fundamental functions with a “menu” of intervention options to allow for flexibility in delivery and tailoring in variable contexts. Effectiveness of the intervention on facilitating SD communication will be measured through patient surveys and clinical data; multivariable logistic regression will be used for the binary outcome of self-reported SD screening, controlling for patient-level predictors. Implementation outcomes will be assessed using mixed methods (electronic health record abstraction, patient and provider surveys, and provider interviews. Quantitative and qualitative findings will be merged using a joint display to understand factors affecting intervention success.

Implications
Identification and treatment of SD in AYA-CCS is an important and challenging quality of life concern. The type 1 hybrid design will facilitate rapid translation from research to practice by testing the effects of the intervention while simultaneously identifying multilevel barriers and facilitators to real-world implementation. This approach will inform future testing and dissemination of the SD screening intervention.
Optimal image quality and radiation doses with optimal tube voltages/currents for pediatric anthropomorphic phantom brains
Authors: Chen Li-Guo , Kao Hung-Wen , Wu Ping-An , Sheu Ming-Huei , Huang Li-Chuan 
Published: July 2024

Objective
Using pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms (APs), we aimed to determine the scanning tube voltage/current combinations that could achieve optimal image quality and avoid excessive radiation exposure in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods
A 64-slice scanner was used to scan a standard test phantom to determine the volume CT dose indices (CTDIvol), and three pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms (APs) with highly accurate anatomy and tissue-equivalent materials were studied. These specialized APs represented the average 1-year-old, 5-year-old, and 10-year-old children, respectively. The physical phantoms were constructed with brain tissue-equivalent materials having a density of ρ = 1.07 g/cm3, comprising 22 numbered 2.54-cm-thick sections for the 1-year-old, 26 sections for the 5-year-old, and 32 sections for the 10-year-old. They were scanned to acquire brain CT images and determine the standard deviations (SDs), effective doses (EDs), and contrast-to noise ratios (CNRs). The APs were scanned by 21 combinations of tube voltages/currents (80, 100, or 120 kVp/10, 40, 80, 120, 150, 200, or 250 mA) and rotation time/pitch settings of 1 s/0.984:1.

Results
The optimal tube voltage/current combinations yielding optimal image quality were 80 kVp/80 mA for the 1-year-old AP; 80 kVp/120 mA for the 5-year-old AP; and 80 kVp/150 mA for the 10-year-old AP. Because these scanning tube voltages/currents yielded SDs, respectively, of 12.81, 13.09, and 12.26 HU, along with small EDs of 0.31, 0.34, and 0.31 mSv, these parameters and the induced values were expediently defined as optimal.

Conclusions
The optimal tube voltages/currents that yielded optimal brain image quality, SDs, CNRs, and EDs herein are novel and essentially important. Clinical translation of these optimal values may allow CT diagnosis with low radiation doses to children’s heads.
The association between HIV-related stigma, HIV knowledge and HIV late presenters among people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending public primary care clinic settings in Selangor
Authors: Bin Ahmad Mohd Zulfikry , Md. Yasin Mazapuspavina , Mat Nasir Nafiza , Mohamad Mariam 
Published: July 2024

Introduction
HIV late presenters were defined as individuals presenting with a CD4 count below 350 cells/μL or with an AIDS-defining event, according to the European Late Presenter Consensus working group. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV have proven beneficial for people living with HIV (PLHIV), reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and contributing to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. However, in Malaysia, over 50% of newly diagnosed HIV patients present late, leading to increased morbidity and premature mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of late HIV presenters and its association with HIV-related stigma and HIV knowledge among PLHIV attending public primary care clinics in Selangor.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected public health clinics in Selangor, involving PLHIV aged 18 years and older, who were diagnosed since 2019. HIV-related stigma was measured using the Malay version of Berger’s HIV Stigma Scale, and HIV knowledge was assessed using the Malay version of Brief HIV-KQ-18. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with late HIV presentation.

Results
A total of 400 participants were included in the study, with 60.0% (n = 240, 95% CI: 55.0–65.0) classified as late presenters. The participants had a mean age of 30.29 (±7.77) years. The risk factors for late presenters were high levels of HIV-related stigma (aOR = 1.049, 95% CI: 1.034–1.063, p-value <0.001), low levels of HIV knowledge (aOR = 0.709, 95% CI: 0.646–0.778, p-value <0.001), tertiary education background (aOR = 15.962, 95% CI: 1.898–134.235, p-value = 0.011), and being single (aOR = 3.582, 95% CI: 1.393–9.208, p-value = 0.008).

Conclusion
This study highlights the association between high levels of HIV-related stigma, low levels of HIV knowledge, and late HIV presentation. Interventions targeting stigma reduction and HIV education can promote early testing and prompt access to care, improving health outcomes for PLHIV.
Disclosure of Product Information After Price Competition
Authors: Woo Hee Yeul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We study under what conditions product information sufficiently unravels in a competitive environment. Information sufficiently unravels if the consumer makes the same purchasing decision as under complete information. The consumer is uncertain about the sellers’ product characteristics while she has private information about her preference for differentiated products. In contrast to the prior literature, we focus on the case where the sellers compete to attract the consumer by disclosing product information only after they set prices for their individual products. We provide a necessary and sufficient condition on the consumer’s relative comparison of one seller’s product to the other’s for every outcome to be sufficient unraveling under comparative and non-comparative advertisements, respectively. We show, by example, that competition may enhance information disclosure only if the consumer has limited reasoning capability.
Forecasting the Risk of Cryptocurrencies: Comparison and Combination of GARCH and Stochastic Volatility Models
Authors: Prüser Jan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The high returns of cryptocurrencies have attracted many investors in recent years. At the same time the evolution of cryptocurrencies is characterized by extreme volatility. For investors, it is therefore key to gauge the risks related to an investment in cryptocurrencies. We provide a comparison of several GARCH and stochastic volatility models for forecasting the risk of cryptocurrencies over the out-of-sample period from 28.09.2018 to 28.02.2023. It turns out that the widely used GARCH(1,1) does not provide accurate risk predictions. In contrast, adding t-distributed innovations or allowing for regime changes improves the accuracy in both model classes. Finally, we consider a Bayesian decision-guided approach with discount learning to combine the different models and provide robust evidence that combining the model predictions leads to accurate combined risk predictions.
Effect of conifer afforestation on the occurrence and food availability for Zaedyus pichiy (Xenarthra: Chlamyphoridae) in the north-western Patagonian steppe of Argentina
Authors: Gallo Jorge A. , Fasola Laura , Abba Agustín M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The grasslands and shrub areas of the Patagonian steppe are the most frequent habitat for the “Near Threatened” armadillo, known as pichi (Zaedyus pichiy). Dense exotic conifer plantations are replacing the steppe in Argentinean northern Patagonia. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of conifer afforestation on the occurrence and food availability in a Z. pichiy population in north-western Patagonia. Fifteen sites in the native steppe and 50 in exotic pine plantations were sampled. We recorded the number of signs of pichi’s presence and the diversity of invertebrates. Signs of Z. pichiy presence decreased in pine afforestation compared to the native steppe. Additionally, we found a decrease in the abundance, richness, diversity, and biomass of arthropods in pine plantations. Therefore, the presence of pine plantations in the steppe reduces the main food items of Z. pichiy and also eliminates the native steppe vegetation structure that provides preferred places to dig burrows. Pine monocultures do not provide a suitable habitat for Z. pichiy and may exacerbate the degradation of an already disturbed environment.
Boundary value problems for integro-differential and singular higher-order differential equations
Authors: Anceschi Francesca , Calamai Alessandro , Marcelli Cristina , Papalini Francesca 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We investigate third-order strongly nonlinear differential equations of the type

(

Φ

(

k

(

t

)

u

″

(

t

)

)

)

′
=
f

(

t
,
u

(

t

)

,
u
′

(

t

)

,

u

″

(

t

)

)

,

a.e. on

[

0
,
T

]

,

\left(\Phi \left(k\left(t){u}^{^{\prime\prime} }\left(t)))^{\prime} =f\left(t,u\left(t),u^{\prime} \left(t),{u}^{^{\prime\prime} }\left(t)),\hspace{1em}\hspace{0.1em}\text{a.e. on}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}\left[0,T],

where

Φ

\Phi

is a strictly increasing homeomorphism, and the non-negative function

k

k

may vanish on a set of measure zero. Using the upper and lower solution method, we prove existence results for some boundary value problems associated with the aforementioned equation. Moreover, we also consider second-order integro-differential equations like

(

Φ

(

k

(

t

)

v
′

(

t

)

)

)

′
=
f

t
,

∫

0

t

v

(

s

)

d
s
,
v

(

t

)

,
v
′

(

t

)

,

a.e. on

[

0
,
T

]

,

\left(\Phi \left(k\left(t)v^{\prime} \left(t)))^{\prime} =f\left(t,\underset{0}{\overset{t}{\int }}v\left(s){\rm{d}}s,v\left(t),v^{\prime} \left(t)\right),\hspace{1em}\hspace{0.1em}\text{a.e. on}\hspace{0.1em}\hspace{0.33em}\left[0,T],

for which we provide existence results for various types of boundary conditions, including periodic, Sturm-Liouville, and Neumann-type conditions.
Population pharmacokinetics of meropenem in critically ill patients
Authors: Rančić Aleksandar , Milosavljević Miloš N. , Rosić Nikola , Milovanović Dragan , Folić Marko , Zečević Dejana Ružić , Petrović Nemanja , Čorbić Mirjana Milojević , Dabanović Vera , Janković Slobodan M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
The pharmacokinetics of meropenem are significantly altered in critically ill patients. A population pharmacokinetic study was designed to estimate typical values of meropenem clearance in critically ill patients and evaluate potential factors of influence.

Methods
After meropenem reached a steady state in each patient, two blood samples were taken within the dose interval. The one-compartment pharmacokinetic model based on the data from 101 intensive care unit patients was built using NONMEM software.

Results
Typical values of meropenem clearance and volume of distribution were 3.80 L/h and 3.52 L, respectively. In the final model, meropenem clearance was influenced by serum concentrations of creatinine (CRE), leukocyte count (WBC), hypertension (HTA), and concomitant use of vancomycin (VAN) or colistimethate (COL): CL (L/h) = 5.29 × CRE ^ 0.000001 × WBCs ^ (−0.165) + 0.000001 × HTA + 0.825 × VAN + 1.28 × COL.

Conclusion
In order to achieve effective plasma concentrations of meropenem in critically ill patients, the meropenem dosing regimen should be adjusted according to individual values of drug clearance.
Crystal structure of (5R,6S,E)-5-acetoxy-2-methyl-6-((2aR,3R,5aS,5bS,11aR,12aS)-2a,5a,8,8-tetramethyl-9-oxotetradecahydro-1H,12H-cyclopenta[a]cyclopropa[e]phenanthren-3-yl)hept-2-enoic acid, C32H48O5
Authors: Li Ting-Kai , Xiao Li , Wei Peng , Ye Jiang-Hai , Zhao Chen-Liang , He Kang , Zou Juan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
C32H48O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 7.1564(10) Å, b = 17.542(3) Å, c = 23.134(4) Å, V = 2904.2(8) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0555, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1343, T = 273(2) K.
The cocrystal of 2,2′-(hydrazine-1,1-diyl)bis(1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarbonitrile)– methanol (2/3)
Authors: Yuyao Zhang , Bo Wang , Shengping Fan , Yunlu Li 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
C23H20N20O3, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 21.738(2) Å, b = 6.0988(9) Å, c = 24.229(3) Å, β = 114.396(4)°, V = 2,925.3(7) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0533, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1434, T = 170 K.
Impacts of operating variables in forward roll coating process of viscous hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Abbas Zaheer , Iqbal Sibgha , Khaliq Sabeeh , Rafiq Muhammad Y. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Roll coating plays a significant role in various coating industries such as magnetic records, wallpapers, wrapping, adhesive tapes, books and magazines, photographic and plastic films. The thin layer coating of a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) viscous hybrid nanofluid by passing through the space between two co-rotating rolls has been studied in an isothermal and incompressible analysis. The governing equation of mass and momentum are obtained then dimensionless using lubrication approximation theory (LAT). The velocity, pressure gradient, and pressure distribution are determined by the exact solution. Using Simpson’s (3/8) rule for numerical integration, the complex integral is examined. Important engineering parameters including power and roll separating force delivered by the rolls to the fluid are also estimated numerically. Raising the volume fraction of nanoparticles raises the pressure distribution and pressure gradient while having little effect on the velocity profile. It seems that the magnetic field and hybrid nanofluid, both seem very advantageous for the efficient roll coating process, controlling the separation force, power input, and distance between the attachment and separation point.
Comparison of Muscle Adaptation to Blood Flow-Restricted Versus Traditional Resistance Training in Healthy Adults: A Brief Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mirzayev Javid , Levitt Danielle E. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
The primary aim of this study was to systematically compare the effectiveness of blood flow restriction training (BFR) versus traditional resistance training (TRT) to improve muscle size in healthy adults. Secondary outcomes were improvements in muscle strength and endurance. We performed a systematic search with meta-analysis. Using predetermined criteria, 541 unique articles were identified through databases and bibliographies. After screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, 20 articles were included in the review. All 20 articles evaluated muscle hypertrophy, 19 evaluated strength, and 1 evaluated endurance in response to BFR and TRT. Data from 10 articles were included in the meta-analysis. In the qualitative analysis, TRT and BFR increased muscle size without differences between conditions for at least 1 hypertrophy outcome in 13 studies, and TRT or BFR differentially improved hypertrophy in 5 studies. TRT and BFR increased strength without differences between conditions for at least 1 outcome in 15 studies, and TRT or BFR differentially improved strength in 9 studies. Results from the meta-analysis indicate no differences in muscle size (ES = 0.045, 95% CI [−0.278 to 0.367]) or strength (ES = −0.149, 95% CI [−0.439 to 0.141]) improvements with BFR versus TRT. Practitioners can implement BFR training to increase muscle size and strength as appropriate, especially for training periods of 8 weeks or longer.
Analisis Implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di SMA 1 Kudus (Studi Pada Mata Pelajaran Ekonomi)
Authors: Adella Ahyuni Vinasya , Tri Bowo Santoso Jarot 
Published: July 2024

Kurikulum Merdeka adalah kurikulum terbaru dari sistem pendidikan di Indonesia yang diresmikan oleh Menteri Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan. Pembelajaran dengan basis Kurikulum Merdeka di desain agar peserta didik lebih aktif dan pembelajaran terpusat pada peserta didik. Kurikulum Merdeka yang masih baru dalam mengimplementasikannya ini sehingga masih banyak yang harus diperbaiki maka tujuan penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) untuk mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis implementasi Kurikulum Merdeka di SMA 1 Kudus dan (2) untuk mendeskripsikan konsep pembelajaran ekonomi di kelas berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka di SMA 1 Kudus. Jenis penelitian ini adalah deskriptif dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data yang digunakan yaitu dengan mengumpulkan data, mereduksi data, kemudian menyajikan data untuk menarik kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tahap kesiapan SMA 1 Kudus dalam mengimplementasikan Kurikulum Merdeka cenderung berada pada tahap kesiapan mahir dan sudah sesuai dengan arahan dan panduan dari pemerintah, meskipun masih ada kekurangan dalam proses pelaksanaannya. Kemudian, konsep pembelajaran ekonomi di kelas XI yang sudah berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka juga telah dilakukan dengan metode student center learning, akan tetapi dalam pelaksanaan pembelajarannya harus dilakukan pengembangan media pembelajaran di kelas agar lebih bervariasi. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah SMA 1 Kudus sudah cukup baik dalam mengimplementasikan Kurikulum Merdeka meskipun dalam pelaksanaannya harus terus dilakukan perbaikan dalam beberapa aspek.
A rare Sarmatian coin imitation in lead from a grave at Hódmezővásárhely
Authors: Juhász Lajos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe paper discusses a very rare type of Sarmatian coin imitation cast of lead of which only two other specimens are known. The one from Martfű is best preserved, which is very helpful for the interpretation. This piece was found in the grave of a Sarmatian woman in one of the biggest Sarmatian-period cemeteries in the Carpathian Basin, Hódmezővásárhely-Aranyági-halom. The crouched position of the deceased only adds to the peculiarities of the find, since it is very rare for the Sarmatians.
Accuracy of ultrasound TIRADS classification for the differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid lesions taking Bethesda classification as gold standard
Authors: Khan Wajiha Sohail , Farooq Syed Muhammad Yousaf , Nawaz Sadia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe TIRADS classification system is commonly used in ultrasound imaging to evaluate the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules, but there is still debate about its accuracy. The BSRTC categorizes FNA biopsy results to determine the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules, and this remains the gold standard for diagnosis.MethodologyThis is a cross-sectional study design conducted in the Radiology Department of Chughtai Lab Head Office in Lahore. This study assessed 154 patients with thyroid nodules. The ultrasound equipment used for the study is the Toshiba Applio 500 model, while the equipment for FNAC included topical anesthesia, 21-gauge 10 CC syringes, glass slides, cell block, and the Olympus CX23 microscope. The sampling technique employed is the consecutive sampling technique.ResultsOut of 154 patients, the mean age was 42.0 ± 13.6 years. Majority were female (89%) while 11% are male. The P-value of <0.0001 suggests a statistically significant association between TIRADS and Bethesda categories. The findings suggested that ultrasonography is a highly reliable and effective method for diagnosis, with a superior degree of sensitivity and specificity in addition to invasive cytology tests. Results from the ROC curve analysis showed an impressive area under the curve of 0.972. The sonographic features show significant associations with TIRADS categories (P-value <0.0001). The association between TIRADS suspiciousness and Bethesda diagnosis is statistically significant (P-value <0.0001). Benign nodules were most commonly classified as not suspicious (56.5%), followed by mildly suspicious (9.7%), while malignant nodules were primarily classified as highly suspicious (11.0%). Notably, no malignant nodules were categorized as benign.ConclusionHealthcare professionals may consider utilizing TIRADS as a first-line imaging method and then BETHESDA if needed to provide patients with the most accurate results and minimize unwanted interventional exposure. Combining these two scoring methods appears to yield the most precise outcomes for identifying and distinguishing benign from malignant nodules, which is critical for arriving at a definitive diagnosis in individuals with thyroid malignancies.