bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic study of carboplatin using various overweight-correcting dosing algorithms and biomarkers in patients with varying BMI categories
Authors: Kicken M. P. , Bethlehem C. , Beunen K. , Jong Y. P. , Voorthuizen T. , Hudding J. J. , Moes D. J.A.R. , Luin M. , Heine R. ter , Smit H. J.M. , Filius P. M.G. , Deenen M. J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
In overweight patients, the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula is more likely to overestimate renal function and carboplatin dosing. In this prospective pharmacokinetic study, we evaluated the use of an adjusted Cockcroft-Gault formula (aCG) correcting, amongst other things, for overweight.
METHODS
aCG adjusted in patients with BMI > 25 kg/m2 using adjusted ideal body weight, capping low serum creatinine values at 60 µmol/L, and high creatinine clearance values at 125 mL/min. Patients were categorized: BMI < 25.0 (normal weight), 25.0–29.9 (overweight), and ≥ 30.0 kg/m2 (obese). To assess pharmacokinetics, blood samples were taken and carboplatin ultrafiltrate concentrations were analyzed. Exposure was estimated using a population pharmacokinetic model and compared to the target AUC regarding bias (Mean Prediction Error, MPE%) and imprecision (Mean Absolute Prediction Error, MAPE%). Additionally, substitutes for renal function, including additional weight descriptors, cystatin C, 24-hour creatinine clearance, and estimators of GFR were compared.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients were included. aCG slightly underestimated the estimated AUC across all weight groups, with the highest deviation in obese patients (MPE%: -10.5%) versus 8.8% using CG. aCG underestimated in normal and overweight of -5.7% and 1.1% compared to -4.2% and 2.8% using CG. The most accurate predictor of target AUC for all weight categories was cystatin C (MPE%: +0.2%, -2.0 and − 0.1% for normal, overweight, and obese patients respectively) with low imprecision (MAPE%: 9.8%, 9.5%, and 13.3%).
CONCLUSION
This study could not find evidence to support using our aCG to better predict carboplatin clearance compared to CG. Cystatin C showed to be the most precise and accurate biomarker for carboplatin clearance.
Effectiveness of Pay It Forward Intervention Compared to Free and User-Paid Vaccinations on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Among Older Adults across Seven Cities in China: Study Protocol of A Three-Arm Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Qing-Qing , Huang Zizhen , Chen Jiangyun , Wang Junjie , Li Duqiao , Chen Xiaoshan , Zhao Qing , Liu Siyuan , He Wenjun , Luo Huanyuan , Wan Yuting , Tong Guangyu , Zhang Dexing , Cai Yiyuan , Liang Huijuan , Wu Dan , Bishai David , Xu Dong (Roman) 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Seasonal influenza poses an enormous burden worldwide, with older adults facing preventable morbidity and mortality. However, seasonal influenza vaccination coverage is poor among older populations in China. Pay-it-forward (giving a person a free vaccine and an opportunity to donate to support others) and financial incentives (e.g. free vaccination) could be effective in improving influenza vaccine uptake, but there are no prospective comparisons of these two strategies among older adults. The proposed study aims to compare the effectiveness of the pay-it-forward strategy in increasing influenza vaccination against free vaccination and user-paid vaccination among older adults in China.
Methods
This study is a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial, which will be conducted in 21 community health centers across seven cities in China. A total of 1113 eligible older adults aged ≥ 60 years will be recruited. Three clusters in each city (total of 21 clusters in 7 cities) will be randomized into three arms in a 1:1:1 ratio, including (1) pay-it-forward arm: free vaccination and participants donate any amount of money to help other people; (2) free vaccination arm; and (3) standard-of-care arm (user-paid vaccination). The primary outcomes are influenza vaccination verified by administrative records, and cost-effectiveness calculated as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Secondary outcomes include willingness to be vaccinated, willingness to donate, and amount of donation. The primary outcome will be calculated for each arm and compared using one-way variance analysis.
Discussion
This study will examine the effectiveness of pay-it-forward strategy in comparison to the free vaccination and user-paid vaccination in improving influenza vaccination among older adults. Our findings will provide insights into better strategies for enhancing influenza vaccination, and support evidence-based policy decisions for promoting influenza vaccination.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No.ChiCTR2400086840). Registered on 11 July 2024.
Post-Transplant-Cyclophosphamide and short-term Everolimus as Graft-versus-Host-Prophylaxis in a real –world cohort of patients with refractory T- and B-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Richardson Tim , Tharmaseelan Hishan , Frenzel Lukas , Goedel Philipp , Fuerstenau Moritz , Nieper Pascal , Braun Till , Hallek Michael , Scheid Christoph , Holtick Udo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: A growing array of therapies exists for aggressive lymphomas. However, for refractory lymphomas following CAR-T cell treatment, prospects are grim, often leaving allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (aHSCT) as the sole curative option for fit patients. In the prospective OCTET-EVER trial, low rates of NRM and encouraging overall survival (OS) outcomes were observed. Our objective was to validate these findings within the real-world context of refractory aggressive lymphoma.
Methods: Our research delineates the characteristics and outcomes of 33 patients who underwent aHSCT for refractory aggressive b- and t-cell lymphoma at our center from 2019 to 2024. In line with the OCTET-EVER Trial, we employed a CNI-free strategy, utilizing post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and short-term everolimus following reduced-intensity conditioning.
Results: Median number of therapies prior to transplant of was 4, including autologous transplantation in all patients. With a median follow-up of 30,8 months median OS and PFS wasn’t reached. OS and PFS were 64% and 55% at 2 years follow-up, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 16% at 1 and 20% at 2 years after transplant, respectively. The cumulative incidence of NRM was 24,2% at 1 and 2 years. The GvHD-relapse-free-survival (GRFS) is 54% and 48% at 1 and 2 years, respectively.
Conclusion: Treating real-life relapsed and refractory aggressive Lymphoma with post-transplant cyclophosphamide and short-term everolimus confirm the data from the prospective OCTET-EVER trial.
Artificial Intelligence Empowered Surgeons: A novel machine learning model to determine surgical resectability in squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.
Authors: Basu Shouptik 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose Indian patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa tend to present with advanced-stage disease, which is linked to poor prognosis. The treatment is primarily surgical but the current staging system, lacks specificity in accurately categorizing surgical candidates. This study aims to develop an innovative deep learning model to analyse imaging data from Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) to predict whether the patient may benefit from surgery upfront or need neoadjuvant chemotherapy for tumour downsizing prior to surgery, since T4b tumours may be technically unresectable (borderline resectable) and may render positive margins on upfront surgery.Methods This prospective observational pilot study, from April 2022 - March 2024 curated a dataset of 256 preoperative CECT scans of patients with T4a and T4b Squamous cell Carcinomas (SCC) of the buccal mucosa, which were integrated into a novel artificial intelligence-based machine learning model designed to predict resectability for upfront surgery. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based predictive model has been developed to distinguish between "Borderline Resectable" and "Resectable Upfront" disease.Results The model displayed high performance with an overall F1 score of 0.8, efficiently stratifying tumors based on resectability. The AUC for the training set was 0.9652, with 50.39% sensitivity, 96.65% specificity, 65.75% negative predictive value, and 94.20% positive predictive value. The validation set had an AUC of 0.9735, along with 98.40% Specificity, 67.96% Negative Predictive Value, 55.73% Sensitivity, and 97.33% Positive Predictive Value.Conclusion This study represents the first step toward the use of artificial intelligence-based machine learning model to aid in the treatment stratification of patients with squamous cell carcinoma buccal mucosa, thus avoiding the possibility of margin positive resection with upfront surgery.
Insulation Hydrophobicity Classification Based on Fourier Transform and Shallow Neural Networks
Authors: Macedo Matheus S. , Ferreira Tarso V. , Montalvão Jugurta , Araujo Charles A. C. , Lebre Ulisses D. E. S. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a method for evaluating and classifying the surface hydrophobicity of polymeric high-voltage insulators based on the classification system proposed by the Swedish Transmission Research Institute (STRI). The classification is performed automatically using a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN) based on digital image processing and spatial frequency information extracted directly from images without the need for any segmentation step. An image database containing 1,200 hydrophobic surface samples from various stages of degradation and under different lighting conditions was used. Furthermore, images of an insulating column collected in the environment of a 500 kV substation were classified using an ANN trained on the produced database to validate the proposed method. The results obtained were compared with those of two other classification methods, and the proposed method was able to successfully classify most surface hydrophobicity images, obtaining a success rate above 83% for the database used in this work.
Optimizing PET/PA6 sugarcane bagasse ash composites through Joncryl® incorporation
Authors: Azevedo William Ottoni Barbosa , Costa Anna Raffaella Matos , Henrique Mariana Alves , Andrade Michelle Félix , Almeida Yeda Medeiros Bastos 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study explores the utilization of sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) as a filler in the development of polymeric composites, while investigating the effects of incorporating Joncryl® (Jc) as a chain extender and compatibilizer, within a Polyethylene (PET)/Polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix. The composites were characterized by torque rheometry, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetry (TGA). They were processed in a mixer with 3% of SBA across five distinct matrix compositions. Five additional compositions with mirrored matrices and filler percentages were prepared, each incorporating an extra 1.5% of Jc. The additivated composites presented higher values of stable torque than the non-additivated counterparts, however, only the 50%PET/50% PA6 Jc and 100% PA6 Jc compositions presented a positive degradation rate, suggesting an effective chain extension that compensated the degradation during the processing. The DSC analysis showed that the ashes acted as a nucleating agent, increasing the degree of crystallinity, maximum crystallization rate and crystallization temperature of the polymers in most cases, while the additivated composites overall presented a decrease in their degree of crystallinity and crystallization rate. Besides acting as a chain extender, the Jc also had a compatibilizer function which was evidenced through SEM images, where the additive seems to have increased both the compatibility between PET and PA6 and the matrix-filler adhesion. However, the chain extender presented mixed effects regarding the thermal behavior of the composites, decreasing the degradation temperature of some of the additivated compositions while decreasing the weight loss and increasing the residue percentage.
Integration of Single-cell and Bulk RNA Sequencing to Identify a Distinct Tumor Stem Cells and Construct a Novel Prognostic Signature for Evaluating Prognosis and Immunotherapy in LUAD
Authors: Zhao Fengyun , Ding Zhaowei , Wu Tianjiao , Ji Mingfang , Li Fugui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a crucial role in the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).This study aimed to explore the gene signatures of tumor stem cells in LUAD through Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, and establish a tumor stem cell marker signature(TSCMS)prognostic risk model.
Methods
The LUAD scRNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data from the GEO and TCGA databases were collected. CytoTRACE software was used to quantify the stemness score of tumor-derived epithelial cell clusters. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) was performed to identify potential biological functions in different clusters. The TSCMS prognostic risk model was constructed using Lasso-Cox regression analysis, and its prognostic value was assessed through Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. The Cibersortx algorithm was used to evaluate immune infiltration, and drug response prediction was conducted using the pRRophetic package. Functional investigations of TAF10 in LUAD cells were performed using bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, Western blot, Immunohistochemistry, cell proliferation and clone formation assay.
Results
Seven distinct cell clusters were identified by CytoTRACE (Epi C1 to C7), with Epi C1 demonstrating the highest stemness potential. The TSCMS prognostic risk model incorporated 49 tumor stemness-related genes, and high-risk patients exhibited reduced immune scores, lower ESTIMATE scores, and increased tumor purity. Furthermore, significant differences in immune landscapes and chemotherapy sensitivity were observed between high and low risk groups. TAF10 was found to be positively correlated with the RNA expression-based stemness score (RNAss) in various tumors, including LUAD. And we demonstrated that TAF10 was over-expressed in LUAD cell lines and tumor tissues of clinical patients, and high TAF10 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in LUAD patients. Silencing TAF10 inhibited LUAD cell proliferation and clone formation.
Conclusions
Our investigation highlights the prognostic utility of the TSCMS model for evaluating the clinical outcomes of LUAD patients, uncovering critical insights into immune cell infiltration and therapeutic response, and positions TAF10 as a novel therapeutic target for LUAD.
De novo transcriptome assembly and gene expression analysis of Cnidium offinale under high- temperature conditions
Authors: Shin Sohee , Han Eonyong , Seong Hyeju , Kim Yong-il , Jung Inuk , Jung Woosuk 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The medicinal plant Cnidium officinale (CO) is widespread in Northeast Asia and vulnerable to heat. Therefore, its habitat and cultivation area move to a cool environment, such as the high-altitude northern area.
Results
Due to absent genome sequencing data, we performed de novo transcriptome assembly and compared it with an existing sequencing database. About 90% of CO genes were similar to Daucus carota. We found 16 novel and 24 nearly identical or homologous miRNAs with reported miRNAs. We tried to comprehensively understand the physiological response of CO to ambient and stressful high temperatures compared with differentially expressed genes (DEG) from different temperature treatment plots of temperature gradient tunnel (TGT) and growth chamber (GC). We classified DEGs into three categories: newly appeared or disappeared genes, the genes that showed significant fold changes, and the genes that showed significant count rather than fold changes. Afterward, we mapped DEGs among the metabolic pathways to determine which pathways respond to ambient and stressful high temperatures. CO grown in higher ambient temperature conditions showed slightly upregulated membrane fluidity-related pathways, glutathione, and overall energy metabolism (e.g., photosynthesis, carbon fixation, and oxidative phosphorylation). Under heat stress, CO showed a strong response in various metabolic pathways, with most being downregulated except for several defense-related pathways and respiration, including oxidative phosphorylation and cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis. Recently, transcriptome analysis has demonstrated its role in understanding the overall response of plant samples under a specific condition; however, in most cases, the data after analysis are complicated and challenging to discover, although some pinpoint-level understanding might be advantageous.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that a proper clustering of genes based on expression level and fold changes in two different experimental conditions and pathway mapping may be useful for reaching a comprehensive conclusion.
Prediction of early graft regeneration after pediatric left lateral lobe living donor liver transplantation using CT texture analysis
Authors: Sun Huiying , Li Bei , Xu Min , Gao Wei , Ji Qian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Pediatric left lateral lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is a lifesaving procedure for children with end-stage liver diseases. Understanding the factors that influence and predict the recipients' early liver regeneration rate (LRR) after LDLT is crucial for optimizing post-transplant outcomes. This study aims to predict the recipients' early LRR after pediatric LDLT using CT texture analysis and clinical information.
Methods
A total of 181 donor-recipient pairs who underwent pediatric left lateral lobe LDLT surgery were retrospectively collected. Preoperative CT of the donors and postoperative CT of the recipients (3 months after LDLT) were performed. The graft LRRs were calculated and compared. CT texture parameters and clinical information were compared between high and low LRR groups. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to investigate the correlation between clinical, texture parameters and LRR, and to create the optimal LRR prediction equation.
Results
The postoperative early graft LRR was 24.38 ± 30.84% (-42.99% -107.11%). There were significant differences in 9 clinical parameters and 8 CT texture features between the two groups (all P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR), donor gender, original_shape_Maximum2DDiameterColumn, recipient’s body surface area (BSAr) and LRR. The regression equation predicting LRR was following: LRR(%) = 104.50-24.77×GRWR(%) − 0.134×original_shape_Maximum2DDiameterColumn + 38.16×BSAr(m2) + 10.52(if the donor is male).
Conclusions
Preoperative CT texture analysis combined with clinical information can non-invasively predict early graft regeneration after pediatric left lateral lobe LDLT. GRWR, donor gender, original_shape_Maximum2DDiameterColumn, and BSAr are independent influencing factors of LRR.
RETRACTED: Comparison of multiplexed sensitivity encoding and single-shot echo-planar imaging for diffusion-weighted imaging in meningiomas: imaging quality, grading accuracy and proliferative activity prediction
Authors: Lin Danjie , Liu Sihui , Chen Xiaodan , Li Ye , Zhang Yichao , Chen Yizhu , Zhou Xiaofang , Zheng Hui , Zheng Lingmin , Jiang Peirong , Zhong Tianjin , Zhang Jialu , Xue Yunjing , Lin Lin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparison of Reconstruction Plates and Miniplates in Mandibular Defect Reconstruction with Free Iliac Flap
Authors: Wang Yifan , Wang Xinmiao , Bai Junqiang , Guo Shutian , Shang Zhengjun , Shao Zhe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Given the increasing demand for precise and reliable reconstructive techniques in maxillofacial surgery, we try to offer valuable insights for clinicians in selecting optimal fixation methods.
Materials and Methods
Patients were categorized into miniplate and reconstruction plate groups for accuracy and bone healing comparison. We measured gonial angle, intercondylar, intergonial and anterior-posterior distance for general accuracy and distance of segmental endpoint to the sagittal plane for partial accuracy. The bone healing rate of the two groups was compared with CT images at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation.
Result
Considering directional indicators, the miniplate group exhibited a wider intercondylar distance than the reconstruction plate group (p = 0.029). At 6 months postoperatively, the miniplate group demonstrated a higher bone healing rate compared to the reconstruction plate group, with no significant differences at other time points.
Conclusion
Over a nearly 5-year review, mandibular reconstruction with vascularized iliac bone flaps showed that reconstruction plates better maintained condylar position accuracy, while miniplates had superior bone healing rates at 6 months. No significant differences were found in other accuracy indices between the two plates.
Clinical Relevance:
Clinicians' selection of fixation plates frequently depends on personal preference rather than evidence-based criteria. This study compares the precision and postoperative osseous healing outcomes of miniplates and reconstruction plates to provide a more scientifically grounded basis for clinical decision-making.
Isolation, characterization, and receptor-binding protein specificity of phages PAS7, PAS59 and PAS61 infecting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O103 and O146
Authors: Pas Célia , Fieseler Lars , Pothier Joël F. , Briers Yves 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is a foodborne pathogen with 6,534 annual reported cases in the EU in 2021. This pathotype generally contains strains with smooth LPS with O-antigen serogroup O157 being the predominant serogroup in the US. However, non-O157 STEC serogroups are becoming increasingly prevalent. Here we announce the complete genomes of three newly isolated phages that infect STEC serogroups O103 and O146, namely Escherichia phages vB_EcoP_PAS7, vB_EcoP_PAS59 and vB_EcoP_PAS61. The genome sequences revealed that they belong to three distinct genera, namely the newly proposed genus Cepavirus within the Slopekvirinae subfamily, the genus Yesanvirus and the genus Uetakevirus, respectively. We identified the tailspikes of phages PAS7 and PAS61 as a primary specificity determinant for the O-antigens O103 and O146, respectively, and predicted their active site in silico.