bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The pons as an optimal background reference region for spinal 18F-FET PET/MRI evaluation
Authors: Huang Jing , Wang Jiyuan , Cui Bixiao , Yang Hongwei , Tian Defeng , Ma Jie , Duan Wanru , Chen Zan , Lu Jie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to evaluate the effect of various background reference regions on spinal 18F-FET PET imaging, with a focus on distinguishing between spinal tumors and myelitis. To enhance diagnostic accuracy, we investigated the pons and several other spinal cord area as potential references, given the challenges in interpreting spinal PET results.

Results
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients, 15 with cervical myelitis and 15 with cervical tumors, who underwent O-(2-[18F]-fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) PET/MR imaging. The stability of uptake across four regions, including the pons, C2, C2–C7, and T1–T3, was compared. The standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) was then evaluated using various background regions, and their effectiveness in differentiating between spinal tumors and myelitis was compared. Additionally, we correlated the SUVR values derived from these regions with the Ki-67 proliferation index in tumor patients. The study found no significant difference in SUVmax (U = 110, p = 0.93) and SUVmean (U = 89, p = 0.35) values at lesion sites between myelitis and tumor patients. The pons had the highest average uptake (p < 0.001) compared to the other three regions. However, its coefficient of variation (CV) was significantly lower than that of the C2–C7 (p < 0.0001) and T1–T3 segments (p < 0.05). The SUVRmax values, calculated using the regions of pons, C2–C7 and T1–T3, were found to significantly differentiate between tumors and myelitis (p < 0.05). However, only the pons-based SUVRmean was able to significantly distinguish between the two groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the pons-based SUVRmax (r = 0.63, p = 0.013) and SUVRmean (r = 0.67, p = 0.007) demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the Ki-67 index.

Conclusions
This study suggests that the pons may be considered a suitable reference region for spinal 18F-FET PET imaging, which can improve the differentiation between spinal tumors and myelitis. The significant correlation between pons-based SUVR values and the Ki-67 index further highlights the potential of this approach in assessing tumor cell proliferation.
Soils of two Antarctic Dry Valleys exhibit unique microbial community structures in response to similar environmental disturbances
Authors: Baptista Mafalda S. , Lee Charles K. , Monteiro Maria R. , Torgo Luís , Cary S. Craig , Magalhães Catarina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Isolating the effects of deterministic variables (e.g., physicochemical conditions) on soil microbial communities from those of neutral processes (e.g., dispersal) remains a major challenge in microbial ecology. In this study, we disturbed soil microbial communities of two McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica exhibiting distinct microbial biogeographic patterns, both devoid of aboveground biota and different in macro- and micro-physicochemical conditions. We modified the availability of water, nitrogen, carbon, copper ions, and sodium chloride salts in a laboratory-based experiment and monitored the microbial communities for up to two months. Our aim was to mimic a likely scenario in the near future, in which similar selective pressures will be applied to both valleys. We hypothesized that, given their unique microbial communities, the two valleys would select for different microbial populations when subjected to the same disturbances.

Results
The two soil microbial communities, subjected to the same disturbances, did not respond similarly as reflected in both 16S rRNA genes and transcripts. Turnover of the two microbial communities showed a contrasting response to the same environmental disturbances and revealed different potentials for adaptation to change. These results suggest that the heterogeneity between these microbial communities, reflected in their strong biogeographic patterns, was maintained even when subjected to the same selective pressure and that the ‘rare biosphere’, at least in these samples, were deeply divergent and did not act as a reservoir for microbiota that enabled convergent responses to change in environmental conditions.

Conclusions
Our findings strongly support the occurrence of endemic microbial communities that show a structural resilience to environmental disturbances, spanning a wide range of physicochemical conditions. In the highly arid and nutrient-limited environment of the Dry Valleys, these results provide direct evidence of microbial biogeographic patterns that can shape the communities’ response in the face of future environmental changes.
Patient motivators of postoperative electronic patient-reported outcome symptom monitoring use in thoracic surgery patients: a qualitative study
Authors: O’Leary Meghan C. , Kwong Elizabeth , Cox Chase , Gentry Amanda L. , Stover Angela M. , Vu Maihan B. , Carda-Auten Jessica , Leeman Jennifer , Mody Gita N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) systems can be used to engage patients in remote symptom monitoring to support postoperative care. We interviewed thoracic surgery patients with ePRO experience to identify factors that influenced use of ePROs to report their symptoms post-discharge.

Method
This qualitative study used semi-structured telephone interviews with adults who underwent major thoracic surgery at an academic medical center in North Carolina. Individuals who enrolled in symptom monitoring, completed at least one ePRO survey, and were reachable by phone for the interview were included. The ePRO surveys assessed 10 symptoms, including validated Patient-Reported Outcome Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) measures and thoracic surgery-specific questions. Surveys, offered via web-based and automated telephone options, were administered for four weeks post-discharge with alerts sent to clinicians for concerning symptoms. The interviews were guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation model for behavior change (COM-B) and examined factors that influenced patients’ completion of ePRO surveys post-discharge. Team members independently coded interviews and identified themes, informed by COM-B. We report descriptive statistics (demographics, number of surveys completed) and themes organized by COM-B components.

Results
Of 28 patients invited, 25 (89%) completed interviews from July to October 2022. Participants were a median 58 years, 56% female, 80% White, and 56% had a history of malignancy. They completed 131/150 (87%) possible ePRO surveys. For capability, participants reported building ePROs into their routine and having the skills and knowledge, but lacking physical and emotional energy, to complete ePROs. For opportunity, participants identified the ease and convenience of accessing ePROs and providers’ validation of ePROs. Motivators were perceived benefits of a deepening connection to their clinical team, improved symptom management for themselves and others, and self-reflection about their recovery. Factors limiting motivation included lack of clarity about the purpose of ePROs and a disconnect between symptom items and individual recovery experience.

Conclusions
Patients described being motivated to complete ePROs when reinforced by clinicians and considered ePROs as valuable to their post-discharge experience. Future work should enhance ePRO patient education, improve provider alerts and communications about ePROs, and integrate options to capture patients’ complex health journeys.
Development of an initial training and evaluation programme for manual lower limb muscle MRI segmentation
Authors: Morrow Jasper M. , Shah Sachit , Cristiano Lara , Evans Matthew R. B. , Doherty Carolynne M. , Alnaemi Talal , Saab Abeer , Emira Ahmed , Klickovic Uros , Hammam Ahmed , Altuwaijri Afnan , Wastling Stephen , Reilly Mary M. , Hanna Michael G. , Yousry Tarek A. , Thornton John S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quantification of intramuscular fat accumulation is a responsive biomarker in neuromuscular diseases. Despite emergence of automated methods, manual muscle segmentation remains an essential foundation. We aimed to develop a training programme for new observers to demonstrate competence in lower limb muscle segmentation and establish reliability benchmarks for future human observers and machine learning segmentation packages.

Methods
The learning phase of the training programme comprised a training manual, direct instruction, and eight lower limb MRI scans with reference standard large and small regions of interest (ROIs). The assessment phase used test–retest scans from two patients and two healthy controls. Interscan and interobserver reliability metrics were calculated to identify underperforming outliers and to determine competency benchmarks.

Results
Three experienced observers undertook the assessment phase, whilst eight new observers completed the full training programme. Two of the new observers were identified as underperforming outliers, relating to variation in size or consistency of segmentations; six had interscan and interobserver reliability equivalent to those of experienced observers. The calculated benchmark for the Sørensen-Dice similarity coefficient between observers was greater than 0.87 and 0.92 for individual thigh and calf muscles, respectively. Interscan and interobserver reliability were significantly higher for large than small ROIs (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions
We developed, implemented, and analysed the first formal training programme for manual lower limb muscle segmentation. Large ROI showed superior reliability to small ROI for fat fraction assessment.

Relevance statement
Observers competent in lower limb muscle segmentation are critical to application of quantitative muscle MRI biomarkers in neuromuscular diseases. This study has established competency benchmarks for future human observers or automated segmentation methods.

Key points
• Observers competent in muscle segmentation are critical for quantitative muscle MRI biomarkers.
• A training programme for muscle segmentation was undertaken by eight new observers.
• We established competency benchmarks for future human observers or automated segmentation methods.

Graphical Abstract
Gallic acid counteracts tartrazine-induced testicular dysfunction in rats: biochemical, histopathological and ultrastructural evidences
Authors: Waly Hanan , Ezz El-Arab Rahma F. , Abou Khalil Nasser S. , Hassanein Khaled M. A. , Al-Salahy M. Bassam , Saleh Shaimaa M. M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Tartrazine (Tz) is one of the most commonly used colorants incorporated in the food manufacturing. Its toxicity is derived from metabolic byproducts representing health hazards to consumers. Gallic acid (GA) is known for its redox stabilizing, anti-apoptotic, and cytoprotective characteristics. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the possible defensive effect of GA against Tz-induced testicular dysfunction. To achieve this objective, 18 male Wistar adult rats were randomly and equally categorized into three groups for 30 days. The control group received no treatment. Tz at a dose of 30 mg/kg BW was administered to the Tz group. The Tz + GA group received GA at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW in concurrent with the previously described Tz dosage. Both Tz and GA were supplemented orally once daily by a stomach tube.

Results
The marked decline in luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, and estradiol 17beta confirmed deviation in pituitary–gonadal axis of Tz-exposed rats. Imbalances in plasma redox equilibrium were evident, characterized by a notable increase in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, along with a decrease in reduced glutathione and total antioxidant capacity. Deteriorations in histopathological features, fibrosis in testicular tissue, abnormalities in Sertoli cell, and up-regulation in caspase-3 were observed. Conversely, GA administration successfully reversed these issues.

Conclusion
The ability of GA to counteract toxicological molecular targets in Tz-exposed testes is believed to be achieved through the restoration of oxidant/antioxidant balance and the prevention of the apoptotic cascade.
Harnessing nanotechnology for enhanced delivery of erlotinib: a dynamic duo in cancer treatment
Authors: Pahwa Rakesh , Saini Swati , Chhabra Jatin , Goyal Rajat , Kumar Shobhit , Awasthi Rajendra , Dureja Harish 
Published: July 2024

AbstractErlotinib is a reversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor that acts by inhibiting signaling pathways, resulting in the disruption of cancerous cell proliferation. Erlotinib is a promising anticancer agent mainly utilized in the mitigation of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC) and pancreatic tumor. Apart from NSCLC and pancreatic tumor, erlotinib has also been employed in different malignancies, including metastatic colorectal cancer, malignant glioma, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, etc. Despite erlotinib’s distinctive qualities as a targeted drug, its applications are still limited by poor solubility, variable oral bioavailability, a high daily dose requirement, large protein binding, and primitive or acquired therapeutic resistance. Nanotechnology is a favorable approach to increase therapeutic effectiveness of erlotinib. It is one of the newest scientific field directed toward the diagnosis and targeted treatment of cancer. This technology aids in the distinction between normal and malignant cells, which overlays the strategy for targeted delivery. This manuscript discussed the advances of erlotinib nanoformulations in the management of different cancers. Moreover, the manuscript also comprises various research outcomes of erlotinib nanoformulations with other therapeutic agents as combinational therapy. Erlotinib can be delivered to a precise target in the body utilizing different polymers, lipids, and metals.
Tonsillar healing membrane characteristic for tonsillectomy using combined cold dissection and bipolar electrocautery
Authors: El-Anwar Mohammad Waheed , Abdelhamid Hoda Ismail , Ghanem Alaa Elkarim , El-Hussiny Ashraf 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate post-tonsillectomy healing process using combined cold dissection and bipolar cautery for hemostasis.

Methods
This case series included patients for whom tonsillectomy was done by cold dissection and limited the bipolar cautery for hemostasis and dealing with the lower pole only. Saline irrigation was used for the tonsillar bed after tonsillectomy and a wet saline-moistened pack was placed into the tonsil fossa. Intra-oral digital photographs were reviewed postoperative, at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, and 21st day after surgery. Patients were asked to register their postoperative pain using a standardized visual analog scale. The time of separation of the healing membrane (HM) and any blood clot and/or bleeding surface were recorded.

Results
Among included 114 patients, the HM color was white without odor in all cases. Extension of the HM was limited to the tonsillar bed in 112 patients (98%) and exceeded in 2 patients (2%). The mean time for HM separation was 8.8 ± 1.1 days (range = 7–14) with a significantly longer period of separation in females (p = 0.0008). There was no significant correlation between the time of the HM separation and the age of the patients (P = 0.9).

Conclusion
Cold dissection tonsillectomy with limited hot tools usage for hemostasis by bipolar cautery with frequent saline wash leads to odorless HM and a good healing process with an average separation of the HM and so less pain and post-tonsillectomy bleeding.
Prospective Study of Supplemental Screening With Contrast-Enhanced Mammography in Women With Elevated Risk of Breast Cancer: Results of the Prevalence Round
Authors: Patel Bhavika K. , Carnahan Molly B. , Northfelt Donald , Anderson Karen , Mazza Gina L. , Pizzitola Victor J. , Giurescu Marina E. , Lorans Roxanne , Eversman William G. , Sharpe Richard E. , Harper Laura K. , Apsey Heidi , Cronin Patricia , Kling Juliana , Ernst Brenda , Palmieri Jennifer , Fraker Jessica , Mina Lida , Batalini Felipe , Pockaj Barbara 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE
Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have shown similar diagnostic performance in detection of breast cancer. Limited CEM data are available for high-risk breast cancer screening. The purpose of the study was to prospectively investigate the efficacy of supplemental screening CEM in elevated risk patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective, single-institution, institutional review board–approved observational study was conducted in asymptomatic elevated risk women age 35 years or older who had a negative conventional two-dimensional digital breast tomosynthesis screening mammography (MG) and no additional supplemental screening within the prior 12 months.

RESULTS
Four hundred sixty women were enrolled from February 2019 to April 2021. The median age was 56.8 (range, 35.0-79.2) years; 408 of 460 (88.7%) were mammographically dense. Biopsy revealed benign changes in 22 women (22/37, 59%), high-risk lesions in four women (4/37, 11%), and breast cancer in 11 women (11/37, 30%). Fourteen cancers (10 invasive, tumor size range 4-15 mm, median 9 mm) were diagnosed in 11 women. The overall supplemental cancer detection rate was 23.9 per 1,000 patients, 95% CI (12.0 to 42.4). All cancers were grade 1 or 2, ER+ ERBB2–, and node negative. CEM imaging screening offered high specificity (0.875 [95% CI, 0.844 to 0.906]), high NPV (0.998 [95% CI, 0.993 to 1.000), moderate PPV1 (0.164 [95% CI, 0.076 to 0.253), moderate PPV3 (0.275 [95% CI, 0.137 to 0.413]), and high sensitivity (0.917 [95% CI, 0.760 to 1.000]). At least 1 year of imaging follow-up was available on all patients, and one interval cancer was detected on breast MRI 4 months after negative screening CEM.

CONCLUSION
A pilot trial demonstrates a supplemental cancer detection rate of 23.9 per 1,000 in women at an elevated risk for breast cancer. Larger, multi-institutional, multiyear CEM trials in patients at elevated risk are needed for validation.
Configuring, optimizing and enhancing Dataverse: The case of SoDaNet Repositories
Authors: Linardis Apostolos , Kondyli Dimitra , Alexandris Konstantinos , Papagiannopoulos Konstantinos , Nisiotis Konstantinos – Symeon , Mastoris Nikolaos , Klironomos Nicolas 
Published: July 2024

Current trends in computational social sciences and data-driven research require access to reliable data sources. Data repositories fulfil this role, providing high-quality data services, since they satisfy certain requirements that can be briefly summarized as complying with the FAIR data principles. In this context, we outline the measures undertaken by SoDaNet to enhance the data repositories within our infrastructure. Through the adoption and implementation of the Dataverse software, along with a series of adaptations and customizations, we have improved the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability (FAIR) of the data hosted in these repositories. This effort has resulted in data repositories responding effectively to the demands of the research community, improving the user experience both nationally and internationally.
Optimal Policies and Heuristics to Match Supply with Demand for Online Retailing
Authors: Deng Qiyuan , Li Xiaobo , Lim Yun Fong , Liu Fang 
Published: July 2024

Problem definition: We consider an online retailer selling multiple products to different zones over a finite horizon with multiple periods. At the start of the horizon, the retailer orders the products from a single supplier and stores them at multiple warehouses. The retailer determines the products’ order quantities and their storage quantities at each warehouse subject to its capacity constraint. At the end of each period, after random demands in the period are realized, the retailer chooses the retrieval quantities from each warehouse to fulfill the demands of each zone. The objective is to maximize the retailer’s expected profit over the finite horizon. Methodology/results: For the single-zone case, we show that the multiperiod problem is equivalent to a single-period problem and the optimal retrieval decisions follow a greedy policy that retrieves products from the lowest-cost warehouse. We design a nongreedy algorithm to find the optimal storage policy, which preserves a nested property: Among all nonempty warehouses, a smaller-index warehouse contains all the products stored in a larger-index warehouse. We also analytically characterize the optimal ordering policy. The multizone case is unfortunately intractable analytically, and we propose an efficient heuristic to solve it, which involves a nontrivial hybrid of three approximations. This hybrid heuristic outperforms two conventional benchmarks by up to 22.5% and 3.5% in our numerical experiments with various horizon lengths, fulfillment frequencies, warehouse capacities, demand variations, and demand correlations. Managerial implications: A case study based on data from a major fashion online retailer in Asia confirms the superiority of the hybrid heuristic. With delicate optimization, the heuristic improves the average profit by up to 16% compared with a dedicated policy adopted by the retailer. The hybrid heuristic continues to outperform the benchmarks for larger networks with various structures. Funding: X. Li is supported by the Singapore Ministry of Education [Tier 1 Grant 23-0619-P0001]. Y. F. Lim is grateful for the support from the Singapore Management University under the Maritime and Port Authority Research Fellowship and the Singapore Ministry of Education [Tier 1 Grant MSS23B001]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0394 .
Implementation of atomic layer deposited AZO films in SLM structures
Authors: Marinova Vera , Petrov Stefan , Chau Nguyen Hong Minh , Petrova Dimitrina , Napoleonov Blagovest , Videva Vladimira , Hsu Ken-Yuh , Dimitrov Dimitre , Lin Shiuan-Huei 
Published: July 2024

Here, we demonstrate the implementation of transparent conductive aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) thin films deposited on glass substrate (AZO/glass) by the atomic layer deposition technique in liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulator (SLM) devices. Structural, optical, and electrical properties as well as surface free energy reveal the high quality and uniformity of deposited AZO layers. We present two types of structures that highlight the multifunctional role of AZO thin films in SLM configurations: (i) as a transparent conductive layer for assembling regular antiparallel LC cells and (ii) as a transparent conductive layer and alignment layer allowing vertical alignment in LC display devices. A comparison of the electro-optical parameters such as pre-tilt angle, phase modulation, driving voltage, and response time of both devices is presented and discussed. AZO thin films prove superior performance, indicating a growing demand for the next generation indium tin oxide-free technology, including advanced display devices and dynamic flat-panel functionalities.