bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of bilateral head and neck paragangliomas at a single‐institution across four decades
Authors: Bellamkonda Nikhil , Tooker Evan L. , Naumer Anne , Buchmann Luke O. , Kohlmann Wendy , McCrary Hilary C. , Patel Neil S. , Espahbodi Mana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundBilateral head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) require nuanced management to balance tumor control with functional preservation.MethodsAll patients seen at a single‐institution for bilateral paraganglioma between 1983 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, genetic testing results, and tumor characteristics were analyzed and compared to treatment modality and cranial nerve outcomes.ResultsThere were 49 patients with 116 tumors (90 carotid body tumors [CBTs], 15 vagal paragangliomas [VPs], and 11 jugular paragangliomas [JPs]). Twenty‐six patients had SDH pathologic variants (PV). Surgical management was more commonly utilized in younger patients (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.950–0.992) and for JPs (OR: 9, 95% CI: 1.386–58.443). In surgical cases, CBTs had a lower risk of postoperative cranial nerve deficits compared to JPs and VPs (OR: 0.095, 95% CI: 0.013–0.692).ConclusionsYounger patients with bilateral HNPGLs, especially those with JP and CBT, are more often treated with surgery. CBTs have lowest risk of cranial nerve deficits after surgery.
Heat transfer analysis of solar distillation system by incorporating nano‐enhanced PCM as thermal energy‐storage system
Authors: Singh Varun Kumar , Kumar Devesh 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe technology of solar still shows up as an effective and affordable solution to convert available brackish water into potable water. The present study aims to address the challenge of providing freshwater by desalinating brackish water using solar energy. An attempt has been made in this work to make a desalination system for the efficient utilization of solar energy by using a parabolic reflector and energy‐storage material. Modification in the desalination system and storage of energy facilitates the continuation of the process in sunshine and off‐sunshine hours which increases yield output. To investigate the objectives, helical‐shaped focal tubes and nano‐enhanced phase change material (PCM) are prepared. The desalination system is coupled with nano‐enhanced PCM by placing it in the annular space of a helical‐shaped focal tube. The heat transfer coefficient ranged from 11.46 to 28.77 W/(m² K). PCM 3 (i.e., base PCMs with 1.5% nanoadditives) achieved a maximum productivity of 3533.3 mL/m²/day, marking a 97.89% improvement over the system without PCM. The preheated water outlet temperature reached 67.4°C, and the basin water temperature was 75.35°C. The highest concentrator efficiency recorded was 49.82% at a mass flow rate of 0.0053 kg/s. Thermodynamic analysis showed a 67.19% enhancement in overall thermal efficiency with PCM 3 compared with the non‐PCM scenario. Additionally, the system attained a maximum average exergy efficiency of 12.29% and the shortest payback period of 115 days. The study concludes that the base PCM sample with a 1.5% mass concentration of nanoparticles was optimal.
Belimumab in early systemic lupus erythematosus: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lu Chaofan , He Nan , Dou Lei , Yu Hongxia , Li Mengtao , Leng Xiaomei , Zeng Xiaofeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of belimumab in patients with early systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defined as having a disease duration of less than 6 months.MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients with SLE in the early stage who received belimumab and standard of care (belimumab group) or standard of care alone (control group) since September 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce potential bias. The primary endpoint was lupus low disease activity status (LLDAS) at weeks 12 and 24. The secondary endpoints were remission and the proportion of glucocorticoid dose tapering to 7.5 mg/day. The efficacy of belimumab in patients with lupus nephritis was also assessed.ResultsOut of 111 eligible patients, 16 patients in the belimumab group and 31 patients in the control group were identified by 1:2 PSM. At week 24, a significantly higher proportion of individuals achieved low disease activity state (LLDAS) in the belimumab group compared to the control group (56.3% vs. 19.4%, OR = 5.357, 95% CI = 1.417 to 20.260, p = 0.013). Furthermore, more patients in the belimumab group were reduced to low‐dose glucocorticoid ( ≤ 7.5 mg/day) at week 24 (75.0% vs. 35.5%, OR = 5.182, 95%CI = 1.339 to 20.058, p = 0.017). Significant improvements in Patient Global Assessment scores were observed at Week 12 and 24 for those treated with belimumab compared to controls. In a subgroup analysis evaluating the efficacy of belimumab in patients with lupus nephritis, 42.9% of the seven individuals treated with belimumab achieved a complete renal response (CRR) by Week 24, and no instances of disease relapse were observed.ConclusionsIn SLE patients with a disease duration of less than 6 months, belimumab treatment can promote LLDAS achievement and reduce glucocorticoid dose, leading to a better prognosis. Introducing belimumab in the early stage of SLE may be a beneficial decision.
Evaluation of the protective effect of Curcuma longa and PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone on paraquat‐induced lung injury in rats
Authors: Eshaghi Ghalibaf Mohammad Hossein , Taghavi zadeh Yazdi Mohammad Ehsan , Mansourian Mona , Mohammadian Roshan Nema , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe inhalation of paraquat (PQ), one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, can result in lung injury. Curcuma longa (Cl) has long history in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including respiratory diseases.AimThe aim of the present work was to evaluate the preventive effect of Cl on inhaled PQ‐induced lung injury in rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 7), one group exposed to saline (control) and other groups exposed to PQ aerosol. Saline (PQ), Cl extract, (two doses), curcumin (Cu), pioglitazone (Pio), and the combination of Cl‐L + Pio and dexamethasone (Dex) were administered during the exposure period to PQ. Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, oxidant and antioxidant indicators in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), interleukin (IL)‐10, and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF‐α) levels in the lung tissues, lung histologic lesions score, and air way responsiveness to methacholine were evaluated.ResultsWBC counts (Total and differential), malondialdehyde level, tracheal responsiveness (TR), IL‐10, TNF‐α and histopathological changes of the lung were markedly elevated but total thiol content and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were decreased in the BALF in the PQ group. Both doses of Cl, Cu, Pio, Cl‐L + Pio, and Dex markedly improved all measured variables in comparison with the PQ group.ConclusionCI, Pio, and Cl‐L + Pio improved PQ‐induced lung inflammation and oxidative damage comparable with the effects of Dex.
Got Phenomena? Science‐Based Disciplines for Emerging Systems Challenges
Authors: Schindel Bill 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTEngineering disciplines (civil, mechanical, chemical, electrical) sometimes argue their fields have “real physical phenomena”, “hard science” based laws, and first principles, claiming systems engineering lacks equivalent phenomenological foundation. We argue the opposite, and how replanting systems engineering in model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) / pattern‐based systems engineering (PBSE) supports emergence of new hard sciences and phenomena‐based domain disciplines.Supporting this perspective is the system phenomenon, wellspring of engineering opportunities and challenges. Governed by Hamilton's principle, it is a traditional path for derivation of equations of motion or physical laws of so‐called “fundamental” physical phenomena of mechanics, electromagnetics, chemistry, and thermodynamics.We argue that laws and phenomena of traditional disciplines are less fundamental than the system phenomenon from which they spring. This is a practical reminder of emerging higher disciplines, with phenomena, first principles, and physical laws. Contemporary examples include ground vehicles, aircraft, marine vessels, and biochemical networks; ahead are health care, distribution networks, market systems, ecologies, and the IoT.
Innovation, Risk, Agility, and Learning, Viewed as Optimal Control and Estimation
Authors: Schindel William D. (Bill) 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper summarizes how a well‐understood problem—optimal control and estimation in “noisy” environments—provides a framework to advance understanding of a well‐known but less well‐mastered problem—system innovation life cycles and management of decision risks and learning. The ISO15288 process framework and its exposition in the INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook (2015) describe system development and other life cycle processes. Concerns about improving the performance of processes in dynamic, uncertain, and changing environments are partly addressed by “agile” systems engineering approaches. Both are typically described in the procedural language of business processes, so it is not always clear whether the different approaches are fundamentally at odds, or just different sides of the same coin. Describing the target system, its environment, and the life cycle management processes using models of dynamical systems allows us to apply earlier technical tools, such as the theory of optimal control in noisy environments, to emerging innovation methods.
Structure and ontogeny of stomata in some Oleaceae
Authors: Inamdar J. A. , Patel R. C. , Mohan J. S. S. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryStructure and ontogeny of stomata in 9 genera and 53 species of Oleaceae are presented. Mature stomatal types are anomocytic, paracytic and with a single subsidiary cell. Anomocytic stomata have perigenous while the parucytic and stoma with a single subsidiary cell have mesogenous ontogeny. The Oleaceae including the genus Nyclanthes forum a natural group.
Chemosystematics of some Indian members of the family Meliaceae
Authors: Umadevi I. , Daniel M. , Sabnis S. D. 
Published: August 2024

SummaryFifteen members belonging to the family Meliaceae have been analysed for their flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids. It is found that most of the plants contained flavonols and proanthocyanins. Flavones were present in Walsura and Glycoflavones in Chloroxylon. Leaves of Aglaia, Dysoxylum and Naregamia were devoid of any flavonoid. Chloroxylon is the only taxon containing coumarins. Gallic acid is confined to the tribes Trichilieae and Swietenieae. Chloroxylon is found to be different from all other members of Meliaceae in chemical composition and therefore its inclusion in Rutaceae, with which it shares a number of characters, is justified. Trichilieae is the most advanced tribe of the family.
Mild/moderate phenotypes in AADC deficiency: Focus on the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase protein
Authors: Bisello Giovanni , Franchini Rossella , Carmona Cristian Andres Carmona , Bertoldi Mariarita 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAADC deficiency is a severe neurometabolic inherited rare disorder due to the absence or decrease of dopamine and serotonin levels, causing deep motor and neurodevelopmental impairments. The disease is often fatal in the first decade of life, and pharmacological treatments (dopamine agonists, pyridoxine, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors as the first‐line choices) can only alleviate the symptoms. Gene therapy surgery is now available for severe patients in the European Union and the United Kingdom, and follow‐up data witness encouraging improvements. In the past few years, mostly due to the increased awareness and knowledge of AADC deficiency, together with newborn screening programs and advancements in methods for genetic diagnosis, the number of mild/moderate phenotypes of AADC deficiency patients has increased to 12% of the total. A review of the genotypes (homozygous/compound heterozygous) of AADC deficiency mild/moderate patients is presented here. The pathogenicity classification of each genetic variant is discussed. Then, we focused on the type of AADC protein possessed by patients and on the predictable structural score of the homodimeric/heterodimeric species of each protein variant. Since the terminology used for genetic and protein variants is the same, we highlighted how it could be misleading. We analyzed the loss‐of‐function as a fold‐change decrease of activity of the recombinant purified AADC enzyme(s) theoretically synthesized by mild/moderate patients. A minimal residual kcat of 8% and/or kcat/Km of 1% seems necessary to avoid a severe disease manifestation. Overall, this cluster of mild/moderate patients needs consideration for a more appropriate and aimed therapeutic approach.
The global epidemiology of vitiligo: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the incidence and prevalence
Authors: Haulrig Morten Bahrt , Al‐Sofi Rownaq , Baskaran Subisan , Bergmann Mie Siewertsen , Løvendorf Marianne , Dyring‐Andersen Beatrice , Skov Lone , Loft Nikolai 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVitiligo is described with a prevalence of 0.5%−1%. Recent studies suggest an increasing prevalence, but there is a scarcity of studies that have systematically evaluated the global incidence and prevalence. We examined the incidence and the global, regional, and country‐specific prevalence of vitiligo in the general population (PROSPERO: CRD42021261643). We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Each study was categorised in subgroups. The overall analysis comprised all studies, except for studies only examining children and adolescents. Pooled proportions were calculated with the DerSimonian‐Laird method for random‐effects models with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Of the 7,838 identified studies, 171 were eligible for analysis (participants n = 572,334,973). The overall incidence was 1.59 per 10,000 person‐years (95% CI: 0.70−2.83). The overall prevalence was 0.40% (95% CI: 0.37−0.44); no difference was observed between females (0.50%, 95% CI: 0.36−0.66) and males (0.49%, 95% CI: 0.35−0.65). West Asia showed the highest prevalence (0.77%, 95% CI: 0.44−1.10) and East Asia the lowest (0.12%, 95% CI: 0.10−0.14). The highest country‐specific prevalence was reported in Jordan (1.34%, 95% CI: 0.12−3.87) and the lowest in Sweden (0.19%, 95% CI: 0.08−0.34). Children and adolescents showed a lower prevalence (0.27%, 95% CI: 0.24−0.31) compared to adults (0.70%, 95% CI: 0.59−0.81). Questionnaire‐based studies showed a higher prevalence (0.73%, 95% CI: 0.52−0.98) compared to examination‐based studies (0.59%, 95% CI: 0.46−0.73) and register‐based studies (0.13%, 95% CI: 0.10−0.17). The prevalence in examination‐based studies increased from 0.40% (95% CI: 0.17−0.73) between 1943 and 1979 to 0.89% (95% CI: 0.68−1.13) between 2020 and 2023. Questionnaire‐based studies also showed an increasing prevalence, while in register‐based studies, the prevalence was continuously low. This study shows the global impact of vitiligo and how subgroup analyses influence the prevalence. The overall prevalence of vitiligo is lower than previously assumed; females and males are equally affected, and vitiligo is more common in adults.
A systematic review of isotretinoin and its contraindications in peanut, soybean and cashew nut allergies
Authors: Hussaini Naayema , Hussaini Nabihah , Bakir Jousef , Mirza Rabeea , Fatima Rubina 
Published: August 2024

AbstractShould oral isotretinoin be considered contraindicated in patients with peanut, soybean, and cashew allergies? A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library up to July 2023 was conducted to identify randomised control trials (RCTs), cohort studies, case reports, and cross‐sectional studies investigating if isotretinoin should be contraindicated in patients with various allergies including peanut, soybean, and cashew allergies. Primary outcomes explored included relapse, adverse effects, and safety profiles of oral isotretinoin at varying doses. Secondary outcomes included efficacy as well as economic considerations. The quality of studies, including risk of bias, was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations). A total of eight studies were included. The majority of studies suggested that isotretinoin should not be considered inadvisable. In cases with peanut allergies, minimal adverse effects were noted with various dosages of isotretinoin and prolonged treatment duration. In cases with soybean allergies, similar results and conclusions were obtained to the cases with peanut allergies, however the number of studies were not of similar value to those of peanut allergies. Comparison between studies was challenging due to differing methods of assessment, subjective interpretation of severity and duration of follow‐up. This review highlights the need for an adequately powered RCT, to decipher whether isotretinoin should not be given to patients with peanut, soybean or cashew allergies.
Impacts of administrative penalties towards digital technology companies on business credit supply
Authors: Chen Xiaohui , Cheng Xiang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAdministrative penalties towards digital technology companies (APDTs) have emerged prominently in recent years as the Chinese government has started to impose these penalties on digital technology firms for their increasing frequency of legal violations. These penalties are expected to significantly influence the behavior of businesses in various governmental jurisdictions. To investigate the impact of APDTs on the level of business credit supply (BCS), this paper conducts an empirical analysis grounded in theoretical derivation. Using data from APDTs in Chinese cities and A‐share listed companies in China, the study examines the effect of APDTs on BCS and its underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that APDTs incentivize enterprises to enhance their BCS. Additionally, as municipal governments intensify APDTs, local enterprises demonstrate an increased level of BCS. This is attributed to heightened industry competition resulting from APDTs, which amplifies the pressure on enterprises to extend credit and increases revenue incentives. Consequently, enterprises are driven to augment their BCS to facilitate credit sales and drive revenue growth. This study provides empirical evidence detailing the microeconomic consequences of APDTs, offering theoretical insights to advance the development of digital technology and optimize financial resource allocation, thereby alleviating enterprise financing constraints.
Impact of breathing signal‐guided dose modulation on step‐and‐shoot 4D CT image reconstruction
Authors: Wimmert Lukas , Schwarz Annette , Gauer Tobias , Hofmann Christian , Dickmann Jannis , Sentker Thilo , Werner Rene 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreathing signal‐guided 4D CT sequence scanning such as the intelligent 4D CT (i4DCT) approach reduces imaging artifacts compared to conventional 4D CT. By design, i4DCT captures entire breathing cycles during beam‐on periods, leading to redundant projection data and increased radiation exposure to patients exhibiting prolonged exhalation phases. A recently proposed breathing‐guided dose modulation (DM) algorithm promises to lower the imaging dose by temporarily reducing the CT tube current, but the impact on image reconstruction and the resulting images have not been investigated.PurposeWe evaluate the impact of breathing signal‐guided DM on 4D CT image reconstruction and corresponding images.MethodsThis study is designed as a comparative and retrospective analysis based on 104 4D CT datasets. Each dataset underwent retrospective reconstruction twice: (a) utilizing the acquired clinical projection data for reconstruction, which yields reference image data, and (b) excluding projections acquired during potential DM phases from image reconstruction, resulting in DM‐affected image data. Resulting images underwent automatic organ segmentation (lung/liver). (Dis)Similarity of reference and DM‐affected images were quantified by the Dice coefficient of the entire organ masks and the organ overlaps within the DM‐affected slices. Further, for lung cases, (a) and (b) were deformably registered and median magnitudes of the obtained displacement field were computed. Eventually, for 17 lung cases, gross tumor volumes (GTV) were recontoured on both (a) and (b). Target volume similarity was quantified by the Hausdorff distance.ResultsDM resulted in a median imaging dose reduction of 15.4% (interquartile range [IQR]: 11.3%–19.9%) for the present patient cohort. Dice coefficients for lung () and liver () patients were consistently high for both the entire organs and the DM‐affected slices (IQR lung: [entire lung/DM‐affected slices only] to ; IQR liver: to ), demonstrating that DM did not cause organ distortions or alterations. Median displacements for DM‐affected to reference image registration varied; however, only two out of 73 cases exhibited a median displacement larger than one isotropic 1 voxel size. The impact on GTV definition for the end‐exhalation phase was also minor (median Hausdorff distance: 0.38 mm, IQR: 0.15–0.46 mm).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that breathing signal‐guided DM has a minimal impact on image reconstruction and image appearance while improving patient safety by reducing dose exposure.