bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Electromagnetic Effect on Semiconducting Medium
Authors: Islam N. , Das B. , Shit G. C. , Lahiri A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper addresses the generalized electro-magneto-thermoelastic problem for a homogeneous and isotropic thin circular semiconductor. We consider the non-local heat conduction equation due to the miniaturization of modern electronic devices and their widespread use of ultrashort lasers under extremely high-temperature gradient environments in the presence of a primary electromagnetic field. The curved surface of the semiconductor is subjected to an exponentially time-dependent thermal and mechanical load. The governing coupled linear equations of hyperbolic type are numerically solved by developing a finite difference method using the Crank-Nicolson implicit scheme for extremely short-time actions and extremely small micro-structure sizes. The study investigates the effect of chemical concentration along with the physical field variables of the diffusive material to predict thermoelastic behavior in nano-structured semiconducting medium. Numerical computations of temperature distribution, chemical potential, deformation and stress components are presented for fixed values of physical parameters. The results indicate significant effects of physical parameters such as the non-local parameter, time phase lagging and heat phase lagging parameters on ultrashort thermoelastic response, which play an important role in the design and processing of nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS).
Deciphering the Lung Microbiota in COVID-19 patients: Insights from Culture Analysis, FilmArray Pneumonia Panel, Ventilation Impact, and Mortality Trends
Authors: Molina Francisco José , Botero Luz Elena , Isaza Juan Pablo , Cano Luz Elena , López Lucelly , Valdés Luis , Arbeláez Angela J. Arévalo , Moreno Isabel , Restrepo Laura S. Pérez , Usuga Jaime , Ciuoderis Karl , Hernandez Juan Pablo , López-Aladid Rubén , Fernández Laia , Torres Antoni 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Few studies have analyzed the role of the lung microbiome in the diagnosis of pulmonary coinfection in ventilated ICU COVID-19 patients. We characterized the lung microbiota in COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia on invasive mechanical ventilation using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and established its relationship with coinfections, mortality, and the need for mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. This study included 67 COVID-19 ICU patients. DNA extracted from mini-bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and endotracheal aspirates was amplified by PCR with specific 16S primers (27F and 1492R). General and relative bacterial abundance analysis was also conducted. Alpha diversity was measured by the Shannon and Simpson indices, and differences in the microbiota were established using beta diversity. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size algorithm was implemented to describe biomarkers. Streptococcus spp. represented 51% of the overall microbial abundance. There were no differences in alpha diversity between the analyzed variables. There was variation in bacterial composition between samples that had positive and negative cultures. The genera Veillonella sp., Granulicatella sp., Enterococcus sp. and Lactiplantibacillus sp., with LDA scores > 2, were biomarkers associated with negative cultures. Rothia sp., with an LDA score > 2, was a biomarker associated with mortality.
Preoperative pectoralis muscle index predicts recurrence and metastasis in early-stage non- small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Shi Zhihui , Wu Lin , Jiang Dengke , Yang Ruiling , Liao Rui , Liu Lizhu , You Ruimin , Li Yanli , Dong Xingxiang , Zhang Dafu , Zhang Xuewen , Chen Xiaobo , Li Zhenhui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Sarcopenia is a well-established prognostic factor in patients with malignancies, with the muscle index serving as a key parameter in evaluating sarcopenia. However, the relationship between the pectoralis muscle index (PMI) determined by preoperative computed tomography (CT) and recurrence-free survival (RFS), as well as distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), remains unclear in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods
Consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent resection for stage I to IIIA NSCLC between 2013 and 2018 at a cancer center were retrospectively identified. The Cox proportional hazard model was employed to analyze the correlation between PMI and survival, with subgroup analyses conducted to explore potential heterogeneity among different subgroups. Finally, the relative influence of each parameter was compared using a gradient boosting model (GBM).
Results
A total of 2110 patients (median (IQR) age 59.00 (52.00, 66.00) years, 1125 (53.32%) males, median follow-up of 64.73 months) were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the RFS rate, DMFS rate, lung metastasis-free survival (MFS) rate, liver MFS rate, brain MFS rate, bone MFS rate, and adrenal MFS rate of patients in the high PMI group were higher than those in the low PMI group, all with P < 0.001. In the multivariable analysis, low PMI is still associated with shorter RFS ( hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.10, 1.62), P = 0.004), DMFS (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: (1.11, 1.65), P = 0.003), lung MFS (HR = 1.47, 95% CI (1.19, 1.81), P < 0.001) and bone MFS (HR = 1.38, 95% CI: (1.11, 1.73), P = 0.004). These associations were consistent in subgroup analysis of different gender, age, tumor stage, histologic type, and surgical approach group.
Conclusions
As an independent predictor of RFS and DMFS in patients with early-stage NSCLC, preoperative CT-based PMI may contribute to further refining the risk stratification of NSCLC.
Queue wait time prediction in High PerformanceComputing (HPC) Systems
Authors: Okafor Nwamaka , Lusch Bethany , Vishwanath Venkatram 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

High Performance Computing (HPC) systems are critical enablers for groundbreaking scientific research across various domains. Efficient resource allocation, facilitated by job scheduling, is paramount for maximizing the utilization of HPC systems. However, the variability in wait times for queued jobs poses challenges for users, necessitating accurate job wait time estimation. This paper explores the influence of job characteristics, including job size (the number of nodes requested and walltime), the queue to which the job is submitted and other resource requirements, on job wait times in leadership-class HPC systems. Focusing on the Theta Cray XC40 and Polaris machines at Argonne National Laboratory, the study evaluates the performance of different supervised learning algorithms in predicting job wait times. It underscores the importance of effective data handling and processing, including outlier detection and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), to enhance prediction accuracy.The findings reveal insights into the relationship between job characteristics and wait times, offering a foundation for optimizing resource allocation and enhancing user experience. The methodologies and tools developed in this study are adaptable to other leadership-class HPC systems, providing a valuable contribution to the broader HPC community aiming to improve job scheduling efficiency and user satisfaction.
Dapagliflozin for the primary prevention of chemotherapy induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients treated with neo-adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy: design of the multi-center phase II randomized PROTECT trial
Authors: Greco A. , Quagliariello V. , Rizzo G. , Turazza F. , Mascolo C. , Pelosi C. , Galiazzo M. C. , Acquaro M. , Lasagna A. , Perrone L. , Amici M. , Klersy C. , Ghio S. , De Luca L. , Maurea N. , Scelsi L. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Their clinical effectiveness of anthracyclines may be thwarted by the development of cardiotoxicity progressively leading to heart failure (HF) and compromising the quality of life and overall survival of breast cancer (BC) patients. Sequential therapy regimen of anthracyclines and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) blocking agents, such as trastuzumab, is associated to higher risk of cardiotoxicity compared to monotherapy regimen.
Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exert several cardiometabolic benefits in HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction through the systemic reduction of insulin, visceral fat, chemokines and growth factors involved in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies in preclinical models of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity concluded that SGLT2i are able to prevent ejection fraction reduction and myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. A very recent retrospective study indicates that SGLT2i were associated with lower rate of cardiac events among diabetic patients with cancer treated with anthracyclines. Based on this background we sought to conduct a randomized clinical trial testing SGLT2i in patients with BC treated with anthracyclines+/- trastuzumab.
Methods: PROTECT trial is a phase II “proof of concept”, multicentre, randomized 1:1, open label, parallel-groups study, designed to evaluate if the SGLT2i dapagliflozin reduces chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity in participants with BC treated with (neo-) adjuvant Anthracycline-based chemotherapy +/- trastuzumab. Chemotherapy-naive patients (18-70 years) scheduled for antracycline +/- trastuzumab treatment in the (neo-)adjuvant setting for stage I-III BC will be randomized using a web-based system stratified by the use of trastuzumab to follow a chemotherapy regimen plus the SGLT2i Dapagliflozin (10 mg/die) (active group) or chemotherapy regimen plus standard of care (control group). During follow up period, patients developing asymptomatic or symptomatic systolic disfunction will be treated according to good clinical practice. From randomization, to the third, sixth, twelfth and eighteenth months, echocardiographic and cardiological visits will be performed associated to blood analysis for quantification of cardiotoxicity biomarkers, estimated glomerular filtration rate and systemic inflammation.
Discussion: PROTECT study aims to reduce cadiovascular events in BC through the oral administration of SGLT2i Dapagliflozin and to investigate on its systemic cardio-metabolic benefits.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06341842 (EudraCT Number 2022-003377-28). Registered on 19 March 2024.
The impact of gray matter structural changes on clinical disability in Multiple Sclerosis： Voxel- and Surface-based analyses
Authors: Chen Hongping , Zhang WeiHua , Ma Yuchao , Ren Jiayun , Zhong Di 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background：
This study used voxel- and surface-based morphometry to analyze the changes in gray matter structure in MS patients and their correlation with clinical scales.
Methods:
An analysis was conducted on the structural magnetic resonance imaging data of 30 patients with MS who met the inclusion criteria and 30 healthy controls. Clinical disability, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety status were assessed using relevant scales. Imaging data were also collected from the MS and healthy control groups, and SPM12 and CAT12 analyzed the images. After controlling for age and gender, voxel- and surface-based morphometry were used to study inter-group differences. Finally, the discrepancy data were correlated with the clinical scales.
Results:
Compared to the hc group, the gray matter volume reduction in the MS group was mainly concentrated in the deep gray matter, with a small portion located in the cortical gray matter (FWE-corrected p-value <0.05). Cortical thickness was significantly reduced in multiple dispersed regions of the brain bilaterally in the MS group compared to hc (FWE-corrected p-value <0.05), and there was no obvious anatomical connection between these regions. Correlation analysis showed a correlation between some of these regions and clinical disability.
Conclusion:
A pattern of multiple gray matter structural changes was identified in our study, and a clinical correlation between structural changes was found. Grey matter volume and cortical thickness hold substantial promise as markers of disease progression and have the potential to respond to neuroprotective treatments for MS neurodegeneration.
The value of endocervical curettage during large loop excision of the transformation zone in combination with endocervical surgical margin in predicting persistent/recurrent dysplasia of the uterine cervix: a retrospective study
Authors: Scherer-Quenzer Anne Cathrine , Findeis Jelena , Herbert Saskia-Laureen , Yokendren Nithya , Reinhold Ann-Kristin , Schlaiss Tanja , Wöckel Achim , Diessner Joachim , Kiesel Matthias 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Cervical cancer often originates from cervical cell dysplasia. Previous studies mainly focused on surgical margins and high-risk human papillomavirus persistence as factors predicting recurrence. New research highlights the significance of positive findings from endocervical curettage (ECC) during excision treatment. However, the combined influence of surgical margin and ECC status on dysplasia recurrence risk has not been investigated.
Methods
In this retrospective study, data from 404 women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) who underwent large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) were analyzed. Records were obtained retrospectively from the hospital’s patient database including information about histopathological finding from ECC, endocervical margin status with orientation of residual disease after LLETZ, recurrent/persistent dysplasia after surgical treatment and need for repeated surgery (LLETZ or hysterectomy).
Results
Patients with cranial (= endocervical) R1-resection together with cells of HSIL in the ECC experienced re-surgery 17 times. With statistical normal distribution, this would have been expected to happen 5 times (p < 0.001). The Fisher’s exact test confirmed a statistically significant connection between the resection status together with the result of the ECC and the reoccurrence of dysplasia after surgery (p < 0,001). 40,6% of the patients with re-dysplasia after primary LLETZ had shown cranial R1-resection together with cells of HSIL in the ECC. Investigating the risk for a future abnormal Pap smear, patients with cranial R1-resection together with dysplastic cells in the ECC showed the greatest deviation of statistical normal distribution with SR = 2.6.
Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that the future risk of re-dysplasia, re-surgery, and abnormal Pap smear for patients after LLETZ due to HSIL is highest within patients who were diagnosed with cranial (endocervical) R1-resection and with cells of HSIL in the ECC in their primary LLETZ. Consequently, the identification of patients, who could benefit of intensified observation or required intervention could be improved.
MRI distortion correction is associated with improved local control in stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases
Authors: Höfler Daniel , Grigo Johanna , Siavosch Hadi , Saake Marc , Schmidt Manuel Alexander , Weissmann Thomas , Schubert Philipp , Voigt Raphaela , Lettmaier Sebastian , Semrau Sabine , Dörfler Arnd , Uder Michael , Bert Christoph , Fietkau Rainer , Putz Florian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Distortions in brain MRI caused by gradient nonlinearities may reach several millimeters, thus distortion correction is strongly recommended for radiotherapy treatment planning. However, the significance of MRI distortion correction on actual clinical outcomes has not been described yet. Therefore we investigated the impact of planning MRI distortion correction on subsequent local control in an historic series of 419 brain metastases in 189 patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy between 01/2003–04/2015. Local control was evaluated using a volumetric extension of the RANO-BM criteria. The prognostic significance of distortion correction was assessed using competing risk analysis. In this cohort, 2D distortion-corrected MRIs had been used for treatment planning in 52.5% (220/419) of lesions, while uncorrected MRIs had been employed in 47.5% (199/419) of metastases. 2D distortion correction was associated with improved local control (Cumulative incidence of local progression at 12 months: 14.3% vs. 21.2% and at 24 months: 18.7% vs. 28.6%, p = 0.038). In multivariate analysis, adjusting for histology, baseline tumor volume, interval between MRI and treatment delivery, year of planning MRI, biologically effective dose and adjuvant Whole-brain radiotherapy, use of distortion correction remained significantly associated with improved local control (HR 0.55, p = 0.020). This is the first study to clinically evaluate the impact of MRI gradient nonlinearity distortion correction on local control in stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases. In this historic series, we found significantly higher local control when using 2D corrected vs. uncorrected MRI studies for treatment planning. These results stress the importance of assuring that MR images used for radiotherapy treatment planning are properly distortion-corrected.
Generalizable deep learning framework for 3D medical image segmentation using limited training data
Authors: Ekman Tobias , Barakat Arthur , Heiberg Einar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Medical image segmentation is a critical component in a wide range of clinical applications, enabling the identification and delineation of anatomical structures. This study focuses on segmentation of anatomical structures for 3D printing, virtual surgery planning, and advanced visualization such as virtual or augmented reality. Manual segmentation methods are labor-intensive and can be subjective, leading to inter-observer variability. Machine learning algorithms, particularly deep learning models, have gained traction for automating the process and are now considered state-of-the-art. However, deep-learning methods typically demand large datasets for fine-tuning and powerful graphics cards, limiting their applicability in resource-constrained settings. In this paper we introduce a robust deep learning framework for 3D medical segmentation that achieves high performance across a range of medical segmentation tasks, even when trained on a small number of subjects. This approach overcomes the need for extensive data and heavy GPU resources, facilitating adoption within healthcare systems. The potential is exemplified through six different clinical applications involving orthopedics, orbital segmentation, mandible CT, cardiac CT, fetal MRI and lung CT. Notably, a small number of hyper-parameters and augmentation settings produced >95\% segmentation Dice score results for a diverse range of organs and tissues.
La/Ce New Electrode Composition for Anodic Oxidation Process: Reactive Black 5 Treatment Study
Authors: Okur Melike Ceren , Öztürk Dilara , Akyol Abdurrahman 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of lanthanum (La) and cerium (Ce) doped iridium-ruthenium mixed metal oxide electrodes characterization, optimization and the treatment performance of synthetic waters containing Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye. The electrodes were coated with brushing method with varying doping levels of La and Ce, specifically at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20%. Additionally, a new electrode was developed with a mixed doping of 10% Ce and 10% La, which exhibited the highest efficiency in terms of degradation performance. The research focuses on understanding the roles of La and Ce doping, pH, conductivity, and concentration effects on the electrochemical degradation process. Experiments were conducted across a range of pH values (3, 5, 7, and 9), dye concentrations (50, 100, 300, and 500 ppm), current densities (100, 200, 350, and 600 A.m-²), and conductivities (1500, 3500, 5500, and 10000 µS.cm-1). It was found that the newly developed electrode with 10% Ce and 10% La doping showed the most efficiency results. The findings show significant improvements in pollutant removal and toxicity reduction, highlighting the potential of these doped electrodes in wastewater treatment. The study provides insights into optimizing operational parameters for the effective electrochemical treatment of industrial effluents, particularly in the context of textile industry wastewater.
Wildlife Ecological Spectrum: unveiling alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) diversity of the Kaptai National Park, Bangladesh
Authors: Rakib Mehedi Hasan , Chowdhury Mohd Imran Hossain , Das Chinmoy , Hossain Tonima , Tanvir Md. Seikh Sadiul Islam 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of different habitats forests, rivers, and tourist areas on the biodiversity of trees, birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates. Data were collected from 90 plots, using quadrat sampling for trees, circular strip transects for birds, live trapping for small mammals, and reptiles, pitfall traps for ground-dwelling species and invertebrates, and transects for butterflies. Biodiversity indices, including alpha, beta, and gamma diversity, were calculated using the R programming environment, specifically the vegan and iNEXT packages. Results indicated significant differences in species richness and composition among habitats. Forest areas had an alpha diversity index of 86 for trees, 104 for birds, 46 for mammals, 45 for reptiles, and 35 for invertebrates. River-associated forests showed higher species richness and evenness, with significant beta diversity, particularly among invertebrates. Tourist areas exhibited reduced species richness, with the alpha diversity index slightly lower at 84 for trees and 33 for invertebrates. The Shannon diversity index values were highest for trees (3.60) and lowest for invertebrates (1.00), indicating a well-balanced distribution of species in forests and a significant impact of human activities in tourist areas. Statistical analyses, including the Games-Howell test and NMDS, confirmed significant differences in species distributions across habitats. Rarefaction curves highlighted the highest species richness in forests, while tourist areas showed a quicker plateau, indicating fewer overall species. The study also examined the impact of conservation efforts, correlating diversity metrics with reforestation and anti-poaching activities. The findings underscore the importance of habitat-specific conservation strategies. Recommendations include prioritizing the protection of high-biodiversity habitats, restoration initiatives in disturbed areas, continuous ecological monitoring, public education, and stringent enforcement of environmental policies. These measures are crucial for enhancing biodiversity conservation and maintaining ecological integrity in diverse habitats. This research provides valuable insights into the relationship between habitat types and biodiversity, informing effective management practices to preserve ecological diversity.