bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing hepatocellular carcinoma across the stages: efficacy and outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Allam , Berres Marie-Luise , Bruners Philipp , Lang Sven Arke , Trautwein Christian , Wiltberger Georg , Barabasch Alexandra , Eble Michael 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a unique challenge due to its predilection for developing on compromised livers, often limiting surgical options. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as a promising local treatment modality for HCC. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of SBRT in HCC patients not suitable for surgery, focusing on local control, optimal radiation dosing, and prognostic factors.

Methods
In this retrospective analysis, 52 HCC patients treated with SBRT were examined. The study assessed local control, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) while conducting dosimetric analyses. The relationship between mean liver dose and Child–Pugh score (CPS) progression was also explored.

Results
SBRT demonstrated 93.4% freedom from local progression (FFLP) at 12 months. Notably, a near minimum dose (D98%) below 61 Gy as an equivalent dose in 2‑Gy fractions with α/β 10 Gy (EQD2α/β10) was associated with reduced FFLP (p-value 0.034). Logistic regression analysis revealed a dose–response relationship for FFLP and D98% with 95% and 98% probability of FFLP at a dose of 56.9 and 73.1 Gy, respectively. The study observed OS rates of 63.7% at 1 year and 34.3% at 3 years. Patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) and larger tumors (≥ 37 cm3) experienced decreased PFS and OS. Multivariate analysis identified PVTT, larger tumor volume, and performance status as independent predictors of reduced OS. Notably, classical radiation-induced disease (cRILD) was absent, but nonclassical (nc) RILD occurred in 7.7% of patients. Regression analysis linked a mean EQD2α/β3–8 dose to the liver (12.8–12.6) with a 10% likelihood of ncRILD.

Conclusion
SBRT offers a compelling option for achieving high local control and promising survival outcomes in HCC. The study supports a radiation dose range of 61–73.1 Gy, coupled with a mean liver dose under 12.6–12.8 Gy as EQD2, to achieve favorable FFLP rates, with acceptable toxicity rates.
The role of social support in reducing the long-term burden of cumulative childhood adversity on adulthood internalising disorder
Authors: Buchanan Mary , Newton-Howes Giles , Cunningham Ruth , McLeod Geraldine F. H. , Boden Joseph M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Previous research indicates that social support is protective for the mental health outcomes of exposure to childhood adversity. However, the impact of social support as a protective factor following exposure to cumulative childhood adversity is understudied with prospective longitudinal data. The aim of this present study was to examine how social support mediates the impact of cumulative exposure to childhood adversity on internalising disorder in adulthood.

Methods
The Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS) is a general population birth cohort, born in 1977 and representative of Christchurch, New Zealand at the time of the cohort members’ birth. The present study used a generalised estimating equations (GEE) framework to analyse direct associations between a cumulative measure of childhood adversity (CA) and internalising disorders (major depression, and any anxiety disorder), and indirect associations through social support.

Results
Results indicated a dose-dependent relationship between increased exposure to CA and worsened odds of a diagnosis for major depression and any anxiety disorder, respectively. There was also a significant mediating effect of social support on the direct associations between CA and both major depression (OR (95%CI) =0 .98 (0.97, 0.99), p < 001) and any anxiety disorder (OR (95%CI) = .98 (0.97, 0.99), p < 001).

Conclusion
The findings indicate that social support reduces the impact of childhood adversity on adult mental health, and is therefore a target for future work examining potential interventions following CA.
Biodegradation of polystyrene nanoplastics by Achromobacter xylosoxidans M9 offers a mealworm gut-derived solution for plastic pollution
Authors: El-Kurdi Najat , El-Shatoury Sahar , ElBaghdady Khaled , Hammad Sherif , Ghazy Mohamed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNanoplastics pose significant environmental problems due to their high mobility and increased toxicity. These particles can cause infertility and inflammation in aquatic organisms, disrupt microbial signaling and act as pollutants carrier. Despite extensive studies on their harmful impact on living organisms, the microbial degradation of nanoplastics is still under research. This study investigated the degradation of nanoplastics by isolating bacteria from the gut microbiome of Tenebrio molitor larvae fed various plastic diets. Five bacterial strains capable of degrading polystyrene were identified, with Achromobacter xylosoxidans M9 showing significant nanoplastic degradation abilities. Within 6 days, this strain reduced nanoplastic particle size by 92.3%, as confirmed by SEM and TEM analyses, and altered the chemical composition of the nanoplastics, indicating a potential for enhanced bioremediation strategies. The strain also caused a 7% weight loss in polystyrene film over 30 days, demonstrating its efficiency in degrading nanoplastics faster than polystyrene film. These findings might enhance plastic bioremediation strategies.
Graphical abstract
As fast as an X-ray: real-time magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents
Authors: Roth Christian , Heyde Christoph-Eckhard , Schumann Eckehard , Voit Dirk , Frahm Jens , Hirsch Franz W. , Anders Rebecca , Gräfe Daniel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic scoliosis is common in adolescence. Due to the rapid growth of the spine, it must be monitored closely with radiographs to ensure timely intervention when therapy is needed. As these radiographs continue into young adulthood, patients are repeatedly exposed to ionizing radiation.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate whether real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is equivalent to conventional radiography in juvenile idiopathic scoliosis for determining curvature, rotation and the Risser stage. Additionally, the time requirement should be quantified.

Materials and methods
Children with idiopathic scoliosis who had postero-anterior whole-spine radiography for clinical indications were included in this prospective study. A real-time spine MRI was performed at 3 tesla in the supine position, capturing images in both the coronal and sagittal planes. The scoliosis was assessed using Cobb angle, rotation was evaluated based on Nash and Moe criteria, and the Risser stage was determined for each modality. The correlations between modalities and a correction factor for the Cobb angle between the standing and supine position were calculated.

Results
A total of 33 children (aged 5–17 years), who met the inclusion criteria, were recruited. The Cobb angle (R2 = 0.972; P < 0.01) was positively correlated with a correction factor of 1.07 between modalities. Additionally, the degree of rotation (R2 = 0.92; P < 0.01) and the Risser stage (R2 = 0.93; P < 0.01) demonstrated a strong correlation.

Conclusion
Real-time MRI is equivalent to conventional radiography in determining baseline parameters. Furthermore, it is radiation-free and less time-consuming.

Graphical abstract
Dynamical analysis of a general delayed HBV infection model with capsids and adaptive immune response in presence of exposed infected hepatocytes
Authors: Foko Severin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to develop and investigate a novel mathematical model of the dynamical behaviors of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. The model includes exposed infected hepatocytes, intracellular HBV DNA-containing capsids, uses a general incidence function for viral infection covering a variety of special cases available in the literature, and describes the interaction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes that kill the infected hepatocytes and the magnitude of B-cells that send antibody immune defense to neutralize free virions. Further, one time delay is incorporated to account for actual capsids production. The other time delays are used to account for maturation of capsids and free viruses. We start with the analysis of the proposed model by establishing the local and global existence, uniqueness, non-negativity and boundedness of solutions. After defined the threshold parameters, we discuss the stability properties of all possible steady state constants by using the crafty Lyapunov functionals, the LaSalle’s invariance principle and linearization methods. The impacts of the three time delays on the HBV infection transmission are discussed through local and global sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number and of the classes of infected states. Finally, an application is provided and numerical simulations are performed to illustrate and interpret the theoretical results obtained. It is suggested that, a good strategy to eradicate or to control HBV infection within a host should concentrate on any drugs that may prolong the values of the three delays.
Structural OCT and OCT angiography biomarkers associated with the development and progression of geographic atrophy in AMD
Authors: Vallino Veronica , Berni Alessandro , Coletto Andrea , Serafino Sonia , Bandello Francesco , Reibaldi Michele , Borrelli Enrico 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced, irreversible, and progressive form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) have been largely used to characterize this stage of AMD and, more importantly, to define biomarkers associated with the development and progression of GA in AMD.

Methods
Articles pertaining to OCT and OCTA biomarkers related to the development and progression of GA with relevant key words were used to search in PubMed, Researchgate, and Google Scholar. The articles were selected based on their relevance, reliability, publication year, published journal, and accessibility.

Results
Previous reports have highlighted various OCT and OCTA biomarkers linked to the onset and advancement of GA. These biomarkers encompass characteristics such as the size, volume, and subtype of drusen, the presence of hyperreflective foci, basal laminar deposits, incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (iRORA), persistent choroidal hypertransmission defects, and the existence of subretinal drusenoid deposits (also referred to as reticular pseudodrusen). Moreover, biomarkers associated with the progression of GA include thinning of the outer retina, photoreceptor degradation, the distance between retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s membrane, and choriocapillaris loss.

Conclusion
The advent of novel treatment strategies for GA underscores the heightened need for prompt diagnosis and precise monitoring of individuals with this condition. The utilization of structural OCT and OCTA becomes essential for identifying distinct biomarkers associated with the initiation and progression of GA.
Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm with necrotizing enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Shunli , Lu Meizhu , Huang Tao , Huang Lan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhile neonatal necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with high mortality rates in newborns, survivors can face long-term sequelae. However, the relationship between NEC and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in preterm infants remains unclear. To explore the relationship between neonatal NEC and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to February 2024 for relevant studies. Studies included were cohort or case–control studies reporting neurodevelopmental outcomes of NEC in preterm infants. Two independent investigators extracted data regarding brain damage and neurodevelopmental outcomes in these infants at a corrected age exceeding 12 months. Odds ratios (ORs) were pooled using a random effects model. We included 15 cohort studies and 18 case–control studies, encompassing 60,346 infants. Meta-analysis of unadjusted and adjusted ORs demonstrated a significant association between NEC and increased odds of NDI (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.9–2.44; aOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.46–2.46). Regarding brain injury, pooled crude ORs indicated an association of NEC with severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06–1.92) and periventricular leucomalacia (PVL) (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.76–3.69). When compared with conservatively treated NEC, surgical NEC potentially carries a higher risk of NDI (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.09–2.93) and severe IVH (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.20–2.06). However, the risk of PVL did not show a significant difference (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.47–5.40). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis provides evidence suggesting an association between NEC and NDI. Additionally, the severity of intestinal lesions appears to correlate with a higher risk of NDI. Further high-quality studies with comprehensive adjustments for potential confounding factors are required to definitively establish whether the association with NDI is causal.

What is Known:• NEC is a serious intestinal disease in the neonatal period with a high mortality rate, and surviving children may have digestive system sequelae.• Compared with non-NEC preterm infants, the reported incidences of brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders in NEC preterm infants are not the same.

What is New:• The risk of neonatal brain injury and neurodevelopmental disorders in preterm infants with NEC is higher than that in non-NEC infants, and the risk of NDI in surgical NEC infants is higher than that in the conservative treatment group.• NEC may increase the risk of motor, cognitive, language development delays, and attention deficits in children.
Greater tuberosity fractures of the humerus: complications and long-term outcomes after surgical treatment
Authors: Nóbrega Catelas Diogo , Correia Lucinda , Adan e Silva Filipa , Ribau Ana , Claro Rui , Barros Luís Henrique 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures typically occur in younger patients following high-energy trauma compared to humeral neck fractures. Surgical treatment is indicated when superior displacement is > 5 mm. This study aimed to assess the complications and long-term outcomes of surgically-treated GT fractures.

Methods
A retrospective review of 39 patients who underwent surgery from 2010 to 2014 was conducted. The cohort comprised 54.6% females, with an average age of 56.74 years and a median follow-up of 6.71 years. Only 25 patients returned for reevaluation, with functional outcomes assessed using Constant-Murley score.

Results
Women were older than men (63.00 ± 12.15 vs. 48.65 ± 16.93, p = 0.006). 18/39 patients (46.1%) sustained avulsion-type, 1 patient out of 39 (2.6%) depression-type, and 20/39 patients (51.3%) split-type fractures. The mean Constant-Murley score was 84.08 ± 18.36, with higher scores observed in men (p = 0.021). Avulsion-type fractures were related to higher postoperative scores compared to split fractures (p = 0.069). Post-surgical complications occurred in 20.5% of patients, with no differences noted between sexes, fracture types, or procedures.

Conclusion
This study enhances understanding of the long-term outcomes of surgically-treated GT fractures, aiding in treatment selection. Interfragmentary screws may be preferable in younger male patients, but are associated with the higher risk of reintervention, particularly in fragile bone. Prospective multicentric studies are warranted to further elucidate long-term results and treatment strategies.
Optimized common features selection and deep-autoencoder (OCFSDA) for lightweight intrusion detection in Internet of things
Authors: Otokwala Uneneibotejit , Petrovski Andrei , Kalutarage Harsha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEmbedded systems, including the Internet of things (IoT), play a crucial role in the functioning of critical infrastructure. However, these devices face significant challenges such as memory footprint, technical challenges, privacy concerns, performance trade-offs and vulnerability to cyber-attacks. One approach to address these concerns is minimising computational overhead and adopting lightweight intrusion detection techniques. In this study, we propose a highly efficient model called optimized common features selection and deep-autoencoder (OCFSDA) for lightweight intrusion detection in IoT environments. The proposed OCFSDA model incorporates feature selection, data compression, pruning, and deparameterization. We deployed the model on a Raspberry Pi4 using the TFLite interpreter by leveraging optimisation and inferencing with semi-supervised learning. Using the MQTT-IoT-IDS2020 and CIC-IDS2017 datasets, our experimental results demonstrate a remarkable reduction in the computation cost in terms of time and memory use. Notably, the model achieved an overall average accuracies of 99% and 97%, along with comparable performance on other important metrics such as precision, recall, and F1-score. Moreover, the model accomplished the classification tasks within 0.30 and 0.12 s using only 2KB of memory.
A new framework to characterize and unify the impact load exerted by flow-type mass movements
Authors: Song Dongri , Chen Xiaoqing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA wide range of flow-type mass movements occur in nature. Depending on the solid fraction of these flows, they can be characterized as stream flows (flash floods), hyper-concentrated flows (debris floods), debris flows, and dry debris avalanches. A key scientific challenge in mitigating these hazards is estimating the impact force that they exert on protection structures. In this study, a new framework (Nfric - Fr2 - $$\alpha$$
α
relationship) is proposed to characterize and unify the impact behavior for a wide spectrum of flow-type mass movements. The friction number Nfric characterizes the ratio of grain-contact to fluid-viscous stresses for the wide range of flow types. Solid–fluid interaction regulates the pore fluid pressure, thereby governing the rheology of the flows and the degree of static loading exerted on a barrier. The Froude number Fr2 (in squared form) macroscopically characterizes the flow inertia relative to the earth’s gravitational field. Finally, the dynamic pressure coefficient $$\alpha$$
α
is used to quantify the impact force in a dimensionless manner. As compared to existing guidelines, which recommend a wide range of $$\alpha$$
α
without considering the flow composition, the newly proposed framework in this study estimates the dynamic impact force by considering the effects of solid–fluid interaction. Findings from this study could further enhance the design of flow-type mass movement mitigation structures.
Bison and cattle grazing increase soil nitrogen cycling in a tallgrass prairie ecosystem
Authors: Anguiano Nicholas Vega , Freeman Kiona M. , Figge Janaye D. , Hawkins Jaide H. , Zeglin Lydia H. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNitrogen (N) is a necessary element of soil fertility and a limiting nutrient in tallgrass prairie but grazers like bison and cattle can also recycle N. Bison and cattle impact the nitrogen (N) cycle by digesting forage that is consumed, and recycled back to the soil in a more available forms stimulating soil microbial N cycling activities. Yet we do not know how both grazers comparatively affect N cycling in tallgrass prairie. Thus, we investigated if bison and cattle had similar impacts on N cycling in annually burned tallgrass prairie relative to ungrazed conditions over a 3-year period (2020–2022) at the Konza Prairie Biological Station. We examined: soil pH, soil water content, mineralized N, nitrification potential, denitrification potential and extracellular enzyme assays. Interannual variability in precipitation controlled soil water and N cycling microbial activities but grazing effects had a stronger influence on N cycling. We found significant differences and increased soil pH, nitrification and denitrification potential and less N limitation in bison vs cattle grazed soils where bison grazed soils exhibited faster N cycling. Differences between the grazers may be attributed to the different management of bison and cattle as both can impact N cycling. Overall, these data provide some evidence that bison and cattle affect N cycling differently at this study site, and improve the ecological understanding of grazer impacts on N cycling dynamics within the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.
Risk of first recurrence after treatment in a population-based cohort of young women with breast cancer
Authors: Schaffar Robin , Benhamou Simone , Chappuis Pierre O. , Rapiti Elisabetta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Breast cancer (BC) in women under 45 is rare yet often aggressive. We aim to analyze loco-regional recurrences (LR), distant recurrences (DR), second breast cancers, and mortality in young BC patients.

Methods
We enrolled 776 women with non-metastatic BC ≤45 years diagnosed from 1970 to 2012. Variables included age, family history, tumor stage/grade, and treatment. We used multivariate Cox regression and competing risk models.

Results
Among the participants, 37.0% were diagnosed before the age of 40. Most had stage I or II, grade II, ER- and PR-positive, HER2-negative tumors. Over a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 10.1% experienced LR, 13.7% developed DR, and 10.8% died, primarily due to BC. The majority of recurrences occurred within the first five years. Older age (>40) significantly reduced the risk of LR and DR. Advanced disease stage, certain surgical strategies, and positive margins increased DR risk. In the cohort diagnosed between 2001 and 2012, recent diagnosis, triple-negative cancer, and hormonal therapy were associated with reduced LR risk. Breast-conserving surgery appeared to offer protective effects against DR.

Conclusion
This study highlights that BC in young women carries a significant risk of early recurrence, with age, tumor characteristics, and treatment modalities influencing outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for tailored treatment strategies for young BC patients, focusing on surgical precision and aggressive adjuvant therapy for high-risk cases. This research contributes valuable insights into managing BC in younger patients, aiding in improving long-term outcomes.