bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of the Combination Lurbinectedin plus Doxorubicin from a Phase 1b Trial in Patients with Advanced/Metastatic Soft-Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Cote Gregory M. , Haddox Candace L. , Choy Edwin , Merriam Priscilla A. , Mazzola Emanuele , Venkataraman Vinayak , Alcindor Thierry , Wagner Andrew J. , Demetri George D. , George Suzanne 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
While cytotoxic chemotherapy is the standard first-line treatment for patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), clinical outcomes remain suboptimal. Our prior study showed lurbinectedin plus doxorubicin is well tolerated with promising clinical activity in STS. We designed this phase 1b trial to optimize dosing as the basis for a randomized trial in leiomyosarcoma and to further explore the safety profile and efficacy signal.

Patients and Methods:
Patients had advanced/metastatic STS and no prior anthracycline/lurbinectedin/trabectedin. Escalation followed a 3 + 3 design with 3-week cycles: lurbinectedin (3.2 mg/m2 day 1) and two doxorubicin levels (DL1, 25 mg/m2 day 1; DL2, 25 mg/m2 days 1 and 8). The primary objectives were to identify the maximum tolerated dose and recommended dose for subsequent randomized trials.

Results:
Ten patients were enrolled in a 6-month period. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were grade (G) 2 fatigue and nausea, and G2 cytopenias with no febrile neutropenia events. There were two dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) at DL2 [day 8 (G2 alanine aminotransferase [ALT]/aspartate aminotransferase increase, G3 neutropenia)], and one DLT in DL1 (G3 ALT increase). These were reversible and all patients continued the study. DL1 was chosen for further study. At the time of data cutoff, the estimated median progression-free survival is 16.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.0–ND]. The objective response rate was 60% (6/10 confirmed partial responses).

Conclusions:
In this phase 1b study, the recommended dose is lurbinectedin 3.2 mg/m2 in combination with doxorubicin 25 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. The study combination was well tolerated and demonstrated intriguing clinical activity.
Comparison of different group-level templates in gradient-based multimodal connectivity analysis
Authors: Kim Sunghun , Yoo Seulki , Xie Ke , Royer Jessica , Larivière Sara , Byeon Kyoungseob , Lee Jong Eun , Park Yeongjun , Valk Sofie L. , Bernhardt Boris C. , Hong Seok-Jun , Park Hyunjin , Park Bo-yong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The study of large-scale brain connectivity is increasingly adopting unsupervised approaches that derive low-dimensional spatial representations from high-dimensional connectomes, referred to as gradient analysis. When translating this approach to study interindividual variations in connectivity, one technical issue pertains to the selection of an appropriate group-level template to which individual gradients are aligned. Here, we compared different group-level template construction strategies using functional and structural connectome data from neurotypical controls and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to identify between-group differences. We studied multimodal magnetic resonance imaging data obtained from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) Initiative II and the Human Connectome Project (HCP). We designed six template construction strategies that varied in whether (1) they included typical controls in addition to ASD; or (2) they mapped from one dataset onto another. We found that aligning a combined subject template of the ASD and control subjects from the ABIDE Initiative onto the HCP template exhibited the most pronounced effect size. This strategy showed robust identification of ASD-related brain regions for both functional and structural gradients across different study settings. Replicating the findings on focal epilepsy demonstrated the generalizability of our approach. Our findings will contribute to improving gradient-based connectivity research.
Afghanistan
Authors: Rahimi Haroun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This survey provides an examination of the legal innovations introduced by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) under the Taliban’s governance since their return to power in August 2021. In the absence of a defined constitutional text or a permanent government, the IEA’s political project centers on the double objectives of implementing classical Hanafi jurisprudence (fiqh) through modern state apparatus and maintaining control over the IEA’s burgeoning state structure. The chapter focuses on three key legal developments: The Procedure of Processing Legislative Documents, the Law on the Duties and Authorities of the High Directorate of Supervision and Prosecution of Decrees and Edicts, and the establishment of provincial Ulama councils.
The survey sheds light on the evolving legal landscape in Afghanistan under the IEA’s rule, highlighting the intricate balance between classical Hanafi jurisprudence, modern state governance, and internal control. The legal innovations analyzed provide valuable insights into the ideological and practical considerations shaping the IEA’s approach to governance in post-2021 Afghanistan.
Recent Developments concerning the Rights of Migrant Workers and of Women: a Survey of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Authors: Kanchana Radhika 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The survey of the Gulf Cooperation Council states reviews some key legislative and executive measures of particularly the governments of Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the year 2023 (largely between December 2022–2023). It focuses mainly on the rights of the migrant workers. Further, and in less detail, it also notes some of the developments pertinent to the rights of women. More generally, these rights are less relevant to women who are not national citizens. The GCC comprises six member countries in the Arab-Gulf region: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE (it is a federal state comprising seven emirates namely, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah), Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. These oil-producing countries have a significant proportion of foreign workforce in the population. At 88.1 per cent, the UAE has the highest proportion of migrants in its population among the GCC members (UN DESA, 2020). Foreign workers work mostly in the private sector and are also residents in the host countries. Therefore, a broader spectrum of governments’ measures relating to the issues like labour, entry and residence, and ownership of property or business touch the lives of the foreign/migrant workers or expatriates in the Gulf country. Governments’ initiatives targeting domestic workers are relevant also for women because they comprise the majority in this group. Apparently, the most prolific among the GCC countries in governmental initiatives during the surveyed period is the UAE, both concerning migrant workers and women. The Gulf states appear to have showed more responsiveness to their public image as a few important global events have happened in the region in the past year or discussion was in progress. For instance, the FIFA World Cup 2022 was hosted in Doha, Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022. The 28th United Nations Climate Change conference or COP28 was hosted in Dubai, the UAE from 30 November to 12 December 2023. Announced at the conclusion of the competitive bidding process in November 2023, Saudi Arabia has won the bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Riyadh from October 2030 to March 2031.
Public Law Developments in Türkiye on Its Centennial
Authors: Tekin-Apaydın Deniz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
As the centennial anniversary of the Turkish Republic has been celebrated in 2023, by virtue of a dynamic interplay between law and politics both nationally and internationally, year 2023 has been a legally active one for Türkiye. The general elections and the presidential elections were held in May, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his twenty years of power by five more at the end of the second round, while AKP (Justice and Development Party, led by Erdoğan) once again became the leading political party in the Parliament. Along with the ongoing economic hardship the State is in for the last few years now, which was deteriorated with the devastating earthquakes of 6 February, and the wars in nearby countries, it may be submitted that the legal outlook has been heavily influenced by internal and external stress factors. This survey presents a selection of public law related legal developments that took place in Türkiye, between January and November of 2023.
A Flexible, Multi-Instrument Optimal Estimation Retrieval for Wind Profiles
Authors: Gebauer Joshua G. , Bell Tyler M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Instruments such as Doppler lidars, radar wind profilers, and uncrewed aircraft systems could be used in observation networks to fill in the temporal and spatial gap that exists for low-level wind observations. These instruments, however, do not directly observe the wind and require a retrieval to be used to obtain wind estimates from their observations. Also, the depth and uncertainty of observations collected by these instruments vary depending on the environment that they are sampling. Optimal estimation is a variational retrieval method that combines information from a prior dataset and observations to retrieve an atmospheric state. This technique can be beneficial to use when observations have large uncertainties or provide insufficient information to obtain the atmospheric state by themselves. A new optimal estimation retrieval for obtaining wind profiles from typical lower atmospheric wind profiling instrumentation has been developed. This retrieval allows for more observations from wind profiling instrumentation to be used when retrieving wind profiles, increases the depth of retrieved profiles, and eliminates vertical data gaps. This retrieval can also be used to easily combine observations from different instruments or even with model data to create combined data wind retrievals that leverage the strengths of the different data sources to retrieve a wind profile that is superior to those obtained by the individual observations or data sources. It is envisioned that this retrieval will be continued to be developed and maintained as community software as lower atmospheric wind observing capabilities further develop and expand.
Gender Conundrum and Unpaid Work in India: Empirical Evidence from India’s First Large-scale Time Use Survey
Authors: Sahu Dakrushi 
Published: May 2024

The study was aimed at (a) exploring the anomalies in conceptualising and measuring work, especially that of the women, (b) analysing the patterns of unpaid work distribution between men and women, and (c) examining the drivers of time spent on unpaid work in India. It has been argued that the under-conceptualisation of work and the methodological constraints led to invisibilising several activities, mostly performed by girls and women, in the prevailing labour force statistics and national income accountings. We have noted that such anomalies could be overcome with the advancement of robust statistical tools like that of time use survey. By employing the first and the most recent pan time use survey, conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization across the country in 2019, we have assessed the gender patterns of unpaid work and its determinants. We found the existence of a stark gender gap both in terms of participation and average time spent on unpaid work across rural and urban regions. Again, the findings, obtained through the Tobit regression model, reveal that the nature of the association and the extent of time allocated to unpaid work vary substantially across the demographic and socio-economic characteristics. JEL Codes: J22, J21, J40, J46, C10
Varicose vein treatment reduces edema not only in the treated legs but also in the entire body
Authors: Tomita Shinji , Mizukami Takuya , Koyama Yutaka , Inagaki Masahiro , Ozoe Satoki , Okawa Yasuhide 
Published: May 2024

Objectives We explored the connection between varicose vein and edema, by investigating extracellular water ratio (E/T) using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Methods In a prospective cohort study 120 patients underwent varicose vein surgery with extracellular fluid to total body water ratio (E/T) and E/T postop divided by E/Tpreop (E/T ratio) measured using a body composition analyzer. Edema was defined as E/T ≥0.390. Seventy-nine patients received unilateral treatment, while 41 underwent bilateral. p < .05 is statistically significant. Results Preoperatively, patients exhibited edema (E/T) in the treated leg (0.394 ± 0.009), untreated leg (0.392 ± 0.009), trunk (0.390 ± 0.007), and whole body (0.391 ± 0.007). Postoperatively, E/T decreased across body ( p < .05). The lowest E/T ratio was observed in the treated leg (0.991 ± 0.012), followed by the untreated leg (0.994 ± 0.012), the trunk (0.995 ± 0.009), and the whole body (0.994 ± 0.009). E/T ratio of bilateral group were lower than unilateral group ( p < .05). Conclusion Varicose vein contributes to generalized edema, and treatment alleviates edema in the treated leg and the entire body.
Social Support Network and Sedentary Behavior Among US Adults With and Without Mobility Impairment
Authors: Stapleton Jessie N. , Richardson M. Ryan 
Published: May 2024

Purpose Evidence suggests that sedentary behavior is increased among those with mobility impairment, but the evidence examining the impact of social support networks (SSN) on this relationship remains limited. This study examines the relationship between SSN and sedentary behavior among adults with and without mobility impairment. Design Cross-sectional. Setting National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008. Subjects U.S. adults (≥40 years of age) with (n = 962) and without (n = 1393) mobility impairment. Measures The Social Support Network (SSN) score was created using self-reported emotional, financial, church, friends, and marital support/status. The dependent variable in this study was the upper quartile of sedentary time in minutes. Results Both higher SSN score (AOR .43; 95% CI 0.25-.76, P = .045) and poverty to income ratio (PIR) (AOR 2.60; 95% CI 1.40-4.82, P = .01) were significant predictors of increased sedentary time among adults with mobility impairment. Among adults without mobility impairment, higher PIR was the only significant predictor of increased sedentary time (OR 3.59; 95% Cl 1.80-7.15, P < .0001). Conclusion Higher SSN score was associated with significantly lower odds of increased sedentary time among adults with mobility impairment. A similar relationship was not revealed among adults without mobility impairment. Higher PIR was associated with significantly higher odds of increased sedentary time among adults with and without mobility impairment.
Fraxinus excelsior L. for Prevention of Capecitabine-induced Enterocolitis in Rat: An Integrated Biochemical, Molecular, and Histopathological Study
Authors: Li Li , Tan HaiYan , Su TianLu 
Published: May 2024

Background Chemotherapy drugs damage intestinal cells, weakening the intestinal barrier. This damage results in higher permeability, which enables bacteria and toxins to enter the intestinal tissue. Purpose This study aimed to explore the protective effects of Fraxinus excelsior L. (F. excelsior) extract against Capecitabine (CT)-induced enterocolitis. Materials and Methods Fifty Wistar rats were divided into five groups: sham, F. excelsior (750 mg/kg orally), CT (500 mg/kg orally), and two co-treatment groups receiving CT with F. excelsior (500 and 750 mg/kg orally). After 50 days, rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for various analyses. Biochemical assessments included measurements of serum nitric oxide, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide mutase enzymes. Tissue oxidative stress was evaluated through FRAP, thiol, and TBARS levels. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were quantified using ELISA, and apoptosis was assessed through the evalution of p53/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. Histopathological examination affirmed the preservation of tissue structure in groups treated with F. excelsior extract. Results F. excelsior extract reduced intestinal cell apoptosis and elevated the expression of intestinal aquaporin (AQP) genes/proteins by enhancing antioxidant enzymes and diminishing free radicals. Additionally, the extract modulated inflammatory cytokine levels, regulated antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) levels, maintaining serum and intestinal osmotic balance. The study also revealed decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a positive impact on water homeostasis-related genes (AQP3, AQP8, AQP10). Conclusion The study concludes that F. excelsior extract exhibits potential benefits in treating enterocolitis in individuals undergoing chemotherapy, emphasizing its ability to mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and maintain osmotic balance.
Huanglian Jiedu Decoction Inhibits LPS-induced Neuroinflammation and Attenuates the Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome in BV2 Cells
Authors: Wang Junli , Wang Rui , Du Yaming , Xu Xinzi , Liu Xin , Shao Wei , Chen Guohua 
Published: May 2024

Background Huanglian Jiedu decoction (HLJDD) is a classical herbal formula for treating inflammatory diseases with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, the impacts of HLJDD on neuroinflammation and the precise mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Purpose In the present study, HLJDD was found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced neuroinflammatory responses in BV2 microglia via regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Materials and Methods Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with ELISA assay and the polarization changes were observed using immunofluorescent staining. The levels of NLRP3 inflammasome activation were determined using qPCR and Western blotting. Results The administration of HLJDD successfully countered LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses by attenuating microglial activation and fostering a phenotypic conversion from the pro-inflammatory M1 to the anti-inflammatory M2. Additionally, HLJDD treatment demonstrated inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusion The findings of the present study may provide insights into how HLJDD could be a therapeutic drug for neuroinflammatory diseases associated with regulating NLRP3 inflammasome and microglial activation.
Liposomal amphotericin for secondary prophylaxis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Javandoust Gharehbagh Farid , Roshanzamiri Soheil , Farjami Mohammad , Hatami Firouze , Lotfollahi Legha , Kazeminia Neda , Hatami Fatemeh , Shokouhi Shervin , Alavi Darazam Ilad 
Published: May 2024

Introduction This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the safety of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) compared to other antifungal agents for secondary prophylaxis. Method We conducted a comprehensive search across international databases and reference lists of articles to compile all relevant published evidence evaluating the efficacy and safety of L-AMB versus other antifungals (NLAMB) for secondary prophylaxis against invasive fungal infections. Pooled estimates were calculated after data transformation to evaluate mortality, breakthrough infections, and the frequency of adverse effects, including hypokalemia and nephrotoxicity. Comparisons of breakthrough fungal infection and mortality between the L-AMB and NLAMB groups were performed. Result We identified 10 studies. The cumulative frequency of patients using L-AMB was 148, compared to 341 patients in the NLAMB group. The mortality rates in the L-AMB and NLAMB groups were 10% and 0%, respectively. However, based on the odds ratio, the mortality in the L-AMB group was lower than that in the NLAMB group. No significant difference was observed in breakthrough invasive fungal infections between the L-AMB and NLAMB groups. The frequencies of nephropathy and hypokalemia in the L-AMB group were 36% and 18%, respectively. Conclusion Our findings indicate a lower incidence of mortality in the L-AMB group compared to the NLAMB group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of breakthrough infection between the two groups. L-AMB administration is associated with nephropathy and hypokalemia. However, the refusal to continue treatment due to adverse effects is not significantly high.
Characterizing Tobacco Usage in Otolaryngology Patients to Target Smoking Cessation Efforts
Authors: Kulkarni Pallavi , Dao Joseph , King Tonya S. , Yingst Jessica , Choi Karen Y. 
Published: May 2024

Objective Smoking cessation is critical in reducing incidence of head and neck cancers (HNC) and improving postoperative outcomes. Accurate documentation of tobacco usage is necessary to understand prevalence in patients to target smoking cessation. This study aims to characterize tobacco usage documentation, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use, among otolaryngology patients. Study Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (PSHMC). Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted on adult otolaryngology patients seen from January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020. Patient demographics, details of alcohol and tobacco usage, including type of tobacco, and subspecialty seen were collected. Associations were evaluated using chi-square tests and a multivariable logistic regression model. Results Patients (n = 2137) were an average of 58.4 years old ±18.0, 59.3% female, and 78.0% white. Of participants with documented tobacco history (n = 944), 56.7% were never users, 28.9% were former users, and 14.4% were current users. Among current users (n = 308), 86.4% used cigarettes, and 5.2% used ENDS. The remainder used chew (4.9%) and cigars (3.25%). Odds of tobacco use were 1.5x greater for males (95% CI 1.19-2.00), 1.6x greater for unmarried patients (95% CI 1.24-2.09), 2.1x greater for those with no insurance vs government (95% CI 1.43-3.18), and 2.4x greater for those diagnosed with HNC (95% CI 1.64-3.49). Conclusion Most patients report cigarette smoking when asked about tobacco use. Taking into consideration the rise of ENDS use, our sample showed ENDS use that was higher than the national average. There is significant opportunity for improved history taking, especially within general and head and neck oncology subspecialties for more comprehensive treatment.
Determining pre-procedure fasting alert time using procedural and scheduling data
Authors: Zheng Litong , Beck J Christopher , Mafeld Sebastian , Parotto Matteo , Matthews Amanda , Alexandre Sheryl , Conway Aaron 
Published: May 2024

Before a medical procedure requiring anesthesia, patients are required to not eat or drink non-clear fluids for 6 h and not drink clear fluids for 2 h. Fasting durations in standard practice far exceed these minimum thresholds due to uncertainties in procedure start time. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to compare fasting durations arising from standard practice with different approaches for calculating the timepoint at which patients are instructed to stop eating and drinking. Scheduling data for procedures performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory of an academic hospital in Canada (January 2020 to April 2022) were used. Four approaches utilizing machine learning (ML) and simulation were used to predict procedure start times and calculate when patients should be instructed to start fasting. Median fasting duration for standard practice was 10.08 h (IQR 3.5) for both food and clear fluids intake. The best performing alternative approach, using tree-based ML models to predict procedure start time, reduced median fasting from food/non-clear fluids to 7.7 h (IQR 2) and clear liquids fasting to 3.7 h (IQR 2.4). 97.3% met the minimum fasting duration requirements (95% CI 96.9% to 97.6%). Further studies are required to determine the effectiveness of operationalizing this approach as an automated fasting alert system.