bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of tube voltage dependence on CT number and its effect on dose calculation algorithms using thorax phantom in Monaco treatment planning system for external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Saini Amit , Pandey V P , Kumar Pankaj , Singh Avtar , Pasricha Rajesh 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:
The accuracy of dose calculation algorithms depends on the electron density and computed tomography (CT) number of medium scanned. Our study aimed to verify the impact of different CT scanning protocols on Hounsfield unit (HU) and effect on dose calculation algorithms.

Materials and Methods:
CIRS thorax phantom with different density material plugs was scanned at varying tube voltages from CT scanner and HU values were measured in treatment planning system (TPS). Calibration curves of electron density at different tube voltages were plotted and used for dose calculation with different calculation algorithms at varying high energy megavoltage photon energies.

Results:
Insignificant difference is obtained in electron density curves plotted at different tube voltages. The mean variation in HU values was found at different tube voltages for bone, lung, and water are 896.75 (standard deviation [SD] 122.88), −799.25 (SD 5.74), and −17.5 (SD 0.57), respectively. The estimated P values for change in HU values were 0.089, 0.258, and 0.121 for bone, lung, and water, respectively. Pencil beam (PB) convolution and collapsed cone algorithms show no significant dose difference, i.e., <1% variation and Monte Carlo (MC) shows maximum dose difference up to 1.4%.

Conclusion:
Third-generation algorithms such as MC shows dependence on varying tube voltages in dose calculation. Calibration curves plotted at different kVp in TPS advised to be chosen wisely to avoid any dosimetric errors in different medium.
Magnetic Resonance Neurography of the Brachial Plexus Using 3D SHINKEI
Authors: Nair Prashant Prabhakaran , Mariappan Yogesh K. , Paruthikunnan Samir M. , Kamath Asha , Rolla Narayana K. , Saha Indrajit , Kadavigere Rajagopal 
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose:
This work aims at optimizing and studying the feasibility of imaging the brachial plexus at 1.5T using 3D nerve-SHeath signal increased with INKed rest-tissue RARE imaging (3D SHINKEI) neurography sequence by comparing with routine sequences.

Materials and Methods:
The study was performed on a 1.5T Achieva scanner. It was designed in two parts: (a) Optimization of SHINKEI sequence at 1.5T; and (b) Feasibility study of the optimized SHINKEI sequence for generating clinical quality magnetic resonance neurography images at 1.5T. Simulations and volunteer experiments were conducted to optimize the T2 preparation duration for optimum nerve-muscle contrast at 1.5T. Images from the sequence under study and other routine sequences from 24 patients clinically referred for brachial plexus imaging were scored by a panel of radiologists for diagnostic quality. Injury detection efficacy of these sequences were evaluated against the surgical information available from seven patients.

Results:
T2 preparation duration of 50 ms gives the best contrast to noise between nerve and muscle. The images of 3D SHINKEI and short-term inversion recovery turbo spin-echo sequences are of similar diagnostic quality but significantly better than diffusion weighted imaging with background signal suppression. In comparison with the surgical findings, 3D SHINKEI has the lowest specificity; however, it had the highest sensitivity and predictive efficacy compared to other routine sequences.

Conclusion:
3D SHINKEI sequence provides a good nerve–muscle contrast and has high predictive efficacy of nerve injury, indicating that it is a potential screening sequence candidate for brachial plexus scans at 1.5T also.
Use of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Coated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Radio Sensitizer in Enhancing Colorectal Cancer Radiation Efficacy
Authors: Anuje Madhuri , Pawaskar Padamaja , Sivan Ajay , Lokhande Chandrakant , Ahmed Imtiaz , Patil Dhanashree 
Published: May 2024

Backgorund:
The aim of the radiotherapy is to deliver a lethal dose to tumor while reducing the impact on the normal tissue. This reduction in impact can be achieved to have a greater therapeutic ratio by using nanoparticles as radiosensitizer.

Materials and Methods:
In this article, the potential role of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as radiosensitization enhancer on HT 29 cell lines for different concentrations (0.007to 0.25 mg/ml) and different radiation doses (0.5to 2 Gy) of 6MV photon beam is presented.

Results:
The highest sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) value was observed with 2 Gy for 0.25 mg/ml concentration. Radio sensitization increases with increase in the concentration of nanoparticles. Combination of 6MV energy radiation and polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated SPIONs results in increasing cell killing of HT 29 as compared to cell killing with radiation therapy alone.

Conclusion:
The results reveal that PEG coated nanoparticle might be a potential candidate to work as radiotherapy sensitizer in colorectal cancer.
Validation of American Association of Physicists in Medicine TG 43 Dosimetry Data in Commercial Treatment Planning System
Authors: Saminathan Sathiyan , Maheshraja K. , Ganesh K. M. 
Published: May 2024

Aims
This study aimed to validate the dosimetric data of low-energy photon-emitting low-dose rate (LE-LDR) brachytherapy seed sources in commercial treatment planning system (TPS).

Materials and Methods
The LE-LDR seed sources dosimetric data were published in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Task Group reports TG-43 (1995), TG-43U1 (2004), TG-43U1S1 (2007), and TG-43U1S2. The Bhabha Atomic Research centre (BARC) 125I Ocu-Prosta seed dosimetry data are also available in the literature. The commercially available TPSs are using both two-dimensional (cylindrically symmetric line-source) and one-dimensional (1D) (point source) dose-calculation formalisms. TPS used in this study uses only 1D dose-calculation formalism for permanent implant dosimetry. The point-dose calculation, dose summation, isodose representation, and dose–volume histogram quality assurance tests were performed in this study. The point-source dose-calculation tests were performed for all the available sources in the literature. The others tests were performed for the I-125 BARC Ocu-Prosta seeds. The TPS-calculated doses were validated using manual calculation.

Results and Discussion
In point-source calculation test, the TPS-calculated point-dose values are within ±2% agreement with manually calculated dose for all the seeds studied. The agreement between the TPS and manually calculated dose is 0.5% for the dose summation test. The isodose line pass through the grid points at an equal distance was verified visually on the computer screen for seed used clinically. In dose–volume histogram test, the TPS-determined volume was compared with the real volume.

Conclusion
Misinterpretation of the TPS test and/or misunderstanding of the TG-43 dose-calculation formalism may cause large errors. It is very important to validate the TPS using literature provided dosimetric data. The dosimetric data of BARC 125I Ocu-Prosta Seed are validated with other AAPM TG-43-recommended seeds. The dose calculation of Best® NOMOS permanent implant TPS is accurate for all permanent implant seeds studied.
Dosimetric Evaluation of Simplified Knowledge-Based Plan with an Extensive Stepping Validation Approach in Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy-Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer
Authors: Wada Yutaro , Monzen Hajime , Tamura Mikoto , Otsuka Masakazu , Inada Masahiro , Ishikawa Kazuki , Doi Hiroshi , Nakamatsu Kiyoshi , Nishimura Yasumasa 
Published: May 2024

Purpose:
We investigated the performance of the simplified knowledge-based plans (KBPs) in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) with volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for lung cancer.

Materials and Methods:
For 50 cases who underwent SBRT, only three structures were registered into knowledge-based model: total lung, spinal cord, and planning target volume. We performed single auto-optimization on VMAT plans in two steps: 19 cases used for the model training (closed-loop validation) and 16 new cases outside of training set (open-loop validation) for TrueBeam (TB) and Halcyon (Hal) linacs. The dosimetric parameters were compared between clinical plans (CLPs) and KBPs: CLPclosed, KBPclosed-TB and KBPclosed-Hal in closed-loop validation, CLPopen, KBPopen-TB and KBPopen-Hal in open-loop validation.

Results:
All organs at risk were comparable between CLPs and KBPs except for contralateral lung: V5 of KBPs was approximately 3%–7% higher than that of CLPs. V20 of total lung for KBPs showed comparable to CLPs; CLPclosed vs. KBPclosed-TB and CLPclosed vs. KBPclosed-Hal: 4.36% ± 2.87% vs. 3.54% ± 1.95% and 4.36 ± 2.87% vs. 3.54% ± 1.94% (P = 0.54 and 0.54); CLPopen vs. KBPopen-TB and CLPopen vs. KBPopen-Hal: 4.18% ± 1.57% vs. 3.55% ± 1.27% and 4.18% ± 1.57% vs. 3.67% ± 1.26% (P = 0.19 and 0.27). CI95 of KBPs with both linacs was superior to that of the CLP in closed-loop validation: CLPclosed vs. KBPclosed-TB vs. KBPclosed-Hal: 1.32% ± 0.12% vs. 1.18% ± 0.09% vs. 1.17% ± 0.06% (P < 0.01); and open-loop validation: CLPopen vs. KBPopen-TB vs. KBPopen-Hal: 1.22% ± 0.09% vs. 1.14% ± 0.04% vs. 1.16% ± 0.05% (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusions:
The simplified KBPs with limited number of structures and without planner intervention were clinically acceptable in the dosimetric parameters for lung VMAT-SBRT planning.
Framework for Machine Learning of CT and PET Radiomics to Predict Local Failure after Radiotherapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Devakumar Devadhas , Sunny Goutham , Sasidharan Balu Krishna , Bowen Stephen R. , Nadaraj Ambily , Jeyseelan L. , Mathew Manu , Irodi Aparna , Isiah Rajesh , Pavamani Simon , John Subhashini , T. Thomas Hannah Mary 
Published: May 2024

Context:
Cancer Radiomics is an emerging field in medical imaging and refers to the process of converting routine radiological images that are typically qualitatively interpreted to quantifiable descriptions of the tumor phenotypes and when combined with statistical analytics can improve the accuracy of clinical outcome prediction models. However, to understand the radiomic features and their correlation to molecular changes in the tumor, first, there is a need for the development of robust image analysis methods, software tools and statistical prediction models which is often limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Aims:
The aim is to build a framework for machine learning of radiomic features of planning computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) using open source radiomics and data analytics platforms to make it widely accessible to clinical groups. The framework is tested in a small cohort to predict local disease failure following radiation treatment for head-and-neck cancer (HNC). The predictors were also compared with the existing Aerts HNC radiomics signature.

Settings and Design:
Retrospective analysis of patients with locally advanced HNC between 2017 and 2018 and 31 patients with both pre- and post-radiation CT and evaluation PET were selected.

Subjects and Methods:
Tumor volumes were delineated on baseline PET using the semi-automatic adaptive-threshold algorithm and propagated to CT; PyRadiomics features (total of 110 under shape/intensity/texture classes) were extracted. Two feature-selection methods were tested for model stability. Models were built based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-logistic and Ridge regression of the top pretreatment radiomic features and compared to Aerts' HNC-signature. Average model performance across all internal validation test folds was summarized by the area under the receiver operator curve (ROC).

Results:
Both feature selection methods selected CT features MCC (GLCM), SumEntropy (GLCM) and Sphericity (Shape) that could predict the binary failure status in the cross-validated group and achieved an AUC >0.7. However, models using Aerts' signature features (Energy, Compactness, GLRLM-GrayLevelNonUniformity and GrayLevelNonUniformity-HLH wavelet) could not achieve a clear separation between outcomes (AUC = 0.51–0.54).

Conclusions:
Radiomics pipeline included open-source workflows which makes it adoptable in LMIC countries. Additional independent validation of data is crucial for the implementation of radiomic models for clinical risk stratification.
Comparison of Haemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Carbetocin and Oxytocin during Caesarean Section Under Subarchanoid Block
Authors: Jannu Vinayaka , Hanagandi Meghana P. , Kalal Raghavendra , Sabari C. G. S. 
Published: May 2024

Context:
Uterine atony is the commonest cause for postpartum haemorrhage in majority of cases. Oxytocin remains the first-line uterotonic agent but, is associated with significant cardiovascular effects like hypotension and tachycardia after intravenous administration. Carbetocin, a synthetic heat-stable oxytocin analogue combines the safety and efficacy profile of oxytocin with the sustained uterotonic activity.

Aims:
The aim of this study was to compare intravenous oxytocin and carbetocin for haemodynamic responses during caesarean section under subarachnoid block.

Settings and Design:
Randomized controlled trial.

Methods and Material:
We performed a prospective randomized, controlled study on 142 pregnant patients undergoing elective cesarean section under subarachnoid block. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 3U of intravenous oxytocin followed by infusion of 10U/hour for 4 hours or 100 μg intravenous carbetocin after the delivery of anterior shoulder. Heart rate and mean intra-arterial blood pressures were recorded at every 15 s during the study period of 5 min.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were analyzed using Student’s unpaired test, Chi-squared test, and Fischer’s exact test. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Oxytocin produced clinically significant tachycardia (>20%) with peak effects over 180 s after injection (P < 0.0001). It also demonstrated a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure within 30 s of bolus injection and hypotension persisted throughout the study period (P < 0.0001). Carbetocin produced no significant changes in heart rate and mean blood pressure responses. The requirement of additional uterotonics and total intraoperative blood loss were similar among both the groups.

Conclusions:
Intravenous carbetocin is better tolerated without significant haemodynamic adverse effects in comparison to oxytocin during cesarean section.
Comparison of Fractionated Versus Bolus Dose of Bupivacaine Heavy (0.5%) in Spinal Anesthesia for Elective Caesarean Section—A Prospective, Randomized, Single Blind, and Clinical Trial
Authors: Patel Darshna D. , Patel Chintan 
Published: May 2024

Context:
Spinal anesthesia using bolus dose of bupivacaine has rapid onset of action but it may precipitate hypotension, whereas fractionated dose will provide hemodynamic stability as well as prolong the duration of analgesia.

Aims:
We aimed to compare the hemodynamic stability as our primary objective and block characteristics and duration of effective analgesia as our secondary objectives.

Methods:
The study was carried out in eighty patients with ASA I or II undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) under spinal anesthesia after institutional ethical clearance. Patients were divided into two groups. Group B patients received spinal anesthesia with single bolus dose of bupivacaine heavy (0.5%) and Group F patients received fractionated dose with two-third of the total dose of bupivacaine heavy (0.5%) given initially followed by one-third dose after 90 seconds.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Time of onset and regression of sensory and motor blockage, intraoperative hemodynamics, and duration of analgesia were recorded and analyzed using student’s t test.

Results:
Six patients in group F developed hypotension as compared to 16 patients in group B which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was statistically highly significant difference in duration of effective analgesia. It was longer for group F (338.25 ± 19.824 minutes), in comparison with group B (266.875 ± 19.861 minutes). Duration of sensory and motor block were also longer in group F as compared to group B (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:
Fractionated dose of spinal anesthesia provides greater stability in terms of hemodynamic parameters and prolonged duration of analgesia as compared to bolus dose.
Intradural Disc Herniation Presented as Cauda Equina Syndrome: Brief Review Addressing Underlying Pathogenesis, Neuroimaging Features, and Surgical Outcome
Authors: Ahmed Nazmin , Khan Md. Shahidul Islam , Obaida Abu Saleh Mohammad Abu , Ahsan Md. Kamrul , Sardar Mithun , Chaurasia Bipin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Intradural disc herniations (IDHs) are rare clinical events, and there have been few literature reports addressing their pathogenesis, neuroimaging features, operative tenets, and surgical outcome. A 45-year-old male presented with features of cauda equina syndrome for 2 days with an antecedent history of low-back pain and bilateral sciatica for 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a huge compressing lesion, obliterating the dural sac at the L5-S1 level with marked caudal migration of the extruded disc fragments. He underwent surgery and recovered well. Our case demonstrates a unique presentation of IDH having both intradural and postdural components.
Willingness to adopt precision agriculture: An analysis of Gombe and Bauchi States of Nigeria
Authors: Ezeaku C. , Ani A.O. , Adama J. , Job V. , Sule S. , Onwualu A. , Nwankwojike B. , Otoijamun I. , Ogbobe P. 
Published: May 2024

Adoption of Precision Agriculture (PA) technologies has apparent benefits for agricultural production management, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. However, these technologies are also extremely complicated and influenced by various social and economic forces, which impact their adoption rate, particularly in developing nations. Demographic and agricultural characteristics also play an important role in determining willingness to adopt PA. This study is a survey aimed at establishing the willingness indices of farmers and other relevant personnel to embrace precision farming technologies in Gombe and Bauchi states of Nigeria. The survey included individuals of varied ages; but an average age of 28.5 years for Gombe and 36.5 years for Bauchi, educational levels, and employment statuses, as well as agricultural and operational features. The willingness to adopt PA is high in both states, with 92% in Gombe and 96% in Bauchi. The findings suggest that, while high costs and a lack of technical know-how had a negative impact on readiness to adopt PA in both states, the level of complexity was rated higher by the older generation in Bauchi state, which had a comparatively high mean farmer age. The size of the farm and the number of employees had no direct influence on the adoption of PA technology. Other criteria, such as age and number of years of operation, indicate overlap between the various stages of internet and digital technology adoption, mechanization, and PA. The high willingness rating indicates that farmers are willing to adopt PA technologies if made accessible. It is therefore advised that legislative tools, training programs, and necessary access to financing facilities be employed to make these technologies available and cheap for farmers.
Occupational Therapy Practice Guidelines for Autistic People Across the Lifespan
Authors: Patten Kristie K. , Murthi Kavitha , Onwumere Dora D. , Skaletski Emily C. , Little Lauren M. , Tomchek Scott D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractImportance: Occupational therapy practitioners need evidence to support interventions that promote subjective well-being among autistic people and their families through optimal engagement and participation in occupations.Objective: These Practice Guidelines are informed by systematic reviews to expand knowledge of interventions that promote access, inclusion, engagement, and optimal participation in occupations that are meaningful to autistic people. Our intent was to foster occupational therapy practitioners’ clinical decision-making and reasoning when working with autistic people and their care partners.Method: These Practice Guidelines were developed on the basis of four systematic reviews, supporting evidence and literature, along with continued revisions and integration through an iterative and collaborative process.Results: A total of 98 articles were included in the systematic reviews, which are the foundation for practice recommendations in these guidelines. Forty-eight of the systematic review articles were used to inform the clinical recommendations included in these Practice Guidelines.Conclusions and Recommendations: Strong to moderate evidence indicates the need for multidisciplinary, goal-oriented interventions to support autistic people in different contexts. Although there is only emerging evidence in the inclusion of autistic people’s strengths, interests, and perspectives to guide occupational therapy interventions, such practices can enhance the delivery of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices. In addition, evidence is needed to support participation in activities of daily living (ADLs) for autistic youths. We recommend the use of strengths-based language to describe autistic people and the use of environmental adaptations, care partner education, and coaching to enhance occupational therapy service delivery.Plain-Language Summary: The literature is sparse regarding neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practices for autistic youths, as well as for participation in activities of daily living (ADLs). These Practice Guidelines provide new information on positive mental health development; self-determination; ADLs, instrumental ADLs, play, and leisure occupations for children, adolescents, and adults; person-centered planning for adolescents and adults; and rest and sleep. Information on health management is also provided.Positionality Statement: This article uses the identity-first language autistic people. This nonableist language describes their strengths and abilities and is a conscious decision. This language is favored by autistic communities and self-advocates and has been adopted by health care professionals and researchers (Bottema-Beutel et al., 2021; Kenny et al., 2016). However, we respect the use of person-first language and have made a conscious decision to include research articles that have used this language.