bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of stereotactic body radiotherapy combined with systematic therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Xiong Xingyu , Xie Nan , Zheng Weitao , Li Yongjun , Lin Tianhai , Wei Qiang , Tan Ping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere is considerable interest in the potential of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) combined with systemic therapy such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of conducting SBRT during ICI or TKI treatment in different disease settings for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). A total of 16 studies were ultimately included. Under the random effects model, the pooled 1‐year local control rate (1‐yr LCR) and objective response rate (ORR) were 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%–95%, I2 = 67%) and 52% (95% CI: 37%–67%, I2 = 90%), respectively. SBRT concomitant with different systemic therapy yield significant different 1‐yr LCR (p < 0.01) and ORR (p = 0.02). Regarding survival benefits, the pooled 1‐year progression‐free survival (1‐yr PFS) and 1‐year overall survival (1‐yr OS) rates were 45% (95% CI: 29%–62%, I2 = 91%) and 85% (95% CI: 76%–91%, I2 = 66%), respectively. 1‐yr PFS and 1‐yr OS in different disease settings demonstrated significant difference (p < 0.01). As for toxicity, the pooled incidence of grade 3–4 adverse events was 14% (95% CI: 5%–26%, I2 = 90%). This study highlights the feasibility of utilizing these strategies in mRCC patients, especially those with a low metastatic tumor burden.
Application of extended ulnar parametacarpal perforator free flap for the reconstruction of total pulp defect of the thumb: A case report
Authors: Usami Satoshi , Sonoki Kentaro , Inami Kohei , Murakami Kyoichi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMany procedures are available for the coverage of thumb pulp defects; however, to gain thumb function and esthetics, a similar tissue is desirable. If the length of the longitudinal defect is <2 cm, a volar advancement flap is appropriate; however, if the flap is >2 cm long or wider, retrograde or free flaps are required. Here, we present a case of thumb pulp reconstruction using an extended ulnar parametacarpal perforator (UPM) flap, which achieved excellent functional and esthetic outcomes. A 46‐year‐old man underwent reconstruction surgery of his thumb, which was a degloved total pulp. A sensate 5.2 × 3.2 cm UPM flap was designed on the ulnar side of the right palm and transferred to his thumb. The flap donor site was covered with a V‐Y advancement flap on the dorsal side of the right hand. At 12 months postoperatively, the patient achieved a functional and natural thumb appearance with high satisfaction. The UPM flap can offer soft tissue similar to the pulp region in the digit without a palm scar at the donor site. This extended application is suitable for the reconstruction of a total pulp defect of the digit and is an alternative option for a hemi‐pulp flap from the toe area.
Simultaneous reduction of number of spots and energy layers in intensity modulated proton therapy for rapid spot scanning delivery
Authors: Fu Anqi , Taasti Vicki T. , Zarepisheh Masoud 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundReducing proton treatment time improves patient comfort and decreases the risk of error from intrafractional motion, but must be balanced against clinical goals and treatment plan quality.PurposeTo improve the delivery efficiency of spot scanning proton therapy by simultaneously reducing the number of spots and energy layers using the reweighted regularization method.MethodsWe formulated the proton treatment planning problem as a convex optimization problem with a cost function consisting of a dosimetric plan quality term plus a weighted regularization term. We iteratively solved this problem and adaptively updated the regularization weights to promote the sparsity of both the spots and energy layers. The proposed algorithm was tested on four head‐and‐neck cancer patients, and its performance, in terms of reducing the number of spots and energy layers, was compared with existing standard and group regularization methods. We also compared the effectiveness of the three methods (, group , and reweighted ) at improving plan delivery efficiency without compromising dosimetric plan quality by constructing each of their Pareto surfaces charting the trade‐off between plan delivery and plan quality.ResultsThe reweighted regularization method reduced the number of spots and energy layers by an average over all patients of and , respectively, with an insignificant cost to dosimetric plan quality. From the Pareto surfaces, it is clear that reweighted provided a better trade‐off between plan delivery efficiency and dosimetric plan quality than standard or group regularization, requiring the lowest cost to quality to achieve any given level of delivery efficiency.ConclusionsReweighted regularization is a powerful method for simultaneously promoting the sparsity of spots and energy layers at a small cost to dosimetric plan quality. This sparsity reduces the time required for spot scanning and energy layer switching, thereby improving the delivery efficiency of proton plans.
Performance analysis of multilayered transversely isotropic saturated media under temperature and horizontally circular loads
Authors: Feng Wei Yong , Ai Zhi Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study constructs a multilayered transversely isotropic saturated model under thermal and horizontally circular loads, and further investigates the model's thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling response. Firstly, the ordinary differential matrix equations of thermoelastic saturated media in the integral transformed domain are derived. Secondly, the solution for multilayered thermoelastic saturated media is developed using the extended precise integration method (EPIM), along with the boundary conditions at both ends of the foundation and the continuity conditions between adjacent layers. After that, the solution in the physical domain is further attained with the use of Laplace‐Hankel integral transform inversion. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed theory is confirmed through numerical examples, and the influences of anisotropic parameters, the soil's stratification and porosity on the thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling response of the media are studied.
Taguchi–gray relational analysis of eccentricity and tilt of multilens module mount fabricated by injection compression molding
Authors: Lin Chao‐Ming , Lin Yi‐Hsiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study utilizes the mold flow analysis technique of the injection compression molding (ICM) process, combined with the Taguchi–gray relational analysis (GRA), for process optimization analysis on the roundness of the lens holes and the flatness of the lens mount in a 4 × 4 planar multilens array mount. After manufacturing simulation analysis, the eccentricity and tilt information of the lens mount was further evaluated optically through spot diagram analysis upon inserting the same glass lenses. The results showed a positive correlation trend between roundness and flatness in structural deformation analysis, indicating that improving the overall flatness of the lens mount can enhance the roundness of the lens holes. In optical analysis, better improvements in the lens tilt angle were achieved through GRA. In conclusion, aiming to simultaneously improve the roundness of the lens holes and the overall flatness of the lens mount, the Taguchi–GRA method can achieve the optimization objectives. In terms of optical performance, by optimizing for roundness, it is possible not only to reduce the diameter of the light spot but also to simultaneously reduce the offset displacement of the light spot center on the screen. The method proposed in this paper can serve as an analytical model for the design and fabrication of plastic multilens mount.
Antiviral influenza treatments and hemorrhage‐related adverse events in the United States Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database
Authors: Sarker Jyotirmoy , Carkovic Emir , Ptaszek Karolina , Lee Todd A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractStudy ObjectiveTo determine whether there is a signal for gastrointestinal (GI) or intracranial (IC) hemorrhage associated with the use of antiviral medications for influenza in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.DesignDisproportionality analysis.Data SourceThe FAERS database was searched using OpenVigil 2.1 to identify GI and IC hemorrhage events reported between 2004 and 2022.MeasurementsAntiviral medications for influenza included the following: oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil. Hemorrhage events were identified using Standardized Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA) Queries for GI and IC hemorrhages. Reporting odds ratios (RORs) were calculated to compare the occurrence of GI and IC hemorrhage events between antiviral drugs for influenza and (i) all other medications and (ii) antibiotics. RORs were also calculated for each of the individual antiviral medications.Main ResultsA total of 245 cases of GI hemorrhage and 23 cases of IC hemorrhage were identified in association with four antivirals. In comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of GI hemorrhage for oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, baloxavir, and all antivirals combined were 1.17, 0.62, 4.44, 2.53, and 1.22, respectively, indicating potential variations in GI hemorrhage risk among the antivirals. In contrast, in comparison with all other drugs, the RORs of IC hemorrhage for oseltamivir (0.44), zanamivir (0.16), baloxavir (0.44), and all antivirals combined (0.41) were less than 1.0 which is consistent with no elevated risk of IC hemorrhage.ConclusionIn this study, some signals for GI hemorrhage were observed, particularly for peramivir and baloxavir marboxil. Further investigation is warranted to better understand and evaluate the potential risks of GI hemorrhage associated with antiviral treatments for influenza.
Reducing part deformation of isotactic polypropylene specimens fabricated with powder bed fusion technique through controlling crystallization behaviors
Authors: Gao Xia , Guo Junqiang , Zhang Daijun , Li Jing , Su Yunlan , Arbeiter Florian , Li Huayi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSerious shrinkage and warpage are obstacles to the development of ideal isotactic polypropylene (iPP) materials for polymer‐based powder bed fusion (PBF) technique. In this work, the variations of the dimensional accuracy of the PBF‐printed iPP parts were investigated with various printing parameter and nucleating agent. The iPP parts printed at a scanning speed of 700 mm/s exhibit smaller extents of shrinkage and curling than those at lower speeds, due to a lower degree of crystallinity. Interestingly, iPP blended with the α‐ or β‐nucleating agent demonstrates more serious part deformation with respect to neat iPP. Especially, α‐nucleating agent tends to trigger the most severe curling under the investigated printing parameters. Based on X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results, both neat iPP and α‐iPP parts crystallize into α‐crystal, while β‐iPP parts display the coexistence of β‐ and α‐crystals. And, the difference of the crystallinity is less than 3% in three specimens. This suggests that both crystallinity and crystalline structure are not the main reasons for the shrinkage and warpage in this case. Instead, the severe part deformation of the α‐iPP parts is assigned to the narrower sintering window as well as the higher onset crystallization temperature of α‐iPP, which hinder relaxation of residual stresses. This work provides insights into the part deformation mechanism for PBF‐processed polymer materials.
Molecular analysis of archival diagnostic prostate cancer biopsies identifies genomic similarities in cases with progression post‐radiotherapy, and those with de novo metastatic disease
Authors: Charlton Philip Vincent , O'Reilly Dawn , Philippou Yiannis , Rao Srinivasa Rao , Lamb Alastair David Gordon , Mills Ian Geoffrey , Higgins Geoff Stuart , Hamdy Freddie Charles , Verrill Clare , Buffa Francesca Meteora , Bryant Richard John 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt is important to identify molecular features that improve prostate cancer (PCa) risk stratification before radical treatment with curative intent. Molecular analysis of historical diagnostic formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) prostate biopsies from cohorts with post‐radiotherapy (RT) long‐term clinical follow‐up has been limited. Utilizing parallel sequencing modalities, we performed a proof‐of‐principle sequencing analysis of historical diagnostic FFPE prostate biopsies. We compared patients with (i) stable PCa (sPCa) postprimary or salvage RT, (ii) progressing PCa (pPCa) post‐RT, and (iii) de novo metastatic PCa (mPCa).MethodsA cohort of 19 patients with diagnostic prostate biopsies (n = 6 sPCa, n = 5 pPCa, n = 8 mPCa) and mean 4 years 10 months follow‐up (diagnosed 2009–2016) underwent nucleic acid extraction from demarcated malignancy. Samples underwent 3′RNA sequencing (3′RNAseq) (n = 19), nanoString analysis (n = 12), and Illumina 850k methylation (n = 8) sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to coherently identify differentially expressed genes and methylated genomic regions (MGRs).ResultsEighteen of 19 samples provided useable 3′RNAseq data. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated similar expression profiles between pPCa and mPCa cases, versus sPCa. Coherently differentially methylated probes between these groups identified ~600 differentially MGRs. The top 50 genes with increased expression in pPCa patients were associated with reduced progression‐free survival post‐RT (p < 0.0001) in an external cohort.Conclusions3′RNAseq, nanoString and 850k‐methylation analyses are each achievable from historical FFPE diagnostic pretreatment prostate biopsies, unlocking the potential to utilize large cohorts of historic clinical samples. Profiling similarities between individuals with pPCa and mPCa suggests biological similarities and historical radiological staging limitations, which warrant further investigation.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita causing hypercapnic respiratory failure and airway obstruction in an adult patient
Authors: Bandara Harshana , Sathiyamoorthy Sathiaruban , Withana Dinusha , Dissanayake Tharindi , Athapaththu Harshani , Gunasinghe Wathsala 
Published: April 2024

Key messageThis case highlights arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) as a rare cause of hypercapnoeic respiratory failure and airway obstruction in adults and emphasizes the usage of leak‐port in tracheostomy‐NIV (non‐invasive‐ventilation) specially in resource poor setting when the tracheostomy‐NIV mask is unavailable.
Systematic application of traffic‐signal‐control system architecture design and selection using model‐based systems engineering and Pareto frontier analysis
Authors: Balaci Ana Theodora , Suh Eun Suk , Hwang Junseok 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe global population rise has increased vehicles on roads, complicating traffic management. Inefficient traffic control systems cause significant economic losses owing to commuter time wastage, high energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Traffic signal control systems (TSCSs) are vital in traffic management, impacting traffic flow significantly; therefore, studies are exploring new optimization approaches that adapt to changing traffic conditions. However, they concentrate on either new technology infusion or on control algorithm optimization, and do not holistically address the architectural configuration of the system. In this study, we presented a unique case study by applying an existing systematic framework to the TSCS system architecture design and selection process. This application demonstrates that TSCS enhancement is a multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive assessment of not only technical aspects, such as the control algorithm, but also factors including system architecture, security, and data integrity. Because of the increasing reliance of TSCSs on data exchange between their various subsystems, this case study also adopted a cybersecurity perspective of the system and introduced cyber resiliency as a crucial metric for evaluating TSCS architecture performance. Furthermore, through the applied framework, an optimal TSCS architectural configuration with executable options was identified by generating multiple TSCS architectural configurations using decision option patterns and identifying those on the Pareto frontier to understand the architectural decision‐making process. Traffic engineers and transportation planners can use this case study application as a guide to optimize TSCSs employed in existing transportation networks and design more efficient transportation networks for future urban development.
Cultivating narrative humility in medical education through community‐based narrative encounters
Authors: Caleb Amanda M. , Lafferty‐Danner Kathryn , Marroquin Alejandra 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis chapter discusses how community‐based narrative encounters can enhance medical students’ narrative humility, the practice of recognizing the value of multiple narratives of health and reducing narrative privileging. The study in this chapter suggests that through exposure to individuals’ lived experience of health, medical students are able to recognize both professional and personal narrative bias, leading to reflection on improved patient‐centered care centered on testimonial justice and narrative respect.
Tricetin suppresses the cell migration and BMP‐6 expression through p38 signaling pathways in human retinal pigment epithelium cells
Authors: Chien Hsiang‐Wen , Chuang Chih‐Chun , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Lee Chia‐Yi , Yu Nuo‐Yi , Yang Shun‐Fa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractProliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a visual‐threatening disease, which cause from the migration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Tricetin, a family of flavonoids, can inhibit the metastasis of several cancers. Herein, we aim to evaluate the possible effect of tricetin on inhibiting ARPE‐19 cells migration. The Boyden chamber assay, wound healing assay, RNA sequencing, and Western blot analysis were applied in our experiment. The results revealed that tricetin inhibited the cell migration abilities of ARPE‐19 cells. Moreover, using RNA sequencing technology, we revealed that tricetin repressed bone morphogenetic protein‐6 (BMP‐6) gene expressions in ARPE‐19 cells. Overexpression of BMP‐6 resulted in significant restoration of cell migration capabilities of tricetin‐treated ARPE‐19 cells. Furthermore, tricetin suppressed the phosphorylation of the p38 signaling pathway. Moreover, blocking the p38 pathway also inhibits BMP‐6 expression and migration in the ARPE‐19 cells. In conclusion, this study revealed that tricetin inhibits the ARPE‐19 cell migration mainly via the suppression of BMP‐6 expression and p38 signaling pathway.
Antiproliferative, antioxidant and phytochemical analysis of Loranthus europaeus fruits
Authors: Najjarsadeghi Shadi , Nazemiyeh Hossein , Vandghanooni Somayeh , Ghanbari Hadi , Hamedeyazdan Sanaz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLoranthus europaeus with numerous therapeutic usages was chosen for further bioactivity assays and phytochemical analysis. The air‐dried grounded L. europaeus fruits were solvent extracted via Soxhlet apparatus. Afterwards, methanol extract was fractionated via different chromatographic methods and structures of the isolated pure compounds were elucidated with relative nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Additionally, L. europaeus fruits essential oil was achieved through hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Besides, the in vitro DPPH and nitric oxide antioxidant property of L. europaeus methanol extract alongside its phenolic and flavonoids content were evaluated. MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was carried out in A549 cancer cells and normal HUVECs cells for evaluating cytotoxicity of the plant extract and essential oil. Structure of the isolated major compounds of the extract were determined as two flavonoids. Analysis of the L. europaeus essential oil showed that it principally contained germacrene D (32.8%), β‐caryophyllene (19.2%) and alloaromadendrene (11.0%). In the MTT assay, 300 µg/mL of methanol extract caused ≈60% A549 cells death after 48 h with IC50 of 226 µg/mL. Likewise, the IC50 of the essential oil against A‐549 cell line for the 100 µg/mL L. europaeus fruits in 48 h was equal to 69 µg/mL. Overall, the present study is the first report on the phytochemical analysis of L. europaeus revealing occurrence of rhamnocitrin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside and rhamnetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside in the plant extract alongside its high content of sesquiterpenoids in its essential oil. The observed antiproliferative activity of L. europaeus methanol extract against A549 cancer cells rather than healthy cells indicated its anti‐tumor properties which might be related to the high values of phenolic and flavonoids content in the methanol extract of the plant associated with its superior in vitro antioxidant activities.
Oxidation of thiram fungicide by hydroxyl radicals in water: A theoretical study on reaction mechanism and kinetics
Authors: Truong Dinh Hieu , Ngo Thi Chinh , Nguyen Thi Le Anh , Nguyen Thanh Tung , Taamalli Sonia , El Bakali Abderrahman , Louis Florent , Dao Duy Quang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe oxidation of thiram (THR) pesticide initiated by HO• radicals in water was investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) approach at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(3df,3pd)//M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d,p) level of theory. Three oxidation mechanisms were evaluated: radical addition, hydrogen abstraction, and single electron transfer. The results showed that all these reactions are favorable and spontaneous. Among them, the addition reactions at S‐positions have the most prominent rate constants and branching ratios. In addition, the oxidation of THR is temperature‐dependent; the higher the temperature, the faster the oxidation and the higher the removal efficiency. The overall rate constant is k(T) = 7.816 × 10−6 × T5.953 × exp[929.0 (J mol−1)/(RT)] (M−1 s−1), showing a rate constant of 6.09 × 109 m−1 s−1 at 298.15 K which agrees with the previously reported experimental result. In general, thiram can be easily decomposed in a wastewater treatment process with a high concentration of HO•. Still, it may exist in a natural‐like environment with a very low HO• concentration from a few days to several years.