bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of PARP inhibitors for maintenance therapy of patients with a BRCA mutation and primary epithelial ovarian cancer in China
Authors: Yang Haoran , Zhao Qian , Yang Yunzhi , Lv Qianzhou , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Maintenance therapy with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) plays a crucial role in managing primary epithelial ovarian cancer (OC), especially in patients with a BRCA mutation. However, there is a lack of economic evaluation comparing various PARPis.
Aim
This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of fuzuloparib compared to routine surveillance, olaparib, niraparib, and olaparib plus bevacizumab for maintenance therapy of patients with a BRCA mutation and primary epithelial OC in China.
Method
A cost-effectiveness model was constructed in Microsoft Excel®, predominantly based on the data derived from FZOCUS-1, SOLO-1, PRIME, and PAOLA-1 trials. The proportion of disease-free patients alongside the 24-month model horizon was estimated by parameterizing the reconstructed patient-level data, which was digitized from the publicly available Kaplan-Meier progression-free survival (PFS) estimators. Unit costs for both health resource utilization and adverse event (AE) management were systematically sourced from peer-reviewed literature and authoritative official websites. An annual discount rate of 5% was used for both costs and PFS-life years (PFS-LY). Sensitivity analyses (SA) were performed to explore the parameter uncertainties.
Results
The base-case incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) were ¥1,130,845/PFS-LY, ¥602,152/PFS-LY, ¥855,688/PFS-LY, and ¥1,176,300/PFS-LY for fuzuloparib, olaparib, niraparib, and olaparib plus bevacizumab respectively. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) confirms the robustness of these findings to parameter uncertainty.
Conclusion
From the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, olaparib emerges as the most cost-effective option for maintenance therapy of patients with a BRCA mutation and primary epithelial OC, followed by niraparib, then fuzuloparib, while olaparib plus bevacizumab ranks as the least cost-effective.
Bile liquid biopsy is a useful modality for molecular diagnosis of cancerous tumors in pancreatic head lesions
Authors: Ando Mika , Ito Shin , Aoki Shuichi , Zhang Jie , Hirano Naohiro , Kashiwagi Ryosuke , Murakami Keigo , Yoshimachi Shingo , Sato Hideaki , Kusaka Akiko , Iseki Masahiro , Inoue Koetsu , Mizuma Masamichi , Nakagawa Kei , Yasuda Jun , Unno Michiaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood is a less-invasive tool to reveal genomic profiles in pancreatic and bile tract cancers (PC and BTC); however, its utility is limited owing to its small amount and fragmentation of DNA for integrated sequences. This study evaluated the quality of in bile juice to clarify the potential of genome profiling for precision treatment. We collected data from 13 patients with pancreatic-biliary tumors invading the bile duct and subsequently underwent surgical resection: 7 cholangiocarcinomas, 1 gallbladder carcinoma, 3 ampullary carcinomas, 1 pancreatic cancer, and 1 intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma. Whole-exome sequencing-based extracted DNA from resected samples revealed pathogenic alterations of TP53, ABCA8, BRCA2, FGFR2, APC, SMAD4 and NRAS. Of the 13 patients, nine pairs of cfDNA from bile and plasma were analyzed. Bile contained more (and longer fragments) cfDNAs compared with plasma. The most representative alterations in TP53, KRAS, PIK3CA, BRAF and NRAS were detected in bile cfDNA. Thus, bile cfDNA indicated better quality and quantity for sequence analysis and reflected tumor-derived genetic variation. Bile cfDNA is a useful tool for liquid biopsy in genomic profiling and precision medicine.
Thermal and morphometric correlates of the extremely low rate of energy use in a wild frugivorous primate, the Mayotte lemur
Authors: Simmen Bruno , Quintard Benoit , Lefaux Brice , Tarnaud Laurent , Correa-Pimpao Guillaume , Ibanez Romane , Blanc Stéphane , Zahariev Alexandre 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Primates spend on average half as much energy as other placental mammals while expressing a wide range of lifestyles. However, little is known about how primates adapt their rate of energy use in the context of natural environmental variations, particularly at the individual level. Moreover, measurements of total energy expenditure (TEE) in wild primates are currently available for only seven species. Using doubly labelled water, behavioral and accelerometric methods, we show that the TEE of Eulemur fulvus, a medium-sized cathemeral primate with a fruit-based diet, is one of the lowest recorded to date in eutherians. Regression models show that individual variation in the rate of energy use is predicted by a few morphometric characteristics and climatic factors. The TEE increases considerably with increasing temperature, suggesting that thermoregulation is an important component of the energy budget. The mass-specific TEE measured in an anthropogenic environment is only 10% lower than that of a closely related species previously studied in a gallery forest, consistent with the assertion that TEE varies within narrow physiological limits. As lemur communities include many species with unique thermoregulatory adaptations, circadian or seasonal temperature variations may have constituted a major selective pressure on the evolution of lemur metabolic strategy.
The study of plain CT combined with contrast-enhanced CT-based models for predicting malignancy of solitary solid pulmonary nodules
Authors: Zhang Wenjia , Cui Xiaonan , Wang Jing , Cui Sha , Yang Jianghua , Meng Junjie , Zhu Weijie , Li Zhiqi , Niu Jinliang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Tocompare the diagnostic performance between only plain CT based model and plain &contrast-enhanced CT based model in the classification of malignancy for solitary solid pulmonary nodules.
Methods: From January 2011 to July 2020, 527 patients with pathologically confirmed solitary solid pulmonary nodules collected at two centers with similar CT examinations and scanning parameters. Prior to surgery, all patients underwent both plain and contrast-enhanced chest CT scan. Two clinical characteristics, fifteen plain CT characteristics and four enhanced characteristics were used to develop logistic regression model with only plain CT and plain & contrast-enhanced CT. The diagnostic performance of the two models were assessed separately in the development and external validation cohorts using the AUC.
Results: 392patients from A center were included in the development cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 15.0-24.0] mm; mean age, 55.8 [SD, 9.9] years; male 53.3%). 153 patients from B center were included in the external validation cohort (median size, 20.0 [IQR, 16.0-24.0] mm; mean age, 56.4 [SD, 9.6] years; man 51.9%).Preoperative patients with 201 malignant (adenocarcinoma, 148 [73.6%]; squamous cell carcinoma, 35 [17.4%]; large cell carcinoma,18 [9.0%]) and 326 benign (pulmonary hamartoma, 118[36.2%]; sclerosing pneumocytoma, 35 [10.7%]; tuberculosis, 104 [31.9%]; inflammatory pseudonodule, 69 [21.2%]) solitary solid pulmonary nodules were gathered from two independent centers.. The mean sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, NPV, and AUC (95%CI) of the only plain CT based model were 0.79, 0.78, 0.79, 0.67, 0.87, and 0.88 (95%CI, 0.82-0.93), the plain & contrast enhanced CT based model were 0.88, 0.91, 0.90, 0.84, 0.93, 0.93 (95%CI, 0.88-0.98) in external validation cohort, respectively.
Conclusions:A logistic regression model based on plain and contrast-enhanced CT characteristics showed exceptional performance in the evaluation of malignancy for solitary solid lung nodules. The utilization of this contrast-enhanced CT model would provide recommendations concerning follow-up or surgical intervention for preoperative patient presenting with solid lung nodules.
Impact of narrow-band imaging in prediction of histology of colorectal neoplasia: a prospective study
Authors: Grega Tomas , Kmochova Klara , Hejcmanova Katerina , Ngo Ondrej , Brodyuk Nadija , Majek Ondrej , Bures Jan , Urbanek Petr , Zavoral Miroslav , Suchanek Stepan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims: We assessed the diagnostic performance of the Narrow-Band Imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification (NICE) and the Japan NBI Expert Team classification (JNET) in predicting histological outcomes of colorectal lesions. We aimed to compare their accuracy, particularly in identifying high-grade colorectal lesions (including high-grade adenomas, intramucosal carcinomas, T1 and T2 carcinomas).
Methods: This was a prospective study involving 211 patients (130 men, mean age 60 years) who underwent colonoscopy with endoscopic resection of advanced colorectal neoplasia (lesions ≥ 10 mm). Lesions were classified using both NICE and JNET criteria, and final histopathological results were used for comparison.
Results: Of the 257 lesions analyzed, the NICE classification demonstrated higher accuracy, correctly classifying 93.8% of lesions compared to 77.4% with JNET. Specifically, the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of NICE 2 for high-grade lesions were 100% and 24.4%, respectively. In comparison, JNET 2B had a sensitivity of 54.5% and a PPV of 52.2% for high-grade lesions.
Conclusion: The NICE classification shows higher sensitivity for high-grade colorectal lesions (HGD adenomas, intramucosal carcinomas, T1 and T2 carcinomas), whereas the JNET classification, with a positive predictive value for high-grade lesions nearly double that of NICE, is more favourable for guiding therapy decisions.
Trial Registration
clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT05929365
Cichorium intybus Leaves Extract in Varying Solvent Systems for the Production of Platinum Nanoparticles: Design and Development of a Green Approach
Authors: Azad Aisha , Hussain Shoaib , Akram Hina , Fida Hina , Iqbal Muhammad Adnan , Butt Talib E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The clinical medicine, also referred to as biomedicine, is being revolutionised by the growing usage of nanotechnology. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), due to its stability and other properties, are found to be particularly more effective in biomedicine. However, the traditional chemical and physical methods of production of PtNPs have brought about some severe concerns to environmental and human health directly, or indirectly that mainly includes land and water pollution. There is need to overcome such concerns raised by replacing traditional methods by environment friendly ones. For this purpose, Cichorium intybus (C. Intybus) is a significant member of the Asteraceae family of medicinal plants, and has been used in traditional medicine for almost a century. In this research, for synthesis of nanoparticles via sustainable, green and environment friendly approach, C. Intybus leaves extract is used as a precursor. For this, leaves were extracted under five different solvent systems such as 80% methanol, 80% ethanol, methanol (absolute), ethanol (absolute), and de-ionized water. The phytochemical analysis reflected that the greatest extract yield (12.79 g/100 g DW) was obtained from leaves in an 80% methanolic solvent solution. The results indicated that the 80% methanolic leaf extract had the highest total phenolic content (93.24 mg GAE/g DW) and the maximum total flavonoid content (8.92 mg CE/g DW) of methanolic leaf extract. 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power were used to determine antioxidant activity. The results revealed that 80% methanolic leaf extract showed the highest level of radical scavenging activity and reducing potential. In UV-visible spectroscopy, a colour change and a surface resonance plasmon band at 295 nm confirmed the production of PtNPs in the reaction mixture. The green methods of nanoparticles like the one presented in this study, have a promising potential to minimize negative impacts on the environmental health. This study paves a path for further research and development in this regard.
Colorimetric Evaluation of Cortisol Hormone and Stress Levels with Artificial Intelligence Assisted Image Processing
Authors: CAPAN ERTUGRUL , Çapan Ebru Cingöz , Öncel Hasan Uğur , Arıcan Ercan , Bulut Faruk 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A novel approach utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Decision Trees, and Vector Regression methods, along with image processing techniques, has been developed to measure cortisol hormone levels through color change, one of the stress biomarkers. Visible color change of sweat samples obtained from users was achieved using the blue tetrazolium method, followed by analytical evaluation of this color change with the proposed system. Validated with ELISA references and a colorimeter device, the system reached a success rate of 98% in determining main reference values and 84.2% in determining users' cortisol values.
Additionally, participants (n=20) underwent the Copenhagen Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Perceived Stress Scale tests, and the correlation between evaluated cortisol levels and stress was examined. Emphasizing the importance of cortisol in stress assessment, an effective tool for rapid cortisol and stress level assessment is proposed.
Temperature-mediated growth of helical polymer and chevron-type graphene nanoribbon from internally fluorinated precursor on Au(111)
Authors: Li An-Ping , Teeter Jacob , Sarker Mamun , Lu Wenchang , Tao Chenggang , Baddorf Arthur , Huang Jingsong , Hong Kunlun , Bernholc Jerry , Sinitskii Alexander 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) of precise size and shape, critical for controlling electronic properties and future device applications, can be realized via precision synthesis on surfaces using rationally designed molecular precursors. Fluorine-bearing precursors have the potential to form GNRs on a nonmetallic substrate favorable for device fabrication. Here we investigate the temperature-mediated growth of a new fluorine-bearing precursor 6,11-diiodo-1,4-bis(2-fluorophenyl)-2,3-diphenyltriphenylene (C42H­24F2I2) into helical polymer intermediates and chevron-type GNRs on Au(111) by combining scanning tunneling microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ab initio density functional theory simulations. The fluorinated precursors do not adsorb on the Au(111) surface at lower temperatures, necessitating an optimum substrate temperature to achieve maximum possible polymer and GNR lengths. We compare the adsorption behavior with that of the pristine chevron precursors and discuss the effects of C-H and C-F bonds. The results will help elucidate the growth mechanism of GNRs with fluorine-bearing precursors and establish a foundation for future synthesis of GNRs on nonmetallic substrates.
Conserved effector families of Phytophthora species drive NLR-mediated nonhost resistance in plants
Authors: Choi Doil , Oh Soohyun , Kim Myung-Shin , Kang Hui Jeong , Kim Taewon , Kong Junhyeong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) receptor is suggested as a component of nonhost resistance (NHR). However, the evolutionary process of how plants develop receptors for recognizing wide range of non-adapted pathogens is still elusive.
We observed that multiple RxLR effector families including 12 reported avirulence effectors of Phytophthora infestans are broadly conserved across the Phytophthora species. We cloned 69 effectors distributed into 8 families from 6 Phytophthora species, and confirmed that 60.87% (42/69) of the tested effectors are recognized by the corresponding Solanum NLR (R1, R2, R3a, R8, Rpi-amr1, Rpi-blb1, Rpi-blb2, Rpi-vnt1). Notably, all the tested Solanum NLRs, except for Rpi-blb2, were able to recognize homologous effectors of multiple Phytophthora species. Furthermore, we also confirmed that expression of R1, R8, and Rpi-amr1 conferred broad-spectrum resistance against multiple Phytophthora species in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Combined results suggest that conserved effector families of Phytophthora species allow Solanaceae plants to recognize wide-range of pathogens by using NLRs that originally reported to recognize P. infestans, thus contribute to NLR-mediated NHR. Moreover, considering that resistance genes against most of Phytophthora species, except for P. infestans, have never been identified, our homology-based approach would provide a powerful strategy to identify functional NLRs against multiple pathogens threatening crop production.
Fire history in northern Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forests across a distinct gradient in productivity
Authors: Coppoletta Michelle , Knapp Eric E. , Collins Brandon M. , Abbott Celeste S. , Fertel Hannah , Stephens Scott L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Understanding the role of fire in forested landscapes is fundamental to fire reintroduction efforts, yet few studies have examined how fire dynamics vary in response to interactions between local conditions, such as soil productivity, and more broadscale changes in climate. In this study we examined historical fire frequency, seasonality, and spatial patterning in mixed conifer forests across a distinct gradient of soil productivity in the northern Sierra Nevada. We cross-dated 46 different wood samples containing 377 fire scars from six paired sites, located on and off of ultramafic serpentine soils. Forests on serpentine-derived soils have slower growth rates, lower biomass accumulation, and patchier vegetation than adjacent, non-serpentine sites. Due to these differences, we hypothesized that historical fire frequency and spatial extent would be reduced in mixed conifer forests growing on serpentine soils.
Results Fire scars revealed a history of frequent fire at all of our sites (median composite interval: 6-22.5 years) despite clear differences in soil productivity. Fire frequency was slightly shorter in more productive non-serpentine sites, but this difference was not significant within any of our sample pairs. While fires were frequent, both on and off of serpentine, they were also highly asynchronous, and this was largely driven by differing climate-fire relationships. Fires in more productive sites were strongly associated with drought conditions in the year of the fire, while fires in less productive serpentine sites appeared to be more dependent on a cycle of wet and dry conditions in the years preceding the fire. Widespread fires that crossed the boundary between serpentine and non-serpentine were associated with drier than normal years.
Conclusions In our study, fine-scale variation in historical fire regime attributes was linked to both bottom-up and top-down controls. Understanding how these factors interact to create variation in fire frequency, timing, and spatial extent can help managers more effectively define desired conditions, develop management objectives, and identify management strategies for fire reintroduction and forest restoration projects.
Deep neural network-enhanced prediction and carbon footprint analysis of early-age high-performance manufactured sand concrete's stress-strain behavior
Authors: Han Lijuan , Pu Guangning , Guo Qi , Shi Donglei , Yuan Yangguang , Liu Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the stress–strain curve relationship and construction efficiency of manufactured sand concrete (MSC) at early ages thr ough uniaxial compression tests conducted on 216 specimens at ages of 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 5 d, 6 d, 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d. The research examines the influence of age, water-cement ratio, and fly ash content on the peak stress and peak str ain of MSC. The results suggest that the variation pattern of characteristic poin ts on the stress-strain curve of MSC is influenced by the age. Within the 2-d to 4-d age range, the characteristic points on the stress-strain curve of MSC de monstrate the most prominent alterations. In the age range of 5 d to 7 d, the hydration reactions have already been completed, in contrast to the 2-d to 4-d age range. Consequently, the rate of change in characteristic points on the curv e becomes relatively gradual. During the extended period from 14 d to 28 d, t he rate of change in characteristic points on the curve exhibits no significant d ifference compared to other periods. This study evaluates the carbon emissions of MSC as a sustainable building material over its entire lifecycle and conclud es that the replacement of supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for ceme nt is essential for emission reduction. Furthermore, a deep neural network (DN N) model with four hidden layers and 100 neurons in each layer was develope d based on experimental results. The model was trained to predict the stress–st rain curves of MSC under varying water cement ratios, ages, and fly ash conte nt. DNN model was trained and validated through pre-processing and segmenti ng the original dataset using Pytorch deep learning (DL) libraries. DNN model accurately predicts stress–strain curves that closely align with MSC test curves.
The Assessment of Frailty in Adults Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Can Help to Improve Outcomes and Supportive Care. Study on Behalf of the Grupo Español de Trasplante Hematopoyético y Terapia Celular
Authors: Salas Maria , Solano María , Baile Mónica , Acera-Gómez Marina , Fox Laura , Pérez-Artigas María del Mar , López Ans Santamaría , Quintela-González María del Carmen , Sánchez Andrés , Salmerón-Camacho Joaquina , Illana-Álvaro Verónica , Abdallahi-Lefdil Zahra , Navascues Javier Cornago , Pardo Laura , Fernandez-Luis Sara , Suárez Leddy Patricia Vega , Villar Sara , Beorlegui-Murillo Patricia , Esqu Albert , Izquierdo-García Isabel , Rodriguez Sonia Gonzalez , Mussetti Alberto , Lavilla Esperanza , López-Marín Javier , Cedillo Ángel , Filaferro Silvia , Bento Leyre , Sureda Anna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This prospective and multicenter study implements the HCT Frailty Scale at first consultation and HCT admission in 384 consecutive adults undergoing allo-HCT at 15 HCT programs across Spain and investigates the applicability of evaluating frailty in allo-HCT. At first consultation, 102 (26.6%) patients were classified as fit, 233 (60.7%) as pre-frail and 49 (12.8%) as frail. During the study period, 61 (15.8%) patients joined a pre-habilitation program. From first consultation to HCT admission, among non-pre-habilitated patients (n=323), the proportion of fit patients decreased from 27.6% to 17.6%, while pre-frail and frail patients increased (from 59.8% to 63.7% and 12.7% to 19.2%, respectively). In contrast, among those in pre-habilitation (n=61), fit patients increased (from 21.3% to 42.6%), while the proportions of pre-frail and frail patients decreased (from 65.6% to 50.8% and 13.1% to 6.6%). Multivariate analysis including frailty information obtained at HCT admission confirmed lower OS (HR 3.02, P=0.004) and higher NRM (HR 2.79, P=0.03) in frail patients compared to fit ones, with pre-frail patients showing a tendency towards lower OS (HR 1.74, P=0.092). Results from this study confirm the predictive power of the HCT Frailty Scale for transplant outcomes, and reveal the dynamic nature of frailty in allo-HCT candidates.