bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A transformer-based multi-task deep learning model for simultaneous T-stage identification and segmentation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yang Kaifan , Dong Xiuyu , Tang Fan , Ye Feng , Chen Bei , Liang Shujun , Zhang Yu , Xu Yikai 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAccurate tumor target contouring and T staging are vital for precision radiation therapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Identifying T-stage and contouring the Gross tumor volume (GTV) manually is a laborious and highly time-consuming process. Previous deep learning-based studies have mainly been focused on tumor segmentation, and few studies have specifically addressed the tumor staging of NPC.ObjectivesTo bridge this gap, we aim to devise a model that can simultaneously identify T-stage and perform accurate segmentation of GTV in NPC.Materials and methodsWe have developed a transformer-based multi-task deep learning model that can perform two tasks simultaneously: delineating the tumor contour and identifying T-stage. Our retrospective study involved contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (CE-T1WI) of 320 NPC patients (T-stage: T1-T4) collected between 2017 and 2020 at our institution, which were randomly allocated into three cohorts for three-fold cross-validations, and conducted the external validation using an independent test set. We evaluated the predictive performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) and accuracy (ACC), with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and the contouring performance using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and average surface distance (ASD).ResultsOur multi-task model exhibited sound performance in GTV contouring (median DSC: 0.74; ASD: 0.97 mm) and T staging (AUC: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.82–0.87) across 320 patients. In early T category tumors, the model achieved a median DSC of 0.74 and ASD of 0.98 mm, while in advanced T category tumors, it reached a median DSC of 0.74 and ASD of 0.96 mm. The accuracy of automated T staging was 76% (126 of 166) for early stages (T1-T2) and 64% (99 of 154) for advanced stages (T3-T4). Moreover, experimental results show that our multi-task model outperformed the other single-task models.ConclusionsThis study emphasized the potential of multi-task model for simultaneously delineating the tumor contour and identifying T-stage. The multi-task model harnesses the synergy between these interrelated learning tasks, leading to improvements in the performance of both tasks. The performance demonstrates the potential of our work for delineating the tumor contour and identifying T-stage and suggests that it can be a practical tool for supporting clinical precision radiation therapy.
Focal adhesion kinase and its epigenetic interactors as diagnostic and therapeutic hints for pediatric hepatoblastoma
Authors: Braghini Maria Rita , De Stefanis Cristiano , Tiano Francesca , Castellano Aurora , Cicolani Nicolo’ , Pezzullo Marco , Tocco Valeria , Spada Marco , Alaggio Rita , Alisi Anna , Francalanci Paola 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundHepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common pediatric hepatic malignancy. Despite the progress in HB treatment, investigating HB pathomechanisms to optimize stratification and therapies remains a focal point to improve the outcome for high-risk patients.MethodsHere, we pointed to explore the impact of these mechanisms in HB. An observational study was performed on liver samples from a cohort of 17 patients with a diagnosis of HB and two normal liver samples. The in vitro experiments were executed on the Huh6 human HB cell line treated with the FAK inhibitor TAE226.ResultsOur results highlight a significant up-regulation of mRNA and protein expression of FAK in livers from HB with respect to normal livers. The increased protein expression of total and Tyr397 phosphorylated FAK (pTyr397FAK) was significantly correlated with the expression of some epigenetic regulators of histone H3 methylation and acetylation. Of note, the expression of pTyr397FAK, N-methyltransferase enzyme (EZH2) and tri-methylation of the H3K27 residue correlated with tumor size and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. Finally, TAE226 caused a significant reduction of pTyr397FAK, epigenetic regulators, AFP, EPCAM, OCT4, and SOX2, in association with anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on HB cells.ConclusionOur results suggest a role of FAK in HB that requires further investigations mainly focused on the exploration of its effective diagnostic and therapeutic translatability.
Hepatitis-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients: an observational, retrospective, pharmacovigilance study using the FAERS database
Authors: Fu Zhiwen , Liu Jinmei , Zhang Cong , Hu Huiping , Li Shijun , Zhang Yu , You Ruxu 
Published: June 2024

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, have become a standard treatment for multiple cancer types. However, ICIs can induce immune-related adverse events, with hepatitis-related adverse events (HRAEs) being of particular concern. Our objective is to identify and characterize HRAEs that exhibit a significant association with ICIs using real-world data.Methods: In this observational and retrospective pharmacovigilance study, we extracted real-world adverse events reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database spanning from the first quarter of 2004 to the first quarter of 2023. We conducted both Frequentist and Bayesian methodologies in the framework of disproportionality analysis, which included the reporting odds ratios (ROR) and information components (IC) to explore the intricate relationship between ICIs and HRAEs.Results: Through disproportionality analysis, we identified three categories of HRAEs as being significantly related with ICIs, including autoimmune hepatitis (634 cases, ROR 19.34 [95% CI 17.80–21.02]; IC025 2.43), immune-mediated hepatitis (546 cases, ROR 217.24 [189.95–248.45]; IC025 4.75), and hepatitis fulminant (80 cases, ROR 4.56 [3.65–5.70]; IC025 0.49). The median age of patients who report ICI-related HRAEs was 63 years (interquartile range [IQR] 53.8–72), with a fatal outcome observed in 24.9% (313/1,260) of these reports. Cases pertaining to skin cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer constituted the majority of these occurrences. Patients treated with anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 antibodies exhibited a higher frequency of immune-mediated hepatitis in comparison to those undergoing anti-CTLA-4 monotherapy, with a ROR of 3.59 (95% CI 1.78–6.18). Moreover, the dual ICI therapy demonstrated higher reporting rates of ICI-related HRAEs compared to ICI monotherapy.Conclusion: Our findings confirm that ICI treatment carries a significant risk of severe HRAEs, in particular autoimmune hepatitis, immune-mediated hepatitis, and hepatitis fulminant. Healthcare providers should exercise heightened vigilance regarding these risks when managing patients receiving ICIs.
Growing pains with kratom: experiences discussed in subreddits contrast with satisfaction expressed in surveys
Authors: Rogers Jeffrey M. , Colvin Kayla , Epstein David H. , Grundmann Oliver , McCurdy Christopher R. , Smith Kirsten E. 
Published: June 2024

Background“Kratom” refers to an array of bioactive products derived from Mitragyna speciosa, a tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Most kratom consumers report analgesic and stimulatory effects, and common reasons for use are to address mental and physical health needs, manage pain, and to reduce use of other substances. Natural-history studies and survey studies suggest that many kratom consumers perceive benefits from those uses, but such studies are unlikely to capture the full range of kratom-use experiences.MethodsWe collected text data from Reddit posts from 2020-2022 to qualitatively examine conceptualizations, motivations, effects, and consequences associated with kratom use among people posting to social media. Reddit posts mentioning kratom were studied using template thematic analysis, which included collecting descriptions of kratom product types and use practices. Network analyses of coded themes was performed to examine independent relationships among themes, and between themes and product types.ResultsCodes were applied to 329 of the 370 posts that comprised the final sample; 134 posts contained kratom product descriptions. As Reddit accounts were functionally anonymous, demographic estimates were untenable. Themes included kratom physical dependence (tolerance, withdrawal, or use to avoid withdrawal), perceived addiction (net detrimental effects on functioning), and quitting. Extract products were positively associated with reports of perceived addiction, dependence, and experiences of quitting kratom. Many used kratom for energy and self-treatment of pain, fatigue, and problems associated with opioid and alcohol; they perceived these uses as effective. Consumers expressed frustrations about product inconsistencies and lack of product information.ConclusionAs in previous studies, kratom was deemed helpful for some and a hindrance to others, but we also found evidence of notable negative experiences with kratom products that have not been well documented in surveys. Daily kratom use may produce mild-moderate physical dependence, with greater severity being possibly more common with concentrated extracts; however, there are currently no human laboratory studies of concentrated kratom extracts. Such studies, and detailed kratom product information, are needed to help inform consumer decision-making.
Bidirectional relationship between C-reactive protein and depressive symptoms considering cumulative effect among Chinese middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Zhao Ningxuan , Jiang Lin , Hu Meijing , Zhang Baiyang , Lin Yidie , Yao Qiang , Hao Jingjing , Zhu Cairong 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionResearch examining the bidirectional relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and depressive symptoms, while accounting for cumulative effect of repeated episodes of CRP or depressive symptoms, is currently deficient in non-Western populations.MethodsA nationally representative population-based cohort data from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) was utilized. In bi-directional analysis, we considered both single determinations and two successive determinations of CRP or depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression assessed the association between elevated CRP levels at baseline or repeated episodes of CRP elevations over two successive determinations and subsequent elevated depressive symptoms, and vice versa.ResultsAlthough single determinations of CRP or depressive symptoms yielded non-significant results in both directions, full multivariate models, adjusting for baseline depressive symptoms, socio-demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, metabolic measures, and health status, revealed a significantly positive association based on two successive determinations of CRP or depressive symptoms. This significant association was observed between cumulative effects of sustained CRP elevations over two successive determinations (2 vs. 0) and subsequent elevated depressive symptoms (OR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.17) and between cumulative effect of repeated episodes of depression (2 vs. 0) and later elevated CRP (OR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.56). Furthermore, sex-stratified analyses confirmed the robustness of these relationships.ConclusionThere are bidirectional associations between depressive symptoms and CRP, driven by the cumulative effect of repeated episodes of CRP or depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. These findings hold significant clinical implications, highlighting the potential of both anti-inflammatory and anti-depression approaches.
A retrospective analysis of the influencing factors of nucleic acid CT value fluctuation in COVID-19 patients infected with Omicron variant virus in Changchun city
Authors: Cao Zhenghua , Sun Feng , Ding Huan , Tian Zhiyu , Cui Yingzi , Yang Wei , Hu Shaodan , Shi Li 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values in patients infected with the Omicron variant during an outbreak at a hospital in Changchun city.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on general information, medical history, vaccination history, and laboratory test data of COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant and admitted to the hospital in Changchun from March 2022 to April 2022. The study aimed to explore the factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron variant in Changchun city.ResultsFluctuations in nucleic acid CT values were significantly correlated with occupation composition (p = 0.030), hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), heart rate (p = 0.026), creatinine (p = 0.011), platelet count (p = 0.000), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (p = 0.045), and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (p = 0.017). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations between hospital stay duration (p = 0.000), platelet count (p = 0.019), heart rate (p = 0.036), and nucleic acid CT value fluctuations (p &lt; 0.05), indicating that they were independent risk factors. Red blood cell count was identified as a factor influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group A patients. Occupation composition, direct bilirubin, and platelet count were identified as factors influencing nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients. Further binary logistic regression analysis indicated that occupational composition and direct bilirubin are significant independent factors for nucleic acid CT value fluctuations in Group B patients, positively correlated with occupational risk and negatively correlated with direct bilirubin.ConclusionTherefore, enhancing patients’ immunity, increasing physical exercise to improve myocardial oxygen consumption, reducing the length of hospital stays, and closely monitoring liver function at the onset of hospitalization to prevent liver function abnormalities are effective measures to control fluctuations in nucleic acid CT values.
Psychological risk factors for a first hamstring strain injury in soccer: a qualitative study
Authors: Baize Diane , d’Arripe-Longueville Fabienne , Piponnier Enzo , Scoffier-Meriaux Stéphanie 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionHamstring strain injuries (HSIs) remain one of the most burdensome injuries in soccer. Current recommendations to prevent sports injuries suggest the importance for coaches and medical staff to consider psychological and contextual risk factors and to specify them according to the injury type and context. HSI risk factors in soccer have been widely investigated, mainly from physiological and biomechanical perspectives. However, psychological and health-related risk factors are still unexplored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the psychological and health-related risk factors for a first HSI in male competitive soccer.MethodIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten male competitive soccer players, who had recently sustained a HSI. Based on multifactorial models of sports injury causation, soccer players' individual, contextual, and situational risk factors at the time of their first HSI were investigated. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with deductive and inductive approaches.ResultsIndividual psychological risk factors included common at-risk personality traits, obsessive passion for soccer with competitive motivational goals, strong athletic identity, and poor health literacy. The injured players were exposed to a controlling coaching style, with a fear of negative staff evaluations, and had recently experienced life stressors. They were injured during matches or overload periods and were highly engaged in the activity.DiscussionPreviously injured soccer players exhibit a lack of perspective concerning the repercussions of their actions on their health. From a preventive viewpoint, these results suggest enhancing the players' health literacy, supporting their autonomy, and moderating the controlling coaching style.
Making the most of life: environmental choice during rearing enhances the ability of laying hens to take opportunities
Authors: Skånberg Lena , Holt Regine V. , Newberry Ruth C. , Estevez Inma , McCrea Kirste , Keeling Linda J. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionThe potential of aviary housing for improving laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) welfare will be constrained if rearing conditions limit the hens’ behavioral ability to take opportunities. Incorporating theories on developmental plasticity and animal agency, this study aimed to determine: (1) whether a choice of litter and perch types during rearing would promote long-lasting changes in use of novel locations and resources, and (2) the influence of timing of choice provision.MethodsLaying hen chicks were assigned to either a “Single-choice” (one litter and perch type) or “Multi-choice” environment (four litter and perch types) during “Early” (day 1-week 4) and “Late” rearing (week 5–15). The environments were switched in half of the 16 pens in week 5, resulting in a 2 × 2 factorial design with four choice environment by period combinations. The allocation of perch and litter space was the same across all treatment combinations. In week 16, all groups were moved to standard aviary laying pens (Laying period, week 16–27).ResultsWhen first moved to the laying pens, hens with Multi-choice in either or both rearing periods were quicker to spread out in their pen than hens with Single-choice throughout rearing. Multi-choice in Early rearing also reduced the latency to use novel elevated structures (perches and nests) in the laying pens. Multi-choice during Late rearing increased success in finding and consuming hidden mealworms (tested in weeks 9–17) and increased the proportion of eggs laid on elevated nesting trays. Numerically, hens switched from Multi-choice to Single-choice in week 5 used the outdoor range less than hens switched from Single-choice to Multi-choice.DiscussionThese results support the hypothesis that offering multiple resource choices during rearing improves hens’ ability to make the most of new opportunities by being more proactive in exploring and exploiting newly available resources. In different opportunity challenges, hens showed positive outcomes in response to choice during Early, Late or both stages of rearing, suggesting that best results can be obtained by offering environmental choice throughout rearing.
Ecological Wood Protection System against Fire, Fungi and Insect Damage Using Humic Acids and Fly Ash
Authors: Liiv Jüri , Rikmann Ergo , Shanskiy Merrit , Teppand Tõnis 
Published: June 2024

Traditional wood protection methods involving fire retardants and preservative paints have limitations, requiring periodic renewal during a building’s lifecycle and generating hazardous waste post-use. This study aims to achieve a multifaceted solution, simultaneously enhancing wood’s resistance to fire, fungi, and insects using natural and/or recycled mineral waste components containing lime that react with pozzolanic additives. Additionally, organic humates provide protection against pests (fungi and insects). Following the crystallization processes within the wood’s structure, it exhibits increased resistance to fire, as demonstrated by tests involving seven species. The study also describes wood tolerance tests against termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) that yielded promising results, indicating that the treated wood is an unsuitable habitat for these pests. An additional advantage for the timber industry is that the crystallized composite filling the wood’s pores minimizes wood stitching and reduces internal stresses during the drying process. This property enhances the utility of timber in frame structures and carpentry joints, which are less susceptible to moisture-induced movements. The timber impregnated by our method can also be repurposed or disposed of as non-hazardous waste. This research thus offers an eco-friendly and effective approach to wood protection.
Les établissements ruraux du Moyen Âge en Sologne bourbonnaise et Limagne septentrionale (Auvergne), VIIe-XIVe siècles, d’après les données de l’archéologie préventive
Authors: Charmoillaux Julie , Gaime Sébastien , Grélois Emmanuel , Cabanis Manon , Gauthier Fabrice , Vernet Gérard 
Published: June 2024

This article details our thinking on rural settlements in a part of the Auvergne region, studied as part of a collective work completed in 2016 and published in 2019 ; this article sets out the main conclusions. The corpus is made up of 27 sites located in two distinct geographical and historical entities : Greater Limagne and Bourbon
Sologne. 13 sites were occupied during the early Middle Ages and 14 in the late Middle Ages. The curve of creations is fairly regular during the early Middle Ages. However, in the late Middle Ages, a peak is visible in the 12th and 13th centuries. The correlation between the nature and chronology of occupation seems to pay witness to a phenomenon in which production was reorganised and capital was concentrated. The end of the 14th century, a period in which a great number of settlements were abandoned, could indicate the end of this economical and topographical reorganisation of farms.
Genèse, évolution et désertion de Missignac (Aimargues, Gard), villa des Ve-XIIe siècles
Authors: Maufras Odile , Rochette Marie , Thomas Benjamin , Donat Richard , Duchesne S. , Thomas Nicolas 
Published: June 2024

Missignac is a villa (a small farming compound) from the early Middle Ages located in the coastal plain of the Languedoc, at a regional crossroads and on the site of a significant settlement from the Antiquity. The recent preventive archaeological dig conducted on the site concerned a large outlying storage area and the heart of the medieval settlement. Indeed, it revealed this settlement’s origin and development from the second half of the 5th century to the start of the 13th century. Circa 450, the seat of the ancient domain was no longer – or not the only – place of residence for the people working the land. Some of them settled in the surrounding area, in a very loose cluster of farms, linked to two routes initially, then to a third from the 8th or 9th century. The settlement of this era encompassed several grave areas located alongside a route and within the limits of certain inhabited plots. In the 10th century, a church was built in an open area, bordering the densest part of the built-up area, at the corner of two major routes. Progressively, a concentration of dwellings emerged, but also graves that were nonetheless organised in to independent sectors until during the 11th century. The villa
took on the form of a tightly-knit but open village centre, without ramparts but with a small surrounding ditch. In the following century, the church was rebuilt while the many grave areas disappeared and were reorganised into a single cemetery next to the church. From the second half of the 12th century, settlement declined and the village was perhaps deserted before 1200, although burials
Merxheim - « Obere Reben » (Haut-Rhin). Découverte d’un nouvel ensemble funéraire du premier Moyen Âge
Authors: Barrand-Emam Hélène , Chenal Fanny , Fischbach Thomas , Mauduit Amandine 
Published: June 2024

A rescue excavation in the municipality of Merxheim
(Alsace, Haut-Rhin) uncovered a portion of a funerary ensemble dating from the early Middle Ages, made up of 92 burial graves, used from the middle of the 6th century BC to the second half of the 10th century BC. The burial practices unveiled on the site do not particularly vary from those usually observed in other community necropolises already known to be from the period in Alsace. Nevertheless, specific or even unprecedented cases deserve to be presented. Our work will focus on the issues of biological and social identities, stores of sword scabbards and finally post burial re-interventions.