bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sentinel lymph node biopsy before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cN0 breast cancer patients: impact on axillary morbidity and survival—a propensity score cohort study
Authors: Fernandez-Gonzalez Sergi , Falo Catalina , Pla Maria J. , Campos Miriam , Ortega-Exposito Carlos , Ortega Raul , Vicente Maria , Petit Ana , Bosch-Schips Jan , Bajen Maria Teresa , Reyes Gabriel , Martínez Evelyn , González-Viguera Javier , Peñafiel Judith , Stradella Agostina , Pernas Sonia , Ponce Jordi , Garcia-Tejedor Amparo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In patients with clinically lymph node-negative (cN0) breast cancer, performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has been preferentially embraced in comparison to before NACT. However, survival outcomes associated with both strategies remain understudied. We aimed to compare the axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND) rate, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS), between two strategies.

Methods
We included 310 patients in a retrospective observational study. SNLB was performed before NACT from December 2006 to April 2014 (107 cases) and after NACT from May 2014 to May 2020 (203 patients). An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was applied to homogenize both groups. Hazard ratios (HR) and odd ratios (OR) are reported with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results
The lymphadenectomy rate was 29.9% before NACT and 7.4% after NACT (p < 0.001), with an OR of 5.35 95%CI (2.7–10.4); p = .002. After 4 years of follow-up, SLNB after NACT was associated with lower risk for DFS, HR 0.42 95%CI (0.17–1.06); p = 0.066 and better OS, HR 0.21 CI 95% (0.07–0.67); p = 0.009 than SLNB before NACT. After multivariate analysis, independent adverse prognostic factors for OS included SLNB before NACT, HR 3.095 95%CI (2.323–4.123), clinical nonresponse to NACT, HR 1.702 95% CI (1.012–2.861), and small tumors (cT1) with high proliferation index, HR 1.889 95% (1.195–2.985).

Conclusion
Performing SLNB before NACT results in more ALND and has no benefit for patient survival. These findings support discontinuing the practice of SLNB before NACT in patients with cN0 breast cancer.
A comparative analysis of deep learning-based location-adaptive threshold method software against other commercially available software
Authors: Park Daebeom , Park Eun-Ah , Jeong Baren , Lee Whal 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAutomatic segmentation of the coronary artery using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images can facilitate several analyses related to coronary artery disease (CAD). Accurate segmentation of the lumen or plaque region is one of the most important factors. This study aimed to analyze the performance of the coronary artery segmentation of a software platform with a deep learning-based location-adaptive threshold method (DL-LATM) against commercially available software platforms using CCTA. The dataset from intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) of 26 vessel segments from 19 patients was used as the gold standard to evaluate the performance of each software platform. Statistical analyses (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC], intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC], and Bland-Altman plot) were conducted for the lumen or plaque parameters by comparing the dataset of each software platform with IVUS. The software platform with DL-LATM showed the bias closest to zero for detecting lumen volume (mean difference = -9.1 mm3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -18.6 to 0.4 mm3) or area (mean difference = -0.72 mm2, 95% CI = -0.80 to -0.64 mm2) with the highest PCC and ICC. Moreover, lumen or plaque area in the stenotic region was analyzed. The software platform with DL-LATM showed the bias closest to zero for detecting lumen (mean difference = -0.07 mm2, 95% CI = -0.16 to 0.02 mm2) or plaque area (mean difference = 1.70 mm2, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.03 mm2) in the stenotic region with significantly higher correlation coefficient than other commercially available software platforms (p < 0.001). The result shows that the software platform with DL-LATM has the potential to serve as an aiding system for CAD evaluation.
Clinical characteristics, imaging findings, management, and outcomes of patients with scimitar syndrome at a tertiary referral healthcare center in Colombia
Authors: Aristizabal Ana M. , Guzmán-Serrano Carlos A. , Mondol-Villamil Nancy Vanessa , Bolaños-Vallejo Lina Maria , Mejia-Quiñones Valentina , Recio-Gómez Maria Alejandra , García-Pretelt Enrique Carlos , Mejía-González Mauricio , Alvarez Walter Mosquera , Gutiérrez-Gil Jaiber Alberto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractScimitar Syndrome is part of a complex spectrum of congenital cardiovascular anomalies related to anomalous pulmonary venous return. Depending on the extent of involvement, treatment can be either expectant or surgical. Prognosis and survival have been controversial, with some results supporting early surgical management. This research aims to disclose the outcomes and describe the management, clinical and imaging characteristics of patients diagnosed with Scimitar Syndrome treated in a tertiary referral healthcare center. Longitudinal descriptive observational study. The study included all patients diagnosed with scimitar syndrome in our institution between January/2011 and December/2022. A description of the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, diagnostic tools used, treatment features, and patient outcomes is provided. Eleven patients were included, with a mean age at diagnosis of five years (CI 0–17), six of which were female (54.55%). Nine (81.82%) patients had evidence of a scimitar vein on the chest radiograph, six (54.55%) cardiac dextroposition, six (54.55%) pulmonary hypoplasia, five (45.45%) right pulmonary artery hypoplasia, and three (27.27%) had aortopulmonary collaterals. Four (36.36%) patients had horseshoe lungs, and four (36.36%) had bronchopulmonary sequestration. In the associations, two (18.18%) patients were found to have an atrial septal defect, three (27.27%) ventricular septal defect, and one (9%) had Tetralogy of Fallot. Pulmonary hypertension was demonstrated in two (18.18%) patients. Seven (63.64%) required surgical management to correct the scimitar vein, and two patients died due to unrelated complications. Scimitar syndrome presents diagnostic and treatment challenges, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for timely care. Chest radiography and CT scans are primary diagnostic tools, with surgical intervention often warranted alongside other heart defects or significant hemodynamic repercussions. Medical management is effective for mild to moderate cases. Long-term patient outcomes remain uncertain due to study limitations, but improved life expectancy is anticipated with ongoing care.
Fatigue crack growth of WC–Co cemented carbides: a comparative study using small indentation flaws and long through-thickness cracks
Authors: Mahani S. Fooladi , Liu C. , García-Marro F. , Lin L. L. , Cabezas L. , Wen X. , Mansilla N. , Llanes L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe fatigue crack growth behavior of a submicron-grained WC–Co hardmetal is investigated by artificially introducing small flaws by means of sharp indentation. Similar fatigue testing is also conducted on notched specimens with long through-thickness cracks for comparison purposes. The use of controlled small indentations flaws is shown to be a valid and successful approach for studying and describing crack growth behavior under cyclic loading for the material under consideration. This statement is based on the similitude found in fatigue mechanics and mechanisms between both crack types. Regarding the former, accounting of the indentation-induced residual stresses is key to rationalize the experimental findings. Concerning the latter, inspection of crack-microstructure interaction as well as fracture surfaces permit to discern similar features and scenarios, at both meso- and micrometric length scales. Results from this research yield an immediate practical implication, as indentation techniques may then be proposed as an alternative testing route for investigating fatigue crack growth behavior of hardmetal grades where sharp indentation is capable to induce well-developed radial crack systems.
The role of dimension and electric charge on a collapsing geometry in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Brassel Byron P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe analysis of the continual gravitational contraction of a spherically symmetric shell of charged radiation is extended to higher dimensions in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. The spacetime metric, which is of Boulware–Deser type, is real only up to a maximum electric charge and thus collapse terminates with the formation of a branch singularity. This branch singularity divides the higher dimensional spacetime into two regions, a real and physical one, and a complex region. This is not the case in neutral Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity as well as general relativity. The charged gravitational collapse process is also similar for all dimensions $$N\ge 5$$

N
≥
5

unlike in the neutral scenario where there is a marked difference between the $$N=5$$

N
=
5

and $$N>5$$

N
>
5

cases. In the case where $$N=5$$

N
=
5

uncharged collapse ceases with the formation of a weaker, conical singularity which remains naked for a time depending on the Gauss–Bonnet invariant, before succumbing to an event horizon. The similarity of charged collapse for all higher dimensions is a unique feature in the theory. The sufficient conditions for the formation of a naked singularity are studied for the higher dimensional charged Boulware–Deser spacetime. For particular choices of the mass and charge functions, naked branch singularities are guaranteed and indeed inevitable in higher dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. The strength of the naked branch singularities is also tested and it is found that these singularities become stronger with increasing dimension, and no extension of spacetime through them is possible.
Does the introduction of streamlight decrease refractive surgery operating time?
Authors: Kanclerz Piotr , Przewłócka Katarzyna , Mimouni Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the study was to analyze the time-savings associated with introduction of Streamlight™ (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX, USA) transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in surface corneal ablations.MethodsAll refractive surgeries were performed using the Alcon WaveLight® EX500 at the ArtLife Clinic, Gdańsk, Poland. The study included patients treated for refractive errors with transepithelial PRK between April 2019 and October 2021, who were matched with patients treated with alcohol-assisted PRK during the same period. Only results for the left eye were analyzed.ResultsOne-hundred-five patients underwent transepithelial PRK (age 33.42 ± 8.67 years) and were matched with 105 patients that underwent alcohol-assisted PRK (age 33.05 ± 10.16 years;p = 0.11). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was − 2.04 ± 2.28 D, and − 1.9 ± 1.71 D for the transepithelial and alcohol-assisted PRK group, respectively (p = 0.20). The total surgery time was non-significantly shorter in transepithelial PRK (349.46 ± 47.83 s) than in alcohol-assisted PRK (354.93 ± 137.63 s;p = 0.7); however, the variance of surgical time was significantly lower in transepithelial PRK (p < 0.001). The laser treatment duration was greater in transepithelial PRK (41.78 ± 17.2 s) than in alcohol-assisted PRK (8.48 ± 6.12 s;p < 0.001), and so was the number of breaks during the laser treatment (0.95 ± 0.63 vs. 0.53 ± 0.88, respectively;p < 0.001).ConclusionThe introduction of transepithelial PRK did not bring significant time-associated savings into the refractive surgery suite.
Adaptive Non-singular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for Car-Like Vehicles with Faded Neighborhood Information and Actuator Faults
Authors: Hussein Mahmoud , Zhang Youmin , Liu Zhaoheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study addresses the problem of cooperative control design for a group of car-like vehicles encountering fading channels, actuator faults, and external disturbances. It is presumed that certain followers lack direct access to the states of the leader via a directed graph. This arises challenges in maintaining synchronization and coordination within the network. The proposed control strategy utilizes non-singular fast terminal sliding mode control to accelerate consensus tracking and enhance the convergence of the overall system. This controller is designed to mitigate the impact of actuator faults in the presence of fading channels in the communication network. The effects of such issues on team performance are rigorously analyzed. Based on the Lyapunov stability principle, it has been demonstrated that the controller is capable of providing satisfactory performance for the entire system despite these challenges. Moreover, vehicle synchronization can be effectively maintained. Numerical simulations are conducted to verify the theoretical findings.
Exploring various Integration Methods of carbon quantum dots in CsPbCl3 perovskite solar cells for enhanced power conversion efficiency
Authors: Sawires Eman F. , Ismail Zahraa , Samir Mona , Agour Ahmed M. , Amer Fathy Z. , Nageh Hassan , Abdellatif Sameh O. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this study, we explore the integration of carbon quantum dots (QDs) in cesium lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) across the electron transport layer (ETL), hole transport layer (HTL), and the perovskite absorber to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE). We conduct a comprehensive investigation from thin film analysis to complete device characterization, encompassing eight different device topologies. Our results reveal that the integration of QDs in various layers significantly impacts the performance of the PSCs. Notably, adding QDs in the HTL and ETL improves charge transport and reduces recombination, enhancing device efficiency. Furthermore, introducing QDs in the perovskite layer leads to modifications in the energy landscape, reducing charge trapping and enhancing stability. We observe a trade-off between short-circuit current and overall PCE, with different QD integration strategies yielding distinct performance outcomes. Additionally, incorporating QDs in the ETL layer reduces hysteresis, attributed to mitigated ion migration and charge-trapping effects. Overall, the addition of QDs in these layers demonstrates improved charge transport, reduced recombination, and enhanced stability, ultimately contributing to the enhanced performance and efficiency of perovskite solar cells, reaching 22.5%. This study paves the way for future investigations into the potential of QDs in PSC technology and their impact on device forecasting and operational stability.
Silymarin and MSC-exosomes ameliorate thioacetamide-evoked renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD pathway in rats
Authors: Mekawy Dina Mohamed , Sabry Dina , Sabry Rania Mohamed , Abozeid Naglaa F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
TGF-β1 and SMAD3 are particularly pathogenic in the progression of renal fibrosis.

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the kidney protective potentials of silymarin (SM) and exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells against the nephrotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) in rats.

Methods
32 female rats were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group, the TAA group, the TAA + SM group, and the TAA + Exosomes group. The kidney homogenates from all groups were examined for expression levels of TGF-β receptors I and II using real-time PCR, expression levels of collagen type I and CTGF proteins using ELISA, and the expression levels of nuclear SMAD2/3/4, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3, and cytoplasmic SMAD4 proteins using the western blot technique.

Results
Compared to the control group, the injection of TAA resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of urea and creatinine, gene expression levels of TβRI and TβRII, protein expression levels of both collagen I and CTGF proteins, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3 complex, and nuclear SMAD2/3/4 (p-value < 0.0001), with significantly decreased levels of the co-SMAD partner, SMAD4 (p-value < 0.0001). Those effects were reversed considerably in both treatment groups, with the superiority of the exosomal treatment regarding the SMAD proteins and the expression levels of the TβRI gene, collagen I, and CTGF proteins returning to near-control values (p-value > 0.05).

Conclusion
Using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, the research discovered a reno-protective role of silymarin and exosomes of BM-MSCs after thioacetamide-induced renal fibrosis in rats, with the advantage of exosomes.
The RAS oncogene in brain tumors and the involvement of let-7 microRNA
Authors: Messina Samantha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

RAS oncogenes are master regulator genes in many cancers. In general, RAS-driven cancers have an oncogenic RAS mutation that promotes disease progression (colon, lung, pancreas). In contrast, brain tumors are not necessarily RAS-driven cancers because RAS mutations are rarely observed. In particular, glioblastomas (the most lethal brain tumor) do not appear to have dominant genetic mutations that are suitable for targeted therapy. Standard treatment for most brain tumors continues to focus on maximal surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Yet the convergence of genomic aberrations such as EGFR, PDGFR and NF1 (some of which are clinically effective) with activation of the RAS/MAPK cascade is still considered a key point in gliomagenesis, and KRAS is undoubtedly a driving gene in gliomagenesis in mice. In cancer, microRNAs (miRNA) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate carcinogenesis. However, the functional consequences of aberrant miRNA expression in cancer are still poorly understood. let-7 encodes an intergenic miRNA that is classified as a tumour suppressor, at least in lung cancer. Let-7 suppresses a plethora of oncogenes such as RAS, HMGA, c-Myc, cyclin-D and thus suppresses cancer development, differentiation and progression. let-7 family members are direct regulators of certain RAS family genes by binding to the sequences in their 3′untranslated region (3′UTR). let-7 miRNA is involved in the malignant behaviour in vitro—proliferation, migration and invasion—of gliomas and stem-like glioma cells as well as in vivo models of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) via KRAS inhibition. It also increases resistance to certain chemotherapeutic agents and radiotherapy in GBM. Although let-7 therapy is not yet established, this review updates the current state of knowledge on the contribution of miRNA let-7 in interaction with KRAS to the oncogenesis of brain tumours.
Sowing summer grain crops early in late winter or spring: effects on root growth, water use, and yield
Authors: Zhao Dongxue , deVoil Peter , Rognoni Bethany G. , Wilkus Erin , Eyre Joseph X. , Broad Ian , Rodriguez Daniel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Context
Drought and extreme heat at flowering are common stresses limiting the yield of summer crops. Adaptation to these stresses could be increased by sowing summer crops early in late winter or early spring, to avoid overlap of drought and heat with critical crop stages around flowering. Though little is known about the effects of cold weather on root growth, water use and final grain yield in sorghum.

Objective
This study aims to explore the effects of cold conditions in early sowing sorghum on crop and root growth and function (i.e., water use), and final grain yield.

Methods
Two years of field experiments were conducted in the Darling and Eastern Downs region of Qld, Australia. Each trial consisted of three times of sowing (late winter, spring, and summer), two levels of irrigation (i.e., rainfed and supplementary irrigated), four plant population densities (3, 6, 9 and 12 pl m−2), and six commercial sorghum hybrids. Roots and shoots were sampled at the flag leaf stage on three times of sowing, two levels of irrigation, and three replications, for a single hybrid and a single plant population density (9 pl m−2). Crop water use and functional root traits were derived from consecutive electromagnetic induction (EMI) surveys around flowering. At maturity crop biomass, yield and yield components were determined across all treatments.

Results
The combinations of seasons, times of sowing and levels of irrigation created large variations in growth conditions that affected the growth and production of the crops. Early sowing increased yield by transferring water use from vegetative to reproductive stages and increasing grain numbers in tillers. Cold temperatures in the early sowing times tended to produce smaller crops with smaller rooting systems, smaller root-to-shoot ratios, and larger average root diameters. Total root length and root length density increased with increasing pre-flowering mean air temperatures up to 20 °C. Linear relationships were observed between an EMI derived index of root activity and the empirically determined values of root length density (cm cm−3) at flowering.

Conclusions
Sowing sorghum, a summer crop, early in late winter or spring transferred water use from vegetative stages to flowering and post-flowering stages increasing crop water use later in the season. Root length and root length density were reduced by pre-flowering mean temperatures lower than 20 °C, indicating a need to increase cold tolerance for early sowing. The higher grain numbers in early sown crops were related to higher grain numbers in tillers. The EMI derived index of root activity has a potential in the development of high throughput root phenotyping applications.
Toffoli-depth reduction method preserving in-place quantum circuits and its application to SHA3-256
Authors: Lee Jongheon , Kang Yousung , Lee You-Seok , Chung Boheung , Choi Dooho 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhen implementing a quantum circuit for a desired reversible function, an attempt is made to design an accurate quantum circuit. Then, the quantum circuit is optimized based on a specific cost function, such as design cost, width (the number of qubits), depth, etc. In particular, if an in-place subcircuit itself can be optimized while maintaining its in-place property, it will be a very useful way to increase efficiency without changing the initial architecture of the entire quantum circuit. Furthermore, since its (clean) work qubits can easily be utilized in subsequent subroutines of the quantum circuit, it has an additional important advantage in terms of width. In this paper, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, we present a global Toffoli-depth reduction methodology for an in-place version reversible circuit in the case that the given input circuit is optimized with Toffoli-count. We mainly introduce a process to optimize the$$\chi $$χinternal function block in SHA3-256 to explain our Toffoli-depth reduction approach preserving the in-place property, and hence, well-balanced five$$\chi $$χquantum circuits are induced in terms of its width and T-depth. And then, we apply these five$$\chi $$χcircuits to design the entire SHA3-256 cryptosystem. One of the proposed SHA3-256 quantum circuits has a width of 1600 and a T-depth of 264, and this shows a result of 50% and 38.9% reduction compared to the previous circuit in terms of width and T-depth, respectively. Other versions of our SHA3-256 circuits just required 10–33 qubits per one T-depth compared to the previous results which require over 1800 qubits per T-depth, and so this means that our SHA3-256 circuits are well-balanced. Finally, we constructed Grover’s algorithm circuit using each version that realized SHA3-256. When output circuits for the presented method were used, quantum volume values of Grover’s algorithm circuits became 33 and 50$$\%$$%of the value when the input circuit was used.