bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality improvement: treatment escalation plans in oncology
Authors: Chauhan Hiten Arun , Adat Rehaan , Garofide Harieta , Bhandari Monica , Viramuthu Sivalekha 
Published: April 2024

Treatment escalation plans (TEPs) are increasingly appreciated tools in modern hospital medicine. It records and advises on the appropriate escalation of care for our patients, often when those of us who know them best are not available. It is of value in all specialties, though notably in oncology where an oncologist would be best placed at advising on the care of their patients.A baseline study in September 2021 found only 22% of patients admitted under oncology at Northampton General Hospital had TEP forms completed within 72 hours of admission. This quality improvement project aimed to significantly and sustainably improve this. Education and increasing the understanding of the medical and nursing teams about the importance of timely TEP form completion was essential. We also made TEPs a part of every multidisciplinary team discussion regarding a patient. Though, most significantly was the recognition that one of the responsibilities of the admitting registrar was to fill out a TEP form once the decision to admit had been made. Our ensuing study found an increase in our completion rate to 83% in February 2022.A fall in performance after introduction of new medical staff was swiftly remedied by re-education and encouragement to join daily board rounds. We sustained and improved the team’s rate of TEP completion, within 72 hours of admission, to 80% in February 2023 and 91% in May 2023.
Effective information bounds in modified quantum mechanics
Authors: Aghababaei Sarah , Moradpour Hooman , Wani Salman Sajad , Marino Francesco , Shah Naveed Ahmad , Faizal Mir 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA common feature of collapse models and an expected signature of the quantization of gravity at energies well below the Planck scale is the deviation from ordinary quantum-mechanical behavior. Here, we analyze the general consequences of such modifications from the point of view of quantum information theory and we anticipate applications to different quantum systems. We show that quantum systems undergo corrections to the quantum speed limit which, in turn, imply the modification of the Heisenberg limit for parameter estimation. Our results hold for a wide class of scenarios beyond ordinary quantum mechanics. For some nonlocal models inspired by quantum gravity, the bounds are found to oscillate in time, an effect that could be tested in future high-precision quantum experiments.
CD106 in Tumor-Specific Exhausted CD8+ T Cells Mediates Immunosuppression by Inhibiting TCR Signaling
Authors: Naoi Yuto , Morinaga Takao , Nagasaki Joji , Ariyasu Ryo , Ueda Youki , Yamashita Kazuo , Zhou Wenhao , Kawashima Shusuke , Kawase Katsushige , Honobe-Tabuchi Akiko , Ohnuma Takehiro , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi , Umeda Yoshiyasu , Kawahara Yu , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Kiniwa Yukiko , Yamasaki Osamu , Fukushima Satoshi , Kawazu Masahito , Suzuki Yutaka , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Hanazawa Toyoyuki , Ando Mizuo , Inozume Takashi , Togashi Yosuke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
T-cell exhaustion is a major contributor to immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Blockade of key regulators of T-cell exhaustion, such as programmed death 1, can reinvigorate tumor-specific T cells and activate antitumor immunity in various types of cancer. In this study, we identified that CD106 was specifically expressed in exhausted CD8+ T cells in the TME using single-cell RNA sequencing. High CD106 expression in the TME in clinical samples corresponded to improved response to cancer immunotherapy. CD106 in tumor-specific T cells suppressed antitumor immunity both in vitro and in vivo, and loss of CD106 in CD8+ T cells suppressed tumor growth and improved response to programmed death 1 blockade. Mechanistically, CD106 inhibited T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling by interacting with the TCR/CD3 complex and reducing its surface expression. Together, these findings provide insights into the immunosuppressive role of CD106 expressed in tumor-specific exhausted CD8+ T cells, identifying it as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
Significance: CD106 is specifically expressed in tumor-specific exhausted CD8+ T cells and inhibits the TCR signaling pathway by reducing surface expression of the TCR/CD3 complex to suppress antitumor immunity.
CRISPR–Cas9 Screening Identifies KRAS-Induced COX2 as a Driver of Immunotherapy Resistance in Lung Cancer
Authors: Boumelha Jesse , de Castro Andrea , Bah Nourdine , Cha Hongui , de Carné Trécesson Sophie , Rana Sareena , Tomaschko Mona , Anastasiou Panayiotis , Mugarza Edurne , Moore Christopher , Goldstone Robert , East Phil , Litchfield Kevin , Lee Se-Hoon , Molina-Arcas Miriam , Downward Julian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS impairs antitumor immune responses. As effective strategies to combine KRAS inhibitors and immunotherapies have so far proven elusive, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which oncogenic KRAS drives immune evasion is needed to identify approaches that could sensitize KRAS-mutant lung cancer to immunotherapy. In vivo CRISPR–Cas9 screening in an immunogenic murine lung cancer model identified mechanisms by which oncogenic KRAS promotes immune evasion, most notably via upregulation of immunosuppressive COX2 in cancer cells. Oncogenic KRAS potently induced COX2 in both mouse and human lung cancer, which was suppressed using KRAS inhibitors. COX2 acted via prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) to promote resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in lung adenocarcinoma. Targeting COX2/PGE2 remodeled the tumor microenvironment by inducing proinflammatory polarization of myeloid cells and influx of activated cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, which increased the efficacy of ICB. Restoration of COX2 expression contributed to tumor relapse after prolonged KRAS inhibition. These results provide the rationale for testing COX2/PGE2 pathway inhibitors in combination with KRASG12C inhibition or ICB in patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancer.
Significance: COX2 signaling via prostaglandin E2 is a major mediator of immune evasion driven by oncogenic KRAS that promotes immunotherapy and KRAS-targeted therapy resistance, suggesting effective combination treatments for KRAS-mutant lung cancer.
Near-infrared Photoimmunotherapy Targeting Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Patient-Derived Xenografts Using a Humanized Anti-Fibroblast Activation Protein Antibody
Authors: Kobayashi Teruki , Noma Kazuhiro , Nishimura Seitaro , Kato Takuya , Nishiwaki Noriyuki , Ohara Toshiaki , Kunitomo Tomoyoshi , Kawasaki Kento , Akai Masaaki , Komoto Satoshi , Kashima Hajime , Kikuchi Satoru , Tazawa Hiroshi , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Esophageal cancer remains a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite ongoing advancements in treatments such as immunotherapy. The tumor microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), plays a crucial role in driving the aggressiveness of esophageal cancer. In a previous study utilizing human-derived xenograft models, we successfully developed a novel cancer treatment that targeted CAFs with near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), as an adjuvant therapy. In this study, we sought to translate our findings toward clinical practice by employing patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and utilizing humanized mAbs, specifically sibrotuzumab, which is an antihuman fibroblast activation protein (FAP) Ab and already being investigated in clinical trials as monotherapy. PDX models derived from patients with esophageal cancer were effectively established, preserving the expression of key biomarkers such as EGFR and FAP, as observed in primary tumors. The application of FAP-targeted NIR-PIT using sibrotuzumab, conjugated with the photosensitizer IR700DX, exhibited precise binding and selective elimination of FAP-expressing fibroblasts in vitro. Notably, in our in vivo investigations using both cell line–derived xenograft and PDX models, FAP-targeted NIR-PIT led to significant inhibition of tumor progression compared with control groups, all without inducing adverse events such as weight loss. Immunohistologic assessments revealed a substantial reduction in CAFs exclusively within the tumor microenvironment of both models, further supporting the efficacy of our approach. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of CAF-targeted NIR-PIT employing sibrotuzumab as a promising therapeutic avenue for the clinical treatment of patients with esophageal cancer.
A Procedure for Testing for Tokyo Type 1 Open-Ended Evolution
Authors: Channon Alastair 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Tokyo Type 1 open-ended evolution (OEE) is a category of OEE that includes systems exhibiting the ongoing generation of adaptive novelty and ongoing growth in complexity. It can be considered as a necessary foundation for Tokyo Type 2 OEE (ongoing evolution of evolvability) and Tokyo Type 3 OEE (ongoing generation of major transitions). This article brings together five methods of analysis to form a procedure for testing for Tokyo Type 1 OEE. The procedure is presented as simply as possible, isolated from the complexities of any particular evolutionary system, and with a clear rationale for each step. In developing these steps, we also identify five key challenges in OEE. The last of these (achieving a higher order of complexity growth within a system exhibiting indefinitely scalable complexity) can be considered a grand challenge for Tokyo Type 1 OEE. Promising approaches to this grand challenge include also achieving one or both of Tokyo Types 2 and 3 OEE; this can be seen as one answer to why these other types of OEE are important, providing a unified view of OEE.
WMO Typhoon Landfall Forecast Demonstration Project (2010–22): A Decade of Transition from Track Forecasts to Impact Forecasts
Authors: Yu Hui , Chen Guomin , Wong Wai-Kin , Vigh Jonathan L. , Pan Chi-kin , Lu Xiaoqin , Zhang Jun A. , Tang Jie , Zhao Kun , Chen Peiyan , Yu Zifeng , Yang Mengqi , Dunion Jason , Fang Zheqing , Lei Xiaotu , Tyagi Ajit , Chen Lianshou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The Typhoon Landfall Forecast Demonstration Project (TLFDP) (2010–22) was an international cooperative scientific project conducted under the framework of the WMO. The primary objectives of the TLFDP were to enhance the capability of tropical cyclone (TC) forecasters and support related decision-makers in effective utilization of the most advanced forecasting techniques for the ultimate purpose of reducing and preventing disasters associated with TC landfall. Forty agencies/organizations/projects globally participated in the activities of the TLFDP following its inception in 2010, although the primary focus was on landfalling TCs in the western North Pacific. The TLFDP facilitated collaborations and workshops that realized notable achievements in four key areas: 1) the collection, production, and sharing of TC data; 2) the development and application of TC forecast verification metrics; 3) research on TC forecast skill; and 4) development of new techniques for TC forecasting. An obvious outcome was the shift from prediction of TC features, including track and intensity, toward prediction of TC impacts with more probabilistic conception. The final years of the project also promoted increasing application of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques in various techniques for analysis and forecasting of TCs. Although the TLFDP ended in 2022, its core activities have continued to be extended through new WMO projects and regional cooperative initiatives.
The Influence of ENSO Diversity on Future Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Activity
Authors: Mueller Teryn J. , Patricola Christina M. , Bercos-Hickey Emily 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influences seasonal Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity by impacting environmental conditions important for TC genesis. However, the influence of future climate change on the teleconnection between ENSO and Atlantic TCs is uncertain, as climate change is expected to impact both ENSO and the mean climate state. We used the Weather Research and Forecasting Model on a tropical channel domain to simulate 5-member ensembles of Atlantic TC seasons in historical and future climates under different ENSO conditions. Experiments were forced with idealized sea surface temperature configurations based on the Community Earth System Model (CESM) Large Ensemble representing: a monthly varying climatology, eastern Pacific El Niño, central Pacific El Niño, and La Niña. The historical simulations produced fewer Atlantic TCs during eastern Pacific El Niño compared to central Pacific El Niño, consistent with observations and other modeling studies. For each ENSO state, the future simulations produced a similar teleconnection with Atlantic TCs as in the historical simulations. Specifically, La Niña continues to enhance Atlantic TC activity, and El Niño continues to suppress Atlantic TCs, with greater suppression during eastern Pacific El Niño compared to central Pacific El Niño. In addition, we found a decrease in the Atlantic TC frequency in the future relative to historical regardless of ENSO state, which was associated with a future increase in northern tropical Atlantic vertical wind shear and a future decrease in the zonal tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) gradient, corresponding to a more El Niño–like mean climate state. Our results indicate that ENSO will remain useful for seasonal Atlantic TC prediction in the future.
Semen parameter enhancement after varicocelectomy: Insights into varicose vein diameter and BMI influence: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hariri Mohammad Kazem , Rajabalian Mohammad-Bagher , Narouie Behzad , Ahmadaghayi Sina , Rostami Ghasem , Ezoji Khadijeh , Momeni Hamidreza , Radpour Negar 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Varicocele is a condition in which the veins in the spermatic cord become enlarged and twisted. Varicocele is widely recognized as the leading cause of male infertility due to its significant impact on reproductive health in men. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the diameter of the varicose vein and the recovery rate of the spermogram after varicocelectomy. Also, the effect of body mass index (BMI) on sperm parameters after varicocelectomy. Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Valiasr Hospital’s urology clinic in Qaemshahr, Iran from August 2018 to August 2019 and involved 27 men with unilateral left varicocele who met the inclusion criteria for surgical repair. Before the operation, we recorded demographic information, the maximum diameter of varicose veins in the pampiniform plexus, and spermogram results. We repeated semen analysis 3 months after the operation and analyzed the data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21 software. Results: Our findings showed that the diameter of the varicose vein before varicocelectomy was not significantly associated with the improvement of main semen parameters after the operation. Furthermore, our study suggested that a lower body mass index might contribute to a greater improvement in sperm motility, as individuals with lower BMI showed more significant improvement. Discussion: There is a significant inverse relationship between BMI and sperm motility improvement after surgery. Patients with a lower BMI showed greater improvement in sperm motility.
The Tendency of the Non-Bank Financial Sector to Rise: A Materialist Account of the Growth of Market-Based Finance
Authors: Höfig Bruno , Müller Leonardo Paes , Colombini Iderley 
Published: April 2024

This article introduces the distinction between money-as-money dealing capital (MMDC) and money-as-capital dealing capital (MCDC), laying the foundations for new developments in the field of Marxian political economy. First, it explains why banks, which manage the circulation of money-as-money, are able to issue instruments that perform monetary functions, and also why non-bank financial intermediaries, which manage the circulation of money-as-capital, tend to become increasingly important as the capitalist mode of production evolves. The distinction between MMDC and MCDC also allows for a more thorough understanding of the nature of Marx’s category of interest-bearing capital (IBC), explaining when and why a capital’s net income takes the form of profit and interest, unveiling the mechanisms that produce the (socially valid) illusion that every capital bears interest. JEL Classification: B14, B26, E11, E43, E44
Correlation of serum anti-Mullerian hormone and Inhibin-B levels with osteoporosis of menopausal woman in Chinese Daur ethnic group
Authors: Ma Xiaorui , Tang Le , Wang Hanyu , Chi Na , Wang Yanhua , Wang Xiuqing 
Published: April 2024

Purpose To investigate the diagnostic value of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and Inhibin B (InhB) in menopausal women with osteoporosis from the Chinese Daur ethnic group. Methods A total of 175 menopausal women were selected and divided into the osteoporosis group ( N = 90) and the control group ( N = 85). BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and laboratory indicators of osteoporosis, for example, serum osteocalcin (OC), β-collagen special sequence (β-CTX), and procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide (PINP), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), AMH, and InhB were measured by commercial kits. The relationship between osteoporosis and AMH or InhB was analyzed. The predictive values of AMH and InhB were reflected by the ROC curve and logistic regression. Results The level of BMD was decreased and the levels of OC, β-CTX, PINP, and BALP of the menopausal osteoporosis group were increased. The concentration of AMH and InhB in the menopausal osteoporosis group was decreased and they had connections with each other. AMH and InhB could be used as independent indicators for the occurrence of osteoporosis in menopausal women and their combination had a higher diagnostic value. Conclusion AMH and InhB measurements in menopausal women had a certain clinical significance in the detection of osteoporosis. The occurrence of osteoporosis was related to BMD, OC, β-CTX, BALP, AMH, and InhB.
Effects of an Animation-Based Comprehensive Sexuality Education Package: A 2-Year Repeated Intervention Study
Authors: Zhou Hui , Zhang Hanxiyue , Xiao Angela Y. , Yu Lei , Tang Kun 
Published: April 2024

Background Preadolescents, who are in a transitional phase of development, may experience higher exposure to heterosexual interactions while facing higher risks regarding misinformation in sexual knowledge and unsafe engagement in sexual activities. There is a deficiency in the availability of qualified educators and age-appropriate teaching materials for sexuality education in China. Methods We implemented an animation-based comprehensive sexuality education package among preadolescents aged 9 to 12 years from eight schools in Anhui, China. The first round of intervention included 1,835 participants, lasting 2 months from September to November 2020. A total of 374 participants, accounting for 52% of the intervention group, received a second round of intervention in September 2021. Participants completed immediate follow-up assessment and 1-year follow-up assessment to assess changes in their sexual knowledge, attitudes, and other outcomes. Propensity score matching and difference-in-difference analysis were performed to determine the short- and long-term impacts. Results Significant improvements were observed for both sexual knowledge and sexual attitudes in the immediate follow-up. There was no significant effect on pornography-seeking behavior or awareness of experiencing sexual abuse. After 1 year, the effect was sustained for sexual knowledge, but slightly declined for sexual attitudes. The second intervention significantly improved sexual knowledge; however, no significant change in sexual attitudes, pornography-seeking behavior, or awareness of experiencing sexual abuse was observed. Conclusions Our comprehensive sexuality education package was effective in improving sexual knowledge both immediately and 1 year after the intervention. Repeated intervention can be an effective strategy for promoting preadolescent health development regarding comprehensive sexuality education.
Psyllium husk powder increases defecation frequency and faecal score, bulk and moisture in healthy cats
Authors: Keller Emeline , Laxalde Jeremy , Tranier Nelly , Belmar von Kretschmann Pablo , Jackson Ailsa , van Hoek Ingrid 
Published: April 2024

Objectives Constipation is the infrequent or difficult emission of hard, dry faeces and is a common digestive condition in cats. Psyllium is a low-fermentable fibre, with soluble and insoluble components and water-holding properties. It forms a mucilaginous gel with water and is used for the symptomatic treatment of constipation in various species. This study evaluated the effect of dietary psyllium on faecal characteristics in cats. Methods Healthy neutered adult cats (six female and three male, aged 3.3–4.4 years) were consecutively fed a dry extruded diet containing either 6% psyllium (test) or 6% cellulose (control) for 10 days each. During the last 3 days (the collection days) of both feeding periods, bowel movements and faecal scores were recorded, and faeces were collected to measure wet weight and moisture. The statistical analysis used linear mixed models with diet, day and their interaction as fixed effects and animal as a random term. Results The test diet was associated with significantly more bowel movements per day over 3 days ( P = 0.0052) and on collection day 2 ( P = 0.0229) than the control diet. The mean faecal score was higher (softer faeces) over all three collection days ( P <0.0001) and on collection days 1, 2 and 3 ( P = 0.0011, P = 0.0349, P = 0.0003, respectively) for the test diet vs the control diet; the total faecal wet weight ( P = 0.0003) and faecal moisture (%) were also higher ( P = 0.0426) for the test diet. Faeces associated with the test diet often had a dry shell and soft interior, which increased the faecal score. Conclusions and relevance Psyllium promoted more bowel movements and higher faecal moisture and faecal score in healthy cats, consistent with a previous uncontrolled clinical trial in constipated cats. Together, the studies support the use of dietary psyllium for managing cats with constipation.
Orbital Floor Fractures: Treatment and Diagnostics – A Survey Among Swiss, German and Austrian Maxillofacial Units
Authors: Burger Thomas , Fan Kathleen , Brokmeier Johannes , Thieringer Florian M. , Berg Britt-Isabelle 
Published: April 2024

Study Design N/A. Objective This study investigated the different ways of orbital floor reconstruction with special focus on reconstruction materials, imaging modalities (intra-/ post-operative), 3D printing and navigation. Methods The heads of all governmental-run or associated cranio-maxillofacial surgery units in Switzerland, Austria and Germany were asked in person or received an email link for an online survey with 12 questions. Results The return rate was 57%. The most often selected number of reconstructions was between 10 and 50 per year. Resorbable polydioxanone (PDS) foils (41%) and titanium mesh (18 %) were most often used to reconstruct the orbital floor. 31% use 3D Navigation intraoperative. Post-operative imaging was most often performed with CBCT (34.5%) in patients without complications, whereas CT scans were most often performed (63.3%) in patients with persisting complications. In total, 27% stated that they never use preformed orbital plates, and the remaining units use them more or less regularly. 48% have access to a 3D printer and 75% of the respondents use patient specific implants. Conclusions The majority of the participating units prefer to use resorbable material for the reconstruction of the orbital floor defects. 3D printing facilities are not available in the majority of units, but it can be expected that the number of units with 3D printing facilities will rise in the near future.