bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CT-based dosiomics and radiomics model predicts radiation-induced lymphopenia in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Huang Qingfang , Yang Chao , Pang Jinmeng , Zeng Biao , Yang Pei , Zhou Rongrong , Wu Haijun , Shen Liangfang , Zhang Rong , Lou Fan , Jin Yi , Abdilim Albert , Jin Hekun , Zhang Zijian , Xie Xiaoxue 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis study aims to develop and validate a model predictive for the incidence of grade 4 radiation-induced lymphopenia (G4RIL), based on dosiomics features and radiomics features from the planning CT of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated by radiation therapy.MethodsThe dataset of 125 NPC patients treated with radiotherapy from August 2018 to March 2019 was randomly divided into two sets—an 85-sample training set and a 40-sample test set. Dosiomics features and radiomics features of the CT image within the skull bone and cervical vertebrae were extracted. A feature selection process of multiple steps was employed to identify the features that most accurately forecast the data and eliminate superfluous or insignificant ones. A support vector machine learning classifier with correction for imbalanced data was trained on the patient dataset for prediction of RIL (positive classifier for G4RIL, negative otherwise). The model’s predictive capability was gauged by gauging its sensitivity (the likelihood of a positive test being administered to patients with G4RIL) and specificity in the test set. The area beneath the ROC curve (AUC) was utilized to explore the association of characteristics with the occurrence of G4RIL.ResultsThree clinical features, three dosiomics features, and three radiomics features exhibited significant correlations with G4RIL. Those features were then used for model construction. The combination model, based on nine robust features, yielded the most impressive results with an ACC value of 0.88 in the test set, while the dosiomics model, with three dosiomics features, had an ACC value of 0.82, the radiomics model, with three radiomics features, had an ACC value of 0.82, and the clinical model, with its initial features, had an ACC value of 0.6 for prediction performance.ConclusionThe findings show that radiomics and dosiomics features are correlated with the G4RIL of NPC patients. The model incorporating radiomics features and dosiomics features from planning CT can predict the incidence of G4RIL in NPC patients.
Superiorization of projection algorithms for linearly constrained inverse radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Barkmann Florian , Censor Yair , Wahl Niklas 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveWe apply the superiorization methodology to the constrained intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning problem. Superiorization combines a feasibility-seeking projection algorithm with objective function reduction: The underlying projection algorithm is perturbed with gradient descent steps to steer the algorithm towards a solution with a lower objective function value compared to one obtained solely through feasibility-seeking.ApproachWithin the open-source inverse planning toolkit matRad, we implement a prototypical algorithmic framework for superiorization using the well-established Agmon, Motzkin, and Schoenberg (AMS) feasibility-seeking projection algorithm and common nonlinear dose optimization objective functions. Based on this prototype, we apply superiorization to intensity-modulated radiation therapy treatment planning and compare it with (i) bare feasibility-seeking (i.e., without any objective function) and (ii) nonlinear constrained optimization using first-order derivatives. For these comparisons, we use the TG119 water phantom, the head-and-neck and the prostate patient of the CORT dataset.Main resultsBare feasibility-seeking with AMS confirms previous studies, showing it can find solutions that are nearly equivalent to those found by the established piece-wise least-squares optimization approach. The superiorization prototype solved the linearly constrained planning problem with similar dosimetric performance to that of a general-purpose nonlinear constrained optimizer while showing smooth convergence in both constraint proximity and objective function reduction.SignificanceSuperiorization is a useful alternative to constrained optimization in radiotherapy inverse treatment planning. Future extensions with other approaches to feasibility-seeking, e.g., with dose-volume constraints and more sophisticated perturbations, may unlock its full potential for high performant inverse treatment planning.
β-sitosterol alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis via inhibition of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Zhang Di , Ge Fei , Ji Jing , Li Yu-Jing , Zhang Fu-Rong , Wang Shu-Yan , Zhang Shu-Jing , Zhang Dong-Mei , Chen Meng 
Published: October 2023

Background: Inflammation-related NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis is involved in the progression of ulcerative colitis (UC). β-sitosterol (SIT) was reported to have anti-inflammatory effects on experimental colitis, while the regulation of SIT on pyroptosis is unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to define the protective and healing effects of SIT on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced experimental UC rats and human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) and explore the underlying mechanisms that are responsible for its effects on NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis in UC.Methods: UC model rats were established by oral 4% DSS. Following colitis injury, the animals received SIT (doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) treatment for 2 weeks. For in vitro study, we exposed Caco-2–50 mg/mL DSS with or without SIT (concentrations of 8 and 16 μg/mL). Disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological injury were assessed in vivo. Activation proteins of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling axis, and tight junction-related proteins of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin were detected in colon tissues. TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18 in serum and cell supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Changes in NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathway activation were analyzed both in tissues and cells.Results: Our findings suggested that SIT treatment attenuated the severity of 4% DSS-induced UC by protecting rats from weight and colon length loss, and macroscopic damage. SIT also reduced proinflammatory factors production (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18) in serum and cell supernatant. Mechanistically, SIT downregulated the expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins including Caspase-1, cleaved-Caspase-1, NLRP3, GSDMD, and GSDMD-N in colon tissues and Caco-2 cells. Further analysis indicated that SIT maintained the colonic barrier integrity by enhancing the protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin.Conclusion: We confirmed that SIT exerts protective and therapeutic effects on DSS-induced colitis injury by suppressing NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis and inflammation response. These findings demonstrated that SIT could be a potential medication for UC treatment.
Big data- and machine learning-based analysis of a global pharmacovigilance database enables the discovery of sex-specific differences in the safety profile of dual IL4/IL13 blockade
Authors: Sharif Kassem , Omar Mahmud , Lahat Adi , Patt Yonatan Shneor , Amital Howard , Zoabi Ghanem , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Watad Abdulla 
Published: October 2023

Background: Due to its apparent efficacy and safety, dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks Interleukin 4 (IL-4) and Interleukin 13 (IL-13), has been approved for treating T-helper 2 (Th2) disorders. However, adverse effects like local injection site reactions, conjunctivitis, headaches, and nasopharyngitis have been reported. Sex differences are known to influence both adaptive and innate immune responses and, thus, may have a bearing on the occurrence of these adverse effects. Nevertheless, the literature lacks a comprehensive exploration of this influence, a gap this study aims to bridge.Materials and Methods: A comprehensive data mining of VigiBase, the World Health Organization (WHO) global pharmacovigilance database which contains case safety reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) was performed to test for sex -specific safety response to dual IL4/IL13 blockade by dupilumab. The information component (IC), a measure of the disproportionality of ADR occurrence, was evaluated and compared between males and females to identify potential sexual dimorphism.Results: Of the 94,065 ADRs recorded in the WHO global pharmacovigilance database, 2,001 (57.4%) were reported among female dupilumab users, and 1,768 (50.7%) were among males. Immune/autoimmune T-helper 1 (Th1)-, innate- and T-helper 17 (Th17)-driven diseases and degenerative ones were consistently reported with a stronger association with Dupilumab in males than females. Some adverse events were more robustly associated with Dupilumab in females.Conclusion: Dupilumab has an excellent safety profile, even though some ADRs may occur. The risk is higher among male patients, further studies, including ad hoc studies, are needed to establish causality.
“Tranq-dope” overdose and mortality: lethality induced by fentanyl and xylazine
Authors: Smith Mark A. , Biancorosso Samantha L. , Camp Jacob D. , Hailu Salome H. , Johansen Alexandra N. , Morris Mackenzie H. , Carlson Hannah N. 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The recreational use of fentanyl in combination with xylazine (i.e., “tranq-dope”) represents a rapidly emerging public health threat characterized by significant toxicity and mortality. This study quantified the interactions between these drugs on lethality and examined the effectiveness of potential rescue medications to prevent a lethal overdose.Methods: Male and female mice were administered acute doses of fentanyl, xylazine, or their combination via intraperitoneal injection, and lethality was determined 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 24 h after administration. Both fentanyl and xylazine produced dose-dependent increases in lethality when administered alone.Results: A nonlethal dose of fentanyl (56 mg/kg) produced an approximately 5-fold decrease in the estimated LD50 for xylazine (i.e., the dose estimated to produce lethality in 50% of the population). Notably, a nonlethal dose of xylazine (100 mg/kg) produced an approximately 100-fold decrease in the estimated LD50 for fentanyl. Both drug combinations produced a synergistic interaction as determined via isobolographic analysis. The opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (3 mg/kg), but not the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist, yohimbine (3 mg/kg), significantly decreased the lethality of a fentanyl-xylazine combination. Lethality was rapid, with death occurring within 10 min after a high dose combination and generally within 30 min at lower dose combinations. Males were more sensitive to the lethal effects of fentanyl-xylazine combinations under some conditions suggesting biologically relevant sex differences in sensitivity to fentanyl-xylazine lethality.Discussion: These data provide the first quantification of the lethal effects of “tranq-dope” and suggest that rapid administration of naloxone may be effective at preventing death following overdose.
Immersive virtual reality or computerised mindfulness meditation for improving mood? Preliminary efficacy from a pilot randomised trial
Authors: Poetar Costina-Ruxandra , Bradley Nathan , Voinescu Alexandra 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionMindfulness interventions are effective in improving mood, reducing stress, and increasing quality of life. New developments in technology bring important channels to deliver mindfulness interventions that can increase accessibility, such as the Internet, computerised interventions, mobile apps and recently, virtual reality (VR). The aim of the present study is to enhance our current understanding of the use of VR in mindfulness, namely we examined in a pilot randomised trial the efficacy of an immersive VR-based mindfulness approach compared to an active control (computerised-based mindfulness meditation) on improving mood. A secondary objective was to examine whether VR use resulted in simulator sickness which could affect user engagement.MethodsForty-seven (Mage = 29.22 years) healthy participants were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group.ResultsA mixed 2X3 ANOVA showed a significant Time effect. Namely, negative emotions were reduced in both groups, with non-significant differences between groups. For positive emotions, on the other hand, our results showed no significant impact. Simulator sickness in VR was not present, according to t-test, making VR a safe delivery method.DiscussionFuture research should investigate VR dosage and combine VR with other interventions (e.g., blended with face-to-face mindfulness interventions, with Internet-delivered interventions).
The influence of learning styles on academic procrastination among students in mathematics
Authors: Wan Hussin Wan Anis Syamimi , Mohd Matore Mohd Effendi Ewan 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionProcrastination is a complex psychological and behavioral construct that is strongly influenced by certain personality traits. In mathematics learning, students find it difficult to master the concepts because of less exposure to learning styles. Poor knowledge of mathematical concepts leads to academic procrastination in the subject of Mathematics among students. Therefore, this study aims to identify students’ learning styles in Mathematics, identify the stages of students’ academic procrastination in Mathematics, and determine whether there is a significant influence of learning styles (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) on academic procrastination among secondary school students in Mathematics.MethodsA quantitative approach with a survey was applied. A total of 500 Form Two and Form Four students in five national secondary schools in the Kota Bharu district, Kelantan, were selected using simple random sampling. The duration of data gathering started from 4 October 2022 until 31 January 2023. The Learning Styles Questionnaire and the Academic Procrastination Questionnaire were adapted and verified by eight experts in psychology and counseling. Descriptive and multiple regression tests were carried out using IBM SPSS version 26.0.ResultsThe results revealed that the visual learning style was the most dominant learning style among students in the subject of Mathematics, followed by auditory and kinesthetic. The level of students’ academic procrastination in Mathematics was low. Besides, multiple regression showed that visual and kinesthetic learning styles were significant contributors or predictors, which amounted to 14.1% of the variation in students’ academic procrastination in Mathematics.DiscussionThe implications of this study highlight the possibility to improve programs in schools by exposing students to suitable learning styles so that they can practice effective learning styles in Mathematics and consequently overcome academic procrastination. Further research can be carried out by identifying other factors that encourage academic procrastination in the subject of Mathematics in order to increase students’ motivation and self-efficacy.
Mental health status and coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Central Serbia
Authors: Radovanovic Jovana , Selakovic Viktor , Mihaljevic Olgica , Djordjevic Jelena , Čolović Sofija , Djordjevic Jelena R. , Janjic Vladimir , Jovicic Milena , Veselinovic Sladjana , Vukomanovic Ivana Simic , Janicijevic Katarina , Slovic Zivana , Radovanovic Snezana , Djordjevic Ognjen , Djordjic Milan 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe objective of this research was to evaluate the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as the level of life contentment and coping mechanisms employed by college students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA total of 588 students of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Higher School of Medicine, Kraljevo, University of Kragujevac, Central Serbia, participated in an online cross-sectional survey in the period September–October 2022. Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used to measure the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The Coping Questionnaire—a shorter version (Brief Cope Inventories) assesses the coping strategies a person uses in stressful situations, and the 5-item Life Satisfaction Scale is used to examine the level of life satisfaction.ResultsThe symptoms of depression were reported by 34.9%, of anxiety by 47.1% and of stress by 44.2%. The type of faculty (p = 0.001), and place of residence (p = 0.036) correlated with depression, gender with anxiety (p = 0.001) and stress (p = 0.015). In terms of coping mechanisms, the most frequently mentioned strategies, based on average scores, were acceptance (5.76), positive interpretation (5.55), humor (5.46).ConclusionThe adverse impact of COVID-19 was a risk factor for depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. A negative correlation exists between the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, and the overall life satisfaction of university students. Offering the necessary assistance through psychological interventions and effective coping techniques is crucial in ensuring the optimal mental health of university students.
The association between the admission to wards with open- vs. closed-door policy and the use of coercive measures
Authors: Krückl Jana S. , Moeller Julian , Imfeld Lukas , Schädelin Sabine , Hochstrasser Lisa , Lieb Roselind , Lang Undine E. , Huber Christian G. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionPsychiatric treatment on a ward with open-door policy is associated with reduced numbers of coercive measures. The effect of the door policy of previous stays, however, has not been investigated.MethodsThe data set consisted of 22,172 stays by adult inpatients in a psychiatric university hospital between 2010 and 2019. Pairs of consecutive stays were built. The outcome variable was the occurrence of coercive measures during the second stay.ResultsCompared to treatments on wards with a closed-door policy at both stays, treatments on wards with an open-door policy at the second stay had smaller odds for coercive measures (OR ranging between 0.09 and 0.33, p &lt; 0.01). In addition, coercive measures were more frequent in treatment histories where patients previously treated on a closed ward were admitted to a ward with an open-door policy and subsequently transferred to a ward with a closed-door policy at the second stay (OR=2.97, p = 0.046).DiscussionTreatment under open-door policy is associated with fewer coercive measures, even in patients with previous experience of closed-door settings. The group of patients who were admitted to a ward with an open-door, then transmitted to a ward with a closed-door policy seem to be prone to experience coercive measures. Clinical strategies to keep these patients in treatment in an open-door setting could further reduce coercive measures.
Understanding the Contribution of Community Organisations to Healthy Ageing and Integrated Place-Based Care: Evidence from Integrated Care Data
Authors: Dayson Chris , Damm Chris , Gilbertson Jan , Leather David , Ridge Will 
Published: October 2023

(1) Background. There is interest in the role community organisations can play to support healthy ageing and the integration of health and social care. This study explored the contribution community organisations can make to this goal through the Leeds (UK) Neighbourhood Networks (LNNs), a novel example of community-based support. (2) Methods. An observational study of 148 LNN beneficiaries compared to the Leeds population aged 64 and over (n = 143,418) using the Leeds Data Model, and an analytical resource developed to support care planning. Measures included demographic characteristics, Electronic Frailty Index (EFI), the number of long-term health conditions (LTCs), and public health management cohort categorisation. (3) Results. LNN’s are primarily focussed on older people who are fit (44 percent) or experiencing the onset of LTCs (27 percent) and/or mild frailty (41 percent). However, they also support smaller numbers of people with moderate/severe frailty (15 percent) and five or more long-term conditions (19 percent). (4) Conclusions. Community organisations are well placed to support the ambitions of integrated care by providing support for older people with mild to moderate health and care needs. They also have the capacity to support older people with more severe needs if resourced to do so.
Plant-Associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum—Taxonomy, Host Range, Epidemiology, Virulence, and Management Strategies: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Derviş Sibel , Özer Göksel 
Published: October 2023

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, a plant- and human-associated fungus, has emerged as a substantial global ecological and agricultural threat aggravated by global warming. It inflicts various diseases, including canker, blight, dieback, leaf spot, root rot, and fruit rot, across a wide spectrum of fruit trees, field crops, shrubs, and arboreal species, with a host range spanning 46 plant families, 84 genera, and 126 species, primarily affecting eudicot angiosperms. Six genera are asymptomatic hosts. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum exhibits worldwide distribution, with the highest prevalence observed in Asia and North America, notably in Iran, Turkey, and California. Rising disease prevalence and severity, aggravated by climate change, particularly impact tropical arid places across 37 countries spanning all 7 continents. This comprehensive review encapsulates recent advancements in the understanding of N. dimidiatum, encompassing alterations in its taxonomic classification, host range, symptoms, geographic distribution, epidemiology, virulence, and strategies for effective management. This study also concentrates on comprehending the taxonomic relationships and intraspecific variations within N. dimidiatum, with a particular emphasis on N. oculus and N. hylocereum, proposing to consider these two species as synonymous with N. dimidiatum. Furthermore, this review identifies prospective research directions aimed at augmenting our fundamental understanding of host—N. dimidiatum interaction.
MANAJEMEN NON FARMAKOLOGI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KELANCARAN ASI PADA IBU NIFAS
Authors: Jania Tria , Windiyani Winda , Kurniawati Ade 
Published: October 2023

ASI adalah makanan terbaik untuk bayi, kandungan gizi dari ASI sangat khusus dan sempurna serta sesuai dengan kebutuhan tumbuh kembang bayi. ASI dihasilkan oleh kelenjar payudara wanita melalui proses laktasi. Keberhasilan laktasi ini dipengaruhi oleh kondisi sebelum dan saat kehamilan berlangsung. Salah satu upaya non farmakologis yang bisa dilakukan untuk merangsang hormon prolaktin dan oksitosin pada ibu setelah melahirkan adalah dengan manajemen non farmakologi untuk meningkatkan kelancaran ASI. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui manajemen non farmakologi untuk meningkatkan kelancaran ASI pada ibu nifas. Metode penelitian yaitu literature review dengan pencarian artikel jurnal ini dilakukan secara elektronik dengan menggunakan beberapa database, yaitu : portal garuda dan Science Research Publishing dan Science And Technology Index (SINTA). Manajemen non farmakologi untuk meningkatkan kelancaran ASI diantaranya pijat oksitosin, pijat marmet, pijat punggung dengan menggunakan aromaterapi, konsumsi jantung pisang sangat efektif meningkatkan kelancaran ASI. Manajemen non farmakologi ini efektif digunakan untuk meningkatkan kelancaran ASI pada ibu nifas.