bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity paradox in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Kang Danbee , Ahn Jin Seok , Guallar Eliseo , Cho Juhee , Lee Ho Yun 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe obesity paradox in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has been observed, but its underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate whether body composition affects the prognostic impact of obesity, as determined by body mass index (BMI), on survival.MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated the data collected from Asian patients who were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer between October 2015 and October 2021. We used abdominal cross‐sectional imaging to calculate the skeletal muscle and visceral fat indices (cm2/m2) by dividing the cross‐sectional areas of the skeletal muscle and visceral fat by the height squared. Cox proportional‐hazards regression was performed to determine the correlation between BMI according to the Asia‐Pacific classification, body composition metrics and overall survival.ResultsWe analysed the data of 820 patients (630 men and 190 women, with a mean age of 64.3 years [standard deviation: 10.4 years]) and observed 572 (69.8%) deaths with the 1‐year mortality rate of 0.58 (95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.62). Obese BMI was associated with longer overall survival, independent of clinical covariates (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.52–0.80). The prognostic value of obese BMI remained after additional adjustments for skeletal muscle index (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.87) or visceral fat index (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.70). No association was observed between sex and the impact of BMI on overall survival (P‐value for interaction >0.05).ConclusionsIn Asian patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, obese BMI was associated with favourable overall survival independent of skeletal muscle or visceral fat mass.
Primary renal leukaemia in a young adult male as an extramedullary presentation of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Jain Punit , Jain Poonam , Ohgami Robert S. , Pawar Veena , Sehgal Kunal , Chaudhari Pradnya , Nikalji Ravindra , Singh Tejinder , Khandelwal Vipin , Khare Sanjay , Lokhande Vaishali , Haridas Ashwathy , Jessani Laxman , Khandelwal Kanika 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPrimary renal involvement by T lymphoblasts is rare among adults with T acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We report a 28‐year‐old man presenting with acute renal failure due to infiltration by T lymphoblasts and his response to paediatric‐inspired modified BFM‐90 protocol. The patient achieved an initial complete remission (CR) but developed central nervous system relapse. He achieved CR2 with cranial irradiation and intrathecal chemotherapy. He underwent a haploidentical transplant in CR2 and remains in remission post‐transplant day 330. An early kidney biopsy helped confirm the diagnosis. Such presentations remain responsive to modified BFM‐90. An early allotransplant in CR2 remains the standard of care.
Non‐tariff measures and household welfare: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Martey Edward , Onumah Edward Ebo , Onumah Justina Adwoa , Fiankor Dela‐Dem Doe 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMost studies on the impacts of non‐tariff measures (NTMs) on economic outcomes are at the macro‐level with limited micro‐level studies. This study uses primary data on 604 commercial farm households in Ghana to examine the relationship between NTMs and household welfare outcomes. The results show that NTMs are positively associated with assets, household expenditure and income but negatively associated with food expenditure, household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and poverty probability index (PPI). We find that the results are not likely to be driven by unobserved heterogeneity. Our results suggest that the potential mechanisms through which NTMs influence welfare outcomes are household income and expenditure. The main implication of the study is that a reduction in the number of customs formalities and the cost of testing and certification can facilitate trade and contribute to the economic development of commercial farm households.
Epiphyseal cartilage vascular architecture at the distal humeral osteochondritis dissecans predilection site in juvenile pigs
Authors: Tóth Ferenc , Nissi Mikko J. , Armstrong Alexandra R. , Buko Erick O. , Johnson Casey P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFailure of endochondral ossification due to interruption of the vascular supply to the epiphyseal cartilage is a critical step in the development of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). Herein we describe the vascular architecture of the distal humeral epiphyseal cartilage in pigs and identify characteristic features that have been associated with sites predisposed to OCD development across species. Distal humeral specimens were harvested from pigs (n = 5, ages = 1, 10, 18, 30, and, 42 days old) and imaged at 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 3D gradient recalled echo sequence. The MRI data were processed using a quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) pipeline to visualize the vascular architecture. Specimens were also evaluated histologically to identify the presence of ischemic epiphyseal cartilage necrosis (osteochondrosis [OC]‐latens) and associated failure of endochondral ossification (OC‐manifesta). The QSM data enabled visualization of two distinct vascular beds arising from the perichondrium at the lateral and medial aspects of the distal humeral epiphysis. Elongated vessels originating from these beds coursed axially to supply the lateral and medial thirds of epiphyseal cartilage. At 18 days of age and older, a shift from perichondrial to transosseous blood supply was noted axially, which appeared more pronounced on the lateral side. This shift coincided with histologic identification of OC‐latens (30‐ and 42‐day‐old specimens) and OC‐manifesta (18‐ and 42‐day‐old specimens) lesions in the corresponding regions. The vascular anatomy and its evolution at the distal humeral epiphysis closely resembles that previously reported at predilection sites of knee OCD, suggesting a shared pathophysiology between the knee and elbow joints.
Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) detects femoral head ischemia in a piglet model of Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease
Authors: Buko Erick O. , Bhave Sampada , Moeller Steen , Laine Jennifer C. , Tóth Ferenc , Johnson Casey P. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThere is a clinical need for alternatives to gadolinium contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to facilitate early detection and assessment of femoral head ischemia in pediatric patients with Legg‐Calvé‐Perthes disease (LCPD), a juvenile form of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The purpose of this study was to determine if intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM), a noncontrast‐enhanced MRI method to simultaneously measure tissue perfusion and diffusion, can detect femoral head ischemia using a piglet model of LCPD. Twelve 6‐week‐old piglets underwent unilateral hip surgery to induce complete femoral head ischemia. The unoperated, contralateral femoral head served as a perfused control. The bilateral hips of the piglets were imaged in vivo at 3T MRI using IVIM and contrast‐enhanced MRI 1 week after surgery. Median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and IVIM parameters (diffusion coefficient: Ds; perfusion coefficient: Df; perfusion fraction: f; and perfusion flux: f*Df) were compared between regions of interest comprising the epiphyseal bone marrow of the ischemic and control femoral heads. Contrast‐enhanced MRI confirmed complete femoral head ischemia in 11/12 piglets. IVIM perfusion fraction (f) and flux (f*Df) were significantly decreased in the ischemic versus control femoral heads: on average, f decreased 47 ± 27% (Δf = −0.055 ± 0.034; p = 0.0003) and f*Df decreased 50 ± 27% (Δf*Df = −0.59 ± 0.49 × 10−3 mm2/s; p = 0.0026). In contrast, IVIM diffusion coefficient (Ds) and ADC were significantly increased in the ischemic versus control femoral heads: on average, Ds increased 78 ± 21% (ΔDs = 0.60 ± 0.14 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.0001) and ADC increased 60 ± 36% (ΔADC = 0.50 ± 0.23 × 10−3 mm2/s; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, IVIM is sensitive in detecting bone marrow ischemia in a piglet model of LCPD.
A review on mannosylerythritol lipids and their properties, applications and roles in the circular economy
Authors: Zulkifli Wan Nur Fatihah Wan Muhammad , Hayes Douglas G. , Maurad Zulina Abdul , Zan Arniza Mohd 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) is a microbial surface‐active glycolipid biosurfactant produced by numerous microorganisms. MEL is produced as a major product by Pseudozyma sp. and as a minor product by Ustilago sp. MEL has recently received much practical attention due to its structural diversity, broad biochemical functions, and biocompatibility with the environment. In this review, the production of MEL from various feedstocks, and antimicrobial and antiadhesive properties are discussed. Furthermore, the applications of MEL as an antimicrobial agent in food, moisturizer in cosmetics, as an apoptotic agent in pharmaceuticals, and as a wetting agent in agriculture applications are highlighted. Finally, an overview of MEL production from waste materials presents huge potential for increasing the necessary change to a circular economy.
Laser‐Textured Surfaces: A Way to Control Biofilm Formation?
Authors: Schwibbert Karin , Richter Anja M. , Krüger Jörg , Bonse Jörn 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBacterial biofilms pose serious problems in medical and industrial settings. One of the major societal challenges lies in the increasing resistance of bacteria against biocides used in antimicrobial treatments, e.g., via overabundant use in medicine, industry, and agriculture or cleaning and disinfection in private households. Hence, new efficient bacteria‐repellent strategies avoiding the use of biocides are strongly desired. One promising route to achieve bacteria‐repellent surfaces lies in the contactless and aseptic large‐area laser‐processing of technical surfaces. Tailored surface textures, enabled by different laser‐processing strategies that result in topographic scales ranging from nanometers to micrometers may provide a solution to this challenge. This article presents a current state‐of‐the‐art review of laser‐surface subtractive texturing approaches for controlling the biofilm formation for different bacterial strains and in different environments. Based on specific properties of bacteria and laser‐processed surfaces, the challenges of anti‐microbial surface designs are discussed, and future directions will be outlined.
Local ecological knowledge (LEK) suggests overfishing and sequential depletion of Peruvian coastal groundfish
Authors: Castagnino Fabio , Estévez Rodrigo A. , Caillaux Matías , Velez-Zuazo Ximena , Gelcich Stefan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
Fish populations targeted by recreational and artisanal fisheries remain largely unassessed in low- and middle-income countries. This generally results in a lack of regulatory action from government agencies, thus aggravating the risk of overfishing. In this context, sources of historical information, such as local ecological knowledge (LEK), are key to providing insight on the status of fish populations and informing management. Systematized elicitation processes have increasingly shown an ability to produce quantitative indicators while reducing biases and caveats inherent to expert knowledge. In this study, we assessed changes in composition of the catch, species abundance, and geographical distribution of the catch for 10 data-poor coastal groundfish species of Peru using LEK.

Methods
We designed and conducted a structured elicitation process to gather LEK on these species from 40 recreational and commercial spearfishers in Peru. We then used the obtained data to develop a set of indices and analyzed them statistically to identify trends and the magnitude of changes over time, if any, between the years 1960 and 2019.

Result
Our results show a significant decline in the relative participation (a species' catch proportion relative to the total catch) and abundance of seven assessed species in the catch as well as a major reduction in their geographical distribution. For some species, decreases in relative participation within the catch and decreases in average daily catch, a measure that may indicate changes in abundance, were statistically significant across the time span of the study. Average daily catch was between 1% and 15% of their historical high values. Some species have experienced a reduction of 60–100% in the geographical distribution of their catch.

Conclusion
Results suggests a scenario of overfishing and sequential depletion of the Galapagos Sheephead Wrasse Semicossyphus darwini, Pacific Goliath Grouper Epinephelus quinquefasciatus, Harlequin Wrasse Bodianus eclancheri, Grape-eye Seabass Hemilutjanus macrophthalmos, Chino Medialuna ancietae, Pacific Beakfish Oplegnathus insignis, and Broomtail Grouper Mycteroperca xenarcha. We highlight how the application of expert elicitation methods can help to build LEK-based fishery indicators that are useful for assessing data-poor fisheries and providing critical information to prompt management discussions.
Utilizing deep learning techniques to improve image quality and noise reduction in preclinical low‐dose PET images in the sinogram domain
Authors: Manoj Doss Kishore Krishnagiri , Chen Jyh‐Cheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundLow‐dose positron emission tomography (LD‐PET) imaging is commonly employed in preclinical research to minimize radiation exposure to animal subjects. However, LD‐PET images often exhibit poor quality and high noise levels due to the low signal‐to‐noise ratio. Deep learning (DL) techniques such as generative adversarial networks (GANs) and convolutional neural network (CNN) have the capability to enhance the quality of images derived from noisy or low‐quality PET data, which encodes critical information about radioactivity distribution in the body.PurposeOur objective was to optimize the image quality and reduce noise in preclinical PET images by utilizing the sinogram domain as input for DL models, resulting in improved image quality as compared to LD‐PET images.MethodsA GAN and CNN model were utilized to predict high‐dose (HD) preclinical PET sinograms from the corresponding LD preclinical PET sinograms. In order to generate the datasets, experiments were conducted on micro‐phantoms, animal subjects (rats), and virtual simulations. The quality of DL‐generated images was weighted by performing the following quantitative measures: structural similarity index measure (SSIM), root mean squared error (RMSE), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). Additionally, DL input and output were both subjected to a spatial resolution calculation of full width half maximum (FWHM) and full width tenth maximum (FWTM). DL outcomes were then compared with the conventional denoising algorithms such as non‐local means (NLM), block‐matching, and 3D filtering (BM3D).ResultsThe DL models effectively learned image features and produced high‐quality images, as reflected in the quantitative metrics. Notably, the FWHM and FWTM values of DL PET images exhibited significantly improved accuracy compared to LD, NLM, and BM3D PET images, and just as precise as HD PET images. The MSE loss underscored the excellent performance of the models, indicating that the models performed well. To further improve the training, the generator loss (G loss) was increased to a value higher than the discriminator loss (D loss), thereby achieving convergence in the GAN model.ConclusionsThe sinograms generated by the GAN network closely resembled real HD preclinical PET sinograms and were more realistic than LD. There was a noticeable improvement in image quality and noise factor in the predicted HD images. Importantly, DL networks did not fully compromise the spatial resolution of the images.
Comparison of high-throughput sequencing methods for bacterial microbiota profiling in catfish aquaculture
Authors: Older Caitlin E. , Yamamoto Fernando Y. , Griffin Matt J. , Ware Cynthia , Heckman Taylor I. , Soto Esteban , Bosworth Brian G. , Waldbieser Geoffrey C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objective
Bacterial community profiling in aquaculture can be useful for monitoring environmental conditions that may lead to disease outbreaks, understanding the impact of dietary treatments on fish health, and identifying microbes that have potential as probiotics. Microbiota characterization is commonly performed with high-throughput sequencing using short-read platforms (i.e., Illumina) targeting variable regions of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Long-read platforms (i.e., Oxford Nanopore Technologies [ONT]) enable sequencing of full-length 16S rRNA genes. While short-read platforms are highly accurate, long-read platforms sacrifice sequence quality in exchange for longer read lengths.

Methods
Herein, a typical short-read approach (Illumina MiSeq; V4 region of 16S rRNA gene) was compared with two near-full-length 16S rRNA gene ONT protocols (ONT Custom and ONT 16S). Sequencing was performed on a mock community composed of fish-relevant bacteria, in addition to samples (digesta, gill, skin) obtained from 10 hybrid catfish (female Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus × male Blue Catfish I. furcatus) and their environment (pond and holding tank). Fish were euthanized with either an overdose of MS-222 or cranial concussion and subsequent pithing to enable comparisons of these sequencing protocols in the context of a realistic experimental design.

Result
The ONT Custom protocol best recapitulated the theoretical composition of the mock community, followed by the ONT 16S and Illumina MiSeq protocols. Phylum-level composition was consistent within sample type across sequencing methods. However, at lower levels there were biases for several taxa, particularly in pond samples. Euthanasia method also appeared to introduce differences, primarily on the cutaneous communities. The three sequencing methods consistently identified significant differences between euthanasia methods, with Illumina MiSeq revealing the greatest differences. While all strategies performed comparably for digesta, skin, and water samples, the ONT strategies underperformed for gill samples.

Conclusion
Depending on application, results indicate that near-full-length 16S rRNA gene nanopore sequencing is a viable option for aquaculture microbiota studies.
A bi‐fidelity model for hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Zio Souleymane , Rochinha Fernando A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHydraulic fracture, whether a natural phenomenon or an engineered process, consists of a highly pressurized flow evolving within a rock and, when necessary, fracturing such a medium. Particularly, in the context of oil and gas exploitation, a mixture of water and proppant is injected through a well to improve the oil extraction conditions by artificially increasing the local permeability. From a modeling standpoint, it is fundamental to acknowledge that this complex flow involves, among other disciplines, fracture mechanics, fluid dynamics, non‐Newtonian flow, solid mechanics, and flow in porous media. Therefore, explicitly or not, a model bears multiple scales and multiple physics, leading to a non‐linear moving boundary mathematical problem that is hard to solve through analytical techniques. Amongst them, the Pseudo‐3D, which computes fracture evolution in reservoirs confined by symmetric stress barriers, is frequently employed in the oil and gas industry domain. The different assumptions made to obtain the P3D model lead to inaccurate predictions, like the overestimation of fracture height for important operating conditions. We propose a model discrepancy term in a multi‐fidelity approach to correct such drawbacks. The main difficulty associated is constructing a mapping between the inputs and outputs that faithfully represents the error between high and low fidelity models. In this paper, we investigated the performance of a nonlinear multi‐fidelity approach relying on Gaussian Processes. We present a careful analysis to assess the good performance of such a proposition and also present results involving Uncertainty Quantification, which is made feasible by using the bi‐fidelity surrogate.
Detunable wireless Litzcage coil for human head MRI at 1.5 T
Authors: Zhu Haoqin , Lang Michael L. , Yang Yijin , Martin Melanie , Zhang Gong , Zhang Qiang , Chen Yuanyuan , Yan Xinqiang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInductively coupled radiofrequency (RF) coils are an inexpensive and simple method to realize wireless RF coils in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can significantly ease the MRI scan setup and improve patient comfort because they do not require bulky components such as cables, baluns, preamplifiers, and connectors. However, volume‐type wireless coils are typically operated in transmit/receive mode because detuning such coils is much more challenging due to their complex structure and multiple resonant modes. Meanwhile, adding too many detuning circuits to a wireless coil would decrease the coil's quality factor, impair the signal‐to‐noise ratio, and increase the cost. In this work, we proposed, constructed, and tested a novel wireless volume coil based on the Litzcage design for 1.5‐T head imaging. Being an inductively coupled coil, it has a much simpler structure, resulting in a lighter weight and less bulky design. Despite its simpler structure, it exhibits comparable imaging performance with a commercial receive array, providing an alternative to conventional wired coils with a high cost and complex structure. The unique figure‐of‐8 conductor pattern within the rungs ensures that the proposed wireless Litzcage can be efficiently detuned with minimal detuning circuits.
PrEP prescription in indiana 2017−2022: Implications for clinical practice
Authors: Carter Gregory , Tavares Taran 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative is poised to eradicate HIV through increasing screening and linkage to care. Despite this, the rate of HIV testing remains inadequate, and effective preventive measures like pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are not adequately prescribed. A retrospective chart review was conducted to include 2017 through July 2022 from a large nonprofit health care system in the Midwest. Inclusion criteria included an HIV‐negative diagnosis between 2017 and July 2022. Additional information includes gender, age, race/ethnicity, the primary payment method, the facility where screening occurred, history of PrEP prescription, and the provider who documented sexual health screening. Most patients were female (73%, n = 3366), followed by 27% (n = 1242) who identified as male. The majority identified as white (52.4%, n = 2415), and patients who identified as Black represented 45.3% (n = 2087) of the sample. Of the participants in the sample, n = 3030 (65.8%) did not have a documented sexual health assessment at the time of HIV screening. Black patients were 0.40 times less likely to report a PrEP prescription than their white counterparts. Patients screened by the provider and identified with infectious disease via a sexual mode of transmission demonstrated three times increased odds of being prescribed PrEP. This research highlights the importance of updating medical records systems to capture salient sexual health factors. Ongoing professional development should be made readily available so providers can conduct comprehensive sexual health assessments.