bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AI-driven estimation of O6 methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in glioblastoma patients: a systematic review with bias analysis
Authors: Samartha Mullapudi Venkata Sai , Dubey Navneet Kumar , Jena Biswajit , Maheswar Gorantla , Lo Wen-Cheng , Saxena Sanjay 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Accurate and non-invasive estimation of MGMT promoter methylation status in glioblastoma (GBM) patients is of paramount clinical importance, as it is a predictive biomarker associated with improved overall survival (OS). In response to the clinical need, recent studies have focused on the development of non-invasive artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods for MGMT estimation. In this systematic review, we not only delve into the technical aspects of these AI-driven MGMT estimation methods but also emphasize their profound clinical implications. Specifically, we explore the potential impact of accurate non-invasive MGMT estimation on GBM patient care and treatment decisions.

Methods
Employing a PRISMA search strategy, we identified 33 relevant studies from reputable databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and IEEE Explore. These studies were comprehensively assessed using 21 diverse attributes, encompassing factors such as types of imaging modalities, machine learning (ML) methods, and cohort sizes, with clear rationales for attribute scoring. Subsequently, we ranked these studies and established a cutoff value to categorize them into low-bias and high-bias groups.

Results
By analyzing the 'cumulative plot of mean score' and the 'frequency plot curve' of the studies, we determined a cutoff value of 6.00. A higher mean score indicated a lower risk of bias, with studies scoring above the cutoff mark categorized as low-bias (73%), while 27% fell into the high-bias category.

Conclusion
Our findings underscore the immense potential of AI-based machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods in non-invasively determining MGMT promoter methylation status. Importantly, the clinical significance of these AI-driven advancements lies in their capacity to transform GBM patient care by providing accurate and timely information for treatment decisions. However, the translation of these technical advancements into clinical practice presents challenges, including the need for large multi-institutional cohorts and the integration of diverse data types. Addressing these challenges will be critical in realizing the full potential of AI in improving the reliability and accessibility of MGMT estimation while lowering the risk of bias in clinical decision-making.
The impact of divergent forms of social support on health-related quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma and its precursor states
Authors: Greinacher Anja , Kuehl Rea , Mai Elias K. , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Wiskemann Joachim , Fleischer Anna , Rasche Leo , Dapunt Ulrike , Maatouk Imad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Multiple myeloma is a largely incurable disease. Patients suffer from the cancer, therapeutic side effects, and often psychological symptoms. Not only multiple myeloma patients but also patients with precursor diseases show high psychological distress. Today, treatment option evaluations are increasingly performed in combination with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessments. One factor that is positively associated with HRQoL is social support.

Methods
Our recent study used questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-MY20, Illness-specific Social Support Scale) to investigate the influence of positive and negative aspects of social support on HRQoL in patients with multiple myeloma and its precursors.

Results
Multiple linear regression analyses with sex, age, treatment line, hemoglobin level, and number of comorbidities as control variables show that positive social support had a significant beneficial association with emotional function (β = 0.323) and social function (β = 0.251). Detrimental interactions had a significant negative association with social function (β =  − 0.209) and a significant positive association with side effects of treatment (β = 0.266).

Conclusion
Therefore, screening for social support and, if needed, psycho-oncological care can be an important resource and should be implemented in routine care.

Clinical trial registration
This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04328038).
Efficacies of anlotinib monotherapy versus gemcitabine-based chemotherapy for patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma after the failure of anthracycline-based chemotherapy
Authors: Zheng Aiping , Liu Jie , Liu Zijing , Mo Zeming , Fu Yang , Deng Yaotiao , Jiang Yu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare the antitumor efficacy of anlotinib with gemcitabine-based chemotherapy as subsequent treatment regimens in patients with advanced non-specific soft tissue sarcoma (STS) after the failure of anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with advanced STS who were treated with either anlotinib or gemcitabine-based chemotherapy between May 2009 and May 2023 in our center were eligible. All patients experienced disease progression or recurrence after the anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and safety.

Results
We included 49 patients receiving anlotinib and 45 patients receiving gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. The median follow-up time was 76.9 weeks (range 2.9–678.9 weeks). The DCR (65.3% vs. 57.8%; p = 0.610), PFS (24.0 weeks vs. 18.6 weeks; p = 0.669) and OS (79.4 weeks vs. 87.0 weeks; p = 0.471) of anlotinib and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy indicated similar clinical efficacy. Moreover, exploratory subgroup analyses showed that patients with STS originating from limbs and trunk were inclined to benefit from anlotinib treatment (median PFS: 31.3 weeks vs. 12.4 weeks; p = 0.045). ECOG PS was an independent predictor of the PFS [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11–0.85; p = 0.023] and OS (HR 0.26, 95%CI 0.10–0.70; p = 0.008) in the anlotinib group. While neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was an independent prognostic factor of the PFS (HR 0.33, 95%CI 0.11–0.98; p = 0.045) in the gemcitabine-based chemotherapy group. The incidence of grade 3 or higher related AEs in anlotinib and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy was 20.4% (n = 10) and 20.0% (n = 9), respectively.

Conclusion
Our research suggested that anlotinib and gemcitabine-based chemotherapy showed similar clinical efficacy and safety in the subsequent treatment of advanced STS after the failure of anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
A New Analytical Solution for Calculating Rock Block Volume
Authors: Umili Gessica , Carriero Maria Teresa , Taboni Battista , Migliazza Maria Rita , Ferrero Anna Maria 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study of rock slope stability and evolution suffers from many uncertainty factors related to block size and shape, and slope morphology. While nothing can be done to remove the aleatory component of these uncertainties, efforts in reducing the epistemic ones are desirable. This research aims to propose a new analytical solution for calculating rock block volume in the case of three discontinuity sets whose orientation and true spacing are known. Researchers and practitioners can take advantage of such a correct analytical formula thanks to its easiness of use: guidelines based on stereogram are provided in order to explain how to obtain the required input data. The correctness of the equation is demonstrated by comparing the results of the new solution applied to 12 theoretical blocks with those obtained with 3DEC (Itasca Consulting Group). Also, the differences with respect to results obtained with the well-known Palmstrøm’s formula are reported. The new methodology is applied to the case study of Elva valley road (Northern Italy), which is overhung by steep rocky cliffs and is subject to the consequences of frequent rockfall phenomena. The results are used to discuss the proposed method’s applicability: while it is evident that such a formula is not able to compete with the great potentiality of DFNs, this user-friendly tool can quickly and at no cost assess rock block volume in rockfall or rock slope stability studies.
Clinico-serological associations of urinary activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis
Authors: Amer Arwa S. , Abdel moneam Samia M. , Hashaad Nashwa I. , Yousef Eman M. , Abd El-Hassib Dalia M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the major complications associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM or CD166) is a promising urine biomarker that binds to CD6, a receptor found on lymphocytes. This binding results in T-cell activation, proliferation, and recruitment, which causes tissue inflammation and may explain the pathophysiology of LN.

Aim of work
Investigate the urinary ALCAM level in SLE, study its relationship to disease activity, and clarify the association with LN activity and histopathology.

Patients and methods
A case–control study was performed on 60 patients with SLE and 20 matched controls. The SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) and the activity of renal disease (rSLEDAI) were evaluated. Renal biopsy and uALCAM levels were also investigated.

Results
Urinary ALCAM levels were higher significantly in active LN patients than inactive LN patients, active and inactive non-LN SLE, and the control group (p < 0.001). The cut-off value for identifying active and inactive LN was above 270 ng/mg (p < 0.001). ALCAM levels were greater in proliferative (class III, IV, and IV/V) than in non-proliferative (class II and V) LN (p < 0.001). ALCAM exhibited high positive correlations with SLEDAI and rSLEDAI (p < 0.001 each) and negative significant correlations with C3 (p < 0.001) and C4 (p = 0.005).

Conclusion
Urinary ALCAM is a sensitive biomarker evaluating LN in SLE patients. Levels above 270 ng/mg can help distinguish between active and inactive LN. ALCAM levels are correlated positively with SLEDAI and rSLEDAI but have a negative correlation with C3 and C4.

Key Points• Urinary ALCAM shows promise as a biomarker for evaluating kidney dysfunction in SLE patients.• It is a non-invasive marker that can differentiate between proliferative and non-proliferative LN.• A urinary ALCAM level above 270 ng/mg can indicate active LN, while lower levels indicate inactive LN.• Urinary ALCAM levels are correlated positively with SLEDAI and rSLEDAI scores but correlated negatively with C3 and C4.
Genetic analysis of vancomycin-variable Enterococcus faecium clinical isolates in Italy
Authors: Coccitto Sonia Nina , Cinthi Marzia , Simoni Serena , Pocognoli Antonella , Zeni Guido , Mazzariol Annarita , Morroni Gianluca , Mingoia Marina , Giovanetti Eleonora , Brenciani Andrea , Vignaroli Carla 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the occurrence of vancomycin-variable enterococci (VVE) in a hospital in central Italy.

Methods
vanA positive but vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecium isolates (VVE-S) were characterized by antibiotic susceptibility tests, molecular typing (PFGE and MLST), and WGS approach. The reversion of VVE-S to a resistant phenotype was assessed by exposure to increasing vancomycin concentrations, and the revertant isolates were used in filter mating experiments. qPCR was used to analyze the plasmid copy number.

Results
Eleven putative VVE-S were selected. WGS revealed two categories of vanA cluster plasmid located: the first type showed the lack of vanR, the deletion of vanS, and an intact vanH/vanA/vanX cluster; the second type was devoid of both vanR and vanS and showed a deletion of 544-bp at the 5′-end of the vanH. Strains (n = 7) carrying the first type of vanA cluster were considered VVE-S and were able to regain a resistance phenotype (VVE-R) in the presence of vancomycin, due to a 44-bp deletion in the promoter region of vanH/vanA/vanX, causing its constitutive expression. VVE-R strains were not able to transfer resistance by conjugation, and the resistance phenotype was unstable: after 11 days of growth without selective pressure, the revertants were still resistant but showed a lower vancomycin MIC. A higher plasmid copy number in the revertant strains was probably related to the resistance phenotype.

Conclusion
We highlight the importance of VVE transition to VRE under vancomycin therapy resulting in a potential failure treatment. We also report the first-time identification of VVE-S isolates pstS-null belonging to ST1478.
Adoption of energy-efficiency measures by Australian low-income households
Authors: Azimi Samaneh , Hon Carol K. H. , Tyvimaa Tanja , Skitmore Martin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIncreasing the adoption of energy-efficiency measures (EEM) by households is one of the practical strategies to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For the 3.24 million low-income households in Australia, partly due to their potentially disproportionately large waste of usable energy, there is a gap between the potential for energy efficiency through existing EEM and the actual energy-efficiency level. Many measures increase energy efficiency in buildings; however, barriers persist for such households to adopt these measures, of which limited research has yet to be conducted. In response, this study examines the relationships involved by a questionnaire survey of 212 low-income households in Australia, showing that financial barriers have the greatest influence followed by split incentive barriers, with the provision of information having no significant role to play. This paper contributes to filling the gap of limited energy-efficiency research involving low-income households, revealing the effect of energy-efficiency barriers on their adoption of EEM.
Optimizing Interventions for Equitability: Some Initial Ideas
Authors: Strayhorn Jillian C. , Vanness David J. , Collins Linda M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractInterventions (including behavioral, biobehavioral, biomedical, and social-structural interventions) hold tremendous potential not only to improve public health overall but also to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. In this study, we introduce one way in which interventions can be optimized for health equity in a principled fashion using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST). Specifically, we define intervention equitability as the extent to which the health benefits provided by an intervention are distributed evenly versus concentrated among those who are already advantaged, and we suggest that, if intervention equitability is acknowledged to be a priority, then equitability should be a key criterion that is balanced with other criteria (effectiveness overall, as well as affordability, scalability, and/or efficiency) in intervention optimization. Using a hypothetical case study and simulated data, we show how MOST can be applied to achieve a strategic balance that incorporates equitability. We also show how the composition of an optimized intervention can differ when equitability is considered versus when it is not. We conclude with a vision for next steps to build on this initial foray into optimizing interventions for equitability.
QPU integration in OpenCL for heterogeneous programming
Authors: Vázquez-Pérez Jorge , Piñeiro César , Pichel Juan C. , Pena Tomás F. , Gómez Andrés 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe integration of quantum processing units (QPUs) in a heterogeneous high-performance computing environment requires solutions that facilitate hybrid classical–quantum programming. Standards such as OpenCL facilitate the programming of heterogeneous environments, consisting of CPUs and hardware accelerators. This study presents an innovative method that incorporates QPU functionality into OpenCL, standardizing quantum processes within classical environments. By leveraging QPUs within OpenCL, hybrid quantum–classical computations can be sped up, impacting domains like cryptography, optimization problems, and quantum chemistry simulations. Using Portable Computing Language (Jääskeläinen et al. in Int J Parallel Program 43(5):752–785, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10766-014-0320-y) and the Qulacs library (Suzuki et al. in Quantum 5:559, 2021. https://doi.org/10.22331/q-2021-10-06-559), results demonstrate, for instance, the successful execution of Shor’s algorithm (Nielsen and Chuang in Quantum computation and quantum information, 10th anniversary edn. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2010), serving as a proof of concept for extending the approach to larger qubit systems and other hybrid quantum–classical algorithms. This integration approach bridges the gap between quantum and classical computing paradigms, paving the way for further optimization and application to a wide range of computational problems.
Immobilization of Xylanase into Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 (ZIF-67) and Manganese-Doped ZIF-67 (Mn/ZIF-67): A Comparison Study
Authors: Bakar Büşra , Dik Gamze , Ulu Ahmet , Ateş Burhan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIt has been discovered that metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have desirable qualities for the immobilization of enzymes, including a high surface area, significant interior pore volumes, and easily changeable pore size. Herein, the xylanase (Xyl) enzyme was immobilized for the first time to two different carrier supports, zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) and manganese-doped ZIF-67 (Mn/ZIF-67) by in situ method. The physicochemical characterizations of MOFs with and without Xyl were performed by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and EDAX techniques. Xyl@ZIF-67 and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 were evaluated in terms of optimum temperature, optimum pH, kinetic parameters, thermal stability, reusability as well as juice clarification and compared with free Xyl. Optimum temperature values were 50 °C for Xyl@ZIF-67 and 70 °C for free Xyl and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67. Optimum pH values for free Xyl, Xyl@ZIF-67, and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 were recorded as 6.0, 8.0, and 7.0, respectively. Km values for free Xyl, Xyl@ZIF-67, and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 were calculated as 3.139, 5.430, and 0.799 mg/mL, respectively, while Vmax values were calculated as 0.167, 0.226, and 0.062 µmol/min/mL, respectively. The results revealed that in comparison to the free Xyl, Xyl@ZIF-67, and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 exhibited more thermal resistance. After incubation at 70 °C for 120 min, the free Xyl remained at 28.7% of the activity, while the Xyl@ZIF-67 and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 remained at 85.7% and 40.0%, respectively. Moreover, after eight cycles, the Xyl@ZIF-67 and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 retained more than 70% of their initial activity. Further, the transmittance of apple juice was increased from 65.61 to 94.73% and from 77.80 to 84.13%, respectively, when Xyl@ZIF-67 and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 were used as biocatalysts. Overall, these findings indicated that the suggested Xyl@ZIF-67 and Xyl@Mn/ZIF-67 have a high potential for juice clarification as an efficient heterogeneous biocatalyst.
Graphical Abstract
Potential mechanisms underlying the effect of walking exercise on cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors
Authors: Mast Isa Hiske , Bongers Coen C. W. G. , Gootjes Elske C. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Buffart Laurien M. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common and debilitating long-term side effect of cancer and its treatment. While exercise has been shown to effectively reduce CRF, the underlying mechanisms are not fully clear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of a 4-month walking exercise program on fatigue severity and to explore potential underlying physiological, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms of action.

Methods
We included 27 cancer survivors (59 ± 15 years, 37% female) with variable cancer diagnoses who were at least moderately fatigued and finished treatment between 6 and 36 months ago. This study with a quasi-experimental interrupted time-series design compared a 4-month walking intervention period with a 4-month control period. Measurements of fatigue and physiological, behavioral, and psychological factors were performed, supplemented with participants’ perceptions on how exercise influenced their fatigue.

Results
A significant and clinically relevant decrease in fatigue severity was found over time (β =  − 8.1, 95% CI =  − 12.1; − 4.2), but could not be attributed directly to the walking exercise intervention. Increases in muscle strength (β =  − 0.07, 95% CI =  − 0.12; − 0.02), physical activity (β =  − 0.1, 95% CI =  − 0.2; − 0.04), and sleep quality (β = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.3; 1.9), as well as decreases in muscle relaxation times (β = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02; 0.16) and psychological distress (β = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.8; 1.3) were associated with reductions in fatigue severity. Resilience and physical well-being were perceived as most important constructs explaining the walking exercise effects on fatigue.

Conclusion
Our findings reveal potential physiological, behavioral, and psychological mechanisms underlying the multidimensional effects of exercise on fatigue severity.

Implications for Cancer Survivors.
Incorporating resistance exercise and addressing resilience and physical well-being might improve the efficacy of exercise interventions for cancer survivors.
Comparison and Enhancement of Design Procedures for Guideline Expressions to Predict the Compressive Capacity of FRP-Wrapped Concrete Members
Authors: Gedik Onur 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe FRP wrapping of reinforced concrete columns is a simple way to increase the axial load capacity of such members with substandard concrete quality. A total of 2197 specimens were collected as a database to discuss the efficiency of predicting axial compressive strength of FRP-wrapped concrete columns according to several national and international guidelines. Various aspects of the database, including fiber type, unconfined strength and specimen geometry used to investigate the guidelines, and results are presented in terms of averages, standard deviations, and ratio of overestimated specimens. The performance of these expressions was compared with one another based on these statistical results and graphs, and those that captured the behavior best were identified for specific subsets. Recognizing the expressions’ inadequacy in capturing efficiency improvements related to radius to area and confinement ratios, some improvements in the form of coefficients for lateral confinement stress in the Turkish Building Earthquake Code were introduced, specifically for certain subsets.