bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Equivalent uniform RBE‐weighted dose in eye plaque brachytherapy
Authors: Chvetsov Alexei V. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundBrachytherapy for ocular melanoma is based on the application of eye plaques with different spatial dose nonuniformity, time‐dependent dose rates and relative biological effectiveness (RBE).PurposeWe propose a parameter called the equivalent uniform RBE‐weighted dose (EUDRBE) that can be used for quantitative characterization of integrated cell survival in radiotherapy modalities with the variable RBE, dose nonuniformity and dose rate. The EUDRBE is applied to brachytherapy with 125I eye plaques designed by the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study (COMS).MethodsThe EUDRBE is defined as the uniform dose distribution with RBE = 1 that causes equal cell survival for a given nonuniform dose distribution with the variable RBE > 1. The EUDRBE can be used for comparison of cell survival for nonuniform dose distributions with different RBE, because they are compared to the reference dose with RBE = 1. The EUDRBE is applied to brachytherapy with 125I COMS eye plaques that are characterized by a steep dose gradient in tumor base‐apex direction, protracted irradiation during time intervals of 3–8 days, and variable dose‐rate dependent RBE with a maximum of about 1.4. The simulations are based on dose of 85 Gy prescribed to the farthest intraocular extent of the tumor (tumor apex). To compute the EUDRBE in eye plaque brachytherapy and correct for protracted irradiation, the distributions of physical dose have been converted to non‐uniform distributions of biologically effective dose (BED) to include the biological effects of sublethal cellular repair, Our radiobiological analysis considers the combined effects of different time‐dependent dose rates, spatial dose non‐uniformity, dose fractionation and different RBE and can be used to derive optimized dose regimens brachytherapy.ResultsOur simulations show that the EUDRBE increases with the prescription depths and the maximum increase may achieve 6% for the tumor height of 12 mm. This effect stems from a steep dose gradient within the tumor that increases with the prescription depth. The simulations also show that the EUDRBE increase may achieve 12% with increasing the dose rate when implant duration decreases. The combined effect of dose nonuniformity and dose rate may change the EUDRBE up to 18% for the same dose prescription of 85 Gy to tumor apex. The absolute dose range of 48–61 Gy (RBE) for the EUDRBE computed using 4 or 5 fractions is comparable to the dose prescriptions used in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with megavoltage X‐rays (RBE = 1) for different cancers. The tumor control probabilities in SBRT and eye plaque brachytherapy are very similar at the level of 80% or higher that support the hypothesis that the selected approximations for the EUDRBE are valid.ConclusionsThe computed range of the EUDRBE in 125I COMS eye plaque brachytherapy suggests that the selected models and hypotheses are acceptable. The EUDRBE can be useful for analysis of treatment outcomes and comparison of different dose regimens in eye plaque brachytherapy.
UDRSNet: An unsupervised deformable registration module based on image structure similarity
Authors: Wang Yun , Huang Chongfei , Chang Wanru , Lu Wenliang , Hui Qinglei , Jiang Siyuan , Ouyang Xiaoping , Kong Dexing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundImage registration is a challenging problem in many clinical tasks, but deep learning has made significant progress in this area over the past few years. Real‐time and robust registration has been made possible by supervised transformation estimation. However, the quality of registrations using this framework depends on the quality of ground truth labels such as displacement field.PurposeTo propose a simple and reliable method for registering medical images based on image structure similarity in a completely unsupervised manner.MethodsWe proposed a deep cascade unsupervised deformable registration approach to align images without reliable clinical data labels. Our basic network was composed of a displacement estimation module (ResUnet) and a deformation module (spatial transformer layers). We adopted ‐norm to regularize the deformation field instead of the traditional ‐norm regularization. Additionally, we utilized structural similarity (ssim) estimation during the training stage to enhance the structural consistency between the deformed images and the reference images.ResultsExperiments results indicated that by incorporating ssim loss, our cascaded methods not only achieved higher dice score of 0.9873, ssim score of 0.9559, normalized cross‐correlation (NCC) score of 0.9950, and lower relative sum of squared difference (SSD) error of 0.0313 on CT images, but also outperformed the comparative methods on ultrasound dataset. The statistical ‐test results also proved that these improvements of our method have statistical significance.ConclusionsIn this study, the promising results based on diverse evaluation metrics have demonstrated that our model is simple and effective in deformable image registration (DIR). The generalization ability of the model was also verified through experiments on liver CT images and cardiac ultrasound images.
Clinical prognostic factors predicting survival of motor neuron disease patients with gastrostomy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhao Yun , Soares Mario , Needham Merrilee , Begley Andrea , Calton Emily 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsEnteral feeding via gastrostomy is a key intervention to prevent significant weight loss in Motor Neuron Disease (MND). The aim of this study was to explore demographic, clinical, and nutritional factors associated with survival time in MND patients with gastrostomy.MethodsThe retrospective study analyzed 94 MND patients (n = 58 bulbar‐onset and n = 36 limb‐onset) who underwent gastrostomy between 2015 and 2021. The primary outcome was the survival time from gastrostomy insertion to death. Independent variables of interest explored were: age at gastrostomy insertion, disease onset type, known genetic cause, use of riluzole, non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) use, forced vital capacity prior to gastrostomy, weight loss from diagnosis to gastrostomy insertion, and body mass index (BMI) at the time of gastrostomy insertion.ResultsThe median survival time from gastrostomy to death was 357 days (± 29.3, 95%CI: 299.5, 414.5). Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank test revealed patients with lower body mass index <18.5 kg/m2 at the time of gastrostomy insertion (p = .023) had shorter survival. Cox proportional hazards model with multivariable adjustment revealed that older age (p = .008), and greater weight loss from diagnosis to gastrostomy (p = .003) were associated with shorter survival time post gastrostomy. Limb onset (p = .023), NIV use not being required (p = .008) and daily NIV use when required and tolerated (p = .033) were associated with longer survival.DiscussionPreventing or minimizing weight loss from MND diagnosis and encouraging NIV use when clinically indicated are modifiable factors that may prolong the survival of MND patients with gastrostomy.
Uncertainty‐oriented thermoelastic topology optimization with stress constraint
Authors: Cheng Changzheng , Yang Bo , Wang Xuan , Lee Ikjin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe material redistribution abilities of traditional deterministic topology optimization are effective in addressing stress‐related design issues in thermal elastic structures. However, uncertainties are inevitable in real‐world. The structural strength of a design, achieved through deterministic topology optimization, is highly susceptible to these uncertainties, which may result in failure. This article introduces a novel method for topology optimization in stress‐constrained thermoelastic structures, taking into account the uncertainties associated with heat sources and loads. We employ the Kieisselmeier–Steinhauser function to aggregate the stress constraint when constructing the performance function. In order to improve optimization efficiency, the sequential optimization and reliability assessment method is used to decouple the double‐layer loop reliability‐based topology optimization. Initially, we derive the derivative of stress‐based performance functions with respect to heat source and load uncertainty variables, thereby facilitating the use of modified chaos control for assessing structural reliability and imposing constraints. The adjoint method and chain rule are utilized to obtain the derivative information of the performance function with respect to density variables, guiding the topology updates. We present five design examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented method. Monte Carlo simulations for the optimized results are performed to show that the presented method can obtain a structure that meets reliability requirements.
Building boards into better coxswains through sensemaking
Authors: Nesbit Rebecca 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis response to von Schnurbein and Ahmad's article delves deeper into the authors' recommendation that foundation boards focus on developing their sensemaking skills. This article discusses five practical suggestions for incorporating sensemaking activities into the work of the board. These recommendations include hiring a coach, including training in board meetings, evaluating the board's performance, bringing a beneficiary to speak at board meetings, and acting as a convenor in the community.
Neuromodulation for Treatment of Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Heiland Luke D. , Owen Johnny M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Labadie Robert F. , Lambert Paul R. , Meyer Ted A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the treatment efficacy of neuromodulation versus sham for the treatment of tinnitus.Data SourcesCochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus.Review MethodsThe Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus were searched from inception through May 2023 for English language articles documenting “neuromodulation” and “tinnitus” stratified by sham‐controlled randomized control trials with 40 or more patients. Data collected included Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale. A Meta‐analysis of continuous measures (mean) and proportions (%) were conducted.ResultsA total of 19 randomized control trials (N = 1186) were included. The mean age was 48.4 ± 5.3 (range: 19‐74), mean duration of tinnitus was 3.8 ± 3.4 years, 61% [56.2‐65.7] male, and 55.7% [46‐65] with unilateral tinnitus. The short‐term effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on THI score is −16.2 [−23.1 to −9.3] and −19 [−30.1 to −7.8], respectively. The long‐term effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on THI score is −8.6 [−11.5 to −5.7]. Transcranial direct current stimulation decreases BDI score by −11.8 [−13.3 to −10.3].ConclusionAs measured by the Tinnitus Handicap Index, our findings suggest the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation reach significant benefit in the short term, whereas repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reaches significant benefit in the long term. Based on the BDI, transcranial direct current stimulation significantly reduces comorbid depression in patients with tinnitus.
Revisiting Feeding Tube Utilization in Oropharynx Cancer: 6‐Year Prospective Registry Analysis
Authors: Anderson Brady J. , Moreno Amy C. , Qing Yun , Lee J. Jack , Johnson Faye M. , Lango Miriam N. , Barbon Carly E. A. , Tripuraneni Lavanya , Sahli Ariana , Piper Vicki , Gross Neil , Fuller Clifton D. , Lai Stephen Y. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Hutcheson Katherine A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivePatients treated for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) have historically demonstrated high feeding tube rates for decreased oral intake and malnutrition. We re‐examined feeding tube practices in these patients.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of prospective cohort from 2015 to 2021.SettingSingle‐institution NCI‐Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.MethodsWith IRB approval, patients with new oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer or (unknown primary with neck metastasis) were enrolled. Baseline swallowing was assessed via videofluoroscopy and Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer (PSSHN). G‐tubes or nasogastric tubes (NGT) were placed for weight loss before, during, or after treatment. Prophylactic NGT were placed during transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Tube duration was censored at last disease‐free follow‐up. Multivariate regression was performed for G‐tube placement (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval [CI]) and removal (Cox hazard ratio, hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI]).ResultsOf 924 patients, most had stage I to II (81%), p16+ (89%), node‐positive (88%) disease. Median follow‐up was 2.6 years (interquartile range 1.5‐3.9). Most (91%) received radiation/chemoradiation, and 16% received TORS. G‐tube rate was 27% (5% after TORS). G‐tube risk was increased with chemoradiation (OR 2.78 [1.87‐4.22]) and decreased with TORS (OR 0.31 [0.15‐0.57]) and PSSHN‐Diet score ≥60 (OR 0.26 [0.15‐0.45]). G‐tube removal probability over time was lower for T3 to T4 tumors (HR 0.52 [0.38‐0.71]) and higher for PSSHN‐Diet score ≥60 (HR 1.65 [1.03‐2.66]).ConclusionsIn this modern cohort of patients treated for OPC, 27% received G‐tubes—50% less than institutional rates 10 years ago. Patients with preserved baseline swallowing and/or those eligible for TORS may have lower G‐tube risk and duration.
Assessment of Swallowing Function in Healthy Adults While Using High‐Flow Nasal Cannula
Authors: Graf Alexander E. , Mehl Alla , De Costa Amelia , Rosenfeld Richard M. , Abu‐Ghanem Sara 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveDespite widespread use of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for respiratory support, the effect of HFNC on swallowing physiology is poorly understood. Flow rates that permit safe swallowing have not been established. We aim to assess if healthy individuals have diminished swallowing function and safety at high flow rates.Study DesignRepeated measures with planned data collection.SettingOutpatient dysphagia clinic.MethodsSwallowing function in a cohort of healthy individuals was assessed using Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Participants' safety of swallowing was assessed with different textures under randomized rates of HFNC (0, 30, 40, 50, and 60 LPM). Swallowing trials included quantities of thin liquids, mildly‐thick liquids, and purees. Trials were scored using the Penetration‐Aspiration Scale (PAS). Pearson chi‐square tests were used to test for correlation between PAS result, flow rate, and consistency across each quantity of material.ResultsTwenty‐seven subjects were enrolled. Forty‐one percent were male with mean age of 34 years (11 standard deviation). Ninety‐nine percent (267/270), 97% (n = 263/270), and 99% (399/405) of 1 sip swallows, 3 sip swallows, and 5 mL swallows, respectively, were safe. There was no significant correlation between swallow safety and flow rate using Pearson Chi‐Square test across all consistencies and across all quantities of materials (P > 0.05). Of note, out of all subtrials, the thin liquid, 3 sips trial at 60 LPM, had the largest percent of unsafe swallows (14%).ConclusionOur results suggest rate of aspiration is not significantly affected by high flow nasal cannula in healthy individuals.
Influence of Social Vulnerability in Treatment and Prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue
Authors: Fei‐Zhang David J. , Park Asher C. , Chelius Daniel C. , Smith Stephanie S. , Samant Sandeep , Patel Urjeet A. , Sheyn Anthony M. , Rastatter Jeffrey C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of social determinants of health (SDoH) in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in the United States and to evaluate the real‐world contribution of specific disparities.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingUnited States.MethodsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‐Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and National Cancer Institute‐Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database were used to study 62,103 adult tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients from 1975 to 2017. Regression analysis assessed trends in months of follow‐up and survival across social vulnerability and 4 subcategories of social vulnerability.ResultsAs overall SVI score increases (increased social vulnerability), there is a significant decrease in the average length of follow‐up (22.95% decrease from 63.99 to 49.31 months; P < .001) across patients from the lowest and highest social vulnerability groups. As overall SVI score increases, there is a significant decrease in the average months of survival (28.00% decrease from 49.20 to 35.43 months; P < .001). There is also a significantly greater odds ratio (OR = 1.05; P < .001) of advanced cancer staging upon presentation at higher SVI scores. Patients with higher SVI scores have a lower OR (0.93; P < .001) of receiving surgery as their primary treatment when compared to patients with lower SVI scores. Patients with higher SVI scores also have a significantly greater OR (OR = 1.05; P < .001) of receiving chemotherapy as their primary treatment when compared to patients with lower SVI scores.ConclusionIncreased social vulnerability is shown to have a detrimental impact on the treatment and prognosis of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Empathy with nature promotes pro‐environmental attitudes in preschool children
Authors: Li Yun , Zhao Yajun , Huang Qun , Deng Jiyan , Deng Xueer , Li Jingguang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to explore whether empathy with nature (i.e., the tendency to understand and share the emotional experience of the natural world) contributes to pro‐environmental attitudes in early childhood. In a correlational investigation (Study 1), 138 (Mage = 57.78 months) preschool children completed a battery of tasks to measure their pro‐environmental attitudes, empathy with nature, and empathy with humans. We found that empathy with nature positively predicts pro‐environmental attitudes, even beyond the predictive power of empathy with humans. In a quasi‐experimental investigation (Study 2), 46 children from two parallel classes in the same preschool were recruited as the intervention (n = 23, Mage = 66.74 months) and control (n = 23, Mage = 67.61 months) groups. An intervention session that aimed to induce empathy with nature was applied to the intervention group, whereas an active control teaching session was applied to the control group. After the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated greater pro‐environmental attitudes than did the control group. Together, our studies provide converging evidence that empathy with nature promotes pro‐environmental attitudes in early childhood, further implying the value of integrating empathy with nature in early childhood environmental education.
Exploring the factors affecting classification and reporting of uncertain prenatal microarray findings, using a “virtual fetus” model‐a pilot study
Authors: Michaelson‐Cohen Rachel , Salzer Liat Sheelo , Brabbing‐Goldstein Dana , Yaron Yuval , Reches Adi , Yonath Hagith , Regev Miriam , Shani Hagit , Altarescu Gheona , Segel Reeval , Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka , Daum Hagit , Harel Tamar , Meiner Vardiella , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Sagi‐Dain Lena , Maya Idit 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveSignificant discrepancy exists between laboratories in classification and reporting of copy number variants (CNVs). Studies exploring factors affecting prenatal CNV management are rare. Our “virtual fetus” pilot study examines these factors.MethodTen prenatally diagnosed CNVs of uncertain significance (VUS) > 1Mb, encompassing OMIM‐morbid genes, inherited from healthy parents, were classified by 15 MD geneticists from laboratory, prenatal, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) units. Geneticists addressed factors affecting classification, obligation to report, and recommendation for invasive testing or PGT.ResultsCNVs were classified likely benign (10.7%), VUS (74.7%), likely pathogenic (8.7%), or pathogenic (6.0%). Classification discrepancy was higher for losses versus gains. Classifying pathogenic/likely pathogenic was more common for losses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 10.9, 95% CI 1.55–76.9), and geneticists specializing in gynecology (aOR 4.9, 95% CI 1.03–23.3). 84.0% of respondents would report CNVs, depending on classification and family phenotype. Invasive testing in pregnancies was recommended for 29.3% of CNVs, depending on the classification and geneticist's specialization. PGT was recommended for 32.4%, depending on classification, experience years, and family's phenotype (38.0% for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization irrespectively, 26.7% otherwise).ConclusionFactors affecting CNV classification/reporting are mainly dosage, family phenotype, geneticist specialization and experience. Understanding factors from our pilot study may facilitate developing an algorithm for clinical consensus and optimal management.
The maize striate leaves2 (sr2) gene encodes a conserved DUF3732 domain and is homologous to the rice yss1 gene
Authors: Brady Meghan J. , Cheam Maya , Gent Jonathan I. , Dawe R. Kelly 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMaize striate leaves2 (sr2) is a mutant that causes white stripes on leaves that has been used in mapping studies for decades though the underlying gene has not been identified. The sr2 locus has been previously mapped to small regions of normal chromosome 10 (N10) and a rearranged variant called abnormal chromosome 10 (Ab10). A comparison of assembled genomes carrying N10 and Ab10 revealed only five candidate sr2 genes. Analysis of a stock carrying the sr2 reference allele (sr2‐ref) showed that one of the five genes has a transposon insertion that disrupts its protein sequence and has a severe reduction in mRNA. An independent Mutator transposon insertion in the gene (sr2‐Mu) failed to complement the sr2‐ref mutation, and plants homozygous for sr2‐Mu showed white striped leaf margins. The sr2 gene encodes a DUF3732 protein with strong homology to a rice gene with a similar mutant phenotype called young seedling stripe1 (yss1). These and other published data suggest that sr2 may have a function in plastid gene expression.
Regulation of non‐canonical proteins from diverse origins through the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay pathway
Authors: Periasamy Parthiban , Joseph Craig , Campos Adrian , Rajandran Sureka , Batho Christopher , Hudson James E. , Sivakumaran Haran , Kore Hitesh , Datta Keshava , Yeong Joe , Gowda Harsha 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImmunotherapy harnesses neoantigens encoded within the human genome, but their therapeutic potential is hampered by low expression, which may be controlled by the nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. This study investigates the impact of UPF1‐knockdown on the expression of non‐canonical/mutant proteins, employing proteogenomic to explore UPF1 role within the NMD pathway. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive pan‐cancer analysis of UPF1 expression and evaluated UPF1 expression in Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) tissue in‐vivo. Our findings reveal that UPF1‐knockdown leads to increased translation of non‐canonical/mutant proteins, particularly those originating from retained‐introns, pseudogenes, long non‐coding RNAs, and unannotated transcript biotypes. Moreover, our analysis demonstrates elevated UPF1 expression in various cancer types, with notably heightened protein levels in patient‐derived TNBC tumors compared to adjacent tissues. This study elucidates UPF1 role in mitigating transcriptional noise by degrading transcripts encoding non‐canonical/mutant proteins. Targeting this mechanism may reveal a new spectrum of neoantigens accessible to the antigen presentation pathway. Our novel findings provide a strong foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting UPF1 or modulating the NMD pathway.