bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is there a role for [18F]FMISO PET to guide dose adaptive radiotherapy in head and neck cancer? A review of the literature.
Authors: Sambasivan Khrishanthne , Barrington Sally , Connor Steve , Witney Timothy , Blower Philip , Urbano Teresa Guerrero 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Hypoxia is a major cause of radioresistance in head and neck cancer (HNC), resulting in treatment failure and disease recurrence. 18F-fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) PET has been proposed as a means of localising intratumoural hypoxia in HNC so that radiotherapy can be specifically escalated in hypoxic regions. This concept may not be deliverable in routine clinical practice, however, given that [18F]FMISO PET is costly, time consuming and difficult to access. The aim of this review was to summarise clinical studies involving [18F]FMISO PET to ascertain whether it can be used to guide radiotherapy treatment in HNC.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Web of Science databases. Studies investigating [18F]FMISO PET in newly diagnosed HNC patients were considered eligible for review.
Results
We found the following important results from our literature review:
1) Studies have focussed on comparing [18F]FMISO PET to other hypoxia biomarkers, but currently there is no evidence of a strong correlation between [18F]FMISO and these biomarkers.
2) The results of [18F]FMISO PET imaging are not necessarily repeatable, and the location of uptake may vary during treatment.
3) Tumour recurrences do not always occur within the pretreatment hypoxic volume on [18F]FMISO PET.
4) Dose modification studies using [18F]FMISO PET are in a pilot phase and so far, none have demonstrated the efficacy of radiotherapy dose painting according to [18F]FMISO uptake on PET.
Conclusions
Our results suggest it is unlikely [18F]FMISO PET will be suitable for radiotherapy dose adaptation in HNC in a routine clinical setting. Part of the problem is that hypoxia is a dynamic phenomenon, and thus difficult to delineate on a single scan. Currently, it is anticipated that [18F]FMISO PET will remain useful within the research setting only.
Post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis burden in high visceral leishmaniasis endemic upazilas in Bangladesh
Authors: Ghosh Debashis , Sagar Soumik Kha , Uddin Md. Rasel , Rashid Md. Utba , Maruf Shomik , Nath Rupen , islam Md. Nazmul , Aktaruzzaman M M , Sohel Abu Nayeem Mohammad , Banjara Megha Raj , Kroeger Axel , Aseffa Abraham , Mondal Dinesh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Post kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) threatens the success of the Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) elimination initiative as PKDL patients are inter-epidemic reservoirs of the Leishmania donovani infection in the Indian sub-continent and do not actively seek medical care. Therefore, active case detection (ACD) and management of PKDL cases are vital for preventing an eventual outbreak of VL and sustaining the success of the VL elimination program. We aimed to investigate the burden of PKDL in the highly VL-endemic upazilas in Bangladesh, including an active search for PKDL in leprosy-negative skin lesion cases. We also characterized PKDL cases and investigated their health-seeking behavior and perceived level of stigma.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional survey among people living in the VL-endemic villages of the five most VL-endemic upazilas. VL experts trained medical officers in Upazila Health Complexes (UHCs) and leprosy hospitals in PKDL diagnosis and treatment. The frontline public health workers conducted house-to-house surveys for PKDL suspects and referred them to the responsible centers [UHC and Surja Kanta Kala-azar Research Centre (SKKRC)] after the training. PKDL patients were diagnosed and treated following National Kala-azar Case management guidelines. Data management and analysis were done with the Epi Info version 7 and IBM SPSS Statistics 25.
Results
Of 472,435 individuals screened, 4022 had VL in the past (0.85%). This survey found 82 PKDL suspects among 4022 cases of past VL, and 62 PKDL were confirmed. The overall PKDL burden was 1.3 in 10,000 people but varied across study areas. The predominance of the male sex and the macular form of PKDL were observed. 39 PKDL patients perceived stigma of different levels. Active screening for PKDL among 137 leprosy-negative PKDL suspects in leprosy hospitals yielded 10 (7.3%) PKDL cases. Only 27 of 62 (43.5%) had received treatment for PKDL. Treatment interruption was common due to the unavailability of medicines and side effects of treatment.
Conclusions
Tedious house-to-house surveys for active PKDL search should be complemented with ACD for PKDL through all leprosy hospitals countrywide, as its yield is impressive. Better planning for ensuring medicines for treating PKDL cases is urgently required.
Amazon savannization and climate change are projected to increase dry season length and heat waves over Brazil
Authors: Bottino Marcus Jorge , Nobre Paulo , Giarolla Emanuel , Silva Manoel Baptista , Capistrano Vinicius Buscioli , Malagutti Marta , Tamaoki Jonas , Oliveira³ Beatriz Fátima Alves , Nobre Carlos 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Land use and atmospheric composition drivers of climate change can interact to affect both local and remote precipitation and temperature regimes. In this article, we investigate the impacts of Amazon savannization and climate change in a global coupled ocean-atmosphere model simulation. We find that both Amazon land use change and atmospheric radiative forcing enlarge the dry season and reduce annual rainfall over most of South America; with the land use driver reinforcing the drying effects of global climate change not only over the Amazon, but also the southern Brazil states. The combined effects of land use and climate change resulted in a mean annual rainfall reduction of 44% and dry season length increase of 69%, when averaged over the Amazon basin, relative to the control run. Modulation of inland moisture transport due to Amazon savannization shows the largest signal to explain the rainfall reduction and dry season length increase throughout Brazil. Temperature wise, the combined effects of savannization and global warming resulted in maximum daily temperature anomalies, reaching values of up to 14 °C above the current climatic conditions over the Amazon. Also, as a consequence of both climate drivers, both soil moisture and surface runoff decrease over most of the country, suggesting cascading negative future impacts on both agriculture production and hydroelectricity power plants generation.
Quantitative Determination of Levofloxacin in Ophthalmic Solution by High- Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Mohammed Shahen Salih , Aziz Dlivan Fattah , Hamasalh Hozan Jaza , Salih Mohammed Ali , Abazari Morteza , Ahmed Mohammed Mahmood 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Levofloxacin, as a prototypical of the third generation of fluoroquinolones, is an antimicrobial agent routinely administrated for treating bacterial keratitis. Levofloxacin is available under different trade names as liquid pharmaceutical formulations, such as infusions and eye drops. This paper reports a fast, simple, accurate and precise HPLC technique for levofloxacin determination in liquid pharmaceutical formulations. The HPLC method was applied with Photodiode Array Detectors, and measurements were conducted at 294 nm UV-Vis wavelength. The technique was developed to immediately estimate levofloxacin in the Oftaquix 5 mg/mL ophthalmic formulation. The ODS-phenyl column was used and maintained at 30 ± 2 °C and 294 nm λmax conditions. The mixture of acetonitrile:0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (18:82 v/v) was used as a mobile phase with a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. Levofloxacin peak was eluted at 9.5 min with good resolution. The method was validated in relation to system suitability, accuracy, linearity, and precision in agreement with ICH and FDA guidelines. The results indicated that the established HPLC-DAD method in this study is simple and accurate and can be applied for routine analysis of levofloxacin amounts in pharmaceutical formulations and bioequivalence studies in quality control departments and the pharmaceutical industry.
Communication Performance Analysis of Wireless Multiple Access Channel with Specially Correlated Sources
Authors: Entezami Akram , Hodtani Ghosheh Abed 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
From practical and theoretical viewpoints, performance analysis of the communication systems by using information-theoretic results is very important. In this study, first, we obtain a general achievable rate for tow-user wireless multiple access channel (MAC) with specially correlated sources as a more general version for continuous alphabet MACs, by extending the known discrete alphabet results to the wireless continuous alphabet version. Next, the impact of wireless channel coefficients correlation on the performance metrics by using Copula theory, as the most convenient way for describing the dependence between several variables, is investigated and by applying the Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern (FGM) Copula function, we obtain a closed-form expressions for the outage probability (OP) under positive / negative dependence conditions. It is shown that the fading correlation improves the OP for negative dependence structure. Specifically, whenever the dependence structure tends to negative values, the OP decreases and the efficiency of the channel increases. Finally, the efficiency of the analytical results is illustrated numerically.
Drug-related problems identified during pharmacy consultation in outpatient
Authors: Mi Xue , Li Zhuo , Gao Hua , Wen Yafei , Su Xuelong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Drug-related problems (DRPs) might lead to adverse drug events, and medication errors have received extensive attention among the public and health care system worldwide. The purpose of this study was to identify common drug-related problems (DRPs) during pharmacy consultation in outpatient pharmacies by implementing a counseling model.
Method: We conducted a prospective study in the outpatient pharmacy of a tertiary academic hospital for 16 months. A counseling model was implemented by a pharmacy team, and data were collected during pharmacy consultation. Data analysis was performed on identified DRPs, causes and their relationships. Problem-level descriptive analysis and network analysis were conducted using R 3.6.3.
Result: Pharmacists identified 504 DRPs during pharmacy consultation with primarily adverse drug events (ADEs, 26.98%) and untreated symptoms or indications (16.67%). The most frequent drug classes correlated with DRPs were ‘cardiovascular system’ drugs (13.39%), followed by ‘traditional Chinese medicine’ (12.71%) and ‘alimentary tract and metabolism’ drugs (12.54%). Most DRPs were due to necessary information not provided in dispensing and drug selection. More than 98.25% of advice given by the pharmacist was accepted or taken into consideration, and 97% of patients reported that their medication problems were totally or partially solved.
Conclusion: Implementation of the counseling model appears to be a means to improve drug use by serving as an important tool to increase the identification and resolution of DRPs, resulting in positive experiences in both pharmacy practitioners and patients.
Contributions to the Design for Reverse Logistics Definition: Integrating Reverse Logistics activities and Design for X approaches
Authors: Erli Braga Jr Antonio , de Lucena Nunes Denilson Ricardo , Rayra Brandão , Batista Martins Vitor William , Nascimento Nagata Verônica de Menezes , Silva Melo André Cristiano 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The increasing generation of waste and its adverse effects on sustainability have prompted the development of practical solutions rooted in Circular Economy principles and Reverse Logistics (RL) practices. These solutions aim to recover materials' value and responsibly manage non-recoverable waste. Design plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability in this context. This research aims to define the Design for Reverse Logistics (DfRL) approach by leveraging existing Design for X (DfX) concepts that influence RL activities. A comprehensive literature review was conducted across Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant definitions of DfRL and DfX, which were subsequently analyzed. By aligning DfX definitions with RL activities, this study proposes a DfRL framework based on these DfX principles. The advantages offered by these DfX concepts are linked to the design requirements of RL activities. This article contributes to an evolving understanding of DfRL, facilitating the execution of RL practices that support Waste Management and Circular Economy objectives, aligning with the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda. It bridges a gap in existing literature by connecting DfX principles with RL activities and advancing the definition of DfRL. Moreover, it underscores the need for further research into Design for X approaches and recommends an analysis of design guidelines to establish more robust connections between DfX benefits and design requirements for products, processes, and artifacts supporting RL.
Inhibitory roles of Bacillus velezensis YE-1 isolated from lichens in Baiyin city, Gansu province against Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zou Yanyan , Ling Na , Ou Dexin , Wang Yang , Ren Yuwei , Chen Hanfang , Zhang Danfeng , Shen Yizhong , Zhao Hongyuan , Ye Yingwang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aspergillus flavus has evoked worldwide attention owing to its serious threat to public health, but how to safely, efficiently, and economically reduce A. flavus contamination remains a great challenge. Here, a Bacillus strain capable of inhibiting A. flavus was isolated from lichens. The antifungal assay showed that Bacillus velezensis YE-1 could inhibit the growth of A. flavus. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed that B. velezensis YE-1 exposure severely deformed the spore and mycelial structure and morphology of A. flavus. Furthermore, the biochemical studies revealed a significant alternation in ergosterol content, mitochondrial membrane potential, nuclear DNA, and aflatoxin synthesis gene in A. flavus exposed to B. velezensis YE-1. In addition, the inhibitory activity of isolated B. velezensis YE-1 was mainly present in the cell-free supernatant, confirming that the heat-resistant non-protein substances produced by B. velezensis YE-1 exerted an antagonistic role on A. flavus. Finally, on corn and peanut kernels, B. velezensis YE-1 can also remarkably improve the disease severity by A. flavus. Therefore, our results showed that B. velezensis YE-1 could be a very promising biocontrol agent for A. flavus and subsequent contamination of food/feed commodities.
Investigation of ASE contribution to copper bromide amplifier output signal
Authors: Vasnev N.A. , Trigub M.V. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The paper is devoted to research the single-pass operating mode of active element on copper bromide vapors and time dependence of ratio «signal/ASE». The results show how the single-pass radiation power depends on time delay between ASE pulse and moment when the input signal enters to active element. Light waveforms (ASE, input signal, output signal) are recorded at each time delay. The minimal time delay was 5.2 ns, power radiation in this case was 3.47 W. The radiation power was reducing as the time delay was increased in increments of about 2 ns. The waveforms prove that the active element output signal contains two components: the first – ASE (amplified spontaneous emission), which is formed as result of the active substance atom excitation and their further spontaneous transitions; the second – single-pass radiation amplified by means of inverse population of the active media. The waveforms allow to estimate the useful signal to noise ratio or other words «signal/ASE». The highest gain is provided with the lowest time delay due to the population inversion is maximum in this case.
Life-history strategies of an invasive tephritid species Dacus frontalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) under different temperature
Authors: Hafsi Abir , Abbes Khaled , Chermiti Brahim 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Dacus frontalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) is an emerging species affecting fruit production in Africa and can poses a serious risk to Cucurbitaceae fruit producing industry in Europe as a response to climat change. To understand how temperature impacts specie’s fitness, population dynamics and consequently its invasive potential, we studied for the first time survival and development time of immature stages, and longevity and fecundity of D. frontalis adults in laboratory at four constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Results showed that temperature has significant effect on the survival, development, reproduction and longevity of the pumpkin fruit fly. The highest survival rates of egg, larvae, pupae, female and male adults were observed at 20°C. The developmental time of immature stages and from egg to adult significantly decreased with increasing temperature from 15 to 30°C. Female produces significantly the highest number of eggs at 20°C, but no oviposition was observed at 15°C. Pupae are able to survive at 15°C with highest development time, suggesting that this tephritid species can overwinter as pupae in the field. The thermal requirement can explain the seasonality of D. frontalis observed in North Africa and a temperature range of 20 ± 1°C appears to be most suitable for the population growth as well as the rearing of this insect in the laboratory. Practical implications for pest management were discussed.
Analyzing information management and security measures for company computer networks
Authors: Zhang Cixu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
With the rapid development of modern Internet technology, network information, with its unique advantages of immediacy, interactivity, massive volume and multimedia, is widely used in enterprise operation systems as well as in social life, and the ensuing information security risks are highlighted. Based on this, this study mainly constructs an enterprise computer network information management and security policy protection model based on the improved SAE-K means++ algorithm, improves the convergence process of LSTM to enhance its global optimization-seeking capability, subsequently optimizes the model hyperparameters using the improved SAE-K means++ algorithm, and builds an enterprise computer network security posture prediction model The model was subsequently optimized using the improved SAE-K means++ algorithm, and an enterprise computer network security posture prediction model was built. This means that the system not only meets the national requirements for internal network information security protection capabilities, but also meets the market demand for IDC security.
Unveiling an unexpected superoxide- mediated photooxidation mechanism of squalene monohydroperoxides to squalene hydroperoxy cyclic peroxides through ESR and LC-MS/MS analyses
Authors: Khalifa Saoussane , Enomoto Masaru , Nakagawa Kiyotaka 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Lipid cyclic peroxides are a rarely reported and documented class of compounds in the human organism. Recently, we reported the formation of squalene (SQ) hydroperoxy cyclic peroxides derived from SQ monohydroperoxide isomers (SQ-OOHs) for the first time. Notably, we successfully detected and quantified cis-2-OOH-3-(1,2-dioxane)-SQ in the human skin. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism governing the formation of these compounds remained elusive. Therefore, in the current study, we set to determine the reaction’s mechanism. To this end, a comprehensive analysis of the precise conditions involved in the onset and propagation of this conversion was carried out by oxidizing total SQ-OOHs under different conditions, including singlet oxygen (1O2), thermal, and photoinduced oxidations monitored by quantifying the generated 2-OOH-3-(1,2-dioxane)-SQ using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Radical intermediates were thoroughly investigated using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) with the aid of spin traps and radical references. Moreover, calculations of SQ-OOHs’ electrostatic charges were performed on Spartan 18 software. We found that the reaction is ideally induced and favored under photooxidation in the presence of 3O2 in hexane, and that superoxide radical (O2•−) is the first key intermediate in this mechanism, whereas peroxyl radicals were the major species observed throughout the oxidation. Chemical calculations provided an explanation for the targeting of tertiary SQ-OOHs by this reaction and gave further evidence on the proposed heterolytic cleavage initiating the reaction. The novel oxidation mechanism suggested herein offers new insights into understanding lipid secondary oxidation and is a promising finding for further studying lipid cyclic peroxides in general.
A chattering-free discrete sliding mode filter
Authors: Zhao Zuoping , Deng Hongzhou 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel sliding mode filter, which improves Emaru et al.’s filter. Compared to previous filters, the proposed filter has a faster response speed without sacrificing filtering performance, and the output signals do not experience chattering. Specifically, the proposed filter introduces feedforward compensation as an acceleration factor, enabling the system state to accelerate convergence without affecting the noise attenuation ability. Secondly, the discrete-time algorithm of the proposed filter is achieved through the implicit Euler discretization method, and an equivalent substitution of a sign function and a saturation function, and its output signals do not generate system chattering, which is a challenge faced by sliding mode technology in discrete-time implementation. The effectiveness of the proposed filter was determined through numerical simulation.