bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment modalities and survival outcomes in prostate cancer parenchymal brain metastasis
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Childs Daniel S. , Ahmed Mohamed E. , Tuba Kendi A. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Orme Jacob J. , Stish Bradley J. , Phillips Ryan M. , Park Sean S. , Davis Brian J. , Andrews Jack R. , Kwon Eugene D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) parenchymal brain metastases are uncommon and troubling observations in the course of the disease. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of brain metastases among PCa patients while reporting various therapeutic modalities, clinical features, and oncological outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively identified 34 patients with parenchymal brain metastasis out of 4575 patients using a prospectively maintained database that contains clinicopathologic characteristics of PCa patients between January 2012 and December 2021. Based on the three treatment modalities used, the patients were divided into three groups: stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT), and systemic therapy alone. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to calculate overall survival [OS] probability and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to compare between groups.ResultsAt the time of brain metastasis diagnosis, the median age was 66 years, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was 2.2 (0.1–26.6) ng/ml and the median (IQR) months from initial PCa diagnosis to brain metastasis development was 70.8 (27.6–100.9). The median (IQR) primary Gleason score was 8 (7–9) and over a median (IQR) follow‐up time of 2.2 (1.2–16.5) months, 76.5% (n = 26) of the patients died. Thirteen (38.2%) patients had solitary lesion, whereas 21 (61.8%) had ≥2 lesions. The lesions were supratentorial in 19 (55.9%) patients, infratentorial in six (17.6%), and both sides in nine (26.5%). Among all 34 patients, 10 (29.4%) were treated with SRS, seven (20.6%) with WBRT, and 17 (50%) with systemic therapy alone. OS varied greatly between the three treatment modalities (log‐rank test, p = 0.049). Those who were treated with SRS and WBRT had better OS compared with patients who were treated with systemic therapy alone (hazard ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.16–0.86, p = 0.022).ConclusionsIn our single‐institutional study, we confirmed that PCa brain metastasis is associated with poor survival outcomes and more advanced metastatic disease. Furthermore, we found that SRS and WBRT for brain metastasis in patients with recurrent PCa appear to be associated with improved OS as compared with systemic therapy alone and are likely secondary to selection bias.
Histomolecular characterisation of hepatitis B virus induced liver cancer
Authors: Adugna Adane 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated liver cancer is the third most prevalent cancer‐related cause of death worldwide. Different studies have been done on the histomolecular analysis of HBV induced‐liver cancer including epigenetics which are dynamic molecular mechanisms to control gene expression without altering the host deoxyribonucleic acid, genomics characterise the integration of the viral genome with host genome, proteomics characterise how gene modifies and results overexpression of proteins, glycoproteomics discover different glyco‐biomarker candidates and show glycosylation in malignant hepatocytes, metabolomics characterise how HBV impairs a variety of metabolic functions during hepatocyte immortalisation, exosomes characterise immortalised liver cells in terms of their differentiation and proliferation, and autophagy plays a role in the development of hepatocarcinogenesis linked to HBV infection.
Comparative investigation on organosilicon film growth by cyclonic plasma using hexamethyldisilazane and hexamethyldisilazane/nitrogen gas mixture
Authors: Wu Li‐Yu , Wang Shu‐Mei , Ji Ya‐Shin , Huang Chun 
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to discover the surface characteristics of cyclonic plasma‐deposited films and the effect of nitrogen gas addition. The influence of nitrogen gas addition on the surface characteristics of organosilicon films in hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) and HMDSN/nitrogen (HMDSN/N2) cyclonic plasmas at atmospheric pressure was evaluated. It was found that the addition of nitrogen gas is a crucial factor affecting organosilicon film growth in the plasma cyclone in one atmosphere. SEM, AFM, and ATR‐FTIR results indicated that on adding nitrogen gas, the surface morphology became rougher, the peak corresponding to the Si–O–Si group was detected at approximately 1050 cm−1, the degree of porosity was relatively low, and the proportion of the SiCHx group decreased. In general, the surface energies of the films deposited in the HMDSN discharge and the HMDSN/N2 gas mixture discharge exhibited similar features. SEM and AFM evaluations showed high roughness values of 44.5 nm for the film formation in the HMDSN/N2 gas mixture discharge, while the films grown in the HMDSN discharge exhibited a relatively flat surface with a roughness of 24.5 nm. Based on ATR‐FTIR detection, cyclonic plasma‐deposited films deposited in the HMDSN discharge obtained organic moieties, while the films generated in the HMDSN/N2 gas mixture discharge exhibited strong Si–O–Si absorption signals. A possible nano‐organosilicon film growth that prevails in atmospheric pressure plasma deposition is proposed based on atmospheric‐pressure plasma chemistry, nitrogen gas addition, and experimental observations.
Assessing the mechanisms and adjunctive therapy for arsenic‐induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Xu Yuyan , Zeng Qibing , Zhang Aihua 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEnvironmental arsenic exposure is a significant global public health concern. Previous studies have demonstrated the association between arsenic‐induced liver injury and oxidative stress as well as ferroptosis. However, the knowledge of the interactions among these mechanisms remains limited. Moreover, there is a lack of research on potential therapeutic interventions for liver injury resulting from arsenic exposure. To address these limitations, we established a rat model with liver injury caused by arsenic exposure and investigated the impact of the nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) signaling pathway and ferroptosis on arsenic‐induced liver injury. Our findings revealed that arsenic increased Nrf2 expression and decreased GPx4 expression in the rat liver. This was accompanied by a substantial generation of reactive oxygen species and disruption of the antioxidant defense system, ultimately promoting liver injury through ferroptosis. Subsequently, we conducted intervention experiments using Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT) in rats exposed to arsenic. The results showed that the detrimental effects mentioned earlier were partially alleviated following RRT intervention. This study offers preliminary evidence that persistent activation of Nrf2 by arsenic triggers an adaptive antioxidant response, leading to liver injury through the promotion of ferroptosis. Additionally, we discovered that RRT inhibits Nrf2‐mediated adaptive antioxidant responses by reducing hepatic ferroptosis, thereby mitigating liver injury caused by arsenic exposure in rats. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying liver injury resulting from arsenic exposure. Furthermore, our findings may facilitate the identification of a potential edible and medicinal plant extracts that could be utilized to develop a more effective adjunctive treatment approach.
First‐trimester cavum veli interpositi: prevalence and natural history
Authors: Smith E. , Pierre K. , Acevedo A. , Egerman R. , Rajderkar D. , Abu‐Rustum R. S. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo confirm the identity and assess the prevalence and evolution of the fluid‐filled interhemispheric midline structure, thought to be the cavum veli interpositi (CVI), in fetuses at 11–14 weeks' gestation.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of first‐trimester ultrasound scans performed at a single center over 3 months. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancies at 11–14 weeks' gestation with known neonatal outcome. Five experts reviewed the images. Mixed‐effects logistic regression and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were conducted to analyze the associations between the presence of the structure and variables including ultrasound approach (transabdominal vs transvaginal), maternal body mass index (BMI), gestational age, fetal crown–rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD). Second‐trimester ultrasound scans of the fetal central nervous system at 18–24 weeks' gestation were evaluated for the persistence of the CVI in fetuses in which the structure was observed in the first trimester.ResultsOf the 223 cases reviewed, 104 were included, among which the CVI was observed in 25 (24%) cases. There was no statistically significant difference in CVI visualization between transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound examinations. GEE showed significant associations between the presence of the fetal structure and CRL (odds ratio (OR) per 10‐unit increase, 1.32; P < 0.0001) and BPD (OR per 10‐unit increase, 1.88; P = 0.0011). Maternal BMI and gestational age showed no significant effect on the presence of the CVI. At second‐trimester follow‐up of the 25 fetuses in which the CVI was observed initially, 44% still showed a CVI, 32% exhibited a cavum vergae, 4% had both structures and 20% had neither.ConclusionsBased on its anatomical location and, in some fetuses, its visualization as a distinct entity from the third ventricle, the identity of the interhemispheric midline structure in the suprathalamic region of the fetal brain between 11–14 weeks' gestation was confirmed as the CVI. The CVI and/or cavum vergae persisted into the second trimester in 80% of fetuses identified initially as having a CVI. Its presence is not linked to pathology, offering reassurance to practitioners and parents. © 2023 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
PMC-VIS: An Interactive Visualization Tool for Probabilistic Model Checking
Authors: Korn Max , Méndez Julián , Klüppelholz Sascha , Langner Ricardo , Baier Christel , Dachselt Raimund 
Published: October 2023

AbstractState-of-the-art Probabilistic Model Checking (PMC) offers multiple engines for the quantitative analysis of Markov Decision Processes (MDPs), including rewards modeling cost or utility values. Despite the huge amount of internally computed information, support for debugging and facilities that enhance the understandability of PMC models and results are very limited. As a first step to improve on that, we present the basic principles of PMC-VIS, a tool that supports the exploration of large MDPs together with the computed PMC results per MDP-state through interactive visualization. By combining visualization techniques, such as node-link diagrams and parallel coordinates, with quantitative analysis capabilities, PMC-VIS supports users in gaining insights into the probabilistic behavior of MDPs and PMC results and enables different ways to explore the behaviour of schedulers of multiple target properties. The usefulness of PMC-VIS is demonstrated through three different application scenarios.
Mechanisms of genotoxicity and proteotoxicity induced by the metalloids arsenic and antimony
Authors: Wysocki Robert , Rodrigues Joana I. , Litwin Ireneusz , Tamás Markus J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractArsenic and antimony are metalloids with profound effects on biological systems and human health. Both elements are toxic to cells and organisms, and exposure is associated with several pathological conditions including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. At the same time, arsenic- and antimony-containing compounds are used in the treatment of multiple diseases. Although these metalloids can both cause and cure disease, their modes of molecular action are incompletely understood. The past decades have seen major advances in our understanding of arsenic and antimony toxicity, emphasizing genotoxicity and proteotoxicity as key contributors to pathogenesis. In this review, we highlight mechanisms by which arsenic and antimony cause toxicity, focusing on their genotoxic and proteotoxic effects. The mechanisms used by cells to maintain proteostasis during metalloid exposure are also described. Furthermore, we address how metalloid-induced proteotoxicity may promote neurodegenerative disease and how genotoxicity and proteotoxicity may be interrelated and together contribute to proteinopathies. A deeper understanding of cellular toxicity and response mechanisms and their links to pathogenesis may promote the development of strategies for both disease prevention and treatment.
Almost Everywhere Ergodicity in Quantum Lattice Models
Authors: Ampelogiannis Dimitrios , Doyon Benjamin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe rigorously examine, in generality, the ergodic properties of quantum lattice models with short range interactions, in the $$C^*$$

C
∗

algebra formulation of statistical mechanics. Ergodicity results, in the context of group actions on $$C^*$$

C
∗

algebras, assume that the algebra is asymptotically abelian, which is not generically the case for time evolution. The Lieb-Robinson bound tells us that, in a precise sense, the spatial extent of any time-evolved local operator grows linearly with time. This means that the algebra of observables is asymptotically abelian in a space-like region, and implies a form of ergodicity outside the light-cone. But what happens within it? We show that the long-time limit of the n-th moment of a ray-averaged observable, along space-time rays of almost every speed, converges to the n-th power of its expectation in the state (i.e. its ensemble average). Thus ray averages do not fluctuate in the long time limit. This is a statement of ergodicity, and holds in any state that is invariant under space-time translations and that satisfies weak clustering properties in space. The ray averages can be performed in a way that accounts for oscillations, showing that ray-averaged observables cannot sustainably oscillate in the long time limit. We also show that in the GNS representation of the algebra of observables, for any KMS state with the above properties, the long-time limit of the ray average of any observable converges (in the strong operator topology) to the ensemble average times the identity, again along space-time rays of almost every speed. This is a strong version of ergodicity, and indicates that, as operators, observables get “thinner” almost everywhere within the light-cone. A similar statement holds under oscillatory averaging.
Determination of the androgen receptor status of disseminated tumor cells in primary breast cancer patients
Authors: Krawczyk Natalia , Jaeger Bernadette , Martina Piperek-Jäger , Cristina Lopez-Cotarelo Rodriguez-Noriega , Melissa Neubacher , Maggie Banys-Paluchowski , Franziska Meier-Stiegen , Hans Neubauer , Dieter Niederacher , Eugen Ruckhäberle , Svjetlana Mohrmann , Jürgen Hoffmann , Thomas Kaleta , Irene Esposito , Tanja Fehm 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Androgen receptor (AR) can serve as a new therapeutic target since it was shown to play a proliferative role in several breast cancer (BC) subtypes. Moreover, AR positivity has been suggested to reflect the metastatic potential of tumor cells in some BC subtypes. The aim of this study was to determine the AR expression on disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) as a surrogate marker of minimal residual disease (MRD) and potential precursor of metastasis in early BC.

Methods
Bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 62 DTC-positive early BC patients were included into this study and analyzed by immunofluorescence staining for the presence of AR-positive DTCs. CK-positive, CD45-negative cells containing an intact nucleus (DAPI positive) were identified as DTCs. AR expression of the primary tumor (PT) was assessed by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor sections from core biopsies and surgical specimens.

Results
AR status of DTCs could be determined in 21 patients. We detected AR-positive DTCs in nine samples (43%). AR expression of DTCs and corresponding PT showed a concordance rate of 33%. The DTC-AR status did not correlate with clinicopathological factors, nor did we observe a significant correlation between the AR status of the PT and other established prognostic factors for BC.

Conclusion
AR-positive DTCs can be detected in BM of early BC patients with a marked discordance of the AR status between DTCs and corresponding PTs. The clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation.
Schlafberatung für Kinder und Jugendliche
Authors: Hödlmoser Kerstin , Kapser Veronika , Bothe Kathrin 
Published: October 2023

ZusammenfassungJe früher wir Kinder und Jugendliche über den Schlaf und seine Funktionen aufklären, desto besser können wir Schlafproblemen vorbeugen und sie beheben. In diesem Beitrag wird das gesundheitspsychologische Projekt „Schulische Gesundheitsförderung zum Thema Schlaf und Gesundheit“, welches 2020 von der Universität Salzburg in Kooperation mit der Österreichischen Gesundheitskasse initiiert wurde, vorgestellt. Dieses Projekt zielt darauf ab, das im Schlaflabor gesammelte Wissen direkt in die Schulen zu tragen und dort mittels Workshops in den Alltag der Schüler*innen und Lehrer*innen zu integrieren. Wissensvermittlung und Prävention sind auch der Fokus des im Verlag edition Riedenburg erschienenen Buches „Genial im Schlaf“, welches als Basis des Schulprojektes dient und die Schüler*innen für richtiges Schlafverhalten sensibilisieren sowie im Falle von Schlafproblemen Hilfestellungen bieten soll.
Ultrasound and X-ray Cross-Characterization of a Graded Impedance Impactor used for Shock-Ramp Compression Experiments
Authors: Stobbe David , Kelly James , Rogers Brian , Champley Kyle , Townsend Andrew , Tringe Joseph 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this work we perform ultrasound measurements on an impedance graded impactor made by tape casting magnesium, copper, and tungsten. We also destructively extract small representative samples from the part for complementary characterization with x-ray computed tomography. Combining the two data sets enables direct assignment of some of the measured ultrasound features to specific material characteristics identified by x-ray tomography. Our results demonstrate how ultrasound inspection, informed by x-ray computed tomography, can be used to identify sub-millimeter material amalgamations and spatial heterogeneities in this graded material.
An exploratory case study of the use of a digital self-assessment tool of 21st-century skills in makerspace contexts
Authors: Miliou Ourania , Adamou Maria , Mavri Aekaterini , Ioannou Andri 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMaker education provides the perfect context for young learners to develop 21st-century skills. However, research is inconclusive on how these skills could be assessed. Namely, the complex nature of 21st-century skills requires different types of assessments, not necessarily relying on paper-and-pencil or multiple-choice tests, but rather drawing on the learners’ perspective in the form of self-assessment and reflection. Prior studies highlighted several challenges of situating self-assessment in makerspace contexts, such as the lack of dedicated technology for documentation, distractions caused by noise or group work, and the lack of skills and motivation to practice self-assessment. This paper presents an exploratory case study aimed at an in-depth investigation of the use of a digital self-assessment tool of 21st-century skills in makerspace contexts. The authors converged qualitative data collected mainly from interviews with teachers and students. Researcher observations and tool log files (e.g., student work in the digital tool) were used as triangulation sources. Although challenges emerged, the study presents encouraging findings regarding the use of the digital tool for raising students’ awareness of their development of 21st -century skills and engaging them in self-assessment and reflection. The results of the study provide rich insights to guide future research on the topic.
Novel Concentration Process for Platinum Group Metals in Automotive Exhaust Catalyst Using Electroless Copper Plating, Sulfurization, and Flotation
Authors: Kang Sukho , Ouchi Takanari , Okabe Toru H. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPlatinum group metals (PGMs) are primarily used in automotive exhaust catalysts (autocatalysits). Spent autocatalysts are the most important secondary resource for PGMs. However, transporting autocatalyst scraps and recovering PGMs from the scraps are costly and time-consuming, owing to the low PGM content in spent autocatalysts. Thus, an effective PGM-concentration technology for the pretreatment of scrap prior to transport is required. This study develops a new pretreatment technique that is applied prior to the flotation concentration of PGMs in autocatalysts. This method utilizes electroless Cu plating followed by sulfurization. In the electroless Cu-plating process, which uses glyoxylic acid as a reducing agent, Cu is deposited on the PGM particles in the washcoat of the autocatalyst. During the sulfurization process, S vapor sulfurizes the deposited Cu into copper sulfide, which is hydrophobic. Prior to the experiments, thermodynamic considerations were made to predict the reactivity of Cu and the representative elements constituting the autocatalyst with S vapor, and the sulfurization conditions were designed. Sulfurization experiments were performed at 850 K (577 °C) in the presence of carbon (C), and the results show the successful conversion of only Cu to copper sulfide without sulfurizing the representative oxides (MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, CeO2, and ZrO2) present in the autocatalyst. Finally, in the flotation process, the copper sulfide-coated PGMs are separated from the ceramic components of the autocatalyst, which is hydrophilic; thus, it is concentrated in the froth. Flotation experiments utilizing a microbubble flotation method were successfully performed to recover the PGM concentrates. This innovative pretreatment technique is expected to reduce the cost and time required for the entire PGM recycling process.
Reproductive capacity and seed germination after various storage of the invasive alien plant Amorpha fruticosa L. - a case study from Bratislava
Authors: Šerá Božena , Žarnovičan Hubert , Hodálová Iva , Litavský Juraj 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAmorpha fruticosaL. (Fabaceae) shows two reproductive modes, generative via seeds and vegetative via root-shoots. We studied the reproductive ability on a mixed sample collected from 6 localities in the city of Bratislava: compound fruiting per bush (12.55 ± 8.55), fruiting per bush (70.33 ± 48.04) and fruits per bush (16127.33 ± 24212.25). No significant difference was found between germination values from unpeeled fruits (achenes) and peeled fruits (seeds). Both seeds and fruits germinated very well both immediately after harvest and after storage under different temperature conditions. Peeled achenes germinated earlier. We stored seeds and fruits under different conditions, and found that the highest seed germination values were achieved by seeds stored in the dark at 22°C (60.00%) and by non-stored seeds (57.50%). The longest seedlings grew from seeds (8.48 mm) and from fruits (9.08 mm) stored at 22°C.