bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of fosaprepitant in the prevention of nausea and emesis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing cisplatin-based chemoradiation: a pilot prospective study and a review of literature
Authors: Becherini Carlotta , Salvestrini Viola , Desideri Isacco , Vagnoni Giulia , Bonaparte Ilaria , Bertini Niccolò , Mattioli Chiara , Angelini Lucia , Visani Luca , Scotti Vieri , Livi Lorenzo , Caini Saverio , Bonomo Pierluigi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is standard treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, IMRT may increase chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of fosaprepitant in preventing CINV.

Methods
An infusion of 150 mg fosaprepitant was given through a 30 min. We assessed acute toxicity using CTCAE v.4 and the incidence of CINV using the FLIE questionnaire. The evaluation of CINV was done at the second and fifth weeks of CRT and 1 week after the end. The EORTC QLQ-HN 43 questionnaire was administered before treatment beginning (baseline), at second (T1) and fifth (T2) weeks. A dosimetric analysis was performed on dorsal nucleus of vagus (DVC) and area postrema (AP).

Results
Between March and November 2020, 24 patients were enrolled. No correlation was found between nausea and DVC mean dose (p = 0.573), and AP mean dose (p = 0.869). Based on the FLIE questionnaire, patients reported a mean score of 30.5 for nausea and 30 for vomiting during week 2 and 29.8 for nausea and 29.2 for vomiting during week 5. After treatment ended, the mean scores were 27.4 for nausea and 27.7 for vomiting. All patients completed the EORTC QLQ-HN 43. Significantly higher scores at T2 assessment than baseline were observed.

Conclusions
The use of fosaprepitant in preventing CINV reduced incidence of moderate to severe nausea and vomiting. No correlation has been found between nausea and median dose to DVC and AP.
On the modelling of thermal convection in porous media through rate-type equations
Authors: Morro Angelo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe paper investigates current models of flows in porous media from the viewpoint of the mixture theory. The constitutive equations are investigated for compressible, viscous, heat-conducting fluids subject to relaxation phenomena. The thermodynamic analysis is performed via the Clausius-Duhem inequality based directly on the peculiar fields of the mixture. The detailed analysis so developed involves the peculiar heat fluxes and stresses per se while the balance equations for energy and entropy of the whole body would involve also diffusion effects. Following the objectivity principle, the constitutive equations for stresses and heat fluxes are taken to be governed by objective rate equations.
Some remarks about deformation theory and formality conjecture
Authors: Chen Huachen , Pertusi Laura , Zhao Xiaolei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUsing the algebraic criterion proved by Bandiera, Manetti and Meazzini, we show the formality conjecture for universally gluable objects with linearly reductive automorphism groups in the bounded derived category of a K3 surface. As an application, we prove the formality conjecture for polystable objects in the Kuznetsov components of Gushel–Mukai threefolds and quartic double solids.
Hepatic and pancreatic extracellular volume fraction analysis using contrast-enhanced CT in patients with diabetes mellitus and pre-diabetes
Authors: Fukui Hideyuki , Onishi Hiromitsu , Nakamoto Atsushi , Tsuboyama Takahiro , Ota Takashi , Honda Toru , Kiso Kengo , Yoshidome Eriko , Enchi Yukihiro , Tatsumi Mitsuaki , Tomiyama Noriyuki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Liver and pancreatic fibrosis is associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), and liver fibrosis is associated with pancreatic fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the hepatic and pancreatic extracellular volume fractions (fECVs), which correlate with tissue fibrosis, and their relationships with DM and pre-DM (pDM).

Material and methods
We included 100 consecutive patients with known or suspected liver and/or pancreatic diseases who underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Patients were classified as nondiabetes, pDM, and DM with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels of < 5.7%, 5.7%–6.5%, and ≥ 6.5% or fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels of < 100, 100–125 mg/dL, and ≥ 126 mg/dL, respectively. Subtraction images between unenhanced and equilibrium-phase images were prepared. The liver and the pancreas were automatically extracted using a high-speed, three-dimensional image analysis system, and their respective mean CT values were calculated. The enhancement degree of the aorta (Δaorta) was measured. fECV was calculated using the following equation: fECV = (100 − hematocrit) * Δliver or pancreas/Δaorta. Differences were investigated in hepatic and pancreatic fECVs among the three groups, and the correlation between each two in hepatic fECV, pancreatic fECV, and HbA1c was determined.

Results
The pancreatic fECV, which was positively correlated with the hepatic fECV and HbA1c (r = 0.51, P < 0.001, and r = 0.51, P < 0.001, respectively), significantly differed among the three groups (P < 0.001) and was significantly greater in DM than in pDM or nondiabetes and in pDM with nondiabetes (P < 0.001). Hepatic fECV was significantly greater in DM than in nondiabetes (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The pancreatic fECV and pDM/DM are closely related.
Experimental Investigation and Thermodynamic Modeling of the Li$$_2$$O–Al$$_2$$O$$_3$$ System
Authors: de Abreu D. A. , Löffler M. , Kriegel M. J. , Fabrichnaya O. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the present work, phase equilibria in the Li$$_2$$

2

O–Al$$_2$$

2

O$$_3$$

3

system were experimentally studied and calorimetric measurements were performed. Based on obtained results and data from literature, thermodynamic parameters of the system were assessed. The solid solution phases were modeled using Compound Energy Formalism (CEF) and liquid phase was described by two-sublattice partially ionic liquid model. The experimental investigations for selected compositions of isothermally heat-treated samples were performed using x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to measure the temperature of the reactions as well as the heat capacities, respectively. After DTA, the microstructure was analyzed using SEM. Temperature of peritectic melting of h-LiAl$$_5$$

5

O$$_8$$

8

was determined to be 2222 K and temperature of eutectic reaction Liq $$\leftrightarrow$$
↔
$$\gamma$$
γ
-LiAlO$$_2$$

2

+ h-LiAl$$_5$$

5

O$$_8$$

8

to be 1965 K. Heat capacity of LiAlO$$_2$$

2

and LiAl$$_5$$

5

O$$_8$$

8

was measured in the temperature range of 100-1300 K. The degree of inversion of spinel phase (Al$$^{+3}$$

+
3

, Li$$^{+1}$$

+
1

)$$_1^T$$

1
T

:(Al$$^{+3}$$

+
3

, Li$$^{+1}$$

+
1

, Va)$$_2^O$$

2
O

:O$$_4$$

4

was modelled assuming Al$$^{+3}$$

+
3

and Li$$^{+1}$$

+
1

can occupy tetrahedral (T) and octahedral (O) cationic sublattices while its composition extension in Al$$_2$$

2

O$$_3$$

3

enriched region was described by introducing vacancies in octahedral sites. Thermodynamic description derived in the present study reproduces the degree of inversion close to that of the high-temperature spinel phase, which means that Al$$^{+3}$$

+
3

ions preferentially occupy the tetrahedral sites. The calculated phase diagram satisfactorily agrees with the experimental results. Available experimental thermodynamic data are also reproduced within uncertainty limits.
Last Symbol Distribution in Pattern Avoiding Catalan Words
Authors: Baril Jean-Luc , González Javier F. , Ramírez José L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe study the distribution of the last symbol statistics on the sets of Catalan words avoiding a pattern of length at most three. For each pattern p, we provide a bivariate rational generating function where the coefficient $$\varvec{c}_p(n,k)$$

c

p

(
n
,
k
)

of $$x^ny^k$$

x
n

y
k

in its series expansion is the number of length n Catalan words avoiding p and ending with the symbol k. We deduce recurrence relations or closed forms for $$\varvec{c}_p(n,k)$$

c

p

(
n
,
k
)

and we provide asymptotic approximations for the expectation of the last symbol on all Catalan words avoiding p. We end this paper by describing a computational approach using computer algebra.
Multiple bronchial carcinoids associated with Cowden syndrome
Authors: Tömböl Zsófia , Tőke Judit , Tóth Géza , Varga Zsolt , Balázs Eszter , Tóth Erika , Gergely Lajos , Danihel Ľudovít , Medvecz Márta , Borka Katalin , Tóth Miklós 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCowden syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic condition due to the various germline mutations in the phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten (PTEN) tumour suppressor gene. As a result, CS is characterised by an increased risk of developing various benign and malignant tumours, such as thyroid, breast, endometrial and urogenital neoplasms, as well as gastrointestinal tract tumours. However, the neuroendocrine tumour association with CS is not elucidated yet. We present a case of a 46-year-old male patient diagnosed with testicular seminoma and follicular thyroid cancer in his medical history. Our patient met the clinical diagnostic criteria of Cowden syndrome. Genetic analysis established the clinical diagnosis; a known heterozygous PTEN mutation was detected [PTEN (LRG_311t1)c.388 C > T (p.Arg130Ter)]. Incidentally, he was also seen with multiple pulmonary lesions during his oncological follow-up. A video-assisted thoracoscopic left lingula wedge resection and later resections from the right lung were performed. Histological findings revealed typical pulmonary carcinoid tumours and smaller tumorlets. Somatostatin receptor SPECT-CT, 18F-FDG-PET-CT and 18F-FDOPA-PET-CT scans and endoscopy procedures could not identify any primary tumours in other locations. Our patient is the first published case of Cowden syndrome, associated with multifocal pulmonary carcinoids. Besides multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, we propose Cowden syndrome as another hereditary condition predisposing to multiple pulmonary tumorlets and carcinoid tumours.
Gonadal dysfunction in women with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zaimi Maria , Michalopoulou Olympia , Stefanaki Katerina , Kazakou Paraskevi , Vasileiou Vasiliki , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Karagiannakis Dimitrios S. , Paschou Stavroula A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt is well known that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are related to increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, besides these prominently presented complications, DM has also been associated with reproductive dysfunctions. It seems that these disorders are met in up to 40% of women with DM and consist of delayed menarche, all types of menstrual disorders, such as amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, menstrual irregularity, as well as menorrhagia, infertility, characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early (or rarely late) menopause. In type 1 DM (T1DM), insulin treatment, although it has reduced the rates of insulinopenic-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, an entity commonly presented in many women with the disease in the past decades, when it is used in excess it can also promote hyperandrogenism. Regarding type 2 DM (T2DM), insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinemia have mainly been implicated in the pathogenesis of reproductive dysfunctions, as insulin can act as gonadotropin on the theca cells of the ovary and can lead to hyperandrogenism and inhibition of proper ovulation. This review aims to detail the reproductive dysfunctions associated with DM and provide scientific data to enlighten the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.
Detection and Management of Elevated Intracranial Pressure in the Treatment of Acute Community-Acquired Bacterial Meningitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Pettersson Ingrid , Gharios Maria , Ghaith Abdul Karim , Bydon Mohamad , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAcute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. The most prevalent pathogens in community-acquired ABM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Other pathogens may affect specific patient groups, such as newborns, older patients, or immunocompromised patients. It is well established that ABM is associated with elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). However, the role of ICP monitoring and management in the treatment of ABM has been poorly described.An electronic search was performed in four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The search strategy chosen for this review used the following terms: Intracranial Pressure AND (management OR monitoring) AND bacterial meningitis. The search yielded a total of 403 studies, of which 18 were selected for inclusion. Eighteen studies were finally included in this review. Only one study was a randomized controlled trial. All studies employed invasive ICP monitoring techniques, whereas some also relied on assessment of ICP-based on clinical and/or radiological observations. The most commonly used invasive tools were external ventricular drains, which were used both to monitor and treat elevated ICP. Results from the included studies revealed a clear association between elevated ICP and mortality, and possibly improved outcomes when invasive ICP monitoring and management were used. Finally, the review highlights the absence of clear standardized protocols for the monitoring and management of ICP in patients with ABM. This review provides an insight into the role of invasive ICP monitoring and ICP-based management in the treatment of ABM. Despite weak evidence certainty, the present literature points toward enhanced patient outcomes in ABM with the use of treatment strategies aiming to normalize ICP using continuous invasive monitoring and cerebrospinal fluid diversion techniques. Continued research is needed to define when and how to employ these strategies to best improve outcomes in ABM.
When corruption creates its Mafia. The “middle-world” case in Rome
Authors: Vannucci Alberto 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe judicial operation “mondo di mezzo” (middle-world) revealed in 2014 the existence of a criminal network in Rome, dubbed Mafia capitale. Its main function was the governance of a systemic corruption scheme that permeated many sectors of the public administration and the political process of the Italian capital city. Notwithstanding a convulsed judicial history, the network analytically manifests traits of a mafia-type group. Through a qualitative content analysis of intercepted materials, juridical files, and interviews, this paper argues that the peculiar systemic corruption scheme of Mafia capitale has indeed generated mafia-type behaviours. Mafia capitale interconnected corruption and collusion in public procurement, corruption in the bureaucratic and electoral processes (the upperword) together with enforcement of deals from the underworld. This mafia-type group was able to enforce extra-legal deals, through reputational assets and intimidation, inducing people into compliance and silence and gaining benefits for a period of almost three years.
The Escarpão Plateau (South of Portugal)—a Study Case of Nested Geosites from the Aspiring Algarvensis Geopark
Authors: Veiga-Pires Cristina , Oliveira Sónia , Moura Delminda , Pereira Luís 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLocated along the southern limit of the Algarvensis aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp), the Escarpão Plateau is a singular geomorphological structure sculpted by fluvial, karst, and tectonic processes. The plateau is deeply scarved by the Quarteira Rivulet, forming a valley that crosses the most complete Upper Jurassic sedimentary sequence of the Eastern Algarve (Southern Portugal). This sequence includes five geological formations representing different depths of carbonate ramp deposition from the Tethys Sea: Peral Formation, Jordana Formation, Cerro da Cabeça Formation, Escarpão Formation, and the upper Limestone Formation with Anchispirocyclina lusitanica (foraminifera), respectively from the oldest formation to the most recent at the top. Throughout the Quaternary Period, the karst processes shaped a landscape of sparse and poor soils, based on which successive generations adapted their subsistence agriculture and way of life. The geomorphology of the plateau and the rivulet valley, the sequence of the carbonated formations, and the diversity of sedimentary and paleontological records can be considered possible sites of diverse geological interest and with different scales that are embedded in each other, forming thus nested sites. To promote and preserve these sites, the Algarvensis aUGGp shaped an 8-km-long interpretative walking path, passing through 11 points of interest, including biosites and geosites. Their interpretative boards highlight not only the different spatial and temporal geological diversity but also its relationship with surrounding cultural and historical heritage. Finally, this work allowed the creation of new products for outreach and public awareness towards an effective geoconservation.
Effect of watershed characteristics on river flow for the case of two watersheds, Megech and Gumaro, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassahun Fentahun A. , Kifelew Mekash S. , Ahmad Imran , Abate Fentabil S. , Mesalie Roman A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLand degradation is a series of problems in Ethiopia’s highlands, particularly in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin reflected in the form of soil erosion and reduce soil fertility from time to time. The effect of watershed characteristics on the river flow of those watersheds was evaluated by distributing a physically based hydrological model known as the soil and water assessment tool model. The model was calibrated for the river flow from 1992 to 2006 and validated for the period from 2007 to 2014. The performance of the model was evaluated based on performance rating criteria, coefficient of determination, and Nash and Sutcliff efficiency on monthly based value, the coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient was greater than 0.6 and 0.5 for all scenarios on both watersheds, respectively. The land-use land-cover change scenario, the climate characteristics, and the slope change scenario was developed, from those analyses, it was found that has been a substantial decrease or increase in forest land, shrubland, grassland, and expansion of agricultural land. The mean annual streamflow of 2010 LULC decreased by 1.44% for 2010 from 2003 LULC and 5.23% for 2018 from 2010. Because of reduced cultivated land from 2010 up to 2018 and increased grassland and plantation in the Megech watershed and 2010 LULC decreased by 0.9% for 2010 from 2003 LULC and 2.04% in 2018 from 2010. This distributed physically based hydrological model has been applied for the evaluation of physical catchment characteristics with significant differences which was Cropland for Megech and Gumaro watersheds which were 67.28% and 61.5%, respectively, for the 2003 LULC, 64.94% Megech, and 58.89% for Gumaro watershed for 2010LULC and 51.95% for Megech and 42.12% for Gumaro watershed, similarly, Eutric Cambisols were covering large areas for both watersheds.
Mirtazapine loaded polymeric micelles for rapid release tablet: A novel formulation—In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: El-Helaly Sara Nageeb , Rashad Amira A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMajor depression is a prevalent disorder characterized by sadness, lack of interest or pleasure, interrupted sleep or food, and impaired concentration. Mirtazapine (MTZ), a tetracyclic antidepressant drug, is commonly used to treat moderate to severe depression. MTZ is classified as a BCS class II drug that has shown bioavailability of 50% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. The aim of this research is to develop a delivery platform with enhanced solubility and oral bioavailability of MTZ through formulating polymeric micelles modeled in a rapid release tablet. Mirtazapine loaded polymeric micelles (MTZ-PMs) were formulated to enhance the solubility. Solutol®HS 15 and Brij 58 were used as combined surfactants in a ratio of (20:1) to MTZ in addition to Transcutol®P as a penetration enhancer. The following in vitro tests were performed: particle size, PDI, zeta potential, solubility factor, stability index, and transmission electron microscopes. Afterward, MTZ-PMs were converted to dry free flowable powder through loading on the adsorptive surface of Aerosil 200; then, the powder mixture was directly compressed (MTZ-PMs-RRT) into 13 mm tablets. MTZ-PMs-RRT was further investigated using in vitro evaluation tests of the tablets, namely, weight variation, thickness, diameter, hardness, friability, disintegration time, drug content, and in vitro dissolution test, which complied with the pharmacopeial limits. The pharmacokinetic parameters of MTZ-PMs-RRT compared to Remeron®tablet were further investigated in rabbits. The results showed enhanced solubility of MTZ with improved percentage relative bioavailability to 153%. The formulation of MTZ in the form of MTZ-PMs-RRT successfully improved the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of MTZ using a simple and scalable manufacturing process.Graphical Abstract
Operational modal analysis, seismic vulnerability assessment and retrofit of a degraded RC bell tower
Authors: Castelli Simone , Labò Simone , Belleri Andrea , Moaveni Babak 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper presents damage assessment through Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) and Finite Element (FE) model updating of the bell tower of the church of Castro in Bergamo, Italy. The tower is a 39 m high reinforced concrete structure with hollow cross-section and double-curved shape. The research was dictated by the need to identify the actual damage state of the structure, which was found through visual inspections. Piezoelectric accelerometers were used to record the ambient vibrations in subsequent test setups, using the roving technique for system identification. A detailed FE model was created with shell elements and calibrated to match the system identification results. A simplified beam model was then developed based on the modal analysis results of the detailed model. A sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the most influential model parameters on the modal characteristics of the system. Subsequently, the optimal values of these parameters were determined by an optimisation procedure carried out using a typical global optimization algorithm. The updating results allowed assessment of the actual condition of the bell tower and its seismic vulnerability. Finally, a seismic strengthening solution was recommended.