bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of empathy in the outcomes of colorectal cancer: protocol for a population-based study in two areas in France (EMPACOL Project)
Authors: Mulliri Andrea , Lelorain Sophie , Bouvier Véronique , Bara Simona , Gardy Josephine , Grynberg Delphine , Morello Rémy , Alves Arnaud , Dejardin Olivier 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThe EMPACOL Project aims to investigate the link between healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) empathy and the results of the curative treatment of non-metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods and analysisEMPACOL will be an observational multicentric prospective longitudinal study. It will cover eight centres comprising patients with non-metastatic CRC, uncomplicated at diagnosis in two French areas covered by a cancer register over a 2-year period. As estimated by the two cancer registries, during the 2-year inclusion period, the number of cases of non-metastatic CRCs was approximately 480. With an estimated participation rate of about 50%, we expect around 250 patients will be included in this study. Based on the curative strategy, patients will be divided into three groups: group 1 (surgery alone), group 2 (surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy) and group 3 (neo-adjuvant therapy, surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy). The relationship between HCPs’ empathy at the time of announcement and at the end of the strategy, quality of life (QoL) 1 year after the end of treatment and oncological outcomes after 5 years will be investigated. HCPs’ empathy and QoL will be assessed using the patient-reported questionnaires, Consultation and Relational Empathy and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, respectively. A relationship between HCPs’ empathy and early outcomes, particularly digestive and genitourinary sequelae, will also be studied for each treatment group. Post-treatment complications will be assessed using the Clavien-Dindo classification. Patients’ anxiety and depression will also be assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire.Ethics and disseminationThe Institutional Review Board of the University Hospital of Caen and the Ethics Committee (ID RCB: 2022-A00628-35) have approved the study. Patients will be required to provide oral consent for participation. Results of this study will be disseminated by publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT05447611.
Optimising older adults’ home spaces to enhance their physical activity level: an exploratory qualitative study protocol
Authors: Meghani Naureen Akber Ali , Hudson Joanne , Stratton Gareth , Mullins Jane 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionHousing is a major contributing factor to health, and better housing condition has been linked to improved general and psychological health. There has also been strong evidence that the physical environment within the home setting substantially impacts sedentary behaviour and physical activity in children. However, there is a lack of research that has investigated the physical environment within the home setting in the context of older adults’ physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour. Given that with increasing age, older adults spend large proportions of their time in their homes it is important to optimise older adults’ home settings to support healthy ageing. Therefore, this study aims to explore older adults’ perceptions around optimising their physical environment within their home space to support physical activity and subsequently facilitate healthy ageing.Methods and analysisIn this formative research, a qualitative exploratory research design using in-depth interviews (IDIs) and a purposive sampling approach will be employed. IDIs will be conducted to collect data from study participants. Older adults from diverse community organisations in Swansea, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot will formally request approval to recruit via its contacts for this formative research. The study data will be analysed thematically using NVivo V.12 Plus software.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study has been obtained from the College of Engineering Research Ethics Committee (NM_31-03-22), Swansea University. The findings of the study will be disseminated to the scientific community and to the study participants. The results will enable us to explore the perceptions and attitudes of older adults towards physical activity within their home environment.
Totally 2-closed finite groups with trivial Fitting subgroup
Authors: Arezoomand Majid , Iranmanesh Mohammad A. , Praeger Cheryl E. , Tracey Gareth 
Published: February 2023

A finite permutation group [Formula: see text] is called [Formula: see text]-closed if [Formula: see text] is the largest subgroup of [Formula: see text] which leaves invariant each of the [Formula: see text]-orbits for the induced action on [Formula: see text]. Introduced by Wielandt in 1969, the concept of [Formula: see text]-closure has developed as one of the most useful approaches for studying relations on a finite set invariant under a group of permutations of the set; in particular for studying automorphism groups of graphs and digraphs. The concept of total [Formula: see text]-closure switches attention from a particular group action, and is a property intrinsic to the group: a finite group [Formula: see text] is said to be totally [Formula: see text]-closed if [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]-closed in each of its faithful permutation representations. There are infinitely many finite soluble totally [Formula: see text]-closed groups, and these have been completely characterized, but up to now no insoluble examples were known. It turns out, somewhat surprisingly to us, that there are exactly [Formula: see text] totally [Formula: see text]-closed finite nonabelian simple groups: the Janko groups [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], together with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the Monster [Formula: see text]. Moreover, if a finite totally [Formula: see text]-closed group has no nontrivial abelian normal subgroup, then we show that it is a direct product of some (but not all) of these simple groups, and there are precisely [Formula: see text] examples. In the course of obtaining this classification, we develop a general framework for studying [Formula: see text]-closures of transitive permutation groups, which we hope will prove useful for investigating representations of finite groups as automorphism groups of graphs and digraphs, and in particular for attacking the long-standing polycirculant conjecture. In this direction, we apply our results, proving a dual to a 1939 theorem of Frucht from Algebraic Graph Theory. We also pose several open questions concerning closures of permutation groups.
Pulsed-Potential Electrodeposition of Zirconium in a Molten LiCl–KCl Salt: Improvements in the Selectivity and Adhesion Strength
Authors: Cha Han Lim , Yun Jong-Il 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This study demonstrates the pulsed-potential electrodeposition of reduced Zr species (ZrCl and Zr) in a molten LiCl–KCl salt. We report, for the first time, a new reduction reaction of Zr species (−1.90 V vs. Ag/AgCl 10 wt%) in molten LiCl–KCl salt, characterized by cyclic-voltammetry experiments using W and Zr electrodes. The pulsed-potential electrodeposition experiments were performed using an inert W-foil electrode in a molten ZrCl4–LiCl–KCl salt. Three cathodic-pulse potentials (−1.30, −1.60, and −1.90 V) were applied, and the chemical and structural characteristics of respective deposits were compared. The deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, we accomplished the pulsed-potential electrodeposition (>103 A/m2) of α-Zr metal with a practical ZrCl4 concentration (2.6 wt%). The results confirm that pulsed-potential electrodeposition can be employed for the selective deposition of the α-Zr metal by minimizing the co-production of ZrCl in molten LiCl–KCl salt while achieving excellent adhesion to the inert W electrode.
Dynamic Multi-Dimensional Numerical Transport Study of Lithium-Ion Battery Active Material Microstructures for Automotive Applications
Authors: Lopata Joseph Steven , Garrick Taylor R. , Wang Fengkun , Zhang Han , Zeng Yangbing , Shimpalee Sirivatch 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In support of GM’s traction battery efforts, we derived and implemented a method to describe the electrochemical performance of a battery cell considering the nuances of the electrode microstructure at the anode and the cathode and the corresponding impact on the electrochemical transport in the solid and liquid phases. To assess the capability of the method, we compared model results from the microstructure framework with the commonly used continuum-level porous electrode model, commonly referred to as the pseudo-2-dimensional model, or the Newman model. The microstructure modeling framework was applied to simulate the electrochemical and transport processes within the battery cell to predict the concentration gradients, local state-of-charge distributions, reaction distributions, and the overall terminal voltage of the system. In this report, we provide a commentary on the validity and practicality of the microstructure approach to drive battery cell design.
A Bis(2-fluoroethyl) Carbonate as a New Electrolyte Additive for Enhancing the Long-Term Cycle Performance of Li-Metal Batteries
Authors: Han Jiwon , Park Changhee , Jin Dahee , Kim Suhwan , Dzakpasu Cyril Bubu , Lee Sunggi , Lee Yong Min 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
To meet the demand for high energy density, Li metal is considered a next-generation anode material owing to its high theoretical specific capacity and low electrode potential. However, conventional LiPF6-based electrolytes form a thick and porous solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metal, resulting in poor cycle performance. One attempt to resolve these is to optimize the electrolyte composition because the Li metal reacts most actively with electrolyte. Here, bis(2-fluoroethyl) carbonate (B-FC), as a new fluorine-based linear carbonate, was added to a LiTFSI–LiBOB-based dual-salt electrolyte. To confirm the effect of B-FC on the electrochemical properties, Li || Li symmetric cells and LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NMC622) || Li metal full cells with or without B-FC were evaluated. The addition of B-FC forms LiF-rich SEI and significantly reduced Li dendrite growth, leading to the thin dead Li layer formation. Furthermore, high-voltage performances of NMC622 || Li metal full cells with B-FC were effectively improved compared to the pure DSL (capacity retention of 73.1% vs. 62.4% after 300 cycles and a capacity of 117 mAh g-1 vs. 87 mAh g-1 at 21 mA cm-2). Consequently, herein, we demonstrated that the dual-salts with B-FC can stabilize the SEI even under the 4.5 V cut-off condition.
Investigation and Determination of Electrochemical Reaction Kinetics in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries with Electrolyte LiTFSI in DOL/DME
Authors: Grabe Sean , Dent Matthew , Babar Shumaila , Zhang Teng , Tennison Stephen , Watts John F. , Lekakou Constantina 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
A major challenge in the simulation of Li-S batteries is that the electrochemical reaction parameters supplied from the fitting of 0-d or 1-d models depend on the cathode and separator microstructure, so these parameters cannot be used in the design and optimization of material microstructure. The present investigation fits the electrochemical reaction kinetics employing a continuum model taking into account the pore size distribution and tortuosity of cathode and separator in the transport of sulfur molecules and ion species (Li+ ion, electrolyte and sulfide anions) in solvated or desolvated form depending on pore size. Hence, the specified reaction kinetics parameters are independent from the material microstructure. The Li-S redox reaction model includes six redox reactions in the cathode and the lithium redox reaction at the anode. Reactions are assumed to take place in the electrolyte solution rather than in the solid phase of sulfur or lithium sulfide precipitates, where dissolution/precipitation kinetics is modeled especially for the low solubility compounds: sulfur, Li2S and Li2S2. The fitting exercise is conducted based on experimental data of a cyclic voltammetry cycle accompanied by in operando UV-vis spectroscopy. The investigated battery has electrolyte LiTFSI in DOL/DME and no electrocatalysts in any part of the cell.
Extracellular Volume Fraction Calculated Using Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography as a Biomarker of Oxaliplatin-Induced Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome: A Preliminary Histopathological Analysis
Authors: Kai Kengo , Hamada Takeomi , Sato Yuichiro , Hiyoshi Masahide , Imamura Naoya , Yano Koichi , Ikeda Takuto , Ichihara Akiko , Ogata Shogo , Choijookhuu Narantsog , Hishikawa Yoshitaka , Hosokawa Ayumu , Nanashima Atsushi 
Published: February 2023

Background. Oxaliplatin (OX)-based chemotherapy induces sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) in the nontumorous liver parenchyma, which can increase the risk of liver resection due to colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). The extracellular volume (ECV) calculated from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) has been reported to reflect the morphological change of hepatic fibrosis. The present retrospective study aimed to evaluate the ECV fraction as a predictive factor for OX-induced SOS. Methods. Our study included 26 patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM after OX-based chemotherapy with a preoperative dynamic CT of appropriate quality. We investigated the relationship between the pathological SOS grade and the ECV fraction. Results. Overall, 26 specimens from the patients were graded with the SOS classification of Rubbia-Brandt et al. as follows: grade 0, n = 17 (65.4%); grade 1, n = 4 (15.4%); and grade 2, n = 5 (19.2%). No specimens showed grade 3 SOS. In a univariate analysis, the ECV fraction in grade 0 SOS was significantly lower than that in grade 1 + 2 SOS (26.3 ± 3.4% vs. 30.6 ± 7.0%;

P

= 0.025). The cutoff value and AUC value of the ECV fraction to distinguish between grades 0 and 1 + 2 were 27.5% and 0.771, respectively. Conclusions. Measurement of the ECV fraction was found to be a potential noninvasive diagnostic method for determining early-stage histopathological sinusoidal injury induced by OX-based chemotherapy.
IDO1 Activity Predicts Lung Toxicity in Patients with Unresectable Stage III NSCLC and Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Wu Linfang , Gao Yibo , Wang Daquan , Chen Yanhua , Qian Mingmin , Xu Xin , Zhang Tao , Bi Nan , Wang Luhua 
Published: February 2023

Objectives. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) acts as the key rate-limiting enzyme that converts tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn). Its activity was primarily induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which was reported to play a role in the development of acute radiation-induced pneumonitis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between IDO1 activity and radiation-induced lung toxicity (RILT) in stage III nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who were treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Materials and Methods. Systemic IDO1 activity was reflected by Kyn : Trp ratio. Plasma levels of Kyn and Trp in 113 stage III NSCLC patients were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before the initiation of radiotherapy. Dynamic change of IDO1 activity was followed in 23 patients before, during, and after radiotherapy. We also used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) database and performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to explore how IDO1 was involved in the development of RILT. Results. 9.7% (11/113) of the whole group developed

G
3
+

(greater than or equal to Grade 3) RILT. Preradiation IDO1 activity was significantly higher in patients who developed

G
3

+ RILT than in non

G
3

+ RILT patients. (

P
=
0.029

, AUC = 0.70). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that high IDO1 activity was independently associated with the risk of

G
3

+ RILT (

P
=
0.034

). A predictive model combining both IDO1 activity and FEV1 was established for severe RILT and displayed a moderate predictive value (AUC = 0.83,

P
<
0.001

). The incidence of

G
3

+ RILT was 2.6% (1/38) in patients with an IDO activity ≤0.069 and FEV1 > 59.4%, and 50.0% (6/12) in those with an IDO activity >0.069 and FEV1 ≤ 59.4%. Of 23 patients with dynamic tracking, the IDO1 activity of postradiation was significantly lower than midradiation (

P
=
0.021

), though no significant differences among the three time points were observed (

P
=
0.070

). Bioinformatic analysis using RNA-seq data from 1014 NSCLC patients revealed that IDO mainly functioned in the inflammatory response instead of the late fibrosis process in NSCLC patients. Conclusion. High baseline IDO1 activity combined with unfavorable baseline FEV1 was predictive of severe RILT in unresectable stage III NSCLC patients. IDO1 might play a role in the acute inflammatory response. Finding effective interventions to alleviate RILT using IDO inhibitors is warranted in the future.
Plexin-B1 Mutation Drives Metastasis in Prostate Cancer Mouse Models
Authors: Shorning Boris , Trent Neil , Griffiths David F. , Worzfeld Thomas , Offermanns Stefan , Smalley Matthew J. , Williamson Magali 
Published: February 2023

Metastatic prostate cancer is essentially incurable and is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in men, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Plexins are transmembrane receptors for semaphorins with divergent roles in many forms of cancer.We show here that prostate epithelial cell–specific expression of a mutant form of Plexin-B1 (P1597L) which was identified in metastatic deposits in patients with prostate cancer, significantly increases metastasis, in particular metastasis to distant sites, in two transgenic mouse models of prostate cancer (PbCre+Ptenfl/flKrasG12Vand PbCre+Ptenfl/flp53fl/fl). In contrast, prostate epithelial cell–specific expression of wild-type (WT) Plexin-B1 in PbCre+Ptenfl/flKrasG12V mice significantly decreases metastasis, showing that a single clinically relevant Pro1597Leu amino-acid change converts Plexin-B1 from a metastasis-suppressor to a metastasis-promoter. Furthermore, PLXNB1P1597L significantly increased invasion of tumor cells into the prostate stroma, while PLXNB1WTreduced invasion, suggesting that Plexin-B1 has a role in the initial stages of metastasis. Deletion of RhoA/C or PDZRhoGEF in Ptenfl/flKrasG12VPLXNB1P1597L mice suppressed metastasis, implicating the Rho/ROCK pathway in this phenotypic switch. Germline deletion of Plexin-B1, to model anti-Plexin-B1 therapy, significantly decreased invasion and metastasis in both models.Our results demonstrate that Plexin-B1 plays a complex yet significant role in metastasis in mouse models of prostate cancer and is a potential therapeutic target to block the lethal spread of the disease.Significance:Few therapeutic targets have been identified specifically for preventing locally invasive/oligometastatic prostate cancer from becoming more widely disseminated. Our findings suggest Plexin-B1 signaling, particularly from the clinically relevant P1597L mutant, is such a target.
Impact of preoperative malperfusion on postoperative outcomes in type A aortic dissection - importance of serum lactate estimation in ongoing malperfusion
Authors: Kaufeld Tim , Beckmann Erik , Rudolph Linda , Krüger Heike , Natanov Ruslan , Arar Morsi , Korte Wilhelm , Kaufeld Jessica , Schilling Tobias , Haverich Axel , Shrestha Malakh , Martens Andreas 
Published: February 2023

Introduction Acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is one of the most critical emergencies in cardiovascular surgery. Additional complications such as organ malperfusion can significantly decrease the chances of survival. Despite promptly performed surgical treatment, impaired organ perfusion may persist, thus close postoperative monitoring is recommended. But, is there a surgical consequence due to the existence of a preoperatively known malperfusion and is there a correlation between pre-, peri- and postoperative levels of serum lactate and proven malperfusion? Methods Between 2011 and 2018, 200 patients (66% male; median age: 62.5 years; interquartile range: +/−12.4 years) that received surgical treatment at our institution for an acute dissection DeBakey type I were enrolled in this study. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the preoperative existence of malperfusion and non-malperfusion. At least one kind of malperfusion occurred in 74 patients (Group A: 37%), while 126 patients (Group B: 63%) showed no evidence of malperfusion. Furthermore, lactate levels of both cohorts were differentiated into four periods: preoperative, intraoperative, 24 hours after surgery, and 2–4 days after surgery. Results The patients’ status differed significantly prior to surgery. Group A (malperfusion) showed an elevated requirement for mechanical resuscitation (A: 10.8%; B: 5.6%; p: 0.173), were significantly more often admitted in an intubated state (A: 14.9%; B: 2.4%; p: 0.001) and showed higher incidences of stroke (A: 18.9% ( n = 149); B: 3.2% ( n = 4); p: 0.001). Levels of serum lactate from the preoperative period until days 2–4 were significantly increased in the malperfusion cohort at all times. Conclusions Preexisting malperfusion due to ATAAD may significantly increase the chance of early mortality in patients with ATAAD. Serum lactate levels were a reliable marker for inadequate perfusion from admission until day 4 after surgery. Despite this, early intervention survival in this cohort remains limited.
Ultrafiltration in cardiac surgery: Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hensley Nadia B , Colao Joseph A , Zorrilla-Vaca Andres , Nanavati Julie , Lawton Jennifer S , Raphael Jacob , Mazzeffi Michael A , Wierschke Chad , Kostibas Megan P , Cho Brian C , Frank Steven M , Grant Michael C 
Published: February 2023

Background: Ultrafiltration is used with cardiopulmonary bypass to reduce the effects of hemodilution and restore electrolyte balance. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the effect of conventional and modified ultrafiltration on intraoperative blood transfusion. Methods: Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to perform a meta-analysis of studies of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating conventional ultrafiltration (CUF) and modified ultrafiltration (MUF) on the primary outcome of intraoperative red cell transfusions. Results: A total of 7 RCTs ( n = 928) were included, comparing modified ultrafiltration ( n = 473 patients) to controls ( n = 455 patients) and 2 observational studies ( n = 47,007), comparing conventional ultrafiltration ( n = 21,748) to controls ( n = 25,427). Overall, MUF was associated with transfusion of fewer intraoperative red cell units per patient ( n = 7); MD −0.73 units; 95% CI −1.12 to −0.35 p = 0.04; p for heterogeneity = 0.0001, I 2 = 55%) compared to controls. CUF was no difference in intraoperative red cell transfusions compared to controls ( n = 2); OR 3.09; 95% CI 0.26–36.59; p = 0.37; p for heterogeneity = 0.94, I 2 = 0%. Review of the included observational studies revealed an association between larger volumes (>2.2 L in a 70 kg patient) of CUF and risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Conclusion: The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that MUF is associated with fewer intraoperative red cell transfusions. Based on limited studies, CUF does not appear to be associated with a difference in intraoperative red cell transfusion.