bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving total body irradiation with a dedicated couch and 3D-printed patient-specific lung blocks: A feasibility study
Authors: Strolin Silvia , Paolani Giulia , Santoro Miriam , Cercenelli Laura , Bortolani Barbara , Ammendolia Ilario , Cammelli Silvia , Cicoria Gianfranco , Win Phyo Wai , Morganti Alessio G. , Marcelli Emanuela , Strigari Lidia 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionTotal body irradiation (TBI) is an important component of the conditioning regimen in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants. TBI is used in very few patients and therefore it is generally delivered with standard linear accelerators (LINACs) and not with dedicated devices. Severe pulmonary toxicity is the most common adverse effect after TBI, and patient-specific lead blocks are used to reduce mean lung dose. In this context, online treatment setup is crucial to achieve precise positioning of the lung blocks. Therefore, in this study we aim to report our experience at generating 3D-printed patient-specific lung blocks and coupling a dedicated couch (with an integrated onboard image device) with a modern LINAC for TBI treatment.Material and methodsTBI was planned and delivered (2Gy/fraction given twice a day, over 3 days) to 15 patients. Online images, to be compared with planned digitally reconstructed radiographies, were acquired with the couch-dedicated Electronic Portal Imaging Device (EPID) panel and imported in the iView software using a homemade Graphical User Interface (GUI). In vivo dosimetry, using Metal-Oxide Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), was used to assess the setup reproducibility in both supine and prone positions.Results3D printing of lung blocks was feasible for all planned patients using a stereolithography 3D printer with a build volume of 14.5×14.5×17.5 cm3. The number of required pre-TBI EPID-images generally decreases after the first fraction. In patient-specific quality assurance, the difference between measured and calculated dose was generally&lt;2%. The MOSFET measurements reproducibility along each treatment and patient was 2.7%, in average.ConclusionThe TBI technique was successfully implemented, demonstrating that our approach is feasible, flexible, and cost-effective. The use of 3D-printed patient-specific lung blocks have the potential to personalize TBI treatment and to refine the shape of the blocks before delivery, making them extremely versatile.
Pretreatment neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio as prognostic factor in metastatic breast cancer treated with cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors
Authors: Rottier Pauline , Emile George , Johnson Alison , Levy Christelle , Allouache Djelila , Hrab Ioana , Segura Carine , Morel Adeline , Villemin Maud , Dubot-Poitelon Coraline , Boismoreau Louis , Cherifi François , Lequesne Justine , Da Silva Angélique 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundCyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CdK4/6i) changed the course of hormone receptor positive (HR+) HER2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (mBC). To date, no factors have been shown to predict response to CdK4/6i. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an indicator of the host systemic inflammatory response, is an independent prognostic factor for survival in cancers. We conducted this study to evaluate the impact of NLR on survival in mBC patients treated with first line CdK4/6i.MethodsAll mBC patients treated with first line CdK4/6i between November 2015 and December 2019 were retrospectively included. The biomarker threshold was defined using ROC curves. We analyzed progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 12-month PFS and response rate according to NLR in univariable and multivariable analysis.ResultsA total of 126 patients treated with palbociclib (n=101), ribociclib (n=18) or abemaciclib (n=7) were included, with a median follow-up of 33 months [range: 2.9–57]. Median age was 65 years [29-86], 40% patients had good performance status (ECOG-PS 0). Most patients (71%) were included at the metastatic relapse stage and 29% had only bone metastases. Median PFS and median OS were 27 and 51 months, respectively. High NLR (≥ 2.53) was significantly associated with worse PFS (Hazard Ratio (HR)=0.50, CI95% = [0.32–0.79]) and worse OS (HR=0.45, [CI95%: 0.23–0.87]). In multivariable analysis, NLR and ECOG PS were independently factors associated with PFS (p=0.016 and p=0.001, respectively).ConclusionHigh NLR was associated with worse PFS and OS in HR+ HER2- mBC patients treated with first line CdK4/6i. NLR is a reliable and inexpensive prognostic marker, easily accessible in routine clinical practice, which could help optimize the therapeutic strategy. These results need to be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Developing and validating a nomogram based on skeletal muscle index and clinical scoring system for prediction of liver failure after hepatectomy
Authors: Ding Cong , Jia Jianye , Han Lei , Zhou Wei , Liu Ziyan , Bai Genji , Wang Qian 
Published: January 2023

Background and objectivesHepatectomy is the preferred treatment for patients with liver tumors. Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains one of the most fatal postoperative complications. We aim to explore the risk factors of PHLF and create a nomogram for early prediction of PHLF.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing hepatectomy at the Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between 2015 and 2022, and the patients were divided into training and internal validation cohorts at an 8:2 ratio randomly. The patients undergoing liver resection from the Affiliated Huaian Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University worked as external validation. Then, a nomogram was developed which was based on multivariate analyses to calculate the risk of PHLF. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) and Hosmer -Lemeshow test was used to evaluate the prediction effect of the model.ResultsA total of 421 eligible patients were included in our study. Four preoperative variables were identified after multivariate analysis as follows, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score, Child-Pugh score, SMI (Skeletal muscle index), and MELD (Model for end-stage liver disease) score as independent predictors of PHLF. The area under the ROC curve of the predictive model in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts were 0.89, 0.82, and 0.89. Hosmer -Lemeshow P values in the training, internal, and external validation cohorts were 0.91, 0.22, and 0.15. The Calibration curve confirmed that our nomogram prediction results were in accurate agreement with the actual occurrence of PHLF.ConclusionWe construct a nomogram to predict the grade B/C PHLF of ISGLS (International Study Group of Liver Surgery) in patients who underwent hepatic resection based on risk factors. This tool can provide a visual and accurate preoperative prediction of the grade B/C PHLF and guide the next step of clinical decision-making.
Use of traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients: An evidence mapping study
Authors: Li Yanfei , Qin Yu , Chen Nan , Ge Long , Wang Qi , Aboudou Taslim , Han Jiani , Hou Liangying , Cao Liujiao , Li Rui , Li Meixuan , Mi Ningning , Xie Peng , Wu Siqing , Hu Linmin , Li Xiuxia , Song Zhongyang , Ji Jing , Zhang Zhiming , Yang Kehu 
Published: January 2023

Background: The potential effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) against “epidemic diseases” has highlighted the knowledge gaps associated with TCM in COVID-19 management. This study aimed to map the matrix for rigorously assessing, organizing, and presenting evidence relevant to TCM in COVID-19 management.Methods: In this study, we used the methodology of evidence mapping (EM). Nine electronic databases, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) Search Portal, ClinicalTrials.gov, gray literature, reference lists of articles, and relevant Chinese conference proceedings, were searched for articles published until 23 March 2022. The EndNote X9, Rayyan, EPPI, and R software were used for data entry and management.Results: In all, 126 studies, including 76 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 50 systematic reviews (SRs), met our inclusion criteria. Of these, only nine studies (7.14%) were designated as high quality: four RCTs were assessed as “low risk of bias” and five SRs as “high quality.” Based on the research objectives of these studies, the included studies were classified into treatment (53 RCTs and 50 SRs, 81.75%), rehabilitation (20 RCTs, 15.87%), and prevention (3 RCTs, 2.38%) groups. A total of 76 RCTs included 59 intervention categories and 57 efficacy outcomes. All relevant trials consistently demonstrated that TCM significantly improved 22 outcomes (i.e., consistent positive outcomes) without significantly affecting four (i.e., consistent negative outcomes). Further, 50 SRs included nine intervention categories and 27 efficacy outcomes, two of which reported consistent positive outcomes and two reported consistent negative outcomes. Moreover, 45 RCTs and 38 SRs investigated adverse events; 39 RCTs and 30 SRs showed no serious adverse events or significant differences between groups.Conclusion: This study provides evidence matrix mapping of TCM against COVID-19, demonstrating the potential efficacy and safety of TCM in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients, and also addresses evidence gaps. Given the limited number and poor quality of available studies and potential concerns regarding the applicability of the current clinical evaluation standards to TCM, the effect of specific interventions on individual outcomes needs further evaluation.
Low-speed gas knife protection for the large aperture optical component in high-power laser systems
Authors: Peng Ge , Gao Qiang , Dong Zhe , Chen Jiaxuan , Zhang Peng , Lu Lihua 
Published: January 2023

In high-power laser systems, fused silica aerosols produced by laser-induced damage to optical components impede further improvement in operation efficiency. To mitigate aerosol threats, low-speed gas knives are an attractive online option. Herein, we investigate the protective mechanism of a low-speed gas knife (&lt;20 m/s) against aerosol invasion on the optical component. First, aerosol particles invaded the surface experimentally in two ways and were detected both in the core and non-core regions, depending on the coverage area of the protection flow. Particle sedimentation percentages can directly reflect the protection capability of the gas knife flow. Since a “midstream defect” is readily apparent, a CFD model was developed to explain the phenomenon from the perspective of velocity distribution. Additionally, the Euler-Lagrange method was used to track airflow particle motions and reappear the protective process. The numerical and experimental results on protection efficiency are closely correlated. The numerical calculation indicates that the “midstream defect” manifested in the core region is possibly attributed to the turbulent dispersion and anisotropic near-wall effects of particles of various diameters, while in the non-core region, the mechanism differs. This work provides a framework for airflow clean designs inside high-power laser systems.
Relationships between alexithymia and food addiction: The Finnish version of Yale Food Addiction Scale and preliminary test of its psychometric properties
Authors: Li Ru , Kajanoja Jani , Tuulari Jetro J. , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Karukivi Max 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundIt has long been suggested that addictive behaviors are associated with alexithymia, a personality trait characterized by difficulties in emotional awareness and expression. However, little is known about the role of alexithymia in food addiction.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and food addiction. As part of the study, the validity of the Finnish version of Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS-F) was also investigated.MethodsThe sample consisted of 360 parents from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. The structural validity of the YFAS-F was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explore the structure when proposed models were not supported by CFA. The associations of alexithymia as measured by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and food addiction were examined using regression analyses followed by structural equation modeling.ResultsHigher alexithymia was associated with more food addiction by conducting linear regression analysis (B = 0.013, p = 0.011) and structural equation modeling (β = 0.24, p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, a single-factor model for the 8 criteria of the YFAS-F was supported by CFA and showed acceptable internal reliability (KR-20 = 0.72), and a three-factor solution for the 20 items of the scale was suggested by EFA with good internal reliability (McDonald’s ω = 0.91 for the YFAS-F, 0.91 for component 1, 0.87 for component 2, and Spearman-Brown coefficient = 0.89 for component 3).ConclusionThe current study determined a significant relationship between alexithymia and food addiction, which suggests alexithymia as a relevant factor for food addiction and may provide clinical implications for interventions. Moreover, the YFAS-F appeared to be a valid and reliable tool to evaluate food addiction in our Finnish general population sample. Further studies on the psychometric properties of the YFAS-F in more diverse populations are recommended.
Effect of home visits by community health workers on complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children aged 6–23 months in 10 districts of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Tariqujjaman Md. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Sarma Haribondhu 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundSuboptimal complementary feeding contributes to undernutrition in children aged 6–23 months in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Multifaceted interventions have been taken to improve complementary feeding practices, but there is limited evidence about the effect of home visits by community health workers (CHWs) on complementary feeding practices of the caregivers of children.MethodsWe collated data from the baseline and the corresponding follow-up survey done as part of an evaluation of Bangladesh Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) programme. We collected data on complementary feeding practices using a 24-h recall questionnaire. Age-appropriate dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet were assessed based on recommended food consumption as per child's age. To understand the effect of CHWs' visits on complementary feeding practices, we performed Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) procedure for dealing with correlated data and adjusted other covariates.ResultsA total of 758 and 745 caregivers of children aged 6–23 months participated in the baseline and follow-up survey, respectively. Complementary feeding practices were improved in 1 year of programme implementation; dietary diversity increased from 46 to 54%, minimum meal frequency from 82 to 91%, and minimum acceptable diet from 41 to 53%. Caregivers of children who had received the visit of CHWs in the last 12 months prior to the day of the follow-up survey were more likely (AOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.10–2.10) to maintain dietary diversity in their children's feeding practices than the caregivers who had not received a CHW visit in the last 12 months. The likelihood of maintaining a minimum acceptable diet in feeding practices was 1.57 times higher (AOR 1.57; 95% CI 1.14–2.17) among the caregivers who were exposed to the visits of the CHWs in the last 12 months compared to the caregivers who were not exposed to the CHW's visits in the last 12 months.ConclusionIntegration of promotional activities of complementary feeding practices into the mainstream nutrition programme can be instrumental in optimizing complementary feeding practices among the caregivers of the under-five children. However, home visits by CHWs should be prioritized in such an integrated programme.
Os gêneros textuais digitais e as tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação no ensino de língua portuguesa
Authors: Arcanjo Joel Rodrigues 
Published: January 2023

Este artigo se refere a uma investigação que explorou como “Os gêneros textuais digitais e as tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação são usados no Ensino da Língua Portuguesa, na Coordenadoria Regional de Ensino de Tonantins, no Amazonas, em 2021. Para tanto, apresenta as TDICs e os Gêneros Textuais Digitais, conforme o que propõem: (COSCARELLI, 2016; VALENTE, 2014; MORAN, 2007; SILVA, 2014; ALMEIDA e VALENTE, 2012; ROJO, 2013; SIEMENS, 2006); dentre outros. Para embasar essa proposta de investigação, fez-se o aporte bibliográfico e teórico. Coletou os dados, aplicando os questionários aos alunos e professores. Tabulou-se os dados para uma análise numérica e descritiva para explorar ou conhecer o tema proposto, baseado no aporte bibliográfico. Assim, o desenho dessa pesquisa, resume-se quanto ao tipo em não experimental, transversal e exploratório. Constatou-se que os respondentes professores e os alunos são, nas palavras de (PRENSKY, 2012), respectivamente, imigrantes e nativos digitais e, que todos os respondentes utilizam dispositivos eletrônicos que permitem as Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação. E, quanto aos Gêneros Textuais Digitais os respondentes, na maioria conhecem e até os usam, ainda que não soubessem a sua classificação.
Comparative sensitivity of immunodiagnostic tests <i>in vivo</i> (Mantoux and RTA) and <i>in vitro</i> (QuantiFERON – GIT) in children with chronic nonspecific bronchopulmonary pathology associated with various tuberculosis
Authors: Nakonechnaya S. L. , Aksenova V. A. , Mizernitskiy Yu. L. 
Published: January 2023

Aim. Selection and combination of immunodiagnostic tests to detect active tuberculosis (TB) in children with concomitant bronchopulmonary pathologies.Materials and methods. A prospective study of children and adolescents (n = 236) was conducted, which included cases with localized pulmonary tuberculosis; pulmonary tuberculosis associated with allergic or infectious and inflammatory forms of chronic nonspecific lung diseases (CNSLD); chronic nonspecific lung diseases under a significant absence of active TB but the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. All patients underwent immunodiagnostic tests by Mantoux test, recombinant tuberculosis allergen (RTA) test, and QuantiFERON – GIT.Results. Mantoux and RTA tests were found to exhibit high sensitivity in children both with tuberculosis associated with concomitant pathologies and without such pathologies. Differences were observed in the results obtained by the Mantoux test in children with tuberculosis-associated bronchopulmonary pathology and those with localized tuberculosis. The Mantoux test may be positive as a result of many factors, other than active TB infection. Thus, children with allergic and infectious-inflammatory pathologies of the lungs exhibit an altered sensitivity to the Mantoux test. Such cases require in vitro diagnostics with the Quanti- FERON test, whose sensitivity is high despite the presence of CNSLD.Conclusions. Children with infectious-inflammatory CNSLD should undergo TB examination in stages based on in vivo and in vitro tests, when necessary. Children with allergic CNSLD should undergo in vitro tests at the first stage.
Tuberculosis prevalence in children in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia before and after COVID-19 pandemic: prognosis and epidemiological models
Authors: Dovgalyuk I. F. , Kudlay D. A. , Starshinova A. A. 
Published: January 2023

Aim. To assess changes in the epidemic indicators of tuberculosis infection (TB) in children in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic based on mathematical modeling and forecasting.Materials and methods. The main epidemiological indicators of TB were analyzed using the official statistical data for 2009–2021. A mathematical forecasting of epidemiological indicators was performed based on chest X-ray screening for TB. A statistical analysis was carried out using the software environment R (v.3.5.1) and the commercial software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 24.0, IBM Corp., 2016). Time series forecasting was performed using the programming language of statistical calculations R, version 4.1.2 and the bsts package, version 0.9.8. Results. The mean regression coefficient of a single predictor was found to differ in a model for TB morbidity in children is 0.0098. X-ray screening for TB was established to be a significant mortality predictor in children. At least 60% of the population should undergo TB screening in order for TB prevalence to be controlled in a country with a population above 140 million people.Conclusions. The conducted study revealed a positive correlation between the incidence of tuberculosis in children in Russia and TB screening in at least 60% of the population. Under the current TB screening system in Russia, the epidemic TB situation will continue to improve, despite COVID-19 restrictions. At the same time, in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia, preventive TB screening can be considered sufficient only in the Kaliningrad, Murmansk, and Pskov Oblasts.
Thyroid cancer in the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia
Authors: Gordienko V. P. , Poberezhestsky A. V. 
Published: January 2023

Aim. To estimate the geographical specifics of thyroid cancer (TC) morbidity and mortality among residents of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia (FEFD) in 2008–2020.Materials and methods. Data on TC morbidity and mortality provided by official statistical records, regulatory documents, as well as observations of TC dynamics were used.Results. In 2020, 548 new cases of malignant neoplasms of the thyroid gland were registered in the FEFD, which was 84% higher than in 2008 (298 people). The majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 40–60 years old. The number of patients with stages I–II increased (84.1%) under a simultaneous decrease in the number of patients with neglected forms of the disease (15.5%). The share of TC detected during preventive examination comprised 35.9% as compared to 16.0% in 2008. One-year mortality decreased to 3.3% as compared to 7.3% in 2008. At the same time, mortality rates remained at relatively high levels in the context of current achievements in oncology treatment. Morphological confirmation of the diagnosis was carried out in 98.7% of cases, which exceeded slightly the state level of 98.5%. The share of patients diagnosed five or more years ago comprised 66.8%, thus being lower that the national average value of 69.4%. The quality of oncology services was assessed using the index of registration reliability, which did not exceed 0.11 in any of the FEFD regions in the reporting year.Conclusions. The observed increase in the number of patients with malignant neoplasms in the FEFD in 2008–2020 was accompanied by an increase in the annual incidence of thyroid cancer among both male and female populations, with the mortality levels demonstrating differences in the dynamics (increase/decline in men: – 50%; in women: + 29%).