bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of cabozantinib in second line under real-life setting in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC): Study design of a French retrospective, multicenter study (OCTOPUS).
Authors: Thiery-Vuillemin Antoine , Mourey Loic , Pasquier David , Thibault Constance , Bernhard Jean-Christophe , Zara Laetitia , Perrot Valérie , Albiges Laurence 
Published: March 2023

TPS744 Background: Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) directed against VEGFR, MET and AXL. In the pivotal phase III METEOR study, cabozantinib demonstrated significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) versus everolimus in patients with previously treated aRCC with clear-cell component. Thus, cabozantinib received marketing authorization from the European Medicine Agency in September 2016 for the treatment of aRCC in patients previously treated with a VEGF-targeted therapy. Cabozantinib effectiveness and safety have been investigated in several real-world evidence studies such as CABOREAL or CASSIOPE. However, many questions arising during the routine care of patients with aRCC treated by cabozantinib remain unanswered by the current literature. Therefore, the aims of OCTOPUS study are to describe the effectiveness and safety of 2nd line cabozantinib in a real-life setting in France and to address these unanswered questions in certain patients subgroups. Methods: Octopus is a multicenter (25 centers), retrospective, non-comparative, non-interventional study in patients with aRCC initiating cabozantinib in 2nd line in France. The primary endpoint is the duration of treatment (DOT) with cabozantinib: median DOT will be estimated using Kaplan Meier method. Key secondary endpoints to be assessed are: best overall response (BOR), PFS, adverse events (AEs) and subsequent treatment. DOT, BOR, PFS, safety and all baseline characteristics for each of the following subgroups will be described as exploratory endpoints: sequencing post-cabozantinib, long-responders, non-responders, cabozantinib & rechallenge, cabozantinib & therapeutic schedules, cabozantinib & local treatment, cabozantinib & elderly patients. Data will be analyzed descriptively. Due to the observational nature of this study, no formal calculation of sample size and statistical power were performed. With a sample size of 300 participants who started cabozantinib in 2nd line between 1st March 2018 and 1st March 2021 and a median DOT of 7.6 months, the two-sided confidence interval of the median will be estimated with a width equal to 1.7 months (95% Confidence Interval [CI] [6.8; 8.6]) and a censoring probability near 0. All collected data will be in accordance with the daily practice of medical doctors, with a maximum follow-up of 12-months. Data collection started in Q3 2022 and the first patient was included on September 16th 2022. No interim analysis is planned. This study is funded by Ipsen Pharma. Clinical trial information: NCT05444933 .
Re-examination of radiative capture of deuteron 3He(d,γ)5Li at low energy
Authors: Sabeeh Syeda , Jawad Muhammad , Kabir Abdul , Nabi Jameel-Un 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

3He(d,γ)5Li is important in the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN), as it provides seeds for the 6Li formation. Within the framework of the potential model the 3He(d,γ)5Li is analyzed. In the present investigation the nuclear width

, nuclear cross-sections, astrophysical S-factor, and nuclear reaction rates have been computed. The present study is in better agreement with the observed data.
Approach to the Patient: Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Kilberg Marissa J , Vogiatzi Maria G 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCentral precocious puberty (CPP) classically refers to premature activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis with onset of sexual development before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. A decrease in the age of thelarche has been reported over the past several decades; however, the tempo of pubertal progression can be slower and adult height may not be adversely affected in many of the girls who experience thelarche at 6-8 years. Outside of this secular trend in the development itself, the past several decades have also brought about advances in diagnosis and management. This includes the widespread use of an ultrasensitive luteinizing hormone assay, decreasing the need for stimulation testing and a better understanding of the genetics that govern the onset of puberty. Additionally, management of CPP using gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHas) has changed with the advent of new longer-acting formulations. Emerging long-term outcomes of GnRHa administration with regards to obesity, cardiovascular risk factors and fertility are reassuring. Despite these advancements, clinical care in CPP is hampered by the lack of well-designed controlled studies, and management decisions are frequently not supported by clear practice guidelines. Data in boys with CPP are limited and this article focuses on the diagnosis and management of CPP in girls, particularly, in those who present with thelarche at the age of 6-8 years.
The Use of Levothyroxine Absorption Tests in Clinical Practice
Authors: Caron Philippe , Declèves Xavier 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Although levothyroxine (LT4) is a widely prescribed drug, more than 30% of LT4-treated patients fail to achieve the recommended serum level of thyrotropin with a body weight–based dose of LT4. An LT4 absorption test (LT4AT) is part of the workup for confirming normal LT4 absorption or diagnosing malabsorption. We searched PubMed with the terms levothyrox*, L-T4, LT4, TT4, FT4, FT3, TT3, test, loading, uptake, absorp*, “absorb*, bioavailab*, bioequiv* malabsorb*, and pseudomalabsorb*. A total of 43 full-text publications were analyzed. The published procedures for LT4AT differ markedly in the test dose, formulation, test duration, frequency of blood collection, analyte (total thyroxine [TT4] or free thyroxine [FT4]), metric (absolute or relative peak or increment, or area under the curve) and the threshold for normal absorption. In a standardized LT4AT for routine use, the physician could advise the patient to not consume food, beverages, or medications the morning of the test; administer 1000 µg of LT4 in the patient's usual formulation as the test dose; ensure that the patient is supervised throughout the LT4AT; perform a 4-hour test, with hourly blood samples; assay FT4; and consider that normal LT4 absorption corresponds to an FT4 increment of more than 0.40 ng/dL (5.14 pmol/L) or a TT4 increment of more than 6 μg/dL (77.23 nmol/L) for a test dose of at least 300 µg, or a percentage TT4 absorption of more than 60%. If the test indicates abnormal LT4 absorption, the physician can increase the LT4 dose, change the formulation or administration route, and/or refer the patient to a gastroenterologist.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Metformin Treatment in Pregnant Women With PCOS
Authors: Ryssdal Mariell , Vanky Eszter , Stokkeland Live Marie T , Jarmund Anders Hagen , Steinkjer Bjørg , Løvvik Tone Shetelig , Madssen Torfinn Støve , Iversen Ann-Charlotte , Giskeødegård Guro F 
Published: March 2023

AbstractContextPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder associated with low-grade systemic inflammation and increased risk of pregnancy complications. Metformin treatment reduces the risk of late miscarriage and preterm birth in pregnant women with PCOS. Whether the protective effect of metformin involves immunological changes has not been determined.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of metformin on the maternal immunological status in women with PCOS.MethodsA post-hoc analysis was performed of two randomized controlled trials, PregMet and PregMet2, including longitudinal maternal serum samples from 615 women with PCOS. Women were randomized to metformin or placebo from first trimester to delivery. Twenty-two cytokines and C-reactive protein were measured in serum sampled at gestational weeks 5 to 12, 19, 32, and 36.ResultsMetformin treatment was associated with higher serum levels of several multifunctional cytokines throughout pregnancy, with the strongest effect on eotaxin (P &lt; .001), interleukin-17 (P = .03), and basic fibroblast growth factor (P = .04). Assessment of the combined cytokine development confirmed the impact of metformin on half of the 22 cytokines. The immunomodulating effect of metformin was more potent in normal weight and overweight women than in obese women. Moreover, normoandrogenic women had the strongest effect of metformin in early pregnancy, whereas hyperandrogenic women presented increasing effect throughout pregnancy.ConclusionIt appears that metformin has immunomodulating rather than anti-inflammatory properties in pregnancy. Its effect on the serum levels of many multifunctional cytokines demonstrates robust, persisting, and body mass–dependent immune mobilization in pregnant women with PCOS.
Platelet-Lymphocyte and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratios Are Prognostic Markers for Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas
Authors: Zhong Xu , Su TingWei , Yang Yifan , Ye Lei , Jiang Lei , Qi Yan , Xie Jing , Jiang Yiran , Zhou Weiwei , Zhang Cui , Wu Luming , Zhu Hongyuan , Ning Guang , Wang Weiqing 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Context
Preoperative inflammatory markers, such as the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), have recently been proposed as prognostic markers in different tumors. However, their predictive values in patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are uncertain.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of inflammatory biomarkers in PPGL patients.

Methods
Data from 1247 consecutive PPGL patients between 2002 and 2020 were evaluated. The preoperative inflammatory markers were evaluated. The prognostic roles were identified by X-tile software, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox regression models.

Results
A total of 728 patients were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up of 63 months (IQR, 31-111 months); 31 individuals died, 28 patients developed metastases, and 12 patients developed recurrence. Our study showed that deaths were observed significantly more frequently in patients with high NLR(≥3.5) and high PLR (≥217.4) than those with low NLR (&lt;3.5) (P = .003) and low PLR (&lt;217.4) (P = .005). Elevated NLR (≥3.5) and elevated PLR (≥217.4) was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (OS) (P = .005), and elevated PLR (≥238.3) was significantly associated with decreased metastasis-free survival (MFS) (P = .021). Cox models illustrated that NLR and PLR were independent prognostic factors for OS, and PLR was an independent prognostic factor for MFS.

Conclusion
Both elevated NLR and PLR are associated with poor prognosis in PPGLs. They are convenient predictive markers that could be used in daily clinical practice.
Novel MKRN3 Missense Mutations Associated With Central Precocious Puberty Reveal Distinct Effects on Ubiquitination
Authors: Magnotto John C , Mancini Alessandra , Bird Keisha , Montenegro Luciana , Tütüncüler Filiz , Pereira Sidney A , Simas Vitoria , Garcia Leonardo , Roberts Stephanie A , Macedo Delanie , Magnuson Melissa , Gagliardi Priscila , Mauras Nelly , Witchel Selma F , Carroll Rona S , Latronico Ana Claudia , Kaiser Ursula B , Abreu Ana Paula 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Context
Loss-of-function mutations in the maternally imprinted genes, MKRN3 and DLK1, are associated with central precocious puberty (CPP). Mutations in MKRN3 are the most common known genetic etiology of CPP.

Objective
This work aimed to screen patients with CPP for MKRN3 and DLK1 mutations and analyze the effects of identified mutations on protein function in vitro.

Methods
Participants included 84 unrelated children with CPP (79 girls, 5 boys) and, when available, their first-degree relatives. Five academic medical institutions participated. Sanger sequencing of MKRN3 and DLK1 5′ upstream flanking and coding regions was performed on DNA extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Western blot analysis was performed to assess protein ubiquitination profiles.

Results
Eight heterozygous MKRN3 mutations were identified in 9 unrelated girls with CPP. Five are novel missense mutations, 2 were previously identified in patients with CPP, and 1 is a frameshift variant not previously associated with CPP. No pathogenic variants were identified in DLK1. Girls with MKRN3 mutations had an earlier age of initial pubertal signs and higher basal serum luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone compared to girls with CPP without MRKN3 mutations. Western blot analysis revealed that compared to wild-type MKRN3, mutations within the RING finger domain reduced ubiquitination whereas the mutations outside this domain increased ubiquitination.

Conclusion
MKRN3 mutations were present in 10.7% of our CPP cohort, consistent with previous studies. The novel identified mutations in different domains of MKRN3 revealed different patterns of ubiquitination, suggesting distinct molecular mechanisms by which the loss of MRKN3 results in early pubertal onset.
Approximate Set Theory
Authors: Tymoczko Dmitri 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This article describes an approximate set theory modeling intuitions shared by musicians such as Cowell, Schoenberg, Messiaen, and Persichetti. The author considers five approximation strategies, showing that in each case the result resembles an exact seven-tone set theory. Since most seven-tone sets are interval cycles, approximate twelve-tone sets are approximately cyclic as well. The theory explains how to highlight this cyclic structure using voicings, modeled by intervals in the intrinsic scale formed from a chord's own notes. This connection to voicing is what gives approximate chord categories much of their significance. The approach is most useful for chords with five or fewer notes and works tolerably for hexachords, but it breaks down with larger collections. This is not a failure of the model but a reflection of the fact that quality space contracts as cardinality increases.
Naming the Precious Child: New Evidence of Intentional Family Planning in Historical Populations
Authors: Goldstein Joshua R. , Stecklov Guy 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCan the names parents gave their children give us insights into how parents in historical times planned their families? In this study, we explore whether the names given to the firstborn child can be used as indicators of family-size preferences and, if so, what this reveals about the emergence of intentional family planning over the course of the demographic transition. We analyze historical populations from 1850 to 1940 in the United States, where early fertility control and large sample sizes allow separate analyses of the White and Black populations. We also analyze Norway from 1800 to 1910, where there was a much later fertility transition. A split-sample method allows automated scoring of each name in terms of predicted family size. We find a strong relationship between naming and family size in the U.S. White population as early as 1850, for the Black population beginning in 1940, and for the Norwegian population in 1910. These results provide new evidence of the emergence of “conscious calculation” during the fertility transition. Our methods may also be applicable to modern high-fertility populations in the midst of fertility decline.
Gospodarka polderowa w Polsce – wyzwania naturalnej retencji powodziowej
Authors: Warachowska Weronika , Zwoliński Zbigniew 
Published: March 2023

Powódź stanowi jedno z największych zagrożeń naturalnych w Polsce. Z uwagi na przewidywany wzrost ryzyka powodzi poszukiwanie nowych sposobów zarządzania ryzykiem powodziowym jest istotnym wyzwaniem krajowej gospodarki wodnej. Jednym z rozwiązań mogących służyć ograniczaniu ryzyka powodziowego, przy jednoczesnej możliwości utrzymania produkcji rolnej oraz ochronie istniejących ekosystemów i krajobrazu są poldery. Mimo potencjalnych korzyści związanych z wykorzystaniem polderów, ich potencjał jest jednak niewykorzystany z uwagi na liczne bariery dla ich efektywnego wdrażania i zarządzania nimi. Artykuł ma na celu rozpoznanie gospodarki polderowej w Polsce wraz z ustaleniem zdolności retencyjnych na podstawie parametrów morfometrycznych polderów, określeniem ich funkcjonalności oraz możliwości w zakresie ochrony poszczególnych komponentów środowiska. Na podstawie opracowanej charakterystyki zdefiniowano również bariery ograniczające efektywne wykorzystanie polderów, a także podjęto próbę sformułowania rozwiązań problemów związanych z wdrażaniem i zarządzaniem polderami. Rezultatem przeprowadzonych badań jest propozycja definicji polderu oraz rekomendacje w zakresie możliwości usystematyzowania zagadnień związanych z gospodarką polderową w Polsce.
Validation of Quality-of-Life assessment tool for Ethiopian old age people
Authors: Muhye Ahmed , Fentahun Netsanet 
Published: March 2023

Background: A valid and reliable quality of life (QOL) assessment tool is critical for identifying health issues, evaluating health interventions, and establishing the best health policies and care plans. One of the tools for this goal is the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Old module (WHOQOL-OLD). It is validated and available in more than 20 languages globally, except Amharic (the widely spoken language in Ethiopia). As a result, the purpose of this study was to translate it into Amharic language and validate it among the elderly people in Bahir Dar City, Northwestern Ethiopia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 180 community-dwelling old age people in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia, from January 16 to March 13, 2021. Psychometric validation was achieved through Cronbach’s alpha of the internal consistency reliability test and construct validity from confirmatory factor analysis. Results: The study participants were aged between 60 and 90 years, with a mean age of 69.44. Females made up 61.7% of the study population, and 40% of them could not read or write. The results showed a relatively low level of quality of life, with a total transformed score of 58.58±23.15. The Amharic version of the WHOQOL-OLD showed a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.96 and corrected item-total correlations of more than 0.74. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the six-domain model with a chi-square (X2) of 341.98 and a p-value less than 0.001. The comparative fit index (CFI) was 0.98, Tucker-Lewis’s index (TCL) was 0.97, and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) was 0.046. Conclusion: The Amharic version of the WHOQOL-OLD indicated good internal consistency reliability and construct validity. The tool can be utilized to provide care to Ethiopian community-dwelling old age people.
Consensus statements: when and how?
Authors: Murray Iain R. , Makaram Navnit S. , LaPrade Robert F. , Haddad Fares S. 
Published: March 2023

The Bone & Joint Journal has published several consensus statements in recent years, many of which have positively influenced clinical practice and policy.1-13 However, even the most valued consensus statements have limitations, and all ultimately represent Level V evidence. Consensus studies add greatest value where higher-order evidence to aid decision making is ambiguous or lacking. In all settings, care must be taken to critically appraise standards of methodology, with particular attention to potential biases that may influence the conclusions which are drawn.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):343–346.
Supplemental data for "Using NDVI For Variable Rate Cotton Irrigation Prescriptions"
Authors: Stone Kenneth C. , Billman Eric , Bauer Philip , Sigua Gilbert 
Published: March 2023

<p>This is digital research data corresponding to a published manuscript, "Using NDVI For Variable Rate Cotton Irrigation Prescriptions", in <em>Applied Engineering in Agriculture</em>, 2022, Volume 38(5): 787-795. doi:10.13031/aea.15071. </p>
<p>Irrigation timing is crucial for achieving high cotton yields and lint quality. This irrigation timing is more challenging in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain region due to its spatial variable sandy soils with low water and nutrient holding capacities and rainfall variability during the growing season. To address these challenges, we conducted a 2-year (2017 and 2018) study evaluating two irrigation scheduling methods under a variable rate irrigation system. The two irrigation methods were: (1) a uniform irrigation management based on weekly crop water usage, and (2) spatial crop coefficients derived from normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI). We compared cotton yields and water use efficiency using the two irrigation scheduling methods at two different planting densities. The two plant populations were 5 and 11.5 plants m<sup>-1</sup> of row to provide different NDVI readings and water requirements.</p>
Attrition from HIV treatment after enrollment in a differentiated service delivery model: A cohort analysis of routine care in Zambia
Authors: Jo Youngji , Jamieson Lise , Phiri Bevis , Grimsrud Anna , Mwansa Muya , Shakwelele Hilda , Haimbe Prudence , Mukumbwa-Mwenechanya Mpande , Mulenga Priscilla Lumano , Nichols Brooke E. , Rosen Sydney 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMany sub-Saharan Africa countries are scaling up differentiated service delivery (DSD) models for HIV treatment to increase access and remove barriers to care. We assessed factors associated with attrition after DSD model enrollment in Zambia, focusing on patient-level characteristics.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective record review using electronic medical records (EMR) of adults (≥15 years) initiated on antiretroviral (ART) between 01 January 2018 and 30 November 2021. Attrition was defined as lost to follow-up (LTFU) or died by November 30, 2021. We categorized DSD models into eight groups: fast-track, adherence groups, community pick-up points, home ART delivery, extended facility hours, facility multi-month dispensing (MMD, 4–6-month ART dispensing), frequent refill care (facility 1–2 month dispensing), and conventional care (facility 3 month dispensing, reference group). We used Fine and Gray competing risk regression to assess patient-level factors associated with attrition, stratified by sex and rural/urban setting.ResultsOf 547,281 eligible patients, 68% (n = 372,409) enrolled in DSD models, most commonly facility MMD (n = 306,430, 82%), frequent refill care (n = 47,142, 13%), and fast track (n = 14,433, 4%), with <2% enrolled in the other DSD groups. Retention was higher in nearly all DSD models for all dispensing intervals, compared to the reference group, except fast track for the ≤2 month dispensing group. Retention benefits were greatest for patients in the extended clinic hours group and least for fast track dispensing.ConclusionAlthough retention in HIV treatment differed by DSD type, dispensing interval, and patient characteristics, nearly all DSD models out-performed conventional care. Understanding the factors that influence the retention of patients in DSD models could provide an important step towards improving DSD implementation.