bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy and safety of Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine versus mFOLFIRINOX in the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Lei , Su Jing , Wang Wenbo , Zhou Fuxiang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (AG) and modified FOLFIRINOX (FFX) are two systemic therapies that have been widely used as standard first-line chemotherapy regimens in metastatic pancreatic cancer. However, since there is no clinical trial to directly compare the efficacy and safety of the two regimens, it is not clear which regimen is more effective. In this study, we aim to examine and compare the efficacy and safety of AG and FFX as first-line chemotherapy regimens in Chinese patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer in a real-world setting.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 44 patients who were diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer and were treated with either AG (n = 24) or FFX (n = 20) as first-line chemotherapy between March 2017 and February 2022 at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. Prognostic nutrition index (PNI) was calculated based on the serum albumin level and peripheral lymphocyte count. According to the optimal cutoff value of PNI, patients were divided into low PNI group (PNI < 43.70) and high PNI group (PNI ≥ 43.70).

Results
Of 44 patients in this study, 24 were treated with AG, and 20 were treated with FFX as first-line chemotherapy. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups. The objective response rate (ORR) was 16.7% in the AG group and 20.0% in the FFX group. The disease control rate (DCR) was 70.8% in the AG group and 60.0% in the FFX group. There was no significant difference in PFS or OS between the AG group and the FFX group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.67 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.91–6.42) in the AG group and 3.33 months (95% CI, 1.87–4.79, p = 0.106) in the FFX group. The median overall survival (OS) was 9.00 months (95% CI, 7.86–12.19) in the AG group and 10.00 months (95% CI, 7.70–12.27, p = 0.608) in the FFX group. The second-line treatment rate was 62.5% in the AG group and 55.0% in the FFX group. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) based regimens are common second-line treatment options whether in AG or FFX group. Significantly more grade 3–4 peripheral neuropathy occurred in the AG than FFX groups (4 (20.8%) vs 0 (0.0%), p = 0.030*). The patients in the PNI (Prognostic nutrition index) ≥ 43.7 group had a significant longer median OS (PNI ≥ 43.7 vs PNI < 43.7: 10.33 vs 8.00 months, p = 0.019).

Conclusion
AG and FFX showed comparable efficacy outcomes in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer patients receiving first-line chemotherapy with good nutritional status are likely to have a better prognosis.
Thymus and lung mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma with adenocarcinoma of the lung: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pang Yu , Li Daosheng , Chen Yiqian , Liu Qinqin , Wu Yuheng , Teng Qingliang , Liu Yuyu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a common, low-grade, malignant B-cell lymphoma. However, simultaneous MALT lymphoma in the thymus and lung is extremely rare, and concomitant adenocarcinoma of the lung is even rarer. Herein, we report a rare case of a collision tumor in which MALT lymphoma was found in both the thymus and lung with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) and adenocarcinoma in the lung.

Case presentation
A physical examination of a 32-year-old woman revealed an anterior superior mediastinal space-occupying lesion, and chest computed tomography (CT) indicated a nodular ground-glass opacity and irregular mixed-density focus in the right lung. All lung cancer-related tumor biomarkers were within normal ranges. The thymus and part of the lung tissue were surgically resected. The histopathology and molecular examinations confirmed MALT lymphoma of the thymus and lung with lung adenocarcinoma. SS was also diagnosed. No special postoperative treatment was performed for the MALT lymphoma, and the patient underwent immunosuppressive therapy for SS after 4 months of follow-up observation.

Conclusions
MALT lymphoma of the thymus and lung tissues has no specific presentation on imaging and is difficult to differentiate from common malignant tumors, and the definite diagnoses of these tumors are highly dependent on histopathological examination in combination with molecular testing and cytogenetics. SS may be an important potential condition for the occurrence of MALT lymphoma in the thymus and lung. Additional similar cases are needed to clarify the biological pathways and potential molecular mechanisms of rare lymphomas and collision tumors.
The efficacy of gait rehabilitations for the treatment of incomplete spinal cord injury: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Patathong Tanyaporn , Klaewkasikum Krongkaew , Woratanarat Patarawan , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , Woratanarat Thira , Thakkinstian Ammarin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Recent pieces of evidence about the efficacy of gait rehabilitation for incomplete spinal cord injury remain unclear. We aimed to estimate the treatment effect and find the best gait rehabilitation to regain velocity, distance, and Walking Index Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) among incomplete spinal cord injury patients.

Method
PubMed and Scopus databases were searched from inception to October 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in comparison with any of the following: conventional physical therapy, treadmill, functional electrical stimulation and robotic-assisted gait training, and reported at least one outcome. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted the data. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects or fixed-effect model according to the heterogeneity. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was indirectly compared with all interventions and reported as pooled unstandardized mean difference (USMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was calculated to identify the best intervention.

Results
We included 17 RCTs (709 participants) with the mean age of 43.9 years. Acute-phase robotic-assisted gait training significantly improved the velocity (USMD 0.1 m/s, 95% CI 0.05, 0.14), distance (USMD 64.75 m, 95% CI 27.24, 102.27), and WISCI (USMD 3.28, 95% CI 0.12, 6.45) compared to conventional physical therapy. In NMA, functional electrical stimulation had the highest probability of being the best intervention for velocity (66.6%, SUCRA 82.1) and distance (39.7%, SUCRA 67.4), followed by treadmill, functional electrical stimulation plus treadmill, robotic-assisted gait training, and conventional physical therapy, respectively.

Conclusion
Functional electrical stimulation seems to be the best treatment to improve walking velocity and distance for incomplete spinal cord injury patients. However, a large-scale RCT is required to study the adverse events of these interventions.
Trial registration: PROSPERO number CRD42019145797.
Anatomic description of the distal great saphenous vein to facilitate peripheral venous access during resuscitation: a cadaveric study
Authors: Senevirathne Samitha A. M. D. R. U. , Nimana Hesitha K. V. , Pirannavan Ratnasingam , Fernando Poorni , Salvin Karahin A. , Liyanage Udari A. , Malalasekera Ajith P. , Mathangasinghe Yasith , Anthony Dimonge J. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe distal great saphenous vein is a popular site for venous access by means of percutaneous cannulation or venous cutdown in a hemodynamically unstable patient. The aim of this study was to precisely define the surface anatomy and dimensions of the distal part of the great saphenous vein to facilitate the aforementioned procedures. Cross-sectional anatomy of the distal saphenous vein was studied in 24 cadaveric ankles sectioned at a horizontal plane across the most prominent points of the medial and lateral malleoli. The curvilinear distance from the most prominent point of the medial malleolus to the center of the saphenous vein, its widest collapsed diameter and skin depth were obtained. The great saphenous vein was located at a mean distance of 24.4 ± 7.9 mm anterior to the medial malleolus. The mean widest collapsed diameter was 3.8 ± 1.5 mm. The mean distance from the skin surface to the vein was 4.1 ± 1.2 mm. These measurements could be used to locate the saphenous vein accurately, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients with visually indiscernible veins.
A flexible liposomal polymer complex as a platform of specific and regulable immune regulation for individual cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Chia-Hung , Weng Tzu-Han , Huang Hsiao-Hsuan , Huang Ling-Ya , Huang Kai-Yao , Chen Pin-Rong , Yeh Kuang-Yu , Huang Chi-Ting , Chien Yu-Tzu , Chuang Po-Ya , Lin Yu-Ling , Tsai Nu-Man , Liu Shih-Jen , Su Yu-Cheng , Weng Shun-Long , Liao Kuang-Wen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The applicability and therapeutic efficacy of specific personalized immunotherapy for cancer patients is limited by the genetic diversity of the host or the tumor. Side-effects such as immune-related adverse events (IRAEs) derived from the administration of immunotherapy have also been observed. Therefore, regulatory immunotherapy is required for cancer patients and should be developed.

Methods
The cationic lipo-PEG-PEI complex (LPPC) can stably and irreplaceably adsorb various proteins on its surface without covalent linkage, and the bound proteins maintain their original functions. In this study, LPPC was developed as an immunoregulatory platform for personalized immunotherapy for tumors to address the barriers related to the heterogenetic characteristics of MHC molecules or tumor associated antigens (TAAs) in the patient population. Here, the immune-suppressive and highly metastatic melanoma, B16F10 cells were used to examine the effects of this platform. Adsorption of anti-CD3 antibodies, HLA-A2/peptide, or dendritic cells’ membrane proteins (MP) could flexibly provide pan-T-cell responses, specific Th1 responses, or specific Th1 and Th2 responses, depending on the host needs. Furthermore, with regulatory antibodies, the immuno-LPPC complex properly mediated immune responses by adsorbing positive or negative antibodies, such as anti-CD28 or anti-CTLA4 antibodies.

Results
The results clearly showed that treatment with LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes activated specific Th1 and Th2 responses, including cytokine release, CTL and prevented T-cell apoptosis. Moreover, LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes could eliminate metastatic B16F10 melanoma cells in the lung more efficiently than LPPC/MP. Interestingly, the melanoma resistance of mice treated with LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes would be reversed to susceptible after administration with LPPC/MP/CTLA4 complexes. NGS data revealed that LPPC/MP/CD28 complexes could enhance the gene expression of cytokine and chemokine pathways to strengthen immune activation than LPPC/MP, and that LPPC/MP/CTLA4 could abolish the LPPC/MP complex-mediated gene expression back to un-treatment.

Conclusions
Overall, we proved a convenient and flexible immunotherapy platform for developing personalized cancer therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Multimorbidity and overall survival among women with breast cancer: results from the South African Breast Cancer and HIV Outcomes Study
Authors: Ayeni Oluwatosin A. , Joffe Maureen , Mapanga Witness , Chen Wenlong Carl , O’Neil Daniel S. , Phakathi Boitumelo , Nietz Sarah , Buccimazza Ines , Čačala Sharon , Stopforth Laura W. , Jacobson Judith S. , Crew Katherine D. , Neugut Alfred I. , Ramiah Duvern , Ruff Paul , Cubasch Herbert , Chirwa Tobias , McCormack Valerie , Micklesfield Lisa K. , Norris Shane A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer survival in South Africa is low, but when diagnosed with breast cancer, many women in South Africa also have other chronic conditions. We investigated the impact of multimorbidity (≥ 2 other chronic conditions) on overall survival among women with breast cancer in South Africa.

Methods
Between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2019, we enrolled women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at six public hospitals participating in the South African Breast Cancer and HIV Outcomes (SABCHO) Study. We examined seven chronic conditions (obesity, hypertension, diabetes, HIV, cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and tuberculosis), and we compared socio-demographic, clinical, and treatment factors between patients with and without each condition, and with and without multimorbidity. We investigated the association of multimorbidity with overall survival using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.

Results
Of 3,261 women included in the analysis, 45% had multimorbidity; obesity (53%), hypertension (41%), HIV (22%), and diabetes (13%) were the most common individual conditions. Women with multimorbidity had poorer overall survival at 3 years than women without multimorbidity in both the full cohort (60.8% vs. 64.3%, p = 0.036) and stage groups: stages I–II, 80.7% vs. 86.3% (p = 0.005), and stage III, 53.0% vs. 59.4% (p = 0.024). In an adjusted model, women with diabetes (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–1.41), CVD (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.17–1.76), HIV (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.06–1.38), obesity + HIV (HR = 1.24 95% CI = 1.04–1.48), and multimorbidity (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.13–1.40) had poorer overall survival than women without these conditions.

Conclusions
Irrespective of the stage, multimorbidity at breast cancer diagnosis was an important prognostic factor for survival in our SABCHO cohort. The high prevalence of multimorbidity in our cohort calls for more comprehensive care to improve outcomes for South African women with breast cancer.
Identification of the molecular mechanism of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1): a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases associated with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Arjunan Archana , Sah Dhiraj Kumar , Woo Minna , Song Juhyun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders are accompanied by neuronal degeneration and glial dysfunction, resulting in cognitive, psychomotor, and behavioral impairment. Multiple factors including genetic, environmental, metabolic, and oxidant overload contribute to disease progression. Recent evidences suggest that metabolic syndrome is linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be accompanied by symptoms such as hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension. Despite advances in knowledge about the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, effective treatments to combat neurodegenerative disorders caused by MetS have not been developed to date. Insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) deficiency has been associated with MetS-related pathologies both in-vivo and in-vitro. IGF-1 is essential for embryonic and adult neurogenesis, neuronal plasticity, neurotropism, angiogenesis, metabolic function, and protein clearance in the brain. Here, we review the evidence for the potential therapeutic effects of IGF-1 in the neurodegeneration related to metabolic syndrome. We elucidate how IGF-1 may be involved in molecular signaling defects that occurs in MetS-related neurodegenerative disorders and highlight the importance of IGF-1 as a potential therapeutic target in MetS-related neurological diseases.
Study on optimization of communication network for multi-unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: He Guanghua , Xu Yahui , Qi Jinlong , Xu Jun , Sun Ke 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) base station is most widely used as the emergency communication in response to emergencies. However, the performance improvement is in great demand at communication network. To improve the performance between the UAVs and the users, a novel method is proposed based on k-means++ algorithm and antenna adjusting. The established simulation platform and models are credible and reliable according to the very excellent approximation capability and the strong correlation between the simulation results and the Shannon’s formula. The transmission success rate for the three conditions (using only k-means++, antenna pointing optimization and antenna downtilt angle optimization) dramatically increases with an increase in k and all reach the maximum when k is equal to 5. The fan throughput of the proposed method is almost two times than that of the other two conditions after the k value exceeds 5. Meanwhile, the edge users’ rate and average user rate of the proposed method are all markedly increased. Overall, a novel method is provided for optimizing the performance between multi-UAVs and users, and the performance communication network for multi-UAVs is optimized by using the proposed method in this paper.
The role of green total factor productivity to farm-level performance: evidence from Norwegian dairy farms
Authors: Alem Habtamu 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn the economics literature, measuring the performance of a dairy farm with a total productivity index is common practice. Previous research, on the other hand, has been chastised for failing to account for agricultural emissions in their models when calculating resource use productivity. This study estimated green total factor productivity (GTFP) accounting for dairy farms' CH4 emission to the model. The study is based on unbalanced panel data from 692 specialized dairy farms from 1991 to 2020. To estimate GTFP and its components using multiple input–output environmental production technologies, a stochastic input distance function and a Translog model were used. The average annual growth rate of green production over the research period was 0. 032%. The main reason for the increase in GTFP was positive scale change contributions. Technological change (− 0.031% per year) and efficiency change (− 0.002% per year), on the other hand, had a detrimental effect on GTFP.
Assessing Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training among correctional workers in Canada
Authors: Johnston Matthew S. , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Ghodrati Maryam , Czarnuch Stephen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Mental health frameworks, best practices, and the well-being of public safety personnel in Canada are topics of increasing interest to both researchers and organizations. To protect and improve worker mental health, different training programs have been implemented to serve this population. The Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) training regimen is one such program specialized to build cultural awareness of mental health, reduce stigma, and mitigate the cumulative impacts of exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events among public safety personnel. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of R2MR, especially among correctional workers.

Methods
The current study analyzed 307 open-ended survey responses to four (4) questions about R2MR garnered from 124 Canadian provincial and territorial correctional workers between 2018–2020 to reveal their understandings and perceptions of R2MR training, and to identify what learned skills they found challenging or easy to implement.

Results
The results suggest that R2MR training plays a significant role in decreasing stigma and increasing mental health awareness. Across jurisdictions, R2MR creates a supportive space for open dialogue around mental health meant to shift cultural and individual barriers that often hinder treatment-seeking. Some respondents also indicated that R2MR was a starting point for intervention.

Conclusions
Further research is necessary to understand how R2MR and other programs could support the mental health and well-being of correctional workers.
Towards accurate 177Lu SPECT activity quantification and standardization using lesion-to-background voxel ratio
Authors: Raskin Stanislav , Gamliel Dan , Abookasis David , Ben-Haim Simona , Chicheportiche Alexandre 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Conventional calibration of the gamma camera consists of the calculation of calibration factors (CFs) (ratio of counts/cc and true concentration activity) as the function of the volume of interest (VOI). However, such method shows inconsistent results when the background activity varies. The aim of the present study was to propose a new calibration method by considering the sphere-to-background counts/voxel ratio (SBVR) in addition to the VOI for CFs calculation. A PET cylindrical flood phantom, a NEMA IQ body phantom, a Data spectrum Torso Phantom (ECT/TOR/P) and a LK-S Kyoto Liver/Kidney phantom were used. The NEMA IQ phantom was used to calibrate the camera and to produce CFs for the different spheres volumes and for varying sphere-to-background activity ratios. The spheres were filled with a uniform activity concentration of 177Lu, while the background was first filled with cold water and activity was added between each SPECT scan. SPECT imaging was performed for 30-s, 20-s, and 10-s exposure per view. The calculated CFs were expressed as function of the sphere volume and SBVR. The obtained CFs were validated for an additional NEMA IQ acquisition with different activities in spheres and background and for the Torso and Liver/Kidney phantoms with inserted NEMA IQ spheres. The quantification accuracy was compared with the conventional method not taking SBVR into consideration.

Results
The relative errors in quantification using the NEMA IQ phantom with the new calibration method were 0.16%, 5.77%, 9.34% for the large, medium and small sphere, respectively, for a time per view of 30-s. The conventional calibration method gave errors of 3.65%, 6.65%, 30.28% for 30-s. The LK-S Kyoto Liver/Kidney Phantom resulted in quantification errors of 3.40%, 2.14%, 11.18% for the large, medium and small spheres, respectively, for 30-s; compared to 11.31%, 17.54%, 14.43% for 30-s, respectively, for the conventional method. Similar results were obtained for shorter acquisitions times with 20-s and 10-s time per view.

Conclusion
These results suggest that SBVR allows to improve quantification accuracy. The shorter time-per-view acquisitions had similar relative differences compared to the full-time acquisition which allows shorter imaging times with 177Lu and improved patient comfort. The SBVR method is simple to set up and can be proposed for standardization.