bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid VMAT-3DCRT as Breast Cancer Treatment Improvement Tool
Authors: voyant cyril , pinpin morgane , leschi delphine , prapant séverine , savigny francoise , acquaviva marie-aimée 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Radiation therapy is an important tool in the treatment of breast cancer and can play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes. For breast cancer, if the technique has been for a long time the use of 3DCRT, clinicians have seen the management evolve greatly in recent years. Field-in-field and IMRT approaches and more recently dynamic arctherapy are increasingly present. All of these approaches are constantly trying to improve tumour coverage and to preserve organs at risk by minimising the doses delivered to them. If arctherapy allows a considerable reduction of high doses received by healthy tissues, no one can deny that it also leads to an increase of low doses in tissues that would not have received any with other techniques. We propose a hybrid approach combining the robustness of the 3DCRT approach and the high technicality and efficiency of rctherapy. Statistical tests (ANOVA, Wilcoxon, determination coefficient, ROC, etc.) allow us to draw conclusions about the possibility of using the hybrid approach in certain cases (right breast, BMI > 23, age > 48, target volume > 350cc, etc.). Depending on the breast laterality and patients morphological characteristics, hybridization may prove to be a therapeutic tool of choice in the management of breast cancer in radiotherapy.
The impact of a patient-centered care pathway for patients treated with oral anticancer drugs: a multicenter pre-post-test study in Flanders
Authors: Kenis Ilyse , Hecke Ann , Foulon Veerle 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
In the Collaborative Network To Take Responsibility for Oral Anticancer Therapy (CONTACT) project, an evidence-based and patient-centered care pathway was implemented in 12 oncology departments in Flanders. The care pathway was developed in co-creation by an interdisciplinary project team, and tailored to the local hospital context. In this study, the impact of the care pathways on quality of patient-centered care (PCC) and other patient outcomes was investigated.
Methods
A pre-post-test study was performed in nine of the participating oncology departments. The primary outcome was quality of PCC. Furthermore, level of patient self-management, medication adherence, satisfaction with information about the OACD, and quality of life were measured as secondary outcomes. Linear mixed models were used to investigate differences in outcomes between the pre- and post-test group.
Results
Quality of PCC, as well as all secondary outcomes improved after implementation of the care pathway. However, the changes in pre- and post-test scores were not significant. The overall quality of PCC increased from 3.72 to 3.88, measured on a five-point Likert scale (p = 0.124).
Conclusion
This study showed small, however not significant, improvements in the quality of PCC and other patient outcomes. The lack of significant changes can be attributed to the complexity of the care pathway development, poor or unstable implementation of the care pathway, and limited changes in follow-up care. More insight in the actual implementation of the care pathway and potential contextual factors influencing its effect is needed to help understand the outcomes of this pre-post-test study.
Application of machine learning algorithm in prediction of lymph node metastasis in patients with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer
Authors: wang xiangrong , zhang xiangxiang , li hengping , zhang mao , liu yang , li xuanpeng 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish the best prediction model of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) through machine learning (ML), and provide the guideline of accurate clinical diagnosis and precise treatment for clinicals.
Methods
A total of 24,470 patients with intermediate and high-risk PCa were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to screen the independent risk factors of LNM. At the same time, six algorithms, namely, random forest (RF), naive bayesian classifier (NBC), xgboost (XGB), gradient boosting machine (GBM), logistic regression (LR) and decision tree (DT) are used to establish risk prediction models. Based on the best prediction performance of ML algorithm, a prediction model is established, and the performance of the model is evaluated from three aspects: area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.
Results
In multivariate logistic regression analysis, T stage, PSA, Gleason score and bone metastasis were independent predictors of LNM in patients with intermediate and high-risk PCa. By comprehensively comparing the prediction model performance of training set and test set, GBM model has the best prediction performance (F1 score = 0.838, AUROC = 0.804). Finally, we developed a preliminary calculator model that can quickly and accurately calculate the regional LNM in patients with intermediate and high-risk PCa.
Conclusion
T stage, PSA, Gleason and bone metastasis were independent risk factors for predicting LNM in patients with intermediate and high-risk PCa. The prediction model established in this study performs well, however, the GBM model is the best one.
System management of irrigation under climate change conditions for determining the crop water demand and solutions for the water-saving
Authors: Kovalchuk Volodymyr , Yatsiuk Mykhailo , Kovalchuk Pavlo , Balykhina Hanna , Demchuk Olena , Voitovych Oleksandr 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

When droughts occur and temperatures rise, water demand increases when growing crops. For these conditions, system management of irrigation is proposed as a system approach, which ensures the efficient use of water resources and their savings. A method for estimating the increase in water resources under climate change is proposed. The method is based on a comparison of water balance deficits, ranked by estimated moisture supply of the year, at two time intervals: in recent 30 years and in past decades before (1960–1990 and 1991–2021). System management of irrigation combines instrumental and calculative methods. Instrumental methods using an automated tensiometer and Watermark provide feedback on the daily soil moisture status in the field. According to the calculative methods, irrigation forecasting is carried out using Internet weather services and optimal control is carried out on a sliding interval. An algorithm of the instrumental-calculative method is proposed within system irrigation management. When the algorithm is combined with biologically optimal irrigation regimes, the effective use of available water is achieved. When using the parameters of water-saving irrigation regimes, water resources are saved up to 30%, which is important in a changing climate.
A ring laser interferometer observation of global mass transport phenomena
Authors: Schreiber Karl , Kodet Jan , Hugentobler Urs , Kluegel Thomas , Wells Jon-Paul 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
An exact knowledge of the instantaneous Earth rotation rate is indispensable for accurate navigation and point positioning. Fluctuations in the `Length of sidereal Day' (LoD) are caused by a momentum exchange between the fluids of the Earth, namely the atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere and the solid Earth. Since a multitude of very different globally distributed and independent mass transport phenomena are involved, the resultant effect on the Earth rotation is not predictable and has to be measured continuously. Here we report successful observations of the minute variations in the rotation rate of the Earth ΔΩe at the level of 5 ppb, by an inertial self-contained measurement technique. Our active optical ring laser interferometer `G' is operated in the Sagnac configuration and is rigidly strapped down to the Earth's crust. This large scale gyroscope integrates over one hour for each data point, increasing the data rate of LoD estimates by more than one order of magnitude, thus enlarging the measurement bandwidth. It is emphasized that a single local sensor, namely a large ring laser interferometer, is now able to measure effects which previously required entire global networks of GNSS receivers and VLBI interferometers, which themselves then provide a single measurement per day.
Inhibition of discoidin domain receptor (DDR)-1 with nilotinib induces autophagy and reduces inflammation and vascular fibrosis in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Stevenson Max , Varghese Rency , Hebron Michaeline , Liu Xiaoguang , Ratliff Nick , Smith Amelia , Turner R. Scott , Moussa Charbel 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Discoidin Domain Receptor (DDR)-1 is activated by collagen. Nilotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is FDA-approved for leukemia and potently inhibits DDR-1. Individuals diagnosed with mild-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treated with nilotinib (versus placebo) for 12 months showed reduction of amyloid plaque and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid, and attenuation of dopamine catabolism and hippocampal volume loss. Unbiased next generation whole genome miRNA sequencing from CSF of AD patients was performed and miRNAs were matched with their corresponding mRNAs using gene ontology. Changes in CSF miRNAs were confirmed via measurement of CSF DDR1 activity, plasma levels of AD biomarkers, and breeding DDR1 knockout mice with a transgenic model of CNS vascular amyloidosis. Approximately 1050 miRNAs are detected in the CSF but only 17 miRNAs are specifically altered between baseline and 12-months treatment with nilotinib versus placebo. Treatment with nilotinib significantly reduces collagen and DDR1 gene expression (upregulated in AD brain), in association with inhibition of CSF DDR1. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukins and chemokines are reduced along with caspase-3 gene expression. Specific changes in vesicular transport, including the neurotransmitters dopamine and acetylcholine, and autophagy genes, including ATGs, indicate facilitation of autophagic flux and cellular trafficking. Specific genes that indicate vascular fibrosis, e.g. collagen and TGFs and vascular integrity (TIMPs) are altered by DDR1 inhibition with nilotinib. DDR1 knockout mice crossed with a model of vascular amyloidosis show similar reductions of collagen 4 levels and blood vessel thickness. Inhibition of DDR1 with nilotinib may be safe and effective adjunctive treatment strategy involving an oral drug that enters the CNS and adequately engages its target. DDR1 inhibition with nilotinib exhibits multi-modal effects not only on amyloid and tau clearance and dopamine neurotransmission but also on anti-inflammatory markers that may reduce cerebrovascular fibrosis.
Dynamic Carpooling and Repositioning for Ridehailing Services with Mixed
Authors: Ngo Huan Hoang , Mishra Sabyasachee 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
In recent years, ridesharing has been an important part of the urban transportation system with the advancement of Transportation Network Companies such as Uber and Lyft since they can leverage technology and connectivity to enhance system performance. However, the system is still hindered by the imbalance between supply and demand in spatial and temporal dimensions. One plausible solution is the introduction of autonomous electric taxi (AET) and the central controller can preemptively and optimally reposition taxis to high demand area. In addition, the controller needs to simultaneously consider the need of human driven taxi (HV) because the near future adoption of AET is likely to include both types. This paper develops a framework namely RL-AET for dispatching single and carpooling taxi trips, repositioning, and recharging a fleet of autonomous electric taxi with a multi-objective of minimizing customer and system-oriented costs. The framework makes use of optimization models and minimum weight perfect matching for dispatching single and carpooling trips for both AET and HV and a reinforcement learning model for repositioning AET between zones and recharging. An asynchronous solving algorithm is used to ensure the framework is computationally capable of real-world network applications. Our RL-AET framework’s capability is demonstrated on the Chicago Road network with 7,393 links and 2,514 nodes and compared with the Baseline Model strategy from traditional practices. The carpooling trip model helps reducing the number of taxis needed by 58% with an average capacity of 2.3 demands per trip. The repositioning model increases the number of matchings by three-fold compared to the Baseline. Ultimately, the proposed framework is able to reduce the total weekly wait time and number of cancelled trips by 75% and 72% respectively. This study can benefit ridesharing providers’ in decreasing their operational cost and the travelers’ interest in decreasing their waiting and pickup time.
Impact of Number and Position of Tooth Loss in Quality of Life: The Chilean National Health Survey 2016- 2017
Authors: Buratovic Juan Pablo Vargas , Tagle Elizabeth Lopez , Martinez Cynthia Cantarutti , Mococain Claudio Carrasco , Ferrer Francisco Moreno , Paiva Claudia Veliz , Maira Paula Margozzini , Torres Beatriz Mellado , Borroto Duniel Ortuno 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Considering that oral conditions can affect Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), this study aimed to evaluate the impact of tooth loss on HRQoL and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in Chilean adults who participated in the 2016–2017 National Health Survey (ENS 2016–2017).
Methods
This study included 5473 individuals. The EQ-5D questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. OHRQoL was evaluated through one general question (GQ/ENS) and five specific questions (SQ/ENS). One-way ANOVA was performed to identify differences in the number of teeth. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine the odds ratio (OR) with their respective confidence intervals of 95% for anterior tooth loss.
Results
In the EQ-5D "self-care" question, the number of teeth decreased from 20.18 teeth (se 0.13) in G1 to 6.43 (se 1.38) in G3 individuals. In GQ/ENS, in individuals with upper anterior tooth loss, the OR for "Poor" was 2.26 (CI 95% 1.04–4.94) and increased to 2.97 (CI 95% 0.85–10.32) for "Very poor" OHRQoL. In SQ/ENS, upper anterior tooth loss represented an OR of 2.57 (CI 95% 1.30–5.05) for "always" being interfered by teeth or prostheses in their social relationships.
Conclusions
A lower number of remaining teeth was associated with lower HRQoL scores in all EQ-5D dimensions and poor OHRQoL according to GQ/ENS and SQ/ENS questionnaires. The anterior tooth loss was less associated with lower HRQoL, but this condition highly impacted the OHRQoL.
Use of Survival-SVM combined with Random-Survival-Forest to predict the survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Authors: Xiao Zhiwei , Song Qiong , Wei Yuekun , Fu Yong , Huang Daizheng , Huang chao 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background:
The Cox regression model is not sufficiently accurate to predict the survival prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. It is impossible to calculate and rank the importance of impact factors due to the low predictive accuracy of the Cox regression model. So, we developed a system. Using the SEER database data on NPC patients, we proposed the use of RSF and SSVM in machine learning methods to develop a survival prediction system specifically for NPC patients. This approach aimed to make up for the insufficiency of the Cox regression model. We also used the COX regression model to validate the development of the nomogram and compared it with machine learning methods.
Methods:
A total of 1683 NPC patients were extracted from the SEER database from January 2010 to December 2015. We used R language for modeling work, established the nomogram of survival prognosis of NPC patients by COX regression model, ranked the correlation of influencing factors by Random-Survival-Forest model VIMP method, developed a survival prognosis system for NPC patients based on Survival-SVM, and used C-index for model evaluation and performance comparison.
Results:
Although the Cox regression models can be developed to predict the prognosis of NPC patients, their accuracy is lower than that of machine learning methods. When we substituted the data for the Cox model, the C-index for the training set was only 0.740, and the C-index for the test set was 0.721. In contrast, the C index of the Survival-SVM model was 0.785. The C-index of the Random-Survival-Forest model was 0.729. The importance ranking of each variable could be obtained according to the VIMP method.
Conclusion:
The prediction results from the COX model are not as good as those of the Random-Survival-Forest method and Survival-SVM based on the machine learning method. For the survival prognosis of NPC patients, the machine learning method can be considered for clinical application.
Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma in a chronic hepatitis B infection patient without previous antitumor therapy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Xiaorong , Luo Fang , Zhou Hang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (SHC) is rare. As a subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the clinical manifestations of SHC are similar to those of traditional HCC. Surgical resection is the main treatment, and postoperative adjuvant therapy can prolong the life of patients. However, the prognosis of sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma is worse than that traditional HCC.
Case presentation:
we report a 69-year-old male patient with sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma who was admitted to the hospital because of liver enlargement. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a mass in the right lobe of the liver (6.8 cm*4.8 cm). After middle hepatectomy, sarcomatous hepatocellular carcinoma was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry, and the patient was treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE) and targeted drugs after surgery. The patient died 26 months after surgery. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical, pathological, imaging and treatment of this type of tumor to further understand this solid tumor.
Conclusion
Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma is a rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma, Immunohistopathology is the main way to confirm the diagnosis. Due to the high malignancy and recurrence and metastasis rates of SHC, definite pathological diagnosis, suitable postoperative adjuvant therapy and strict follow-up management are helpful to improve the progression-free survival and survival rate of patients with SHC.
Bounded Solutions for Anisotropic Degenerate Parabolic Problems with Singular Term
Authors: Zaater Wahiba , Khelifi Hichem 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
In this paper, we study the existence result of bounded solutions to a nonlinear anisotropic parabolic equations with degenerate coercivity, and the singular term in the right hand side. The model problem is \begin{equation*} \left\{\begin{array}{ll} \frac{\partial u}{\partial t}-\sum_{i=1}^{N}D_{i} \left(\frac{u^{p_{i}-1}(1+D u)^{-1}D u+\vert D u\vert^{p_{i}-2}D u}{(1+\vert u\vert)^{\theta}}\right)=\frac{f}{u^{\gamma}} & \hbox{in}\;\;Q, \\ u(x,0)=0 & \hbox{on}\;\; \Omega,\\ u =0 & \hbox{on}\;\; \Gamma, \end{array} \right. \end{equation*} where $\Omega$ is a bounded open subset of $\mathbb{R}^{N}$ $N\geq2$, $T>0$, $2\leq p_{i}
\frac{N}{\overline{p}}+1$ ($\overline{p}$ defined in \eqref{0001}) and $Q=\Omega\times(0,T)$. The main idea in the proof is based on a Stampacchia's lemma with a good choice of test function that enables us to obtain a priori estimates.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 35K65; 35K55; 35B45; 35B65.
Sternal closure with sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh reduces postoperative hemorrhage: a retrospective study
Authors: Yokoyama Yasutaka , Yamamoto Taira , Oyama Tetsuma , Lee Jiyoung , Machida Yoichiro , Endo Daisuke , Sato Yuichiro , Dohi Shizuyuki , Amano Atsushi , Tabata Minoru 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Median sternotomy is the most performed procedure in cardiac surgery; however, sternal bleeding remains a problem. This study aimed to investigate whether sternal reconstruction using a sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate can prevent postoperative bleeding more than a bioresorbable pin.
Methods: Patients (n = 218) who underwent median sternotomy were classified according to whether a sandwiched three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate and wire cerclage (group M, n = 109) or a bioresorbable pin and wire cerclage (group P, n = 109) was used during sternal reconstruction. The causes of postoperative bleeding and computed tomography data were analyzed and compared between the groups.
Results: The preoperative patient characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. However, the amount of bleeding at 6 h postoperatively was lower in group M than in group P (235 ± 147 vs. 284 ± 175 mL, p = 0.0275). Chest reopening, intubation time, and length of intensive care unit and hospital stays did not differ between the groups. Evaluation for sternal and substernal hematoma on postoperative day 5 using computed tomography showed sternal displacement in 4 (4%) and 22 (20%) patients, and substernal hematoma in 9 (8%) and 22 (20%) patients in groups M and P, respectively; the difference was significant. The four-grade evaluation of substernal hematoma based on computed tomography yielded a significantly lower grade for group M than for group P, revealing that the mesh plate was an independent predictor of substernal hematoma prevention.
Conclusion: Sternal fixation with a three-piece bioresorbable mesh plate could prevent postoperative bleeding and substernal hematoma more than sternal fixation with a pin.
Prevalence of pulmonary artery dilation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A CT analysis from a cohort of the US Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Research Registry
Authors: Karamooz Elham , Brixey Anupama G. , Rydzak Chara E. , Primack Steven L. , Markwardt Sheila , Barker Alan F. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Although pulmonary artery (PA) dilation is independently associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients with pulmonary diseases irrespective of diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, its relationship to nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is unknown. To determine the prevalence of PA dilation in patients with NTM-predominant non-CF bronchiectasis, we evaluated the chest computed tomography (CT) scans from 321 patient in the United States based Bronchiectasis and NTM Research Registry. The majority of our cohort had NTM infection. We measured the severity of bronchiectasis using modified Reiff criteria and measured the diameters of the PA and aorta (Ao), with PA dilation defined as a PA:Ao ratio > 0.9. Forty-two patients (13%) were found to have PA dilation. PA dilation was positively associated with the use of supplemental oxygen (p < 0.001), but there was no association between PA dilation and NTM infection.