bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of 4’-[methyl-11C]-thiothymidine PET volumetric parameters for local control in p16-negative oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ouchi Yohei , Kishino Takehito , Miyashita Takenori , Mori Terushige , Mitamura Katsuya , Norikane Takashi , Nishiyama Yuka , Hoshikawa Hiroshi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Purpose:We investigated the potential of baseline 4′-[methyl-11C]-thiothymidine ([11C]4DST) PET for predicting loco-regional control with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed using volumetric parameters, such as SUVmax, proliferative tumor volume (PTV), and total legion proliferation (TLP), of pretreatment [11C]4DST PET for 91 patients with HNSCC with primary lesions in the oral cavity, hypopharynx, supraglottis, and oropharynx. As for the oropharynx, p16-negative cases were included. PTV and TLP were calculated for primary lesions and metastatic lymph nodes combined. We examined the association among the parameters and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and whether case selection focused on biological characteristics improved the accuracy of prognosis prediction.Results:The area under the curve (AUCs) using PTV and TLP for the oropharyngeal/hypopharyngeal/supraglottis groups were high (0.91 and 0.87, respectively), whereas that of SUVmax was 0.66 (p< 0.01). On the other hand, the oral group had lower AUCs for PTV and TLP at 0.72 and 0.77. When all cases were examined, the AUC values using PTV and TLP were 0.84 and 0.83, respectively.Conclusion:Baseline [11C]4DST PET/CT volume-based parameters can provide important prognostic information with p16-negative oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancer patients.
Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty: an experimental study in sheep
Authors: Langie Renan , Pacheco Viviane Neves , Szydloski Vinícius Matheus , Corsetti Adriana , de Quevedo Alexandre Silva , Silva Fábio Pinto da , Collares Fabrício Mezzomo , Visioli Fernanda , Ponzoni Deise , Puricelli Edela 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to establish a sheep model of the Puricelli biconvex arthroplasty (ABiP) technique in sheep for evaluation of its functional, biological and histological parameters.
Materials and methods
Ten Corriedale black sheep were submitted to TMJ total reconstruction with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using ABiP and euthanized after 45 (n = 5) or 90 (n = 5) days. Control animals (n = 2) underwent sham operations and were euthanized after 45 days. Variables were assessed before the surgery (T0), immediately after (T1), and at 45 or 90 postoperative days (T2).
Results
Histological analyses showed regression of inflammatory cells over the follow-up period. PMMA showed reduced porosity and roughness in the articular contact area. PMMA temporal components showed linear and volumetric wear in comparison to control, but no foreign body reaction was observed. The reconstructions were stable in all animals. The amplitude of mouth opening and left lateral movements were maintained, except for a reduction in the range of right lateral movements at day 90 in the experimental group. Clinical, macroscopic and radiographic observations showed stability of the reconstructions.
Conclusions
The analysis of functional, biological and histological parameters in sheep submitted to ABiP showed stable results of the procedure, with maintenance of body weight and all mandibular movements, save contralateral mandibular movement, suggesting that joint function was completely maintained following the procedure.
Clinical relevance
This experimental study gives support to clinical results previously reported of the ABiP technique in TMJ reconstruction procedures.
PSMA PET/CT Patterns of Recurrence After Mono-Brachytherapy in Men with Low and Intermediate Prostate Cancer and Subsequent Management
Authors: Loos Genevieve , Buteau James Patrick , Oh Justin , Koo Kendrick , Dyk Sylvia Van , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Murphy Declan , Hofman Michael S , Willimas Scott , Chander Sarat 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Purpose
Brachytherapy as monotherapy is a recommended treatment option for men with low to intermediate risk prostate cancer, achieving biochemical progression-free survival rates >95% at 5 years. Local recurrence is difficult to identify due to sensitivity of conventional imaging and post-brachytherapy artefacts. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) in this setting is often considered as systemic recurrence, treated with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) as primary salvage therapy. This study investigated PSMA PET/CT for recurrence after low-dose rate (LDR) and high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy as monotherapy in men with low or intermediate prostate cancer, as well as subsequent management when recurrence occurred only within the prostate.
Methods
We performed a retrospective single-centre analysis for patients who were treated with brachytherapy as monotherapy for prostate cancer from May 2002 to May 2021 to identify men who underwent [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 or [18F]DCFPyL PET/CT (PSMA PET/CT) for BCR. We report the findings on PSMA PET/CT, quantitative parameters, as well as the subsequent management of the patients.
Results
Forty patients were identified who underwent PSMA PET/CT (26 LDR and 14 HDR) to investigate a rising PSA at a median (IQR) of 7 years (3.0-10.8) after initial therapy. Median (IQR) PSA at time of PSMA PET/CT was 6.6 ng/mL (3.9 - 15.5). On PSMA PET/CT, 20/40 (50%) men had prostate-only recurrence, 5/40 (12.5%) had nodal recurrence, 2/40 (5%) had bone-only metastases, 10/40 (25%) had multiple sites of recurrence and 3/40 (7.5%) had no visible sites of recurrence.
Of the 20 patients with prostate-only recurrence, 8/20 (40%) had recurrence in a high-dose radiation zone, such as within the brachytherapy seeds, versus 7/20 (35%) in an under-covered zone, such as seminal vesicles or prostate base. On PSMA PET/CT, recurrence within the prostate had median (IQR) SUVmax 10.4 (5.1-15.7) and volume 2.9 mL (2.0-11.2). Subsequent management of these patients with local recurrence included surveillance followed by ADT (9/20, 45%), salvage SBRT (3/20, 15%), salvage brachytherapy (2/20, 10%), salvage radical prostatectomy (1/20, 5%) and not treated/lost to follow-up (5/20, 25%). For those with surveillance followed by ADT, the mean time before introduction of ADT was 4.1 years (range 1 to 8 years).
Conclusion
In the setting of BCR following mono-brachytherapy, PSMA PET/CT effectively identified local recurrence occurring within the prostate, including within high-dose radiation zones. It may be safe to delay the introduction of ADT, though more research is required.
Could Virtual Reality be the Next Approach for International Students Learning Maltese?
Authors: Żammit Jacqueline 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Although Virtual Reality (VR) technology is becoming increasingly popular, little is known about the prospect of using VR tools for educational purposes in the context of teaching Maltese. The current study used a mixed research methodology to explore this issue. The qualitative approach and a focus group technique were applied to collect data from 25 teachers about the usage of VR in language learning settings. To collect data on the potential efficacy of VR technologies in the Maltesecontext, the research's quantitative phase involved completing an online survey among the same respondents. The study's findings shed light on the effectiveness of VR in teaching and learning Maltese as a second language. The study offers a detailed discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of VR for international students learning Maltese based on the results of NVivo thematic analysis and the quantitative data collected by using the survey method. Educators laud VR for engaging students in an immersive environment and enriching the learning context with vital entertainment features. According to thisresearch, VR tools are not currently being employed to help learners learn Maltese, and there is still a lot of uncertainty about the principles that guide how these tools should be used in ML2 contexts. Thisstudy critically discusses the most important aspects of this uncertainty and outlines a number of challenges related to VR, including high costs, bulky headsets, and technical issues.
Prediction of Surface Runoff for Mosul Dam Reservoir from Different Regional Catchment Areas Using Arc SWAT Model
Authors: Muhaisen Nasser Kh. , Khayyun Thair Sh. , Al-Mukhtar Mustafa 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Due to the lack of surface runoff data in that area, the Mosul dam reservoir watershed was modeled by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool, which has an interface with the geographical information system (ArcGIS). This model was calibrated for the period extended from 1979–1991 with a monthly intervals and validated for the period from 1992–1999. A SUFI – 2 algorithm procedure within the SWAT- CUP program was applied in the calibration and validation process and sensitivity analysis. The accuracy of this model for the studied area was classified as very good for the calibration period and good for validation according to the statistical parameters. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that there are eight parameters that have the greatest impact on the hydrological processes in the study area. Results illustrated that the area of the Mosul Dam watershed was 11108 km2. Results showed that the average annual net runoff that entered the Mosul dam reservoir was 2565 MCM. This represents 13.5% of the average annual total runoff volume. Due to the shortage of water during the dry seasons, this amount is more relevant. As a result, it is necessary to improve the groundwater reservoirs during the rainy seasons and reuse water, as well as increase the effectiveness of water distribution for all uses. Furthermore, the sub-basins in the Iraq region contribute 57.8% of that percentage, 38% of those in Turkey, and 4.2% from sub-basins in Syria.
Construction of low-hit-zone frequency-hopping sequence sets with strictly optimal partial Hamming correlation based on Chinese Remainder Theorem
Authors: Tian Xinyu , Han Hongyu , Parampalli Udaya 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Frequency hopping sequence (FHS) sets with low-hit-zone (LHZ) are frequently used in quasi-synchronous (QS) frequency-hopping multiple-access (FHMA) systems to reduce multiple-access interferences. Due to the short synchronization time or sophisticated hardware, the correlation window is typically less than the period of the selected FHS set. Therefore, it is particularly important to analyze the partial Hamming correlation of the LHZ FHS set. Using the Chinese Remainder Theorem(CRT), we construct a class of LHZ FHS sets with strictly optimal partial Hamming correlation (PHC) that meet the Niu-Peng-Fan bound.
Accelerated Gradient Methods for Sparse Statistical Learning with Nonconvex Penalties
Authors: Yang Kai , Asgharian Masoud , Bhatnagar Sahir 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Nesterov’s accelerated gradient (AG) is a popular technique to optimize objective functions comprising two components: a convex loss and a penalty function. While AG methods perform well for convex penalties, such as the LASSO, convergence issues may arise when it is applied to nonconvex penalties, such as SCAD. A recent proposal generalizes Nesterov’s AG method to the nonconvex setting. The proposed algorithm requires specification of several hyperparameters for its practical application. Aside from some general conditions, there is no explicit rule for selecting the hyperparameters, and how different selection can affect convergence of the algorithm. In this article, we propose a hyperparameter setting based on the complexity upper bound to accelerate convergence, and consider the application of this nonconvex AG algorithm to high-dimensional linear and logistic sparse learning problems.We further establish the rate of convergence and present a simple and useful bound to characterize our proposed optimal damping sequence. Simulation studies show that convergencecan be made, on average, considerably faster than that of the conventional proximal gradientalgorithm. Our experiments also show that the proposed method generally outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods in terms of signal recovery.
Pseudotumoral reaction against oxidized cellulose (Surgicel®) in a post-COVID19 tracheostomy scar
Authors: Castillo-Gázquez Lidia , Pacios Eduardo , Largo Paloma , Báscones Inés , Jimenez-Heffernan Jose A 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Cytology has demonstrated that it is capable of a specific recognition of pseudotumoral reactions induced by oxidized cellulose. This is an important observation because image studies do not allow such recognition. We report a case in a tracheostomy scar from a post-COVID19 patient that mimicked a thyroid nodule. We have found no other reports describing this complication after tracheostomy procedures. During the pandemic, the number of patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and tracheostomies has been high. Therefore, we believe that the phenomenon we describe is likely to be observed more frequently. The presence of a tumor lesion near a tracheostomy bed should raise the possibility of this complication and alert pathologists to the possibility of reaction to hemostatic agents.
Orange peel activated carbon produced from waste orange peels for adsorption of methyl red
Authors: Deshmukh Sneha , Topare Niraj S. , Raut-Jadhav Sunita , Thorat Prashant V. , Bokil Shantini A. , Khan Anish 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The existence of pollutants in the water is a very significant environmental problem that needs to be addressed. This work describes the development and testing of activated carbon made from orange peels, which is effective at removing methyl red (MR) from aqueous solutions, and thus provides a solution to this problem. Adsorbents made in the lab can be characterized by their bulk density, particle size, surface area, and proximate analysis. The surface area of the prepared adsorbent was 512.2 m2g−1. Standard procedures such as XRD, SEM, and FTIR analysis are also used to characterize prepared orange peel-activated carbon. Adsorbent dosage (0.25 to 1.25 g/L), MR concentration (100 to 400 mg/L), temperature (40 to 60 °C), contact time (10 to 60 minutes), and pH (3 to 11) were all examined in this experiment. At an amount of adsorbent of 1 g/L adsorbent, MR concentration of 100 mg/L, and a pH of 11, maximum adsorption has been observed. In order to analyze the results, adsorption models such as the Langmuir and Freundlich were applied. At 60 °C, the adsorption isotherm was found to fit the Langmuir model with 111.11 mg/g. The linear regression correlation coefficient, the R2 value is 0.999. Analytical results showed that MR could be effectively removed by using AC made from waste orange peels as an adsorbent.
Rural water project planning and evaluation in Ghana: a new methodological perspective
Authors: Abunyewah Matthew , Erdiaw-Kwasie Michael Odei , Arhin Patrick , Acheampong Michael Yaw , Okyere Seth Asare 
Published: November 2022

AbstractCommunity water projects offer an economically attractive and physically accessible solution for livelihoods. Piase Community Water Project (PCWP) was initiated in 2005 to provide potable water to the rural communities surrounding Piase. Using data from a field survey with sampled participants in the Bosomtwe district, where this rural water project was implemented, the paper analyses challenges encountered during the project's progress. An advanced SWOT matrix approach is used to analyse the cascading effects of both internal and external factors on the PCWP's planning and evaluation. Following an analysis of existing rural water planning and evaluation issues, the paper explores possible solutions and long-term strategies to provide rural communities with a reliable water supply. This study provides significant insight for policymakers to develop effective strategies that promote a balance between strengths and weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in rural water projects in the future.
Investigation of an electrolysis system with boron-doped diamond anode and gas diffusion cathode to remove water micropollutants
Authors: Issa Mohammad , Haupt Dennis , Moddemann Thorben , Kunz Ulrich , Sievers Michael 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Using electrolysis systems to degrade organics in wastewater encourages utilizing this technique to remove micropollutants (MPs) in different types of water. In this work, a cell consisting of an anode as a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode combined with a gas diffusion (GDE) cathode without a separator showed that MPs degradation can be effectively achieved. Investigating different operating parameters, it was stated that applying a low current density (2 mA/cm2) and setting the Reynolds number of the electrolyte flow through the cell at the laminar range raised the treatment time by 3 folds at the same energy demand. This arrangement increased the MPs removal. Some substances like diclofenac were removed up to 84% at a longer treatment time of 180 min coupled with an increase in energy demand. The results at the mentioned parameters indicated an adequate generation rate of radicals needed to remove MPs and the oxidation reactions were promoted. The results show high practicability to the investigated electrolysis system in removing MPs in wastewater under considering the need to further reduction of the energy demand.
Effect of Fe and Al based coagulants and disinfectants on polyethylene microplastics removal in coagulation process through response surface methodology
Authors: Tabatabaei Fatemeh , Mafigholami Roya , Moghimi Hamid , Khoramipoor Sanaz 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution has been rising as a threatening risk and recently has appealed to the attention of more researchers. In this study, influential parameters affecting the removal rate of polyethylene microplastics (PEMPs) were optimized through response surface methodology (RSM). In Box Behnken Design (BBD), independent parameters were pH, PEMP size, coagulant dosage and polyacrylamide dosage. Two experimental sets were conducted, one with ferric chloride and the second with poly aluminum chloride as two commonly applied coagulants in drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). Comparing the results of optimized parameters, PAC was a better coagulant with the predicted removal rate of 58.19%, while the removal rate with ferric chloride as a coagulant was predicted to be 56.37%. Moreover, some experiments were conducted to analyze the effect of ozone gas and sodium hypochlorite as disinfectants on removal rate. The highest removal rate was observed when 2 ppm of O3 was added to the solution coagulated with optimal dosage of PAC, reaching the removal rate of 76.8%.
Development of Neuroprotective Agents for the Treatment
of Alzheimer's Disease using Conjugates of Serotonin with
Sesquiterpene Lactones
Authors: Neganova Margarita , Liu Junqi , Aleksandrova Yulia , Vasilieva Natalia , Semakov Alexey , Yandulova Ekaterina , Sukocheva Olga , Balakin Konstantin , Klochkov Sergey , Fan Ruitai 
Published: November 2022

Background:
Sesquiterpene lactones are secondary plant metabolites with a wide variety
of biological activities. The process of lactone conjugation to other pharmacophores can increase the
efficacy and specificity of the conjugated agent effect on molecular targets in various diseases, including
brain pathologies. Derivatives of biogenic indoles, including neurotransmitter serotonin, are of
considerable interest as potential pharmacophores. Most of these compounds have neurotropic activity
and, therefore, can be used in the synthesis of new drugs with neuroprotective properties.

Aim:
The aim of this experimental synthesis was to generate potential treatment agents for
Alzheimer's disease using serotonin conjugated with natural sesquiterpene lactones.

Methods:
Three novel compounds were obtained via the Michael reaction and used for biological testing.
The obtained conjugates demonstrated complex neuroprotective activities. Serotonin conjugated
to isoalantolactone exhibited strong antioxidant and mitoprotective activities.

Results:
The agent was also found to inhibit β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1
(BACE-1), prevent the aggregation of β-amyloid peptide 1-42, and protect SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma
cells from neurotoxins such as glutamate and H2O2. In a transgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease
(5xFAD line), the conjugated agent restored declined cognitive functions and improved learning
and memory.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that serotonin conjugates to sesquiterpene
lactones are promising agents for the treatment of symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Lesion Location Predicts Early Neurological Deterioration in Single
Subcortical Infarction
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhang Ke , Liu Hongbing , Zong Ce , Yang Hongxun , Wang Anran , Wang Yunchao , Pei Lulu , Liu Kai , Li Yapeng , Fang Hui , Zhao Lu , Ji Yan , Li Yusheng , Song Bo , Xu Yuming 
Published: November 2022

Background:
A certain number of patients with single subcortical small infarction (SSSI) in the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) territory present with early neurological deterioration (END).

Objective:
We sought to identify a more specific predicting imaging marker for END in lenticulostriate SSSI patients.

Methods:
We screened patients in a prospective hospital-based registry of stroke in the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to December 2020. Lesion locations were defined as posterior type when more than half of the lesion was located in the posterior part of the corona radiata divided by the midline, which was drawn between the tangents of the anterior and posterior horns of the lateral ventricle and was adjacent to the lateral ventricle at the same time. END was defined as an increase of ≥2 points in total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score or ≥1 point. A multivariate logistic analysis was used to assess the imaging predictors for END.

Results:
418 patients were enrolled in the final data analysis. Among them, 206 (49. 3％) cases were rated as the posterior type and71（17. 0％）cases had to END. A multivariate logistic analysis showed that only the posterior type (adjusted odds ratio, 2. 126; 95% confidence interval, 1. 250–3. 614; P = 0. 005) was independently associated with the risk of END.

Conclusion:
The posterior type of lesion location represented an imaging marker predicting END in lenticulostriate SSSI patients.