bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic tumor volume as significant predictor for chemotherapy containing PD-L1 blocker in extensive stage small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hashimoto Kosuke , Kaira Kyoichi , Imai Hisao , Miura Yu , Shiono Ayako , Mouri Atsuto , Yamaguchi Ou , Kobayashi Kunihiko , Kagamu Hiroshi , Kuji Ichiei 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Chemo-immunotherapy, including the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody is an effective treatment for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). However, no biomarker has been established for the prediction of chemo-immunotherapy. Therefore, we investigated the potential of predictive marker of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET). Forty-six patients with ES-SCLC who received 18F-FDG-PET immediately before combined platinum-based chemotherapy with PD-L1 blockade as a first-line setting were eligible, and the maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) on 18F-FDG uptake were evaluated. PD-L1 and tumor infiltrative lymphocytes (TILs) were immunohistochemically analyzed in 36 of the 46 patients. A high MTV was significantly associated with poor performance status and low albumin levels, and there was a significant association between low albumin and high TLG. Univariate analysis identified sex, Brinkman index, and MTV as significant predictors of progression-free survival (PFS), and sex, SUVmax, MTV, and TLG as significant factors of overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis revealed that sex, Brinkman index, and MTV were independent prognostic factors for PFS, and sex, SUVmax, MTV, and TLG were significant predictors of OS. SUVmax was significantly higher in patients with positive PD-L1 expression than in those with negative expression but was not significantly different between positive and negative TILs. Moreover, the levels of MTV and TLG were not closely associated with the levels of PD-L1 and TILs. MTV or TLG metabolic tumor activity is suitable for the prediction of chemo-immunotherapy in patients with ES-SCLC.
Verification of dried blood spot as a sample type for HIV viral load and early infant diagnosis on Hologic Panther in Zambia
Authors: Simushi Precious , Kalunga Mukoshya Nchima , Mwakyoma Tuku , Mwewa Mulenga , Muchaili Lweendo , Hazeemba Nchimunya , Mulenga Chileshe , Mwewa Patience , Kaseya Chiyenu , Kachimba John , Choonga Powell , Shibemba Aaron , Hamooya Benison M. , Zambwe Mowa , Chipimo Peter J. , Kasonka Lackson 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective
1. To verify dried blood spot as a sample type for HIV viral load and early infant diagnosis on Hologic Panther platform
2. To evaluate the analytical performance (precision, linearity and measurement of uncertainty) of the Hologic Panther
Results
The specificity and sensitivity of Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) performance of Aptima Quant Dx assay on Hologic panther machine against the gold standard machine COBAS Taqman (CAP/CTM) was 100% with an overall agreement of 100%. The quantitative HIV Viral Load (VL) accuracy had a positive correlation of (0.96) obtained against the gold standard (plasma samples) run on COBAS4800 platform. Analytical performance of the Hologic panther machine was evaluated; Precision low positive repeatability 3.50154 and within lab 2.268915 at mean 2.88 concentration and precision high positive repeatability 1.116955 and within lab 2.010677 at mean 5.09 concentration were obtained confirming manufacturers claims. Uncertainty of measurement for this study was found to be +/- 71 copies/ml.Linearity studies were determined and all points were within acceptable limits.We therefore recommend DBS as a sample type alternative to plasma for the estimation of HIV-1 viral load and EID diagnosis on the Hologic panther machine.
Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis During Pembrolizumab Therapy for Metastatic Gastric Cancer: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Su Liyu , Zhao Shen , Lin Rongbo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background：
Recent evidence suggests that immunotherapy is a standard treatment options in gastric cancer. However, immunotherapy may cause many known or unknown adverse events.
Case presentation:
We recently encountered a case of subcutaneous fat necrosis without pancreatic disease that arose during therapy with pembrolizumab in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer. And subcutaneous nodules started to spontaneously improve within a month of onset and disappeared within half a year with no special treatment. At the last follow-up, the patient did not receive immunotherapy with continuous stable disease. Her survival exceeded 24 months without other treatment.
Conclusion:
This case may be important for the discovery of rare adverse events in gastric cancer immunotherapy.
11C-methionine PET imaging characteristics in children with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and relationship to survival
Authors: Zhao Xiaobin , Li Deling , Qiao Zhen , Wang Kai , Chen Qian , Pan Changcun , Wu Yuliang , Xiao Dan , Xi Tianshu , Zhang Liwei , Ai Lin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to describe 11C-methionine (11C-MET) PET imaging characteristics in patients with paediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and correlate them with survival.
Methods
We retrospectively analysed 98 children newly diagnosed with DIPG who underwent 11C-MET PET. PET imaging characteristics evaluated included uptake intensity, uniformity, metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion methionine uptake (TLMU). The maximum, mean, and peak of the tumour-to-background ratio (TBR), calculated as the corresponding standardised uptake values (SUV) divided by the mean reference value, were also recorded. The associations between PET imaging characteristics and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed.
Results
In univariate analysis, imaging characteristics significantly associated with shorter PFS and OS included a higher uniformity grade, higher TBRs, a larger MTV, and a higher TLMU. In the multivariate analysis, larger MTV at diagnosis, shorter symptom duration, and no treatment were significantly correlated with shorter PFS and OS.
Conclusion
Although several imaging features were significantly associated with PFS and OS, only MTV, indicating the size of the active tumour, was identified as a strong independent prognostic factor.
Social innovations for supporting regenerative lifestyles: Exploration of three pioneering co-housing projects in Austria.
Authors: Hirschberg Rebekka , Ruderer Jomo , Röck Martin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
“Limiting global temperature increase needs demand-side actions and lifestyle changes", stated the IPCC in their Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5. Building construction and operation are key to solving the climate and ecological crises and central for enabling sustainable development. To enable the sustainable transformation of the built environment, it is crucial to meet climate targets for buildings. However, it was shown that current building practice struggles to provide housing within planetary boundaries. What is needed are strategies for reducing building-related environmental impacts while at the same time providing adequate spaces as the social foundation for a regenerative and distributive, circular economy, as outlined for example in the doughnut economics concept. Social innovation, for example in the form of alternative models for spatial production and ownership, can help implement the sustainable development goals, and support regenerative lifestyles and emission reductions in the emissions-heavy building sector. However, today’s real estate market hardly supports the development and realization of alternative housing models. In response, practice shows that innovative models of housing are often driven by the initiative of the (future) inhabitants. In this study, we investigate and analyze different models of social innovation in housing based on three recently completed building case studies in Austria. The case studies are situated in a broad range of spatial contexts: re-activating the countryside, vitalizing a newly developed neighborhood, or bringing new life to abandoned, existing buildings. They are showcasing strategies such as: innovative models of (co-)financing and (co-)ownership to provide affordable housing; the shared use of spaces, functions and resources for reducing environmental footprints. We provide insights as to how alternative housing projects are being established successfully, what models groups are exploring for governance, financing and ownership, and which other social innovation practices may support or enable the implementation of regenerative lifestyles.
Physical or Virtual? - A Qualitative Inquiry Into Youth Perception and Preference for Safe Spaces
Authors: Neo Pearlyn , Nagashima-Hayashi Michiko , Gan Sarah , Lin Wee Hwee 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Control measures from the COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching and multifaceted consequences on the physical and mental health of youths. In particular, youths experienced a lack of safe space to turn to in times of need. Safe spaces, be it physical or virtual, provide social support and connection for youths, which are important for one’s mental health.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study in Singapore to investigate how youths interpreted what safe spaces meant to them and how these spaces positively impacted their wellbeing. 48 youths were purposively recruited and took part in a one-on-one interview over Zoom that lasted between 45 minutes to 60 minutes each. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed, and data were thematically analysed.
Results
Findings from our study indicated that participants found three different interpretations for what made a space safe for them - namely as an absence of a negative experience, a neutral space where they could just be themselves, or an affirmative place to receive what they need. Youths preferred safe spaces that were physical in nature due to the relational aspects of the space which provided comfort and preferred safe spaces that were virtual in nature due to the logistical benefits of the space which allowed them to expand their social network.
Conclusions
Based on our findings, we propose to address youth mental health not only through schools and families, but adopting multi-sectoral public health approach, using physical and virtual safe spaces as both preventive and therapeutic strategies to address often hidden mental health challenges youth face in Singapore. When designing safe spaces for youths, it is important to consider the medium, content and audience involved to maximise youth engagement and in turn, improve the state of mental wellness for youths.
The Political Economy of Foreign Aid Effectiveness: Should Countries With Higher Levels of Inequality Receive Less?
Authors: Skarda Ieva 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

This paper answers how resource inequality within an aid recipient country should influence donor's aid allocation given a contest over resources between a powerful local elite vs. masses in the recipient country. It is shown that if the elite is politically powerful, the donor should not give aid as it would decrease the contesting power and welfare of masses. If the elite's political power is sufficiently constrained, a donor should give a positive amount of aid which should be increasing in the level of resource equality between the classes. Despite this, historically countries with more inequality have received relatively more aid.

JEL Classification: F35 – D00 – D30 – D72 – D74 – D70 – O10
A new nucleotide variant in the <I>ELAC2</I> gene in a young child with a ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Gandaeva L. A. , Basargina E. N. , Kondakova O. B. , Kaverina V. G. , Pushkov A. A. , Zharova O. P. , Fisenko P. P. , Savostyanov K. V. 
Published: September 2022

The few foreign papers of the last decade have shown the relationship of various pathogenic variants of the ELAC2 gene to heterogeneous phenotypic manifestations, for which the unfavorable prognosis is common, caused by severe cardiomyopathy in the first year of life. The article presents the first clinical observation of a rare variant of the hypertrophic phenotype cardiomyopathy with a fatal outcome in the first year of life, and variants c.887T>C, p.L296P and c.1979A>T, p.K660I of the ELAC2 gene in Russia.The purpose of the work is to present clinical observation of a child with an early manifestation of a hypertrophic phenotype of cardiomyopathy caused by pathogenic variants of the ELAC2 gene.
Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1A
Authors: Potrokhova E. A. , Baleva L. S. , Safonova M. P. , Sipyagina A. E. 
Published: September 2022

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1 is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation of the CYP27B1 gene, that further leads to a decrease in the activity of 1A-hydroxylase and vitamin D metabolic disorder. The disease manifests itself by means of rickets-like changes, alike to the symptoms of vitamin D-deficiency rickets, what inhibits both the early diagnosis and timely appointment of an adequate pathogenetic therapy with the usage of active vitamin D metabolites. Etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1A issues are presented in this article. Using the example of the clinical case, it shows the principles of selecting an adequate dose of replacement therapy.
Reference ranges of biochemical blood parameters in juvenile athletes
Authors: Grishina Zh. V. , Klyuchnikov S. O. , Feshchenko V. S. , Zholinsky A. V. , Okorokov P. L. 
Published: September 2022

Reference ranges of blood parameters adapted for young athletes are necessary for proper assessment and timely detection of deviations in the state of health.Purpose. A comparative analysis of the reference ranges of some biochemical blood parameters calculated on a sample of thousands of athletes under 18 years old, members of Russian national teams, versus similar indices of children not engaged in sports obtained in the framework of projects carried out in Canada and in Scandinavian countries.Results. Differences in the width of reference ranges, their minimum and maximum values between the compared groups for several indicators of protein and lipid metabolism, cortisol and testosterone aredescribed. The authors discuss the expediency of further development of reference ranges of blood parameters, which consider sex, age of athletes, and specifics of sports.Conclusion. The specified data on reference ranges of blood indices are necessary for clearer differentiation and objective evaluation of adaptational transformations arising against the background of physical loads, as well astimely detection of pathological deviations in the functional state of juvenile athletes’ organism and prognosis of their further development.
Squalene Synthase Inhibitors
Authors: Biller Scott A. , Neuenschwander Kent , Ponpipomt Mitree M. , Poulter C. Dale 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
Squalene synthase catalyzes the reductive dimerization of famesyl diphosphate (C-15) to form squalene, the C-30 polyisoprene precursor to cholesterol. In recent years, the search for inhibitors of squalene synthase for use as antihypercholesterolemic agents has intensified. The focus on this enzymatic transformation is due to the unique location of squalene synthase at the first step committed to sterols in the isoprene pathway. Selective inhibitors of this enzyme are expected to block cholesterol biosynthesis, without having deleterious effects on the branch pathways of isoprene biosynthesis. Potent inhibitors of squalene synthase have been discovered utilizing three of the major methods for drug discovery: rational design, synthetic chemical screening and natural products screening. These inhibitors have been shown to be potent and effective cholesterol lowering agents in animal models. This article will review the rationale for squalene synthase as a drug discovery target, recent advances in the biology of squalene synthase, and the progress toward clinically useful inhibitors of this key enzyme.
Ischemia Modified Albumin (IMA) as a New Biomarker in the Ophthalmology Field: A Brief Literature Review
Authors: Rusmayani Emma , Artini Widya , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu 
Published: September 2022

Purpose:This study aimed to review the potential role of ischemia-modified albumin as a biomarker for diagnostic modalities in the ophthalmology field.Methods:Articles were reviewed without a specific date. A manual search was also performed by reviewing reference lists of meta-analyses and systematic reviews. All articles were reviewed, and a total of 18 articles were selected by the authors.Results:Oxidative stress increases structural and functional damage to proteins in many ocular diseases. The human serum albumin is a major circulating protein with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Oxidative stress has been shown to be an important part of etiology and pathogenesis in ocular diseases related to ischemia. Biomarkers that are specific to oxidative stress and ischemia-related ocular pathogenesis are needed to provide an extensive understanding regarding diagnosis, monitoring progression, and new potential target treatment. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) as a new promising biomarker might be useful in the early detection and treatment of ocular diseases with ischemic pathogenesis.Conclusion:IMA plays an important role in the progression of ophthalmology diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, cataract progression, seasonal allergies, and glaucoma. Further studies are needed to elaborate these results as a consideration in new testing modalities in clinical practice as well as a new target therapy research.
Analysis of wheel pairs slip control of electric freight locomotive with asynchronous traction motors
Authors: Savos’kin A. N. , Shilin N. D. 
Published: September 2022

Introduction. Every year, the amount of electric rolling stock with asynchronous traction motors is continuously increasing on the Russian railway network, since such traction drives have a number of advantages over drives with DC motors. One of the problems associated with the introduction of asynchronous motors and an increase in the mass of trains is the implementation of the maximum traction force by an electric locomotive at the threshold in terms of wheel – rail adhesion. Timely recognition of excessive slip of wheel pairs is the most important indicator of the efficiency of the traction drive in realising the maximum traction properties of the electric locomotive at all axles.Materials and methods. The article reflects the results of the study of slip of electric locomotive wheel pairs with asynchronous traction motors and axial control of the traction force, obtained during experimental runs on a railway section under various adhesion conditions. The article presents a technique for studying the wheel pair adhesion failure of electric locomotives with asynchronous traction motors.Results. During the comparison of the obtained experimental results with the calculated parameters by the O. Polach mathematical model, an updated range of the relative slip of wheel pairs is given, in which the electric locomotive control system could realise the maximum tractive effort. Exceeding this range will lead to increased wear of wheel pairs without increasing traction properties.Discussion and conclusion. It is advisable to use the results of the study in the future when developing systems for controlling the tractive effort at the limit of adhesion and systems for controlling the slip of wheel pairs of electric freight locomotives with asynchronous traction motors.
Simulation of terminal and logistics processes of foreign trade cargo processing at the Grodekovo border station
Authors: Korol’ R. G. , Chislov O. N. 
Published: September 2022

Introduction. The transport and logistics business has undergone significant changes while overcoming the challenges facing the transport industry. It requires new approaches to rational use, as well as the introduction of innovative technologies in the organisation of foreign trade transportation. This issue is especially relevant in the Far East region, where there is an imbalance of incoming freight flows and traffic capacity of the transport network, which leads to a decrease in the quality of transport services and the competitiveness of transport corridors running through Russia. The key elements of international transport corridors are transport hubs and border checkpoints; therefore, the purpose of the study is to assess the workload of a railway cargo terminal of the Pogranichny checkpoint within the Primorye-1 transport corridor. The object of study is the terminal and logistics complex of the Grodekovo border station.Materials and methods. In this study, methods of system analysis and information synthesis were used, as well as a programme for simulating the operation of technological zones of a border terminal and logistics centre.Results. The developed simulation programme made it possible to assess the workload of the warehouse terminal of the Grodekovo border station for processing foreign trade freight flow arriving by rail and road from Heilongjiang Province (PRC). The article presents the results of simulation modelling.Discussion and conclusion. Analysis of the results of simulation modelling showed the functioning of the cargo terminal of the Grodekovo border station with an increase in freight flow coming by road for reloading onto railway rolling stock, taking into account the duration of customs clearance, the limited capacity of the storage area and the cargo front, the number of handling equipment. Further research is aimed at creating a comprehensive programme that takes into account the traffic capacity of the entire system of ground checkpoints in the Far East region and the volume of the predicted freight flow.