Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The visual grading system for Scots pine logs in relation to the quality of sideboards produced

Presorting logs in the sawmill's log yard is one of the strategies used by the Swedish sawmilling industry in order to maximize profits. Almost 96 percent of Swedish sawmills perform the presorting of logs according to their dimension, most commonly by the top diameter. Only a very small number of sawmills use log grade information as a sorting criterion. However, the grade information at individual log level, together with the estimated volume, is always used for the calculation of log payment. The quality assessment of the log is done on a visual basis, i.e., the measurer grades the log on what he/she sees on the outside of the log. This judging should correspond to the expected quality of the centerboards produced after sawing. Current studies have only related the centerboards' quality to the log quality grade arrived at by visual inspection. In view of the economic importance of the sideboards in the lumber yield and in the entire functioning of a sawmill, a real need for information on the recovery of sideboards in relation to log and centerboard quality is now arising and becoming a key issue. In this study, with the help ofthe entire Swedish Pine Stem Bank material, the relationship between the sideboard's quality and the log's quality and the relationship between the quality of sideboards and of centerboards were studied. Results show that sideboard quality cannot be predicted from the visual quality assessment of the logs. Nevertheless, fairly good correlation exists between sideboard quality and the quality of the corresponding centerboards. A financial analysis focusing on the relationship between the commercial values of the sawlogs and the corresponding lumber output for the Swedish Pine Stem Bank material is also included in this study. The study shows that the actual Swedish log pricing system should be improved because the commercial values of the logs are not in accord with the real values of the lumber produced.
Evidence on the Effects of an Audit Quality Bonus

Abstract Audit quality rewards might create incentives for auditors to enhance their performance. We examine whether the effects of an audit quality bonus are contingent on appetitive motivation and engagement pressure. Appetitive motivation is a personality trait of goal pursuits that consists of drive, reward responsiveness, and fun seeking. Engagement pressure is the conflict between meeting time budgets and complying with auditing standards. Relying on cognitive evaluation theory, we expect that an audit quality bonus increases audit quality for auditors with lower appetitive motivation and decreases audit quality for auditors with higher appetitive motivation when engagement pressure is low. When engagement pressure is high, the effects of an audit quality bonus are difficult to predict. In an experiment with 420 auditors, we manipulate an audit quality bonus and the level of engagement pressure and measure appetitive motivation. The results are consistent with our expectations in the setting of low engagement pressure, but only for drive. In the setting of high engagement pressure, we find no effects for an audit quality bonus. When considering audit quality rewards, it is important to acknowledge the typical audit environment of conflicting pressures and the level of drive that both can constrain these rewards’ effectiveness.
Predictors of eHealth Literacy and Its Associations with Preventive Behaviors, Fear of COVID-19, Anxiety, and Depression among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: The infodemic has been co-existing with the COVID-19 pandemic with an influx of misinformation and conspiracy theories. These affect people’s psychological health and adherence to preventive measures. eHealth literacy (eHEALS) may help with alleviating the negative effects of the infodemic. As nursing students are future healthcare professionals, having adequate eHEALS skills is critically important in their clinical practice, safety, and health. This study aimed to (1) explore the eHEALS level and its associated factors, and (2) examine the associations of eHEALS with preventive behaviors, fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S), anxiety, and depression among nursing students. Methods: We surveyed 1851 nursing students from 7 April to 31 May 2020 from eight universities across Vietnam. Data were collected, including demographic characteristics, eHEALS, adherence to preventive behaviors (handwashing, mask-wearing, physical distancing), FCV-19S, anxiety, and depression. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed appropriately to examine associations. Results: The mean score of eHEALS was 31.4 ± 4.4. The eHEALS score was significantly higher in males (unstandardized regression coefficient, B, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.73; p = 0.019), and students with a better ability to pay for medication (B, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.19; p < 0.001), as compared to their counterparts. Nursing students with a higher eHEALS score had a higher likelihood of adhering to hand-washing (odds ratio, OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.22; p < 0.001), mask-wearing (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.19; p < 0.001), keeping a safe physical distance (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.25; p < 0.001), and had a lower anxiety likelihood (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92 to 0.99; p = 0.011). Conclusions: Nursing students who were men and with better ability to pay for medication had higher eHEALS scores. Those with higher eHEALS scores had better adherence to preventive measures, and better psychological health. The development of strategies to improve eHEALS of nursing students may contribute to COVID-19 containment and improve their psychological health.
Phylogeographical Analyses of a Relict Fern of Palaeotropical Flora (Vandenboschia speciosa): Distribution and Diversity Model in Relation to the Geological and Climate Events of the Late Miocene and Early Pliocene

Fern phylogeographic studies have mostly focused on the influence of the Pleistocene climate on fern distributions and the prevalence of long-distance dispersal. The effect of pre-Pleistocene events on the distributions of fern species is largely unexplored. Here, we elucidate a hypothetical scenario for the evolutionary history of Vandenboschia speciosa, hypothesised to be of Tertiary palaeotropical flora with a peculiar perennial gametophyte. We sequenced 40 populations across the species range in one plastid region and two variants of the nuclear gapCp gene and conducted time-calibrated phylogenetic, phylogeographical, and species distribution modelling analyses. Vandenboschia speciosa is an allopolyploid and had a Tertiary origin. Late Miocene aridification possibly caused the long persistence in independent refugia on the Eurosiberian Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, with the independent evolution of gene pools resulting in two evolutionary units. The Cantabrian Cornice, a major refugium, could also be a secondary contact zone during Quaternary glacial cycles. Central European populations resulted from multiple post-glacial, long-distance dispersals. Vandenboschia speciosa reached Macaronesia during the Pliocene–Pleistocene, with a phylogeographical link between the Canary Islands, Madeira, and southern Iberia, and between the Azores and northwestern Europe. Our results support the idea that the geological and climate events of the Late Miocene/Early Pliocene shifted Tertiary fern distribution patterns in Europe.
Association Between Drug Treatments and the Incidence of Liver Injury in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the emergence of global health care. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between drug treatments and the incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A retrospective study was conducted on 5113 COVID-19 patients in Hubei province, among which 395 incurred liver injury. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards models. The results showed that COVID-19 patients who received antibiotics (HR 1.97, 95% CI: 1.55–2.51, p < 0.001), antifungal agents (HR 3.10, 95% CI: 1.93–4.99, p < 0.001) and corticosteroids (HR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.80–2.96, p < 0.001) had a higher risk of DILI compared to non-users. Special attention was given to the use of parenteral nutrition (HR 1.82, 95% CI: 1.31–2.52, p < 0.001) and enteral nutrition (HR 2.71, 95% CI: 1.98–3.71, p < 0.001), which were the risk factors for liver injury. In conclusion, this study suggests that the development of DILI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 needs to be closely monitored, and the above-mentioned drug treatments may contribute to the risk of DILI.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between plasma homocysteine levels and coronary heart disease

Background With the progresses in medical development in recent years, plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels are considered to be an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). We hope to use the method of meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the relationship between plasma Hcy levels and CHD, for providing a basis for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CHD. Methods The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for case-control studies and cohort studies on the association between plasma Hcy levels and CHD from the database establishment to October 2021. Duplicate studies were re-excluded by Endnote X9 software. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scale. All of the studies we included were studies with no confirmed CHD and recorded Hcy levels. The data were extracted, and the quality was evaluated. Data were recorded and meta-analyzed using Stata 15.1 software. The risk ratio (RR) values were combined with 95% confidence interval (CI) using fixed- or random-effects models. Finally, sensitivity analysis was used to assess the reliability of the results. A funnel plot was used to evaluate the publication bias of the literature. Results A total of 10 studies with a total of 10,103 subjects were included. All studies were of case-control studies or cohort studies with good quality. Meta-analysis showed that for every 5 µmol/L increase in Hcy level, the pooled risk ratio of coronary events was 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.34. These results demonstrate that when plasma Hcy level increased, the risk of CHD also increased. Conclusions Compared with traditional risk factors, the incidence of CHD increases by 22% for every 5 µmol/L increase in plasma Hcy levels. This mean that clinicians can timely take preventive measures for coronary heart disease when the patients’ elevated plasma Hcy.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Older African American and Hispanic Adults With Cardiovascular Risk Factors

African Americans and Hispanics are disproportionately burdened by cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. There is evidence that fruits and vegetables have protective benefits for cardiovascular health. Factors associated with fruit and vegetable intake among older minority adults are not well established. A cross-sectional analysis of African American and Hispanic adults >55 years with diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes was conducted. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables was analyzed by socio-demographic, health status, health behaviors, and access to fruits and vegetables. 77% of participants did not meet the United States Department of Agriculture ≥5 a day serving guidelines. Fruit and vegetable consumption was not associated with having hypertension or diabetes. Body mass index >25 and regular exercise were significantly associated with more vegetable intake, but not fruit. African Americans consumed significantly less fruits and vegetables than Hispanics. Among those with access to fruits and vegetables, 78% did not meet the guidelines. Many older African American and Hispanic adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors do not meet the fruit and vegetable intake guidelines. Inadequate intake is worse among African Americans, sedentary, and non-overweight/obese adults. Studies are needed to understand the barriers associated with fruit and vegetable intake in this population.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of T-Score Spine-Hip Discordance in Patients with Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

Background T-score discordance between the spine and hip is commonly observed when dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is used to diagnose osteoporosis. However, information is scarce regarding the prevalence and risk factors for this problem in Korea. This study evaluated the prevalence of major/minor discordance and associated risk factors in elderly Korean patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). Methods This study included 200 patients (37 men, 163 women) treated for thoracic or lumbar compression fractures between January 2015 and August 2021. DXA was performed to examine T-scores and determine the prevalence of discordance, defined as a difference between the T-score categories of the femur and spine in the same individual. The t-tests, χ2 tests, and regression analyses were used to assess the associated risk factors of T-score discordance among the subjects. Results T-score concordance, minor discordance, and major discordance were observed in 137 (68.5%), 59 (29.5%), and 4 (2%) patients with OVCFs, respectively. The spinal T-score was lower than the femoral T-score in all major discordance and 81.3% (48/59) of minor discordant cases. Overall, the only factor related to T-score discordance was the age at fracture (odds ratio, -0.01; P=0.014). Conclusions The results of this study showed that a significant number of subjects (31.5%) showed spine-hip discordance, even with a mean age in their 80s. More attention should be paid to the appropriate evaluation and management of elderly patients with OVCFs. Moreover, a longitudinal study is necessary to verify the clinical importance of T-score discordance in this population.
Determining Value Added Intellectual Capital (VAIC) Using the TOPSIS-CRITIC Method in Small and Medium-Sized Farms in Selected European Countries

The purpose of this paper is to develop a modified method of measuring VAIC for small and medium-sized farms and to determine the relationship of this measure on farm area. The main objective will be implemented through the following specific objectives: (1) indication of the generating variables VA, VC, HC and SC, (2) determination of synthetic measures of VA, VC, HC and SC, (3) determination of CEE, HCE, SCE and VAIC and (4) to determine the relationship between the values obtained in objective 2 and 3 and the area of the farm. The analyses were carried out on data obtained from 2980 small and medium-sized farms from Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Serbia. The determination of VAIC was carried out on the basis of synthetic measures determined by the TOPSIS-CRITIC method. VAIC was determined in accordance with the scheme proposed by Pulic. All data were converted to one hectare of farm area. The analysed farms were divided into four classes depending on the area. A contrast analysis was carried out between the designated classes. Analyses were conducted for each of the five countries separately. The alternative VAIC measurement method presented needs to be refined in terms of the selection of classified variables to create synthetic measures. The analysis indicates that it is feasible to measure VAIC through the use of alternative measures in the form of synthetic measures while at the same time preserving the principles resulting from the VAIC concept. The uniqueness of the method lies in the use of synthetic measures to determine VAIC in companies that do not possess complete accounting information. In addition, failures in the proposed method have been eliminated in terms of the method’s compatibility with human capital theory. The methodology used is an original approach to measuring the value of intellectual capital. In addition, it should contribute to the re-verification of the VAIC.
Curcumin Enhances Fed-State Muscle Microvascular Perfusion but Not Leg Glucose Uptake in Older Adults

Therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing blood flow may combat the postprandial vascular and metabolic dysfunction that manifests with chronological ageing. We compared the effects of acute curcumin (1000 mg) coupled with an oral nutritional supplement (ONS, 7.5 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate and 6 g fat) versus a placebo and ONS (control) on cerebral and leg macrovascular blood flow, leg muscle microvascular blood flow, brachial artery endothelial function, and leg insulin and glucose responses in healthy older adults (n = 12, 50% male, 73 ± 1 year). Curcumin enhanced m. tibialis anterior microvascular blood volume (MBV) at 180 and 240 min following the ONS (baseline: 1.0 vs. 180 min: 1.08 ± 0.02, p = 0.01 vs. 240 min: 1.08 ± 0.03, p = 0.01), and MBV was significantly higher compared with the control at both time points (p < 0.05). MBV increased from baseline in the m. vastus lateralis at 240 min after the ONS in both groups (p < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between groups. Following the ONS, leg blood flow and leg vascular conductance increased, and leg vascular resistance decreased similarly in both conditions (p < 0.05). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and middle cerebral artery blood flow were unchanged in both conditions (p > 0.05). Similarly, the curcumin and control groups demonstrated comparable increases in glucose uptake and insulin in response to the ONS. Thus, acute curcumin supplementation enhanced ONS-induced increases in m. tibialis anterior MBV without potentiating m. vastus lateralis MBV, muscle glucose uptake, or systemic endothelial or macrovascular function in healthy older adults.
Daily Practice Assessment of KRAS Status in NSCLC Patients: A New Challenge for the Thoracic Pathologist Is Right around the Corner

Simple Summary RAS mutation is the most frequent oncogenic alteration in human cancers and KRAS is the most frequently mutated, notably in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Various attempts to inhibit KRAS in the past were unsuccessful in these latter tumors. However, recently, several small molecules (AMG510, MRTX849, JNJ-74699157, and LY3499446) have been developed to specifically target KRAS G12C-mutated tumors, which seems promising for patient treatment and should soon be administered in daily practice for non-squamous (NS)-NSCLC. In this context, it will be mandatory to systematically assess the KRAS status in routine clinical practice, at least in advanced NS-NSCLC, leading to new challenges for thoracic oncologists. Abstract KRAS mutations are among the most frequent genomic alterations identified in non-squamous non-small cell lung carcinomas (NS-NSCLC), notably in lung adenocarcinomas. In most cases, these mutations are mutually exclusive, with different genomic alterations currently known to be sensitive to therapies targeting EGFR, ALK, BRAF, ROS1, and NTRK. Recently, several promising clinical trials targeting KRAS mutations, particularly for KRAS G12C-mutated NSCLC, have established new hope for better treatment of patients. In parallel, other studies have shown that NSCLC harboring co-mutations in KRAS and STK11 or KEAP1 have demonstrated primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Thus, the assessment of the KRAS status in advanced-stage NS-NSCLC has become essential to setting up an optimal therapeutic strategy in these patients. This stimulated the development of new algorithms for the management of NSCLC samples in pathology laboratories and conditioned reorganization of optimal health care of lung cancer patients by the thoracic pathologists. This review addresses the recent data concerning the detection of KRAS mutations in NSCLC and focuses on the new challenges facing pathologists in daily practice for KRAS status assessment.
Human iPSC- and Primary-Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells for Modeling Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Primary cultures of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from human adult donors (haRPE) and induced pluripotent stem cell derived-RPE (iPSC-RPE) are valuable model systems for gaining mechanistic insight and for testing potential therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study evaluated the treatment response of haRPE and iPSC-RPE to oxidative stress and potential therapeutics addressing mitochondrial defects. haRPE and iSPC-RPE were derived from donors with or without AMD. Mitochondrial function was measured after treatment with menadione, AICAR, or trehalose and the response to treatment was compared between cell models and by disease status. In a subset of samples, haRPE and iPSC-RPE were generated from the same human donor to make a side-by-side comparison of the two cell models’ response to treatment. Disease-specific responses to all three treatments was observed in the haRPE. In contrast, iPSC-RPE had a similar response to all treatments irrespective of disease status. Analysis of haRPE and iPSC-RPE generated from the same human donor showed a similar response for donors without AMD, but there were significant differences in treatment response between cell models generated from AMD donors. These results support the use of iPSC-RPE and haRPE when investigating AMD mechanisms and new therapeutics but indicates that attention to experimental conditions is required.
Mechanism of Antioxidant Activity of Betanin, Betanidin and Respective C15-Epimers via Shape Theory, Molecular Dynamics, Density Functional Theory and Infrared Spectroscopy

Betanin and betanidin are compounds with extensive interest; they are effectively free radical scavengers. The present work aims to elucidate the differences between the mechanism of the antioxidant activity of betanin, betanidin, and their respective C15-epimers. Shape Theory establishes comparisons between the molecules’ geometries and determines parallelisms with the descriptors BDE, PA, ETE IP, PDE, and infrared spectra (IR) obtained from the molecule simulations. Furthermore, the molecules were optimized using the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) protocol. Finally, the molecular docking technique analyzes the antioxidant activity of the compounds in the complex with the therapeutic target xanthine oxidase (XO), based on a new proposal for the geometrical arrangement of the ligand atoms in the framework of Shape Theory. The results obtained indicate that the SPLET mechanism is the most favorable in all the molecules studied and that the first group that loses the hydrogen atom in the four molecules is the C17COOH, presenting less PA the isobetanidin. Furthermore, regarding the molecular docking, the interactions of these compounds with the target were favorable, standing out to a greater extent the interactions of isobetanidin with XO, which were analyzed after applying molecular dynamics.