bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival Machine Learning Methods for Mortality Prediction After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Liou Lathan , Mostofsky Elizabeth , Lehman Laura , Salia Soziema , Barrera Francisco J. , Wei Ying , Cheema Amal , Beam Andrew , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: May 2023

Although prognostic models for heart transplantation (HTx) have been developed, a comprehensive benchmarking of survival machine learning methods for mortality prognosis has not been performed. Futhermore, assessing mortality in the most contemporary era of heart transplants following the 2018 donor heart allocation policy change is warranted. This study included 7,160 adult heart-only transplant recipients in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database who received their first transplant on or after October 18, 2018, with at least one recorded follow-up visit until June 3, 2021. Each model was trained using a nested 5-repeat, 5-fold cross-validation. Seven statistical and machine learning algorithms – Lasso, Ridge, Elastic Net, Gradient Boost, Extreme Gradient Boost Linear, Extreme Gradient Boost Tree, and Random Survival Forests were benchmarked against Cox PH in both post-policy and pre-policy eras. In the post-policy era, there was higher discriminatory power of machine learning models for one-year all-cause mortality compared to Cox. Bilirubin, age, BMI, total ischemic time, donor age, and history of ischemic cardiomyopathy were some of the most predictive selected variables. ECMO was highly predictive in the pre-policy cohort, but less so in the post-policy cohort. Machine learning (particularly tree-based ensemble) survival models can be used to capture complex short-term posttransplant mortality outcomes.
Influence of Ethics Training on the Employees’ Information Security Compliance Intentions
Authors: Lee Yongbin , Oh Seungmin
Published: May 2023

Organizations must ensure that employees maintain information security policy (ISP) compliance intentions with respect to published policies to improve their information security (IS) posture. Employees’ noncompliance behaviors make them the weakest link in organizations’ IS. Researchers in different fields of studies utilized ethics training and provided evidence that it has positive effects on employees’ compliance intentions. However, despite the capabilities of ethics training in compliance intention improvement, IS research on the influence of ethics training on employees’ ISP compliance intentions is limited. This nonexperimental quantitative explanatory study addressed the gap in empirical support for investigating whether ethics training influences employees’ ISP compliance intentions.
Diastolic Dysfunction in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study on Short-Term Outcomes in Cirrhotic Patients Undergoing TIPS
Authors: Liu Yaozu , Meng Fangmin , Ma Jingqin , Zhang Wen , yu Jiaze , Zhou Yongjie , Zuo Wuxu , Yan Zhiping , Pan Cuizhen , Luo Jianjun
Published: May 2023

Background: The placement of Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) results in a sudden increase in central circulating blood volume, which requires proper regulation of the cardiovascular system. The presence of diastolic dysfunctional cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) indicates myocardial dysfunction which may lead to adverse outcomes in patients treated TIPS. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of diastolic dysfunction on TIPS.
Method: A consecutive case series of patients with cirrhosis aged 18-65 years who underwent TIPS were prospectively studied.
Results: From June 2020 to January 2022, 82 patients were included. According to the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium (CCC), 48.8% had no LVDD, 20.7% had grade 1, 14.6% had grade 2, and 15.9% were indeterminate. The incidence of diastolic dysfunctional CCM is 14.6% in our study. The results indicate that RAP increased after TIPS and returned to baseline after 48 hours in patients with CCM (4.63±2.46 VS 6.42±2.75 p=0.076). In contrast, patients without CCM had lower RAP than baseline after 48 hours (4.63±3.05 VS 5.64±3.19, p=0.001).And no statistical significance was observed in the comparison of various pressures at different times between CCM and non-CCM patients (p>0.05). At the end of follow-up, 5(6.1%) patients died. LAVi(P=0.049, HR 1.169, 95%CI [1.001-1.365]), MELD score(P=0.026, HR=3.082, 95%CI [1.142-8.319]) and preoperative RAP (p =0.044, HR=2.015, 95%CI [1.018-3.987])were significantly associated with the mortality.
Conclusion: In conclusion, cirrhotic patients exhibit an effective regulatory capacity in response to hemodynamic alterations elicited by TIPS within short-term, irrespective of CCM presence.
Electrochemical immunosensor based on Al-TCPP nanomaterial adsorption aggregation signal amplification for the detection of dengue virus NS1 protein
Authors: zhang zixuan , li wei , liu jie , li ying , li chaorui
Published: May 2023

To detect the dengue virus NS1 protein with high sensitivity, this research suggests an electrochemical immunosensor based on the Al-TCPP adsorption aggregation signal amplification approach. We created a type of metal-organic framework (MOF) material called astrophytum myriostigma, which resembles a cactus plant and has a large specific surface area. Additionally, it can produce electrostatic attraction with the amino groups on methylene blue (MB), firmly fix MB on the MOF material, and manage MB reunion after adsorption, which is helpful for electron transmission and amplifies the electrical signal. The cationic dye methylene blue has redox characteristics. It possesses a high electron transfer rate, electrochemical reversibility, and strong biocompatibility. The generated electrochemical immunosensor has good reproducibility and stability, and the relationship between the analyte concentration and electrical signal strength is linear. The suggested immunosensor has a broad detection range from 10 fg/mL to 100 ng/mL with a low detection limit of 9.12 fg/ml under ideal conditions.
Suicide rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Varella Ana Paula da Cunha , Griffin Eve , Kabir Zubair
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are well-documented in the literature, but its influence on suicidal patterns shows divergent results. We aim to comprehensively synthesize evidence on potential changes or stability of suicide rates during the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide.
Methods
A comprehensive search of studies reporting suicide rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Eligible studies reported incidences of confirmed suicides (suspected in special cases) for two time periods, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effect model was performed to estimate the pre and during pandemic incidence rates of suicide with 95% confidence intervals. Differences in pre and during pandemic rates were formally tested using a heterogeneity test.
Results
A total of 34 studies were included in the review capturing suicide data from over 40 countries and regions. The meta-analysis outputs did not indicate a significant change in suicide rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pooled suicide rate in the studied period before the pandemic was 11.38 (95% CI 9.35–13.42) and in the period during the pandemic was 10.65 (95% CI 8.61–12.68).
Conclusion
No significant change in suicide rates was observed during the COVID pandemic from a global perspective for the periods examined. A longer follow-up can provide additional insights into such suicide trends globally. Improvements in data reporting, specifically with implementation of real-time surveillance, is imperative to provide adequate suicide prevention and support.
Long-term environmental enrichment prevents schizophrenia-like abnormalities and promotes hippocampal Slc6a4 gene demethylation in mice submitted to a two-hit model
Authors: Arraes Greicy Coelho , Barreto Francisco Stefânio , Vasconcelos Germana Silva , Lima Camila Nayane C. , Silva Francisco Eliclécio Rodrigues , Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço , Libardi Cristiana , Macêdo Danielle S.
Published: May 2023

In the last decades, attention has been called to the need for preventive strategies against neurodevelopmental disorders. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the impacts of long-term environmental enrichment (EE) in preventing behavioral, neurochemical, and epigenetic changes in mice exposed to the two-hit model of schizophrenia. To this end, we used neonatal Swiss mice exposed to the viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) as first-hit on postnatal days (PND) 5–7 or sterile saline (zero-hit). On PND21, mice were randomly allocated to cages with standard (SE) or enriched environment (EE). From PND35-44, PolyI:C group was exposed to unpredictable stressors as second-hit. On PND70, after EE's last exposure, the animals underwent behavioral testing, and the hippocampus was collected for biochemical (Iba-1 and DCX) and epigenetic (SLC6A4 gene) analysis. The results showed that fifty days of EE exposure to two-hit mice, i.e., from infancy to adulthood, prevented sensorimotor gating deficits and working memory impairment while improving locomotor and exploratory activity. Furthermore, EE prevented hippocampal Iba-1 increased expression. EE-exposed mice presented increased hippocampal DCX expression. In addition, hippocampal demethylation of the SLC6A4 gene (serotonin transporter), an epigenetic reprogramming mechanism, was observed in the two-hit group submitted to EE. Our results reveal the preventive effects of long-term EE in mice exposed to the two-hit model of schizophrenia by mechanisms related to increased neurogenesis, reduced microglia reactivity, and epigenetic regulation of serotonergic signaling.
A combined model using pre-treatment CT radiomics and clinicopathological features of non-small cell lung cancer to predict major pathological responses after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: wang fang , yang hong , chen wujie , ruan lei , jiang tingting , jiang haitao , fang min
Published: May 2023

Objective: To explore the correlation between clinicopathology, CT radiomics and major pathologic response of NSCLC after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, and to establish a combined model to predict MPR.
Methods: The clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in our hospital from January 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively collected, and pre-treatment CT Radscore was calculated through standard radiomics workflow. Afterward, independent factors were screened, odds ratios were calculated, and a nomogram for predicting MPR was constructed. ROC curves were plotted for models. Finally, the three models were compared using Delong's test.
Results: 211 NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study. Radscore and RECIST assessment results were independent factors for MPR using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The AUC of the combined model was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.68-0.84) in training group, and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67-0.92) in validation group. Delong's test showed that the AUC of the combined model was significantly different from the radiomics model alone in the training group (p = 0.0067) and also in the validation group (P=0.0009). The calibration curve showed that the predicted MPR was significantly close to the actual MPR of the patient, and the clinical decision curve indicated that the combined model had a higher overall net benefit than the radiomics model alone.
Conclusions: The combined model based on pre-treatment CT radiomics and clinicopathological features showed better predictive power than the independent radiomics model or the independent clinicopathological features, which may better guide the personalized neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy treatment strategy.
WITHDRAWN: Microbial life-history strategies in soils under long-term fertilizations
Authors: Wang Xiu , Dai Zhongmin , Lin Jiahui , Zhao Kankan , Brookes Philip C. , Barberán Albert , Kuzyakov Yakov , Xu Jianming
Published: May 2023

Background: The rRNA operon (rrn) copy number is associated with protein synthesis and reproduction, reflecting microbial r- and K-life strategies and influencing soil ecosystem function. Although the positive relationship between microbial community-level rrn copy numbers and nutrient availability has been reported, the association between rrn copy number and soil stoichiometry or environmental stress remains largely unknown, particularly in the context of long-term nutrient inputs.
Results: Using long-term (> 30 years) field experiments across three agro-ecosystems, we consistently found that N fertilization increased the microbial community-level rrn copy number. This increase was equivalently explained by soil CN stoichiometry (22%) and soil acidification (21%). Balanced soil CN stoichiometry favored the growth of N-dependent copiotrophs such as Bacilliand Flavobacteriia containing high rrn copy numbers (an average of 2.5), and enhanced their nutrient competition ability. Moreover, N fertilization-induced soil acidification, as an environmental stressor, increased the abundance of pH-negative responders such as Clostridia and Ktedonobacteria which also contained high rrn copy numbers (2.8), and threatened rare taxa with low rrn copy numbers.
Conclusions: Consequently, our finding challenges the concept of microbial life-strategy regulation solely by nutrient availability, highlighting the novelty of significant contributions of soil stoichiometric balance and environmental stress to microbial strategies in agro-ecosystems under long-term nutrient inputs.
Rare origin and course of the sinoatrial nodal artery: a cadaveric case report
Authors: Madeira M. Dulce , Pinto Filipe F. , Pereira Pedro A.
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Several previous studies reported variations in the origin and course of the sinoatrial nodal artery (SANa). In the present report, we describe a rare variation in the origin, course and relations of the SANa.
Methods
The case herein described was found during a routine dissection performed on a formalin-embalmed human adult male cadaver (82 years old).
Results
During the dissection, we identified the SANa originating from the right coronary artery (RCA) at the level of the inferior border (acute margin) of the heart and coursing upward. The initial part of this vessel is tortuous, and then it follows a straight path parallel to the RCA along the anterior surface of the right atrium. After this part, the artery curves posteriorly and to the left until it reaches the lower border of the right auricle, where it closely approaches the RCA. Finally, the artery runs posteriorly and to the right to follow a course along the medial wall of the right auricle and right atrium to reach a location close to the region of the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium where it follows its path buried in the myocardium. We also characterized the artery radiologically through the injection of a contrast medium into the RCA and in the SANa.
Conclusion
The knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SANa is of the utmost importance for cardiologists and heart surgeons in order to better understand cardiac disease and accurately plan and execute cardiac interventions and surgical procedures.
Influence of Acculturation and Cultural Values on the Self-Reference Effect
Authors: Gilliam Ashley N. , Gutchess Angela
Published: May 2023

Cultural milieu can influence the way information is processed and what strategies are employed to deal with ever-changing environments. This study assessed whether acculturation and cultural values of East Asians can affect memory, with a specific focus on the self-reference effect in Chinese international students. Participants encoded and retrieved adjectives, with some trials relating the words to the self (i.e., the self-referencing task), another person, or a control condition; participants also completed questionnaires assessing cultural adaptation and self-construal. Results did not show a relationship between acculturation orientation and self-construal and the magnitude of the self-reference effect in memory, defined as better memory for adjectives encoded related to the self compared to those related to close others, in this sample of Chinese international students. Future research should explore effects of acculturation over time, incorporating more heterogeneous samples and sensitive neural measures.
Maintaining the Permanence Principle of Death During Normothermic Regional Perfusion in Controlled Dcd: Results of a Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Royo-Villanova Mario , Miñambres Eduardo , Sánchez José Moya , Torres Eduardo , Manso Clara , Ballesteros María Ángeles , Parrilla Guillermo , Tudela Gonzalo De Paco , Coll Elisabeth , Pérez-Blanco Alicia , Domínguez-Gil Beatriz
Published: May 2023

Purpose
The use of normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) in donation after the circulatory determination of death (DCD) is limited by concerns associated with the reestablishment of circulation after death declaration. The aim of this study is to confirm that certain technical maneuvers applied during NRP preclude circulation to the brain.
Methods
A non-randomized trial was performed at two Spanish centers. Consecutive adult controlled DCD donors were included. In abdominal NRP (A-NRP), the thoracic aorta was blocked with an intra-aortic occlusion balloon. In thoraco-abdominal NRP (TA-NRP), the arch vessels were clamped and the cephalad ends vented to the atmosphere. Blood from the vented arch vessels drained to the thorax. The mean intracerebral arterial blood pressure (ICBP) was invasively measured at the circle of Willis.
Results
Ten cDCD donors subject to A-NRP (n = 8) and TA-NRP (n = 2) were included. Mean ICBP and mean blood pressure at the thoracic and the abdominal aorta during the circulatory arrest were 16.9 (SD:3.0), 17.2 (SD:3.0) and 17.6 (SD:4.4), respectively. When A-NRP was started, pressure at the abdominal aorta increased to 49.9 (SD:12.5) mmHg, while the ICBP remained unchanged. When TA-NRP was initiated, pressure at the thoracic aorta reached values of 70.5 (SD:17.7) mmHg, but the ICBP remained unmodified. Registered values of ICBP during NRP were 10 mmHg.
Conclusion
Appropriate technical measures applied during NRP preclude circulation to the brain in DCD procedures. This study can help to expand NRP, respecting the dead donor rule and increasing the number and quality of organs available for transplantation.
Unprecedented mortality induced by extreme hot-drought in mature planted Pinus spp stands is locally modulated by soil characteristics
Authors: Gatica Gabriel , Gyenge Javier , Bulfe Nardia María Luján , Pahr Norberto , Tea Fernando Dalla , Fernández María Elena
Published: May 2023

Increased tree mortality associated with hotter-drought events has rarely been recorded in mature commercial plantations. However, we report a recent (2021-2022 warm season) event of this kind that occurred across the Mesopotamian region of Argentina, South America. We aimed to elucidate the mortality timing, rate, and magnitude associated with environmental and stand characteristics at local scale to determine which conditions make these productive systems more vulnerable to extreme climatic events. Using Sentinel-2 satellite images and field-data we estimated the canopy mortality from November 2021 to October 2022, in Pinus spp afforestations (mainly P. taeda). We found that spatio-temporal heterogeneity in canopy mortality was associated with variation in soil and topographic characteristics, but not in stand age and size. Highest-extent, earlier, and advancing faster canopy mortality was observed in shallow soils, while the lowest mortality occurred at depressed and waterlogged areas. Intermediate levels of mortality were observed in deep soils (>1 m), where relatively higher mortality occurred in areas with shallow water table signs, inhibiting deep root development. Our results suggest that sites allowing a deeper rooting system and/or where soil water availability is expected to be higher and long-lasting could represent areas with low-mortality risk for fast-growing pine plantations.
Preoperatively Predict the Minimum Autograft Length Necessary for Reconstructive Surgery of the Posterolateral Corner: A Cadaveric Study.
Authors: Novák Pavel , Raška Otakar , Kuběna Aleš Antonín , Mazura Matěj , Hromádka Rastislav
Published: May 2023

Background: The study aimed to find a correlation between the anthropometric values measurable on X-ray and the necessary length of the graft required for reconstructive surgery of lateral collateral structures-the modified LaPrade reconstruction surgery with single-point femoral fixation.
Methods: The study included 25 cadaveric bodies, forty lower extremities. Standard anatomical dissection techniques were used. Chosen bone parameters were measured and on the identical lower limbs a reconstruction procedure was performed. Portions of the grafts were measured and statistically analysed.
Results: An association between lateral femoral condyle distance and total graft length was found, allowing us to assemble a formula, which provides surgeons to calculate a minimal graft length needed for a complete LaPrade reconstruction surgery with a single-point femoral fixation modification.
Conclusions: Our formula should help decide whether it is possible to use an autograft, where to take the autograft from, and possibly adjust the surgical technique accordingly. A great advantage of the formula is its use based on a preoperative X-ray image.
Level of Evidence: II-III
Differential Expression of Cyclin D-1 in Pituitary Adenoma: Relation to Aggressive Potential
Authors: Uchime Kasiemobi Eberechukwu , Awolola Nicholas Awodele , Charles Anunobi Chidozie , Park Sung-Hye , Bankole Olufemi B. , Banjo Adekunbiola A.F.
Published: May 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clostridioides Difficile Infection Outcomes and Disparities in Care in New York City
Authors: Jesus Gabrielle Hernaiz-De , Zhang Joyce L. , Birhanu Beselot , Grinspan Ari
Published: May 2023

Purpose Social determinants and comorbid conditions are known to influence Clostridioides Difficile infection (CDI) outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated overall health care disparities, and although CDI rates were stable if not lower, patients with CDI had worsened morbidity and mortality. Our purpose is to study the effect of social factors and recently resolved or concomitant COVID-19 infection on CDI outcomes in a metropolitan health system during the pandemic.Methods This was a retrospective, logistic regression of 338 patients extracted from a database of hospitalized patients with CDI at a tertiary urban center in New York City between April 2020 and October 2021. The primary endpoint was severity of infection, and secondary endpoints were intensive care stay and length of hospitalization as well as CDI recurrence, mortality and colectomy within one year.Results Patients insured under Medicaid were more likely to experience mortality during admission (UOR = 2.66, AOR = 3.45, 95%CI: 1.43, 8.29), while all publicly insured patients had higher 1 year mortality (UOR = 2.43, AOR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.21, 6.06). Concomitant COVID and CDI was associated with severe or fulminant infection (53.8% vs. 84.6%, p = 0.03) compared to no COVID, with no difference in mortality (13.4% vs. 18.2%, p = 0.65).Conclusion There were demographic and insurance-based disparities in CDI care. While patients with concomitant COVID had more severe or fulminant infections, there was no difference in mortality in these patient groups as would have been expected based on severity classification.
An Integrative Literature Review: The Dual Impact of Technological Tools on Health and Technostress Among Older Workers
Authors: Nedeljko Mihael , Gu Yang , Bostan Cristina Maria
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The global population is ageing, life expectancy is gradually increasing, and employment is extended. We wanted to use an integrative literature review to study how using technological tools improves the quality of working life among older workers.
Methods: The integrative literature review method following PRISMA guidelines was used. The selection of articles in English was made according to the following inclusion criteria: scientific papers, content relevance and topicality. The literature search covered the bibliographic-catalogue databases Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. After selection, a qualitative content analysis was applied to the data.
Results: From the initial twelve articles, we gained insight into how using technological tools impacts the quality of working life among older workers through a substantive analysis of twelve scientific articles. Two content categories were identified: health of older workers and technostress. Regarding the impact on health, studies have focused on various health outcomes like sleeping quality, mental health, workability arthritis as a chronic condition, physical and quality of life in older community-dwelling low-income, diet, physical activity, stress and tobacco use, stress, and job quality. Studies regarding technostress that we identified show mixed effects of significant and non-significant effects.
Discussion: Digital technologies can potentially improve the quality of working life among older workers but are currently under-researched. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions and evaluate their impact on the quality of life of older workers.
Quantitative structure-property relationship modeling for prediction of chromatography retention indices of volatile organic compounds in peppers based on Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Ahmadi shahin , lotfi Shahram , Hamzehali Hamideh , Kumar Parvin
Published: May 2023

Worldwide, various types of pepper are used in food as an additive due to their unique pungency, aroma, taste, and color. This spice is valued by its pungency contributed by the alkaloid piperine and aroma attributed to volatile essential oils. The essential oils are composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with different concentrations and ratios. The aim of the present work is to develop a reliable QSPR model for retention indices (RI) of 273 identified VOCs of different types of peppers. The inbuilt Monte Carlo algorithm of CORAL software is used to generate QSPR models by using the hybrid optimal descriptor extracted from the combination of SMILES and HFG (hydrogen-filled graph). The whole dataset of 273 VOCs is used to make ten splits, each of which is further divided into four sets: active training, passive training, calibration, and validation. The balance of correlation method with four target functions i.e. TF0 (WIIC = WCII = 0), TF1 (WIIC = 0.5 & WCII = 0), TF2 (WIIC = 0 & WCII = 0.3) and TF3 (WIIC = 0.5 &WCII = 0.3) is used. The result of the statistical parameter of each target function is compared with each other. The simultaneous application of the index of ideality of correlation (IIC) and correlation intensity index (CII) improves the predictive potential of the model. The best model is judged on the basis of the numerical value of R2 of the validation set. The statistical result of the best model for the validation set of split 6 computed by TF3 (WIIC = 0.5 &WCII = 0.3) is R2 = 0.9308, CCC = 0.9588, IIC = 0.7704, CII = 0.9549, Q2 = 0.9281 and RMSE = 0.544. The promoters of increase/decrease for RI are also extracted using the best model (split 6).
Age and BRAFV600E Mutation Stratified Patients with Cytologically Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Huang Guocong , Liu Wei , Han Li , Zhang Yue , Liu Siyao , Zhang Jiali , Niu Beifang
Published: May 2023

Background BRAF V600E mutation has high specificity in diagnosing papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in benign cytological thyroid nodules. However, to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment, the BRAFV600E mutation detection was un-practical and not required immediately in benign cytology. A definitive diagnosis to distinguish positive BRAFV600E mutation in benign cytological results is desperately needed. Our objective was to identify the clinical characteristics associated with positive BRAFV600E mutation in cytologically benign thyroid nodules, which would allow to screen patients who may benefit from BRAFV600E mutation testing and further surgical intervention.Methods We analysis the clinical characteristics correlated with BRAFV600E mutation in our detection cohort, including 204 patients with 217 thyroid nodules, and separate analyses were performed in benign cytology and in patients with thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) classification 4a. Differential expression genes between positive and negative BRAFV600E mutation groups and older and younger age groups were assessed in Asian patients with thyroid cancer from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, and the association of age and BRAFV600E mutation with immune response were also evaluated.Results BRAF V600E mutations is a risk factor in screening malignancy in benign cytological classification, furthermore, the positive BRAFV600E mutation frequency was higher in patients older than 50 years (p = 0.0012) of cytologically benign thyroid nodules. Similarly, the positive BRAFV600E mutation was associated with patients age in TI-RADS classification 4a (p < 0.001), which ultrasound features could not provided predictive information for BRAFV600E mutation detection. BRAFV600E mutations as a risk factor for malignancy, had upregulated in advanced pathological T stage (p < 0.001) and N stage (p < 0.001) in TCGA-THCA cohort. And in thyroid nodules, BRAFV600E mutation was significantly associated with Ultrasound classification (p < 0.001) and fine needle aspiration (FNA) category (p < 0.001).Conclusions BRAF V600E mutation is an accurate adjunctive diagnostic marker on FNA to screen malignancy. In benign cytology, patients older than 50 years are more likely to have positive BRAFV600E mutation, which may associate with immune response and have higher risk of malignancy. Thus, the BRAFV600E mutation detection and further surgery should be strengthened in older patients with benign cytologically thyroid nodules.
Effect of Pre-treatments and Extrusion Variables on Quality of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) Noodles
Authors: Prakash Om , Sagar V R , Rudra S G
Published: May 2023

Noodles are commercially prepared from wheat flour as its gluten helps in producing its best quality. However, the product lacks in fibre, lysine, essential micronutrients and antioxidant activity. A large section (5%) of the total population suffering from celiac disease, wheat allergy and gluten intolerance are also avoiding it. Millets, especially pearl millet is one of the potential solutions to such problems with abundance of its production in the country. Investigating the effect of incorporating other ingredients is the way forward for development of gluten free product. Primarily, pearl millet was attempted to prepare noodles through optimizing various pre-treatments and extruder variables. It was resulted into high solid loss, low hydration capacity and disintegration after cooking due to absence of gluten in the millet. Cooking quality, especially solid loss is considered as the most important characteristic for development of gluten free noodles, which could be improved with guar gum (2%) and boiling water addition before processing. To obtain the best quality of noodles, the extrusion processing variables were found to be optimum at 74°C barrel temperature, 34.7% moisture content and 178rpm screw speed.
Computational Study of Diol Camptothecin Drug Delivery Process Using MPEG-1 based Nanosome Structure: Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Bahreini Maziar , Ghaffari Arezoo
Published: May 2023

Nanosomes are nano-scale vesicles of spherical shape that can be created from different self-assembled nanosize components. In current research, we introduced Macrophage-Expressed Gene (MPEG-1) protein based nanosome performance in diol camptothecin (CPT(OH)2) drug delivery process in aqueous environment for the first time. The molecular dynamics (MD) method used for this purpose. Technically, our simulations done in two phases. In the first phase, defined samples equilibrated at initial condition (T0 = 300 K and P0 = 1 bar). Then, drug delivery performance of equilibrated samples reported by various parameter calculations such as drug release ratio, root mean square displacement, charge density, and Zeta function. Computational outputs predicted atomic stability of samples in defined condition. This performance conducted from kinetic and potential energy convergence in equilibrium phase. Also, drug delivery process detected after 0.12 ns in aqueous environment. Numerically, drug delivery ratio reached to 64% at standard condition. From this output, we concluded MPEG-1 based nanosome can be used in actual cases for drug delivery process in clinical applications.
How does abusive supervision affect employee innovation performance: Based on the perspective of cognitive-affective integration
Authors: Fang Yangchun , Liu Yonghua , Chen Nuo
Published: May 2023

Background Improving employee innovation performance is an important way to enhance organizational competitiveness. Existing research has mainly focused on how positive leadership behaviors affect employee innovation performance, with relatively little discussion on the relationship between abusive supervision and employee innovation performance. This study is based on the cognitive-affective personality system theory and examines the mediating role of employee core self-evaluation and affective commitment, as well as the moderating role of deep acting on the relationship between abusive supervision and employee innovation performance.
Methods We collected data from 363 employees in 61 teams from Central China. We conducted descriptive statistics, correlation, and Harman's single-factor analyses followed by the confirmatory factor analysis and constructed a multilevel structural equation model to test the research hypotheses. We performed the Monte Carlo simulations to further verify the hypotheses.
Results Abusive supervision has a negative relationship with employee innovation performance. Core self-evaluation and affective commitment both mediate the relationship between abusive supervision and employee innovation performance. Deep acting plays a moderating role in the relationship between abusive supervision and core self-evaluation.
Conclusion The findings contribute to the research on the relationship between abusive supervision and employee innovation performance and have practical managerial implications for organizations seeking to boost innovation performance.
Association between systemic inflammation markers and high blood pressure among children and adolescents: NHANES, 1999-2018
Authors: Zhang Li-Na , Lu An-Xin , Lin Yin , Li Jing , Xu Xi , Yan Chong-Huai , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2023

Background
Few studies have estimated the associations of systemic inflammation markers and High blood pressure (HBP) in the pediatric population.
Methods
Basing on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, we assessed the associations between four inflammation-related factors based on blood cell counts: systemic immune inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to lymphocyte-ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and risk for pediatric HBP by estimating odds ratios (ORs) using multivariable logistic regression models.
Results
A total of 17,936 children aged 8 to 19 years were included in the analysis, representing about 36.7 million American children. The prevalence rates of elevated blood pressure (EBP) and hypertension (HTN) were 15.79% and 6.77%, respectively. The results showed that the ORs for EBP per standard deviation (SD) increment in SII and NLR were estimated at 1.11 [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.04, 1.17] and 1.08 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.15), respectively; and the OR for EBP per SD increment in LMP were estimated at 0.90 (95%CI: 0.83, 0.96). These associations were stronger in boys and younger children.
Conclusions
The study suggested that inflammation-related factors could serve as easily accessible early biomarkers for HBP risk prediction and prevention in children and adolescents.
CT texture analysis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma – associations with tumor grading, tumor markers and clinical outcome
Authors: Leonhardi Jakob , Sabanov Arsen , Höhn Anne Kathrin , Sucher Robert , Seehofer Daniel , Mehdorn Matthias , Schnarkowski Benedikt , Ebel Sebastian , Denecke Timm , Meyer Hans-Jonas
Published: May 2023

Background:
Texture analysis derived from computed tomography (CT) might be able to provide clinically relevant imaging biomarkers and might be associated with histopathology features in tumors. The present study sought to elucidate possible associations between texture features derived from CT images with grading, tumormarkers and survival in extrahepatic, perihilar cholangiocarcinomas tumors.
Methods:
22 patients (n = 10 females; 45%, mean age of 71.8 ± 8.7 years) were included into this retrospective study. Texture analysis was performed using the free available Mazda software. All tumors were histopathologically confirmed.
Results:
In discrimination analysis, “S(1,1)SumVarnc” was statistically significantly different between patients with long-term survival and non long-term survival (mean 275.80 ± 32.57 vs. 239.65 ± 26.03, p = 0.01). The first-order parameter “Skewness” was associated with the tumormarker „Carcinoembryonic antigen “(CEA) (r=-0.66, p = 0.01). A statistically significant correlation of the texture parameter “S(5,0)SumVarnc” with tumor grading was identified (r=-0.587, p = 0.004). Several other texture features were correlated with the tumormarkers “Ca-19-9” and “AFP” and with T- and N-stadium of the tumors.
Conclusion:
Several texture features derived from CT were associated with tumor characteristics and survival in patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinomas. CT texture features could be used as valuable novel biomarkers in clinical routine.
Effects of environmental factors on avian communities in urban parks in small to medium-sized city：A case study of Fuyang city, Anhui, China
Authors: Dong Kai , Li Yongmin , Li Dongwei , Hu Wenfeng , Xu Gaoxiao
Published: May 2023

With a worldwide expansion of urbanization, the conservation of urban biodiversity is attracting growing attention. It is of great significance to study the relationship between wildlife and urban landscape. The purpose of this study is to explore the significance of vegetation and landscape factors in biodiversity conservation through changes in bird communities. In this study, we focused on 31 parks in the urban area of Fuyang city in the North China Plain. A total of 8795 individual birds from 69 species were recorded. The study found that (a) at the local level, tree diversity and heights are the most important factors contributing to each level of bird diversity, followed by the coverage of shrubs and herbs; (b) at the landscape level, the proportion of woodland has a strong positive correlation with the multidimensional diversity of birds, followed by the patch diversity and percent of grassland. Our results showed that artificial control of green space structure can effectively increase bird diversity. Increasing the area of urban green space, and at the same time, increasing the proportion of woodland, shrubs, herbs and water in urban parks can provide diverse habitats for birds, thereby improving bird diversity, proves that biodiversity indicators are of great significance in landscape planning.
Outcome Using Oral Dydrogesterone versus Intravaginal Micronized Progesterone Gel in Hormone Replacement Treatment Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycle: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Ye Tian-Min , Luo Long-Dan , Huang Yuan-Fei , Ding Shufang , Ho Pak Chung
Published: May 2023

Background:The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes between oral dydrogesterone and intravaginal micronized progesterone gel in HRT-FET cycles.Methods:A retrospective cohort study based on totally 344 HRT-FET cycles without GnRHa agonist pretreatment was conducted. All the cycles were allocated to two groups in the reproductive medical center at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen hospital. One group of HRT-FET cycles (n=193) used oral dydrogesterone before the embryo transfer, the other group (n=151) used intravaginal micronized progesterone gel.Results:There was no significant difference in women’s age, BMI, antral follicle count, number of embryos transferred, serum estradiol and progesterone levels on day 2 of the menstrual cycle and on the day before endometrial transformation, and the endometrial thickness on the day 2 of the menstrual cycle and the day before endometrial transformation between the two groups. There was significant difference in biochemical pregnancy rate between the two groups (P=0.02). And no significant difference were found in clinical pregnancy rate, LBR, embryo implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, and neonatal weight between the two groups. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis for covariates, the different luteal support medication did not have a significant positive association with the LBR. In Conclusion,Conclusion:The study found no significant difference in LBR between oral dydrogesterone and intravaginal micronized progesterone gel in HRT-FET cycles. And the single administration of oral dydrogesterone could be a new option in HRT-FET treatment.
Mining structural information in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry data for analytical-descriptor-based quantitative structure–activity relationship
Authors: Zushi Yasuyuki
Published: May 2023

Recently, a new approach to quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) has been proposed, which employs machine learning techniques and uses analytical signals from the full scan of mass spectra as input. Unlike traditional QSAR, this approach does not need exhaustive structural determination to assess numerous unknown compounds. The new approach assumes that a mass spectral pattern reflects the structure of a target chemical. However, despite the remarkable performance of this method, the relationship between the spectrum and the structure is complex and its interpretation is a challenge to the further development of QSAR based on analytical signals. This study explored whether gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) data contain meaningful structural information that is advantageous for QSAR prediction by comparing it with the traditional molecular descriptor used in QSAR prediction. Chemical groups were assigned to each chemical linked to the GC-MS data and molecular descriptor dataset to investigate their relationships. Then, data clustering was performed by t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding on the GC-MS data (i.e., analytical descriptor) and on four molecular descriptors: ECFP6, topological descriptor in CDK, MACCS key, and PubChem fingerprint. Although the chemicals represented by the analytical descriptor were not clearly clustered according to the chemical class, most clusters were formed by chemicals with similar spectrum patterns. An additional investigation suggested that the analytical and molecular descriptors preserved structural information in different ways. The predictive performance of QSAR based on analytical and molecular descriptors was evaluated in terms of molecular weight, log Ko−w, boiling point, melting point, vapor pressure, water solubility, and two oral toxicities in rats and mice. The analytical- and molecular-descriptor-based models performed comparably. The influential variables in the analytical-descriptor-based model were further investigated by comparing analytical-descriptor-based and linear regression models using simple indicators of the mass spectrum. In general, the analytical-descriptor-based approach predicted the physicochemical properties and toxicities of structurally unknown chemicals that the molecular-descriptor-based one could not. These results suggest that the new approach is valuable for evaluating unknown chemicals in many scenarios.
Novel iminocoumarine imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Pavlinac Ida Boček , Starčević Kristina , Persoons Leentje , Banjanac Mihailo , Radovanović Vedrana , Daelemans Dirk , Hranjec Marijana
Published: May 2023

Herein we present the design, synthesis and biological activity of novel imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derived iminocoumarine derivatives. Prepared compounds were designed in order to study the type of substituent placed at the position 6 on the coumarine nuclei as well as the type of the substituent at the N-atom of imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine core on the biological activity. Therefore, all compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity on several human cancer cells in vitro, antioxidative activity, antibacterial activity on several bacterial strains and antiviral activity on several viruses. The results of the evaluation of biological activity revealed that the tested derivatives did not display significant biological derivatives. Majority of tested compounds were not active at all taking into account all evaluated biological activities, while some derivatives showed low activity. Therefore, we could conclude the biological potential of 6-substituted iminocoumarin derivatives is very low while the substitution at the position 6 on the coumarin nuclei, in comparison to 7-substituted iminocoumarins, has strongly decreased biological activity.
Cost-effectiveness of disease-modifying treatments for multiple sclerosis in Bulgaria based on evidence from real world settings
Authors: Dimitrova Maria , Seitaridou Yoana , Lazarova Rumyana , Petrova Guenka , Mitov Konstantin , Milanov Ivan , Marinov Lyubomir , Kamusheva Maria , Panayotov Pavel
Published: May 2023

Background: This study aims to provide insight on the early application of high efficacy 2nd line DMDs from Bulgarian public payer perspective, referring to RWD.
Methods: An Excel-based model was developed to compare the effectiveness of 1st vs 2nd line DMDs in terms of ARRs and the direct medical costs over the 4-year follow up period. MS therapies were categorized in two groups (1st and 2nd line) according to public payer guidelines. The results of the cost-effectiveness analysis are presented as an ICER.
Results: The ARR of 0,385 for 1st line DMDs was significantly higher than the one for 2nd line DMDs, which was 0,153. The direct medical costs were 18 548 BGN and 33 857 BGN for 1st and 2nd line DMDs respectively. Thus, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 63 950 BGN per relapse avoided, which is slightly above the informal threshold of 3 x GDP per capital.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that escalation to 2nd line DMDs is a cost-effective approach in RRMS patients who do not respond adequately to conventional 1st line DMDs. Although 2nd line DMDs direct medical costs were substantially higher, early escalation might produce long-term savings.