bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal emergency surgery in patients with hematological malignancies: a retrospective single-center analysis
Authors: von Kroge Philipp H. , Duprée Anna , Mann Oliver , Izbicki Jakob R. , Wagner Jonas , Ahmadi Paymon , Weidemann Sören , Adjallé Raissa , Kröger Nicolaus , Bokemeyer Carsten , Fiedler Walter , Modemann Franziska , Ghandili Susanne
Published: February 2023

Background

Hematologic patients requiring abdominal emergency surgery are considered to be a high-risk population based on disease- and treatment-related immunosuppression. However, the optimal surgical therapy and perioperative management of patients with abdominal emergency surgery in patients with coexisting hematological malignancies remain unclear.

Methods

We here report a single-center retrospective analysis aimed to investigate the impact of abdominal emergency surgery due to clinically suspected gastrointestinal perforation (group A), intestinal obstruction (group B), or acute cholecystitis (group C) on mortality and morbidity of patients with coexisting hematological malignancies. All patients included in this retrospective single-center study were identified by screening for the ICD 10 diagnostic codes for gastrointestinal perforation, intestinal obstruction, and ischemia and acute cholecystitis. In addition, a keyword search was performed in the database of all pathology reports in the given time frame.

Results

A total of 56 patients were included in this study. Gastrointestinal perforation and intestinal obstruction occurred in 26 and 13 patients, respectively. Of those, 21 patients received a primary gastrointestinal anastomosis, and anastomotic leakage (AL) occurred in 33.3% and resulted in an AL-related 30-day mortality rate of 80%. The only factor associated with higher rates of AL was sepsis before surgery. In patients with suspected acute cholecystitis, postoperative bleeding events requiring abdominal packing occurred in three patients and lead to overall perioperative morbidity of 17.6% and surgery-related 30-day mortality of 5.9%.

Conclusion

In patients with known or suspected hematologic malignancies who require emergency abdominal surgery due to gastrointestinal perforation or intestinal obstruction, a temporary or permanent stoma might be preferred to a primary intestinal anastomosis.
Age-specific determinants of psychiatric outcomes after the first COVID-19 wave: baseline findings from a Canadian online cohort study
Authors: Stewart S. Evelyn , Best John , Selles Robert , Naqqash Zainab , Lin Boyee , Lu Cynthia , Au Antony , Snell Gaelen , Westwell-Roper Clara , Vallani Tanisha , Ewing Elise , Dogra Kashish , Doan Quynh , Samji Hasina
Published: February 2023

Background

Canadians endured unprecedented mental health (MH) and support access challenges during the first COVID-19 wave. Identifying groups of individuals who remain at risk beyond the acute pandemic phase is key to guiding systemic intervention efforts and policy. We hypothesized that determinants of three complementary, clinically actionable psychiatric outcomes would differ across Canadian age groups.

Methods

The Personal Impacts of COVID-19 Survey (PICS) was iteratively developed with stakeholder feedback, incorporating validated, age-appropriate measures. Baseline, cross-sectional online data collected between November 2020-July 2021 was used in analyses. Age group-specific determinants were sought for three key baseline MH outcomes: (1) current probable depression, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder and/or suicide attempt during COVID-19, (2) increased severity of any lifetime psychiatric diagnosis, and (3) inadequate MH support access during COVID-19. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for children, youth (self- and parent-report), young adults (19–29 years) and adults over 29 years, using survey type as a covariate. Statistical significance was defined by 95% confidence interval excluding an odds ratio of one.

Results

Data from 3140 baseline surveys were analyzed. Late adolescence and early adulthood were identified as life phases with the worst MH outcomes. Poverty, limited education, home maker/caregiver roles, female and non-binary gender, LGBTQ2S + status and special educational, psychiatric and medical conditions were differentially identified as determinants across age groups.

Interpretation

Negative psychiatric impacts of COVID-19 on Canadians that include poor access to MH support clearly persisted beyond the first wave, widening pre-existing inequity gaps. This should guide policy makers and clinicians in current and future prioritization efforts.
Stress reduction interventions for patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers: a qualitative study into patients and caregivers' perceptions
Authors: Pereira M. Graça , Pedras Susana , Louro André , Lopes Alberto , Vilaça Margarida
Published: February 2023

Background

The present study aimed to assess the perceptions of patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and their family caregivers regarding the impact of two stress reduction interventions on DFU and psychological wellbeing. The intervention included progressive muscle relaxation and hypnosis sessions.

Methods

This study used a qualitative exploratory design and included individual interviews with eight patients with chronic DFUs and six family caregivers, using a semi‐structured interview guide. Transcript analysis employed thematic content analysis.

Results

Four key themes common to patients and their caregivers were found: 1) perspectives regarding the intervention; 2) intervention effectiveness; 3) perceived importance of psychology in the DFU treatment; and 4) emotional consequences associated with DFUs. Although themes were common to both intervention groups, sub‐themes from the last two themes differed for patients that received muscle relaxation versus those who received hypnosis.

Conclusion

Patients and caregivers reported perceived benefits from both interventions, regarding DFU healing and emotional wellbeing. Patients who received hypnosis and their caregivers also reported lasting effects. Participants suggested that psychological interventions such as stress reduction interventions could be included in the DFU standard treatment as an adjuvant to the clinical protocol for DFU treatment, preferably offered early on, when patients begin treatment at the diabetic foot consultation.
Efficacy and safety of neostigmine on treating gastrointestinal dysmotility in severe acute pancreatitis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Han , Sheng Yaqi , Du Tiekuan , Zhu Huadong
Published: February 2023

Background

Acute pancreatitis is a serious threat to human health and gastrointestinal dysmotility is a common complication for acute pancreatitis patients, resulting in delayed feeding, oral feeding intolerance, paralytic ileus, and abdominal compartment syndrome. Currently, there are limited treatment for this complication.

Neostigmine is known to increase gastrointestinal motility and has been used to treat gastrointestinal dysmotility after surgery. However, research in treating acute pancreatitis with neostigmine is currently limited.

Methods

This trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, mono-centric trial that will test the hypothesis that neostigmine can improve gastrointestinal motility in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Up to 56 patients will be randomized in this study receiving 0.5 mg/1 ml of neostigmine methylsulfate injection twice per day or 1 ml of saline injection twice per day. Defection time (aim 1), mortality and organ failure (aim 2), borborygmus, starting of enteral nutrition and intra-abdominal pressure (aim 3), and length of ICU and hospital stay (aim 4) will be assessed.

Discussion

Findings from this study will provide data supporting the usage of neostigmine for treating severe acute pancreatitis patients with gastrointestinal dysmotility.

Trial registration

This study is registered on chictr.org.cn with the identifier as ChiCTR2200058305. Registered on April 5, 2022.
MRI texture-based machine learning models for the evaluation of renal function on different segmentations: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Mo Xiaokai , Chen Wenbo , Chen Simin , Chen Zhuozhi , Guo Yuanshu , Chen Yulian , Wu Xuewei , Zhang Lu , Chen Qiuying , Jin Zhe , Li Minmin , Chen Luyan , You Jingjing , Xiong Zhiyuan , Zhang Bin , Zhang Shuixing
Published: February 2023

Background

To develop and validate an MRI texture-based machine learning model for the noninvasive assessment of renal function.

Methods

A retrospective study of 174 diabetic patients (training cohort, n = 123; validation cohort, n = 51) who underwent renal MRI scans was included. They were assigned to normal function (n = 71), mild or moderate impairment (n = 69), and severe impairment groups (n = 34) according to renal function. Four methods of kidney segmentation on T2-weighted images (T2WI) were compared, including regions of interest covering all coronal slices (All-K), the largest coronal slices (LC-K), and subregions of the largest coronal slices (TLCO-K and PIZZA-K). The speeded-up robust features (SURF) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms were used for texture feature extraction and model construction, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of models.

Results

The models based on LC-K and All-K achieved the nonsignificantly highest accuracy in the classification of renal function (all p values > 0.05). The optimal model yielded high performance in classifying the normal function, mild or moderate impairment, and severe impairment, with an area under the curve of 0.938 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.935–0.940), 0.919 (95%CI 0.916–0.922), and 0.959 (95%CI 0.956–0.962) in the training cohorts, respectively, as well as 0.802 (95%CI 0.800–0.807), 0.852 (95%CI 0.846–0.857), and 0.863 (95%CI 0.857–0.887) in the validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed and internally validated an MRI-based machine-learning model that can accurately evaluate renal function. Once externally validated, this model has the potential to facilitate the monitoring of patients with impaired renal function.
Force field-inspired molecular representation learning for property prediction
Authors: Ren Gao-Peng , Yin Yi-Jian , Wu Ke-Jun , He Yuchen
Published: February 2023

Molecular representation learning is a crucial task to accelerate drug discovery and materials design. Graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged as a promising approach to tackle this task. However, most of them do not fully consider the intramolecular interactions, i.e. bond stretching, angle bending, torsion, and nonbonded interactions, which are critical for determining molecular property. Recently, a growing number of 3D-aware GNNs have been proposed to cope with the issue, while these models usually need large datasets and accurate spatial information. In this work, we aim to design a GNN which is less dependent on the quantity and quality of datasets. To this end, we propose a force field-inspired neural network (FFiNet), which can include all the interactions by incorporating the functional form of the potential energy of molecules. Experiments show that FFiNet achieves state-of-the-art performance on various molecular property datasets including both small molecules and large protein–ligand complexes, even on those datasets which are relatively small and without accurate spatial information. Moreover, the visualization for FFiNet indicates that it automatically learns the relationship between property and structure, which can promote an in-depth understanding of molecular structure.
Low regularity a priori estimate for KDNLS via the short-time Fourier restriction method
Authors: Kishimoto Nobu , Tsutsumi Yoshio
Published: February 2023

In this article, we consider the kinetic derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation (KDNLS), which is a one-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation with a cubic derivative nonlinear term containing the Hilbert transformation. For the Cauchy problem, both on the real line and on the circle, we apply the short-time Fourier restriction method to establish a priori estimate for small and smooth solutions in Sobolev spaces $H^{s}$

H
s

with $s>1/4$
s
>
1
/
4
.
Damage model for simulating cohesive fracture behavior of multi-phase composite materials
Authors: Kurumatani Mao , Kato Takumi , Sasaki Hiromu
Published: February 2023

We propose a new damage model for simulating the cohesive fracture behavior of multi-phase composite materials such as concrete. The proposed model can evaluate the damage of the matrix-phase in composite materials using the volume fraction of the matrix within an element comprising the matrix and other materials. The damage model was first formulated for 1D problems and then extended to two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) problems using the equivalent strain based on the modified von-Mises criterion. The validity of the damage model was verified for 1D and 2D problems, and the model was also applied to the simulation of 3D cohesive crack growth in a heterogeneous solid with a large number of spherical inclusions. The results confirm that the proposed model allows the meshless finite element analysis of cohesive fracturing in composite materials.
The prevalence of orthorexia in exercising populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hafstad Stine Marie , Bauer Jonas , Harris Anette , Pallesen Ståle
Published: February 2023

Aim

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) describes a pathological obsession with proper and high-quality nutrition that is necessary to research further in order to elucidate its prevalence and correlates which may bear implications for prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to review studies that report the prevalence of ON in people who exercise, calculate an overall prevalence through a random-effects meta-analysis approach and investigate the association of ON prevalence using a random-effects meta-regression. In addition, a sub-group-analysis based on ON-instruments and a sensitivity analysis excluding students samples, were conducted.

Method

Systematic searches were conducted in the following online databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Google Scholar and OpenNet. The following search terms were used: Orthore* AND (prevalenc* OR incidenc* OR frequen* OR cut-off OR epidem*). A total of 613 unique hits were reviewed by two blinded authors, and 24 studies were coded and assessed for risk of bias (Holy et.al). The meta-regression included three independent variables (sex, type of sport, and sample size).

Results

The overall prevalence of ON in the exercising population was 55.3% (95% CI 43.2–66.8). Cochran’s Q was 11,436.38 (df = 23, p < 0.0000), and the I2 was 98.4%, indicating high heterogeneity across studies. The sensitivity showed an overall prevalence of 51.3% (95% CI 51.3–70.0). There was a significant difference in prevalence estimates based on the instruments used (Qbet = 33.6, df = 2, p < 0.01).

Discussion

The overall prevalence of ON in exercising populations was very high. The between-study disparity was large and was partly explained by the ON-instrument administered. One fourth of the studies had a moderate risk of bias. The majority of the studies did not specify relevant demographic information about the sample, and information about the type of sport was frequently missing.
Dietary practices and nutritional status of children served in a social program for surrogate mothers in Colombia
Authors: Acosta Patricia , Rojas-Humpire Ricardo , Newball-Noriega Edda E. , Morales-García Wilter C. , Saintila Jacksaint , Ruiz Mamani Percy G. , Huancahuire-Vega Salomón
Published: February 2023

Background

Dietary practices are acquired in the family context and in turn can affect the health of family members, especially the nutritional status of children. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status and feeding practices in children from foster families served by the SOS Children's Villages program in Cartagena, Colombia.

Methods

The study had a cross-sectional design. Through a non-probabilistic purposive sampling, 139 children from 0 to 5 years of age from the SOS Children's Villages Cartagena program were involved. The sociodemographic background of the participants was recorded and the nutritional status of the children was evaluated through anthropometric and biochemical measurements. Dietary practices were measured by means of a standardized questionnaire. Analyses were performed with Poisson regression models with robust variance. These regression models provided prevalence ratios (PR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results

Among dietary practices, it was observed that most families eat together at home (63.3%), watch television when they eat (55.4%), and have dietary norms (80.6%). Consumption of plant foods was predominantly high, especially vegetables (86.3%), fruits (92.1%), cereals (84.9%), root vegetables, and bananas (93.5%). Consumption < 4 times/week of soft drinks and industrialized juices increases 14.3 times the probability of low weight-for-height in the study population compared to the group that does not consume them. On the other hand, watching television while eating (PR: 2.82, 95%CI 1.32—4.69) and consumption of sweet snacks (PR: 2.24, 95%CI 1.03—4.87) increased the probability of low height-for-age; while having eaten norms at home decreased the probability of low height-for-age in the study population by 50%.

Conclusion

It is necessary to develop and implement interventions such as preventive measures and early diagnosis of inappropriate feeding behaviors to ensure adequate nutritional status among children under 5 years of age.
Mistrust in government and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance in Nigeria: investigating the indirect roles of attitudes towards vaccination
Authors: Olawa Babatola , Lawal Abiodun , Odoh Ikenna , Azikiwe Judith , Olawole Ayodeji , Odusina Emmanuel , Ayodele Israel , Ajayi Olubukola
Published: February 2023

Background

Research shows that trust in government is associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. However, there is no empirical evidence suggesting the pathway by which this association is formed. This study examines how dimensional attitudes towards vaccination explain the relationship between mistrust in government and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance.

Methods

The study was an online cross-sectional survey involving 1026 adults (of which 58.9% are female) resident in Nigeria with a mean age of 26.09 (±8.46) years. Data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing the level of mistrust in government, dimensional attitudes towards vaccination, and acceptance to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze data.

Results

Results show that 56.8% of participants mistrust the government, while COVID-19 vaccination acceptance rate was 28.2%. Mistrust in government was significantly associated with low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, mistrust in the government was predictive of negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination which include worries about unforeseen future effects of vaccines, mistrust of vaccine benefits (MVB), concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), and preference for natural immunity. The outcomes of indirect effect analyses indicated that mistrust in government was associated with high mistrust in vaccine benefits (MVB) and increased concerns about commercial profiteering (CCP), which in turn lead to low acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

Mistrust in the government was high and was coupled with low vaccination acceptance. It is important to initiate culturally relevant awareness programs aiming at combating false notions about COVID-19 vaccination such as MVB and CCP arising from mistrust in government.
Research progress in lipid metabolic regulation of bioactive peptides
Authors: Ma Wenshu , Li Na , Lin Luan , Wen Jiahui , Zhao Chao , Wang Fang
Published: February 2023

Hyperlipidemia poses a serious threat to human health and evaluating the ability of natural active substances to regulate disorders of lipid metabolism is the focus of food functionality research in recent years. Bioactive peptides are distinguished by their broad range of sources, high nutritional content, ease of absorption and use by the body, and ease of determining their sequences. Bioactive peptides have a wide range of potential applications in the area of medicines and food. The regulation of lipid metabolism disorder caused by bioactive peptides from different sources provides a reference for the development and research of bioactive peptides for lipid reduction.

Graphical Abstract
Wind speed retrieval using GNSS-R technique with geographic partitioning
Authors: Li Zheng , Guo Fei , Chen Fade , Zhang Zhiyu , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the effect of geographical location on Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) observables is demonstrated for the first time. It is found that the observables corresponding to the same wind speed vary with geographic location regularly. Although latitude and longitude information is included in the conventional method, it cannot effectively reduce the errors caused by geographic differences due to the non-monotonic changes of observables with respect to latitude and longitude. Thus, an improved method for Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry (GNSS-R) wind speed retrieval that takes geographical differences into account is proposed. The sea surface is divided into different areas for independent wind speed retrieval, and the training set is resampled by considering high wind speed. To balance between the retrieval accuracies of high and low wind speeds, the results with the random training samples and the resampling samples are fused. Compared with the conventional method, in the range of 0–20 m/s, the improved method reduces the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of retrieved wind speeds from 1.52 to 1.34 m/s, and enhances the correlation coefficient from 0.86 to 0.90; while in the range of 20–30 m/s, the RMSE decreases from 8.07 to 4.06 m/s, and the correlation coefficient increases from 0.04 to 0.45. Interestingly, the SNR observations are moderately correlated with marine gravities, showing correlation coefficients of 0.5–0.6, which may provide a useful reference for marine gravity retrieval using GNSS-R in the future.
Soft ovarian stimulation protocol in polycystic ovary syndromes women inspired by gonadotropin stimulated intrauterine insemination cycles converted to rescue IVF: time to shift the focus “retrospective study”
Authors: Elasy Amina Nagy , Abedlghany Amany Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) women usually exhibit a high luteinizing hormone (LH) and hypersensitivity to exogenous gonadotropins stimulation which is a tremendous risk to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Since the pathophysiology of PCOS is mysterious, an aetiological approach to the treatment is difficult and should be individually designed. These features affect the outcome of treatment including ovulation and success rate. Also, PCOS women who have difficulty conceiving, frequently experience substantial treatment burden, risk, and psychological distress. Recently, a renewed interest has emerged in patient-friendly, low-risk, and less costly IVF treatments. Our study proposed a new soft protocol in PCOS ovrian stimulation without prior pituitary desensitization followed by fresh embryo transfer. Patients and methods: a retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2018 to December 2021, including 48 out of 325 women with PCOS who underwent gonadotropin-stimulated intrauterine insemination cycles but due to unexpectedly high response with risk of multiple pregnancies and OHSS, they had been shifted to a rescue IVF and fresh embryo transfer. The primary outcomes were biochemical pregnancy, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, rate of miscarriage, OHSS, and multiple pregnancies. Secondary outcomes were the endocrinological profiles, gonadotropin dose, and duration of stimulation. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes in the conversion of high-response gonadotropin intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles to “rescue” in vitro fertilization (IVF/fresh embryo transfer) regarding implantation rates, pregnancy rates, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

Results

This study used a low dose gonadotropin injections (2.1 ± 1.4) for an average duration of (9.1 ± 1.2) and showed a high success pregnancy rate: biochemical pregnancies (56.2%), implantation rate (50.2%), clinical pregnancy rate (49.9%), and miscarriage rate (8.5%). Multiple pregnancies occurred in (6.6%) and OHSS(4.4%) only in a mild form.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that ovarian stimulation without prior pituitary suppression in high responders was feasible to improve the implantation rate and alleviate profound OHSS without compromising the pregnancy outcomes. This encourages all fertility specialists to implement this new protocol with expected high responders as an alternative to the conventional cycle segmentation protocol: GnRH agonist-antagonist IVF/freeze-all strategy.
Extra-pleural space on CT: common lesions and diagnostic approach
Authors: Sabri Youssriah Yahia , Elroos Mohamed Salah Eldin Mohamed , El Hinnawy Yasmine Hamdy , Kahiry Mostafa Ahmed , Abd El-Mageed Mohamed Raafat , Tadros Sally Fouad
Published: February 2023

Background

The extra-pleural space is challenging to view radiologically and is commonly overlooked. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of its anatomy in order to correctly classify lesions as either pleural or extra-pleural so as to choose the most appropriate treatment. CT with multi-planar reformatting allows the assessment of pathological conditions involving the extra-pleural space. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the role of CT in the detection and evaluation of the extra-pleural space lesions and to classify them according to their CT appearance in order to reach a proper diagnosis and successful management plan.

Results

This study was conducted on 131 patients who underwent CT scan of the chest for different chest complaints, and the detected extra-pleural space abnormalities were classified according to their CT appearance into three major groups which are fatty expansion and soft tissue stranding group that included 59 cases (45%), abnormal attenuation group that included 13 cases (10%), and soft tissue expansion group that included 59 cases (45%). Out of the 59 cases with increased fatty expansion and soft tissue stranding, 73% were of inflammatory cause (either pulmonary or pleural), 17% were of neoplastic cause, and 3 cases were caused by systemic conditions. The abnormal extra-pleural space attenuation group was classified into air-containing and blood-containing groups, and both were mainly caused by trauma. Soft tissue infiltration of extra-pleural space was classified into neoplastic (85%) and non-neoplastic (15%) lesions, while most of the non-neoplastic pathologies were caused by severe inflammatory processes. The axial images were mostly sufficient to detect extra-pleural space lesions.

Conclusions

CT has a crucial role in the assessment of extra-pleural space and the different lesions involving it. Those lesions can be classified according to their CT appearance in order to reach a proper diagnosis and as a result aid in better management of these pathologies.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of Pixel Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Discrimination of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Sherminie Lahanda Purage G. , Jayatilake Mohan L.
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide. However, its diagnosis mostly depends on visual examination of radiologic images, leading to an overdiagnosis with substantial costs. Therefore, a quantitative approach such as dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling is required for reliable analysis. As PK parameters lack information on parameter heterogeneity, texture-based analysis is required to quantify PK parameter heterogeneity. Therefore, this study focused on determining the usefulness of fractal dimension (FD) as a potential imaging biomarker of tumor heterogeneity for discriminating benign and malignant breast lesions.

METHODS

Parametric maps for PK parameters, extravasation rate of contrast agent from blood plasma to extravascular extracellular space (Ktrans) and volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space (ve), were generated for the regions of interest (ROIs) under the standard model using 18 lesions. Then, tumor ROI and pixel DCE-MRI time-course data were analyzed to extract pixel values of Ktrans and ve. For each ROI, FD values of Ktrans and ve were computed using the blanket method.

RESULTS

The FD values of Ktrans for benign and malignant lesions varied from 2.96 to 3.49 and from 2.37 to 3.16, respectively, whereas FD values of ve for benign and malignant lesions varied from 3.01 to 5.15 and 2.42 to 3.44, respectively. There were significant differences in FD values derived from Ktrans parametric maps ( P = .0053) and ve parametric maps ( P = .0271) between benign and malignant lesions according to the statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating texture heterogeneity changes in breast lesions captured by FD with quantitative DCE-MRI parameters generated under the standard model is a potential marker for prediction of malignant lesions.
Cortisol and ACTH Measurements at Extubation From Pituitary Surgery Predicts Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function
Authors: Asuzu David T , Bhatt Shyama , Nwokoye Diana , Hayes Christina , Cortes Michaela , McGlotten Raven , Keil Meg , Tatsi Christina , Nieman Lynnette , Chittiboina Prashant
Published: February 2023

Context

Early prediction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) can improve patient safety and reduce costs.

Objective

Systematic measurement of ACTH and cortisol at extubation following anesthesia to predict remission from Cushing's disease (CD) and HPA axis preservation following non-CD surgery.

Design

Retrospective analysis of clinical data between August 2015 and May 2022.

Setting

Referral center.

Patients

Consecutive patients (n = 129) undergoing TSS who had perioperative ACTH and cortisol measurements.

Interventions

ACTH and cortisol measurement at extubation. Further serial 6-hourly measurements in CD patients.

Main outcome measures

Prediction of future HPA axis status based on ACTH/cortisol at extubation.

Results

ACTH and cortisol increased sharply in all patients at extubation. CD patients (n = 101) had lower ACTH values than non-CD patients (110.1 vs 293.1 pg/mL; P < 0.01). In non-CD patients, lower plasma ACTH at extubation predicted the need for eventual corticosteroid replacement (105.8 vs 449.1 pg/mL, P < 0.01). In CD patients, the peak post-extubation cortisol at 6 hours was a robust predictor for nonremission (60.7 vs 219.2 µg/dL, P = 0.03). However, normalized early postoperative value (NEPV; the post-extubation values minus the peak preoperative CRH or desmopressin test values) of cortisol reliably distinguished nonremission earlier, at the time of extubation (−6.1 vs 5.9, P = 0.01), and later.

Conclusions

We found that at extubation following TSS, ACTH can predict the need for eventual steroid replacement in non-Cushing's patients. In patients with CD, we found a robust prediction of nonremission with NEPV cortisol at extubation and later.
An essential endoplasmic reticulum-resident N-acetyltransferase ortholog in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Polino Alexander J. , Hasan Muhammad M. , Floyd Katherine , Avila-Cruz Yolotzin , Yang Yujuan , Goldberg Daniel E.
Published: February 2023

N-terminal acetylation is a common eukaryotic protein modification that involves the addition of an acetyl group to the N-terminus of a polypeptide. This modification is largely performed by cytosolic N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). Most associate with the ribosome, acetylating nascent polypeptides co-translationally. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, exported effectors are thought to be translated into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), processed by the aspartic protease plasmepsin V and then N-acetylated, despite having no clear access to cytosolic NATs. Here, we used inducible gene deletion and post-transcriptional knockdown to investigate the primary ER-resident NAT candidate, Pf3D7_1437000. We found that it localizes to the ER and is required for parasite growth. However, depletion of Pf3D7_1437000 had no effect on protein export or acetylation of the exported proteins HRP2 and HRP3. Despite this, Pf3D7_1437000 depletion impedes parasite development within the host red blood cell and prevents parasites from completing genome replication. Thus, this work provides further proof of N-terminal acetylation of secretory system proteins, a process unique to apicomplexan parasites, but strongly discounts a promising candidate for this post-translational modification.
Monetary Policy and Inequality
Authors: McKay Alisdair , Wolf Christian K.
Published: February 2023

We ask three questions about the connection between monetary policy and inequality. First, does monetary policy affect inequality? While different households respond to changes in monetary policy for different reasons, we argue that the overall consumption effects are relatively evenly distributed across households. Second, does household heterogeneity change our understanding of monetary policy transmission? A more careful account of microeconomic consumption behavior materially alters our understanding of transmission channels, but has rather limited effect on our general view of the aggregate effects of monetary policy. Third, does inequality affect the optimal conduct of monetary policy? Since monetary policy is a rather blunt distributional tool, we argue that even a central bank with an explicit distributional mandate would not deviate much from conventional policy prescriptions.
The combination of prostate MRI PI-RADS scoring system and a genomic classifier is associated with pelvic lymph node metastasis at the time of radical prostatectomy
Authors: Benidir Tarik , Lone Zaeem , Nguyen Jane K , Ward Ryan , Hofmann Martin , Klein Eric A , Mian Omar Y , Weight Christopher J , Purysko Andrei S
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) at the time of radical prostatectomy (RP) portends an unfavorable prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Conventional and advanced imaging remains limited in its ability to detect PLNM. We sought to evaluate the combination of a genomic classifier Decipher with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores in improving the detection of PLNM.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients whom underwent RP, Decipher analysis, and pre-operative prostate MRI. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson chi-squareχ2 tests. Quantitative variables were assessed with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PLNM on final pathology.

Results:

In total, 202 patients were included in the analysis, 23 of whom (11%) had PLNM. Patients with PLNM had higher median Decipher scores (0.73) than those without PLNM (0.61; p = 0.003). Patients with PLNM were more likely to demonstrate PI-RADS scores ≥ 4 (96%) than those without PLNM (74%; p = 0.012). Logistic regression demonstrated an interaction between Decipher score with PI-RADS score ≥4 (OR = 20.41; 95% CI, 2.10–198.74; p = 0.009) The combination demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.63–0.82; p < 0.001) for predicting PLNM.

Conclusion:

The combination of elevated Decipher genomic score (≥ 0.6) and clinically significant PI-RADS score (≥ 4) is associated with PLNM at the time of RP in a modern high-risk cohort of patients with PCaprostate cancer.

Advances in knowledge:

Prostate MRI and genomic testing may help identify patients with adverse pathology.
Prediction of 3-year recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma after resection based on contrast-enhanced CT: a single-centre study
Authors: Lv Chao , He Nan , Yang Jie Jie , Xiao Jing Jing , Zhang Yan , Du Jun , Zuo Shi , Li Hai Yang , Gu Huajian
Published: February 2023

Objective:

We present a new artificial intelligence-powered method to predict 3-year hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence by analysing the radiomic profile of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) images that was validated in patient cohorts.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study of 224 HCC patients with follow-up for at least 3 years was performed at a single centre from 2012 to 2019. Two groups of radiomic signatures were extracted from the arterial and portal venous phases of pre-operative CECT. Then, the radiological model (RM), deep learning-based radiomics model (DLRM), and clinical & deep learning-based radiomics model (CDLRM) were established and validated in the area under curve (AUC), calibration curve, and clinical decision curve.

Results:

Comparison of the clinical baseline variables between the non-recurrence (n = 109) and recurrence group (n = 115), three clinical independent factors (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, microvascular invasion, and α-fetoprotein) were incorporated into DLRM for the CDLRM construction. Among the 30 radiomic features most crucial to the 3 year recurrence rate, the selection from deep learning-based radiomics (DLR) features depends on CECT. through the Gini index. In most cases, CDLRM has shown superior accuracy and distinguished performance than DLRM and RM, with the 0.98 AUC in the training cohorts and 0.83 in the testing.

Conclusion:

This study proposed that DLR-based CDLRM construction would be allowed for the predictive utility of 3-year recurrence outcomes of HCCs, providing high-risk patients with an effective and non-invasive method to possess extra clinical intervention.

Advances in knowledge:

This study has highlighted the predictive value of DLR in the 3-year recurrence rate of HCC.
Toxicity, quality of life, and PSA control after 50 Gy stereotactic body radiation therapy to the dominant intraprostatic nodule with the use of a rectal spacer: results of a phase I/II study
Authors: Cloitre Minna , Valerio Massimo , Mampuya Ange , Rakauskas Arnas , Berthold Dominik , Tawadros Thomas , Meuwly Jean-Yves , Heym Leonie , Duclos Frederic , Vallet Véronique , Zeverino Michele , Jichlinski Patrice , Prior John , Roth Beat , Bourhis Jean , Herrera Fernanda G
Published: February 2023

Objectives:

We conducted a phase I/II prospective trial to determine whether stereotactic dose escalation to the dominant intra-prostatic nodule (DIN) up to 50 Gy incorporating a rectal balloon spacer is safe, does not affect patient quality of life, and preserves local control in patients with intermediate-high risk PCa.

Methods:

Eligible patients included males with stage ≤T3b localized disease, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≤50 , International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≤14, and a gland volume ≤70 cm3. Patients underwent perirectal spacer placement, followed by a planning MRI and were subsequently treated with SBRT doses of 36.25 Gy in five fractions to the whole prostate while simultaneously escalating doses to the magnetic resonance image visible DIN up to 50 Gy. Primary endpoint: safety. Secondary endpoints: biochemical control, quality of life (QofL), and dosimetry outcome.

Results:

Nine patients were treated in the Phase I part of the study. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were not observed. Further characterization of tolerability and efficacy was conducted in the subsequent 24 patients irradiated at the recommended Phase II dose (50 Gy, RP2D). At a median follow-up of 61 months, biochemical control is 69%. Grade 1 and 2 acute GU and GI toxicity was 57.5 and 15%, and 24.2 and 6.1%, respectively. Grade 1 and 2 late GU and GI toxicity was 66.6 and 12.1%, and 15.1 and 3%, respectively. No Grade 3 or higher toxicity was reported. QofL data confirmed physician’s reported side effects. Dosimetry analysis showed adherence to the doses prescribed in the protocol.

Conclusions

SBRT of the whole prostate with 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions and dose escalation to 50 Gy to the DIN, when combined with a peri-rectal balloon spacer, was tolerable and established the RP2D. QofL analysis showed minimal negative impact in GU, GI, and sexual domains.

Advances in knowledge:

Extreme hypofractionated prostate radiation therapy with focal dose escalation to the DIN is well tolerated with efficacy comparable to normal fractionated radiation therapy.
Μοντελοποίηση και αλγοριθμική επίλυση του προβλήματος δρομολόγησης συνδυασμού επίγειων και μη στελεχωμένων εναέριων οχημάτων
Authors: Κυριακάκης Νικόλαος-Αντώνιος
Published: February 2023

Οι σύγχρονες εφοδιαστικές αλυσίδες καλούνται να ανασχεδιάσουν τις διαδικασίες τους προκειμένου αυτές να εναρμονιστούν με τους περιβαλλοντικούς στόχους που πολλές χώρες έχουν θέσει για το εγγύς μέλλον. Ειδικότερα, στον τομέα των αστικών και περιαστικών μεταφορών, η μετάβαση στην ηλεκτροκίνηση αναμένεται να αναβαθμίσει σημαντικά την ποιότητα ζωής των κατοίκων των πόλεων. Ένας τύπος ηλεκτρικού οχήματος που έχει τη δυνατότητα να αλλάξει άρδην τις αστικές μεταφορές είναι τα Μη Στελεχωμένα Εναέρια Οχήματα (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - UAV ), γνωστά ως «drones».Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή πραγματεύεται τη χρήση των UAV σε προβλήματα δρομολόγησης οχημάτων που αφορούν ανθρωπιστικές και εμπορικές εφαρμογές. Συγκεκριμένα, μοντελοποιεί και επιλύει δύο προβλήματα όπου τα UAV χρησιμοποιούνται σε αποστολές έρευνας και διάσωσης, και δύο προβλήματα που αφορούν τη χρήση τους για τη μεταφορά εμπορευμάτων στον αστικό ιστό πόλεων. Αρχικά παρουσιάζεται το Συσσωρευτικό Πρόβλημα Δρομολόγησης UAV που έχειεφαρμογή σε αποστολές έρευνας και διάσωσης. Οι αποστολές αυτές αποτελούν προβλήματα ελαχιστοποίησης του χρόνου που απαιτείται για την κάλυψη μιας περιοχής ενδιαφέροντος. Η προτεινόμενη μεθοδολογία μετατρέπει το πρόβλημα κάλυψης σε ένα πρόβλημα δρομολόγησης UAV, ενσωματώνοντας σε αυτό τον αντικειμενικό στόχο της αποστολής και τους περιορισμούς που διέπουν την αυτονομία των UAV. Το δεύτερο πρόβλημα που προτείνεται για τη μοντελοποίηση σεναρίων έρευνας, είναι το Πρόβλημα Αναζήτησης Κινούμενων Κορυφών με UAV. Σε αυτό λαμβάνεται υπόψη η κίνηση των αγνοουμένων εντός της περιοχής ενδιαφέροντος, επομένως αποτελεί ένα δυναμικό πρόβλημα βελτιστοποίησης. Στόχος του προβλήματος είναι η μεγιστοποίηση της αξίας των σημείων που καλύπτουν UAV, για το σύνολο του χρόνου που διαρκεί η έρευνα. Στη συνέχεια παρουσιάζεται το Πρόβλημα Δρομολόγησης συνδυασμού Ηλεκτρικών Οχημάτων Δρόμου και UAV, όπου αφορά εμπορικές εφαρμογές, με τους δύο τύπους ηλεκτρικών οχημάτων να λειτουργούν συνεργατικά προκειμένου να παρακάμψουν τις αδυναμίες τους και να προσφέρουν τα πλεονεκτήματά τους. Στόχος του προβλήματος είναι η ελαχιστοποίηση της συνολικά καταναλισκόμενης ενέργειας που απαιτείται για την παράδοση δεμάτων. Το δεύτερο πρόβλημα που προτείνεται σε αυτή την κατηγορία είναι το Πρόβλημα Ελαχιστοποίησης Ενέργειας Δρομολόγησης UAV με Παραλαβές και Παραδόσεις. Σε αυτό μοντελοποιούνται υπηρεσίες ταχυμεταφορών με χρήση UAV μεταξύ ιδιωτών και έχει εφαρμογή σε αγοραπωλησίες μέσω των μέσων κοινωνικής δικτύωσης. Στόχος είναι η ελαχιστοποίηση της ενέργειας που απαιτείται για την εκτέλεση του μεταφορικού έργου.
Precise realtime current consumption measurement in IoT TestBed
Authors: Balass Rihards , Medvedevs Vladislavs , Mackus Andris Ivars , Ormanis Juris , Ancans Armands , Judvaitis Janis
Published: February 2023

Background: The Internet of Things, similar to wireless sensor networks, has been integrated into daily life of almost everyone. These wearable, stationary, or mobile devices are in multiple locations, collecting data or monitoring and executing certain tasks. Some can monitor environmental values and interact with the environment, while others are used for data collection, entertainment, or even life-saving. To achieve the wireless part of the system, the majority of sensor nodes are designed to be battery-powered. While battery power has become increasingly ubiquitous, it tends to increase the global carbon footprint of electronic devices. This issue can be mitigated by employing some form of energy harvesting so that batteries can be refilled and the gadget lasts longer, but this does not alter the reality that batteries are still used and eventually discarded.

Methods: In this paper, the authors emphasise the significance of power consumption in battery powered devices. To be able to monitor devices power consumption, one of the measurable parameters is current. When users know the exact current consumption, they can decrease it by polishing the program or tweaking the duty cycle, making radio transmit less data or less frequently, thus decreasing overall power draw.

Results: In order to simplify current consumption monitoring, the authors have developed a testbed facility that provides real-time current consumption measurements, which may be used to enhance the duty cycle and battery life of the aforementioned devices.

Conclusions: While minimising total current consumption is a great way to extend the battery life and, thus, the carbon footprint, the primary culprit in the Internet of Things is the radio communications. This transmission is the primary source of current consumption. By determining the exact amount of current drawn during transmission and adjusting it, users can significantly extend battery life.
Predictive Financial Security Analytics Using Industry Paradigm and Big Data Technology
Authors: Kazakova Nataliya
Published: February 2023

An approach to the development of an algorithm and methodological tools for predicting the financial security of companies is considered, based on the risk-based concept of international financial reporting and auditing standards, the Harvard paradigm of industry analysis, which has been developed in modern studies in the fi eld of sustainable development and risk-based methods, as well as on the use of mathematical and statistical tools and modern big data technologies in economic research. Th e practical novelty of the proposed methodological tools lies in the complexity of assessing the risks of financial solvency (risk factors of the probability of bankruptcy), which may be in demand in audit and arbitration practice.
TRAINING OF PERSONNEL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN — CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Garnik S. , Ladygina Oxana , Ayzhanov S.
Published: February 2023

The article deals with the actual problems of personnel training for the law enforcement sphere of the Republic of Kazakhstan, taking into account the ongoing socio-economic transformations at the present stage of state development. The current situation with the staffing of law enforcement agencies, primarily internal affairs agencies, is analyzed. The system of personnel training for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan is described. The article reveals the essence of the ongoing measures in Kazakhstan to improve human resource management and modernize this activity in the law enforcement sphere of the state. The reasons for the existing difficulties with staffing police units at the present time are shown.

The article also contains a forecast of changes in the staffing of professional resources prepared by higher education institutions of Kazakhstan for internal affairs bodies.