bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation Rate/Vulnerability Potential and Fertility Status of Luvisols in the Mandara Mountains (Far-North Cameroon)
Authors: Tamto Mamdem Estelle Lionelle , Tsozué Désiré , Matakon Emmanuel , Apiniel Atourakail Michael Roi , Moudjie Noubissie Nérine Mabelle , Basga Simon Djakba , Nzeugang Nzeukou Aubin , Oyono Bitom Dieudonné Lucien
Published: May 2024

Soil degradation emerges as one of the major problems in the locality of Sir in the Mandara Mountains, Far-North Cameroon. Inappropriate agricultural techniques resulting in land use change affect soil functions and seriously harm forest ecosystems. This study was conducted to analyse the current character of soils and access their degradation and their level of fertility. Twenty soil samples were taken at 15 cm depth. This includes ten in the plot under forest reserve and ten others in the plot under cultivation. Cultivation is responsible for the increase in bulk density (BD) (1.59 to 2.23 g/cm3), Mg (4.76 to 6.40 cmol·kg−1), Ca (10.44 to 11.26 cmol·kg−1), P (7.93 to 9.93 g/kg), and Mg/K (2.28 to 5.84) and decrease in CEC (38 0.15 to 31.46 cmol·kg−1), OM (2.76 to 1.08%), OC (1.66 to 0.62%), total nitrogen (0.08 to 0.05%), K (4.59 to 1.15 cmol·kg−1), Na (1.32 to 0.91 cmol·kg−1), C/N (25.69 to 13.86), and Ca/Mg (2.32 to 1.89). This variability in physicochemical properties reflects progressive soil degradation. Cultivated soils are subject to severe degradation or potential vulnerability (SDR/Vp = 4/2) due to texture, organic carbon, soil aggregate stability, sealing index, and total nitrogen. On the other hand, soils under forest reserve are subject to severe degradation or vulnerability due to the total nitrogen and sodium absorption ratio. The soils of the study area are subject to severe and extreme potential degradation or vulnerability due to BD, respectively, under forest reserve and cultivation. Two classes of fertility were identified: class II (plots under forest reserve) having a good level of fertility, characterized by good physical properties and severe limitations in nitrogen and phosphorus and class IV (cultivated plots) with a low level of fertility due to severe limitations in organic matter, phosphorus, and poor physical characteristics. The best indicator of the good quality of the luvisols of Sir is the pH, while the bulk density is an indicator of severe to very extreme degradation or high to very high vulnerability. The application of organic and mineral amendments is essential for raising the organic matter and nitrogen and phosphorus contents in these soils.
A Solution Matrix by IEVP under the Central Principle Submatrix Constraints
Authors: Bhatt Vineet , Kaur Manpreet , AL-Hammadi I. Ahmed M. , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2024

The n×n real matrix P is called centrosymmetric matrix if P=RPR, where R is permutation matrix with ones on cross diagonal (bottom left to top right) and zeroes elsewhere. In this article, the solvability conditions for left and right inverse eigenvalue problem (which is special case of inverse eigenvalue problem) under the submatrix constraint for generalized centrosymmetric matrices are derived, and the general solution is also given. In addition, we provide a feasible algorithm for computing the general solution, which is proved by a numerical example.
Baricitinib for Prurigo Nodularis: A Pilot Study on Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Pongcharoen Padcha , Tuchinda Chachrist , Chakkavittumrong Panlop , Kongbawornkiet Thanachot , Chansate Petcharpa , Jiravanit Salisa
Published: May 2024

Background. Breaking the itch‐scratch cycle and facilitating lesion healing are pivotal in managing prurigo nodularis (PN). This study seeks to assess the efficacy of baricitinib, an oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, for treating PN. Methods. In this prospective pilot study, 12 patients with moderate to severe PN were administered oral baricitinib at a dosage of 4 mg/day for 12 weeks. The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of baricitinib in PN patients using the numeric rating scale (NRS) for pruritus, NRS sleep score, a 5‐point investigator’s global assessment (IGA) scale, dermatology life quality index (DLQI), and nodular lesion count at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12. In addition, the NRS pruritus and sleep scores were assessed via phone on days 2 and 4 after baricitinib treatment. Results. Baricitinib treatment led to a statistically significant improvement in the mean NRS pruritus and sleep scores, evident as early as day 2 (57.7% change from baseline; P < 0.001, and 34.7% change from baseline, P = 0.029, respectively) and consistently declining thereafter. Evaluation of nodular lesions revealed a significant reduction starting from week 2 (mean difference of 37.08 from baseline; P < 0.001). Analysis of other endpoints, including mean DLQI and IGA scores, also demonstrated substantial improvement at all time points (week 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12) compared to baseline. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitation of a small sample size. This constraint warrants consideration when interpreting the results and generalizing the findings. Conclusion. This preliminary study underscores baricitinib’s potential for PN treatment by providing a rapid clinical response. The larger and longer randomized controlled trials are essential to determine the effectiveness, longevity, and safety of baricitinib in managing PN. This trial is registered with TCTR20230227002.
Advanced UPLC-MS/MS Method for the Quantification of SIPI6398 in Rat Plasma and Its Pharmacokinetic Characterization
Authors: Chen Fan , Ma Shunjun , Wang Runrun , Chen Dizhong , Wen Congcong , Wang Xianqin , Hu Tao , Shen Xiuwei
Published: May 2024

SIPI6398 is a novel anti-schizophrenia agent with a new mechanism of action and demonstrates better target selectivity and safety compared to its competitors. However, few in vivo studies on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of SIPI6398 have been performed. A rapid and simple ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) approach was developed for accurate quantification of SIPI6398 in rat plasma. A simple protein precipitation of acetonitrile-methanol (9 : 1, v/v) was used to treat plasma. Chromatography was performed on a UPLC HSS T3 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-water (with 0.1% formic acid) and gradient elution was used, and the elution time was 4 minutes. Quantitative analysis was performed using electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion detection mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability, SIPI6398 was administered to rats in two different ways: oral (4 mg/kg) and intravenous (2 mg/kg) administration. The calibration curve for the UPLC-MS/MS approach shows excellent linearity in the range of 1–2000 ng/mL with an r value above 0.99. The precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability results all meet the criteria established for biological analytical methods. The UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied it to pharmacokinetics study of SIPI6398. The bioavailability of SIPI6398 was calculated to be 13.2%. These studies have the potential to contribute towards a more comprehensive comprehension of the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of SIPI6398.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Rates among Insured Men with and without HIV in South Africa: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ruffieux Yann , Fernández Villalobos Nathalie V. , Didden Christiane , Haas Andreas D. , Chinogurei Chido , Cornell Morna , Egger Matthias , Maartens Gary , Folb Naomi , Rohner Eliane
Published: May 2024

Background:

Several studies have found lower prostate cancer diagnosis rates among men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; MWH) than men without HIV but reasons for this finding remain unclear.

Methods:

We used claims data from a South African private medical insurance scheme (July 2017– July 2020) to assess prostate cancer diagnosis rates among men aged ≥ 18 years with and without HIV. Using flexible parametric survival models, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) for the association between HIV and incident prostate cancer diagnoses. We accounted for potential confounding by age, population group, and sexually transmitted infections (confounder-adjusted model) and additionally for potential mediation by prostatitis diagnoses, prostate-specific antigen testing, and prostate biopsies (fully adjusted model).

Results:

We included 288,194 men, of whom 20,074 (7%) were living with HIV. Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 1,614 men without HIV (median age at diagnosis: 67 years) and in 82 MWH (median age at diagnosis: 60 years). In the unadjusted analysis, prostate cancer diagnosis rates were 35% lower among MWH than men without HIV [HR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52–0.82]. However, this association was no longer evident in the confounder-adjusted model (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.82–1.30) or in the fully adjusted model (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.91–1.44).

Conclusions:

When accounting for potential confounders and mediators, our analysis found no evidence of lower prostate cancer diagnosis rates among MWH than men without HIV in South Africa.

Impact:

Our results do not support the hypothesis that HIV decreases the risk of prostate cancer.
Plasma Metabolic Profiles-Based Prediction of Induction Chemotherapy Efficacy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: Results of a Bidirectional Clinical Trial
Authors: Tang Tingxi , Zhou Zhenhua , Chen Min , Li Nan , Sun Jianda , Chen Zekai , Xiao Ting , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Longshan , Wang Yingqiao , Zhang Hanbin , Zheng Xiuting , Chen Bei , Ye Feng , Guan Jian
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

The efficacy of induction chemotherapy (IC) as a primary treatment for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) remains a topic of debate, with a lack of dependable biomarkers for predicting its efficacy. This study seeks to establish a predictive classifier using plasma metabolomics profiles.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 166 NPC patients enrolled in the clinical trial NCT05682703 who were undergoing IC were included in the study. Plasma lipoprotein profiles were obtained using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance before and after IC treatment. An artificial intelligence-assisted radiomics method was developed to effectively evaluate its efficacy. Metabolic biomarkers were identified through a machine learning approach based on a discovery cohort and subsequently validated in a validation cohort that mimicked the most unfavorable real-world scenario.

Results:

Our research findings indicate that the effectiveness of IC varies among individual patients, with a correlation observed between efficacy and changes in metabolite profiles. Using machine learning techniques, it was determined that the extreme gradient boosting model exhibited notable efficacy, attaining an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.792 (95% CI, 0.668–0.913). In the validation cohort, the model exhibited strong stability and generalizability, with an AUC of 0.786 (95% CI, 0.533–0.922).

Conclusions:

In this study, we found that dysregulation of plasma lipoprotein may result in resistance to IC in NPC patients. The prediction model constructed based on the plasma metabolites’ profile has good predictive capabilities and potential for real-world generalization. This discovery has implications for the development of treatment strategies and may offer insight into potential targets for enhancing the effectiveness of IC.
30-Day Mortality among Very Old Patients Admitted to European Intensive Care Units for Major Trauma
Authors: Duncan Chris F. , Lonsdale Dagan O. , Farrah Helen , Farnell-Ward Sarah , Ryan Christine , Watson Ximena , Cecconi Maurizio , Fjølner Jesper , Szczeklik Wojciech , Moreno Rui , Artigas Antonio , Joannidis Michael , de Lange Dylan W. , Guidet Bertrand , Flaatten Hans , Jung Christian , Leaver Susannah K.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Cases of major trauma in the very old (over 80 years) are increasingly common in the intensive care unit (ICU). Predicting outcome is challenging in this group of patients as chronological age is a poor marker of health and poor predictor of outcome. Increasingly, decisions are guided by the use of organ dysfunction scores of both acute conditions (e.g., sequential organ failure assessment [SOFA] score) and chronic health issues (e.g., clinical frailty scale [CFS]). Recent work suggests that increased CFS is associated with a worse outcome in elderly major trauma patients. We aimed to test whether this association held true in the very old (over 80) or whether SOFA had a stronger association with 30-day outcome. Methods: Data from the very elderly intensive care patient (VIP)-1 and VIP-2 studies for patients over 80 years old with major trauma admissions were merged. These participants were recruited from 20 countries across Europe. Baseline characteristics, level of care provided, and outcome (ICU and 30-day mortality) were summarised. Uni- and multivariable regression analyses were undertaken to determine associations between CFS and SOFA score in the first 24 h, type of major trauma, and outcomes. Results: Of the 8,062 acute patients recruited to the two VIP studies, 498 patients were admitted to intensive care because of major trauma. Median age was 84 years, median SOFA score was 6 (IQR 3, 9), and median CFS was 3 (IQR 2, 5). Survival for 30 days was 54%. Median and interquartile range of CFS were the same for survivors and non-survivors. In the logistic regression analysis, CFS was not associated with increased mortality. SOFA score (p < 0.001) and trauma with head injury (p < 0.01) were associated with increased mortality. Conclusions: Major trauma admissions in the very old are not uncommon, and 30-day mortality is high. We found that CFS was not a helpful predictor of mortality. SOFA and trauma with head injury were associated with worse outcomes in this patient group.
Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Mediastinal Cryobiopsy versus Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Mediastinal Disorders: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhenming , Li Shengping , Bao Yu
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (EBUS-TMC), a novel technique, has been reported to improve the diagnostic value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for mediastinal lesions in recent studies. Current literature suggests that this procedure has greater diagnostic efficacy compared to conventional EBUS-TBNA. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic yield and complications associated with EBUS-TMC in comparison to EBUS-TBNA, thereby exploring the potential of this novel technique in enhancing the diagnostic utility for mediastinal lesions. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar databases for articles published from inception to December 31, 2023. The objective of this review was to evaluate the utilization of EBUS-TMC in diagnosing mediastinal disease, while also assessing the quality of each study using the QUADAS-2 tool. The diagnostic yield estimates were subjected to a meta-analysis utilizing inverse variance weighting. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of the complications associated with this procedure was performed. Results: The meta-analysis included 10 studies involving a total of 538 patients. The findings of the meta-analysis demonstrated that EBUS-TMC yielded an overall diagnostic rate of 89.59% (482/538), while EBUS-TBNA yielded a rate of 77.13% (415/538). The calculated inverse variance-weighted odds ratio was 2.63 (95% confidence interval, 1.86–3.72; p < 0.0001), and I2 value was 11%, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two techniques. The associated complications consisted of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, mediastinitis, and bleeding, with an incidence of 0.74% (4/538), 0.37% (2/538), 0.0% (0/538), and 1.12% (6/538), respectively. Moreover, the funnel plot displayed no discernible publication bias. Further subgroup analysis revealed a notable improvement in the diagnosis value for lymphoma (86.36% vs. 27.27%, p = 0.0006) and benign disorder (87.62% vs. 60.00%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This review of the current available studies indicated that EBUS-TMC enhanced overall diagnostic yields compared to EBUS-TBNA, particularly for diagnosing benign disease and lymphoma. This procedure was not associated with any serious complications.
Current Trends and Advancements in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Teufel Andreas , Kudo Masatoshi , Qian Yuquan , Daza Jimmy , Rodriguez Isaac , Reissfelder Christoph , Ridruejo Ezequiel , Ebert Matthias P.
Published: May 2024

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health burden with a high mortality rate. Over the past 40 years, significant progress has been achieved in the prevention and management of HCC. Summary: Hepatitis B vaccination programs, the development of direct acting antiviral drugs for Hepatitis C, and effective surveillance strategies provide a profound basis for the prevention of HCC. Advanced surgery and liver transplantation along with local ablation techniques potentially offer cure for the disease. Also, just recently, the introduction of immunotherapy opened a new chapter in systemic treatment. Finally, the introduction of the BCLC classification system for HCC, clearly defining patient groups and assigning reasonable treatment options, has standardized treatment and become the basis of almost all clinical trials for HCC. With this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of HCC management and also touch on current challenges. Key Message: A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective HCC management. Continued research and clinical trials are imperative to further enhance treatment options and will ultimately reduce the global burden of this devastating disease.
Comparison of the Audiological Knowledge of Three Chatbots: ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and Bard
Authors: Jedrzejczak W. Wiktor , Kochanek Krzysztof
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate three chatbots – OpenAI ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing Chat (currently Copilot), and Google Bard (currently Gemini) – in terms of their responses to a defined set of audiological questions. Methods: Each chatbot was presented with the same 10 questions. The authors rated the responses on a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Additional features, such as the number of inaccuracies or errors and the provision of references, were also examined. Results: Most responses given by all three chatbots were rated as satisfactory or better. However, all chatbots generated at least a few errors or inaccuracies. ChatGPT achieved the highest overall score, while Bard was the worst. Bard was also the only chatbot unable to provide a response to one of the questions. ChatGPT was the only chatbot that did not provide information about its sources. Conclusions: Chatbots are an intriguing tool that can be used to access basic information in a specialized area like audiology. Nevertheless, one needs to be careful, as correct information is not infrequently mixed in with errors that are hard to pick up unless the user is well versed in the field.
Evaluation of the Impact of Adaptive Progressive Supervised Resistance Training on Strength and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer during Chemotherapy: The VALESCO Study
Authors: Gerland Lars , Harbeck Nadia , Frisse Susanne , Bloch Wilhelm , Malter Wolfram , Kates Ronald , Baumann Freerk Theeagnus
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Breast cancer patients (BCP) experience considerable side effects during and after treatment. Several studies have shown positive effects of exercise on therapy-related side-effects such as loss of muscle strength, loss of bone mineral density, lymphedema, and several elements of quality of life (QoL). Resistance exercise has proven effective and beneficial for BCP; however, optimal individual training parameters remain to be determined. Methods: The aim of our study was to implement an adaptive, progressive, supervised resistance protocol for BCPs during chemotherapy, improving muscle strength, physical condition, and overall QoL while reducing therapy-induced side-effects. Forty patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were included 6–12 weeks post-OP. Twenty patients underwent high intensity resistance-training twice a week for 12 weeks, and the control group received usual care. Results: Strength parameters improved significantly in the intervention group and in different scales of QoL. We documented a cyclic performance level dependent on the number of days after treatment. Conclusion: Adaptive resistance training with simple training control mechanisms proved to be effective regarding optimal intensity in each training session and needs to be implemented in further studies in order to guarantee adequate loads in accordance to the training protocols.
Construction and validation of a mutation-related model in papillary renal cell carcinoma and associated immune infiltration
Authors: Li Xiangyun , Liu Yang , Zhou Luting , Wang Jianhua , Yang Xiaoqun
Published: May 2024

Background: To improve the clinical evaluation of the prognosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), we screened a model to predict the survival of patients with mutations in related genes.
Methods: We downloaded RNA sequencing information from all patients with PRCC in TCGA. We first analyzed the differences in genes and the enrichment of these differences. Then, by selecting mutant genes, constructing a protein–protein interaction network, lasso regression, and multivariable Cox regression, a prognosis model was constructed. Additionally, the model was validated using external data sets. We analyzed the immune infiltration of PRCC and the correlation between the model and popular targets. Finally, we performed tissue microarray analysis and immunohistochemistry to verify the expression levels of the three genes.
Results: We constructed a three-gene (NEK2, CENPA, and GINS2) model. The verification results indicated that the model had a good prediction effect. We also developed a visual nomogram. Enrichment analysis revealed the major pathways involved in muscle system processes. Immunoassays showed that the expression level of CENPA was positively correlated with PD-1 and CTLA4 expression levels. Immunohistochemical and tissue microarray results showed that these three genes were highly expressed in PRCC, which was consistent with the predicted results in the database.
Conclusion: We constructed and verified a three-gene model to predict the patient survival. The results show that the model has a good prediction effect.
Anaemia in Hospitalized Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study of Two Cohorts before and after the Guideline Update
Authors: Le Dû Katell , Septans Anne-Lise , Dômont Julien , Dupuis Olivier , Emmanuel Eric , Peribois Anne , Gaillard Sophie , Allix-Béguec Caroline
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The incidence of anaemia and its consequences are often underestimated during cancer management. We propose to evaluate the situation before and after the recommendations were updated in order to assess their impact on the day-to-day practice. Methods: In this single-centre retrospective study, eligible patients were treated for cancer and warranted overnight hospitalization over two periods (n = 206 in 2011, n = 143 in 2018). The diagnosis of anaemia was defined by a haemoglobin level below 12 and 13 g/dL for women and men, respectively. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 26% in 2011 and 16% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Biological assessment had changed between the two periods, with more tests of iron metabolism and measurements of inflammatory parameters. Patients hospitalized in 2018 had more advanced cancer and more severe anaemia (8.2 g/dL [±1.07] in 2011 vs. 7.9 g/dL [±1.18] in 2018). Rate of transfusion therapy did not change, but patients with mild and moderate anaemia were transfused less in 2018 (57% in 2011 vs. 44% in 2018). Intravenous iron and erythropoiesis-stimulating agent were used more frequently in 2018 (1 and 5 and 13 and 23% in 2011 and 2018, respectively), mainly for mild anaemia and life-threatening anaemia, respectively. Overall survival was poor in both cohorts at 24 months (15.4% in 2011 and 6.5% in 2018, p = 0.048). Conclusion: Practices have changed in the diagnosis of anaemia and prescriptions for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and intravenous iron have increased. Efforts must continue to explore the causes of anaemia, optimize patients’ quality of life, and reduce transfusions.
Temporal Development of Depression and Anxiety in a Large Facial Palsy Cohort
Authors: Kalavacherla Sandhya , Oca Michael , Du Eric , Meller Leo , de Cos Víctor , Ostrander Benjamin T. , Greene Jacqueline J.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Diagnosis with facial palsy (FP) has been linked to increased psychosocial distress and communication disorders, but limited data exist on the temporal development of depression and anxiety after diagnosis. In a large cohort of FP patients, we characterize the rates of depression and anxiety at several timepoints post-FP diagnosis. Methods: A de-identified database of all FP patients who presented to a single healthcare system over 22 years was created using Epic SlicerDicer. Demographics and comorbidities were collected and depression and anxiety diagnosis rates at three timepoints (non-inclusive lower bounds) post-FP diagnosis were examined. Results: 3,910 FP patients were identified, with a median age of 59. 56% were female and 51% were white. At 0-6, 6-12-, and 12-36-month post-FP diagnosis, 156 (4%), 58 (1.4%), and 205 (5.2%) individuals were diagnosed with depression, and 171 (4.4%), 84 (2.1%), and 237 (6.1%) were diagnosed with anxiety. At each time point, the median time between FP and depression diagnosis (2.1, 3.4, and 11.4 months) or anxiety diagnosis (2.5, 4.0, and 11.1 months) was similar. Dual depression and anxiety diagnoses were observed in 52 (1.3%), 32 (0.8%), and 122 (3.1%) patients at each time point. Compared to the overall cohort, more patients with anxiety were female (65 vs. 56%, p < 0.001) and younger (57 vs. 59, p = 0.002), and more depressed patients were Black (7.3 vs. 3.3%, p = 0.02). Conclusions: Facial palsy may lead to increased risk of depression and/or anxiety in the first year after diagnosis as demonstrated here in one of the largest FP cohorts to date. We report high rates of depression (5.5%), anxiety (6.5%), and comorbid depression and anxiety (2.1%) occurring within 1 year after FP diagnosis. Of these, the majority occurred within the first 6 months (72%, 67%, 62%, respectively). Anxiety was more common in young female patients and depression more common in Black patients, which can inform targeted mental health resources within the first 6 months post-FP diagnosis.
Development and Validation of a Novel Machine Learning Model to Predict the Survival of Patients with Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Liu Si , Chen Yun-Xiang , Dai Bing , Chen Li
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Well-calibrated models for personalized prognostication of patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms (GINENs) are limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a machine-learning model to predict the survival of patients with GINENs. Methods: Oblique random survival forest (ORSF) model, Cox proportional hazard risk model, Cox model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator penalization, CoxBoost, Survival Gradient Boosting Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting survival regression, DeepHit, DeepSurv, DNNSurv, logistic-hazard model, and PC-hazard model were compared. We further tuned hyperparameters and selected variables for the best-performing ORSF. Then, the final ORSF model was validated. Results: A total of 43,444 patients with GINENs were included. The median (interquartile range) survival time was 53 (19–102) months. The ORSF model performed best, in which age, histology, M stage, tumor size, primary tumor site, sex, tumor number, surgery, lymph nodes removed, N stage, race, and grade were ranked as important variables. However, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not necessary for the ORSF model. The ORSF model had an overall C index of 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.87). The area under the receiver operation curves at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years were 0.91, 0.89, 0.87, and 0.80, respectively. The decision curve analysis showed superior clinical usefulness of the ORSF model than the American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage. A nomogram and an online tool were given. Conclusion: The machine learning ORSF model could precisely predict the survival of patients with GINENs, with the ability to identify patients at high risk for death and probably guide clinical practice.
Contributing Factors to Endothelial Dysfunction in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Benitez-Albiter Andres , Anderson Cody P. , Jones Matthew , Park Sang-Seo , Layec Gwenael , Park Song-Young
Published: May 2024

Background: Patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are at a greater risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) than able-bodied individuals due to the high risk of endothelial dysfunction. Summary: For instance, patients with SCIs lose autonomic control of the heart and vasculature, which results in severe fluctuations in blood pressure. These oscillations between hypotension and hypertension have been shown to damage blood vessel endothelial cells and may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the loss of skeletal muscle control results in skeletal muscle atrophy and inward remodeling of the conduit arteries. It has been shown that blood vessels in the legs are chronically exposed to high shear, while the aorta experiences chronically low shear. These alterations to shear forces may adversely impact endothelial vasodilatory capacity and promote inflammatory signaling and leukocyte adherence. Additionally, microvascular endothelial vasodilatory capacity is impaired in patients with an SCI, and this may precede changes in conduit artery endothelial function. Finally, due to immobility and a loss of skeletal muscle mass, patients with SCIs have a higher risk of metabolic disorders, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Key Messages: Collectively, these factors may impair endothelium-dependent vasodilatory capacity, promote leukocyte adhesion and infiltration, promote the peroxidation of lipids, and ultimately support the development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, future interventions to prevent CVDs in patients with SCIs should focus on the management of endothelial health to prevent endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
Is Spending More Time Outdoors Able to Prevent and Control Myopia in Children and Adolescents? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Dan , Min Sicheng , Li Xianxiong
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Spending more time outdoors was treated as a safe and cost-effective method to prevent and control myopia. While prior research has established an inverse association between outdoor time and the risk of myopia onset, the effect of increasing outdoor time in delaying the progression of myopia remains a subject of debate. The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between outdoor time and the myopia onset, and further examine whether there is a dose-response relationship between outdoor time and the risk of myopia onset. Meanwhile, perform whether the outdoor time is related to delaying the progression of myopia. Methods: Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Database, spanning from their inception to February 2023. Three cohort studies and 5 prospective intervention studies were included, with a total of 12,922 participants aged 6–16 years. Results: Comparing the highest with the lowest exposure levels of time spent outdoors, the highest outdoor time was strongly associated with a reduced risk of myopia onset (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34, 0.82). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was found between outdoor time and myopia onset risk. Compared to 3.5 h of outdoor time per week, an increase to 7, 16.3, and 27 h per week corresponded with a respective reduction in the risk of myopia onset by 20%, 53%, and 69%. Among children and adolescents who were not myopic, spending more time outdoors significantly slowed down the speed of change in spherical equivalent refractive (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.10D, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.14) and axial length (WMD = −0.05 mm, 95% CI: −0.06, −0.03). Among children and adolescents who were already myopic, spending more time outdoors did not slow myopia progression. Conclusions: Overall, spending more time outdoors can prevent the onset of myopia, but it does not seem to slow its progression. Further studies are needed to better understand these trends.
Abalar a cara pálida, trocar de pele: percursos performativos para cruzar ontologias e gerações
Authors: Borges Lígia de Moura
Published: May 2024

The notions of wild soul and Amerindian perspectivism formulated by Eduardo Viveiros de Castro establish, by opposition, the contours of the pale face and inspire thoughts and actions to expand hegemonic visions linked to child drama. A narrative from the Nambikwara people, which situates “skin exchange,” encourages the search for actions in this direction with children at a public arts school on performative paths, in addition to guiding associations in transfigurations in different perspectives between the performing arts and shamanism. Generational transitions and the unveiling of the different skins that weave this writing echo the questions raised and performed in the writing.
A visão criativa de Ousamane Sembène no filme La Noir de...
Authors: Bispo Ella Ferreira
Published: May 2024

Este artigo visa analisar alguns meios de expressão da linguagem cinematográfica utilizados por Ousmane Sembène no filme La Noire de…(1966). Para tanto, recorre-se, sobretudo, ao proposto por Marcel Martin (1990) e por Mary Ann Doane (1983). Além dos procedimentos que constituem elementos da linguagem fílmica, este estudo aborda o cinema enquanto artefato cultural que colabora à construção de significados sociais.
Imaginar a comunidade nacional no sistema-mundo orientalista: o caso dos fundadores do romantismo português
Authors: Machado Everton V.
Published: May 2024

A obra dos portugueses Almeida Garrett (1799-1854) e Alexandre Herculano (1810-1877), tidos por iniciadores do romantismo português, não são de todo associadas ao Oriente, quanto mais ao orientalismo. Em trabalhos de carácter seja literário, seja historiográfico, Garrett e Herculano trataram, essencialmente, foi do domínio arábico-muçulmano da Península Ibérica durante a Idade Média, o que fez com que, na tradição crítica, as suas obras com essa temática ficassem circunscritas ao domínio do medievalismo romântico nacional. No nosso entender, a representação que esses dois importantes intelectuais fizeram do Islão contribuiu em muito para os seus desígnios estético-literários, ao mesmo tempo que a civilização arábico-muçulmana tivera especial relevo no conjunto das suas preocupações programáticas atinentes ao campo da cultura, da política e da pedagogia modernas. A partir da teoria do sistema-mundo moderno de Immanuel Wallerstein, defender-se-á que o orientalismo foi necessariamente importante para os dois escritores imaginarem a comunidade nacional portuguesa.
Writing Sacred Histories in Late Ottoman Egypt: Zaynab Fawwāz and Qadriyya Kāmil’s Descriptions of Early Islam
Authors: Liepsner Nura Sophia
Published: May 2024

This article studies contrasting notions of historiography in Zaynab Fawwāz and Qadriyya Kāmil’s biographical dictionaries. It begins by offering an overview on these authors’ vitas and delves into the historiographical practices that concerned Ottoman intellectuals in the late nineteenth century. It analyses Fawwāz’s dictionary, al-Durr al-manthūr fī ṭabaqāt rabbāt al-khudūr (1894), which reveals a feminist understanding of Islam as situated within an Arab and pan-Ottoman environment as well as the large arch of Abrahamic monotheism. By highlighting specific figures over others, Fawwāz produces a historical narrative that transcends religious and sectarian divides. The article then introduces Kāmil’s Shahīrāt al-nisāʾ fī l-ʿālam al-islāmī (1924) which depicts a conceptually narrower Islam, shaped by the geo-political circumstances of the early twentieth century. The biographies of the Muslim foremothers Kāmil presents offer normative templates of female piety but are not completely subsumed by the category of gender either. Throughout, the article points to how both authors engage the rules of the biographical genre, arguing that the ways they adhere to or break with its tradition indicate a desire to create new forms of moral and communal belonging.
Variation in dietary composition of the Banna fanged frog (Limnonectes bannaensis Ye, Fei, Xie & Jiang, 2007) from Vietnam
Authors: Pham Anh Van , Sung Nenh Ba , Nguyen Truong Quang , Le Minh Duc , Tran Thuy Van , Ziegler Thomas
Published: May 2024

The Banna fanged frog (Limnonectes bannaensis) is known from China, Laos, and Vietnam; however knowledge about the natural history and dietary requirements of this species is virtually lacking. In this study, we provide data on the variation in dietary composition of L. bannaensis based on stomach-flushing of 117 individuals (41 males and 76 females) captured and subsequently released during our recent field work in Son La Province, northwestern Vietnam. A total of 19 prey categories with 513 items, comprising 502 items of invertebrates, seven items of vertebrates, and four unidentified items were found in the stomachs of L. bannaensis. The most important groups among the prey of L. bannaensis were Coleoptera (38.04%), followed by Hymenoptera (9.31%), Araneae (7.93%), Polydesmida (7.07%), Orthoptera (6.37%), Hemiptera (5.23%), and Lepidoptera (5.01%). Adult males (16 prey categories) consumed preys with slightly lower diversity than adult females (17 prey categories). There was 88.25% overlap in the diet between males and females and in both sexes the trophic spectrum was similar, predominantly consisting of Coleoptera, Polydesmida, Araneae, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera.
Consequentialism, Collective Action, and Blame
Authors: Schmidt Andreas T.
Published: May 2024

Several important questions in applied ethics – like whether to switch to a plant-based diet, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or vote in elections – seem to share the following structure: if enough people ‘cooperate’ and become vegan for example, we bring about a better outcome; but what you do as an individual seems to make no difference whatsoever. Such collective action problems are often thought to pose a serious challenge to consequentialism. In response, I defend the Reactive Attitude Approach: rather than focus only on the deontic status of (non-)cooperative acts – as existing consequentialist responses mostly do – consequentialists should also focus on when to praise or blame individuals. For example, even if your veganism does not change the overall outcome, consequentialists might still recommend praising you for your cooperative behavior. I make a consequentialist case for including praise and blame in our ethical practices around collective action and argue that doing so helps us capture important intuitions. I develop and defend these arguments by drawing on recent instrumentalist theories of blame and responsibility.
Redescription of Astylus atromaculatus (Blanchard, 1843) a taxonomic contribution to the Neotropical species of the genus Astylus (Coleoptera: Melyridae)
Authors: ESTRADA PATRICIA
Published: May 2024

Astylus atromaculatus (Blanchard, 1843), the most widely distributed taxon of the genus, is redescribed. The original description is based mainly on the coloration patterns of the elytra. The study of the external morphological characters and genitalia of the type material and from specimens of collections allows the establishment of a new synonymy between A. atromaculatus and A. atromaculatus var. duodecimmaculatus. Geographic distribution data is provided for the taxon are provided.
Ribosome-binding protein-1 (RRBP1) expression in prostate carcinomas and its relationship with clinicopathological prognostic factors
Authors: Kuzuluk Didar Gursoy , Secinti Ilke Evrim , Erturk Tugce , Hakverdi Sibel , Gorur Sadik , Ozatlan Dilan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Studies in recent years have shown that ribosome-binding protein-1 (RRBP1) is expressed at high rates in many cancers and that it may be a potential prognostic biomarker. The objective of the present study is to determine the RRBP1 expression level in prostatic carcinoma and neighboring non-neoplastic prostate tissue, the relationship between its expression level with prognostic factors, and the role of RRBP1 in the development of prostate cancer.

Materials and methods

The study included 45 patients who were diagnosed with prostatic carcinoma and underwent radical prostatectomy in our center between the years 2010 and 2021. Pathology reports were reviewed. Mann–Whitney U test was used for the comparison of RRBP1 and GADPH values of the cases (control and tumoral tissue) between the primary tumor stage (pT) and Gleason score (GS) groups. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to explain the effective variables in explaining the RRBP1 value of the research cases

Results

According to the Mann–Whitney U test, mean and median RRBP1-T values of the cases with GS ≥ 8 were detected to be statistically significantly higher than the mean and median RRBP1-T values of the cases with GS < 8.

Conclusion

We found out that RRBP1 was expressed at higher rates in patients with high GS and advanced-stage patients. This result indicated that RRBP1 expression may be important in predicting the prognosis of prostate carcinoma.
Does Market-Based Environmental Regulation Improve the Residents’ Health: Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on DID
Authors: Guo Bingnan , Feng Weizhe , Lin Ji
Published: May 2024

Improving the residents’ health is an important strategy for addressing the declining population dividend in China under the new development paradigm. Based on the panel data of 290 prefecture-level cities in China from 2010 to 2021, this paper uses environmental tax as a quasi-natural experiment, and adopts a DID model to explore the impact of market-based environmental regulation on the residents’ health. The results show that the implementation of environmental tax can significantly reduce the population mortality rate, indicating an enhancement in residents’ health outcomes. Mechanism analysis shows that environmental tax mainly relies on air quality to improve the residents’ health. Also, the heath effect of environmental tax will be effective with the increase of income, and it’s stronger in administrative border areas. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the effect of environmental tax on residents’ health in western regions and resource-based cities is significantly stronger than those in central and eastern regions and non-resource-based cities. This paper provides new evidence for a comprehensive understanding of the impact of market-based environmental regulations on residents’ well-being, offering insights for the implementation of green development strategies.
Edge drop prediction of hot-rolled silicon steel based on a mechanism and data model
Authors: Wang Qiuna , Song Lebao , He Hainan , Xu Dong , Yu Haijun , Wang Xiaochen , Sun Jiquan , Yang Quan
Published: May 2024

In this article, a high-precision edge drop prediction model for hot-rolled silicon steel based on a rolling mechanism and deep neural network (DNN) is proposed. Considering the initial roll shape, roll wear and roll thermal expansion, a mechanism model of the roll system is established according to the hot rolling 4-high finishing mill. In order to reduce the data dimension and effectively improve the prediction accuracy, the random forest algorithm is employed to analyse the feature parameters that affect the edge drop of hot-rolled silicon steel. Finally, the DNN is introduced to establish an accurate silicon steel edge drop prediction model based on mechanism data and rolling data. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed DNN model has strong generalisation and reliability with a squared correlation coefficient ( R2) of 0.9656, and it is suitable for application in hot-rolled silicon steel lines for predicting edge drop. Furthermore, the proposed model has a certain reference value for the hot rolling process.
Electric-driven shape memory deformation control and verification of composite films based on PVA/WPU/SCFs
Authors: Lin Liulan , Fan Chenchen , Zhang Haodong , Xu Yi
Published: May 2024

Based on the research of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Waterborne Polyurethane (WPU)/Short Carbon Fibers (SCFs) novel electrochemically shape memory composites, this study delved into an exploration of factors influencing the shape memory deformation of shape memory film samples when subjected to voltage stimulation. These main affecting factors encompassed sample thickness, activation voltage, and wire layout. Subsequently, based on the above conclusions, the viscoelastic constitutive model of PVA/WPU/SCFs composite was established based on Maxwell model and the deformation deflection of the composite film was predicted by shape memory recovery, and the electrothermal coupling simulation analysis and shape memory recovery and deformation simulation verification were carried out. Finally, based on the shape memory recovery performance of the composite film, a new reciprocating moving deformation structure was conceptualized, characterized by distinct cycles of motion, each analyzed individually.
Mechanical investigation for enhancing jute fibre vinyl ester composite performance through garnet waste utilization
Authors: Rajendran Sundarakannan , Palani Geetha , Yang Yo-Lun , Veerasimman Arumugaprabu , Shanmugam Vigneshwaran , Marimuthu Uthayakumar , Kannan Karthik
Published: May 2024

This study explores the potential utilization of garnet waste, a byproduct of the Abrasive Water Jet Machining process, as a promising filler material in composite manufacturing. The disposal of garnet waste presents significant environmental and economic challenges, underscoring the need for sustainable waste management strategies. To tackle these challenges, this research investigates the incorporation of garnet waste into composites to create value-added materials. Consequently, the study focused on developing garnet-filled jute fibre-reinforced vinyl ester composites using the hand layup method. Various mechanical properties including flexural strength, tensile strength, hardness, and impact strength were assessed. The findings demonstrate that the inclusion of garnet filler enhances the mechanical strength of the composites. Particularly, composites containing 10 wt% garnet exhibit notable improvements in tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness strengths, with increases of 40%, 124%, 26%, and 15%, respectively. This research has the potential to advance the development of advanced materials across diverse industries, marking a significant stride towards sustainable and value-driven composite manufacturing practices.