bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspects Regarding the Structure of the Financial Audit Market in the European Union from Fees Perspective
Authors: Bunget Ovidiu Constantin , Dumitrescu Alin-Constantin , Blidisel Rodica Gabriela ,   West University of Timisoara, Bogdan Oana Alina ,   West University of Timisoara, Burca Valentin ,   West University of Timisoara
Published: November 2021

The audit market, developed out of the need to strengthen the credibility and the quality of financial reporting, has led since the 1980s to a concentration around large audit firms, the dominance effect being marked on the one hand by the auditor’s increasing reputation and notoriety, and on the other hand by the client’s association with a reputed auditor, which contributes to improving the company’s image on the market. In this context, a major issue is represented by the level of the fees charged, as they represent key elements that may affect the auditor’s independence. Moreover, a sensitive aspect is the relationship between the fee charged for financial audit services and the one for non-audit services and the compensation practices between them. The European Commission wants to facilitate competition in an overly concentrated market and also provide the opportunity for small and medium-sized audit firms to become active players in the large corporate audit market through joint audit, in which at least one of the audit firms is not part of the Big4 group. The mandatory audit firm rotation and the limitation on the non-audit services provided are the main aspects of the recent audit reform that directly influences the fee level. The main purpose of this study is to analyse whether there is a pattern of audit costs at the community level. In this context, this paper aims to assess the uniformity of audit costs, namely to determine the structure of the audit market in the European Union. The research involves data set comparison methods, by analysing a sample of 2,896 firms listed on the stock exchange in 35 different states over the period 2013-2021.
EFECTO DEL TAMAÑO DE PARTÍCULA DE DIÓXIDO DE TITANIO INMOVILIZADO EN LA OXIDACIÓN FOTOCATALÍTICA DE PÚRPURA DE BROMOCRESOL
Authors: Alvarado-de la Vega Mario Alberto , Meza-Gordillo Rocío , Villalobos-Maldonado Juan José , Pola-Albores José Francisco , Enciso-Sáenz Samuel
Published: November 2021

La contaminación de agua residual con materia orgánica y compuestos aromáticos es un problema cada vez más complejo que demanda sistemas de tratamiento más eficientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el efecto del tamaño de partícula de TiO2 en la oxidación fotocatalítica del púrpura de bromocresol usado como modelo de contaminante orgánico. El TiO2 se inmovilizó sobre un sustrato de borosilicato mediante la técnica de revestimiento por inmersión y se caracterizó por microscopia de fuerza atómica (AFM, por sus siglas en inglés) para evaluar la morfología de la superficie obtenida. La estructura cristalina anatasa del TiO2 se confirmó mediante difracción de rayos X (DRX) y el tamaño de partícula se determinó mediante dispersión de luz dinámica (DSL). Se evaluaron los efectos de partículas de 25 y 300 nm de TiO2 sobre la degradación del púrpura de bromocresol en concentraciones de 5, 10, 20 y 30 ppm. La cinética de la reacción de degradación de púrpura de bromocresol (PBC) fue de pseudoprimer orden, congruente con el modelo de Langmuir para concentraciones bajas de este colorante. La fotodegradación en partículas de 25 nm de TiO2, resultó más eficiente que la de 300 nm, debido al mayor número de granos formados en la superficie, el cual promovió un mayor número de sitios activos disponibles.
Entropy Measures of Distance Matrix
Authors: Şahin Bünyamin , Şahi̇n Abdulgani
Published: November 2021

Bonchev and Trinajstic defined two distance based entropy measures to measure the molecular branching of molecular graphs in 1977 [Information theory, distance matrix, and molecular branching, J. Chem. Phys., 38 (1977), 4517–4533]. In this paper we use these entropy measures which are based on distance matrices of graphs. The first one is based on distribution of distances in distance matrix and the second one is based on distribution of distances in upper triangular submatrix. We obtain the two entropy measures of paths, stars, complete graphs, cycles and complete bipartite graphs. Finally we obtain the minimal trees with respect to these entropy measures with fixed diameter.
Machine Learning for Capillary Pressure Estimation
Authors: Kasha A. A. , Sakhaee-Pour A. , Hussein I. A.
Published: November 2021

Capillary pressure plays an essential role in controlling multiphase flow in porous media and is often difficult to be estimated at subsurface conditions. The Leverett capillary pressure function J provides a convenient tool to address this shortcoming; however, its performance remains poor where there is a large scatter in the scaled data. Our aim, therefore, was to reduce the gaps between J curves and to develop a method that allows accurate scaling of capillary pressure. We developed two mathematical expressions based on permeability and porosity values of 214 rock samples taken from North America and the Middle East. Using the values as grouping features, we used pattern-recognition algorithms in machine learning to cluster the original data into different groups. In each wetting phase saturation, we were able to quantify the gaps between the J curves by determining the ratio of the maximum J to the minimum J. Graphical maps were developed to identify the corresponding group for a new rock sample after which the capillary pressure is estimated using the average J curve of the identified group and the permeability and porosity values of the rock sample. This method also provides better performance than the flow zone indicator (FZI) approach. The proposed technique was validated on six rock types and has successfully generated average capillary pressure curves that capture the trends and values of the experimentally measured data by mercury injection. Moreover, the proposed methodology in this study provides an advanced and a machine-learning-oriented approach for rock typing. In this paper, we provide a reliable and easy-to-use method for capillary pressure estimation in the absence of experimentally measured data by mercury injection.
One-Century Sedimentary Record, Sources, And Ecological Risk of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Dianchi Lake, China
Authors: Ma Xiaohua , Yang Hao , Huang Changchun , Huang Tao , Li Shuaidong
Published: November 2021

In this study, the sedimentary records, sources, and ecological risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Dianchi Lake were analyzed. The concentration ranges of ΣPAH16 in the sediments of Dianchi Lake were 368–990 ng/g, with an average value of 572 ng/g, peaking in 1988. Economic development and rapid population growth, as well as the rapid growth of coal consumption, have a greater impact on the HMW PAHs than on the LMW PAHs in the sedimentary environment. The results of the diagnostic ratios and PCA model show that the main sources of PAHs were coal and biomass combustion, as well as fossil fuel combustion sources in individual years. The risk assessment results showed that the PAH concentrations in the sediment were within a safe range. In the past 100 years of sediment pore water, except for Phe, which reached chronic toxic pollution levels in some years, other 2-3 ring LMW PAHs have been within a safe range. With the development of industrialization and urbanization, the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum has increased, and some of the 4-6 ring HMW PAHs have reached chronic toxicity or even acute toxicity in the sediment pore water.
MicroRNA-194 Inhibition Promotes SUMO-2-Dependent Neuro-Protection Against Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Wang Xiao-Hua , Zhang Si-Yuan , Huang Yi , Guan Yunqian , Zheng Yi , Qi Wenwei , Zhao Guoguang , Wang Tian-Long
Published: November 2021

Background
Hypothermia is a powerful neuroprotectant. However, clinical translation has been difficult partly because the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Recently, it has been suggested that hypothermic neuroprotection may be linked with specific microRNA signatures, specifically the downregulation of miR-194-5p. Here, we attempt a reverse translation study to define the novel neuroprotective mechanism of miR-194-5p downregulation.
Methods
Our research designed experiments to determine the expression of miR-194-5p in hypothermic neuroprotection. After transfected with miRNA-194-5p inhibitor or control miRNA, neuron cells were performed Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation. Cell viability was determined by staining with propidium iodide (PI) and expression of SUMO-2 were quantified using Western blot. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to verify the direct binding of miR-194-5p to SUMO2 transcripts. Puromycin and recombinant lentivirus (pLKD-CMV-eGFP-sumo2-shRNA) were used to suppressed SUMOylation non-specifically and specifically.
Results
First, we documented that miR-194-5p was highly expressed in rat primary cortical neurons and astrocytes, compared with other glial and vascular cell types. Blockade with anti-miR-194-5p did not affect astrocytes, but significantly protected neurons against oxy-glucose deprivation. Using a miRNA target prediction algorithm, we found that SUMO-2, a known endogenous neuroprotective regulator, possessed the binding site for miR-194-5p. When miR-194-5p was inhibited, SUMO-2 mRNA was increased in neurons along with the enhancement of SUMO-2 conjugation. Finally, downregulation of SUMO-2 with none-special puromycin and special lentiviral shRNA-mediated knockdown of SUMO2 both canceled the neuroprotection mediated by miR194-5p inhibition.
Conclusion
Taken together, this study provides the first proof-of-concept that miR194-5p may be a negative controller of endogenous SUMO-2 protective mechanisms, and therefore miR194-5p inhibition may provide a novel approach for leveraging hypothermic neuroprotection against ischemic stress.
Temporal Variation of Culture Independent Bacterial Diversity Based on Amplicon Sequencing of the North Sikkim Hot Spring Solfataric Soil Sediments
Authors: Das Sayak , Sherpa Mingma Thundu , Najar Ishfaq Nabi , Kumari Ankita , Thakur Nagendra
Published: November 2021

The solfataric soil sediments of the hot springs of Sikkim located at Yume Samdung and Lachen valley were studied for deciphering the uncultured bacterial diversity. The main aim here is to present a comparative study and generate a baseline data on the post-monsoon seasonal variation for the months of October and December, analysed through 16S rRNA V3-V4 amplicon sequencing. At phylum level, in the New Yume Samdung (NYS) hot spring soil sample, in the month of October it was dominated by Proteobacteria (21.03%) followed by Thermi (12.33%) and Bacteroidetes (9.95%) whereas in December it was dominated by Proteobacteria (23.61%) followed by Chloroflexi (19.15%) and Bacteroidetes (16.55%). For Old Yume Samdung (OYS) hot spring soil sample, in the month of October, it was dominated by Proteobacteria (25.22%) followed by Bacteroidetes (11.76%) and Thermi (8.11%) whereas in December it was dominated by Proteobacteria (20.58%) followed by Chloroflexi (18.88%) and Thermi (9.89%). And in the case of Tarum (TAR) hot spring soil sediments, in the month of October, it was dominated by Proteobacteria (27.51%) followed by Bacteroidetes (12.29%) and Actinobacteria (11.1%) whereas in December it was dominated by Proteobacteria (16.76%) followed by Bacteroidetes (16.54%) and Thermi (14.17%). At genus level, in NYS, in October it was dominated by Meiothermus (12.33%) and in December it was Roseiflexus (8.59%). For OYS, it was dominated by Meiothermus (8.11%) in October and by unclassified Chloroflexales (10.94%) in December. And in TAR, it was dominated by unclassified Bacteroidales (10.29%) in October and by Meiothermus (14.12%) in December.
Unravelling the Effect of Complexant Number on Remarkably High Static and Dynamic Second Hyperpolarizability of Aziridine Based Diffuse Electron Systems: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Roy Ria Sinha , Ghosh Avik , Ash Tamalika , Banerjee Soumadip , Das Abhijit
Published: November 2021

Effect of complexant number on second hyperpolarizability of a series of diffuse electron system comprising aziridine (complexant) and alkaline earth metal dopnat (i.e. Be, Mg and Ca) are explored theoretically. For this, the number of the complexant is increased upto three in a stepwise fashion. Aziridine unit, that is non-covalently linked with dopant, polarizes the ns electron of dopant. This polarizing effect results the higher second hyperpolarizability value of the complexes. . Compared to pristine aziridine moiety, the gavg of Be-aziridine complex enhances significantly.Interestingly, with increase in the complexant number, the static and dynamic second hyperpolarizability value enhances in monotonical fashion and attains the maximum value when three complexant are employed. Among the studied systems, the shamrock-shaped complex (Ca@(aziridine)3) exhibits higher non-linear refractive index as well as remarkably high second hyperpolarizability value(1.83x107 a.u.).
Uncovering predictability of individual and team success:
Significant Hot Hand Effect in International Cricket
Authors: Ram Sumit , Nandan Shyam , Sornette Didier
Published: November 2021

We investigate the predictability and persistence (hot-hand effect) of individual and team performance by analyzing the complete recorded history of international cricket. We introduce an original temporal representation of performance streaks, which is suitable to be modelled as a self-exciting point process. We confirm the presence of predictability and hot-hands across the individual performance and the absence of the same in team performance and game outcome. Thus, Cricket is a game of skill for individuals and a game of chance for the teams. Our study contributes to recent historiographical debates concerning the presence of persistence in individual and collective productivity and success. The introduction of several metrics and methods can be useful to test and exploit clustering of performance in the study of human behavior and design of algorithms for predicting success.
Seasonal Occurrence of Cyanobacteria and First Detection of Microcystin-LR in Water Column of Foum-Gleita Reservoir, Mauritania
Authors: Sadegh Ahmed Sidi , Sidoumou Zeinebou , Dia Mamadou , Pinchetti Juan Luis Gómez , Bouaïcha Noureddine
Published: November 2021

This work was carried out to study the seasonal occurrence of cyanobacteria and their microcystin-LR in water column of Foum-Gleita reservoir (Mauritania). Limnological and biological factors were investigated at three depths (surface, -3, and -6 m) in this reservoir during a full year. Nutrients were analyzed by Spectrophotometry, phytoplankton was analyzed by Inverted Microscopy, microsystins were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry and environmental factors relationships were analyzed by Pearson's correlation and Multiple Linear Regression. Physicochemical analyzes have shown that this reservoir is hypereutrophic with dissolved inorganic nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations relatively high, varying from 1.39 to 6.53 and 0.21 to 0.57 mg/L, respectively. Annual surface water temperature was exceptionally high (27.8 ± 3.6°C), characterizing of a Sahelian climatic conditions. Phytoplankton analyzes have shown dominance of two toxic cyanobacteria species Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum flos-aquae during warm season (May-September). Microcystins analysis revealed presence of only most toxic variant, microcystin-LR. Microcystin-LR concentration in the surface water samples, during cyanobacterial blooms, was consistently high (5.638 µg/L), exceeding 5-times the World Health Organization drinking water limit (1 µg/L), however, it was much lower (0.83 µg / L) at depth (-6 m). Analysis of environmental factors relationships showed that the most influential factors on abundance of Microcystis aeruginosa and Dolichospermum flos-aquae and variability of microcystin-LR concentrations were total phosphorus, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, iron, temperature and pH. Finally, the study clearly demonstrated need for regular monitoring of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in the waters of studied reservoir.
Numerical Study of the Effect of Workpiece Thickness on the Interfacial Behavior of a Molten Aluminum Droplet on a Zinc-coated Steel Sheet
Authors: Cho Won-Ik , Woizeschke Peer
Published: November 2021

In brazing, the interfacial conditions between the molten filler material and the solid workpiece are important, yet they cannot be observed experimentally. A two-dimensional axisymmetric simulation was conducted to analyze the behavior of a single droplet of molten aluminum on zinc-coated steel sheet as a simplified brazing process. The simulation models were verified through a comparison with experimental results in terms of bead shape, zinc distribution, and molten metal behavior. The results show that Young’s equation was not valid in explaining the wetting behavior because of the instant solidification. In this respect, the effects of the workpiece thickness and wetting angle on the bead width were negligible. Two periods of time, namely the times for the temperature difference and solidification, and their ratio (interface number) were defined to analyze the temperature behavior at the interface over time as well as the effects of workpiece thickness. The interfacial temperature behaviors tended to be divided into three regions: linear (or inversely proportional), singular, and convergence. The interface number converged to a value of one with the increase in the thickness.
Indolent Enhancing Spinal Lesions Mimicking Spinal Metastasis in Pediatric Patients With Malignant Primary Brain Tumors
Authors: Wu Hsin-Wei , Lin Shih-Chieh , Wu Ching-Lan , Lee Kang-Lung , Wu Chia-Hung , Chen Shu-Ting , Chen Hsin-Hung , Lee Yi-Yen , Chen Yi-Wei , Wu Chih-Chun , Hsu Ting-Rong , Chang Feng-Chi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundSpinal metastasis from malignant primary brain tumor (MPBT) in pediatric is rare, often appearing as enhancing lesions on MRI. However, some indolent enhancing spinal lesions (IESL) resulting from previous treatment mimic metastasis on MRI, leading to unnecessary investigation and treatment. MethodsIn 2005-2020, we retrospectively enrolled 12 pediatric/young patients with clinical impression of spinal metastasis, and pathological diagnosis of their spinal lesions. Three patients had MPBT with IESL, and 9 patients had malignant tumors with metastases. The histopathologic diagnosis of IESL was unremarkable marrow change. We evaluated their MRI, CT, and bone scan findings.Results Image findings of IESL vs spinal metastasis were 1) shape: round/ovoid (3/3, 100%) vs irregular (9/9, 100%) (P= .005); 2) target-shaped enhancement: (3/3, 100%) vs (0/9, 0%) (P= .005); 3) pathologic fracture of vertebral body: (1/3, 33.3%) vs (9/9, 100%) (P= .045); 4) expansile vertebral shape (0/3, 0%) vs (9/9, 100%) (P= .005); 5) obliteration of basivertebral vein: (0/3, 0%) vs (9/9, 100%) (P= .005); 6) osteoblastic change on CT: (3/3, 100%) vs (2/9, 22.2%) (P= .034).ConclusionsIESL in pediatrics with MPBT can be differentiated from metastasis by their image characteristics. We suggest close follow-up rather than aggressive investigation and treatment for IESL.
Associations between PM10 from Traffic, Resuspension, Sand Storms and Volcanic Sources and Asthma Drugs Dispensing
Authors: Carlsen Hanne Krage , Thorsteinsson Throstur
Published: November 2021

BackgroundParticle matter (PM) is detrimental to respiratory health, particularly in individuals with underlying respiratory disease, e.g. asthma. In the capital area of Iceland PM is both from anthropogenic sources, mainly traffic and local resuspension, as well as natural sources, such as dust-and volcanic ash storms. The aim was to study the association between all kinds of PM events from and daily dispensing of asthma drug as a proxy for respiratory health.Material and methodsThe study period was 2005-2015. Dispensing of asthma drugs for all individuals living in the capital area of Iceland were obtained from health registries. Concentrations of daily air pollution, pollen, and meteorological variables were obtained. Dust sources were determined for days when PM exceeded the health limit (24-hour mean 50 µg/m3) which are defined as “PM events”. The data were analysed using generalised non-linear models (GNM) methods and adjusted for both season and time trend. Results There were 137 PM event days where PM exceeded the health limit, and the source of the particles could be determined. The source of PM events was most often traffic (5%) or local resuspension 92(%), but PM events were also due to dust storms (1%) and volcanic ash (0.2%). During the 11 year study period there were on average 85 (standard deviation 45) daily dispensings of short-acting asthma drugs and 31 (19 standard deviations) dispensing of long-acting drugs. In the regression analysis, PM events from traffic and resuspension sources were associated with increases in the number of individuals who filled prescriptions for both long- and short-acting asthma drug in the following 7 days. Volcanic ash PM events were associated with dispensing of long-acting drugs, and short-acting drug use in summer and in individuals aged less than 18 years. DiscussionPM from traffic and local resuspension are the largest contributors to respiratory morbidity in Iceland’s capital area, although volcanic particles were also a significant contributor. PM from dust storms which did not originate from recent volcanic sources, was not associated with this indicator of poor respiratory health.
Machine Learning Algorithms For Understanding The Determinants of Under-Five Mortality
Authors: Saroj Rakesh Kumar , Yadav Pawan Kumar , Singh Rajneesh , Chilyabanyama Obvious Nchimunya
Published: November 2021

Background: The death rate of under-five children in India declined last few decades, but few bigger states have poor performance. This is a matter of serious concern for the child's health as well as social development. Nowadays, machine learning techniques play a crucial role in the smart health care system to capture the hidden factors and patterns of outcomes. In this paper, we used machine learning techniques to predict the important factors of under-five mortality.This study aims to explore the importance of machine learning techniques to predict under-five mortality and to find the important factors that cause under-five mortality.The data was taken from the National Family Health Survey-IV of Uttar Pradesh. We used four machine learning techniques like decision tree, support vector machine, random forest, and logistic regression to predict under-five mortality factors and model accuracy of each model. We have also used information gain to rank to know the important variables for accurate predictions in under-five mortality data.Result: Random Forest (RF) predicts the child mortality factors with the highest accuracy of 97.5 %, and the number of living children, births in the last five years, educational level, birth order, total children ever born, currently breastfeeding, and size of child at birth that identifying as essential factors for under-five mortality.Conclusion: The study focuses on machine learning techniques to predict and identify important factors for under-five mortality. The random forest model provides an excellent predictive result for estimating the risk factors of under-five mortality. Based on the resulting outcome, policymakers can make policies and plans to reduce under-five mortality.
Cardiac Activity Impacts Cortical Motor Excitability
Authors: Al Esra , Stephani Tilman , Engelhardt Melina , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim
Published: November 2021

Human cognition and action can be influenced by internal bodily processes such as heartbeats. For instance, somatosensory perception is impaired both during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle and when heartbeats evoke stronger cortical responses. Here, we test whether these cardiac effects originate from overall changes in cortical excitability. Cortical and corticospinal excitability were assessed using electroencephalographic and electromyographic responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation while concurrently monitoring cardiac activity with electrocardiography. Cortical and corticospinal excitability were found to be highest during systole and following stronger cortical responses to heartbeats. Furthermore, in a motor task, hand-muscle activity and the associated desynchronization of sensorimotor oscillations were stronger during systole. These results suggest that systolic cardiac signals have a facilitatory effect on motor excitability – in contrast to sensory attenuation that was previously reported for somatosensory perception. Thus, distinct time windows may exist across the cardiac cycle that either optimize perception or action.
Carbohydrate content of human milk is affected by seasonal variations: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Mangel Laurence , Vanetik Sharon , Mandel Dror , Marom Ronella , Lubetzky Ronit , Lev Hadar
Published: November 2021

Background
Previous studies have suggested seasonal variation in macronutrient content of milk produced from animals. The influence of seasonal variation upon human milk macronutrient content has not been elucidated. This study aimed to compare the macronutrient content of HM produced by lactating mothers during the winter and the summer seasons.
Methods
We compiled previously generated data on macronutrient content of colostrum milk samples collected from lactating mothers of healthy term infants. The mothers were recruited during their postpartum stay at the Lis Maternity Hospital of the Tel Aviv Medical Center. Macronutrient content was measured by mid-infrared spectroscopy.
Results
The carbohydrate content of the colostrum was significantly higher in the summer season than in the winter season (5.9 ± 1.3 vs 5.4 ± 1.4 g/100 ml, p value <0.001). Protein, fat, and energy contents were similar in both groups.
Conclusion
The carbohydrate content in colostrum obtained from mothers of term infants was affected by seasonal variations.
Sunflower Optimization Algorithm Based Filtering Method for State of Charge Estimation of Batteries in Electric Vehicle
Authors: Maheshwari A , Nageswari S.
Published: November 2021

The main focus of the battery management system is the estimation of the battery’s State of Charge (SOC) which is an indicator to determine the driving range of an electric vehicle. The Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) algorithm is the most promising for SOC estimation when the system is running. The EKF state estimation algorithm is sensitive to the process noise covariance matrix Q and measurement noise covariance matrix R. Inappropriate noise covariance matrices reduce the accuracy and make divergence in state estimation. In this paper, the Sunflower Optimization algorithm (SFO) is used to optimize the noise covariance matrices before applying EKF for online SOC estimation. This simply indicates that the iterative SFO does not affect the instantaneous response of EKF in online estimation because the SFO is only performed once to determine the optimal values. The effectiveness of the proposed identification is examined through the constant discharge rate test and dynamic stress test. As observed, the performance indices such as maximum error, Mean Absolute Error, Mean Square Error and Root Mean Square Error of both SOC and voltage obtained by the proposed SFO-EKF are low compared to the other three methods. Besides accuracy, the proposed method quickly converges even when the initial SOC is inaccurate. The simulation results show that the proposed method has high accuracy and a better convergence rate in terms of estimating SOC under static and dynamic operating conditions.
High Rates of Undiagnosed and Uncontrolled Hypertension Upon a Screening Campaign in Rural Rwanda: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ntaganda Evariste , Mugeni Regine , Harerimana Emmanuel , Ngoga Gedeon , Dusabeyezu Symaque , Uwinkindi Francois , Utumatwishima Jean Nepo A. , Mutimura Eugene , Davila-Roman Victor G. , Schechtman Kenneth , Nishimwe Aurore , Twizeyimana Laurence , Brown Angela L. , Cade Todd W. , Bushaku Marcus , Fuentes Lisa De Las , Reeds Dominic , Twagirumukiza Marc
Published: November 2021

Background: Hypertension remains the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide with a prevalence and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) among the highest. The early detection of hypertension risk factors is a crucial pillar for CVD prevention. Design and method: This cross-sectional study included 4284 subjects, mean age 46±16SD, 56.4% females and mean BMI 26.6±3.7 SD. Data were collected through a screening campaign in rural area of Kirehe District, Eastern of Rwanda, with the objective to characterize and examine the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) and other CVD risk factors. An adapted tool from the World Health Organization STEPwise Approach was used for data collection. Elevated BP was defined as ≥140/90 mm/Hg and elevated blood glucose as blood glucose ≥100 mg/dl after a six-hours fast. Results: Of the sampled population, 21.2% (n=910) had an elevated BP at screening; BP was elevated among individuals not previously known to have HTN in 18.7% (n=752). Among individuals with a prior diagnosis of HTN, 62.2% (n=158 of 254) BP was uncontrolled. Age, weight, smoking, alcohol history and waist circumference were associated with BP in both univariate analyses and multivariate analysis. Conclusion: High rates of elevated BP identified through a health screening campaign in this Rwandan district were surprising given the rural characteristics of the district and relatively low population age. These data highlight the need to implement an adequate strategy for the prevention, diagnosis, and control of HTN that includes rural areas of Rwanda as part of a multicomponent strategy for CVD prevention.
Risk factors for thyroid hormone replacement therapy after hemithyroidectomy and development of a predictive nomogram
Authors: Cao Zhen , Liu Rui , Wu Mengwei , Xu Xiequn , Liu Ziwen
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Hemithyroidectomy is a valid operation to retain functional contralateral thyroid lobe that is indicated for a variety of thyroid diseases. This study aimed at determination of the risk factors for thyroid hormone replacement following hemithyroidectomy and to develop a predictive nomogram.
Methods
Data of patients treated by hemithyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease between January 2015 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics, surgery-related variables, and preoperative and postoperative thyroid function of patients were collected from the case records and compared between patients with postoperative euthyroidism and patients with postoperative hypothyroidism. Postoperative euthyroidism patients without thyroid hormone replacement were compared to those who developed postoperative hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone replacement. The factors associated with thyroid hormone replacement were used to construct a binomial logistic-regression model and visualized as a predictive nomogram to evaluate the risk of thyroid hormone replacement following hemithyroidectomy.
Results
Of the 378 patients (74% female) included in the study, 110 (29.1%) developed postoperative hypothyroidism. Preoperative serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) > 2.172 µIU/mL was identified as an independent risk factor for postoperative hypothyroidism (odds ratio [OR] = 8.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.87-13.20; P < 0.001). Of 110 patients with postoperative hypothyroidism, 56 (50.9%) received thyroid hormone replacement. Unilateral thyroid nodule and preoperative serum TSH > 2.172 µIU/mL were independent predictors of postoperative thyroid hormone replacement (P = 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively). Temporary subclinical hypothyroidism occurred in 12 patients; all 12 reverted to euthyroid state without thyroid hormone replacement. The discriminative effect of the binomial regression model was proved reliable by the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test (P = 0.856), and predictive ability of the nomogram was satisfactory with a C-index of 0.85.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism is common after hemithyroidectomy, and almost half of the patients will need thyroid hormone replacement. Elevated preoperative serum TSH level and unilateral thyroid nodule were independent predictors of thyroid hormone replacement following hemithyroidectomy. The predictive nomogram could be a useful tool for clinical practice.
New Copper (II) Isomer Based on 8-aminoquinoline Ligand: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis and Computational Study.
Authors: Setifi Zouaoui , Ferjani Hela , Smida Youssef Ben , Jelsch Christian , Setifi Fatima , Glidewell Christopher , Hela Ferjani
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Crystal-Field Mediated Electronic Transitions of EuS up to 35 GPa
Authors: Monteseguro Virginia , Barreda-Argüeso Jose Antonio , Ruiz-Fuertes Javier , Rosa Angelika , Meyerheim Holger L. , Irifune Tetsuo , Rodriguez Fernando
Published: November 2021

An advanced experimental and theoretical model to explain the correlation between the electronic and local structure of Eu2+ in two different environments within a same compound, EuS, is presented. EuX monochalcogenides (X: O, S, Se, Te) exhibit anomalies in all their properties around 14 GPa with a semiconductor to metal transition. Although it is known that these changes are related to the 4f75d0 → 4f65d1 electronic transition, no consistent model of the pressure-induced modifications of the electronic structure currently exists. We show, by optical and x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and by ab initio calculations up to 35 GPa, that the pressure evolution of the crystal field plays a major role in triggering the observed electronic transitions from semiconductor to the half-metal and finally to the metallic state.
Performance and Feeding Behavior of Holstein and Holstein × Gyr Crossbred Heifers Grazing Temperate Forages
Authors: Abreu Marcelo B. , Cunha Camila S. , Costa João H.C. , Miller-Cushon Emily K. , Rotta Polyana P. , Machado Andreia F. , Morais Valber C.L. , Marcondes Marcos Inácio
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate the difference between Holstein and Holstein x Gyr breeds on feeding behavior and performance of heifers grazing temperate pasture. The experiment was carried out in 89 days, split into 14 days of adaptation and 3 periods of 25 days. Two treatments were used: Holstein (HOL; n = 7) and Holstein × Gyr (HG; n = 7). Heifers grazed a consortium of ryegrass and Bristle Oats and were supplemented individually daily with corn meal at 0.33% of body weight plus 5 kg/d of corn silage. For 3 consecutive days, feeding behavior was observed for individual animals from direct visual observation recording at 10 min intervals. The digestibility trial was performed on d16 to d24 of each period. Body measurements and weight were taken at d0 and at d23, 24, and 25 of each period. Grazing duration, grazing frequency, and bite rate were greater for HOL than HG. Rumination characteristics, intake, digestibility, body measurements were not affected by breed. Breeds had differences in grazing characteristics, but it did not influence performance or intake parameters. Therefore, HOL and HG heifers managed under temperate pasture in tropical countries have similar performance.
A Simple and Interpretable Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage Prediction Model for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants Using Machine Learning
Authors: Matsushita Felipe Yu , Krebs Vera Lúcia Jornada , de Carvalho Werther Brunow
Published: November 2021

Severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH) is a catastrophic event with serious neurocognitive impairment in preterm infants. Because sIVH is a complex multifactorial disease, determining which patients require special attention to prevent sIVH is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate an easy interpretable decision-tree model to identify extremely preterm infants with a higher risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage. All infants admitted to a single-center tertiary intensive care unit in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2012 to 2017, with a birth weight less than 1000 grams and at least one cranial ultrasound after three days of life were included. The association of risk factors with sIVH was assessed using logistic regression. Univariate analysis, stepwise logistic regression, correlation matrix, Boruta, and XGBoost were used to select features. In this single-center, retrospective cohort of 190 extremely low birth weight infants, the mean gestational age was 27.5 (2.2) weeks and the mean birth weight was 748 (161) grams. A total of forty-two newborns (22.1%) developed severe intraventricular hemorrhage. Machine learning tools identified three features (pH, base excess, and gestational age) that predict severe intraventricular hemorrhage with an AUC of 0.857. Low pH levels appear to be a key factor in identifying the great majority of cases that require additional attention. Conclusions: We suggest a simple and interpretable decision-tree model to promptly identify extremely low birth weight infants at the highest risk of severe intraventricular hemorrhage.
Alterations in Pain Processing Circuitries in Episodic Migraine
Authors: Mungoven Tiffani J. , Marciszewski Kasia K. , Macefield Vaughan G. , Macey Paul M. , Henderson Luke , Meylakh Noemi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe precise underlying mechanisms of migraine remain unknown. Although we have previously shown acute orofacial pain evoked changes within the brainstem of individuals with migraine, we do not know if these brainstem alterations are driven by changes in higher cortical regions. The aim of this investigation is to extend our previous investigation to determine if higher brain centers display altered activation patterns and connectivity in migraineurs during acute orofacial noxious stimuli. MethodsFunctional magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 29 healthy controls and 25 migraineurs during the interictal and immediately (within 24-hours) prior to migraine phases. We assessed activation of higher cortical areas during noxious orofacial stimulation and assessed whole scan and pain-related changes in connectivity. ResultsDespite similar overall pain intensity ratings between all three groups, migraineurs in the group immediately prior to migraine displayed greater activation of the ipsilateral nucleus accumbens, the contralateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and two clusters in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). Reduced whole scan connectivity dlPFC [Z+44] connectivity with cortical/subcortical and brainstem regions involved in pain modulation such as the putamen and primary motor cortex was demonstrated in migraineurs. Pain-related changes in connectivity of the dlPFC and the hypothalamus immediately prior to migraine was also found to be reduced with brainstem pain modulatory areas such as the rostral ventromedial medulla and dorsolateral pons. ConclusionsThese data reveal that the modulation of brainstem pain modulatory areas by higher cortical regions may be aberrant during pain and these alterations in this descending pain modulatory pathway manifests exclusively prior to the development of a migraine attack.
Development of a Framework for the Implementation of Synchronous Digital Mental Health: A Realist Synthesis of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Villarreal-Zegarra David , Alarcon-Ruiz Christoper A. , Melendez-Torres GJ , Torres-Puente Roberto , Navarro-Flores Alba , Cavero Victoria , Ambrosio-Melgarejo Juan , Rojas-Vargas Jefferson , Almeida Guillermo , Albitres-Flores Leonardo , Romero-Cabrera Alejandra B. , Huarcaya-Victoria Jeff
Published: November 2021

Background: The use of technologies has served to reduce gaps in access to treatment and digital health interventions show promise in the care of mental health problems. However, to understand what and how these interventions work, it's imperative to document the aspects related to their challenging implementation. Methods: The SPIDER framework was used to develop the following review question: What makes digital mental health interventions with a synchronous component work on people with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, or stress, based on implementation, economic, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies? MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science databases from 1st January 2015 to September 2020 were searched with no language restriction. AMSTAR-2 was used to assess the risk of bias, and CERQual was used to assess the confidence in cumulative evidence. Realist synthesis analysis allowed for developing a framework on the implementation of synchronous digital mental health using a grounded theory approach with an emergent approach.Results: 21 systematic reviews were included in the study. Ninety percent of the studies presented a critically low confidence level assessed with the AMSTAR-2. The realist synthesis allowed the development of three hypotheses to identify the context and mechanisms in which these interventions achieve these outcomes: Hypothesis 1: These interventions reach populations otherwise unable to have access because they do not require the physical presence of the therapist nor the patient, thereby tackling geographic barriers posed by in-person therapy. Hypothesis 2: These interventions reach populations otherwise unable to have access because they can be successfully delivered by non-specialists, which makes them more cost-effective to implement in health services. Hypothesis 3: These interventions are acceptable and show good results in satisfaction, because they require less need of disclosure and provide more privacy, comfortability, and participation, enabling the establishment of rapport with the therapist.Conclusion: We developed a framework with three hypotheses that explain what makes digital mental health interventions with a synchronous component work on people with mental health problems. Each hypothesis represented essential outcomes in the implementation process.Registration: PROSPERO (CRD420203811).
Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of the Swiss French Version of Older People’s Quality Of Life Questionnaire (OPQOL-35-SF)
Authors: Carrard Sophie , Mooser Claudia , Hilfiker Roger , Hager Anne-Gabrielle Mittaz
Published: November 2021

Background: The proportion of older people aged more than 65 years old is continuously increasing in the world population. The quality of life is an important factor in their biopsychosocial handling. The questionnaire “Older People’s Quality of Life-35” (OPQOL-35) has been specially developed for the assessment of the senior’s quality of life. The aim of this study is to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the transcultural Swiss French version of the OPQOL-35 questionnaire (OPQOL-35-SF). Method: Forward-backward procedure was applied to translate the original questionnaire from English into Swiss French. Then, a sample of older people completed the questionnaire. The construct validity was evaluated by comparing the results of the OPQOL-35-SF with the scores of three other questionnaires (WHOQOL-OLD, CASP-12 and EQ-5D-5L) and two visual analogue scales (health and quality of life). The questionnaire’s structure has been assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The OPQOL-35-SF questionnaire was submitted a second time after 7 to 23 days to evaluate the reliability. Results: 264 older people completed all the questionnaires once and 262 the OPQOL-35-SF a second time. The mean age of participants was 76.8 (SD = 7.1). Most of them were women (73,9%). KMO is of 0.86 and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity is significant (p<0.001). The result of EFA shows 8 factors with eigenvalues greater than one, which explained 58% of the observed variance. All the items have a significant impact (<0.30) in at least one factor. The convergent validity presents low to moderate correlations (rho: 0.384-0.663). Internal consistency is good with a Cronbach’s alpha at 0.875 for test and at 0.902 for retest. Test-retest reliability presents an ICC2.1 at 0.83 (IC 0.78 to 0.87). Conclusion: The Swiss French version of the questionnaire OPQOL-35 shows psychometric properties which permit its use in the clinical practice or for research purposes. A supplementary sample would be necessary for a better repartition of the items in the different factors.
A Metagenomics Method for the Quantitative Detection of Pathogens Causing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: HAUSER Sébastien , Lazarevic Vladimir , Tournoud Maud , Ruppé Etienne , Allexant Emmanuelle Santiago , Guigon Ghislaine , Schicklin Stephane , LANET Veronique , Girard Myriam , Mirande-Meunier Caroline , Gervasi Gaspard , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: November 2021

Background
The management of ventilator-associated and hospital-acquired pneumonia requires rapid and accurate quantitative detection of the infecting pathogen(s). To do it, we propose a metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) assay that includes an internal sample processing control (SPC) for the quantitative detection of 20 relevant bacterial species of interest (SOI) from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples.
Results
To avoid very major errors in identification of respiratory pathogens due to “false negative” cases, each sample was spiked with Bacillus subtilis, at a precisely defined concentration, using rehydrated BioBall®. This SPC ensured detection and quantification of the pathogen(s) at defined minimum concentrations. In the presented mNGS workflow, absolute quantification of Staphylococcus aureus was as accurate as quantitative PCR. We defined a metagenomics threshold at 5.3E+3 genome equivalent unit per milliliter of the sample for each SOI, to distinguish colonization from higher amounts of pathogens that may be associated with infection. Complete mNGS process and metrics were assessed on 40 clinical samples, showing 100 % sensitivity compared to microbial culture. However, 19 out of the 29 (66 %) SOI detections above the metagenomics threshold were not associated with bacterial growth above classical culture-based clinical thresholds. Taxonomic classification of 7 (37 %) of these “false positive” detections were confirmed by finding specific 16S/MetaPhlAn2 markers, the 12 other (63 %) “false positive” detections did not yield enough reads to check their taxonomic classification.
Conclusions
Our SPC design and analytical workflow allowed efficient detection and absolute quantification of pathogens from BAL samples, even when the bacterial DNA quantity was largely below manufacturer’s recommendations for NGS. The frequent "false positive" detection suggested the presence of non culturable cells within the tested BAL samples. Finally, mNGS detected mixed infections including bacterial species that were not reported by routine cultures.