bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers of inflammatory status in patients with severe obesity before and after bariatric surgery
Authors: Acosta-Mérida María Asunción , Bañolas-Suárez Raquel , Morera-Sánchez Marta , Marchena-Gómez Joaquín 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Obesity is recognized as a multifactorial chronic disease that has been associated with a chronic inflammatory status.
Objective
To analyze a series of inflammatory parameters in the pre- and postoperative period after bariatric surgery in order to assess the evolution of the inflammatory status before and after surgery.
Method
Observational study that included all patients undergoing bariatric surgery in a university hospital between 2013 and 2023. The variables sex, age, comorbidities, anthropometric parameters, surgical procedure performed, postoperative complications, inflammatory markers neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), were obtained before surgery and after 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years. Pre- and postoperative changes observed in these variables after bariatric surgery were analyzed.
Results
A final sample of 386 patients was included in the study, 140 (36.3%) men and 246 (63.7%) women, mean age 45.6 years (SD ± 9.6); 218 (56,5%) sleeve gastrectomy and 168 (43,5%) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Pre-surgery, BMI was statistically significantly related to the inflammatory markers NLR (p = 0.003), PLR (p = 0.041), baseline SIRI (p = 0.010) and baseline SIII (p = 0.003) and preoperative baseline weight was related to NLR (p = 0.003) and baseline SIII (p = 0.003). Postoperatively, the observed differences in weight and BMI were also significantly associated with changes in inflammatory marker levels 3 years later.
Conclusions
In patients with severe obesity, weight and BMI show an important relationship with inflammatory parameters. After bariatric surgery, the weight and BMI loss response are associated with a decrease in inflammatory markers.
A brief report of the status of self-medication with over-the-counter drugs: A pilot cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hatabu Asuka , Tian Yu-Shi , Asano Hiroto , Fukuzawa Kaori , Ikeda Kenji 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
The extent of the perceived knowledge and use status of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by Japanese citizens is unclear. This study aims to assess OTC drug use via a pilot cross-sectional survey of visitors to the University Festival.
Results
Of 180 valid answers, the female ratio was 76.1%. 56.1% were 16–19 years old. 70.6% of the respondents used OTC drugs in a recent year, and the top three factors focused on when they chose OTC drugs were price (60.0%), effectiveness (50.0%), and ingredients (43.3%). 97.2% responded that they are aware of the Package Insert (PI), and 52.0% read PI at least before purchasing or using new OTC drugs. 10.0% exhibited online purchasing experiences. 17.2% responded that they were unaware of the expiration dates, and only 43.3% read the information on storage and handling methods from PI. This study revealed a moderate prevalence of proper use of OTC drugs. A relatively low focus on precautions for storage and handling and unawareness of the expiration date may be risky. Due to limitations, the results of this pilot study may not be interpreted generally, and further investigations are needed.
Promoting Voluntary Green Behavior of Employees Through Green Human Resource Management and the Regulatory Role of Ethical Leaders in Vietnamese Manufacturing Enterprises
Authors: My Sang Tang , Quoc Anh Nguyen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Concerning the mediating role of attitude towards the environment and the regulatory role of ethical leadership, this study was carried out to examine the influence of GHRM on voluntary green behavior. Using survey data from 340 employees of Vietnamese manufacturing companies, the study's hypothesis testing was done using the path analysis method with the bootstrap technique on SmartPLS. Based on attitudes toward the environment, the study's findings indicate that GHRM has a direct and indirect effect on voluntary green behavior. Furthermore, it has been found that ethical leadership strengthens the previously mentioned indirect relationship. According to the findings, companies can use GHRM practices to encourage environmentally conscious behavior among their workforce, which will improve environmental efficiency and support the long-term growth of their companies.
Predictive value of the FIB-4 index, APRI, ALBI score, and GPR for overall survival in treatment-naïve metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: YILDIRIM Mehmet Serdar , GÜZEL Yunus , CAN Canan , KAPLAN İhsan , ŞENSES Veysi , SOLMAZ İhsan , BAŞGÖZ Bilgin Bahadır , ALAKUŞ Ömer Faruk , KÖMEK Halil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
The prevalence of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is increasing and is linked to poor overall survival (OS). Previous studies have aimed to determine the predictive value of scores and laboratory tests for OS in mCRC patients, but their findings have been inconclusive. In this research, we focused on determining the prognostic significance of the fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet (PLT) ratio index (APRI), the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score, and the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to PLT ratio (GPR) with respect to OS in treatment-naïve mCRC patients.
Methods:
This retrospective study included treatment-naïve mCRC patients. The FIB-4 index, ALBI score, APRI, and GPR were calculated for each participant, and their mortality dates were recorded. The clinical importance of these scores for survival outcomes was evaluated via the Cox regression model, Kaplan–Meier method, and log-rank test.
Results:
The study enrolled 123 untreated mCRC patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that sex and AST/PLT and ALT/PLT counts were not associated with OS (p>0.05 for all). However, a higher FIB-4 index (p=0.025), ALBI score (p<0.001), GPR (p<0.001), and AST/ALT ratio (p<0.001) were all associated with poor OS. Additionally, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age (95% CI: 1.009–1.053, p=0.006), ALBI score (95% CI: 1.234–2.983, p=0.004), GPR (95% CI: 1.442–2.701, p<0.001), and AST/ALT (95% CI: 1.193–2.911, p = 0.006) were independent prognostic factors for OS.
Conclusion:
The affordable and easily accessible ALBI score, GPR, and AST/ ALT have prognostic value in untreated patients with mCRC.
What is the predominant etiological factor for Merkel Cell Carcinoma in Turkey: Viral infection or sun exposure?
Authors: Comut Erdem , Bakay Ozge S. Karstarli , Demirkan Nese Calli 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine skin carcinoma. The pathogenesis involves Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and ultraviolet radiation exposure. Studies on MCC in Turkey are scarce, with essential data on local etiopathogenic and prognostic factors still lacking. We aimed to analyze the clinical and histopathologic features, biomarkers, and to evaluate these findings alongside Turkish literature to infer the etiopathogenesis, prognosis, and possible treatment options for the disease.
Methods
We analyzed the clinicopathologic features of 7 MCC patients diagnosed at the Pathology Department of Pamukkale University between 2003 to 2024 in this retrospective study. Clinical data was retrieved from the hospital’s electronic records. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor specimens stained with hematoxylin-eosin were examined microscopically. MCPyV, Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1), p53, PRAME, PD-L1, and MMR proteins were evaluated immunohistochemically. Research on MCC from Turkey was sourced from Turkish databases (ULAKBIM, Turkiye Atif Dizini, DergiPark, Turk Medline) and international databases (Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase). The literature review identified original research, case reports, theses, and conference presentations.
Results
The patients in our series, all aged over 50 (mean age 76.1 ± 14.8), predominantly female (F:M = 1.33:1). During a mean follow-up of 16.1 months, 42.9% (3/7) had lymph node metastases, and 57.1% (4/7) showed distant metastases. Perineural invasion was present in all cases with infiltrative growth pattern, and absent in those with nodular growth pattern (p = 0.008). Mitotic rate was significantly higher in cases with lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001; mean: 39/mm² vs. 12/mm²). MCPyV positivity was found to have significant relationship with RB1 expression (p = 0.008). PRAME was positive in 42.9% of the cases (3/7). The total number of MCC cases reported from Turkey was estimated at 227 ± 46, with MCPyV status available in a subset, showing a positivity rate of 70.3%.
Conclusions
Perineural invasion, high mitotic rate, and ulceration could be linked to aggressive features in MCC. The 9% incidence of gluteal localization in Turkish MCC cases, considering its geographical significance, should be evaluated in larger groups. Notably, all MCC cases from Turkey in which microsatellite instability status has been assessed were found to be microsatellite stable.
Treatment of pediatric patients' post-electric burn hand problems using electrophotobiomodulation rather than early excision and grafting
Authors: Elmelegy Nader Gomaa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Clinicians and researchers struggle with electrical burns of the hand. To be able to work again after an injury, the patient must have complete hand function and satisfactory cosmetic results.
Material and methods
Since we have a long history of using early excision and grafting and have observed a lot of disadvantages such as graft hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, failure of take, and donor site morbidity, we decided to investigate whether electro-photobiomodulation could support our initial clinical findings, shorten hospital stay, and result in better outcomes, particularly in terms of avoiding the need for reconstructive surgery and its associated disadvantages.
Results
A clinical review was performed by three burn therapy experts who were unrelated to this project. utilizing a 4-point scale. Of the 32 hands, 11 (34.4%) reported excellent results, 18 (56.2%) reported good results, 3 (9.4%) reported fair results, and none reported terrible results.
Conclusion
The outcomes of this clinical study demonstrated that Electro-photobiomodulation, which has a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and requires no hospital stay, can take the place of early excision and grafting in the treatment of post-electric charred hands.
Paternalistic Leadership and Counterproductive Work Behavior: Mediating Role of Leader Identification and Moderating Effect of Traditionality in Chinese Generation Z Employees
Authors: Ke Yangjie , Liu Li , Gu Manli 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study investigates how paternalistic leadership—authoritarian, benevolent, and moral—affects counterproductive work behaviors among Chinese Generation Z employees. Using social identity theory and Chinese traditional culture as a foundation, we propose a moderated mediation model with leader identification as a mediator and traditionality as a moderator. Data from a multi-time survey of 324 Gen Z employees in China, analysed with Stata 17.0, reveal that benevolent and moral leadership reduce counterproductive behaviors, while authoritarian leadership increases them. Leader identification fully mediates the effects of benevolent and moral leadership and partially mediates the effect of authoritarian leadership. Traditionality negatively moderates the relationship between paternalistic leadership and leader identification, with lower traditionality strengthening this connection. These results highlight the complex dynamics between leadership styles and employee behavior, providing insights for creating productive and harmonious workplaces for Gen Z employees in China.
A Novel Hybrid Multi-Operator Evolutionary Algorithm for Dynamic Distributed Generation Optimization and Optimal Feeder Reconfiguration
Authors: Ali Aamir , Ismael Muhammad , Saand A. S. , Ayaz Munwar , Serwar Ghulam , Siddiqui Rizwan A. , Kondhar Mohsin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study addresses the integration of distributed generations (DG) and network reconfiguration in distribution networks, that has not been thoroughly investigated in prior research. The importance of technical objectives, such as power loss, voltage deviation, and voltage stability index, is emphasized in improving distribution network planning and operation. The study investigates the impact of changing sun irradiation and load demand on the IEEE 33-bus test system. The issue at hand pertains to a mixed integer non-linear configuration, and four distinct research cases have been constructed in order to address and resolve it. Traditional evolutionary algorithms (EAs) are effective for such problems, but the study notes that using a single operator can limit performance. Hence, an innovative approach combines genetic algorithm (GA), differential evolution (DE), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to tackle multiperiod large-scale DG and network reconfiguration issues. Dealing with infeasible solutions during optimization poses a challenge, so penalty functions are often used in the literature. The penalty function can be limited by the selection of the penalty parameter, however; a large value of this parameter slows down the process, but a smaller value is stuck in infeasible space. Therefore, in the proposed hybrid method representative constraint handling techniques are incorporated to make a trade-off between exploration and exploitation. The simulation results illustrate the capability of the suggested strategy to converge towards the global optimal solution. Furthermore, taking into account the voltage stability index greatly improves the loading capacity as compared to the base situation. The hybrid multi-operator EA suggested in this study demonstrates a nearly global optimal solution for large-scale mixed integer non-linear problems, as evidenced by the comparison of simulation results with existing EAs. Moreover, the results demonstrate a substantial decrease in power loss by over 86%, a significant improvement in voltage deviation by more than 90%, and an increase in load capacity by over 700% through the effective integration of DGs with the VSI as the objective function.
Molecular genetics in familial primary hyperparathyroidism: A study from Northern India
Authors: Qadir Ajaz , Misgar Raiz Ahmad , Chhabra Ankit , Bhat Imtiyaz Ahmad , Bashir Mir Iftikhar , Wani Arshad Iqbal , Wani Munir Ahmad , Malik Ajaz Ahmad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Familial primary hyperparathyroidism (FPHPT) accounts for about 10% of cases, owing to germline mutations in specific genes. The genetic profile of FPHPT has not been studied in our population. This is most likely the first study in our region to examine the genetic profile to search for any other PHPT-related tumours in these patients.
Methods
This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Endocrinology SKIMS from February 2021 to February 2023, in which 103 patients diagnosed with PHPT were taken. A customised gene panel (CDC 73, MEN 1/2A/4 mutation) using next-generation sequencing (NGS)was performed in 39 patients with strong suspicious of FPHT based on age < 35 years, multiglandular disease, cystic parathyroid adenoma (PA), parathyroid carcinoma (PC), suspicious of MEN 1/2A/4 syndrome. We tried to compare the clinical characteristics of individuals with those of positive and negative genetic tests.
Results
Germline variants were observed in 11/39 (28.2%). 7(17.9%) patients tested positive for MEN 1 mutation while 4(10.2%) patients tested positive for CDC 73 mutation; however, no one tested positive for MEN 2A/4 mutation. 4 patients with MENI syndrome had c.1366-2A > G p? while as 1 had c.247_250del CTGT(p.Ile85SerfsTer33), 1 had c.1763C > T (p.S588L), 1 had c.415 C > T(p.H139Y). Out of 7 who tested positive for MEN 1 mutation, 2 patients had microprolactinomas, 2 had multi-glandular disease, 1 had recurrent disease, 1 had persistent disease, 1 had gastric neuroendocrine tumour. In contrast, out of 4 who tested positive for CDC 73 mutation, 2 had familial PHPT, 1 had multiple uterine fibroids, and 1 had bilateral renal cysts. In the case of patients with CDC 73 mutations, 1 patient had codon 222 CGA (Arg) > TGA, 1 had c.415C > T at codon 139 (R139X), 1 had c.687_688dellAG (p.Arg229Serfs37), other had c76delA (p.Ile26SerfsX11). These were all reported mutations. Age, greater serum calcium, higher ALP and more skeletal involvement were statistically significant characteristics of those who tested positive for the mutation.
Conclusion
The observed prevalence of genetic variants in our population was remarkably higher than in other populations. Recognition of predisposing germline mutations can have significant implications in patient management, such as preventing PC in HPT-JT and optimizing the approach to parathyroidectomy in MEN 1. So, we strongly recommend genetic screening in PHPT patients with high-risk features.
Bidirectional regulatory role of IDO1 in hepatocellular carcinoma：Promotion of Occurrence but Suppression of Progression
Authors: Mo Chan , Hong Min , Liu Yuan , Li Yunjia , Huang Danping , Xiong Dan , Zhang Xiuming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims To investigate the clinical significance of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In vitro, CCK-8, Key Fluor 488 Click-iT Edu ,wound healing, and Transwell assays were performed to explore the effect of IDO1 on the viability, proliferation, migration and invasion ability of HCC cell line SK-HEP1. In vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of nude mice was established by subcutaneously inoculating SK-HEP1 and treated with IDO1 inhibitor epacadostat (EPA) to observe the effect of IDO1 on tumor growth and immune cells infiltration. Multiplex immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the expression level of IDO1 and the infiltration of DCs in the HCC tissue microarray, including total 96 human HCC samples and 82 samples of matched adjacent normal tissues. Results The in vitro cellular and in vivo animal experiments in this study showed that inhibition of IDO1 expression helped to improve the malignant biological behavior of HCC and enhance the response of immune cells to tumor cells. Results of clinical tissue microarrays showed that compared with poorly differentiated HCC cancer tissues, the expression level of IDO1 in highly differentiated HCC cancer tissues was significantly increased.Meanwhile, compared with corresponding paracancer tissues, the infiltration of mature DCs were significantly reduced in highly differentiated HCC cancer tissues with high expression of IDO1, whereas in poorly differentiated HCC cancer tissues with low expression of IDO1, the infiltration of mature DCs were significantly increased. And IDO1 was highly expressed in HCC cancer tissues with pathological grade I-II, high AFP levels (≥ 200ug/L), HBV-positivie, cirrhosis, distant metastasis and recurrence. Conclusions IDO1 was abnormally expressed in HCC and was related to the degree of differentiation of HCC and the infiltration of immune cells and it might have bidirectional regulatory role in HCC: Promotion of Occurrence but Suppression of Progression.
Investigating the Magnetocaloric Effect of GdGaAl Alloys Using Mean-Field Theory
Authors: Khadhraoui Salha , Kaouach Houda , Zaidi Nadia , Hsini Mohamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we investigated the magnetocaloric properties and magnetic parameters of GdGa1 − xAlx (0≤𝑥≤0.5) alloys using mean-field theory. The magnetization, exchange field, and magnetic entropy change are examined to understand how partial substitution of Ga with Al affects these properties. The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) shows promising results, with maximum entropy changes of 3.40, 2.94, and 4.20 J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹ under 0–2 T change magnetic field for x=0, 0.3, and 0.5, respectively. The temperature-averaged entropy change (𝑇𝐸𝐶) values remain stable across a wide temperature range, making these materials suitable for refrigeration applications. The highest 𝑇𝐸𝐶 of 9.50 J·kg⁻¹·K⁻¹ is observed for the x = 0.5 alloy, indicating enhanced magnetocaloric performance with higher Al content.
AI-Enhanced Data-Driven Approach to Model the Mechanical Behavior of Sustainable Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Gautam Rajani , Jaiswal Rishav , Yadav Uday Shankar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The increasing environmental concerns associated with Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production have driven research towards alternative, sustainable construction materials. Geopolymer concrete (GPC) has emerged as a promising eco-friendly substitute, offering reduced carbon emissions and improved mechanical properties. However, accurately predicting the compressive strength of GPC remains a complex task due to the numerous variables influencing its performance, such as material properties, mix proportions, and curing conditions. This study develops an interpretable machine learning (ML) model to predict the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete, leveraging various ML techniques, including linear regression, decision trees (DT), gradient boosting, support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural networks (ANN), and random forests (RF). To enhance prediction accuracy, a super learner model is employed, integrating these individual techniques. The model's performance is evaluated using metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE). Additionally, SHAP values and sensitivity analysis are conducted to quantify the impact of each input parameter on the predictions, ensuring the model's transparency and reliability. The proposed approach provides a robust framework for accurately forecasting the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable construction practices.
Population and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Fusarium Head Blight in a Wheat–Maize Cropping System in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Sun Xiaofang , Yang Rui , Tang Huimin , Ma Miaomiao , Chen Huabao , Chang Xiaoli , Zhang Min , Gong Guoshu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious disease worldwide that leads to substantial economic losses. Wheat‒maize cropping is the dominant system in Sichuan Province, China. However, FHB has become increasingly severe in this system, such that Fusarium rot disease is also becoming a severe threat to maize. To understand the composition and pathogenicity of the Fusarium species associated with FHB, samples of typical symptomatic wheat spikes were collected from wheat‒maize cropping fields in 16 administrative districts of Sichuan Province, and Fusarium perithecia were obtained from both wheat straw and maize stubble. On the basis of morphological and molecular identification, 175 isolates from symptomatic wheat spikes were identified as five Fusarium species: F. asiaticum, F. avenaceum, F. graminearum, F. meridionale and F. proliferatum. Among them, F. asiaticum and F. graminearum were the dominant pathogenic species, with isolation frequencies of 75.43% and 20.57%, respectively. Additionally, 136 single-ascospore isolates from wheat straw or maize stubble were identified as F. asiaticum, F. equiseti, F. graminearum, F. meridionale, F. proliferatum and F. temperatum. Pathogenicity assays revealed that the Fusarium strains from all sources were capable of successfully infecting both wheat and maize. F. graminearum was highly pathogenic to both crops, whereas F. asiaticum appeared to be more strongly pathogenic to wheat than maize. This work will be helpful for understanding the cyclic infection caused by Fusarium species in wheat‒maize cropping systems and provide valuable data for the effective control of Fusarium rot disease in both wheat and maize.