bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application of the nomogram model based on ADC histogram features in predicting clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Gao Xi , Zhang Shuanglin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to develop a nomogram model using ADC histogram features to predict clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 283 patients with suspected prostate cancer admitted to the Urology Department of Jiangnan University Affiliated Central Hospital from January 2019 to June 2024. Patients were randomly divided into a training set (70%, 198 cases) and an internal validation set (30%, 85 cases). Key features were selected through univariate analysis and LASSO regression, and a predictive model was further constructed using univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis. The validity of the model was assessed through ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis.Results The study found that ADC_CoeffOfVar (odds ratio OR = 1.01, P = 0.034) and ADC_entropy (OR = 1.00, P < 0.001) are independent predictors for CSPCa. The nomogram model constructed based on these factors showed good predictive performance in both the training set (AUC = 0.844) and the internal validation set (AUC = 0.765). Calibration curve analysis showed that the model's predictions were highly consistent with actual observations, and decision curve analysis (DCA) further confirmed the net clinical benefit of the model in clinical decision-making.Conclusion The nomogram model constructed based on ADC histogram features not only provides a non-invasive tool for preoperative risk assessment but also has potential for practical clinical application.
An Efficient IoT-based Crop Damage Prediction Framework in Smart Agricultural Systems
Authors: Rezk Nermeen Gamal , Attia Abdel-Fattah , El-Rashidy Mohamed A. , El-Sayed Ayman , Hemdan Ezz El-Din 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study proposes an intelligent IoT-based framework for forecasting crop damage in smart agricultural systems. Integrating smart farming with machine learning (ML) to comprehend the complex relationships in agriculture requires access to comprehensive and coherent datasets. However, such datasets are often incomplete due to missing data across various input features, posing a challenge for developing robust predictive models using ML. Addressing the issue of missing data is critical throughout the development, evaluation, and implementation phases of predictive models in smart farming. While ML methods are commonly believed to handle missing data well, their applicability in agriculture research remains unclear. This study aims to assess how ML-based prediction model studies address missing data and to what extent. To systematically explore the performance and applicability of both single ML algorithms and ensemble learning (EL) algorithms, this study adopts appropriate criteria for assessing missing data treatment in decision-making processes. The performance of various missing data processing techniques varies across different scenarios of missing data. Overall, ensemble learning demonstrates superior imputation performance compared to traditional ML methods, particularly in scenarios with high correlations among missing features. Among the ensemble learning algorithms evaluated, XGBoost, CatBoost, and LGBM classifiers with hyperparameter optimization exhibit notable performance, surpassing that of linear regression. Specifically, the XGBoost classifier achieves average sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and F-score values of 88.1, 89.56, 83.4, and 84.8, respectively. Similarly, the CatBoost classifier attains values of 88.1, 90.50, 83.3, and 84.6 for the same metrics. In comparison, the LGBM classifier achieves values of 86.3, 90.23, 81.1, and 83.1 for sensitivity, accuracy, precision, and F-score, respectively. Moreover, the accuracy of predicting missing values is assessed using Mean Squared Error (MSE) and R-squared (R2), with the XGBoost model demonstrating notably low MSE (0.0213) and high R2 (0.99), indicative of its strong performance in this aspect.
Comparative Metabolic Effects of Integrase Inhibitor and Emtricitabine-Containing Tenofovir Derivatives in People Living with HIV: A Multi-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Karabay Oğuz , Vatan Aslı , Yılmaz İlknur , Balta Nurselin Can , Kantürk Arzu , Dumlu Rıdvan , Cag Yasemin , Çaşkurlu Hülya , Şık Merve Tokgöz , Otman Zahide Aşık , Balcı Umay , Şenbayrak Seniha , Akhan Sıla , Deniz Müge Toygar , Yekenkurul Dilek , Ince Nevin , Tunca Bekir , Çakırca Tuba Damar , Baştuğ Aliye , Uçar Abdullah , Erkorkmaz Ünal , Güçlü Ertuğrul 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
This retrospective, multi-center cohort study aimed to compare the effects of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (INSTI) based therapies containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/ Emstristabin (FTC) /Dolutegravir (DTG), TDF/FTC/Cobicistat (C)/Elvitegravir(EVG), TDF/FTC/Raltegravir (RAL) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)/FTC/Bictegravir (BIC), TAF/FTC/c/EVG) combinations on bone metabolism, lipid profile, and renal function in people living with HIV (PLWH).
Methods
Adults aged ≥ 18 years receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥ 12 months were followed for ≥ 24 months. Data were obtained from HIV/AIDS clinic records and hospital databases, including demographics, laboratory values (HIV RNA, CD4 + T lymphocyte count, creatinine, eGFR, ALT), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides), and DEXA results. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value less than 0.05.
Findings:
The treatment outcomes of 901 HIV-infected individuals from 9 centers in Türkiye were evaluated. After applying exclusion criteria, data from 845 individuals were included: 462 in the TDF group (mean age 43.25 ± 12.35) and 383 in the TAF group (mean age 41.75 ± 12.08) (p = 0.082). The proportion of female patients was 18.4% in the TDF group and 13.6% in the TAF group (p = 0.058). In the TDF group, 77.2% were treatment-naïve, compared to 52.2% in the TAF group (p < 0.001). At 24 months, HIV RNA levels were 14218.43 ± 233947.64 IU/ml in the TDF group and 3247.15 ± 55371.53 IU/ml in the TAF group (p < 0.001). Although CD4 levels were higher at baseline in the TAF group (p < 0.001), the TDF group showed a greater increase at 48 months (p = 0.013). ALT normalization was better in the TDF group, while total and non-HDL cholesterol levels were higher in the TAF group.
Conclusion
TDF and TAF-containing INSTI-based regimens exhibit distinct impacts on lipid profiles and immune function in PLWH. The early advantages of TAF in viral load reduction diminish over time, contrasting with the long-term benefits of TDF in terms of CD4 counts, ALT levels, and non-HDL cholesterol. These findings highlight the necessity of individualized treatment in selecting ART regimens.
Beyond conventional processing methods: the impact of infrared drying on PET performance
Authors: Campos Gabriela , Morales Federico , Alonso Yamila , Costantino Alejandra , Pettarin Valeria 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Poly ethylene-terephthalate (PET) is currently considered one of the plastics with the greatest potential for recycling, and then a good candidate in the transition towards a circular economy. However, processing and re-processing may deteriorate PET properties, since they involve high temperatures and shear stresses that together with the presence of moisture (due to the strong hydrophilic nature of PET) can provoke hydrolysis of the polymer with a corresponding loss in molecular weight. It is evident the huge importance of the drying stage in the processing of this resin. However, it has not been yet studied the influence of different techniques on the final mechanical properties of processed parts and on the processing cycle (time/costs). In this work, two drying techniques were applied: a conventional one in an oven widely used in the industry, and a novel one that uses infrared rays. The aim was to study their influence on the processing cycle, and mainly on the final mechanical properties of PET parts obtained from both virgin material and waste soda bottles. It was found that drying by infrared technology reduces drying time by 80% which implies a drastic reduction in total processing time for both virgin and recycled PET. In addition, no significant differences were found in the conventional and non-conventional mechanical properties, but differences in the propagation mode under fracture were noticeable. These were found to be due to unintentional esterification reactions induced by IR radiation in thick materials, probably due to heat concentration, that can be avoided by using thinner materials.
Dietary Diversity among School Children: A Cross-Sectional Study of Conflict-Affecting Communities in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Barata Tagese Yakob , Yakob Begidu , Jambo Endale , Utalo Tadiwos , Tona Eskinder Isreal , Abraham Awoke 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: More than 815 million estimated people in the worldwide suffer from poverty or family problems with unable to access enough food and related factor like malnutrition. Developing a healthy and balanced dietary pattern is essential for school children because their habits in this period may last for a long time. The ability of communities to address the basic cause of chronic malnutrition is reduced when conflict stops farming and destroys livelihoods
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of dietary diversity practices and associated factors among school children in conflict affecting communities in southern Ethiopia.
Method and materials: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 616 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years with their caregivers using a multistage sampling method. The data were collected by using a structured questionnaire containing ten food gloves for minimum dietary diversity for women and other parts. The data were collected and entered into Epi-data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA software version 14 for analysis. Adequate dietary diversity was defined as the consumption of at least five food groups. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. A p value less than 0.05 on multivariate logistic regression indicated a statistically significant association.
Results: The overall response rate of this study was 98.5%. The mean dietary diversity score of the studies was 1.41±0.02, and the prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity among the school children in this study was 59.4% (95% CI, 55.17-62.9937). In this study, schoolchildren with no near-health care facility (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI; 1.35-2.82), a family size greater than five (AOR= 1.44, 95% CI; 1.01-2.050), and the absence of a family home garden (AOR= 1.55, CI: 0.35-1.83) were significantly associated with low dietary diversity in preschool children.
Conclusion: The dietary diversity of school children in the study area was below average. A lack of proximity to a health care facility, a family size greater than five, and an absence of a family home garden were determinants of inadequate dietary diversity.
Sharp decline of the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) over 40 years in the southeast of Iberia: causes, and possible solutions to an extinction
Authors: Paracuellos Mariano , Rodríguez-Caballero Emilio , Villanueva Enrique , Santa Mauricio , Molina José L. , Miras Emilio González , Alfonso Daniel , Aranega Brígida , Arnaldos Irene M. , Benavides Sabina , Canillas Francisco J. , Díaz José M. , Ferrández Marcos , Gómez Ginés J. , Gómez José M. , González Blas , Acosta Pedro López , de Haro Francisco López , Martín Alberto , Palmero Moisés , Sánchez Manuel , Schwarzer Hedwig , Avilés Jesús M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Water-dependent amphibians often present marginal populations in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This is the case of the Mediterranean tree frog (Hyla meridionalis) in the southeast of Iberia, where the species is currently threatened. Here we provide an update of the distribution of Mediterranean tree frog in the region by surveying in localities with appropriate characteristics for the species. In part of these localities, there is historical (1980s-1990s) occurrence data, which allows studying temporal changes in the presence of the species. Furthermore, for the Adra river basin, where human-induced environmental changes and frog persistence over the last 40 years are known, we study how habitat changes and level of protection relate to local frog extinction. The Mediterranean tree frog currently appears in low numbers in 17 sampled points, and has disappeared in 27 of the 43 sampled points where it was present 40 years ago. Sampled points with nowadays frog presence have almost three times surface of suitable and legally protected habitats than those without frog. In addition, sampled points where the frog have disappeared experienced a more pronounced reduction in suitable habitat, and have three times less protected area than those where the frog remained. In the current global change scenario, it is urgent to restore and protect areas that include masses of fresh or brackish water with shallow shores covered by thick marsh vegetation and to reinforce populations to prevent the probable extinction of the Mediterranean tree frog in the southeast of Iberia.
Policy Design and Efficiency of R&amp;D Subsidy
Authors: Liu Wenhan , Xu Shu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Optimizing the allocation of innovation resources and strengthening the importance of innovation are the main engines of modern growth. Research and development (R&D) subsidy policy is an essential means to guide enterprises to increase R&D investment, enhance the efficiency of fiscal subsidy funds, and leverage higher-level corporate R&D investment at the core of policy design. This study uses data on applications for and acceptance of R&D subsidy projects and provides the first comparative analysis of the policy’s effects and fund-use efficiency between the resource-leaning (increased subsidy rate) and inclusive (increased number of funded enterprises) models of R&D subsidies. This study constructs a theoretical model based on the actual process of R&D subsidies, which includes three stages: enterprises’ subsidy application choices, government review decisions, and enterprises’ R&D behavior. It estimates the model parameters based on enterprise-level data regarding R&D subsidy applications and granted subsidy amounts. The empirical results demonstrate that the rules of current R&D subsidies reflect government preferences and selection of subsidy recipients. In this context, one unit of R&D subsidy can engender an increase of 4.51 units in corporate R&D investment and an enhancement of 0.98 units in net social benefits. Simultaneously, resource-leaning subsidies tend to attract leading enterprises, whereas inclusive subsidies may induce adverse selection, with the former exhibiting a higher fiscal expenditure efficiency. The conclusions of this research offer empirical support for the scientific formulation and optimization of R&D subsidy systems under various policy objectives, underscoring the complexity of designing measures that balance effectiveness with efficiency. By shedding light on the differentiated impacts of resource learning and inclusive subsidy designs, this study contributes valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between policy design and intended outcomes in the context of innovation-driven development.
JEL Classification: H29; L59; O31
Associations between pre-operative cholesterol levels with long-term survival after colorectal cancer surgery: A nationwide propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Löffler Lea , Mashkoor Maliha , Gögenur Ismail , Gögenur Mikail 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Altered lipid metabolism frequently occurs in patients with solid cancers and dyslipidemia has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. This study aimed to investigate whether cholesterol levels are associated with clinical outcomes and can serve as survival predictors.
Methods
This retrospective study was conducted on a Danish cohort of patients that underwent elective curative-intended surgery for stage I-III colorectal cancer between 2015–2020. The primary and secondary outcome were association between a total cholesterol (TC) level of > 4 mmol/L or below ≤ 4 mmol/L within 365 days prior to surgery and overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). Propensity scores were calculated using all available preoperative data and used to match patients in a 1:1 ratio.
Results
A total of 3,723 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up time was 3.8 years. Following propensity score matching, 1,572 patients were included in the main analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in OS or DFS between patients with TC > 4 mmol/L compared with TC ≤ 4 mmol/L (HR: 0.82, 95% CI, 0.65–1.03, HR: 0.87, 95% CI, 0.68–1.12, respectively.). A subgroup analysis investigating TC > 4 mmol/L as well as low density lipoprotein (LDL) > 3 mmol/L found a significant association with OS (HR: 0.74, 95% CI, 0.54–0.99).
Conclusion
TC levels alone did not associated with OS or DFS in patients with colorectal cancer. Interestingly, higher TC and LDL levels were linked to better overall survival, suggesting the need for further exploration of cholesterol's role in colorectal cancer.
Measuring the Representation of 1-Second Through a Temporal Generalization Task with Repetitive Stimulus
Authors: Mokhtarinejad Ehsan , Ghaderi Amir Hossein , Tavakoli Mahgol , Grondin Simon , Nazari Mohammad Ali 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

People retrieve the duration of a 1-second interval from long-term memory to measure supra-second intervals. Although some studies assert that the long-term representation of 1-s (hereafter L1S) is unreliable, the timing literature also indicates a significant correlation between the peak alpha frequency, a stable biomarker, and the precision of the L1S. The present study compared the L1S in time generalization tasks involving different structures. Results revealed that stimulus repetition yielded higher temporal precision, albeit with more overestimation. The precision of the L1S remained stable over two successive days while its accuracy changed systematically. In addition, participants exhibited greater precision when retrieving 1-s from long-term memory (i.e., the L1S) than short-term memory (i.e., the S1S). We propose that the precision of L1S (rather than S1S) could be an individual trait. Additionally, we suggest that L1S (~ 1200 ms) could be the boundary (turning point) between sub- and supra-second time perception. These suggestions provide new perspectives and potential for future research in human timing behavior.
Strategic Phytochemical Analysis of Hemostatic and Anti-inflammatory Bioactivities from the Hydroethanol extract of the trunk bark of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht
Authors: TCHOGOU Atchade Pascal , Koudjina Simplice , Chokki Steven , Houngbeme Alban Gouton , Baba-moussa Lamine , Senou Maximin , Gbenou Joachim D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht is often used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of much pathology. The aim of this work was to highlight the haemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties from the hydro-ethanolic extract of the trunk bark of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht. The in-vitro test of hemostatic activity was carried out on blood plasma from healthy Wistar rats. The hydroethanolic extract of the trunk bark of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht accelerated the plasma coagulation process in a dose-dependent manner. In-vivo tests carried out on Wistar rats and which consisted of exploring the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of haemostasis showed a reduction in bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APPT), rapid time (QT), thrombin time (TT), and an increase in blood platelet content. The results also showed a high rate of inhibition of albumin denaturation (85.03 ± 4.22 mg/ml) with an IC50 value of 0.70 ± 0.27 mg/ml. The percentage of inhibition of edema in the hind paw of rats increased over time to 63.28%, 59.95% and 68.65% at the 4th hour, in the groups treated with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the trunk bark of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht. These results show that the barks of the trunk of Sclerocarya birrea (A. Rich) Hoscht can be used in traditional African medicine to stop bleeding and treat inflammation.
The effect of Boric Acid and Calcium Fructoborate on T Helper Cell Differentiation by Influencing Foxp3 and Ror-γt in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yapar Rehime , Gündüz Özgül Soysal , Kurt Feyzan Özdal , Korkmaz Mehmet 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Many animal and human studies indicate that Boric Acid and Calcium Fructoborate have effects on helper T cells in immunity. The aim of our study is to evaluate effects of Boric Acid and Calcium Fructoborate on Treg (CD4+Foxp3+) and Th17 (CD4+Ror-γt+) cell populations and related cytokine levels in mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood samples of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients. Newly diagnosed Rheumatoid Arthritis (n = 10) patients, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (n = 5) pateints and healthy individuals (n = 9) were included in this study. Consent forms were obtained from all individuals participating the study, blood samples were taken, peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated. Isolated cells were exposed to low dose and high dose Boric Acid and Calcium Fructoborate in cell culture. Treg and Th17 cell populations were analyzed by flow cytometry after 48 hours of exposure. IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α and TGF-β levels in the culture medium were tested by ELISA method. At the end of the study, in healthy controls high dose BA improved the Treg/Th17 population but couldn’t display similar effect on RA and SLE group. However, both Boric Acid and Calcium Fructoborate at different doses showed an increasing effect on Ror-γt in RA and SLE group. Different doses of BA and CaF treatment found to have a variable effect on cytokine. Both BA and CaF in low doses decreased TNF-α levels in RA group shows that these boron compounds could contribute positively to the treatment of autoimmune diseases.