bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous thromboembolism incidence and association with overall survival in pancreatic cancer: A Finnish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Aaltonen Panu , Mustonen Harri , Puolakkainen Pauli , Haglund Caj , Peltola Katriina , Carpén Olli , Lassila Riitta , Seppänen Hanna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPancreatic cancer (PC) is associated with a high risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). We investigated the incidence of VTE before and after the diagnosis of PC and its association with overall survival.MethodsWe identified PC patients diagnosed in 2013–2016 from the Finnish Cancer Registry. Data on healthcare visits and death were collected, along with follow‐up data through the end of 2020. We compared patients who underwent radical‐intent surgery (RIS) to those who underwent palliative treatment (PT) alone.ResultsWe identified 4086 PC patients, of whom 343 (8.4%) underwent RIS and 3743 (91.6%) received PT. VTE incidence within 1 year before a PC diagnosis was higher in the PT (4.2%, n = 156) than in the RIS group (0.6%, n = 2; p < 0.001). The cumulative incidence of VTE at 12 and 24 months after a PC diagnosis was 6% (n = 21) and 9% (n = 31), respectively, within the RIS group, and 8% (n = 286) and 8% (n = 304) within the PT group. In the PT group, a VTE within 1 year before a PC diagnosis was independently associated with a worse survival {hazard ratio, HR 1.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–2.2]}. In both groups, VTE after a PC diagnosis was associated with a worse survival [RIS group: HR 2.6 (95%CI 1.8–3.7) vs. PT group: HR 2.2 (95%CI 1.9–2.4)].ConclusionsA VTE within 1 year before a PC diagnosis more often occurred among PT PC patients than among patients who underwent RIS. VTE might serve as a diagnostic clue to detect PC at an earlier stage.
Proteomic profiling improves prognostic risk stratification of the Sarculator nomogram in soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and trunk wall
Authors: Chadha Madhumeeta , Iadecola Sara , Jenks Andrew , Pankova Valeriya , Tam Yuen Bun , Burns Jessica , Arthur Amani , Wilding Christopher P. , Chen Liang , Chudasama Priya , Callegaro Dario , Strauss Dirk C. , Thway Khin , Gronchi Alessandro , Jones Robin L. , Miceli Rosalba , Pasquali Sandro , Huang Paul H. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐risk soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities and trunk wall (eSTS), as defined by the Sarculator nomogram, are more likely to benefit from (neo)adjuvant anthracycline‐based therapy compared to low/intermediate‐risk patients. The biology underpinning these differential treatment outcomes remain unknown.MethodsWe analysed proteomic profiles and clinical outcomes of 123 eSTS patients. A Cox model for overall survival including the Sarculator was fitted to individual data to define four risk groups. A DNA replication protein signature‐Sarcoma Proteomic Module 6 (SPM6) was evaluated for association with clinicopathological factors and risk groups. SPM6 was added as a covariate together with Sarculator in a multivariable Cox model to assess improvement in prognostic risk stratification.ResultsDNA replication and cell cycle proteins were upregulated in high‐risk versus very low‐risk patients. Evaluation of the functional effects of CRISPR‐Cas9 gene knockdown of proteins enriched in high‐risk patients using the cancer cell line encyclopaedia database identified candidate drug targets. SPM6 was significantly associated with tumour malignancy grade (p = 1.6e‐06), histology (p = 1.4e‐05) and risk groups (p = 2.6e‐06). Cox model analysis showed that SPM6 substantially contributed to a better calibration of the Sarculator nomogram (Index of Prediction Accuracy = 0.109 for Sarculator alone versus 0.165 for Sarculator + SPM6).ConclusionsRisk stratification of patient with STS is defined by distinct biological pathways across a range of cancer hallmarks. Incorporation of SPM6 protein signature improves prognostic risk stratification of the Sarculator nomogram. This study highlights the utility of integrating protein signatures for the development of next‐generation nomograms.
A qualitative assessment of the acceptability of human papillomavirus self‐sampling and informational materials among diverse populations
Authors: Petrik Amanda F. , Rivelli Jennifer S. , Firemark Alison J. , Johnson Cheryl A. , Locher Blake W. , Gille Sara , Najarian Matthew J. , Varga Alexandra M. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Green Beverly , Winer Rachel L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundDisparities in cervical cancer screening rates among marginalized groups is a driver of inequalities in cervical cancer. Self‐sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is a newly emerging alternative to clinician‐performed testing to screen for cervical cancer, and has high potential to reduce screening barriers in under‐screened and marginalized groups. We study the acceptability in of HPV self‐sampling and informational materials among Black/African American, Hispanic/Spanish speaking, American Indian/Alaska Native and transgender/nonbinary populations.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with patients, ages 30–65, who were Black/African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and/or transgender/nonbinary individuals assigned female at birth. Telephone interviews were conducted in English or Spanish. Patients did not complete the test, rather were asked about the attractiveness, comprehensibility, and acceptability of the HPV self‐test, instructions, and messaging.ResultsAmong 23 completed interviews (5 American Indian/Alaska Native, 7 Hispanic [2 bilingual, 5 Spanish‐speaking], 5 Black/African American, and 6 transgender/nonbinary), patients from all groups thought the test was straightforward and convenient, and they would complete the test at home or in clinic. The transgender/nonbinary patients preferred at‐home testing. American Indian and transgender/nonbinary patients liked that the test might avoid pain, discomfort, and invasiveness. All patients liked the letter and instructions. All groups had specific suggestions for making the materials more culturally acceptable.ConclusionsThe HPV self‐test and the instructions and materials for use were acceptable for a diverse group of patients. Tailored outreach and messaging should be considered to reduce screening disparities among groups that have been historically underserved by the medical system.
Examining the involvement of guardians of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Tanzania as public contributors to inform the design and conduct of the GuardiansCan project: A mixed‐methods study protocol
Authors: Chiwanga Faraja , Woodford Joanne , Masika Golden , Richards David A. , Savi Victor , von Essen Louise 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPublic contribution in research can lead to the design and conduct of more feasible and relevant research. However, our understanding of the acceptability and feasibility of public contribution and the evidence base regarding its impact in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) is limited.MethodsIn this study protocol, we describe a mixed‐method examination of public contribution activities in the GuardiansCan project. The GuardiansCan project aims to respond to Tanzanian guardians' poor adherence to children's follow‐up care after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the help of Mobile Health technology. We aim to: (1) involve guardians of children treated for ALL as Guardians Advisory Board (GAB) members in the managing and undertaking, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination phases of the GuardiansCan project; and (2) examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of GAB members' contribution to the GuardiansCan project from the perspective of the GAB members and public contribution coordinators. We will recruit six to eight guardians of children treated for ALL to the GAB. We will hold workshops where GAB members contribute to all project phases. Using impact logs, we will record GAB workshop activities and the perceived impact of these activities. We will interview GAB members and public contribution coordinators 6 months after establishing the GAB, and at the end of each study within the project, to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of public contribution activities.DiscussionWe expect GAB contribution to increase project quality and relevance, and inform how to best embed public contribution in research in LMICs.
Improving access to cancer care among rural populations in India: Development of a validated tool for health system capacity assessment
Authors: Mallafré‐Larrosa Meritxell , Chandran Arunah , Oswal Kunal , Kataria Ishu , Purushotham Arnie , Sankaranarayanan Rengaswamy , Swaminathan Rajaraman , Rebello Rohit , Isaac Rita , Kuriakose Moni , Sullivan Richard , Basu Partha ,   ACCI Consortium
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundCancer burden in India is rapidly growing, with oral, breast, and uterine cervix being the three most commonly affected sites. It has a catastrophic epidemiological and financial impact on rural communities, the vast majority of whom are socio‐economically disadvantaged. Strengthening the health system is necessary to address challenges in the access and provision of cancer services, thus improving outcomes among vulnerable populations.ObjectiveTo develop, test, and validate a health system capacity assessment (HSCA) tool that evaluates the capacity and readiness for cancer services provision in rural India.MethodsA multi‐method process was pursued to develop a cancer‐specific HSCA tool. Firstly, item generation entailed both a nominal group technique (to identify the health system dimensions to capture) and a rapid review of published and gray literature (to generate items within each of the selected dimensions). Secondly, tool development included the pre‐testing of questionnaires through healthcare facility visits, and item reduction through a series of in‐depth interviews (IDIs) with key local stakeholders. Thirdly, tool validation was performed through expert consensus.ResultsA three‐step HSCA multi‐method tool was developed comprising: (a) desk review template, investigating policies and protocols at the state level, (b) facility assessment protocol and checklist, catering to the Indian public healthcare system, and (c) IDI topic guide, targeting policymakers, healthcare workforce, and other relevant stakeholders.ConclusionsThe resulting HSCA tool assesses health system capacity, thus contributing to the planning and implementation of context‐appropriate, sustainable, equity‐focused, and integrated early detection interventions for cancer control, especially toward vulnerable populations in rural India and other low‐resource settings.
Extreme Learning Machine Combined With Whale Optimization Algorithm for Spectral Quantitative Analysis of Complex Samples
Authors: Liu Yuxia , Sun Hao , Zhao Chunyan , Ai Changkun , Bian Xihui 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTExtreme learning machine (ELM) is combined with the discretized whale optimization algorithm (WOA) for spectral quantitative analysis of complex samples. In this method, the spectral variables selected by the discretized WOA were used to build the ELM model. Before establishing the model, the activation function and the number of hidden nodes in ELM as well as the transfer function of the discretized WOA are determined. Furthermore, the predictive performance of the full‐spectrum partial least squares (PLS), ELM, and WOA‐ELM models was compared with four complex sample datasets: blood, light gas oil and diesel fuels, ternary mixture, and corn samples using root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and correlation coefficient (R). The results show that the WOA‐ELM model has the best prediction accuracy compared to full‐spectrum PLS and ELM models. Therefore, the proposed method provides a novel approach for the quantitative analysis of complex samples.
Investigating the Catalytic Site of Human 15‐Lipoxygenase‐1 via Marine Natural Products
Authors: Spacho Ntaniela , Casertano Marcello , Imperatore Concetta , Papadopoulos Christos , Menna Marialuisa , Eleftheriadis Nikolaos 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman 15‐lipoxygenase‐1 (15‐LOX‐1) is a key enzyme that possesses an important role in (neuro)inflammatory diseases. The pocket of the enzyme plays the role of a chiral catalyst, and therefore chirality could be an important component for the design of effective enzyme inhibitors. To advance our knowledge on this concept, we developed a library of the identified chiral 15‐LOX‐1 inhibitors and applied cheminformatic tools. Our analysis highlighted specific structural elements, which we integrated them in small molecules, and employed them as “smart” tools to effectively navigate the chemical space of previously unexplored regions. To this purpose, we utilized the marine derived natural product phosphoeleganin (PE) among with a small library of synthetic fragment derivatives, including a certain degree of stereochemical diversity. Enzyme inhibition/kinetic and molecular modelling studies has been performed in order to characterize structurally novel PE‐based inhibitors, which proved to present a different type of inhibition with low micromolar potency, according to their structural features. We demonstrate that different warheads work as anchor, and either guide specific stereochemistry, or causing a time‐depended inhibition. Finally, we prove that the positioning of the chiral substituents or/and the favorable stereochemistry can be crucial, as it can lead from active to completely inactive compounds.
Modelling a chemical plant using grey‐box models employing the support vector regression and artificial neural network
Authors: Ghasemi Mahmood , Jazayeri‐Rad Hooshang , Behbahani Reza Mosayebi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this work, the performances of a nonlinear dynamic industrial process are examined using grey‐box (GB) models. To understand the dynamics of the system, the transient state is targeted. A white‐box (WB) model holds the prevailing knowledge using some assumptions. The performance of this model is limited. Artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVR), which are techniques employed in numerous chemical engineering applications, are employed to construct the associated black‐box (BB) models. GA is used to optimize the SVR parameters. Dimensional and range extrapolations of different manipulated inputs, feed concentrations, feed temperatures, and cooling temperatures of the GB model and BB model are discussed. The different inputs extrapolation has different results because each input's effectiveness in the system is different. The results are compared, and the best model is suggested among the models, ANN, SVR, first principle (FP)‐ANN serial structure, FP‐ANN parallel structure, FP‐SVR serial structure, and FP‐SVR parallel structure.
Leaching phosphorous from the lime mud of kraft pulp mills: Towards sustainability
Authors: Mousavi Maryam Sadegh , DeMartini Nikolai 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe optimum conditions needed to separate phosphorus from the lime mud generated in kraft pulp mills were identified using different leaching solutions including carbonate, bicarbonate, and green liquor under variety of conditions. Carbonate ions seemed to be the active ion in the phosphorus leaching process. Bicarbonate solution seems to be the most effective leaching agent by removing 84% of phosphorus under the optimum operating conditions of 95°C, 2.92 m, and solution‐to‐ mud mass ratio of 3.6. The shrinking core model was used to determine the leaching mechanism and it showed that the leaching process is controlled by a mix of chemical reaction and diffusion through the particle. Two empirical models were developed to predict the leaching efficiency as a function of carbonate concentration and temperature. Counter‐current leaching was shown to be beneficial in increasing the leaching efficiency with the carbonate solutions.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)‐Propolisbenzofuran B†
Authors: Xu Wen‐Xiu , Zhao Li‐Han , Zhu Yao , Lu Hai‐Hua 
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive SummaryThe first catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (+)‐propolisbenzofuran B, enabled by a highly enantioselective rhodium‐catalyzed hydrogenation of a tetrasubstituted olefin, was described. Other noteworthy aspects include the construction of the central hydrodibenzo[b,d]furan core through a sequence of Zn(II)‐mediated regioselective benzofuran formation and Dieckmann condensation, as well as C‐H oxidations, involving a visible light‐induced Fe(III)‐catalyzed benzylic C(sp3)‐H oxidation. Additionally, the absolute configuration was confirmed by X‐ray analysis of a carbonate intermediate.
Chitosan Mediated FAPbBr3 Nanocrystal Thin‐Films with High Color Purity and Enhanced Hole Mobility
Authors: Sethi Nilesh Monohar , Nayak Amlandeep , Khator Kanha Ram , Preeyanka Naupada , Chakraborty Debabrata , Senanayak Satyaprasad P , Sarkar Moloy 
Published: July 2024

AbstractComposite materials which combine the advantages of both embedded constituents have been a successful strategy for developing novel multi‐functional materials. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of nanoscale materials of organic‐inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskites (OIH‐LHP) with enhanced optoelectronic properties and photostability by utilizing biomimetic ligand, chitosan. Notably, nanocrystals fabricated with chitosan mediated ligands exhibit an increase in photoluminescence quantum yield by 300 % and fluorescence lifetime by 1.5 times. Consequently, the lifetime distribution of the photoluminescence emission decreases to a value as low as 6 ns. More interestingly, even though chitosan is a wide band gap insulating material, its incorporation onto the perovskite NCs enhances the bulk hole mobility by at least an order of magnitude in comparison to the pristine material. With detailed spectroscopic and structural studies, we correlate these enhancements in optoelectronic parameters to the improvement in the crystal quality, phase purity, and minimized poly‐dispersity of the nanocrystals. Development of such composite materials with unprecedented optoelectronic properties and outstanding stability will contribute immensely towards high performance nanocrystal devices.
Label distribution feature selection based on neighborhood rough set
Authors: Wu Yilin , Guo Wenzhong , Lin Yaojin 
Published: July 2024

SummaryIn label distribution learning (LDL), an instance is involved with many labels in different importance degrees, and the feature space of instances is accompanied with thousands of redundant and/or irrelevant features. Therefore, the main characteristic of feature selection in LDL is to evaluate the ability of each feature. Motivated by neighborhood rough set (NRS), which can be used to measure the dependency degree of feature via constructing neighborhood relations on feature space and label space, respectively, this article proposes a novel label distribution feature selection method. In this article, the neighborhood class of instance in label distribution space is defined, which is beneficial to recognize the logical class of target instance. Then, a new NRS model for LDL is proposed. Specially, the dependency degree of feature combining label weight is defined. Finally, a label distribution feature selection based on NRS is presented. Extensive experiments on 12 data sets show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Institutional investors' geographic concentration and environmental, social, and governance performance: An inverted U‐shaped relationship
Authors: Zhong Haiyan , Cheng Bilu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough the rapid development of the Internet has infinitely shortened the distance between economic agents, geographic distance is still an important factor affecting information acquisition and interpersonal interactions between them. Using data on Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2009 to 2020, we explore the relationship between geographic concentration of institutional investors and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Our findings indicate that investors' geographic concentration has an inverted U‐shaped influence on ESG performance, and high‐speed railway and institutional environment weaken the negative influence of geographic concentration of institutional shareholders, leading to a flatter inverted U‐shaped relationship. As high‐speed railway and institutional environment further flatten the curve, the inverted U‐shaped relationship will eventually become U‐shaped, and a “shape‐flip” occurs. Our research offers a new perspective on the factors impacting corporate ESG performance, enriching institutional investor characteristics, and having practical significance for improving ESG performance.
Plasma pTau181 enhances the prediction of future clinical decline in amyloid‐positive mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Devanarayan Viswanath , Llano Daniel A. , Hu Yan Helen , Hampel Harald , Kramer Lynn , Dhadda Shobha , Irizarry Michael 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPlasma pTau181, a marker of amyloid and tau burden, was evaluated as a prognostic predictor of clinical decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression of amyloid‐positive (Aβ+) patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The training cohort for constructing the Bayesian prediction models comprised 135 Aβ+ MCI clinical trial placebo subjects. Performance was evaluated in two validation cohorts. An 18‐month ≥1 increase in the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes was the clinical decline criterion. Baseline plasma pTau181 concentration matched clinical assessments’ prediction performance. Adding pTau181 to clinical assessments significantly improved the prediction of an 18‐month clinical decline and the 36‐month progression from Aβ+ MCI to AD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the latter increased from 71.8% to 79%, and the hazard ratio for time‐to‐progression improved from 2.26 to 3.11 (p < 0.0001). Baseline plasma pTau181 has the potential for identifying Aβ+ MCI subjects with faster clinical decline over time.Highlights
This study assessed pTau181 as a prognostic predictor of 18‐month clinical decline and extended progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in amyloid‐positive patients with mild cognitive impairment (Aβ+ MCI).
The research findings underscore the promise of baseline plasma pTau181 as a screening tool for identifying Aβ+ MCI individuals with accelerated clinical decline within a standard 18‐month clinical trial period. The predictive accuracy is notably enhanced when combined with clinical assessments.
Similar positive outcomes were noted in forecasting the extended progression of Aβ+ MCI subjects to AD.