bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological diagnostic tests for patients with and without delirium: a prospective observational study
Authors: Waefler Noémie , Abid Imen , Montaut Victor , Donzé Jacques , Zender Hervé , John Gregor 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSince most of the precipitating factors of delirium are not due to neurological disorders, neurological diagnostic tests (NDTs) may be of limited value. We hypothesized that delirium has a high burden of NDTs with a low diagnostic yield. All patients admitted to the internal medicine wards of a single secondary teaching hospital between November 2019 and January 2020 were eligible. Within the first 48 h of their admission, they had a formal evaluation by a neuropsychologist to screen for presence of delirium. NDTs (brain MRI, brain CT, electroencephalography (EEG), and lumbar puncture) performed during the hospital stay were compared between patients with and without delirium using a logistic regression model stratified by a propensity score. The proportions of diagnostic yield (acute anomalies that changed the treatment management) provided by each type of examination were compared. Of 217 patients included, 19/32 patients (61%) with delirium had one or more NDTs, compared to 48/185 (26%) without delirium (adjusted OR 2.7; 95%CI 1.1–6.7; p = 0.027). The proportions of NDT results affecting management for patients with and without delirium were 13 and 20% for brain CT scans (p = 0.71), 29 and 38% for brain MRI (p = 0.99), and 20 and 10% for EEGs (p = 0.99), respectively. The higher proportion of NDTs performed on patients with delirium was associated with a low diagnostic yield, although not statistically different from those performed among inpatients without delirium. There is a need for restrictive, evidence-based guidelines to help with the work-up for patients with delirium.
What the urologist needs to know before radical prostatectomy: MRI effective support to pre-surgery planning
Authors: Laschena Ludovica , Messina Emanuele , Flammia Rocco Simone , Borrelli Antonella , Novelli Simone , Messineo Daniela , Leonardo Costantino , Sciarra Alessandro , Ciardi Antonio , Catalano Carlo , Panebianco Valeria 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Radical prostatectomy (RP) is recommended in case of localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa), but it can lead to side effects, including urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recommended for PCa diagnosis and staging, but it can also improve preoperative risk-stratification.

Purpose
This nonsystematic review aims to provide an overview on factors involved in RP side effects, highlighting anatomical and pathological aspects that could be included in a structured report.

Evidence synthesis
Considering UI evaluation, MR can investigate membranous urethra length (MUL), prostate volume, the urethral sphincter complex, and the presence of prostate median lobe. Longer MUL measurement based on MRI is linked to a higher likelihood of achieving continence restoration. For ED assessment, MRI and diffusion tensor imaging identify the neurovascular bundle and they can aid in surgery planning. Finally, MRI can precisely describe extra-prostatic extension, prostate apex characteristics and lymph-node involvement, providing valuable preoperative information for PCa treatment.

Conclusions
Anatomical principals structures involved in RP side effects can be assessed with MR. A standardized MR report detailing these structures could assist urologists in planning optimal and tailored surgical techniques, reducing complications, and improving patients’ care.
Der Einfluss von Vorwissen und sprachlichen Texteigenschaften auf die Anwendung des Fragebogens in einer gynäkologischen Patientenaufklärung: eine leitfadengestützte Interviewstudie
Authors: Ahrens Sarah , Maaß Christiane 
Published: June 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Leichte Sprache Plus ist ein Mittel, Gesundheitsinformationen zielgruppengerecht zugänglich zu machen. In diesem Beitrag stehen neben Frauen mit Deutsch als Zweitsprache auch Frauen mit Deutsch als Erstsprache im Fokus. Untersucht werden das Verstehen und Anwenden des Anamnesebogens einer Patientenaufklärung. Dabei werden spezifische Barrieren aufgedeckt, die vom Text ausgehen.

Methoden
Verstehen und Anwenden von Informationen wurden in qualitativen leitfadengestützten Online-Interviews abgefragt. Nach Kuckartz und Rädiker wurden evaluative Kategorien erstellt, in denen Verstehen und Anwenden bewertet wurde. Wo die Probandinnen den Text bewerteten, wurden Aussagen zudem in inhaltlich-strukturierenden Kategorien codiert. Die Barrieren für Verstehen und Anwenden werden nach dem Modell der Hildesheimer Treppe kategorisiert.

Schlussfolgerungen
Die Textsorte „Fragebogen“ ist nicht zielgruppenorientiert. Sie stellt die Leserinnen vor eine Fach- und Fachsprachenbarriere. Es ist umfangreiches Vorwissen gefordert, das die Leserinnen nicht mitbringen, ggf. kommt für die Frauen mit Deutsch als L2 die Sprachbarriere hinzu. Signalwörter wie „Diabetes“ helfen Leserinnen, wichtige Textstellen zu identifizieren und erhöhen so die Anwendbarkeit der Informationen. Kann der Fragebogen durch die Leserin nicht angewandt werden, gewinnt die umliegende Kommunikationssituation an Bedeutung.
An accelerated lyapunov function for Polyak’s Heavy-ball on convex quadratics
Authors: Orvieto Antonio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In 1964, Polyak showed that the Heavy-ball method, the simplest momentum technique, accelerates convergence of strongly-convex problems in the vicinity of the solution. While Nesterov later developed a globally accelerated version, Polyak’s original algorithm remains simpler and more widely used in applications such as deep learning. Despite this popularity, the question of whether Heavy-ball is also globally accelerated or not has not been fully answered yet, and no convincing counterexample has been provided. This is largely due to the difficulty in finding an effective Lyapunov function: indeed, most proofs of Heavy-ball acceleration in the strongly-convex quadratic setting rely on eigenvalue arguments. Our work adopts a different approach: studying momentum through the lens of quadratic invariants of simple harmonic oscillators. By utilizing the modified Hamiltonian of Störmer-Verlet integrators, we are able to construct a Lyapunov function that demonstrates an

$$O(1/k^2)$$

O
(
1
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k
2

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rate for Heavy-ball in the case of convex quadratic problems. Our novel proof technique, though restricted to linear regression, is found to work well empirically also on non-quadratic convex problems, and thus provides insights on the structure of Lyapunov functions to be used in the general convex case. As such, our paper makes a promising first step towards potentially proving the acceleration of Polyak’s momentum method and we hope it inspires further research around this question.
Benchmark-based deviation and drawdown measures in portfolio optimization
Authors: Zabarankin Michael , Grechuk Bogdan , Hao Dawei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractUnderstanding and modeling of agent’s risk/reward preferences is a central problem in various applications of risk management including investment science and portfolio theory in particular. One of the approaches is to axiomatically define a set of performance measures and to use a benchmark to identify a particular measure from that set by either inverse optimization or functional dominance. For example, such a benchmark could be the rate of return of an existing attractive financial instrument. This work introduces deviation and drawdown measures that incorporate rates of return of indicated financial instruments (benchmarks). For discrete distributions and discrete sample paths, portfolio problems with such measures are reduced to linear programs and solved based on historical data in cases of a single benchmark and three benchmarks used simultaneously. The optimal portfolios and corresponding benchmarks have similar expected/cumulative rates of return in sample and out of sample, but the former are considerably less volatile.
Optimizing the extraction of polyphenols from Prunus spinosa L. fruit using response surface methodology and production of powders from optimized extracts by foam mat drying
Authors: Bayram Yuksel 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPrunus spinosa L., commonly known as blackthorn, holds traditional significance both as a food source and an herbal remedy. This study aims to determine the extract that includes the highest total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC) using DPPH and CUPRAC assays, and vitamin C from blackthorn using the response surface method in an ultrasonic water bath and to this extract into powder by foam mat drying. The investigation comprises two primary phases. Firstly, the impact of temperature (20–80 °C) and extraction time (5–30 min) on TPC, AC, and vitamin C were systematically explored. Subsequently, the extracts derived from blackthorn fruit were subjected to foam mat drying, utilizing two distinct ratios (7:3 w/w and 8:2 w/w) of foaming agents [maltodextrin (MD) to egg white (EW)], along with three drying techniques (oven, microwave, and natural drying). The optimized extraction parameters were determined as follows: temperature (80 °C) and time (30 min). Furthermore, the results reveal that microwave-dried powders with a low EW ratio exhibit superior preservation of TPC, AC, and vitamin C content. This research underscores the potential utility of foam mat-dried blackthorn powders as functional ingredients and natural colorants within the realm of the food industry.
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and short-term mortality risk in elderly acute medical patients admitted to a University Hospital Emergency Department
Authors: Galardo Gioacchino , Crisanti Luca , Gentile Andrea , Cornacchia Marco , Iatomasi Francesca , Egiddi Iacopo , Puscio Emanuele , Menichelli Danilo , Pugliese Francesco , Pastori Daniele ,   and the Research on Medical patients Admitted to the Emergency Department (ROMA-ED) investigators
Published: June 2024

AbstractEarly identification of patients with a poorer prognosis in the Emergency Department (ED) is crucial for prompt treatment and resource allocation. We investigated the relationship between the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and 30-day mortality in elderly acute medical patients. Prospective single-center cohort study including consecutive patients admitted to the ED. Inclusion criteria were age > 65 years and medical condition as the cause of ED access. Exclusion criteria were patients admitted for traumatic injuries or non-traumatic surgical diseases. ROC analysis was used to set the best cut-off of the NLR for mortality. 953 patients were included and 142 (14.9%) died during follow-up. ROC analysis showed a good predictive value of the NLR with an AUC 0.70, 95%CI 0.67–0.73 (p < 0.001) and identified a NLR > 8 as the best cut-off. Patients with NLR > 8 had a more serious triage code (72.6% had a triage code ≤ 2) and an increased heart rate and body temperature. They more often presented with dyspnea, abdominal pain, falls and vomiting. They also were characterized by an increase in urea, creatinine, white blood cells, neutrophils, fibrinogen, D-dimer, glycemia, CRP, LDH and transaminases and by a decrease in eGFR, of lymphocytes and monocytes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the NLR remained associated with mortality after adjustment for confounders (Odds ratio 2.563, 95%CI 1.595–4.118, p < 0.001). Patients with NLR > 8 showed a higher mortality rate. NLR is an easy and inexpensive tool that may be used for risk stratification in the ED. The results of this study need to be validated in larger external cohorts.
On The Monotony of Struve Functions
Authors: Deniz Erhan , Szász Róbert 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCotîrlă and Szász (Comput Methods Funct Theory: 2023) solved a conjecture related with inclusion relation for Bessel functions, proposed by Baricz and András (Complex Var Elliptic Equ 54(7): 689–696, 2009). In this paper, we prove this conjecture for normalized Struve functions by using subordination factor sequences.
Degradation Processes of Two Compound Layers on Nitrided Surfaces During the Wear Test by “Block on Hot Al Cylinder”
Authors: Lamut M. , Burja J. , Terčelj M. , Kugler G. , Bombač D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe results obtained in the study help to explain the degradation process of the nitrided steel compound layer. Compound layers with different properties on gas-nitrided H10 tool steel blocks were tested for wear with “block on hot Al cylinder”. Degradation processes were observed on both compound layers with different properties and at three contact pressures. In order to observe the degradation processes in the compound layers, the wear tests were interrupted at various fixed time intervals and the resulting changes were closely monitored. The comprehensive analysis highlighted the complexity of the degradation process in the compound layers and emphasized the existence of complex relationships between the above-mentioned parameters. The reaction of the nitrided steel surface with hot Al is more pronounced in areas with lower contact pressure, while adhesive removal and furrow formation are pronounced in areas with low and medium contact pressure. This process begins with a sufficient density of the areas where islands of adhesive removal are located, their enlargement during the test, the breaking up of the walls between them, and finally the removal of the compound layer in the sliding direction, which appears as furrowing in the final phase of wear.
A drug repurposing study identifies novel FOXM1 inhibitors with in vitro activity against breast cancer cells
Authors: Abusharkh Khaled A. N. , Comert Onder Ferah , Çınar Venhar , Hamurcu Zuhal , Ozpolat Bulent , Ay Mehmet 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFOXM1, a proto-oncogenic transcription factor, plays a critical role in cancer development and treatment resistance in cancers, particularly in breast cancer. Thus, this study aimed to identify potential FOXM1 inhibitors through computational screening of drug databases, followed by in vitro validation of their inhibitory activity against breast cancer cells. In silico studies involved pharmacophore modeling using the FOXM1 inhibitor, FDI-6, followed by virtual screening of DrugBank and Selleckchem databases. The selected drugs were prepared for molecular docking, and the crystal structure of FOXM1 was pre-processed for docking simulations. In vitro studies included MTT assays to assess cytotoxicity, and Western blot analysis to evaluate protein expression levels. Our study identified Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole as potential FOXM1 inhibitors through in silico screening and molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable interactions of these drugs with FOXM1. In vitro experiments showed both Pantoprazole and Rabeprazole exhibited strong FOXM1 inhibition at effective concentrations and that showed inhibition of cell proliferation. Rabeprazole showed the inhibitor activity at 10 µM in BT-20 and MCF-7 cell lines. Pantoprazole exhibited FOXM1 inhibition at 30 µM and in BT-20 cells and at 70 µM in MCF-7 cells, respectively. Our current study provides the first evidence that Rabeprazole and Pantoprazole can bind to FOXM1 and inhibit its activity and downstream signaling, including eEF2K and pEF2, in breast cancer cells. These findings indicate that rabeprazole and pantoprazole inhibit FOXM1 and breast cancer cell proliferation, and they can be used for FOXM1-targeted therapy in breast or other cancers driven by FOXM1.
Graphical Abstract
Comparing Prion Proteins Across Species: Is Zebrafish a Useful Model?
Authors: Burato Anna , Legname Giuseppe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite the considerable body of research dedicated to the field of neurodegeneration, the gap in knowledge on the prion protein and its intricate involvement in brain diseases remains substantial. However, in the past decades, many steps forward have been taken toward a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying both the physiological role of the prion protein and the misfolding event converting it into its pathological counterpart, the prion. This review aims to provide an overview of the main findings regarding this protein, highlighting the advantages of many different animal models that share a conserved amino acid sequence and/or structure with the human prion protein. A particular focus will be given to the species Danio rerio, a compelling research organism for the investigation of prion biology, thanks to its conserved orthologs, ease of genetic manipulation, and cost-effectiveness of high-throughput experimentation. We will explore its potential in filling some of the gaps on physiological and pathological aspects of the prion protein, with the aim of directing the future development of therapeutic interventions.
Type I interferon pathway in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhou Yu , Song Hong-Mei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe role of type I interferon (IFN-I) signaling in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been well established. However, unanswered questions remain regarding the applicability of these findings to pediatric-onset SLE. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the novel discoveries on IFN-I signaling in pediatric-onset SLE.Data sourcesA literature search was conducted in the PubMed database using the following keywords: “pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus” and “type I interferon”.ResultsIFN-I signaling is increased in pediatric SLE, largely due to the presence of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and pathways such as cyclic GMP-AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes–TANK-binding kinase 1 and Toll-like receptor (TLR)4/TLR9. Neutrophil extracellular traps and oxidative DNA damage further stimulate IFN-I production. Genetic variants in IFN-I-related genes, such as IFN-regulatory factor 5 and tyrosine kinase 2, are linked to SLE susceptibility in pediatric patients. In addition, type I interferonopathies, characterized by sustained IFN-I activation, can mimic SLE symptoms and are thus important to distinguish. Studies on interferonopathies also contribute to exploring the pathogenesis of SLE. Measuring IFN-I activation is crucial for SLE diagnosis and stratification. Both IFN-stimulated gene expression and serum IFN-α2 levels are common indicators. Flow cytometry markers such as CD169 and galectin-9 are promising alternatives. Anti-IFN therapies, such as sifalimumab and anifrolumab, show promise in adult patients with SLE, but their efficacy in pediatric patients requires further investigation. Janus kinase inhibitors are another treatment option for severe pediatric SLE patients.ConclusionsThis review presents an overview of the IFN-I pathway in pediatric SLE. Understanding the intricate relationship between IFN-I and pediatric SLE may help to identify potential diagnostic markers and targeted therapies, paving the way for improved patient care and outcomes.Graphical Abstract
Cancer Patients’ Social Relationships During 3 Years After Diagnosis—Generic and Cancer-Specific Social Networks
Authors: Lehto Ulla-Sisko , Ojanen Markku , Lääperi Silja , Kohonen Mira , Härkänen Tommi , Honkalampi Kirsi , Turpeenniemi-Hujanen Taina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Social relationships are important health resources and may be investigated as social networks. We measured cancer patients’ social subnetworks divided into generic social networks (people known to the patients) and disease-specific social networks (the persons talked to about the cancer) during 3 years after diagnosis.

Method
Newly diagnosed patients with localized breast cancer (n = 222), lymphoma (n = 102), and prostate cancer (n = 141) completed a questionnaire on their social subnetworks at 2–5 months after diagnosis and 9, 18, and 36 months thereafter. Generic and cancer-specific numbers of persons of spouse/partner; other family; close relatives, in detail; and friends were recorded as well as cancer-specific numbers of persons in acquaintances; others with cancer; work community; healthcare professionals; and religious, hobby, and civic participation. The data was analyzed with regression models.

Results
At study entry, most patients had a spouse/partner, all had close relatives (the younger, more often parents; and the older, more often adult children with families) and most also friends. The cancer was typically discussed with them, and often with acquaintances and other patients (74–86%). Only minor usually decreasing time trends were seen. However, the numbers of distant relatives and friends were found to strongly increase by the 9-month evaluation (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Cancer patients have multiple social relationships and usually talk to them about their cancer soon after diagnosis. Most temporal changes are due to the natural course of life cycle. The cancer widened the patients’ social networks by including other patients and healthcare professionals and by an increased number of relatives and friends.
The tumor immune microenvironment and T-cell-related immunotherapies in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chuang Liu , Qifeng Ju , Shaolei Yu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment includes a complex network of immune T-cell subsets that play important roles in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and are key elements of CRC immunotherapy. T cells develop and migrate within tumors, recognizing tumor-specific antigens to regulate immune surveillance. Current immunotherapies are divided into the following main categories based on the regulatory role of T-cell subsets in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME): cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, peptide vaccines, CAR-T cells and more. This review describes the composition of the tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the involvement of T cells in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC as well as current T-cell-related immunotherapies. Further studies on CRC-specific tumor antigens, the gene regulation of T cells, and the regulation of immune activity are needed.
The Effects of Schooling Rates and Income Levels on Energy Consumption in Households: A Panel Data Analysis on OECD Countries
Authors: Cihan Kezban Ayran , Değirmenci Nurdan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile energy consumption affects many different areas, it is also affected by many different factors. Therefore, policies aiming to reduce energy consumption gain a multidimensional feature. Income level and education play an important role in the success of these policies. Because as the income and education levels of individuals increase, the success rate of policies aiming to reduce energy consumption is higher. In this way, while energy consumption is reduced or used more efficiently, environmental problems are prevented. In this study, the effects of average schooling rate and income level on energy consumption in residences were investigated. For this purpose, the panel data analysis was used within the scope of the annual data of 19 OECD member countries for the 1990–2019 period. As a result of the analysis, a cointegration relationship was detected between the variables and long-term coefficients and error correction coefficient and short-term coefficients were obtained with the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimator. The findings show that the long-term average schooling rate has a negative effect on energy consumption in households, but income level has a positive effect on a panel basis. On the other hand, it was also found that the error correction mechanism works and that the income level has a positive effect on the energy consumption in the households in the short term, but the average schooling rate does not have a significant effect on the energy consumption in the households in the short term.