bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes Type 2 in the Berlin Aging Study II: Prevalence, Incidence and Severity Over up to Ten Years of Follow-up
Authors: Spieker Johanne , Vetter Valentin Max , Drewelies Johanna , Spira Dominik , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Buchmann Nikolaus , Demuth Ilja 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Aim: To describe the prevalence, incidence, and severity of diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) and antidiabetic medication in older people and to assess the prognostic value of diagnostic laboratory parameters.
Methods: Baseline data of 1,671 participants of the Berlin Aging Study II (68.8 ±3.7 years) and follow-up data assessed 7.4 ±1.5 years later were analysed. T2D was diagnosed based on self-report, antidiabetic medication use, laboratory parameters. T2D severity was determined by the diabetes complications severity index (DCSI). Prognostic capacity of laboratory parameters was evaluated by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) and Areas Under the Curve (AUCs).
Results: The proportion of participants with T2D increased from 12.9% (37.3% women) at baseline to 17.1% (41.1% women) with 74 incident cases and 22.2% not being aware of the disease at follow-up. More than half of the 41 newly identified incident T2D cases were diagnosed solely by the 2h-plasma glucose test (OGTT) and diagnosis based on OGTT as the only criterion among incident cases was found more frequently in women (p=0.028). The OGTT assessed at baseline predicted incident T2D less accurate in men (AUC: 0.671, 95% CI 0.570-0.771) when compared to women (AUC: 0.7893, 95% CI 0.7036-0.8751). No sex differences were detected with respect to antidiabetic medication used and T2D severity.
Conclusions: A comprehensive picture of T2D with respect to prevalence, incidence, and severity in older people is provided. Clinically relevant sex differences in the capacity of the commonly used T2D diagnostic laboratory parameters to predict incident T2D on average 7.4 years later were detected.
Extreme flooding foretold by stream network organization and flow regime
Authors: Basso Stefano , Merz Ralf , Tarasova Larisa , Miniussi Arianna 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
River floods are the commonest natural disaster worldwide causing substantial monetary losses and death tolls yearly. Despite enormous efforts, gauging the peril of extreme floods is an outstanding challenge for varied economic sectors and the society at large. Appraisal of the flood hazard is especially difficult when the magnitude of the rarer floods strongly increases. Limited data records in fact hinder prediction of these instances and the identification of flood divides marking the rise of progressively larger floods. Here we demonstrate that the spatial organization of stream networks and the river flow regime control the appearance of flood divides and extreme floods. Unlike their ubiquitous attribution to anomalous hydrometeorological conditions, we show for the first time that the propensity to generate extreme floods is well predicted by intrinsic properties of river basins. Most importantly it can be assessed prior to the occurrence of catastrophes through measurable metrics of these properties derived from commonly available discharge data, with far-reaching implications for flood hazard assessment and preparedness.
Prognostic factors for surgical treatment of radiation-induced scleral necrosis after brachytherapy for uveal melanoma
Authors: Jabbarli Leyla , Biewald Eva , Guberina Maja , Rating Phillipp , Fiorentzis Miltiadis , Fluehs Dirk , Guin Claudia Le , Sokolenko Ekaterina , Sauerwein Wolfgang , Bornfeld Norbert , Stuschke Martin , Bechrakis Nikolaos 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objectives:

Radiation-induced scleral necrosis (RISN) is a rare complication of brachytherapy for uveal melanoma, and may require surgical treatment in selected cases. We aimed to identify the prognostic factors for RISN treatment.

Design:

Retrospective, single-center, observational case series

Methods:

All patients with brachytherapy for uveal melanoma treated at our institution between 01/1999 and 12/2016 who developed RISN were followed until 02/2021. Various parameters were evaluated through univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis. The surgical intervention due to RISN was the principal outcome event of this study.

Results:

Of 115 patients in the final cohort, 51 individuals (44.3%) underwent RISN treatment (conjunctival revision [n = 2], patching [n = 46] or enucleation [n = 3]) at median 1.80 months after RISN occurrence. Significant RISN characteristics were summarized into a novel RISN severity scale – Grade I: largest diameter ≤ 5mm and no progression; Grade II: largest diameter > 5mm or any progression during the follow-up; Grade III: presence of uveal prolapse; and Grade IV: leakage through open eyewall perforation. In the multivariable analysis, the RISN severity scale (aHR = 2.37 per grade increase, p = 0.005) and the time between brachytherapy and RISN occurrence (< 15 months, aHR = 6.33, p < 0.0001) were independently associated with the study endpoint. The RISN severity scale showed high diagnostic accuracy for prediction of RISN treatment (AUC = 0.869).

Conclusions:

In our series, about the half of RISN cases underwent surgical treatment. The presented novel severity scale for RISN might become a helpful tool for clinical management of individuals with RISN. We recommend external validation of the diagnostic accuracy of the presented scale.
Comparison of nomogram with machine learning techniques for prediction of overall survival in patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Wang Peng , Xie Mingjie , Wang Xingchao , Yu Jiawei , Chen Erlin , Zhou Zhou , Niu Yuanjie , Song Wei , Ni Qingfeng , Zhu Jianwei 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RP-LPS) is a rare and overlooked tumor type. Because of the rarity and diversity RP-LPS histological subtypes, the diagnosis, treatment and prediction of survival, pose great challenges. This study compared the performance of the 8th edition TNM model, nomogram, and machine learning algorithms in predicting overall survival in patients with RP-LPS to establish a more effective predictive model for clinical use. Establishing relatively reliable survival prediction models has important implications for planning personalized care and patient counseling.
Methods
The dataset used included clinical data of 2,147 patients with RP-LPS. The machine learning algorithms evaluated included support vector machine, adaptive boosting, decision tree and random forest. These algorithms were evaluated in terms of the area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) and accuracy values. The performance of the algorithm that produced the optimal results was compared with the 8th edition TNM model and nomogram to better predict overall survival in patients with RP-LPS.
Results
Comparison of prediction performance indicators of each machine learning algorithm, including accuracy, AUC, F1 score, etc., revealed that the adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) algorithm produced the best prediction effect (accuracy = 69.1%, AUC = 0.70). The performance indicators of AdaBoost were further compared with the traditional TNM model and the nomogram model, and the machine learning algorithm performance was considerably better than other types of models.
Conclusions
The machine learning algorithm AdaBoost provides more personalized and reliable prognostic information of RP-LPS than the nomogram. However, the level of transparency offered by the nomogram in estimating patient outcomes is higher, which strengthened the principle of shared decision making between the patient and clinician. Therefore, a combination of a nomogram–machine learning (NomoML) predictive model may help to improve care, provide information to patients, and facilitate clinicians in making RP-LPS management-related decisions.
Bacopaside-I ameliorates motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration in rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Singh Babita , Pandey Shivani , Rumman Mohammad , Gupta Mrinal , Mahdi Abbas Ali 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Chronic administration of Bacopa monnieri extract exert neuroprotective potential in multiple animal models of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, depression and cognitive impairments. However, its mechanism of action has remained unclear. Rotenone models of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have great potential for the investigation of PD pathology and motor and nonmotor symptoms. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of Bacopaside I (BS-I), a major triterpenoid saponin of Bacopa monnieri extract, against rotenone induced in-vivo model of PD and explored the possible molecular mechanism for therapeutic perspective. Rats were exposed to rotenone (2mg/kg body weight) for a period of 4 consecutive weeks to induce PD-like behavior. Oral treatment of BS-I (5, 15, 45 mg/kg, treated group) were started during the weeks. The behavioral data (Rotarod, foot printing and grip strength test) suggest an indication that BS-I compound plays significant role in attenuating the motor function deficit. Exposure of rotenone reduces the dopamine level and increases the oxidative stress while BS-I treatment recovers this. Furthermore, chronic administration of BS-I elevated expression levels of Dopamine transporter (DAT), Vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) genes and numbers of Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) positive neurons as compared to rotenone exposed animals. This research may help to elucidate the neuroprotective effect of Bacopaside and indicated that natural saponins target the molecular signaling pathway, which may offer new therapeutic research avenues to discover novel treatments for PD.
The ameliorative effect of clove oil against the hepatotoxicity induced via cadmium exposure in rats.
Authors: Elgharib Inas , Abdelhamid Fatma , Elshopakey Gehad , Fawzy Mohamed , Risha Engy 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Cadmium considered a widely distributed toxic heavy metal in the environment that affects various organs of animals and humans through the induction of oxidative stress. Clove oil of plant origin; is one of the most effective aromatic antioxidants due to its high phenolic and flavonoid contents. In addition to its antioxidant effects, it has anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. To study the effect of clove oil against Cd toxicity, Four groups contained 5 rats each: group A (control), group B (15 mg\kg CdCl2), group C (clove oil 200mg\kg), group D (CdCl2 15 mg/kg + clove oil 200 mg\kg). All the groups swallowed by gastric lavage for 30 days. Then, all rats were sacrificed; liver tissues and blood samples were collected. The results revealed that Cd-induced hematological abnormalities with prominent anemia and hepatic damage through increasing the activities of liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and the levels of direct and total bilirubin. On the other hand, levels of total protein and albumin were decreased. The hepatic antioxidant profiles exhibited decreased SOD, catalase enzyme, GST, and GSH. Meanwhile, the MDA level was increased. Inflammation of liver caused by cadmium reflected by the increased levels of TNF-α and caspase 3. Interestingly, clove oil ameliorated the Cd-induced toxicity in rats.
Currency undervaluation and export surge episodes: What sectors take off during the real exchange rate undervaluation stimulus?
Authors: Palazzo Gabriel 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
After a large devaluation in January of 2002, Argentina experienced six years of a stable and undervalued exchange rate (2003-2008), where the relative prices between tradable and non-tradable goods markedly changed. This six-year period shows the highest number of sectors with export surges from 1980 to 2015. What do we learn about RER undervaluation and export performance from this event? What are the main characteristics of the sectors that took advantage of the exchange rate stimulus? This paper proposes a series of hypotheses to answer these questions and test them empirically by analyzing sectoral export surges in Argentina. The main hypothesis is that labor-intensive sectors are more responsive to exchange rate movements because non-tradable costs prevail in their production function. We test this hypothesis by running a series of linear probability econometric models using the 4-digit disaggregation classification of the Standard International Trade Classification (SITC), revision 2. Our results are summarized as follows. First, we find that the probability of export surge episodes increased 2.5% by each standard deviation of higher labor intensity index during 2003-2008. Second, we show that export surges are more likely to occur in sectors related to already competitive sectors. Third, when assessing the cross-industry kinds of linkages, we find evidence that the probability of an export surge episode is higher in the upstream sector of those already competitive. Finally, the new export volumes in sectors with export surge episodes show persistent dynamics after the end of the undervalued period, being a signal of hysteresis in trade.
JEL Classification: F43, F14, O11.
Molecular Docking and Analysis of In Silico Generated Ligands Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Replicase Proteins
Authors: Okeke Ifeanyichukwu , Okeke Cosmas 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
By way of molecular docking, SARS-CoV-2 spike and replicase proteins were docked to a library of in silico generated ligands to identify leads with propensity to bind them with high affinity. The identified leads proved to bind these proteins with stronger affinity than the native ligand aiding in their in vivo metabolic processes. Whereby it was observed that spike protein binds to its cellular receptor with binding affinity of -4.8Kcal/mol; it binds to a non cellular analogue with -5.4, while 4twy 3BL and 5n19 D03 bind spike protein with binding affinities of -7.3Kcal/mol each. They also bind replicase protein with -8.2 and -7.2 Kcal/mol respectively. The findings indicate that the identified ligands can preferentially displace or inhibit binding of the viral proteins to their native endogenous ligands and that both cellular attachment through spike and ACE2 interaction, and viral replication process can both be inhibited by using just one of the substances identified. From the study, 5c8s G3A and 2d2d ENB were identified as the most suitable leads that are favourably disposed for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein detection from biological samples, while 3d62 959 and 1r4l XX5 were identified as leads with most suitable druglikeness against SARS-CoV-2 based on the filters from SwissADME and Molinspiration cheminformatics and therefore deserve further in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
Coronavirus vaccine hesitancy among patients attending Rheumatology clinic in North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust: An observational pilot study
Authors: Pradeep John , Saulite Vera , Maxton Fiona , Sharma Poonam , Bowyer Helen , Carmichael Debbie , Zhang Jufen 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background.
Since the start of an unprecedented vaccination campaign against Covid-19 the authors have started to come across rheumatology patients who were reluctant to have vaccination. Due to the diversity of the local population it was hypothesised that certain socio economic characteristics were predictive of vaccine hesitancy. The aim of this study was to assess the uptake of Covid-19 vaccine among patients attending rheumatology clinics in a large District General Hospital (DGH) in the East of England, as well as to establish perceived barriers in receiving Covid-19 vaccine and to assess the extent of vaccine hesitancy among the target population.
Methods.
This single centre cross-sectional observational pilot study was conducted using questionnaires distributed to patients attending rheumatology outpatients for a face to face appointment. Data were collected on baseline social and demographic characteristics as well as knowledge, attitude and behaviours regarding coronavirus vaccination. We collected 395 anonymous responses and then analysed them using descriptive statistical methods. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the associations between outcomes and demographic related variables. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit tests were used to evaluate the model fit.
Results.
There was a very high Covid-19 vaccine uptake among the sampled population (96.71%), notably higher than among the general population (90.4%) at the time of the study (1). In our study, the older population had a higher vaccine uptake (P < 0.001). White British ethnicity was a good predictor of vaccine uptake. There was no demonstrable link between educational attainment or monthly income and vaccine uptake. Older study participants tended to believe that the vaccine was safe to have whilst taking immunosuppressive medications.
Conclusions.
Our study demonstrated excellent uptake of Covid-19 vaccine in our local population attending rheumatology clinics. Being older and having white British ethnicity were strong predictors of vaccine uptake.
Robust and rapid pipeline for the development of mRNA vaccine for the fast-emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Soni Garima , Khanzode Renuka , Srivast Shalini , Pawar Sharad , Wadapurkar Rucha , Singh Sanjay , Singh Ajay 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Recently, genomics has gained a lot of attention in the field of bio-therapeutics, vaccines, and gene therapy. We have developed a robust pipeline for establishing the mRNA vaccine portfolio to address the current pandemic and endemic of COVID-19, infectious diseases, and cancer. We have designed and assembled approximately 4000 base pair DNA encoding the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) using overlapping oligo-based PCR assembly. Further, we cloned this fragment into a self-amplifying mRNA platform and prepared the messenger RNA (mRNA). The integrity and sequence were confirmed through multiple orthogonal techniques such as capillary electrophoresis, Sanger DNA sequencing, and Next-generation sequencing for mRNA. The mRNA was transfected into HEK 293T cells and a significant expression of the spike protein was monitored by FACS. Herein, we propose a robust and rapid pipeline for the development of mRNA for vaccines starting from sequence analysis to identifying the lead candidate within 4–5 weeks.
Point mutation of V252 in Neomycin C epimerase enlarges substrate binding pocket and improve the accumulation of Neomycin B in Streptomyces fradiae
Authors: Li xiangfei , Yu Fei , Wang Fang , Wang Sang , Han Rumeng , Cheng Yihan , Zhao Ming , Sun Junfeng , Xue Zhenglian 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Neomycin, aminoglycoside antibiotics with broad-spectrum antibacterial resistance, is widely used in pharmaceutical and agricultural fields. However, the separation and purification process of neomycin B as an active substance is complicated in Streptomyces fradiae. Although NeoN can catalyze neomycin C to generate neomycin B, the catalytic mechanism of NeoN is still unclear. In this study, whole genomics sequencing clarified the genomic information of high-yielding mutant SF-2. Subsequently, the mechanism of NeoN in catalyzing neomycin C synthesis of neomycin B was resolved based on the NeoN-SAM-neomycin C ternary complex. Finally, mutant NeoNV252A improved the activity of NeoN and the recombinant strain SF-2-NeoNV252A accumulated neomycin B 16766.6 U/mL and the ratio of neomycin C decreased from 16.1–6.28% relative to the starting strain SF-2. In summary, this work had analyzed the catalytic mechanism of NeoN, which had certain reference significance for rationally design NeoN to improve the production of neomycin B and weaken the proportion of neomycin C.
Association of co-existence of insomnia with cognitive decline on BDNF concentration in serum samples from older adults
Authors: Sánchez-García Sergio , Moreno-Tamayo Karla , Ramírez-Aldana Ricardo , García-Peña Carmen , Medina-Campos Raúl Hernán , Torre Paola García de la , Rivero-Segura Nadia Alejandra 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Aging has been defined as a biological process characterized by the functional decline of organs and systems leading to vulnerability and a susceptible state for developing neuronal, musculoskeletal, behavioral, and cardiovascular diseases and disorders. Sleep disorders, including insomnia, are common during aging, and these conditions have been associated with memory and cognitive decline in older adults. However, the molecular bases of such phenomenon have not been thoroughly described. Moreover, during the aging process, neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and neurotrophins decrease significantly, leading to the impairment of cognitive functions. In this sense, BDNF, the most abundant neurotrophic factor in the human brain, has been suggested as a potential target for the prevention and improvement of cognitive decline during aging; however, the current evidence demonstrates the exogenous administration of BDNF does not improve cognitive function. Hence, in the present study, we quantified pro-BDNF (inactive) and BDNF (active) concentrations in serum samples derived from older individuals with insomnia and/or cognitive decline. We used linear regression to analyze whether clinical or sociodemographic variables impacted the levels of BNDF concentration. We observed that insomnia, rather than cognitive decline, is significantly associated with BDNF concentration, and these effects are independent of other variables. To our knowledge, this is the first study that points to the impact of insomnia on improving the levels of BDNF during aging and suggests that opportune treatment of insomnia may be more beneficial to prevent cognitive decline during aging.
Clinical nurse competence and its effect on patient safety culture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zaitoun Rasha Abu , Said Nizar B. , de Tantillo Lila 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: Unsafe health practices are one of the leading causes of disability and even death. Competent nurses are crucial to ensure safe and high-quality health care services. The patient safety culture is concerned with internalizing safety beliefs, values, and attitudes, translating them into health care practices, and committing to maintain an error-free health environment. A high level of competence ensures the achievement and compliance with the safety culture goal. Objective This systematic review aims to identify the relationship between the level of nursing competence and the safety culture score and perception among nurses at their workplace.
Methods: Four international online databases were searched to find relevant studies published between 2018 and 2022. Peer-reviewed articles using quantitative methods, targeting nursing staff, written in English were included. After reviewing 117 identified articles, 16 full-text studies were included. The PRISMA 2020 checklist for systematic reviews was used.
Results: Evaluation of the articles indicates safety culture, competency, and perception are assessed using a wide variety of instruments. Safety culture was generally perceived as positive. No unique and standard tool has been developed to investigate the effect of safety competency on the perception of the safety culture in a standardized way.
Conclusions: Existing research provides evidence of a positive correlation between the nursing competence and patient safety score. Future research is recommended to investigate ways to measure the effect of nursing competency level on safety culture in health care institutions. Relevance for Clinical Practice Clinicians and leaders in the clinical setting may consider applying the findings of this study to address nursing competence as a component of addressing the patient safety culture in their practice setting.