A stylometric investigation across genders and individual authors based on a specialized Vietnamese corpus

Recently, there has been renewed interest in stylometry, a branch of forensic linguistics evaluating linguistic features which affect an author’s writing style. However, no known empirical research has attempted to explore relationships between word-level features in Vietnamese texts and writing style, both across genders and individual authors. Using two series of correspondence analysis, the current study thus seeks to analyze the most significant linguistic features across genders and individual authors based on a rich-annotated specialized Vietnamese corpus. In terms of genders, the most significant associations on writing style were identified for the combination of personal pronouns and negative words, whereas the seperated feature sets have less discriminating ability. For individual authors, negation words demonstrate their significant associations, and personal pronouns again have insignificant relationships with individual writing style. As a result of these investigations, suggestions were identified for future research.

Evaluation of the Ability of Nutri-Score to Discriminate the Nutritional Quality of Prepacked Foods Using a Sale-Weighting Approach

The implementation of mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling is currently being discussed in the European Union (EU). The Nutri-Score (NS) was developed in France to empower consumers to make informed and healthier food choices. Based on strong evidence of its efficacy in supporting healthy choices, it has already been implemented for voluntary use in some EU member states, making it relevant to developing a harmonised EU scheme. This study aimed to evaluate the NS’s discriminating ability on products available in the food supply and compare it with Slovenian national nutritional recommendations based on an adapted WHO Europe (WHOE) profile. The innovative approach of the study is that we used sale-weighting to address the public health importance of available foods, with consideration of market share. We profiled 15,822 products available in the Slovenian food supply in 2017. The NS had a high ability to discriminate food products based on nutritional composition. Products that are generally encouraged in dietary recommendations (fruits, vegetables, cereals) had, in most cases, better NS grades than less favourable products (confectionery, snack foods, added fats), which is also in line with the national nutrition policy programme. The discriminating ability of the model was also shown within food (sub)categories (e.g., plain and flavoured yoghurt). Sale-weighting showed that offerings do not always reflect sales. Major differences between offerings and sales were observed for beverages, dairy, fruits/vegetables, and edible oils/emulsions. Additionally, sale-weighted distribution tended towards less favourable nutritional composition, particularly in categories with overall smaller offerings of products with favourable composition. The NS showed moderate agreement with the WHOE profile (κ = 0.57); differences were particularly observed in flavoured yoghurts, juices, cooking oils, and cheeses. Modelling the operation of the NS with representative real-life food samples provided insight valuable for developing and implementing harmonised mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling in Europe.

Validation of the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to screen mental health problems among school-age children in Mongolia

Background Child and adolescent mental health problems are urgent health issues in low- and middle-income countries. To promote child and adolescent mental health services, simple validated screening tools are helpful. In Mongolia, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), an internationally used child and adolescent mental health screening tool for children aged 4–17, was translated but not yet validated. To use the questionnaire appropriately, validation is necessary. Methods Children at 4th year at elementary school (community sample) and children visited psychiatric outpatient service (clinical sample) were recruited and their parental version of the SDQ was compared. The discriminating ability of the parental version of the SDQ was examined using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis on the SDQ total difficulties score. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used as a measure. Cut-off score was determined by normative banding that categorizes children with the highest 10% score range as abnormal and the second highest 10% as borderline following the original method; this cut-off score was compared with the cut-off score candidates with good balance between sensitivity and specificity using ROC analysis. Results We included 2301 children in the community sample, and 429 children in the clinical sample. Mean age was 9.7 years (SD 0.4, range 8.3–12.0) among the community sample and 10.4 years (SD 3.8, range 4.0–17.8) among the clinical sample. The mean total difficulties score was 12.9 (SD 4.8) among the community sample and 20.4 (SD 6.2) among the clinical sample. A total of 88.8% of the community sample and 98.8% of the clinical sample answered the SDQ. Using ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.82 (95% confident interval 0.80–0.85), which meant moderate discriminating ability. Using normative banding, the borderline cut-off score was 16/17 and abnormal cut-off score was 19/20. For cut-off scores of 16/17 and 19/20, sensitivity was 71.9 and 53.8% and specificity was 78.5 and 90.5%, respectively. The cut-off score candidates by ROC analysis were 16/17 and 17/18. Conclusions The parental version of the SDQ had moderate discriminating ability among Mongolian school-age children. For the screening of mental health problems among community children, cut-off score of 16/17 is recommended.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Prediction by Simple Adiposity Indices in Thai Adults

Objective: Thai adults, have increased risk of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Hence, early discrimination of MetS, with a simple and high accuracy index, appears necessary. However, the application of the discriminating ability of Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP), which is an emergent indicator of central lipid accumulation, to MetS among Thai people has not been investigated. This present study’s purposes were to investigate the nationwide prevalence of MetS, and the ability of LAP in discriminating this disorder.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional secondary data analysis was performed in 2018, using primary data from the Thai National Health Examination Survey, 2009. A total of 18,642 Thailanders ≥18 years were recruited. MetS was diagnosed by the National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF).Results: Overall, the prevalence of MetS-NCEP/ATP and MetS-IDF in Thai adults was 20.0% and 27.0%, respectively. LAP showed outstanding discriminating ability for MetS in both definitions (the cut-off point of 34.38 and 37.96 cm.mmol/L; area under the curve of 0.889 and 0.915 for NCEP/ATP and IDF, respectively). LAP performed the closest agreement in discriminating MetS-NCEP/ATP (κ=0.598, p-value<0.001) and MetS-IDF (κ=0.577, p-value<0.001). Logistic regression analysis exhibited a strong association of the LAP cut-off point with MetS, with the odds ratio being from 23.37 to 27.22 (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: These study results revealed that LAP was strongly associated with MetS, had an outstanding and reliable diagnostic accuracy for discriminating MetS in Thai adults, which might be helpful for early detection of MetS among vulnerable populations.

Quantitative assessment of HCC wash-out on CT is a predictor of early complete response to TACE

Objectives To investigate the predictive value of four-phase contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) for early complete response (CR) to drug-eluting-bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE), with a particular focus on the quantitatively assessed wash-in and wash-out. Methods A retrospective analysis of preprocedural CECTs was performed for 129 HCC nodules consecutively subjected to DEB-TACE as first-line therapy. Lesion size, location, and margins were recorded. For the quantitative analysis, the following parameters were computed: contrast enhancement ratio (CER) and lesion-to-liver contrast ratio (LLC) as estimates of wash-in; absolute and relative wash-out (WOabs and WOrel) and delayed percentage attenuation ratio (DPAR) as estimates of wash-out. The early radiological response of each lesion was assessed by the mRECIST criteria and dichotomized in CR versus others (partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease). Results All quantitatively assessed wash-out variables had significantly higher rates for CR lesions (WOabsp = 0.01, WOrelp = 0.01, and DPAR p = 0.00002). However, only DPAR demonstrated an acceptable discriminating ability, quantified by AUC = 0.80 (95% CI0.73–0.88). In particular, nodules with DPAR ≥ 120 showed an odds ratio of 3.3(1.5–7.2) for CR (p = 0.0026). When accompanied by smooth lesion margins, DPAR ≥ 120 lesions showed a 78% CR rate at first follow-up imaging. No significative association with CR was found for quantitative wash-in estimates (CER and LLC). Conclusions Based on preprocedural CECT, the quantitative assessment of HCC wash-out is useful in predicting early CR after DEB-TACE. Among the different formulas for wash-out quantification, DPAR has the best discriminating ability. When associated, DPAR ≥ 120 and smooth lesion margins are related to relatively high CR rates. Key Points • A high wash-out rate, quantitatively assessed during preprocedural four-phase contrast-enhanced CT (CECT), is a favorable predictor for early radiological complete response of HCC to drug-eluting-bead chemoembolization (DEB-TACE). • The arterial phase of CECT shows great dispersion of attenuation values among different lesions, even when a standardized protocol is used, limiting its usefulness for quantitative analyses. • Among the different formulas used to quantify the wash-out rate (absolute wash-out, relative wash-out, and delayed percentage attenuation ratio), the latter (DPAR), based only on the delayed phase, is the most predictive (AUC = 0.80), showing a significant association with complete response for values above 120.

Methylation biomarkers with discriminating ability are potential therapeutic targets in lung adenocarcinoma

Aims: Given the reversibility of methylation, biomarkers with discriminating ability are of great interest for targeted therapeutic sites. Materials & methods: Methylation array data of 461 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients comprising of 458 tumor and 32 LUAD paracancerous samples were compared using partial least squares discrimination analysis and receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: A six-DNA methylation signature (corresponding to five genes) was found to significantly discriminate normal and LUAD samples. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis indicated enrichment of methylation sites in the Wnt pathway in LUAD compared with controls. Conclusion: This six-DNA methylation signature demonstrated potential as a novel biomarker for diagnosis and therapeutic targets. Further, inhibition of Wnt signaling pathway may be an important step in LUAD progression.

Characterization of Inherently Chiral Electrosynthesized Oligomeric Films by Voltammetry and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)

A voltammetric and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) investigation was performed on an inherently chiral oligomer-coated gold electrode to establish its general properties (i.e., conductivity and topography), as well as its ability to discriminate chiral electroactive probe molecules. The electroactive monomer (S)-2,2′-bis(2,2′-bithiophene-5-yl)-3,3′-bibenzothiophene ((S)-BT2T4) was employed as reagent to electrodeposit, by cyclic voltammetry, the inherently chiral oligomer film of (S)-BT2T4 (oligo-(S)-BT2T4) onto the Au electrode surface (resulting in oligo-(S)-BT2T4-Au). SECM measurements, performed in either feedback or competition mode, using the redox mediators [Fe(CN)6]4− and [Fe(CN)6]3− in aqueous solutions, and ferrocene (Fc), (S)-FcEA, (R)-FcEA and rac-FcEA (FcEA is N,N-dimethyl-1-ferrocenylethylamine) in CH3CN solutions, indicated that the oligomer film, as produced, was uncharged. The use of [Fe(CN)6]3− allowed establishing that the oligomer film behaved as a porous insulating membrane, presenting a rather rough surface. This was inferred from both the approach curves and linear and bidimensional SECM scans, which displayed negative feedback effects. The oligomer film acquired semiconducting or fully conducting properties when the Au electrode was biased at potential more positive than 0.6 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl. Under the latter conditions, the approach curves displayed positive feedback effects. SECM measurements, performed in competition mode, allowed verifying the discriminating ability of the oligo-(S)-BT2T4 film towards the (S)-FcEA and (R)-FcEA redox mediators, which confirmed the results obtained by cyclic voltammetry. SECM linear scans indicated that the enantiomeric discriminating ability of the oligo-(S)-BT2T4 was even across its entire surface.

Push or Pull for a Better Selectivity? A Study on the Electronic Effects of Substituents of the Pyridine Ring on the Enantiomeric Recognition of Chiral Pyridino-18-Crown-6 Ethers

Seven dimethyl-substituted optically active pyridino-18-crown-6 ethers containing various substituents at position 4 of the pyridine ring were studied with regards to the electron-donating and -withdrawing effects of substituents on enantiomeric recognition. In order to compile this set of compounds, we prepared four novel pyridino-18-crown-6 ethers, including an intermediate of a new synthetic route for a formerly reported crown ether. The discriminating ability of these pyridino-crown ethers with C2-symmetry toward the enantiomers of protonated primary amines was examined by isothermal titration calorimetry.

Identification of Ideal Trial Sites and Wide Adaptable T. Aus Rice Genotypes Suitable for Bangladesh

GGE biplot study is an effective tool for many crops including rice to identify mega-environments, ideal trial site and suitable genotypes for general and specific adaptation. An attempt was made to find promising T. Aus rice genotypes having suitable grain quality, better agronomic parameters and ideal test location for T. Aus rice growing areas. In this study, a total of 11 promising genotypes along with two popular cultivars BR26 and BRRI dhan48 were tested across six locations; Cumilla, Gazipur, Rajshahi, Rangpur in T. Aus 2016 and 2017 whereas Habiganj and Kushtia only in T. Aus 2017 season. From GGE biplot study, BRRI RS, Rajshahi (E8) was the most discriminating and ideal location for evaluating T. Aus rice genotypes in Bangladesh condition while BRRI RS, Cumilla 2016 (E1) showed the least discriminating ability and the least representative location. From two years combination data, BR9011-19-1-2 (G6) recorded the highest average grain yield (5.11±0.68 t ha-1) but BR9011-46-2-2 (G2) was the most stable genotype having grain yield (4.97±0.62 t ha-1) and other stable genotypes with above average yield were BR9011-67-4-1 (G5), BR9011-34-3-2 (G1), BRRI dhan48 (G13), BR9039-28-3-2 (G9) and BR9039-9-1-3 (G8) indicated that these genotypes adapted to favourable environments. BR26 (G12) was found highly variable and less stable across the test environments. In addition, agronomic trait (plant height, growth duration) and grain quality traits were also considered for suitability and wider adaptation in T. Aus growing areas in Bangladesh. BR9011-46-2-2 (G2) and BR9011-19-1-2 (G6) were the better genotypes in most of the locations but, considering all of the parameters, the newly developed rice breeding line BR9011-67-4-1 (G5) has been identified as suitable genotype to release as a new variety for sustainable T. Aus rice production in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Rice j. 2019, 23(2): 77-85

Validation of the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to screen child and adolescent mental health problems in Mongolia

BackgroundChild and adolescent mental health problems are urgent health issues in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To promote mental health services for child and adolescent mental problems, simple validated screening tools are helpful. In Mongolia, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), an internationally used child and adolescent mental health screening tool for children aged 4 to 17, was translated but not yet validated. To use the questionnaire for surveillance, research, and clinical purpose, validation is necessary.MethodsA community sample and a clinical sample were used. The discriminating ability of the parental version of the SDQ was examined using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis on the SDQ total difficulties score. The area under the ROC curve was used as a measure. Cut-off score was determined by normative banding that categorizes children with the highest 10% score range as abnormal and the second highest 10% score as borderline following the original method; this cut-off score was compared with the cut-off score candidates with good balance between sensitivity and specificity using ROC analysis.ResultsWe included 2301 children in the community sample, and 429 children in the clinical sample. Mean age was 9.7 years (SD 0.4) among the community sample and 10.4 years (SD 3.8) among the clinical sample. A total of 88.8% of the community sample and 98.8% of the clinical sample answered the SDQ. Using ROC analysis, the area under the curve was 0.82 (95% confident interval 0.80-0.85), which meant moderate discriminating ability. The mean total difficulties score was 12.9 (SD 4.8) among the community sample and 20.4 (SD 6.2) among the clinical sample. Using normative banding, the cut-off score between normal and borderline was 16/17 and between borderline and abnormal was 19/20. Sensitivity was 71.9% and 53.8% and specificity was 78.5% and 90.5% for cut-off scores of 16/17 and 19/20, respectively. The cut-off score candidates by ROC analysis was 16/17 and 17/18.ConclusionsThe parental version of the SDQ had moderate discriminating ability in Mongolia. For the screening of mental health problems among community children, cut-off score of 16/17 is recommended.