bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the use of evidence in the WHO Classification of Tumours: a protocol for an evidence gap map of the classification of tumours of the lung
Authors: del Aguila Mejía Javier , Armon Subasri , Campbell Fiona , Colling Richard , Chechlinska Magdalena , Kowalewska Magdalena , Pollán Marina , Holdenrieder Stefan , Tan Puay Hoon , Cree Ian , Indave Ruiz Blanca Iciar
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There are gaps in the evidence base of tumour classification despite being essential for cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient care. The WHO in charge of the production of an updated international classification, the WHO Classification of Tumours (WCT), aims to adapt evidence gap map (EGM) methodology to inform future editions of the WCT, by providing a visual summary of the existing evidence.

Methods and analysis

Bibliographical references used in the WCT fifth edition of Tumours of the Lung (Thoracic Tumours volume) will be used as search results of a literature search. A descriptive analysis of the cited evidence for tumour types and descriptors will be drafted and plotted in EPPI-Reviewer to develop a visual evidence map. The resulting EGM will reflect the number of cited studies in the size of the spheres, and the level of evidence by applying a four-colour code (red=low level evidence, orange=moderate level, green=high level and blue=unclassifiable). Overview of the findings will be provided in narrative form and a report will discuss the overall stage of cited research in the WCT and will include analysis of gaps, under-researched categories of tumour descriptors and pockets of low-level evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval will be required as this is a study of previously published material. Findings of the EGM will be published and used to guide editors, stakeholders and researchers for future research planning and related decision-making, especially for the development of future editions of the WCT.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022302327.
Improving quality of surgical and anaesthesia care in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review of hospital-based quality improvement interventions
Authors: Brima Nataliya , Morhason-Bello Imran O , Charles Vandy , Davies Justine , Leather Andy JM
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To systematically review existing literature on hospital-based quality improvement studies in sub-Saharan Africa that aim to improve surgical and anaesthesia care, capturing clinical, process and implementation outcomes in order to evaluate the impact of the intervention and implementation learning.

Design

We conducted a systematic literature review and narrative synthesis.

Setting

Literature on hospital-based quality improvement studies in sub-Saharan Africa reviewed until 31 December 2021.

Participants

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, Web of Science databases and grey literature were searched.

Intervention

We extracted data on intervention characteristics and how the intervention was delivered and evaluated.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Importantly, we assessed whether clinical, process and implementation outcomes were collected and separately categorised the outcomes under the Institute of Medicine quality domains. Risk of bias was not assessed.

Results

Of 1573 articles identified, 49 were included from 17/48 sub-Saharan African countries, 16 of which were low-income or lower middle-income countries. Almost two-thirds of the studies took place in East Africa (31/49, 63.2%). The most common intervention focus was reduction of surgical site infection (12/49, 24.5%) and use of a surgical safety checklist (14/49, 28.6%). Use of implementation and quality improvement science methods were rare. Over half the studies measured clinical outcomes (29/49, 59.2%), with the most commonly reported ones being perioperative mortality (13/29, 44.8%) and surgical site infection rate (14/29, 48.3%). Process and implementation outcomes were reported in over two thirds of the studies (34/49, 69.4% and 35, 71.4%, respectively). The most studied quality domain was safety (44/49, 89.8%), with efficiency (4/49, 8.2%) and equitability (2/49, 4.1%) the least studied domains.

Conclusions

There are few hospital-based studies that focus on improving the quality of surgical and anaesthesia care in sub-Saharan Africa. Use of implementation and quality improvement methodologies remain low, and some quality domains are neglected.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019125570
Randomised controlled trials in hand surgery: a scoping review
Authors: Heikkinen Juuso , Das De Soumen , Jokihaara Jarkko , Jaatinen Kati , Buchbinder Rachelle , Karjalainen Teemu
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To identify the evidence gaps that exist regarding the efficacy or effectiveness of hand surgery.

Setting

A scoping review. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL databases to identify all hand surgical randomised controlled trials from inception to 7 November 2020.

Results

Of the 220 identified randomised controlled trials, none were fundamental efficacy trials, that is, compared surgery with placebo surgery. 172 (78%) trials compared the outcomes of different surgical techniques, and 143 (65%) trials were trauma related. We identified only 47 (21%) trials comparing surgery with non-operative care or injection.

Conclusion

The evidence supporting use of surgery especially for chronic hand conditions is scarce. To determine optimal care for people with hand conditions, more resources should be aimed at placebo-controlled trials and pragmatic effectiveness trials comparing hand surgery with non-operative care.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019122710.
Protocol for the development of SPIRIT and CONSORT extensions for randomised controlled trials with surrogate primary endpoints: SPIRIT-SURROGATE and CONSORT-SURROGATE
Authors: Manyara Anthony Muchai , Davies Philippa , Stewart Derek , Weir Christopher J , Young Amber , Butcher Nancy J , Bujkiewicz Sylwia , Chan An-Wen , Collins Gary S , Dawoud Dalia , Offringa Martin , Ouwens Mario , Ross Joseph S , Taylor Rod S , Ciani Oriana
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) may use surrogate endpoints as substitutes and predictors of patient-relevant/participant-relevant final outcomes (eg, survival, health-related quality of life). Translation of effects measured on a surrogate endpoint into health benefits for patients/participants is dependent on the validity of the surrogate; hence, more accurate and transparent reporting on surrogate endpoints is needed to limit misleading interpretation of trial findings. However, there is currently no explicit guidance for the reporting of such trials. Therefore, we aim to develop extensions to the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) and CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) reporting guidelines to improve the design and completeness of reporting of RCTs and their protocols using a surrogate endpoint as a primary outcome.

Methods and analysis

The project will have four phases: phase 1 (literature reviews) to identify candidate reporting items to be rated in a Delphi study; phase 2 (Delphi study) to rate the importance of items identified in phase 1 and receive suggestions for additional items; phase 3 (consensus meeting) to agree on final set of items for inclusion in the extensions and phase 4 (knowledge translation) to engage stakeholders and disseminate the project outputs through various strategies including peer-reviewed publications. Patient and public involvement will be embedded into all project phases.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received ethical approval from the University of Glasgow College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Ethics Committee (project no: 200210051). The findings will be published in open-access peer-reviewed publications and presented in conferences, meetings and relevant forums.
Association between practice coding of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary care and subsequent hospitalisations and death: a cohort analysis using national audit data
Authors: Cleary Faye , Kim Lois , Prieto-Merino David , Wheeler David , Steenkamp Retha , Fluck Richard , Adlam David , Denaxas Spiros , Griffith Kathryn , Loud Fiona , Hull Sally , Caplin Ben , Nitsch Dorothea
Published: October 2022

Objective

To examine the association between practice percentage coding of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary care with risk of subsequent hospitalisations and death.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using linked electronic healthcare records.

Setting

637 general practitioner (GP) practices in England.

Participants

167 208 patients with CKD stages 3–5 identified by 2 measures of estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, separated by at least 90 days, excluding those with coded initiation of renal replacement therapy.

Main outcome measures

Hospitalisations with cardiovascular (CV) events, heart failure (HF), acute kidney injury (AKI) and all-cause mortality

Results

Participants were followed for (median) 3.8 years for hospital outcomes and 4.3 years for deaths. Rates of hospitalisations with CV events and HF were lower in practices with higher percentage CKD coding. Trends of a small reduction in AKI but no substantial change in rate of deaths were also observed as CKD coding increased. Compared with patients in the median performing practice (74% coded), patients in practices coding 55% of CKD cases had a higher rate of CV hospitalisations (HR 1.061 (95% CI 1.015 to 1.109)) and HF hospitalisations (HR 1.097 (95% CI 1.013 to 1.187)) and patients in practices coding 88% of CKD cases had a reduced rate of CV hospitalisations (HR 0.957 (95% CI 0.920 to 0.996)) and HF hospitalisations (HR 0.918 (95% CI 0.855 to 0.985)). We estimate that 9.0% of CV hospitalisations and 16.0% of HF hospitalisations could be prevented by improving practice CKD coding from 55% to 88%. Prescription of antihypertensives was the most dominant predictor of a reduction in hospitalisation rates for patients with CKD, followed by albuminuria testing and use of statins.

Conclusions

Higher levels of CKD coding by GP practices were associated with lower rates of CV and HF events, which may be driven by increased use of antihypertensives and regular albuminuria testing, although residual confounding cannot be ruled out.
Mast cell-T cell axis alters development of colitis-dependent and colitis-independent colorectal tumours: potential for therapeutically targeting via mast cell inhibition
Authors: Sakita Juliana Y , Elias-Oliveira Jefferson , Carlos Daniela , de Souza Santos Emerson , Almeida Luciana Yamamoto , Malta Tathiane M , Brunaldi Mariângela O , Albuquerque Sergio , Araújo Silva Cleide Lúcia , Andrade Marcus V , Bonato Vania L D , Garcia Sergio Britto , Cunha Fernando Queiroz , Cebinelli Guilherme Cesar Martelossi , Martins Ronaldo B , Matthews Jason , Colli Leandro , Martin Francis L , Uyemura Sergio A , Kannen Vinicius
Published: October 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate and can develop in either colitis-dependent (colitis-associated (CA)-CRC) or colitis-independent (sporadic (s)CRC) manner. There has been a significant debate about whether mast cells (MCs) promote or inhibit the development of CRC. Herein we investigated MC activity throughout the multistepped development of CRC in both human patients and animal models.

Methods

We analyzed human patient matched samples of healthy colon vs CRC tissue alongside conducting a The Cancer Genome Atlas-based immunogenomic analysis and multiple experiments employing genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models.

Results

Analyzing human CRC samples revealed that MCs can be active or inactive in this disease. An activated MC population decreased the number of tumor-residing CD8 T cells. In mice, MC deficiency decreased the development of CA-CRC lesions, while it increased the density of tumor-based CD8 infiltration. Furthermore, co-culture experiments revealed that tumor-primed MCs promote apoptosis in CRC cells. In MC-deficient mice, we found that MCs inhibited the development of sCRC lesions. Further exploration of this with several GEM models confirmed that different immune responses alter and are altered by MC activity, which directly alters colon tumorigenesis. Since rescuing MC activity with bone marrow transplantation in MC-deficient mice or pharmacologically inhibiting MC effects impacts the development of sCRC lesions, we explored its therapeutic potential against CRC. MC activity promoted CRC cell engraftment by inhibiting CD8+ cell infiltration in tumors, pharmacologically blocking it inhibits the ability of allograft tumors to develop. This therapeutic strategy potentiated the cytotoxic activity of fluorouracil chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Therefore, we suggest that MCs have a dual role throughout CRC development and are potential druggable targets against this disease.
Aneurysm healing after endovascular treatment in the Helsinki sidewall aneurysm model: a systematic review
Authors: Rinaldo Lorenzo , Arturo Larco Jorge L , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Kallmes David F
Published: October 2022

Aims

Intracranial aneurysms are treated with a variety of endovascular devices including coils, stents, and flow diverters. The mechanisms by which these devices result in aneurysm occlusion and subsequent healing have been the subject of significant research using various animal models. The murine Helsinki aneurysm model is a sidewall aneurysm created by the end-to-side anastomosis of a donor aortic graft onto the abdominal aorta of a recipient animal. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of different endovascular devices for the treatment of the Helsinki model aneurysm.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of Pubmed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, yielding eight studies detailing the results of endovascular treatment of this preclinical aneurysm model. Studies were included if they provided rates of complete aneurysm occlusion after treatment.

Results

In these studies, aneurysms were treated with coiling (n=81, 7 studies), stenting (n=67, 3 studies), stent-coiling (n=13, 1 study), and flow diversion (n=49, 2 studies). The results of each individual study are discussed with the goal of providing a measure of the relative efficacy of different endovascular devices for the treatment of this particular model aneurysm. We also pay special attention to insights into the mechanisms underlying aneurysm healing after different forms of endovascular therapy.

Conclusion

The data presented here may be useful to investigators attempting to demonstrate superiority of novel endovascular devices relative to previous device iterations using this preclinical model.
Changes in cardiorespiratory function and fatigue following 12 weeks of exercise training in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot study
Authors: Hasni Sarfaraz , Feng Li Rebekah , Chapman Marquis , Gupta Sarthak , Ahmad Anam , Munday Adam , Mazhar Mir Ali , Li Xiaobai , Lu Shajia , Tsai Wanxia Li , Gadina Massimo , Davis Michael , Chu Jun , Manna Zerai , Nakabo Shuichiro , Kaplan Mariana J , Saligan Leorey , Keyser Randall , Chan Leighton , Chin Lisa M K
Published: October 2022

Objective

In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), fatigue is a debilitating symptom with poorly understood pathophysiology. Cardiorespiratory dysfunction has been hypothesised as a contributor to SLE-fatigue. The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine changes in cardiorespiratory function, following an exercise training programme in women with SLE, together with patient reported outcomes and other pathophysiological measures that may underlie SLE-fatigue.

Methods

Sixteen women with SLE and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) ≥3) were enrolled in a supervised aerobic exercise training programme of vigorous intensity. The primary outcome was time to reach anaerobic threshold (AT-Time) during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Secondary outcomes included changes in the 10-minute walk test (10MWT), FSS scores and the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-57) survey. Mitochondrial function was assessed by the oxygen consumption rate (OCR)/extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) metabolic potential ratio.

Results

Following 12 weeks of exercise training, AT-Time increased by 93±82 (mean±SD) s (p<0.001), 10MWT increased by 84±66 m (p<0.001) and peak oxygen uptake (VO2) increased by 1.4±2.0 mL/kg/min (p=0.013). There were improvements in FSS score (−1.4±1.0, p<0.0001) and in most of the PROMIS-57 domains. The decrease in FSS scores correlated with an increase in the OCR/ECAR ratio (Pearson’s correlation r=-0.59, p=0.03). A subset of subjects (9/15) had significant reduction in their Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISG) (p=0.007) accompanied by a significant increase in the OCR/ECAR ratio (p=0.013).

Conclusions

Cardiorespiratory function was improved in concomitance with reductions in fatigue following a 12-week aerobic exercise programme. The reduction in fatigue scores correlated with improvements in mitochondrial function.
Incidence, predictors and clinical implications of new renal impairment following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Wong Nathan , Dinh Diem T , Brennan Angela , Batchelor Riley , Duffy Stephen J , Shaw James A , Chan William , Layland Jamie , van Gaal William J , Reid Christopher M , Liew Danny , Stub Dion
Published: October 2022

Background

Renal impairment post-percutaneous coronary intervention (post-PCI) is a well-described adverse effect following the administration of contrast media. Within a large cohort of registry patients, we aimed to explore the incidence, predictors and clinical outcomes of renal impairment post-PCI.

Methods

The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry is an Australian state-based clinical quality registry focusing on collecting data from all PCI capable centres. Data from 36 970 consecutive PCI cases performed between 2014 and 2018 were analysed. Patients were separated into three groups based on post-procedure creatinine levels (new renal impairment (NRI), defined as an absolute rise in serum creatinine>44.2 µmol/L or>25% of baseline creatinine; new renal impairment requiring dialysis (NDR), defined as worsening renal failure that necessitated a new requirement for renal dialysis; no NRI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the impact of NRI and NDR on clinical outcomes.

Results

3.1% (n=1134) of patients developed NRI, with an additional 0.6% (n=225) requiring dialysis. 96.3% (n=35 611) of patients did not develop NRI. Those who developed renal impairment were more comorbid, with higher rates of diabetes (22% vs 38% vs 38%, p<0.001), peripheral vascular disease (3.4% vs 8.2% vs 11%, p<0.001), chronic kidney disease (19% vs 49.7% vs 54.2%) and severe left ventricular dysfunction (5% vs 22% vs 40%, p<0.001). Multivariable analysis found that when compared with the no NRI group, those in the combined NRI/NDR group were at a greater risk of 30-day mortality (OR 4.77; 95% CI 3.89 to 5.86, p<0.001) and 30-day major adverse cardiac events (OR 3.72; 95% CI 3.15 to 4.39, p<0.001).

Conclusions

NRI post-PCI remains a common occurrence, especially among comorbid patients, and is associated with a significantly increased morbidity and mortality risk.
Cancer survivor inspiratory muscle training: systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis
Authors: Tórtola-Navarro Aida , Gallardo-Gómez Daniel , Álvarez-Barbosa Francisco , Salazar-Martínez Eduardo
Published: October 2022

Background

The long-term impact of cancer treatment is associated with respiratory dysfunction and physical fitness impairment. Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown as an effective exercise therapy in cancer survivors, there is no evidence on the optimal dose, application moment nor specific population effects of this intervention. The main objective of this meta-analysis is to analyse the effects of IMT on pulmonary function, physical fitness and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis was preregistered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) register and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. We used a Bayesian multilevel random-effects meta-analysis model to pool the data. Multilevel metaregression models were used to examine the conditional effects of our covariates. Convergence and model fit were evaluated through specific model parameters. Sensitivity analyses removing influential cases and using a frequentist approach were carried out.

Results

Pooled data showed that IMT intervention is effective to improve pulmonary function (standardised mean difference=0.53, 95% credible interval 0.13 to 0.94, SE=0.19). However, IMT did not present statistically significant results on physical fitness and QoL. Metaregression analyses found that the type of cancer, the moment of application and the evaluation tool used had significant moderation effects on pulmonary function.

Conclusion

IMT could be an important part in the management of side effects suffered by cancer survivors. Considering the current evidence, this intervention is highly recommended in patients diagnosed with oesophageal and lung cancers. IMT may provide superior benefits before the biological treatment and after the surgery.

PROSPERO registration number

304909.
Comparative study of clinicians’ and family members’ perceptions of patients’ end-of-life experiences
Authors: Suzuki Kozue , Morita Tatsuya , Mori Masanori , Azuma Yukari , Funaki Hiromi , Amano Koji , Imai Kengo , Tanaka Keiko , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Tsuneto Satoru , Shima Yasuo , Masukawa Kento , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: October 2022

Objective

End-of-life experiences (ELEs), such as deathbed visions (DBVs), have been reported worldwide. However, ELEs have rarely been discussed in clinical practice, possibly because of the different perceptions of ELEs among clinicians and families. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the differences in perception regarding ELEs, especially DBVs, between clinicians and families.

Methods

We conducted a multicentre, prospective and observational study with patients with cancer. After the patients’ death, clinicians recorded their perceptions of patients’ ELEs during the palliative care unit admission, and bereaved families responded to a questionnaire about ELEs. The primary outcome was the frequency and concordance of DBVs from the perspective of bereaved family members and clinicians. The second outcome was each group’s frequency of terminal lucidity and terminal coincidence.

Results

The study included 443 patients. DBVs were reported more frequently by family members than clinicians (14.0% vs 2.7%, p<0.001). Among family members, terminal lucidity and terminal coincidence were observed at 7% and 7.9%, respectively, while only one case each was reported by clinicians.

Conclusions

Clinicians and family members may perceive ELEs differently. Enabling patients and their families to talk about ELEs would assist in optimising grief care.
Loneliness and resilience are associated with nutrition risk after the first wave of COVID-19 in community-dwelling older Canadians
Authors: Wei Cindy , Beauchamp Marla K. , Vrkljan Brenda , Vesnaver Elisabeth , Giangregorio Lora , Macedo Luciana G. , Keller Heather H.
Published: October 2022

Nutrition risk is linked to hospitalization, frailty, depression, and death. Loneliness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have heightened nutrition risk. We sought to determine prevalence of high nutrition risk and whether loneliness, mental health, and assistance with meal preparation/delivery were associated with risk in community-dwelling older adults (65+ years) after the first wave of COVID-19 in association analyses and when adjusting for meaningful covariates. Data were collected from 12 May 2020 to 19 August 2020. Descriptive statistics, association analyses, and linear regression analyses were conducted. For our total sample of 272 participants (78 ± 7.3 years old, 70% female), the median Seniors in the Community: Risk evaluation for Eating and Nutrition (SCREEN-8) score (nutrition risk) was 35 [1st quartile, 3rd quartile: 29, 40], and 64% were at high risk (SCREEN-8 < 38). Fifteen percent felt lonely two or more days a week. Loneliness and meal assistance were associated with high nutrition risk in association analyses. In multivariable analyses adjusting for other lifestyle factors, loneliness was negatively associated with SCREEN-8 scores (−2.92, 95% confidence interval [−5.51, −0.34]), as was smoking (−3.63, [−7.07, −0.19]). Higher SCREEN-8 scores were associated with higher education (2.71, [0.76, 4.66]), living with others (3.17, [1.35, 4.99]), higher self-reported health (0.11, [0.05, 0.16]), and resilience (1.28, [0.04, 2.52]). Loneliness, but not mental health and meal assistance, was associated with nutrition risk in older adults after the first wave of COVID-19. Future research should consider longitudinal associations among loneliness, resilience, and nutrition.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS AND FINANCIAL ADVERTISING IN THE ITALIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT MARKET
Authors: FERRETTI RICCARDO , GIACOMINI EMANUELA , PANCOTTO FRANCESCA
Published: October 2022

Advertising has a major effect on individual investors’ decisions. Financial instruments tend to be advertised more when market sentiment is high, as investors are more willing to buy. Mechanisms affecting the relationship between market sentiment and advertising activity remain unexplored in the finance literature. Using a novel dataset of advertisements for mutual and exchange-traded funds from the main Italian financial newspaper, we show that the effect of market sentiment on financial advertisements depends upon the distribution channel. Sentiment matters only for products directly traded by the investors, such as exchange-traded funds. Conversely, for financial products — like mutual funds — distributed through a captive distribution network (bank branches and tied agents), financial advisers’ actions mitigate the effect of market sentiment on advertising activity. Overall, our findings provide some evidence of the persuasive power of financial advisers in investors’ decisions, which arguably requires increased attention from financial market regulators.
Mathematical Modeling in Teacher Education — Developing Professional Competence of Pre-Service Teachers in a Teaching–Learning Lab
Authors: Greefrath Gilbert , Wess Raphael
Published: October 2022

At the Muenster University, teaching–learning labs have been integrated into teacher education as part of a joint initiative by the German federal and state governments in order to improve the quality of teacher education. Because of the great potential in natural differentiation and the particular challenge in teaching, mathematical modeling was placed at the focus of the teaching–learning lab. The paper deals with the structure of an innovative and supportive learning environment that fosters the diagnostic competence of mathematical modeling as part of the professional competence of pre-service teachers. With the help of a newly developed test instrument, it was shown that the development of modeling-specific diagnostic competence increases significantly and with a large effect size in the teaching–learning lab for mathematical modeling, while no significant changes occur in a control group (CG).
Study and Research Paths of University Freshmen in an Online Environment: A Task Related to the Center of Population
Authors: Mizoguchi Tatsuya , Koami Daiki , Okada Kokoro , Yamasaki Riko , Yukawa Makoto
Published: October 2022

The world witnessed a growing interest in inquiry-based learning in the past decade. Study and research path (SRP) is a model of such learning based on the anthropological theory of the didactic (ATD). This paper discusses the following research questions through [Formula: see text] maps of the SRPs of university freshmen using the notion of praxeology: (RQ1) how do students/pre-service teachers create SRPs in an online environment in terms of group work? (RQ2) How are the institutional conditions and constraints of each group characterized? In conclusions, the differences in media searches of the student groups lead to differences in final answers to the inquiry. Additionally, the media-milieu dialectic is closely related to the question–answer dialectic.
Inspection Technology of Power Communication Network Based on Machine Vision Graphic Recognition
Authors: Zhong Yuqing , Ling Jianwen , Shi Liuyang
Published: October 2022

With the continuous improvement of maintenance management level and the continuous progress of fault diagnosis technology, equipment condition maintenance has also gradually entered the stage of market use. Especially, in the electric power industry, with the development of the research and production practice of condition maintenance theory, its application areas are becoming more and more extensive. In recent years, with the increasing popularity of computer network technology, the development of communication network monitoring technology has also made great progress. However, the monitoring of communication equipment in China is still in the primary stage, and the complexity of the equipment and the diversity of the equipment make the research on its condition detection a very challenging task. The study introduces the application of computer vision-based graphic recognition technology in power communication networks, which includes two modules: FasterR-CNN and RPN. The model provides real-time monitoring of various performance indicators of power communication network equipment and feedback on its working status, repairs the equipment according to the monitoring results, timely detects potential safety hazards, and makes a maintenance cycle reasonable planning, ensuring the normal operation of the communication network.
Fault-Tolerant Control of Hypersonic Vehicle Using Neural Network and Sliding Mode
Authors: Cui Peng , Gao Changsheng , Jing Wuxing , An Ruoming
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the tracking control of the air-breathing hypersonic vehicle with model parameter uncertainties and actuator faults is studied. Firstly, a high-order linearization model is used to build an adaptive terminal sliding mode that eliminates chattering and provides increased robustness for unknown disturbances in the system. Second, a fault-tolerant control method mixing the radial basis function neural network with adaptive sliding mode control is suggested, with the addition of a hyperbolic tangent function to avoid controller input saturation. Finally, the stability of the controller is proved strictly by the Lyapunov theory, and the robustness and effectiveness of the controller are further verified by numerical simulations of the longitudinal model of the hypersonic vehicle.
Benefits of Long-Term Continuation of Low-Dose Methimazole Therapy in the Prevention of Recurrent Hyperthyroidism in Graves’ Hyperthyroid Patients: A Randomized Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Lertwattanarak Raweewan , Kunavisarut Tada , Sriussadaporn Sutin
Published: October 2022

Background. The long-term continuation of the low-dose antithyroid drug (ATD) beyond the standard duration of ATD therapy of 12–18 months to prevent recurrent hyperthyroidism (RH) is recommended with low quality of evidence. Objectives. To examine whether long-term continuation of low-dose ATD beyond the recommended duration of treatment would provide a benefit in the prevention of RH in patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GH) who achieved euthyroid status with a standard course of ATD therapy. Methods. A 36-month prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in 184 patients who had first diagnosed GH and were treated with a standard regimen of ATD therapy using methimazole (MMI) until achieving euthyroidism that was stably maintained for at least 6 months with a low-dose of (2.5–5 mg/day) MMI. All patients had neither a history of adverse effects from MMI, recurrent GH, severe and active ophthalmopathy nor conditions known to affect thyroid function before randomization. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: one group (92 cases) was assigned to discontinue (DISCONT-MMI) and the other (92 cases) was assigned to continue low-dose MMI (CONT-MMI) that was taken at the time of enrollment. The patients in both groups were followed up at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months. The rate of RH was compared between both groups, and the adverse effects and risk factors of RH were also studied. Results. At the end of the 36-month study, 83 cases in CONT-MMI and 90 cases in DISCONT-MMI were eligible for analysis. The cumulative rates of RH in CONT-MMI were significantly lower than those in DISCONT-MMI at every follow-up time point (1.2% vs. 11.2%, 6.8% vs. 18.4%, 11.0% vs. 27.2%, 11.0% vs. 35.0%, and 11.0% vs. 41.2% at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months, respectively;

p
<
0.01

). Cox proportional hazard multivariate analysis showed that there were 2 factors independently associated with the risk of RH, including continuation of low-dose MMI therapy, which decreased the risk of RH by 3.8 times (HR = 0.26,

p
=
0.007

, 95% CI = 0.10–0.70) and age onset of hyperthyroidism before 40 years, which increased the risk of RH by 2.9 times (HR = 2.9,

p
=
0.015

, 95% CI = 1.23–6.88). Neither minor nor major adverse effects of low-dose MMI therapy were observed during the study period. Conclusions. In Graves’ hyperthyroid patients with no or nonsevere ophthalmopathy who have completed a standard course of methimazole therapy without an adverse effect and have achieved an euthyroid status that is stably maintained with low-dose methimazole, a long-term continuation of the low-dose methimazole of 2.5–5 mg daily is effective and safe in the prevention of recurrent hyperthyroidism or maintenance of euthyroid status as long as the low-dose methimazole is continued. (TCTR20170705002).
Intelligent Edge Computing Detection Vehicle and Detection Method Based on Tunnel Lining Concrete
Authors: You Xiaoming , Yan Gongxing , Yang Zhengqiang
Published: October 2022

In recent years, with the rapid development of tunnel construction in China, the length of tunnels has continued to increase, and the consequent tunnel disease detection has attracted more and more attention from maintenance departments. Among many diseases, lining cracks are the most common, which directly reflect the stress of the lining, which is very important for the study of tunnel diseases. In view of the current detection status and detection requirements, this article has carried out research work on a vehicle-mounted tunnel lining crack detection system based on image processing. Due to the grayscale difference between the cracks on the lining surface and the lining background, these differences lead to significant crack edge features and relatively stable detection. Therefore, this article designs an intelligent edge algorithm system for cracks on the lining surface to detect the edges of the image, extract the edges of cracks, and remove useless interference information in the lining background. The experiment proves that the paired sample t-test can find that after the experiment is over, the

P

value of different edge detection operators for global threshold segmentation is less than 0.05, which has a significant difference. The Canny, Deriche, and Lanser filters are relatively strong, and the extracted crack edge noise is relatively small. Finally, the parameter values of the crack image are calculated, and the calculated values of the crack parameters provide a scientific and reliable basis for tunnel safety evaluation.
Ginsenosides Rg1 and CK Control Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma Cells by Modulating Cholesterol Efflux and Lipid Raft Distribution
Authors: Qiu Runze , Zhang Jingjing , Ge Chun , Zhong Yue , Liu Suo , Li Qingquan , Zou Jianjun , Fan Hongwei , Li Yingbin
Published: October 2022

Background. Cholesterol efflux and lipid raft redistribution contribute to attenuating temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma. Ginsenosides are demonstrated to modify cholesterol metabolism and lipid raft distribution, and the brain distribution and central nervous effects of whose isoforms Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, and CK have been identified. This study aimed to reveal the role of Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, and CK in the drug resistance of glioblastoma. Methods. The effects of ginsenosides on cholesterol metabolism in temozolomide-resistant U251 glioblastoma cells were evaluated by cholesterol content and efflux assay, confocal laser, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The roles of cholesterol and ginsenosides in temozolomide resistance were studied by CCK-8, flow cytometry, and Western blot, and the mechanism of ginsenosides attenuating resistance was confirmed by inhibitors. Results. Cholesterol protected the survival of resistant U251 cells from temozolomide stress and upregulated multidrug resistance protein (MDR)1, which localizes in lipid rafts. Resistant cells tended to store cholesterol intracellularly, with limited cholesterol efflux and LXRα expression to maintain the distribution of lipid rafts. Ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, Rg3, and CK reduced intracellular cholesterol and promoted cholesterol efflux in resistant cells, causing lipid rafts to accumulate in specific regions of the membrane. Rg1 and CK also upregulated LXRα expression and increased the cytotoxicity of temozolomide in the presence of cholesterol. We further found that cholesterol efflux induction, lipid raft redistribution, and temozolomide sensitization by Rg1 and CK were induced by stimulating LXRα. Conclusions. Ginsenosides Rg1 and CK controlled temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma cells by regulating cholesterol metabolism, which are potential synergists for temozolomide therapy.
The Effect of Gefitinib on Treatment Necessity and Prognosis of NSCLC Patients with Early EGFR Mutations
Authors: Song Ruiqiang , Cheng Yanbo , Zheng Tianxi
Published: October 2022

Objective. To investigate the need for and prognostic impact of gefitinib on the treatment of patients with early‐stage epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutated non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods. Clinical data of patients with stage IB‐IIA non‐squamous non‐small‐cell lung cancer admitted to our thoracic surgery department from January 2020 to January 2022 were collected, and a total of 94 cases were included, divided into 44 cases in the control group (EGFR mutation‐negative) and 50 cases in the experimental group (EGFR mutation‐positive (including those on medication (19 cases) and those not on medication (31 cases)) according to the outcome of EGFR mutation. To evaluate the necessity and prognostic effect of gefitinib in the treatment of NSCLC patients with early EGFR mutations. Results. The lung cancer recurrence rate in the experimental group (66.00%) was higher than that in the control group (40.91%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.937, P = 0.015); in the subgroup analysis of the experimental group samples, the pharmacological intervention of gefitinib had a significant effect on lung cancer recurrence (χ2 = 7.797, P = 0.005), and the proportion of lung cancer recurrence in patients not taking the drug (80.65%) was significantly higher than in the drug‐taking group (42.11%); the median survival time was 53.6 months using EGFR mutation type as the study factor, with a statistically significant difference in change in 5‐year survival rate for EGFR mutation type (χ2 = 6.095, P = 0.047) and the lowest 5‐year survival rate for subjects with EGFR mutation type Exon 20 T790M. Conclusion. Patients with early gene drive positive lung adenocarcinoma are significantly more likely to recur and metastasise and have shorter survival times in the absence of pharmacological intervention.
Novel EDAS Methodology Based on Single‐Valued Neutrosophic Aczel‐Alsina Aggregation Information and Their Application in Complex Decision‐Making
Authors: Ashraf Shahzaib , Ahmad Shakoor , Naeem Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: October 2022

In this article, we proposed an extended EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) method based on the single‐valued neutrosophic (SVN) Aczel‐Alsina aggregation information. The fundamental concept of a single‐valued neutrosophic (SVN) set is a universal mathematical tool for effectively managing uncertain and imprecise information. To accomplish our goal, we first extend the Aczel‐Alsina t‐norm and t‐conorm to SVN scenarios and introduce a few new SVN operations on which we construct novel SVN aggregation operators. Furthermore, a decision support strategy is built in the SVN framework using the EDAS methodology and the suggested Aczel‐Alsina aggregation operators. This method computes the aggregated outcomes of each investigated alternative, as well as their score values. Finally, to demonstrate the functionality of the developed SVN‐ EDAS, an application has been made related to the role of commercial banks in providing loans to their customers, which has recently affected our world, and the results are compared with other existing methods. The results suggest that the proposed method may overcome the inadequacies of the existing decision method’s lack of decision flexibility by using SVN aggregation operators.
Virtual Reality and Internet of Things-Based Music Online Learning via the Graph Neural Network
Authors: Lian Jian , Zhou Yanan , Han Lina , Yu Zhiguo
Published: October 2022

Virtual reality and the Internet of Things have shown their capability in a variety of tasks. However, their availability in online learning remains an unresolved issue. To bridge this gap, we propose a virtual reality and Internet of Things-based pipeline for online music learning. The one graph network is used to generate an automated evaluation of learning performance which traditionally was given by the teachers. To be specific, a graph neural network-based algorithm is employed to identify the real-time status of each student within an online class. In the proposed algorithm, the characteristics of each student collected from the multisensors deployed on their bodies are taken as the input feature for each node in the presented graph neural network. With the adoption of convolutional layers and dense layers as well as the similarity between each pair of students, the proposed approach can predict the future circumstance of the entire class. To evaluate the performance of our work, comparison experiments between several state-of-the-art algorithms and the proposed algorithm were conducted. The result from the experiments demonstrated that the graph neural network-based algorithm achieved competitive performance (sensitivity 91.24%, specificity 93.58%, and accuracy 89.79%) over the state-of-the-art.
Fractional Brownian Motion for a System of Fuzzy Fractional Stochastic Differential Equation
Authors: Abuasbeh Kinda , Shafqat Ramsha
Published: October 2022

We study fractional Brownian motion– (FBM–) driven fuzzy stochastic fractional evolution equations. These equations can be used to model fuzziness, long‐range dependence, and unpredictability in hybrid real‐world systems. Under various assumptions regarding the coefficients, we investigate the existence‐uniqueness of the solution using an approximation method to the fractional stochastic integral. We can solve an equation with linear coefficients, for example, in financial models Application to a model of population dynamics is also illustrated. An example is propounded to show the applicability of our results.
Identification of Prognostic Fatty Acid Metabolism lncRNAs and Potential Molecular Targeting Drugs in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Xu Yang , Tian Rui , Liu Xin , Song Meijiao , Liu Lu , Guo Rong , Li Zhuoya , Hu Xiaomin , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2022

Background. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic fatty acid metabolism lncRNAs and potential molecular targeting drugs in uveal melanoma through integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods. In the present study, we obtained the expression matrix of 309 FAM-mRNAs and identified 225 FAM-lncRNAs by coexpression network analysis. We then performed univariate Cox analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and cross-validation and finally obtained an optimized UVM prognosis prediction model composed of four PFAM-lncRNAs (AC104129.1, SOS1-IT1, IDI2-AS1, and DLGAP1-AS2). Results. The survival curves showed that the survival time of UVM patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group in the train cohort, test cohort, and all patients in the prognostic prediction model (

P
<
0.05

). We further performed risk prognostic assessment, and the results showed that the risk scores of the high-risk group in the train cohort, test cohort, and all patients were significantly higher than those of the low-risk group (

P
<
0.05

), patient survival decreased and the number of deaths increased with increasing risk scores, and AC104129.1, SOS1-IT1, and DLGAP1-AS2 were high-risk PFAM-lncRNAs, while IDI2-AS1 were low-risk PFAM-lncRNAs. Afterwards, we further verified the accuracy and the prognostic value of our model in predicting prognosis by PCA analysis and ROC curves. Conclusion. We identified 24 potential molecularly targeted drugs with significant sensitivity differences between high- and low-risk UVM patients, of which 13 may be potential targeted drugs for high-risk patients. Our findings have important implications for early prediction and early clinical intervention in high-risk UVM patients.
Design and Implementation of Dance Online Teaching System Based on Optimized Load Balancing Algorithm
Authors: Yang Qirong
Published: October 2022

With the continuous improvement of the network hardware environment, people turn the demand target to the network application environment and the construction of information resources. How to build a network teaching platform for general undergraduate teaching to ensure the stability of the system and high-quality services during operation especially large-scale concurrent access will inevitably lead to the increase in the business volume of each core part of the network, the number of visits, and data traffic. With the growth of the network, the corresponding processing power and computing intensity also increase rapidly, which causes problems such as overloading of core network equipment, network bottlenecks, and network congestion. Simply pursuing high-performance hardware to solve problems will undoubtedly result in high cost investment; moreover, equipment with excellent performance cannot meet the needs of the current rapidly growing business volume. According to the design goal of the dance online teaching platform, to meet the online teaching load requirements of many people at the same time, the pressure of the web server cluster must be great. Because many people in online at the same time put too much pressure on the web server, this part of the network cannot be processed in time, which leads to the phenomenon that the performance of this part and even the whole network is degraded. In severe cases, it will even cause network communication services to come to a standstill, that is, the so-called deadlock phenomenon. If the protocol software cannot detect congestion and reduce the packet sending rate, the network will be paralyzed due to congestion. This situation will cause the problem of movement delay for online dance teaching, which will seriously affect the quality of teaching. Therefore, the dance online course system should be continuously improved, the quality of online courses should be continuously improved, and the study of the practical application of load balancing technology in the network teaching environment has become an important means to solve the relationship between supply and demand of network teaching. According to the experimental analysis, when the number of Worker’ actuators is fixed, the execution time span of MakeSpan increases with the increase of tasks, while the time required by the optimized load balancing algorithm proposed in this paper increases by 1.32 s on average with the increase of tasks, and the time required by heuristic algorithm and bee colony algorithm increases by 3.68 s and 3.45 s on average with the increase of tasks. On the whole, the optimized load balancing algorithm proposed in this paper has obvious advantages.