bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of screening, early identification and intervention programmes for chronic kidney disease: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Okpechi Ikechi G , Caskey Fergus J , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Tannor Elliot K , Hamonic Laura N , Ashuntantang Gloria , Donner Jo-Ann , Figueiredo Ana , Inagi Reiko , Madero Magdalena , Malik Charu , Moorthy Monica , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Tesar Vladimir , Levin Adeera , Jha Vivekanand
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major threat to public health, especially in low-income and lower middle-income countries, where resources for treating patients with advanced CKD are scarce. Although early CKD identification and intervention hold promise for reducing the burden of CKD and risk factors, it remains unclear if an uniform strategy can be applicable across all income groups. The aim of this scoping review is to synthesise available evidence on early CKD identification programmes in all world regions and income groups. The study will also identify efforts that have been made to use interventions and implementation of early identification programmes for CKD across countries and income groups.

Methods and analysis

This review will be guided by the methodological framework for conducting scoping studies developed by Arksey and O’Malley. Empirical (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science and PsycINFO) and grey literature references will be searched to identify studies on CKD screening, early identification and interventions across all populations. Two reviewers will independently screen references in consecutive stages of title/abstract screening and then full-text screening. We will use a general descriptive overview, tabular summaries and content analysis on extracted data.

Ethics and dissemination

The findings from our planned scoping review will enable us to identify items in early identification programmes that can be used in developing screening toolkits for CKD. We will disseminate our findings using traditional approaches that include open-access peer-reviewed publication, scientific presentations and a white paper (call to action) report. Ethical approval will not be required for this scoping review as the data will be extracted from already published studies.
CTN 328: immunogenicity outcomes in people living with HIV in Canada following vaccination for COVID-19 (HIV-COV): protocol for an observational cohort study
Authors: Costiniuk Cecilia T , Singer Joel , Langlois Marc-André , Kulic Iva , Needham Judy , Burchell Ann , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Walmsley Sharon , Ostrowski Mario , Kovacs Colin , Tan Darrell , Harris Marianne , Hull Mark , Brumme Zabrina , Brockman Mark , Margolese Shari , Mandarino Enrico , Angel Jonathan B , Routy Jean-Pierre , Anis Aslam H , Cooper Curtis
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Most existing vaccines require higher or additional doses or adjuvants to provide similar protection for people living with HIV (PLWH) compared with HIV-uninfected individuals. Additional research is necessary to inform COVID-19 vaccine use in PLWH.

Methods and analysis

This multicentred observational Canadian cohort study will enrol 400 PLWH aged>16 years from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Subpopulations of PLWH of interest will include individuals: (1) >55 years of age; (2) with CD4 counts <350 cells/mm3; (3) with multimorbidity (>2 comorbidities) and (4) ‘stable’ or ‘reference’ PLWH (CD4 T cells >350 cells/mm3, suppressed viral load for>6 months and<1 comorbidity). Data for 1000 HIV-negative controls will be obtained via a parallel cohort study (Stop the Spread Ottawa), using similar time points and methods. Participants receiving>1 COVID-19 vaccine will attend five visits: prevaccination; 1 month following the first vaccine dose; and at 3, 6 and 12 months following the second vaccine dose. The primary end point will be the percentage of PLWH with COVID-19-specific antibodies at 6 months following the second vaccine dose. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, and the interplay between T cell phenotypes and inflammatory markers, will be described. Regression techniques will be used to compare COVID-19-specific immune responses to determine whether there are differences between the ‘unstable’ PLWH group (CD4 <350 cells/mm3), the stable PLWH cohort and the HIV-negative controls, adjusting for factors believed to be associated with immune response. Unadjusted analyses will reveal whether there are differences in driving factors associated with group membership.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics boards at all participating institutions have granted ethics approval for this study. Written informed consent will be obtained from all study participants prior to enrolment. The findings will inform the design of future COVID-19 clinical trials, dosing strategies aimed to improve immune responses and guideline development for PLWH.

Trial registration number

NCT04894448.
Sodium selenate as a disease-modifying treatment for progressive supranuclear palsy: protocol for a phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Vivash Lucy , Bertram Kelly L , Malpas Charles B , Marotta Cassandra , Harding Ian H , Kolbe Scott , Fielding Joanne , Clough Meaghan , Lewis Simon J G , Tisch Stephen , Evans Andrew H , O’Sullivan John D , Kimber Thomas , Darby David , Churilov Leonid , Law Meng , Hovens Christopher M , Velakoulis Dennis , O’Brien Terence J
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disorder for which there are currently no disease-modifying therapies. The neuropathology of PSP is associated with the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau in the brain. We have previously shown that protein phosphatase 2 activity in the brain is upregulated by sodium selenate, which enhances dephosphorylation. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium selenate as a disease-modifying therapy for PSP.

Methods and analysis

This will be a multi-site, phase 2b, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of sodium selenate. 70 patients will be recruited at six Australian academic hospitals and research institutes. Following the confirmation of eligibility at screening, participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive 52 weeks of active treatment (sodium selenate; 15 mg three times a day) or matching placebo. Regular safety and efficacy visits will be completed throughout the study period. The primary study outcome is change in an MRI volume composite (frontal lobe+midbrain–3rd ventricle) over the treatment period. Analysis will be with a general linear model (GLM) with the MRI composite at 52 weeks as the dependent variable, treatment group as an independent variable and baseline MRI composite as a covariate. Secondary outcomes are change in PSP rating scale, clinical global impression of change (clinician) and change in midbrain mean diffusivity. These outcomes will also be analysed with a GLM as above, with the corresponding baseline measure entered as a covariate. Secondary safety and tolerability outcomes are frequency of serious adverse events, frequency of down-titration occurrences and frequency of study discontinuation. Additional, as yet unplanned, exploratory outcomes will include analyses of other imaging, cognitive and biospecimen measures.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Alfred Health Ethics Committee (594/20). Each participant or their legally authorised representative and their study partner will provide written informed consent at trial commencement. The results of the study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001254987).
Cancer patient management: role of multidisciplinary teams
Authors: Luu Tuan Trong
Published: December 2021

Objectives

As a cancer model recommended by numerous governments and health care systems, multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) can improve clinical decision-making and overall patient care quality. This paper aims to discuss key elements and resources, as well as contingencies for effectiveness MDTs and their meetings.

Methods

We derived elements, resources, and contingencies for effective MDTs by analyzing articles on the themes of MDTs and MDT meetings.

Results

This paper identifies key elements comprising MDT characteristics, team governance, infrastructure for MDM, MDM organization, MDM logistics, and clinical decision-making in light of patient-centeredness. Resources that facilitate an MDM functioning consist of human resources and non-human resources. The paper further detects barriers to the sustainable performance of MDTs and provide suggestions for improving their functioning in light of patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives.

Conclusions

MDTs are vital to cancer care through enabling healthcare professionals with diversity of clinical specialties to collaborate and formulate optimal treatment recommendations for patients with suspected or confirmed cancer.
Ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 gene variants cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jain Pratul Kumar , Jayappa Shashank , Sairam Thiagarajan , Mittal Anupam , Paul Sayan , Rao Vinay J , Chittora Harshil , Kashyap Deepak K , Palakodeti Dasaradhi , Thangaraj Kumarasamy , Shenthar Jayaprakash , Koranchery Rakesh , Rajendran Ranjith , Alireza Haghighi , Mohanan Kurukkanparampil Sreedharan , Rathinavel Andiappan , Dhandapany Perundurai S
Published: December 2021

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic heart muscle disease with preserved or increased ejection fraction in the absence of secondary causes. Mutations in the sarcomeric protein-encoding genes predominantly cause HCM. However, relatively little is known about the genetic impact of signalling proteins on HCM.

Methods and results

Here, using exome and targeted sequencing methods, we analysed two independent cohorts comprising 401 Indian patients with HCM and 3521 Indian controls. We identified novel variants in ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (RPS6KB1 or S6K1) gene in two unrelated Indian families as a potential candidate gene for HCM. The two unrelated HCM families had the same heterozygous missense S6K1 variant (p.G47W). In a replication association study, we identified two S6K1 heterozygotes variants (p.Q49K and p.Y62H) in the UK Biobank cardiomyopathy cohort (n=190) compared with matched controls (n=16 479). These variants are neither detected in region-specific controls nor in the human population genome data. Additionally, we observed an S6K1 variant (p.P445S) in an Arab patient with HCM. Functional consequences were evaluated using representative S6K1 mutated proteins compared with wild type in cellular models. The mutated proteins activated the S6K1 and hyperphosphorylated the rpS6 and ERK1/2 signalling cascades, suggesting a gain-of-function effect.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates for the first time that the variants in the S6K1 gene are associated with HCM, and early detection of the S6K1 variant carriers can help to identify family members at risk and subsequent preventive measures. Further screening in patients with HCM with different ethnic populations will establish the specificity and frequency of S6K1 gene variants.
Carotid artery direct access for mechanical thrombectomy: the Carotid Artery Puncture Evaluation (CARE) study
Authors: Dumas Victor , Kaesmacher Johannes , Ognard Julien , Forestier Géraud , Dargazanli Cyril , Janot Kevin , Behme Daniel , Shotar Eimad , Chabert Emmanuel , Velasco Stéphane , Bricout Nicolas , Ben Hassen Wagih , Veunac Louis , Geismar Maxime , Eugene Francois , Detraz Lili , Darcourt Jean , L'Allinec Vincent , Eker Omer F , Consoli Arturo , Maus Volker , Gariel Florent , Marnat Gaultier , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Papagiannaki Chrisanthi , Escalard Simon , Meyer Lukas , Lobsien Donald , Abdullayev Nuran , Chalumeau Vanessa , Neau Jean Philippe , Guillevin Rémy , Boulouis Gregoire , Rouchaud Aymeric , Styczen Hanna , Fauché Cédric
Published: December 2021

Background

In acute ischemic stroke due to anterior large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO), accessing the target occluded vessel for mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is sometimes impossible through the femoral approach. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of direct carotid artery puncture (DCP) for MT in patients with failed alternative vascular access.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 45 stroke centers in France, Switzerland and Germany through two research networks from January 2015 to July 2019. We collected physician-centered data on DCP practices and baseline characteristics, procedural variables and clinical outcome after DCP. Uni- and multivariable models were conducted to assess risk factors for complications.

Results

From January 2015 to July 2019, 28 149 MT were performed, of which 108 (0.39%) resulted in DCP due to unsuccessful vascular access. After DCP, 77 patients (71.3%) had successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2b) and 28 (25.9%) were independent (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2) at 3 months. 20 complications (18.5%) attributed to DCP occurred, all of them during or within 1 hour of the procedure. Complications led to extension of the intubation time in the intensive care unit in 7 patients (6.4%) and resulted in death in 3 (2.8%). The absence of use of a hemostatic closure device was associated with a higher complication risk (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.03 to 8.97; p=0043).

Conclusion

In this large multicentric study, DCP was scantly performed for vascular access to perform MT (0.39%) in patients with AIS-LVO and had a high rate of complications (18.5%). Our results provide arguments for not closing the cervical access by manual compression after MT.
Cultivating our urban forest future: a value-chain perspective
Authors: McGrath Darby , Plummer Ryan , Bowen Amy
Published: December 2021

For cities to grow their urban forest canopy the formula appears rather straightforward: the right trees, plus the right conditions, plus the right care equals success. These simplified “tree chain of custody” steps, however, represent activities within a complex value-chain in Canada. Given that there is heightened demand for urban tree planting as natural climate solutions become the norm, how can we prepare the value-chain to meet these demands? To answer this question, we outline the pathways by which trees presently go from nurseries into urban and peri-urban areas. Delineating the actors, roles, and present barriers to success exposes the complexity of the process and relationships in the value-chain, as there are distinct phases with multiple actor groups involved who influence, and are influenced, by one another. We explore the issues that pose prominent challenges to, as well as opportunities for, the value-chain. Emergent themes include communication, forecasting demand and timing, underpricing and undervaluing tree establishment, lack of awareness on the importance of soils, juvenile tree health, species selection, and gaps in evidence-based decision support tools. The touchstones of science and innovation, collaboration, and knowledge mobilization are pertinent for the value-chain in Canada to draw upon to navigate the future.
A solvable contact potential based on a nuclear model
Authors: Martín-Mozo A. , Nieto L. M. , Romaniega C.
Published: December 2021

We extend previous works on the study of a particle subject to a three-dimensional spherical singular potential including a $$\delta $$
δ
–$$\delta '$$

δ
′

contact interaction. In this case, to have a more realistic model, we add a Coulombic term to a finite well and a radial $$\delta $$
δ
–$$\delta '$$

δ
′

contact interaction just at the edge of the well, which is where the surface of the nucleus would be. We first prove that the we are able to define the contact potential by matching conditions for the radial function, fixing a self-adjoint extension of the non-singular Hamiltonian. With these matching conditions, we are able to find analytic solutions of the wave function and focus the analysis on the bound state structure characterizing and computing the number of bound states. For this approximation for a mean-field Woods–Saxon model, the Coulombic term enables us to complete the previous study for neutrons analyzing the proton energy levels in some doubly magic nuclei. In particular, we find the appropriate $$\delta '$$

δ
′

contribution fitting the available data for the neutron- and proton-level schemes of the nuclei $${}^{{208}}$$

208

Pb, $${}^{{40}}$$

40

Ca, and $${}^{{16}}$$

16

O.
MLCOR Model for Suppressing the Cascade of Edge Failures in Complex Network
Authors: Cui Dan , Shen Ai Zhong , Zhang Yingli
Published: December 2021

As a decisive parameter of network robustness and network economy, the capacity of network edges can directly affect the operation stability and the construction cost of the network. This paper proposes a multilevel load–capacity optimal relationship (MLCOR) model that can substantially improve the network economy on the premise of network safety. The model is verified in artificially created networks including free-scale networks, small-world networks, and in the real network structure of the Shanghai Metro network as well. By numerical simulation, it is revealed that under the premise of ensuring the stability of the network from the destruction caused by initial internal or external damage on edge, the MLCOR model can effectively reduce the cost of the entire network compared to the other two linear load–capacity models regardless of what extent of the destruction that the network edges suffer initially. It is also proved that there exists an optimal tunable parameter and the corresponding optimal network cost for any BA and NW network topology, which can provide the reference for setting reasonable capacities for network edges in a real network at the stage of network planning and construction, promoting security and stability of network operation.
Synthesis and Characterization of NiFe2O4Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Application
Authors: Sitthichai Sudarat , Junploy Patcharanan , Thongtem Titipun , Pilapong Chalermchai , Phuruangrat Anukorn , Thongtem Somchai
Published: December 2021

NiFe2O4magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized by co-precipitation of iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and nickel (II) chloride hexahydrate in the solution containing 45% hydrazine at 80∘C. Phase, morphology, oxidation state and magnetic properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). In this research, pure NiFe2O4MNPs synthesized in the solution with the pH of 10 with saturation magnetization of 49.839[Formula: see text]emu/g were detected and were able to be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) application with very high contrast.

Highlights: [Formula: see text] NiFe2O4is used as magnetic nanoparticles. [Formula: see text] They have an excellent saturation magnetization. [Formula: see text] The promising material is used for magnetic resonance imaging application.
Frequency domain of weakly translation invariant frame MRAs
Authors: Zhang Zhihua
Published: December 2021

Frequency domain of bandlimited frame multiresolution analyses (MRAs) plays a key role when derived framelets are applied into narrow-band signal processing and data analysis. In this study, we give a characterization of frequency domain of weakly translation invariant frame scaling functions [Formula: see text] with frequency domain [Formula: see text]. Based on it, we further study convex and ball-shaped frequency domains. If frequency domain of bandlimited frame scaling function [Formula: see text] is convex and completely symmetric about the origin, then it must be weakly invariant and [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text] has a ball-shaped frequency domain, the ball radius must be bounded by [Formula: see text]. These frequency domain characters are owned uniquely by frame scaling functions and not by orthogonal scaling functions.
Hydrothermal synthesis of ABi2Ta2O9Aurivillius phase: A comparative study of A-site cation size on structure, dielectric, optical properties
Authors: Bella Ilona , Wendari Tio Putra , Jamarun Novesar , Mufti Nandang , Zulhadjri
Published: December 2021

In this study, the double-layered Aurivillius phases CaBi2Ta2O9 (CBT) and PbBi2Ta2O9 (PBT) were prepared through a hydrothermal route with NaOH as a mineralizer. XRD analysis confirmed that the CBT and PBT compounds were successfully formed and adopted an orthorhombic crystal structure with an [Formula: see text]21am symmetry. Le Bail refinements of XRD data indicated that the unit cell volume of CBT was smaller than PBT and is associated with the smaller ionic radius of [Formula: see text] compared to [Formula: see text]. The surface morphology of both samples, as determined using SEM, demonstrated plate-like grains with anisotropic grain growth. It was found that the different ionic radii of [Formula: see text]-site cations ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] strongly affected the structural, optical and electrical properties of the Aurivillius phase. The occupation of smaller [Formula: see text] cations induced a higher structural distortion, which resulted in higher bandgap ([Formula: see text] energy and ferroelectric transition temperature ([Formula: see text] of CBT, compared to those of PBT.
Requirement Engineering Challenges for Social Sector Software Development: Insights from Multiple Case Studies
Authors: Gupta Varun
Published: December 2021

Diversity is a great challenge for software engineers in the social sector context. The objective of this paper is to contribute to the identification of the RE processes and associated challenges in releasing the software in the social sector markets for which an exploratory case study is conducted. The outcome of the case study indicates that the diversity limits the ability to involve the representative samples of user populations using the same set of RE tools and techniques as one size fits all solution for all segments. The diverse user base must be partitioned into different segments, with each segment triggered using a suitable set of RE techniques i.e., traditional and crowd-based RE. The diverse perspectives learned as a result of the interaction with each segment, must be merged together into a single perspective about the software meant to be used in the social sector. There is a need for a new RE process specially designed for handling the complexities of the social sector, which this paper terms as
Social Sector Requirement Engineering (SSRE).
There is an increased need for collaboration between government social sector institutions and software engineers to get access to diverse customers to improve software quality.
A Clinical Study on the Effect of Different Ratios of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Compound to Autogenous Bone on Cervical Interbody Fusion Based on Smart Healthcare
Authors: Zhang Xinzhu , Zhao Kun , Yuan Feng , Yu Youlai , Deng Bin
Published: December 2021

With an increasing elderly population worldwide, the incidence of spine degenerative diseases with neck and shoulder pain as the main symptom is rising obviously, which has now become one of the important and difficult problems in sociomedical science. This study was to explore the effects of different ratios of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) compound to the autogenous bone on cervical interbody fusion. 90 cervical degeneration patients with the need of surgical treatment admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were selected as the research objects and equally divided into group A, group B, and group C according to the order of admission, with 30 cases in each group and the ratios of rhBMP-2 compound to autogenous bone being 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2 respectively, and standard anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) treatment was performed to all patients to compare their surgery-related indexes, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the effect of cervical interbody fusion, and the postoperative complication rate (CR). Compared with group A and group C, group B achieved the significantly better surgery-related indexes (

P
<
0.05

), significantly higher postoperative JOA scores (

P
<
0.05

), significantly lower postoperative neck and upper limb VAS scores (

P
<
0.05

), significantly better effect of cervical interbody fusion (

P
<
0.05

), and significantly lower postoperative CR (

P
<
0.05

). 1 : 1 is the best ratio of rhBMP-2 compound to the autogenous bone, for it can optimize patients’ perioperative indexes, reduce the postoperative pain, lower the possibility of complications, and improve the effect of cervical interbody fusion, which should be promoted and applied in practice.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Updates: Titratable Insulin Infusions and Long-Acting Insulin Early
Authors: Kinney Justin , Baroi Oshin , Gharibian Mania
Published: December 2021

Background. To compare a titratable insulin infusion order set (vs. nontitratable) and early administration of long-acting insulin in adult patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Methods. Single health system, retrospective study of adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for DKA. The primary outcomes were insulin infusion duration and ICU/hospital length of stays (LoS). Secondary outcomes included ICU/hospital survival, hypoglycemia, and hypokalemia. Results. 151 patients were included in the titratable versus nontitratable insulin infusion comparison. Patients treated with the titratable insulin had shorter hospitalization (6.4 vs. 10.4 days,

p
=
0.03

) and reduced the number hypoglycemic events by over half (20.6% vs. 46.0%,

p
<
0.01

). 110 patients were identified to compare overlapping a long-acting insulin for more than 4 h with the insulin infusion versus the standard 1-2 h overlap. Patients who received the insulin early spent over 18 h longer on the infusion (

p
<
0.01

). Conclusions. A titratable insulin infusion added to the institutional DKA order set was associated with fewer days in the hospital and a significant reduction in hypoglycemic events. Furthermore, overlapping the long-acting insulin earlier with the insulin infusion early showed no benefit and could potentially be worse than the standard overlap.
Imperfect Fluid Generalized Robertson Walker Spacetime Admitting Ricci-Yamabe Metric
Authors: Alkhaldi Ali H. , Siddiqi Mohd Danish , Khan Meraj Ali , Alqahtani Lamia Saeed
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, we investigate the nature of Ricci-Yamabe soliton on an imperfect fluid generalized Robertson-Walker spacetime with a torse-forming vector fieldξ. Furthermore, if the potential vector fieldξof the Ricci-Yamabe soliton is of the gradient type, the Laplace-Poisson equation is derived. Also, we explore the harmonic aspects ofη-Ricci-Yamabe soliton on an imperfect fluidGRWspacetime with a harmonic potential functionψ. Finally, we examine necessary and sufficient conditions for a1-formη, which is theg-dual of the vector fieldξon imperfect fluidGRWspacetime to be a solution of the Schrödinger-Ricci equation.
The Novel Bivariate Distribution: Statistical Properties and Real Data Applications
Authors: Mohammed B. I. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz S. , Aljohani Hassan M. , Hossain Md. Moyazzem
Published: December 2021

This article proposes a novel class of bivariate distributions that are completely defined by stating their conditionals as Poisson exponential distributions. Numerous statistical properties of this distribution are also examined here, including the conditional probability mass function (PMF) and moments of the new class. The techniques of maximum likelihood and pseudolikelihood are used to estimate the model parameters. Additionally, the effectiveness of the bivariate Poisson exponential conditional (BPEC) distribution is compared to that of the bivariate Poisson conditional (BPC), the bivariate Poisson (BP), the bivariate Poisson–Lindley (BPL), and the bivariate negative binomial (BNB) distributions using a real-world dataset. The findings of Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) reveal that the BPEC distribution performs better than the other distributions considered in this study. As a result, the authors claim that this distribution may be used to fit dependent and overspread count data.
Diagnostic Value of SonoVue Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Nipple Discharge Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Guo Ling
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to explore the application value of SonoVue contrast-enhanced ultrasonography based on deep unsupervised learning (DNS) in the diagnosis of nipple discharge. In this paper, a new model (ODNS) is proposed based on the unsupervised learning model and stack self-coding network. The ultrasonic images of 1,725 patients with breast lesions in the shared database are used as the test data of the model. The differences in accuracy (Acc), recall (RE), sensitivity (Sen), and running time between the two models before and after optimization and other algorithms are compared. A total of 48 female patients with nipple discharge are enrolled. The differences in SE, specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography are analyzed based on pathological examination results. The results showed that when the number of network layers is 5, the classification accuracies of DNS and ODNS model data reached the highest values, which were 91.45% and 98.64%, respectively.
A New TOPSIS Approach Using Cosine Similarity Measures and Cubic Bipolar Fuzzy Information for Sustainable Plastic Recycling Process
Authors: Riaz Muhammad , Pamucar Dragan , Habib Anam , Riaz Mishal
Published: December 2021

A cubic bipolar fuzzy set (CBFS) is a robust paradigm to express bipolarity and vagueness in terms of bipolar fuzzy numbers and interval-valued bipolar fuzzy numbers. The abstraction of similarity measures (SMs) has a large number of applications in various fields. Therefore, in this study, taking the advantage of CBFSs, three cosine similarity measures for CBFSs are proposed successively by using cosine of the angle between two vectors, new distance measures, and cosine function. Some key properties of these similarity measures (SMs) are explored. Based on suggested SMs, the problem of bacteria recognition is analyzed and an important application is provided to exhibit the efficiency of proposed SMs for CBF information. Moreover, the TOPSIS approach based on cosine SMs is developed for multicriteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems. An illustrative example about the selection of sustainable plastic recycling process is presented to discuss the efficiency of the suggested MCGDM technique.
[Retracted] Role of Ballet Basic Skills Training Based on Multimedia Video in International Standard Dance Teaching
Authors: Wang Shan , Yeon-hee Seo
Published: December 2021

Ballet and sports dance are also dance art from the west, which are popular among the Chinese people after they were introduced into China. With the popularization of compulsory education, people now like to let children learn all kinds of art skills. For instance, dance is very popular with parents, and then to the common development and promotion of career, we also realize that the development of online dance education and dance is more and more extensive pan. Through the introduction of ballet research, this paper explores the application of multimedia‐based ballet basic skills training in international standard dance teaching. The research results can make dancers, especially beginners, truly understand the training value of ballet basic skills training and pay enough attention to this course. This paper uses the ways of literature analysis, experimental investigation, and multimedia ballet teaching text experiment to study the application of ballet in modern international standard dance teaching. It reflects the number of people learning ballet and learning motivation. Based on the extensive application of multimedia ballet basic skills training in international standard dance teaching, we can really understand the significance of ballet basic training for the whole dance teaching the value of learning. The experimental results show that 70% of ballet scholars believe that the basic skills training of ballet has a very high requirement on the body, and the motivation of learning ballet is also different. Dancers use the theoretical knowledge of dance science teaching and ballet basic training to make an overall connection, and multimedia video ballet basic skills training exercises the foundation in dance. It also plays an important role in the teaching of international standard dance.
[Retracted] Machine Learning Model and Statistical Methods for COVID‐19 Evolution Prediction
Authors: Alsulami M. D. , Abu-Zinadah Hanaa , Ibrahim Anwar Hassan
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we discuss the statistical processing of COVID‐19 data. COVID‐19 was initially recognized in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019. It then spread to other parts of the world, so it became known as a pandemic. It has received interest due to its sudden emergence as a deadly human pathogen. The effect is not only confined to morbidity and mortality but also extends to social and economic consequences. Statistical analysis is required to measure the damage done to humans and take the necessary measures to limit this damage. The objective of the work was to examine the effects of various factors on the deaths due to COVID‐19. To achieve this goal, we applied a logistic regression (LR) model, as a statistical method, and a decision tree model, as a machine learning method, to model the deaths due to COVID‐19 in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The predictive abilities of these two models were compared. The overall accuracies of the decision tree and LR were 94.1% and 93.9%, respectively. It was also observed that countries with high population densities tended to have more cases than those with smaller population densities. There were more female deaths than male deaths in the United Kingdom, and more deaths occurred for those aged 65 years and older. The data were collected from the World Health Organization’s official website from January 11, 2020, to May 29, 2020. The results obtained were in agreement with the previous results obtained by others.
The Impact of Business Strategic Orientation on Innovation-Driven Mergers and Acquisitions: An Empirical Study
Authors: Liu Zhuozhu , Li Yiran , Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhao Rongying
Published: December 2021

The “innovation-driven” development approach plays a crucial role in transforming and developing current China’s national economy. Many innovation-driven mergers and acquisitions (M&As) emerge in the M&As activities of firms, and the acquiring firm’s business strategy of conducting innovation-driven M&As has drawn significant attention. To study the impact of business strategy on innovation-driven M&As, this paper adopts the probit model to conduct logistic regression analysis on the 223 M&As data samples, exploring which business strategy is inclined to perform innovation-driven M&As. The results show that prospective firms are more likely to conduct innovation-driven M&As. Besides, the firms that conduct prospective business strategies are more likely to have a higher innovation level than firms operating defensive business strategies. The innovation level plays the role of a mediator variable in the model of business strategies influencing innovation-driven M&As. This paper analyzes the innovation-driven motivation from the perspective of business strategy, enriching the research of M&A and offering a method to predict the possibility of innovation-driven M&A by measuring business strategy.
Effects of Intravitreal Aflibercept on the Systemic Insulin-like Growth Factor-I and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Huber Anna Lena , Angermann Reinhard , Nowosielski Yvonne , Seifarth Christof , Kralinger Martina T. , Zehetner Claus
Published: December 2021

Purpose. To analyze the effect of intravitreal aflibercept injections on systemic levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-A in patients with diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Methods. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were determined before and one week and four weeks after intravitreal injection of aflibercept (2.0 mg/50 μl) for 19 patients with age-related macular degeneration (mean age, 76 ± 11 years) and 18 patients with diabetic retinopathy (mean age, 64 ± 14 years). Twenty-two healthy individuals were enrolled as controls. Results. A significant decline in systemic vascular endothelial growth factor-A level, from 43 (30–57) pg/ml at baseline to 8 (8–8) pg/ml (

p
<
0.001

) at week one and 17 (8–25) pg/ml (

p
=
0.0054

) at week four, was observed in the age-related macular degeneration group. In the diabetic retinopathy group, vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels declined from 53 (35–117) pg/ml to 2 (1–5) pg/ml (

p
<
0.0001

) one week after injection and 16 (13–22) pg/ml four weeks after injection (

p
=
0.0327

). At baseline, systemic insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration was higher in the diabetic retinopathy group (57 [37–99] pg/ml) than in the age-related macular degeneration group (35 [24–51] pg/ml) (

p
=
0.0056

). A subgroup analysis showed that patients in the proliferative diabetic retinopathy subgroup had significantly higher systemic insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations (71 [44.7–243] pg/ml) than those in the nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy subgroup (43 [29–66] pg/ml) (

p
=
0.0048

). Conclusions. The difference between the baseline systemic insulin-like growth factor-1 levels of the age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy groups and the higher insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in the proliferative diabetic retinopathy subgroup one week after aflibercept therapy suggest that insulin-like growth factor-1 may play a role in the pathomechanism of diabetic retinopathy.
Vitamin D Insufficiency Predicts Susceptibility of Parathyroid Hormone Reduction after Total Thyroidectomy in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zheng Weihui , Huang Yuanyuan , Chen Chao
Published: December 2021

Objective. Given its role in the regulation of calcium and PTH levels, vitamin D was presumed as a potential predictor of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. However, the reports about their association were controversial. This study aims to reveal the relationship between preoperative vitamin D and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH). Methods. A total of 242 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) during the period from June 2016 to December 2017 at our hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups, HypoP and Non-HypoP groups, based on postoperative PTH < 15.0 or ≥15.0 pg/mL, and ΔPTH50+ and ΔPTH50− groups, based on postoperative PTH reduction ratio ≥ 50% or <50%. Clinicopathological features and laboratory data were compared between two sets of groups. Results. Preoperative PTH level was lower in the HypoP group than in the Non-HypoP group (42.83 vs. 47.52 pg/mL,

p
=
0.018

). No significant difference of vitamin D insufficiency was found between the HypoP and Non-HypoP groups (80.8% vs. 74.1%,

p
=
0.226

). The rate of vitamin D insufficiency was higher in the ΔPTH50+ group than in the ΔPTH50− group (82.6% vs. 68.4%,

p
=
0.010

). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, vitamin D insufficiency was an independent predictor of postoperative PTH reduction ratio ≥ 50% (OR = 2.2,

p
=
0.017

). Conclusion. Vitamin D insufficiency is not associated with postoperative PTH in PTC patients undergoing TT. However, vitamin D insufficiency is an independent predictor of postoperative PTH reduction ratio.
Synthesis of Cobalt-Nickel Nanoparticles via a Liquid-Phase Reduction Process
Authors: Usami T. , Salman S. A. , Kuroda K. , Gouda M. K. , Mahdy A. , Okido M.
Published: December 2021

Cobalt-nickel nanoparticles (Co-Ni-NPs) show promising electrochemical performance in oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER) due to their physicochemical properties such as electronic configuration and great electrochemical stability. Therefore, developing new economically and environmentally friendly methods of synthesizing Co-Ni-NPs has become a practical requirement. Co-Ni-NPs were produced by employing the liquid-phase reduction method. Nickel and cobalt sulfate solutions in hydrazine monohydrate with various mixing ratios were used as raw materials. Nickel plays an important role in the nucleation process via increasing the reduction reaction rate throughout the formation of Co-Ni-NPs. Furthermore, the acceleration of the Co-Ni-NPs formation process may be attributed to the partial dissolution of Ni(OH)2 in the presence of N2H4 and/or citrate-anions and the formation of the Ni-N2H4 or Ni-Cit complexes in contrast to Co(OH)2.
Spatial Transformer Network-Based Automatic Modulation Recognition of Blind Signals
Authors: Huang Yuxin
Published: December 2021

Modulation recognition of communication signals plays an important role in both civil and military uses. Neural network-based modulation recognition methods can extract high-level abstract features which can be adopted for classification of modulation types. Compared with traditional recognition methods based on manually defined features, they have the advantage of higher recognition rate. However, in actual modulation recognition scenarios, due to inaccurate estimation of receiving parameters and other reasons, the input signal samples for modulation recognition may have large phase, frequency offsets, and time scale changes. Existing deep learning-based modulation recognition methods have not considered the influences brought by the above issues, thus resulting in a decreased recognition rate. A modulation recognition method based on the spatial transformation network is proposed in this paper. In the proposed network, some prior models for synchronization in communication are introduced, and the priori models are realized through the spatial transformation subnetwork, so as to reduce the influence of phase, frequency offsets, and time scale differences. Experiments on simulated datasets prove that compared with the traditional CNN, ResNet, and the CLDNN, the recognition rate of the proposed method has increased by 8.0%, 5.8%, and 4.6%, respectively, when the signal-to-noise ratio is greater than 0. Moreover, the proposed network is also easier to train. The training time required for convergence has reduced by 4.5% and 80.7% compared to the ResNet and CLDNN, respectively.
Effect of Eye Movement Training on Sleep Quality of Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer Based on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Authors: Hu Haiping , Yang Wenying , Liu Zhimin , Zhang Xiaona , Shi Junmei , Xu Huixia
Published: December 2021

Objective. To explore the effect of eye movement training on sleep quality of patients with advanced lung cancer based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Methods. 120 advanced lung cancer patients admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were selected as the research object and divided into group A (PSQI scores ≥ 10 points, n = 60) and group B (PSQI < 10 points, n = 60). Routine nursing was performed to both groups, and patients in group A received the eye movement training additionally, so as to compare their PSQI scores, negative emotion scores, adverse reaction rate (ARR), Cancer Coping Modes Questionnaire (CCMQ) scores, and pain scores. Results. After training, group A obtained significantly better sleep quality (

P
<
0.05

), lower negative emotion scores (

P
<
0.001

), lower ARR (

P
<
0.05

), better CCMQ scores (

P
<
0.05

), and lower pain scores (

P
<
0.001

) than group B. Conclusion. Eye movement training should be promoted in practice because it can reduce negative emotions, alleviate pain sensation, improve sleep quality and body condition, and lower the ARR for advanced lung cancer patients.
miRNA-19b-3p Stimulates Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Induced by Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion via Downregulating PTEN
Authors: Li Ke , Ya Xujie , Duan Xiujuan , Li Yang , Lin Xuefeng
Published: December 2021

Objective. To clarify the function of miRNA-19b-3p in accelerating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury- (MIRI-) induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by downregulating gene of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromsome ten (PTEN), thus influencing the progression of acute myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods. miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN levels in HCM cells undergoing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) were determined. Meanwhile, activities of myocardium injury markers [lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde; malonic dialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX)] in H/R-induced HCM cells were tested. Through dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, the binding between miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN was verified. Regulatory effects of miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN on apoptotic rate and apoptosis-associated gene expressions (proapoptotic protein Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and cytochrome C) in H/R-induced human cardiac myocytes (HCM) cells were examined. Results. miRNA-19b-3p was upregulated, while PTEN was downregulated in H/R-induced HCM cells. Knockdown of miRNA-19b-3p decreased activities of LDH, MDA, and GSH-PX, but increased SOD level in H/R-induced HCM cells. The binding between miRNA-19b-3p and PTEN was confirmed. More importantly, knockdown of miRNA-19b-3p reduced apoptotic rate, downregulated proapoptosis gene expressions (Bax and cytochrome C), and upregulated antiapoptosis gene expression (Bcl-2), which were reversed by silence of PTEN. Conclusions. miRNA-19b-3p is upregulated in HCM cells undergoing hypoxia and reoxygenation, which accelerates MIRI-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through downregulating PTEN.
An In Vivo CRISPR Screen Identifies Stepwise Genetic Dependencies of Metastatic Progression
Authors: Scheidmann Manuel C. , Castro-Giner Francesc , Strittmatter Karin , Krol Ilona , Paasinen-Sohns Aino , Scherrer Ramona , Donato Cinzia , Gkountela Sofia , Szczerba Barbara M. , Diamantopoulou Zoi , Muenst Simone , Vlajnic Tatjana , Kunz Leo , Vetter Marcus , Rochlitz Christoph , Taylor Verdon , Giachino Claudio , Schroeder Timm , Platt Randall J. , Aceto Nicola
Published: December 2021

Blood-borne metastasis of breast cancer involves a series of tightly regulated sequential steps, including the growth of a primary tumor lesion, intravasation of circulating tumor cells (CTC), and adaptation in various distant metastatic sites. The genes orchestrating each of these steps are poorly understood in physiologically relevant contexts, owing to the rarity of experimental models that faithfully recapitulate the biology, growth kinetics, and tropism of human breast cancer. Here, we conducted an in vivo loss-of-function CRISPR screen in newly derived CTC xenografts, unique in their ability to spontaneously mirror the human disease, and identified specific genetic dependencies for each step of the metastatic process. Validation experiments revealed sensitivities to inhibitors that are already available, such as PLK1 inhibitors, to prevent CTC intravasation. Together, these findings present a new tool to reclassify driver genes involved in the spread of human cancer, providing insights into the biology of metastasis and paving the way to test targeted treatment approaches.

Significance:

A loss-of-function CRISPR screen in human CTC-derived xenografts identifies genes critical for individual steps of the metastatic cascade, suggesting novel drivers and treatment opportunities for metastatic breast cancers.