bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
02. Investigating the behaviour and enclosure use of zoo-housed Cuvier’s dwarf caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Authors: GRAY KEVIN LEIGH , BRERETON JAMES EDWARD
Published: December 2022

The welfare needs of reptiles in zoological collections are generally less well understood than those of other taxa. Crocodilians represent an excellent opportunity to study a commonly-housed, conservation-dependant zoo animal. We studied the behaviour and enclosure use of five dwarf caimans Paleosuchus palpebrosus through day and night, at two British zoological collections; the enclosures had either six or seven identifiable zones. Time of day, mean temperature and collection were used as predictors of behaviour and enclosure usage. Camera traps recorded the position and behaviour of caimans at 30-second intervals. At each zoo, 80 hours of data were collected from which we constructed activity budgets and calculate a relativised Electivity Index of enclosure usage. The results identified that water-based perching, floating, swimming, immobile water behaviour and underwater behaviour were significantly affected by time of day, and that collection and temperature were good predictors of some behaviours. As for enclosure use, zone 3 (shallow water) was slightly overutilised in both collections, while all other zones were underutilised. Time was a significant predictor of the use of zones 3, 5, 6 and 7. There is considerable scope for future research on crocodilians in zoos.
Ortaokul fen öğretim programlarında "Canlılar ve Yaşam" öğrenme alanı: Tarihsel süreçte değişim
Authors: KALKAN Özlem , TUNÇ Tuncay , ÖZCAN Hasan
Published: December 2022

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin ilk ortaokul öğretim programı olan “1924 Ortamektep Müfredat Programı”, 1913 yılında Osmanlı Döneminde yürürlüğe girmiş olan “Tedrisat-ı İptidaiye Kanunu Muvakkatı” programının Cumhuriyet ilkelerine göre düzenlenmiş halidir. Bu programdan günümüze kadar birçok ortaokul öğretim programı hazırlanarak uygulanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, Cumhuriyetin ilk ortaokul fen öğretim programından günümüze kadar uygulanan programlardaki, Canlılar ve Yaşam öğrenme alanı kapsamında yer alan biyoloji, çevre ve sağlık konuları derlenerek tek bir kaynakta toplanmış ve karşılaştırmalı olarak tartışılmıştır. Araştırma ortaokul öğretim programlarını kapsadığı için 2013 programına kadar 6., 7. ve 8. sınıflar, 2013 ve 2018 programlarında ise 5., 6., 7. ve 8. sınıflar çalışmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Araştırma doküman incelemesi yöntemiyle yürütülmüş olup veriler betimsel analiz ile değerlendirilmiştir. Doküman incelemesinde yazılı belgelerin içeriği titizlikle, sistematik olarak ve kronolojik sıra gözetilerek analiz edilir. Araştırma kapsamında kullanılan veriler birincil kaynaklardan elde edilmiştir. Söz konusu bu kaynaklar Milli Kütüphane, MEB Ders Kitapları ve Yayımlar Daire Başkanlığı Arşiv Kütüphanesinde yer alan orijinal kaynaklardır. Literatürde yakın geçmişteki fen öğretim programlarını çeşitli açılardan inceleyen çok sayıda çalışma bulunurken, Cumhuriyet'ten günümüze uygulanan Fen Bilgisi Öğretimi Öğretim Programlarında yer alan konuların karşılaştırmalı olarak incelenmesine yönelik çok az çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma fen öğretim programlarında yer alan Canlılar ve Yaşam öğrenme alanı konularının yaklaşık bir asırlık aşamada geçirdiği değişiklikleri ortaya koymaktadır. Bu nedenle fen eğitim tarihi ile ilgilenen araştırmacılara ve kurumlara önemli katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SOCIAL ACTIVITY LEVEL WITH DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya Indonesia, Setyowardhani Vincentia Prasari , Wulandari Yudita ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Pulmonology Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya Indonesia, Kurniawati Nita ,   Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University Surabaya Indonesia
Published: December 2022

Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic that’s currently happening, the Indonesian government made a policy called Pembatasan Sosial Berskala Besar (PSBB) to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. As a result of this new policy there was a change in the lives of Indonesians, like restrictions and a decrease in their social activities. The elderly are individuals who experiences a decline in various body function, which causes decreased social activities, and due to the reduction of their social activities, they’re potentially to experience depression due to feeling isolated and lonely. With this PSBB policy, the elderly whose social activities have already decreased, will potentially experience a more and massive reduction in their activities, and because of that the potential for depression will likely to increase. Objective: To determine the correlation between social activity level with depression in elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: The design of this research is observational analysis using a cross sectional method. The data were collected using the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire (ACPQ) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Statistical analysis test used in this research was Spearman correlation test. RESULTS: Social activities of the elderly in the moderate category were 47.2% and elderly who are not depressed were 81,5%. The results from the Spearman test were found to have a significant correlation between the two variables, p value = < 0.05. The correlation level from the test was -0.335 which indicates a low correlation level. CONCLUSION: There is a significant correlation that has a negative value, so it can be concluded that if social activity level is high, then the incidence of depression is low or non-existent.
THE CORRELATION OF SERUM ALBUMIN LEVELS AND STAGES OF DECUBITUS IN INPATIENTS AT DR. SOETOMO REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL OF SURABAYA
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya Indonesia, Sari Triesya Permata , Muliono Ari C ,   Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya Indonesia, Dewi Dewa AL ,   Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Widya Mandala Catholic University of Surabaya Indonesia
Published: December 2022

Introduction : The prevalence of decubitus ulcers in Asia is amounted to 2.7%-16.8%, and in Indonesia, there was a 40% prevalence of decubitus ulcers in 2017. In 2017, the prevalence of decubitus in Bandung was found to be 10.8%. Consequently, the number of active cases and deaths of decubitus ulcers reached 48%. Therefore, efforts to reduce the number of decubitus ulcers are urgently needed, thereby preventing the risk of decubitus severity. Objective: To evaluate the correlation of serum albumin levels and stages of decubitus in inpatients at Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital of Surabaya Method: This research was successfully carried out by means of observational analytics, with a cross-sectional research design. Moreover, this research data were derived from medical record data of inpatients at Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital of Surabaya in the period of January 2018 – December 2020, with a total of 144,002 patients. 197 decubitus patients in Pandan I and Pandan Wangi rooms were involved in the sample selection process. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 57 patients were finally determined as research samples. Samples were selected by utilizing Simple Random Sampling. The number of samples in the case group and control group was amounted to 39 patients, respectively. The data of this research were then analyzed using the Spearman Correlation test. Result: The research results indicated that the least number of decubitus patients at stage I was amounted to 8 people (10.3%), and the highest number of decubitus patients at stage III was amounted to 12 people (15.4%). Furthermore, the results of the Spearman correlation test showed that there was a significant correlation of serum albumin levels and stages of decubitus (p = 0.002). Conclusion: There was a significant correlation of serum albumin levels and stages of decubitus in inpatients at Dr. Soetomo Regional General Hospital of Surabaya in the period of January 2018 – December 2020.
Application of an experimental phytonutrients to young cattle
Authors: SUHANOVA Elena , SYChEVA Larisa , Morozkov Nikolay
Published: December 2022

The article shows the effect of the use of phytoadditives based on sandy sainfoin in the diet on the digestibility coefficient, on the dynamics of live weight and the natural resistance of the body of calves during the milk growing period. The studies were carried out in the conditions of the Perm Territory. In the course of the studies carried out on three experimental groups of heifers, 10 heads each, it was found that feeding phytosupplements in the amount of 0.150 kg and 0.300 kg per head per day had a positive effect on the digestibility coefficients, live weight and natural resistance of experimental animals.
Restoration of pastures in the conditions of the Kaliningrad region
Authors: Krasnoperov1 Andrey , Zarudnyy Vladimir
Published: December 2022

On the production paddocks of the Mayskoye cattle farm of the Kaliningrad Research Institute of Agriculture from 1997 to 2000, over 4 years of use, the productivity of a superficially improved pasture due to the overseeding of perennial legumes and cereal grasses increased and amounted to 61.0–65.2 c/ha of dry matter, 70.2–73.7 GJ metabolic energy, 7.4–8.9 c/ha of digestible protein. Compared to grass stands, the energy intensity of nutrients decreased by 5–6 times when high doses of nitrogen were applied. The content of clovers in the pasture herbage remained at the level of 40–50%, which fully ensures the high productivity of legume-grass pasture herbage due to biological nitrogen and corresponds to the goal of the research.
Quality of herbal raw material of different-maping multiple agrocenoses for silage
Authors: Zhezmer Natalya
Published: December 2022

The data and assessment of the quality of herbal raw materials from cereal herbs are presented. The grassy mass is intended for harvesting haylage obtained from agrocenoses of the 24–28th years of use. It has been established that early herbage in all three cuttings and mid-ripening agrocenoses in the second and third cuttings ensure the preparation of haylage of the first and second classes. In the first mowing of medium herbage, the raw mass corresponds to the third class. An exception is the receipt of non-class raw materials (7% of all cuttings) in cold and dry 2017. For guaranteed harvesting of grass raw materials of the first and third classes, it is necessary to apply N60PK for each cutting, and the grasses must be harvested in the first cutting no later than the beginning of the heading phase, which dominates in the agrocenosis kind.
Adaptive varieties of forage grasses and their seed production in the North Caucasus region
Authors: ChUMAKOVA Vera , ChUMAKOV Valeriy , DEREVYaNNIKOVA Marina , LEBEDEVA Nadezhda , MIRONOVA Tat'yana , SUHAREV Sergey
Published: December 2022

The article considers the main achievements of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "North Caucasian Federal National Research Center" in the field of forage grass breeding. Over a half-century period of work, 10 varieties of perennial legumes and 32 cereal grasses of a wide range of use and purpose, belonging to 28 species, have been created and included in the state register of breeding achievements of the Russian Federation. The possibility of effective cultivation of varieties in various soil and climatic conditions of the North Caucasus region for fodder and seed purposes is shown.
Unearned premium risk and machine learning techniques
Authors: Manathunga Vajira , Zhu Danlei
Published: December 2022

Insurance companies typically divide premiums into earned and unearned premiums. Unearned premium is the portion of premium that is allocated for the remaining period of a policy or premium that still needs to be earned. The unearned premium risk arises when an unearned premium is insufficient to cover future losses. Reserves allocated for the unearned premium risk are called premium deficiency reserves (PDRs). PDR received less attention from the actuarial community compared to other reserves such as reserves for reported but not fully settled (RBNS) claims, and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Existing research on PDR mainly focused on utilizing statistical models. In this article, we apply machine learning models to calculate PDR. We use an extended warranty dataset, which comes under long-duration P & C insurance contracts to demonstrate our models. Using two statistical and two machine learning models, we show that machine learning models predict reserves more accurately than the traditional statistical model. Thus, this article encourages actuaries to consider machine learning models when calculating PDRs for the unearned premium risk.
Indole and azaindole halogenation catalyzed by the RebH enzyme variant 3-LSR utilizing co-purified E. coli reductase
Authors: Li Eunice Hui Yen , Sana Barindra , Ho Timothy , Ke Ding , Ghadessy Farid J. , Duong Hung A. , Seayad Jayasree
Published: December 2022

Biocatalytic C-H halogenation is becoming increasingly attractive due to excellent catalyst-controlled selectivity and environmentally benign reaction conditions. Significant efforts have been made on enzymatic halogenation of industrial arenes in a cost-effective manner. Here we report an unprecedented enzymatic halogenation of a panel of industrially important indole, azaindole and anthranilamide derivatives using a thermostable RebH variant without addition of any external flavin reductase enzyme. The reactions were catalyzed by the RebH variant 3-LSR enzyme with the help of a co-purified E. coli reductase identified as alkyl hydroperoxide reductase F (AhpF).
Study on high-CO2 tolerant Dunaliella salina and its mechanism via transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Huang Bo , Qu Gaopin , He Yulong , Zhang Jinli , Fan Jianhua , Tang Tao
Published: December 2022

Microalgae has been regarded as a promising method for reducing CO2 emission. High CO2 concentration generally inhibits algal growth, and previous studies have mostly focused on breeding freshwater algae with high CO2 tolerance. In this study, one marine algal strain Dunaliella salina (D. salina) was grown under 0.03%-30 % CO2 and 3% NaCl conditions, and was evaluated to determine its potential for CO2 assimilation. The results showed that D. salina could tolerate 30% CO2, and its maximum biomass concentration could reach 1.13 g·L−1 after 8 days incubation, which was 1.85 times higher than that of incubation in air (0.03%). The phenomenon of high-CO2 tolerance in D. salina culture was discussed basing on transcriptome analysis. The results showed that D. salina was subjected to oxidative stress under 30% CO2 conditions, and the majority genes involving in antioxidant system, such as SOD, CAT, and APX genes were up-regulated to scavenge ROS. In addition, most of the key enzyme genes related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation and metabolism were up-regulated, which are consistent with the higher physiological and biochemical values for D. salina incubation under 30% CO2.
Generation of multicellular tumor spheroids with micro-well array for anticancer drug combination screening based on a valuable biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Juan , Yin Wenzhen , Sun Dawei , Man Zhongsong , Jiang Shangwei , Ran Xiufeng , Su Yuxin , Wang Yunfang , Dong Jiahong
Published: December 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. More than 30% of patients with diagnosed HCC have abnormally high expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4). Currently, clinical trials for a variety of FGFR4-specific inhibitors have started. However, the effect of these inhibitors is not ideal, and it is necessary to find a drug combination to synergistically exert anti-tumor effects. We found strong correlations between FGFR4 and HCC clinicopathological characteristics in the present study. After grouping patients according to FGFR4 expression, the key gene signatures were inputted the drug-gene related databases, which predicted several potential drug candidates. More importantly, to achieve the reliable and high throughput drug cytotoxicity assessment, we developed an efficient and reproducible agarose hydrogel microwells to generate uniform-sized multicellular tumor spheroids, which provide better mimicry of conventional solid tumors that can precisely represent anticancer drug candidates’ effects. Using high content screening, we quickly evaluated the enhanced anti-tumor effects of these combinations. Finally, we demonstrated that Parthenolide is a potential drug that can significantly enhance the clinical efficacy of FGFR4 receptor inhibitors. In general, we offered a new therapeutic way for FGFR4 positive HCC patients.
Extracellular vesicle DNA from human melanoma tissues contains cancer-specific mutations
Authors: Crescitelli Rossella , Filges Stefan , Karimi Nasibeh , Urzì Ornella , Alonso-Agudo Tamara , Ståhlberg Anders , Lötvall Jan , Lässer Cecilia , Olofsson Bagge Roger
Published: December 2022

Liquid biopsies are promising tools for early diagnosis and residual disease monitoring in patients with cancer, and circulating tumor DNA isolated from plasma has been extensively studied as it has been shown to contain tumor-specific mutations. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) present in tumor tissues carry tumor-derived molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, and thus EVs can potentially represent a source of cancer-specific DNA. Here we identified the presence of tumor-specific DNA mutations in EVs isolated from six human melanoma metastatic tissues and compared the results with tumor tissue DNA and plasma DNA. Tumor tissue EVs were isolated using enzymatic treatment followed by ultracentrifugation and iodixanol density cushion isolation. A panel of 34 melanoma-related genes was investigated using ultra-sensitive sequencing (SiMSen-seq). We detected mutations in six genes in the EVs (BRAF, NRAS, CDKN2A, STK19, PPP6C, and RAC), and at least one mutation was detected in all melanoma EV samples. Interestingly, the mutant allele frequency was higher in DNA isolated from tumor-derived EVs compared to total DNA extracted directly from plasma DNA, supporting the potential role of tumor EVs as future biomarkers in melanoma.
Comparative biofilm-forming ability between Clostridioides difficile strains isolated in Latin America and the epidemic NAP1/027 strain
Authors: Morais Maria Luana Gaudencio dos Santos , Santos Mayara Gilde Castro , Costa Cecília Leite , Martins Conceição Silva , Leitão Renata Ferreira de Carvalho , de Melo Pacífico Dvison , Quesada-Gómez Carlos , Castelo Branco Débora , Ferreira Eliane de Oliveira , Brito Gerly Anne de Castro
Published: December 2022

Introduction

One of the challenges in treating Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is that the bacterium forms biofilms, a critical virulence mechanism known to promote antibiotic resistance and, as a result, consequently, a higher recurrence of the disease. The goal of this study was to compare the ability of three MLST Clade 2 strains to form a biofilm in vitro: ICC-45 (ribotype SLO231/UK[CE]821), a ST41 toxinotype IXb isolated in Brazil; and two epidemic NAP1/027/ST01 strains: NAP1/027/ST01 (LIBA5756), isolated during a 2010 outbreak in Costa Rica and the reference epidemic strain NAP1/027/ST01 (R20291); and ATCC700057, a non-toxigenic strain.

Methods

The ability of strains to form biofilm was evaluated using crystal violet staining. In addition, samples were stained with the Film Tracer biofilm matrix (Invitrogen®) and the biofilm matrix thickness was measured using confocal microscopy. The matrix architecture was determined using Scanning electron microscop. Confocal microscopy was used to detect the presence of toxin A (tcdA) using an anti-Clostridioides difficile TcdA antibody. The expression of virulence genes (tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, cdtB, spo0A, slpA, cwp66 and cwp84) was examined, as well as the effect of antibiotics metronidazole (MTZ) and vancomycin (VAN) on biofilm growth.

Results

All of the strains tested formed a moderate biofilm with 1.1 3.5. After 72h, biofilm biomass of the NAP1/027/ST01 epidemic strains (LIBA5756 and R20291) was significantly higher than ICC-45 and ATCC 700057 biofilms, as confirmed by electron and confocal microscopy. At 120h, the LIBA5756 biofilm biomass decreased compared to other strains. The toxigenic strains R20291 or LIBA 5756 had higher expression of genes tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, cdtA, slpA and spo0A than ICC-45, but there were no significant differences in the expression levels of cdtB, cwp66 and cwp84. In epidemic strains, VAN and MTZ inhibited biofilm formation; however, in the ICC-45 strain, MIC concentrations of VAN and MIC and 4MIC of MTZ did not inhibit biofilm formation.

Conclusion

The three MLST Clade 2 isolated from different rybotipes, two of which were isolated from Latin America, are competent biofilm-forming bacteria, indicating their ability to induce C. difficile infection recurrence, making treatment difficult.
Clinical research advances of isavuconazole in the treatment of invasive fungal diseases
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Shen Yuyan , Feng Sizhou
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) are a major global public health concern. The incidence of IFD has increased the demand for antifungal agents. Isavuconazole (ISA) is a new triazole antifungal agent that has shown promising efficacy in the prophylaxis and treatment of invasive fungal diseases. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent real-world experiences of using ISA for the treatment and prevention of IFD.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for clinical applications of ISA in the real world. Tables and reference lists are presented for this systematic review.

Results

IFD poses a major threat to public health and causes high mortality rates. ISA may provide a good treatment. For example, the efficacy of ISA in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA) is comparable to that of voriconazole, and its efficacy in the treatment of invasive mucormycosis (IM) is similar to that of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB); therefore, ISA is recommended as the first-line treatment for IA and IM. ISA can also achieve good efficacy in the treatment of invasive candidiasis (IC) and can be used as an alternative to de-escalation therapy after first-line drug therapy. In addition, most studies have shown the efficacy and safety of ISA for the prophylaxis of IFD.

Conclusion

Taken together, ISA are expected to become a new choice for the treatment and prevention of IFD because of their good tolerability, high bioavailability, and few drug interactions.
How prominent science communicators on YouTube understand the impact of their work
Authors: Hill Vanessa M. , Grant Will J. , McMahon Melanie L. , Singhal Isha
Published: December 2022

YouTube is rapidly becoming one of the major places that people around the world engage with science, in turn making prominent science communicators on YouTube some of the most impactful and known faces in science communication. However, while much is known about the viewership habits of YouTube audiences, little is known about the motivations, thinking and ideas of impact of the science communicators working on YouTube. The current study qualitatively explored these questions one-on-one interviews with prominent science communicators working on YouTube (n = 20). We explore their responses in six key areas: their understanding of and relationship with their audience; their attitude toward impact metrics; their attitude toward comments; their understanding of impact; their reasons for creating content; and what it is like working under the algorithm. Key findings include a wide variety of opinions about the metrics provided by YouTube; a near unanimous assertion of the value of comments; a somewhat deficit model approach to their communication work; and a polarized attitude to working under the algorithm.
Invisible clinical labor driving the successful integration of AI in healthcare
Authors: Ulloa Mara , Rothrock Blaine , Ahmad Faraz S. , Jacobs Maia
Published: December 2022

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools are changing the landscape of healthcare decision-making. Vast amounts of data can lead to efficient triage and diagnosis of patients with the assistance of ML methodologies. However, more research has focused on the technological challenges of developing AI, rather than the system integration. As a result, clinical teams' role in developing and deploying these tools has been overlooked. We look to three case studies from our research to describe the often invisible work that clinical teams do in driving the successful integration of clinical AI tools. Namely, clinical teams support data labeling, identifying algorithmic errors and accounting for workflow exceptions, translating algorithmic output to clinical next steps in care, and developing team awareness of how the tool is used once deployed. We call for detailed and extensive documentation strategies (of clinical labor, workflows, and team structures) to ensure this labor is valued and to promote sharing of sociotechnical implementation strategies.
Clinical efficacy of sacubitril-valsartan combined with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after reperfusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wu Hui , Liu Di , Li Yunzhao , Zhou Gang , Yang QingZhuo , Liu YanFang
Published: December 2022

Background

Several studies have investigated the combined use of sacubitril- valsartan after reperfusion in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the sample sizes of these studies were small and their results were somewhat heterogeneous. To determine the effect of sacubitril-valsartan on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion.

Methods

Search PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library, CNKI database, VIP database and Wanfang digital journal full-text database for eligible articles from their date of inception up to April, 2022. All data were meta-analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 16.0 software.

Results

A total of 23 studies including 2,326 patients with acute STEMI were included. These results of this meta-analysis indicated that left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF) value within 6 months after surgery (OR, 4.29; 95% confidence interval, 3.78–4.80; P < 0.00001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) value within 6 months after surgery (OR, −3.11; 95% CI, −3.87 to −2.35; P < 0.00001) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) value 6 months after operation (OR, −6.22; 95% CI, −7.10 to −5.35; P < 0.00001) are better than without sacubitril and valsartan.

Conclusion

To sum up the above, the results of this study suggest that sacubitril- valsartan can reduce the reperfusion injury of ischemic myocardium by improving cardiac function within a follow-up period of 6 months.
A comparative study of antihypertensive drugs prediction models for the elderly based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Yan Yongjie , Xiang Shoushu , Tan Juntao , Yang Chen , Zhao Wenlong
Published: December 2022

Background

Globally, blood pressure management strategies were ineffective, and a low percentage of patients receiving hypertension treatment had their blood pressure controlled. In this study, we aimed to build a medication prediction model by correlating patient attributes with medications to help physicians quickly and rationally match appropriate medications.

Methods

We collected clinical data from elderly hypertensive patients during hospitalization and combined statistical methods and machine learning (ML) algorithms to filter out typical indicators. We constructed five ML models to evaluate all datasets using 5-fold cross-validation. Include random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), artificial neural network (ANN), and naive Bayes (NB) models. And the performance of the models was evaluated using the micro-F1 score.

Results

Our experiments showed that by statistical methods and ML algorithms for feature selection, we finally selected Age, SBP, DBP, Lymph, RBC, HCT, MCHC, PLT, AST, TBIL, Cr, UA, Urea, K, Na, Ga, TP, GLU, TC, TG, γ-GT, Gender, HTN CAD, and RI as feature metrics of the models. LightGBM had the best prediction performance with the micro-F1 of 78.45%, which was higher than the other four models.

Conclusion

LightGBM model has good results in predicting antihypertensive medication regimens, and the model can be beneficial in improving the personalization of hypertension treatment.
A multi-scale temperature-based strategy to map hydrologic exchange flows in highly dynamic systems
Authors: Day-Lewis Frederick D. , Royer Patrick , Placzek Luke , Markham Kameron
Published: December 2022

Mapping and quantifying hydrologic exchange flows (HEFs) is critical to environmental monitoring and remediation at contaminated sites; however, these objectives are challenging in highly dynamic systems, e.g., along dam-regulated rivers, where HEFs vary rapidly. Direct seepage measurements are labor-intensive and difficult to automate, whereas indirect (e.g., thermal) and remote sensing methods have potential to allow continuous monitoring with limited field effort. We present a preliminary assessment of a multi-scale temperature-based strategy for monitoring HEFs along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, in eastern WA, United States. Five thermal methods were assessed. First, a vertical temperature profile (VTP) was installed into the streambed. The VTP data were analyzed using a data assimilation algorithm designed for automated real-time estimation in dynamic systems. Second, a thermal infrared (TIR) camera was used in roving surveys to identify seeps. Third, a TIR camera was stationed at the VTP site to collect images at 1-h intervals. Together, the two TIR datasets provided a basis to assess the potential for drone-based TIR. Fourth, temperature was measured at the sediment/water interface to assess fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing. Fifth, imagery from the ECOSTRESS satellite mission was acquired to assess the potential of spaceborne thermal monitoring. Based on our preliminary assessment, VTP, TIR, and bed temperature measurements provide complementary spatial coverage, temporal sampling, and resolution; these methods have potential for long-term, automated monitoring of HEFs. The publicly available spaceborne imagery, however, proved inadequate because of insufficient spatial resolution and data gaps resulting from cloud cover and revisit frequency.
What about the family? The role and meaning of family in the integration of migrant children: Evidence from Slovenian schools
Authors: Medarić Zorana , Gornik Barbara , Sedmak Mateja
Published: December 2022

Based on field research in Slovenian schools, the article examines the role of the family in the integration process of migrant children. While migrant children perceive the family as the most important factor influencing their overall well-being and life satisfaction, research shows that parents of migrant children are often not involved in school activities and life. The article explores how the role of parents in the integration process of migrant children in the school environment is understood at the policy level and how it is perceived by migrant children and the educational community. It also explores what are the main barriers to the involvement of migrant parents in schools and what are the existing practices and experiences in Slovenian schools. The analysis is based on qualitative research in Slovenian schools with children and the educational community conducted as part of the Migrant Children and Communities in a Transforming Europe (MiCREATE) project.
Multiple facets of self-rated digital competencies of pre-service teachers: A pilot study on the nomological network, empirical structure, and gender differences
Authors: Hahn Sonja , Pfeifer Anne , Kunina-Habenicht Olga
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Self-efficacy is an important predictor of teaching behavior. Within several research traditions (TPACK framework, school achievement tests), different ICT self-efficacy scales have been developed. The empirical structure of existing questionnaires has frequently been researched and discussed within the TPACK framework. However, for teacher ICT self-efficacy, non-instructional aspects as well as alternative instruments have rarely been investigated and compared to standard TPACK self-report scales.

Methods

In this study, we administer two sets of non-subject-specific ICT scales to a group of pre-service teachers (N = 165). We investigate the empirical structure using structural equation modeling.

Results

For both scales, the results show that instructional ICT self-efficacy forms a separate factor. For the remaining items, item difficulty and content drive further divisions. Further, more specific item formulations resulted in a higher range of scale means. Additionally, we find gender differences only on some non-instructional scales.

Discussion

Results confirm that the distinction between instructional vs. non-instructional ICT self-efficacy is important when developing or using questionnaires for pre-service teachers. Results also indicate that the usage of more specific task-related items is a promising alternative to general TPACK items.
Utilization of screening and treatment for osteoporosis among stroke survivors
Authors: Hsu Chin-Hao , Sung Sheng-Feng , Yang Hsin-Yi , Huang Wan-Ting , Hsieh Cheng-Yang
Published: December 2022

Background

Stroke survivors are prone to osteoporosis and fractures. However, bone mineral density (BMD) testing and osteoporosis treatment were underutilized in patients with recent stroke. We aimed to examine whether stroke has an impact on the utilization of BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment as well as the determinants of their utilization in stroke patients using nationwide population-based data in Taiwan.

Methods

We identified patients aged 55 years and older who were hospitalized for hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke as the stroke cohort, and age- and sex-matched patients hospitalized for reasons other than stroke, fracture, or fall as the non-stroke cohort. We used the Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard competing risk regression model to determine the predictors for BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment.

Results

A total of 32997 stroke patients and 32997 age- and sex-matched controls comprised the stroke and non-stroke cohorts, respectively. BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment were performed in 1.0% and 5.2% of the stroke patients, respectively, within one year after hospitalization while these measures were performed in 0.8% and 4.7% of the controls. Stroke patients were more likely to receive BMD testing (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.58) and osteoporosis treatment (adjusted HR 1.19; 95% CI 1.11–1.29). Female sex, osteoporosis, prior BMD testing, and low-trauma fractures after stroke increased the likelihood of using BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment whereas greater stroke severity reduced the likelihood of receiving both measures.

Conclusions

Both BMD testing and osteoporosis treatment were underutilized among stroke survivors even though they had a higher chance of receiving both measures than non-stroke patients.
Association of ACE2 gene functional variants with gestational diabetes mellitus risk in a southern Chinese population
Authors: Huang Gongchen , Liang Qiulian , Wang Yukun , Qin Linyuan , Yang Haili , Lin Lin , Yu Xiangyuan
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) genetic variants and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a southern Chinese population.

Methods

Potential functional variants (rs2106809, rs6632677, and rs2074192) of ACE2 were selected and genotyped in 566 GDM patients and 710 normal pregnaõncies in Guilin, China. The odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the association between genetic variant and GDM risk, and then the false positive report probability, multifactor dimensional reduction (MDR), and bioinformatics tools were used to confirm the significant association in the study.

Results

After adjusting for age and prepregnancy body mass index, logistic regression analysis showed that ACE2 rs6632677 was significantly associated with a decreased risk of GDM (CC vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.01 – 0.71, P = .023; GC/CC vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.46 – 0.99, P = .048; and CC vs. GG/GC: adjusted OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.01 – 0.72, P = .024), whereas rs2074192 was associated with increased GDM risk (TT vs. CC/CT: adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.08 – 1.75, P = .009). Furthermore, we found that rs6632677 interacted with SBP (Pinteraction = .043) and FPG (Pinteraction = .021) and rs2074192 interacted with HDL-c (Pinteraction = .029) and LDL-c (Pinteraction = .035) to influence the GDM risk of the individual. In the MDR analysis, the rs6632677 was the best one-locus model, and the three-loci model was the best interaction model to predict GDM risk. In addition, functional analysis confirmed that rs2074192 may regulate the splicing process of ACE2 gene.

Conclusion

ACE2 gene variants are significantly associated with the risk of GDM via gene–gene and gene–environment combinations. The rs2074192 C > T affects the splicing of the ACE2 gene, which may be a potential mechanism leading to the changed susceptibility of an individual female during pregnancy to GDM.
Serotonin system in the human placenta – the knowns and unknowns
Authors: Perić Maja , Bečeheli Ivona , Čičin-Šain Lipa , Desoye Gernot , Štefulj Jasminka
Published: December 2022

The biogenic monoamine serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a chemical messenger widely distributed in the brain and various other organs. Its homeostasis is maintained by the coordinated activity of a variety of proteins, including enzymes of serotonin metabolism, transmembrane transporters of serotonin, and serotonin receptors. The serotonin system has been identified also in the placenta in rodent models as a key component of placental physiology. However, serotonin pathways in the human placenta are far from well understood. Their alterations may have long-lasting consequences for the fetus that can manifest later in life. In this review, we summarize information on the location of the components of the serotonin system in the human placenta, their regulation, function, and alterations in pathological pregnancies. We highlight current controversies and discuss important topics for future research.
Is the visceral adiposity index a potential indicator for the risk of kidney stones?
Authors: Hou Bingbing , Shen Xudong , He Qiushi , Chen Yang , Xu Yuexian , Chen Mingwei , Xi Junhua , Hao Zongyao
Published: December 2022

Objective

To determine whether the visceral adiposity index (VAI) was linked to the risk of kidney stones (KS) in the representative U.S. adults.

Methods

We investigated 59842 participants who joined the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The association between the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and KS was identified by logistic regression analysis. Meanwhile, the subgroup analysis as well as the calculation of dose−response curves were also utilized to identify sensitive groups.

Results

Data from 29384 participants were available, including 2781 self-reported ever experiencing KS diseases. Overall, the VAI was 0.74 (0.70, 0.78) in the KS group, while 0.55 (0.52, 0.57) in the control group. After adjusting for confounders, the prevalence of KS increased by 13% for each unit of VAI increment (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.19). Moreover, a linear relationship was found between the VAI and the prevalence of KS. By subgroup analysis, we found that a positive correlation between VAI and the risk of KS both in male (OR=1.14, 95%CI:1.07, 1.22) and female (OR=1.14, 95%CI:1.05, 1.24), White (OR=1.20, 95%CI:1.11, 1.28) and other race, all aged subgroups, nonhypertensive (OR=1.06, 95%CI:1.08, 1.25) and nondiabetic subgroups (OR=1.14, 95%CI:1.07, 1.21).

Conclusions

Elevated VAI was strongly associated with KS in representative U.S. adults, which may be a promising indicator for the risk of kidney stones.
Hypertriglyceridemia may contribute to stroke and pancreatitis: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zhang Mingyu , Yin Taoyuan , Xia Feng , Xia Suhong , Zhou Wangdong , Zhang Yu , Han Xu , Zhao Kai , Feng Lina , Dong Ruonan , Tian Dean , Yu Yan , Liao Jiazhi
Published: December 2022

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is one of the most common clinical dyslipidemia. Nevertheless, stroke and acute pancreatitis co-occurrence due to hypertriglyceridemia are extremely rare. We present a case of hypertriglyceridemia-associated stroke and pancreatitis in a 39-year-old woman. The patient’s laboratory tests reported high triglyceride concentrations beyond the instrument’s detection range, and radiological examination showed typical signs of cerebral infarction and acute pancreatitis. The patient received combined blood purification therapy, intravenous thrombolysis with urokinase, and conservative treatment of pancreatitis. We discuss the clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertriglyceridemic stroke and pancreatitis combined with the relevant literature. We reviewed the mechanisms by which triglycerides contribute to atherosclerosis and acute pancreatitis. We point out the superiority of combined blood purification therapy and caution physicians about the effects of prescribed drugs on blood lipids.
A prognostic nomogram for papillary thyroid cancer lymph node metastasis based on immune score
Authors: Lu Yihua , Qian Kai , Fei Mengjia , Guo Kai , Shi Yuan , Wang Zhuoying
Published: December 2022

Background

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common subtype of thyroid cancer and is characterized by an overall good prognosis and early-stage lymph node metastasis. The immune microenvironment is believed to play a crucial role in PTC initiation, progression and metastasis. However, to our knowledge, prognostic tools for thyroid cancer metastasis based on immune scores have not been adequately explored. This study aimed to construct a clinical nomogram to predict lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC.

Methods

The genomic data and clinical-pathological characteristics of 447 PTC subjects were obtained from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas data). Logistic regression models were performed for univariate and multivariate analyses to identify significant prediction factors. A prognostic nomogram was built based on the multivariate analysis results. The concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve were used to assess the predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the model.

Results

The patients were divided into two subgroups based on immune scores. We found that patients with high immune scores had significantly higher lymph node metastasis risks (OR and 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.774[1.130-2.784]) than those with low immune scores. The C-index for lymph node metastasis was 0.722 (95% CI, 0.671‐0.774), which had a favorable performance for clinical prediction. The calibration curve for lymph node metastasis showed significant agreement between the nomogram prediction and actual observation.

Conclusion

High immune scores are significantly correlated with higher lymph node metastasis risk in patients with PTC. Immune score-based prognostic nomograms may help to predict lymph node metastasis and have potential clinical application possibilities.
Monitoring and modelling of butyltin compounds in Finnish inland lake
Authors: Ahkola Heidi , Juntunen Janne , Krogerus Kirsti , Huttula Timo
Published: December 2022

In this study we measured the total concentration of BTCs using grab water sampling, dissolved concentration with passive samplers, and particle-bound fraction with sedimentation traps in a Finnish inland lake. The sampling was conducted from May to September over two study years. In grab water samples the average concentration of MBT at sampling sites varied between 4.8 and 13 ng L−1, DBT 0.9–2.4 ng L−1, and TBT 0.4–0.8 ng L−1 during the first study year and 0.6–1.1 ng L−1, DBT 0.5–2.2 ng L−1 and TBT < LOD-0.7 ng L−1 during the second year. The average BTC concentrations determined with passive samplers varied between 0.08 and 0.53 ng L−1 for MBT, 0.10–0.14 ng L−1 for DBT and 0.05–0.07 ng L−1 for TBT during the first study year and 0.03–0.05 ng L−1 for MBT, 0.02–0.05 ng L−1 for DBT and TBT 0.007–0.013 ng L−1 during the second year. The average BTC concentrations measured in sedimented particles collected with sedimentation traps were between 1.5 and 9.0 ng L−1 for MBT, 0.61–22 ng L−1 for DBT and 0.05–1.8 ng L−1 for TBT during the first study year and 3.0–12 ng L−1 for MBT, 1.7–9.8 ng L−1 for DBT and TBT 0.4–1.2 ng L−1 during the second year. The differences between sampling techniques and the detected BTCs were obvious, e.g., tributyltin (TBT) was detected only in 4%–24% of the grab samples, 50% of the sedimentation traps, and 93% of passive samplers. The BTC concentrations measured with grab and passive sampling suggested hydrological differences between the study years. This was confirmed with flow velocity measurements. However, the annual difference was not observed in BTC concentrations measured in settled particles which suggest that only the dissolved BTC fraction varied. The extreme value analysis suggested that grab sampling and sedimentation trap sampling results contain more extreme peak values than passive sampling. However, all high concentrations are not automatically extreme values but indicates that BTCs are present in surface water in trace concentrations despite not being detected with all sampling techniques.
SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in the tourism season 2020 in North Frisia, Germany
Authors: Greiner Timo , Aigner Annette , Tinnemann Peter
Published: December 2022

Background

International tourist activities including air travel, holiday on cruise ships, and Après-ski parties played a prominent role in the early spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, the effects of national tourism on infection dynamics are unclear.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the health authorities in North Frisia, the northernmost district in Germany with prominent tourist hotspots such asSylt, Amrum, andFöhr. Data were available for the time period April 2020–November 2020.

Results

During the tourist season (May–October 2020), PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 case numbers were low with 0 to 10 cases per day. Case numbers rose in September and peaked end of October (2nd wave). Among the confirmed cases, 13 persons were returning travelers and none were national tourists. Overall, only a small proportion of cases were related to individuals with presumed tourist contact.

Conclusion

In summer 2020, the arrival of a large number of tourists apparently did not increase local case numbers, and tourism-related outbreaks were not reported. Thus, tourism presumably did not contribute substantially to SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in North Frisia. However, incidences were low countrywide and protective measures were in place.