bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing the Competitive Strategy Between Fintech Companies and the Islamic Banking Sector
Authors: Hisham Alnajjar Ahmad , Lubis Asmuliadi , Rizal Muwazir Mohd
Published: November 2021

يهدف البحث إلى إدارة الاستراتيجية التنافسية بين شركات التكنولوجيا المالية) الناشئة والعملاقة( من جهة، والقطاع المصرفي الإسلامي من جهة أخرى. تطرق البحث إلى توضيح نشأة شركات التكنولوجيا المالية وأثرها على طبيعة العلاقة التنافسية مع القطاع المصرفي، ثم تناول إدارة الاستراتيجية التنافسية، عبر تحليل نقاط القوة والضعف بين الجهات المالية، ليبين البحث بعدها أن الانطلاقة الحقيقية لشركات التكنولوجيا المالية بدأت مع ظهور الشركات الناشئة عام 2010 ، تبعها انطلاق مجموعة من شركات التكنولوجيا المالية الإسلامية في مختلف أنحاء العالم، وقد اتسمت العلاقة التنافسية بين الجهات المالية بالتفاوت، حيث تشكل شركات التكنولوجيا العملاقة تهديدًا مباشرًا على القطاع المصرفي، في حين تميل الشركاتالناشئة لاعتماد نموذج قائم على التعاون والتشارك المتبادل، في المقابل يتبع القطاع المصرفي الإسلامي في سوق المنافسة الرقمية ثلاث استراتيجيات رئيسية، وهي: الاستراتيجية القائمة على نموذج من الشراكة المحدودة، والاستراتيجية القائمة على نموذج من الانفتاح المطلق، والاستراتيجية القائمة على نموذج من الابتكار المغلق؛ وقد أظهرت الدراسة أن النماذج القائمة على التعاون والمشاركة تمثل الاستراتيجية التنافسية الأنسب حاليًا للقطاع المصرفي الإسلامي في مواجهة تداعيات التحول الرقمي.
Digital Transformation of the World Economy by AI: Some Moral, Ethical and Sharīʿah Concerns
Authors: Nienhaus Volker
Published: November 2021

The digital future of the world economy in the post-Covid-19 era will be shaped by an accelerated deployment of digital technologies in the private and public sectors with more active involvement of regulators and legislators. In recent years, ethical concerns have become more prominent and may limit machine learning models’ deployment in consumer-facing businesses, including financial services. A widely shared Islamic perspective is still to emerge. The paper draws attention to ethical issues embedded in data and autonomous decision models. This debate in the West could be enriched by more contributions from an Islamic perspective.
SEJARAH PEMBANGUNAN MASJID AGUNG PALEMBANG DALAM VIDEO ANIMASI 3 DIMENSI
Authors: Muhammad Rozie , Sugara Eka Prasetya Adhy
Published: November 2021

Palembang Grand Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Palembang. The shape of this historic building has a lot of architectural rich heritage which holds noble values ​​and information important for the development of cultural and scientific understanding, so it needs to be protected, preserved and told its history in order to foster awareness of national identity and national interests, especially for young people. One form of disseminating information is to utilize animated video media. The use of video in the form of 3-dimensional animation can bring up visual images that look more real to stimulate the imagination of the audience so that it can be carried into the atmosphere of a more lively storyline. This research uses the stages of Pre-production which includes research information, determines visual concepts, letter concepts, color concepts and manuscript, the Production stage which includes sketching, modeling, texturing, animating and rendering and then Post-production which includes by providing transitions , video effects, sound effects, dubbing, music, giving text, color grading and ending with the final rendering. The results of this study are a video animation as information media about the history of the construction of the Great Mosque.
Examining prevalence of cancer risk factors across Ontario for the Ontario Cancer Profiles tool
Authors: Chang Amy , Schwartz Naomi , Truscott Rebecca
Published: November 2021

The Ontario Cancer Profiles is an interactive dashboard for the public containing population-level cancerstatistics created by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario). The tool contains data on cancer burden, cancerscreening measures, and cancer risk factors by Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) and Public Health Unit (PHU). It can be used for health system planning, measuring health systems performance, monitoring the impact of interventions, and to help identify new areas of research. There were 9 new modifiable cancer risk factors proposed to be included in future updates of the dashboard. The proposed risk factors include: access to care, active transportation, binge drinking, alcohol abstinence, inadequate fruit consumption, inadequate vegetable consumption, sedentary behaviour, second-hand smoke exposure, and sun safety. My practicum consisted of two main objectives: to conduct a literature review on the association between the proposed risk factors and cancer and to determine the prevalence of exposure of the identified risk factors in Ontario using 2015 to 2017 CCHS data. I performed a literature review to examine current evidence linking each proposed risk factor with cancer risk to determine the inclusion or exclusion of the indicator in the analysis. An analysis was performed with the selected variables in CCHS. Each indicator was age-standardized, and both standardized and crude ratios of individuals engaging in selected indicator activities were calculated. The results were examined for reliability using the produced coefficient of variation values. The estimates for each risk indicators allowed for the identification of target population that may be at higher risk of developing cancer due to greater exposure to the risk factors. They also serve as useful predictors for areas of improvement in regions with a high prevalence, such as healthy living within the community, and a guide to implementing preventative measures, screening, or treatment plans that may have been lacking.
The impact of ignoring Interval censoring in progression-free survival in cancer trials: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Xiawen , Pullenayegum Eleanor , Chan Kelvin Kar-Wing
Published: November 2021

Introduction & Objective: From statistical literature, the bias in treatment effect from ignoring interval censoring in Progression-free survival (PFS) is demonstrated. However, the impact on estimators caused by interval censoring is not carefully took account and investigated by researchers in practice. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of accounting for interval censoring in practice among RCTs used to support FDA approvals anti-cancer drugs between the years 2005 and 2019 that used PFS as an endpoint.

Methods: In this systematic review, the differences of hazard ratios between two methods: considering and ignoring interval censoring, are visualized by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and estimated from a Cox proportional hazard model of 87 RCTs. With assumption that these differences and mean differences (bias) follow a normal distribution, limits of agreement of differences and confidence interval of bias are used to represent agreement of two methods.

Results: Limits of agreement of difference range from -0.044 to 0.0615, while confidence intervals for the bias range from 0.0026 to 0.0145, which does not include zero, resulting in estimated treatment effect differs for two methods.

Conclusion: In general, bias caused by interval censoring in treatment effect exists with large sample studies. Focusing on individual clinical trials, limits of agreement can provide more information for researchers to make decision on how to account for interval censoring.
Шляхи удосконалення системи метрологічного забезпечення в сучасних умовах розвитку Збройних Сил України
Authors: Pavlovskyi Oleh , Sova Oleh , Koval Volodymyr
Published: November 2021

Система метрологічного забезпечення Збройних Сил України призначена здійснювати вимірювання та контроль параметрів зразків озброєння і військової техніки. Метрологічне забезпечення в Збройних Силах України організується і здійснюється службами метрології та стандартизації військових частин, оперативних (повітряних) командувань, Генерального штабу Збройних Сил України, а його вдосконалення є важливою науково-технічною задачею, актуальність якої підтверджується необхідністю підтримання озброєння та військової техніки військ (сил) у боєздатному стані.

В статті проведено аналіз системи метрологічного забезпечення Збройних Сил України та запропоновані шляхи її удосконалення враховуючи поетапний перехід Збройних Сил України на стандарти НАТО, розвиток озброєння та військової техніки, збільшення обсягів вимірювальних параметрів та стрімкий розвиток інформаційних технологій.

Розвиток високоточного озброєння та військової техніки, систем управління ними, впровадження системи логістичного забезпечення вимагає від нас удосконалення й системи метрологічного забезпечення Збройних Сил України для її інтеграції в єдину систему управління забезпеченням військ (сил), що дасть змогу оперативно та ефективно вирішувати питання метрологічного обслуговування озброєння та військової техніки, вчасного укомплектування засобами вимірювальної техніки військового призначення, та адекватного контролю за станом метрологічного забезпечення Збройних Сил України.
Метрологічне забезпечення озброєння та військової техніки на стадіях його життєвого циклу
Authors: Bychenkov Vasуl , Kotsyuruba Vоlоdymyr , Vlasov Igor
Published: November 2021

Підвищення ефективності виробництва і якості зразків озброєння та військової техніки не можливе без досягнення необхідної достовірності кількісної інформації про значення параметрів, які характеризують зразки озброєння, що розробляються, створюються та експлуатуються. Джерелами такої інформації є вимірювання. Результати вимірювань будуть об'єктивними та достовірними тільки при правильній організації отримання вимірювальної інформації. Цього неможливо досягти без належного метрологічного забезпечення.

В статті викладені загальні принципи метрологічного забезпечення як складової системи контролю якості зразків озброєння, описаний процес метрологічного забезпечення зразків озброєння та військової техніки на різних стадіях їх життєвого циклу, визначені основні цілі та завдання метрологічного забезпечення.

Важливість метрологічного забезпечення не обмежується його роллю щодо підвищення якості озброєння та військової техніки. Вимірювання лежать в основі процесів обліку витрат та раціонального використання матеріальних ресурсів, методів технічної діагностики та моніторингу процесу експлуатації озброєння та військової техніки.
Удосконалена система індикаторів ефективності функціонування системи протиповітряної оборони військового формування тактичного рівня в наступальному бою
Authors: Horbachov Konstiantin
Published: November 2021

Результати аналізу воєнних конфліктів, що відбулись за останні десятиріччя, особливо досвід проведення Операції об'єднаних сил та антитерористичної операції на території України, вказує, що військові формування тактичного рівня не можуть успішно виконувати бойові завдання в умовах завоювання противником переваги у повітрі.

Зміни способів досягнення мети загальновійськового бою, зокрема наступального, що пов'язані з появою нових засобів повітряного нападу висувають більш жорсткі вимоги до ефективності системи протиповітряної оборони військових формувань.

Зазначене вище, визначає потребу врахування змін якісного складу, масштабу і характеру застосування противником засобів повітряного нападу, зокрема безпілотних, в ході планування наступального бою.

Тому, система індикаторів ефективності функціонування системи протиповітряної оборони, що використовується у військових формуваннях тактичного рівня, потребує удосконалення.

Вирішенню цього актуального наукового завдання й присвячена дана стаття.
Saúde mental das mulheres em situação de violência física: revisão integrativa
Authors: Batista Maria Naira de Lima , Brilhante Ana Paula Cavalcante Ramalho , Martins Thayana Alcântara , Parente Neivila Almeida
Published: November 2021

A violência contra a mulher é um problema de saúde pública, sua magnitude é em grande parte invisível. A prevenção e o enfrentamento da violência contra a mulher, em especial a violência física, traz danos à sua saúde mental. Esse tipo de violência tem sido muito comum no ambiente familiar, principalmente por parceiros íntimos. Portanto, o estudo tem como objetivo analisar a produção científica existente na literatura sobre a violência física contra a mulher e os danos gerados por seus parceiros à sua saúde mental. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura acerca do tema já referido realizada nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Literatura Latino-Americana em Ciências de Saúde (LILACS) e Bases de Dados Brasileira de Enfermagem (BDENF) no período de junho a julho de 2019, onde foram encontrados 16 artigos. Observou -se que a violência tem se agravado cada vez mais entre . Onde podemos referenciar, inicialmente, as agressões físicas que estão mais severas. O medo e o aprisionamento que as mulheres convivem por conta das agressões no seu ambiente domiciliar, levam a graves consequências à saúde mental, a depressão e estresse pós-traumático, que foram considerados os mais frequentes encontrados nos artigos. Sendo assim, torna-se necessário que os profissionais de saúde possam adquirir um olhar atento, buscar por meio de escuta qualificada a confiança e o vínculo necessário para realizar ações eficazes e formas de prevenção à violência física para lidar com mulheres que foram ou são vitimizadas.
Evaluation of swallowing pattern sound in patients with temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Castilho Katiane Regina Staszak , Cavalcante-Leão Bianca , Figueiredo Ana Clara Gonçalves de , Ravazzi Gloria Maria Cortz , Zeigelboim Bianca Simone , Hummig Wagner , Santos Rosane Sampaio , Stechman-Neto Jose
Published: November 2021

Objectives: The impairment of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles has a negative impact on functions of the stomatognathic system, such as swallowing. Thus, an atypical swallowing pattern may contribute to the development of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate acoustic aspects of swallowing and determine the occurrence of atypical swallowing dynamics. Methods: Sixty-two individuals [16 males (25.8%) and 46 females (74.2%); mean age 39.84 (± 9.40); 47 with TMD and 15 without TMD] were evaluated using an ultrasound detector during the swallowing of three consistencies: liquid, pasty and solid. The acoustic signals were recorded and subsequently analyzed using the DeglutiSom® software. Results: The majority of the sample (81%) with TMD presented atypical swallowing biodynamics, with a significantly greater frequency of food residuals for the three consistencies. The signal suggestive of aspiration was more frequent with the liquid consistency (37% of the group). Conclusion: There is a relation between TMD and an atypical swallowing pattern, which underscores the need for the multidisciplinary evaluation of individuals with this disorder.
Uso de rama de batata-doce para ensilagem: revisão de literatura
Authors: Pereira Ellen Batista , Valadares Nermy Ribeiro , Costa Lorena Fernandes , Ferreira Miranda Hemille Antunes , Augusto Pereira Dheison Emanuel , Góes Lopes Idael Matheus , Da Silva Luana Ferreira , Silva Ingrid Rodrigues da , Souza Tamires Ferreira de , Paula Maria Teresa de Almeida
Published: November 2021

Na produção animal, tem sido constante a busca por fontes de alimentos alternativos, de baixo custo para compor as dietas. A batata-doce é uma cultura que gera subprodutos com bons valores nutricionais, como é o caso das ramas, que podem ser incluidas na alimentação animal, principalmente em forma de silagem. O processo de ensilagem é uma das principais alternativas para conservação de alimentos, visando suprir a demanda de forragem nos períodos mais críticos. Neste contexto, o aproveitamento dos resíduos da agricultura pode ser uma estratégia interessante em determinadas regiões. Objetivou-se com a presente revisão de literatura avaliar as características fermentativas e químicas da silagem da rama de batata-doce. De maneira geral, observa-se que a rama de batata-doce possui potencial para utilização forrageira na nutrição de ruminantes, principalmente se conservada na forma de silagem, desde que ajustado o teor de matéria seca. Adicionalmente, o fubá de milho tem demonstrado eficiência para ser utilizado como aditivo físico no processo de ensilagem da rama da batata-doce. Ademais, o período de armazenamento é de muita importância uma vez que existem evidências de que acontecem alterações nos valores nutricionais das forragens ensiladas durante o período de conservação.
Qualidade de vida de trabalhadores de instituição de longa permanência para idosos: revisão de escopo
Authors: Anastácio Fernanda Seidel , Tanaka Ana Karina Silva da Rocha , Glanzner Cecília Helena , Nora Carlise Rigon Dalla , Matzenbacher Lisiane Paula Sordi , Paczek Rosaura Soares
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: analisar os fatores que influenciam a qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores de instituições de longa permanência para idosos. Métodos: revisão de escopo com seleção de artigos sobre o tema nas bases SciELO, Pubmed e CINAHL, no período de agosto a outubro de 2020. Foram incluídos estudos com trabalhadores de instituições de longa permanência para idosos. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se um instrumento no Excel para categorizar e melhor visualizar o relatório dos elementos essenciais. Resultados: conforme a busca nas bases de dados foram encontrados 143 artigos, sendo incluídos 8 artigos. Os dados foram classificados em três categorias: caracterização dos trabalhadores, fatores que influenciam na qualidade de vida dos trabalhadores de instituição de longa permanência para idosos e estratégias de enfrentamento. Conclusão: conclui-se que esta pesquisa é relevante e contribui tanto para o trabalhador quanto para os idosos das instituições de longa permanência, no momento em que trará o olhar das demandas e dificuldades encontradas no seu exercício profissional.
Stress and strain analysis using Autodesk Inventor software in soil-cement brick
Authors: Sousa Ana Carolina Cavalcante de , Oliveira Fernanda Souza , Borges Simone Pereira Taguchi
Published: November 2021

The computational analysis of materials is fundamental for a better understanding of their physical and mechanical properties, achieving more results in a shorter time. It is a cheaper, non-destructive, practical way, and easily adaptable to various types of models and physical influences. This study has the objective of ascertaining the stress and strain analysis in soil-cement brick through the Autodesk Inventor Professional software, which uses the finite element method. Three models of brick were made: two holes, monoblock, and groove, which are the most commonly used shapes. To the two holes model, the maximum first principal stress observed was 1.464x10-1 MPa and the third principal stress was 5.4x10-3 MPa, presenting an insignificant strain of 1.037x10-3 mm. In the monoblock model, the maximum first principal stress was 4.606x10-1 MPa, and the third principal stress was 1.19x10-2 MPa, presenting a strain of 1.611x10-3 mm.  The groove model presented the maximum first principal stress at 3.263x10-1 MPa and for the third principal stress was 9.1x10-3 MPa, respectively, presenting a strain of 3.344x10-3 mm. It can also be observed that the models have stress concentrating regions in the sharp edges and notches of the part. Among the three models studied, the one that presented the most favorable stress-strain conditions was the two-hole model. Since it has a larger contact area, the load applied to it was better distributed, presenting higher resistance than the other models with a smaller contact area.
Microbiota associated with echinoid eggs and the implications for maternal provisioning
Authors: Carrier TJ , McAlister JS
Published: November 2021

Mothers impact the survival and performance of their offspring through the resources they provision, and the degree of maternal investment in an individual offspring can be broadly estimated by egg size for organisms that lack parental care. Animals may also actively maintain symbiotic partnerships with microorganisms through the germ line, but whether microbes are a fundamental component of maternal provisioning is an untested hypothesis in evolutionary symbiosis. We present a preliminary test of this by comparing the egg-associated microbiota of 10 sea urchin species with ecological factors known to influence egg size. We found that the microbiota associated with sea urchin eggs had a phylogenetic signal in both composition and richness, which varied between years but not between individuals or within a clutch. Moreover, we found a negative correlation between microbiome richness and taxonomic dominance, and that community diversity covaried with egg size and energetic content but not with pelagic larval duration or latitude. These data suggest that there are multiple parallels between the ecological factors that govern changes in egg size and microbiome composition and diversity, implying that microbial symbionts may be another constituent potentially provided by the mother.
A Differential Theory of Cinematic Affect
Authors: Åkervall Lisa
Published: November 2021

This essay offers a critical rejoinder to affect theories prevalent in the humanities since the 1990s. In film and media studies, affect theories display an opposition to ‘screen’ and apparatus theory of the 1970s and 1980s alleged to have marginalised the spectator's body and affects and privileged cognition over affection. Yet film and media studies’ turn to affect came with its own set of problems: in emphasising the affective over the cognitive aspects of cinematic experience, theories of the affective turn invert and reproduce the dichotomies (e.g. body/mind, affect/thought) they seek to contest. Critically reconsidering the turn to affect and its place within film and media studies, this article challenges the relation of affect theories to Gilles Deleuze's concept of affect, highlighting these theories’ failure to account for Deleuze's indebtedness to Immanuel Kant's aesthetics and his theory of the faculties. Suggesting a conception of cinematic affect beyond dichotomies of body and mind, affect and thought, this essay instead shows how cinematic experience instigates transformations in spectators that are simultaneously affective and cognitive.
Emergence of an Innovation-Driven Economy in the Regions of the Russian Federation in 2010-2019: Identifying Key Evaluation Criteria and Region Rankings
Authors: Netrebin Yuriy , Medvedev Vadim
Published: November 2021

Introduction. The purpose of the study is to analyse the level of Russia's science and technology system and to determine the country's placein the international rankings by comparing the performance metrics achieved so far with the showings of the world's leading S&T powers, followed by the appropriate managerial decision-making in the areas requiring the government's immediate attention. Methods. The research tools employed are statistical data grouping, comparative analysis and the formal logical methods. Results and Discussion. Since 2014, various factors (namely foreign policy and economic factors, geopolitical situation, oil market volatility and instability of the national currency) have acted as catalysts of crisis in the national economy, leading to a decline in Russia's international rankings. Following a degree of adaptation to the external changes and a partial economic recovery by 2018-2020, Russia's position has levelled off, but the pre-crisis levels have yet to be achieved. The results of the survey show an overall positive dynamic, with the most significant progress observable in the rankings that characterise competitiveness of the national economy. Conclusion. The findings of the study have practical relevance and can be used to adjust the national policy on scientific and technological development.
Basic Research Funding Solutions at Regional Level: Krasnoyarsk Territory Case
Authors: Panteleeva Irina , Byvshev Vladimir , Parfenteva Kristina , Uskov Danil , Demin Vadim
Published: November 2021

Introduction. The country's research and innovation domain and its research potential constitute a definitive formative factor of the knowledge-based economy and are a strategic priority when it comes to the state's economic security and better quality of life for the population. However, despite the Russian government's substantial investment in research and innovation, the field remains underproductive. Methods. The article analyses the approaches and sources of funding for fundamental and exploratory research in the regions, and identifies the existing funding models for fundamental research. To this end, the general research methods were employed, such as scientific observation, scientific description of the subjects and objects of research, and scientific analysis. Results and Discussion. It has been determined that, under the current legislation, there are no opportunities for the regions of the Russian Federation to finance fundamental or exploratory research directly. The writer analyses the case of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR), which holds regional competitions in basic research, and uses a model whereby the winning projects receive funding. The model involving a regional research foundation is recognised as the more successful option for the advancement of fundamental and exploratory research in the region. A comparative analysis of the regional RFBR and RSF competitions has revealed the following differences: in the RSF competitions, the regional side is almost entirely excluded from the decision-making process; there are high entry and project performance requirements, so the less advanced regions are forced to compete with the more scientifically advanced contenders. Conclusion. The positive side of the ongoing changes is that the level of research is rising, but at the same time the regions lose a certain important aspect of the fostering of regional researchers: the regional RFBR competitions were a pilot stage launched in order to understand and try out the grant funding system and requirements. And this is why the relevance of the regional research foundations is so high: they help to make up for these setbacks.
GH Responsiveness in Children With Noonan Syndrome Compared to Turner Syndrome
Authors: Dahlgren Jovanna , Albertsson-Wikland Kerstin
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite different genetic background, Noonan syndrome (NS) shares similar phenotype features to Turner syndrome (TS) such as short stature, webbed neck and congenital heart defects. TS is an entity with decreased growth hormone (GH) responsiveness. Whether this is found in NS is debated.

Methods

Data were retrieved from combined intervention studies including 25 children diagnosed with NS, 40 diagnosed with TS, and 45 control children (all prepubertal). NS-children and TS-girls were rhGH treated after investigation of the GH/IGFI-axis. GH was measured with poly- and monoclonal antibodies; 24hGH-profile pattern analysed by PULSAR. The NS-children were randomly assigned to Norditropin® 33 or 66 μg/kg/day, and TS-girls were consecutively treated with Genotropin® 33 or 66 μg/kg/day.

Results

Higher PULSAR-estimates of 24h-profiles were found in both NS-children and TS-girls compared to controls: Polyclonal GHmax24h-profile (Mean ± SD) was higher in both groups (44 ± 23mU/L, p<0.01 in NS; 51 ± 47, p<0.001 in TS; compared to 30 ± 23 mU/L in controls) as was GH-baseline (1.4 ± 0.6 mU/L in NS; 2.4 ± 2.4 mU/L in TS, p<0.01 for both, compared to 1.1 ± 1.2 mU/L in controls). Pre-treatment IGFISDS was 2.2 lower in NS-children (-1.7 ± 1.3) compared to TS-girls (0.6 ± 1.8, p<0.0001). GHmax, IGFI/IGFBP3-ratioSDS, and chronological age at start of GH accounted for 59% of the variance in first-year growth response in NS.

Conclusion

Both prepubertal NS-children and TS-girls had a high GH secretion, but low IGFI/IGFBP3 levels only in NS-children. Both groups presented a broad individual response. NS-children showed higher response in IGFI and growth, pointing to higher responsiveness to GH treatment than TS-girls.
High Fasting Glycemia Predicts Impairment of Cardiac Autonomic Control in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Silva Lucas Raphael Bento , Gentil Paulo , Seguro Camila Simões , de Oliveira Gabriela Teles , Silva Maria Sebastiana , Zamunér Antônio Roberto , Beltrame Thomas , Rebelo Ana Cristina Silva
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by a metabolic disorder that elevates blood glucose concentration. Chronic hyperglycemia has been associated with several complications in patients with T2D, one of which is cardiac autonomic dysfunction that can be assessed from heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate recovery (HRR) response, both associated with many aspects of health and fitness, including severe cardiovascular outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of T2D on cardiac autonomic modulation by means of HRV and HRR measurements.

Materials and Methods

This study has an observational with case-control characteristic and involved ninety-three middle-aged adults stratified into two groups (control group - CG, n = 34; diabetes group - DG, n = 59). After signing the free and informed consent form, the patients were submitted to the evaluation protocols, performed biochemical tests to confirm the diagnosis of T2D, collection of R-R intervals for HRV analysis and cardiopulmonary effort test to quantify HRR.

Results

At rest, the DG showed a reduction in global HRV (SDNN= 19.31 ± 11.72 vs CG 43.09 ± 12.74, p < 0.0001), lower parasympathetic modulation (RMSSD= 20.49 ± 14.68 vs 52.41 ± 19.50, PNN50 = 4.76 ± 10.53 vs 31.24 ± 19.24, 2VD%= 19.97 ± 10.30 vs 28.81 ± 9.77, p < 0.0001 for both indices) and higher HRrest when compared to CG. After interruption of physical exercise, a slowed heart rate response was observed in the DG when compared to the CG. Finally, a simple linear regression showed that fasting glycemia was able to predict cardiac autonomic involvement in volunteers with T2D.

Conclusion

Patients with T2D presented lower parasympathetic modulation at rest and slowed HRR after physical exercise, which may be associated with higher cardiovascular risks. The findings show the glycemic profile as an important predictor of impaired cardiac autonomic modulation.
Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) in Macrophages Possess Prognosis and Immunotherapy Potential for Melanoma
Authors: Zhao Qihang , Wang Qiang , Wang Tengjiao , Xu Junfang , Li Tingting , Liu Qiuyan , Yao Qinghua , Wang Pin
Published: November 2021

Background

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) family plays a vital role in the initial stage of innate immune response and the subsequent activation of adaptive immunity. Increasing evidences have indicated that several PRRs play critical roles in the progress of inflammation and tumorigenesis. However, the comprehensive significance of PRRs family in clinical prognosis of different cancers is still elusive.

Methods

We analyzed expression of 20 canonical PRRs in tumor samples from 9502 patients of 33 tumor types. Next, we used expression profiles of PRRs in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) to build a Cox prognosis model. Then, we analyzed immune infiltration features and immune activity of high risk score and low risk score patients. Finally, we analyzed the single-cell sequencing data of different cancers and detected the expression of PRRs in mouse melanoma model to identify PRRs-expressing cell types.

Results

We found PRRs had a significantly positive correlation with prognosis in SKCM rather than other tumors, and PRR-based Cox model had a much better prognosis potential than any single PRR. Further analysis shows risk score could indicate immunocyte infiltration and immune activity in SKCM. We also found the expressions of some PRR genes were highly correlated with the expression of immune checkpoints molecules in SKCM, indicating they could be indicators for clinical immune therapy. Finally, we found only in SKCM samples, the expression of PRRs is especially high in a subpopulation of macrophages with a trait of CD206 low expression, probably explaining why PRRs have prognosis potential in melanoma.

Conclusions

Our study reveals PRR family in macrophages has a positive prognosis potential in melanoma and could be valuable for clinical prognosis and immune therapy.
Differential Signature of the Microbiome and Neutrophils in the Oral Cavity of HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Perez Rosero Eliana , Heron Samantha , Jovel Juan , O’Neil Conar R. , Turvey Shannon Lee , Parashar Pallavi , Elahi Shokrollah
Published: November 2021

HIV infection is associated with a wide range of changes in microbial communities and immune cell components of the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral microbiome in relationship to oral neutrophils in HIV-infected compared to healthy individuals. We evaluated oral washes and saliva samples from HIV-infected individuals (n=52) and healthy controls (n=43). Using 16S-rRNA gene sequencing, we found differential β-diversity using Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) with Bray-Curtis distances. The α-diversity analysis by Faith’s, Shannon, and observed OTUs indexes indicated that the saliva samples from HIV-infected individuals harbored significantly richer bacterial communities compared to the saliva samples from healthy individuals. Notably, we observed that five species of Spirochaeta including Spirochaetaceae, Spirochaeta, Treponema, Treponema amylovorum, and Treponema azotonutricum were significantly abundant. In contrast, Helicobacter species were significantly reduced in the saliva of HIV-infected individuals. Moreover, we found a significant reduction in the frequency of oral neutrophils in the oral cavity of HIV-infected individuals, which was positively related to their CD4+ T cell count. In particular, we noted a significant decline in CD44 expressing neutrophils and the intensity of CD44 expression on oral neutrophils of HIV-infected individuals. This observation was supported by the elevation of soluble CD44 in the saliva of HIV-infected individuals. Overall, the core oral microbiome was distinguishable between HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy compared to the HIV-negative group. The observed reduction in oral neutrophils might likely be related to the low surface expression of CD44, resulting in a higher bacterial diversity and richness in HIV-infected individuals.
Chinese Expert Consensus on Iodine125 Seed Implantation for Recurrent Cervical Cancer in 2021
Authors: Jiang Ping , Zou Lijuan , Wei Lichun , Cheng Guanghui , Sun Baosheng , Zhang Fuquan , Wang Ruoyu , Wang Tiejun , Qu Ang , Yuan Xiangkun , Qiu Bin , Wei Shuhua , Liu Zi , Zhang Yunyan , Wang Junjie
Published: November 2021

The treatment modality for recurrent cervical cancer (rCC) is limited, and the prognosis of these patients is poor. Seed implantation could be an important component of rCC management in the context of dose boost or salvage therapy after surgery or radiotherapy, which is characterized by a minimally invasive, high local dose, and rapidly does fall, sparing normal tissue. For patients with good performance status and lateral pelvic wall recurrence with an available puncture path, seed implantation was recommended, as well as for selected central pelvic recurrence and extra-pelvic recurrence. The combination of brachytherapy treatment planning system and CT guidance was needed, and three-dimensional printing templates could greatly improve the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of seed implantation to achieve a potential ablative effect and provide an efficient treatment for rCC. However, the recommendations of seed implantation were mainly based on retrospective articles and lack high-quality evidence, and multicenter prospective randomized studies are needed. In this consensus on iodine125 seed implantation for rCC, indication selection, technical process and requirements, dosimetry criteria, radiation protection, combined systemic therapy, and outcomes of seed implantation for rCC are discussed.
The Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT and Abdominal PET/MRI as a One-Stop Protocol in Patients With Potentially Resectable Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Zhou Nina , Guo Xiaoyi , Sun Hongwei , Yu Boqi , Zhu Hua , Li Nan , Yang Zhi
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of simultaneous positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and abdominal positron emission tomography/magnet resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in the detection of liver metastases and extrahepatic disease (EHD) in patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

Methods

Fifty-six patients with CLM underwent conventional imaging (chest and abdomen CT, liver contrast-enhanced CT or MRI) and PET imaging [fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT and subsequent liver PET/MRI] for staging or restaging. Diagnostic ability of PET imaging was compared with conventional imaging. Abnormal findings were correlated with follow-up imaging and/or histology. The influence of the PET imaging findings was categorized for each patient in relation to operability and other significant findings. The clinical management included three modalities (surgery for resectable CLM, unresectable CLM with conversion treatment, and systemic therapy). The clinical impact of the imaging modality was analyzed. The operative histopathological analysis and/or imaging follow-up were performed as the standard of reference.

Results

This study enrolled a total of 56 patients (median age 60 years, 62.5% were male, 36 with colon cancer and 20 with rectal cancer). For EHD detection, PET/CT detected more EHD than conventional imaging (60.7% vs. 46.4%). PET/CT had different findings in 19 (33.9%) patients, including downstaging in 4 (7.1%) patients and upstaging in 15 (26.8%) patients. For liver lesion detection, PET/MRI showed comparable detection ability with CE-MRI and CE-CT (99.5%, 99.4%, and 86.5%, respectively) based on lesion analysis, much higher than PET/CT (47.5%). PET imaging had a major impact in 10/56 (17.9%) patients (4 from unresectable to resectable, 6 from resectable to unresectable) and a minor impact in 4/56 (7.1%) patients for changing the surgery extent. The therapeutic strategies had been altered in a total of 14/56 patients (25%) after PET/CT and PET/MRI scans.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/CT and abdominal PET/MRI scans can provide accurate information regarding CLM status and EHD, and can affect the management of 25% of the patients by changing the therapeutic strategies determined by conventional imaging. This new modality may serve as a new one-stop method in patients with potentially resectable CLM.
Does Ethnicity Matter in Multiple Myeloma Risk Prediction in the Era of Genomics and Novel Agents? Evidence From Real-World Data
Authors: Farswan Akanksha , Gupta Anubha , Sriram Krishnamachari , Sharma Atul , Kumar Lalit , Gupta Ritu
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Current risk predictors of multiple myeloma do not integrate ethnicity-specific information. However, the impact of ethnicity on disease biology cannot be overlooked. In this study, we have investigated the impact of ethnicity in multiple myeloma risk prediction. In addition, an efficient and robust artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled risk-stratification system is developed for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients that utilizes ethnicity-specific cutoffs of key prognostic parameters.

Methods

K-adaptive partitioning is used to propose new cutoffs of parameters for two different datasets—the MMIn (MM Indian dataset) dataset and the MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) dataset belonging to two different ethnicities. The Consensus-based Risk-Stratification System (CRSS) is designed using the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and agglomerative clustering. CRSS is validated via Cox hazard proportional methods, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and log-rank tests on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) is utilized to establish the biological relevance of the risk prediction by CRSS.

Results

There is a significant variation in the key prognostic parameters of the two datasets belonging to two different ethnicities. CRSS demonstrates superior performance as compared with the R-ISS in terms of C-index and hazard ratios on both the MMIn and MMRF datasets. An online calculator has been built that can predict the risk stage of a multiple myeloma (MM) patient based on the values of parameters and ethnicity.

Conclusion

Our methodology discovers changes in the cutoffs with ethnicities from the established cutoffs of prognostic features. The best predictor model for both cohorts was obtained with the new ethnicity-specific cutoffs of clinical parameters. Our study also revealed the efficacy of AI in building a deployable risk prediction system for MM. In the future, it is suggested to use the CRSS risk calculator on a large dataset as the cohort size of the present study is 25% of the cohort used in the R-ISS reported in 2015.
CDT1 Is a Novel Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Chenhui , Zhang Ying , Hu Xu , Hu Wenhui , Yang Sizhen , Qiu Hao , Chu Tongwei
Published: November 2021

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors endangering human health and life in the 21st century. Chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 (CDT1) is an important regulator of DNA replication licensing, which is essential for initiation of DNA replication. CDT1 overexpression in several human cancers reportedly leads to abnormal cell replication, activates DNA damage checkpoints, and predisposes malignant transformation. However, the abnormal expression of CDT1 in HCC and its diagnostic and prognostic value remains to be elucidated.

Methods

TCGA, ONCOMINE, UALCAN, HCCDB, HPA, Kaplan-Meier plotter, STRING, GEPIA, GeneMANIA, and TIMER were conducted for bioinformatics analysis. CDT1 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in HCC tissues through a tissue microarray. qRT-PCR, western blot and a cohort of functional experiments were performed for in vitro validation.

Results

In this study, we discovered remarkably upregulated transcription of CDT1 in HCC samples relative to normal liver samples through bioinformatic analysis, which was further verified in clinical tissue microarray samples and in vitro experiments. Moreover, the transcriptional level of CDT1 in HCC samples was positively associated with clinical parameters such as clinical tumor stage. Survival, logistic regression, and Cox regression analyses revealed the significant clinical prognostic value of CDT1 expression in HCC. The receiver operating characteristic curve and nomogram analysis results demonstrated the strong predictive ability of CDT1 in HCC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene set enrichment analyses indicated that CDT1 was mainly associated with the cell cycle, DNA repair, and DNA replication. We further demonstrated the significant correlation between CDT1 and minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family genes, revealing abnormal expression and prognostic significance of MCMs in HCC. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that CDT1 was significantly associated with immune cell subsets and affected the survival of HCC patients. Finally, knockdown of CDT1 decreased, whereas overexpression of CDT1 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion of HCC cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Our study findings demonstrate the potential diagnostic and prognostic significance of CDT1 expression in HCC, and elucidate the potential molecular mechanism underlying its role in promoting the occurrence and development of liver cancer. These results may provide new opportunities and research paths for targeted therapies in HCC.
Combined Use of cyclinD1 and Ki67 for Prognosis of Luminal-Like Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Hao Junmei , Zhang Wenfeng , Lyu Yan , Zou Jiarui , Zhang Yunyun , Lyu Jiahong , Zhang Jianbo , Xie Shuishan , Zhang Cuiping , Zhang Jiandi , Tang Fangrong
Published: November 2021

Background

Ki67 is a biomarker of proliferation to be used in immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based surrogate assay to determine the necessity of cytotoxic therapy for Luminal-like breast cancer patients. cyclinD1 is another frequently used biomarker of proliferation. A retrospective study was performed here to investigate if these two biomarkers may be combined to improve the prognosis of Luminal-like patients.

Methods

Both Ki67 and cyclinD1 protein levels were measured absolutely and quantitatively using Quantitative Dot Blot method in 143 Luminal-like specimens. Optimized cutoffs for these two biomarkers were developed to evaluate their prognostic roles using Kaplan–Meier overall survival (OS) analysis.

Results

cyclinD1 was found as an independent prognostic factor from Ki67 in univariate and multivariate OS analyses. At optimized cutoffs (cyclinD1 at 0.44 μmol/g and Ki67 at 2.31 nmol/g), the subgroup with both biomarkers below the cutoffs (n = 65) had 10-year survival probability at 90% in comparison to those with both biomarkers above the cutoffs (n = 18) with 8-year survival probability at 26% (log-rank test, p <0.0001). This finding was used to modify the surrogate assay using IHC-based cyclinD1 scores, with p-value decreased from 0.031 to 0.00061 or from 0.1 to 0.02, when the Ki67 score of 14 or 20% was used as cutoff, respectively, in the surrogate assay.

Conclusion

The current study supports the prospective investigation of cyclinD1 relevance in the clinic.
Cost-Effectiveness of Ipilimumab Plus Anti-PD-1 Therapy Versus Ipilimumab Alone in Patients With Metastatic Melanoma Resistant to Anti-PD-(L)1 Monotherapy
Authors: Peng Ye , Zeng Xiaohui , Peng Liubao , Liu Qiao , Yi Lidan , Luo Xia , Li Sini , Wang Liting , Qin Shuxia , Wan Xiaomin , Tan Chongqing
Published: November 2021

Objective

The use of ipilimumab plus anti-PD-1 has recently been shown to significantly improve the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma resistant to anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy. The study assessed the cost-effectiveness of ipilimumab plus anti-PD-1 therapy in this population from the US payer perspective.

Materials and Methods

A Markov model was created based on a retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic melanoma who were resistant to anti-PD-(L)1. Cost information was obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and literature-based costs. The utility value was derived from the published literature. The results of the model was the total cost, quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The uncertainty of the model was addressed through sensitivity analysis. In addition, we also conducted subgroup analysis.

Results

Ipilimumab plus anti-PD-1 provided an improvement of 1.39 QALYs and 2.48 LYs, at a ICER of $73,163 per QALY. The HR of OS was the variable that had the greatest impact on ICER. Compared to ipilimumab, the probability of ipilimumab plus anti-PD-1 being cost-effective was 94% at the WTP of $150,000/QALY. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the ICER in the majority of the subgroups was less than $150,000/QALY.

Conclusions

Ipilimumab plus anti-PD-1 was likely to be cost-effective compared to ipilimumab for patients with metastatic melanoma who are resistant to anti-PD-(L)1 at a WTP threshold of 150,000/QALY.