bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online and Distributed Robust Regressions with Extremely Noisy Labels
Authors: Lei Shuo , Zhang Xuchao , Zhao Liang , Boedihardjo Arnold P. , Lu Chang-Tien
Published: October 2021

In today’s era of big data, robust least-squares regression becomes a more challenging problem when considering the extremely corrupted labels along with explosive growth of datasets. Traditional robust methods can handle the noise but suffer from several challenges when applied in huge dataset including (1) computational infeasibility of handling an entire dataset at once, (2) existence of heterogeneously distributed corruption, and (3) difficulty in corruption estimation when data cannot be entirely loaded. This article proposes online and distributed robust regression approaches, both of which can concurrently address all the above challenges. Specifically, the distributed algorithm optimizes the regression coefficients of each data block via heuristic hard thresholding and combines all the estimates in a distributed robust consolidation. In addition, an online version of the distributed algorithm is proposed to incrementally update the existing estimates with new incoming data. Furthermore, a novel online robust regression method is proposed to estimate under a biased-batch corruption. We also prove that our algorithms benefit from strong robustness guarantees in terms of regression coefficient recovery with a constant upper bound on the error of state-of-the-art batch methods. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real datasets demonstrate that our approaches are superior to those of existing methods in effectiveness, with competitive efficiency.
NTP-Miner: Nonoverlapping Three-Way Sequential Pattern Mining
Authors: Wu Youxi , Luo Lanfang , Li Yan , Guo Lei , Fournier-Viger Philippe , Zhu Xingquan , Wu Xindong
Published: October 2021

Nonoverlapping sequential pattern mining is an important type of sequential pattern mining (SPM) with gap constraints, which not only can reveal interesting patterns to users but also can effectively reduce the search space using the Apriori (anti-monotonicity) property. However, the existing algorithms do not focus on attributes of interest to users, meaning that existing methods may discover many frequent patterns that are redundant. To solve this problem, this article proposes a task called nonoverlapping three-way sequential pattern (NTP) mining, where attributes are categorized according to three levels of interest: strong, medium, and weak interest. NTP mining can effectively avoid mining redundant patterns since the NTPs are composed of strong and medium interest items. Moreover, NTPs can avoid serious deviations (the occurrence is significantly different from its pattern) since gap constraints cannot match with strong interest patterns. To mine NTPs, an effective algorithm is put forward, called NTP-Miner, which applies two main steps: support (frequency occurrence) calculation and candidate pattern generation. To calculate the support of an NTP, depth-first and backtracking strategies are adopted, which do not require creating a whole Nettree structure, meaning that many redundant nodes and parent–child relationships do not need to be created. Hence, time and space efficiency is improved. To generate candidate patterns while reducing their number, NTP-Miner employs a pattern join strategy and only mines patterns of strong and medium interest. Experimental results on stock market and protein datasets show that NTP-Miner not only is more efficient than other competitive approaches but can also help users find more valuable patterns. More importantly, NTP mining has achieved better performance than other competitive methods in clustering tasks. Algorithms and data are available at:
https://github.com/wuc567/Pattern-Mining/tree/master/NTP-Miner
.
Deciphering Feature Effects on Decision-Making in Ordinal Regression Problems: An Explainable Ordinal Factorization Model
Authors: Guo Mengzhuo , Xu Zhongzhi , Zhang Qingpeng , Liao Xiuwu , Liu Jiapeng
Published: October 2021

Ordinal regression predicts the objects’ labels that exhibit a natural ordering, which is vital to decision-making problems such as credit scoring and clinical diagnosis. In these problems, the ability to explain how the individual features and their interactions affect the decisions is as critical as model performance. Unfortunately, the existing ordinal regression models in the machine learning community aim at improving prediction accuracy rather than explore explainability. To achieve high accuracy while explaining the relationships between the features and the predictions, we propose a new method for ordinal regression problems, namely the Explainable Ordinal Factorization Model (XOFM). XOFM uses piecewise linear functions to approximate the shape functions of individual features, and renders the pairwise features interaction effects as heat-maps. The proposed XOFM captures the nonlinearity in the main effects and ensures the interaction effects’ same flexibility. Therefore, the underlying model yields comparable performance while remaining explainable by explicitly describing the main and interaction effects. To address the potential sparsity problem caused by discretizing the whole feature scale into several sub-intervals, XOFM integrates the Factorization Machines (FMs) to factorize the model parameters. Comprehensive experiments with benchmark real-world and synthetic datasets demonstrate that the proposed XOFM leads to state-of-the-art prediction performance while preserving an easy-to-understand explainability.
Influence of Surface Roughness on a Highly Loaded Axial Compressor Stage Performance at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Cheng Hongzhi , Wang Mingyang , Zhou Chuangxin , Zhao Shengfeng , Lu Xingen , Zhu Junqiang
Published: October 2021

In the present study, a numerical simulation was conducted to investigate the influence of surface roughness on the aerodynamic performance of a 1.5-stage highly loaded axial compressor at low Reynolds number. It was especially considered how the roughness Reynolds number (

k

+

) affected the change of the inlet and outlet conditions, the growth of the separation bubble (LSB), the status of the limiting streamline, and the patterns of the wake. Regarding the roughness settings, five roughness magnitudes and four roughness locations were mainly studied. The results showed that at low Re, surface roughness mainly improved the stage performance by reducing the length and width of the LSB as well as the rotor tip vorticity, delaying the occurrence of three-dimensional flow separation and increasing the turbulence level near the wall. However, it also aggravated the incoordination between the subsequent stages to a certain extent, which limited further improvement of the overall aerodynamic performance. Generally, with

k

+

increasing, the compressor aerodynamic performance improved and achieved the best at

k

+

=
137.8

. The maximum increases in the total pressure ratio, peak efficiency, and chocked mass flow were approximately 4.01%, 5.34%, and 2.24%, respectively. In addition, for all the four roughness locations, the roughness covering from the leading edge to 50% of the axial chord length on the suction surface had a relatively evident advantage in improving the compressor peak efficiency because of the better control of the LSB and wall shear stress.
Therapeutic Role of Mango Peels in Management of Dyslipidemia and Oxidative Stress in Obese Females
Authors: Arshad Farkhanda , Umbreen Huma , Aslam Iqra , Hameed Arruje , Aftab Kiran , Al-Qahtani Wahidah H. , Aslam Nighat , Noreen Razia
Published: October 2021

Obesity is a chronic metabolic and noncommunicable disease that affects 50% of world population. Reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress are interconnected with the obesity and several metabolic disorders, gaining the attention of scientific community to combat this problem naturally. Among various fruits, mango as a yellow fruit is rich in polyphenols, carotenoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that act as antioxidants to protect against free radicals produced in the body. The present study was performed to explore in vivo antioxidant potential of mango peels against dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. The female volunteers (n = 31) between 25 and 45 years of age having a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0‐29.9 (overweight) were included in this study, while participants with complications as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular, and liver diseases were excluded. The treatment group consumed 1 g mango peel powder for 84 days. The subjects were analyzed for biochemical analysis, antioxidant status, and anthropometric measurements at baseline and end of the study period. Further, at the end of study, the safety evaluation tests were also performed. The results showed that upon consumption of mango peel powder, low‐density lipoproteins (LDL), cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, and creatinine levels were decreased and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level was increased (P ≤ 0.05), while thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) showed increased antioxidant status (P ≤ 0.05) which suggests that mango peels have a strong management potential against oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in obese subjects.
A Statistical Approach to Cost-Sensitive AdaBoost for Imbalanced Data Classification
Authors: Bei Honghan , Wang Yajie , Ren Zhaonuo , Jiang Shuo , Li Keran , Wang Wenyang
Published: October 2021

To address the imbalanced data problem in classification, the studies of the combination of AdaBoost, short for “Adaptive Boosting,” and cost-sensitive learning have shown convincing results in the literature. The cost-sensitive AdaBoost algorithms are practical since the “boosting” property in AdaBoost can iteratively enhance the small class of the cost-sensitive learning to solve the imbalanced data issue. However, the most available cost-sensitive AdaBoost algorithms are heuristic approaches, which are improved from the standard AdaBoost algorithm by cost-sensitively adjusting the voting weight parameters of weak classifiers or the sample updating weight parameters without strict theoretic proof. The algorithms are appended the cost-sensitive factors to focus on the high-cost and small-class samples, but they have no procedures to show the best place to add the cost factors and the cost factor value set. To complete the cost-sensitive AdaBoost algorithms’ framework, the present article has two main contributions. First, we summarize the popular cost-sensitive boosting algorithms in the literature and propose a generally comprehensive form. We name our specific one, the “AdaImC algorithm,” which is typically appliable to solve the imbalanced data classification problem with theoretic proof. Second, a statistical approach to prove the AdaImC algorithm is proposed to verify the inner relationship between the cost parameters. We show that our proposed algorithm in the machine learning field is identical to the Product of Experts (PoE) model in the statistics field. Besides, a way to determine the cost parameter value by the statistical analysis is introduced. Several numeric studies are listed finally to support our proposed algorithm.
Informatization Construction of Digital Assets in Smart Cities
Authors: Ning Wenze , Lu Mei
Published: October 2021

With the rapid popularization of the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities driven by IoT technology have become a matter of concern. This study mainly investigates the construction of digital asset based on the data collected from government departments, enterprises and institutions. Particularly digital asset personnel should not only get familiar with the process of smart city information management, but also be able to identify the risks in digital assets. Strict accountability mechanism can ensure the data privacy, dispel the worries of data providers, and help weaken data barriers. Supported by comprehensive numerical results, we reach a conclusion that our proposed digital asset construction scheme has practical significance in many aspects of smart city development and will help the regional Informatization considerably.
Comparison of Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Teeth Restored with FiberSite Postsystem and Glass Fiber, Combined with Different Root Canal Sealers
Authors: Eren Birgul , Ozasir Tufan , Kandemir Baris , Gulsahi Kamran
Published: October 2021

This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of FiberSite and glass fiber postsystems on the fracture resistance of endodontically restored teeth, when combined with various root canal sealers. Forty human mandibular premolar teeth, each having a single root with anatomically comparable dimension and length, were selected. The teeth in each experimental group (n = 10) were instrumented, obturated, and restored with the following procedures: in group 1, AH Plus root canal sealer and a glass fiber post with a composite core; in group 2, AH Plus root canal sealer and a FiberSite postsystem; in group 3, Sure‐Seal Root canal sealer and a glass fiber post with a composite core; and in group 4, Sure‐Seal Root canal sealer and a FiberSite postsystem. The specimens were placed on a universal test machine. The fracture resistance of all specimens was tested using generic test equipment, and the value of the force in newton (N) during fracture was measured for each root. A statistical analysis was conducted through the Kruskal–Wallis test as well as the post hoc test. The tests showed a significant difference between groups 2 and 3, with group 3 producing load values that were significantly higher than group 2. In contrast, no significant differences were found to exist between the other groups. Regardless of postsystems, groups 3 and 4 showed higher mean fracture values (but no statistically significant differences) than groups 1 and 2.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Association between Inflammatory Bowel Disease Family History and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Najafimehr Hadis , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Shalmani Hamid Mohaghegh , Vahedian-Azimi Amir , Kroh Matthew , Zali Mohammad Reza , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: October 2021

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are closely interrelated. However, the effect of having a family history of one disease on the risk of another remains undetermined. Aim. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the prevalence of a family history of CRC among patients with IBD, as well as the prevalence of a family history of IBD among patients with CRC. Methods. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies reporting the prevalence of family history of IBD among patients with CRC, in addition to the prevalence of family history of CRC among IBD patients. Criteria for study inclusion consisted of the following: (1) studies that evaluated either IBD or CRC and dysplasia, (2) included all age groups, and (3) evaluated the family history effects for IBD or CRC. The total number of IBD patients and IBD patients with a family history of CRC and the total number of CRC patients and CRC patients with a family history of IBD were reviewed. The pooled prevalence of diseases was also estimated according to degree of relatives and geographical area. Random-effects models were used for estimating pooled prevalence. Results. A total of 27 studies were included with 26,576 IBD and 9,181 CRC or dysplasia patients. Eligible studies included 13 case-control, 10 cohort, and 4 cross-sectional types. The pooled prevalence of a family history of CRC among patients with IBD was 6% (95% CI: 4-9%). The pooled prevalence for first- and second-degree relatives (11%, 95% CI: 0-37%) was more than that for the other relative subgroups of relatedness degree. The prevalence in the American regions (8% (95% CI: 5-13%)) was higher than that in the others. The pooled prevalence for a family history of IBD among CRC or dysplasia patients was 11% (95% CI: 6-16%). The pooled prevalence for first-degree relatives (13% (95% CI: 3-28%) was higher than that for the other relative subgroups of relatedness degree; it was also greater in American countries (15%, 95% CI: 8-23%). Conclusion. This study emphasizes the relationship between a family history of IBD and CRC development. Additionally, there was notable prevalence for a family history of CRC among IBD patients. American countries and first-degree relatives were identified to have a higher prevalence for both disease processes.
High DND1 Level Indicates a Poor Prognostic Factor in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Xu Gongquan , Yang Xiaotong , Li Chunchang , Wang Fan , Cui Jing , Li Bin , Xiao Huiyuan , Tang Kunlong , Cui Zhe
Published: October 2021

Background. Dead end 1 (DND1) plays a vital role during oncogenesis and cancer progression by regulating the mRNA content via competitive combination with miRNA, but what function it exerts in prostate cancer has been unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore the correlation between DND1 expression levels and clinical characteristics in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Materials and Methods. To assess the expression of DND1 in tumor specimens compared with paired paracancerous tissues, the sample from 83 patients was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to verify our results. Subsequently, we statistically analyzed the relationship between DND1 expression and the clinical prognosis of PCa patients. Results. Compared with paracancerous tissues, DND1 has a higher expression level in prostate cancer. The overexpression of DND1 in protein level was significantly associated with the higher clinical stage (

P
=
0.006

), ISUP grading group (

P
<
0.001

), seminal vesicle invasion (

P
=
0.006

), and PSA density (

P
=
0.002

). Furthermore, the overexpression of DND1 indicates a poor clinical prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Conclusion. High-level expression of DND1 was associated with tumor progression and poor clinical prognosis. Hence, DND1 may become a potential prognostic biomarker for PCa.
Satellite Cell Expression of RAGE (Receptor for Advanced Glycation end Products) Is Important for Collateral Vessel Formation
Authors: Hansen Laura , Joseph Giji , Valdivia Alejandra , Taylor W. Robert
Published: October 2021

Background

The growth and remodeling of vascular networks is an important component of the prognosis for patients with peripheral artery disease. One protein that has been previously implicated to play a role in this process is RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products). This study sought to determine the cellular source of RAGE in the ischemic hind limb and the role of RAGE signaling in this cell type.

Methods and Results

Using a hind limb ischemia model of vascular growth, this study found skeletal muscle satellite cells to be a novel major cellular source of RAGE in ischemic tissue by both staining and cellular sorting. Although wild‐type satellite cells increased tumor necrosis factor‐α and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 production in response to ischemia in vivo and a RAGE ligand in vitro, satellite cells from RAGE knockout mice lacked the increase in cytokine production both in vivo in response to ischemia and in vitro after stimuli with the RAGE ligand high‐mobility group box 1. Furthermore, encapsulated wild‐type satellite cells improved perfusion after hind limb ischemia surgery by both perfusion staining and vessel quantification, but RAGE knockout satellite cells provided no improvement over empty capsules.

Conclusions

Thus, RAGE expression and signaling in satellite cells is crucial for their response to stimuli and angiogenic and arteriogenic functions.
Is It All About Endothelial Dysfunction and Thrombosis Formation? The Secret of COVID-19
Authors: Elyaspour Zahra , Zibaeenezhad Mohammad Javad , Razmkhah Mahboobeh , Razeghian-Jahromi Iman
Published: October 2021

The world is in a hard battle against COVID-19. Endothelial cells are among the most critical targets of SARS-CoV-2. Dysfunction of endothelium leads to vascular injury following by coagulopathies and thrombotic conditions in the vital organs increasing the risk of life-threatening events. Growing evidences revealed that endothelial dysfunction and consequent thrombotic conditions are associated with the severity of outcomes. It is not yet fully clear that these devastating sequels originate directly from the virus or a side effect of virus-induced cytokine storm. Due to endothelial dysfunction, plasma levels of some biomarkers are changed and relevant clinical manifestations appear as well. Stabilization of endothelial integrity and supporting its function are among the promising therapeutic strategies. Other than respiratory, COVID-19 could be called a systemic vascular disease and this aspect should be scrutinized in more detail in order to reduce related mortality. In the present investigation, the effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function and thrombosis formation are discussed. In this regard, critical players, laboratory findings, clinical manifestation, and suggestive therapies are presented.
European agroforestry has no unequivocal effect on biodiversity: a time-cumulative meta-analysis
Authors: Mupepele Anne-Christine , Keller Matteo , Dormann Carsten F.
Published: October 2021

Background

Agroforestry is a production system combining trees with crops or livestock. It has the potential to increase biodiversity in relation to single-use systems, such as pastures or cropland, by providing a higher habitat heterogeneity. In a literature review and subsequent meta-analysis, we investigated the relationship between biodiversity and agroforestry and critically appraised the underlying evidence of the results.

Results

Overall, there was no benefit of agroforestry to biodiversity. A time-cumulative meta-analysis demonstrated the robustness of this result between 1991 and 2019. In a more nuanced view silvopastoral systems were not more diverse in relation to forests, pastures or abandoned silvopastures. However, silvoarable systems increased biodiversity compared to cropland by 60%. A subgroup analysis showed that bird and arthropod diversity increased in agroforestry systems, while bats, plants and fungi did not.

Conclusion

Agroforestry increases biodiversity only in silvoarable systems in relation to cropland. But even this result is of small magnitude, and single-study effect sizes were heterogeneous with sometimes opposing conclusions. The heterogeneity suggests the importance of other, usually unmeasured variables, such as landscape parameters or land-use history, influencing biodiversity in agroforestry systems.
Identification of C3 and FN1 as potential biomarkers associated with progression and prognosis for clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Dong Yang , Ma Wei-ming , Yang Wen , Hao Lin , Zhang Shao-qi , Fang Kun , Hu Chun-hui , Zhang Qian-jin , Shi Zhen-duo , Zhang Wen-da , Fan Tao , Xia Tian , Han Cong-hui
Published: October 2021

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most lethal urological malignancies, but the pathogenesis and prognosis of ccRCC remain obscure, which need to be better understand.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were identified and function enrichment analyses were performed using three publicly available ccRCC gene expression profiles downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The protein-protein interaction and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were visualized by Cytoscape. Multivariate Cox analysis was used to predict an optimal risk mode, and the survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test. Protein expression data were downloaded from Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium database and Human Protein Atlas database, and the clinical information as well as the corresponding lncRNA and miRNA expression data were obtained via The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The co-expressed genes and potential function of candidate genes were explored using data exacted from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia database.

Results

Of the 1044 differentially expressed genes shared across the three datasets, 461 were upregulated, and 583 were downregulated, which significantly enriched in multiple immunoregulatory-related biological process and tumor-associated pathways, such as HIF-1, PI3K-AKT, P53 and Rap1 signaling pathways. In the most significant module, 36 hub genes were identified and were predominantly enriched in inflammatory response and immune and biotic stimulus pathways. Survival analysis and validation of the hub genes at the mRNA and protein expression levels suggested that these genes, particularly complement component 3 (C3) and fibronectin 1 (FN1), were primarily responsible for ccRCC tumorigenesis and progression. Increased expression of C3 or FN1 was also associated with advanced clinical stage, high pathological grade, and poor survival in patients with ccRCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis qualified the expression levels of the two genes as candidate biomarkers for predicting poor survival. FN1 was potentially regulated by miR-429, miR-216b and miR-217, and constructed a bridge to C3 and C3AR1 in the ceRNA network, indicating a critical position of FN1.

Conclusions

The biomarkers C3 and FN1 could provide theoretical support for the development of a novel prognostic tool to advance ccRCC diagnosis and targeted therapy.
Microarray profile analysis identifies ETS1 as potential biomarker regulated by miR-23b and modulates TCF4 in gastric cancer
Authors: Mei Dinglian , Qi Yalong , Xia Yuanyuan , Ma Jun , Hu Hao , Ai Jun , Chen Liqiang , Wu Ning , Liao Daixiang
Published: October 2021

Background

Gastric cancer (GC), a common malignancy of the human digestive system, represents the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection of GC has a significant impact on clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to identify potential GC biomarkers.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a multi-step analysis of expression profiles in GC clinical samples downloaded from TCGA database to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs). Potential prognostic biomarkers from the available DEMs were then established using the Cox regression method. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the biological role of the predicted target genes of the miRNA biomarkers. Then, the prognostic DEM-mediated regulatory network was constructed based on transcription factor (TF)–miRNA–target interaction. Subsequently, the consensus genes were further determined based on the overlap between DEGs and these target genes of DEMs. Besides, expression profile, co-expression analysis, immunity, and prognostic values of these prognostic genes were also investigated to further explore the roles in the mechanism of GC tumorigenesis.

Results

We got five miRNAs, including miR-23b, miR-100, miR-143, miR-145, and miR-409, which are associated with the overall survival of GC patients. Subsequently, enrichment analysis of the target genes of the miRNA biomarkers shown that the GO biological process terms were mainly enriched in mRNA catabolic process, nuclear chromatin, and RNA binding. In addition, the KEGG pathways were significantly enriched in fatty acid metabolism, extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction, and proteoglycans in cancer pathways. The transcriptional regulatory network consisting of 68 TFs, 4 DEMs, and 58 targets was constructed based on the interaction of TFs, miRNAs, and targets. The downstream gene ETS1 of miR-23b and TCF4 regulated by ETS1 were obtained by the regulatory network construction and co-expression analysis. High expression of ETS1 and TCF4 indicated poor prognosis in GC patients, particularly in the advanced stages. The expression of ETS1 and TCF4 was correlated with CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells.

Conclusions

miR-23b, ETS1, and TCF4 were identified as the prognostic biomarkers. ETS1 and TCF4 had potential immune function in GC, which provided a theoretical basis for molecular-targeted combined immunotherapy in the future.
Separation from mechanical ventilation and survival after spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schreiber Annia F. , Garlasco Jacopo , Vieira Fernando , Lau Yie Hui , Stavi Dekel , Lightfoot David , Rigamonti Andrea , Burns Karen , Friedrich Jan O. , Singh Jeffrey M. , Brochard Laurent J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Prolonged need for mechanical ventilation greatly impacts life expectancy of patients after spinal cord injury (SCI). Weaning outcomes have never been systematically assessed. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the probability of weaning success, duration of mechanical ventilation, mortality, and their predictors in mechanically ventilated patients with SCI.

Methods

We searched six databases from inception until August 2021 for randomized-controlled trials and observational studies enrolling adult patients (≥ 16 years) with SCI from any cause requiring mechanical ventilation. Titles and abstracts were screened independently by two reviewers. Full texts of the identified articles were then assessed for eligibility. Data were extracted independently and in duplicate by pairs of authors, using a standardized data collection form. Synthetic results are reported as meta-analytic means and proportions, based on random effects models.

Results

Thirty-nine studies (14,637 patients, mean age 43) were selected. Cervical lesions were predominant (12,717 patients had cervical lesions only, 1843 in association with other levels’ lesions). Twenty-five studies were conducted in intensive care units (ICUs), 14 in rehabilitative settings.

In ICU, the mean time from injury to hospitalization was 8 h [95% CI 7–9], mean duration of mechanical ventilation 27 days [20–34], probability of weaning success 63% [45–78] and mortality 8% [5–11]. Patients hospitalized in rehabilitation centres had a greater number of high-level lesions (C3 or above), were at 40 days [29–51] from injury and were ventilated for a mean of 97 days [65–128]; 82% [70–90] of them were successfully weaned, while mortality was 1% [0–19].

Conclusions

Although our study highlights the lack of uniform definition of weaning success, of clear factors associated with weaning outcomes, and of high-level evidence to guide optimal weaning in patients with SCI, it shows that around two-thirds of mechanically ventilated patients can be weaned in ICU after SCI. A substantial gain in weaning success can be obtained during rehabilitation, with additional duration of stay but minimal increase in mortality. The study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020156788).
FRAILTY AND COGNITION
Authors: Houles M. , Canevelli M. , Abellan van Kan G. , Ousset P.J. , Cesari M. , Vellas B.
Published: October 2021

Frailty is a common, heterogeneous, geriatric syndrome associated with adverse health events. Over the last years, a growing debate has emerged concerning the inclusion of cognitive impairment in the definition of frailty. In fact, cognitive impairment has been increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to the clinical vulnerability of older persons. This review presents key studies describing the interrelationships between cognition and frailty; in particular we examine the clinical relevance of cognitive impairment in the determination of the frailty syndrome.
Wealth Inequality and the Racial Wealth Gap
Authors: Aladangady Aditya , Forde Akila
Published: October 2021

In the United States, the average Black and Hispanic or Latino households earn about half as much as the average White household and own only about 15 to 20 percent as much net wealth. As we see in Figure 1 below, this wealth gap has widened notably over the past few decades.
’N KRITIESE EVALUERING VAN DIE BELEID TEN OPSIGTE VAN PROSTITUSIE IN SUID-AFRIKA EN ALTERNATIEWE VIR DIE TOEKOMS
Authors: Rinda Botha  , Hennie Oosthuizen
Published: October 2021

This article critically investigates the prohibitionist approach that is currently followed with regard to prostitution in South Africa. The problems of violence, absence of control over the spreading of HIV as well as sexworkers’ lack of labour rights specifically enjoy attention. The alternative approaches of abolition, regulation and the labour approach (followed by some other countries) are investigated with the purpose of new proposals concerning South Africa’s future in this respect. Authors of this article are of a view that an approach, combining a regulating and a labour approach, might lead the way to an improvement in the treatment of prostitution, although it might pose a huge challenge to South Africa as a developing country.
DEFINING THE LIMITS OF THE “OPPRESSION REMEDY” IN THE WAKE OF SECTION 163 OF THE COMPANIES ACT 71 OF 2008 Grancy Properties Limited v Manala [2013] 3 All SA 111 (SCA)
Authors: Michael Lehloenya  , Tshegofatso Kgarabjang
Published: October 2021

The case of Grancy Properties Limited v Manala ([2013] 3 All SA 111 (SCA))was an appeal from the ruling of the Western Cape High Court involving the interpretation and application of section 163 of the Companies Act 71 of 2008. The section allows a shareholder or director of a company to lodge an application for relief in instances of conduct that is oppressive or unfairly prejudicial, or which unfairly disregards the interests of the applicant. The main question for determination by the Supreme Court of Appeal was whether the appellant was entitled to relief in terms of section 163 (2)(f)(i), based on the facts presented in the court below. The significance of section 163 lies in the changes it brings to the “oppression remedy” (this is the common expression used to refer to the remedy provided for in s 163), including widening the scope of the remedy, expanding the discretion given to the courts in issuing an order and making the content of the remedy clearer relative to previous equivalent provisions. The primary question under consideration in this note is whether the section goes far enough in providing protection to minority shareholders and others affected by corporate conduct. The note also examines the overall impact of section 163 and offers suggestions for possible future improvements.
“MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST” FOR PURPOSES OF A STRIKE Vanachem Vanadium Products (Pty) Ltd v National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa [2014] 9 BLLR 923 (LC)
Authors: ME Manamela
Published: October 2021

The concept of “matters of mutual interest” is used in a number of sections and definitions in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA). This is an indication that this is an important concept in labour law, and it is therefore imperative that it be properly understood. At times this concept is misunderstood to be synonymous with disputes of interest, however, that is not necessarily the case. This concept is used, for example, in the definitions of both collective agreement and strike contained in section 213 of the LRA. It is also used in section 134 of the LRA which deals with dispute resolution. In spite of its importance, the LRA does not provide a definition for the concept. As a result the interpretation of this concept has raised some challenges as it will be seen from Vanachem Vanadium Products (Pty) Ltd v National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa ([2014] 9 BLLR 923 (LC)). In this matter, the court was required to determine whether certain matters were matters of mutual interest for purposes of strike action. Section 213 of the LRA defines “strike” as: “the partial or complete concerted refusal to work, or the retardation or obstruction of work, by persons who are or have been employed by the same employer or by different employers, for the purpose of remedying a grievance or resolving a dispute in respect of any matter of mutual interest (author’s own emphasis) between employer and employee …”

Based on the above definition, the purpose of the refusal to work by employees must be to “remedy a grievance” or “resolve a dispute in respect of matters of mutual interest between the employer and employees”. A dispute which does not fall under matters of mutual interest is therefore not covered for purposes of a strike. The correct interpretation of this concept in this context is important as it ultimately determines whether or not a trade union and its members may strike in support of a particular demand. This note will consider the concept of “matters of mutual interest” and the way it has been interpreted and then evaluate the finding in Vanachem Vanadium Products v NUMSA in order to determine whether the court was correct in its determination of whether disputes or demands raised by NUMSA for purposes of a strike were matters of mutual interest or not.
THE LINK BETWEEN REPLACEMENT LABOUR AND ERUPTION OF VIOLENCE DURING INDUSTRIAL ACTION
Authors: Mlungisi Tenza
Published: October 2021

The use of replacement workers during strikes has been a cause for concern in recent years. Since industrial action often becomes violent, the question that arises is whether the use of replacement labour can be one of the factors that contributes to the eruption of such violence. This article investigates whether there is a link between the use of replacement labour and the eruption of violence during a strike. In doing this, the author refers to certain instances where such use has resulted in friction between striking employees and replacement workers. Strikers believe that the use of such workers robs them of their weaponry of strike. The argument goes on to say that such use enables the employer to not commit faithfully to negotiations because he or she does not feel the economic harm that the employees want to inflict, as he or she is able to continue with production or delivery, while the former suffer from the “no work no pay” rule. The article argues that in the presence of the provision in the Labour Relations Act that permits employers to use such workers, the relations between employers and unions will remain unhealthy, if not tense. The article further argues that such use will have the effect of protracting negotiations and delay dispute settlements. As a result, it is suggested that the relevant clause be removed from the Labour Relations Act.
CAN A NON-MEMBER SPOUSE PROTECT HIS OR HER INTEREST IN THE MEMBER SPOUSE’S ACCRUED PENSION BENEFITS BEFORE DIVORCE?
Authors: MC Marumoagae
Published: October 2021

A court hearing a divorce matter is empowered by relevant provisions of the Divorce Act to order that a portion of a member spouse’s pension interest be assigned to his or her former spouse, which amount should be paid by the member’s pension fund when it “accrues”. In order to ensure that a non-member’s spouse does not wait for a long period after the divorce to be paid his or her share of the member’s pension interest, the clean break principle has been introduced to enable him or her to immediately claim his or her share of the member spouse's pension benefits on the date of divorce. However, when one spouse has been accorded his or her pension benefits during the subsistence of the marriage, there is no legislative provision which forces such a spouse to share such benefits with his or her non-member spouse. But the same spouse can claim against the pension interest of the other spouse when parties divorce. This note argues that there is a need for a legislative provision which would empower non-member spouses married in community of property to claim part of the pension benefits of their member spouses when they accrue during the subsistence of the marriage.
AN ANALYSIS OF PROFESSOR LOURENS DU PLESSIS’ EARLY (PRO-LIFE) AND LATER (PRO- CHOICE) PERSPECTIVES ON ABORTION
Authors: Najma Moosa
Published: October 2021

Abortion, or termination of pregnancy, albeit in gradations from most to less restrictive to unrestricted, has always been legally allowed in South Africa. This questions the need for the introduction of new law. Legalisation of abortion has reduced abortion to a form of failed contraception. Illegal abortions motivated new law, as well as research, Professor Lourens Marthinus du Plessis’ constitutional argument favouring women’s (reproductive) right to abortion. Yet, illegal abortions continue as before democracy when the seemingly Christian, racially-motivated law, was flouted by white and black women alike. The Constitution adopts a neutral position on the right to life, but is decidedly pro-abortion. This does not imply that a constitutional challenge, which has yet to occur, seeking to amend the current status quo and to provide protection to an unborn, may be an exercise in futility. This article is written in honour of, and analyses the role and early “pro-life” views of the now retired Du Plessis as a white Afrikaner male, husband, father and proud grandfather, schooled in a traditional, conservative strand of Christianity, and as an anti-apartheid constitutional lawyer and drafter – to determine whether his liberal political views are compatible with his moral views and whether they may have since changed.
UBER vis-à-vis UTI – ONAFHANKLIKE KONTRAKTEURS OF WERKNEMERS: TEMPERING VAN ARTIKEL 200A VAN WAV
Authors: Fanie van Jaarsveld
Published: October 2021

Uber-Technologies het wêreldwyd die afgelope paar jaar prominent op die voorgrond getree en tradisionele huurmotorskemas in beroering gehad en “uit rat gegooi”. Benewens sy eie vestingsprobleme in Suid-Afrika, het dit in Noord-Amerika (Amerika en Kanada) by verskeie geleenthede by litigasie ten opsigte van dieselfde regsvraag betrokke geraak. Die sleutelvraag was telkens of die bestuurders van hulle eie voertuie as sogenaamde huurmotors ten behoewe van Uber(U) se kliënte, as werknemers van Uber beskou moes word, of was en is hulle bloot onafhanklike kontrakteurs wat hulle eie voertuie (toerusting) gebruik het om ’n eie inkomste te verdien.In ’n resente uitspraak, het baie fasette van dieselfde probleem in die Arbeidsappèlhof in Phaka v Bracks NO ((2015) 36 ILJ 1541 (LAC) (UTI-saak)) ter sprake gekom. Die regsprobleme wat die Hof moes ontrafel, was regtens van dieselfde aard en strekking, maar het ook ’n interessante tempering van die vermoede wat ten aansien van artikel 200A geld, behels.
Nystagmus eye disorder
Authors: Popov Nikolay М.
Published: October 2021

By monitoring the movements of the eyeballs, it is not difficult to make sure that they are performed with the help of very different muscles, which function simultaneously, despite the fact that they are under the influence of different cranial nerves.
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CuNi ALLOYS UNDER PRESSURE
Authors: Pham Thi Lien , Thieu Thi Thu , Dinh Cong Thanh , Nguyen Thi Thao
Published: October 2021

Structural characterization of CuNi alloys during the cooling process at different pressures from 0 GPa to 45 GPa is performed by Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The interaction potential used in the calculations for interactions between different types of atoms in the sample is the Quantum Sutton-Chen embedded potential. The increase of the pressure increases crystal-forming temperature. Mechanical properties of these samples at 300 K and different pressures were determined by using the mechanical analysis. The Young modulus of these models increases with the increase of pressure. During the deformation process, the number of disorder atoms increases dramatically in the elastic region and unchanged in the plastic region. Sliding deformation is recognized at different pressure under tensile deformation.
DESIGN OF BROADBAND AND POLARIZATION-INDEPENDENCE METAMATERIAL ABSORBER USING A CHIRAL STRUCTURE WITH CONDUCTIVE POLYMER
Authors: Tong Ba Tuan , Bui Huu Nguyen , Nguyen Thi Hau , Tran Van Huynh , Vu Dinh Lam , Le Dac Tuyen
Published: October 2021

We present a simple approach to enhance the bandwidth and absorptivity of the metamaterial absorber (MA) in the GHz region. The proposed MA is designed and simulated by computer simulation technology (CST) Microwave Studio. The results indicate that the absorption of the MA strongly depends on the conductivity of the polymer. By using a chiral structure with the low conductive polymer of 700 S\m, the absorption bandwidth is expanded up to 12.9 GHz (relative bandwidth of 85.7%) with absorptivity over 80%. It exhibits polarization-independent absorption and can be applied to fabricate broadband MA.
Study on drug utilization pattern in conservative management of patients with pancreatitis in a tertiary care teaching hospital
Authors: P. Mohanraj , S. Abinaya , K. Shalini , G. Gopalakrishnan , K. Ravichandran
Published: October 2021

Background: Drug utilization plays a key role in helping the healthcare system to understand, interpret and improve the prescribing, administration and use of medications. The objective of the study was to assess the drug utilization pattern of drugs prescribed in conservative management of pancreatitis patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in department of surgery, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University. The study period was six months from November 2019 to April 2020. A total of 115 patients were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Results: The study population containing of 90% (n=104) males and 10% (n=11) females were included in the study. Most of the patients between age group of 25-44 years (48%). The most common etiology was alcoholic 68% (n=78). 7% of population with comorbidities (5% hypertension, 2% diabetes mellitus). In analgesics, tramadol (28%) and in antibiotics cefotaxime 21% was most prescribed. Lactated ringer solution (36%) was prescribed most as intravenous hydration. 7% (n=8) and 3% (n=4) of patients receiving enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition. The average number of drugs per prescription was 8.5. Out of 1205 drugs, 61% of drugs prescribed in generic form, 39% were prescribed in brand name. The study analyzed that 69% of drugs were prescribed from essential drugs list (EDL) 2019 and 84% drugs prescribed from national list of essential medicines (NLEM) 2015. Number of prescriptions with injection were 79.07%. The overall antibiotic encounter rate 15%. Prescribed daily dose/defined daily dose (PDD/DDD) ratio of folic acid was 5.Conclusions: Drug utilization study can help in evaluating the quality of care given to the pancreatitis patients and promote rational use of medicines.
A brief study of Nox 4 inhibitors in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Soni Navneet O.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of the study was to find the merits and demerits of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox 4) inhibitors. Nox inhibitors are tested from natural sources like green tea, plumbagin, Chinese formulas like Baoshenfang, Cudrania tricuspidata, Huangqi decoction and synthetic dual Nox inhibitors. Some of them activate and regulate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Some chunk the high glucose activated alleyway, dawdling the succession of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Overall, the benefits of NOX are: reducing oxidative damage, improving renal function, reducing podocyte injury, preventing interstitial fibrosis, regulating AMPK which inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), decreasing inflammation due to high glucose, protecting mesangial cells, decreasing collagen synthesis, and reducing glomerular hypertrophy. While targeting NOX in renal impairment, off-target effects, especially cardiovascular effects, are one of the major hurdles since diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with co-morbid cardiovascular problems.