bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Rehabilitation Training Based on Automatic Extraction Algorithm on Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Caused by Exercise
Authors: Zhu Sibo , Gao Jie
Published: May 2022

Objective. In order to explore the effect of rehabilitation training based on automatic extraction algorithm on knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction under arthroscopy.Methods. 81 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury were randomly divided into observation group (42 cases) and control group (39 cases). The control group was given routine nursing, while the observation group was given rehabilitation training guidance based on automatic extraction algorithm. Lysholm score, HSS score, and range of motion of knee joint extension and flexion were used to evaluate the knee joint function before and after operation in the two groups. The quality of life of the two groups was evaluated by the concise health survey scale. The results showed that 50% of deep venous thrombosis occurred on the first day and 30% on the second day after operation. There was no significant difference in preoperative Lysholm score, HSS score, and knee flexion activity between the observation group and the control group (P>0.01). After 1-month, 5-month, and 1-year follow-up, the effective rate of knee function recovery in the observation group was significantly better than that in the control group. Lysholm score, HSS score, and knee extension and flexion activity were significantly different from those in the control group (P<0.01). The postoperative SF-36 quality of life score of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, indicating that the quality of life of the observation group was significantly better than that of the control group. Therefore, early postoperative rehabilitation training guidance based on automatic extraction algorithm can improve local blood circulation and improve knee function and reduce pain, so as to promote the early recovery of patients.
Effect of Biomass Improvement Method on Reclaimed Soil of Mining Wasteland
Authors: Xu Yanfei , An Shikai , Chen Yongchun , Yuan Chao , Tao Pengfei
Published: May 2022

Aiming at the problem of soil improvement for mining wasteland reclamation, this article takes the coal mining subsidence reclamation area of a coal mine in the east of China as the research object. Compost improvement and green manure improvement experiments were carried out to study the impact of different biomass improvement methods on the quality of reclaimed soil. 10 soil physical and chemical indicators including water content, total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, total phosphorus, organic matter, pH, and conductivity were selected to evaluate the effect of soil improvement. After 5 months of soil improvement, the results showed that planting alfalfa and Mexican corn in the reclaimed area can increase soil available phosphorus, available potassium, total phosphorus, and organic matter content. Cattail, a common aquatic plant in the coal mining subsidence area in the east, is used to make organic compost. When the compost is applied to reclaimed soil, the content of available phosphorus, available potassium, and total phosphorus in the soil can be significantly increased. Using white vanilla clover as green manure for reclaiming soil can significantly increase the content of nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and total phosphorus in the soil. Biomass improvement technology can improve the fertility level of coal mine reclamation soil in a short time. It is conducive to promoting the restoration of soil fertility of mining wasteland and realizing the sustainable development and utilization of plant resources and land resources.
Economic Analysis of Incremental Distribution Network Construction of Urban Industrial Park under the Background of Smart City
Authors: Duan Dingkang
Published: May 2022

The distribution system of urban industrial parks involves many relevant subjects, and there is an urgent need to effectively evaluate the technical and economic methods of distribution systems of urban industrial parks. This paper gives the architecture of a smart city and analyzes the characteristics of the incremental distribution network of the urban industrial park. The life cycle cost model of distribution network equipment is established, and the method for calculating the life cycle cost of distribution network equipment under multiple strategies is studied. The application of the economic evaluation of the urban distribution network is described in detail, and its evaluation indicators under the current power grid, the single plan of the planned grid, and the multiple plans of the planned grid are introduced. The results show that the evaluation method in this paper has the advantages of good versatility and strong operability for the economic evaluation of incremental distribution network construction.
Queue Length Estimation for Signalized Intersections under Partially Connected Vehicle Environment
Authors: Wei Lu , Li Jin-hong , Xu Li-wen , Gao Lei , Yang Jian
Published: May 2022

Queue length is a crucial measurement of traffic signal control at urban intersections. Conventional queue length estimation methods mostly still rely on fixed detectors. The development of connected vehicles (CV) provides massive amounts of vehicle trajectory data, and the queue length estimation based on CV data has received considerable attention in recent years. However, most existing CV-based methods require the prior knowledge of the penetration rate of CV and vehicle arrivals, but the estimation of these prior distributions has not been well studied. To address this issue, this paper proposes a cycle-based queue length estimation method under partially connected vehicle (CV) environment, with the prior vehicle arrivals being unknown. The empirical Bayes method is adopted to estimate the arrival rate by leveraging the observed queued CV information such as the number and positions. The hyperparameter estimation problem of the prior distribution is solved by the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method. To validate the proposed queue length estimation method, a simulation environment with partially connected vehicles is established using VISSIM and Python for data generating. The results in terms of normalized mean absolute errors (NMAE) and normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE) show that the proposed method could produce accurate and reliable estimated queue length under various CV penetration rates.
Genomic Correlates of Outcome in Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy for Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Creasy Caitlin A. , Meng Yuzhong Jeff , Forget Marie-Andrée , Karpinets Tatiana , Tomczak Katarzyna , Stewart Chip , Torres-Cabala Carlos A. , Pilon-Thomas Shari , Sarnaik Amod A. , Mulé James J. , Garraway Levi , Bustos Matias , Zhang Jianhua , Patel Sapna P. , Diab Adi , Glitza Isabella C. , Yee Cassian , Tawbi Hussein , Wong Michael K. , McQuade Jennifer , Hoon Dave S.B. , Davies Michael A. , Hwu Patrick , Amaria Rodabe N. , Haymaker Cara , Beroukhim Rameen , Bernatchez Chantale
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) historically yields a 40%–50% response rate in metastatic melanoma. However, the determinants of outcome are largely unknown.

Experimental Design:

We investigated tumor-based genomic correlates of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and response to therapy by interrogating tumor samples initially collected to generate TIL infusion products.

Results:

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) data from 64 samples indicated a positive correlation between neoantigen load and OS, but not PFS or response to therapy. RNA sequencing analysis of 34 samples showed that expression of PDE1C, RTKN2, and NGFR was enriched in responders who had improved PFS and OS. In contrast, the expression of ELFN1 was enriched in patients with unfavorable response, poor PFS and OS, whereas enhanced methylation of ELFN1 was observed in patients with favorable outcomes. Expression of ELFN1, NGFR, and PDE1C was mainly found in cancer-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells in tumor tissues across different cancer types in publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing datasets, suggesting a role for elements of the tumor microenvironment in defining the outcome of TIL therapy.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that transcriptional features of melanomas correlate with outcomes after TIL therapy and may provide candidates to guide patient selection.
Targeted Analysis of Cell-free Circulating Tumor DNA is Suitable for Early Relapse and Actionable Target Detection in Patients with Neuroblastoma
Authors: Lodrini Marco , Graef Josefine , Thole-Kliesch Theresa M. , Astrahantseff Kathy , Sprüssel Annika , Grimaldi Maddalena , Peitz Constantin , Linke Rasmus B. , Hollander Jan F. , Lankes Erwin , Künkele Annette , Oevermann Lena , Schwabe Georg , Fuchs Jörg , Szymansky Annabell , Schulte Johannes H. , Hundsdörfer Patrick , Eckert Cornelia , Amthauer Holger , Eggert Angelika , Deubzer Hedwig E.
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Treating refractory or relapsed neuroblastoma remains challenging. Monitoring body fluids for tumor-derived molecular information indicating minimal residual disease supports more frequent diagnostic surveillance and may have the power to detect resistant subclones before they give rise to relapses. If actionable targets are identified from liquid biopsies, targeted treatment options can be considered earlier.

Experimental Design:

Droplet digital PCR assays assessing MYCN and ALK copy numbers and allelic frequencies of ALK p.F1174L and ALK p.R1275Q mutations were applied to longitudinally collected liquid biopsies and matched tumor tissue samples from 31 patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. Total cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels and marker detection were compared with data from routine clinical diagnostics.

Results:

Total cfDNA concentrations in blood plasma from patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were higher than in healthy controls and consistently correlated with neuron-specific enolase levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity but not with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scores at relapse diagnosis. Targeted cfDNA diagnostics proved superior for early relapse detection to all current diagnostics in 2 patients. Marker analysis in cfDNA indicated intratumor heterogeneity for cell clones harboring MYCN amplifications and druggable ALK alterations that were not detectable in matched tumor tissue samples in 17 patients from our cohort. Proof of concept is provided for molecular target detection in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with isolated central nervous system relapses.

Conclusions:

Tumor-specific alterations can be identified and monitored during disease course in liquid biopsies from pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. This approach to cfDNA surveillance warrants further prospective validation and exploitation for diagnostic purposes and to guide therapeutic decisions.
Association ofTP53andCDKN2AMutation Profile with Tumor Mutation Burden in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Deneka Alexander Y. , Baca Yasmine , Serebriiskii Ilya G. , Nicolas Emmanuelle , Parker Mitchell I. , Nguyen Theodore T. , Xiu Joanne , Korn W. Michael , Demeure Michael J. , Wise-Draper Trisha , Sukari Ammar , Burtness Barbara , Golemis Erica A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a frequently devastating cancer that affects more than a half million people annually worldwide. Although some cases arise from infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), HPV-negative HNSCC is more common, and associated with worse outcome. Advanced HPV-negative HNSCC may be treated with surgery, chemoradiation, targeted therapy, or immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). There is considerable need for predictive biomarkers for these treatments. Defects in DNA repair capacity and loss of cell-cycle checkpoints sensitize tumors to cytotoxic therapies, and can contribute to phenotypes such as elevated tumor mutation burden (TMB), associated with response to ICI. Mutation of the tumor suppressors and checkpoint mediators TP53 and CDKN2A is common in HPV-negative HNSCC.

Experimental Design:

To gain insight into the relation of the interaction of TP53 and CDKN2A mutations with TMB in HNSCC, we have analyzed genomic data from 1,669 HPV-negative HNSCC tumors with multiple criteria proposed for assessing the damaging effect of TP53 mutations.

Results:

Data analysis established the TP53 and CDKN2A mutation profiles in specific anatomic subsites and suggested that specific categories of TP53 mutations are more likely to associate with CDKN2A mutation or high TMB based on tumor subsite. Intriguingly, the pattern of hotspot mutations in TP53 differed depending on the presence or absence of a cooccurring CDKN2A mutation.

Conclusions:

These data emphasize the role of tumor subsite in evaluation of mutational profiles in HNSCC, and link defects in TP53 and CDKN2A to elevated TMB levels in some tumor subgroups.
Luxeptinib (CG-806) Targets FLT3 and Clusters of Kinases Operative in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Rice William G. , Howell Stephen B. , Zhang Hongying , Rastgoo Nasrin , Local Andrea , Kurtz Stephen E. , Lo Pierrette , Bottomly Daniel , Wilmot Beth , McWeeney Shannon K. , Druker Brian J. , Tyner Jeffrey W.
Published: May 2022

Luxeptinib (CG-806) simultaneously targets FLT3 and select other kinase pathways operative in myeloid malignancies. We investigated the range of kinases it inhibits, its cytotoxicity landscape ex vivo with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples, and its efficacy in xenograft models. Luxeptinib inhibits wild-type (WT) and many of the clinically relevant mutant forms of FLT3 at low nanomolar concentrations. It is a more potent inhibitor of the activity of FLT3—internal tandem duplication, FLT3 kinase domain and gatekeeper mutants than against WT FLT3. Broad kinase screens disclosed that it also inhibits other kinases that can drive oncogenic signaling and rescue pathways, but spares kinases known to be associated with clinical toxicity. In vitro profiling of luxeptinib against 186 AML fresh patient samples demonstrated greater potency relative to other FLT3 inhibitors, including cases with mutations in FLT3, isocitrate dehydrogenase-1/2, ASXL1, NPM1, SRSF2, TP53, or RAS, and activity was documented in a xenograft AML model. Luxeptinib administered continuously orally every 12 hours at a dose that yielded a mean Cmin plasma concentration of 1.0 ± 0.3 μmol/L (SEM) demonstrated strong antitumor activity but no myelosuppression or evidence of tissue damage in mice or dogs in acute toxicology studies. On the basis of these studies, luxeptinib was advanced into a phase I trial for patients with AML and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Nonclinical Characterization of Bexmarilimab, a Clever-1–Targeting Antibody for Supporting Immune Defense Against Cancers
Authors: Hollmén Maija , Maksimow Mikael , Rannikko Jenna H. , Karvonen Matti K. , Vainio Marita , Jalkanen Sirpa , Jalkanen Markku , Mandelin Jami
Published: May 2022

Common lymphatic endothelial and vascular endothelial receptor-1 (Clever-1) is a multifunctional type-1 transmembrane protein that plays an important role in immunosuppression against tumors. Clever-1 is highly expressed in a subset of human tumor-associated macrophages and associated with poor survival. In mice, Clever-1 supports tumor growth and metastasis formation, and its deficiency or blockage induces T-cell–dependent killing of cancer cells. Therefore, targeting Clever-1 could lead to T-cell activation and restoration of immune response also in patients with cancer. This is studied in an on-going clinical trial [Macrophage Antibody To INhibit immune Suppression (MATINS); NCT03733990] in patients with advanced solid tumors where bexmarilimab, a humanized IgG4 antibody against human Clever-1, shows promising safety and efficacy.

Here, we report the humanization and nonclinical characterization of physicochemical properties, biological potency, and safety profile of bexmarilimab.

Bexmarilimab showed high affinity to Clever-1 on KG-1 cells and bound to Clever-1 on the surface of classical and intermediate monocytes derived from healthy human blood. Bexmarilimab inhibited the internalization of its natural ligand acetylated low-density lipoprotein into KG-1 cells and increased TNFα secretion from macrophages but did not impair phagocytic clearance. Bexmarilimab did not induce significant cytokine release in human whole-blood cultures, did not contain nonsafe immunogenic glycans, or show any significant binding to human Fcγ receptors or complement pathway component C1q. In vivo, bexmarilimab showed dose-dependent duration of monocyte Clever-1 receptor occupancy in cynomolgus monkeys but did not induce a cytokine storm up to a dose of 100 mg/kg.

In conclusion, these data support the clinical development of bexmarilimab for the restoration of immune response in cancers.
Augmenting Experimental Gastric Cancer Activity of Irinotecan through Liposomal Formulation and Antiangiogenic Combination Therapy
Authors: Awasthi Niranjan , Schwarz Margaret A. , Zhang Changhua , Klinz Stephan G. , Meyer-Losic Florence , Beaufils Benjamin , Thiagalingam Arunthathi , Schwarz Roderich E.
Published: May 2022

Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Combination chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for advanced GAC. Liposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) has improved pharmacokinetics (PK) and drug biodistribution compared with irinotecan (IRI, CPT-11). Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the progression and metastasis of GAC. We evaluated the antitumor efficacy of nal-IRI in combination with novel antiangiogenic agents in GAC mouse models. Animal survival studies were performed in peritoneal dissemination xenografts. Tumor growth and PK studies were performed in subcutaneous xenografts. Compared with controls, extension in animal survival by nal-IRI and IRI was >156% and >94%, respectively. The addition of nintedanib or DC101 extended nal-IRI response by 13% and 15%, and IRI response by 37% and 31% (MKN-45 xenografts); nal-IRI response by 11% and 3%, and IRI response by 16% and 40% (KATO-III xenografts). Retardation of tumor growth was greater with nal-IRI (92%) than IRI (71%). Nintedanib and DC101 addition tend to augment nal-IRI or IRI response in this model. The addition of antiangiogenic agents enhanced tumor cell proliferation inhibition effects of nal-IRI or IRI. The tumor vasculature was decreased by nintedanib (65%) and DC101 (58%), while nal-IRI and IRI alone showed no effect. PK characterization in GAC xenografts demonstrated that compared with IRI, nal-IRI treatment groups had higher retention, circulation time, and tumor levels of CPT-11 and its active metabolite SN-38. These findings indicate that nal-IRI, alone and in combination with antiangiogenic agents, has the potential for improving clinical GAC therapy.
MOZ and Menin–MLL Complexes Are Complementary Regulators of Chromatin Association and Transcriptional Output in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Hemming Matthew L. , Benson Morgan R. , Loycano Michael A. , Anderson Justin A. , Andersen Jessica L. , Taddei Madeleine L. , Krivtsov Andrei V. , Aubrey Brandon J. , Cutler Jevon A. , Hatton Charlie , Sicinska Ewa , Armstrong Scott A.
Published: May 2022

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is commonly characterized by activating mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the only approved therapy for GIST, and complementary treatment strategies are urgently needed. As GIST lacks oncogene amplification and relies upon an established network of transcription factors, we hypothesized that unique chromatin-modifying enzymes are essential in orchestrating the GIST epigenome. We identified through genome-scale CRISPR screening that MOZ and Menin–MLL chromatin regulatory complexes are cooperative and unique dependencies in GIST. These complexes were enriched at GIST-relevant genes and regulated their transcription. Inhibition of MOZ and Menin–MLL complexes decreased GIST cell proliferation by disrupting interactions with transcriptional/chromatin regulators, such as DOT1L. MOZ and Menin inhibition caused significant reductions in tumor burden in vivo, with superior effects observed with combined Menin and KIT inhibition. These results define unique ﻿chromatin regulatory dependencies in GIST and identify potential therapeutic strategies for clinical application.

Significance:

Although many malignancies rely on oncogene amplification, GIST instead depends upon epigenetic regulation of KIT and other essential genes. Utilizing genome-scale CRISPR dependency screens, we identified complementary chromatin-modifying complexes essential to GIST and characterize the consequences of their disruption, elucidating a novel therapeutic approach to this disease.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1599
Colorectal Cancer Genomics by Genetic Ancestry
Authors: Eng Cathy , Holowatyj Andreana N.
Published: May 2022

Understanding molecular features of colorectal cancer across diverse populations is an indispensable step toward reducing the pronounced disparities in this disease burden. Based on the findings that individuals of African ancestry have an observed increase in the frequency of KRAS, AOC, and PIK3CA mutations, Myer and colleagues suggest that patients of African ancestry should consider treatment and clinical trials specific to these mutations.

See related article by Myer et al., p. 1282 (2).
Cardiometabolic Effects of Irisin in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease on Regular Hemo- or Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Csiky Botond , Sági Balázs , Emmert Vanessza , Wittmann István , Sulyok Endre
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Data on the role of irisin in vascular calcification in patients with end-stage renal diseases on regular dialysis are inconsistent, and the underlying mechanisms are not clearly defined. The present study was designed to explore the association of serum irisin with vascular stiffness and with the impact of well-established risk factors. Methods: The clinical study enrolled 52 hemodialysis (HD) and 15 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with an age of >18 years receiving dialysis therapy for >3 months. Patients who had major pathologies affecting carbohydrate, lipid, and bone metabolism and those who had acute cardiovascular events were excluded. Thirty-seven healthy subjects matched for age and sex served as controls. Routine biochemical parameters were measured in fasting serum samples by standard methods. Serum irisin was determined using the commercial ELISA kit (BioVendor Laboratory Medicine Inc., Brno, Czech Republic). Arterial stiffness parameters – carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf PWV) and augmentation index (Aix) – were measured using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor System; AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia). Body composition was assessed by segmental bioelectric impedance (InBody 2.0; Biospace Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea). Results: It was demonstrated that serum irisin levels were markedly depressed (p < 0.05), while the cf PWV significantly increased (p < 0.05) in HD/PD patients as compared to controls. Serum irisin proved to be independent of serum insulin, glucose, and HOMA-IR. However, it was inversely related to HbA1c (β = −0.544, p = 0.035), iPTH (β = −0.260, p = 0.035), and alkaline phosphatase (r = −0.325, p = 0.007). Furthermore, significant negative relationships were found of irisin to serum triglyceride and indices of body fat mass. Retrospective analysis at a follow-up period of 40 months revealed a direct relationship of irisin to all-cause mortality (p = 0.039). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that serum irisin levels are reduced in uremic patients on regular HD/PD but failed to establish significant associations of irisin deficiency with vascular stiffness. However, the significant negative relationship of irisin to HbA1c, iPTH, and alkaline phosphatase suggests that it improves insulin sensitivity, inhibits bone resorption, mitigates bone-vascular interaction, and protects vascular function.
Should Targeted Therapy Be Continued in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Patients after Complete Remission?
Authors: Bédouelle Eve , Nguyen Jean Michel , Varey Emilie , Khammari Amir , Dreno Brigitte
Published: May 2022

Background: Targeted therapy is used to treat patients with a BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma and is continued until disease progression or severe toxicity. No robust data on the management of patients achieving a complete remission (CR) are available. Main Objective: To determine the relapse rate in the first year after targeted therapy discontinuation in patients in CR. Secondary Objectives: To determine the relapse rates throughout the follow-up and to identify prognostic factors for relapse at 1 year. Methods: A retrospective, monocentric observational study was conducted in patients with advanced melanoma included in the RIC-Mel database who discontinued targeted therapy after achieving a CR confirmed by CT scan and PET/CT scan. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included. Seventeen (58.6%) patients were treated with BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) alone and 12 (41.4%) with a BRAFi combined with a MEK inhibitor (BRAFi + MEKi). The median treatment duration was 9.7 months. The relapse rates after discontinuation were 69% at 12 months (BRAFi: 70.6%; BRAFi + MEKi: 66.7%) and 76% at 36 months (BRAFi: 76.5%; BRAFi + MEKi: 75%). A non-significant trend towards a higher risk of relapse was found in women (p = 0.1; RR 3.36; 95% CI 0.77–17.07), in patients with an LDH level greater than the upper limits of normal (p = 0.58; RR 2.43; 95% CI 0.10–56.71), and when more than two metastatic sites were involved (p = 0.19; RR 4.6; 95% CI 0.46–46.51). After relapse, targeted therapy was resumed in 17 patients (7 with BRAFi; 10 with BRAFi + MEKi) with a response rate of 53%. Conclusions: This real-life study provided long-term data in patients who discontinued targeted therapy after CR. Most patients experienced a relapse in the first year after targeted therapy discontinuation, of whom 50% were in the first 3 months. After targeted therapy resumption, 53% of relapsing patients achieved an objective response. Patients should be followed during the first year after treatment discontinuation. In addition, patients with less than 3 metastatic sites, a baseline LDH level with normal ranges, men, and patients responding rapidly to treatment would be more likely to maintain a CR after treatment discontinuation.
The Incidence of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma in Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, from 2007 to 2015
Authors: Gulliver Wayne , Gulliver Susanne , Power Rebecca J. , Penney Michelle , Lane David
Published: May 2022

Background: The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma continues to increase worldwide and in Canada. It is unclear whether the increase in incidence and clinical characteristic trends of cutaneous malignant melanoma are similar in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the incidence and trends of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. Methods: Patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with cutaneous malignant melanoma were identified from the Eastern Health Authority’s Cancer Registry. The diagnosis was confirmed by a pathologist via histological subtype. Patients were excluded if the diagnosis was unspecified, a nonmelanoma skin cancer or if there was a recurrence in the same lesion location. In total 298 patients diagnosed with cutaneous malignant melanoma from 2007 to 2015 were included in the analysis. Results: The total incidence increased from 4.1 to 15.6 cases/100,000 person-years, which represents a 283.0% increase from 2007 to 2015. The largest increases in incidence were seen in males and patients aged from 60 to 79 years. The most common lesion anatomical locations were the trunk in males and the lower extremity in females. The majority of cases had a Breslow thickness below 1.0 mm. Conclusion: The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador is increasing at a faster rate than in any other region in Canada. Health care providers should work to be aware of the clinical trends and risk factors associated with this disease to facilitate early detection and prevent morbidity.
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Daily Functioning and Cognition of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients Evaluated by DASC-21
Authors: Yoshino Hiroshi , Takechi Hajime
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It has also been pointed out that AD associated with DM may have unique characteristics. However, the characteristics of impairment in daily functioning when associated with DM have not been sufficiently investigated. Methods: In the present study, we compared the characteristics of 261 patients with AD diagnosed in the outpatient memory clinic of a university hospital, divided into diabetic and nondiabetic groups. The MMSE was used to assess cognitive function, and the Dementia Assessment Sheet for Community-based Integrated Care System 21-items (DASC-21) was used as an observational method to assess cognitive function and activities of daily livings. The two groups were compared. Furthermore, simple and multiple regression analysis was carried out in order to find the independent association of age, sex, education, DM, and HbA1c with the DASC-21 and each individual item of the DASC-21. Results: Diabetic subjects were as follows: MMSE 18.8 ± 4.0, DASC-21 46.0 ± 13.2, and HbA1c 7.07 ± 1.24%, respectively. On the other hand, nondiabetic subjects were as follows: MMSE 19.0 ± 4.5 and DASC-21 42.1 ± 12.2, respectively. In the diabetic group, total score of DASC-21 was higher (DM vs. nondiabetes mellitus [NDM]: 46.0 ± 13.2 vs. 42.1 ± 12.2; p < 0.05) and solving issues and common sense on the DASC-21 were higher than in the nondiabetic group (NDM) (DM vs. NDM: 8.58 ± 2.71 vs. 7.76 ± 2.66; p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of DM was the significant determinant of solving issues and common sense on the DASC-21 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In AD patients, DM may be associated with impairment of solving issues and common sense.
High User Acceptance of a Retina e-Learning App in Times of Increasing Digitalization of Medical Training for Ophthalmologists
Authors: Kamouna Alexander , Alten Florian , Grabowski Eugen , Eter Nicole , Clemens Christoph R.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The aim was to identify changes in continuing education and training in ophthalmology in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing digitalization and to analyse the acceptance of e-learning tools among German ophthalmologists using a novel Retina Case App as an example. Methods: The participants’ training behaviour before and during the COVID-19 pandemic was surveyed. Furthermore, the acceptance and usability of the Retina Case App were evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS). A possible influence of the app on everyday clinical practice was assessed. Results: A total of 145 ophthalmologists participated in the survey. The frequency of continuing medical education did not decrease for 62.8% of ophthalmologists during the pandemic. A significant increase in at least monthly use of online courses or lectures has been observed (90.3% vs. 28.2%, p < 0.001). No significant difference was identified in terms of frequency of use of print and digital journals or printed textbooks. The majority of participants stated that online training platforms are well suited to replace the absence of face-to-face events (73.8%). The mean SUS score was 87.7 (SD 11.9), which categorizes the app’s usability as excellent. The majority agreed that the newly developed app enables faster learning (82.1%) and leads to increased motivation (71.7%). Most ophthalmologists (80.7%) felt that regular use of the app would improve confidence in the treatment of retinal diseases. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant change in training behaviour in ophthalmology towards e-learning and online courses, which has not been accompanied by a general decline in training activity. The exemplarily investigated application showed a high user acceptance among ophthalmologists.
The Correlation of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 with Cardiac Remodeling in Essential Hypertension with Normal Renal Function
Authors: Han Jiayu , Yuan Xiaoyang , Song Wei , Cheng Yunpeng , Lu Yan , Zhang Ying , Liu Yan , Jiang Yinong
Published: May 2022

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a glycoprotein-regulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, has been linked to cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to evaluate the correlation of FGF23 levels and cardiac remodeling (left atrial [LA] enlargement and left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]) in essential hypertension (EH) with normal renal function and explore the diagnostic values of FGF23 and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in cardiac remodeling. Methods and Results: We enrolled 40 healthy control subjects (group I) and 146 EH patients (group II). Plasma FGF23 concentration was measured in all subjects. In this study, FGF23 level was significantly higher in group II (660.77 [446.26, 1,001.72]) pg/mL compared with the controls (73.23 [52.92, 103.69]) pg/mL (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that FGF23 was independently correlated to LVH and LA enlargement. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve indicated FGF23 had an optimal cutoff of 834.63 pg/mL for LVH (area under ROC curve [AUC], 0.913; 95% CI: 0.863–0.963) and 497.06 pg/mL for LA enlargement (AUC, 0.694; 95% CI: 0.612–0.768). The DeLong test was performed to compare AUCs of FGF23 and BNP, and the AUC of FGF23 (0.913) was statistically higher compared to AUC of BNP (0.661) (DeLong test: p < 0.001) in the diagnosis of LVH. Conclusion: Plasma FGF23 level elevated in EH, increased with the progress of cardiac remodeling, and was independently related to LVH and LA enlargement. The diagnostic value of FGF23 in cardiac remodeling, especially for LVH, was superior to BNP.
Orchid conservation development at Mudal River by using remote sensing
Authors: Buldan Rayaganda Rito Baritoadi , Muhajir Muhammad , Yotenka Rahmadi , Isra Asriny Novendri , Nurul F.A. Asnawi R.A.
Published: May 2022

Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) is a district in Yogyakarta that contains various tourist attractions (ODTW) such as the Mudal River, attracting many local and international visitors each year. However, this region must be developed by identifying the best conservation position. Technology is required to explore the geographical aspects in establishing ecotourism in order to complete this process. This study sought to determine the most appropriate new development for the Mudal River, taking into account environmental variables, site area, orchid growing demands, ease of access, and commercialization. This is accomplished by employing a remote sensing technique based on the overlay technique. As a consequence of the investigation, three sites have been identified as the most plausible candidates. The analysis identified three areas that are most likely to be used as conservation sites: an orchid cultivation house, an orchid garden area that may be used as a photo location, and an orchid education garden.
Functionality of the learning platform and its effect on the satisfaction of students in the online teaching environment
Authors: Chamorro-Atalaya Omar , Morales-Romero Guillermo , León-Velarde César , Quevedo-Sánchez Lourdes , Medina-Bedón Yurfa , Tasayco-Jala Abel , Fierro-Bravo Maritte
Published: May 2022

The objective of this article is to identify the results of the functionality of the learning platform and its effect on the satisfaction of mechanical and electrical engineering students, the results will serve as a basis for the continuous improvement of teaching-learning online from the higher institution. The research findings indicate that the indicators that present a better perception regarding the functionality of the learning platform are related to the design and ease of navigation. However, 21.4% of the students are not entirely satisfied with its functionality due to the technical problems presented when downloading the study material. According to the results, we can point out that the functionality of the learning platform generates an effect of 70.87% on student satisfaction, the relationship was validated through the Chi-square test, in which it is determined that the indicators that generate a Greater satisfaction in students refers to the design, availability (connectivity) and the ease of communication and interaction with the teacher and classmates.
Sentiment analysis system for COVID-19 vaccinations using data of Twitter
Authors: Khalid Eman Thabet , Talal Entesar B. , Khamees Methaq K. , Yassin Ali A.
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 vaccination topic has been a hot topic of discussions on social media platforms wondering its effectiveness against the SARS-COV-2 virus. Twitter is one of the social media platforms that people widely lunched to express and share their thoughts about different issues touching their daily life. Though many studies have been undertaken for COVID-19 vaccine sentiment analysis, they are still limited and need to be updated constantly. This paper conducts a system for COVID-19 vaccine sentiment analysis based on data extracted from Twitter platform for the time interval from 1st of January till the 3rd of Sep. 2021, and by using deep learning techniques. The introduced system proposes to develop a model architecture based on a deep bidirectional long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, to analyze tweets data in the form of positive, neutral, and negative. As a result, the overall accuracy of the developed model based on validation data is 74.92%. The obtained outcomes from the sentiment analysis system on collected tweets-data of COVID-19 vaccine revealed that neutral is the prominent sentiment with a rate of 69.5%, and negative sentiment has less rate of tweets reached 20.75% while the positive sentiment has a lesser rate of tweets reached of 9.67%.
Improvement of the medical fusion process of images by fuzzy entropy and transformation of the contourlet
Authors: Janabi Shimaa , Alhaleem Shaimaa Shukri Abd
Published: May 2022

Many types of medical pictures have to be fused, as single-modality medical images can give limited information because of the imagery and the complicated architecture of the human organ. This study proposes to offer a platform on which to make clinical diagnoses and to increase the accuracy of the target identification and the quality of the fused pictures by combining the benefits of nonsubsampled contourlet transform (NSCT) and fuzzy entropy. A picture is first broken down into low frequency or high frequency subbands through NSCT. In line with the various features of the low and high frequency components the respective fusion rules must be implemented. It calculates the level of membership of low frequency coefficients. The fusion of coefficients is also calculated and then utilized to retain picture features. By increasing regional energy, high-frequency components are merged. Inverse transformation produces the final fused picture. Experimental results have shown that, based on subjective visual effect and objective assessment standards, the suggested technique produces a satisfactory fusion effect. This process may also achieve high average gradient, standard deviation (SD), and edge preservation and maintain the fused picture features well. Effective reference can be provided by the outcome of the suggested algorithm for patients' assessment.
Predictions and visualization for confirmed, recovered and deaths COVID-19 cases in Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Wisam Dawood , Jasim Abdulrahman Ahmed , Hazim Layth Rafea
Published: May 2022

The 2019-2020 coronavirus pandemic is an emerging infectious disease that has been referred to as the "COVID-19", which results from the coronavirus "sars-cov-2" that started in Wuhan, China, in Dec. 2019 and then spread worldwide. In this paper, an attempt for compiling and analyzing the information of the epidemiological outbreaks on "COVID‐19" based upon datasets on "2019‐nCoV" has been presented. An empirical data analysis with the visualizations was conducted for understanding the numbers of the variety of the cases that have been reported (i.e. confirmed, deaths, and recoveries) in and outside of Iraq and carried out a dynamic map visualization of the "Covid-19" expansion in a global manner through the date wise and in Iraq. We an investigation has been carried out as well, which characterized the pandemic effects Iraq and the entire world, with the use of machine learning. A k nearest neighbors' (KNN) model and a linear regression (LR) model have been proposed.This paper included the precise analysis of the confirmed cases, as well as the recovered cases, deaths, predicting the pandemic viral attacks and how far it is expanding in Iraq and the world, the LR model got the highest results, reaching 100 percent.
Grey wolf optimization-recurrent neural network based maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic application
Authors: Prathaban Arumbu Venkadasamy , Karthikeyan Dhandapani
Published: May 2022

To increase the photovoltaic (PV) power-generation conversion, MPPT is the primary concern. This works explains about the grey wolf optimization (GWO - RNN)-based hybrid maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method to get quick and maximum photovoltaic (PV) power with zero oscillation tracking. The GWO – RNN based MPPT method doesn’t need additional sensor for measuring irradiance and temperature variables. The NLT is used for the multi-level inverter (MLI) control strategy to achieve less harmonics distraction and less switching losses with better voltage and current profile. This employed methodology brings remarkable aspects in the PV boosting potential extraction. A GWO – RNN controlled LUO converter is a zero output harmonic agreement impedance matching interface that is MPPT is performed by placing the PV modules between the load regulator power circuit and the load regulator power circuit. To actualize the proposed hybrid GWO – RNN model for the PV system, perturb and observe, RNN, ant colony optimization, and artificial bee colony MPPT techniques are employed. The MATLAB interfaced dSPACE interface is used to finish the hands-on validation of the intended grid-integrated PV system. The obtained results eloquently support the appropriate design of higher-performance control algorithms.
Solar-wind power generation system for street lighting using internet of things
Authors: Hossain Jahangir , Algeelani Nasir A. , Al-Masoodi Ahmed Hasan Hamood , Kadir Aida Fazliana Abdul
Published: May 2022

Every country is subsidising millions of dollars for street lighting as those are connected to the grid. Besides, the generation of electricity comes from fossil fuels with emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). Therefore, alternative generation of electricity can be done by using a hybrid system. Solar energy starts as the day begins, and the wind is accessible on the streets with a to-and-fro motion of the car. It does not rely on any factor. This hybrid system generates 12V DC, whereas no AC converters are used, resulting in a reduction the system's cost. The control system was constructed based on IoT and included the most sophisticated battery charging system to improve the battery's cells' life cycle. The hardware system has been simulated using EasyEDA and incorporated with the PCB design. The prototype is constructed alongside collected data to compare with the theoretical basis towards net-zero energy street lighting (nZESL). The prototype was able to lead to nZESL and backup stability of the system is 10 hours per day, along with the validation of theoretical analyses and effectiveness of the system. The system has the potential to make a significant contribution to lowering CO2 emissions and government subsidies for street lighting.
Induction motor drive based on modular-multilevel converter with ripple-power decoupling channels
Authors: Ali Enaam Abdul-Khaliq , Hassan Turki Kahawish
Published: May 2022

A driving system for a three-phase variable-speed induction machine-based modular multilevel converter (MMC) with magnetic channels operating at high frequencies -connecting adjacent-arm submodules is displayed in this paper. The primary disadvantage of using MMC in variable-speed motors is a high voltage ripple generated by submodule capacitors at low speeds with constant torque. This study utilises the DHB modules as energy channels, exchanging between the SM capacitors to correct the power imbalance. The ripple power of adjacent-arm SMs may be entirely decoupled, outcomes a virtually fluctuation-set free SM capacitor voltage design. Thus, the typical MMC issue of significant ripple voltage between SM capacitors has been wholly addressed regardless of operating frequency. The design and analysis of Field Oriented Control (FOC) of induction motors is based on an algorithm that ensures the motor's efficiency across a broad speed range. In this paper, we achieved a tiny ripple in the capacitive voltage for some frequencies (50Hz, 25Hz, 10Hz, 5Hz) by (±0.25%) compared with the previous papers that achieved a reduction in ripple within (±5%), and also this system was compared with the traditional system method operating principle was presented analytically and verified using Matlab Simulink.
Model based adaptive controller with grasshopper optimization algorithm for upper-limb rehabilitation robot
Authors: Adnan Aliaa , Karam Ekhlas H. , Al-Rawi Muaayed F.
Published: May 2022

Model based adaptive controllers (MBACs) are considered one of the most common adaptive controllers that are used with robotic systems due to their ensuring nonlinear robust scheme with global asymptotic stability for controlling nonlinear systems. However, this controller requires precise mathematical models of the controlled systems. In this paper, an optimal model-based adaptive controller (OMBAC) is suggested for controlling a two-link upper limb rehabilitation robot. This controller, in the presence of model uncertainties, can guarantee the robustness of the rehabilitation robot. Although the OMBAC is an adaptive and model-based controller, some of its parameters need to be determined precisely. In this paper, these parameters are determined by the grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA). The Lyapunov method is used to analyze the stability assurance of controlled rehabilitation. The results of the simulation for two tested trajectories (linear and nonlinear trajectories) demonstrate the efficiency of the suggested OMBAC with fast settling time, minimum error steady state, and very small overshoot.
Large-scale parameter modelling for millimeter-wave multiple-input multiple-output channel in 5G ultra-dense network
Authors: Idowu-Bismark Olabode , Idachaba Francis , Atayero Aderemi A.
Published: May 2022

Network densification (ND) in 5G has been suggested as a solution to improve network capacity. ND has small cell backhaul as its bottleneck in the ensuing ultra-dense network (UDN). Due to the new deployment scenarios of small cells, it becomes necessary to thoroughly investigate the radio-propagation characteristics of the new transmission path between the base station and the small cells. The problem of the impact of small cell height on the backhaul large-scale parameters under typical outdoor-to-indoor (high-rise) and outdoor-to-outdoor (street canyon) scenarios was first investigated. Next, the probability distribution functions of the various parameters were investigated and modeled. Novel use of 5G NR air interface using a deterministic ray-tracing engine to characterize the backhaul at
 28 GHz center frequency and 100 MHz bandwidth using 4x4 cross-polarized uniform planar array (UPA) at the base station and 2x2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) antennas at the small cells was proposed. New sets of models for root mean square (RMS) delay spread and RMS angular spread suitable for predicting network deployment in the two scenarios and similar environments were presented.