bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Model for Intelligent Pull-Ups Test Based on Key Point Estimation of Human Body and Equipment
Authors: Liu Guozhong , Wang Jian , Zhang ZhiBo , Liu Qingyi , Ren Yande , Zhang Mengjiao , Chen Shan , Bai Peirui
Published: January 2023

Applying computer vision and machine learning techniques into sport tests is an effective way to realize “intelligent sports.” Facing practical application, we design a real-time and lightweight deep learning network to realize intelligent pull-ups test in this study. The main contributions are as follows: (1) a new self-produced pull-ups dataset is established under the requirement of including a human body and horizontal bar. In addition, a semiautomatic annotating software is developed to enhance annotation efficiency and increase labeling accuracy. (2) A novel lightweight deep network named PEPoseNet is designed to estimate and analyze a human pose in real time. The backbone of the network is made up of the heatmap network and key point network, which conduct human pose estimation based on the key points extracted from a human body and horizontal bar. The depth-wise separable convolution is adopted to speed up the training and convergence. (3) An evaluation criterion of intelligent pull-ups test is defined based on action quality assessment (AQA). The action quality of five states, i.e., ready or end, hang, pull, achieved, and resume in one pull-ups test cycle is automatically graded using a random forest classifier. A mobile application is developed to realize intelligent pull-ups test in real time. The performance of the proposed model and software is confirmed by verification and ablation experiments. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed PEPoseNet has competitive performance to the state of the art. Its PCK @ 0.2 and frames per second (FPS) achieved were 83.8 and 30 fps, respectively. The mobile application has promising application prospects in pull-ups test under complex scenarios.
Drug Resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing in the Yi Ethnic Group, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Gao Wenfeng , Chen Xiaoru , Yao Liang , Li Jing , Gao Yuan , Li Ting , Li Yunkui , Wang Weina , Zhang Shu , He Jinge
Published: January 2023

This study investigated drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in the Yi ethnic group. The study was designed to identify risk factors for DR-TB and its relationship with HIV/AIDS. To establish the resistance to antituberculosis drugs, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed using culture-positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis samples collected from people of the Yi ethnic group from March 2019 to March 2021. Baseline characteristics were obtained from China’s tuberculosis surveillance system. A total of 116 M. tuberculosis strains were included in the final analysis. Lineage 2.2 (75.86%) was the dominant sublineage, followed by lineage 4.5 (18.97%) and lineage 4.4 (5.17%). The rates of rifampicin-resistant (RR-TB), multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB), and preextensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB) were 18.97%, 10.34%, and 6.03%, respectively. Drug-resistant strains were not found in the elderly (

age
≥
65
 
years

). The proportions of RR/MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB cases among re-treatment patients were higher than those among new patients (

χ

2

=
12.155

,

P
=
0.003

;

χ

2

=
22.495

,

P
=
0.001

, respectively). The pre-XDR-TB case proportions were higher among female patients than among males and higher among referred patients (

χ

2

=
5.456

,

P
=
0.032

;

χ

2

=
15.134

,

P
=
0.002

, respectively). The rates of RR/MDR-TB and pre-XDR-TB did not differ appreciably among groups with different HIV infection statuses nor lineage populations. DR-TB poses a serious challenge to the Yi ethnic group. Re-treatment patients, women, and referred patients were at high risk of MDR/RR-TB or pre-XDR-TB while HIV and lineage 2 had negligible association with drug resistance. Whole-genome sequencing should be used to guide the design of treatment regimens and to tailor public interventions.
Bioactivity of Citral and Its Nanoparticle in Attenuating Pathogenicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Controlling Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sharma Aanchal , Harjai Kusum , Ramniwas Seema , Singh Divya
Published: January 2023

Plant-based essential oils are hydrophobic, volatile concentrate extracted from aromatic plants. They are the upcoming alternative and appealing source of antimicrobial compounds, citral (major constituent of lemongrass oil) being one of them, whose antiquorum sensing, in vivo delivery, and insecticidal potential need further exploration. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prevalent, clinically lethal pathogens, which is resistible toward various treatments because of the inherent resistance acquired by the organism to many classes of drugs (multidrug resistant (MDR)). Moreover, fruit flies have been considered as the vectors of potentially lethal and opportunistic pathogens, including multiantibiotic-resistant microbes. As a result, controlling both the pathogen and its host vector are of utmost importance. The present study focused on the efficacy of essential oil of citral (EOC) and its nanoencapsulated form on quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and its insecticidal activity against Drosophila melanogaster. Chitosan-based citral nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using hydrodynamic size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Citral nanoparticles at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) exhibited QSI potential by attenuating biofilm formation (p-value < 0.05), while insecticidal activity of citral tested against D. melanogaster demonstrated toxicity of the EOC at a concentration of 3%–5%. Hence, the results elucidated the prospects of citral nanoparticles in the delivery of citral, which can be applied as a strategy to specifically target clinically lethal pathogens, major insect pests, and associated microbes.
lncRNA SSTR5-AS1 Predicts Poor Prognosis and Contributes to the Progression of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Hu Yuhao , Mao Ning , Zheng Wei , Hong Bin , Deng Xiong
Published: January 2023

Esophageal cancer (ESCA), as a common cancer worldwide, is a main cause of cancer-related mortality. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown in an increasing number of studies to be capable of playing an important regulatory function in human malignancies. Our study is aimed at delving into the prognostic value and potential function of lncRNA SSTR5-AS1 (SSTR5-AS1) in ESCA. The gene expression data of 182 ESCA samples from TCGA and 653 nontumor specimens from GTEx. The expressions of SSTR5-AS1 were analyzed. We investigated whether there was a correlation between the expression of SSTR5-AS1 and the clinical aspects of ESCA. In order to compare survival curves, the Kaplan-Meier method together with the log-rank test was utilized. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze the data in order to determine the SSTR5-AS1 expression’s significance as a prognostic factor in ESCA patients. In order to investigate the level of SSTR5-AS1 expression in ESCA cells, RT-PCR was utilized. CCK-8 trials served as a model for the loss-of-function tests. In this study, we found that the expressions of SSTR5-AS1 were increased in ESCA specimens compared with nontumor specimens. According to the ROC assays, high SSTR5-AS1 expression had an AUC value of 0.7812 (95% CI: 0.7406 to 0.8217) for ESCA. Patients who had a high level of SSTR5-AS1 expression had a lower overall survival rate than those who had a low level of SSTR5-AS1 expression. In addition, multivariate analysis suggested that SSTR5-AS1 was an independent predictor of overall survival for ESCA patients. Moreover, RT-PCR experiments indicated that SSTR5-AS1 expression was distinctly increased in three ESCA cells compared with HET1A cells. CCK-8 experiments indicated that silence of SSTR5-AS1 distinctly inhibited the proliferation of ESCA cells. Overall, ESCA patients with elevated SSTR5-AS1 had a worse chance of survival, suggesting it could be used as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker for ESCA.
Patient Perspectives on the Use of Digital Technology to Help Manage Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Watanabe Alexandre H. , Willis Connor , Ragsdale Russell , Biskupiak Joseph , Moore Karlene , Brixner Diana , Young David
Published: January 2023

Background. Digital health technologies (DHTs) have shown potential to improve health outcomes through improved medication adherence in different disease states. Cystic fibrosis (CF) requires care coordination across pharmacies, patients, and providers. DHTs can potentially support patients, providers, and pharmacists in diseases like CF, where high medication burden can negatively impact patient quality of life and outcomes. Methods. In this prospective cohort study, a CF-specific mobile application (Phlo) was distributed to adults with CF who received care at the University of Utah Cystic Fibrosis Center, used an iPhone, and filled prescriptions through the University of Utah Specialty Pharmacy services. Participants were asked to use Phlo for 90 days with an optional 90-day extension period. Participants completed four surveys at baseline and after 90 days. Changes in patient-reported outcomes, adherence, clinical outcomes, and healthcare resource utilization from baseline to 90 days were tracked. Results. Phlo allowed users to track daily regimen activities, contact their care team, receive medication delivery reminders, and share progress with their healthcare team. A web-based dashboard allowed the care team to review reported performance scores from the app. Most patients (67%) said the app improved confidence in and motivation for continuing their regimen. The most important reported benefit of Phlo was having a single location to manage their whole routine. Conclusions. Phlo is a mobile health technology designed to help patients with CF manage their treatment regimen and improve patient-provider communication.
A Neural Learning Approach for a Data‐Driven Nonlinear Error Correction Model
Authors: Fang Xi , Yang Nan
Published: January 2023

A nonlinear error correction model (ECM) is developed to fit nonlinear relationships between the nonstationary time series in a cointegration relationship. Different from the previous parametric methods, this paper constructs a hybrid neural network to learn the nonlinear error correction model by combining a linear recurrent neural network with a multilayer BP network. The network learning algorithm is given by using the gradient descent method and error back propagation. Based on the principle of data‐driven, all network parameters can be obtained through the network learning and training. The daily data of gold price and the US dollar index in 2021 were used to verify this proposed nonlinear ECM neural learning method and the results were compared by the likelihood ratio Chi‐square test. Simulation results show that the proposed data‐driven nonlinear error correction neural learning method can improve goodness of fit statistical significantly of complex nonlinear relationship between time series.
Association between Age at Type 2 Diabetes Onset and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Double-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Mengdie , Wang Yiyun , Feng Ping , Liang Yao , Liu Qiao , Yang Mengyao , Lu Chaoyin , Shi Penghua , Cheng Jian , Ji Anjing , Zheng Qidong
Published: January 2023

Background. With the decreasing age of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) onset, the incidence of diabetic complications is gradually increasing. We evaluated the independent effect of age at diabetes onset on diabetic retinopathy (DR) development. Methods. A total of 7472 patients with T2DM were enrolled in the National Metabolic Management Center from September 2017 to May 2022. Anthropometry data, laboratory reports, and medical history were collected. The independent association of DR with age at diabetes onset was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. In addition, a stratified analysis was performed to determine the effect of confounding variables. Results. Of the 7472 patients recruited, 1642 (21.98%) had DR. Patients with DR had considerably younger ages of diabetes onset than those without DR (45 (38–53) years vs. 50 (43–57) years,

P
<
0.001

). The proportion of patients with T2DM onset at a younger age was higher in the DR group than that in the non-DR group. Participants were divided into four groups according to their age at diabetes onset, namely, ≥60, <40, 40–49, and 50–59 years. Compared with patients with diabetes onset at

age
≥
60

years, those with diabetes onset at <40 years (odds ratio (OR): 5.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.731–8.285,

P
<
0.001

), 40–49 years (OR: 2.751, 95% CI: 2.047–3.695,

P
<
0.001

), and 50–59 years (OR: 1.606, 95% CI: 1.263–2.042,

P
<
0.001

) were at an increased risk of DR after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Furthermore, stratification analyses demonstrated that young age at diabetes onset is an independent risk factor for DR. Conclusions. Compared with diabetes onset at an older age, diabetes onset at a younger age is associated with a significantly increased DR risk.
Mechanical and Thermal Behaviour of Rice Bran Green Composite Using RSM and Design of Experiment Techniques
Authors: Singh Savendra Pratap , Dutt Akriti , Hirwani Chetan Kumar , Chitrakar Sailesh
Published: January 2023

The aim of this research is to synthesise a cost-effective biodegradable green composite for various low- and medium-load applications. The tensile and flexural results reveal that the rice bran composition in green composite enhances the stiffness of composite, while strength and hardness decrease. The highest values of tensile strength 27 MPa and flexural strength 25 MPa were obtained for 15/85 treated rice bran composites, while the highest value of young modulus 2958 MPa was obtained for the 35/65 composite combination. The highest value of hardness, i.e., 11 HRF was obtained for 15/85 treated rice bran composite. The water absorption test reveals the hydrophilic nature of rice bran and the hydrophobic nature of PLA. Results also reveal better water-absorbing properties of the green composite due to the surface treatment of rice bran. The lowest density of 1.001 g/cm3 found for the 50/50 composite combination means the addition of rice bran makes the composite light in weight. The thermogravimetric analysis performed on the composite to analyse its thermal behaviour shows that major weight loss occurs approximately in the temperature range of 80–350° Celsius. The response surface methodology (RSM) and design of experiment (DOE) optimization model were developed to find that the optimum condition for maximum weight loss reveals two desirable conditions, i.e., 500° Celsius and 424.85° Celsius. ANOVA analysis reveals that the obtained results are significant.
The Effect of Citrus aurantium on Non‐Small‐Cell Lung Cancer: A Research Based on Network and Experimental Pharmacology
Authors: Yao Liangliang , Zhang Xuan , Huang Chaoming , Cai Yi , Wan Chunpeng (Craig)
Published: January 2023

Purpose. To screen the main active components of Citrus aurantium through a network pharmacology approach, construct a component‐disease target network, explore its molecular mechanism for the treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and validate it experimentally. Methods. The active ingredients in Citrus aurantium and the targets of Citrus aurantium and NSCLC were collected through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), GeneCards, and OMIM databases. The protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database, and the component‐disease relationship network graph was analyzed using Cytoscape 3.9.1. The Metascape database can be used for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The Kaplan‐Meier plotter was applied for overall survival analysis of key targets of Citrus aurantium in the treatment of NSCLC. Real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein levels of key targets of Citrus aurantium for the treatment of NSCLC. Results. Five active ingredients of Citrus aurantium were screened, and 54 potential targets for the treatment of NSCLC were found, of which the key ingredient was nobiletin and the key targets are TP53, CXCL8, ESR1, PPAR‐α, and MMP9. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the mechanism of nobiletin in treating NSCLC may be related to the regulation of cancer signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway, and neurodegenerative signaling pathway. The experimental results showed that nobiletin could inhibit the proliferation of NSCLC cells and upregulate the levels of P53 and PPAR‐α and suppress the expression of MMP9 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Citrus aurantium can participate in the treatment of NSCLC through multiple targets and pathways.
An Extension Network of Dendritic Neurons
Authors: Peng Qianyi , Gao Shangce , Wang Yirui , Yi Junyan , Yang Gang , Todo Yuki
Published: January 2023

Deep learning (DL) has achieved breakthrough successes in various tasks, owing to its layer‐by‐layer information processing and sufficient model complexity. However, DL suffers from the issues of both redundant model complexity and low interpretability, which are mainly because of its oversimplified basic McCulloch–Pitts neuron unit. A widely recognized biologically plausible dendritic neuron model (DNM) has demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating the aforementioned issues, but it can only solve binary classification tasks, which significantly limits its applicability. In this study, a novel extended network based on the dendritic structure is innovatively proposed, thereby enabling it to solve multiple‐class classification problems. Also, for the first time, an efficient error‐back‐propagation learning algorithm is derived. In the extensive experimental results, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method in comparison with other nine state‐of‐the‐art classifiers on ten datasets are demonstrated, including a real‐world quality of web service application. The experimental results suggest that the proposed learning algorithm is competent and reliable in terms of classification performance and stability and has a notable advantage in small‐scale disequilibrium data. Additionally, aspects of network structure constrained by scale are examined.
Ecology of Echinops giganteus A. Rich. in Sub-Saharan Africa: Distribution, Ecoclimatic Niche, and Phytosociology
Authors: Sonkoué Patrick Njiméli , Djeuga Youga Manuella Kelly , Kenfack Carine Pamela , Takenne Wamba Armel Boris , Coppens D’eeckenbrugge Geo , Dubois Cécile , Fonkou Théophile
Published: January 2023

Echinops giganteus A. Rich. is an aromatic and medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family exploited in Cameroon under the access and benefit sharing (ABS) standard. Despite its importance, little information exists on the ecology of E. giganteus. The aim of the present study was to contribute to a better understanding of its ecology for sustainable management in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Occurrence data as well as stationary ecological information were collected in the field and from different databases. Bioclimatic data were extracted from the WorldClim database and processed using DIVA-GIS and Maxent software. The Braun-Blanquet quadrat method was used for the phytosociological study. Results showed that the distribution of E. giganteus in its wild state is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. This distribution is likely conditioned by altitude (1000 m–2600 m), light, temperature, and rainfall. The bioclimatic variables that best explained this distribution were the mean annual temperature (Bio1: 38.8%) and the precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19: 24.9%), and their favorable ranges were between 2°C–32°C and 300 mm–1800 mm, respectively. E. giganteus is a heliophilic plant that prefers well-drained substrates and would not have a requirement for organic matter. The floristic analysis of the E. giganteus community identified 68 plant species in 59 genera and 28 botanical families, with the most represented family being the Asteraceae (49%). The average species richness per quadrat was 8 species, dominated by herbs. Species consistent with E. giganteus were Aspilia africana (Pers.) C. D. Adams and Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. Chamaephytes and Phanerophytes were dominant among the biological types, while the phytogeographic types were dominated by Pantropical species (38.23%). The most represented diaspore types and modes of dissemination were pogonochores (35.85%) and anemochores (55.38%).
[Retracted] The Effective Components, Core Targets, and Key Pathways of Ginseng against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Yabo , Liu Xinxin
Published: January 2023

Background. Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (ginseng) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for the treatment of nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the pharmacological mechanisms of ginseng involved in AD have not been systematically investigated. Here, a network pharmacology approach was adopted to explore the effective components, core targets, and key pathways of ginseng against AD. Methods. TCMSP database was used to screen the active ingredients of ginseng. Prediction of the targets of ginseng and AD‐related genes was performed using online public databases. “Compound‐Target,” “Compound‐Target‐Disease,” “Protein‐Protein Interaction (PPI),” “Compound‐Target‐Pathway,” and “Compound‐Target‐GO–Pathway” networks were constructed with Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. Gene Ontology (GO) function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed by using the DAVID database. Results. A total of 22 bioactive compounds were identified from ginseng, and 481 targets of ginseng and 763 AD‐related targets were obtained from public databases. The PPI network screened out 19 hub genes of ginseng against AD. According to GO function enrichment, ginseng influenced cell proliferation, death, the nitric oxide biosynthetic process, hypoxia response, and synaptic transmission. Neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, calcium signaling, cAMP signaling, FoxO signaling, Ras signaling, and PI3K‐AKT signaling were among the most key regulatory pathways. The compound‐target‐GO‐route network found EGFR, MAPK1, MAPK14, AKT1, CASP3, and PRKACA as key genes, with PI3K‐AKT signaling being the most important pathway for ginseng’s anti‐AD activity. Conclusion. Ginseng exerts neuroprotective effects in AD patients through multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway modes, providing novel insight into the pharmacological and experimental research on ginseng against AD.
Long Noncoding RNA NORAD Promotes Fracture Healing through Interacting with Osteoblast Differentiation via Targeting miR‐26a
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Ma Huili , Li Mintao , Jia Zhuting , Chen Xi , Bu Naitong
Published: January 2023

The present study was designed to evaluate the dynamic expression of lncRNA NORAD in fracture healing of patients with brittle fractures and explore the function and mechanism of NORAD in regulating osteoblastic proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The expression level of NORAD was detected by quantitative real‐time PCR. The proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of osteoblasts were analyzed by MTT assay, ELISA, and flow cytometry. Luciferase report analysis was used to confirm the interaction between NORAD and its target ceRNA miR‐26a. This study showed no significant differences in serum NORAD expression on the 7th day during fracture healing in patients, but increased expression of NORAD was certified on the 14, 21, and 28 days after fixation. Overexpression of NORAD promoted the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and suppressed the apoptosis of osteoblasts. miR‐26a proved to be the target gene of NORAD and was inhibited by overexpression of NORAD in osteoblasts. The enhanced expression of miR‐26a was negatively linked to the lessened expression of NORAD. NORAD could accelerate the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and inhibit apoptosis, thereby promoting fracture healing.
Differential Circular RNA Expression Profiles in Induced Sputum of Patients with Asthma
Authors: Xu Changyi , Du Lijuan , Guo Yubiao , Liang Yuxia
Published: January 2023

Introduction: circRNA played a role in a variety of diseases. This paper aimed to explore the differentially expressed circRNA in induced sputum cells of asthma patients, so as to provide new potential biomarkers and new ideas for the study of asthma. Methods: All subjects were from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Differentially expressed circRNAs of asthma patients were screened by high-throughput sequencing. qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of differential circRNAs. The association between circRNA and asthma was explored by analyzing the correlation between circRNA and clinical data and some cytokines of asthma patients. The possible ceRNA network was analyzed and predicted by online software, and the expression of each molecule in the network was preliminary verified by qRT-PCR in induced sputum cells and 16HBE cell. Results: We screened a total of 49 circRNAs differentially expressed in asthma patients (including 12 circRNAs with elevated expression and 37 circRNAs with decreased expression), among which has_circSORT1 and has_circSERPINB1 were significantly elevated. Correlation analysis showed that has_circSORT1 was correlated with FeNO, EOS%, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and PC20, and has_circSERPINB1 was correlated with IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ, FEV1%, and FVC%. The possible existence of has_circSORT1/has-miR-185-3p/ZNFX1, a ceRNA regulatory network, in induced sputum cells of asthma patients was hypothesized by online software prediction and qRT-PCR in sputum cells and 16HBE. Conclusion: Differentially expressed circRNAs existed in induced sputum cells of asthma patients, among which has_circSORT1 and has_circSERPINB1 were significantly upregulated and may be involved in the process of asthma disease, which could be expected to be a potential biomarker for asthma diagnosis. In addition, a ceRNA regulatory network, has_circSORT1/has-miR-185-3p/ZNFX1, may exist in asthma.
Clinical Characteristics and Management of Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Feasibility Analysis of Electronic Health Records Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Ortiz Alberto , Portoles Jose , Pino-Pino Maria Dolores , Barea Jesús , López María , de Sequera Patricia , Quiroga Borja , Echarri Rocio , Prieto Velasco Mario , Díaz Rafael , Gómez Marqués Gonzalo , Sanchez Perez Pilar , Torregrosa Vicens , Rodriguez Mariano ,   SAVANA Research Group, SENEFRO-BD-SHPT working group
Published: January 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of applying natural language processing (NLP) to analyze real-world data (RWD) and resolve clinical problems in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis (SHPT/CKD-HD). The primary objective was to evaluate how well the guideline-recommended analytical goals are achieved in a Spanish cohort of SHPT/CKD-HD patients based on RWD. Methods: Unstructured data in the electronic health records (EHRs) from 8 hospitals were retrospectively analyzed using the EHRead® technology, based on NLP and machine learning. Variables extracted from EHRs included demographics, CKD-related clinical characteristics, comorbidities and complications, mineral and bone disorder parameter levels, and treatments at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up. Results: A total of 623 prevalent SHPT/CKD-HD patients were identified; of those, 282 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. They were predominantly elderly males with cardiovascular comorbidities, and the first cause of CKD was diabetic nephropathy. Diagnosis of SHPT was associated with an improvement in median values for PTH, calcium, and phosphate. However, the percentage of patients with normal PTH ranges remained stable during the study period (52.8–60.4%), while the percentage of patients with within-target range serum calcium or phosphate values showed an increasing trend (43.2–60% and 38.8–50%). At baseline, 74.1% of patients were using SHPT-related medication, including at least one vitamin D or analog (63.1%), phosphate binders (46.8%), and/or calcimimetics (9.6%). Conclusions: This study represents the first attempt to use clinical NLP to analyze SHPT/CKD-HD patients based on unstructured clinical data. This methodology is useful to address clinical problems based on RWD and identified a high rate of out-of-range mineral-bone analytical values in patients with HPT/CKD-HD and an increasing trend of out-of-range values for serum calcium and phosphate.
OXIS Contacts and Approximal Caries in Preschool Children: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kirthiga M. , Muthu M.S. , Kayalvizhi Gurusamy , Mathur Vijay Prakash , Jayakumar Naveenkumar , Praveen R.
Published: January 2023

The present prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of OXIS contact areas, namely, O (open type), X (point type), I (straight type), and S (curved type) in the development of approximal caries. We conducted this study among 953 school children with 3,812 contacts in Puducherry, India. At baseline, the contacts were assessed in accordance with OXIS criteria. At the end of 12 months, two calibrated dentists measured dental caries following the International Caries Detection and Assessment (ICDAS) criteria. Information about feeding practices, diet, and oral hygiene was collected by means of a structured questionnaire from each child’s parent. Data were analyzed by unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression analysis with a multilevel approach. The two levels of analysis were tooth and child. Of 3,812 contacts observed during the follow-up, 127 (3.3%) were observed as carious. Poisson regression analysis revealed a significant association between type of contact and caries prevalence (p < 0.05). The risk ratios for the development of approximal caries in X contacts were 2.4 (0.3–17.2), p value 0.38; in I contacts 4.9 (1.2–19.9), p value 0.027; and in S contacts 8.2 (1.9–34.2), p value 0.004, when compared with the O contacts. Among the child variables, male gender (relative risk [RR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3, 3.5), parental supervision while toothbrushing (RR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1, 2.4), and the use of toothpaste (RR = 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3, 3.1) were found to be associated with approximal caries after adjustment for the other variables. Among the OXIS contacts, the S type was most susceptible to approximal caries due to its complex morphology, followed by I, X, and O.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis in Lung Cancer Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease: Significance of Radiological Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis
Authors: Osaki Megumu , Arai Toru , Sumikawa Hiromitsu , Takimoto Takayuki , Takeuchi Naoko , Tamiya Akihiro , Okishio Kyoichi , Inoue Yoshikazu
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) findings are associated with poor prognosis in interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the effect of PPFE findings on the development of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (ICI-pneumonitis), a life-threatening adverse event, in lung cancer patients with ILD has not been elucidated. We aimed to determine whether PPFE findings are a risk factor for ICI-pneumonitis in lung cancer patients with ILD. Methods: We retrospectively examined 712 lung cancer patients, including 173 patients with background ILDs, who received ICI therapy in our institute between December 2015 and May 2021. Background ILDs were radiologically classified into three types: lone PPFE, other ILDs with PPFE, and other ILDs without PPFE. The cumulative ICI-pneumonitis incidence curves and median overall survival (mOS) were compared between the three radiological types, and risk factors for ICI-pneumonitis were evaluated. Results: Of 173 eligible patients with ILD, 23 patients (13.3%) experienced ICI-pneumonitis. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test showed that lone PPFE patients had significantly lower incidence of ICI-pneumonitis (p = 0.024) and longer mOS (575 vs. 326 days; p = 0.0096) than other ILDs patients. ICI-pneumonitis (p = 0.35) and mOS (p = 0.29) were not significantly different between other ILDs with and without PPFE. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that lone PPFE pattern was an independent predictive factor for ICI-pneumonitis (hazard ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.043–0.93; p = 0.040). Conclusion: ICI therapy could be safer in lone PPFE patients than in other ILDs patients with lung cancer.
Chronic Therapy-Resistant Neck Pain in a Fifty-Year-Old Man: The Role of Partially Impacted Third Molars – Case Report and New Pathophysiological Insights
Authors: Shiratori Tusita Lucy Naomi , Fischer Lorenz
Published: January 2023

Background: Inflammatory and mechanical stimuli in tooth/jaw pathologies can have far-reaching consequences via trigeminal and autonomic circuitry and can cause systemic (e.g., autoimmune) diseases and pain conditions outside the tooth/jaw region. In addition to a case report, we also describe new pathophysiological findings. Case Report: We report on a patient with chronic, therapy-resistant neck pain whose cause lied in the tooth/jaw region, specifically, in wisdom teeth with space problems, and partially impacted. The tooth/jaw area itself was not painful; however, neck pain developed via the nucleus spinalis n. trigemini which extends into the cervical medulla. Surgical restoration of the wisdom teeth and subsequent neural therapy treatment of the extraction scars provided permanent pain relief. Conclusion: In case of therapy-resistant neck pain (among others), it is worthwhile to look for pathologies in the dental/jaw area, possibly allowing for a causal therapy.
Care Transition Interventions to Improve Stroke Outcomes: Evidence Gaps in Underserved and Minority Populations
Authors: Reeves Mathew J. , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: January 2023

In many countries hospital length of stay after an acute stroke admission is typically just a few days, therefore, most of a person’s recovery from stroke occurs in the community. Care transitions, which occur when there is a change in, or handoff between 2 different care settings or providers, represent an especially vulnerable period for patients and caregivers. For some patients with stroke the return home is associated with substantial practical, psychosocial, and health-related challenges leading to substantial burden for the individual and caregiver. Underserved and minority populations, because of their exposure to poor environmental, social, and economic conditions, as well as structural racism and discrimination, are especially vulnerable to the problems of complicated care transitions which in turn, can negatively impact stroke recovery. Overall, there remain significant unanswered questions about how to promote optimal recovery in the post-acute care period, particularly for those from underserved communities. Evidence is limited on how best to support patients after they have returned home where they are required to navigate the chronic stages of stroke with little direct support from health professionals.
Sex Differences in Onset and Progression of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Koemans Emma A. , Castello Juan Pablo , Rasing Ingeborg , Abramson Jessica R. , Voigt Sabine , Perosa Valentina , van Harten Thijs W. , van Zwet Erik W. , Terwindt Gisela M. , Gurol M. Edip , Rosand Jonathan , Greenberg Steven M. , van Walderveen Marianne A.A. , Biffi Alessandro , Viswanathan Anand , Wermer Marieke J.H.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) disease course is highly variable even in hereditary forms. Sex may be a possible modifying factor. We investigated biological sex differences in clinical disease course and magnetic resonance imaging-markers in sporadic (sCAA) and Dutch-type hereditary CAA (D-CAA).

Methods:

Patients with D-CAA and sCAA were included from hospital and research databases of the Leiden University Medical Center (2012–2020) and Massachusetts General Hospital (1994–2012). Key outcomes were: sex differences in symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) onset, recurrence and survival (analyzed using Kaplan Meier survival and regression analyses), and sex differences in magnetic resonance imaging-markers in D-CAA (explored using scatterplots), and in sCAA (investigated using regression analysis).

Results:

We included 136 patients with D-CAA (mean age 57 years, 56% women, 64% with previous sICH) and 370 patients with sCAA (mean age 76 years, 51% women, all with previous sICH). Men and women with D-CAA did not differ for sICH onset (median age 54 in men and 56 in women [
P
=0.13]). Men with D-CAA had a slightly higher number of sICH compared with women (median 2 versus 1; adjusted RR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.1–1.9]) and a shorter interval between the first and second sICH (median 1.8 years for men and 3.1 years for women,
P
=0.02). Men with sCAA had their first sICH at an earlier age (median 75 versus 78 years, respectively,
P
=0.003) and more lobar microbleeds (median 1 versus 0,
P
=0.022) compared with women with sCAA. No substantial differences were found in the other magnetic resonance imaging markers. Survival after first sICH was comparable between sexes for D-CAA (
P
=0.12) and sCAA (
P
=0.23).

Conclusions:

Men with CAA seem to have an earlier onset (sCAA) and more hemorrhagic disease course (sCAA and D-CAA) compared with women. Future studies are necessary to confirm these findings and determine the underlying role of sex-related factors.
Probing for the Closest DP: A Reply to Branan and Erlewine 2022
Authors: Newman Elise
Published: January 2023

Branan and Erlewine (2022) argue for the existence of an Ā-probe that can only be satisfied if its goal is the closest DP. The motivation for such a probe comes from a series of relativization strategies in several languages that appear to only target the highest DP in the clause. In this reply, I argue that their data only motivate the existence of probes that attract the closest DP—their data fail canonical diagnostics for Ā-movement, suggesting that we should eliminate Ā from the description. This being the case, I suggest that the descriptive label relative clause applies to both A- and Ā-constructions, where independent diagnostics are needed to distinguish each case.
Notes on the typification of the name Curtia montevidensis (Gentianaceae)
Authors: DENG YUNFEI
Published: January 2023

The genus Curtia Chamisso & Schlechtendal (1826: 209, t. 4) is a small genus of the family Gentianaceae. It comprises eight species distributed in Mexico, tropical regions of Central and South America (Crespo & Marcondes-Ferreira 2009, Struwe & Pringle, 2018).
Comparative mitogenome analysis and phylogenetic inference of the genus Ultragryllacris (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae)
Authors: LU XIANGYI , LUO HAIYU , ZHANG QIANWEN , BIAN XUN
Published: January 2023

The genus Ultragryllacris is mainly distributed in China and Thailand, and the type species Ultragryllacris pulchra Gorochov & Dawwrueng, 2015 includes four subspecies. Up to now, these subspecies were identified mainly based on their morphological characteristics, and no study on the molecular identification of subspecies and phylogenetic analyses has been reported. Here we obtained three mitogenomes of U. pulchra rubricapitis and one mitogenome of Homogryllacris yunnana and reconstructed the relationship of Ultragryllacris among genera. Species identification was performed with ABGD, jMOTU, and NJ tree based on cox1 (658 bp) and cob (550 bp) genes. The mitogenomes of U. pulchra rubricapitis and H. yunnana were 15558–16625 bp and 16209 bp in length, respectively. Most of the PCGs started with the typical ATN codons and terminated with complete TAA/TAG. Four mitogenomes showed positive AT skews and negative GC skews. Besides, the phylogenetic tree of BI and ML revealed that Ultragryllacris was a monophyletic group. One geographical population of Ultragryllacris pulchra rubricapitis was described and illustrated.
Mechanical performance and failure analysis of a fabric subjected to ballistic impact using multi-scale numerical modelling
Authors: Pham Quoc Hoan , Long Chu Tuan , Kanit Toufik , Imad Abdellatif
Published: January 2023

In this paper, multi-scale numerical modelling analysis is proposed to study the ballistic responses of a Kevlar KM2 woven fabric. Three meso-microscopic multi-scale numerical models are conducted by varying the number of microscopic primary yarns in the impact zone from 2 to 10. In each model, we analyse the evolution of the contact force, the projectile velocity and the fabric energies. An analysis of the failure modes of each configuration is also performed. Results of the three multi-scale models and a mesoscopic model are compared in order to find the optimal number of microscopic primary yarns to predict the fabric’s ballistic behaviour. It is highlighted that the multi-scale model consumes a reasonable computation cost. Furthermore, with the primary yarns modelled in the fibre scale, this model can fully describe the complex physical phenomena, such as fibre failure and the interaction between fibres, fibres and yarns, that occur during the impact.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Men’s Grief Experiences Following Perinatal Death in Australia
Authors: Pearson Thomas , Due Clemence , Obst Kate
Published: January 2023

To explore the grief experiences of men from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds following perinatal death in Australia. Qualitative analysis of interview data using thematic analysis. Participants were health service providers ( n = 6), and CALD community members ( n = 10) who were either community leaders with experience working with CALD men following perinatal death in Australia ( n = 6), or were CALD men who had lived experience of perinatal death ( n = 4). Thematic analysis identified four themes related to CALD men’s grief. These included the role of religion and rituals, grief as stoic, the partner- and family-centred nature of men’s grief, and finally grief as ensuring and changeable over time. This research points to the strong need for CALD men’s specific needs to be included in the development of policy and practice surrounding perinatal death.
Relationship Between Physician’s and Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Futile Treatment and Their Approach to Death and Terminally Ill Patients
Authors: Yildirim Gulay , Işık Meryem Türkan , Yalcin Sibel Oner
Published: January 2023

We aimed to determine the relationship between the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards futile treatment and their approach to death and terminally ill patients. We collected the data from nurses-physicians working in the intensive care unit, using the Nurses’ Attitudes towards Futile Treatment Scale (NAFTS) and Approach to Death and Dying Patients Attitude Scale (ADDPAS). Avoidant attitudes displayed towards death and terminally ill patients increase as futile treatment is administered more. Health workers who work in the intensive care unit and witness futile treatment more frequently in the clinic are of the opinion that futile treatment should not be performed.
Elevated Adenomatous Polyp Detection Rate Among Alaska Native and American Indian People in Interior Alaska, 2018-2022
Authors: Redwood Diana G. , Prewitt Jennifer J. , Holt Mikaila C. , Gerrish Stephen S.
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are twice as high among Alaska Native people as among non-Hispanic White people in the United States; as such, colonoscopy is a recommended screening test for Alaska Native people. Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is measured in patients at average risk of CRC undergoing initial screening colonoscopy and reflects the prevalence of precancerous polyps in a screened population. We evaluated the ADR among Alaska Native people living in Interior Alaska.

Methods:

This project evaluated the ADR among Alaska Native and American Indian adults aged ≥40 years (N = 460) living in Interior Alaska, using a retrospective medical record review of patients referred for screening colonoscopy from February 1, 2018, through March 31, 2022. The main outcome measure was ADR, stratified by age and sex.

Results:

The ADR was 45.0% overall: 43.0% among women and 47.1% among men. Among patients aged ≥50 years, the ADR was 67.1%: 62.7% among women and 70.7% among men. Among patients aged 40-49 years, the ADR was 34.4%: 35.3% among women and 33.3% among men.

Conclusions:

Measured ADR was high among Alaska Native men and women aged ≥50 years in Interior Alaska and in all age groups that were screened. These findings have implications for which CRC screening methods, intervals, and age to begin screening are most appropriate for Alaska Native people, as well as the need for future research on the pathology, etiology, and natural history of CRC in this population.
The social connectedness of digital practices in later life: It’s not just about learning, it’s all about relationships
Authors: Beneito-Montagut Roser , Begueria Arantza , Cassián Nizaiá
Published: January 2023

In the last 10 years there has been an increase in access to information and communication technologies among older people, stimulated by widespread adoption of mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). At the same time, digital inclusion policies and training programmes continue to develop to increase the access to the digital society for this social group. In this context, it is pertinent to revisit a long-standing research question about how older adults use and learn to use these technologies in their everyday lives while paying attention to how their subjectivities and their knowledge are situated in the collective shared knowledge of digital practices. Using examples taken from a digital team ethnographic study exploring social media use in later life, this article delves into how learning digital practices and affective relations assemble and what they do to older people’s subjectivities. Their engagements show how these practices are illustrative of the relevance of social connectivity, place, things and affects for learning how to use ICTs. We, then, move to discuss the policy implications of this for the understandings of ageing within a digital society.
A Rare Case of Scalp Metastasis from Encapsulated Angioinvasive Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Kojima Masataka , Ito Shin , Saikawa Mako , Kajino Kazunori , Ohtsuji Naomi , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Higo Ryuzaburo
Published: January 2023

Cutaneous metastases from thyroid carcinomas are extremely rare; however, the scalp is a common site for cutaneous metastases from follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs). We report the case of a 77-year-old male patient with a blood-rich scalp lesion. Histopathological tests of punch biopsy specimens revealed subcutaneous well-formed follicular structures that were similar to those found in the thyroid gland. Immunohistochemistry using thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and paired-box gene family 8 (PAX8) revealed an FTC metastasis. We performed total thyroidectomy and resection of the scalp lesion at the same time and administered postoperative radioactive iodine treatment. The primary thyroid lesion was diagnosed as an FTC based on extracapsular extension and vessel invasion. The patient has not experienced disease recurrence since the treatment. When scalp metastasis of thyroid carcinoma is suspected, we recommend total extirpation, including the primary tumor and scalp metastasis, for an improved prognosis.