bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Insight into the Prediction of Scale Precipitation in Harsh Conditions Using Different Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Yousefzadeh Reza , Bemani Amin , Kazemi Alireza , Ahmadi Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Scale precipitation in petroleum equipment is known as an important problem that causes damages in injection and production wells. Scale precipitation causes equipment corrosion and flow restriction and consequently a reduction in oil production. Due to this fact, the prediction of scale precipitation has vital importance among petroleum engineers. In the current work, different intelligent models, including the decision tree, random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), support vector machine (SVM), ensemble learning, logistic regression, Naïve Bayes, and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), are used to estimate scale formation as a function of pH and ionic compositions. Also, a sensitivity analysis is done to determine the most influential parameters on scale formation. The novelty of this work is to compare the performance of 10 different machine learning algorithms at modeling an extremely non-linear relationship between the inputs and the outputs in scale precipitation prediction. After determining the best models, they can be used to determine scale formation by manipulating the concentration of a variable in accordance with the result of the sensitivity analysis. Different classification metrics, including the accuracy, precision, F1-score, and recall, were used to compare the performance of the mentioned models. Results in the testing phase showed that the KNN and ensemble learning were the most accurate tools based on all performance metrics of solving the classification of scale/no-scale problem. As the output had an extremely non-linear behavior in terms of the inputs, an instance-based learning algorithm such as the KNN best suited the classification task in this study. This argumentation was backed by the classification results. Furthermore, the SVM, Naïve Bayes, and logistic regression performance metrics were not satisfactory in the prediction of scale formation. Note that the hyperparameters of the models were found by grid search and random search approaches. Finally, the sensitivity analysis showed that the variations in the concentration of Ca had the highest impact on scale precipitation.
Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus derived from Mandarin fish was pathogenic to Largemouth Bass
Authors: LIANG Hong-ru , FU Xiao-zhe , Xiao-ting Zhang , F Z. Y , Qiang LIN , NIU Yin-jie , l x , l nq
Published: November 2022

Background

Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV) is one of the most important causativea gents of fish viral diseases, especially the virulent strains. SCRVcould cause significant loss and damages in the fish breeding industry. However, the pathogenesis of SCRV is unclear.

Methods

In the present study, two SCRV strains (SCRV-QY strain, SCRV-GM strain) derived from Mandarin fish was pathogenic to Largemouth Bass and the pathogenicity was revealed. The viral RNA copy numbers and innate immune activity detected by real-time qRT-PCRThe tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). And the sections of tissue were then examined by light microscope.

Results

Both of two strains were lethal to Largemouth Bass, which showed obvious clinical symptoms/pathology. The SCRV-GM strain was more virulent than the SCRV-QY strain and had higher mortality. Largemouth Bass infected with the SCRV-GM strain had higher viral RNA copy numbers than those of fishes infected with the SCRV-QY strain in all tissues. The viral RNA copy numbers were higher in the kidney, brain and spleen, which may be the target organ of virus. Additionally, the expression levels of innate immune activity-related genes, including Viperin, IRF-7, IRAK1 and Mx, were slightly up-regulated in the brain on the 7th and 21st day. Moerover, the Mx was slightly up-regulated in the intestine and spleen on the 7th and 21st day.

Conclusions

In the study, the two SCRV strains derived from Mandarin fish was lethal to Largemouth Bass and were characterized by systematic elucidation, which can help to understand the virus and diagnose the associated disease.
Comparative proteomics reveals different protein expression in platelets in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis
Authors: Begli Nima Haji , Freund Cora , Weiss Karl-Heinz , Gotthardt Daniel , Wannhoff Andreas
Published: November 2022

Background
The role of platelets in disease progression as well as the function of platelets as part of the haemostatic and immunological system in patients with liver cirrhosis is only incompletely understood. This is partly due to difficulties in assessing platelet function. Proteome analyses of platelets have been used to further investigate the role of platelets in other diseases.
Aim
To assess possible changes in the platelet proteome during different stages of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis compared to healthy donors.
Patients and Methods
A 45 ml blood sample was drawn from 18 participants aged 18–80 years evenly divided into three groups of healthy donors, patients with less advanced alcohol induced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh < 7) and patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh > 10). The blood was processed to isolate platelets and perform subsequent two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis using a SYPRO™ Ruby dye. After computational analysation significantly in- or decreased protein spots (defined as a two-fold abundance change between different study cohorts and ANOVA < 0.05) were identified via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LCMS) and searching against human protein databases.
Results
The comparative analysis identified four platelet proteins with progressively decreased protein expression in patients with liver cirrhosis. More specifically Ras-related protein Rab-7a (Rab-7a), Ran-specific binding protein 1 (RANBP1), Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor 1 (RhoGDI1), and 14-3-3 gamma.
Conclusion
There is significant change in protein expression in the platelet proteome throughout the disease progression of alcohol induced liver cirrhosis. The identified proteins are possibly involved in haemostatic and immunoregulatory function of platelets.
Higher versus lower dose corticosteroids for severe to critical COVID-19: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Pitre Tyler , Su Johnny , Mah Jasmine , Helmeczi Wryan , Danhoe Sharef , Plaxton William , Giilck Stephen , Rochwerg Bram , Zeraatkar Dena
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Corticosteroids are standard of care for patients with severe COVID-19. However, the optimal dose is uncertain.
Objective
To compare higher doses of corticosteroids with lower doses in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MedRxiv, and Web of Science from inception to August 1st, 2022, for trials that randomized patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19 to corticosteroids, standard care, or placebo. Reviewers, working in duplicate, screened references, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. We performed a dose-response meta-analysis and used the GRADE framework to assess the certainty of evidence. We present our results both in relative risk and absolute risk difference (RD) per 1000 with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We included 20 trials, with 10,155 patients. We show that, compared to lower-dose corticosteroids, higher-dose corticosteroids probably reduce mortality (RD 14 fewer deaths per 1000 [95% CI 26 to 2 fewer]; moderate certainty), may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation (RD 11.6 fewer per 1000 [95% CI 23.2 fewer to 6.9 more]; low certainty) and may or may not reduce risk of nosocomial infections (16.7 fewer infections per 1000 [95% CI 5.4 to 25.0 fewer]; very low certainty).

Conclusions

Relatively higher doses of corticosteroids may be beneficial in patients with severe-to-critical COVID-19 and may not increase the risk of nosocomial infections.
Quantum Computing Error Correction Solved Using Chaotic Numbers
Authors: Thakur Usama
Published: November 2022

Quantum Mechanics and Computation has a major problem calledthe measurement problem [7] [19]. This has given physicists a very hardtime over the years when I first looked into the problem my approach wassimple find a new number system that can go with the uncertainty of aQuantum particle the paper deals with the mathematics of uncertaintywhich has solved 2 millenium prize problems [4], [5] and quantum measurementproblem very efficiently. We divide chaos into two parts lowchaos and high chaos then we find the desired value [19] inside the intersectionof both. This helps us find something in a ℵ3 >>> ∞ this takesthe problems around us to the next level if we are able to control a chaosthen we can achieve pretty much anything. This paper is inspired by [22]
Application of Machine Learning Methods for the Prediction of Roll Force and Torque during Plate Rolling of Micro-alloyed Steel
Authors: Thakur Suman Kant , Das Alok Kumar , Jha Bimal Kumar
Published: November 2022

Machine learning technique is extensively used to establish the relationship between non-linear data sets which cannot be described mathematically and thus an exact analytic model is either intractable or too time-consuming to develop. During hot rolling, the effect of process parameters that cannot be captured in mathematical models, such as roll dimensions and its wear, the inter-pass time between rolling passes, temperature variation has been incorporated using multivariate supervised machine learning technique for accurate prediction of roll force and torque during plate rolling of micro-alloyed steel. An ensemble method was used to combine various machine learning techniques and average them to develop one final predictive model. K-cross validation of the model was carried out to validate the results and ensure the model gets the correct pattern of data. Root mean square error of ensemble roll force model was compared with roll force calculation using Sims theory. It was found that the machine learning model can predict the roll force and torque accurately as it takes care of various non-linear process variables which cannot be accounted for mathematically. The R-value of the machine learning model was > 98%, whereas it was 92.2% for roll force calculation using Sims theory.
The effect of using treated domestic wastewater with different pH on workability, mechanical, and durability properties of self-compacting concrete
Authors: Keneshlo Shirin , Asadollahfardi Gholamreza , Homami Peyman , Salehi Amir Masoud , Akarbardoost Javad , Jeneli Mojtaba Tayebi
Published: November 2022

In the present work, we used treated domestic wastewater with different pHs in self-compacting concrete (SCC) to find the effect of treated wastewater with different pH on the workability, mechanical, and durability properties of SCC. Eight different SCC mixtures were designed, including two control samples using tap water with a water-to-cement ratio (W/C) of 0.5 with 400 kg/m 3 of cement and W/C of 0.36 with 440 kg/m 3 of cement. Six SCC samples with the same characteristic as control samples except using treated domestic treated wastewater with different pHs. The results indicate that the workability of the SCC sample using the treated domestic wastewater in acidic pH was higher than the alkalinity state. Using treated domestic wastewater instead of tap water in SCC samples decreased compressive, flexural strength, and fracture toughness by less than10%. Also, carbonation,30-minute water adsorption, and capillary water adsorption of SCC samples increased when treated domestic wastewater was used. The compressive strength of SCC samples made with treated domestic wastewater in an acidic state is less than about 5% in an alkaline state. The energy dispersive spectroscopy and the scanning electron microscope images confirmed that using treated wastewater instead of tap water, in SCC samples, reduced compressive strength because the Ca/Si ratio increased when treated domestic wastewater was used. The SCC samples with treated domestic wastewater in the alkaline state have a lower Ca/Si ratio. The higher compressive strength belongs to concrete samples that used treated domestic wastewater in analkaline environment with a lower Ca/Si ratio.
Effect of Enamel Matrix Derivative and bone grafts on Alveolar Ridge Preservation in Bone Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Cancan , Huang Haowen , Li Quan-Li , Cao Chris Ying
Published: November 2022

Objectives The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of using bone grafts alone to alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) using a combination of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and bone grafts.
Materials and Methods Searches were conducted via electronic approaches for articles published up to July 2022. Changes in buccal ridge height (BH), palatal ridge height (PH), ridge width (RW) and the fraction of new bone (%NB), residual graft (%RG), soft tissue matrix (%STM) were extracted from original articles for meta-analysis.
ResultsThis review covered four randomized controlled clinical trials. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of BH, PH, RW2 with RW1, and RW2 with RW3 were 0.32mm (95% CI = -0.03~0.67, P = 0.08), 0.00mm (95% CI = -0.23 ~ 0.23, P = 0.99), 0.01 mm (95% CI= -0.20~ 0.21, P = 0.95), and 0.09mm (95% CI = -0.17 ~ 0.35, P = 0.50), respectively. The WMD of %NB, %RG, and %STM were 22.48% (95% CI = 9.24~35.71, P = 0.0009), -5.62% (95% CI = -28.14~16.89, P = 0.62), and -11.90% (95% CI = -19.29~-5.73, P = 0.002), respectively.
Conclusion This review revealed that bone healing in sockets under ARP with EMD and bone grafts was better than that with bone grafts alone. There was significant difference in the %NB and %STM.
Clinical Relevance When compared to bone grafts alone, the use of EMD with bone grafts during ARP has supernumerary advantages for bone healing.
Can we predict neurological complications in patients with metastatic spinal tumors?
Authors: Shin Hee Tae , Bae Cho Rong , Lee Joon Hee , Chee Choong Guen , Jeon Jae Yong
Published: November 2022

Purpose: Thisstudy aimed to identify predictors of the occurrence and severity of neurological symptoms in patients with metastatic spinal tumor who still had noneurological symptoms.
Methods: We retrospectively examined patients with metastatic spinal tumor (regardless of tumor type) who visited the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine between 2017 and 2021. Using the patients’ magnetic resonance imaging and clinical data, weinvestigated whether epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC) scale, spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS), and pain character were related to the occurrence and severity of neurological symptoms within 1 year.
Results: Of the 70 included patients, 40 showedneurological symptoms, and 30 did not. Multivariable analysis showed that ESCC (2 or 3) (P = 0.002), SINS (P = 0.007), and radiating pain (P = 0.015) were associated with neurological complications. None of the factors was associated with neurological symptom severity. Notably, neurological symptoms progressed rapidly in patients with high ESCC (P = 0.003).
Conclusion: ESCC, SINS, and radiating pain were related to the occurrence of neurological symptoms, but not to severity. Only ESCC was associated with the rapid progression of neurological symptoms. This retrospective study provides useful insights in predicting a patient's functional prognosis and determining management using radiology and clinical data.
Tumor preventive and antioxidant efficacy of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles in experimental skin carcinogenesis
Authors: Neelakandan M. , Manoharan S. , Muralinaidu R. , Monsi@Thara J.
Published: November 2022

Oxidative stress, a pathological condition, contributes to the pathophysiology of a number of diseases including carcinogenesis. Numerous studies pointed out the disturbed antioxidants status and accumulation of oxidative stress markers in the carcinogenesis. The present study analysed the anticancer efficacy of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles by utilizing the oxidative stress biomarkers as an endpoint in mice with skin cancer developed by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation by-products and antioxidants) levels or activities were measured using colorimetric assays. While mice exposed with DMBA alone showed a 100 percent tumour incidence, 0 and 50 percent tumor formation was seen in mice treated with DMBA + topical application of the nanoparticles and DMBA + orally administrated nanoparticles respectively. Also, the study noticed 33 percent and 67 percent tumor incidence was noticed in mice treated with DMBA + topical application of free chlorogenic acid and DMBA + orally administrated free chlorogenic acid respectively. The present study noticed that topical application of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles to DMBA painted mice completely suppressed the tumour growth and restored the levels or activities of oxidative stress markers as compared to mice received DMBA + oral administration of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles. The study observed chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles are more potent than free chlorogenic acid in preventing skin cancer in mice caused by DMBA. Thus, the present investigation explores the tumor inhibiting efficacy of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles in experimental skin cancer and the tumor preventive efficiency could be attributed to their antilipid peroxitative and antioxidants effects.
Circular Economy of Medical Waste: Novel Intelligent Medical Waste Management Framework Based on Extension Linear Diophantine Fuzzy FDOSM and Neural Network Approach
Authors: Chew XinYing , Khaw Khai Wah , Alnoor Alhamzah , Ferasso Marcos , Halbusi Hussam Al , Muhsen Yousif Raad
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused overwhelming levels of medical waste, resulting in constant threats to environmental pollution. Furthermore, many environmental issues related to medical waste have emerged. This study aims to propose an application that allows the identification and classification of hospitals that generate overwhelming levels of medical waste aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic by using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods (MCDM). MCDM was designed on the integration of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), linear diophantine fuzzy set-fuzzy decision by opinion score method (LDFN-FDOSM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis. Ten hospital managers were interviewed to determine the volume of medical waste generated by the hospitals they manage. Five types of medical waste were identified: general waste, sharps waste, pharmaceutical waste, infectious waste, and pathological waste. Among these five types, pharmaceutical waste is appointed as one that most impacts the environment. After that 313 experts in the health sector with experience in sustainability techniques were targeted to determine the best and worst technique for the Circular Economy to manage medical waste using the neural network approach. Findings also revealed that incineration technique, microwave technique, pyrolysis technique, autoclave chemical technique, vaporised hydrogen peroxide, dry heat, ozone, and ultraviolet light were the most vital and effective methods to dispose of medical waste during the pandemic. Additionally, ozone was ranked first as the most Circular Economy-related method for medical waste disposal. Among the implications of this study for governments, policymakers, and practitioners identify actions that hospitals may consider regarding the Circular Economy concept. Another implication is the supportive role of policymakers in transitioning most pollutant hospitals to becoming more sustainable.
Prognostic Nomogram for Overall Survival in Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) Patients Treated with Chemotherapy: A SEER-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tian Cong , Liu Jun , An Lizhe , Hong Yang , Xu Qingquan
Published: November 2022

Objective: To establish a prognostic nomogram among UTUC patients who received chemotherapy.
Methods: 1195 UTUC patients who received chemotherapy were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for the period between 2004 and 2015. Patients were randomly divided into a training and a validation set. Nomogram was constructed to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) in those patients. Receiver-operating characteristic curves (ROCs), calibration plots, and Decision curve analysis (DCA) were applied to assess and compare the discrimination, accuracy, and practicability of the nomogram with 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system.
Results: Six clinical parameters were identified as independent prognostic factors for UTUC patients’ OS, including age, marital status, TNM stage, and surgical methods of the primary site. The ROC curves showed a satisfactory discrimination capacity of the nomogram, with 1-, 3-, and 5-year area under curve (AUC) values of 0.789, 0.772, and 0.763 in the training set and 0.772, 0.822, and 0.814 in the validation set, respectively. Calibration curves indicated a good agreement between actual observation and nomogram prediction. ROC and DCA curves showed our nomograms exhibited larger benefits than the 8th AJCC-TNM staging system.
Conclusions: A prognostic nomogram was established and validated to present individual predictions of OS among chemotherapeutic UTUC patients. This nomogram may assist clinicians in accurate survival prognostication, treatment decision-making, and design of future clinical trials.
Prevalence and risk factors of burden among caregivers of older emergency department patients
Authors: Zaalberg Tessel , Barten Dennis G. , Heugten Caroline M. , Klijnsma Petra , Knarren Lieve , Hiemstra Ytje , Kurvers Roel A.J. , Lekx Anita W. , Mooijaart Simon P. , Janssen-Heijnen Maryska
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND: The number of older individuals that live independently at home is rising. These older individuals often rely on caregivers who have a similar age and health status. Therefore, caregivers may experience a high burden. We determined the prevalence and associating factors of burden among caregivers of older patients in the emergency department (ED).
METHODS: a cross-sectional study of primary caregivers of patients aged ≥ 70 years visiting the ED of a Dutch teaching hospital. Structured interviews were conducted with patients and their caregivers. Caregiver burden was measured using the caregiver strain index (CSI). Additionally, data from questionnaires and medical records were extracted to determine potential associating factors. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to identify independent determinants for burden.
RESULTS: Seventy-eight caregivers (39%) experienced a high burden. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between high caregiver burden and patients with cognitive impairment or dependency for instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and more self-reported hours of care per day.
CONCLUSION: Almost 40% of older patients in the ED have a caregiver who experiences a high burden. Formal assessment in the ED may help provide adequate care to the patients and their caregivers.
Identification of Novel Immune Subtypes and Potential Hub Genes of Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Li Yingxi , Li Lin , Tian Yao , Luo Jing , Huang Junkai , Zhang Litao , Zhang Junling , Li Xiaoxia , Hu Lizhi
Published: November 2022

Background
Psoriasis is a common, chronic and relapsing immune-related inflammatory dermal disease. Patients with psoriasis suffering from the recurrences is mainly caused by immnue response disorder. Thus, our study is aim to identify novel immnue subtypes and select targeted drugs for the precision therapy in different subtypes of psoriasis.
Methods
Differentially expressed genes of psoriasis were identified from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Functional and disease enrichment were performed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Disease Ontology Semantic and Enrichment analysis. Hub genes of psoriasis were selected from protein-protein interaction networks using Metascape database. The expression of hub genes were validated in human psoriasis samples by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Further, novel immune subtypes of psoriasis were identified by ConsensusClusterPlus package and its association with hub genes were calculated. Immune infiltration analysis were performed and its candidate drugs were evaluated by Connectivity Map analysis.
Results
182 differentially expressed genes of psoriasis were identified from GSE14905 corhot, in which 99 genes were significantly up-regulated and 83 genes were down-regulated. We then conducted funtional and disease enrichment in up-regulated genes of psoriasis. Five potential hub genes of psoriasis were obtained, including SOD2, PGD, PPIF, GYS1 and AHCY. The high expression of hub genes were validated in human psoriasis samples. Notably, two novel immune subtypes of psoriasis were determined and defined as C1 and C2. Bioinformatic analysis showed C1 and C2 had different enrichment in immune infiltration cells. Further, candidate drugs and mechanism of action that applicable to different subtypes were evaluated.
Conclusion
Our study identified two novel immnue subtypes and five potential hub genes of psoriasis. These findings might give insight into the pathogenesis of psoriasis and provide effective immunotherapy regimens for the precise treatment of psoriasis.
Digitizing analog seismograms of Iranian seismic stations - preserving records for strong earthquakes in Iran 1960-1990
Authors: Aghajani Mahdy , Ahmadi Hossein , Mirzaii Noorbakhsh , Batllo Josep
Published: November 2022

To preserve the analog records of historical earthquakes which occurred in and around Iran in digital form and to make them available for modern analyses techniques that require waveforms, we decided to scan seismograms of destructive earthquakes that occurred between 1960 and 1990. The seismograms have been recorded in five seismic stations deployed in Tehran, Mashhad, Kermanshah, Tabriz, and Shiraz by the Institute of Geophysics of the University of Tehran (IGUT). The restoration project of the old analog seismograms archived in the IGUT started in 2018. Seismograms were sorted by station and date to create a hardcopy data bank, and then those from large earthquakes with significant damage and casualties, and their larger aftershocks, were chosen to scan. At present, over 600 scanned seismograms from 52 major earthquakes, and their aftershocks larger than MW = 5.0 that occurred in and around Iran and some major and great tele-seismic earthquakes from abroad are available. The current digitization process in IGUT is done manually and is based on waveform vectorization. The provided databank is one of the most important sources of information for researchers in seismology and active tectonics in and around Iran.
Evaluation of allylestrenol for clinical pregnancies in patients treated with assisted reproductive techniques: a retrospective, propensity score matched, observational study
Authors: Yu Yuexin , Yu Tingting , Ding Weiping , Xiu Yinling , Zhao Mengsi , Sun Kaixuan , Zhang Qian , Xu Xiaohang
Published: November 2022

Background: Allylestrenol is an oral progestogen being increasingly used for luteal phase support (LPS) inassisted reproductive techniques. However, evidence of the clinical efficacy of allylestrenol in LPS is lacking. Dydrogesterone is a representative drug used for LPS, the efficacy of which has been clinically confirmed. As such, we aimed to compare the effects of allylestrenol with the standard dydrogesterone on clinical pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective study included 3375 assisted reproductive technique cycles using either allylestrenol or dydrogesterone between January 2015 and March 2020. Patients using either allylestrenol or dydrogesterone were matched in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcomes.
Results: No significant difference was found in the clinical pregnancy rate (54.4% vs.53.7%, P = 0.787) and pregnancy outcomes (all P > 0.05) between allylestrenol and dydrogesterone. Compared with dydrogesterone, the use of allylestrenol significantly reduced the rate of biochemical pregnancies (6.4% vs.11.8%, P < 0.001) and multiple gestation rate (16.8% vs.26.3%, P = 0.001). Moreover, endometrial thickness, morphology, and blood flow were significantly improved by allylestrenol treatment (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Allylestrenol exhibited similar effects on clinical pregnancy rates and pregnancy outcomes as dydrogesterone. Moreover, allylestrenol had a more positive impact on biochemical pregnancy and endometrial receptivity.
Psychometric Properties of the China Developmental Scale of Children in Infant Aged 0-1 Years old with developmental delay: A Rasch Analysis
Authors: Peng Kanglong , Wang Jinggang , Liu Guixiang , Tan Zhujiang
Published: November 2022

Background: Children development is a multidimensional construct encompassing gross motor, fine motor, adaptive behavior, speech and language, and social behavior. The China Developmental Scale of Children (CDSC) has been tested using traditional methods. This study aimed to make amendment to previous evidence by using Rasch Model and elaborate the psychometric properties of the CDSC in a new perspective.
Methods: 200 children and infants were recruited and finished the CDSC. Data were collected and used for the analysis. Rasch Model was adopted to test the psychometric properties of the CDSC regard the fitness to the prediction of the Model. Unidimensionality was tested using principal component analysis. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was performed across gender and age group (older or younger than 6.5 months old).
Result: Data from 200 children with developmental delays were obtained. The result showed that the items from the CDSC presented acceptable fitness to the Rasch Model(Person Infit MNSQ:0.83~0.9;Item Infit MNSQ:0.9~0.93). Besides, 11 unfitting(misfitting or overfitting) items were found. The impact of the unfitting items on the average fit statistics was evaluate by reanalysis, and the result showed that the person reliability and separation were lower while the infit MNSQ got higher. The unidimensionality was supported by the result of the principal component analysis(Measures explained variance:79.6%~87.8%). Further, the reliability and the separation index of the item and person indicated that the assumption of the internal consistency was confirmed (Person.Reliability:0.91~0.96; Person.Separation:4.27~3.5; Item.Reliablity:0.99~1; Item.Separation:13.39~19.28).
Conclusion: Our study found that the CDSC had shown reasonable fitness to the Rasch Model. The result support that the CDSC was established based on a unidimensional structure with good internal consistency. The misfitting items still required reformulation to demonstrate corresponding content more clearly.
Identification of key genes in platelets associated with COVID-19 using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: You Hongjun , Zhao Qianqian , Dong Mengya , Gou Qiling
Published: November 2022

There is growing evidence of a strong relationship between COVID-19 and thrombosis. However, few bioinformatics-based analyses of critical genes and the mechanisms related to COVID-19 thrombosis existed. This study aimed to identify critical genes related to COVID-19 thrombosis by bioinformatic methods and explore the biological mechanisms and gene regulatory networks. The gene expression data were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Significant modular genes in GSE176480 were identified by weighted gene correlation network analysis and overlapped with differentially expressed genes by R package ‘DESeq2’ to obtain common genes. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that common genes were mainly enriched in biological processes such as platelet activation, signaling and aggregation, neutrophil degranulation and immune system and VEGFA-VEGFR2 signaling pathway et al. Finally, 16 genes (RPLP0, RPS4X, RPL13A, RPL13, RPL10, TPT1, PSMA7, ATP5D, AKT1, HIST1H2AC, HIST1H2BH, H3F3B, KDM6A, GATA3, ITGAM and RBMX) were identified as potential hub genes. Our study provides a new perspective to explore the pathogenesis and gene regulatory networks of thrombosis in COVID-19. It is worth highlighting that critical genes may be potential biomarkers and treatment targets of COVID-19 thrombosis for future study.
The Use of Oral Benzodiazepines for the Management of Dental Anxiety: A Web-based Survey of UK Dentists
Authors: Thompson Wendy , Finn Kathryn , Moore Deborah , Dailey Yvonne
Published: November 2022

Background Oral benzodiazepines can facilitate treatment of dentally anxious patients and are widely used in countries such as Australia and the United States. Dentists in the United Kingdom (UK) prescribe them much less often. Aims To examine oral benzodiazepine prescribing by dentists in the UK, including patterns of practice, barriers to use, and alternative anxiety management strategies. Methods An online mixed-methods survey was conducted utilising Qualtrics™. Participants were recruited via the Facebook private group: For Dentists, By Dentists during April to June 2021. Quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics and qualitative data with thematic analysis. Results 235 dentists participated, with 91% being general dentists. Only 18% were confident in their use. Half had previously prescribed oral benzodiazepines, of which 36% were in the last year. Diazepam was the anxiolytic preferred by respondents. Two thirds of dentists who had never prescribed anxiolytics were interested in doing so in the future. Concerns about managing anxious patients with benzodiazepines included: inadequate training, confusion about guidelines, medico-legal risk, and issues of GPs prescribing anxiolytics to dental patients unbeknown to their dentist. Conclusions A lack of confidence prescribing oral benzodiazepines for anxiolysis exists among UK dentists. Guidelines should be clarified, and training provided.
Quartet RNA reference materials and ratio-based reference datasets for reliable transcriptomic profiling
Authors: Yu Ying , Hou Wanwan , Wang Haiyan , Dong Lianhua , Liu Yaqing , Sun Shanyue , Yang Jingcheng , Cao Zehui , Zhang Peipei , Zi Yi , Li Zhihui , Liu Ruimei , Gao Jian , Chen Qingwang , Zhang Naixin , Li Jingjing , Ren Luyao , Jiang He , Shang Jun , Zhu Sibo , Wang Xiaolin , Qing Tao , Bao Ding , Li Bingying , Li Bin , Suo Chen , Pi Yan , Wang Xia , Dai Fangping , Scherer Andreas , Mattila Pirkko , Han Jinxiong , Zhang Lijun , Jiang Hui , Thierry-Mieg Danielle , Thierry-Mieg Jean , Xiao Wenming , Hong Huixiao , Tong Weida , Wang Jing , Li Jinming , Fang Xiang , Jin Li , Xu Joshua , Qian Feng , Zhang Rui , Zheng Yuanting , Shi Leming
Published: November 2022

As an indispensable tool for transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression, RNA sequencing (RNAseq) has demonstrated great potential in clinical applications such as companion diagnostics and prognostics. However, there is a lack of certified RNA reference materials and the corresponding reference datasets of differential expression for assessing the reliability of RNAseq for its intended use in detecting intrinsically small biological differences in clinical settings such as molecular subtyping of diseases. As part of the Quartet Project for quality control and data integration of multiomics profiling, we established four RNA reference materials derived from immortalized B-lymphoblastoid cell lines from four members of a monozygotic twin family. Additionally, we constructed ratio-based transcriptome-wide reference datasets between two reference samples, providing "ground truth" for cross-platform and cross-lab proficiency test. Moreover, Quartet-sample-based quality metrics were developed for assessing the reliability of RNAseq technology in terms of intra-batch measurement and cross-batch data integration. The small intrinsic biological differences among the Quartet samples enabled sensitive assessment of performance of transcriptomic measurements and their cross-batch integration at the ratio level. The Quartet RNA reference materials combined with the ratio-based reference datasets can serve as unique resources for assessing data quality and improving reliability of transcriptomic profiling.
Inconsistency in the 11-point (0-10) Likert scale: evidence from subjective well-being survey
Authors: Chen Yue-mei-tong , Fang Zhou
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we verified an inconsistency of understanding in the 0 to 10 Likert Scales with a survey experiment. We recruited 121 college students at a public university in California and had them answer a hypothetical subjective well-being survey. The survey contains 23 happy or unhappy events, and the students are told to report how happy/unhappy they would feel if the event happened to them on 11-point Likert Scales. We found an inconsistent understanding in the responses when the expected value is around 7 to 8 on a 0 to 10 Likert scale. Our finding suggests that a scale of another length or a -5 to 5 scale can be used as an alternative to improve the data quality.
Complexity-driven Risk Decision Framework for Cost Overrun using Fuzzy-Bayesian Network
Authors: Afzal Farman , Afzal Fahim , Junaid Danish , Shah Imran Ahmed , Yunfei Shao
Published: November 2022

This study adheres to find important complexity-risk interdependent causes of cost overrun in infrastructure transport projects rather considering an independent state of project risk. Aiming for addressing cost overrun problem to facilitate decision-makers, a hierarchical breakdown structure of complex elements and complexity-driven risk factors at different levels of severity is conceptualized along with their interdependency network of key relationships. In this work, an integrated approach of fuzzy logic with the Bayesian belief network is employed for cost-risk assessment while assuming linguistic scales of likelihood and consequences parameters. The simulated results of cost-risk decision framework imply that poor design issues, increase in material prices and delay in relocating facilities show higher complexity-risk dependency and increase the risk of cost overrun in complex projects. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing a practical hybrid risk decision framework to identify and evaluate the key complexity-risk interdependencies in underline relations to the cost overrun problem in construction.
To explore the application of HMGB1, SII, S100A8 / A9 and MCP-1 in the diagnosis, condition monitoring and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Xiang Yuling , Zhang Bin , Lai Xin , Han Kexin , Li Juan , Song Liyun , Tan Liming
Published: November 2022

Objective: To explore the diagnosis and prognosisvalue of high mobility group box1 protein B1(HMGB1), systemic immune inflammatory index (SII), calcium binding proteinA8/A9 complex (S100A8/ A9) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: From January 2020 to December 2021, 154 patients diagnosed with RA in the outpatient and inpatient clinics of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and Yingtan People's Hospital were selected as the RA group, A total of 303 cases including 78 cases of Sjogren's syndrome (SS), 62 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 79 cases of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 84 cases of osteoarthritis (OA) were selected as as a non-RA group, and 43 healthy people who underwent physical examination at the same time in the hospital were selected as the healthy control group.The levels of HMGB1, S100A8/A9 and MCP-1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), platelets (PLT) and lymphocytes (L) were detected by sheath flow electrical impedance method, neutrophils (N) were detected by flow cytometry combined with fluorescence staining,(N), calculate SII and detect other laboratory indicators.The disease activity index 28 (DAS28) score was used to evaluate the disease activity of RA and the efficacy after treatment,the patients with RA were followed up at 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after treatment, and the correlation between the detection indicators in each period was analyzed.
Results: ① the levels of HMGB1, SII, S100A8/A9 and MCP-1 in RA group were significantly higher than those in healthy control group (P < 0.01),and the AUC area of RA diagnosis was 0.86, 0.79, 0.84 and 0.80, respectively, the AUC area of HMGB1 was the largest. ② The positive rates of HMGB1, SII, S100A8 / A9 and MCP-1 in RF (-) and Anti-CCP (-) groups were 37.50%, 37.50%, 50.00% and 62.5%, respectively. The positive rate of MCP-1 was the highest. ③ The levels of HMGB1, S100A8 / A9 and MCP-1 in high disease activity group and middle disease activity group were higher than those in low disease activity group, remission group and healthy control group (P < 0.05).④ HMGB1, SII, S100A8 / A9 and MCP-1 were positively correlated with DSA28 score (r= 0.476, 0.286, 0.522 and 0.441, respectively, P < 0.01); Δ HMGB1, Δ SII, Δ S100A8 / A9 and Δ MCP-1 and Δ DAS28 before and after treatment in RA patients was positively correlated (r = 0.628, 0.524, 0.603 and 0.579, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: HMGB1, SII, S100A8/A9 and MCP-1 show better diagnostic performance in RA, especially improving the detected rate of RF (-) and Anti-CCP (-) RA patients;Besides,HMGB1, SII, S100A8/A9 and MCP-1 can be used for disease activity monitoring and disease evaluation of RA patients.
Plasma-derived Exosomal microRNA expression profile in Lung Adenocarcinoma with OSA
Authors: Chen Jianan , Lu Minzhen , Gao Xinglin
Published: November 2022

Background
Obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) was reported to involve in lung carcinogenesis. Altered expression of miRNAs that are secreted from exosomes is involved in the occurrence of various malignant tumors including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
Methods
We investigated the differential expression of plasma exosomal miRNAs in LUAD patients with OSA compared to matched LUAD patients without OSA by high-throughput sequencing and verified the candidate miRNAs by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).
Results
In total, 78 differentially expressed exosomal-miRNAs including 44 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated were obtained through high-throughput sequencing. Subsequently, validation studies performed by qPCR revealed that the expression level of exosomal miR-107 was significantly higher in LUAD with OSA(n = 18) than LUAD patients without OSA(n = 18). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed that the PI3K-Akt pathway is targeted by miR-107 and may be involved in lung carcinogenesis under the intermittent hypoxia condition.
Conclusion
Aberrant profiling of plasma-derived microRNAs was identified and miR-107 may play a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma under the intermittent hypoxia condition.
Decreasing the blood flow of non-compressible intra-abdominal organs with non-invasive transcutaneous electrical stimulation
Authors: Cakmak Yusuf O. , Khwaounjoo Prashanna , Pangilinan Joseph , Wise Innes K. , Burrows Chris , Kolakshyapati Pranish , Williams Zoe , Bannon Paul
Published: November 2022

Non-invasive neuromodulation of non-compressible internal organs has significant potential for internal organ bleeding and blood-shift in aero/space medicine. The present study aims to investigate the potential influences of the non-invasive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on multiple non-compressible internal organs’ blood flow. Porcine animal model (n = 8) was randomized for a total of 48 neuromodulation sessions with two different TENS stimulation frequencies (80Hz, 10Hz) and a placebo stimulation. A combination of two different electrode configurations (Abdominal or Abdominal and Hind Limb) were also performed. Intraarterial blood flow measurements were taken during pre and post-stimulation periods at the left renal artery, common hepatic artery, and left coronary artery. Intracranial, and extracranial arterial blood flows were also assessed with digital subtraction angiography. TENS with abdominal-only electrode configurations at 10hz demonstrated significant reductions in average peak blood flow velocity (APV) of the common hepatic artery (p = 0.0233) and renal arteries (p = 0.0493). Arterial pressures (p = 0.0221) were also significantly lower when renal APV was reduced. The outcome of the present study emphasises the potential use of TENS in decreasing the blood flow of non-compressible internal organs when the correct combination of electrodes configuration and frequency is used.
Experimental study of friction pair of variable stator vane system and its mechanism dynamic modeling application
Authors: Chang Jing , Luo Zhong , Wang Yunlei , Han Qingkai , Han Fangjun , Zhang Hongwei
Published: November 2022

For the study of joint characteristics of the real variable stator vane (VSV) mechanism, the dry friction properties of joint materials must be taken into account. In this paper, a micro hybrid contact force model considering the friction characteristics of real revolute joint materials is proposed, and then it is utilized for the dynamic analysis of a principle-level VSV mechanism test rig, including the dry friction rotary pair, designed based on the similitude scaling theory. For the tribological characteristics of real materials, the friction tests and the vibration tests induced by the friction process are carried out. Then the friction coefficient values obtained from the test are embedded into the contact force model considering friction factors and compared with several other macro contact force models. The accuracy of the hybrid model is verified through a one-shot contact-impact simulation. Finally, the hybrid contact force model is used to analyze the influence of different driving methods on the dynamic characteristics of the system. The results showed that the driving method of constant speed has good stability and is a good recommendation for engineering applications.
Three-dimensional molecular architecture of mouse organogenesis
Authors: Peng Guangdun , QU Fangfang , Xu Jian , Li Wenjia , Zhang Ruifang , Ke Jincan , Ren Xiaodie , Meng Xiaogao , Qin Lexin , Zhang Jingna , Lu Fangru , Zhou Xin , Luo Xi , Zhang Zhen , Wu Guangming , Pei Duanqing , Chen Jiekai , Cui Guizhong , Suo Shengbao
Published: November 2022

Mammalian embryos have sophisticated cell organizations that are orchestrated by molecular regulation at cellular and tissue level. It has recently been appreciated that the cells that make up the animal body themselves harbor significant heterogeneity in the context of both cellular and particularly spatial dimension. However, current spatial transcriptomics profiling of embryonic tissues either lack three-dimensional representation or are restricted to limited depth and organs. Here, we reported a holistic spatial transcriptome atlas of all major organs at embryonic day 13.5 of mouse embryo and delineated a 3D rendering of the molecular regulation of embryonic patterning. By integrating with corresponding single-cell transcriptome data, the spatial organogenesis atlas provides rich molecular annotation of the dynamic organ nature, spatial cellular interaction, embryonic axes and divergence of cell fates underlying mammalian development, which would pave the way for precise organ-engineering and stem-cell based regenerative medicine.