bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of an Immune-related Gene Model for Predicting Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ji Fengping , Liu Xin , Zhang Yanping , Liu Erpeng , Wen Jianguo
Published: January 2022

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common pathological type of kidney cancer with high immune infiltration that has been proven to be treatable with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, the role of immunity in ccRCC remains poorly understood. Therefore, this paper aimed to develop and validate a novel immune-related prognostic marker to predict both the overall survival rate (OS) of ccRCC patients and the response to ICI therapy.Methods: Based on the transcriptome and clinicopathological data of ccRCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and immune-related genes (IRGs) from immune datasets, IRGs related to prognosis were screened to construct an IRG prognostic index (IRGPI) via coexpression analysis and Cox regression. After verifying that IRGPI was a prognostic indicator independent of clinical parameters, a nomogram was established. In addition, functional enrichment analysis, the CIBERSORT algorithm and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were performed to compare the molecular and immune characteristics of IRGPI-defined subgroups. Finally, the expression of immunosuppressive genes, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and the TIDE algorithm were used to predict the response of ICI therapy in different IRGPI subgroups. Results: A total of 11 IRGs (IFNG, XCL1, APOBEC3G, CD86, CXCR3, IL10RA, IL2RG, CD244, SH2D1A, CD3D and FCER1G) were included in the IRGPI module. IRGPIhigh patients had a worse OS and had poorer clinical pathological status than IRGPIlow patients. A nomogram containing clinical features and IRGPI scores may guide the clinical practice of ccRCC. Chemokine signaling pathways were mainly involved in functional enrichment analysis. Furthermore, the IRGPI could effectively reflect the immune characteristics and immune checkpoint gene expression of ccRCC and the response to ICI therapy.Conclusions: The IRGPI is a promising biomarker for determining prognosis and has the potential to be used to predict immunotherapy response in ccRCC.
In Vitro Efficacy of Cyclosporine A and Various Antiseptics and Antiviral Drugs on Adenovirus Genotype 8, a Common Cause of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Aydamirov Aynura Sariyeva , Harbiyeli Ibrahim Inan , Ozturk Gokhan , Yarkin Fugen , Erdem Elif , Yagmur Meltem
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro efficacy of cidofovir, ganciclovir, povidone iodine, chlorhexidine, and cyclosporine A on adenovirus genotype 8 Methods: Conjunctival samples were collected from patients with adenoviral conjunctivitis and cultured in A549 cells. Adenovirus diagnosis was confirmed by RT-PCR. For each drug, the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) was determined. Subsequently, the antiviral activity was tested at concentrations below CC₅₀, and the 50% inhibitor concentration (IC₅₀) of drugs was determined.Results: While the IC₅₀ of cidofovir against adenovirus genotype 8 was 3.07 ± 0.8 µM, ganciclovir, povidone iodine, chlorhexidine, and cyclosporine A were not found to be effective against adenovirus genotype 8 at concentrations below the CC₅₀ value.Conclusions: Cidofovir was found effective and the IC₅₀ value was within the ranges in the literature. Ganciclovir and cyclosporine A were found to be ineffective at doses below the cytotoxic dose, povidone iodine and chlorhexidine were found to be highly cytotoxic.
New Prognostic Frontiers for Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Salvia Anna La , Persano Irene , Siciliani Alessandra , Verrico Monica , Bassi Massimiliano , Modica Roberta , Audisio Alessandro , Zanata Isabella , Marinucci Beatrice Trabalza , Trevisi Elena , Puliani Giulia , Rinzivillo Maria , Parlagreco Elena , Baldelli Roberto , Feola Tiziana , Sesti Franz , Razzore Paola , Mazzilli Rossella , Mancini Massimiliano , Panzuto Francesco , Volante Marco , Giannetta Elisa , Romero Carmen , Appetecchia Marialuisa , Isidori Andrea , Venuta Federico , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Zatelli Maria Chiara , Ibrahim Mohsen , Colao Annamaria , Brizzi Maria Pia , Carbonero Rocio Garcia , Faggiano Antongiulio
Published: January 2022

Purpose Well-differentiated lung neuroendocrine tumors (Lu-NET) are classified as typical (TC) and atypical (AC) carcinoids, based on mitotic counts and necrosis. However, prognostic factors, other than tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and the histopathological diagnosis, are still lacking. The current study is aimed to identify potential prognostic factors to better stratify lung NET, thus, improving patients’ treatment strategy and follow-up. Methods A multicentric retrospective study, including 300 Lung NET, all surgically removed, from Italian and Spanish Institutions. Results Median age 61 years (13-86), 37.7% were males, 25.0% were AC, 42.0% were located in the lung left parenchyma, 80.3% presented a TNM stage I-II. Mitotic count was ≥2 per 10 high power field (HPF) in 24.7%, necrosis in 13.0%. Median overall survival (OS) was 46.1 months (0.6-323), median progression free survival (PFS) was 36.0 months (0.3-323). Female sex correlated with a more indolent disease (T1; N0; lower Ki67; lower mitotic count and the absence of necrosis). Left-sided primary tumors were associated with higher mitotic count and necrosis. At Cox multivariate regression model, age, left-sided tumors and nodal (N) positive status resulted independent negative prognostic factors for OS and PFS. Conclusions This study confirms the prognostic relevance of TNM stage and diagnosis to stratify LuNET. However, the current analysis suggests a wider spectrum of clinical and pathological prognostic factors, including age and primary tumor’s location. These parameters could help clinicians to personalize the management of Lu-NET.
TP53 Germline Mutations are Associated with HR+/HER2+ in BRCA1/2-Negative Early-Onset Breast Cancer in China
Authors: Chen Lili , Huang Meng , Chen Minyan , Lin Yuxiang , Li Jing , Guo Wenhui , Wang Chuan , Fu Fangmeng
Published: January 2022

Background: Except for BRCA1/2, there is no data on the relationship between genetic counseling for the range of mutations and early-onset breast cancer populations. We looked for a link between inherited genes and the molecular subtype of early-onset breast cancer.﻿Methods: We genotyped 1214 individuals with early-onset sporadic breast cancer (age≤40 years) who were BRCA1/2-negative in 3 genes: TP53, PALB2, and RECQL. We focus on the immunohistochemistry characteristics that are unique to each patient. Results: The mutation rates of TP53, PALB2, and RECQL in 1214 BRCA-negative young individuals were 4/1214(0.33%), 8/1214(0.66%), 2/1214(0.16%), respectively. The fact that the TP53 mutation rate was 3.49% among estrogen receptor-and/or progesterone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) amplification patients under the age of 35 (P<0.001) was particularly noteworthy. Conclusion: According to the findings, TP53 genetic testing should focus on women under 35 with HR-positive and HER2-positve IDC patients.
Solitons, Rogues and Interaction Behaviors of Third-Order Nonlinear Schrodinger Equation
Authors: Bo Ren , Kai-Zhong Shi , Shen Shou-Feng , Guo-Fang Wang , Jun-Da Peng , Wan-Li Wang
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate the third-order nonlinear Schr\"{o}dinger equation which is used to describe the propagation of ultrashort pulses in the subpicosecond or femtosecond regime. Based on the independent transformation, the bilinear form of the third-order NLSE is constructed. The multiple soliton solutions are constructed by solving the bilinear form. The multi-order rogue waves and interaction between one-soliton and first-order rogue wave are obtained by the long wave limit in multi-solitons. The dynamics of the first-order rogue wave, second-order rogue wave and interaction between one-soliton and first-order rogue wave are presented by selecting the appropriate parameters. In particular parameters, the positions and the maximum of amplitude of rogue wave can be confirmed by the detail calculations.PACS numbers: 02.30.Ik, 05.45.Yv.
PRTN3/FCER1A Transcriptomic Ratio Predicts Hospitalization in Primary Care Attenders With Respiratory Infection
Authors: Herrero-Rodríguez Carmen , Almansa Raquel , Fuente Amanda de la , Martínez-Huélamo Misericordia , Vicente-Andres Maria Pilar , Nieto-Barbero Jose Angel , Martín-Ballesteros Miryam , Rodilla-Carvajal Maria Mar , Ortega Alicia , Doncel Cristina , García-Ortiz Luis , Bermejo-Martin Jesús F , group PREVISE study
Published: January 2022

Early detection of patients with respiratory infection at risk of deteriorating could help to improve their outcome by facilitating immediate transfer to the hospital to receive the adequate level of care. In this regard, gene expression profiling is emerging as a promising tool to identify patients with infection at risk of suffering a complicated outcome. In a cohort of patients with respiratory infection attending to an Emergency Room at a community health centre, we quantified expression levels in blood of five genes involved in the granulocyte biology that have been previously described to be linked to infection severity: MMP8 (matrix metallopeptidase 8), LCN2 (lipocalin-2), LTF (lactotransferrin) and PRTN3 (proteinase 3) and FCER1A (receptor for Fc fragment of IgE, high affinity I). Expression levels of these genes were evaluated to predict hospitalization. Multivariate analysis adjusted by the National Early Warning Score (NEWS), neurovascular disease, hypertension and age revealed that all these genes independently predicted hospitalization. Nonetheless, the ratio between PRTN3/FCER1A outperformed individual genes to predict necessity of hospitalization (OR [CI95%], p: 8.36 [2.02-34.52],0.003). In conclusion, quantification of PRTN3/FCER1A gene expression ratio could represent a useful test to early identify those patients with respiratory infection at risk of deterioration in extra-hospital settings.
Ureaplasma and Prevotella Colonization with Lactobacillus Abundance During Pregnancy Facilitates Term Birth
Authors: Park Sunwha , You Young-Ah , Kim Young-Han , Kwon Eunjin , Ansari AbuZar , Kim Soo Min , Lee Gain , Hur Young Min , Jung Yun Ji , Kim Kwangmin , Kim Young Ju
Published: January 2022

Ureaplasma and Prevotella infections are well-known bacteria associated with preterm birth. However, with the development of metagenome sequencing techniques, it has been found that not all Ureaplasma and Prevotella colonizations cause preterm birth. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between Ureaplasma and Prevotella colonization with the induction of preterm birth even in the presence of Lactobacillus. In this matched case-control study, a total of 203 pregnant Korean women were selected and their cervicovaginal fluid samples were collected during mid-pregnancy. The microbiome profiles of the cervicovaginal fluid were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplification. Sequencing data were processed using QIIME1.9.1. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, and microbiome analysis was performed using the MicrobiomeAnalyst and Calypso software. A positive correlation between Ureaplasma and other genera was highly related to preterm birth, but interestingly, there was a negative correlation with Lactobacillus and term birth, with the same pattern observed with Prevotella. Ureaplasma and Prevotella colonization with Lactobacillus abundance during pregnancy facilitates term birth, although Ureaplasma and Prevotella are associated with preterm birth. Balanced colonization between Lactobacillus and Ureaplasma and Prevotella is important to prevent preterm birth.
Sleep Stage Classification For Medical Purposes: Machine Learning Evaluation For Imbalanced Data
Authors: Pardamean Bens , Budiarto Arif , Mahesworo Bharuno , Hidayat Alam Ahmad , Sudigyo Digdo
Published: January 2022

Background: Sleep is commonly associated with physical and mental health status. Sleep quality can be determined from the dynamic of sleep stages during the night. Data from the wearable device can potentially be used as predictors to classify the sleep stage. Robust Machine Learning (ML) model is needed to learn the pattern within wearable data to be associated with the sleep-wake classification, especially to handle the imbalanced proportion between wake and sleep stages. In this study, we incorporated a publicy available dataset consists of three features captured from a consumer wearable device and the labelled sleep stages from a polysomnogram. We implemented Random Forest, Support Vector Machine , Extreme Gradiet Boosting Tree, Densed Neural Network (DNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), complemented by three strategies to handle the imbalanced data problem. Results: In total, we included more than 24,815 rows of preprocessed data from 31 samples. The proportion of minority-majority data is 1:10. In classifying this extreme imbalanced data, the DNN model was found to have the best performance compared to the previous best model, which is based on basic Multi-Layer Perceptron. Our best model successfully achieved a 12% higher specificity score (prediction score for minority class) and 1% improvement on the sensitivity score (prediction score for majority class) by including all features in the model. This achievement was affected by the implementation of custom class weight and oversampling strategy. In contrast, when we only used two features, XGB achieved a specificity improvement only by 1%, while keeping the sensitivity at the same level.Conclusions: The non-linear operation within the DNN model could successfully learn the hidden pattern from the combination of three features. Additionally, the class weight parameter avoided the model ignoring the minority class by giving more weight for this class in the loss function. The feature engineering process seemed to obscure the time-series characteristics within the data. This is why LSTM, as one of the best methods for time-series data, failed to perform well in this classification task.
Secured - Quantum Key Distribution (SQKD) for solving Side Channel Attack to enhance Security, based on Shifting & Binary Conversion for Securing Data (SBSD) Frameworks
Authors: N Gopinath , D Prayla Shyry
Published: January 2022

Network security is critical for both personal and business networks. Most homes with high – speed internet have one or more wireless routers, which can be hacked if not adequately secured. Even though, if more number of solutions were addressed for security, still the security is challenging one in networks.Quantum Key Distribution was proposed to enhance security in the past literature. In this QKD, the secret message was converted in to Q-bits. Through this side channel, there is a chance to hack the data by the Eavesdropper which cannot be identified by the receiver side. So, receiver will send the acknowledgement to the sender for sending encrypted data in the classical channel.From this, the hacker can easily fetch the encrypted data from the classical channel. To address this issue, Security in Quantum side Channel (SQSC) framework has been proposed in which Shifting and Binary Conversions (SBC) algorithm has been implemented. This proposed security model attains good performance to a greater extent.
Development of a Combined Bulging-Piercing Technique to Reduce Forming Load for a Long Semi-Hollow Stepped Part
Authors: Nakeenopakun Nara , Olarnrithinun Sutee , Aue-u-lan Yingyot
Published: January 2022

This paper aims to develop a new forming technique to manufacture a long semi-hollow stepped part. Traditionally, hot backward extrusion is used. This technique is not suitable, because it requires a very high forming load acting on the die and punch especially at the contact between punch and workpiece. As a result, the service life of the punch is very low. Therefore, a new technique to overcome this problem is needed. A combined bulging-piercing technique was proposed and developed in this research. The main concept of this technique is to bulge the part by upsetting the workpiece between the punch and the counter-punch to generate high frictional contact pressure which will help to restrain the material sliding down to the die cavity during the piercing step. In other words, this technique utilizes frictional force at the die-workpiece interface to reduce the forming load of the punch. Finite element modeling was employed to investigate and determine the suitable level of the bulging which can reduce the forming load without generating any significantly high force to the counter-punch. Only experiments with the minimum forming load were selected and implemented to validate this concept, because other conditions with high load will risk to damage the punch and the machine press of the product line. The results show that this technique can reduce the forming load by almost 40%, and also control a good concentricity of the part and reduce the wall thickness variation.
Effects of Rifampicin On Pyrotinib Maleate Pharmacokinetics In Healthy Subjects
Authors: Cai Ming-min , Dou Ting , Tang Lu , Sun Qiu-yue , Zhai Zi-hong , Wang Hui-ping , Qian Wei
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Pyrotinib (PTN) is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 isozyme. Rifampicin (RIF) is a strong CYP3A4 inducer. Thus, the effect of oral RIF on PTN pharmacokinetics (PK) was evaluated to provide dose recommendation when co-administered.Method: This phase I, open-label study investigated the effects of steady-state RIF administration on single-dose PK of PTN, in 18 healthy participants who received PTN 400 mg single doses on days 1 and 13, and were administrated with RIF 600 mg qd on days 6-16. Each dose for RIF was administrated on an empty stomach, PTN were administrated orally in the morning 30 min after the start of the standard meal. Serial PK samples for PTN were collected on day 1 and day 13. Plasma PTN PK parameters were determined with non-compartmental analysis. Geometric least-squares mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated by the mixed-effected model for within-subject treatment comparisons. Safety assessments were performed throughout the study.Results: Eighteen subjects were enrolled and 15 completed the study. RIF significantly reduced PTN exposure: GMRs (90 % CI) for PTN + RIF versus PTN alone were 0.04 (0.034,0.049), 0.04 (0.037,0.054), and 0.11 (0.09,0.124) for area under the curve from time zero to time of last quantifiable concentration (AUC0-t), area under the curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0-∞ ), and maximum observed plasma concentration(Cmax), respectively. PTN alone and co-administered with RIF was well tolerated.Conclusion: Concurrent administration of PTN and RIF was associated with significantly decreased systemic exposure to PTN. The findings suggest that concomitant strong CYP3A4 inducers should be avoided during PTN treatment. Concurrent administration of PTN and RIF was well tolerated.
Disparities in Lung Protective Ventilation in the United States
Authors: Malnoske Michelle , Quill Caroline , Barwise Amelia , Pietropaoli Anthony
Published: January 2022

Background: Lung-protective ventilation is often used in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure, including those without acute respiratory distress syndrome. While disparities exist in the delivery of critical care based on gender, race, and insurance status, it is unknown whether there are disparities in the use of lung-protective ventilation. The objective of our study was to determine whether gender-, racial / ethnic-, or insurance status-based disparities exist in the use of lung-protective ventilation for critically ill mechanically ventilated patients in the United States (U.S.).Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of the U.S. Critical Illness and Injury Trials Group Critical Illness Outcomes Study, a prospective multi-center cohort study conducted from 2010 - 2012. The dependent variable of interest was the proportion of patients receiving tidal volume > 8 mL/kg predicted body weight (PBW). The independent variables of interest were gender, insurance status, and race / ethnicity. Results: Our primary analysis included 1,595 mechanically ventilated patients from 59 intensive care units (ICUs) in the U.S. Women were more likely to receive tidal volumes > 8 ml/kg PBW than men (odds ratio [OR] = 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.58 – 4.09), though this relationship was substantially weakened after adjusting for gender differences in height (OR = 1.26 95% CI = 0.94 – 1.71). The underinsured were significantly more likely to receive tidal volume > 8 ml/kg PBW than the insured in multivariable analysis (odds ratio = 1.54, 95% confidence interval = 1.16 – 2.04). The prescription of > 8 ml/kg PBW tidal volume did not differ by racial or ethnic categories. Conclusions: In this prospective nationwide cohort of critically ill mechanically ventilated patients, women and the underinsured were less likely than their comparators to receive lung protective ventilation, with no apparent differences based on race / ethnicity alone. Differences in height between men and women do not fully explain this disparity. Future research should evaluate whether implicit bias affects tidal volume choice and other management decisions in critical care.
Borrowers satisfaction evaluation from Microfinance institution by Using FCEM
Authors: Yunxian Yan , Hassan Munawar , Iqbal Shafqat , Hassan Shahbaz Gul
Published: January 2022

Boundless researchers have made efforts to assess the impact of Microfinance on poverty reduction both positively and negatively, but the perception of borrowers about the effectiveness of Microfinance has not been yet found. This study adopts the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method (FCEM) in conjunction with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate the level of satisfaction of borrowers with the products and services of microfinance institutions at different criterion levels. The goal is to assess the level of satisfaction for each criterion level under the degree of satisfaction of the borrower about the product and services provided by Microfinance Institution (MFI). Findings show that the claim of MFI was false because study evidence makes it clear that borrowers are not satisfied with the product and services of MFI. In addition to the literature, this study also highlighted the weakness of the MFI product and services. Thus, both the government and the MFIs can improve their performance and change their policies for the welfare of the borrowers.
Can we prevent the neuroinflammation and neuroprogression produced by oxidative stress in euthymic bipolar patients, using mood stabilizers?
Authors: Lima Daniela Delwing-de Lima Delwing-de , Cyrino Luiz Arthur Rangel , Ferreira Gabriela Kozuchovski Ferreira , Magro Débora Delwing-Dal Magro Delwing-Dal , Calegari Claudia Regina Calegari , Cabral Heloisi Cabral , Cavichioli Natalia Cavichioli , Ramos Silvia Aparecida Ramos , Ullmann Oliver Matheus Ullmann , Mayer Yasmin Mayer , Pscheidt Luana Carla , Schramm Maria Augusta Schramm , Tomasi Maria Cecília Tomasi , Stammerjohann Felipe Luis Schmoller Stammerjohann , Delmonego Larissa Delmonego , Packer Maria Helena Packer , Fiamoncini Heloiza Fiamoncini
Published: January 2022

Bipolar Disorder (BD) is associated with systemic toxicity, represented by changes in the biomarkers, associated with mood episodes, leading to neurological damage, which may reflect on cognitive functions and functionality, and the progression of the disease. We aimed to analyze the effect of four biomarkers superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzymes, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) related to oxidative stress in BD and to correlate them with cognitive functions and functionality. We studied 50 bipolar patients type I/II, in the euthymic phase, which was divided into two subgroups with 25 patients, (≤3 years and ≥10 years of diagnosis, from the first episode of mania), and 25 control patients. To analyze frontal cognitive functions and functionality, we used the tests: Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST), respectively. The FAST test scores results were ≤3 years (20.63±8.21), ≥10 years (27.80±12.50), and control group (9.80±5.94), p<0.001. Changes occurred in all domains. The FAB test scores were ≤3 years (14.64±2.48), ≥10 years (12.44±2.78), and control group (15.84±1.55), p<0.001, and showed lower scores in four domains. The oxidative stress showed an increase in TBA-RS levels: ≤3 years (3.18±1.17), ≥10 years (3.01±1.03) compared to the control group (1.62±0.28), p<0.0001; and in the CAT enzyme activity we found, ≤3 years (8.10±4.18), ≥10 years (9.41±4.95), compared to the control group (3.47±0.77), p<0.0001. Even during the euthymic phase, bipolar patients showed and maintained an increase in CAT activity and lipid peroxidation with significant changes in the FAB and FAST tests in different groups of patients, demonstrating impairment in cognitive functions and functionality since disease onset.
Optimal Ambulatory Vital Sign Targets in Pulmonary Hypertension Pregnant Women via Time-Dependent Survival Analysis
Authors: liu renhuai , zheng ziyu , su binxiao
Published: January 2022

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can cause complications in pregnant women due to significant hemodynamic fluctuation or right heart failure as well as death during pregnancy and postpartum. Those in critical condition would be sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) for observation and treatment. However, evidence to suggest the safe target vital signs is limited and none specific to pregnancy with PH.Methods: This retrospective study of consecutive obstetric patients with PH admitted to ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University of China, from January 2011 to May 2020, consisted of 92 cases analyzed using time-dependent Cox regression to consider the dynamic features of vital signs. Results: 7/92 maternal deaths occurred. Most of these deaths occurred within the first three days of admission to the ICU. The vital signs for survival were stable and normal compared to death. Three vital signs were identified as risk factors in the maternal in-hospital mortality model via backward selection: SpO2（HR，0.93；95%CI，0.88-0.97；P=0.003）, heart rate（HR，0.94；95%CI，0.90-0.99；P=0.027）, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) （HR，1.09；95%CI，1.00-1.18；P=0.045）. Log of relative hazard ratios of mortality is linearly negatively related to SpO2 value with a U-shaped correlation with heart rate and MAP (both lower and higher values were associated with high mortality). The optimal range of SpO2 <73%, MAP was 65–95 mmHg, and heart rate was 59–125 beats per minute (bpm). Further exploration showed that the cumulative and the longest consecutive time of abnormal vital signs also affect the outcome. For example, SpO2<73% accumulated for 5 h or continuously up to 2 h increases mortality.Conclusions: Pregnant women with PH who died in the hospital experienced long-term abnormal fluctuations in MAP, heart rate, and SpO2 during ICU stay. Maintaining SpO2>73%, MAP at 65–95mmHg, and heart rate at 59–125 bpm can significantly reduce in-hospital maternal mortality. The effects of the abnormal SpO2, heart rate, and MAP on in-hospital maternal mortality should be combined with the cumulative time and the longest duration.Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100046637.
Comparison of the Diagnostic Value Between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Triglyceride-to-High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio in MAFLD Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Zhi , He He , Dai Yuzhao , Liao Shenling , An Zhenmei , Li Shuangqing
Published: January 2022

Background The triglyceride and glucose index (TyG) and triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) were found to be substitute markers of insulin resistance (IR). We aimed to compare the efficacy of the two indicators in the diagnosis of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), which was rarely covered in the literature, and to construct a novel disease diagnosis model.Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in West China Hospital of Sichuan University and 229 people (97 MAFLD and 132 Non-MAFLD) were included. Biochemical indexes were collected and analyzed by logistic regression to screen out indicators that expressed differently in MAFLD patients and healthy controls and incorporate them into a diagnostic model. MAFLD was diagnosed by Ultrasound.Results After adjusting for age, gender and BMI, Serum ALT, AST, AST/ALT (A/A), FPG, Cys-C, URIC, TG, HDL-C, ALP, GGT, nonHDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, nonHDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TyG and TyG-BMI were risk factors of MAFLD through binary logistics regression analysis. The odds ratio of TG/HDL-C and TyG were 5.387 (95%CI: 2.986-9,718) and 107.945 (95% CI: 25.824-451.222). In identifying MAFLD, TyG, TG/HDL-C and TG were found to be the most vital indexes by the random forest method and the area under the curve (AUC) of them are all greater than 0.9 respectively. In addition, the combination of gender, BMI, ALT, TG, HDL-C, TyG and TyG-BMI had a great diagnostic efficiency for MAFLD.Conclusions TyG and TG/HDL-C were potential risk factors for MAFLD and the former made a better performance in diagnosing MAFLD. The combination of gender, BMI, ALT, TG, HDL-C, TyG and TyG-BMI improved the diagnostic capability of MAFLD.
A Genome-wide Association Study to Identify Candidate Genes for Metabolic Disorders in Offspring by in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Liu Lihong , HA Siyao , Li MingQing , Li Zhiling
Published: January 2022

BackgroundIn vitro fertilization (IVF) processes increase offspring's short-term and long-term health risks, but their mechanisms remain unclear. MethodsWe conducted a bibliometric analysis to determine the landscape of IVF offspring health. Subsequently, a bioinformatics method was utilized to identify the co-genes properties and biological function mechanisms of IVF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Finally, we predicted compounds against key targets and performed multiple validations of the mechanisms underlying IVF offspring health risks. ResultsWe identified 15 genes associated with T2DM, and their biological functions are primarily associated with lipid metabolism. We also identified the properties of co-genes, modified characteristics, identified 3 SNPs sites, and determined the three core genes, APOA1, APOB, and APOE, which were mainly correlated with metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we predicted drugs that may improve metabolic abnormalities in IVF offspring. ConclusionsThe impact of aberrant lipid metabolism in offspring after IVF therapy warrants additional investigation, particularly in terms of long-term health consequences and possible mechanisms.
Comparative Analysis of Improved of FCM Algorithms in the Segmentation of Retinal Blood Vessels
Authors: Mehidi Imane , Belkhiat Djamel Eddine Chouaib , Jabri Dalel
Published: January 2022

The main purpose of identifying and locating the vessels of the retina is to specify the various tissues from the vascular structure of the retina (which could be differencied between wide or tight) of the background of the fundus image. There exist several segmentation techniques that are spreading to divide the retinal vessels, depending on the issues and complexity of the retinal images. Fuzzy c-means is one of the most often used algorithms for retinal image segmentation due to its effectiveness and speed. This paper analyzes the performance of improved FCM algorithms for retinal image segmentation in terms of their ability and capability in segmenting and isolating blood vessels. The process we followed in our paper consists of two phases. Firstly, the pre-processing phase, where the green channel is taken for the color image of the retina. Contrast enhancement is performed through CLAHE , proceeded by applying bottom-hat filtering to bottom-hat filtering is applied with the purpose to define the region of interest. Secondly, in the segmentation phase the obtained image is segmented using FCM algorithms. The algorithms chosen for this study are: FCM, EnFCM, SFCM, FGFCM, FRFCM, DSFCM_N, FCM_SICM and, SSFCM performed on DRIVE and STARE databases. Experiments accomplished on DRIVE and STARE databases demonstrate that the DSFCM_N algorithm achieves better results on the DRIVE database, whereas the FGFCM algorithm provides better results on the STARE database in term of accuracy. Concerning time consumption. The FRFCM algorithm requires less time than other algorithms in the segmentation of retinal images.
Fermi-gas correlators of ADHM theory and triality symmetry
Authors: Hatsuda Yasuyuki , Okazaki Tadashi
Published: January 2022

We analytically study the Fermi-gas formulation of sphere correlation
functions of the Coulomb branch operators for 3d
\mathcal{N}=4𝒩=4
ADHM theory with a gauge group U(N)U(N),
an adjoint hypermultiplet and ll
hypermultiplets which can describe a stack of
NN
M2-branes at A_{l-1}Al−1
singularities. We find that the leading coefficients of the perturbative
grand canonical correlation functions are invariant under a hidden
triality symmetry conjectured from the twisted M-theory. The triality
symmetry also helps us to fix the next-to-leading corrections
analytically.
The effect of working capital management and credit management policy on Jordanian banks’ financial performance
Authors: AL-Zararee Abdulnafea , Ali Almasria Nashat , Ahmad Alawaqleh Qasim
Published: January 2022

This study investigated the impact of Working Capital Management (WCM) and Credit Management Policy (CMP) on the Financial Performance (FP) of Jordanian banks (JB). The study data were obtained from 16 Jordanian banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) between 2017 and 2020. The study used panel data to investigate the relationship between the two independent variables, WCM and CMP, and the dependent variable FP; 64 financial reports to Jordanian banks were analyzed to measure this relationship. To test hypotheses, multiple regression was used. The study found a statistically significant relationship between WCM and FP, and the independent variable was able to explain 34.1% of the changes that occur in the dependent variable. In addition, the outcome approved that there is a statistically significant relationship between CMP and FP. Furthermore, CMP explained about 41.8% of changes in the dependent variable. The findings of this study indicate support for the banks’ performance; a bank may need to lengthen client credit terms, prolong the cash transfer cycle, and require a more extended payment period when judging on WCM.
Acknowledgment The publication of this research has been supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research and Graduate Studies at Philadelphia University – Jordan.
Photocatalytic Performance of Ta2O5/BiVO4 Heterojunction for Hydrogen Production and Methylene Blue Photodegradation
Authors: Gonçalves Henrique , Freitas Denilson , Souza Emanuely , Melo Mauricio , Gonzalez-Moya Johan , Padrón-Hernández Eduardo , Khan Sherdil , Machado Giovanna
Published: January 2022

Forming semiconductor heterojunction is promising for improved photocatalytic performance due to synergistic combination of the best properties of each material. The present study reports a simple hydrothermal strategy to form n-n heterojunction of Ta2O5 nanotubes and BiVO4 microstructures. The Ta2O5/BiVO4 heterojunctions were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, UV‑Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated by hydrogen production and photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous medium under AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm‑2) condition. The heterojunctions have optical absorption in the visible region (200‑500 nm) with crystal structures defined as monoclinic for BiVO4 and orthogonal for Ta2O5. For MB photodegradation, the Ta2O5/BiVO4 obtained via hydrothermal route showed a photodegradation of 72.3%, compared to 28.3% presented by the sample produced through the mechanical mixture, with the maintenance of 86.4% of its photocatalytic performance after 3 cycles of photodegradation. For H2 production, hydrothermally prepared Ta2O5/BiVO4 generated 10.2 μmol g-1 of H2 in 3 h; while Ta2O5 nanotubes and mechanical Ta2O5/BiVO4 mixture shows 6.82 and 2.80 μmol g-1, respectively. The results suggest that Ta2O5/BiVO4 is a promising material for applications in photocatalysis, promoting sustainable energy production through hydrogen and for the treatment of effluents containing cationic dyes.
Man´s Attitude Towards Animals Within the Context of Gender, Age, Place of Living, Eating Habits, and Worldview in Slovakia
Authors: Kaliský Ján , Kaliská Lada
Published: January 2022

The ecological values or environmental competency development is currently an important topic. Attitude, relationship, love or respect for nature can be identified within several theories by various diagnostic tools, though they might be so general covering a man´s true attitude towards animals. The study discusses the characteristics of the author's questionnaire of human-animal relationship AniRe-Que (15) based on the ecological theory of biocentric egalitarianism covering extraterrestrial beings´ respect and consideration. The Questionnaire of Ecocentric and Anthropocentric Attitudes Towards the Environment (Thompson and Barton 1994) adapted by Siegrist (1996) was used to determine the construct validity of the author's questionnaire. Both tools were used to search for respondents' attitudes towards animals (N=937) in the context of their gender, age, residence, eating habits and worldview. The research study is of correlation-differential study design. The most important findings were that the attitude towards nature expressed in general does not completely coincide with the attitude towards animals leading to the hypothesis not all natural being are treated with equal respect by a man. The self-reported respect for animals was significantly lower than the respect for nature assessed by the ecocentric environmental attitude. The diagnostic tools thematizing only nature in its general (complex, synthesizing) context seem to be not sufficient to determine a respondent's attitude towards animals. A man might protect nature, but s/he can care less about the animals.
Machine Learning Applied to Datasets of Human Activity Recognition:
Data Analysis in Health Care
Authors: Patricia Ariza-Colpas Paola , Enrico Vicario , Shariq Butt Aziz , De la Hoz Franco Emiro , Alberto Piñeres-Melo Marlon , Isabel Oviedo-Carrascal Ana , Tariq Muhammad Imran , Restrepo Johanna Karina García , Fulvio Patara
Published: January 2022

Background:

In order to remain active and productive, older adults with poor health require
a combination of advanced methods of visual monitoring, optimization, pattern recognition, and learning,
which provide safe and comfortable environments and serve as a tool to facilitate the work of family
members and workers, both at home and in geriatric homes. Therefore, there is a need to develop
technologies to provide these adults autonomy in indoor environments.

Objective:

This study aimed to generate a prediction model of daily living activities through classification
techniques and selection of characteristics in order to contribute to the development in this area of
knowledge, especially in the field of health. Moreover, the study aimed to accurately monitor the activities
of the elderly or people with disabilities. Technological developments allow predictive analysis of
daily life activities, contributing to the identification of patterns in advance in order to improve the
quality of life of the elderly.

Method:

The vanKasteren, CASAS Kyoto, and CASAS Aruba datasets were used to validate a predictive
model capable of supporting the identification of activities in indoor environments. These datasets
have some variation in terms of occupation and the number of daily living activities to be identified.

Results:

Twelve classifiers were implemented, among which the following stand out: Classification via
Regression, OneR, Attribute Selected, J48, Random SubSpace, RandomForest, RandomCommittee,
Bagging, Random Tree, JRip, LMT, and REP Tree. The classifiers that show better results when identifying
daily life activities are analyzed in the light of precision and recall quality metrics. For this
specific experimentation, the Classification via Regression and OneR classifiers obtain the best results.

Conclusion:

The efficiency of the predictive model based on classification is concluded, showing the
results of the two classifiers, i.e., Classification via Regression and OneR, with quality metrics higher
than 90% even when the datasets vary in occupation and number of activities.
The Effect of Acetylsalicylic Acid (Asa) on the Mechanical Properties of
Breast Cancer Epithelial Cells
Authors: Milani Dornaz , Khorramymehr Siamak , Vasaghi-Gharamaleki Behnoush
Published: January 2022

Background:

In most communities, the risk of developing breast cancer is increasing.
By affecting the cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and actin filaments, acetylsalicylic
acid (Aspirin) has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer and prevent cell migration
in both laboratory and clinical studies.

Methods:

The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanical properties of normal and cancerous
breast tissue cells, as well as the short-term effect of aspirin on cancer cells. To this end, the
mechanical properties and deformation of three cell types were investigated: healthy MCF-10
breast cells, MCF-7 breast cancer cells, and MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with a 5 μM aspirin
solution. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to determine the mechanical properties of the
cells. Cell deformation was analyzed in all groups, and Young's modulus was calculated using the
Hertz model.

Result:

According to the obtained data, cancer cells deformed at a rate half that of healthy cells.
Nonetheless, when aspirin was used, cancer cells deformed similarly to healthy cells. Additionally,
healthy cells' Young's modulus was calculated to be approximately three times that of cancer cells,
which was placed closer to that of healthy cells by adding aspirin to Young's modulus.

Conclusion:

Cell strength appears to have increased due to aspirin's intervention on actin filaments
and cytoskeletons, and the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells have become more similar
to those of normal cells. The likelihood of cell migration and metastasis decreases as cell strength
increases.
Metainflammation in COVID-19
Authors: Bakhtiari Mojtaba , Asadipooya Kamyar
Published: January 2022

A new coronavirus pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona-virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been on the rise. This virus is fatal for broad groups of populations, including elderly, men, and patients with comorbidities among which obesity is a possible risk factor. The pathophysiologic connections between obesity/metainflammation and COVID-19 may be directly related to increasing soluble ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) levels which potentiate the viral entrance into the host cells, or indirectly related to dysregulation of immune system, microvascular injury and hypercoagulability. The SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein interacts mainly with ACE2 or possibly DPP4 receptors to enter into the host cells. The host proteases, especially TMPRSS2 (transmembrane protease serine 2), support the fusion process and virus entry. While membranous ACE2 is considered a port of entry to the cell for SARS-CoV-2, it seems that soluble ACE2 retains its virus binding capability and enhances its entry into the cells. Interestingly, ACE2 on cell membrane may have protective roles by diminishing cyto-kine storm-related injuries to the organs. Applying medications that can reduce soluble ACE2 levels, antagonizing TMPRSS2 or blocking DPP4 can improve the outcomes of COVID-19. Met-formin and statins through immunomodulatory activities, Orlistat by reducing viral replication, and thiazolidinediones by upregulating ACE2 expression have potential beneficial effects against COVID-19. However, the combination of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors and spirono-lactone/eplerenone seems to be more effective by reducing soluble ACE2 level, antagonizing TMPRSS2, maintaining ACE2 on cell membrane and reducing risk of viral entry into the cells.
Molecular Study of Escherichia albertii in Pediatric Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Zaki Maysaa El Sayed , Eid Abd ElRahman , El-Kazzaz Samah Sabry , El-Sabbagh Amr Mohamed
Published: January 2022

Background:

There are insufficient data about the presence ofE. albertiias a causative organism in urinary tract infection in pediatric patients. Objective: The present study aimed to detectE. albertiiby polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection ofuidA, mdh,andlysPgenes among isolatedE.colifrom children with urinary tract infection.

Methods:

The present study was a cross-sectional retrograde study which was carried out on 100 isolates of phenotypically confirmedE.colidetected in urine samples of children suffering from urinary tract infection. The isolates were subjected to molecular identification by PCR foruidA, mdh,andlysPgenes.

Results:

E. albertiiwas identified by PCR in 7% of the isolates andE.coliwas identified in 93% of the isolates. TwomdhandlysPgenes were detected forE. albertiiand theuidAgene forE. coli.E. albertiiisolates had marked resistance to gentamicin (71.4%), followed by resistance to ciprofloxacin (57.1%), meropenem and imipenem (42.9% each) and ESBL activity by double discs method was reported in 57.1% of the isolates. However, none of the isolates had shown resistance to nalidixic acid and only one isolate had resistance to norfloxacin. There was a statistically insignificant difference between resistance to the used antibiotics such as aztreonam (P=0.083), ampicillin/clavulanate (P=0.5), ciprofloxacin (P=0.69), gentamicin (P=0.3) and ceftazidime (P=1.00).

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the emergence ofE. albertiias a pathogen associated with urinary tract infections in children. There is marked antibiotic resistance of this pathogen, especially toward extended spectrum beta-lactams antibiotics. The identification method depends mainly on genetic studies. Further longitudinal studies with large number of patients are required to verify the accurate prevalence of this bacterium.
An Epidemiological Study of Kidney Calculi in Western Guangdong
Authors: Li Jialong , Li Kun , Gao Chang , Huang Zunnan
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To investigate the risk factors of kidney calculi in its high prevalence areas of
western Guangdong, and provide the proper prevention measures.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among individuals in Maoming, western Guangdong.
Univariate and Poisson regression analyses were applied to investigate the influence of the
epidemiology, lifestyle, and environmental factors on renal calculi. Risk ratios with 95% confidence
interval were used to estimate the association between the investigated factors and the prevalence of
renal calculi.

Results:

500 questionnaires were sent out and 481 valid questionnaires were recycled. Among 481
respondents, 84 had renal calculi with a prevalence rate of 17.46%. Univariate regression analysis
showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of renal calculi among different groups
of sex, ages, family history of kidney calculi, diet and drinking habit. Poisson regression analysis
showed that daily water intake and drinking boiled water were protective factors, while male, family
history of kidney calculi, diet high in protein, sugar, vitamin C and calcium were risk factors. Additionally,
high sugar diet was not statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of renal
calculi.

Conclusion:

The occurrence of kidney calculi in western Guangdong is closely related to demographic
characteristics of individuals, living and dietary habits of the resident populations.