bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) predicts disease-free survival in BRAFV600E mutant papillary thyroid carcinoma in middle eastern patients
Authors: Parvathareddy Sandeep Kumar , Siraj Abdul K. , Bu Rong , Iqbal Kaleem , Al-Rasheed Maha , Al-Haqawi Wael , Annaiyappanaidu Padmanaban , Siraj Nabil , Ahmed Saeeda O. , Al-Sobhi Saif S. , Al-Dayel Fouad , Al-Kuraya Khawla S.
Published: December 2022

Background

X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) is the most potent caspase inhibitory IAP family member and its over-expression is implicated in aggressive behavior of various solid tumors, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). BRAFV600E mutation is the most common oncogenic event in PTC and is also known to be associated with aggressive clinico-pathological characteristics. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of XIAP expression in more than 1600 PTCs from Middle Eastern ethnicity and its prognostic value to predict disease-free survival (DFS), in combination with the BRAFV600E mutation.

Methods

Clinical data, XIAP expression by immunohistochemistry and BRAF mutation status were analyzed in 1640 Saudi PTC patients seen at our institute between 1988 - 2020.

Results

BRAFV600E mutation was found in 910 of 1640 patients (55.5%) and was significantly correlated with older age, extrathyroidal extension, bilaterality, multifocality and lymph node metastasis, but was not an independent predictor of DFS. XIAP was over-expressed in 758 of 1640 (46.2%) and was associated with aggressive clinico-pathological features. It was also found to be an independent prognostic marker for DFS (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.02 – 1.60, P = 0.0342). XIAP overexpression was correlated with presence of BRAFV600E mutation in PTC patients. Interestingly, we found the ability to predict shorter DFS was 2.7-fold higher in PTCs with over-expression of XIAP and BRAFV600E mutation compared to patients with high XIAP and wild-type BRAFV600E status (HR = 2.74, 95% CI = 2.19 – 3.44, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

XIAP expression is an independent predictor of prognosis in Middle Eastern PTC patients. Combination of XIAP expression and BRAFV600E mutation can synergistically improve the DFS prediction in PTC patients, which may help clinicians to establish the most appropriate initial care and long-term surveillance strategies.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of peripheral artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liang Jiemei , Song Jiazhao , Sun Tiehui , Zhang Lanning , Xu Shan
Published: December 2022

Objective

To develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and assess its clinical application value.

Methods

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 474 patients with T2DM at the Air Force Medical Center between January 2019 and April 2022. The patients were divided into training and validation sets using the random number table method in a ratio of 7:3. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent risk factors for PAD in patients with T2DM. A nomogram prediction model was developed based on the independent risk factors. The predictive efficacy of the prediction model was evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), area under the curve (AUC), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test, and calibration curve analysis. Additionally, decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the prediction model’s performance during clinical application.

Results

Age, disease duration, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and hemoglobin (P<0.05) were observed as independent risk factors for PAD in patients with T2DM. The C-index and the AUC were 0.765 (95% CI: 0.711-0.819) and 0.716 (95% CI: 0.619-0.813) for the training and validation sets, respectively, indicating that the model had good discriminatory power. The calibration curves showed good agreement between the predicted and actual probabilities for both the training and validation sets. In addition, the P-values of the HL test for the training and validation sets were 0.205 and 0.414, respectively, indicating that the model was well-calibrated. Finally, the DCA curve indicated that the model had good clinical utility.

Conclusion

A simple nomogram based on three independent factors–duration of diabetes, BUN, and hemoglobin levels–may help clinicians predict the risk of developing PAD in patients with T2DM.
Establishment and validation of the cut-off values of estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio for diabetic kidney disease: A multi-center, prospective cohort study
Authors: Gao Zhongai , Zhu Yanjuan , Sun Xiaoyue , Zhu Hong , Jiang Wenhui , Sun Mengdi , Wang Jingyu , Liu Le , Zheng Hui , Qin Yongzhang , Zhang Shuang , Yang Yanhui , Xu Jie , Yang Juhong , Shan Chunyan , Chang Baocheng
Published: December 2022

Objective

We aimed to study the cut-off values of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) in the normal range for diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods

In this study, we conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study included 374 type 2 diabetic patients who had baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and UACR <30 mg/g with up to 6 years of follow-up. The results were further validated in a multi-center, prospective cohort study.

Results

In the development cohort, baseline eGFR (AUC: 0.90, cut-off value: 84.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, sensitivity: 0.80, specificity: 0.85) or UACR (AUC: 0.74, cut-off value: 15.5mg/g, sensitivity: 0.69, specificity: 0.63) was the most effective single predictor for DKD. Moreover, compared with eGFR or UACR alone, the prediction model consisted of all of the independent risk factors did not improve the predictive performance (P >0.05). The discrimination of eGFR at the cut-off value of 84.80 mL/min/1.73 m2 or UACR at 15.5mg/g with the largest Youden’s index was further confirmed in the validation cohort. The decrease rate of eGFR was faster in patients with UACR ≥15.5mg/g (P <0.05). Furthermore, the decrease rate of eGFR or increase rate of UACR and the incidence and severity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were higher in patients with eGFR ≤84.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 or UACR ≥15.5mg/g (P <0.05).

Conclusions

In conclusion, eGFR ≤84.8mL/min/1.73 m2 or UACR ≥15.5mg/g in the normal range may be an effective cut-off value for DKD and may increase the incidence and severity for CVD in type 2 diabetic patients.
Population genetics analysis of Tolai hares (Lepus tolai) in Xinjiang, China using genome-wide SNPs from SLAF-seq and mitochondrial markers
Authors: Mamat Miregul , Shan Wenjuan , Dong Pengcheng , Zhou Shiyu , Liu Peng , Meng Yang , Nie Wenyue , Teng Peichen , Zhang Yucong
Published: December 2022

The main topic of population genetics and evolutionary biology is the influence of the ecological environment, geographical isolation, and climatic factors on population structure and history. Here, we estimated the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and population history of two subspecies of Tolai hares (Lepus tolai Pallas, 1778), L. t. lehmanni inhabiting Northern and Northwest Xinjiang and L. t. centrasiaticus inhabiting Central and Eastern Xinjiang using SNP of specific-length amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) and four mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Our results showed a relatively high degree of genetic diversity for Tolai hares, and the diversity of L. t. lehmanni was slightly higher than that of L. t. centrasiaticus, likely due to the more favorable ecological environment, such as woodlands and plains. Phylogenetic analysis from SNP and mtDNA indicated a rough phylogeographical distribution pattern among Tolai hares. Strong differentiation was found between the two subspecies and the two geographical groups in L. t. centrasiaticus, possibly due to the geographical isolation of mountains, basins, and deserts. However, gene flow was also detected between the two subspecies, which might be attributed to the Tianshan Corridor and the strong migration ability of hares. Tolai hare population differentiation occurred at approximately 1.2377 MYA. Population history analysis based on SNP and mtDNA showed that the Tolai hare population has a complex history and L. t. lehmanni was less affected by the glacial event, possibly because its geographic location and terrain conditions weaken the drastic climate fluctuations. In conclusion, our results indicated that the joint effect of ecological environment, geographic events, and climatic factors might play important roles in the evolutionary process of L. t. lehmanni and L. t. centrasiaticus, thus resulting in differentiation, gene exchange, and different population history.
Mendelian randomization study reveals a causal relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and risk for pre-eclampsia
Authors: Zhang Dingyi , Hu Ying , Guo Weijie , Song Yang , Yang Lin , Yang Shuhan , Ou Taoaixin , Liu Yanxu , Zhang Yaoyao
Published: December 2022

Background

Epidemiological observational studies have investigated the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis(RA) and pre-eclampsia, but no consistent conclusions were obtained due to various limitations. Hence, we conducted a two-sample mendelian randomization analysis to evaluate the potential causal effect of RA on pre-eclampsia.

Methods

Summary-level statistics for RA were derived from a large-scale meta-analysis of datasets of genome-wide association studies(GWAS) which involved 14,361 cases and 43,923 controls. Moreover, summary statistics for pre-eclampsia or eclampsia were sourced from the Finn biobank which contained 3,903 cases and 114,735 controls. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) as well as other four effective methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and simple mode were applied to deduce the potential causal relationships between RA and pre-eclampsia comprehensively.

Results

The two-sample MR analysis suggested a strong causal relationship between RA and pre-eclampsia[OR,1.05;95%CI, 1.01-1.09;p<0.05]. The OR estimates obtained from the weighted mode[OR,1.09;95%CI,1.03-1.15;p<0.01] and weighted median[OR,1.07;95%CI, 1.01-1.14;p<0.05] were similar to those from the IVW method, but there was no significant association observed in MR Egger and simple mode analysis.

Conclusion

This MR analysis provides evidence of a positive causal association between RA and pre-eclampsia genetically. Our findings highlight the importance of more intensive prenatal care and early intervention among pregnant women with RA to prevent potential adverse obstetric outcomes. Moreover, our study provides clues for risk factor identification and early prediction of pre-eclampsia.
Screening for the causes of refractory hypoxemia in critically ill patients: A case report
Authors: Liu Wanglin , Ding Xin , He Huaiwu , Long Yun , Cui Na
Published: December 2022

Hypoxemia was a very common symptom in critical patients and should be treated immediately before resulting in permanent organ failure. Rapid diagnosis of the etiology of hypoxemia could be achieved by combining the use of various bedside and radiation-free techniques such as lung ultrasound, electrical impedance tomography and echocardiography. By presenting a case of serious acute refractory hypoxemia, we proposed an efficient protocol for diagnosing and treating hypoxemia in a safe and fast way.
The consistencies and inconsistencies between distal cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Tian-Run , Wang Ju-Mei , Ma Wen-Jie , Hu Ya-Fei , Dai Yu-Shi , Jin Yan-Wen , Li Fu-Yu
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the consistencies and inconsistencies between distal cholangiocarcinoma (DCCA) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDCA) regarding their biological features and long-term prognosis.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched to find comparative studies between DCCA and PDCA. RevMan5.3 and Stata 13.0 software were used for the statistical analyses.

Results

Eleven studies with 4,698 patients with DCCA and 100,629 patients with PDCA were identified. Pooled results indicated that patients with DCCA had a significantly higher rate of preoperative jaundice (p = 0.0003). Lymphatic metastasis (p < 0.00001), vascular invasion (p < 0.0001), and peri-neural invasion (p = 0.005) were more frequently detected in patients with PDCA. After curative pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), a significantly higher R0 rate (p < 0.0001) and significantly smaller tumor size (p < 0.00001) were detected in patients with DCCA. Patients with DCCA had a more favorable overall survival (OS) (p < 0.00001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.005) than patients with PDCA. However, postoperative morbidities (p = 0.02), especially postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (p < 0.00001), more frequently occurred in DCCA.

Conclusion

Patients with DCCA had more favorable tumor pathological features and long-term prognosis than patients with PDCA. An early diagnosis more frequently occurred in patients with DCCA. However, postoperative complications, especially POPF, were more frequently observed in patients with DCCA.
Neuro-immune-endocrine mechanisms with poor adherence to aromatase inhibitor therapy in breast cancer
Authors: Huifang Li , Jie Gao , Yi Feng
Published: December 2022

As the most commonly used endocrine therapy regimen for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) at present, aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce the risk of localized and distant recurrence, contralateral BC and secondary cancer, and prolong disease-free survival. Clinical data show that poor adherence during AI treatment is mainly attributed to muscle and joint pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances during treatment. The rapid decline of estrogen caused by AIs in a short period of time enhances sympathetic activity, activates T cells in the body, produces inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-17A, and promotes the occurrence of inflammation and bone loss. This article reviewed the mechanism of poor dependence on AIs in BC patients from the neuro-immuno-endocrine (NIE) perspective and provided clues for clinical intervention against poor adherence.
Development of the B cell cancer vaccine HER-vaxx for the treatment of her-2 expressing cancers
Authors: Ede Nicholas J. , Good Anthony J. , Tobias Joshua , Garner-Spitzer Erika , Zielinski Christoph C. , Wiedermann Ursula
Published: December 2022

Her-2/neu is a tumor-associated protein that is overexpressed in a number of malignancies, including advanced cancer of the stomach, and has been proposed as a human cancer vaccine target. Overexpression of Her-2/neu in human breast and gastric carcinomas correlates with a more aggressive course of disease that results in poorer overall survival rates and shorter times to disease progression than in patients with tumors without overexpression of Her-2/neu. Cancer vaccines have the ability to stimulate the native immune system and in particular engineered B cell epitopes can elicit high affinity polyclonal antibodies with similar efficacy to Her-2 monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab (Roche). HER-Vaxx is under development as a therapeutic B cell vaccine for the treatment of gastric cancer in patients with Her-2/neu overexpressing metastatic or advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction, referred to as advanced cancer of the stomach. P467-CRM197, the vaccine’s immunogenic component, contains a single peptide antigen composed of 3 individual linear B cell epitope peptide sequences selected from the oncoprotein Her-2/neu that induce the patient’s own B cells to produce endogenous anti-Her-2/neu antibodies. This review provides results from comprehensive preclinical studies encompassing primary and secondary pharmacodynamics, biodistribution and safety studies. These studies were performed to support clinical development of HER-Vaxx. Results from the GLP toxicology study in rodents showed that the vaccine did not produce any observable adverse effects suggesting that the doses proposed for the clinical trial should be well tolerated in patients.
Seeking justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in pediatric nephrology
Authors: Seo-Mayer Patricia , Ashoor Isa , Hayde Nicole , Laster Marciana , Sanderson Keia , Soranno Danielle , Wigfall Delbert , Brown Denver
Published: December 2022

Inequity, racism, and health care disparities negatively impact the well-being of children with kidney disease. This review defines social determinants of health and describes how they impact pediatric nephrology care; outlines the specific impact of systemic biases and racism on chronic kidney disease care and transplant outcomes; characterizes and critiques the diversity of the current pediatric nephrology workforce; and aims to provide strategies to acknowledge and dismantle bias, address barriers to care, improve diversity in recruitment, and strengthen the pediatric nephrology community. By recognizing historical and current realities and limitations, we can move forward with strategies to address racism and bias in our field and clinical practices, thereby cultivating inclusive training and practice environments.
Role of adipocytokines in endometrial cancer progression
Authors: Li Ran , Dong Fang , Zhang Ling , Ni Xiuqin , Lin Guozhi
Published: December 2022

Endometrial cancer is considered a significant barrier to increasing life expectancy and remains one of the most common malignant cancers among women in many countries worldwide. The increasing mortality rates are potentially proportional to the increasing obesity incidence. Adipose tissue secretes numerous adipocytokines, which may play important roles in endometrial cancer progression. In this scenario, we describe the role of adipocytokines in cell proliferation, cell invasion, cell adhesion, inflammation, angiogenesis, and anti-apoptotic action. A better understanding of the mechanisms of these adipocytokines may open up new therapeutic avenues for women with endometrial cancer. In the future, larger prospective studies focusing on adipocytokines and specific inhibitors should be directed at preventing the rapidly increasing prevalence of gynecological malignancies.
Effect of the application or coating of PGPR-based biostimulant on the growth, yield and nutritional status of maize in Benin
Authors: Adoko Marcel Yévèdo , Noumavo Agossou Damien Pacôme , Agbodjato Nadège Adoukè , Amogou Olaréwadjou , Salami Hafiz Adéwalé , Aguégué Ricardos Mèvognon , Adjovi Ahoyo Nestor , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: December 2022

Biotechnology proposes various ecological approaches to control climatic constraints, soil fertility and plant nutrition using biological products, such as biostimulants to achieve a healthy and environment-friendly agriculture. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of biostimulant-coated maize seed and biostimulant application on the growth, yield and nutritional status of maize in Benin. The trials were set up with 100 producers spread over the whole of Benin. The experimental design was a block of three treatments with 11 replicates per Research-Development (R-D) sites. The maize varieties 2000 SYNEE-W BENIN and TZL COMP 4-W BENIN were used. The best growth (height, stem diameter and leaf area) and yield performances (thousand grains weight and grains yield) were obtained by treatments T2(Application of biostimulant + ½ NPK-Urea) and T3(Seed coating with biostimulant + ½ NPK-Urea) compared to the farmers’ practice (T1). A significant difference was observed between the different treatments for height, leaf area, 1000 grains weight and maize-grain yield. From one Research-Development site to another, a significant difference was also observed for all parameters. The treatment- Research-Development site interaction was also significant in most areas. The applied or coated biostimulant improved the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and especially potassium with higher significant difference compared to the recommended dose of mineral fertilizer. The two techniques of using the biostimulant combined with the half-dose of mineral fertilizer gave the better growth, yield and nutritional status compared to the farmers’ practice in all areas study. This biostimulant can be used to ensure food security and sustainable agriculture in Benin.
Potassium application enhances drought tolerance in sesame by mitigating oxidative damage and regulating osmotic adjustment
Authors: Fang Sheng , Yang Huiyi , Wei Guangwei , Shen Tinghai , Wan Zehua , Wang Min , Wang Xiaohui , Wu Ziming
Published: December 2022

Potassium (K) is known for alleviating the negative effects of abiotic stresses on plants. To explore the functions of K in controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant activities, and osmoregulation in sesame under drought stress, a pot experiment was conducted with three K levels (0, 60, and 120 kg ha–1, recorded as K0, K1, and K2, respectively) and exposed to well-watered (WW, 75% ± 5% soil relative water content) and drought-stressed (DS, 50% ± 5% soil relative water content) conditions. The results showed that DS stimulated the production of ROS such as increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), leading to lipid peroxidation as characterized by higher malondialdehyde (MDA) and, consequently, resulting in the decline in relative water content (RWC) and photosynthetic pigments as compared with WW plants. These adverse effects were exacerbated when drought stress was prolonged. Concurrently, K application alleviated the magnitude of decline in the RWC, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b, and plants applied with K exhibited superior growth, with the optimal mitigation observed under K2 treatment. Additionally, DS plants treated with K exhibited lower lipid peroxidation, higher antioxidant activities, and increased osmotic solute accumulation in comparison with plants under K deficiency, which suggested that exogenous K application mitigated the oxidative damages and this was more prominent under K2 treatment. Noteworthily, proline and soluble protein, respectively, dominated in the osmotic regulation at 3 and 6 days of drought stress according to the analysis of the quantitative comparison among different osmotically active solutes. Based on the correlation of the aforementioned traits and the analysis of variance on the interaction effects of drought stress and potassium, we propose that superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), and MDA could be critical indicators in balancing ROS detoxification and reproduction. In summary, our studies suggest that optimized K application keeps a balance between the production of antioxidants and ROS and simultaneously affects osmoregulation to alleviate the damage from drought stress.
COVID anxiety and its predictors among Slovak adolescents
Authors: Jozefiakova Bibiána , Kascakova Natália , Furstova Jana , Sarnikova Gabriela , Hasto Jozef , Tavel Peter
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions, mainly social distancing, had an impact on the mental health of various groups, including adolescents.

Methods

The main goal of our study was to explore the impact of gender, age, resilience (measured using the Brief Resilience Scale), attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance (both measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships Revised Scale for adolescents), and mental and general health (measured using items of SF-8 Health Survey) on COVID anxiety (measured using the COVID Anxiety Scale) among a sample of Slovak adolescents (N = 1,786, age 15 to 19, mean age = 16.8, SD = 1.2). The data were collected online between 13 April and 24 May 2021.

Results

Four nested linear regression models were fitted to the data and evaluated. The significant predictors that had a greater effect than our smallest effect size of interest (β  = 0.10) were gender (β  = −0.26, p  < 0.001, where boys had lower scores in COVID anxiety), general and mental health (β  = −0.13 and β  = −0.14, respectively, both with p  < 0.001), resilience (β  = −0.12, p  < 0.001), and attachment avoidance (β  = −0.11, p  < 0.001). Similarly, age and attachment anxiety were significant predictors with a lower effect size (β  = 0.06, p  = 0.003, and β  = 0.09, p  < 0.001, respectively).

Discussion

Our results are in line with previous research findings highlighting the importance of prevention and interventions programs focused mainly on preventing loneliness and social disconnection, fostering secure attachment with parents and peers, and increasing the resilience of adolescents, especially in the stressful time of a pandemic, to promote their mental health.
Causal explanation of academic enthusiasm based on the interaction of teachers and English language learners: Self-regulation, academic hope, and academic engagement among English language learners
Authors: Izadpanah Siros , Rezaei Yasaman Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The present research investigates the causal explanation of academic enthusiasm based on the interaction between teachers and English learners: self-regulation, academic hope, and academic engagement among English language learners.

Methods

The implementation method of this descriptive research and research design was structural equation correlation. The research’s statistical population included intermediate Zanjan city learners (50,977 people) who were studying in the academic year 2021-2022. This research used multi-stage cluster random sampling to test the proposed model. The following questionnaires were used to collect data: Academic enthusiasm (Fredericks et al.); Teacher-student interaction questionnaire (Moray and Zurich); Academic hope questionnaire (Khormai and Kameri); Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Bouffard) and academic engagement (Zarang). Lisrel software was used for data analysis and evaluation of the proposed model using structural equation modeling.

Results

The results of the present study showed that teacher-student interaction, academic self-regulation, academic engagement, and academic hope are related to students’ academic enthusiasm. The results of the present study also support the role of mediators of academic self-regulation, academic engagement, and academic hope in the causal relationships between teacher-student interaction and academic enthusiasm.

Discussion:

Based on this, it can be concluded that with the improvement of teacher-student interaction, the level of academic self-regulation, academic engagement, and academic hope of students increases, and these factors together increase their academic enthusiasm. Therefore, it is suggested that to increase academic engagement, academic self-regulation, and academic hope in the students in the education system, attention should be paid to the position of the students’ academic enthusiasm.
Disease-specific data processing: An intelligent digital platform for diabetes based on model prediction and data analysis utilizing big data technology
Authors: Kong Xiangyong , Peng Ruiyang , Dai Huajie , Li Yichi , Lu Yanzhuan , Sun Xiaohan , Zheng Bozhong , Wang Yuze , Zhao Zhiyun , Liang Shaolin , Xu Min
Published: December 2022

Background

Artificial intelligence technology has become a mainstream trend in the development of medical informatization. Because of the complex structure and a large amount of medical data generated in the current medical informatization process, big data technology to assist doctors in scientific research and analysis and obtain high-value information has become indispensable for medical and scientific research.

Methods

This study aims to discuss the architecture of diabetes intelligent digital platform by analyzing existing data mining methods and platform building experience in the medical field, using a large data platform building technology utilizing the Hadoop system, model prediction, and data processing analysis methods based on the principles of statistics and machine learning. We propose three major building mechanisms, namely the medical data integration and governance mechanism (DCM), data sharing and privacy protection mechanism (DPM), and medical application and medical research mechanism (MCM), to break down the barriers between traditional medical research and digital medical research. Additionally, we built an efficient and convenient intelligent diabetes model prediction and data analysis platform for clinical research.

Results

Research results from this platform are currently applied to medical research at Shanghai T Hospital. In terms of performance, the platform runs smoothly and is capable of handling massive amounts of medical data in real-time. In terms of functions, data acquisition, cleaning, and mining are all integrated into the system. Through a simple and intuitive interface operation, medical and scientific research data can be processed and analyzed conveniently and quickly.

Conclusions

The platform can serve as an auxiliary tool for medical personnel and promote the development of medical informatization and scientific research. Also, the platform may provide the opportunity to deliver evidence-based digital therapeutics and support digital healthcare services for future medicine.
Application of the Policy Regime Framework to understand COVID-19 policy response in the Southeast U.S.: How RAPID research can provide lessons learned after a public health crisis
Authors: Johnson Gregory , Wally Kasen , Willoughby Janna R. , Williamson Ryan , Corvey Kathryn , Becker Mina , Moorman Thomas , Dunning Kelly
Published: December 2022

Quick-response research during a time of crisis is important because time-sensitive findings can inform urgent decision-making, even with limited research budgets. This research, a National Science Foundation-funded Rapid Response Research (RAPID), explores the United States (U.S.) government's messaging on science in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and how this messaging informed policy. Using rapidly emerging secondary data (e.g., policy documents taken from government websites and others), much of which has since been removed or changed, we examined the interactions between governing bodies, non-governmental organizations, and civilian populations in the Southeastern U.S. during the first 2 years of the pandemic. This research helps to better understand how decision-makers at the federal, state, and local levels responded to the pandemic in three states with the lowest vaccine rates and highest levels of poverty, income inequality, and disproportionate impacts borne by people of color in the nation: Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This study incorporates the Policy Regime Framework to discuss how two foundational concepts (ideas and institutions) helped govern policy implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research fills a significant information gap by providing a better understanding of how policy regimes emerge across multiple levels of government and impact vulnerable populations during times of a public health crisis. We use automated text analysis to make sense of a large quantity of textual data from policy-making agencies. Our case study is the first to use the Policy Regime Framework in conjunction with empirical data, as it emerged, from federal, state, and local governments to analyze the U.S. policy response to COVID-19. We found the U.S. policy response included two distinct messaging periods in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic: pre and post-vaccine. Many messaging data sources (agency websites, public service announcements, etc). have since been changed since we collected them, thus our real-time RAPID research enabled an accurate snapshot of a policy response in a crisis. We also found that there were significant differences in the ways that federal, state, and local governments approached communicating complex ideas to the public in each period. Thus, our RAPID research demonstrates how significant policy regimes are enacted and how messaging from these regimes can impact vulnerable populations.
Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici co-fermented feed on growth performance and gut microbiota of nursery pigs
Authors: Yang Yuzeng , Yan Guohua , Meng Xianhua , Wang Xu , Zhao Zhiqiang , Zhou Shuguang , Li Guangdong , Zhang Qiuliang , Wei Xiaoyuan
Published: December 2022

The fermented feed has been used extensively as a growth promoter in agricultural animal production. However, the effects of fermented feed on swine gut microbiota are still largely unknown. The work presented here aimed to investigate the growth performance and gut microbiota of nursery pigs receiving the LPF diet (10% Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici co-fermented feed + basal diet) compared with pigs receiving the NC diet (basal diet). The data showed LPF diet numerically improved average daily gain and significantly increased fecal acetate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations. Furthermore, gut microbiota structure and membership significantly changed in response to the addition of fermented feed in the diet. Gut microbiota results indicated that LPF treatment significantly enriched SCFA-producing bacteria such as Megasphaera, Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Selenomonas, Dialister, Acidaminococcus, Ruminococcus, and Bifidobacterium. Some of these bacteria also had anti-inflammatory and other beneficial functions. Overall, these findings suggested that Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici co-fermented feed benefited growth performance and established potential health impacts on the gut microbiota of nursery pigs.
Lessons From Early COVID-19: Associations With Undergraduate Students’ Academic Performance, Social Life, and Mental Health in the United States
Authors: Nano Joseph P. , Ghaly Mina H. , Fan Wen
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This study aims to explore the influence of COVID-19 on undergraduate students’ academic performance, social life, and mental health during the pandemic’s early stage, and evaluate potential correlates of stress, anxiety, and depression in relation to COVID-19.

Methods: Participant data was collected as part of a survey that consisted of demographic questions, a DASS-21 questionnaire, and an open-ended question. The final sample consisted of 1077 full-time students in the United States.

Results: 19%, 20%, and 28% of participants met the cutoff for “severe” and “extremely severe” levels of stress, anxiety, and depression according to DASS-21. During COVID-19, a significant increase in hours of sleep, and decrease in hours spent on extracurriculars and studying were observed. While talking to family was significantly associated with stress, anxiety, and depression, engaging in hobbies was only associated with depression.

Conclusion: With the continued spread of COVID-19, it is critical for universities to adapt to the mental health needs of their students. Future institutional advancements should create treatment programs to ensure better academic and social outcomes.
Enhancing Explainable Machine Learning by Reconsidering Initially Unselected Items in Feature Selection for Classification
Authors: Lötsch Jörn , Ultsch Alfred
Published: December 2022

Feature selection is a common step in data preprocessing that precedes machine learning to reduce data space and the computational cost of processing or obtaining the data. Filtering out uninformative variables is also important for knowledge discovery. By reducing the data space to only those components that are informative to the class structure, feature selection can simplify models so that they can be more easily interpreted by researchers in the field, reminiscent of explainable artificial intelligence. Knowledge discovery in complex data thus benefits from feature selection that aims to understand feature sets in the thematic context from which the data set originates. However, a single variable selected from a very small number of variables that are technically sufficient for AI training may make little immediate thematic sense, whereas the additional consideration of a variable discarded during feature selection could make scientific discovery very explicit. In this report, we propose an approach to explainable feature selection (XFS) based on a systematic reconsideration of unselected features. The difference between the respective classifications when training the algorithms with the selected features or with the unselected features provides a valid estimate of whether the relevant features in a data set have been selected and uninformative or trivial information was filtered out. It is shown that revisiting originally unselected variables in multivariate data sets allows for the detection of pathologies and errors in the feature selection that occasionally resulted in the failure to identify the most appropriate variables.
An Exploratory In Vivo Study on the Effect of Annurca Apple Extract on Hair Growth in Mice
Authors: Lee Young In , Ham Seoyoon , Lee Sang Gyu , Jung Inhee , Suk Jangmi , Yoo Jinhee , Choi Su-Young , Lee Ju Hee
Published: December 2022

Hair loss is an important problem affecting the quality of life in modern society. Recent studies show that Annurca apple extract (AAE), enriched in procyanidin B2 and nutraceuticals, promotes hair growth and induces keratin production. In this study, we investigated the effects of AAE by orally administering AAE in six-week-old C57BL/6 mice once a day for 21 d. We observed improvement in hair length, thickness, weight, and density. The gene expression of two growth factors related to hair growth, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7), were measured using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The gene expression of both VEGFA and FGF-7 increased significantly in the AAE-treated group. Additionally, treatment with AAE suppressed the gene expression of type 1 5α-reductase. Histological analysis showed that protein levels of cytokeratin 5 and 10 were increased in the skin tissues of the AAE-treated group. These results suggest that AAE might be a potential therapeutic natural product that prevents hair loss by promoting the expression of hair growth-related factors.
The Use of Salivary Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases as an Adjuvant Method in the Early Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Monea Monica , Pop Anca Maria
Published: December 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy with increased mortality, in which the early diagnosis is the most important step in increasing patients’ survival rate. Extensive research has evaluated the role of saliva as a source of diagnostic biomarkers, among which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have shown a valuable potential for detecting even early stages of OSCC. The aim of this review was to present recent clinical data regarding the significance of salivary MMPs in the detection of early malignant transformation of the oral mucosa. A narrative review was conducted on articles published in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and SciELO databases, using specific terms. Our search revealed that MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12 and MMP-13 had significantly higher levels in saliva from patients with OSCC compared to controls. However, the strength of evidence is limited, as most information regarding their use as adjuvant diagnostic tools for OSCC comes from studies with a low number of participants, variable methodologies for saliva sampling and diagnostic assays, and insufficient adjustment for all covariates. MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9 were considered the most promising candidates for salivary diagnosis of OSCC, but larger studies are needed in order to validate their clinical application.
A Facile Synthesis of P(VDF-TrFE)-Coated-PMMA Janus Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Luo Qin , He Xuzhao , Duan Xiyue , Liu Haoqing , Zhou Zhiyuan , Cheng Kui
Published: December 2022

Bone repair and regeneration have aroused widespread interest due to their potential usefulness in cases when bone self-healing is insufficient. In this work, a Poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)-coated-Poly methyl methacrylate Janus membrane was prepared, where a P(VDF-TrFE) coating on a PMMA film serves as Janus-A to mediate cell growth behavior, owing to its electroactivity, and the PMMA film serves as Janus-B to inhibit soft-tissue growth. A P(VDF-TrFE) coating separated from the substrate was put above the PMMA film before the PMMA film had dried completely, and a Janus membrane formed because of the flowability and adhesion of the nonvolatile PMMA solution. Their bonding could withstand the pressure of the body fluids in the shear direction. Various crystallization substrates were also applied to modulate the P(VDF-TrFE) coating’s surface potentials, as the surface potential would further affect cellular response. It was also found that the responses of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow macrophages (BMDMs) could be adjusted through surface potential modification. Such a Janus membrane could potentially be applied to a biological environment with the effect of both guiding bone regeneration and preventing soft tissue adhesion.
The Impact of Baffle Geometry in the PCM Heat Storage Unit on the Charging Process with High and Low Water Streams
Authors: Pytlik Beata , Smykowski Daniel , Szulc Piotr
Published: December 2022

This paper presents the effect of baffle geometry on the charging process of a low-temperature heat storage unit. Four different geometry variants were considered for this purpose. Each of them was simulated and the results were compared. The following parameters were selected as comparison criteria: the charging time of the heat storage unit, the change in the liquid and solid fractions of the phase change material, and the change in its temperature over time. The analysis showed that, independent from the heat transfer fluid velocity, the use of baffles did not significantly affect the charging time. Furthermore, the application of baffles of all studied types did not bring an essential decrease in charging time. It was found that the optimal solution was to use the simplest construction. Tuning of the HTF flow by the use of baffles is applicable to shell and tube heat exchangers; however, it adds no significant effects in the case of heat storage units of the proposed design. The abovementioned effect has been explained by the heat flux analysis, which shows that the heat transfer in the PCM is radically less intense, when comparing to the working fluid. Therefore, it is expected that enhancing the heat transfer between HTF and PCM material is possible by modifying the PCM–side design.
Energy Security Assessment Based on a New Dynamic Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework
Authors: Ziemba Paweł
Published: December 2022

Access to energy resources and broadly understood energy security are some of the critical factors influencing the economic development of countries. This article deals with the problem of assessing the energy security of countries, considering this problem in various periods of time, examining the past, present and forecasted future conditions at the same time. For this purpose, the Dynamic Multi-Criteria Decision Making (DMCDM) methodology was developed and applied, based on the classic and fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods and the International Energy Security Risk Index (IESRI). In particular, the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW)/Fuzzy SAW and New Easy Approach to Fuzzy PROMETHEE II (NEAT F-PROMETHEE) methods were used. These methods are significantly different from each other in the calculation procedures used. The study showed that methodological differences between these methods cause large differences in the results of the assessment of energy security of countries. However, both methodological approaches indicated the high energy security of New Zealand, Norway, Denmark and the United States, and the very low security of Ukraine, Thailand and South Korea. The results of the assessment of energy security of countries over the 2015–2025 period are the main practical contribution of this article. The scientific contribution of the article consists in developing a framework for dynamic energy security assessment that allows for the aggregation of many periods of time and that defines the aggregation strategies, capturing data from the past, present and future state forecasts while taking into account changes in the weights of criteria and changes in the sets of alternatives and criteria.
Impact of Subsidy Programmes on the Development of the Number and Output of RES Micro-Installations in Poland
Authors: Bieszk-Stolorz Beata
Published: December 2022

Renewable energy sources are intended to support the decarbonisation process of the Polish economy. Since 2005, the share of renewable energy in total electricity in Poland has been increasing. The number of photovoltaic panels installed by prosumers as part of micro-installations increased particularly strongly. The aim of this research is an assessment of the impact of government programmes on the development of RES micro-installations in Poland. A regression discontinuity design was used in the analysis. It is a model from the group of average impact effect models used in evaluation studies. The added value of the presented study is its application in the assessment of the impact of implemented programmes on the number and output of micro-installations in Poland. In the study, it is shown that there had been no increase in the number and output of micro-installations at the adopted threshold (2019Q4). On the other hand, there was a sharp increase in them over the whole period starting from 2019Q4.
Towards Software-Defined Protection, Automation, and Control in Power Systems: Concepts, State of the Art, and Future Challenges
Authors: Kabbara Nadine , Nait Belaid Mohand Ouamer , Gibescu Madeleine , Camargo Luis Ramirez , Cantenot Jerome , Coste Thierry , Audebert Vincent , Morais Hugo
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, power systems’ Protection, Automation, and Control (PAC) functionalities are often deployed in different constrained devices (Intelligent Electronic Devices) following a coupled hardware/software design. However, with the increase in distributed energy resources, more customized controllers will be required. These devices have high operational and deployment costs with long development, testing, and complex upgrade cycles. Addressing these challenges requires that a ’revolution’ in power system PAC design takes place. Decoupling from hardware-dependent implementations by virtualizing the functionalities facilitates the transition from a traditional power grid into a software-defined smart grid. This article presents a survey of recent literature on software-defined PAC for power systems, covering the concepts, main academic works, industrial proof of concepts, and the latest standardization efforts in this rising area. Finally, we summarize the expected future technical, industrial, and standardization challenges and open research problems. It was observed that software-defined PAC systems have a promising potential that can be leveraged for future PAC and smart grid developments. Moreover, standardizations in virtual IED software development and deployments, configuration tools, performance benchmarking, and compliance testing using a dynamic, agile approach assuring interoperability are critical enablers.