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Investigating the Correlation of Various Biochemical Indicators with Bone Mineral Density and the Application of Machine Learning Algorithm in the Construction of Osteoporosis Risk Prediction Model
No full textBackground: With the advancement of artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML) has brought new opportunities in osteoporosis diagnosis and prevention. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between blood-related biochemical indicators and bone mineral density (BMD) values, and to construct an osteoporosis risk prediction model using ML algorithms. Methods: In this study, biochemical markers-related data were obtained from 3892 participants, and subsequently the study subjects were categorized into three groups: the normal bone density group, the low bone density group, and the osteoporosis group. Furthermore, various algorithms, such as Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Neural Network (NN), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Naïve Bayes (NB), were used to construct predictive models on the training dataset. Moreover, the models performance was assessed in the test dataset using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC), as well as the precision-recall (PR) curve AUC. Additionally, variable importance plots as well as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) plots were generated to determine contributing factors in the optimal model. Results: Among these models, the RF model exhibited the most effective performance, with a prAUC of 0.866. Various factors such as parathyroid hormone (PTH), total procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (T-PINP), Age, beta-collagen special sequence (β-CTX), 1,25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D3 (1,25 (OH)2VD3), N-terminal middle segment osteocalcin (N-MID), Weight, Height, phosphorus, body mass index (BMI), and coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly contributed to the models predictive outcomes, particularly within the RF models predictions, where they displayed a substantial impact. Conclusion: The predictive models established using eight algorithms, including RF, XGBoost, LR, DT, NN, GBDT, SVM, and NB, demonstrated excellent performance. However, among these models, the RF model particularly demonstrated the best predictive efficacy
Improvement of M1 Polarization and Gut Flora with MiR-124 Agonist in HAP Mice
No full textBackground: Hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HAP) is characterized by high triglyceride (TG) and acute pancreatitis (AP), and is closely related to intestinal microflora. MiR-124 was found to have a significant regulatory relationship with chronic pancreatitis. Here, the study aimed to investigate the protection effect of miR-124 agonist in HAP. Methods: HAP was induced in mice using a high-fat diet (HFD) and cerulein. We evaluated the biochemical and morphological protective effects of miR-124 in HAP mice. miR-124 expression in the serum and pancreas was quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) expression in pancreatic macrophages was detected by immunohistochemistry. Colonic flora was analyzed using High-Throughput Sequencing. Flow cytometry was performed to determine macrophage polarization. Serum inflammatory cytokines were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot (WB) was performed to detect protein expression. Results: The results revealed that miR-124 expression was downregulated in HAP mice (p < 0.001), which exhibited pathological injury and inflammatory cell infiltration in the pancreas. However, this status was inhibited by miR-124 agonist treatment. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rDNA demonstrated that miR-124 agonist treatment significantly reversed HAP-induced gut dysbiosis. Using Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis, we found that Rikenellaceae was the key species in the miR-124 agonist treatment of HAP. Finally, we found that the treatment with the miR-124 agonist promoted macrophage polarization toward M2 (p < 0.05) and inhibited the inflammatory response (p < 0.05) in HAP mice. Conclusion: MiR-124 agonists improve HAP by attenuating inflammatory reactions, regulating macrophage polarization, and rebalancing the intestinal microbiota
Identification of Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy Response-related Features as Prognostic Biomarkers in Melanoma and Associated with Tumor Immune Microenvironment
No full textBackground: Although immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICB) therapy has exhibited prolonged efficacy, it may have unexpected effects, particularly resistance development. The purpose of the study is to explore the specific prognostic value of anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy treatment response-related genes in melanoma and investigate the correlation of prognostic signature with immunotherapy and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Methods: The GSE78220 dataset was used for screening anti-PD-1 immunotherapy treatment response-related genes. The Cancer Genome Atlas specimens of patients with melanoma act as the training cohort, while the GSE65904 served as the validation cohort. Prognostic signatures based on seven anti-PD-1 immunotherapy treatment reaction-related genes were constructed in the training cohort using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The overall survival of different risk groups was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The effect of their clinicopathologic features and survival risk scores were evaluated using Cox regression. The immune microenvironment was analyzed using the CIBERSORT algorithm. The connection among clinical characteristics, gene expression level at checkpoints, and risk score was evaluated by correlation analysis. Immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were employed to verify the expression level of seven genes. Results: The prognostic signature, comprising COL6A3, CCL8, FETUB, AGBL1, KIR3DL2, TMEM158, and NXT2, predicted poorer overall survival in the high-risk group. The results were consistent in the validation cohort. Different risk groups significantly changed the immune microenvironment and checkpoint gene expression. The risk score exhibited significantly negative correlation with T-cell and M1 macrophages, while displaying significantly positive correlation with M2 macrophages. Several immune checkpoint genes, such as CTL-4, PD-L1, and B7-H3 showed low expression patterns in the high-risk group. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry results further verified the feature gene. Conclusions: The prognostic features associated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy treatment response-related genes can serve as innovative prognostic predictors, immune microenvironment, and responsiveness to ICB in patients with melanoma
RNASEH2A Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion, but Inhibits Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer
No full textBackground: RNASEH2A, also known as ribonuclease H2 subunit A, plays a vital role in regulating tumorigenesis and progression. Nonetheless, our understanding of the biological roles of RNASEH2A in gastric cancer (GC) is still limited. Hence, this investigation aimed to explore the impact of RNASEH2A on various cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, in GC cells derived from humans. Methods: RNASEH2A expression in GC tissues and cell lines was analyzed using the GEPIA database, immunohistochemistry, and immunocytochemistry. A total of 150 paired GC samples and adjacent normal tissues were collected for tissue microarray analysis. Various assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), scratch healing, transwell, western blotting, and Annexin V/Propidium iodide (PI) staining, were conducted to assess the influence of RNASEH2A on proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in GC cells. Results: The results showed that the expression level of RNASEH2A was upregulated in GC tissues and cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the T stage, N stage, cancer stage, and lymph node metastasis were positively correlated with RNASEH2A expression (p < 0.05). RNASEH2A silencing substantially decreased the proliferation, clone formation capacity, migration, and invasion, while increasing apoptosis in GC cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our results indicate that RNASEH2A can promote GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inhibiting apoptosis, thereby contributing to the emergence of GC. RNASEH2A could be a therapeutic target for GC treatment strategies
Heart conditioning as healthy strategy in management of aortic stenosis: A case report
Get PDFIntroduction: Heart conditioning can be utilized as a healthy strategy in the reversion of disease and ageing. In this sense, heart conditioning may benefit the aortic stenosis patients. Case presentation: We describe the case of an 82-year-old man with moderate to severe aortic stenosis (aortic valve area 1.01 cm2 with peak pressure gradient 56.7mmHg) who refused valvular intervention. He was treated conservatively with antianginal drugs, and remote ischemic preconditioning as a healthy strategy was delivered once daily. To our surprise, 27 months later, follow-up transthoracic echocardiography showed an aortic valve area of 1.41 cm2. His symptoms were dramatically relieved. Conclusions: This case indicates that heart conditioning as a healthy regimen is a valuable safe and effective adjunctive treatment in aortic stenosis patients, which could affect cardiac reverse remodeling and recovery as well as quality of life
Survey on haptic technologies for virtual reality applications during COVID-19
Get PDFThis paper presents a comprehensive survey on the advancements and applications of haptic technologies, which are methods that facilitate the sense of touch and movement, in virtual reality (VR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It aims to identify and classify the various domains in which haptic technologies have been utilized or can be adapted to combat the unique challenges posed by the pandemic or public health emergencies in general. Existing reviews and surveys that concentrate on the applications of haptic technologies during the Covid-19 pandemic are often limited to specific domains; this survey strives to identify and consolidate all application domains discussed in the literature, including healthcare, medical training, education, social communication, and fashion and retail. Original research and review articles were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection as the main source, using a combination of keywords (like ‘haptic’, ‘haptics’, ‘touch interface’, ‘tactile’, ‘virtual reality’, ‘augmented reality’, ‘Covid-19’, and ‘pandemic’) and Boolean operators to refine the search and yield relevant results. The paper reviews various haptic devices and systems and discusses the technological advancements that have been made to offer more realistic and immersive VR experiences. It also addresses challenges in haptic technology in VR, including fidelity, ethical, and privacy considerations, and cost and accessibility issues
Unveiling hybrid potential and exploring combining ability for yield and related traits in maize (Zea mays L.) through line × tester mating design
Get PDFCombining ability analysis serves as an invaluable tool for evaluating the compatibility of parental lines and testers, as well as for elucidating the intricate genetic mechanisms at play within their hybrid progeny. This study was designed to ascertain the combining ability of maize lines when paired with testers, specifically focusing on yield-related traits through the utilization of a line × tester mating design. A total of fifteen advanced lines were systematically crossbred with three distinct testers to produce forty-five hybrid test crosses. The performance of these progenies was rigorously assessed across three distinct locations, thereby enhancing the robustness of the findings. The field trials were conducted using an alpha lattice design. Variance analysis, combining ability effects, and genetic components were estimated following a line × tester analysis. Employing variance analysis, significant variations were discerned in both general and specific combining abilities, underscoring the contribution of both additive and non-additive gene actions to the expression of the targeted traits. Notably, the magnitudes variance component indicated the prevalence of additive gene effects across the traits studied. Amidst the comprehensive exploration of parental lines and testers, it was evident that lines L10 and Tester T2 exhibited notable compatibility as general combiners, particularly in the context of maize grain yield. Additionally, Line L12 demonstrated favorable characteristics related to earliness. The superior performance of certain hybrid combinations emerged as a noteworthy outcome of this investigation. Specifically, the hybrid cross L10 × T2 displayed remarkable performance in terms of grain yield, while L12 × T1 demonstrated strong potential for the trait days to anthesis. Furthermore, in terms of specific combining ability, the cross L13 × T1 demonstrated the most pronounced effect, particularly concerning grain yield. Following closely were the combinations L5 × T1 and L2 × T2, each exhibiting significant potential for enhancing maize productivity. To conclude, this study underscores the indispensable role of combining ability analysis in elucidating the interplay between parental lines and testers, thus unraveling the intricate genetic dynamics within their hybrid offspring. The insights gathered hold promise for advancing maize production by employing judicious selection strategies, with a specific focus on the highlighted hybrid combinations
Assessment of sustainable development models for rural watershed areas with a focus on environmental components
Get PDFFrom the point of view of the systemic approach in sustainable rural development programs, all components should be considered concerning each other, but one of the most important components is the environmental index in development programs. Considering that the lack of attention to the environmental components in the development plans of many projects has failed and many challenges have been created in the environmental components. The current research aims to evaluate the role of environmental components in the sustainable development of rural areas. For this purpose, a questionnaire was compiled and using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 100 copies of the questionnaire was completed from household heads, and in addition, 20 copies of the questionnaire were completed to survey the relevant officials. SPSS software was used to classify and analyze data and information, and the AHP model was used to examine the relationship between variables and prioritize them. The studied area was located in the north of Tehran-Mashhad asphalt road and about 50 km east of Garmsar city. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant relationship between the environmental components and the sustainable development of the rural areas of the studied area, which requires the special attention of the officials in this sector. It has the most importance in this region. At the end, suggestions for better planning and sustainable development are given
An assessment of household solid waste management in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, India
Get PDFRapid industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and migration from rural areas have resulted in increased solid waste generation in developing cities, which is commonly regarded as the most significant urban issue. The improper disposal of waste and inefficient collection methods is a significant problem in most of the municipalities in Indian cities. This challenge is further compounded by unscientific waste treatment practices, lack of modern technology, and limited resources. This study aims to assess the status of solid waste generation and disposal across different household income groups and to evaluate how Mainpuri manage and handles the solid waste management system. The study is based on primary data collected through a household survey in Mainpuri city, covering a sample of 1,836 households from various income groups. The data used in this assessment was collected from household surveys and government records. Although there is a recycling plant in operation, its capacity is inadequate to address the increasing waste generation and demands of the community. This shortfall underscores the need for enhanced waste management strategies and infrastructure to effectively cope with the rising volumes of solid waste. As a result, large quantities of solid waste accumulate in low-lying areas near the Isan River and the proximity of the plant. Without a comprehensive solid waste management plan in the municipality, the situation is likely to deteriorate further. Mainpuri City urgently needs a sustainable strategy to effectively manage its solid waste, addressing both current challenges and future demands. Implementing such a strategy is essential for improving public health, environmental conditions, and overall quality of life in the city
Design of magneto-inductive waveguide in 2-d magnetic metamaterial structure for wireless power transfer and near-field communications
Get PDFRecently, significant research has been conducted on magnetic metamaterials that exhibit negative permeability and operate within the GHz and MHz frequency ranges. These metamaterial structures can be utilized to improve the efficiency of near-field wireless power transfer systems, subterranean communication, and position sensors. However, in most cases, they are only designed to work for a single application. This study focuses on examining the transmission of magneto-inductive waves in magnetic metamaterial structures with ordered arrangements. This structure can be used simultaneously for wireless power transfer and near-field communications. The unit cell is formed by a spiral with five turns that is implanted on a FR-4 substrate. An external capacitor was used to regulate the resonant frequency of the magnetic metamaterial unit cell. The properties of magneto-inductive waves, including reflection, transmission response, and field distribution on the waveguide, have been extensively computed and simulated. The obtained results indicate that both 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional magnetic metamaterial configurations possess the ability to conduct electromagnetic waves and propagate magnetic field energy at a frequency of 13.56 MHz. The straight and cross path configurations were also investigated to identify the optimal configuration on the 2-dimensional metamaterial slab