Named Entity Recognition(NER)stands as a fundamental task within the field of biomedical text mining,aiming to extract specific types of entities such as genes,proteins,and diseases from complex biomedical texts and c...Named Entity Recognition(NER)stands as a fundamental task within the field of biomedical text mining,aiming to extract specific types of entities such as genes,proteins,and diseases from complex biomedical texts and categorize them into predefined entity types.This process can provide basic support for the automatic construction of knowledge bases.In contrast to general texts,biomedical texts frequently contain numerous nested entities and local dependencies among these entities,presenting significant challenges to prevailing NER models.To address these issues,we propose a novel Chinese nested biomedical NER model based on RoBERTa and Global Pointer(RoBGP).Our model initially utilizes the RoBERTa-wwm-ext-large pretrained language model to dynamically generate word-level initial vectors.It then incorporates a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory network for capturing bidirectional semantic information,effectively addressing the issue of long-distance dependencies.Furthermore,the Global Pointer model is employed to comprehensively recognize all nested entities in the text.We conduct extensive experiments on the Chinese medical dataset CMeEE and the results demonstrate the superior performance of RoBGP over several baseline models.This research confirms the effectiveness of RoBGP in Chinese biomedical NER,providing reliable technical support for biomedical information extraction and knowledge base construction.展开更多
Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general p...Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general population, further research is needed to understand the reality of hypertension within the custodial setting. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with arterial hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study held in prisons in southern Benin from March to April 2023, involving inmates selected by two-stage random sampling. In the first stage, four prisons out of the six in the southern region of Benin were selected by simple random sampling. In the second stage, the prisoners were selected by systematic random sampling, with the sampling frame being the numbered list of eligible prisoners in each prison selected. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight was defined by a body mass index (weight/height<sup>2</sup> (kg/m<sup>2</sup>) ≥ 25. Factors associated with hypertension were identified by multiple logistic regression, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Altogether 336 inmates aged 37.55 ± 1.72 years were surveyed. The prevalence of hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023 was 31.32% (95% CI [17.06;52.57]). Associated factors were inmate age (ORa = 3.36 95% CI: [1.94;5.85]) and abnormal waist circumference (ORa = 2.61 95% CI [1.27;5.40]). Conclusion: The prevalence of arterial hypertension in prisons of southern Benin (31.32%) is high when compared with the national average (25.9% (22.5-29.3)). The ministries of the Interior and Health need to collaborate to involve inmates in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.展开更多
Although logistic regression is the most popular for modelling regression relationships with binary responses,many find relative risk(RR),or risk ratio,easier to interpret and prefer to use this measure of risk in reg...Although logistic regression is the most popular for modelling regression relationships with binary responses,many find relative risk(RR),or risk ratio,easier to interpret and prefer to use this measure of risk in regression analysis.Indeed,since Zou published his modified Poisson regression approach for modelling RR for cross-sectional data,his paper has been cited over 7000 times,demonstrating the popularity of this alternative measure of risk in regression analysis involving binary responses.As longitudinal studies have become increasingly popular in clinical trials and observational studies,it is imperative to extend Zou’s approach for longitudinal data.The two most popular approaches for longitudinal data analysis are the generalised linear mixed-effects model(GLMM)and generalised estimating equations(GEE).However,the parametric GLMM cannot be used for the extension within the current context,because Zou’s approach treats the binary response as a Poisson variable,which is at odds with the Bernoulli distribution for the binary response.On the other hand,as it imposes no mathematical model on data distributions,the semiparametric GEE is coherent with Zou’s modified Poisson regression.In this paper,we develop a GEE-based longitudinal model for binary responses to provide inference about RR.展开更多
Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients...Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients. Nevertheless, few papers had been published studying the anxiety and depression scales in the treatment of CTS, either with corticosteroid injections (I) or with surgical decompression (S). Objective: To assess whether clinical improvement observed after the treatment of CTS either with I or with S correlates with an improvement in the punctuations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales (HADS), at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Methods: Randomized and open-label clinical trial, comparing I and S. Patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS (nocturnal paraesthesias) of at least 3 months duration and neurophysiological confirmation were included. Patients with clinically apparent motor impairment were excluded. The subjective evaluation of symptoms was carried out using the visual-analogue scale of pain (VAS-p). Clinical reviews were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Each patient completed the HADS questionnaire and a VAS-p at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical significance was established using the Student’s t test and the Mann-Whitney U test when necessary. A linear regression analysis was used to know the effect of the treatment adjusted for the initial score of both scales. Results: 65 patients were included (30 in group I and 35 in group S). There was no statistical difference between both groups in terms of age, gender distribution, disease duration, VAS-p, neurophysiological testing severity of CTS or the 8 subscales of HADS. Both groups improved significantly in relation to the baseline VAS-p values, in the reviews at 3, 6 and 12 months, with no significant differences between I and S. At 6 months, the reduction in the anxiety scale was around 3 points for both treatments (S = 3.6 and I = 3.2), without reaching significant differences. At 12 months, it was somewhat higher for those treated with I, but always around 3 points and without significant differences. The Depression scale score was slightly reduced at 6 months, and in a similar way for both groups (I = 1 and S = 1.19;p = 0.8). After 12 months, group I doubled the previous reduction, with group S experiencing a very slight change (I = 1.96 and S = 1.03;p = 0.3). When analysing the effect of group S on group I, the result was a reduction of 0.25 points for Anxiety (p = 0.7) and of 0.02 points for Depression (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Treatment of CTS with I or S results in a similar and discrete improvement in Anxiety scores on the HADS scale at 6 and 12 months. For both types of treatment, the Depression scores barely changed at 6 months, being somewhat higher in group I after 12-month follow-up. The independent effect of the S on both scales is small and not significant.展开更多
Introduction: The use of pedicle screws increases postoperative stability and consolidation of arthrodesis. Pedicle arthrodesis is currently the standard treatment for the thoracolumbar spine, presenting the best fusi...Introduction: The use of pedicle screws increases postoperative stability and consolidation of arthrodesis. Pedicle arthrodesis is currently the standard treatment for the thoracolumbar spine, presenting the best fusion and stiffness rates, and among its main indications is the possibility of better correction of spine deformities in the thoracic and lumbar region. However, due to different definitions and the lack of a control group, many of these studies have limited comparative analysis, resulting in the scarcity of comparative studies with standardized methodology. Objective: It was to analyze, through a systematic review, the safety and efficacy of instrumentation with pedicle screws in the spine which have been questioned, despite its wide use for stabilization of the spine, comparing the complications present in the insertion techniques of pedicle screws. Methods: The rules of the Systematic Review-PRISMA were followed. The literary search process was carried out from January to March 2023. A bibliographic search was carried out in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scielo for articles produced between 2001 and 2023. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument, and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. The Cohen test (Funnel Plot) and The Heterogeneity Test (Chi-Square Test – X<sup>2</sup>) were performed, with p Results and Conclusion: A total of 134 articles were found. A total of 67 articles were evaluated in full and 12 were selected to compose the results of this systematic review. According to the GRADE instrument, most studies (X<sup>2</sup> = 90.2% > 50%) followed a controlled clinical study model and had a good methodological design, with p < 0.05. It was shown that poor positioning of pedicle screws is the most common cause of complications. The surgeon’s skills and the length and diameter of the pedicle screw can also affect the different modes of placement. Robotic computer assistance has the potential to reduce the incidence of postoperative revisions. Minimally invasive techniques have contributed to the reduction of surgical trauma and complications, thus allowing patients who had restrictions on performing the surgical approach, such as the elderly and critically ill patients, to undergo surgical treatment.展开更多
●AIM:To study if one of the two molecules could lead to a lower number of follow up visits and intra-vitreous injection(IVI)with the same efficacy.●METHODS:ELU(or"elected"in French)study is a retrospective...●AIM:To study if one of the two molecules could lead to a lower number of follow up visits and intra-vitreous injection(IVI)with the same efficacy.●METHODS:ELU(or"elected"in French)study is a retrospective study conducted in real life in patients presenting suboptimal response after ranibizumab IVI(phase 1)and secondary switched to aflibercept(phase 2).The number of follow up visits and IVI were compared in both phases.Visual acuity(VA)evolution and"switching"reasons were secondary analyzed.●RESULTS:We retrospectively included data of 33 patients(38 eyes)with age-related macular degeneration(AMD;mean age:77±7.7 y).The number of monthly follow up visits[median(Q1;Q3)]:was significantly lower with aflibercept(phase 2),respectively 1.0(0.81;1.49)visits in phase 1,versus 0.79(0.67;0.86)visits in phase 2.The median number of monthly IVI also significantly decreased in phase 2,respectively 0.67(0.55;0.90)IVI in phase 1,versus 0.55(0.45;0.67)IVI in phase 2.The mean VA evolution(VA final-VA initial)was similar in both phases,(P>0.05).Whatever the reason for"switching"(loss of efficacy,tachyphylaxis,tolerance problems),there was no incidence on VA evolution over the time.●CONCLUSION:Our results show that switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept in"suboptimal"patients significantly reduce the number of follow up visits and IVI,with a comparable efficacy.This decrease in visit number could improve patients’quality of life and reduce surgical risk by reducing the number of injections.展开更多
AIM: To estimate if and to what extent long acting octreotide (LAR) improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 127 cirrhotics, stages A-B, due t...AIM: To estimate if and to what extent long acting octreotide (LAR) improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 127 cirrhotics, stages A-B, due to chronic viral infections and with advanced HCC, were enrolled in the study. Scintigraphy with 111Indium labeled octreotide was performed in all cases. The patients with increased accumulation of radionuclear compound were randomized to receive either oral placebo only or octreotide/octreotide LAR only as follows: octreotide 0.5mg s.c. every 8 h for 6 wk, at the end of wk 4-8 octreotide LAR 20 mg i.m. and at the end of wk 12 and every 4 wk octreotide LAR 30mg i.m.. Follow-up was worked out monthly as well as the estimation of quality of life (QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Patients with negative somatostatin receptors (SSTR) detection were followed up in the same manner. RESULTS: Scintigraphy demonstrated SSTR in 61 patients. Thirty were randomized to receive only placebo and 31 only octreotide. A significantly higher survival time was observed for the octreotide group (49 ± 6 wk) as compared to the control group (28 ± 1 wk) and to the SSTR negative group (28 ± 2 wk), LR = 20.39, df = 2, P < 0.01. The octreotide group presented 68.5% lower hazard ratio [95% CI (47.4%-81.2%)]. During the f irst year, a 22%, 39% and 43% decrease in the QLQ-C30 score was observed in each group respectively.CONCLUSION: The proposed therapeutic approach has shown to improve the survival and quality of life in SSTR positive patients with advanced HCC.展开更多
AIM: To compare the optical quality after implantation of implantable collamer lens(ICL) and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis(WG-LASIK).METHODS: The study included 40 eyes of 22 patients with myopia who a...AIM: To compare the optical quality after implantation of implantable collamer lens(ICL) and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis(WG-LASIK).METHODS: The study included 40 eyes of 22 patients with myopia who accepted ICL implantation and 40 eyes of 20 patients with myopia who received WG-LASIK. Before surgery and three months after surgery, the objective scattering index(OSI), the values of modulation transfer function(MTF) cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, and the Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS) values(OVs) were accessed. The higher order aberrations(HOAs) data including coma, trefoil, spherical, 2^(nd) astigmatism and tetrafoil were also obtained. For patients with pupil size <6 mm, HOAs data were analyzed for 4 mm-pupil diameter. For patients with pupil size ≥6 mm, HOAs data were calculated for 6 mm-pupil diameter. Visual acuity, refraction, pupil size and intraocular pressures were also recorded.RESULTS: In both ICL and WG-LASIK group, significant improvements in visual acuities were found postoperatively, with a significant reduction in spherical equivalent(P< 0.001). After the ICL implantation, the OSI decreasedslightly from 2.34±1.92 to 2.24±1.18 with no statistical significance(P=0.62). While in WG-LASIK group, the OSI significantly increased from 0.68±0.43 preoperatively to 0.91±0.53 postoperatively(Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P=0.000). None of the mean MTF cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, OVs showed statistically significant changes in both ICL and WG-LASIK groups. In the ICL group, there were no statistical differences in the total HOAs for either 4 mmpupil or 6 mm-pupil. In the WG-LASIK group, the HOA parameters increased significantly at 4 mm-pupil. The total ocular HOAs, coma, spherical and 2^(nd) astigmatism were 0.12±0.06, 0.06±0.03, 0.00±0.03, 0.02±0.01, respectively. After the operation, these values were increased into 0.16±0.07, 0.08±0.05,-0.04±0.04, 0.03±0.01 respectively(Wilcoxon signed ranks test, all P<0.05). At 6 mm-pupil, the induction of total HOAs was not statistically significant in the WG-LASIK group. CONCLUSION: ICL implantation has a less disturbance to optical quality than WG-LASIK. The OQAS is a valuable complementary measurement to the wavefront aberrometers in evaluating the optical quality.展开更多
近年来实效性临床试验受到更多重视,尤其在传统医学临床评价研究领域。为了提高实效性临床试验报告的质量,CONSORT声明组和医疗保健体系中的实效性随机对照临床试验(pragmatic randomized controlled trials in health care systems,PRA...近年来实效性临床试验受到更多重视,尤其在传统医学临床评价研究领域。为了提高实效性临床试验报告的质量,CONSORT声明组和医疗保健体系中的实效性随机对照临床试验(pragmatic randomized controlled trials in health care systems,PRACTIHC)小组对《CONSORT声明》进行了修改,以帮助读者评估试验质量和结果的可靠性。实效性试验报告指南,作为《CONSORT声明》的一个特殊扩展,能在报告、评价和应用实效性试验方面帮助编辑、系统评价者、试验设计者和决策者评估实效性试验报告中的信息,判定其结论是否适用,以及干预措施是否可行、可否被接受。2005年1月和2008年3月,在加拿大多伦多分别举行了为期两天的会议来探讨提高随机对照试验对卫生保健决策贡献的方法,焦点集中于实效性试验。2005年会,后扩展版草案修订清单发送至编写组成员,经过几次修订,编写组起草了一份摘要草案。在2008年讨论并修改了这一草案。这份草案发给CONSORT声明组以供修改并发表。这份声明的扩展版提出了对8个条目的补充。及时向国内读者和临床试验研究人员介绍该指南有重要的现实意义和学术价值。北京中医药大学循证医学中心刘建平教授等在短时间内翻译了该指南。本刊希望通过介绍中文版"提高实效性临床试验报告的质量——《CONSORT声明》的扩展"以提高国内实效性临床试验报告的质量,相信也有助于改进试验设计的方法学质量。展开更多
AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) promoter polymorphism(A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP).METHODS: Fifty patients with post-hepatitis C live...AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) promoter polymorphism(A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP).METHODS: Fifty patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and ascites were categorized into two groups; group Ⅰ included 25 patients with SBP and group Ⅱ included 25 patients free from SBP. In addition, a group of 20 healthy volunteers were included. We assessed the MCP-1 gene polymorphism and gene expression as well as interleukin(IL)-10 levels in both blood and ascitic fluid. RESULTS: A significant MCP-1 gene polymorphism was detected in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P = 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). Group Ⅰ was associated with a significantly higher frequency of AG genotype [control 8(40%) vs SBP 19(76.0%), P < 0.001], and group Ⅱ was associated with a significantly higher frequency of GG genotype when compared to healthy volunteers [control 1(5%) vs cirrhotic 16(64%), P < 0.001]. Accordingly, the frequency of G allele was significantly higher in both groups(Ⅰ and Ⅱ) [control 10(25%) vs SBP 27(54%), P < 0.001 and vs cirrhotic 37(74.0%), P < 0.001, respectively]. The total blood and ascetic fluid levels of IL-10 and MCP-1 gene expression were significantly higher in group Ⅰ than in group Ⅱ. Group Ⅰ showed significant reductions in the levels of MCP-1 gene expression and IL-10 in the whole blood and ascetic fluid after therapy. CONCLUSION: MCP-1 GG genotype and G allele may predispose HCV infected patients to a more progressive disease course, while AG genotype may increase the susceptibility to SBP. Patients carrying these genotypes should be under supervision to prevent or restrict further complications.展开更多
Objectives: Comprehensive nursing assessment,as the first step in the nursing process,involves the systematic and constant data gathering to facilitate the development of the patient-specific nursing process.The aim o...Objectives: Comprehensive nursing assessment,as the first step in the nursing process,involves the systematic and constant data gathering to facilitate the development of the patient-specific nursing process.The aim of this study is to determine the effects of applying an assessment form based on the health functional patterns on nursing student's attitude and skills in developing nursing process.Methods: A randomized controlling design was conducted.Of 84 undergraduate nursing students,42 students were allocated to the intervention or control group.In clinical education,a patient assessment form based on Gordon's functional health patterns was applied to help students in the intervention group to develop nursing process,while the control group received traditional methods.The data were gathered using a demographic information questionnaire,skills in nursing process development checklist,and attitudes towards nursing process questionnaire.Results: The average scores for students' attitude and skills in developing nursing process in the intervention group were greater than those of the control group.Conclusion: Applying nursing assessment using the patient assessment form based on Gordon's functional health patterns can improve the students' learning in developing nursing process.展开更多
Dear Editor,We are intestigators from Turkey primarily studying exudative age-related macular degeneration(AMD).Here we present the results of our retrospective clinical study on tachyphylaxis development during the t...Dear Editor,We are intestigators from Turkey primarily studying exudative age-related macular degeneration(AMD).Here we present the results of our retrospective clinical study on tachyphylaxis development during the treatment of exudative AMD with ranibizumab,which,we believe,will form a basis for further prospective studies to predict the drug response in anti-vascular endothelial growth展开更多
AIM To study the genetic association and epistatic interaction of the interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-10/STAT3 pathways in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). METHODS A total of 159 pediatric inflammatory IBD patient...AIM To study the genetic association and epistatic interaction of the interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-10/STAT3 pathways in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). METHODS A total of 159 pediatric inflammatory IBD patients(Crohn's disease,n = 136; ulcerative colitis,n = 23) and 129 matched controls were studied for genetic association of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of the IL-10 gene and the genes IL10 RA,IL10 RB,STAT3,and HO1,from the IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway. As interactions between SNPs from different loci may significantly affect the associated risk for disease,additive(a) and dominant(d) modeling of SNP interactions was also performed to examine highorder epistasis between combinations of the individual SNPs. RESULTS The results showed that IL-10 rs304496 was associated with pediatric IBD(P = 0.022),but no association was found for two other IL-10 SNPs,rs1800872 and rs2034498,or for SNPs in genes IL10 RA,IL10 RB,STAT3,and HO1. However,analysis of epistatic interaction among these genes showed significant interactions:(1) between two IL-10 SNPs rs1800872 and rs3024496(additive-additive P = 0.00015,Bonferroni P value(Bp) = 0.003);(2) between IL-10 RB rs2834167 and HO1 rs2071746(dominant-additive,P = 0.0018,Bp = 0.039); and(3) among IL-10 rs1800872,IL10 RB rs2834167,and HO1 rs2071746(additivedominant-additive,P = 0.00015,Bp = 0.005),as well as weak interactions among IL-10 rs1800872,IL-10 rs3024496,and IL-10RA(additive-additive-additive,P = 0.003; Bp = 0.099),and among IL10 RA,IL10 RB,and HO1 genes(additive-dominant-additive,P = 0.008,Bp = 0.287).CONCLUSION These results indicate that both the IL-10 gene itself,and through epistatic interaction with genes within the IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway,contribute to the risk of pediatric IBD.展开更多
Objective:A computational model of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism for assisting the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in clinical research is introduced.The proposed method for the estimation of parameters for ...Objective:A computational model of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism for assisting the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in clinical research is introduced.The proposed method for the estimation of parameters for a system of ordinary differential equations(ODEs)that represent the time course of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during glucose tolerance test(GTT)in physiological studies is presented.The aim of this study was to explore how to interpret those laboratory glucose and insulin data as well as enhance the Ackerman mathematical model.Methods:Parameters estimation for a system of ODEs was performed by minimizing the sum of squared residuals(SSR)function,which quantifies the difference between theoretical model predictions and GTT's experimental observations.Our proposed perturbation search and multiple-shooting methods were applied during the estimating process.Results:Based on the Ackerman's published data,we estimated the key parameters by applying R-based iterative computer programs.As a result,the theoretically simulated curves perfectly matched the experimental data points.Our model showed that the estimated parameters,computed frequency and period values,were proven a good indicator of diabetes.Conclusion:The present paper introduces a computational algorithm to biomedical problems,particularly to endocrinology and metabolism fields,which involves two coupled differential equations with four parameters describing the glucose-insulin regulatory system that Ackerman proposed earlier.The enhanced approach may provide clinicians in endocrinology and metabolism field insight into the transition nature of human metabolic mechanism from normal to impaired glucose tolerance.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the progression of hepatic histopathology in serial liver biopsies from Wilson disease(WD)patients.METHODS:We report a group of 12 WD patients treated with zinc and/or penicillamine who underwent mu...AIM:To investigate the progression of hepatic histopathology in serial liver biopsies from Wilson disease(WD)patients.METHODS:We report a group of 12 WD patients treated with zinc and/or penicillamine who underwent multiple follow-up liver biopsies.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data were gathered and all patients underwent an initial biopsy and at least one repeat biopsy.RESULTS:Time to repeat biopsy ranged from 2 to 12 years.Six patients(non-progressors)showed stable hepatic histology or improvement.In one case,we observed improvement of fibrosis from stage 2 to 0.Six patients(progressors)had worsening of fibrosis.There was no significant correlation between the histological findings and serum aminotransferases or copper me-tabolism parameters.The hepatic copper concentration reached normal levels in only two patients:one from the non-progressors and one from the progressors group.The estimated rate of progression of hepatic fibrosis in the entire group was 0 units per year in the time frame between the first and the second liver biopsy(4 years),and 0.25 between the second and the third(3 years).In the progressors group,the rate of progression of liver fibrosis was estimated at 0.11 fibrosis units per year between the first and second biopsy and,0.6 fibrosis units between the second and third biopsy.CONCLUSION:The inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression in WD suggests that a liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years should be considered.展开更多
基金supported by the Outstanding Youth Team Project of Central Universities(QNTD202308)the Ant Group through CCF-Ant Research Fund(CCF-AFSG 769498 RF20220214).
文摘Named Entity Recognition(NER)stands as a fundamental task within the field of biomedical text mining,aiming to extract specific types of entities such as genes,proteins,and diseases from complex biomedical texts and categorize them into predefined entity types.This process can provide basic support for the automatic construction of knowledge bases.In contrast to general texts,biomedical texts frequently contain numerous nested entities and local dependencies among these entities,presenting significant challenges to prevailing NER models.To address these issues,we propose a novel Chinese nested biomedical NER model based on RoBERTa and Global Pointer(RoBGP).Our model initially utilizes the RoBERTa-wwm-ext-large pretrained language model to dynamically generate word-level initial vectors.It then incorporates a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory network for capturing bidirectional semantic information,effectively addressing the issue of long-distance dependencies.Furthermore,the Global Pointer model is employed to comprehensively recognize all nested entities in the text.We conduct extensive experiments on the Chinese medical dataset CMeEE and the results demonstrate the superior performance of RoBGP over several baseline models.This research confirms the effectiveness of RoBGP in Chinese biomedical NER,providing reliable technical support for biomedical information extraction and knowledge base construction.
文摘Introduction: Hypertension, a non-communicable disease, is a major public health threat worldwide, accounting for a high level of morbidity and mortality. Although it has been extensively published among the general population, further research is needed to understand the reality of hypertension within the custodial setting. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with arterial hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, analytical study held in prisons in southern Benin from March to April 2023, involving inmates selected by two-stage random sampling. In the first stage, four prisons out of the six in the southern region of Benin were selected by simple random sampling. In the second stage, the prisoners were selected by systematic random sampling, with the sampling frame being the numbered list of eligible prisoners in each prison selected. Data collected by observation and questionnaire survey were analyzed using Stata 11 software. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Overweight was defined by a body mass index (weight/height<sup>2</sup> (kg/m<sup>2</sup>) ≥ 25. Factors associated with hypertension were identified by multiple logistic regression, at a 5% threshold of significance. Results: Altogether 336 inmates aged 37.55 ± 1.72 years were surveyed. The prevalence of hypertension in custodial settings in southern Benin in 2023 was 31.32% (95% CI [17.06;52.57]). Associated factors were inmate age (ORa = 3.36 95% CI: [1.94;5.85]) and abnormal waist circumference (ORa = 2.61 95% CI [1.27;5.40]). Conclusion: The prevalence of arterial hypertension in prisons of southern Benin (31.32%) is high when compared with the national average (25.9% (22.5-29.3)). The ministries of the Interior and Health need to collaborate to involve inmates in preventive strategies for non-communicable diseases, including hypertension.
基金supported by the National Institutes of Health(grant UL1TR001442)of Georgia Clinical and Translational Science Alliance funding.
文摘Although logistic regression is the most popular for modelling regression relationships with binary responses,many find relative risk(RR),or risk ratio,easier to interpret and prefer to use this measure of risk in regression analysis.Indeed,since Zou published his modified Poisson regression approach for modelling RR for cross-sectional data,his paper has been cited over 7000 times,demonstrating the popularity of this alternative measure of risk in regression analysis involving binary responses.As longitudinal studies have become increasingly popular in clinical trials and observational studies,it is imperative to extend Zou’s approach for longitudinal data.The two most popular approaches for longitudinal data analysis are the generalised linear mixed-effects model(GLMM)and generalised estimating equations(GEE).However,the parametric GLMM cannot be used for the extension within the current context,because Zou’s approach treats the binary response as a Poisson variable,which is at odds with the Bernoulli distribution for the binary response.On the other hand,as it imposes no mathematical model on data distributions,the semiparametric GEE is coherent with Zou’s modified Poisson regression.In this paper,we develop a GEE-based longitudinal model for binary responses to provide inference about RR.
文摘Background: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and of anxiety and depression in primary care practice are high. Different studies had shown an increased prevalence of anxiety and depression in CTS patients. Nevertheless, few papers had been published studying the anxiety and depression scales in the treatment of CTS, either with corticosteroid injections (I) or with surgical decompression (S). Objective: To assess whether clinical improvement observed after the treatment of CTS either with I or with S correlates with an improvement in the punctuations of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scales (HADS), at 3, 6 and 12-month follow-up. Methods: Randomized and open-label clinical trial, comparing I and S. Patients with symptoms suggestive of CTS (nocturnal paraesthesias) of at least 3 months duration and neurophysiological confirmation were included. Patients with clinically apparent motor impairment were excluded. The subjective evaluation of symptoms was carried out using the visual-analogue scale of pain (VAS-p). Clinical reviews were performed 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Each patient completed the HADS questionnaire and a VAS-p at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Statistical significance was established using the Student’s t test and the Mann-Whitney U test when necessary. A linear regression analysis was used to know the effect of the treatment adjusted for the initial score of both scales. Results: 65 patients were included (30 in group I and 35 in group S). There was no statistical difference between both groups in terms of age, gender distribution, disease duration, VAS-p, neurophysiological testing severity of CTS or the 8 subscales of HADS. Both groups improved significantly in relation to the baseline VAS-p values, in the reviews at 3, 6 and 12 months, with no significant differences between I and S. At 6 months, the reduction in the anxiety scale was around 3 points for both treatments (S = 3.6 and I = 3.2), without reaching significant differences. At 12 months, it was somewhat higher for those treated with I, but always around 3 points and without significant differences. The Depression scale score was slightly reduced at 6 months, and in a similar way for both groups (I = 1 and S = 1.19;p = 0.8). After 12 months, group I doubled the previous reduction, with group S experiencing a very slight change (I = 1.96 and S = 1.03;p = 0.3). When analysing the effect of group S on group I, the result was a reduction of 0.25 points for Anxiety (p = 0.7) and of 0.02 points for Depression (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Treatment of CTS with I or S results in a similar and discrete improvement in Anxiety scores on the HADS scale at 6 and 12 months. For both types of treatment, the Depression scores barely changed at 6 months, being somewhat higher in group I after 12-month follow-up. The independent effect of the S on both scales is small and not significant.
文摘Introduction: The use of pedicle screws increases postoperative stability and consolidation of arthrodesis. Pedicle arthrodesis is currently the standard treatment for the thoracolumbar spine, presenting the best fusion and stiffness rates, and among its main indications is the possibility of better correction of spine deformities in the thoracic and lumbar region. However, due to different definitions and the lack of a control group, many of these studies have limited comparative analysis, resulting in the scarcity of comparative studies with standardized methodology. Objective: It was to analyze, through a systematic review, the safety and efficacy of instrumentation with pedicle screws in the spine which have been questioned, despite its wide use for stabilization of the spine, comparing the complications present in the insertion techniques of pedicle screws. Methods: The rules of the Systematic Review-PRISMA were followed. The literary search process was carried out from January to March 2023. A bibliographic search was carried out in MEDLINE, PubMed, and Scielo for articles produced between 2001 and 2023. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument, and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. The Cohen test (Funnel Plot) and The Heterogeneity Test (Chi-Square Test – X<sup>2</sup>) were performed, with p Results and Conclusion: A total of 134 articles were found. A total of 67 articles were evaluated in full and 12 were selected to compose the results of this systematic review. According to the GRADE instrument, most studies (X<sup>2</sup> = 90.2% > 50%) followed a controlled clinical study model and had a good methodological design, with p < 0.05. It was shown that poor positioning of pedicle screws is the most common cause of complications. The surgeon’s skills and the length and diameter of the pedicle screw can also affect the different modes of placement. Robotic computer assistance has the potential to reduce the incidence of postoperative revisions. Minimally invasive techniques have contributed to the reduction of surgical trauma and complications, thus allowing patients who had restrictions on performing the surgical approach, such as the elderly and critically ill patients, to undergo surgical treatment.
文摘●AIM:To study if one of the two molecules could lead to a lower number of follow up visits and intra-vitreous injection(IVI)with the same efficacy.●METHODS:ELU(or"elected"in French)study is a retrospective study conducted in real life in patients presenting suboptimal response after ranibizumab IVI(phase 1)and secondary switched to aflibercept(phase 2).The number of follow up visits and IVI were compared in both phases.Visual acuity(VA)evolution and"switching"reasons were secondary analyzed.●RESULTS:We retrospectively included data of 33 patients(38 eyes)with age-related macular degeneration(AMD;mean age:77±7.7 y).The number of monthly follow up visits[median(Q1;Q3)]:was significantly lower with aflibercept(phase 2),respectively 1.0(0.81;1.49)visits in phase 1,versus 0.79(0.67;0.86)visits in phase 2.The median number of monthly IVI also significantly decreased in phase 2,respectively 0.67(0.55;0.90)IVI in phase 1,versus 0.55(0.45;0.67)IVI in phase 2.The mean VA evolution(VA final-VA initial)was similar in both phases,(P>0.05).Whatever the reason for"switching"(loss of efficacy,tachyphylaxis,tolerance problems),there was no incidence on VA evolution over the time.●CONCLUSION:Our results show that switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept in"suboptimal"patients significantly reduce the number of follow up visits and IVI,with a comparable efficacy.This decrease in visit number could improve patients’quality of life and reduce surgical risk by reducing the number of injections.
文摘AIM: To estimate if and to what extent long acting octreotide (LAR) improves survival and quality of life in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 127 cirrhotics, stages A-B, due to chronic viral infections and with advanced HCC, were enrolled in the study. Scintigraphy with 111Indium labeled octreotide was performed in all cases. The patients with increased accumulation of radionuclear compound were randomized to receive either oral placebo only or octreotide/octreotide LAR only as follows: octreotide 0.5mg s.c. every 8 h for 6 wk, at the end of wk 4-8 octreotide LAR 20 mg i.m. and at the end of wk 12 and every 4 wk octreotide LAR 30mg i.m.. Follow-up was worked out monthly as well as the estimation of quality of life (QLQ-C30 questionnaire). Patients with negative somatostatin receptors (SSTR) detection were followed up in the same manner. RESULTS: Scintigraphy demonstrated SSTR in 61 patients. Thirty were randomized to receive only placebo and 31 only octreotide. A significantly higher survival time was observed for the octreotide group (49 ± 6 wk) as compared to the control group (28 ± 1 wk) and to the SSTR negative group (28 ± 2 wk), LR = 20.39, df = 2, P < 0.01. The octreotide group presented 68.5% lower hazard ratio [95% CI (47.4%-81.2%)]. During the f irst year, a 22%, 39% and 43% decrease in the QLQ-C30 score was observed in each group respectively.CONCLUSION: The proposed therapeutic approach has shown to improve the survival and quality of life in SSTR positive patients with advanced HCC.
基金Supported by the Research Grant of Guangxi Natural Science Foundation(No.2015GXNSFCB139012No.2017GXNSFBA198320)the Research Grant of Guangxi Technology and Science Agency(No.Z2015316)
文摘AIM: To compare the optical quality after implantation of implantable collamer lens(ICL) and wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis(WG-LASIK).METHODS: The study included 40 eyes of 22 patients with myopia who accepted ICL implantation and 40 eyes of 20 patients with myopia who received WG-LASIK. Before surgery and three months after surgery, the objective scattering index(OSI), the values of modulation transfer function(MTF) cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, and the Optical Quality Analysis System(OQAS) values(OVs) were accessed. The higher order aberrations(HOAs) data including coma, trefoil, spherical, 2^(nd) astigmatism and tetrafoil were also obtained. For patients with pupil size <6 mm, HOAs data were analyzed for 4 mm-pupil diameter. For patients with pupil size ≥6 mm, HOAs data were calculated for 6 mm-pupil diameter. Visual acuity, refraction, pupil size and intraocular pressures were also recorded.RESULTS: In both ICL and WG-LASIK group, significant improvements in visual acuities were found postoperatively, with a significant reduction in spherical equivalent(P< 0.001). After the ICL implantation, the OSI decreasedslightly from 2.34±1.92 to 2.24±1.18 with no statistical significance(P=0.62). While in WG-LASIK group, the OSI significantly increased from 0.68±0.43 preoperatively to 0.91±0.53 postoperatively(Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P=0.000). None of the mean MTF cutoff frequency, Strehl ratio, OVs showed statistically significant changes in both ICL and WG-LASIK groups. In the ICL group, there were no statistical differences in the total HOAs for either 4 mmpupil or 6 mm-pupil. In the WG-LASIK group, the HOA parameters increased significantly at 4 mm-pupil. The total ocular HOAs, coma, spherical and 2^(nd) astigmatism were 0.12±0.06, 0.06±0.03, 0.00±0.03, 0.02±0.01, respectively. After the operation, these values were increased into 0.16±0.07, 0.08±0.05,-0.04±0.04, 0.03±0.01 respectively(Wilcoxon signed ranks test, all P<0.05). At 6 mm-pupil, the induction of total HOAs was not statistically significant in the WG-LASIK group. CONCLUSION: ICL implantation has a less disturbance to optical quality than WG-LASIK. The OQAS is a valuable complementary measurement to the wavefront aberrometers in evaluating the optical quality.
文摘近年来实效性临床试验受到更多重视,尤其在传统医学临床评价研究领域。为了提高实效性临床试验报告的质量,CONSORT声明组和医疗保健体系中的实效性随机对照临床试验(pragmatic randomized controlled trials in health care systems,PRACTIHC)小组对《CONSORT声明》进行了修改,以帮助读者评估试验质量和结果的可靠性。实效性试验报告指南,作为《CONSORT声明》的一个特殊扩展,能在报告、评价和应用实效性试验方面帮助编辑、系统评价者、试验设计者和决策者评估实效性试验报告中的信息,判定其结论是否适用,以及干预措施是否可行、可否被接受。2005年1月和2008年3月,在加拿大多伦多分别举行了为期两天的会议来探讨提高随机对照试验对卫生保健决策贡献的方法,焦点集中于实效性试验。2005年会,后扩展版草案修订清单发送至编写组成员,经过几次修订,编写组起草了一份摘要草案。在2008年讨论并修改了这一草案。这份草案发给CONSORT声明组以供修改并发表。这份声明的扩展版提出了对8个条目的补充。及时向国内读者和临床试验研究人员介绍该指南有重要的现实意义和学术价值。北京中医药大学循证医学中心刘建平教授等在短时间内翻译了该指南。本刊希望通过介绍中文版"提高实效性临床试验报告的质量——《CONSORT声明》的扩展"以提高国内实效性临床试验报告的质量,相信也有助于改进试验设计的方法学质量。
文摘AIM: To investigate the association of the functional monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1) promoter polymorphism(A-2518G) with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP).METHODS: Fifty patients with post-hepatitis C liver cirrhosis and ascites were categorized into two groups; group Ⅰ included 25 patients with SBP and group Ⅱ included 25 patients free from SBP. In addition, a group of 20 healthy volunteers were included. We assessed the MCP-1 gene polymorphism and gene expression as well as interleukin(IL)-10 levels in both blood and ascitic fluid. RESULTS: A significant MCP-1 gene polymorphism was detected in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P = 0.001 and 0.02 respectively). Group Ⅰ was associated with a significantly higher frequency of AG genotype [control 8(40%) vs SBP 19(76.0%), P < 0.001], and group Ⅱ was associated with a significantly higher frequency of GG genotype when compared to healthy volunteers [control 1(5%) vs cirrhotic 16(64%), P < 0.001]. Accordingly, the frequency of G allele was significantly higher in both groups(Ⅰ and Ⅱ) [control 10(25%) vs SBP 27(54%), P < 0.001 and vs cirrhotic 37(74.0%), P < 0.001, respectively]. The total blood and ascetic fluid levels of IL-10 and MCP-1 gene expression were significantly higher in group Ⅰ than in group Ⅱ. Group Ⅰ showed significant reductions in the levels of MCP-1 gene expression and IL-10 in the whole blood and ascetic fluid after therapy. CONCLUSION: MCP-1 GG genotype and G allele may predispose HCV infected patients to a more progressive disease course, while AG genotype may increase the susceptibility to SBP. Patients carrying these genotypes should be under supervision to prevent or restrict further complications.
基金The present article is the result of a research project approved by the Research Deputy of Hamedan University of Medical Sciences with financial support of the deputy under number 9505122620 and Code of Ethics: IRUMSHA.1395.103
文摘Objectives: Comprehensive nursing assessment,as the first step in the nursing process,involves the systematic and constant data gathering to facilitate the development of the patient-specific nursing process.The aim of this study is to determine the effects of applying an assessment form based on the health functional patterns on nursing student's attitude and skills in developing nursing process.Methods: A randomized controlling design was conducted.Of 84 undergraduate nursing students,42 students were allocated to the intervention or control group.In clinical education,a patient assessment form based on Gordon's functional health patterns was applied to help students in the intervention group to develop nursing process,while the control group received traditional methods.The data were gathered using a demographic information questionnaire,skills in nursing process development checklist,and attitudes towards nursing process questionnaire.Results: The average scores for students' attitude and skills in developing nursing process in the intervention group were greater than those of the control group.Conclusion: Applying nursing assessment using the patient assessment form based on Gordon's functional health patterns can improve the students' learning in developing nursing process.
文摘Dear Editor,We are intestigators from Turkey primarily studying exudative age-related macular degeneration(AMD).Here we present the results of our retrospective clinical study on tachyphylaxis development during the treatment of exudative AMD with ranibizumab,which,we believe,will form a basis for further prospective studies to predict the drug response in anti-vascular endothelial growth
基金Supported by a Children Miracle Network Research Grant,No.132698 to Lin Z(P.I.)and Thomas NJ(Co-P.I.)(2011-2013)and Floros J(P.I.)(2013-2014)
文摘AIM To study the genetic association and epistatic interaction of the interleukin(IL)-10 and IL-10/STAT3 pathways in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). METHODS A total of 159 pediatric inflammatory IBD patients(Crohn's disease,n = 136; ulcerative colitis,n = 23) and 129 matched controls were studied for genetic association of selected single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of the IL-10 gene and the genes IL10 RA,IL10 RB,STAT3,and HO1,from the IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway. As interactions between SNPs from different loci may significantly affect the associated risk for disease,additive(a) and dominant(d) modeling of SNP interactions was also performed to examine highorder epistasis between combinations of the individual SNPs. RESULTS The results showed that IL-10 rs304496 was associated with pediatric IBD(P = 0.022),but no association was found for two other IL-10 SNPs,rs1800872 and rs2034498,or for SNPs in genes IL10 RA,IL10 RB,STAT3,and HO1. However,analysis of epistatic interaction among these genes showed significant interactions:(1) between two IL-10 SNPs rs1800872 and rs3024496(additive-additive P = 0.00015,Bonferroni P value(Bp) = 0.003);(2) between IL-10 RB rs2834167 and HO1 rs2071746(dominant-additive,P = 0.0018,Bp = 0.039); and(3) among IL-10 rs1800872,IL10 RB rs2834167,and HO1 rs2071746(additivedominant-additive,P = 0.00015,Bp = 0.005),as well as weak interactions among IL-10 rs1800872,IL-10 rs3024496,and IL-10RA(additive-additive-additive,P = 0.003; Bp = 0.099),and among IL10 RA,IL10 RB,and HO1 genes(additive-dominant-additive,P = 0.008,Bp = 0.287).CONCLUSION These results indicate that both the IL-10 gene itself,and through epistatic interaction with genes within the IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway,contribute to the risk of pediatric IBD.
基金supported by a grant from the NIH(No.U42 RR16607)
文摘Objective:A computational model of insulin secretion and glucose metabolism for assisting the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in clinical research is introduced.The proposed method for the estimation of parameters for a system of ordinary differential equations(ODEs)that represent the time course of plasma glucose and insulin concentrations during glucose tolerance test(GTT)in physiological studies is presented.The aim of this study was to explore how to interpret those laboratory glucose and insulin data as well as enhance the Ackerman mathematical model.Methods:Parameters estimation for a system of ODEs was performed by minimizing the sum of squared residuals(SSR)function,which quantifies the difference between theoretical model predictions and GTT's experimental observations.Our proposed perturbation search and multiple-shooting methods were applied during the estimating process.Results:Based on the Ackerman's published data,we estimated the key parameters by applying R-based iterative computer programs.As a result,the theoretically simulated curves perfectly matched the experimental data points.Our model showed that the estimated parameters,computed frequency and period values,were proven a good indicator of diabetes.Conclusion:The present paper introduces a computational algorithm to biomedical problems,particularly to endocrinology and metabolism fields,which involves two coupled differential equations with four parameters describing the glucose-insulin regulatory system that Ackerman proposed earlier.The enhanced approach may provide clinicians in endocrinology and metabolism field insight into the transition nature of human metabolic mechanism from normal to impaired glucose tolerance.
文摘AIM:To investigate the progression of hepatic histopathology in serial liver biopsies from Wilson disease(WD)patients.METHODS:We report a group of 12 WD patients treated with zinc and/or penicillamine who underwent multiple follow-up liver biopsies.Demographic,clinical and laboratory data were gathered and all patients underwent an initial biopsy and at least one repeat biopsy.RESULTS:Time to repeat biopsy ranged from 2 to 12 years.Six patients(non-progressors)showed stable hepatic histology or improvement.In one case,we observed improvement of fibrosis from stage 2 to 0.Six patients(progressors)had worsening of fibrosis.There was no significant correlation between the histological findings and serum aminotransferases or copper me-tabolism parameters.The hepatic copper concentration reached normal levels in only two patients:one from the non-progressors and one from the progressors group.The estimated rate of progression of hepatic fibrosis in the entire group was 0 units per year in the time frame between the first and the second liver biopsy(4 years),and 0.25 between the second and the third(3 years).In the progressors group,the rate of progression of liver fibrosis was estimated at 0.11 fibrosis units per year between the first and second biopsy and,0.6 fibrosis units between the second and third biopsy.CONCLUSION:The inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression in WD suggests that a liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years should be considered.
