• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
• /
• v.23 no.5
• /
• pp.148-162
• /
• 2023

Classification systems can significantly assist the medical sector by allowing for the precise and quick diagnosis of diseases. As a result, both doctors and patients will save time. A possible way for identifying risk variables is to use machine learning algorithms. Non-surgical technologies, such as machine learning, are trustworthy and effective in categorizing healthy and heart-disease patients, and they save time and effort. The goal of this study is to create a medical intelligent decision support system based on machine learning for the diagnosis of heart disease. We have used a mixed feature creation (MFC) technique to generate new features from the UCI Cleveland Cardiology dataset. We select the most suitable features by using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Recursive Feature Elimination with Random Forest feature selection (RFE-RF) and the best features of both LASSO RFE-RF (BLR) techniques. Cross-validated and grid-search methods are used to optimize the parameters of the estimator used in applying these algorithms. and classifier performance assessment metrics including classification accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, and F1-Score, of each classification model, along with execution time and RMSE the results are presented independently for comparison. Our proposed work finds the best potential outcome across all available prediction models and improves the system's performance, allowing physicians to diagnose heart patients more accurately.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.46 no.3
• /
• pp.42.1-42.15
• /
• 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the main features of the 25 most-cited articles in minimally invasive access cavities. Materials and Methods: An electronic search was conducted on the Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science 'All Databases' to identify the most-cited articles related to this topic. Citation counts were cross-matched with data from Elsevier's Scopus and Google Scholar. Information about authors, contributing institutions and countries, year and journal of publication, study design and topic, access cavity, and keywords were analyzed. Results: The top 25 most-cited articles received a total of 572 (Web of Science), 1,160 (Google Scholar) and 631 (Scopus) citations. It was observed a positive significant association between the number of citations and age of publication (r = 0.6907, p < 0.0001); however, there was no significant association regarding citation density and age of publication (r = -0.2631, p = 0.2038). The Journal of Endodontics made the highest contribution (n = 15, 60%). The United States had the largest number of publications (n = 7) followed by Brazil (n = 4), with the most contributions from the University of Tennessee and Grande Rio University (n = 3), respectively. The highest number of most-cited articles were ex vivo studies (n = 16), and 'fracture resistance' was the major topic studied (n = 10). Conclusions: This study revealed a growing interest for researchers in the field of minimally invasive access cavities. Future trends are focused on the expansion of collaborative networks and the conduction of laboratory studies on under-investigated parameters.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.296-311
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors related to the workload of intensive care unit nurses through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to provide basic data to explore the direction of development of nursing staffing standards. Methods: This study involved quantitative studies about nurses working in intensive care units related to nursing workload published in English or Korean since 2000. Search terms included 'intensive care unit', 'nursing workload', and their variations. Databases such as RISS, DBpia, MEDLINE(PubMed), CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were utilized. Quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute's Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies. JAMOVI software facilitated the analysis of effect sizes, employing a meta-analysis approach for 7 studies with correlational or regression data. Results: From 16 studies on the workload of intensive care unit nurses, a total of 20 patient and nurse-related factors were identified. Patient-related factors included severity of illness, length of stay, and age. Meta-analysis was conducted for three patient-related factors: age, severity of illness measured by SAPS 3, and length of stay. Only severity of illness measured by SAPS 3 was significantly associated with nurse workload (Zr=0.16, p<.001, 95% CI=0.09-0.24). Conclusion: In previous studies, the characteristics of intensive care units and patients varied across studies, and a variety of scales for measuring workload and severity of illness were also used. Sustained research reflecting domestic intensive care unit work environments and assessing the workload of intensive care unit nurses should be imperative.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
• /
• v.9 no.5
• /
• pp.801-807
• /
• 2023

This study aims to examine the cases of overseas experience programs centered around middle school students in South Korea and to derive implications for future overseas experience programs. To achieve this, data were systematically collected through search engines based on keywords, followed by comparative analysis. Frequency analysis, independent sample t-tests, and cross-analysis were conducted using SPSS 23. The research findings are as follows: First, the programs are operated nationwide, with a focus on smaller schools in various regions, and are particularly active in the Jeolla provinces. Diverse public funding, such as from the board of education and local governments, has been invested, categorizing operational costs into full financial coverage among others. The programs primarily took place in Southeast Asian countries close to South Korea. Second, the purposes of these middle school overseas experience programs largely encompass career exploration, cultural experiences, tourism, and sister school visits. We hope that school-based overseas career exploration programs are actively operated to provide opportunities for enhancing global competence and global citizenship, as well as exploring career paths.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.34-47
• /
• 2023

Purpose : Exercise may prevent the worsening of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progression of cardiovascular diseases in patients with CKD. This review aims to identify the best type of exercise modality and summarizes the beneficial effects of exercise on physical and renal function among older adults with pre-dialysis CKD. Methods : A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and domestic database was performed for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of exercise intervention on older adults with pre-dialysis CKD published until February 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. The risk of bias was assessed using a Cochrane tool for assessing the risk of bias in RCTs (RoB 2.0). Results : The systematic review included 11 RCTs (n = 591, average age 60.2-76), of which 8 could be included for meta-analysis. Exercise was significant in increasing peak oxygen consumption and knee muscle strength among physical functions, and also in improving glomerular filtration rate among kidney functions. Conclusion : Exercise has beneficial effects on physical and renal function among older adults with pre-dialysis CKD. In the future, it is necessary to verify the effectiveness of exercise by subdividing it by type, intensity, duration, and delivery.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.374-392
• /
• 2023

Objective: Assess and evaluate the different indicators of oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients treated with clear aligners (CAs) versus those treated with conventional fixed orthodontics (FAs). Methods: An electronic search was performed on the database is Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases. Randomized and non-randomized control trials, cross-sectional, prospective cohort and retrospective trials were included. Quality was assessed with risk of bias tool and risk of bias in non-randomised studies. Meta-analyses were performed with random effects models, estimating the standardized and non-standardized mean differences, odds ratio and risk ratio as the measure of effect. The effect on time was determined using a meta-regression model. Results: Thirty one articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and 17 in the meta-analysis. CAs had a significantly lower negative impact on QoL, with an "important" effect size, while the influence of time was not significant. Periodontal indicators plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing show significantly better values in patients treated with CAs, with moderate to large effect sizes. PI and GI have a significant tendency to improve over time. In microbiological indicators, CAs present a lower biofilm mass without differences in the percentage of patients with high counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli bacteria. The risk of white spot lesion onset is ten times lower in carriers of CAs. Conclusions: Patients wearing CAs show better periodontal indicators, less risk of white spot development, less biofilm mass and a better QoL than patients with FAs.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.474-483
• /
• 2023

Members of the genus Streptomyces produce more than 70% of antibiotics. The rise in antibiotic resistance globally enhanced the search for novel species with the ability to produce new bioactive compounds. This study was initiated to investigate different regions in Jordan for previously uncultured and rare Streptomyces species capable of producing novel antimicrobial compounds especially active against bacteria resistant to antibiotics. A total of 191 Streptomyces strains were isolated from 26 soil samples collected from different geographic regions in Jordan. Isolates were characterized based on colony and cellular morphology as well as using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. These isolates were screened for their ability to produce antibiotics by the perpendicular-cross streak method, and then tested by well diffusion method against tested pathogens. Fifty-four isolates showed potential to produce antimicrobial products especially active against resistant bacteria, 20.1% of the isolates showed inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus, 16.9% against clinical MSSA strains, and 18.0% against MRSA: whereas only 4.2% against Esherichia coli, 3.2% against Klebsiella pneumonia, 2.7% against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 10.0% against clinical Candida albicans. Three isolates were selected for further identification due to their antibacterial activity against S. aureus, MRSA, and MSSA. These isolates were identified as follows; Streptomyces aburaviensis DSa3, Streptomyces alboniger SAb7 and Streptomyces misionensis ZAb2, based on cultural, biochemical characteristics and molecular analysis of the 16S rRNA.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.4
• /
• pp.2159-2165
• /
• 2013

Cancer registries help to establish and maintain cancer incidence reporting system, serve as a resource for investigation of cancer and its causes, and provide information for planning and evaluation of preventive and control programs. However, their wider role in directly enhancing oncology drug access has not been fully explored. We examined the value of cancer registries in oncology drug access in the Asia-Pacific region on three levels: (1) specific registry variable types; (2) macroscopic strategies on the national level; and (3) a regional cancer registry network. Using literature search and proceedings from an expert forum, this paper covers recent cancer registry developments in eight economies in the Asia-Pacific region - Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand - and the ways they can contribute to oncology drug access. Specific registry variables relating to demographics, tumor characteristics, initial treatment plans, prognostic markers, risk factors, and mortality help to anticipate drug needs, identify high-priority research area and design access programs. On a national level, linking registry data with clinical, drug safety, financial, or drug utilization databases allows analyses of associations between utilization and outcomes. Concurrent efforts should also be channeled into developing and implementing data integrity and stewardship policies, and providing clear avenues to make data available. Less mature registry systems can employ modeling techniques and ad-hoc surveys while increasing coverage. Beyond local settings, a cancer registry network for the Asia-Pacific region would offer cross-learning and research opportunities that can exert leverage through the experiences and capabilities of a highly diverse region.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.9
• /
• pp.4783-4788
• /
• 2012

Objective: Previous studies of the association between X-ray cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) gene polymorphisms and the gliomas risk have yielded conflicting results, and thus a meta-analysis was performed to provide a more accurate estimation. Methods: A computerized literature search of 5 electronic databases was conducted to identify the relevant studies. Fixed or random effect models were selected based on the heterogeneity test. Publication bias was estimated using Begg's funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Results: A total of 11 studies (3,810 cases and 6,079 controls), 7 studies (2,928 cases and 5,048 controls), and 4 studies (1,461 cases and 2,593 controls) were finally included in the analyses of the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln, Arg194Trp, and Arg280His polymorphisms and glioma risk, respectively. The pooled results showed that GlnGln carriage was associated with moderately increased risk of gliomas in Asians (GlnGln vs. ArgArg, OR=1.490, 95%CI 1.031-2.153; GlnGln/ArgGln vs. ArgArg, OR=1.321, 95%CI 1.037-1.684), whereas a marginal association was revealed in Caucasians. For the Arg194Trp polymorphism, although a significant association was shown in the homozygous genotype comparisons (TrpTrp vs. ArgArg, OR = 2.209, 95%CI 1.398-2.945), no significant link was found on subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity. With regard to the Arg280His polymorphism, no significant association was found in each comparison. No particular study was found to significantly influence the pooled results, and no potential publication bias was detected. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggested that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism is moderately associated with increased risk of gliomas in Asians, while Arg194Trp and Arg280His polymorphisms demonstrated no significant influence. Due to the limited studies and the potential confounders, further studies are needed to confirm these results.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.19
• /
• pp.8383-8390
• /
• 2014

Background: Although the predictive value of the excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1) C118T polymorphism in clinical outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy has been evaluated in numerous published studies, the conclusions are conflicting. Therefore, we performed the present meta-analysis to determine the precise role of the ERCC1 C118T polymorphism in this clinical situation and help optimize individual chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: A multiple search strategy was used to identify eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate objective response and oxaliplatin-induced toxicity, with hazard ratios (HRs) with 95%CIs for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 22 studies including 2,846 CRC patients were eligible in the analysis. Overall, no significant correlation was found between the ERCC1 C118T polymorphism and objective response to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, in all patients or in the Asian and Caucasian subgroups. However, the pooled analysis showed that the PFS and OS were significantly shorter in patients who carried T/T or T/C genotypes of ERCC1 C118T as compared to the C/C genotype. On stratified analysis by ethnicity, the ERCC1 118T allele was associated with a favorable prognosis in Caucasians (PFS, HR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.24-1.44; OS, HR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.22-0.64) but an unfavorable prognosis in Asians (PFS, HR=2.49, 95%CI: 1.87-3.33; OS, HR=2.63, 95%CI: 1.87-3.69) based on a dominant model. In addition, we failed to find a statistically significant impact of ERCC1 C118T polymorphism on oxaliplatin-induced toxicity. Conclusions: The ERCC1 C118T polymorphism may have prognostic value in patients with CRC undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.