scholarly journals Estimation of COVID-19 Epidemiology Curve of the United States Using Genetic Programming Algorithm

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 959
Author(s):  
Nikola Anđelić ◽  
Sandi Baressi Šegota ◽  
Ivan Lorencin ◽  
Zdravko Jurilj ◽  
Tijana Šušteršič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Programming ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Programming Algorithm ◽  
Mathematical Equation ◽  
Symbolic Expression ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Very High ◽  
Specific Country

Estimation of the epidemiology curve for the COVID-19 pandemic can be a very computationally challenging task. Thus far, there have been some implementations of artificial intelligence (AI) methods applied to develop epidemiology curve for a specific country. However, most applied AI methods generated models that are almost impossible to translate into a mathematical equation. In this paper, the AI method called genetic programming (GP) algorithm is utilized to develop a symbolic expression (mathematical equation) which can be used for the estimation of the epidemiology curve for the entire U.S. with high accuracy. The GP algorithm is utilized on the publicly available dataset that contains the number of confirmed, deceased and recovered patients for each U.S. state to obtain the symbolic expression for the estimation of the number of the aforementioned patient groups. The dataset consists of the latitude and longitude of the central location for each state and the number of patients in each of the goal groups for each day in the period of 22 January 2020–3 December 2020. The obtained symbolic expressions for each state are summed up to obtain symbolic expressions for estimation of each of the patient groups (confirmed, deceased and recovered). These symbolic expressions are combined to obtain the symbolic expression for the estimation of the epidemiology curve for the entire U.S. The obtained symbolic expressions for the estimation of the number of confirmed, deceased and recovered patients for each state achieved R2 score in the ranges 0.9406–0.9992, 0.9404–0.9998 and 0.9797–0.99955, respectively. These equations are summed up to formulate symbolic expressions for the estimation of the number of confirmed, deceased and recovered patients for the entire U.S. with achieved R2 score of 0.9992, 0.9997 and 0.9996, respectively. Using these symbolic expressions, the equation for the estimation of the epidemiology curve for the entire U.S. is formulated which achieved R2 score of 0.9933. Investigation showed that GP algorithm can produce symbolic expressions for the estimation of the number of confirmed, recovered and deceased patients as well as the epidemiology curve not only for the states but for the entire U.S. with very high accuracy.

Electronic cigarettes: How confident and effective are allergists, pulmonologists, and primary care physicians in their practice behavior?

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-197
Author(s):  
Sherry S. Zhou ◽  
Alan P. Baptist
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Knowledge And Beliefs ◽  
Tobacco Cigarette ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Personal Use

Background: There has been a striking increase in electronic cigarette (EC) use in the United States. The beliefs and practices toward ECs among physicians are unknown. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate EC practice patterns among allergists, pulmonologists, and primary care physicians. Methods: An anonymous survey was sent to physicians. The survey contained 32 questions and addressed issues related to demographics, cessation counseling behaviors, personal use, and knowledge and beliefs about ECs. Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of variance, the Pearson χ2 test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression. Results: A total of 291 physicians completed the survey (222 primary care physicians, 33 pulmonologists, and 36 allergists) for a response rate of 46%. The allergists asked about tobacco cigarette use as frequently as did the pulmonologists and more than the primary care physicians (p < 0.001), but they rarely asked about EC use. The pulmonologists scored highest on self-reported knowledge on ECs, although all the groups answered <40% of the questions correctly. The allergists did not feel as comfortable about providing EC cessation counseling as did the pulmonologists and primary care physicians (p < 0.001). All three groups were equally unlikely to recommend ECs as a cessation tool for tobacco cigarette users. Conclusion: Allergists lacked knowledge and confidence in providing education and cessation counseling for EC users. As the number of patients who use these products continues to increase, there is an urgent need for all physicians to be comfortable and knowledgeable with counseling about ECs.

Mosquito and Tick-borne Illnesses in the United States. Guidelines for the Recognition and Empiric Treatment of Zoonotic Diseases in the Wilderness.

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-257
Author(s):  
Suresh Antony
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Spotted Fever ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background:In the United States, tick-borne illnesses account for a significant number of patients that have been seen and treated by health care facilities. This in turn, has resulted in a significant morbidity and mortality and economic costs to the country.Methods:The distribution of these illnesses is geographically variable and is related to the climate as well. Many of these illnesses can be diagnosed and treated successfully, if recognized and started on appropriate antimicrobial therapy early in the disease process. Patient with illnesses such as Lyme disease, Wet Nile illness can result in chronic debilitating diseases if not recognized early and treated.Conclusion:This paper covers illnesses such as Lyme disease, West Nile illness, Rocky Mountain Spotted fever, Ehrlichia, Tularemia, typhus, mosquito borne illnesses such as enteroviruses, arboviruses as well as arthropod and rodent borne virus infections as well. It covers the epidemiology, clinical features and diagnostic tools needed to make the diagnosis and treat these patients as well.

"Taming the Monster aka Uncontrolled Diabetes: A Viewpoint" (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Anand ◽  
Amardeep Kalsi ◽  
Jonathan Figueroa ◽  
Parag Mehta
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Dietary Compliance ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Uncontrolled Diabetes ◽  
Number Of Patients

BACKGROUND HbA1c between 6% and 6.9% is associated with the lowest incidence of all‐cause and CVD mortality, with a stepwise increase in all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in those with an HbA1c >7%. • There are 30 million individuals in the United States (9.4% of the population) currently living with Diabetes Mellitus. OBJECTIVE Improving HbA1C levels in patients with uncontrolled Diabetes with a focused and collaborative effort. METHODS Our baseline data for Diabetic patients attending the outpatient department from July 2018 to July 2019 in a University-affiliated hospital showed a total of 217 patients for one physician. • Of 217 patients, 17 had HbA1C 9 and above. We contacted these patients and discussed the need for tight control of their blood glucose levels. We intended to ensure them that we care and encourage them to participate in our efforts to improve their outcome. • We referred 13 patients that agreed to participate to the Diabetic educator who would schedule an appointment with the patients, discuss their diet, exercise, how to take medications, self-monitoring, and psychosocial factors. • If needed, she would refer them to the Nutritionist based on patients’ dietary compliance. • The patients were followed up in the next two weeks via telemedicine or a phone call by the PCP to confirm and reinforce the education provided by the diabetes educator. RESULTS Number of patients that showed an improvement in HbA1C values: 11 Cumulative decrease in HbA1C values for 13 patients: 25.3 The average reduction in HbA1C: 1.94 CONCLUSIONS Our initiative to exclusively target the blood glucose level with our multidisciplinary approach has made a positive impact, which is reflected in the outcome. • It leads to an improvement in patient compliance and facilitates diabetes management to reduce the risk for complications CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Stellar magnetic imaging from spectropolarimetric data

1996 ◽  
Vol 176 ◽  
pp. 53-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.-F. Donati
Keyword(s):  
Small Amplitude ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Spectral Lines ◽  
New Method ◽  
Doppler Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Imaging ◽  
Active Stars ◽  
Surface Fields ◽  
Very High

In this paper, I will review the capabilities of magnetic imaging (also called Zeeman-Doppler imaging) to reconstruct spot distributions of surface fields from sets of rotationnally modulated Zeeman signatures in circularly polarised spectral lines. I will then outline a new method to measure small amplitude magnetic signals (typically 0.1% for cool active stars) with very high accuracy. Finally, I will present and comment new magnetic images reconstructed from data collected in 1993 December at the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT).

scholarly journals Routine clinical care data from thirteen cardiac outpatient clinics: design of the Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands (CCN) database

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie H. Bots ◽  
Klaske R. Siegersma ◽  
N. Charlotte Onland-Moret ◽  
Folkert W. Asselbergs ◽  
G. Aernout Somsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Strong Base ◽  
Daily Care ◽  
Cardiac Symptoms ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Groups

Abstract Background Despite the increasing availability of clinical data due to the digitalisation of healthcare systems, data often remain inaccessible due to the diversity of data collection systems. In the Netherlands, Cardiology Centers of the Netherlands (CCN) introduced “one-stop shop” diagnostic clinics for patients suspected of cardiac disease by their general practitioner. All CCN clinics use the same data collection system and standardised protocol, creating a large regular care database. This database can be used to describe referral practices, evaluate risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in important patient subgroups, and develop prediction models for use in daily care. Construction and content The current database contains data on all patients who underwent a cardiac workup in one of the 13 CCN clinics between 2007 and February 2018 (n = 109,151, 51.9% women). Data were pseudonymised and contain information on anthropometrics, cardiac symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities, cardiovascular and family history, standard blood laboratory measurements, transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography in rest and during exercise, and medication use. Clinical follow-up is based on medical need and consisted of either a repeat visit at CCN (43.8%) or referral for an external procedure in a hospital (16.5%). Passive follow-up via linkage to national mortality registers is available for 95% of the database. Utility and discussion The CCN database provides a strong base for research into historically underrepresented patient groups due to the large number of patients and the lack of in- and exclusion criteria. It also enables the development of artificial intelligence-based decision support tools. Its contemporary nature allows for comparison of daily care with the current guidelines and protocols. Missing data is an inherent limitation, as the cardiologist could deviate from standardised protocols when clinically indicated. Conclusion The CCN database offers the opportunity to conduct research in a unique population referred from the general practitioner to the cardiologist for diagnostic workup. This, in combination with its large size, the representation of historically underrepresented patient groups and contemporary nature makes it a valuable tool for expanding our knowledge of cardiovascular diseases. Trial registration: Not applicable.

scholarly journals Photosensitizing Medications and Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2344
Author(s):  
Elisabeth A. George ◽  
Navya Baranwal ◽  
Jae H. Kang ◽  
Abrar A. Qureshi ◽  
Aaron M. Drucker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Cancer ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
The United States ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Cancer Risk Factors ◽  
Skin Cancer Risk ◽  
Number Of Patients

(1) The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in the United States (US) despite scientific advances in our understanding of skin cancer risk factors and treatments. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence that suggests that certain photosensitizing medications (PSMs) increase skin cancer risk. This review summarizes current epidemiological evidence on the association between common PSMs and skin cancer. (2) A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify meta-analyses, observational studies and clinical trials that report on skin cancer events in PSM users. The associated risks of keratinocyte carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) and melanoma are summarized, for each PSM. (3) There are extensive reports on antihypertensives and statins relative to other PSMs, with positive and null findings, respectively. Fewer studies have explored amiodarone, metformin, antimicrobials and vemurafenib. No studies report on the individual skin cancer risks in glyburide, naproxen, piroxicam, chlorpromazine, thioridazine and nalidixic acid users. (4) The research gaps in understanding the relationship between PSMs and skin cancer outlined in this review should be prioritized because the US population is aging. Thus the number of patients prescribed PSMs is likely to continue to rise.

scholarly journals Long Covid-19: Proposed Primary Care Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Disease Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 4350
Author(s):  
Antoni Sisó-Almirall ◽  
Pilar Brito-Zerón ◽  
Laura Conangla Ferrín ◽  
Belchin Kostov ◽  
Anna Moragas Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Press Releases ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Groups

Long COVID-19 may be defined as patients who, four weeks after the diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 infection, continue to have signs and symptoms not explainable by other causes. The estimated frequency is around 10% and signs and symptoms may last for months. The main long-term manifestations observed in other coronaviruses (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)) are very similar to and have clear clinical parallels with SARS-CoV-2: mainly respiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychiatric. The growing number of patients worldwide will have an impact on health systems. Therefore, the main objective of these clinical practice guidelines is to identify patients with signs and symptoms of long COVID-19 in primary care through a protocolized diagnostic process that studies possible etiologies and establishes an accurate differential diagnosis. The guidelines have been developed pragmatically by compiling the few studies published so far on long COVID-19, editorials and expert opinions, press releases, and the authors’ clinical experience. Patients with long COVID-19 should be managed using structured primary care visits based on the time from diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Based on the current limited evidence, disease management of long COVID-19 signs and symptoms will require a holistic, longitudinal follow up in primary care, multidisciplinary rehabilitation services, and the empowerment of affected patient groups.

scholarly journals A Technology Roadmap for Innovative Approaches to Kidney Replacement Therapies

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1539-1547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph V. Bonventre ◽  
Frank P. Hurst ◽  
Melissa West ◽  
Iwen Wu ◽  
Prabir Roy-Chaudhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Incentives ◽  
The United States ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Technology Roadmap ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches ◽  
Human Cost ◽  
Innovative Approaches

The number of patients dialyzed for ESKD exceeds 500,000 in the United States and more than 2.6 million people worldwide, with the expectation that the worldwide number will double by 2030. The human cost of health and societal financial cost of ESKD is substantial. Dialytic therapy is associated with an unacceptably high morbidity and mortality rate and poor quality of life. Although innovation in many areas of science has been transformative, there has been little innovation in dialysis or alternatives for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) since its introduction approximately 70 years ago. Advances in kidney biology, stem cells and kidney cell differentiation protocols, biomaterials, sensors, nano/microtechnology, sorbents and engineering, and interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations can lead to disruptive innovation. The Kidney Health Initiative, a public–private partnership between the American Society of Nephrology and the US Food and Drug Administration, has convened a multidisciplinary group to create a technology roadmap for innovative approaches to KRT to address patients’ needs. The Roadmap is a living document. It identifies the design criteria that must be considered to replace the myriad functions of the kidney, as well as scientific, technical, regulatory, and payor milestones required to commercialize and provide patient access to KRT alternatives. Various embodiments of potential solutions are discussed, but the Roadmap is agnostic to any particular solution set. System enablers are identified, including vascular access, biomaterial development, biologic and immunologic modulation, function, and safety monitoring. Important Roadmap supporting activities include regulatory alignment and innovative financial incentives and payment pathways. The Roadmap provides estimated timelines for replacement of specific kidney functions so that approaches can be conceptualized in ways that are actionable and attract talented innovators from multiple disciplines. The Roadmap has been used to guide the selection of KidneyX prizes for innovation in KRT.

Hole Accuracy during Deep Hole Drilling for Hydraulic Cylinder Application

2014 ◽  
Vol 984-985 ◽  
pp. 67-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Clifford Benjamin Raj ◽  
B. Anand Ronald ◽  
A. Velayudham ◽  
Prasmit Kumar Nayak
Keyword(s):  
Feed Rate ◽  
Drill Hole ◽  
Hydraulic Cylinder ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
Diameter Ratio ◽  
Hole Drilling ◽  
Deep Hole ◽  
Deep Hole Drilling ◽  
Very High ◽  
Continuous Chip

Deep-hole drilling is a process in which the hole length will be very high when compared to diameter of the drill hole (i.e. length to diameter ratio will be greater than 5). Drilling a deep hole with very high accuracy is difficult process. The current project is about the production of deep hole with the aim to produce a chip which is not a continuous chip and also not a powdery chip. These conditions can be attained by varying the spindle speed and the tool feed rate.

Cost Effective Swath Bathymetry

2001 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 33-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Hogarth
Keyword(s):  
Processing Time ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Accuracy ◽  
High Coverage ◽  
Swath Bathymetry ◽  
World Survey ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Very High ◽  
Harbor Area ◽  
Wide Swath

Between 23rd and 25th July 2001 GeoSwath, a high specification shallow water wide swath bathymetry system, was used to survey the entire Portsmouth NH Harbor area. This paper deals with the results of this survey, illustrating the potential for significant reductions in the high costs, which have prevented widespread proliferation of Swath Bathymetry systems to date. Data, including a complete DTM gridded to 1 m resolution, will be presented and discussed in detail. These results show that the system is very easy to set up and use, requires greatly reduced boat and processing time, whilst offering high accuracy and very high coverage and resolution when used in a real-world survey of a dynamic harbor environment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document