bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Compact Sub-GHz Wide Tunable Antenna Design for IoT Applications
Authors: Hussain Rifaqat , Alhuwaimel Saad I. , Algarni Abdullah M. , Aljaloud Khaled , Hussain Niamat
Published: March 2022

This work presents a compact meandered loop slot-line 5G antenna for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Recently, sub-gigahertz (sub-GHz) IoT technology is widely spreading. It enables long-range communications with low power consumption. The proposed antenna structure is optimized to operate at sub-GHz bands without any additional complex biasing circuitry or antenna structure. A miniaturized design was achieved by a meandered structured loop slot-line that is loaded reactively with a varactor diode. Wideband frequency reconfigurability (FR) was achieved by the use of the varactor diode. The proposed antenna resonates over the frequency band of 758–1034 MHz with a minimum bandwidth of 17 MHz over the entire frequency band. The RO4350 substrate with dimensions of 0.18λg × 0.13λg mm2 is used to design the proposed antenna design. The efficiency and gain values varied from 54–67% and 0.86–1.8 dBi. Compact planar structure, narrow-band operation (suitable for NB-IoT) and simple biasing circuitry, which allows for sub-GHz operation, are unique and attractive features of the design.
Evolving CNN with Paddy Field Algorithm for Geographical Landmark Recognition
Authors: Bansal Kanishk , Singh Amar , Verma Sahil , Kavita  , Jhanjhi Noor Zaman , Shorfuzzaman Mohammad , Masud Mehedi
Published: March 2022

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) operate within a wide variety of hyperparameters, the optimization of which can greatly improve the performance of CNNs when performing the task at hand. However, these hyperparameters can be very difficult to optimize, either manually or by brute force. Neural architecture search or NAS methods have been developed to address this problem and are used to find the best architectures for the deep learning paradigm. In this article, a CNN has been evolved with a well-known nature-inspired metaheuristic paddy field algorithm (PFA). It can be seen that PFA can evolve the neural architecture using the Google Landmarks Dataset V2, which is one of the toughest datasets available in the literature. The CNN’s performance, when evaluated based on the accuracy benchmark, increases from an accuracy of 0.53 to 0.76, which is an improvement of more than 40%. The evolved architecture also shows some major improvements in hyperparameters that are normally considered to be the best suited for the task.
A 1200 V SiC Trench MOSFET with a Laterally Widened P-Shield Region to Enhance the Short-Circuit Ruggedness
Authors: Zuo Xinxin , Lu Jiang , Liu Xinyu , Bai Yun , Tian Xiaoli , Cheng Guodong , Tang Yidan , Yang Chengyue , Chen Hong
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a novel 1200 V SiC trench MOSFET with a laterally widened P-shield region (LW-MOSFET) is presented by using the two-dimensional numerical simulation. Compared with the conventional trench MOSFET (CT-MOSFET), the LW-MOSFET demonstrates an effective enhancement on the short-circuit (SC) reliability and the optimization of static performance simultaneously. According to the simulation results, the SC withstand time (SCWT) of the LW-MOSFET at 600 V DC bus voltage can reach 8 μs, while that of the CT-MOSFET is only 3 μs at the same conditions. The main reason is that the laterally widened P-shield region can help to suppress the saturation current and mitigate the huge current accumulation near the trench area, leading to an enhancement of the SC reliability. Moreover, the Baliga’s FOM of the proposed structure is improved by 45.7%, which benefits from the higher breakdown voltage (BV) and the lower specific on-state resistance (Ron, sp) by using the optimized structure. The advantage of static performance is related to the local charge balance behavior provided by the laterally widened P-shield region, which helps to use a higher doped current spread layer (CSL) without bringing a degeneration of BV.
Random Replacement Crisscross Butterfly Optimization Algorithm for Standard Evaluation of Overseas Chinese Associations
Authors: Bao Hanli , Liang Guoxi , Cai Zhennao , Chen Huiling
Published: March 2022

The butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) is a swarm intelligence optimization algorithm proposed in 2019 that simulates the foraging behavior of butterflies. Similarly, the BOA itself has certain shortcomings, such as a slow convergence speed and low solution accuracy. To cope with these problems, two strategies are introduced to improve the performance of BOA. One is the random replacement strategy, which involves replacing the position of the current solution with that of the optimal solution and is used to increase the convergence speed. The other is the crisscross search strategy, which is utilized to trade off the capability of exploration and exploitation in BOA to remove local dilemmas whenever possible. In this case, we propose a novel optimizer named the random replacement crisscross butterfly optimization algorithm (RCCBOA). In order to evaluate the performance of RCCBOA, comparative experiments are conducted with another nine advanced algorithms on the IEEE CEC2014 function test set. Furthermore, RCCBOA is combined with support vector machine (SVM) and feature selection (FS)—namely, RCCBOA-SVM-FS—to attain a standardized construction model of overseas Chinese associations. It is found that the reasonableness of bylaws; the regularity of general meetings; and the right to elect, be elected, and vote are of importance to the planning and standardization of Chinese associations. Compared with other machine learning methods, the RCCBOA-SVM-FS model has an up to 95% accuracy when dealing with the normative prediction problem of overseas Chinese associations. Therefore, the constructed model is helpful for guiding the orderly and healthy development of overseas Chinese associations.
Incidence, Mortality, and Risk Factors of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
Authors: Arnedo-Pena Alberto , Romeu-Garcia Maria Angeles , Gascó-Laborda Juan Carlos , Meseguer-Ferrer Noemi , Safont-Adsuara Lourdes , Prades-Vila Laura , Flores-Medina Matilde , Rusen Viorica , Tirado-Balaguer Maria Dolores , Sabater-Vidal Susana , Gil-Fortuño Maria , Pérez-Olaso Oscar , Hernández-Pérez Noelia , Moreno-Muñoz Rosario , Bellido-Blasco Juan
Published: March 2022

During the period from March 2020 to January 2021, we performed an analysis of incidence, mortality, and risk factors of COVID-19 in nursing homes (NHs) in two health departments (HDs) of Castellon (Spain) 2021 through epidemiological surveillance and an ecological design. Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, cumulative incidence rate (CIR), and mortality rate (MR) of 27 NHs were collected. Information of residents, staff, and facilities was obtained by questionnaire. Multilevel Poisson regression models were applied. All NHs in the HDs participated with 2229 residents (median: 83 years old, 67.3% women) and 1666 staff. Among residents, 815 cases (CIR: 34.8 per 100) and 202 deaths (MR: 8.7 per 100, case fatality 21.0%) were reported and, among staff, 296 cases (CIR: 19.2 per 100) without deaths. Residents’ CIR and MR increased with staff CIR, age of the building, residents/staff ratios, occupancy rate, and crowding index; CIR increased with private NH ownership, large NH size, large urban area, and the percentage of women residents; and MR was associated with residents’ severe disabilities. In conclusion, several risk factors of COVID-19 incidence and mortality can be prevented by improving infection and quality controls, ameliorating residents/staff ratios, improving structural facilities, and increasing NH public ownership to avoid new outbreaks.
Impact of Quercetin against Salmonella Typhimurium Biofilm Formation on Food–Contact Surfaces and Molecular Mechanism Pattern
Authors: Roy Pantu Kumar , Song Min Gyu , Park Shin Young
Published: March 2022

Quercetin is an active nutraceutical element that is found in a variety of foods, vegetables, fruits, and other products. Due to its antioxidant properties, quercetin is a flexible functional food that has broad protective effects against a wide range of infectious and degenerative disorders. As a result, research is required on food-contact surfaces (rubber (R) and hand gloves (HG)) that can lead to cross-contamination. In this investigation, the inhibitory effects of quercetin, an antioxidant and antibacterial molecule, were investigated at sub-MIC (125; 1/2, 62.5; 1/4, and 31.25; 1/8 MIC, μg/mL) against Salmonella Typhimurium on surfaces. When quercetin (0–125 μg/mL) was observed on R and HG surfaces, the inhibitory effects were 0.09–2.49 and 0.20–2.43 log CFU/cm2, respectively (p < 0.05). The results were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), because quercetin inhibited the biofilms by disturbing cell-to-cell connections and inducing cell lysis, resulting in the loss of normal cell morphology, and the motility (swimming and swarming) was significantly different at 1/4 and 1/2 MIC compared to the control. Quercetin significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the expression levels of virulence and stress response (rpoS, avrA, and hilA) and quorum-sensing (luxS) genes. Our findings imply that plant-derived quercetin could be used as an antibiofilm agent in the food industry to prevent S. Typhimurium biofilm formation.
Nutritional, Functional, Textural and Sensory Evaluation of Spirulina Enriched Green Pasta: A Potential Dietary and Health Supplement
Authors: Koli Deepak , Rudra Shalini , Bhowmik Arpan , Pabbi Sunil
Published: March 2022

In house cultivated Spirulina powder was incorporated at 2 to 15% concentrations to enrich pasta prepared from semolina. Spirulina incorporation led to development of green color pasta with nutritional and functional fortification resulting in increase in its protein, total phenols, flavonoids, iron and calcium content by up to 77.47%, 76.62%, 162.88%, 296.99% and 57.27%, respectively, without causing detrimental changes to the textural and sensory attributes. FAME analysis revealed 2 to 2.5 times enhanced levels of γ-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in enriched pasta. Significant improvement in phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were also observed in comparison to control pasta. Analysis of theoretical and realized composition confirmed retention of nutrients post cooking revealing no significant loss in proteins and other nutrients. Principal components analysis demonstrated significant contribution of Spirulina to nutritional and functional attributes especially at higher concentrations. Pasta enriched with 12.5% Spirulina was rated as “liked very much” and the purchase intention was also high. Spirulina enrichment at concentrations above 10% (12.5%) with appreciable increase in nutritional and functional attributes without affecting textural or cooking quality and acceptable sensory evaluation can be a preferred alternative to augment health and prevent sickness. Since green color symbolizes freshness, hope, renewal and physical health, the consumption of Spirulina incorporated green pasta may be a potential option to enhance the livelihood and nutritional security of rural poor and a good alternative for hidden hunger alleviation programs for mass nutrition especially for infants and children in an effective manner.
Structure Identification of Two Polysaccharides from Morchella sextelata with Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Li Feng , Jin Yu , Wang Jun , Xu Huaide
Published: March 2022

Mushrooms of the Morchella genus exhibit a variety of biological activities. Two polysaccharides (MSP1-1, 389.0 kDa; MSP1-2, 23.4 kDa) were isolated from Morchella sextelata by subcritical water extraction and column chromatography fractionation. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis determined MSP1-1 as a glucan with a backbone of (1→4)-α-D-glucan branched at O-6, and MSP1-2 as a galactomannan with coextracted α-glucan. Light scattering analysis and transmission electron microscopy revealed that MSP1-1 possessed a random coil chain and that MSP1-2 had a network chain. This is the first time that a network structure has been observed in a polysaccharide from M. sextelata. Despite the differences in their chemical structures and conformations, both MSP1-1 and MSP1-2 possessed good thermal stability and showed antioxidant activity. This study provides fundamental data on the structure–activity relationships of M. sextelata polysaccharides.
High Internal Phase Emulsions Preparation Using Citrus By-Products as Stabilizers
Authors: Martínez-Martí Joana , Quiles Amparo , Moraga Gemma , Llorca Empar , Hernando Isabel
Published: March 2022

The citrus juice industry produces about 50% of by-products. Citrus pomace (CP) contains many polysaccharides (mainly cellulose and pectin), which could act as stabilizers and emulsifiers. The aim of this work was to obtain high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) using unmodified CP at different concentrations to valorize citrus by-products. The synergic effect of pea protein isolate (PPI) with CP to stabilize the HIPEs was also studied. HIPEs structure was analyzed using rheological and microscopy studies as well as color and physical stability of the emulsions. According to rheological data, all samples exhibited a solid-like behavior, as elastic modulus (G’) was higher than viscous modulus (G’’) within the viscoelastic linear region; as % CP and % PPI increased, greater values of G’ and apparent viscosity (η) were achieved. Microscopic images showed that oil droplets had a polyhedral shape and were enclosed by a thin layer of CP and PPI. Increasing concentrations of CP and PPI enhanced oil droplets packaging. Emulsions’ physical stability was better when adding PPI. The results showed that stable HIPEs with 1.25% of CP and PPI over 0.5% can be obtained. These HIPEs could be used to formulate emulsions for food applications, such as mayonnaises, fillings, or creams.
Inhibitory Effects against Alpha-Amylase of an Enriched Polyphenol Extract from Pericarp of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana)
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Chen Haoze , Jia Yan , Peng Jinming , Li Chunmei
Published: March 2022

The pericarp of mangosteen, a by-product of the mangosteen, is rich in polyphenols. In this study, an efficient and environmentally friendly method for preparative enrichment of polyphenols from mangosteen pericarp (MPPs) was developed, and the inhibitory effects on starch digestion were also evaluated. It was found that the optimal extract method of MPPs was at a solid to solvent ratio of 1:50 g/mL, pH of 2, and at 80 °C for 2 h. The IC50 of MPPs for α-amylase was 0.28 mg/mL. Based on the fluorescence quenching results, we presumed that MPPs could alter the natural structure of α-amylase, resulting in inhibitory activity on α-amylase. In addition, MPPs significantly reduced the blood glucose peak and AUC of glucose responses in rats after ingestion of the starch solution. Taken together, MPPs may have the potential as a functional supplement for blood glucose control and diabetes prevention.
Emerging Non-Thermal Food Processing Technologies: Editorial Overview
Authors: Farahnaky Asgar , Majzoobi Mahsa , Gavahian Mohsen
Published: March 2022

According to the statistics, there is a strong consumer trend towards high-quality and healthy foods with “fresh-like” characteristics [...]
Application of ERAS Protocol after VATS Surgery for Chronic Empyema in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Leonardi Beatrice , Sagnelli Caterina , Fiorelli Alfonso , Leone Francesco , Mirra Rosa , Pica Davide Gerardo , Di Filippo Vincenzo , Capasso Francesca , Messina Gaetana , Vicidomini Giovanni , Sica Antonello , Santini Mario
Published: March 2022

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols have shown improved clinical outcomes after lung resection surgery, but their application after empyema surgery is still limited. We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of an adapted enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for immunocompromised patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgery for chronic empyema between December 2013 and December 2021. The patients were divided into an ERAS group and a conventional treatment group. Peri-operative data were collected and compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was post-operative length of stay. Secondary outcomes were post-operative pain and post-operative complications (air leaks, atelectasis). A total of 86 patients, 45 in the ERAS group and 41 in the non-ERAS group, were considered. Chest tube duration (6.4 ± 2.3 vs. 13.6 ± 6.8 days) and post-operative length of stay (7.6 ± 1.6 vs. 16.9 ± 6.9 days) were significantly shorter in the ERAS group. The volume of chest drainage (103 ± 78 vs. 157 ± 89 mL/day) was significantly smaller in the ERAS group. There were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss, need for transfusion, tube reinsertion and median VAS score. The incidence of air leaks and atelectasis was significantly reduced in the ERAS group, as was the need for bronchoscopic aspiration. The application of an ERAS protocol after empyema VATS surgery for immunocompromised patients improved the surgical outcome, reducing the post-operative length of stay and rate of complications.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Surgical Treatment Methods for Early-Stage Cervical Cancer: A Population-Based Study in Romania
Authors: Popescu Alin , Craina Marius , Pantea Stelian , Pirvu Catalin , Radu Daniela , Marincu Iosif , Bratosin Felix , Bogdan Iulia , Hosin Samer , Citu Cosmin , Bernad Elena , Neamtu Radu , Dumitru Catalin , Mocanu Adelina Geanina , Gluhovschi Adrian
Published: March 2022

Being one of the most common malignancies in young women, cervical cancer is frequently successfully screened around the world. Early detection enables for an important number of curative options that allow for more than 90% of patients to survive more than three years without cancer relapse. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic put tremendous pressure on healthcare systems and access to cancer care, determining us to develop a study on the influence the pandemic had on surgical care of cervical cancer, and to assess changes in its management and outcomes. A retrospective study design allowed us to compare cervical cancer trends of the last 48 months of the pre-pandemic period with the first 24 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the database from the Timis County Emergency Clinical Hospital. New cases of cervical cancer presented to our clinic in more advanced stages (34.6% cases of FIGO stage III during the pandemic vs. 22.4% before the pandemic, p-value = 0.047). These patients faced significantly more changes in treatment plans, postponed surgeries, and postponed radio-chemotherapy treatment. From the full cohort of cervical cancer patients, 160 were early stages eligible for curative intervention who completed a three-year follow-up period. The disease-free survival and overall survival were not influenced by the surgical treatment of choice, or by the SARS-CoV-2 infection (log-rank p-value = 0.449, respectively log-rank p-value = 0.608). The individual risk factors identified for the three-year mortality risk were independent of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and treatment changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We observed significantly fewer cases of cervical cancer diagnosed per year during the first 24 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, blaming the changes in healthcare system regulations that failed to offer the same conditions as before the pandemic. Even though we did not observe significant changes in disease-free survival of early-stage cervical cancers, we expect the excess of cases diagnosed in later stages to have lower survival rates, imposing the healthcare systems to consider different strategies for these patients while the pandemic is still ongoing.
Profit or Purpose: What Increases Medical Doctors’ Job Satisfaction?
Authors: Chang Young Kyun , Oh Won-Yong , Han Sanghee
Published: March 2022

This study integrates two competing views to examine whether medical doctors are satisfied with their jobs when they perceive their hospitals as being oriented toward profit (i.e., rational choice theory) or purpose (i.e., public service motivation). Using a sample of 127 doctors from 70 hospitals, this study tests these competing views. The results show that doctors who perceive their hospitals as purpose-driven are likely to experience job satisfaction, and this pattern still holds even if they also perceive their hospitals to be emphasizing profits. However, only the purpose-driven orientation results in job satisfaction via a sense of meaningfulness. Thus, this study offers comprehensive evidence that while medical doctors are likely to be satisfied with their jobs when they work at either purpose-driven or profit-driven hospitals, only purpose-driven hospitals give doctors a sense of meaningfulness. This finding suggests that both rational choice theory and public service motivation perspective are valid; however, public service motivation plays a greater role in terms of a sense of meaningfulness. Theoretical contributions and practical implications are discussed.
CGP17Pat: Automated Schizophrenia Detection Based on a Cyclic Group of Prime Order Patterns Using EEG Signals
Authors: Aydemir Emrah , Dogan Sengul , Baygin Mehmet , Ooi Chui Ping , Barua Prabal Datta , Tuncer Turker , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose: Machine learning models have been used to diagnose schizophrenia. The main purpose of this research is to introduce an effective schizophrenia hand-modeled classification method. Method: A public electroencephalogram (EEG) signal data set was used in this work, and an automated schizophrenia detection model is presented using a cyclic group of prime order with a modulo 17 operator. Therefore, the presented feature extractor was named as the cyclic group of prime order pattern, CGP17Pat. Using the proposed CGP17Pat, a new multilevel feature extraction model is presented. To choose a highly distinctive feature, iterative neighborhood component analysis (INCA) was used, and these features were classified using k-nearest neighbors (kNN) with the 10-fold cross-validation and leave-one-subject-out (LOSO) validation techniques. Finally, iterative hard majority voting was employed in the last phase to obtain channel-wise results, and the general results were calculated. Results: The presented CGP17Pat-based EEG classification model attained 99.91% accuracy employing 10-fold cross-validation and 84.33% accuracy using the LOSO strategy. Conclusions: The findings and results depicted the high classification ability of the presented cryptologic pattern for the data set used.
Conservation and Enhanced Binding of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Spike Protein to Coreceptor Neuropilin-1 Predicted by Docking Analysis
Authors: Baindara Piyush , Roy Dinata , Mandal Santi M. , Schrum Adam G.
Published: March 2022

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 bears peptide sequence alterations that correlate with a higher infectivity than was observed in the original SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Wuhan, China. We analyzed the CendR motif of spike protein and performed in silico molecular docking with neuropilin-1 (Nrp1), a receptor–ligand interaction known to support infection by the original variant. Our analysis predicts conserved and slightly increased energetic favorability of binding for Omicron CendR:Nrp1. We propose that the viral spike:Nrp1 coreceptor pathway may contribute to the infectivity of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
The Impact of Multidimensional Health Levels on Rural Poverty: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Zhou Tao , Wang Di
Published: March 2022

Poor health and poverty interact and restrict each other. While this relationship is acknowledged, little is known about the extent of its impact. By integrating multisource data, this study used spatial econometric models to quantitatively reveal the relationship between health and rural poverty and explore its intrinsic mechanisms. The results indicated that health-care system input, individual health status, and individual health-seeking behavior have a significantly positive effect on the eradication of rural poverty. The health-care system input is characterized by spatial spillover, significantly contributing to rural poverty alleviation in the region and neighboring regions, as well. However, the effect of health-care system services’ capability was negative. Thus, it is necessary to increase investment in the health-care system and pay attention to both the health status and healthy behaviors of rural residents. Moreover, further effort should be given to the supply-side reform of health services as a breakthrough point.
Similarity Analysis: Revealing the Regional Difference in Geomorphic Development in Areas with High and Coarse Sediment Yield of the Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Yang Hui , Liu Jinhong , Bai Leichao , Luo Mingliang
Published: March 2022

The development of loess landforms is controlled by underlying, pre-existing paleotopography. Previous studies have focused on the inheritance of loess landform and the control of underlying paleotopography on modern terrain based on the digital elevation model (DEM), while the similarities and differences between modern terrain and underlying paleotophotography have not been directly spatialized. In this study, areas with high and coarse sediment yield (AHCSY) in the Loess Plateau of China were selected to form the study area, and the DEM of the study area’s underlying paleotophotography was reconstructed using detailed geological maps, loess thickness maps, and underlying paleotopographic information. The hypsometric integral (HI) and spatial similarity analysis methods were used to compare the spatialized difference between underlying and modern terrain of the Loess Plateau from the perspectives of the landform development stage and surface elevation, respectively. The results of the HI method demonstrate that essentially, there are similarities between the geomorphologic development stages of underlying and modern terrain, and only some local differences exist in some special areas. The results regarding the spatialized coefficient of relative difference and the Jensen–Shannon divergence demonstrate that the thicker the loess is, the weaker the similarity is, and vice versa. Meanwhile, according to the present loess landform division, the order of regional similarity from low to high is as follows: loess tableland, broken loess tableland, hilly regions, dunes, and the Yellow River Trunk. The use of the similarity analysis method to analyze similarities between underlying and modern terrain plays an important role in revealing the inheritance of loess landforms.
Extending the UTAUT2 Model with a Privacy Calculus Model to Enhance the Adoption of a Health Information Application in Malaysia
Authors: Bile Hassan Ismail , Murad Masrah Azrifah Azmi , El-Shekeil Ibrahim , Liu Jigang
Published: March 2022

This study validates and extends the latest unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) with the privacy calculus model. To evaluate the adoption of healthcare and e-government applications, researchers have recommended—in previous literature—the application of technology adoption models with privacy, trust, and security-related constructs. However, the current UTAUT2 model lacks privacy, trust, and security-related constructs. Therefore, the proposed UTAUT2 with the privacy calculus model is incorporated into four constructs: privacy concern, perceived risk, trust in the smart national identity card (SNIC), and perceived credibility. Results from a survey data of 720 respondents show that habit, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and price value are direct determinants that influence behavioral intentions to use. Results also revealed that behavioral intentions, facilitating conditions, habits, perceived risks, and privacy concerns are direct predictors of ‘use behavior’. The authors also analyzed the interrelationships among the research constructs. The extended model may lead toward establishing better innovative e-health services to cover the desires of the citizens through the use of health information applications embedded in an all-in-one card.
FKBP39 Controls the Larval Stage JH Activity and Development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Zhou Ying , Guan Jianwen , Cheng Yang , Lu Yingying , Wei Youheng
Published: March 2022

FK506-binding protein 39kD (FKBP39) localizes in the nucleus and contains multiple functional domains. Structural analysis suggests that FKBP39 might function as a transcriptional factor and control juvenile hormone (JH) activity. Here, we show that FKBP39 expresses at a high level and localizes in the nucleolus of fat body cells during the first two larval stages and early third larval stage. The fkbp39 mutant displays delayed larval-pupal transition and an increased expression of Kr-h1, the main mediator of the JH pathway, at the early third larval stage. Moreover, the fkbp39 mutant has a fertility defect that is independent of JH activity. Interestingly, the expression of rp49, the most widely used reference gene for qRT-PCR in Drosophila, significantly decreased in the fkbp39 mutant, suggesting that FKBP39 might regulate ribosome assembly. Taken together, our data demonstrate the expression pattern and physiological roles of FKBP39 in Drosophila.
Test-Retest Reliability of Ultrasonographic Measurements from the Rectus Femoris Muscle 1–5 Years after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in the Ipsilateral and Contralateral Legs: An Observational, Case-Control Study
Authors: Buelga-Suarez Jorge , Alba-Martin Pablo , Cuenca-Zaldívar Nicolas , García-Escudero María , Bierge-Sanclemente Pilar , Almazán-Polo Jaime , Fernández-Carnero Samuel , Pecos-Martín Daniel
Published: March 2022

About 40% of traumatic injuries in sports are related to the knee. Of these, 33% require arthroscopic surgery. The rehabilitative ultrasound imaging technique is a simple method to obtain objective real-time results on the state and measurement of the musculoskeletal tissue and its use can represent an important change in the process of functional diagnosis and recovery of these injuries. The aim was to quantify the differences in the thickness, muscle contraction time, and muscle relaxation time of the rectus femoris muscle between individuals with knee arthroscopy and healthy individuals and to verify the reliability of the inter-examiner measurements in these ultrasound variables. An observational case-control study with individuals (18–60 years aged) who underwent surgery for anterior cruciate ligament through knee arthroscopy a year or more before. A total of 38 subjects were divided into 2 groups, case and control. Ultrasound measurements were taken of the following outcomes: thickness at rest and contraction, muscle contraction time, and muscle relaxation time of the rectus femoris muscle. Excellent inter-examiner reliability was obtained for all ultrasound measurements (ICC3.3 > 0.90). No significant changes were found in the rate of contraction or rest of the rectus femoris muscle. On the other hand, if significant changes in the thickness of the rectus femoris muscle were found between control and case group. Arthroscopic surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction does not appear to modify function but does modify the thickness of the rectus femoris muscle on ultrasound examination. Ultrasound appears to be a reliable tool for the study of these measurements in the rectus femoris muscle.
WT1 Gene Mutations, rs16754 Variant, and WT1 Overexpression as Prognostic Factors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients
Authors: Koczkodaj Dorota , Zmorzyński Szymon , Grygalewicz Beata , Pieńkowska-Grela Barbara , Styk Wojciech , Popek-Marciniec Sylwia , Filip Agata Anna
Published: March 2022

(1) Background: The aim of our study was the complex assessment of WT1 variants and their expression in relation to chromosomal changes and molecular prognostic markers in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is the first multidimensional study in Polish AML patients; (2) Methods: Bone marrow aspirates of 90 AML patients were used for cell cultures (banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization), and to isolate DNA (WT1 genotyping, array comparative genomic hybridization), and RNA (WT1 expression). Peripheral blood samples from 100 healthy blood donors were used to analyze WT1 rs16754; (3) Results: Allele frequency and distribution of WT1 variant rs16754 (A;G) did not differ significantly among AML patients and controls. Higher expression of WT1 gene was observed in AA genotype (of rs16754) in comparison with GA or GG genotypes—10,556.7 vs. 25,836.5 copies (p = 0.01), respectively. WT1 mutations were more frequent in AML patients under 65 years of age (p < 0.0001) and affected relapse-free survival (RFS). The presence of NPM1 or CEBPA mutations decreased the risk of WT1 mutation presence, odds ratio (OR) = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.46, p = 0.002 or OR = 0.05, 95% CI 0.006–0.46, p = 0.002, respectively. We observed significantly higher WT1 expression in AML CD34+ vs. CD34−, −20,985 vs. 8304 (p = 0.039), respectively. The difference in WT1 expression between patients with normal and abnormal karyotype was statistically insignificant; (4) Conclusions: WT1 gene expression and its rs16754 variant at diagnosis did not affect AML outcome. WT1 mutation may affect RFS in AML.
Value of Left Ventricular Indexed Ejection Time to Characterize the Severity of Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Pestelli Gabriele , Pergola Valeria , Totaro Giuseppe , Previtero Marco , Aruta Patrizia , Cecchetto Antonella , Fiorencis Andrea , Palermo Chiara , Iliceto Sabino , Mele Donato
Published: March 2022

Aims: The assessment of aortic stenosis (AS) severity is still challenging, especially in abnormal hemodynamic conditions. Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) has been historically related to AS severity, but it also depends on heart rate (HR) and systolic function. Our aim was to verify if correcting LVET (LVET index, LVETI) by its determinants is helpful for the assessment of AS severity, irrespective of hemodynamic conditions. Methods and results: We retrospectively studied 152 patients with AS and 378 patients with heart failure and no-AS. At multivariate analysis, LVET (assessed with pulsed-wave Doppler) showed a strong correlation with stroke volume index (SVI) (Beta 0.354; p < 0.001), HR (−0.385; p < 0.001), AS grade (Beta 0.301; p < 0.001) and, less significantly, ejection fraction (LVEF) (Beta 0.108; p = 0.001). AS grade was confirmed to be a major determinant of LVET, irrespective of forward flow (assessed by SVI and transvalvular flow rate) and LVEF (above and below 50%). A regression equation was derived to index LVET (LVETI) to HR and SVI. By using this formula, LVETI detected severe AS more accurately (AUC 0.812, p < 0.001) than LVET alone (AUC 0.755, p for difference = 0.005). Similar results were observed in patients with abnormal flow status. As an exploratory finding, we observed that the highest tertile of LVETI was associated with a higher rate of aortic valve interventions during follow-up. Conclusions: LVETI correlates with AS severity better than uncorrected LVET, independently from hemodynamic conditions, and may help to discriminate severe AS. This finding needs confirmation in larger prospective multicenter studies.
Structural and Functional Neural Correlates of Treatment Response for Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents
Authors: Klimes-Dougan Bonnie , Başgöze Zeynep , Mueller Bryon , Wiglesworth Andrea , Carosella Kathrine A. , Westlund Schreiner Melinda , Bortnova Ana , Reigstad Kristina , Cullen Kathryn R. , Gunlicks-Stoessel Meredith
Published: March 2022

Precision medicine approaches hold tremendous promise to advance current clinical practice by providing information about which individuals will benefit from which treatments. This pilot study evaluated if baseline structure and function of the salience and emotion brain regions implicated in adolescent depression, specifically the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), predict response to Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A). Adolescents (n = 15; mean age = 14.5 (1.6); 80.0% female) diagnosed with a depressive disorder completed brain scans before the start of a 16 week trial of IPT-A. Clinical measures assessing depressive symptoms were completed before, during, and after a trial of therapy. Results show that at baseline, greater ACC activation in the context of an emotion-matching task and greater amygdala-ACC resting-state functional connectivity was related to greater improvement in depression symptoms. There was minimal evidence that brain structure predicted changes in depressive symptoms. The present study is the first to evaluate neural predictors of IPT-A response. While the results are preliminary, these findings suggest some avenues for future research to pursue in the hopes that more will benefit from treatment.
Actual versus Forecast Burden of Primary Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery in Australia: Analysis of Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry
Authors: Ackerman Ilana N. , Soh Sze-Ee , de Steiger Richard
Published: March 2022

National projections of future joint replacement use can help us understand the changing burden of severe osteoarthritis. This study aimed to compare actual utilisation rates for primary total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) to previously forecast estimates for Australia. Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry and Australian Bureau of Statistics were used to calculate ‘actual’ THR and TKR utilisation rates for the years 2014–2019, by sex and age group. ‘Forecast’ utilisation rates for 2014–2019 were derived from an earlier study that modelled two alternate scenarios for THR and TKR in Australia: Scenario 1 assumed a constant rate of surgery; Scenario 2 assumed continued growth in surgery rates. Actual utilisation rates were compared descriptively to forecast rates for females and males (overall and by age group). Rate ratios were calculated to indicate the association between actual and forecast THR and TKR rates, with a rate ratio of 1.00 reflecting perfect alignment. Over the study period, 191,996 THRs (53% in females) and 312,203 TKRs (55% in females) were performed. For both sexes, actual rates lay clearly between the Scenario 1 and 2 forecast estimates. In 2019, actual THR utilisation rates were 179 per 100,000 females (Scenario 1: 156; Scenario 2: 200) and 158 per 100,000 males (Scenario 1: 139; Scenario 2: 191). Actual TKR utilisation rates in 2019 were 289 per 100,000 females (Scenario 1: 275; Scenario 2: 387) and 249 per 100,000 males (Scenario 1: 216; Scenario 2: 312). Age-specific rate ratios were close to 1.00 for all age groups, indicating good alignment between forecast and actual joint replacement rates. These validation analyses showed that linear plus exponential growth forecasting scenarios provided an efficient approximation of actual joint replacement utilisation. This indicates our modelling techniques can be used to judiciously predict future surgery demand, including for age groups with high surgery rates.
The Effect of Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulphate-Based Medical Device Combined with Acid Suppression in the Treatment of Atypical Symptoms in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Pellegatta Gaia , Mangiavillano Benedetto , Semeraro Rossella , Auriemma Francesco , Carlani Elisa , Fugazza Alessandro , Vespa Edoardo , Repici Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Extraesophageal reflux symptoms are increasingly common in the Western population and their clinical management is still controversial. Although therapy with proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) represents the gold standard, to date, many patients are refractory to this treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in patients with a recent diagnosis of GERD experiencing extraesophageal symptoms, the efficacy and safety of a 6-week treatment with PPI acid suppression in combination with Gerdoff® (a hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate-based medical device) compared to PPI monotherapy. The trial verified the reduction in symptom frequency and severity by evaluating the proportion of Responders and Non-Responder patients after 6 weeks of treatment, compared to baseline. The effects of Gerdoff® + PPI treatment on extraesophageal symptoms were also evaluated after a 12-week follow up only in Responder patients. The analysis of the change in total Reflux Symptoms Index (RSI) score from baseline to the other time points showed that the extent of the decrease from baseline was higher in the Gerdoff® + PPI group than in the PPI group at any time point. However, the comparison between groups did not show statistically significant differences at any time point. A statistically significant difference, in favor of the Gerdoff® + PPI group, was observed for individual RSI items. Even if the trial showed some limitations, this is the first published study on the efficacy of a medical device containing hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulphate with antacid in the treatment of extraesophageal reflux symptoms.
The Timing of Kinematic and Kinetic Parameters during Gait Cycle as a Marker of Early Gait Deterioration in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects with Mild Disability
Authors: Molina-Rueda Francisco , Fernández-Vázquez Diego , Navarro-López Víctor , Miangolarra-Page Juan Carlos , Carratalá-Tejada María
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate walking in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with mild disability. A case control study with 8 mild disability MS patients and 10 controls was conducted. This study analyzed spatiotemporal, kinematic, and kinetic parameters. We also analyzed the timing of these parameters, as a percentage of the gait cycle. The MS patients and controls walked with a similar gait pattern. However, there were differences in the timing of the biomechanical parameters. The timing of toe-off was at 62–63% of gait cycle in MS subjects while in controls it was at 59.94% (p = 0.009 to 0.027 vs. to controls). The peak of knee flexion during swing was at 74–76% of gait cycle in MS subjects while in controls was at 72% (p = 0.027 to 0.034). While the peak of ankle dorsiflexion during stance occurred at 48–50% in MS subjects, while in controls it was at 46% (p = 0.001 to 0.009), and the peak of plantar flexion during pre-swing was at 66% in MS subjects vs. 64% in controls (p = 0.001). At the kinetic pattern, the first peak of the vertical ground reaction force occurred at 14% of gait cycle in controls while in MS patients it was at 17–20% (p = 0.012 to 0.021). MS subjects with mild disability walked with similar spatiotemporal parameters, joint angles and moments compared to controls. However, our results suggest that those changed the temporal occurrences, expressed as percentage of the gait cycle, of the kinematic and kinetic parameters.
Menopause and the Risk of Developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Korean Women
Authors: Yuk Jin-Sung , Hwang Je Hyung
Published: March 2022

Previous studies have shown that menopausal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women results in a higher prevalence of age-related macular degeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of menopause and patient factors on the development of age-related macular degeneration in Korean women. Data between 2011 and 2014 were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance database. In this retrospective cohort study, 97,651 participants were premenopausal and 33,598 were menopausal. Participants were divided into menopausal and premenopausal groups to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of age-related macular degeneration. The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration was compared between the two groups. Other patient factors were also analyzed. Using a 1:1 propensity score matching method and adjusting for variables, the incidence of age-related macular degeneration was not significantly different between the two groups. Age and diabetes mellitus were associated with an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, regardless of menopause. Menopause was not a risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. These findings may help physicians identify women with diabetes who are at a greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.
Surgery for Liver Metastasis of Non-Colorectal and Non-Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Katou Shadi , Schmid Franziska , Silveira Carolina , Schäfer Lina , Naim Tizian , Becker Felix , Radunz Sonia , Juratli Mazen A. , Seifert Leon Louis , Heinzow Hauke , Struecker Benjamin , Pascher Andreas , Morgul M. Haluk
Published: March 2022

Surgery has become well established for patients with colorectal and neuroendocrine liver metastases. However, the value of this procedure in non-colorectal and non-neuroendocrine metastases (NCRNNELMs) remains unclear. We analyzed the outcomes of patients that underwent liver surgery for NCRNNELMs and for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) between 2012 and 2017 at our institution. Prognostic factors of overall and recurrence-free survival were analyzed, and a comparison of survival between two groups was performed. Seventy-three patients (30 NCRNNELM and 43 CRLM) were included in this study. Although the mean age, extrahepatic metastases, and rate of reoperation were significantly different between the groups, recurrence-free survival was comparable. The 5-year overall survival rates were 38% for NCRNNELM and 55% for CRLM. In univariate analysis, a patient age of ≥60 years, endodermal origin of the primary tumor, and major complications were negative prognostic factors. Resection for NCRNNELM showed comparable results to resection for CRLM. Age, the embryological origin of the primary tumor, and the number of metastases might be the criteria for patient selection.
Visual Tract Degradation in Bilateral Normal-Tension Glaucoma—Cortical Thickness Maps and Volumetric Study of Visual Pathway Areas
Authors: Pankowska Anna , Matwiejczuk Sylwester , Kozioł Paulina , Żarnowski Tomasz , Pietura Radosław , Kosior-Jarecka Ewa
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the central visual pathways during the early and advanced stages of bilateral normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Methods: The studied groups constituted patients with bilateral normal-tension glaucoma of the same stage (n = 45) and age-matched healthy volunteers (n = 17). All patients underwent ophthalmic examination and examination on a 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Scanner (Optima 360, GE Healthcare). Volume and cortical thickness analyses were performed using the open-source automated software package FreeSurfer. Results: There was a significant difference in lateral geniculate nuclei volume between the control and advanced glaucoma groups in the right hemisphere (p = 0.03) and in the left hemisphere between the early and advanced glaucoma patients (p = 0.026). The optic chiasm volume differed significantly between the control and advanced NTG groups (p = 0.0003) and between early and advanced glaucoma patients (p = 0.004). Mean cortical thickness analysis revealed a significant increase in values in the advanced glaucoma group in the right Brodmann area 17 (BA17) (p = 0.007) and right BA18 (p = 0.049) as compared to early NTG. In the left BA18 area, the mean thickness of the cortex in the early glaucoma group was significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.03). Conclusions: The increase in the grey matter thickness in the V1 region with more-advanced glaucoma stages may reflect compensatory hypertrophy. Additionally, the regions of the brain early affected during glaucoma with reduced thickness were the right lateral occipital gyrus and left lingual gyrus. The most prominent change during the course of glaucoma was the increase in grey matter thickness in the right cuneus.