bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Cost Systematic Methodology for Rapidly Constructing a Physiological Monitoring Interface in ICU
Authors: Lin Ke-Feng , Lin Shih-Sung , Chen Ping-Nan
Published: February 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in 2020, many patients were treated in isolation wards because of the high infectivity and long incubation period of COVID-19. Therefore, monitoring systems have become critical to patient care and to safeguard medical professional safety. The user interface is very important to the surveillance system; therefore, we used web technology to develop a system that can create an interface based on user needs. When the surveillance scene needs to be changed, the surveillance location can be changed at any time, effectively reducing the costs and time required, so that patients can achieve timely and appropriate goals of treatment. ZigBee was employed to develop a monitoring system for intensive care units (ICUs). Unlike conventional GUIs, the proposed GUI enables the monitoring of various aspects of a patient, and the monitoring interface can be modified according to the user needs. A simulated ICU environment monitoring system was designed to test the effectiveness of the system. The simulated environment and monitoring nodes were set up at positions consistent with the actual clinical environments to measure the time required to switch between the monitoring scenes or targets on the GUI. A novel system that can construct ZigBee-simulated graphical monitoring interfaces on demand was proposed in this study. The locations of the ZigBee monitoring nodes in the user interface can be changed at any time. The time required to deploy the monitoring system developed in this study was 4 min on average, which is much shorter than the time required for conventional methods (131 min). The system can effectively overcome the limitations of the conventional design methods for monitoring interfaces. This system can be used to simultaneously monitor the basic physiological data of numerous patients, enabling nursing professionals to instantly determine patient status and provide appropriate treatments. The proposed monitoring system can be applied to remote medical care after official adoption.
The Effect of a Vegan Diet on the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Koutentakis Michail , Surma Stanisław , Rogula Sylwester , Filipiak Krzysztof J. , Gąsecka Aleksandra
Published: February 2023

The vegan diet, often known as a plant-rich diet, consists primarily of plant-based meals. This dietary approach may be beneficial to one’s health and the environment and is valuable to the immune system. Plants provide vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, components that promote cell survival and immune function, allowing its defensive mechanisms to work effectively. The term “vegan diet” comprises a range of eating patterns that prioritize nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. In comparison to omnivorous diets, which are often lower in such products, the vegan diet has been favorably connected with changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers such as reduced body mass index (BMI) values, total serum cholesterol, serum glucose, inflammation, and blood pressure. Reduced intake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), saturated fat, processed meat, and greater consumption of fiber and phytonutrients may improve cardiovascular health. However, vegans have much smaller amounts of nutrients such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamin B12, compared to non-vegans, which may lead to detrimental cardiovascular effects. This review aims to present the effect of plant-based diets (PBDs), specifically vegan diets, on the cardiovascular system.
Longitudinal Outcomes Following Surgical Repair of Primary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Takaya Hiroki , Maeda Kay , Messika-Zeitoun David , Ruel Marc , Mesana Thierry , Chan Vincent
Published: February 2023

Degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease is the most common cause of organic mitral regurgitation (MR) in developed countries. Surgical mitral valve repair is the gold standard treatment for primary MR. Surgical mitral valve repair is associated with excellent outcomes in terms of survival and freedom from recurrent MR. As well, innovations in surgical repair techniques, including thoracoscopically and robotically assisted approaches, further reduce morbidity. Emerging catheter-based therapies may also provide advantages in select patient groups. Although the outcomes following surgical mitral valve repair are well described in the literature, longitudinal follow-up is heterogenous. Indeed, longitudinal follow-up and long-term data are vital to better advise treatment and counsel patients.
Lipoprotein(a): Its Association with Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis, the Emerging RNA-Related Treatments and the Hope for a New Era in “Treating” Aortic Valve Calcification
Authors: Tsamoulis Donatos , Siountri Iliana , Rallidis Loukianos S.
Published: February 2023

The treatment of patients with aortic valve calcification (AVC) and calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS) remains challenging as, until today, all non-invasive interventions have proven fruitless in preventing the disease’s onset and progression. Despite the similarities in the pathogenesis of AVC and atherosclerosis, statins failed to show a favorable effect in preventing AVC progression. The recognition of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a strong and potentially modifiable risk factor for the development and, perhaps, the progression of AVC and CAVS and the evolution of novel agents leading in a robust Lp(a) reduction, have rekindled hope for a promising future in the treatment of those patients. Lp(a) seems to promote AVC via a ‘three hit’ mechanism including lipid deposition, inflammation and autotaxin transportation. All of these lead to valve interstitial cells transition into osteoblast-like cells and, thus, to parenchymal calcification. Currently available lipid-lowering therapies have shown a neutral or mild effect on Lp(a), which was proven insufficient to contribute to clinical benefits. The short-term safety and the efficacy of the emerging agents in reducing Lp(a) have been proven; nevertheless, their effect on cardiovascular risk is currently under investigation in phase 3 clinical trials. A positive result of these trials will probably be the spark to test the hypothesis of the modification of AVC’s natural history with the novel Lp(a)-lowering agents.
Establishment and Validation of Predictive Model of Tophus in Gout Patients
Authors: Lei Tianyi , Guo Jianwei , Wang Peng , Zhang Zeng , Niu Shaowei , Zhang Quanbo , Qing Yufeng
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: A tophus is a clinical manifestation of advanced gout, and in some patients could lead to joint deformities, fractures, and even serious complications in unusual sites. Therefore, to explore the factors related to the occurrence of tophi and establish a prediction model is clinically significant. (2) Objective: to study the occurrence of tophi in patients with gout and to construct a predictive model to evaluate its predictive efficacy. (3) Methods: The clinical data of 702 gout patients were analyzed by using cross-sectional data of North Sichuan Medical College. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze predictors. Multiple machine learning (ML) classification models are integrated to analyze and identify the optimal model, and Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation was developed for personalized risk assessment. (4) Results: Compliance of urate-lowering therapy (ULT), Body Mass Index (BMI), course of disease, annual attack frequency, polyjoint involvement, history of drinking, family history of gout, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were the predictors of the occurrence of tophi. Logistic classification model was the optimal model, test set area under curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval, CI): 0.888 (0.839–0.937), accuracy: 0.763, sensitivity: 0.852, and specificity: 0.803. (5) Conclusions: We constructed a logistic regression model and explained it with the SHAP method, providing evidence for preventing tophus and guidance for individual treatment of different patients.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Ameliorates Ara-C-Induced Motor Deficits in a Mouse Model of Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Park Narae , Sharma Chanchal , Jung Un Ju , Kim Sehwan , Nam Youngpyo , Kim Kyung-Suk , Suk Kyoungho , Lee Ho-Won , Kim Sang Ryong
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of transplanting human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into wild-type mice that were intraperitoneally administered cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) to develop cerebellar ataxia (CA) during the first three postnatal days. hMSCs were intrathecally injected into 10-week-old mice once or thrice at 4-week intervals. Compared to the nontreated mice, the hMSC-treated mice showed improved motor and balance coordination, as measured using the rotarod, open-field, and ataxic scoring assessments, and increased protein levels in Purkinje and cerebellar granule cells, as measured using calbindin and NeuN protein markers. Multiple hMSC injections preserved Ara-C-induced cerebellar neuronal loss and improved cerebellar weight. Furthermore, the hMSC implantation significantly elevated the levels of neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factors, and suppressed TNF-α-, IL-1β-, and iNOS-mediated proinflammatory responses. Collectively, our results demonstrate that hMSCs exhibit therapeutic potential for Ara-C-induced CA by protecting neurons through the stimulation of neurotrophic factors and inhibition of cerebellar inflammatory responses, which can improve motor behavior and alleviate ataxia-related neuropathology. In summary, this study suggests that hMSC administration, particularly multiple treatments, can effectively treat ataxia-related symptoms with cerebellar toxicity.
The Clinical Picture and Fecundity of Primary and Recurrent Ovarian Endometriosis with Family History: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Xu Bingning , Lin Li , Pan Yongchao , Chen Pei , Ye Chaoshuang , Zhao Li , Jin Yang , Zhou Yong , Wu Ruijin
Published: February 2023

This study aims to evaluate the role of endometriosis family history on the clinical manifestation and fertility performance of primary and recurrent endometriosis. In total, 312 primary and 323 recurrent endometrioma patients with a histological diagnosis were included in this study. Family history was significantly correlated with recurrent endometriosis (adjusted OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.09–9.46, p = 0.008). Patients with a family history showed a significantly higher proportion of recurrent endometriosis (75.76% vs. 49.50%), higher rASRM scores, higher incidence of severe dysmenorrhea, and severe pelvic pain than the sporadic cases. Recurrent endometrioma showed statistical increase in rASRM scores, percentage of rASRM Stage IV, dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, those undergoing semi-radical surgery or unilateral oophorosalpingectomy, postoperative medical treatment, e with a positive family history, while a decrease in the incidence of asymptomatic phenomena and those undergoing ovarian cystectomy compared to those with primary endometriosis. The naturally conceived pregnancy rate was higher in primary endometriosis compared to recurrent endometriosis. Compared to recurrent endometriosis with a negative family history, recurrent endometriosis with a positive family history had a higher incidence of severe dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, a higher spontaneous abortion rate, and a lower natural pregnancy rate. Primary endometriosis with a family history presented a higher incidence of severe dysmenorrhea than those without a family history. In conclusion, endometriosis patients with a positive family history presented a higher pain severity and lower conception probability compared to the sporadic cases. Recurrent endometriosis showed further-exacerbated clinical manifestations, more pronounced familial tendency, and lower pregnancy rates than primary endometriosis.
A Pilot Study to Assess Visual Vertigo in People with Persistent Postural–Perceptual Dizziness with a New Computer-Based Tool
Authors: Chen Tsun-Ai Jasper , Dion Parenteau Marie-Li , Marchand Kirby , Zhang Hong Zhi , Dannenbaum Elizabeth , Lamontagne Anouk , Fung Joyce
Published: February 2023

Background: Visual vertigo (VV) is a common symptom in people with persistent postural–perceptual dizziness (PPPD). Few subjective scales are validated for assessing the intensity of VV, yet these scales are limited by recall bias, as they require individuals to rate their symptoms from memory. The computer-Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale (c-VVAS) was developed by adapting five scenarios from the original paper-VVAS (p-VVAS) into 30 s video clips. The aim of this pilot study was to develop and test a computerized video-based tool for the assessment of visual vertigo in people with PPPD. Methods: PPPD participants (n = 8) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 8) completed the traditional p-VVAS and the c-VVAS. A questionnaire about their experiences using the c-VVAS was completed by all participants. Results: There was a significant difference between the c-VVAS scores from the PPPD and the control group (Mann–Whitney, p < 0.05). The correlation between the total c-VVAS scores and the total c-VVAS scores was not significant (r = 0.668, p = 0.07). The study showed a high acceptance rate of the c-VVAS by participants (mean = 91.74%). Conclusion: This pilot study found that the c-VVAS can distinguish PPPD subjects from healthy controls and that it was well-received by all participants.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Family Functioning of Primary Caregivers of Children with Menkes Disease
Authors: Rozensztrauch Anna , Dzien Izabela , Śmigiel Robert
Published: February 2023

Background: Menkes disease (MD; OMIM #309400) is a progressive neurodegeneration that results from abnormalities in the copper metabolism which are already present before birth. It is an extremely rare condition. The study was conducted to assess the quality of life of children with MD syndrome and the impact of the disease on family functioning. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used. The subjects were 16 parents of children with MD. The method used was the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory and the PedsQL Family Impact Module and the author’s own questionnaire. Results: Quality of life (QOL) was 29.14 (SD = 14.73), with the lowest for physical functioning (M = 10.55; SD = 10.26) and highest for emotional functioning (M = 48.13; SD = 29.43). The highest score was on the family relationships domain (M = 56.25, SD = 20.38) and the cognitive functioning domain (M = 50.00, SD = 19.24) and the lowest was on the daily activities’ domain (M = 32.29, SD = 20.38) and the physical functioning domain (M = 39.84, SD = 14.90). The analysis did not show statistically significant relationships between age (p = 0.193) and the number of epileptic seizures a week (p = 0.641) and the overall QOL of the children studied. No statistically significant relationships were found between treatment with copper histidine and the overall QOL of the children (p = 0.914) and in physical functioning (p = 0.927), emotional functioning (p = 0.706), and social functioning (p = 0.751). The presence of comorbidities did not have an influence on the overall QOL. Conclusions: MD has a moderate impact on the functioning of the families of the affected children. The age of the child, number of epileptic seizures a week, feeding method (oral feeding or feeding via a PEG tube), and treatment with copper histidine do not have a significant impact on the QOL of children with MD.
Sustained ACE2 Expression by Probiotic Improves Integrity of Intestinal Lymphatics and Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetic Model
Authors: Prasad Ram , Adu-Agyeiwaah Yvonne , Floyd Jason L. , Asare-Bediako Bright , Li Calzi Sergio , Chakraborty Dibyendu , Harbour Angela , Rohella Aayush , Busik Julia V. , Li Qiuhong , Grant Maria B.
Published: February 2023

Intestinal lymphatic, known as lacteal, plays a critical role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis by regulating several key functions, including the absorption of dietary lipids, immune cell trafficking, and interstitial fluid balance in the gut. The absorption of dietary lipids relies on lacteal integrity, mediated by button-like and zipper-like junctions. Although the intestinal lymphatic system is well studied in many diseases, including obesity, the contribution of lacteals to the gut–retinal axis in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been examined. Previously, we showed that diabetes induces a reduction in intestinal angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), leading to gut barrier disruption. However, when ACE2 levels are maintained, a preservation of gut barrier integrity occurs, resulting in less systemic inflammation and a reduction in endothelial cell permeability, ultimately retarding the development of diabetic complications, such as diabetic retinopathy. Here, we examined the impact of T1D on intestinal lymphatics and circulating lipids and tested the impact of intervention with ACE-2-expressing probiotics on key aspects of gut and retinal function. Akita mice with 6 months of diabetes were orally gavaged LP-ACE2 (3x/week for 3 months), an engineered probiotic (Lactobacillus paracasei; LP) expressing human ACE2. After three months, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate intestinal lymphatics, gut epithelial, and endothelial barrier integrity. Retinal function was assessed using visual acuity, electroretinograms, and enumeration of acellular capillaries. LP-ACE2 significantly restored intestinal lacteal integrity as assessed by the increased expression of lymphatic vessel hyaluronan receptor 1 (LYVE-1) expression in LP-ACE2-treated Akita mice. This was accompanied by improved gut epithelial (Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), p120-catenin) and endothelial (plasmalemma vesicular protein -1 (PLVAP1)) barrier integrity. In Akita mice, the LP-ACE2 treatment reduced plasma levels of LDL cholesterol and increased the expression of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1) in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), the population of cells responsible for lipid transport from the systemic circulation into the retina. LP-ACE2 also corrected blood–retinal barrier (BRB) dysfunction in the neural retina, as observed by increased ZO-1 and decreased VCAM-1 expression compared to untreated mice. LP-ACE2-treated Akita mice exhibit significantly decreased numbers of acellular capillaries in the retina. Our study supports the beneficial role of LP-ACE2 in the restoration of intestinal lacteal integrity, which plays a key role in gut barrier integrity and systemic lipid metabolism and decreased diabetic retinopathy severity.
The Effect of Sex on Disease Stage and Survival after Radical Cystectomy in Non-Urothelial Variant-Histology Bladder Cancer
Authors: Flammia Rocco Simone , Tufano Antonio , Chierigo Francesco , Würnschimmel Christoph , Hoeh Benedikt , Sorce Gabriele , Tian Zhen , Anceschi Umberto , Leonardo Costantino , Del Giudice Francesco , Terrone Carlo , Giordano Antonio , Morrione Andrea , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Chun Felix K. H. , Gallucci Michele , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: February 2023

Background: Female sex in patients treated by radical cystectomy (RC) is associated with more advanced stage and worse survival. However, studies supporting these findings mostly or exclusively relied on urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UCUB) and did not address non-urothelial variant-histology bladder cancer (VH BCa). We hypothesized that female sex is associated with a more advanced stage and worse survival in VH BCa, similarly to that of UCUB. Materials and Methods: Within the SEER database (2004–2016), we identified patients aged ≥18 years, with histologically confirmed VH BCa, and treated with comprehensive RC. Logistic regression addressing the non-organ-confined (NOC) stage, as well as cumulative incidence plots and competing risks regression addressing CSM for females vs. males, were fitted. All analyses were repeated in stage-specific and VH-specific subgroups. Results: Overall, 1623 VH BCa patients treated with RC were identified. Of those, 38% were female. Adenocarcinoma (n = 331, 33%), neuroendocrine tumor (n = 304, 18%), and other VH (n = 317, 37%) were less frequent in females but not squamous cell carcinoma (n = 671, 51%). Across all VH subgroups, female patients had higher NOC rates than males did (68 vs. 58%, p < 0.001), and female sex was an independent predictor of NOC VH BCa (OR = 1.55, p = 0.0001). Overall, five-year cancer-specific mortality (CSM) were 43% for females vs. 34% for males (HR = 1.25, p = 0.02). Conclusion: In VH BC patients treated with comprehensive RC, female sex is associated with a more advanced stage. Independently of stage, female sex also predisposes to higher CSM.
A 3-miRNA Risk Scoring Signature in Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Wu Jiali , Shi Ke , Zhang Fang , Sun Xiaodong
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of our study was to investigate a comprehensive profile of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced early diabetic retinopathy (DR) mice to identify a risk scoring signature based on micorRNAs (miRNAs) for early DR diagnosis. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed to obtain the gene expression profile of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in early STZ-induced mice. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined with log2|fold change (FC)| > 1 and p value < 0.05. Functional analysis was carried out based on gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis and the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. We predicted the potential miRNAs via online tools and ROC curves were then conducted. Three potential miRNAs with AUC > 0.7 were explored via public datasets and a formula was further established to evaluate DR severity. Results: In total, 298 DEGs (200 up-regulating and 98 down-regulating) were obtained through RNA sequencing. Hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-129-2-3p and hsa-miR-217 were three predicted miRNAs with AUC > 0.7, suggesting their potential to distinguish healthy controls from early DR. The formula of DR severity score = 19.257 − 0.004 × hsa-miR-217 + 5.09 × 10−5 × hsa-miR-26a-5p − 0.003 × hsa-miR-129-2-3p was established based on regression analysis. Conclusions: In the present study, we investigated the candidate genes and molecular mechanisms based on RPE sequencing in early DR mice models. Hsa-miR-26a-5p, hsa-miR-129-2-3p and hsa-miR-217 could work as biomarkers for early DR diagnosis and DR severity prediction, which was beneficial for DR early intervention and treatment.
Heterogeneity in Kidney Histology and Its Clinical Indicators in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Singh Shivendra , Patel Prem Shankar , Archana Archana
Published: February 2023

The heterogeneous spectrum of kidney disease in diabetes ranges from albuminuric or non-albuminuric diabetic kidney disease to non-diabetic kidney diseases. Presumptive clinical diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease may lead to an erroneous diagnosis. Material and Method: We analyzed the clinical profile and kidney biopsy of a total of 66 type 2 diabetes patients. Based on kidney histology, they were divided into—Class I (Diabetic Nephropathy), Class II (Non-diabetic kidney disease), and Class III (Mixed lesion). Demographic data, clinical presentation, and laboratory values were collected and analyzed. This study tried to examine the heterogeneity in kidney disease, its clinical indicator, and the role of kidney biopsy in the diagnosis of kidney disease in diabetes. Results: Class I consisted of 36(54.5%), class II 17(25.8%), and class III 13(19.7%) patients. The commonest clinical presentation was nephrotic syndrome 33(50%) followed by chronic kidney disease 16(24.4%) and asymptomatic urinary abnormality 8(12.1%). Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was present in 27(41%) cases. DR was significantly higher in the class I patients (p < 0.05). Specificity and positive predictive values of DR for DN were 0.83 and 0.81, respectively (sensitivity 0.61; negative predictive values 0.64). The Association of the duration of diabetes and the level of proteinuria with DN was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). Idiopathic MN (6) and Amyloidosis (2) were the most common isolated NDKD; whereas diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) (7) was the commonest NDKD in mixed disease. Another common form of NDKD in mixed disease was Thrombotic Microangiopathy (2) and IgA nephropathy (2). NDKD was observed in 5(18.5%) cases in presence of DR. We noted biopsy-proven DN even in 14(35.9%) cases without DR, in 4(50%) cases with microalbuminuria and 14(38.9%) cases with a short duration of diabetes. Conclusion: Almost half (45%) of cases with atypical presentation have non-diabetic kidney disease (NDKD), though even among these cases with atypical presentation diabetic nephropathy (either alone or in mixed form) is commonly seen in 74.2% of cases. DN has been seen in a subset of cases without DR, with microalbuminuria, and with a short duration of diabetes. Clinical indicators were insensitive in distinguishing DN Vs NDKD. Hence, a kidney biopsy may be a potential tool for the accurate diagnosis of kidney disease.
Preoperative Mixed-Reality Visualization of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures and Its Benefit Compared to CT and 3D Printing
Authors: Bitschi David , Fürmetz Julian , Gilbert Fabian , Jörgens Maximilian , Watrinet Julius , Pätzold Robert , Lang Clemens , Neidlein Claas , Böcker Wolfgang , Bormann Markus
Published: February 2023

Background: Various studies have shown the benefit of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) reconstruction and especially 3D printing in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). This study aimed to investigate whether mixed-reality visualization (MRV) using mixed-reality glasses can provide a benefit for CT and/or 3D printing in planning treatment strategies for complex TPFs. Methods: Three complex TPFs were selected for the study and processed for 3D imaging. Subsequently, the fractures were presented to specialists in trauma surgery using CT (including 3D CT reconstruction), MRV (hardware: Microsoft HoloLens 2; software: mediCAD MIXED REALITY) and 3D prints. A standardized questionnaire on fracture morphology and treatment strategy was completed after each imaging session. Results: 23 surgeons from 7 hospitals were interviewed. A total of 69.6% (n = 16) of those had treated at least 50 TPFs. A change in fracture classification according to Schatzker was recorded in 7.1% of the cases and in 78.6% an adjustment of the ten-segment classification was observed after MRV. In addition, the intended patient positioning changed in 16.1% of the cases, the surgical approach in 33.9% and osteosynthesis in 39.3%. A total of 82.1% of the participants rated MRV as beneficial compared to CT regarding fracture morphology and treatment planning. An additional benefit of 3D printing was reported in 57.1% of the cases (five-point Likert scale). Conclusions: Preoperative MRV of complex TPFs leads to improved fracture understanding, better treatment strategies and a higher detection rate of fractures in posterior segments, and it thus has the potential to improve patient care and outcomes.
Three-Dimensional Evaluation Effects of Microimplant-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion on the Upper Airway Volume: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Lan , Zhai Mingrui , Wang Mengqiao , Cui Shuyue , Cheng Chen , Wang Jixiao , Wei Fulan
Published: February 2023

Microimplant-assisted rapid palatal expansion is increasingly used clinically; however, the effect on the upper airway volume in patients with maxillary transverse deficiency has not been thoroughly evaluated yet. The following electronic databases were searched up to August 2022: Medline via Ovid, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ProQuest. The reference lists of related articles were also reviewed by manual search. The Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized trials (ROB2) and the Risk of Bias in non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool were used to evaluate the risks of bias of the included studies. The mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of changes in nasal cavity and upper airway volume were analyzed using a random-effects model, and subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Two reviewers independently completed the process of screening studies, extracting data, and assessing the quality of studies. In total, twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. After assessing the full texts, only thirteen studies were included, with nine studies selected for quantitative synthesis. Oropharynx volume increased significantly after immediate expansion (WMD: 3156.84; 95% CI: 83.63, 6230.06); however, there was no significant change in nasal volume (WMD: 2527.23; 95% CI: −92.53, 5147.00) and nasopharynx volume (WMD: 1138.29; 95% CI: −52.04, 2328.61). After retention a period, significant increases were found in nasal volume (WMD: 3646.27; 95% CI: 1082.77, 6209.77) and nasopharynx volume (WMD: 1021.10; 95% CI: 597.11, 1445.08). However, there was no significant change after retention in oropharynx volume (WMD: 789.26; 95% CI: −171.25, 1749.76), palatopharynx volume (WMD: 795.13; 95% CI: −583.97, 2174.22), glossopharynx volume (WMD: 184.50; 95% CI: −1745.97, 2114.96), and hypopharynx volume (WMD: 39.85; 95% CI: −809.77, 889.46). MARPE appears to be linked with long-term increases in nasal and nasopharyngeal volume. However, high-quality clinical trials are required to further verify the effects of MARPE treatment on the upper airway.
Development and Application of a Mechanistic Nutrient-Based Model for Precision Fish Farming
Authors: Soares Filipe M. R. C. , Nobre Ana M. D. , Raposo Andreia I. G. , Mendes Rodrigo C. P. , Engrola Sofia A. D. , Rema Paulo J. A. P. , Conceição Luís E. C. , Silva Tomé S.
Published: February 2023

This manuscript describes and evaluates the FEEDNETICS model, a detailed mechanistic nutrient-based model that has been developed to be used as a data interpretation and decision-support tool by fish farmers, aquafeed producers, aquaculture consultants and researchers. The modelling framework comprises two main components: (i) fish model, that simulates at the individual level the fish growth, composition, and nutrient utilization, following basic physical principles and prior information on the organization and control of biochemical/metabolic processes; and (ii) farm model, that upscales all information to the population level. The model was calibrated and validated for five commercially relevant farmed fish species, i.e., gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), using data sets covering a wide range of rearing and feeding conditions. The results of the validation of the model for fish growth are consistent between species, presenting a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between 11.7 and 13.8%. Several uses cases are presented, illustrating how this tool can be used to complement experimental trial design and interpretation, and to evaluate nutritional and environmental effects at the farm level. FEEDNETICS provides a means of transforming data into useful information, thus contributing to more efficient fish farming.
Comparison of Coherent to Incoherent Kirchhoff-Ray-Mode (KRM) Models in Predicting Backscatter by Swim-Bladder-Bearing Fish
Authors: Li Chao , Chu Dezhang , Horne John , Li Haisen
Published: February 2023

The Kirchhoff-Ray-Mode (KRM) model has been used in fishery acoustics for more than two decades to predict backscatter by individuals or aggregations of swimbladdered fish. Backscatter contributions from a fluid-like fish body and gas-filled swimbladder are coherently summed to estimate backscatter from the whole fish. For field applications, where morphologies and orientations of individual fish and their swimbladders are unknown, the coherent KRM model based on a limited number of X-ray images containing precise morphological information on swimbladders, body sizes and orientations may not provide statistically stable and robust backscatter predictions. An incoherent KRM model is proposed, which is independent of the exact knowledge of body–swimbladder acoustic interactions. When backscatter contributions from fish bodies and swimbladders are comparable, differences in coherent and incoherent KRM model target strength (TS) predictions can be as high as a few decibels. Incoherent TS predictions as a function of frequency and orientation are statistically more stable and less sensitive to variations in anatomy among individual fish than those predicted using the traditional coherent KRM model.
Rapid Robust Control of a Marine-Vehicle Manipulator with Series Elastic Actuators Based on Variable Power Log Reaching Law
Authors: Guo Yufei , Xu Shengyue , Chen Hao , Zheng Hao , Hao Zhiqiang , Wang Zhigang
Published: February 2023

Marine-vehicle manipulators, which represent a kind of mechanical systems installed on marine surface or underwater vehicles, are mostly suffering from the problem of waves (or ocean currents)-caused base oscillations. The oscillations have a significant impact on system stability. Numerous control strategies have been investigated, but the majority of them are concentrated on the control’s robust performance. This study focuses on an innovative marine-vehicle manipulator (ammunition transfer manipulator on warships) with novel compliant actuators (series elastic actuators), for which the control performance of convergence speed and flexible-vibration suppression should also be considered. To address these issues, this paper proposes a unique hybrid control based on the singular perturbation method, by which the control problem is decomposed into two time scales. In the slow time-scale, it is given a rapid trajectory tracking controller that integrates the computed torque method and the terminal sliding mode control law with a novel reaching law (variable power log reaching law). For the fast time-scale control, a derivative-type controller is used to achieve the suppression of the flexible vibrations. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method, theoretical proofs and numerical simulations are both presented. According to our knowledge, this study presents the first control strategy for rapid robust control of marine-vehicle manipulators that are subject to base-oscillation-caused disturbance and compliant-actuator-induced flexible vibrations.
The Impact of IMTA on the Spatial and Temporal Distribution of the Surface Planktonic Bacteria Community in the Surrounding Sea Area of Xiasanhengshan Island of the East China Sea
Authors: Zhang Meijing , Jiang Ruitong , Zhang Jianlin , Li Kejun , Zhang Jianheng , Shao Liu , He Wenhui , He Peimin
Published: February 2023

The growing world population has produced an increasing demand for seafood, and the aquaculture industry is under corresponding pressure to fill this demand. The offshore ecology and environment are under significant threat with the continuous expansion of the scale and intensity of aquaculture. Integrated multi-tropic aquaculture (IMTA) is a healthy and sustainable mariculture model based on ecosystem-level management, and has become popular in recent years. It is an effective way to cope with the significant changes in offshore ecosystems under multiple stressors. Phytoplankton bacteria are essential to maintaining the marine ecosystem’s balance and stability. Investigating the changes in the community structure of marine planktonic bacteria can elucidate the impact of mariculture on the marine ecological environment. This study took the fish-shell IMTA system with natural macroalgae nearby as the object, and monitored the plankton community’s structure in the system’s surface seawater for four quarters from July 2020 to April 2021. The space–time distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the plankton community in the surface water were examined. The results showed no significant difference between the planktonic bacterial communities at different sampling sites. There was also no significant difference in the α-diversity index. However, the dominant species and abundance of planktonic bacteria at the sampling sites differed significantly. Proteobacteria and Bacteroides were the dominant groups of planktonic bacteria. The results of the distance-based redundancy analysis demonstrated that chemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll a, and dissolved oxygen constituted the primary environmental factors affecting the planktonic bacterial community structures. The heatmap also showed that NH4+- N, temperature, and salinity levels were also related to certain planktonic bacteria. This study preliminarily identified the distribution of the surface bacterial plankton community and its response to changes in environmental factors in the sea area near Xiasanhengshan Island. The results provide a preliminary basis for assessing the health and stability of the IMTA system in open sea areas.
Anticipatory Antifungal Treatment in Critically Ill Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia
Authors: Estella Ángel , Recuerda Núñez María , Lagares Carolina , Gracia Romero Manuel , Torres Eva , Alados Arboledas Juan Carlos , Antón Escors Álvaro , González García Clara , Sandar Núñez Dolores , López Prieto Dolores , Sánchez Calvo Juan Manuel
Published: February 2023

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in critically ill patients and the impact of anticipatory antifungal treatment on the incidence of CAPA in critically ill patients. Methods. Before/after observational study in a mixed intensive care unit (ICU) of a university teaching hospital. The study took place between March 2020 and June 2022. Inclusion criteria were critically ill patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. Two analysis periods were compared according to whether or not antifungal therapy was given early. Results. A total of 160 patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and invasive mechanical ventilation were included. The incidence of CAPA in the first study period was 19 out of 58 patients (32.75%); during the second period, after implementation of the intervention (anticipatory antifungal therapy), the incidence of CAPA decreased to 10.78% (11 out of 102 patients). In patients with CAPA under invasive mechanical ventilation, the mortality rate decreased from 100% to 64%. Conclusions. Anticipating antifungal treatment in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia under invasive mechanical ventilation was associated with a decrease in the incidence and mortality of pulmonary aspergillosis.
Enablers for Growth of Cryptocurrencies: A Fuzzy–ISM Benchmarking
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Patra Sujit Kumar , Kumar Ankit , Singh Kamred Udham , Varshneya Sandeep
Published: February 2023

Cryptocurrencies and their market capitalisation have experienced vibrant growth in the last few years. Their total market cap is more than USD 858 billion as of the date of writing and is growing, with nearly 21,984 tradeable cryptos in 530 exchanges. It is emerging as one of the biggest threats to the traditional fundraising market. The issue of the industry’s long-term viability and steady expansion is of paramount importance. Even though unsustainable and uneven growth could help boost economic activity in the short term, it would be detrimental in the long run because of the risk of extinction. This paper is one of the first attempts to identify the factors contributing to the growth of the cryptocurrency market and their effects. This paper is based on the hybrid MCDM methodology of research and uses fuzzy–ISM (interpretive structural modelling). This method is divided into three phases: identification, expert opinion, and interpretation. Sixteen factors were chosen from the previous literature and suggestions from industry professionals. Seven barriers have been framed based on the fuzzy–ISM analysis to better understand the impacts of and interrelationships among the identified barriers. The factors are further classified using fuzzy MICMAC into four major categories based on the drive power and dependence power extracted from the fuzzy matrix. This paper explains the importance of all identified factors as enablers of the acceptance of cryptocurrencies for investment and fundraising.
An Alternative Method of Cultivated Land Identification and Its Actual Change from 2009 to 2019: A Case Study of Gaochun, China
Authors: Jiang Zhuoran , Jiang Ming , Wang Yahua , Ma Can , Qiao Weifeng
Published: February 2023

As the largest developing country, China has permanently attached great importance to cultivated land protection. However, due to the different rules of cultivated land identification in the second and third national land surveys, the cultivated land area in the two surveys has changed greatly. Some agricultural lands in the south, such as plantations, forests, grasslands, aquaculture ponds, etc., belonged to cultivated land during the second survey, but they were identified as non-cultivated land in the third national land survey. This change has led to a sharp reduction in the area of cultivated land in some places. In order to calculate the actual change in the area of cultivated land since the second survey and provide a reasonable basis for the standard of cultivated land protection, this paper takes Gaochun District, a developed area in China, as an example; interprets the images of the second national land survey period with the deep learning network HRNet; and compares the results with the second and third national land survey rules. The results show that the actual reduction of cultivated land in Gaochun District in the past ten years accounts for 35.1% of the reduction of cultivated land in the two land surveys, while the reduction of cultivated land caused by the change of cultivated land identification rules accounts for 64.9% of the reduction of cultivated land in the two land surveys, indicating that the significant reduction in local cultivated land was mainly caused by the changes in the rules, and these cultivated land reduction behaviors existed before the second survey.
Pedogenesis of Fluvial Terrace Soils Related to Geomorphic Processes in Central Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wen-Shu , Liang Chi-Shu , Tsai Heng , Hseu Zeng-Yi , Huang Shiuh-Tsuen
Published: February 2023

Pedogenetic features of the soils could be a proxy for revealing the landform surface processes. Our work first analyzed the particle size distributions and lithological discontinuities (LDs) of the soils in the midstream of the Zoushui River, central Taiwan. The results showed that the parental materials of the soils derive from mixed sediments of the Zoushui River and its tributaries, and the LDs of some soils suggested multi-depositional events with homogeneous lithology. Then, we proposed a soil chronosequence of Inceptisols, Ultisols, and Oxisols, over the Pleistocene timescale. There was a very well-defined semilogarithmic relationship between weighted profile development index (WPDI) values and soil age with correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0.9. The age of the soils did not certainly agree with the interglacials of the main marine isotope stage (MIS). However, the soils started to develop only after being aggraded by relatively warm and humid periods or by extreme rain events in cool and dry periods. Irrespective of whether the soils had started to develop, tectonic downcutting, providing clear altitudinal separation of the terrace treads, could inevitably happen later (or almost synchronologically) to ensure stabilities of the tread surfaces.
The Contribution of Scientists to the Research in Biosphere Reserves in Slovakia
Authors: Špulerová Jana , Piscová Veronika , Matušicová Noemi
Published: February 2023

This review is aimed at summarizing the current state of knowledge of biosphere reserves (BRs) in Slovakia and assessment of research activities undertaken there and how they contribute to the mission and fulfillment of the goals of the designation process to the World Network of BRs. We based our methodological approach on the literature review of the studies found in the scientific database Web of Science through keyword searches. The 121 studies were characterized by research subject, BR function examined, and contribution to the development of which particular aspect of BR. Most of the studies focused on biodiversity protection, management of BR, land use changes, and scenario modeling. The strengths of BR in Slovakia are a long history and continuity of research, close cooperation with some scientists and institutions, case studies of BR included in international projects, existing examples of participatory studies, and a wide range of research topics. An important contribution to research is that provided by existing long-term monitoring sites. The transboundary BRs in particular are involved in developing international collaborations within the World Network of BRs. We summarized the results of the literature review and gave a scientist’s perception of the development of BR in a SWOT analysis, including recommendations for further development in the form of a discussion of opportunities and threats.