bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing mHealth data collection applications with sensing capabilities
Authors: Karthan Maximilian , Martin Robin , Holl Felix , Swoboda Walter , Kestler Hans A. , Pryss Rüdiger , Schobel Johannes
Published: September 2022

Smart mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets have become an important factor for collecting data in complex health scenarios (e.g., psychological studies, medical trials), and are more and more replacing traditional pen-and-paper instruments. However, simply digitizing such instruments does not yet realize the full potential of mobile devices: most modern smartphones have a variety of different sensor technologies (e.g., microphone, GPS data, camera, ...) that can also provide valuable data and potentially valuable insights for the medical purpose or the researcher. In this context, a significant development effort is required to integrate sensing capabilities into (existing) data collection applications. Developers may have to deal with platform-specific peculiarities (e.g., Android vs. iOS) or proprietary sensor data formats, resulting in unnecessary development effort to support researchers with such digital solutions. Therefore, a cross-platform mobile data collection framework has been developed to extend existing data collection applications with sensor capabilities and address the aforementioned challenges in the process. This framework will enable researchers to collect additional information from participants and environment, increasing the amount of data collected and drawing new insights from existing data.
Multiple introduced lineages and the single native lineage co-driving the four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa
Authors: Gao Liping , Zheng Canjun , Shi Qi , Wang Lili , Tia Alie , Ngobeh Jone , Liu Zhiguo , Dong Xiaoping , Li Zhenjun
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a vast burden on public health and socioeconomics in West Africa, but the epidemic situation is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective analysis of the positive rate, death rate, and diversity of SARS-CoV-2. As of March 31, 2022, a total of 894,813 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, with 12,028 deaths, both of which were distributed in all 16 countries. There were four waves of COVID-19 during this period. Most cases were recorded in the second wave, accounting for 34.50% of total cases. These data suggest that although West Africa seems to have experienced a low and relatively slow spread of COVID-19, the epidemic was ongoing, evolving with each COVID-19 global pandemic wave. Most cases and most deaths were both recorded in Nigeria. In contrast, the fewest cases and fewest deaths were reported, respectively, in Liberia and Sierra Leone. However, high death rates were found in countries with low incidence rates. These data suggest that the pandemic in West Africa has so far been heterogeneous, which is closely related to the infrastructure of public health and socioeconomic development (e.g., extreme poverty, GDP per capita, and human development index). At least eight SARS-CoV-2 variants were found, namely, Delta, Omicron, Eta, Alpha, Beta, Kappa, Iota, and Gamma, which showed high diversity, implicating that multiple-lineages from different origins were introduced. Moreover, the Eta variant was initially identified in Nigeria and distributed widely. These data reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic in the continent was co-driven by both multiple introduced lineages and a single native lineage. We suggest enhancing the quarantine measures upon entry at the borders and implementing a genome surveillance strategy to better understand the transmission dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa.
Associations between psycho-behavioral risk factors and diabetic retinopathy: NHANES (2005–2018)
Authors: Sun Xiao-Jia , Zhang Guo-Heng , Guo Chang-Mei , Zhou Zi-Yi , Niu Ya-Li , Wang Ling , Dou Guo-Rui
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) increase the global burden. Since their pathogenesis is complex, it is necessary to use the biopsychosocial model to discover the most effective strategies. The study is aimed to investigate the psycho-behavioral factors of DR and confirm the discrepancies from previous studies.

Research design and methods

The study comprised seven cycles of cross-sectional data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005–2006 to 2017–2018. Samples of DM were selected from this complex multi-stage probability sample and divided into the non-DR and DR groups, where 4,426 samples represented 18,990,825 individuals after weighting. This study comprehensively explored the biological, social, and psychological risk factors of DR, among which the biological factors included blood pressure, blood routine, HbA1c%, blood glucose, the duration of DM, family history, comorbidities, and treatment methods. Social aspects include gender, education, income, insurance, smoking, drinking, sleep habits, and recreational activities. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess the psychological state. Taylor series regression was used to examine the connection between factors and DR.

Results

Men accounted for 55.5% of the DR group (P = 0.0174). Lymphocyte count, insulin treatment, heart failure, stroke, liver condition, and renal failure showed significant differences in DR (P < 0.05). The incidence of depression in DR was 40.5%. Mild to moderate depression [odds ratio was associated with DR [(OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.79], but there was no statistical difference in severe depression (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.83–2.17). Although ≤ 6 h of sleep was associated with DR (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.01–1.88), we found no statistical differences in alcohol consumption, recreational activities, or sedentary time between the two groups in our current study (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The biological risk factors of DR are significant. It showed that stroke is associated with DR, and retinal exams have the potential value as a screening tool for the brain. Besides, psycho-behavioral risk factors of DR should also be paid attention. Our study highlights that mild and moderate depression and ≤6 h of sleep are distinguishably associated with DM complicated with DR. It indicates that psycho-behavioral risk factors confer a vital influence on diabetic health care and DR.
Can a robot laugh with you?: Shared laughter generation for empathetic spoken dialogue
Authors: Inoue Koji , Lala Divesh , Kawahara Tatsuya
Published: September 2022

Spoken dialogue systems must be able to express empathy to achieve natural interaction with human users. However, laughter generation requires a high level of dialogue understanding. Thus, implementing laughter in existing systems, such as in conversational robots, has been challenging. As a first step toward solving this problem, rather than generating laughter from user dialogue, we focus on “shared laughter,” where a user laughs using either solo or speech laughs (initial laugh), and the system laughs in turn (response laugh). The proposed system consists of three models: 1) initial laugh detection, 2) shared laughter prediction, and 3) laugh type selection. We trained each model using a human-robot speed dating dialogue corpus. For the first model, a recurrent neural network was applied, and the detection performance achieved an F1 score of 82.6%. The second model used the acoustic and prosodic features of the initial laugh and achieved a prediction accuracy above that of the random prediction. The third model selects the type of system’s response laugh as social or mirthful laugh based on the same features of the initial laugh. We then implemented the full shared laughter generation system in an attentive listening dialogue system and conducted a dialogue listening experiment. The proposed system improved the impression of the dialogue system such as empathy perception compared to a naive baseline without laughter and a reactive system that always responded with only social laughs. We propose that our system can be used for situated robot interaction and also emphasize the need for integrating proper empathetic laughs into conversational robots and agents.
Rumours, myths, and misperceptions as barriers to contraceptive use among adolescent girls and young women in South Africa
Authors: Jonas Kim , Duby Zoe , Maruping Kealeboga , Harries Jane , Mathews Catherine
Published: September 2022

Background

Rumours, myths, and misperceptions about contraceptives are a barrier to contraceptive use in general, but more so among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). As rumours and misinformation disseminate easily, it is important to explore how they affect the uptake of contraceptives among AGYW at risk of unintended pregnancies. This study used qualitative methods to explore whether rumours, myths, and misperceptions about contraceptives remain barriers to modern contraceptive use among AGYW who were beneficiaries of a combination HIV prevention intervention in South Africa.

Methods

Four (4) once-off in-depth interviews, 53 serial in-depth interviews, and 19 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 185 AGYW aged 15–24 years living in 5 of the 10 intervention districts were conducted as part of the HERStory 1 Study. Interviews and FGDs were audio recorded and data were analysed thematically, aided by Nvivo 12 software.

Results

Rumours, myths, and misperceptions about contraceptives, as well as sociocultural norms regarding contraception seriously hinder AGYWs’ use of modern contraceptives. Peer/friends’ disapproval and parents’ and boyfriend’s lack of support for AGYWs’ use of contraceptives, based on rumours and perceived side effects, also impede AGYWs’ access and use of contraceptives.

Conclusion

Sexual and reproductive health programmes could address social norms that disapprove of contraception and target rumours, myths, and misperceptions regarding modern contraceptive methods through educational campaigns and community engagements. Promoting the use of contraception in the community and men’s acceptance of contraceptive use, in particular, may increase their understanding of modern contraceptives and, subsequently, their approval for their partners to use them.
Exploring the principles of self-healing polymers based on halogen bond interactions
Authors: Kampes Robin , Meurer Josefine , Hniopek Julian , Bernt Carolin , Zechel Stefan , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen , Hager Martin D. , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2022

In this study, novel self-healing polymers based on halogen bonds as reversible supramolecular crosslinking moieties are presented. The reversible crosslinking is facilitated by a polymer-bound bidentate halogen bond donor entity in combination with small molecule acceptor suberic acid. The binding strength of the crosslinking can be tuned via deprotonation of the diacid crosslinker. The material characteristics are investigated with several methods such as NMR and Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry as well as rheology. The tactile profile measurements have been utilized to monitor the scratch healing ability of the polymer networks revealing excellent healing efficiencies up to 99% within 2 h at a temperature of 100°C. Thus, the self-healing ability of halogen bond polymers could be quantified for the first time.
The Wild and Wonderful World of Stream Bugs
Authors: Simmons Trey , Dinger Eric C. , Schweiger E. William
Published: September 2022

Under the surface of most streams a strange world exists, made up of hundreds of small critters called aquatic invertebrates. “Aquatic” means they live in the water and “invertebrate” means they have no backbones or even skeletons. Some have body parts that look like they came from an alien planet. Some have slippery bodies adapted to rushing stream water. These organisms play many important roles. Some live for up to 7 years and others live for as little as 2 weeks. Some eat slime growing on stream rocks and others eat leaves. Some, like the golden stonefly, even stalk and eat other invertebrates, like a tiger in a jungle. In national parks and around the world, scientists use these insects, worms, leeches, and mites to tell if the water is healthy. We can do this because certain stream invertebrates disappear if water is polluted, or if the stream habitat is degraded.
How Healthy Is a Stream? Ask the Stream Bugs!
Authors: Dinger Eric C. , Schweiger E. William , Simmons Trey
Published: September 2022

The weird and wonderful variety of bugs that live in streams is more than cool—it is a great scientific tool. The mixture of bugs helps scientists understand water quality, which means whether the water is clean or dirty. Two kinds of tools translate bug variety into measures of stream health. One is called a multimetric index; the other is called an observed-to-expected index. The multimetric index “speaks bug” to us. It uses bug preferences for food and habitat, tolerance for pollution, and other bug attributes to decipher whether a stream is to a bug’s liking. The observed-to-expected index uses scientists’ knowledge of which bugs usually occur in clean water, to predict which should be present in a good-quality stream. Both indices give us the big picture of water quality and help scientists track the health of streams in US national parks.
Advancing the science and practice of ecological nutrient management for smallholder farmers
Authors: Drinkwater Laurie E. , Snapp Sieglinde S.
Published: September 2022

Soil degradation is widespread in smallholder agrarian communities across the globe where limited resource farmers struggle to overcome poverty and malnutrition. This review lays out the scientific basis and practical management options for an ecologically based approach to sustainably managing soil fertility, with particular attention to smallholder subsistence systems. We seek to change the trajectory of development programs that continue to promote inorganic fertilizers and other high input strategies to resource constrained smallholders, despite ample evidence that this approach is falling short of food security goals and contributing to resource degradation. Ecological nutrient management (ENM) is an agroecological approach to managing the biogeochemical cycles that govern soil ecosystem services and soil fertility. The portfolio of ENM strategies extends beyond reliance on inorganic fertilizers and is guided by the following five principles: (1) Build soil organic matter and other nutrient reserves. (2) Minimize the size of N and P pools that are the most susceptible to loss. (3) Maximize agroecosystem capacity to use soluble, inorganic N and P. (4) Use functional and phylogenetic biodiversity to minimize bare fallows and maximize presence of growing plants. (5) Construct agroecosystem and field scale mass balances to track net nutrient flows over multiple growing seasons. Strategic increases in spatial and temporal plant species diversity is a core ENM tactic that expands agroecosystem multifunctionality to meet smallholder priorities beyond soil restoration and crop yields. Examples of ENM practices include the use of functionally designed polycultures, diversified rotations, reduced fallow periods, increased reliance on legumes, integrated crop-livestock production, and use of variety of soil amendments. These practices foster soil organic matter accrual and restoration of soil function, both of which underpin agroecosystem resilience. When ENM is first implemented, short-term yield outcomes are variable; however, over the long-term, management systems that employ ENM can increase yields, yield stability, profitability and food security. ENM rests on a solid foundation of ecosystem and biogeochemical science, and despite the many barriers imposed by current agricultural policies, successful ENM systems are being promoted by some development actors and used by smallholder farmers, with promising results.
Clinical efficacy of transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy for lumbar degenerative diseases: A minimum 6-year follow-up
Authors: Tang Jin , Li Ying , Wu Congjun , Xie Wei , Li Xugui , Gan Xuewen , Lu Qilin
Published: September 2022

Background

Transforaminal Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (TELD) is widely applied for lumbar degenerative disease (LDDs) and satisfactory short-term outcomes have been achieved. However, the mid-term and long-term follow-up of this technique is still lacking.

Objective

To retrospectively analyze the mid-term clinical efficacy of TELD for single-level LDD and its effect on intervertebral disc degeneration with a minimum of 6-year follow-up.

Methods

64 patients with single-level LDDs (lumbar disc herniation, lumbar spinal stenosis) who underwent TELD under local anesthesia in our department from December 2014 to December 2015 were observed. Visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association evaluation treatment (JOA) score and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were calculated and compared before operation, 3 months after operation, 6 months after operation, 1 year after operation and at the last follow-up. Disc Height (DH), disc range of motion (ROM) and disc degeneration on standard lumbar lateral radiographs before operation and at the last follow-up were determined. Recurrence rate and operation-related complications during follow-up were recorded.

Results

64 cases were followed up for 6.4 ± 0.1 years. There were no complications such as infection, epidural hematoma and nerve root injury. 1 patient (1.67%) was found to have dural rupture and cauda equina hernia during the operation. There were significant differences in VAS, JOA, ODI between preoperative and postoperative 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and last follow-up (P < 0 01), VAS, JOA, ODI at 3 months after operation were different from 6 months after operation (P < 0 05), and there were significant differences compared with preoperative, 1 year after operation and last follow up (P < 0 01). VAS, JOA and ODI at 6 months after operation were significantly different from those before operation (P < 0.01), but not significantly different from those at 1 year after operation and the last follow-up (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in DH, ROM and the Pfirrmann grade of intervertebral disc preoperative and the last follow-up. During the follow-up period, 3 patients (4.69%) were recurrent, 13 patients (20.31%) had various degrees of postoperative dysesthesia (POD), and 3 patients (4.69%) had various degrees of muscle weakness.

Conclusion

TELD has a satisfactory mid-term efficacy, and has no significant effect on the DH, the stability of the intervertebral disc space, or on intervertebral disc degeneration. However, as expected, TELD was associated with some complications including recurrent disc herniation and POD.
The effect of intravenous lidocaine on propofol dosage in painless bronchoscopy of patients with COPD
Authors: Yang Li , He Tao , Liu Min-Xiao , Han Shi-Qiang , Wu Zhi-Ang , Hao Wei , Lu Zhi-Xia
Published: September 2022

Background

We tested the hypothesis that intravenous (IV) lidocaine reduces propofol requirements in painless bronchoscopy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A total of 93 patients who underwent bronchoscopy were included in this randomized placebo-controlled study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. After the IV doses of nalbuphine, patients were given a bolus of propofol, which was titrated if necessary until loss of consciousness. Then patients were given IV lidocaine (2 mg/kg then 4 mg/kg/h) or the same volume of saline. The primary endpoint was the propofol requirements. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of hypoxemia, the incidence of cough during glottis examination, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) during bronchoscopy procedures, the bronchoscopist's comforts, and the time for wakefulness before recovery.

Results

Lidocaine infusion resulted in a significant reduction in propofol requirements (p < .0001), and the incidence of hypoxemia (p = .001) and cough (p = .003) during examination decreased significantly in the lidocaine group. During the examination, the fluctuation of SBP and HR was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05). Bronchoscopist's comforts were higher in the lidocaine group (p < .001), and time for wakefulness (p < .001) were significantly lower in the lidocaine group.

Conclusion

In painless bronchoscopy in patients with COPD, IV infusion of lidocaine resulted in a reduction in propofol dose requirements and reduce the incidence of adverse events.
Clinical study on multi-focused laser in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus
Authors: Guo Jing-Qiu , Chen Song-Yan , Chen Xue-Mei , Lu Jing-Quan , Song Yu , Liu He-Yu , Hu Li-Na , Zhu Zheng-Yan
Published: September 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of Multi-focused (MF) laser in the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS).

Methods

In this single-center, randomized controlled trial, we compared the effect of fractionated MF laser with other treatments on patients with biopsy-proven VLS. Patients with VLS were enrolled in this study and randomly divided into three groups. Patients in the experimental group were treated with a CO2 laser, control group 1 was treated with radiofrequency, and control group 2 was treated topically with glucocorticoids and soaking with Chinese patent medicine. The pruritus degree, skin elasticity, skin color, lesion scope, and total score were compared before treatment, at one month after treatment, and three months after treatment.

Results

One month after treatment, the pruritus degree, skin elasticity, skin color, lesion scope, and total score decreased in the experimental group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In control group 1, the differences in pruritus degree, skin color, and total score were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but the differences in skin elasticity and lesion scope were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In control group 2, the differences in pruritus degree and total score were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but the differences in skin elasticity, skin color, and lesion scope were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). At one month after the end of treatment, the differences in pruritus degree, skin elasticity, skin color, lesion scope, and total score among the three groups were not statistically significant. At three months after the end of treatment, the differences in the scores of the five indicators were statistically significant.

Conclusion

For the three treatment methods for VLS, topical corticosteroids + traditional Chinese medicine can quickly relieve itching symptoms in patients, but it cannot significantly improve skin elasticity, skin color, and lesion scope, and VLS easily relapses after treatment. Radiofrequency can improve itching symptoms and skin color but has poor effects on the change of skin elasticity and lesion scope. Multi-focused laser treatment can alleviate the degree of pruritus, improve skin color and elasticity, and narrow the lesion scope, and VLS will not relapse within three months after treatment.
Glycerol Monolaurate to Ameliorate Efficacy of Inactivated Pseudorabies Vaccine
Authors: Ren Qinghai , Wang Xiaobo , Gao Qingqing , Wang Gaiqin , Chen Xiaochen , Liu Chunxue , Gao Song , Li Yubao
Published: September 2022

The present study is aimed to evaluate the effect of glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance and immune enhancement of pseudorabies virus (PRV)-inactivated vaccine in the early-weaned piglets. One hundred and twenty-five 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, no vaccine and no challenge), challenge control group (C-CON), inactivated PRV vaccine group (IPV), IPV + 500 mg/kg GML group (L-GML), and IPV + 1,000 mg/kg GML group (H-GML) during the entire 28-day experimental period. All the data analyses were performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparisons. Our results showed that the final weight, average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of H-GML were the highest in each group, and F/G of H-GML was increased but there was no significant difference with CON (p > 0.05). Levels of PRV glycoprotein B (gB) antibody and immunoglobulin in serum of L-GML and H-GML were higher than those of IPV, but only gB antibody levels and immunoglobulin G (IgG) in H-GML were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Compared with IPV, the contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum of L-GML (TNF-α and IL-1β: p > 0.05, IL-6: p < 0.05, respectively) and H-GML (p < 0.01, both) were all decreased, and the content of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in H-GML was increased (p > 0.05). Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) experiments proved that L-GML and H-GML were both superior to IPV in inhibiting the expression of TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p > 0.05), and IL-1β (p < 0.01) mRNAs and promoting the expression of IL-10 mRNA (L-GML: p > 0.05, H-GML: p < 0.05, respectively) in the superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Histopathological examination found mild congestion in the lung and inguinal lymph nodes of IPV, while the tissues (brain, lung, and inguinal lymph nodes) of L-GML and H-GML were the same as CON with no obvious lesions. The above results indicate that GML may improve the growth performance of weaned piglets and enhance the immunity of PRV-inactivated vaccine by increasing the levels of PRV gB antibody and immunoglobulin and regulating cytokine levels.
Establishment of a reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification detection method for porcine group a rotavirus
Authors: Wang Yushun , Nie Mincai , Deng Huidan , Lai Siyuan , Zhou Yuancheng , Sun Xiangan , Zhu Ling , Xu Zhiwen
Published: September 2022

Porcine rotavirus type A (PoRVA) is the main cause of dehydration and diarrhea in piglets, which has a great impact on the development of the pig industry worldwide. A rapid, accurate and sensitive detection method is conducive to the monitoring, control, and removal of PoRVA. In this study, a PoRVA real-time fluorescent reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) assay was developed. Based on the PoRVA VP6 gene, specific primers and probes were designed and synthesized. The sensitivity of RT-RAA and TaqMan probe-based RT-qPCR was 7 copies per reaction and 5 copies per reaction, respectively. The sensitivity of the RT-RAA method was close to TaqMan probe-based RT-qPCR. The detection results of RT-RAA and TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time RT-PCR methods were completely consistent in 241 clinical samples. Therefore, we successfully established a rapid and specific RT-RAA diagnostic method for PoRVA.
Study on screening of fermentation agents and optimization of the fermentation process for pharyngitis tablet residue
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhong Wei , Yang Xue , Li Xiaocheng , Song Zhuang , Meng Ying , Liu Hanlu , Guo Li , Zhang Ting
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to screen an appropriate starter and determine the optimal fermentation process parameters to optimize the fermentation process of nutrient components and bioactive contents in pharyngitis tablet residue. This study included two experiments. In experiment I, single-factor experimental design was used to study the effects of different biological starters (cellulase preparation; Lactobacillus Plantarum and Bacillus subtilis preparation; mixture of cellulase + Lactobacillus Plantarum and Bacillus subtilis) on the nutritional values and bioactive ingredient contents in pharyngitis tablet residue. In experiment II, orthogonal design experiment was adopted to study the effects of initial water content (45, 50, and 55%), fermentation temperature (35, 37, and 40°C), and fermentation time (24, 48, and 72 h) on the changes in nutrient components, biologically activity contents, and toxin contents of the residue after optimal fermentation agent treatment. Cellulase preparation was found to be the optimal starter. The optimal fermentation conditions were: initial water content, 55%; fermentation temperature, 37°C; and fermentation time, 72 h. The contents of aflatoxin B1 and vomit toxin were in line with Chinese feed hygiene production standards. The fermentation quality of pharyngitis tablet residue can be improved by using the optimal starter and fermentation conditions.
Two-Level Hierarchical-Interaction-Based Group Formation Control for MAV/UAVs
Authors: Wang Huan , Liu Shuguang , Lv Maolong , Zhang Boyang
Published: September 2022

Cooperative group formation control of manned/unmanned aircraft vehicles (MAV/UAVs) using a hierarchical framework can be more efficient and flexible than centralized control strategies. In this paper, a two-level hierarchical-interaction-based cooperative control strategy is proposed for the MAV/UAVs group formation. At the upper level, combined with the nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) and dynamic surface control (DSC) algorithm, a trajectory tracking problem with external disturbances for MAV is formulated. At the lower level, the leader-following formation controller is utilized to deal with the sub-formation keeping control problem for UAVs, based on the sliding mode disturbance observer and fast terminal sliding mode control law, and the robust performance and control accuracy are effectively improved. Moreover, the overall stability of the MAV/UAVs system is demonstrated using Lyapunov theory. The proposed approach is evaluated by simulation under the ground penetration combat mission for MAV/UAVs, and the performance is compared with that of other control strategies.
Estimation of the Enzymatic Activity of Haplic Chernozem under Contamination with Oxides and Nitrates of Ag, Bi, Te and Tl
Authors: Minnikova Tatiana , Kolesnikov Sergey , Evstegneeva Natalia , Timoshenko Alena , Tsepina Natalia
Published: September 2022

Sustainable agriculture is only possible if the agroecological services of the soil are preserved. Soil contamination with rare elements such as silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), tellurium (Te), and thallium (Tl) is less studied, but their toxicity is no less high than in other heavy metals. Activity of soil enzymes is of great importance for the healthy functioning of soils, agroecosystem services, and their fertility. It is necessary to assess the ecological state of black soil using the most sensitive and informative indicators of the state of soils—their enzymatic activity. The objective of this research was to evaluate changes in activity of five priority soil enzymes (catalase, dehydrogenases, invertase, phosphatase, and urease) when contaminated with oxides and nitrates of Ag, Bi, Te, and Tl in a laboratory model experiment. The integral toxicity of nitrates and oxides of Ag, Bi, Te, and Tl was assessed by the integrated index of soil enzymatic activity. A comparison of the toxicity of oxides and nitrates of each element, according to the integrated index of soil enzymatic activity, allowed us to establish that Ag oxide is more toxic than Ag nitrate; Bi oxide is equivalent in its toxicity to Bi nitrate; and Tl and Te oxides are less toxic than Tl and Te nitrates. When contaminated with oxides, the most informative indicators are activity of invertase (Ag), urease (Bi, Tl), and phosphatase (Te). When contaminated with nitrates, the most informative indicators are activity of phosphatase (Ag) and invertase (Bi, Tl, and Te). Activity of phosphatase and catalase are the most sensitive to contamination by oxides and nitrates of Ag, Bi, Tl, and Te, and dehydrogenases, invertase, and urease are the least sensitive.
The Mathematics of Catastrophe
Authors: Lewis Ted Gyle
Published: September 2022

A mathematical description of catastrophe in complex systems modeled as a network is presented with emphasis on network topology and its relationship to risk and resilience. We present mathematical formulas for computing risk, resilience, and likelihood of faults in nodes/links of network models of complex systems and illustrate the application of the formulas to simulation of catastrophic failure. This model is not related to nonlinear “Catastrophe theory” by René Thom, E.C. Zeeman and others. Instead, we present a strictly probabilistic network model for estimating risk and resilience—two useful metrics used in practice. We propose a mathematical model of exceedance probability, risk, and resilience and show that these properties depend wholly on vulnerability, consequence, and properties of the network representation of the complex system. We use simulation of the network under simulated stress causing one or more nodes/links to fail, to extract properties of risk and resilience. In this paper two types of stress are considered: viral cascades and flow cascades. One unified definition of risk, MPL, is proposed, and three kinds of resilience illustrated—viral cascading, blocking node/link, and flow resilience. The principal contributions of this work are new equations for risk and resilience and measures of resilience based on vulnerability of individual nodes/links and network topology expressed in terms of spectral radius, bushy, and branchy metrics. We apply the model to a variety of networks—hypothetical and real—and show that network topology needs to be included in any definition of network risk and resilience. In addition, we show how simulations can identify likely future faults due to viral and flow cascades. Simulations of this nature are useful to the practitioner.
Machine Learning Techniques for Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Prediction
Authors: Dritsas Elias , Trigka Maria
Published: September 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by progressive loss of kidney function over time. It describes a clinical entity that causes kidney damage and affects the general health of the human body. Improper diagnosis and treatment of the disease can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease and ultimately lead to the patient’s death. Machine Learning (ML) techniques have acquired an important role in disease prediction and are a useful tool in the field of medical science. In the present research work, we aim to build efficient tools for predicting CKD occurrence, following an approach which exploits ML techniques. More specifically, first, we apply class balancing in order to tackle the non-uniform distribution of the instances in the two classes, then features ranking and analysis are performed, and finally, several ML models are trained and evaluated based on various performance metrics. The derived results highlighted the Rotation Forest (RotF), which prevailed in relation to compared models with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 100%, Precision, Recall, F-Measure and Accuracy equal to 99.2%.
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in Diabetes Mellitus: Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Options
Authors: Salvatore Teresa , Galiero Raffaele , Caturano Alfredo , Vetrano Erica , Loffredo Giuseppe , Rinaldi Luca , Catalini Christian , Gjeloshi Klodian , Albanese Gaetana , Di Martino Anna , Docimo Giovanni , Sardu Celestino , Marfella Raffaele , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo
Published: September 2022

Diabetic patients are frequently affected by coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), a condition consisting of a combination of altered vasomotion and long-term structural change to coronary arterioles leading to impaired regulation of blood flow in response to changing cardiomyocyte oxygen requirements. The pathogenesis of this microvascular complication is complex and not completely known, involving several alterations among which hyperglycemia and insulin resistance play particularly central roles leading to oxidative stress, inflammatory activation and altered barrier function of endothelium. CMD significantly contributes to cardiac events such as angina or infarction without obstructive coronary artery disease, as well as heart failure, especially the phenotype associated with preserved ejection fraction, which greatly impact cardiovascular (CV) prognosis. To date, no treatments specifically target this vascular damage, but recent experimental studies and some clinical investigations have produced data in favor of potential beneficial effects on coronary micro vessels caused by two classes of glucose-lowering drugs: glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-based therapy and inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2). The purpose of this review is to describe pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations of CMD with particular reference to diabetes, and to summarize the protective effects of antidiabetic drugs on the myocardial microvascular compartment.
Synuclein Proteins in MPTP-Induced Death of Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Goloborshcheva Valeria V. , Kucheryanu Valerian G. , Voronina Natalia A. , Teterina Ekaterina V. , Ustyugov Aleksey A. , Morozov Sergei G.
Published: September 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the key neurodegenerative disorders caused by a dopamine deficiency in the striatum due to the death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. The initially discovered A53T mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene was linked to the formation of cytotoxic aggregates: Lewy bodies in the DA neurons of PD patients. Further research has contributed to the discovery of beta- and gamma-synucleins, which presumably compensate for the functional loss of either member of the synuclein family. Here, we review research from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity models and various synuclein-knockout animals. We conclude that the differences in the sensitivity of the synuclein-knockout animals compared with the MPTP neurotoxin are due to the ontogenetic selection of early neurons followed by a compensatory effect of beta-synuclein, which optimizes dopamine capture in the synapses. Triple-knockout synuclein studies have confirmed the higher sensitivity of DA neurons to the toxic effects of MPTP. Nonetheless, beta-synuclein could modulate the alpha-synuclein function, preventing its aggregation and loss of function. Overall, the use of knockout animals has helped to solve the riddle of synuclein functions, and these proteins could be promising molecular targets for the development of therapies that are aimed at optimizing the synaptic function of dopaminergic neurons.
Home Ranges and Migration Routes of Four Threatened Raptors in Central Asia: Preliminary Results
Authors: Ram Mohan , Sahu Aradhana , Tikadar Shyamal , Gadhavi Devesh , Rather Tahir Ali , Jhala Lahar , Zala Yashpal
Published: September 2022

Understanding the migratory route of raptors in their breeding and wintering grounds is crucial for ensuring their effective conservation. This study presents the preliminary findings through satellite telemetry to describe the summer and winter home ranges, movement ecology, activity, and migration routes of single individuals of Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga), Indian Spotted Eagle (Clanga hastata), Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax), and Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus). We calculated the home ranges as the minimum convex polygons (MCPs) and kernel utilisation distributions (KUD). Pallid Harrier had the smallest home range size of 4.29 km2 (95% MCP) and 3.98 km2 (95% KUD) in its breeding ground located in Russia, while the Greater Spotted Eagle had the largest home range size of 9331.71 km2 (95% MCP) and 5991.15 km2 (95% KUD) in Kazakhstan. The monthly and daily distances covered by tagged birds were significantly higher during migration. Our study also reports the first record of the winter and summer home range of the Indian Spotted Eagle in Pakistan. The tagged raptor used low elevation flyways than the straighter northern flyways over the Himalayan Mountain range, as found in another earlier study. Our study is the foremost satellite telemetry attempt from the region, highlighting important aspects of the migration route of migratory raptors to India.
NPY Gene Methylation in Circulating Tumor DNA as an Early Biomarker for Treatment Effect in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Raunkilde Louise , Hansen Torben Frøstrup , Andersen Rikke Fredslund , Havelund Birgitte Mayland , Thomsen Caroline Brenner , Jensen Lars Henrik
Published: September 2022

Despite several limitations, the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) are still the gold standard in response evaluation of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The aim of the present study was to investigate hypermethylated neuropeptide Y circulating tumor DNA (meth-NPY) as an early biomarker for treatment effect and monitoring in 70 mCRC patients receiving first-line treatment in the FOLFOXIRI-Toco trial. Meth-NPY was analyzed using droplet digital PCR, and the response rate was defined as the fraction of patients converting from a baseline detectable level to an undetectable level after the first treatment cycle (responders). A significant increase in meth-NPY was defined as a value with no overlap between the 95% CI of the current and preceding measurement. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in meth-NPY responders compared to non-responders, 10.1 and 7.6 months, respectively (p = 0.02, HR = 0.43). Patients with response according to RECIST 1.1 had a PFS of 10.1 compared to 7.3 months for non-responders (p = 0.17, HR = 0.65). A significant increase in meth-NPY was found with a median of 49 days before radiological progression. In conclusion, early meth-NPY response proved superior to response according to RECIST 1.1 with respect to predicting improved PFS. Meth-NPY is an early indicator of progression, allowing treatment reorientation at an earlier timepoint.
Anti-PTK7 Monoclonal Antibodies Inhibit Angiogenesis by Suppressing PTK7 Function
Authors: Oh Si Won , Shin Won-Sik , Lee Seung-Taek
Published: September 2022

PTK7, a catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase, promotes angiogenesis by activating KDR through direct interaction and induction of KDR oligomerization. This study developed anti-PTK7 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to regulate angiogenesis by inhibiting PTK7 function. The effect of anti-PTK7 mAbs on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenic phenotypes in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) was examined. Analysis of mAb binding with PTK7 deletion mutants revealed that mAb-43 and mAb-52 recognize immunoglobulin (Ig) domain 2 of PTK7, whereas mAb-32 and mAb-50 recognize Ig domains 6–7. Anti-PTK7 mAbs inhibited VEGF-induced adhesion and wound healing in HUVECs. mAb-32, mAb-43, and mAb-52 dose-dependently mitigated VEGF-induced migration and invasion in HUVECs without exerting cytotoxic effects. Additionally, mAb-32, mAb-43, and mAb-52 inhibited capillary-like tube formation in HUVECs, and mAb-32 and mAb-43 suppressed angiogenesis ex vivo (aortic ring assay) and in vivo (Matrigel plug assay). Furthermore, mAb-32 and mAb-43 downregulated VEGF-induced KDR activation and downstream signaling and inhibited PTK7–KDR interaction in PTK7-overexpressing and KDR-overexpressing HEK293 cells. Thus, anti-PTK7 mAbs inhibit angiogenic phenotypes by blocking PTK7–KDR interaction. These findings indicate that anti-PTK7 mAbs that neutralize PTK7 function can alleviate impaired angiogenesis-associated pathological conditions, such as cancer metastasis.
Immune Profiling Uncovers Memory T-Cell Responses with a Th17 Signature in Cancer Patients with Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection Followed by mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Echaide Miriam , Labiano Ibone , Delgado Marina , Fernández de Lascoiti Angela , Ochoa Patricia , Garnica Maider , Ramos Pablo , Chocarro Luisa , Fernández Leticia , Arasanz Hugo , Bocanegra Ana , Blanco Ester , Piñeiro-Hermida Sergio , Morente Pilar , Vera Ruth , Alsina Maria , Escors David , Kochan Grazyna
Published: September 2022

It is unclear whether patients with cancer present inherently impaired responses to COVID-19 and vaccination due to their treatments, neoplastic diseases or both. To address this question, immune profiling was performed in three cohorts of healthy donors and oncologic patients: infected with SARS-CoV-2, BNT162b2-vaccinated, and with previous COVID-19 disease and subsequently vaccinated. Cancer patients showed good antibody responses to vaccination, but poor induction of T-cell responses towards the S protein when compared to infection. Following natural infection, the major targets for T-cells were the SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins M and S, but not the N protein. Similar to antibody titers, the T-cell responses quickly decayed after six months post-vaccination. Significant memory T-cell expansion was observed in vaccinated donors only if previously diagnosed with COVID-19 before undergoing vaccination. Oncologic patients with previous COVID-19 followed by vaccination exhibited potent IL-17+ CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses and elevated numbers of circulating neutrophils in peripheral blood.
Facial Scanning Accuracy with Stereophotogrammetry and Smartphone Technology in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Quinzi Vincenzo , Polizzi Alessandro , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Santonocito Simona , Conforte Cristina , Manenti Rebecca Jewel , Isola Gaetano , Lo Giudice Antonino
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study was to systematically review and compare the accuracy of smartphone scanners versus stereophotogrammetry technology for facial digitization in children. A systematic literature search strategy of articles published from 1 January 2010 to 30 August 2022 was adopted through a combination of Mesh terms and free text words pooled through boolean operators on the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and OpenGrey. Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria. Stationary stereophotogrammetry devices showed a mean accuracy that ranged from 0.087 to 0.860 mm, portable stereophotogrammetry scanners from 0.150 to 0.849 mm, and smartphones from 0.460 to 1.400 mm. Regarding the risk of bias assessment, fourteen papers showed an overall low risk, three articles had unclear risk and four articles had high risk. Although smartphones showed less performance on deep and irregular surfaces, all the analyzed devices were sufficiently accurate for clinical application. Internal depth-sensing cameras or external infrared structured-light depth-sensing cameras plugged into smartphones/tablets increased the accuracy. These devices are portable and inexpensive but require greater operator experience and patient compliance for the incremented time of acquisition. Stationary stereophotogrammetry is the gold standard for greater accuracy and shorter acquisition time, avoiding motion artifacts.