bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFICIENCY OF USING A PLANETARY VIBRODRIVE WITH KINEMATICALLY UNBALANCED MASSES IN A VIBRATORY APPARATUS FOR MIXING LIQUID MEDIA
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, ZAKIROV RODION , NEKRUTOV VLADIMIR
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the research is to analyze the efficiency of using a planetary vibrodrive (vibratory drive) with kinematically unbalanced masses in a vibratory apparatus for mixing liquid media. The article gives a theoretical justification of the effectiveness of supplementing the configuration of a vibrodrive with an additional inertia block and presents the results of computer simulation of the oscillatory processes arising in the system, which reflect the predominant features of the proposed design solution. The use of a planetary vibrodrive with kinematically unbalanced masses allows one to create high-frequency controlled circular oscillations of the working body. At the same time, the inclusion of an additional rotatable body into the system increases the range of controlling the oscillation parameters of the working body and enables to regulate independently the oscillation amplitude and frequency. The independence of the vibration parameter control allows one to ensure a uniform distribution of the velocities of the stirred liquid motion to obtain a homogeneous dispersion medium. The proposed design solution increases the efficiency of the ongoing vibromechanical processes and adds a supplementary cavitation factor of influence on the liquid medium. Hydrodynamic cavitation, which is created due to the liquid pulsation when the slots on the rotating elements of the vibrodrive are closed, eliminates the presence of stagnant zones in the mixed medium. Due to the use of a planetary vibrodrive with a rotating support body in a vibratory apparatus for mixing liquid media, the technological process of obtaining medium and highly dispersed emulsions is intensified at minor changes in the design of the apparatus. The improved technological capabilities of the process of mixing liquid mixtures allow one to mix substances with different properties of the dispersion phase. In this case, dispersion phases can be both liquid and solid, which are crushed and mixed in a dispersion liquid medium. Conclusion. The use of a planetary vibrodrive with kinematically unbalanced masses in a vibratory apparatus for mixing liquid media increases the efficiency of the technological process and simultaneously increases the quality indicators of the resulting emulsions and suspensions.
Relación entre el uso de redes sociales y los problemas alimentarios adolescentes
Authors: Fernández Pérez Natalia , Morales Gil Isabel
Published: May 2022

El uso de las Redes Sociales en Internet (RSI) ha sido relacionado con los Trastornos de la Alimentación (TA), la autoestima y la satisfacción corporal. Por esta razón se planteó analizar la relación entre estas variables en la adolescencia, considerando el contexto derivado de la COVID-19. Para ello, una muestra no clínica de adolescentes entre 12 y 18 años (n=245) cumplimentó un formulario online que recogía características sociodemográficas, uso de RSI, conductas de riesgo de TA, autoestima y satisfacción corporal. Se analizaron los datos mediante Rho de Spearman, Chi Cuadrado y comparaciones de medias. Los resultados mostraron que, a más uso de RSI, mayor riesgo de TA y menor autoestima y satisfacción corporal, añadiendo que el sexo femenino usa más las RSI y posee mayor riesgo de TA. Dada la relación significativa entre las variables y la implicación que puede tener, sería conveniente realizar más investigaciones en este campo.
Interprofessional Collaborations: Delivering Quality Home Care Services to Patients who are Elderly
Authors: Stapleton Danita Henry
Published: May 2022

This article underscores the importance of inter-professional collaborations when providing home care services to patients who are elderly. The extant research literature illuminates the advantages of inter-professional collaborations in healthcare settings. Benefits such as patient satisfaction, seamless care coordination, and improved health outcomes have long been acknowledged. However, when these care collaborations occur within the home milieu, other patient benefits are evident to include: (a) decreased hospital readmissions; (b) improved daily functioning; (c) reductions in health costs; (d) better informed decision making by providers; and (d) more accurate patient assessments. This review article accentuates inter-professionalism and best practices when caring for persons who are elderly in their home environment.

Keywords: Inter-professional, Home Care, Home Care for the Elderly Objective: To educate the readership on the benefits of using an inter-professional approach when providing home care to patients who are elderly.

Method: A systematic review of the literature is presented which examines inter-professional home care practices with patients who are elderly. The author conducted an electronic literature search for peer-reviewed articles published between 2001and 2021 using the following data bases: EBSCO Host, E-Journal, Academic Search Premier, ERIC, Academic Search Complete, and ScienceDirect. Eighty percent of the articles reviewed were published within the last seven years. The delimitation of extending the review to the past 20 years ensures relevance to the population being studied and health system contexts. The search strategy included select key words (inter-professional approach, home care, home care for the elderly), either separately or in combination. The literature selection process resulted in the inclusion of 49 journal articles in this review.

Results: The extant literature provides a clear rationale for using inter-professional collaboration when serving patients who are elderly in the home setting. More inclusive research is needed in order to better delineate the notions and needs of diverse disciplines (e.g., pharmacy, nutrition, speech pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counselors, psychologists, etc.) and to guide more meaningful collaborations. Lastly, a more inclusive theoretical model capturing the key workings of inter-professional collaboration processes is needed.

Conclusion: This review article accentuates quality components and best practices for serving elderly persons (inter-professionally) in the home environment. A number of key recommendations are made to more systematically improve team-based care. This article will serve as the foundation for a professional book on inter-professional collaboration. At least 8 disciplines will be invited to contribute a chapter to the book. These contributions will provide a medium for formal inter-professional education.
Identification of Angiogenesis-Related Prognostic Biomarkers Associated With Immune Cell Infiltration in Breast Cancer
Authors: Tao Dan , Wang Ying , Zhang Xin , Wang Can , Yang Dingyi , Chen Jing , Long Yanyan , Jiang Yong , Zhou Xian , Zhang Ningning
Published: May 2022

Background: This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) and their association with immune cell infiltration (ICI) in breast cancer (BC).

Methods: Transcriptome data of BC were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. Differentially expressed ARGs were identified by the limma package. The identification of key genes and construction of the risk score model were performed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression algorithms. The prognostic value of the risk score was assessed by ROC curves and nomogram. GO, KEGG pathway, and GSEA were used to investigate the biological functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and xCell algorithms were performed to estimate the ICI in high-risk and low-risk groups. The correlations between prognostic biomarkers and differentially distributed immune cells were assessed. Moreover, a ceRNA regulatory network based on prognostic biomarkers was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape software.

Results: A total of 18 differentially expressed ARGs were identified between tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples. TNFSF12, SCG2, COL4A3, and TNNI3 were identified as key prognostic genes by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The risk score model was further constructed based on the four-gene signature and validated in GSE7390 and GSE88770 datasets. ROC curves and nomogram indicated that the risk score had good accuracy for determining BC patient survival. Biological function analysis showed that DEGs in high- and low-risk groups had a high enrichment in immune-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Moreover, significantly different ICIs were found between high- and low-risk groups, such as memory B cells, CD8+ T cells, resting memory CD4+ T cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and neutrophils, and each prognostic biomarker was significantly correlated with one or more immune cell types.

Conclusion: The current study identified novel prognostic ARGs and developed a prognostic model for predicting survival in patients with BC. Furthermore, this study indicated that ICI may act as a bond between angiogenesis and BC. These findings enhance our understanding of angiogenesis in BC and provide novel guidance on developing therapeutic targets for BC patients.
Impact of Principal Leadership Styles on Teacher Job Performance: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Parveen Khalida , Quang Bao Tran Phuc , Kumar Tribhuwan , Shah Akhter Habib
Published: May 2022

This study is intended to investigate the relationship and effect of principal leadership styles on teacher job performance at public secondary schools in Faisalabad city, Punjab, Pakistan. Given a correlational design purpose, data were assembled by drawing a sample of 102 principals and 512 teachers through self-administered questionnaires. The first instrument titled “Questionnaire for Principal Leadership Style” (QPLS) comprises three subscales, all reflecting a high degree of internal consistency, namely, autocratic leadership (α = 0.832), democratic leadership (α = 0.759), and laissez-faire leadership (α = 0.852). The second tool, Questionnaire for Teacher Job Performance (QTJP), also indicates good reliability (α = 0.813). Regarding the verification of the research questions and hypotheses, percentages, multiple regression, and Pearson's correlation coefficient were subsequently performed at the significance level of p < 0.05. As the findings attest, 59.3% of the variation in teacher job performance was statistically explained as the result of shared involvement of principal autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire leadership styles. The results also revealed that the autocratic leadership constituted the largely exercised style, significantly exerting a strong and positive impact on teacher job performance, while the impact of laissez-faire leadership style was either problematic or unhelpful. Ultimately, the findings suggest that the principals under study should leverage a wise integration of leadership styles according to specific circumstances of their respective schools.
Investigating the Impact of the TUITEK® Patient Support Programme, Designed to Support Caregivers of Children Prescribed Recombinant Human Growth Hormone Treatment in Taiwan
Authors: Su Pen-Hua , Malik Sumaira , Jheeta Amrit , Lin Yen-Fan , Su Su-Huei , Koledova Ekaterina , Graham Selina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Poor adherence to recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) treatment presents a significant barrier to achieving optimal growth outcomes. It is important to identify and address the treatment adherence-related needs of children prescribed r-hGH treatment, and develop new approaches to improve adherence. We aimed to measure the impact of the TUITEK® patient support programme, a multi-component personalized service intervention, on caregivers’ knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of short stature and adherence to its treatment.

Patients and Methods

The evaluation of the TUITEK® patient support programme was conducted among 31 caregivers of children with short stature and receiving r-hGH treatment via the easypod™ auto-injector device in Taiwan. Caregivers within the ‘high risk’ category for knowledge, beliefs and perception factors influencing adherence to r-hGH treatment (disease and treatment coherence, emotional burden, self-administration, and treatment-related anxiety) were identified via the TUITEK® personalization questionnaire and followed up with bi-weekly telephone calls by a nurse practitioner over a 3-month period. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare changes in questionnaire-based scoring patterns between baseline and follow-up.

Results

Between baseline and follow-up, the percentage of caregivers scoring as ‘high risk’ for emotional burden reduced by 37%; there was an improvement in confidence of self-administration by 57% and the percentage of caregivers scoring as ‘high risk’ for treatment-related anxiety reduced by 52%. At follow-up, all caregivers classified as ‘high risk’ within the disease and treatment coherence item at baseline moved into the ‘low risk’ category. Statistically significant changes in questionnaire scores between baseline and follow-up for disease and treatment understanding, emotional burden, self-administration, and treatment-related anxiety were also observed.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the TUITEK® patient support programme can positively address disease and treatment-related barriers amongst caregivers regarding optimal adherence of their children to r-hGH treatment, which has the potential to positively impact on adherence levels and patient clinical health outcomes.
Case Report: Two Cases of Soft-Tissue Sarcomas: High TMB as a Potential Predictive Biomarker for Anlotinib Combined With Toripalimab Therapy
Authors: Li Yong , Liu Yihong , Qu Yanchun , Chen Xian , Qu Xin , Ye Yongsong , Du Xiaohua , Cheng Ying , Xu Mian , Zhang Haibo
Published: May 2022

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS), with over 100 different histologic subtypes, are rare tumors that account for 1% of all adult malignancies. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) display certain benefits in some subtypes, especially in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). However, efficacy is difficult to predict. High tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression are the strongest features associated with the efficacy of immunotherapy, although they are rarely found in STS patients. Until now, whether or not PD-L1 expression and TMB are related to the efficacy of immunotherapy has not been determined. In this study, we report data obtained from two STS patients, one ASPS and one UPS with a high TMB, that benefited from anlotinib combined with toripalimab following resistance to anlotinib monotherapy. A 26 year-old female patient was diagnosed with ASPS. PD-L1 was negative. Next generation sequencing (NSG) revealed ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion and TMB-H. Following eight months of anlotinib monotherapy, the patient’s disease progressed but continued to benefit from subsequent use of anlotinib combined with toripalimab for 19 months. Another 63 year-old male patient was diagnosed with UPS. PD-L1 was positive and NGS revealed TMB-H. Following 19 months of anlotinib monotherapy, the patient’s disease progressed but continued to benefit from subsequent use of anlotinib combined with toripalimab. DFS is 23 months to follow-up time. The results presented are the first to report the relationship between TMB and the efficacy of immunotherapy in STS. Based on our results, we hypothesis that anlotinib combined with toripalimab is effective for the treatment of some advanced ASPS or UPS. TMB may be a potential predictive biomarker for ICI treatment and deserves additional study.
Gut Dysbiosis Is Associated With the Severity of Cryptogenic Stroke and Enhanced Systemic Inflammatory Response
Authors: Zheng Qianyi , Chen Yongkang , Zhai Yanping , Meng Lin , Liu Han , Tian Haiyan , Feng Renyi , Wang Jiuqi , Zhang Rui , Sun Kedi , Gao Lina , Wang Yijing , Wang Xuejing , Wu Erxi , Teng Junfang , Ding Xuebing
Published: May 2022

Studies implicate that gut dysbiosis is related with many neurological diseases. However, the potential role of gut dysbiosis in cryptogenic stroke (CS) has not been elucidated yet. In this study, a high prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and gut inflammation with increased intestinal permeability have been found in CS patients compared with normal controls (NCs). The systemic inflammation in CS patients was also identified by measuring the levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS-binding protein (LBP), and white blood cells (WBC) count. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we found increased alpha diversity, accompanied by a higher abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Lactobacillaceae at the family level and Escherichia–Shigella, Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and Klebsilla at the genus level in the intestinal microbiota of CS patients compared to NCs. Our results showed that the abundance of Klebsilla was positively correlated with the systemic inflammation, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and the infarct volumes. In conclusion, gut dysbiosis in CS patients was associated with the severity of CS and the systemic inflammation. Maintaining the intestinal homeostasis may be a potential strategy for the treatment of CS.
An Eco-Morphodynamic Modelling Approach to Estuarine Hydrodynamics & Wetlands in Response to Sea-Level Rise
Authors: Kumbier Kristian , Rogers Kerrylee , Hughes Michael G. , Lal Kirti K. , Mogensen Laura A. , Woodroffe Colin D.
Published: May 2022

Tidal inundation is the primary driver of intertidal wetland functioning and will be affected by sea- level rise (SLR). The morphology of estuaries and friction across intertidal surfaces influences tidal propagation; accordingly, sea-level rise not only increases inundation frequency, but will also alter other tidal parameters, such as tidal range. To investigate responses of estuarine intertidal vegetation, primarily mangrove and saltmarsh, to SLR an eco-morphodynamic modelling approach was developed that accounted for some of the feedbacks between tidal inundation and changes to wetland substrate elevations. This model partially accounts for adjustment in estuarine hydrodynamics, and was used to examine the potential effect of SLR on mangrove and saltmarsh distribution in a micro-tidal channelised infilled barrier estuary in southeast Australia. The modelling approach combines a depth-averaged hydrodynamic model (Telemac2D) and an empirical wetland elevation model (WEM) that were coupled dynamically to allow for eco-geomorphological feedbacks. The integrated model was parameterised to consider two SLR scenarios, and two accretion scenarios within the WEM. Time series of observed water levels, tidal inundation and flow velocity were used to validate the hydrodynamic model for present-day sea level, whereas wetland mapping was used to verify predictions of mangrove and saltmarsh distribution. Tidal range varied along the estuary, increasing in response to low and high SLR scenarios (by up to 8%), and responded non-linearly under high SLR. Simulations of low and high SLR scenarios indicated that wetlands mostly withstand modest SLR rates (+ 5mm yr-1) through sedimentation, but submerge and convert to subtidal areas under fast SLR rates (> 10mm yr-1). Projected changes in tidal range are linked to eco-geomorphological feedbacks caused by changing wetland extents and adjustments of intertidal wetland geomorphology through sedimentation. Potential changes arising from morphological change at the entrance and in the tidal channels is not obtained from the model. The results of this study demonstrate interconnections between hydrodynamics and intertidal wetlands, which need to be accounted for when estimating wetland response to SLR in channelised estuaries. Integrated models of estuarine-wetland systems are more precise as they account for the dynamic feedbacks between hydrodynamics and wetlands. For example, they also consider alterations to tidal range resulting from SLR and the effects of these on wetland inundation and sedimentation.
Worldwide Research Trends on Artemisinin: A Bibliometric Analysis From 2000 to 2021
Authors: Dong Yankai , Liu Lina , Han Jie , Zhang Lianqing , Wang Yi , Li Juan , Li Yuexiang , Liu He , Zhou Kun , Li Luyao , Wang Xin , Shen Xue , Zhang Meiling , Zhang Bo , Hu Xiaofei
Published: May 2022

Objective

Artemisinin is an organic compound that comes from Artemisia annua. Artemisinin treatment is the most important and effective method for treating malaria. Bibliometric analysis was carried out to identify the global research trends, hot spots, scientific frontiers, and output characteristics of artemisinin from 2000 to 2021.

Methods

Publications and their recorded information from 2000 to 2021 were retrieved through the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Using VOSviewer and Citespace, the hotspots and trends of studies on artemisinin were visualized.

Results

A total of 8,466 publications were retrieved, and for the past 22 years, the annual number of publications associated with artemisinin kept increasing. The United States published most papers. The H-index and number of citations of the United States ranked first. The University of Oxford and MALARIA JOURNAL were the most productive affiliation and journal, respectively. A paper written by E.A. Ashley in 2011 achieved the highest global citation score. Keywords, such as “malaria,” “artesunate,” “plasmodium-falciparum,” “in-vitro,” “artemisinin resistance,” “plasmodium falciparum,” “resistance,” and “artemether-lumefantrine,” appeared most frequently. The research on artemisinin includes clinical research and animal and cell experiments.

Conclusion

The biosynthesis, drug resistance mechanism, and combination of artemisinin have become more popular than before. Studies on artemisinin treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been carried out, and good research results have been obtained.
Clinical Effects of Rehabilitation on Balance in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Canales-Díaz María Belén , Olivares-Valenzuela Carolina , Ramírez-Arriagada Amanda , Cruz-Montecinos Carlos , Vilaró Jordi , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Núñez-Cortés Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have systemic damage secondary to the primary pulmonary impairment, expressed in impaired peripheral musculature and a deficit in postural control compared to healthy subjects. This study aimed to determine the effects of rehabilitation on balance in patients with COPD.

Methods

An exhaustive search was conducted in four databases (Pubmed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science). Articles with a population of COPD receiving rehabilitation (therapeutic exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation, or physical therapy modalities) in an outpatient setting were included. Two independent reviewers selected and assessed the study quality. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials.

Results

A total of eight studies involving 284 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis. The meta-analysis showed an overall result in favor of balance training for the Berg Balance Scale (mean difference 3.91 points; 95% CI: 1.51 to 6.31; P = 0.001), Timed Up and Go test (mean difference −1.58 s; 95% CI: −2.63 to −0.53; P = 0.003) and Unipedal stance test (mean difference 3.56 s, 95% CI: 2.58 to 4.54; P).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed that rehabilitation improve static and dynamic balance in patients with COPD.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO ID: CRD42020218367.
Overview of the RGD-Based PET Agents Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dietz Matthieu , Kamani Christel H. , Dunet Vincent , Fournier Stephane , Rubimbura Vladimir , Testart Dardel Nathalie , Schaefer Ana , Jreige Mario , Boughdad Sarah , Nicod Lalonde Marie , Schaefer Niklaus , Mewton Nathan , Prior John O. , Treglia Giorgio
Published: May 2022

Studies using arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD)-PET agents in cardiovascular diseases have been recently published. The aim of this systematic review was to perform an updated, evidence-based summary about the role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases to better address future research in this setting. Original articles within the field of interest reporting the role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. A systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases was performed until October 26, 2021. Literature shows an increasing role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Overall, two main topics emerged: the infarcted myocardium and atherosclerosis. The existing studies support that αvβ3 integrin expression in the infarcted myocardium is well evident in RGD PET/CT scans. RGD-based PET radiotracers accumulate at the site of infarction as early as 3 days and seem to be peaking at 1–3 weeks post myocardial infarction before decreasing, but only 1 study assessed serial changes of myocardial RGD-based PET uptake after ischemic events. RGD-based PET uptake in large vessels showed correlation with CT plaque burden, and increased signal was found in patients with prior cardiovascular events. In human atherosclerotic carotid plaques, increased PET signal was observed in stenotic compared with non-stenotic areas based on MR or CT angiography data. Histopathological analysis found a co-localization between tracer accumulation and areas of αvβ3 expression. Promising applications using RGD-based PET agents are emerging, such as prediction of remodeling processes in the infarcted myocardium or detection of active atherosclerosis, with potentially significant clinical impact.
How Does F1-ATPase Generate Torque?: Analysis From Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Rotational Catalysis of Thermophilic F1
Authors: Noji Hiroyuki , Ueno Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

The F1-ATPase is a rotary motor fueled by ATP hydrolysis. Its rotational dynamics have been well characterized using single-molecule rotation assays. While F1-ATPases from various species have been studied using rotation assays, the standard model for single-molecule studies has been the F1-ATPase from thermophilic Bacillus sp. PS3, named TF1. Single-molecule studies of TF1 have revealed fundamental features of the F1-ATPase, such as the principal stoichiometry of chemo-mechanical coupling (hydrolysis of 3 ATP per turn), torque (approximately 40 pN·nm), and work per hydrolysis reaction (80 pN·nm = 48 kJ/mol), which is nearly equivalent to the free energy of ATP hydrolysis. Rotation assays have also revealed that TF1 exhibits two stable conformational states during turn: a binding dwell state and a catalytic dwell state. Although many structures of F1 have been reported, most of them represent the catalytic dwell state or its related states, and the structure of the binding dwell state remained unknown. A recent cryo-EM study on TF1 revealed the structure of the binding dwell state, providing insights into how F1 generates torque coupled to ATP hydrolysis. In this review, we discuss the torque generation mechanism of F1 based on the structure of the binding dwell state and single-molecule studies.
Control of Time Delay Force Feedback Teleoperation System With Finite Time Convergence
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Tian Jiawei , Zhang Xia , Yang Bo , Liu Shan , Yin Lirong , Zheng Wenfeng
Published: May 2022

In order to make the teleoperation system more practical, it is necessary to effectively control the tracking error convergence time of the teleoperation system. By combining the terminal sliding mode control method with the neural network adaptive control method, a bilateral continuous finite time adaptive terminal sliding mode control method is designed for the combined teleoperation system. The Lyapunov theory is used to analyze the stability of the closed-loop system, and the position tracking error is able to effectively converge in time. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is verified by MATLAB Simulink numerical simulation, and the numerical analysis of the results shows that the method has better system performance. Compared with the traditional two-sided control method (TPDC) of PD time-delay teleoperation system, the control method in this paper has good performance, improves stability, and makes steady-state errors smaller and better tracking.
Edible Bird's Nest as a Potential Cognitive Enhancer
Authors: Loh Su-Peng , Cheng Shi-Hui , Mohamed Wael
Published: May 2022

Cognitive enhancement is defined as the augmentation of the mind's core capabilities through the improvement of internal or external information processing systems. Recently, the focus has shifted to the potential therapeutic effects of natural products in improving cognitive function. Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a natural food substance derived from the saliva of swiftlets. Until today, EBN is regarded as a high-priced nutritious food with therapeutic effects. The effectiveness of dietary EBN supplementation to enhance brain development in mammals has been documented. Although the neuroprotection of EBN has been previously reported, however, the impact of EBN on learning and memory control and its potential as a cognitive enhancer drug remains unknown. Thus, this article aims to address the neuroprotective benefits of EBN and its potential effect as a cognitive enhancer. Notably, the current challenges and the future study direction in EBN have been demonstrated.
Real-Time Event-Based Unsupervised Feature Consolidation and Tracking for Space Situational Awareness
Authors: Ralph Nicholas , Joubert Damien , Jolley Andrew , Afshar Saeed , Tothill Nicholas , van Schaik André , Cohen Gregory
Published: May 2022

Earth orbit is a limited natural resource that hosts a vast range of vital space-based systems that support the international community's national, commercial and defence interests. This resource is rapidly becoming depleted with over-crowding in high demand orbital slots and a growing presence of space debris. We propose the Fast Iterative Extraction of Salient targets for Tracking Asynchronously (FIESTA) algorithm as a robust, real-time and reactive approach to optical Space Situational Awareness (SSA) using Event-Based Cameras (EBCs) to detect, localize, and track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) accurately and timely. We address the challenges of the asynchronous nature and high temporal resolution output of the EBC accurately, unsupervised and with few tune-able parameters using concepts established in the neuromorphic and conventional tracking literature. We show this algorithm is capable of highly accurate in-frame RSO velocity estimation and average sub-pixel localization in a simulated test environment to distinguish the capabilities of the EBC and optical setup from the proposed tracking system. This work is a fundamental step toward accurate end-to-end real-time optical event-based SSA, and developing the foundation for robust closed-form tracking evaluated using standardized tracking metrics.
Reliability and Validity of Power Spectrum Slope (PSS): A Metric for Measuring Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Activity of Single Voxels
Authors: Zang Zhenxiang , Qiao Yang , Yan Shaozhen , Lu Jie
Published: May 2022

Methods that capture the features of single voxels of resting-state fMRI (RS-fMRI) could precisely localize the abnormal spontaneous activity and hence guide precise brain stimulation. As one of these metrics, the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) has been used in numerous studies, however, it is frequency-dependent and the division of frequency bands is still controversial. Based on the well-accepted power law of time series, this study proposed an approach, namely, power spectrum slope (PSS), to characterize the RS-fMRI time series of single voxels. Two metrics, i.e., linear coefficient b and power-law slope b’ were used and compared with ALFF. The reliability and validity of the PSS approach were evaluated on public RS-fMRI datasets (n = 145 in total) of eyes closed (EC) and eyes open (EO) conditions after image preprocessing, with 21 subjects scanned two times for test–retest reliability analyses. Specifically, we used the paired t-test between EC and EO conditions to assess the validity and intra-class correlation (ICC) to assess the reliability. The results included the following: (1) PSS detected similar spatial patterns of validity (i.e., EC–EO differences) and less test–retest reliability with those of ALFF; (2) PSS linear coefficient b showed better validity and reliability than power-law slope b’; (3) While the PPS showed less validity in most regions, PSS linear coefficient b showed exclusive EC–EO difference in the medial temporal lobe which did not show in ALFF. The power spectrum plot in the parahippocampus showed a “cross-over” of power magnitudes between EC and EO conditions in the higher frequency bands (>0.1 Hz). These results demonstrated that PSS (linear coefficient b) is complementary to ALFF for detecting the local spontaneous activity.
Dietary Acid Load and Bone Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Gholami Fatemeh , Naghshi Sina , Samadi Mahsa , Rasaei Niloufar , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: May 2022

Findings on the association between dietary acid load (DAL) and bone health are conflicting. This study aimed to summarize available studies on the association between DAL and risk of fractures or bone mineral density (BMD) in adults. Online databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase were searched for relevant studies published up to June 2021, using pertinent keywords. We identified observational studies (cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional) investigating the association between DAL and risk of fractures or BMD, then selected studies following these reported criteria: RRs with corresponding 95% CIs for the relationship between DAL and fracture risk; correlation coefficients for the association between DAL and BMD; and mean ± SD of BMD values across the categories of DAL. Overall, 17 studies with 80545 individuals were included. There was no significant relationship between the PRAL and fracture risk (Pooled RR: 1.18; 95% confidence interval 0.98 to 1.41, I2 = 60.6%). Moreover, a similar association was observed between the NEAP and fracture risk (Pooled RR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.79 to 2.52, I2 = 54.1%). The results of five studies from four publications revealed no significant association between dietary PRAL score and femoral and spinal BMD (WMD femoral = −0.01, 95% confidence interval: −0.02 to 0.01, I2 = 76.5%; WMD spinal = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.03 to 0.01, I2 = 56.7%). However, being in the highest category of NEAP was significantly associated with a lower femoral and spinal BMD (WMD femoral = −0.01, 95% CI: −0.02 to −0.00, I2 = 82.1%; WMD spinal = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.03 to −0.01, I2 = 93%). It was showed that adopting diets high in acidity was not associated with risk of fractures. We also found a significant negative relationship between NEAP and BMD. However, DAL based on PRAL was not associated with BMD.
Predictive Biomarkers in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Macerola Elisabetta , Poma Anello Marcello , Vignali Paola , Proietti Agnese , Ugolini Clara , Torregrossa Liborio , Basolo Alessio , Elisei Rossella , Santini Ferruccio , Basolo Fulvio
Published: May 2022

In molecular pathology, predictive biomarkers identify which patients are likely to respond to targeted drugs. These therapeutic agents block specific molecules directly involved in cancer growth, dedifferentiation and progression. Until few years ago, the only targeted drugs available for advanced thyroid cancer included multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mainly targeting the MAPK pathway and the angiogenic signaling. The administration of these drugs does not necessarily require a molecular characterization of tumors to assess the presence of predictive alterations. However, the availability of new selective targeted drugs for thyroid cancer patients is changing the diagnostic strategies for the molecular characterization of these tumors. The search for targetable alterations can be performed directly on tumor tissue by using a variety of methodologies, depending also on the number and type of alterations to test (i.e. single nucleotide variation or gene rearrangement). Herein, a comprehensive review of the currently available targeted treatments for thyroid cancer, related predictive markers and testing methodologies is provided.
Attitudes of Primary School Teachers and Its Associated Factors Toward Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Debre Markos and Dejen Towns, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Amha Haile , Azale Telake
Published: May 2022

Background

Although most instructors appear to understand visible disability, they appear to have a negative attitude toward children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), considering them to be lazy or purposefully disruptive. In Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of data on teachers’ attitudes toward children with ADHD.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A pre-tested questionnaire that contains a case vignette was administered through face-to-face interview with 417 teachers. The data was entered into Epi-data version 4.2 and exported into SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the correlates of attitude in the participants and a B coefficient with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used. The statistical significance was accepted at p-value < 0.05.

Results

The mean score of the teachers’ attitude toward ADHD was 41.6 ± 5.4 (95% CI; 41.12, 42.16) and 46% of the participants had unfavorable attitudes. Low level of educational status, knowledge, teaching experience, familiarity in teaching students with ADHD, and having training were significantly associated with attitude of the teachers.

Conclusion

The study revealed that nearly half of the participants had an unfavorable attitude toward students with ADHD. Based on the findings, it was recommended that it is better to strengthen training of teachers to recognize students with ADHD.
Case Report: Role of Ketone Monitoring in Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Acute Kidney Injury: Better Safe Than Sorry
Authors: Tinti Davide , Savastio Silvia , Peruzzi Licia , De Sanctis Luisa , Rabbone Ivana
Published: May 2022

Background

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a well-known endocrinological disease in children and adolescents that is characterized by immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, leading to partial or total insulin deficiency, with an onset that can be subtle (polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss) or abrupt (Diabetic Keto-Acidosis, hereafter DKA, or, although rarely, Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, hereafter HHS). Severe DKA risk at the onset of T1D has recently significantly increased during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with life-threatening complications often due to its management. DKA is marked by low pH (<7.3) and bicarbonates (<15 mmol/L) in the presence of ketone bodies in plasma or urine, while HHS has normal pH (>7.3) and bicarbonates (>15 mmol/L) with no or very low ketone bodies. Despite this, ketone monitoring is not universally available, and DKA diagnosis is mainly based on pH and bicarbonates. A proper diagnosis of the right form with main elements (pH, bicarbonates, ketones) is essential to begin the right treatment and to identify organ damage (such as acute kidney injury).

Case Presentations

In this series, we describe 3 case reports in which the onset of T1D was abrupt with severe acidosis (pH < 7.1) in the absence of both DKA and HHS. In a further evaluation, all 3 patients showed acute kidney injury, which caused low bicarbonates and severe acidosis without increasing ketone bodies.

Conclusion

Even if it is not routinely recommended, a proper treatment that included bicarbonates was then started, with a good response in terms of clinical and laboratory values. With this case series, we would like to encourage emergency physicians to monitor ketones, which are diriment for a proper diagnosis and treatment of DKA.
Are We Ready for Newborn Genetic Screening? A Cross-Sectional Survey of Healthcare Professionals in Southeast China
Authors: Wu Xian , Yang Yuqi , Zhou Lingna , Long Wei , Yu Bin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To understand the knowledge, attitude, willingness, and ability of healthcare professionals working in newborn screening (NBS) centers regarding newborn genetic screening (nGS).

Methods

The questionnaire consisted of four sections with 27 questions and the data were collected by the WJX platform. All participants accessed the questionnaire by scanning a specific QR code with their mobile phones. Two researchers independently completed the summary and analysis.

Results

A total of 258 valid questionnaires were collected from 43 NBS centers in six provinces of southeast China. In total, 209 (81.01%) participants were interested in nGS, and almost all participants (97.67%) thought that nGS was necessary in China. About 89.53% of participants thought that it could be used to effectively expand the diseases that could be screened, but 72.87% also worried about the inability to provide genetic counseling. About 55.34% suggested that nGS and tandem mass spectrometry (TMS) screening could be applied in a unite screening mode. The higher the institution and personal education levels, the higher the interest healthcare professionals displayed toward nGS. However, they also showed greater concern about the inability to provide genetic counseling and ethical issues. If a center had engaged in TMS screening, its staff would have been more likely to believe that nGS had great advantages. In addition, most participants had ethical concerns, such as “the psychological burden caused by carrying information regarding adult morbidity risk.”

Conclusion

Most participants were interested and considered nGS necessary. The inability to provide genetic counseling may be the primary impediment to clinical practice. Three important influencing factors were level of education, institution level, and engagement in TMS screening.
Bark Beetle Attack History Does Not Influence the Induction of Terpene and Phenolic Defenses in Mature Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Trees by the Bark Beetle-Associated Fungus Endoconidiophora polonica
Authors: Nagel Raimund , Hammerbacher Almuth , Kunert Grit , Phillips Michael A. , Gershenzon Jonathan , Schmidt Axel
Published: May 2022

Terpenes and phenolics are important constitutive and inducible conifer defenses against bark beetles and their associated fungi. In this study, the inducible defenses of mature Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees with different histories of attack by the spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus were tested by inoculation with the I. typographus-associated fungus Endoconidiophora polonica. We compared trees that had been under previous attack with those under current attack and those that had no record of attack. After fungal inoculation, the concentrations of mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenes in bark increased 3- to 9-fold. For the phenolics, the flavan-3-ols, catechin, and gallocatechin, increased significantly by 2- and 5-fold, respectively, while other flavonoids and stilbenes did not. The magnitudes of these inductions were not influenced by prior bark beetle attack history for all the major compounds and compound classes measured. Before fungal inoculation, the total amounts of monoterpenes, diterpenes, and phenolics (constitutive defenses) were greater in trees that had been previously attacked compared to those under current attack, possibly a result of previous induction. The transcript levels of many genes involved in terpene formation (isoprenyl diphosphate synthases and terpene synthases) and phenolic formation (chalcone synthases) were significantly enhanced by fungal inoculation suggesting de novo biosynthesis. Similar inductions were found for the enzymatic activity of isoprenyl diphosphate synthases and the concentration of their prenyl diphosphate products after fungal inoculation. Quantification of defense hormones revealed a significant induction of the jasmonate pathway, but not the salicylic acid pathway after fungal inoculation. Our data highlight the coordinated induction of terpenes and phenolics in spruce upon infection by E. polonica, a fungal associate of the bark beetle I. typographus, but provide no evidence for the priming of these defense responses by prior beetle attack.
Empower Peers 4 Careers: Positive Peer Culture to Prepare Adolescents’ Career Choices
Authors: Schellenberg Claudia , Steinebach Christoph , Krauss Annette
Published: May 2022

For youth with special needs, where cognitive difficulties, behavioral and psychosocial issues are more common, career choice is particularly challenging. The Positive Peer Culture (PPC) approach uses the resource of peer support to systematically build social–emotional competence. Important key elements are that adolescents feel safe to share their own problems and challenges with others, to overcome difficulties and challenges, to take responsibility for their lives, and to help each other. The Empower Peers 4 Careers Project aims to apply the PPC approach to the context of career choice to promote the development of important competences for the transition from school to work. The pedagogical background of the PPC approach in the setting of career choice, as well as the required learning environments for the peers are presented. The peer group meetings are organized following a defined process through which learning forms social–emotional competence, as well as the class climate can be strengthened. In addition, the role of the moderators of the peer groups – such as class teachers or special education teachers – is examined in more detail and the concept is presented of how they are trained on topics such as resilience promotion and strengths orientation in the context of career choice preparation. The project “Empower Peers 4 Careers” will be cientifically monitored over 2 years using a quasi-experimental control group design, which includes quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 15 classes of the 8th grade (age group: 14-year-olds) of regular and special schools as well as 10 classes as control classes are participating. The results of the evaluation will not be available until 2023. The article presents the concept with the long-term goals, the implementation and didactics, as well as the hypotheses and the procedure for the evaluation.