bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Face-to-Face Mentoring, Remotely Supervised Home Exercise Prehabilitation to Improve Physical Function in Patients Awaiting Kidney Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ma Xiaojie , Zhang Zaozhang , Peng Mengsi , Yao Bonuan , Jiang Hongtao , Ji Xuanfu , You Yong
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aims to explore the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of home exercise prehabilitation on a new social platform for remote guidance to optimize the physical function of patients with end-stage renal disease awaiting kidney transplantation and provide scientific guidance on home prehabilitation exercises for patients awaiting kidney transplantation.

Methods

The subjects of this randomized clinical trial were randomly divided into the test and control groups. The control group maintained their exercise habits, while the trial group was given a 12-week personalized home prehabilitation exercise prescription (aerobic exercise + functional resistance exercise + flexibility exercise) on a new social platform with remote guidance. The participants’ physical and cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life, and psychological functioning were assessed before and after the intervention. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) walking distance and its percentage of attainment, the handgrip, the 5 repetition-sit-to-stand test, and the 4-m gait speed were used as primary outcome indicators, while the Short Form Health Survey SF-36 (health survey summary table) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale were used as the secondary outcome indicators.

Results

After 12 weeks of intervention, the changes in the 6MWT measured distance (+ 44.9 ± 40.2, P = 0.001) and the percentage of 6MWT measured distance achieved (+ 6.8 ± 5.7, P = 0.001), the handgrip (+ 2.7 ± 4.3, P = 0.028), the 5-sit-to-stand test (−1.1 ± 1.4, P = 0.005), and the 4-m walking speed (−0.3 ± 0.4, P < 0.001) of the test group (n = 21) improved significantly. In the control group (n = 16), the changes in the 6MWT measured distance (−13.1 ± 57.2), the 6MWT measured distance attainment percentage (−2.1 ± 9.1), the handgrip (−0.1 ± 2.5), the 5-sit-to-stand test value (0.6 ± 2.2), and the 4-m walking speed (0.2 ± 0.5) showed no significant difference. No significant improvement in anxiety, depression, and SF-36 was noted in both the test and control groups.

Conclusion

The remote coaching of home exercise pre-habilitation on a new social platform significantly improves the physical and cardiopulmonary fitness of patients with end-stage renal disease awaiting kidney transplantation. This treatment is safe and feasible in this population.
Concerted Collusion: Studying Multiagency Institutional Cover-Up
Authors: Montgomery Anthony
Published: June 2022

Many important organizational events do not lend themselves easily to experimental manipulation, and thus, one can only study them retrospectively by combining the investigative tools provided by both the social sciences and humanities. A cover-up, meaning an attempt to prevent the public from discovering information about a serious crime or mistake, is such a phenomenon. The objective of the present paper is to develop an initial taxonomy of how organizational researchers can study what happens when multiple organizations and institutions conspire to cover-up the causes of a tragedy. For this purpose, the 1989 United Kingdom Hillsborough tragedy and the 27 year cover-up will be analyzed. Hillsborough is the best (and worst) example of a cover-up, in that the objective facts were known from early on but the subjective elements (i.e., attitudes, bias, and collusion) resulted in a 27 year search for justice for the victims. It deserves special attention as an example of multiagency institutional cover-up, in that the range and diversity of institutional actors pitted against the victims grossly outweighed them in terms of material resources, social power (in terms of social class differences), and the ability to control the narrative of the tragedy. Using a thematic analysis approach, five main themes were identified as: (1) Unwilling, but compliant, participants who are unlikely to be whistleblowers, (2) Suppressing/withholding important information, (3) Proactively engaging the support of related actors/institutions that helps create a critical mass, (4) Owning the narrative, and (5) Moral disengagement.
The Correlation Analysis for New Media Internet Celebrity Economy in College Students’ Entrepreneurial Values and Entrepreneurial Behavior
Authors: Xiang Yonghui , Wang Weiwei
Published: June 2022

Driven by the development of new media, the Internet celebrity economic marketing model has gradually become one of the mainstream online marketing models. It has aroused warm attention on the network platform and provided a breakthrough for entrepreneurship for college students. This thesis aims to explore the influence of the Internet celebrity economy on college students’ entrepreneurial values and entrepreneurial behavior. A questionnaire is conducted among students in two colleges in Xi’an. Moreover, a theoretical model is constructed according to the influence principle of entrepreneurial values on entrepreneurial behavior. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire data are analyzed, and the mediating and moderating effects are tested. The results of the questionnaire show that contemporary college students generally pay attention to Internet celebrity mainly through live broadcast platforms and shopping platforms, among which entertainment and shopping account for the largest proportion. More than 40% of college students are optimistic about the impact of Internet celebrity economy and remain rational and objective on the whole. The results of model analysis show that the standardized path coefficient of entrepreneurial values on entrepreneurial behavior reaches a significant level of 0.85, and entrepreneurial values have a positive and significant impact on entrepreneurial behavior. The influence coefficient of the Internet celebrity economy on entrepreneurial intention is 0.79, and the influence coefficient of entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behavior is 0.84, both reaching a significant level. The entrepreneurial intention has an incomplete intermediary effect in the influence mechanism of the Internet celebrity economy on entrepreneurial behavior. The chain double intermediary composed of entrepreneurial motivation and entrepreneurial intention has an incomplete intermediary effect in the indirect impact path of the Internet celebrity economy on entrepreneurial behavior. The influence coefficient of the product of entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial policy satisfaction on entrepreneurial behavior is 0.17, which is always greater than −12.28, indicating that entrepreneurial policy satisfaction has a regulatory effect in the impact path of entrepreneurial intention on entrepreneurial behavior. The research results can guide college students to view the Internet celebrity economy rationally and objectively, and provide some guidance for them to have correct entrepreneurial values.
Spirituality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Online Creative Arts Intervention With Photocollages for Older Adults in Italy and Israel
Authors: Keisari Shoshi , Piol Silvia , Orkibi Hod , Elkarif Talia , Mola Giada , Testoni Ines
Published: June 2022

The present study aimed to examine how expressions of spirituality were stimulated and reflected in an online creative arts intervention for older adults during COVID-19 lockdowns. The online process focused on the creation of digital photocollages together with narrative elements of dignity therapy. Twenty-four Israeli and Italian community-dwelling older adults aged 78–92 participated in a three-session online intervention involving the production of three photocollages. The visual and verbal data (participants’ chosen photos and photocollages, and transcripts of the sessions) were qualitatively analyzed within an abductive framework. Four themes were generated, representing the four domains of spirituality that were stimulated by and expressed in the process: (1) Connectedness with the self, (2) connectedness with others, (3) connectedness with the environment, and (4) connectedness with the transcendent. The findings show how photographs can serve as projective visual stimuli which elicit personal content through spontaneous thinking, and they reveal the multifaceted nature of spirituality, wherein each domain nourishes the others. Overall, the findings illustrate how creative arts intervention guided by the tenets of dignity therapy can contribute to the spiritual care of older adults during periods of social isolation, or to the spiritual support provided in palliative care.
Research on the New Model of Data-Driven Teaching Decision-Making for University Minority Language Majors
Authors: Ru Mian
Published: June 2022

This article expounds on the urgency of the reform of the training mode of university minority language majors, elaborates on the data-driven teaching decision-making mode, and explores the implementation strategy of teaching decision-making driven by data. Multimodal teaching behavior data and refined process analysis method promote precision and personalized teaching, change the traditional thick line result analysis mode, and accelerate the development of minority language major teaching.
Research on the Impact of the Strength of Channel Conflict on Cross-Channel Integration: The Mediating Effect of Channel Fluency and Stability
Authors: Dong Wei-Wei , Lu Qing-yan
Published: June 2022

Based on event system theory, we explore the effect of the strength of channel conflict on cross-channel integration from the perspective of manufacturers, and then analyzes the mediating effect of channel fluency and channel stability. Taking manufactures who implement cross-channel integration as research samples, and basing the data collected from 229 respondents, the study uses multiple regression analysis and Bootstrap method to test the research hypotheses. The empirical research findings show that: the strength of channel conflict plays a negative role on channel fluency and channel stability; the strength of channel conflict has a double-edged sword effect on cross-channel integration: it can reduce cross-channel integration by destroying channel fluency, and at the same time can improve cross-channel integration by destroying and reducing channel stability.
Depression in Diabetic Patients: What Is the Link With Eating Disorders? Results of a Study in a Representative Sample of Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Pinna Federica , Suprani Federico , Deiana Valeria , Lai Lorena , Manchia Mirko , Paribello Pasquale , Somaini Giulia , Diana Enrica , Nicotra Eraldo Francesco , Farci Fernando , Ghiani Mariangela , Cau Rossella , Tuveri Marta , Cossu Efisio , Loy Elena , Crapanzano Andrea , Grassi Paola , Loviselli Andrea , Velluzzi Fernanda , Carpiniello Bernardo
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

Comorbidity between diabetes and depression, and diabetes and eating disorders (ED) conveys significant diagnostic, clinical and therapeutic implications. The present study was conducted on a sample of adult outpatients affected by Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) to assess lifetime prevalence of ED; current prevalence of depression and Disturbed Eating Behaviors (DEB) and their impact on glycemic control. We hypothesized that patients with depression would have higher rates of lifetime ED and current DEB. We hypothesized a significant and independent association between DEB and the prevalence of depression.

Materials and Methods

The study was carried out using a cross-sectional design in a sample of 172 diabetic patients with T1DM aged from 17 to 55 years. Lifetime prevalence of ED according to DSM-5 criteria was assessed by means of the Module H modified of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder (SCID-I). The following questionnaires were used: Beck Depression Inventory–IA version (BDI-IA) and Diabetes Eating Problems Survey—Revised (DEPS-R), to assess respectively the current presence of depression and DEB. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were also collected.

Results

High rates of depression (35.5%) and DEB (19.2%) were observed in our sample of 172 adult outpatients with T1DM. Lifetime history of ED was present in 20.9% of the sample and was more frequently diagnosed in patients with current depression (34.4% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.002). Higher levels of DEB at DEPS-R significantly increased the odds of depression (adjOR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.15; p = 0.003). The presence of DEB was associated with poor glycemic control. On the other hand, no association was found between depression and metabolic compensation.

Conclusion

Adult patients with T1DM and depression should be screened for ED and DEB. Treating DEB could positively impact both mood and glycemic control in this population. Further studies should be carried out on a larger patient population using a longitudinal design and an accurate method of evaluation to explore the complex relationship between diabetes, depression, ED, and DEB. Future research should investigate treatment strategies for DEB in T1DM patients and their impact on both psychopathological and metabolic outcomes.
Psychometric Properties of the Smartphone Distraction Scale in Chinese College Students: Validity, Reliability and Influencing Factors
Authors: Zhao Xueyang , Hu Ting , Qiao Guiyuan , Li Chaoyang , Wu Man , Yang Fen , Zhou Jing
Published: June 2022

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the Chinese version of the Smartphone Distraction Scale (C-SDS), which is an easy-to-use tool for screening the risk of smartphone distraction in Chinese college students.

Methods

The C-SDS, Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), Fear of Missing Out scale (FoMO) and Metacognition about Smartphone Use Questionnaire (MSUQ) were used in a sample of 1,002 Chinese college students to test smartphone distraction and its influencing factors. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to test measurement properties and factor structures of the C-SDS. Multi-variable linear regressions examined the relationships of sex, age, education level, the purpose of using a smartphone, usage of smartphone (hours per day), fear of missing out, smartphone addiction and positive and negative metacognitions about smartphone use with the C-SDS.

Results

The EFA showed a 3-factor structure, which consisted of attention impulsiveness, multitasking and emotion regulation. The CFA showed that the 3-factor demonstrated an overall better model fit (RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.05, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93). The C-SDS showed internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88, McDonald’s Omega ω = 0.88). Findings included that negative metacognition about smartphone use was most correlated with the C-SDS (b = 0.73; p < 0.001). Smartphone addiction, positive metacognition about smartphone use and fear of missing out also correlated with the C-SDS (b = 0.66, p < 0.001; b = 0.53, p < 0.001; b = 0.40, p < 0.001, respectively). The study shows that males compared to females (b = –1.65; p = 0.003), had a higher C-SDS score.

Conclusion

The C-SDS was valid and reliable for assessing the distraction of using smartphones in the Chinese context. Being female, the purpose of using a smartphone, smartphone usage (hours per day), fear of missing out, smartphone addiction and positive and negative metacognitions about smartphone use were positively correlated to the C-SDS.
Microglial Inflammatory-Metabolic Pathways and Their Potential Therapeutic Implication in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Rahimian Reza , Belliveau Claudia , Chen Rebecca , Mechawar Naguib
Published: June 2022

Increasing evidence supports the notion that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), at least in a subset of patients. By virtue of their capacity to transform into reactive states in response to inflammatory insults, microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, play a pivotal role in the induction of neuroinflammation. Experimental studies have demonstrated the ability of microglia to recognize pathogens or damaged cells, leading to the activation of a cytotoxic response that exacerbates damage to brain cells. However, microglia display a wide range of responses to injury and may also promote resolution stages of inflammation and tissue regeneration. MDD has been associated with chronic priming of microglia. Recent studies suggest that altered microglial morphology and function, caused either by intense inflammatory activation or by senescence, may contribute to depression and associated impairments in neuroplasticity. In this context, modifying microglia phenotype by tuning inflammatory pathways might have important translational relevance to harness neuroinflammation in MDD. Interestingly, it was recently shown that different microglial phenotypes are associated with distinct metabolic pathways and analysis of the underlying molecular mechanisms points to an instrumental role for energy metabolism in shaping microglial functions. Here, we review various canonical pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and metabolic pathways in microglia that may provide new therapeutic opportunities to control neuroinflammation in brain disorders, with a strong focus on MDD.
Anti-programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Therapy in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Induced Type 1 Diabetes: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zheng Zhi-Kai , Wang Jiong-Liang , Li Wen-Xuan , Wu Tian-Qing , Chen Min-Shan , Zhou Zhong-Guo
Published: June 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitors, widely used in the treatment of malignancies, can improve the prognosis of patients, while it also can induce various immune-related adverse events, and type 1 diabetes induced by anti-programmed cell death protein-1 is a rare but severe complication. Here we reported a case of type 1 diabetes induced by anti-PD-1 which was to treat intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. The case was a 61-year-old female who developed diabetes and ketoacidosis symptoms at the 16th week after anti-PD-1 therapy. Her blood glucose was 30.32 mmol/L, HBA1c was 8.10%, and C-peptide was <0.10 ng/ml. The patient was diagnosed as fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated with ketoacidosis induced by anti-PD-1, and was treated with massive fluid rehydration, intravenous infusion of insulin and correction of acid-base electrolyte disorder. Hepatectomy was performed after stabilization, and the patient was treated with long-term insulin. Through the case report and literature review, this study aims to improve oncologists' understanding of anti-PD-1 induced type 1 diabetes, so as to make early diagnosis and treatment of the complications and ensure medical safety.
A Genetic Algorithm to Model Solar Radio Active Regions From 3D Magnetic Field Extrapolations
Authors: de Oliveira e Silva Alexandre José , Selhorst Caius Lucius , Costa Joaquim E. R. , Simões Paulo J. A. , Giménez de Castro Carlos Guillermo , Wedemeyer Sven , White Stephen M. , Brajša Roman , Valio Adriana
Published: June 2022

In recent decades our understanding of solar active regions (ARs) has improved substantially due to observations made with better angular resolution and wider spectral coverage. While prior AR observations have shown that these structures were always brighter than the quiet Sun at centimeter wavelengths, recent observations at millimeter and submillimeter wavelengths have shown ARs with well defined dark umbrae. Given this new information, it is now necessary to update our understanding and models of the solar atmosphere in active regions. In this work, we present a data-constrained model of the AR solar atmosphere, in which we use brightness temperature measurements of NOAA 12470 at three radio frequencies: 17, 100 and 230 GHz. The observations at 17 GHz were made by the Nobeyama Radioheliograph (NoRH), while the observations at 100 and 230 GHz were obtained by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Based on our model, which assumes that the radio emission originates from thermal free-free and gyroresonance processes, we calculate radio brightness temperature maps that can be compared with the observations. The magnetic field at distinct atmospheric heights was determined in our modelling process by force-free field extrapolation using photospheric magnetograms taken by the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). In order to determine the best plasma temperature and density height profiles necessary to match the observations, the model uses a genetic algorithm that modifies a standard quiet Sun atmospheric model. Our results show that the height of the transition region (TR) of the modelled atmosphere varies with the type of region being modelled: for umbrae the TR is located at 1080 ± 20 km above the solar surface; for penumbrae, the TR is located at 1800 ± 50 km; and for bright regions outside sunspots, the TR is located at 2000 ± 100 km. With these results, we find good agreement with the observed AR brightness temperature maps. Our modelled AR can be used to estimate the emission at frequencies without observational coverage.
Open Surgery for Sportsman’s Hernia a Retrospective Study
Authors: Palumbo Piergaspare , Massimi Fanny , Lucchese Sara , Grimaldi Serena , Vernaccini Nicola , Cirocchi Roberto , Sorrenti Salvatore , Usai Sofia , Intini Sergio Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Sportsman’s hernia is a painful syndrome in the inguinal area occurring in patients who play sports at an amatorial or professional level. Pain arises during sport, and sometimes persists after activity, representing an obstacle to sport resumption. A laparoscopic/endoscopic approach is proposed by many authors for treatment of the inguinal wall defect. Aim of this study is to assess the open technique in terms of safety and effectiveness, in order to obtain the benefit of an open treatment in an outpatient management. From October 2017 to July 2019, 34 patients underwent surgery for groin pain syndrome. All cases exhibited a bulging of the inguinal posterior wall. 14 patients were treated with Lichtenstein technique with transversalis fascia plication and placement of a polypropylene mesh fixed with fibrin glue. In 20 cases, a polypropylene mesh was placed in the preperitoneal space. The procedure was performed in day surgery facilities. Early or late postoperative complications did not occur in both groups. All patients returned to sport, in 32 cases with complete pain relief, whereas 2 patients experienced mild residual pain. The average value of return to sport was 34.11 ± 8.44 days. The average value of return to play was 53.82 ± 11.69 days. With regard to postoperative pain, no substantial differences between the two techniques were detected, and good results in terms of the resumption of sport were ensured in both groups. Surgical treatment for sportsman’s hernia should be considered only after the failure of conservative treatment. The open technique is safe and allows a rapid postoperative recovery.
RNA Sequencing of the Pituitary Gland and Association Analyses Reveal PRKG2 as a Candidate Gene for Growth and Carcass Traits in Chinese Ningdu Yellow Chickens
Authors: Xiong Xinwei , Zhou Min , Zhu Xuenong , Tan Yuwen , Wang Zhangfeng , Gong Jishang , Xu Jiguo , Wen Yafang , Liu Jianxiang , Tu Xutang , Rao Yousheng
Published: June 2022

Growth and carcass traits are of great economic importance to the chicken industry. The candidate genes and mutations associated with growth and carcass traits can be utilized to improve chicken growth. Therefore, the identification of these genes and mutations is greatly importance. In this study, a total of 17 traits related to growth and carcass were measured in 399 Chinese Ningdu yellow chickens. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to detect candidate genes using 12 pituitary gland samples (six per group), which exhibited extreme growth and carcass phenotypes: either a high live weight and carcass weight (H group) or a low live weight and carcass weight (L group). A differential expression analysis, utilizing RNA-seq, between the H and L groups identified 428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 110 up-regulated genes and 318 down-regulated genes. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the identified genes showed a significant enrichment of 158 GO terms and two KEGG pathways, including response to stimulus and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, respectively. Furthermore, RNA-seq data, qRT–PCR, and quantitative trait transcript (QTT) analysis results suggest that the PRKG2 gene is an important candidate gene for growth and carcass traits of Chinese Ningdu yellow chickens. More specifically, association analyses of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in PRKG2 and growth and carcass traits showed that the SNP rs16400745 was significantly associated with 12 growth and carcass traits (P < 0.05), such as carcass weight (P = 9.68E-06), eviscerated weight (P = 3.04E-05), and semi-eviscerated weight (P = 2.14E-04). Collectively, these results provide novel insights into the genetic basis of growth in Chinese Ningdu yellow chickens and the SNP rs16400745 reported here could be incorporated into the selection programs involving this breed.
Changes in Cardiac Function During the Development of Uremic Cardiomyopathy and the Effect of Salvianolic Acid B Administration in a Rat Model
Authors: Ma Danfu , Mandour Ahmed S. , Elfadadny Ahmed , Hendawy Hanan , Yoshida Tomohiko , El-Husseiny Hussein M. , Nishifuji Koji , Takahashi Ken , Zhou Zhenlei , Zhao Yanbing , Tanaka Ryou
Published: June 2022

Background

Uremic cardiomyopathy (UC), the main cause of death in progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD), is characterized by diastolic dysfunction. Intraventricular pressure gradients (IVPG) derived from color m-mode echocardiography (CMME) and two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) were established as novel echocardiographic approaches for non-invasive and repeatable assessment of cardiac function. Previously, salvianolic acid B (Sal B) showed the potential to alleviate concentric LV hypertrophy in the pressure overload model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in cardiac function in UC and assess the efficacy of Sal B therapy using IVPG and 2DSTE techniques.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-four rats underwent subtotal nephrectomy to produce progressive renal failure and were allocated equally into UC (n = 12) and Sal B-UC (n = 12) groups and monitored for 8 weeks. A sham-operated group was also included in this study (n = 12). Sal B was injected from weeks 4 to 8 in the Sal B-UC group. Conventional echocardiography, 2DSTE, and CMME were performed every 2 weeks post-operation, concomitantly with an evaluation of renal function. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry analyses were carried out to confirm the echocardiography findings.

Results

Renal failure and myocardial dysfunction were confirmed in the UC group from weeks 2 through 8. Eccentric and concentric hypertrophy was observed in the UC group, while the Sal B-UC group showed only eccentric hypertrophy. IVPG analysis did not reveal any significant differences between the groups. Edema, inflammation, fibrosis, and immunohistochemical expression of CD3 infiltration were higher in the UC group compared with sham and Sal B-UC groups.

Conclusion

2DSTE and IVPG explored the pathophysiology during the development of UC and indicated the incidence of myocardial dysfunction before ventricular morphological changes without intracardiac flow changes. This study confirmed increased ventricular stiffness and fibrosis in UC rats which was potentially treated by Sal B via decreasing edema, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Efficacy of Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality in Calves Within Experimental Infection Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Martinez David A. , Newcomer Benjamin , Passler Thomas , Chamorro Manuel F.
Published: June 2022

Producers and veterinarians commonly use vaccination as the main strategy to reduce the incidence of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection in calves; however, supportive evidence of BRSV vaccination efficacy has been inconsistent in the literature. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate data from controlled studies on the efficacy of commercially available BRSV vaccines on reducing calf morbidity and mortality after experimental infection with BRSV. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in BRSV experimental challenge studies that reported the efficacy of commercially available modified-live virus (MLV) and inactivated BRSV vaccines on protection against calf morbidity and mortality. The studies included in the analysis were randomized, controlled, clinical trials with clear definitions of calf morbidity and mortality. Risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and forest plots were generated. Fourteen studies including 29 trials were selected for the analysis. Commercially available MLV BRSV vaccines reduced the risk of calf mortality after experimental infection with BRSV. Modified-live virus vaccines reduced the risk of morbidity in calves with absence of serum maternal antibodies at initial vaccination, but failed to demonstrate significant morbidity reduction when calves were vaccinated in the face of maternal immunity. Results from experimental challenge studies do not always represent the conditions of natural infection and caution should be used when making vaccine recommendations.
A gyökéramputáció hatásának vizsgálata intrakoronálisan sínezett, furkációérintett felső moláris fogak törési ellenállására
Authors: T. Szabó Veronika , Szabó Balázs , Braunitzer Gábor , Szabó P. Balázs , Fráter Márk
Published: June 2022

Bevezetés: Furkációérintett, felső első moláris és felső második premoláris fogakból álló, intrakoronálisan sínezett egységek törési ellenállását vizsgáltuk in vitro, a gyökéramputáció függvényében.Anyag és módszer: Két csoportban, 10-10 fogpáregységet hoztunk létre. A 2. csoport esetében a molárisok diszto-bukkális (DB) gyökereit távolítottuk el, az 1. csoportban nem történt gyökéramputáció. A fogakat metakrilát rezinbe ágyaztuk a zománc-cement határtól 6 mm-re apikálisan, furkációérintettség képét utánozva. A mintákat dinamikus, majd statikus terhelési tesztnek tettük ki. Vizsgáltuk a töréssel szembeni ellenállást, valamint a törések mintázatát.Eredmények: Az 1. csoport (gyökéramputáció nélkül) töréssel szembeni ellenállása átlagosan 2184,90 N (n = 10,SD = ±462,133 N) volt, míg a 2. csoporté (DB gyökéramputációval) 1752,50 N (n = 10, SD = ±364,932 N). A két csoport értékei között szignifikáns eltérés van (p = 0,032). A törési mintázat tekintetében az 1. csoportnál egyenlő arányban fordultak elő kedvező és kedvezőtlen, míg a 2. csoport esetén dominánsan kedvezőtlen törések jöttek létre.Következtetések: A gyökéramputáció befolyásolhatja az intrakoronálisan sínezett, felső első moláris és premoláris egységek törési ellenállását, valamint törési mintázatát redukált parodontium esetén.
Horizontálisan atrófizált állcsontgerinc rehabilitációja tágításos oszteotómiával
Authors: Pénzes Dorottya , Simon Fanni , Mijritsky Eitan , Németh Orsolya , Kivovics Márton
Published: June 2022

Az állcsontokban végbemenő csontfelszívódás sok esetben határt szab az implantációval történő protetikai rehabilitációnak. Az állkapocs kis- és nagyőrlő régiójában a késői implantáció (International Team for Implantology (ITI) IV. típusú implantátum beültetés) esetén gyakran erőteljesen atrófizált állcsontgerinc figyelhető meg. Az alsó állcsont hátsó szegmentumának területén a főként horizontális irányú csontsorvadás jellemző, mely augmentációjára a nemzetközi irodalom számos különböző technikát ír le. Az inadekvát szélességű állcsont horizontális augmentációjára a tágításos oszteotómia egy jól dokumentált sebészi eljárás. Esetismertetésünk célja, egy olyan újszerű tágításos módszer bemutatása, mely során kizárólag autológ csont felhasználásával történik a csontpótlás az optimális gyógyulás érdekében.A tágítás során használt piezoelektromos műszerrel végzett oszteotómiák során történik a bukkális csontblokk mobilizálása, így helyet teremtve a bukkális és a lingvális csontfal közt a behelyezésre kerülő csontgraftnak. A donor csontblokkot a ramus mandibulae területéről nyerjük. A csontblokkot a recipiens területen blokkrögzítő csavarokkal stabilizáljuk, majd a sebet zárjuk. A csontseb 3 hónapos gyógyulás után alkalmassá válik implantálásra.
Overview of Distributed Machine Learning Techniques for 6G Networks
Authors: Muscinelli Eugenio , Shinde Swapnil Sadashiv , Tarchi Daniele
Published: June 2022

The main goal of this paper is to survey the influential research of distributed learning technologies playing a key role in the 6G world. Upcoming 6G technology is expected to create an intelligent, highly scalable, dynamic, and programable wireless communication network able to serve many heterogeneous wireless devices. Various machine learning (ML) techniques are expected to be deployed over the intelligent 6G wireless network that provide solutions to highly complex networking problems. In order to do this, various 6G nodes and devices are expected to generate tons of data through external sensors, and data analysis will be needed. With such massive and distributed data, and various innovations in computing hardware, distributed ML techniques are expected to play an important role in 6G. Though they have several advantages over the centralized ML techniques, implementing the distributed ML algorithms over resource-constrained wireless environments can be challenging. Therefore, it is important to select a proper ML algorithm based upon the characteristics of the wireless environment and the resource requirements of the learning process. In this work, we survey the recently introduced distributed ML techniques with their characteristics and possible benefits by focusing our attention on the most influential papers in the area. We finally give our perspective on the main challenges and advantages for telecommunication networks, along with the main scenarios that could eventuate.
Horses in Lithuania in the Late Roman–Medieval Period (3rd–14th C AD) Burial Sites: Updates on Size, Age and Dating
Authors: Piličiauskienė Giedrė , Kurila Laurynas , Ežerinskis Žilvinas , Šapolaitė Justina , Garbaras Andrius , Zagurskytė Aurelija , Micelicaitė Viktorija
Published: June 2022

The tradition of burying horses in Lithuania lasted from the Early Roman period until the late 14th C AD. It was the longest-lasting custom in Europe, which has left about 2000 known horse burials. This paper publishes the osteometric data and age of horses found in Lithuanian cemeteries and castles of the 3rd–14th C AD, over 200 individuals in total. These are the remains of all the horses still stored in Lithuanian institutions. The paper discusses the dynamics of horse body size in order to test previously suggested hypotheses regarding the relationship between large horse body size and its military use, possibly non-local breed, and high social status of the owner. Moreover, we are publishing the AMS 14C dates of 13 horses previously assigned to the Migration period. The research results corrected the existing chronology. The abundant data also allowed an assessment of the development of the size and age of the horses in Lithuania between the 3rd and 14th C AD. Osteometric analyses have shown that Late Roman–post-Migration-period horses were unusually large compared to the Viking and medieval horses in Lithuania. Meanwhile, we suggest that the semi-slender-legged 118–125-cm-tall horse, which predominated in the Viking period, is the most consistent with the local horse type. In general, the horses in Lithuania in the 3rd–11th C AD were small compared to those in Central and Western Europe or Scandinavia. More significant changes can be observed in the Middle Ages. In the 12–14th C AD, there was a much greater variety of horses and the expansion of taller (140–150 cm) individuals. However, the continued abundance of small horses in the medieval times, found buried with saddles and other equipment, allows one to renew the debate on the formation of the cavalry, the tactics of combat, and the social composition of horsemen in Lithuania.
Adapting Clofazimine for Treatment of Cutaneous Tuberculosis by Using Self-Double-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: van Staden Daniélle , Haynes Richard K. , Viljoen Joe M.
Published: June 2022

Although chemotherapeutic treatment regimens are currently available, and considerable effort has been lavished on the development of new drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), the disease remains deeply intractable and widespread. This is due not only to the nature of the life cycle and extraordinarily disseminated habitat of the causative pathogen, principally Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), in humans and the multi-drug resistance of Mtb to current drugs, but especially also to the difficulty of enabling universal treatment of individuals, immunocompromised or otherwise, in widely differing socio-economic environments. For the purpose of globally eliminating TB by 2035, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the “End-TB” initiative by employing interventions focusing on high impact, integrated and patient-centered approaches, such as individualized therapy. However, the extraordinary shortfall in stipulated aims, for example in actual treatment and in TB preventative treatments during the period 2018–2022, latterly and greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, means that even greater pressure is now placed on enhancing our scientific understanding of the disease, repurposing or repositioning old drugs and developing new drugs as well as evolving innovative treatment methods. In the specific context of multidrug resistant Mtb, it is furthermore noted that the incidence of extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB) has significantly increased. This review focusses on the potential of utilizing self-double-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SDEDDSs) as topical drug delivery systems for the dermal route of administration to aid in treatment of cutaneous TB (CTB) and other mycobacterial infections as a prelude to evaluating related systems for more effective treatment of CTB and other mycobacterial infections at large. As a starting point, we consider here the possibility of adapting the highly lipophilic riminophenazine clofazimine, with its potential for treatment of multi-drug resistant TB, for this purpose. Additionally, recently reported synergism achieved by adding clofazimine to first-line TB regimens signifies the need to consider clofazimine. Thus, the biological effects and pharmacology of clofazimine are reviewed. The potential of plant-based oils acting as emulsifiers, skin penetration enhancers as well as these materials behaving as anti-microbial components for transporting the incorporated drug are also discussed.
Green Hydrogen Storage in an Underground Cavern: A Case Study in Salt Diapir of Spain
Authors: Valle-Falcones Laura M. , Grima-Olmedo Carlos , Mazadiego-Martínez Luis F. , Hurtado-Bezos Antonio , Eguilior-Díaz Sonsoles , Rodríguez-Pons Ramón
Published: June 2022

The Poza de la Sal diapir is a closed circular depression with Cretaceous Mesozoic materials, formed by gypsum, Keuper clays, and a large extension of salt in the center with intercalations of ophite. The low seismic activity of the area, the reduced permeability and porosity of the salt caverns, and the proximity to the Páramo de Poza wind park, make it a suitable place for the construction of a facility for underground storage of green hydrogen obtained from surplus wind power. The design of a cavern for hydrogen storage at a depth of 1000 m takes into account the differences in stresses, temperatures, and confining pressures involved in the salt deformation process. During the 8 months of the injection phase, 23.0 GWh can be stored in the form of hydrogen obtained from the wind energy surplus, to be used later in the extraction phase. The injection and extraction ratio must be developed under the conditions of geomechanical safety of the cavity, so as to minimize the risks to the environment and people, by conditioning the gas pressure inside the cavity to remain within a given range.
Dynamics of Precipitation Anomalies in Tropical South America
Authors: Córdova Mario , Célleri Rolando , van Delden Aarnout
Published: June 2022

In this study, precipitation in Tropical South America in the 1931–2016 period is investigated by means of Principal Component Analysis and composite analysis of circulation fields. The associated dynamics are analyzed using the 20th century ERA-20C reanalysis. It is found that the main climatic processes related to precipitation anomalies in Tropical South America are: (1) the intensity and position of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ); (2) El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO); (3) the meridional position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which is found to be related to Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies; and (4) anomalies in the strength of the South American Monsoon System, especially the South American Low-Level Jet (SALLJ). Interestingly, all of the analyzed anomalies are related to processes that operate from the Atlantic Ocean, except for ENSO. Results from the present study are in agreement with the state of the art literature about precipitation anomalies in the region. However, the added strength of the longer dataset and the larger study area improves the knowledge and gives new insights into how climate variability and the resulting dynamics are related to precipitation in Tropical South America.
Rapid and Low-Cost Detection and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Titers of ICU Patients with Respiratory Deterioration Using a Handheld Thermo-Photonic Device
Authors: Thapa Damber , Samadi Nakisa , Baker Andrew , Santos Claudia dos , Trahtemberg Uriel , Tabatabaei Nima
Published: June 2022

While research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in producing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its potentially severe complications, how long these antibodies persist after the infection/vaccination is unknown. Longitudinal studies and rapid and scalable platforms are needed for large-scale sero-diagnosis and vaccine evaluation. In this study, we examine the efficacy of our recently-developed handheld thermo-photonic device for rapid and low-cost assessment of the adaptive immune response of COVID+ and COVID− patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at a local hospital due to respiratory deterioration. Antibody testing included detection and quantification of IgG and IgM via thermo-photonic sensing of a commercially available COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid test as well as standard measurements with quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (qELISA). The results demonstrate that the thermo-photonic reader in conjunction with COVID-19 IgG/IgM test cassettes can detect and quantify IgG levels in COVID-19 antibody assays within the clinically relevant range and with a high correlation to those obtained from qELISA. We also found that the IgG antibody is more reliable for detecting individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 compared to the IgM antibody. The developed reader offers a low-cost, portable, and scalable solution for accessing the antibody titer of individuals against SARS-CoV-2 and can be used in local hospital settings.
Targeting the Cation-Chloride Co-Transporter NKCC1 to Re-Establish GABAergic Inhibition and an Appropriate Excitatory/Inhibitory Balance in Selective Neuronal Circuits: A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Capsoni Simona , Arisi Ivan , Malerba Francesca , D’Onofrio Mara , Cattaneo Antonino , Cherubini Enrico
Published: June 2022

GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, depolarizes and excites immature neurons because of an initially higher intracellular chloride concentration [Cl−]i due to the delayed expression of the chloride exporter KCC2 at birth. Depolarization-induced calcium rise via NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels is instrumental in shaping neuronal circuits and in controlling the excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) balance in selective brain areas. An E/I imbalance accounts for cognitive impairment observed in several neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data on the mechanisms by which alterations of GABAergic signaling alter the E/I balance in cortical and hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and the role of cation-chloride co-transporters in this process. In particular, we discuss the NGF and AD relationship and how mice engineered to express recombinant neutralizing anti-NGF antibodies (AD11 mice), which develop a neurodegenerative pathology reminiscent of that observed in AD patients, exhibit a depolarizing action of GABA due to KCC2 impairment. Treating AD and other forms of dementia with bumetanide, a selective NKCC1 antagonist, contributes to re-establishing a proper E/I balance in selective brain areas, leading to amelioration of AD symptoms and the slowing down of disease progression.
Neurosurgical Clinical Trials for Glioblastoma: Current and Future Directions
Authors: Shah Ashish H. , Heiss John D.
Published: June 2022

The mainstays of glioblastoma treatment, maximal safe resection, radiotherapy preserving neurological function, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy have not changed for the past 17 years despite significant advances in the understanding of the genetics and molecular biology of glioblastoma. This review highlights the neurosurgical foundation for glioblastoma therapy. Here, we review the neurosurgeon’s role in several new and clinically-approved treatments for glioblastoma. We describe delivery techniques such as blood–brain barrier disruption and convection-enhanced delivery (CED) that may be used to deliver therapeutic agents to tumor tissue in higher concentrations than oral or intravenous delivery. We mention pivotal clinical trials of immunotherapy for glioblastoma and explain their outcomes. Finally, we take a glimpse at ongoing clinical trials and promising translational studies to predict ways that new therapies may improve the prognosis of patients with glioblastoma.