bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Validation of COVID-19 Self-Conduct Buccal and Nasal Swabs RTK-Antigen Diagnostic Kit
Authors: Kalil Mohammad Nur Amin , Yusof Wardah , Ahmed Naveed , Fauzi Mohd Hashairi , Bakar Mimi Azliha Abu , Sjahid Afifah Sjamun , Hassan Rosline , Yean Yean Chan
Published: December 2021

The antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) is an immunodiagnostic test that detects the presence of viral proteins (antigens) expressed by the COVID-19 virus in a sample from a patient’s respiratory tract. This study focused on evaluating the performance of self-conduct buccal and nasal swabs RTK-antigen test compared to nasopharyngeal swab RTK-based COVID-19 diagnostic assays, Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag Rapid Test Device (Nasopharyngeal) (Abbott Rapid Diagnostics Jena GmbH, Jena, Germany) used in hospitals for first-line screening. The sensitivity and specificity of the paired RTK-Ag test in detecting the an-tigen were calculated at 96.4% and 100%, respectively. Fisher exact tests showed the association between nasopharyngeal swabs RTK-Ag assay and buccal-nasal swabs RTK-Ag from ProdetectTM is significant (p-values < 0.001). The result showed that a self-conducted buccal and nasal RTK-antigen rapid test by the patients is comparable to the results obtained from a rapid test device conducted by trained medical personnel using a nasopharyngeal swab.
Profiling of Myositis Specific Antibodies and Composite Scores as an Aid in the Differential Diagnosis of Autoimmune Myopathies
Authors: Mahler Michael , Malyavantham Kishore , Seaman Andrea , Bentow Chelsea , Anunciacion-Llunell Ariadna , Sanz-Martínez María Teresa , Viñas-Gimenez Laura , Selva-O’Callaghan Albert
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Myositis specific antibodies (MSA) represent important diagnostic and stratification tools in idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) patients. Here we aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of MSA profiled by a novel particle based multi-analyte technology (PMAT) in IIM and subsets thereof. (2) Methods: 264 IIM patients and 200 controls were tested for MSA using PMAT (Inova Diagnostics, research use only). Diagnostic performance was analyzed and composite scores were generated. (3) Results: The sensitivity/specificity of the individual MSA were: 19.7%/100% (Jo-1), 7.2%/100.0% (Mi-2), 3.0%/99.0% (NXP2), 3.8%/100.0% (SAE), 2.7%/100.0% (PL-7), 1.9%/99.5 (PL-12), 1.1%/100.0% (EJ), 15.5%/99.5% (TIF1γ), 8.3%/98.5% (MDA5), 6.1%/99.0% (HMGCR) and 1.9%/98.5% (SRP). Of all IIM patients, 180/264 tested positive for at least one of the MSAs. In the individual control group, 12/200 (6.0%) tested positive for at least one MSA, most of which had levels close to the cut-off (except one SRP and one PL-12). Only 6/264 (2.3%) IIM patients were positive for more than one antibody (MDA5/HMGCR, EJ/PL-7, 2 x MDA5/TIF1γ, EJ/SAE, SAE/TIF1γ). The overall sensitivity was 68.2% paired with a specificity of 94.0%, leading to an odds ratio of 33.8. The composite scores showed good discrimination between subgroups (e.g., anti-synthetase syndrome). (4) Conclusion: MSA, especially when combined in composite scores (here measured by PMAT), provide value in stratification of patients with IIM.
Biomarkers Changes after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Seven-Year Single Institution Experience
Authors: Coiro Saverio , Gasparini Elisa , Falco Giuseppe , Santandrea Giacomo , Foroni Moira , Besutti Giulia , Iotti Valentina , Di Cicilia Roberto , Foroni Monica , Mele Simone , Ferrari Guglielmo , Bisagni Giancarlo , Ragazzi Moira
Published: December 2021

The adoption of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) for breast cancer (BC) is increasing. The need to repeat the biomarkers on a residual tumor after NACT is still a matter of debate. We verified estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), Ki67 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status changes impact in a retrospective monocentric series of 265 BCs undergoing NACT. All biomarkers changed with an overall tendency toward a reduced expression. Changes in PR and Ki67 were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Ki67 changed in 114/265 (43.0%) cases, PR in 44/265 (16.6%), ER in 31/265 (11.7%) and HER2 in 26/265 (9.8%). Overall, intrinsic subtype changed in 72/265 (27.2%) cases after NACT, and 10/265 (3.8%) cases switched to a different adjuvant therapy accordingly. Luminal subtypes changed most frequently (66/175; 31.7%) but with less impact on therapy (5/175; 2.8%). Only 3 of 58 triple-negative BCs (5.2%) changed their intrinsic subtype, but all of them switched treatment. No correlation was found between intrinsic subtype changes and clinicopathological features. To conclude, biomarkers changes with prognostic implications occurred in all BC intrinsic subtypes, albeit they impacted therapy mostly in HER2 negative and/or hormone receptors negative BCs. Biomarkers retesting after NACT is important to improve both tailored adjuvant therapies and prognostication of patients.
Microaggressions and Psychosocial Adjustment among Greek University Students with Disabilities
Authors: Andreou Eleni , Psyllou Agoritsa , Vlachou Anastasia , Fyssa Aristea , Saridaki Maria
Published: December 2021

This study investigated differences in experiences of microaggressions between students with different characteristics (type, visibility, severity, and onset of impairment) and associations between the occurrence of microaggressions and specific psychological dimensions, such as stress, depression, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. It also examined how the afore-mentioned psychological factors and microaggressions contribute to students’ adjustment to university. Eighty-nine (89) university students with disabilities (USwDs) completed a series of six questionnaires: the Ableist Microaggression Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the College Adaptation Questionnaire. University students with visual and mobility impairments reported higher levels of ableist microaggressions than those with medical/chronic conditions, while students with visible impairments seemed to experience more ableist microaggressions than their university peers with non-visible impairments. Microaggressive experiences were found to be associated with increased levels of depression and stress as well as having negative consequences for disabled students’ self-esteem and life satisfaction. Students’ overall adaptation to university was predicted by a high level of life satisfaction, low level of depression, and limited experience of microaggressions related to otherization. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for USwDs’ adjustment.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Containment Measures on Families and Children with Moderate and High-Functioning ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
Authors: Saliverou Margarita , Georgiadi Maria , Tomprou Dimitra Maria , Loizidou-Ieridou Nataly , Plexousakis Stefanos
Published: December 2021

The present study focuses on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) transmission prevention measures and, in particular, home confinement of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Greece. It is assumed that the implemented new measures during the pandemic constitute a profound change for children on the spectrum, considering that the core ASD symptoms include the persistence and adherence to routine and stability, a condition that also directly affects the children’s parents. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted. Participants were 10 caregivers with a child diagnosed with ASD of medium or high functioning in Greece. The ages of the children range from 6.5 to 15 years old. The results of the thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (1) the educational framework, (2) the management of daily life, and (3) the construction of the new daily routine. These three themes represent the levels that have undergone a decisive transition, and the sub-themes recommend the areas, individual ways of dealing with this shift. So far, the impact of the pandemic mitigation measures cannot be described as generally positive or negative, as there have been advances and setbacks for children and families alike. Finally, governmental measures and technology-assisted teaching (distance learning) were considered necessary but not sufficient enough for full adaptation.
PARAFAC-Based Multiuser Channel Parameter Estimation for MmWave Massive MIMO Systems over Frequency Selective Fading Channels
Authors: Chang Rui , Yuan Chaowei , Du Jianhe
Published: December 2021

Channel estimation is crucial in millimeter wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, especially with a few training sequences. To solve the problem of uplink channel estimation in mmWave massive MIMO systems, a PARAFAC-based algorithm is proposed for joint estimation of multiuser channels. The orthogonal frequency divisional multiplexing (OFDM) technique is exploited to combat the frequency selective fading channels. In this paper, the received signal at the base station (BS) is formulated as a third-order parallel factor (PARAFAC) tensor, and then a low-complexity algorithm is designed for fast estimation of the factor matrices related to channel parameters, thus leading to joint estimation of multiuser channel parameters via one-dimensional search. Moreover, the Cramér–Rao Bound (CRB) results for multiuser channel parameters are derived for evaluation. Theorical analysis and numerical results reveal that the algorithm performs well with a few training sequences. Compared with existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm has clear advantages both in estimation accuracy and computational complexity.
Enhancing Big Data Feature Selection Using a Hybrid Correlation-Based Feature Selection
Authors: Mohamad Masurah , Selamat Ali , Krejcar Ondrej , Crespo Ruben Gonzalez , Herrera-Viedma Enrique , Fujita Hamido
Published: December 2021

This study proposes an alternate data extraction method that combines three well-known feature selection methods for handling large and problematic datasets: the correlation-based feature selection (CFS), best first search (BFS), and dominance-based rough set approach (DRSA) methods. This study aims to enhance the classifier’s performance in decision analysis by eliminating uncorrelated and inconsistent data values. The proposed method, named CFS-DRSA, comprises several phases executed in sequence, with the main phases incorporating two crucial feature extraction tasks. Data reduction is first, which implements a CFS method with a BFS algorithm. Secondly, a data selection process applies a DRSA to generate the optimized dataset. Therefore, this study aims to solve the computational time complexity and increase the classification accuracy. Several datasets with various characteristics and volumes were used in the experimental process to evaluate the proposed method’s credibility. The method’s performance was validated using standard evaluation measures and benchmarked with other established methods such as deep learning (DL). Overall, the proposed work proved that it could assist the classifier in returning a significant result, with an accuracy rate of 82.1% for the neural network (NN) classifier, compared to the support vector machine (SVM), which returned 66.5% and 49.96% for DL. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical result indicates that the proposed method is an alternative extraction tool for those with difficulties acquiring expensive big data analysis tools and those who are new to the data analysis field.
Two-Branch Attention Learning for Fine-Grained Class Incremental Learning
Authors: Guo Jiaqi , Qi Guanqiu , Xie Shuiqing , Li Xiangyuan
Published: December 2021

As a long-standing research area, class incremental learning (CIL) aims to effectively learn a unified classifier along with the growth of the number of classes. Due to the small inter-class variances and large intra-class variances, fine-grained visual categorization (FGVC) as a challenging visual task has not attracted enough attention in CIL. Therefore, the localization of critical regions specialized for fine-grained object recognition plays a crucial role in FGVC. Additionally, it is important to learn fine-grained features from critical regions in fine-grained CIL for the recognition of new object classes. This paper designs a network architecture named two-branch attention learning network (TBAL-Net) for fine-grained CIL. TBAL-Net can localize critical regions and learn fine-grained feature representation by a lightweight attention module. An effective training framework is proposed for fine-grained CIL by integrating TBAL-Net into an effective CIL process. This framework is tested on three popular fine-grained object datasets, including CUB-200-2011, FGVC-Aircraft, and Stanford-Car. The comparative experimental results demonstrate that the proposed framework can achieve the state-of-the-art performance on the three fine-grained object datasets.
Ecdysteroids
Authors: Lafont René , Balducci Christine , Dinan Laurence
Published: December 2021

Ecdysteroid: member of a class of polyhydroxylated steroids found in invertebrate animals (zooecdysteroids; moulting hormones), plants (phytoecdysteroids) and fungi (mycoecdysteroids). Over 500 structural analogues are currently known. Biosynthetically, they derive from C27-, C28- or C29-sterols. The most frequently encountered analogue (in arthropods and plants) is 20-hydroxyecdysone (2β,3β,14α,20R,22R,25-hexahydroxycholest-7-en-6-one). In arthropods, ecdysteroids occur universally and regulate development by inducing moulting and reproduction, where their action is mediated by high-affinity binding to an intracellular member of the class of nuclear receptor (NR) proteins (ecdysteroid receptor; EcR) dimerised with a second NR (USP/RxR). This receptor complex binds to specific DNA promoter sites and regulates gene expression. In plants, ecdysteroids are a class of secondary compounds, occurring in varying amounts in certain species, but not all in others. Phytoecdysteroids are believed to contribute to the reduction of invertebrate predation by acting as feeding deterrents or endocrine disruptors. Ecdysteroids also possess a wide range of positive pharmacological effects in mammals, where the mode of action involves moderate-affinity binding to plasma-membrane-bound receptors and not interaction with the classical NRs for vertebrate steroid hormones.
Improving Plot-Level Model of Forest Biomass: A Combined Approach Using Machine Learning with Spatial Statistics
Authors: Dai Shaoqing , Zheng Xiaoman , Gao Lei , Xu Chengdong , Zuo Shudi , Chen Qi , Wei Xiaohua , Ren Yin
Published: December 2021

Estimating the aboveground biomass (AGB) at the plot level plays a major role in connecting accurate single-tree AGB measurements to relatively difficult regional AGB estimates. However, AGB estimates at the plot level suffer from many uncertainties. The goal of this study is to determine whether combining machine learning with spatial statistics reduces the uncertainty of plot-level AGB estimates. To illustrate this issue, this study evaluates and compares the performance of different models for estimating plot-level forest AGB. These models include three different machine learning models [support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and a radial basis function artificial neural network (RBF-ANN)], one spatial statistic model (P-BSHADE), and three combinations thereof (SVM & P-BSHADE, RF & P-BSHADE, and RBF-ANN & P-BSHADE). The results show that the root mean square error, mean absolute error, and mean relative error of all combined models are substantially smaller than those of any individual model, with the RF & P-BSHADE combined method generating the smallest values. These results indicate that a combined approach using machine learning with spatial statistics, especially the RF & P-BSHADE model, improves the accuracy of plot-level AGB models. These research results contribute to the development of accurate large-forested-landscape AGB maps.
Agro-Industrial Wastes: A Substrate for Multi-Enzymes Production by Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: Savino Salvatore , Bulgari Daniela , Monti Eugenio , Gobbi Emanuela
Published: December 2021

This study aims to produce a mix of enzymes through Solid State Fermentation (SSF) of raw materials. Four different, easily available, agro-industrial wastes were evaluated as SSF substrates for enzymes production by Cryphonectria parasitica (Murr.) Barr. environmental strains named CpA, CpB2, CpC4, and CpC7. Among the tested wastes, organic wheat bran for human use and wheat bran for animal feed better supports C. parasitica growth and protease production without any supplements. SDS-PAGE analyses highlighted the presence of three bands corresponding to an extracellular laccase (77 kDa), to the endothiapepsin (37 kDa), and to a carboxylesterase (60.6 kDa). Protease, laccase, and esterase activities by C. parasitica in SSF were evaluated for 15 days, showing the maximum protease activity at day 9 (3955.6 AU/gsf,). Conversely, the best laccase and esterase production was achieved after 15 days. The C. parasitica hypovirulent CpC4 strain showed the highest laccase and esterase activity (93.8 AU/gsf and 2.5 U/gsf, respectively). These results suggest the feasibility of a large-scale production of industrially relevant enzymes by C. parasitica strains in SSF process on low value materials.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) Production from Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs) from Organic Wastes by Pseudomonas oleovorans
Authors: Aremu Mujidat O. , Ishola Mofoluwake M. , Taherzadeh Mohammad J.
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a biodegradable polymer from organic wastes by Pseudomonas oleovorans. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from acidogenic fermentations of chicken manure (VFAs-CM) and potato peels (VFAs-PP), rich in organic matter majorly acetic (49.9%), butyric (15%) and propionic acids (11.1%) were utilized as substrates for microbial processes. During 72 h of cultivations, samples were withdrawn at intervals and analyzed for cell growth parameters, PHAs accumulation and polymeric properties. The highest biopolymer accumulation (0.39 g PHAs/g DCW) was achieved at 48 h of cultivation from medium containing VFAs-PP as the sole source of carbon. On characterization, the produced biopolymers were shown to be semi-crystalline of carbonyl C=O group. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the produced biopolymers demonstrated the capability to withstand thermal degradation above prescribed temperatures at which cross-linking isomerization reaction occurs, which is a vital property denoting the thermal stability of biopolymer.
Changes of Main Nutrient Components and Volatile Flavor Substances in Processing of Canned Bamboo Shoots
Authors: Tang Jiaojiao , Zhang Zhixin , Zheng Shilin , Gao Ning , Li Zongjun , Li Ke
Published: December 2021

Canned bamboo shoots, a popular endurable storage product preserved by canning, can be used directly as a raw material for preparing dishes and processing many other downstream products. Fermentation and high temperature sterilization are decisive for product quality. During 3 days of fermentation at 25 °C, the protein and total amino acids of bamboo shoots increased remarkably and the total phenols changed a little. After steam sterilization, the total sugar decreased by 56.82%, and the protein of bamboo shoots decreased from 2.41 ± 0.04 g/100 g to 2.03 ± 0.30 g/100 g. The process significantly increased from zero the total sugar, protein and total amino acids in sterilization bamboo shoots soaking solution. GC-MS-ROAV was used for the detection of volatile flavor substances (VFCs) of bamboo shoots and soaking solution in the four processing stages. Fermented bamboo shoots after 72 h showed a strong aroma of orange oil, which was the evaluator’s preferred aroma. In the process of sterilization, Maillard reaction leads to the increase of pyrazines and furans in bamboo shoots and soaking solution, including dibenzofuran, furaneol, trimethyl-pyrazine and 2,3-dimethyl-pyrazine. Due to these volatile flavor components, the sterilized bamboo shoots spread a light caramel and cocoa flavor.
Conflagrations and the Wisdom of Aboriginal Sacred Knowledge
Authors: Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: December 2021

Australian Aboriginal cultures are globally recognised for using patchy and low intensity fires to sustainably manage landscapes and promote biodiversity [...]
Hydrological and Meteorological Controls on Large Wildfire Ignition and Burned Area in Northern California during 2017–2020
Authors: Hiraga Yusuke , Kavvas M. Levent
Published: December 2021

This study examined the hydrological/meteorological controls on large wildfires > 10,000 acres (40.5 km2) during 2017–2020 in Northern California at spatial and temporal scales of the target wildfires’ occurrence or growth. This study used the following simple indices for analysis: Moisture Deficit Index (MDI) computed by dividing vapor pressure deficit by soil moisture, MDIWIND computed by multiplying MDI by horizontal wind speed, and MDIGUST computed by multiplying MDI by wind gust speed. The ignition location MDIWIND and MDIGUST showed larger values on the ignition date in fire-years compared to non-fire-years for most of the target wildfires (95.8% and 91.7%, respectively). The peak timing of MDIGUST, which is to evaluate the integrated effect of dry atmosphere/soil and windy condition, coincided with the ignition date for August Complex Fire 2020, Ranch Fire 2018, Claremont-Bear Fire 2020, and Camp Fire 2018. We also found that August Complex Fire 2020, Claremont-Bear Fire 2020, and Camp Fire 2018 occurred in the areas where MDIGUST became spatially and temporally high. Further, strong relationships were found between burned area sizes of the target wildfires and MDI (R = 0.62, p = 0.002), MDIWIND (R = 0.72, p < 0.001), and MDIGUST (R = 0.68, p < 0.001). Overall, the findings in this study implied the strong effect of dry atmosphere/soil and windy conditions on recent large wildfire activities in Northern California. The findings could contribute to a more temporally and spatially detailed forecast of wildfire risks or a better understanding of wildfires’ occurrence and growth mechanisms.
Assessing the Rheological Properties of Durum Wheat Semolina: A Review
Authors: Cecchini Cristina , Bresciani Andrea , Menesatti Paolo , Pagani Maria Ambrogina , Marti Alessandra
Published: December 2021

Empiric rheology is considered a useful tool for assessing the technological quality of wheat. Over the decades, several tests have been adapted from common to durum wheat, and new approaches have been proposed to meet the needs of the players of the durum wheat value chain. Breeders are looking for reliable methods to test the functional quality of wheat lines at early stages, where there are limited amounts of sample; millers need fast and reliable methods for checking wheat quality right at the point of the receiving station; and pasta-makers are looking for suitable methods to predict end product quality. This review provides an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the rheological tests currently used to evaluate the quality of durum wheat semolina, with the emphasis on Europe. Moreover, the relationships among the parameters obtained from different rheological approaches are extrapolated from the literature and integrated with the data obtained from 74 samples of durum wheat semolina. Although numerous efforts have been made to propose rapid and reliable tests for semolina characterization, the ideal test has yet to be proposed, indicating that researchers and pasta companies need to focus on perfecting the way to assess the quality of durum wheat and pasta.
Social Learning Strategies and Cooperative Behaviour: Evidence of Payoff Bias, but Not Prestige or Conformity, in a Social Dilemma Game
Authors: Watson Robin , Morgan Thomas J. H. , Kendal Rachel L. , Van de Vyver Julie , Kendal Jeremy
Published: December 2021

Human cooperation, occurring without reciprocation and between unrelated individuals in large populations, represents an evolutionary puzzle. One potential explanation is that cooperative behaviour may be transmitted between individuals via social learning. Using an online social dilemma experiment, we find evidence that participants’ contributions were more consistent with payoff-biased transmission than prestige-biased transmission or conformity. We also found some evidence for lower cooperation (i) when exposed to social information about peer cooperation levels than without such information, and (ii) in the prisoners’ dilemma game compared to the snowdrift game. A simulation model established that the observed cooperation was more likely to be caused by participants’ general propensity to cooperate than by the effect of social learning strategies employed within the experiment, but that this cooperative propensity could be reduced through selection. Overall, our results support previous experimental evidence indicating the role of payoff-biased transmission in explaining cooperative behaviour, but we find that this effect was small and was overwhelmed by participants’ general propensity for cooperation.
Locally Injectable Hydrogels for Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , Guo Xiaonan , Wu Yan , Gao Jie
Published: December 2021

Hydrogel-based local delivery systems provide a good delivery platform for cancer immunotherapy. Injectable hydrogels can directly deliver antitumor drugs to the tumor site to reduce systemic toxicity and achieve low-dose amplification immunotherapy. Therefore, it may overcome the problems of low drug utilization rate and the systemic side effects in cancer immunotherapy through systemic immune drugs, and it provides simple operation and little invasion at the same time. This study aimed to review the research progress of injectable hydrogels in tumor immunotherapy in recent years. Moreover, the local delivery of multiple drugs using injectable hydrogels in tumors is introduced to achieve single immunotherapy, combined chemo-immunotherapy, combined radio-immunotherapy, and photo-immunotherapy. Finally, the application of hydrogels in tumor immunotherapy is summarized, and the challenges and prospects for injectable hydrogels in tumor immunotherapy are proposed.
Homogeneous and Reproducible Mixing of Highly Viscous Biomaterial Inks and Cell Suspensions to Create Bioinks
Authors: Dani Sophie , Ahlfeld Tilman , Albrecht Franziska , Duin Sarah , Kluger Petra , Lode Anja , Gelinsky Michael
Published: December 2021

Highly viscous bioinks offer great advantages for the three-dimensional fabrication of cell-laden constructs by microextrusion printing. However, no standardised method of mixing a high viscosity biomaterial ink and a cell suspension has been established so far, leading to non-reproducible printing results. A novel method for the homogeneous and reproducible mixing of the two components using a mixing unit connecting two syringes is developed and investigated. Several static mixing units, based on established mixing designs, were adapted and their functionality was determined by analysing specific features of the resulting bioink. As a model system, we selected a highly viscous ink consisting of fresh frozen human blood plasma, alginate, and methylcellulose, and a cell suspension containing immortalized human mesenchymal stem cells. This bioink is crosslinked after fabrication. A pre-crosslinked gellan gum-based bioink providing a different extrusion behaviour was introduced to validate the conclusions drawn from the model system. For characterisation, bioink from different zones within the mixing device was analysed by measurement of its viscosity, shape fidelity after printing and visual homogeneity. When taking all three parameters into account, a comprehensive and reliable comparison of the mixing quality was possible. In comparison to the established method of manual mixing inside a beaker using a spatula, a significantly higher proportion of viable cells was detected directly after mixing and plotting for both bioinks when the mixing unit was used. A screw-like mixing unit, termed “HighVisc”, was found to result in a homogenous bioink after a low number of mixing cycles while achieving high cell viability rates.
Development of Methanol Sensor Based on Sol-Gel Drop-Coating Co3O4·CdO·ZnO Nanoparticles Modified Gold-Coated µ-Chip by Electro-Oxidation Process
Authors: Rahman Mohammed M. , Ahmed Jahir , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alfaifi Sulaiman Y.M. , Marwani Hadi. M.
Published: December 2021

Herein, novel Co3O4·CdO·ZnO-based tri-metallic oxide nanoparticles (CCZ) were synthesized by a simple solution method in basic phase. We have used Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Tunneling Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) techniques to characterize the CCZ nanoparticles. XRD, TEM, DLS, and FESEM investigations have confirmed the tri-metallic nanoparticles’ structure, while XPS and EDS analyses have shown the elemental compositions of the CCZ nanoparticles. Later, a Au/μ-Chip was modified with the CCZ nanoparticles using a conducting binder, PEDOT: PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate) in a sol-gel system, and dried completely in air. Then, the CCZ/Au/μ-Chip sensor was used to detect methanol (MeOH) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Outstanding sensing performance was achieved for the CCZ/Au/μ-Chip sensor, such as excellent sensitivity (1.3842 µAµM−1cm−2), a wide linear dynamic range of 1.0 nM–2.0 mM (R2 = 0.9992), an ultra-low detection limit (32.8 ± 0.1 pM at S/N = 3), a fast response time (~11 s), and excellent reproducibility and repeatability. This CCZ/Au/μ-Chip sensor was further applied with appropriate quantification results in real environmental sample analyses.
Silicate-Based Electro-Conductive Inks for Printing Soft Electronics and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Samimi Gharaie Sadaf , Seyfoori Amir , Khun Jush Bardia , Zhou Xiong , Pagan Erik , Godau Brent , Akbari Mohsen
Published: December 2021

Hydrogel-based bio-inks have been extensively used for developing three-dimensional (3D) printed biomaterials for biomedical applications. However, poor mechanical performance and the inability to conduct electricity limit their application as wearable sensors. In this work, we formulate a novel, 3D printable electro-conductive hydrogel consisting of silicate nanosheets (Laponite), graphene oxide, and alginate. The result generated a stretchable, soft, but durable electro-conductive material suitable for utilization as a novel electro-conductive bio-ink for the extrusion printing of different biomedical platforms, including flexible electronics, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. A series of tensile tests were performed on the material, indicating excellent stability under significant stretching and bending without any conductive or mechanical failures. Rheological characterization revealed that the addition of Laponite enhanced the hydrogel’s mechanical properties, including stiffness, shear-thinning, and stretchability. We also illustrate the reproducibility and flexibility of our fabrication process by extrusion printing various patterns with different fiber diameters. Developing an electro-conductive bio-ink with favorable mechanical and electrical properties offers a new platform for advanced tissue engineering.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Coping Strategies in Health Sciences Students at the University of Seville: A Pilot Study
Authors: de-Diego-Cordero Rocío , Martínez-del-Carmen Cristina , Bonilla Sierra Patricia , Vargas-Martínez Ana-Magdalena
Published: December 2021

The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the preventative measures and restrictions associated with COVID-19 on multiple mental health and psychological well-being indicators in Health Sciences students at the University of Seville. A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study in the University of Seville by means of an online questionnaire elaborated was conducted. Of the final sample (n = 68), more than 60% of the students acknowledged having received specific training by their university and/or health institution where they perform practices on COVID-19 measures; however, they negatively emphasized not having received psychosocial aid or support in most of the cases (94.12%). As the health situation imposed by COVID-19 is considered long-lasting, the proposal is to plan short- and long-term strategies for promotion and intervention in the mental health of students and future health care workers.
Does Artificial Intelligence Make Clinical Decision Better? A Review of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Acute Kidney Injury Prediction
Authors: Lee Tao Han , Chen Jia-Jin , Cheng Chi-Tung , Chang Chih-Hsiang
Published: December 2021

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of hospitalization that greatly and negatively affects the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients. Current guidelines use serum creatinine level and urine output rate for defining AKI and as the staging criteria of AKI. However, because they are not sensitive or specific markers of AKI, clinicians find it difficult to predict the occurrence of AKI and prescribe timely treatment. Advances in computing technology have led to the recent use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in AKI prediction, recent research reported that by using electronic health records (EHR) the AKI prediction via machine-learning models can reach AUROC over 0.80, in some studies even reach 0.93. Our review begins with the background and history of the definition of AKI, and the evolution of AKI risk factors and prediction models is also appraised. Then, we summarize the current evidence regarding the application of e-alert systems and machine-learning models in AKI prediction.
Resilience Predicts Lower Anxiety and Depression and Greater Recovery after a Vicarious Trauma
Authors: Leys Christophe , Kotsou Ilios , Shankland Rebecca , Firmin Mathilde , Péneau Sandrine , Fossion Pierre
Published: December 2021

This study validated the French version of the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS-F) and tested the protective role of resilience in the context of vicarious trauma (22 March 2016 terrorist attacks in Brussels) regarding anxiety and depression symptoms. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated a single-factor structure of the BRS-F. Investigation of convergent validity showed that the BRS-F was positively correlated with usual outcomes such as subjective happiness, acceptance, and sense of coherence, and negatively correlated with anxiety and depression symptoms. Lastly, the results of the study showed that resilience protected against the effect of vicarious trauma in two ways. First, at the time of exposure, the more resilient individuals reported lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Second, after three months, the more resilient individuals recovered from these symptoms, whereas no significant effect was found for less resilient individuals. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
The Influence of Emotional Health on the Activity Characteristics of the Elderly and the Selection of Environmental Quality Factors in Residential Areas
Authors: Zhong Wen , Suo Jian , Ren Xinxin , Li Guopeng
Published: December 2021

The environment in urban residential areas is the main field of daily activity for the elderly. Environmental renewal has played a significant role in improving residents’ quality of life and promoting physical and mental health. However, there is a general tendency that more attention has been focused on the environment during environmental renewal but not the residents. There is a continued lack of discussion on the emotional status of the elderly and its impact on outdoor activities. Based on the investigation of four types of typical residential environments in the Dalian residential area, a hierarchical linear model (HLM) has been constructed to reveal the influence of the emotional status of elderly persons on their activity characteristics and the selection of environmental quality factors. The results show that the distribution of older people with different emotional statuses varies among different residential types. The proportion of positive emotion is relatively high in the flat land in rows category, and the activity characteristics are significantly different under different emotional statuses. Among the four kinds of residential environments, which are (flat land in rows, flat land enclosed, slope, and mountainous) the environmental quality factors that have the highest impact on the emotional status of the elderly are greening quality (0.395), acoustic environment (0.167), environmental cleanliness (0.269), and greening quality (0.230), respectively. In the mountainous type, the impact of environmental quality factors on the emotional status of the elderly is the highest (39.7%), and the impact contributions of the other three environmental types are 23.3%, 8.9% and 20.1%, respectively. These research results provide helpful guidance for the scientific community about practical implementation of residential environmental renewal for the elderly.
Population-Based Study on Cancer Incidence in Pharmacist: A Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ya-Wen , Lin Che-Huei , Pai Lee-Wen , Mou Chih-Hsin , Wang Jong-Yi , Lin Ming-Hung
Published: December 2021

Cancer is increasing in rate globally and is leading cause of death among no communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) after cardiovascular disease (CVD). Most of the research focuses on the risk of occupational injury, job stress, mental illness, substance abuse and workplace safety in physicians and nurses. However, fewer studies have investigated the risk of cancer in pharmacists. We compared the matched general population to investigate the risk of cancer in pharmacists in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Health and Welfare Data Science Center of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. We established a pharmacist group that included 11,568 pharmacists and selected a 4-fold comparison (n = 46,272) for the non-clinics comparison group, frequency being matched by age, gender and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score. The pharmacists had a lower but non-significant risk of all cancer (Adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85–1.07) compared with the general population. Female pharmacists had a higher risk of cancer than male pharmacists ([aHR] = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.06–1.43). Pharmacists had higher risks of breast cancer in females (aHR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.35–2.08) and of prostate cancer in males (aHR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.35–2.08) when compared with the general population. Occupational risk factors could play a role, but they were not evaluated. These epidemiological findings require additional studies to clarify cancer risk mechanisms in pharmacists.
Shifts in Sources of Food but Stable Nutritional Outcomes among Children in the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Borger Christine , Paolicelli Courtney , Ritchie Lorrene , Whaley Shannon E. , DeMatteis Jill , Sun Brenda , Zimmerman Thea Palmer , Reat Amanda , Dixit-Joshi Sujata
Published: December 2021

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), State governments, and school districts took unprecedented steps to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on students’ nutrition. To examine the effect of emergency responses on 6-year-old children’s nutritional outcomes, this study analyzed longitudinal data from a national study of children’s feeding practices, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children—Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2 (WIC ITFPS-2). Findings include no differences in food insecurity prevalence; however, there were shifts in sources of food, with children in the post-COVID-emergency-declaration (post-ED) group consuming more dietary energy from stores and community food programs and less from restaurants and schools than children in the pre-COVID-emergency-declaration (pre-ED) group (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). Examination of within-person mean differences in 2015 Healthy Eating Index scores and nutrient intakes between ages 5 and 6 years revealed few statistically significant differences between the two groups: children in the post-ED group consumed slightly fewer vegetables (p = 0.02) and less sodium (p = 0.01) than their pre-ED peers. Findings suggest emergency efforts to maintain children’s nutrition were largely successful in the early months of the pandemic. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms by which emergency efforts contributed to these findings.
Benefits of a Mindfulness-Based Intervention upon School Entry: A Pilot Study
Authors: Koncz Adam , Köteles Ferenc , Demetrovics Zsolt , Takacs Zsofia K.
Published: December 2021

Background: mindfulness meditation is effective at fostering the executive functioning of children, i.e., the skills that play important roles in academic performance and social–emotional wellbeing. One possible mechanism for such an effect might be that meditation practices can decrease stress, especially if someone is at a risk for elevated cortisol levels, for instance, due to a stressful life event, such as starting school. Participants and methods: the present pilot study tested the effects of a six-session mindfulness intervention applied right after school entry compared to a passive control group. In total 61 first graders participated (Mage = 84.95 months, SD = 5.21) in this study from four classes of a primary school in Budapest. Repeated-measures ANOVA were performed to explore the effects on executive functioning skills and cortisol levels. Results: no effect was found on morning salivary cortisol levels, but the working memory capacities of girls significantly improved as a result of the intervention. Conclusions: a relatively short, story-based mindfulness intervention can improve the working memory capacities of first-graders; thus, it could potentially contribute to the academic performance and adaptation of children in schools.
Analysis of Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes for Crisis Management during the Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Amasiri Watchara , Warin Kritsasith , Mairiang Karicha , Mingmalairak Chatchai , Panichkitkosolkul Wararit , Silanun Krittin , Somyanonthanakul Rachasak , Theeramunkong Thanaruk , Nitikraipot Surapon , Suebnukarn Siriwan
Published: December 2021

This study aims to analyze the patient characteristics and factors related to clinical outcomes in the crisis management of the COVID-19 pandemic in a field hospital. We conducted retrospective analysis of patient clinical data from March 2020 to August 2021 at the first university-based field hospital in Thailand. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the factors associated with the field hospital discharge destination. Of a total of 3685 COVID-19 patients, 53.6% were women, with the median age of 30 years. General workers accounted for 97.5% of patients, while 2.5% were healthcare workers. Most of the patients were exposed to coronavirus from the community (84.6%). At the study end point, no patients had died, 97.7% had been discharged home, and 2.3% had been transferred to designated high-level hospitals due to their condition worsening. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, older patients with one or more underlying diseases who showed symptoms of COVID-19 and whose chest X-rays showed signs of pneumonia were in a worse condition than other patients. In conclusion, the university-based field hospital has the potential to fill acute gaps and prevent public agencies from being overwhelmed during crisis events.
Body Composition and Bioelectrical-Impedance-Analysis-Derived Raw Variables in Pole Dancers
Authors: Ballarin Giada , Scalfi Luca , Monfrecola Fabiana , Alicante Paola , Bianco Alessandro , Marra Maurizio , Sacco Anna Maria
Published: December 2021

Few data are available on the body composition of pole dancers. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a method that is used to estimate fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), while raw BIA variables, such as the impedance ratio (IR) and phase angle (PhA), are markers of body cell mass and the ratio between extracellular and total body water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the body composition of pole dancers compared to controls, in particular, those raw BIA variables that are considered as markers of muscle composition. Forty female pole dancers and 59 controls participated in the study. BIA was performed on the whole body and upper and lower limbs, separately, at 5, 50, 100 and 250 kHz. The FFM, FFM index, FM and body fat percentage (BF%) were predicted. The bioelectrical impedance indexes IR and PhA were also considered. Pole dancers exhibited higher FFMI and BI indexes and lower BF%. PhA was greater and IRs were smaller in pole dancers than in controls for the whole body and upper limbs. Considering the training level, FFM, whole-body IR and PhA were higher in the professionals than non-professionals. Raw BIA variables significantly differed between the pole dancers and controls, suggesting a higher BCM; furthermore, practicing pole dancing was associated with a greater FFM and lower FM.
Vertical Barriers for Land Contamination Containment: A Review
Authors: Cao Benyi , Xu Jian , Wang Fei , Zhang Yunhui , O’Connor David
Published: December 2021

Soil pollution is one of the major threats to the environment and jeopardizes the provision of key soil ecosystem services. Vertical barriers, including slurry trench walls and walls constructed with soil mix technology, have been employed for decades to control groundwater flow and subsurface contaminant transport. This paper comprehensively reviewed and assessed the typical materials and mechanical and permeability properties of soil–bentonite, cement–bentonite and soil mix barriers, with the values of mix design and engineering properties summarized and compared. In addition, the damage and durability of barrier materials under mechanical, chemical, and environmental stresses were discussed. A number of landmark remediation projects were documented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of barrier systems. Recent research about crack-resistant and self-healing barrier materials incorporating polymers and minerals at Cambridge University and performance monitoring techniques were analyzed. Future work should focus on two main areas: the use of geophysical methods for non-destructive monitoring and the optimization of resilient barrier materials.