bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Exploration of Weekly Peer Group Discussions as a Strategy for Coping with Feelings Associated with Euthanasia in Dairy Caretakers
Authors: Edwards-Callaway Lily , Simpson Hailey , Román-Muñiz Noa , Cramer Catie , Mijares Sage , Stallones Lorann , Rivera-Gonzalez Jorge , Aberle Jennifer
Published: February 2022

Dairy caretakers experience a variety of occupational risks including stress related to performing euthanasia and making euthanasia-related decisions for cattle in their care. Few supportive interventions exist to help caretakers cope with euthanasia-related stress. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of weekly peer discussion sessions as an intervention to reduce euthanasia-related stress and grief in dairy caretakers. This study utilized scores from a modified pet-based bereavement questionnaire to assess the change in bereavement of caretakers in response to euthanasia-related stress in a non-treatment group (who did not attend peer discussion sessions, n = 7) and a treatment group (who attended peer discussion sessions, n = 15). Key findings of this study were that discussion sessions did not have a direct impact on the study outcomes as measured using a pet bereavement scale, as there was no difference in the change in bereavement scores during the 8 week study period between the treatment and non-treatment groups. Thematic analysis of peer discussions revealed that compassion towards dairy cattle is a prominent factor in areas of decision making, protocols, and training. Further studies should continue to explore how performing euthanasia and making euthanasia-related decisions impacts caretakers and what supportive interventions can reduce stress and grief.
Functional Capacity of Tai Chi-Practicing Elderly People
Authors: Niño Alba , Villa-Vicente José Gerardo , S. Collado Pilar
Published: February 2022

Research shows that ageing is modifiable or modulable, attending to external modifications and lifestyle factors: physical activity has a unique contribution to functional health and energy balance. Extensive research shows Tai Chi (TC) produced a major physical condition. To determine the impact of lifestyle on functional capacity, comparing the impact of continued long-life practice. 113 individuals (±71.53 years old): (a) PTC (n = 27); senior competitors, life-long training; (b) TC (n = 27); ±4 years; (c) Keep-Fit (KF n = 36); ±4 years; and the control group (d) sedentary individuals (SI n = 23). Five tests from the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) were used to assess the physical condition. The TC group showed significantly better results than the KF group: 30-s chair stand (23.22 ± 3.08 * rep vs. 17.17 ± 2.96 rep), chair sit-and-reach (2.19 ± 4.85 * cm vs. −1.93 ± 5.46 cm) and back scratch (1.02 ± 4.46 * cm vs. −2.43 ± 5.78 cm). The TCP group showed better results than the TC group: 30-s chair stand (27.70 ± 4.98 * rep vs. 23.22 ± 3.08 rep), 30-s arm curl (30.22 ± 4.36 * rep vs. 23.48 ± 3.42 rep), chair sit-and-reach (13.07 ± 4.00 * cm vs. 2.19 ± 4.85 cm) and back scratch (5.48 ± 3.51 * cm vs. 1.02 ± 4.46 cm). Among the different activities analysed, TC showed better results in SFT tests; in particular considering the long-life training of this martial art.
Maintaining Clinical Training Continuity during COVID-19 Pandemic: Nursing Students’ Perceptions about Simulation-Based Learning
Authors: Alshutwi Sitah , Alsharif Fatmah , Shibily Faygah , Wedad M. Almutairi , Almotairy Monir M. , Algabbashi Maram
Published: February 2022

Background: Simulation-based learning (SBL) in nursing education is an innovative pedagogical approach that has significantly improved nursing education. Adopting SBL provides a controlled environment for meeting educational objectives without the risk of harm to real patients. Given that social distancing is required during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, SBL is a suitable alternative to clinical training for nursing students to learn and acquire the required clinical competencies. The study aimed to describe the effectiveness of SBL as a complete substitute for clinical experience from the perspective of students. This cross-sectional descriptive survey investigated students’ perceptions regarding the description of the effectiveness of SBL in four nursing colleges at four different universities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Settings: Four nursing colleges at four different universities across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants included nursing students who attended simulation sessions. Data were collected by distributing a self-administrated online questionnaire, the Modified Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET-M), which is a 19-item. Results: Approximately two-thirds of the participants were in their third (30.4%) and fourth (44.5%) academic year. The highest student presentation was for Site 1 (39.5%) and Site 2 (32.5%). Significant differences existed in all domains according to sex and university (p ≤ 0.001). There was a significant difference in relation to the level of agreement for pre-briefing, scenario, and debriefing domains (<0.001). Conclusions: SBL is a valuable teaching strategy that enhances nursing students’ self-awareness, self-confidence, clinical performance, and efficiency in performing procedures with considerable gender variation. Female students had more positive perceptions toward simulation effectiveness.
Too Big or Too Small? The Threshold Effects of City Size on Regional Pollution in China
Authors: Chen Xiong , Du Wencui
Published: February 2022

The relationship between urban agglomeration and environmental pollution was checked using the balanced panel data of 285 cities in China from 2003 to 2016 and applying the fixed-effect model and the threshold effect model. This showed that: (1) the relationship between urban agglomeration (represented by city size) and environmental pollution is not linear but an inverted U-shape. As long as the GDP is less than 800,370 million RMB, the expansion of city size is not conducive to reducing pollutant emissions. When GDP is less than 41,641 million RMB, the influence of city expansion on environmental pollution is relatively less. When GDP is higher than 800,370 million RMB, the city expansion may reduce pollutant emission. (2) The city size is not too big but is in fact too small. Only 18 cities experienced the inverted U-shape with the expansion of their city size, causing the gas and water pollutant emissions to decrease. (3) For cities in an urban agglomeration, environmental pollution can be reduced by expanding the city size through coordinated development of urban agglomeration. In conclusion, for most large cities in urban agglomerations in China, the city size is not too large but too small.
Anxiety Linked to COVID-19: A Systematic Review Comparing Anxiety Rates in Different Populations
Authors: Saeed Hafsah , Eslami Ardalan , Nassif Najah T. , Simpson Ann M. , Lal Sara
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has incited a rise in anxiety, with uncertainty regarding the specific impacts and risk factors across multiple populations. A qualitative systematic review was conducted to investigate the prevalence and associations of anxiety in different sample populations in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Four databases were utilised in the search (Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO). The review period commenced in April 2021 and was finalised on 5 July 2021. A total of 3537 studies were identified of which 87 were included in the review (sample size: 755,180). Healthcare workers had the highest prevalence of anxiety (36%), followed by university students (34.7%), the general population (34%), teachers (27.2%), parents (23.3%), pregnant women (19.5%), and police (8.79%). Risk factors such as being female, having pre-existing mental conditions, lower socioeconomic status, increased exposure to infection, and being younger all contributed to worsened anxiety. The review included studies published before July 2021; due to the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, this may have excluded relevant papers. Restriction to only English papers and a sample size > 1000 may have also limited the range of papers included. These findings identify groups who are most vulnerable to developing anxiety in a pandemic and what specific risk factors are most common across multiple populations.
Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders
Authors: Smith Allison B. , Gay Jennifer L. , Monsma Eva V. , Arent Shawn M. , Sarzynski Mark A. , Emerson Dawn M. , Torres-McGehee Toni M.
Published: February 2022

Social agents associated with cheerleading environments are increasingly linked to body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (ED). This study examined ED risk across team type, squad type, and position. An additional purpose determined BID in clothing type (daily clothing, midriff uniform, and full uniform), and meta-perceptions from the perspective of peers (MP peers), parents (MP parents), and coaches (MP coaches). Female cheerleaders (n = 268) completed an online survey which included demographics, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and pathogenic behavior questions. Body image perceptions were assessed by using the Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes. Overall, 34.4% of cheerleaders (n = 268; mean age: 17.9 ± 2.7 years) exhibited an ED risk. Compared to All-Star cheerleaders, college cheerleaders demonstrated significant higher ED risk (p = 0.021), dieting subscale scores (p = 0.045), and laxative, diet pill, and diuretic use (p = 0.008). Co-ed teams compared to all-girl teams revealed higher means for the total EAT-26 (p = 0.018) and oral control subscale (p = 0.002). The BID in clothing type revealed that cheerleaders wanted to be the smallest in the midriff option (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.332). The BID from meta-perception revealed that cheerleaders felt that their coaches wanted them to be the smallest (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.106). Cheerleaders are at risk for EDs and BID at any level. Regarding the midriff uniform, MP from the perspective of coaches showed the greatest difference between perceived and desired body image.
Association between Bone Lead Concentration and Aggression in Youth from a Sub-Cohort of the Birth to Twenty Cohort
Authors: Tlotleng Nonhlanhla , Naicker Nisha , Mathee Angela , Todd Andrew C. , Nkomo Palesa , Norris Shane A.
Published: February 2022

Background: An association between blood-lead levels and aggression has been demonstrated in children and adolescent youth in South Africa. However, there are limited studies that have assessed aggression as an outcome for cumulative lead exposure using bone lead concentration. This study aims to assess the association between bone lead concentration and aggressive behaviour among a sample of youth in South Africa. Methods: Bone lead in 100 participants (53 males and 47 females) recruited and followed in the Birth to Twenty (BT20) Cohort were measured using 109 Cd-based, K-shell X-ray fluorescence (KXRF). The Buss–Perry Aggression questionnaire was used to measure aggressive behaviour. Linear regression models were fitted to determine the association between aggression score for physical, verbal, anger and hostility and bone lead, adjusting for known confounders. Results: A one-microgram-per-gram increase in bone lead was found to increase the score for all four scales of aggression, but significantly only for anger (β = 0.2 [95% CI 0.04–0.370]). Psychosocial factors such as a history of family violence and exposure to neighbourhood crime were significant predictors for aggression. Conclusions: The study provides a preliminary overview of the relationship between cumulative lead exposure and behavioural problems such as aggression. A larger sample, across exposed communities, may prove more definitive in further investigating the association between these two important public health factors and to maximize generalizability.
Identification of Co-Clusters with Coherent Trends in Geo-Referenced Time Series
Authors: Wu Xiaojing
Published: February 2022

Several studies have worked on co-clustering analysis of spatio-temporal data. However, most of them search for co-clusters with similar values and are unable to identify co-clusters with coherent trends, defined as exhibiting similar tendencies in the attributes. In this study, we present the Bregman co-clustering algorithm with minimum sum-squared residue (BCC_MSSR), which uses the residue to quantify coherent trends and enables the identification of co-clusters with coherent trends in geo-referenced time series. Dutch monthly temperatures over 20 years at 28 stations were used as the case study dataset. Station-clusters, month-clusters, and co-clusters in the BCC_MSSR results were showed and compared with co-clusters of similar values. A total of 112 co-clusters with different temperature variations were identified in the Results, and 16 representative co-clusters were illustrated, and seven types of coherent temperature trends were summarized: (1) increasing; (2) decreasing; (3) first increasing and then decreasing; (4) first decreasing and then increasing; (5) first increasing, then decreasing, and finally increasing; (6) first decreasing, then increasing, and finally decreasing; and (7) first decreasing, then increasing, decreasing, and finally increasing. Comparisons with co-clusters of similar values show that BCC_MSSR explored coherent spatio-temporal patterns in regions and certain time periods. However, the selection of the suitable co-clustering methods depends on the objective of specific tasks.
Terrain Skeleton Construction and Analysis in Loess Plateau of Northern Shaanxi
Authors: Li Min , Wu Ting , Li Weitao , Wang Chun , Dai Wen , Su Xu , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: February 2022

A terrain skeleton determines the overall structure and characteristics of the terrain and indicates the presence of significant terrain features, such as ridges and valleys. It plays an important role in terrain representation and reconstruction, hydrological analysis of watersheds, and other scientific studies and engineering applications. Previous studies of terrain skeleton have been mostly focused on the extraction of terrain skeletons, ignoring their important effect on terrain analysis. Therefore, this work proposes a new terrain skeleton, which includes three types of terrain skeleton points and two types of terrain skeleton lines. The terrain control points are peak, saddle, and valley nodes, while the terrain skeleton lines are connection lines of peaks and saddles and connection lines of saddles and valley nodes. The terrain skeleton connects isolated terrain control points together. The data structure is designed, and three analysis indicators, namely, nearest-neighbor index, topological connectivity index and landscape shape index are selected. Results show that the three selected indicators can reflect the spatial structure of the terrain skeleton and describe the landform development to a certain extent. Different areas of the same landform, such as the two sample areas in Shenmu County, show variations.
Investigating Human Travel Patterns from an Activity Semantic Flow Perspective: A Case Study within the Fifth Ring Road in Beijing Using Taxi Trajectory Data
Authors: Liu Yusi , Gao Xiang , Yi Disheng , Jiang Heping , Zhao Yuxin , Xu Jun , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2022

Massive taxi trajectory data can be easily obtained in the era of big data, which is helpful to reveal the spatiotemporal information of human travel behavior but neglects activity semantics. The activity semantics reflect people’s daily activities and trip purposes, and lead to a deeper understanding of human travel patterns. Most existing literature analyses of activity semantics mainly focus on the characteristics of the destination. However, the movement from the origin to the destination can be represented as the flow. The flow can completely represent the activity semantic and describe the spatial interaction between the origin and the destination. Therefore, in this paper, we proposed a two-layer framework to infer the activity semantics of each taxi trip and generalized the similar activity semantic flow to reveal human travel patterns. We introduced the activity inference in the first layer by a combination of the improved Word2vec model and Bayesian rules-based visiting probability ranking. Then, a flow clustering method is used to uncover human travel behaviors based on the similarity of activity semantics and spatial distribution. A case study within the Fifth Ring Road in Beijing is adopted and the results show that our method is effective for taxi trip activity inference. Six activity semantics and four activity semantics are identified in origins and destinations, respectively. We also found that differences exist in the activity transitions from origins to destinations at distinct periods. The research results can inform the taxi travel demand and provide a scientific decision-making basis for taxi operation and transportation management.
The Governance of INSPIRE: Evaluating and Exploring Governance Scenarios for the European Spatial Data Infrastructure
Authors: Sjoukema Jaap-Willem , Samia Jalal , Bregt Arnold K. , Crompvoets Joep
Published: February 2022

The development of a European Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) officially started with the entry into force of the INSPIRE Directive in 2007. INSPIRE’s implementation phase should be completed by the European Union (EU) and its member states at the end of 2021: a pivotal point to evaluate INSPIRE’s current governance and explore future scenarios. First, INSPIRE’s governing system is evaluated through an online survey by its involved stakeholders. Second, these results are applied in an agent-based model to explore potential governance scenarios and strategies. The results show that strong aspects of INSPIRE’s governing system are the supported vision and its formal structures, such as standards, technology and roles and responsibilities. Weak aspects are the access to resources, especially budget and time resources, and data use. The agent-based simulations show that INSPIRE is probably more constrained by its budget resources than its current dominant hierarchical interaction mix, although a combination of adaptive governance and continuous budget proved the most sustainable governance scenario.
NGF/TRKA Promotes ADAM17-Dependent Cleavage of P75 in Ovarian Cells: Elucidating a Pro-Tumoral Mechanism
Authors: Garrido Maritza P. , Vallejos Christopher , Girardi Silvanna , Gabler Fernando , Selman Alberto , López Fernanda , Vega Margarita , Romero Carmen
Published: February 2022

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its high-affinity receptor TRKA are overexpressed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) displaying a crucial role in the disease progression. Otherwise, NGF interacts with its low-affinity receptor P75, activating pro-apoptotic pathways. In neurons, P75 could be cleaved by metalloproteinases (α and γ-secretases), leading to a decrease in P75 signaling. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether the shedding of P75 occurs in EOC cells and whether NGF/TRKA could promote the cleavage of the P75 receptor. The immunodetection of the α-secretase, ADAM17, TRKA, P75, and P75 fragments was assessed by immunohisto/cytochemistry and Western blot in biopsies and ovarian cell lines. The TRKA and secretases’ inhibition was performed using specific inhibitors. The results show that P75 immunodetection decreased during EOC progression and was negatively correlated with the presence of TRKA in EOC biopsies. NGF/TRKA increases ADAM17 levels and the fragments of P75 in ovarian cells. This effect is abolished when cells are previously treated with ADAM17, γ-secretase, and TRKA inhibitors. These results indicate that NGF/TRKA promotes the shedding of P75, involving the activation of secretases such as ADAM17. Since ADAM17 has been proposed as a screening marker for early detection of EOC, our results contribute to understanding better the role of ADAM17 and NGF/TRKA in EOC pathogenesis, which includes the NGF/TRKA-mediated cleavage of P75.
Characterization of the L-Arginine/Nitric Oxide Pathway and Oxidative Stress in Pediatric Patients with Atopic Diseases
Authors: Hanusch Beatrice , Sinningen Kathrin , Brinkmann Folke , Dillenhöfer Stefanie , Frank Mirjam , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Koerner-Rettberg Cordula , Holtmann Martin , Legenbauer Tanja , Langrock Christian , Reinehr Thomas , Maasjosthusmann Patricia , Beckmann Bibiana , Hamelmann Eckard , Tsikas Dimitrios , Lücke Thomas
Published: February 2022

Introduction: L-Arginine (Arg) is a semi-essential amino acid. Constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms convert Arg to nitric oxide (NO), a potent vaso- and bronchodilator with multiple biological functions. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and bronchial asthma (BA) are atopic diseases affecting many children globally. Several studies analyzed NO in airways, yet the systemic synthesis of NO in AD and BA in children with BA, AD or both is elusive. Methods: In a multicenter study, blood and urine were obtained from 130 of 302 participating children for the measurement of metabolites of the Arg/NO pathway (BA 31.5%; AD 5.4%; AD + BA 36.1%; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 12.3%). In plasma and urine amino acids Arg and homoarginine (hArg), both substrates of NOS, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), both inhibitors of NOS, dimethylamine (DMA), and nitrite and nitrate, were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in plasma and urine samples to evaluate possible effects of oxidative stress. Results: There were no differences in the Arg/NO pathway between the groups of children with different atopic diseases. In comparison to children with ADHD, children with AD, BA or AD and BA had higher plasma nitrite (p < 0.001) and nitrate (p < 0.001) concentrations, suggesting higher systemic NO synthesis in AD and BA. Urinary excretion of DMA was also higher (p = 0.028) in AD and BA compared to patients with ADHD, suggesting elevated ADMA metabolization. Discussion/Conclusion: The Arg/NO pathway is activated in atopic diseases independent of severity. Systemic NO synthesis is increased in children with an atopic disease. Plasma and urinary MDA levels did not differ between the groups, suggesting no effect of oxidative stress on the Arg/NO pathway in atopic diseases.
The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Acidic Mammalian Chitinase Inhibitor OAT-177 in DSS-Induced Mouse Model of Colitis
Authors: Mazur Marzena , Włodarczyk Jakub , Świerczyński Mikołaj , Kordek Radzisław , Grzybowski Marcin M. , Olczak Jacek , Fichna Jakub
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic and relapsing gastrointestinal disorders, where a significant proportion of patients are unresponsive or lose response to traditional and currently used therapies. In the current study, we propose a new concept for anti-inflammatory treatment based on a selective acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase) inhibitor. The functions of chitinases remain unclear, but they have been shown to be implicated in the pathology of various inflammatory disorders regarding the lung (asthma, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis) and gastrointestinal tract (IBD and colon cancer). The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of AMCase inhibitor (OAT-177) on the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced models of colitis. In the short-term therapeutic protocol, OAT-177 given intragastrically in a 30 mg/kg dose, twice daily, produced a significant (p < 0.001) anti-inflammatory effect, as shown by the macroscopic score. Additionally, OAT-177 significantly decreased TNF-α mRNA levels and MPO activity compared to DSS-only treated mice. Intraperitoneal administration of OAT-177 at a dose of 50 mg/kg caused statistically relevant reduction of the colon length. In the long-term therapeutic protocol, OAT-177 given intragastrically in a dose of 30 mg/kg, twice daily, significantly improved colon length and body weight compared to DSS-induced colitis. This is the first study proving that AMCase inhibitors may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of IBD.
Development and Characterization of Highly Stable Silver NanoParticles as Novel Potential Antimicrobial Agents for Wound Healing Hydrogels
Authors: Massironi Alessio , Franco Albina Ribeiro , Babo Pedro Sousa , Puppi Dario , Chiellini Federica , Reis Rui L. , Gomes Manuela Estima
Published: February 2022

Recurrent microbial infections are a major cause of surgical failure and morbidity. Wound healing strategies based on hydrogels have been proposed to provide at once a barrier against pathogen microbial colonization, as well as a favorable environment for tissue repair. Nevertheless, most biocompatible hydrogel materials are more bacteriostatic than antimicrobial materials, and lack specific action against pathogens. Silver-loaded polymeric nanocomposites have efficient and selective activity against pathogenic organisms exploitable for wound healing. However, the loading of metallic nanostructures into hydrogels represents a major challenge due to the low stability of metal colloids in aqueous environments. In this context, the aim of the present study was the development of highly stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as novel potential antimicrobial agents for hyaluronic acids hydrogels. Two candidate stabilizing agents obtained from natural and renewable sources, namely cellulose nanocrystals and ulvan polysaccharide, were exploited to ensure high stability of the silver colloid. Both stabilizing agents possess inherent bioactivity and biocompatibility, as well as the ability to stabilize metal nanostructures thanks to their supramolecular structures. Silver nitrate reduction through sodium borohydride in presence of the selected stabilizing agents was adopted as a model strategy to achieve AgNPs with narrow size distribution. Optimized AgNPs stabilized with the two investigated polysaccharides demonstrated high stability in phosphate buffer saline solution and strong antimicrobial activity. Loading of the developed AgNPs into photocrosslinked methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogels was also investigated for the first time as an effective strategy to develop novel antimicrobial wound dressing materials.
Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS): A Gender Perspective
Authors: Orsucci Daniele , Lorenzetti Lucia , Baldinotti Fulvia , Rossi Andrea , Vitolo Edoardo , Gheri Fabio Luigi , Napolitano Alessandro , Tintori Giancarlo , Vista Marco
Published: February 2022

Although larger trinucleotide expansions give rise to a neurodevelopmental disorder called fragile X syndrome, fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder caused by a “premutation” (55–200 CGG repeats) in the FMR1 gene. FXTAS is one of the more common single-gene forms of late-onset ataxia and tremor that may have a more complex development in women, with atypical presentations. After a brief presentation of the atypical case of an Italian woman with FXTAS, who had several paroxysmal episodes suggestive of acute cerebellar and/or brainstem dysfunction, this article will revise the phenotype of FXTAS in women. Especially in females, FXTAS has a broad spectrum of symptoms, ranging from relatively severe diseases in mid-adulthood to mild cases beginning in later life. Female FXTAS and male FXTAS have a different symptomatic spectrum, and studies on the fragile X premutation should be conducted separately on women or men. Hopefully, a better understanding of the molecular processes involved in the polymorphic features of FXTAS will lead to more specific and effective therapies for this complex disorder.
Remote Monitoring of Chronic Critically Ill Patients after Hospital Discharge: A Systematic Review
Authors: Viderman Dmitriy , Seri Elena , Aubakirova Mina , Abdildin Yerkin , Badenes Rafael , Bilotta Federico
Published: February 2022

Background: Over the past few decades, critical care has seen many advancements. These advancements resulted in a considerable increase in the prevalence of chronically critically ill patients requiring prolonged medical care, which led to a massive increase in healthcare utilization. Methods: We performed a search for suitable articles using PubMed and Google Scholar from the inception of these databases to 15 May 2021. Results: Thirty-four articles were included in the review and analyzed. We described the following characteristics and problems with chronic critically ill patient management: the patient population, remote monitoring, the monitoring of physiological parameters in chronic critically ill patients, the anatomical location of sensors, the barriers to implementation, and the main technology-related issues. The main challenges in the management of these patients are (1) the shortage of caretakers, (2) the periodicity of vital function monitoring (e.g., episodic measuring of blood pressure leads to missing important critical events such as hypertension, hypotension, and hypoxia), and (3) failure to catch and manage critical physiological events at the right time, which can result in poor outcomes. Conclusions: The prevalence of critically ill patients is expected to grow. Technical solutions can greatly assist medical personnel and caregivers. Wearable devices can be used to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, metabolism, and central nervous system function. The most important points that should be addressed in future studies are the performance of the remote monitoring systems, safety, clinical and economic outcomes, as well as the acceptance of the devices by patients, caretakers, and healthcare professionals.
Influence of Static Navigation Technique on the Accuracy of Autotransplanted Teeth in Surgically Created Sockets
Authors: Riad Deglow Elena , Lazo Torres Nayra Zurima , Gutiérrez Muñoz David , Bufalá Pérez María , Galparsoro Catalán Agustín , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Abella Sans Francesc , Hernández Montero Sofía
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the position of single-rooted autotransplanted teeth using computer-aided SNT drilling and conventional freehand (FT) drilling, by comparing the planned and performed position at the coronal, apical and angular level. Materials and methods: Forty single-root upper teeth were selected and distributed into the following study groups: A. Autotransplanted tooth using the computer-aided static navigation technique (SNT) (n = 20) and B. Autotransplanted tooth using the conventional free-hand technique (FT) (n = 20). Afterwards, the teeth were embedded into two experimental models and 10 single-root upper teeth were randomly autotransplanted in each experimental model. The experimental models were submitted to a preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan and a digital impression by a 3D intraoral scan, in addition to a postoperative CBCT scan, after the autotransplantation. Datasets from postoperative CBCT scans of the two study groups were uploaded to the 3D implant planning software, aligned with the autotransplantation planning, and the coronal, apical and angular deviations were measured. The results were analysed using Student’s t-test and Mann–Whitney non-parametric statistical analysis. Results: Coronal (p = 0.079) and angular (p = 0.208) statistical comparisons did not present statistically significant differences; however, statistically significant differences between the apical deviation of the SNT and FT study groups (p = 0.038) were also observed. Conclusions: The computer-aided static navigation technique does not provide higher accuracy in the positioning of single-root autotransplanted teeth compared to the conventional free-hand technique.
Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Truly Adversely Affect Disease Progress and Therapeutic Options in Breast Cancer Patients? A Single-Centre Analysis
Authors: Nowikiewicz Tomasz , Szymankiewicz Maria , Drzewiecka Marta , Głowacka-Mrotek Iwona , Tarkowska Magdalena , Nowikiewicz Magdalena , Zegarski Wojciech
Published: February 2022

Purpose: The uncontrolled spread and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infections has disrupted most areas of social and economic life all over the world. The most important changes concern problems related to the functioning of healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical consequences associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer, treated at our centre. Methods: The study participants were patients first time diagnosed with breast cancer, treated between January 2019 and March 2021, who were provided any type of cancer treatment at our centre. The study determined the grade of clinical and pathological progress of the disease and types of cancer treatment applied in patients. Results: In total, 2863 patients were included in the analysis. The number of hospitalized patients was 1228 (1123 treated surgically, 105 receiving conservative treatment) in 2019, 1318 (1206 and 112 patients, respectively) in 2020, and 317 (288 and 29 patients, respectively) in 2021. Conclusions: Despite many hazards associated with the new epidemiological situation, we were able to maintain the continuous operation of our centre. We have achieved a measurable success, and even managed to increase the number of treated breast cancer patients.
Efficacy of Deep TMS with the H1 Coil for Anxious Depression
Authors: Pell Gaby S. , Harmelech Tal , Zibman Sam , Roth Yiftach , Tendler Aron , Zangen Abraham
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: While the therapeutic efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for major depressive disorder (MDD) is well established, less is known about the technique’s efficacy for treating comorbid anxiety. (2) Methods: Data were retrospectively analyzed from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used Deep TMS with the H1 Coil for MDD treatment. The primary endpoint was the difference relative to sham treatment following 4 weeks of stimulation. The effect size was compared to literature values for superficial TMS and medication treatments. (3) Results: In the pivotal RCT, active Deep TMS compared with sham treatment showed significantly larger improvements in anxiety score (effect size = 0.34, p = 0.03 (FDR)) which were sustained until 16 weeks (effect size = 0.35, p = 0.04). The pooled effect size between all the RCTs was 0.55, which compares favorably to alternative treatments. A direct comparison to Figure-8 Coil treatment indicated that treatment with the H1 Coil was significantly more effective (p = 0.042). In contrast to previously reported studies using superficial TMS and medication for which anxiety has been shown to be a negative predictor of effectiveness, higher baseline anxiety was found to be predictive of successful outcome for the H1-Coil treatment. (4) Conclusions: Deep TMS is effective in treating comorbid anxiety in MDD and, unlike alternative treatments, the outcome does not appear to be adversely affected by high baseline anxiety levels.
An Outperforming Artificial Intelligence Model to Identify Referable Blepharoptosis for General Practitioners
Authors: Hung Ju-Yi , Chen Ke-Wei , Perera Chandrashan , Chiu Hsu-Kuang , Hsu Cherng-Ru , Myung David , Luo An-Chun , Fuh Chiou-Shann , Liao Shu-Lang , Kossler Andrea Lora
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to develop an AI model that accurately identifies referable blepharoptosis automatically and to compare the AI model’s performance to a group of non-ophthalmic physicians. In total, 1000 retrospective single-eye images from tertiary oculoplastic clinics were labeled by three oculoplastic surgeons as having either ptosis, including true and pseudoptosis, or a healthy eyelid. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained for binary classification. The same dataset was used in testing three non-ophthalmic physicians. The CNN model achieved a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 88%, compared with the non-ophthalmic physician group, which achieved a mean sensitivity of 72% and a mean specificity of 82.67%. The AI model showed better performance than the non-ophthalmic physician group in identifying referable blepharoptosis, including true and pseudoptosis, correctly. Therefore, artificial intelligence-aided tools have the potential to assist in the diagnosis and referral of blepharoptosis for general practitioners.
HBV Reactivation in Patients with Past Infection Affected by Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Treated with Anti-CD20 Antibody Based Immuno-Chemotherapy: A Multicenter Experience
Authors: Clerico Michele , Dogliotti Irene , Ghione Paola , Zilioli Vittorio Ruggero , Merli Francesco , Botto Barbara , Al Essa Wael , Battaglini Marcella , Grimaldi Daniele , Cervi Loretta , Ragaini Simone , Ferrero Simone , Peri Veronica , De Luca Gabriele , Marzano Alfredo , Cavallo Federica
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) can develop in HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) positive or HBsAg-negative and anti-hepatitis B core antigen antibodies (anti-HBc) positive (past HBV infection) patients receiving immuno-chemotherapy for hematological malignancies. A higher rate of HBVr is associated with the use of rituximab (R) in patients with past HBV infection, thus justifying an antiviral prophylaxis. In this study we evaluated the incidence of HBVr in a real-life cohort of 362 anti-HBc-positive subjects affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), mainly receiving lamivudine (LAM) prophylaxis (93%) and all undergoing a R-containing regimen. A retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in 4 Italian Hematology Departments. The primary endpoint was the incidence of virologic (HBV DNA-positive), serologic (HBsAg-positive) and clinical (ALT increase > 3 × upper limit of normal) HBVr, which occurred in five, four and one patients, respectively, with a total HBVr rate of 1.4%. None of them had to discontinue the chemotherapy program, while two patients required a delay. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported during LAM prophylaxis in three patients (0.9%). In conclusion, this study confirms the efficacy and safety of LAM prophylaxis in anti-HBc-positive patients undergoing R-containing regimens.
Finger Tapping as a Biomarker to Classify Cognitive Status in 80+-Year-Olds
Authors: Kutz Dieter F. , Fröhlich Stephanie , Rudisch Julian , Müller Katrin , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: February 2022

This study examined the association between finger tapping and cognitive function in a group of 225 elderly participants (116 males; age 79–92 years; M = 82.5; SD = 2.4). Finger tapping was assessed in two conditions: self-selected pace and fast pace. Based on cognitive assessments, including the MoCA and CERA-NP test battery, participants were classified as cognitively healthy individuals (CHI), participants with mild cognitive impairments (MCI), and those with possible MCI (pMCI). Results of the analyses show significant differences between groups, sex and the group × sex interaction in four parameters for the self-selected pace condition and eight parameters for the fast pace condition. These parameters were used for classification by means of linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The first LDA component showed significant differences between CHI and pMCI and between CHI and MCI. Furthermore, the second LDA component showed significant differences between CHI and pMCI as well as between pMCI and MCI. Nevertheless, the algorithm correctly classified only 50% of participants, regardless of group, suggesting that tapping parameters are only partially useful for classification in early stages of dementia. We discuss these findings in terms of the diadochokinetic nature of finger tapping as associated with the age-related degeneration of cortical and subcortical motor areas.
The Different Impacts of Airports on the Ecological Environment under Distinct Institutional Contexts
Authors: Xiong Changsheng , Tian Yu , Liu Xue , Tan Rong , Luan Qiaolin
Published: February 2022

Few studies have attempted to investigate the impact of airports on the ecological environment. This paper compares the effects of airports in China and Germany on the surrounding ecological environment and discusses the underlying institutional mechanisms that lead to these impacts. We used remote-sensing ecological indicators to assess ecological environment quality. A buffer analysis was used to determine the influence scopes of airports on the ecological environment. The institutional analysis development framework was adopted to investigate the functions of different institutions on the influence scopes and intensities. The results showed that the Chinese airport had obvious negative effects and that its impact scope was wide, while the impact intensity of the German airport was weaker. These significant differences stem from the distinct institutional systems that structure the two airports. Our findings ultimately provide insight into how to improve the relationship between infrastructure construction and environmental protection in China.
The Compossessorates in the Olt Land (Romania) as Sustainable Commons
Authors: Sorea Daniela , Roșculeț Gheorghe , Rățulea Gabriela Georgeta
Published: February 2022

The compossessorates are traditional Transylvanian commons. They were disbanded during the Communist regime and re-established after 1989 according to the successive laws concerning land restitution. The current article highlights the importance of compossessorates in the Olt Land (in the south of Transylvania, Romania) as partners involved in projects focused on the sustainable development of the area. To this end, the paper presents the main features of contemporary Romanian commons, underlines the sustainable traditional orientation of compossessorates, and signals the latter’s difficulty in establishing relations with environmental protection-oriented NGOs, in this case Foundation Conservation Carpathia which focuses on establishing a national park in the area. Consequently, the methods employed to achieve all of the above was the thematic analysis of publications found in the Anelis+ databases which were considered relevant for the theme of Romanian commons, and the content analysis of some normative acts and compossessorates’ by-laws dating back to the first half of the 20th century. The information on the relations between the commons and NGOs were retrieved from the official websites of the organizations, and from the media. The article shows that current compossessorates have social potential and economic efficiency. Their existence in the Olt Land is significant from an identity-based perspective. The latter is built upon the common interest of law makers and locals to constructively manage the forestry fund and respect property rights. Their functioning can be made more efficient. Both these and the NGOs openly state their sustainable orientation and that could contribute to reducing the tensions between them through correct communication. Ignoring the compossessorates’ sustainable orientation and their community prestige could sabotage any sustainable local development project if they are not consulted and invited as partners.
Performance Analysis of Dairy Farms Transitioning to Environmentally Friendly Grazing Practices: The Case Study of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Brasileiro-Assing Andréa Castelo Branco , Kades Jini , de Almeida Sinisgalli Paulo Antônio , Farley Joshua , Schmitt-Filho Abdon
Published: February 2022

The conflict between food production and environmental conservation demands alternative agriculture practices to maintain or increase food production, protect and restore critical ecosystem processes, and reduce dependence on non-renewable agricultural inputs. Deforestation in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, for which agriculture has been a primary driver, already threatens the biome’s impressive biodiversity and the ecosystem services it helps sustain. Many small family farmers in Santa Catarina—located in the South of Brazil—have adopted the Voisin Rational Grazing System (VRG) as an alternative to conventional and environmentally detrimental dairy activities. This article presents the results of a research project designed to analyze the economic, social, and ecological VRG impacts based on farmers’ perceptions and economic accounts. We compare farmer profitability and critical social and environmental aspects of both systems using detailed interviews and monthly accounting of revenues and expenditures on VRG and conventional farms. We found that VRG is more profitable than the conventional dairy system in Santa Rosa de Lima. However, most farmers combine VRG with some conventional practices, affecting profitability and potential ecological benefits. The adoption of VRG in Santa Rosa de Lima nonetheless correlates with reduced use of environmentally harmful inputs, compatible with a gradual transition to a more ecologically-friendly and sustainable system.
microRNAs and Inflammatory Immune Response in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Narrative Review
Authors: Maranini Beatrice , Ciancio Giovanni , Ferracin Manuela , Cultrera Rosario , Negrini Massimo , Sabbioni Silvia , Govoni Marcello
Published: February 2022

The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emerged as an international challenge with strong medical and socioeconomic impact. The spectrum of clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 is wide, covering asymptomatic or mild cases up to severe and life-threatening complications. Critical courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection are thought to be driven by the so-called “cytokine storm”, derived from an excessive immune response that induces the release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In recent years, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) emerged as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers in both inflammatory and infectious diseases. Therefore, the identification of SARS-CoV-2 miRNAs and host miRNAs is an important research topic, investigating the host–virus crosstalk in COVID-19 infection, trying to answer the pressing question of whether miRNA-based therapeutics can be employed to tackle SARS-CoV-2 complications. In this review, we aimed to directly address ncRNA role in SARS-CoV-2-immune system crosstalk upon COVID-19 infection, particularly focusing on inflammatory pathways and cytokine storm syndromes.
Canine Distemper Virus in Wild Carnivore Populations from the Czech Republic (2012–2020): Occurrence, Geographical Distribution, and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Kličková Eliška , Černíková Lenka , Dumondin Aurélie , Bártová Eva , Budíková Marie , Sedlák Kamil
Published: February 2022

Canine distemper is a highly contagious viral disease in carnivores and represents a serious threat for both wild and domestic animals. The aim of our study was to monitor the occurrence of the canine distemper virus in wildlife from the Czech Republic, reveal the H gene heterogeneity in positive samples and perform subsequent phylogenetic analysis. In total, 412 wild animals of 10 species were included in the study: 219 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 79 European badgers (Meles meles), 47 European otters (Lutra lutra), 40 stone martens (Martes foina), 10 pine martens (M. martes), 7 raccoons (Procyon lotor), 5 undetermined martens (Martes sp.), 2 wolves (Canis lupus), 1 European polecat (Mustela putorius), 1 free-ranging ferret (Mustela putorius furo), and 1 free-ranging American mink (Neovison vison). Most animals were found dead or were killed by hunters during hunting seasons in the years 2012–2020 and came from all 14 regions of the Czech Republic. In the animals that were hunted, symptoms such as apathy, loss of shyness or disorientation were reported. Canine distemper virus (CDV) was detected by real-time RT-PCR in the tissues of 74 (18%) of the animals, including 62 (28%) red foxes, 4 (10%) stone martens, 3 (43%) raccoons, 2 (20%) pine martens, 2 (2.5%) European badgers and 1 (20%) undetermined marten. There was a statistical difference in positivity among animal species (p < 0.0001), regions (p = 0.0057), and the years of sampling (p = 0.0005). To determine the genetic characteristics of circulating variants of CDV in wildlife, 23 of 74 CDV variants were partially sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 21 variants belonged to the European lineage and two strains belonged to the European-Wildlife lineage. This study provides the first comprehensive overview of the prevalence and spatial distribution of CDV in wildlife in the Czech Republic, including molecular phylogenetic analysis of currently circulating CDV lineages.