bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fermented Dairy Food Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Zhi , Song Xiaobiao , Hu Jiang , Wu Riga , Li Pengda , Dong Zhenyu , Liang Lu , Wang Jijun
Published: May 2022

It was highly controversial whether fermented dairy foods protect against colorectal cancer (CRC) because of conflicting results from current human epidemiologic studies; we therefore conducted this meta-analysis based on the case–control and cohort studies to estimate the holistic analyses. Finally, a total of seven case–control studies and ten cohort studies comprising a total of >20,000 cases were incorporated in the quantitative synthesis. Specifically, statistical evidence of significantly decreasing CRC risk in case–control studies was found to be associated with cheese intake (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.82–0.97). In a subgroup analysis, cheese intake was correlated with lower colon cancer (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.79–1.00) and rectal cancer (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.74–1.00) risk in case–control studies. Furthermore, we also found that the higher intake of yogurt may lower the risk of rectal cancer (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.65–0.88) in cohort studies. The consumption of fermented dairy foods may be relevant to decrease CRC risk in this meta-analysis.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021269798, CRD42021269798.
Primary Neuroendocrine Tumor of the Breast: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives
Authors: Sun Hongna , Dai Shuang , Xu Junnan , Liu Linan , Yu Jiaxing , Sun Tao
Published: May 2022

Primary neuroendocrine carcinoma of the breast (NECB) is characterized with heterogeneity, rarity, and poor differentiation, which is probably an underestimated subtype of breast cancer, including small cell NECs and large cell NECs. The diagnostic criteria for NECB have been constantly updated as the disease changes and the understanding increases. According to the latest WHO Classification, primary neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN) of the breast consists of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NET), extremely aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) as well as invasive breast cancers of no special type (IBCs-NST) with neuroendocrine differentiation. The accurate diagnosis of NECB remains a challenge for its low incidence, which needs multi-disciplinary methods. For the rarity of the disease, there is a lack of large samples and prospective clinical research. For these invasive tumors, there are no standardized therapeutic guidelines or norms, and the treatment often refers to nonspecific breast cancer. In addition, the prognosis of such patients remains unknown. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed NECB as an independent entity for the first time, while few features of NECB were clarified. In this review, it presents the WHO Classification, clinicopathologic characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of these patients. In addition, it summarizes the latest studies on molecular features of NECB, aiming to provide new therapeutic perspectives for the disease.
Very High Negative Concordance Rate of RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in Nasopharyngeal Swab and Tracheo-Bronchial Aspirate in Children
Authors: Camporesi Anna , De Silvestri Annalisa , Diotto Veronica , Ferrario Stefania , Eccher Laura , De Ferrari Alessandra , Messina Francesco , Pelizzo Gloria , Mileto Davide , Calcaterra Valeria , Buonsenso Danilo
Published: May 2022

Reliable testing methods for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children are essential to allow normal activities. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is currently based on real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) performed on nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs; concerns have been raised regarding NP swab accuracy in children to detect the virus because of potential lack of cooperation of the patients or due to general uncertainties about concordance between high and low respiratory tract specimens in children. The aim of the study (IRB approval: ST/2020/405) is to prospectively compare RT-PCR results on NP and tracheo-bronchial aspirate (TA) in children admitted to the hospital for surgery or admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a tertiary children hospital in Milano, Italy, during a peak of COVID-19 infections in the city. A total of 385 patients were enrolled in the study: 364 from surgical theater and 21 from PICU. Two patients (0.5%) tested positive on TA and were negative on NP; both cases occurred in November 2020, during a peak of infection in the city. Specificity of NP swab was.995 (95% CI: 0.980–0.999). Two patients with positive NP swabs tested negative on TA.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the specificity of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on TA swab, compared to results of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR on NP, was very high for negative cases in our pediatric cohort during a period of high epidemiological pressure.
Maternal Obesity-Associated Neonatal Morbidities in Early Newborn Period
Authors: Kureshi Azima , Khalak Rubia , Gifford Jamie , Munshi Upender
Published: May 2022

Maternal obesity has been associated with pregnancy-related complications and neonatal morbidities. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate early neonatal morbidities associated with maternal obesity from the infant-mother dyad data set at a single, large Regional Perinatal Center (RPC) in NY. A retrospective chart review of all mother-infant dyads born from January 2009 to December 2019 was done. Maternal obesity was defined using the NIH definition of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 Kg/m2. Maternal data included pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and mode of delivery. Neonatal data recorded the birth weight, gestational age, respiratory support after delivery, diagnosis of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), neonatal hypoglycemia (NH), and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Diagnosis of TTN, RDS, NH, and HIE was defined by the service neonatologist and cross-checked by the data system review neonatologist. Medical records of 22,198 infant-mother dyads included in the study had 7,200 infants (32.4%) born to obese mothers and 14,998 infants (67.6%) born to non-obese women. There was a statistically significant increase in the diagnosis of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and cesarean deliveries in obese mothers. Diagnosis of TTN, RDS, and NH was significantly higher in infants born to obese mothers, while HIE incidence was similar in both the groups. Infants born to obese mothers are more likely to be delivered by cesarean section and are at a higher risk of diagnosis of transient tachypnea of newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, and hypoglycemia in the early neonatal period.
Circadian Dependence of the Acute Immune Response to Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kilgallen Aoife B. , van den Akker Frederieke , Feyen Dries A. M. , Crnko Sandra , Snijders Blok Christian J. B. , Gremmels Hendrik , du Pré Bastiaan C. , Reijers Robin , Doevendans Pieter A. , de Jager Saskia C. A. , Sluijter Joost P. G. , Sampaio-Pinto Vasco , van Laake Linda W.
Published: May 2022

Circadian rhythms influence the recruitment of immune cells and the onset of inflammation, which is pivotal in the response to ischemic cardiac injury after a myocardial infarction (MI). The hyperacute immune response that occurs within the first few hours after a MI has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we characterized the immune response and myocardial damage 3 hours after a MI occurs over a full twenty-four-hour period to investigate the role of the circadian rhythms in this response. MI was induced at Zeitgeber Time (ZT) 2, 8, 14, and 20 by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Three hours after surgery, animals were terminated and blood and hearts collected to assess the immunological status and cardiac damage. Blood leukocyte numbers varied throughout the day, peaking during the rest-phase (ZT2 and 8). Extravasation of leukocytes was more pronounced during the active-phase (ZT14 and 20) and was associated with greater chemokine release to the blood and expression of adhesion molecules in the heart. Damage to the heart, measured by Troponin-I plasma levels, was elevated during this time frame. Clock gene oscillations remained intact in both MI-induced and sham-operated mice hearts, which could explain the circadian influence of the hyperacute inflammatory response after a MI. These findings are in line with the clinical observation that patients who experience a MI early in the morning (i.e., early active phase) have worse clinical outcomes. This study provides further insight on the immune response occurring shortly after an MI, which may contribute to the development of novel and optimization of current therapeutic approaches.
Exploration of the Mechanism of Salvianolic Acid for Injection Against Ischemic Stroke: A Research Based on Computational Prediction and Experimental Validation
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Guo Kaimin , Zhang Ruili , Wang Wenjia , Sun He , Yagüe Ernesto , Hu Yunhui
Published: May 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS) is an acute neurological injury that occurs when a vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed, which is a leading cause of death and disability. Salvia miltiorrhiza has been used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases for over thousands of years due to its effect activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis. However, the herbal preparation is chemically complex and the diversity of potential targets makes difficult to determine its mechanism of action. To gain insight into its mechanism of action, we analyzed “Salvianolic acid for injection” (SAFI), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with anti-IS effects, using computational systems pharmacology. The potential targets of SAFI, obtained from literature mining and database searches, were compared with IS-associated genes, giving 38 common genes that were related with pathways involved in inflammatory response. This suggests that SAFI might function as an anti-inflammatory agent. Two genes associated with inflammation (PTGS1 and PTGS2), which were inhibited by SAFI, were preliminarily validated in vitro. The results showed that SAFI inhibited PTGS1 and PTGS2 activity in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the production of prostaglandin E2 induced by lipopolysaccharide in RAW264.7 macrophages and BV-2 microglia. This approach reveals the possible pharmacological mechanism of SAFI acting on IS, and also provides a feasible way to elucidate the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Controlled Quantum Secure Direct Communication Based on Four-Qubit Cluster States and Quantum Search Algorithm
Authors: Yang You-Feng , Duan Long-Zhen , Qiu Tao-Rong , Xie Xu-Ming
Published: May 2022

A controlled quantum secure direct communication protocol based on four-qubit cluster states and quantum search algorithm is put forward, in which four users, a sender, a receiver and two controllers, are involved in achieving the secure transmission of secret message. The four-qubit cluster state can ensure the feasibility and security of the protocol because of its large persistency of entanglement. Meanwhile, the idea of quantum search algorithm is used to accomplish the task of encoding and decoding secret message. The proposed protocol can successfully avoid the information leakage problem and resist some common attacks including the outsider attacks and the internal attacks, and its qubit efficiency is up to 20%. Furthermore, compared with the previous quantum secure direct communication protocols, it can effectively resist the attacks from the dishonest receiver.
New Perspectives for Postmortem Human Satellite Cells of Different Embryological Origin
Authors: Pietrangelo Tiziana , Demontis Roberto , Santangelo Carmen , Pini Niccolò , Bonelli Martina , Rosato Enrica , Roberti Paola , Locatelli Marcello , Tartaglia Angela , Marramiero Lorenzo , Verratti Vittore , Bondi Danilo , Fulle Stefania , D’Aloja Ernesto , D’Ovidio Cristian
Published: May 2022

Human postmortem skeletal muscles are a unique source of satellite cells for skeletal muscle regenerative studies. Presomite and somite satellite cells obtained by postmortem muscles have been established as populations of human skeletal muscle precursor cells able to proliferate and differentiate in vitro. It is extremely interesting to have access to a large amount of postmortem human skeletal muscle precursor cells, especially from craniofacial as well as limb skeletal muscles in order to evaluate their potential application not only for the fundamental understanding of muscle physiology and diseases but also for drug testing in a challenging 3D-shaping muscles like skeletal muscle microphysiological systems.
Long Term Metabolic Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Non-Diabetic and Diabetic Patients With Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Real Life Study
Authors: Armentaro Giuseppe , D’Arrigo Graziella , Miceli Sofia , Cassano Velia , Perticone Maria , Maio Raffaele , Marra Alberto Maria , Arturi Franco , Cittadini Antonio , Tripepi Giovanni , Sesti Giorgio , Sciacqua Angela
Published: May 2022

Sacubitril/Valsartan (sac/val) has improved clinical prognosis in patients affected by heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) frequently coexist, with a prevalence of T2DM of 35%–40% in patients with HF. T2DM is the third co-morbidities in patients with HF and a strong independent risk factor for the progression of HF. In a post hoc analysis of PARADIGM-HF, improved glycemic control was shown in patients with T2DM and HFrEF receiving sac/val compared to enalapril at 12 months of follow-up. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in a series of repeated observations in 90 HFrEF patients, the long term effect of sac/val treatment on renal function, glycometabolic state and insulin sensitivity parameters, according to diabetic status. We studied 90 patients (74 men and 16 women, mean age 68 ± 10 years, 60 diabetics and 30 non-diabetics) suffering from HFrEF and still symptomatic despite optimal pharmacological therapy. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% and II-III NYHA functional class were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical-instrumental and laboratory determinations and Minnesota Living with HF Questionnaire (MLHFQ) every 6 months until 30 months to evaluate benefits and adverse events. After 30 months follow-up, we observed a significant improvement in glycometabolic parameters including HbA1c, fasting glucose and insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), HOMA index, and LDL cholesterol. Moreover, renal function, NTpro-BNP levels and echocardiographic parameters significantly improved. In diabetic patients a significant reduction in use of oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin was observed after 30 months of sac/val treatment. In the whole population, multivariate analysis shows that the evolution of cardiac index (CI) was significantly associated to simultaneous changes in HOMA, IGF-1 and visit; per each visit and for 1 ng/ml increase in IGF-1 there was an increase in CI of 64.77 ml/min/m2 (p < 0.0001) and 0.98 ml/min/m2 (p = 0.003), respectively, whereas 1 point increase in HOMA was associated with a −7.33 ml/min/m2 (p = 0.003) reduction in CI. The present data confirm persistent metabolic improvement in patients with HFrEF after treatment with sac/val and highlights its potential therapeutical role in patients with metabolic comorbidities.
Onset Crime Typology of Sexual Offenders and Their Differences on Specialization and Risk Factors
Authors: Huang Chien , Shen Sheng-Ang , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: May 2022

In those theories or empirical-evident model of sexual offending, they all recognized which major life event would cause the sex offense in some conditions, therefore the onset crime of sexual offenders were not only a mark of personal history, but also could reflect the heterogeneity of sexual offenders. Our purpose is to study the onset crime typology of sexual offender and their difference in specialization, problem of psychology marks, and negative developmental experiences. We analyzed the pre-conviction data from 3,750 sexual offenders and their risk assessment data. The research results found that onset typology of sex crime would persist their criminal career into sexual offending, and through the group comparisons, the study pointed out differences in risk factors domain and adverse development experiences. We also discussed those research results and their meaning of risk management.
M/EEG Dynamics Underlying Reserve, Resilience, and Maintenance in Aging: A Review
Authors: Jauny Gwendolyn , Eustache Francis , Hinault Thomas Thierry
Published: May 2022

Cognitive reserve and resilience refer to the set of processes allowing the preservation of cognitive performance in the presence of structural and functional brain changes. Investigations of these concepts have provided unique insights into the heterogeneity of cognitive and brain changes associated with aging. Previous work mainly relied on methods benefiting from a high spatial precision but a low temporal resolution, and thus the temporal brain dynamics underlying these concepts remains poorly known. Moreover, while spontaneous fluctuations of neural activity have long been considered as noise, recent work highlights its critical contribution to brain functions. In this study, we synthesized the current state of knowledge from magnetoencephalography (MEG) and electroencephalography (EEG) studies that investigated the contribution of maintenance of neural synchrony, and variability of brain dynamics, to cognitive changes associated with healthy aging and the progression of neurodegenerative disease (such as Alzheimer's disease). The reviewed findings highlight that compensations could be associated with increased synchrony of higher (>10 Hz) frequency bands. Maintenance of young-like synchrony patterns was also observed in healthy older individuals. Both maintenance and compensation appear to be highly related to preserved structural integrity (brain reserve). However, increased synchrony was also found to be deleterious in some cases and reflects neurodegenerative processes. These results provide major elements on the stability or variability of functional networks as well as maintenance of neural synchrony over time, and their association with individual cognitive changes with aging. These findings could provide new and interesting considerations about cognitive reserve, maintenance, and resilience of brain functions and cognition.
Impact of the Classic Chinese Garden Soundscape With Focus on Physiological and Psychological Effects, Tested Through Eye-Tracking, and Subjective Evaluation
Authors: Sun Minkai , Dong Lu
Published: May 2022

Soundscape has been valued and practiced in classical Chinese garden designs. Some authentic patterns were even mentioned and used in gardening books hundreds of years ago. Though these patterns are well-known, how they work in a classic Chinese garden is still unclear. In this study, we chose one of the most famous soundscapes called Tingyuxuan (Listening to the Sound of Rain Hall) in Zhuozhengyuan (Humble Administrator’s Garden), Suzhou as the object. A video of the Tingyuxuan was captured on a rainy day, along with its sound. Twenty-four participants were asked to view this video twice (once with audio, once muted, in a random order). Eye-movement data and the subjective evaluation of participants were collected. The results showed that the participants’ visual attention is influenced by the sound of rain and helps them identify and observe the main element of the soundscape. Furthermore, participants experienced more positive feelings when viewing the video with the audio on.
How Does Employees’ Narcissism Influence Organizational Commitment? The Role of Perceived Supervisor Support and Abusive Supervision
Authors: Yu Boxiang , Meng Yong , Li Chaoping , Liu Dege
Published: May 2022

Narcissism has an important influence on employees’ attitudes and behavior. However, research on the mechanism of this process is still relatively scarce. Based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study constructed a conceptual model of the relationship between narcissism and organizational commitment and explored the role of perceived supervisor support and abusive supervision in this process. Data were collected in three waves from 288 participants through an online data collection platform in China. The results indicated that employee narcissism negatively predicts organizational commitment, and this process is mediated by perceived supervisor support. We also discuss the moderating role of abusive supervisors on perceived supervisor support, confirming that external self-value threat affects perceived support of narcissistic individuals. These results contribute to our understanding of the role of narcissism in organizations.
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Is of Clinical Significance Regarding Emotional and Behavioral Problems in 7-Year-Old Children With Familial Risk of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder and Population-Based Controls the Danish High Risk and Resilience Study–VIA 7; A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Spang Katrine Søborg , Thorup Anne A. E. , Ellersgaard Ditte , Hemager Nicoline , Christiani Camilla , Burton Birgitte Klee , Gantriis Ditte , Greve Aja , Gregersen Maja , Mors Ole , Nordentoft Merete , Jepsen Jens Richardt Møllegaard , Obel Carsten , Plessen Kerstin J.
Published: May 2022

Background

Children born to parents with severe mental illness are at increased risk of mental and behavioral difficulties during childhood. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of clinically significant behavioral difficulties in 7-year-old children of parents diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder as well as in control children by using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Further, we aimed to determine if the SDQ could function as a screening instrument for clinically relevant behavioral problems of children at high risk of these severe mental illnesses.

Methods

By means of the Danish National Registers, we established a cohort of 522 7-year old children stratified by familial high risk for schizophrenia spectrum disorder (N = 202), bipolar disorder (N =120), and controls (N = 200). The child's primary caregiver completed the SDQ parent version and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) while the schoolteacher completed the SDQ teacher version and the CBCL teacher equivalent; the Teachers Report Form (TRF). Finally, global functioning was assessed with the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS).

Results

Children with familial high risk of schizophrenia spectrum disorder or bipolar disorder have a significantly increased risk (OR = 3.8 and 2.3) of suffering clinically significant behavioral difficulties at age 7-years according to SDQ parent ratings. The SDQ discriminates with moderate to high sensitivity and high specificity between familial high-risk children with and without a psychiatric diagnosis and has overall compelling discriminatory abilities in line with the more time consuming CBCL/TRF.

Conclusions Familial high-risk children have more behavioral difficulties and more frequently at a level indicative of mental illness compared to control children as measured by the SDQ. The SDQ works well as a screening instrument for clinically relevant behavioral problems in high-risk children.
Awareness of Age-Related Changes Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Longitudinal Trajectories, and the Role of Age Stereotypes and Personality Traits
Authors: Wettstein Markus , Kornadt Anna E. , Wahl Hans-Werner
Published: May 2022

Awareness of Age-Related Change (AARC) describes to what extent people become aware of changes which they attribute to getting older. So far little is known regarding how different AARC dimensions change over time, to what extent these changes in different domains of AARC gains and losses are interrelated, and which predictors account for inter-individual differences in within-person longitudinal trajectories. Specifically, the extent to which individuals perceive age-related gains and losses might be shaped by their chronological age, their personality as well as by their general views on aging (i.e., their age stereotypes). We investigated changes in global and domain-specific AARC gains and losses over about five years in a sample of originally N = 423 participants aged 40 to 98 years at baseline. We analyzed the role of personality traits and age stereotypes for levels and changes of AARC, taking into account participants' age at baseline and controlling for gender, education, and subjective health. Based on longitudinal multilevel regression models, we observed mean-level declines in most AARC gain domains. In contrast, perceived general AARC losses, as well as AARC losses in health and physical functioning, in cognitive functioning and in social-cognitive/socio-emotional functioning remained, on average, stable over time. Baseline scores on AARC gains (global scale) were higher among individuals with higher neuroticism, openness, conscientiousness and more positive age stereotypes. Additionally, the association of higher neuroticism with higher AARC gain scores was stronger among individuals with more positive age stereotypes. Higher neuroticism and more negative age stereotypes also predicted higher baseline scores on AARC losses (global scale). At the same time, higher neuroticism was associated with a steeper decrease in AARC loss perceptions over time. Most of the intercorrelations within the intercepts and within the intra-individual trajectories of the different AARC domains were positive, but small in size. Our findings show the importance of considering trajectories of age-related gains and losses in parallel and across multiple developmental domains when investigating the subjective perception of the aging process. They also suggest that personality traits and general age stereotypes are related with individual experiences of aging.
Engaging Through Awareness: Purpose-Driven Framework Development to Evaluate and Develop Future Business Strategies With Exponential Technologies Toward Healthcare Democratization
Authors: Barbazzeni Beatrice , Haider Sultan , Friebe Michael
Published: May 2022

Industry 4.0 and digital transformation will likely come with an era of changes for most manufacturers and tech industries, and even healthcare delivery will likely be affected. A few trends are already foreseeable such as an increased number of patients, advanced technologies, different health-related business models, increased costs, revised ethics, and regulatory procedures. Moreover, cybersecurity, digital invoices, price transparency, improving patient experience, management of big data, and the need for a revised education are challenges in response to digital transformation. Indeed, forward-looking innovation about exponential technologies and their effect on healthcare is now gaining momentum. Thus, we developed a framework, followed by an online survey, to investigate key areas, analyze and visualize future-oriented developments concerning technologies and innovative business models while attempting to translate visions into a strategy toward healthcare democratization. When forecasting the future of health in a short and long-term perspective, results showed that digital healthcare, data management, electronics, and sensors were the most common predictions, followed by artificial intelligence in clinical diagnostic and in which hospitals and homes would be the places of primary care. Shifting from a reactive to a proactive digital ecosystem, the focus on prevention, quality, and faster care accessibility are the novel value propositions toward democratization and digitalization of patient-centered services. Longevity will translate into increased neurodegenerative, chronic diseases, and mental illnesses, becoming severe issues for a future healthcare setup. Besides, data privacy, big data management, and novel regulatory procedures were considered as potential problems resulting from digital transformation. However, a revised education is needed to address these issues while preparing future health professionals. The “P4 of health”, a novel business model that is outcome-based oriented, awareness and acceptance of technologies to support public health, a different mindset that is proactive and future-oriented, and an interdisciplinary setting to merge clinical and technological advances would be key to a novel healthcare ecosystem. Lastly, based on the developed framework, we aim to conduct regular surveys to capture up-to-date technological trends, sustainable health-related business models, and interdependencies. The engagement of stakeholders through awareness and participation is the key to recognizing and improving healthcare needs and services.
Exposure of Individuals in Europe to Air Pollution and Related Health Effects
Authors: Li Naixin , Friedrich Rainer , Schieberle Christian
Published: May 2022

Air pollutants, especially PM2.5 and NO2, are associated with adverse health impacts, as shown by numerous epidemiological studies. In these studies, the observed health impacts have been correlated with ambient concentrations, mainly taken from air pollution monitoring stations. However, individuals are harmed by the pollutants in the inhaled air at the places where they stay, and thus, the concentration of pollutants in the inhaled air is obviously a better indicator for health impacts than the ambient concentration at a monitoring station. Furthermore, the current method for estimating the occurrence of chronic diseases uses annual average concentrations as indicator. However, according to current hypotheses, chronic diseases, especially chronic mortality, develop through the exposure to pollutants over many years, maybe up to a full lifetime. Thus in this study, a methodology and a computer-aided probabilistic model system are described for calculating the exposure of a person to PM2.5 and NO2 over the whole lifetime where the person is characterized by attributes such as age, gender, place of residence and work as well as socioeconomic status. The model system contains a “life course trajectory model”, which estimates the course of the education and professional development for the past lifetime of a person, whose present socioeconomic status is known. Furthermore, a “time-activity model” estimates at which places (so-called micro-environments) a person with a certain socioeconomic status stayed and how long he stayed there within a certain year. The concentrations of air pollutants in indoor environments are calculated with a “mass-balance model”, the outdoor concentrations with “atmospheric models”. Finally, the results of these models are combined to estimate the annual average exposure for the life years of individuals and population subgroups. The exposure is then used to estimate and monetize health impacts. The exposures and health impacts for a number of population subgroups in Europe are presented. For instance, a European citizen, who was 70 years old in 2015, has been exposed to around 25 μg/m3 of PM2.5 during his lifetime above the age of 30, which is associated with a reduction of life expectancy of 13.4 days per year of exposure above 30.
Exploring the Relationship Between Hospital Service Quality, Patient Trust, and Loyalty From a Service Encounter Perspective in Elderly With Chronic Diseases
Authors: Shie An-Jin , Huang Yung-Fu , Li Guang-Yu , Lyu Wen-Yi , Yang Ming , Dai You-Yu , Su Zhao-Hui , Wu Yenchun Jim
Published: May 2022

Based on the service encounter perspective, this study combines theoretical foundations for such factors as service quality and the characteristics of the hospital service industry to develop a research model scale to investigate whether the quality of hospital services affects patients' perceptions of health service encounters, trust, and loyalty. Nowadays, with the advancement of medical technology, patients pay more attention to the quality of medical services and good service encounters provided by healthcare professionals in order to establish positive patient relationships; hospitals need to improve their own service quality and establish good patient trust relationships so that doctor-patient satisfaction and loyalty can be improved. In a review of related literature, this study found that most past studies focused on issues related of quality of medical services and patient satisfaction, but ignored those related to the relationship between medical service encounters and patient trust and loyalty, as well as the lack of scientific measurement markers for service encounters in the Chinese medical service industry. Therefore, this study uses the Service Encounter Perspective and Service Quality Theory Development Research Scale to collect and analyze data for a typical case of a Chinese tertiary hospital. Finally, this study explores the relationship between the four variables of service quality, service encounter, trust, and loyalty by means of a questionnaire and statistical analysis of the data. Finally, it is concluded that the higher the service quality of the hospital, the higher the customer trust, the higher the service encounter, and in the greater the doctor-patient loyalty.
Importance of the Precautionary Principle With Regard to the Risk of Exposure to Aerosols Containing Viral Loads of SARS-CoV-2 Present in Feces: In Perspective
Authors: Massicotte Richard , Assanta Mafu Akier , Rosette Kakese Mukosa
Published: May 2022

In COVID-19 infection, the emissions of droplets and aerosols produced by the respiratory tract of contaminated subjects may represent a high risk of spreading the SARS-COV-2 virus in the environment. Thus, studies have shown that there is, at least, another source of droplets and aerosols in which viral particles of SARS-COV-2 can be found. It happens after flushing of toilet to dispose of the stools of a patient who has contracted COVID-19. The presence of viral particles of SARS-COV-2 in the stool could be linked to the concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) found on the surface of intestinal cells. Therefore, there is a reason to wonder whether the emission of viral particles by activating a toilet flush could represent an important potential risk of contamination for health care workers. To investigate this hypothesis, we have correlated different studies on the production of droplets and aerosols as well as the presence of viral particles following flush of toilet. This pooling of these studies led to the following conclusion: the precautionary principle should be applied with regard to the potential risk represented by viral particles of SARV-COV-2 in the stool when flushing the toilet.
Tracing the Trends of General Construction and Demolition Waste Research Using LDA Modeling Combined With Topic Intensity
Authors: Wu Zezhou , Xie Peiying , Zhang Jinming , Zhan Baojian , He Qiufeng
Published: May 2022

The study of construction and demolition waste (CDW) has attracted more and more attentions with the increasing CDW pollution caused by the large-scale infrastructure construction. This study used the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) combined with topic intensity to discover hot topics and development trends in the study area of CDW. First, the LDA was used for topic modeling to extract the existing topics from textual data. Second, the topic intensity was calculated for the extracted topics and the numerical values of the topic intensity represented the popularity of the topics. In this study, 4 topics were extracted from 1,849 relevant articles through the LDA modeling and topic intensity calculation. The results showed that the topic of “CDW management” had an upward trend. Topics such as “recycled aggregate,” “environmental impact,” and “study of CDW on soil” all showed a downward trend. The methods of this study can dig into the topics of CDW study and help scholars to engage in this field for better understanding the prevalence and evolution trends of these topics.
FPGA-Based CNN for Real-Time UAV Tracking and Detection
Authors: Hobden Peter , Srivastava Saket , Nurellari Edmond
Published: May 2022

Neural networks (NNs) are now being extensively utilized in various artificial intelligence platforms specifically in the area of image classification and real-time object tracking. We propose a novel design to address the problem of real-time unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitoring and detection using a Zynq UltraScale FPGA-based convolutional neural network (CNN). The biggest challenge while implementing real-time algorithms on FPGAs is the limited DSP hardware resources available on FPGA platforms. Our proposed design overcomes the challenge of autonomous real-time UAV detection and tracking using a Xilinx’s Zynq UltraScale XCZU9EG system on a chip (SoC) platform. Our proposed design explores and provides a solution for overcoming the challenge of limited floating-point resources while maintaining real-time performance. The solution consists of two modules: UAV tracking module and neural network–based UAV detection module. The tracking module uses our novel background-differencing algorithm, while the UAV detection is based on a modified CNN algorithm, designed to give the maximum field-programmable gate array (FPGA) performance. These two modules are designed to complement each other and enabled simultaneously to provide an enhanced real-time UAV detection for any given video input. The proposed system has been tested on real-life flying UAVs, achieving an accuracy of 82%, running at the full frame rate of the input camera for both tracking and neural network (NN) detection, achieving similar performance than an equivalent deep learning processor unit (DPU) with UltraScale FPGA-based HD video and tracking implementation but with lower resource utilization as shown by our results.
Revisiting the Ground Magnetic Field Perturbations Challenge: A Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: Pinto Victor A. , Keesee Amy M. , Coughlan Michael , Mukundan Raman , Johnson Jeremiah W. , Ngwira Chigomezyo M. , Connor Hyunju K.
Published: May 2022

Forecasting ground magnetic field perturbations has been a long-standing goal of the space weather community. The availability of ground magnetic field data and its potential to be used in geomagnetically induced current studies, such as risk assessment, have resulted in several forecasting efforts over the past few decades. One particular community effort was the Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) challenge of ground magnetic field perturbations that evaluated the predictive capacity of several empirical and first principles models at both mid- and high-latitudes in order to choose an operative model. In this work, we use three different deep learning models-a feed-forward neural network, a long short-term memory recurrent network and a convolutional neural network-to forecast the horizontal component of the ground magnetic field rate of change (dBH/dt) over 6 different ground magnetometer stations and to compare as directly as possible with the original GEM challenge. We find that, in general, the models are able to perform at similar levels to those obtained in the original challenge, although the performance depends heavily on the particular storm being evaluated. We then discuss the limitations of such a comparison on the basis that the original challenge was not designed with machine learning algorithms in mind.
Dust Formation in Astrophysical Environments: The Importance of Kinetics
Authors: Tielens A.G.G.M.
Published: May 2022

Astronomical observations and analysis of stardust isolated from meteorites have revealed a highly diverse interstellar and circumstellar grain inventory, including a wide range of amorphous materials and crystalline compounds (silicates and carbon). This diversity reflects the wide range of stellar sources injecting solids into the interstellar medium each with its own physical characteristics such as density, temperature and elemental composition and highlights the importance of kinetics rather than thermodynamics in the formation of these compounds. Based upon the extensive literature on soot formation in terrestrial settings, detailed kinetic pathways have been identified for the formation of carbon dust in C-rich stellar ejecta. These have been incorporated in astronomical models for these environments. In recent years, the chemical routes in the nucleation of oxides and silicates have been the focus of much astronomical research. These aspects of stardust formation will be reviewed and “lessons” for dust formation in planetary atmospheres will be drawn with the emphasis on the influence of kinetics on the characteristics and structure of dust in these environments.
Recellularization of Bioengineered Scaffolds for Vascular Composite Allotransplantation
Authors: Adil Aisha , Xu Michael , Haykal Siba
Published: May 2022

Traumatic injuries or cancer resection resulting in large volumetric soft tissue loss requires surgical reconstruction. Vascular composite allotransplantation (VCA) is an emerging reconstructive option that transfers multiple, complex tissues as a whole subunit from donor to recipient. Although promising, VCA is limited due to side effects of immunosuppression. Tissue-engineered scaffolds obtained by decellularization and recellularization hold great promise. Decellularization is a process that removes cellular materials while preserving the extracellular matrix architecture. Subsequent recellularization of these acellular scaffolds with recipient-specific cells can help circumvent adverse immune-mediated host responses and allow transplantation of allografts by reducing and possibly eliminating the need for immunosuppression. Recellularization of acellular tissue scaffolds is a technique that was first investigated and reported in whole organs. More recently, work has been performed to apply this technique to VCA. Additional work is needed to address barriers associated with tissue recellularization such as: cell type selection, cell distribution, and functionalization of the vasculature and musculature. These factors ultimately contribute to achieving tissue integration and viability following allotransplantation. The present work will review the current state-of-the-art in soft tissue scaffolds with specific emphasis on recellularization techniques. We will discuss biological and engineering process considerations, technical and scientific challenges, and the potential clinical impact of this technology to advance the field of VCA and reconstructive surgery.
Women in Surgery Events Alone do not Change Medical Student Perceptions of Gender Bias and Discrimination in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Hull Bethany , Pestrin Olivia , Brennan Caitlin M. , Hackney Rosie , Scott Chloe E.H.
Published: May 2022

Aims

This study investigated the perceptions of medical students regarding the barriers to pursuing a career in trauma and orthopaedics (T&O); and whether these perceptions were altered by attending an event promoting women in T&O.

Methods

An event consisting of presentations and interactive sessions from two female T&O trainees was hosted online. Attendees completed pre and post-event questionnaires. Students were asked about their previous exposure to T&O, perceptions of gender imbalances in T&O and what barriers they perceived prevented women from entering T&O. Univariate analysis was performed to identify changes in perceptions following the event.

Results

Pre-event questionnaires were completed by 102 people; and post-event by 52. Although 64/102 respondents were considering a career in T&O, 26/102 were dissuaded by perceived gender disparities. Perceptions of gender disparities were significantly higher in UK based attendees compared to other nationalities (p = 0.047). Attendees were more likely to want to pursue a career in T&O if they had been directly exposed at medical school (p = 0.044), but exposure did not alter perceptions of women in T&O. The most common perceived barrier was the orthopaedic stereotype followed by male dominated workplace culture, and lack of female role models. Pre and post-event responses did not differ significantly for any areas examined.

Conclusion

There are significant concerns amongst medical students regarding gender based discrimination within T&O, and these perceptions were not altered by attending a one-off women in T&O event. Early exposure to T&O appears important to improve interest in orthopaedics, whereas negative stereotyping is a barrier.
Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Isolated Proximal Posterior Artery Occlusion
Authors: Zhang Guang , Zhu Yujing , Ling Yeping , Chen Pingbo , Dai Jiaxing , Wang Chunlei , Xu Shancai , Shumadalova Alina , Shi Huaizhang
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to isolated proximal posterior cerebral artery (PPCA) occlusion is rare but associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, the optimal treatment strategy for patients with AIS caused by PPCA remains unclear. We discuss our single-center experience with endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with PPCA.

Methods

Data from patients with AIS due to PPCA occlusion were retrospectively analyzed. We analyzed procedural details, the degree of reperfusion, functional outcomes, and complications. Functional outcomes were determined using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days, and good outcome was defined as mRS 0–2 at 90 days. Successful reperfusion was defined as modified treatment in cerebral ischemia (mTICI) 2b−3 after endovascular therapy. Safety variables included symptomatic hemorrhage (defined as an increase of four or more points in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score), vessel perforation or dissection, and new ischemic stroke in different territories.

Results

Seven patients were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 64 ± 12.4 years. Successful reperfusion was achieved in all seven patients (100%). Good outcomes were achieved at 90 days in 2 patients (28.6%), and favorable outcomes were observed in five patients (71.4%). One patient underwent angioplasty as rescue therapy after three attempts. One patient died because of severe gastrointestinal bleeding 24 h after EVT, which was probably a complication of intravenous alteplase. One patient had an embolism in the basilar artery and achieved complete reperfusion after rescue thrombectomy. Another patient had a complication of vessel dissection in the PPCA and underwent stent implantation as rescue therapy. We observed no recurrence of ischemic stroke or any intracranial hemorrhage on non-contrast computed tomography 24 h after the procedure.

Conclusion

EVT may represent an alternative treatment strategy for patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by PPCA.
A Brief Review on Deep Learning Applications in Genomic Studies
Authors: Shen Xiaoxi , Jiang Chang , Wen Yalu , Li Chenxi , Lu Qing
Published: May 2022

Deep learning is a powerful tool for capturing complex structures within the data. It holds great promise for genomic research due to its capacity of learning complex features in genomic data. In this paper, we provide a brief review on deep learning techniques and various applications of deep learning to genomic studies. We also briefly mention current challenges and future perspectives on using emerging deep learning techniques for ongoing and future genomic research.