bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family Functioning and Adolescent Delinquency in Mainland China: Positive Youth Development Attributes as a Mediator
Authors: Shek Daniel T. L. , Leung Kim H. , Dou Diya , Zhu Xiaoqin
Published: April 2022

According to the positive youth development (PYD) approach, PYD attributes such as psychosocial competencies are developmental assets which can promote the holistic development of adolescents, such as increase in thriving and decrease in risk behavior. Although there are research findings supporting this theoretical proposition, there are several weaknesses in this literature. These include a lack of studies examining family antecedents of PYD attributes and the mediating role of PYD attributes in the relationship between family functioning and adolescent delinquency. There are also few longitudinal studies utilizing large samples and validated measures of family functioning and PYD attributes in the scientific literature. In this study, we examined the predictive effect of family functioning on adolescent delinquency and the mediating role of PYD attributes. Using a short-term longitudinal study in Sichuan, China, we collected two waves of data from 4,981 adolescents aged 11 and above, with 6 months between the two waves. Analyses using structural equation modeling showed that family functioning at Wave 1 negatively predicted the level of and change in delinquent behavior at Wave 2, with PYD attributes at Wave 2 as a mediating factor. The present study enriches the conceptual framework on the role of family functioning and PYD attributes in adolescent delinquent behavior. The findings also suggest that strengthening family functioning and PYD attributes would protect adolescents from engaging in delinquent acts.
Parents' Hesitancy to Vaccinate Their Children Against COVID-19, a Country-Wide Survey
Authors: Alhazza Sultan F. , Altalhi Ali M. , Alamri Khaled M. , Alenazi Saleh S. , Alqarni Bader A. , Almohaya Abdulellah M.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Parents' hesitancy (PH) toward childhood vaccination, including the vaccine of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is one of the top public health threats. We aim to assess the PH toward children COVID-19 vaccination as compared to PH toward children routine vaccination among the residents of Saudi Arabia.

Method

Before the official approval of children's COVID-19 vaccination in the country, a cross-sectional study using an electronically distributed survey was performed. Responses from parents of children younger than 18 years of age were accepted. The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy scale (OC19-VHS) and the routine vaccination hesitancy scale (R-VHS) were used. Parents were classified as hesitant, non-hesitant, and unsure.

Results

Between June 18th−30th, 2021, we included 1,052 parents. More than half of the parents were positive toward the childhood COVID-19 vaccination (63%) while 10% were unsure. Higher parental hesitancy toward children COVID-19 vaccination among mothers, parents younger than 40 years, did not receive COVID-19 nor influenza vaccines, had higher educational levels, and parents who recovered from COVID-19 infection. Hesitancy was mainly driven by the novelty of the vaccines and the fear of serious adverse effects. Compared to the routine vaccination, parents were more hesitant toward COVID-19 vaccination (6 vs. 27%).

Conclusion

Generally, parents in Saudi Arabia were positive toward children's COVID-19 vaccination. Focused education to reassure hesitant parents on the safety of the vaccine is essential to achieve larger vaccination coverage.
Student-Driven Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CUREs) Projects in Identifying Vaginal Microorganism Species Communities to Promote Scientific Literacy Skills
Authors: Yang Ye , Wang Min , Sang Wei-Lin , Zhang Ying-Ying , Liu Wei , Wu Su-Fang
Published: April 2022

Objectives

We aim to build a students' own engagement in original microbiological course-based undergraduate research experience (CUREs) model served two research and teaching scientific purposes including students' scientific literacy skills and instructors' role, which could further be applied as contribution to broader scientific knowledge and conduct novel research in their future research experience and careers.

Methods

We describe a student-driven CUREs model on the microorganism species in female vaginal using general bacterial culture techniques and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to enable students to center experimental research method under the direction of instructors. A total of 8 undergraduate students and 5 instructors from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine participated in the project. The CUREs were divided in four operating scopes: project planning, implementation, summarizing and feedback phases. Instructors help students to develop learning research goals.

Results

This project helped students to gain “hard skills” experiences in scientific theoretical research process and technical practices. Students reached the conclusion that Lactobacillus species dominated the primary vaginal microbiota in reproductive-age women, 16S rRNA sequencing is a method widely applied for microbiology detection. CUREs also increased students' engagement in scientific experiments and promote 3 learning goals in “soft skills”: (1) Develop students' self-study and efficacy ability, expression capability and professional research communication skills; (2) Strengthen students' motivation and ownership in science research, overcoming failure, benefitting persistence and patience, building professional science identity, competence, and confidence in collaboration, implement spirit of rigorous and carefulness; (3) Obtain authorship, independent and logical thinking capability, summarizing ability and confidence enhancement. Instructors proposed guiding research question for the students and determine evidence in achieving pedagogical goals in CUREs.

Conclusions

Our microbiological CUREs project served two scientific purposes: research and teaching, which increase students' engagement in promoting learning gains in scientific research skills, ownership, identity development, and spirit of motivation, self-efficacy, persistence, collaboration, communication, as well as opportunities to make relevant scientific discoveries. These abilities equipped them with essential foundation for the subsequent collaborative experiments and future scientific study.
How the First Year of COVID-19 Affected Elective Pediatric Urology Patients: A Longitudinal Study Based on Waiting Lists and Surveys From 10 European Centers
Authors: Juul Nikolai , Cazals Aurélie , Hofmann Aybike , Amesty Virginia , Verkauskas Gilvydas , Dobrowolska-Glazar Barbara , Holmdahl Gundela , Escolino Maria , Birraux Jacques , Kovacs Tamas , Kalfa Nicolas , Fossum Magdalena
Published: April 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 impacted healthcare systems worldwide, and elective surgical activity was brought to a minimum. Although children were not primarily affected by the disease, pediatric urology was halted by clinical closedown and staff allocation. We aimed to document how these prioritizations affected waiting lists, and to investigate how European centers dealt with the challenge of these logistical and financial prioritizations.

Materials and Methods

This was a 1-year prospective study, starting March 2020. Participants were surveyed at 3-month intervals about waiting lists for several common procedures as well as OR capacity and funding. Further, centers retrospectively reported on surgical and outpatient activity rates during 2019–2021. Waiting list tendencies were evaluated in relation to study baseline.

Results

A marked decrease in surgical and outpatient activity was seen in the spring of 2020. Some included pediatric urology centers were able to increase their budget (15%) and staff working hours (20%) during part of the study period. Still, at the end of the study, the centers had increased the total number of patients on waiting lists with 11%, whereas the average days on waiting lists had accumulated with 73%, yielding a total of 6,102 accumulated waiting days in the study population. Centers with decreased resources had markedly negative effects on waiting lists.

Conclusions

Correlations between COVID-19 derived burdening of healthcare systems and the availability of pediatric urology greatly depends on the prioritizations made at individual centers. Ongoing monitoring of these correlations is warranted to safely avoid unnecessary negative impact on the pediatric population.
Prostate Cancer Patterns and Trends in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa; 1998–2017
Authors: Ramaliba Thendo Michael , Sithole Nomfuneko , Ncinitwa Akhona , Somdyala Nontuthuzelo I. M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Globally, prostate cancer is rated the second most common cancer and the sixth leading cause of death. In South Africa, it is ranked as leading cancer among men. This study describes prostate cancer patterns and trends in the rural Eastern Cape Province population.

Methodology

Secondary data were used from which a sample of 723 prostate cancer (C61) patients was extracted from the database into STATA version 14.0 for descriptive analysis. A direct standardization method was used to estimate age-specific and age-standardized incidence rates. Keyfitz method was used to calculate the standard error and confidence interval, whereas the Joinpoint program the annual percentage change.

Results

The mean age was 64 years, with a standard deviation of 9.9. Trends in prostate cancer incidence increased significantly (p = 0.026) from 7.4% in 2010 to 12.6% in 2017. Incidence rates varied across the region, with the lowest of 4.5 per 100,000 in 1998 to the highest of 21.4 per 100,000 in 2017 period. Lusikisiki had the highest incidence rates of 53.4 per 100,000 population (95% CI 0.8–61.4), while Centane with 21.7 per 100,000 (95% CI 2.3–27.6) rated the second. Other magisterial areas showed a constant increase (p > 0.05) throughout the observation period except for Idutywa and Willowvale, with no apparent increase. Conversely, in Butterworth, incidence rates decreased from 15.2 per 100 000 (95% CI 8.6–21.9) to 11.5 per 100,000 (95% CI 6.2–16.7).

Conclusion

As experienced globally and regionally, prostate cancer has become a public health concern in this population. Incidence variations across the surveillance area in the Eastern Cape were noted with hotspots.
Sun Protection Behavior in Danish Outdoor Workers Following a Multicomponent Intervention
Authors: Jakobsen Marie Munk , Mortensen Ole Steen , Grandahl Kasper
Published: April 2022

Background

Outdoor workers can be exposed to relatively high levels of ultraviolet radiation and are at risk of developing occupational skin cancer. Implementing the use of sun protection in outdoor workers at work is therefore important. The objective of this follow-up study was to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention to improve the use of sun protection in Danish outdoor workers.

Method

A total of 237 Danish outdoor workers were asked to complete surveys in 2016/17 and in 2020. Multicomponent interventions, between surveys, included information on skin cancer risk and use of sun protection, personal dosimetry and skin examination for signs of photodamage and skin cancer. Survey items on awareness of occupational skin cancer risk and perceived importance of sun protection as well as availability and use of sun protection at work were compared and analyzed in relation to the multicomponent intervention.

Results

Overall, the use of sun protection at work increased significantly (composite score [95% CI] 4.0 [3.7, 4.3] in 2016/17 and 4.6 [4.3, 4.9] in 2020, p < 0.001). Sunscreen was by far the biggest contributor, and the only type of sun protection used at work, which changed significantly (often/always use 37% in 2016/17 and 52% in 2020, p < 0.001). The biggest influence on the increased use of sun protection at work seemed to be a significant increase in the awareness of occupational skin cancer risk (moderate/high 43% in 2016/17 and 63% in 2020, p < 0.001) and perceived importance of sun protection at work (moderate/high 69% in 2016/17 and 83% in 2020, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that awareness of occupational skin cancer risk as well as the perceived importance and use of sun protection at work in Danish outdoor workers may be improved by means of multicomponent intervention.
An Extended UTAUT Model to Explain Factors Affecting Online Learning System Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of a Developing Economy
Authors: Batucan Gesselle B. , Gonzales Gamaliel G. , Balbuena Merly G. , Pasaol Kyla Rose B. , Seno Darlyn N. , Gonzales Roselyn R.
Published: April 2022

From a developing country perspective, this study explains the factors affecting online learning amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper empirically tests the proposed extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (e-UTAUT) model in the students' intention and use behavior toward the online learning system. Understanding the acceptance of online learning technology is crucial, especially among developing countries caught off-guard by the abrupt transition of face-to-face classes to pure online learning. The enjoyment, interactivity, flexibility, and quality of online learning systems were added as antecedent variables to the UTAUT model. Eight hundred eighty valid responses from selected college students in the Visayas regions, Philippines, were collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to verify the research hypotheses. The results supported the proposed model with acceptable fit measures and substantial explanatory power. The extended constructs provide different views on online learning based on the significant cluster of antecedents to explain technology acceptance through behavioral intentions and actual system usage. The paper implies that despite the challenges of connectivity in developing countries, the variations still conform with emerging literature about the topic. Insights for higher education institutions and policy directions are recommended.
Rehabilitation Through Physical Activity and Sport in Light of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health–Current Research Perspectives
Authors: Stolz Isabel , Weber Elisa , Vreuls Ruud , Anneken Volker
Published: April 2022

The implementation of functioning by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the third global health indicator, along with mortality and morbidity, represents a promising advancement for a comprehensive assessment of international health systems and health strategies. The description of a person's health state operationalized by both biological and lived health via functioning provides a holistic picture of an individual's life situation and proved to be successful in building a framework for formulating therapy goals, achievable activities, and participational aspects against the background of an individual's life situation. Furthermore, improving an individual's functional ability and wellbeing could potentially affect the health indicators of morbidity and mortality and will be codable beyond the ICF in ICD-11. This methodological perspective emphasizes the use of ICF applications on the wider and narrower level of international rehabilitation systems and highlights the incorporation of the term functioning in rehabilitation through physical activity and sport. Current research perspectives in applying the ICF and functioning in clinical and rehabilitation practices are discussed and a current explorative study is presented, which applies the holistic orientation of functioning and the biopsychosocial model to the specific case by an individualized sports coaching intervention in rehabilitation. Subsequently, a unifying ICF- oriented language in rehabilitation is considered as a powerful foundation for a consistent international research strategy concerning increased international collaborations and future research perspectives.
Task Roadmaps: Speeding up Task Replanning
Authors: Lager Anders , Spampinato Giacomo , Papadopoulos Alessandro V. , Nolte Thomas
Published: April 2022

Modern industrial robots are increasingly deployed in dynamic environments, where unpredictable events are expected to impact the robot’s operation. Under these conditions, runtime task replanning is required to avoid failures and unnecessary stops, while keeping up productivity. Task replanning is a long-sighted complement to path replanning, which is mostly concerned with avoiding unexpected obstacles that can lead to potentially unsafe situations. This paper focuses on task replanning as a way to dynamically adjust the robot behaviour to the continuously evolving environment in which it is deployed. Analogously to probabilistic roadmaps used in path planning, we propose the concept ofTask roadmapsas a method to replan tasks by leveraging an offline generated search space. A graph-based model of the robot application is converted to a task scheduling problem to be solved by a proposed Branch and Bound (B&B) approach and two benchmark approaches: Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) and Planning Domain Definition Language (PDDL). The B&B approach is proposed to compute the task roadmap, which is then reused to replan for unforeseeable events. The optimality and efficiency of this replanning approach are demonstrated in a simulation-based experiment with a mobile manipulator in a kitting application. In this study, the proposed B&B Task Roadmap replanning approach is significantly faster than a MILP solver and a PDDL based planner.
A Wearable Soft Robotic Exoskeleton for Hip Flexion Rehabilitation
Authors: Miller-Jackson Tiana M. , Natividad Rainier F. , Lim Daniel Yuan Lee , Hernandez-Barraza Luis , Ambrose Jonathan W. , Yeow Raye Chen-Hua
Published: April 2022

Leg motion is essential to everyday tasks, yet many face a daily struggle due to leg motion impairment. Traditional robotic solutions for lower limb rehabilitation have arisen, but they may bare some limitations due to their cost. Soft robotics utilizes soft, pliable materials which may afford a less costly robotic solution. This work presents a soft-pneumatic-actuator-driven exoskeleton for hip flexion rehabilitation. An array of soft pneumatic rotary actuators is used for torque generation. An analytical model of the actuators is validated and used to determine actuator parameters for the target application of hip flexion. The performance of the assembly is assessed, and it is found capable of the target torque for hip flexion, 19.8 Nm at 30°, requiring 86 kPa to reach that torque output. The assembly exhibits a maximum torque of 31 Nm under the conditions tested. The full exoskeleton assembly is then assessed with healthy human subjects as they perform a set of lower limb motions. For one motion, the Leg Raise, a muscle signal reduction of 43.5% is observed during device assistance, as compared to not wearing the device. This reduction in muscle effort indicates that the device is effective in providing hip flexion assistance and suggests that pneumatic-rotary-actuator-driven exoskeletons are a viable solution to realize more accessible options for those who suffer from lower limb immobility.
Using Deep Neural Networks to Improve Contact Wrench Estimation of Serial Robotic Manipulators in Static Tasks
Authors: Osburg Jonas , Kuhlemann Ivo , Hagenah Jannis , Ernst Floris
Published: April 2022

Reliable force-driven robot-interaction requires precise contact wrench measurements. In most robot systems these measurements are severely incorrect and in most manipulation tasks expensive additional force sensors are installed. We follow a learning approach to train the dependencies between joint torques and end-effector contact wrenches. We used a redundant serial light-weight manipulator (KUKA iiwa 7 R800) with integrated force estimation based on the joint torques measured in each of the robot’s seven axes. Firstly, a simulated dataset is created to let a feed-forward net learn the relationship between end-effector contact wrenches and joint torques for a static case. Secondly, an extensive real training dataset was acquired with 330,000 randomized robot positions and end-effector contact wrenches and used for retraining the simulated trained feed-forward net. We can show that the wrench prediction error could be reduced by around 57% for the forces compared to the manufacturer’s proprietary force estimation model. In addition, we show that the number of high outliers can be reduced substantially. Furthermore we prove that the approach could be also transferred to another robot (KUKA iiwa 14 R820) with reasonable prediction accuracy and without the need of acquiring new robot specific data.
Optimization of Network Throughput of Joint Radar Communication System Using Stochastic Geometry
Authors: Ram Shobha Sundar , Singhal Shubhi , Ghatak Gourab
Published: April 2022

Recently joint radar communication (JRC) systems have gained considerable interest for several applications such as vehicular communications, indoor localization and activity recognition, covert military communications, and satellite based remote sensing. In these frameworks, bistatic/passive radar deployments with directional beams explore the angular search space and identify mobile users/radar targets. Subsequently, directional communication links are established with these mobile users. Consequently, JRC parameters such as the time trade-off between the radar exploration and communication service tasks have direct implications on the network throughput. Using tools from stochastic geometry (SG), we derive several system design and planning insights for deploying such networks and demonstrate how efficient radar detection can augment the communication throughput in a JRC system. Specifically, we provide a generalized analytical framework to maximize the network throughput by optimizing JRC parameters such as the exploration/exploitation duty cycle, the radar bandwidth, the transmit power and the pulse repetition interval. The analysis is further extended to monostatic radar conditions, which is a special case in our framework. The theoretical results are experimentally validated through Monte Carlo simulations. Our analysis highlights that for a larger bistatic range, a lower operating bandwidth and a higher duty cycle must be employed to maximize the network throughput. Furthermore, we demonstrate how a reduced success in radar detection due to higher clutter density deteriorates the overall network throughput. Finally, we show a peak reliability of 70% of the JRC link metrics for a single bistatic transceiver configuration.
I Know It Is Not Real (And That Matters) Media Awareness vs. Presence in a Parallel Processing Account of the VR Experience
Authors: Hartmann Tilo , Hofer Matthias
Published: April 2022

Inspired by the widely recognized idea that in VR/XR, not only presence but also encountered plausibility is relevant (Slater, Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B, 2009, 364 (1535), 3549–3557), we propose a general psychological parallel processing account to explain users’ VR and XR experience. The model adopts a broad psychological view by building on interdisciplinary literature on the dualistic nature of perceiving and experiencing (mediated) representations. It proposes that perceptual sensations like presence are paralleled by users’ belief that “this is not really happening,” which we refer to asmedia awareness. We review the developmental underpinnings of basic media awareness, and argue that it is triggered in users’ conscious exposure to VR/XR. During exposure, the salience of media awareness can vary dynamically due to factors like encountered sensory and semantic (in)consistencies. Our account sketches media awareness and presence as two parallel processes that together define a situation as a media exposure situation. We also review potential joint effects on subsequent psychological and behavioral responses that characterize the user experience in VR/XR. We conclude the article with a programmatic outlook on testable assumptions and open questions for future research.
Surgical Treatment of Sacroiliac Pigment Villous Nodular Synovitis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Song Jiashi , Jiang Kunpeng , Lv Zhanhu , Liu Bing
Published: April 2022

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PNVS) is a rare and disabling disease that is thought to occur mostly in the knee joint. Here, the authors first present a unique case of PNVS occurring at the sacroiliac joint. The patient complained of sacroiliac joint pain with mild swelling. CT and MRI showed that the tumor was ~63 by 91 by 107 mm in size, and was considered to be a fibrous borderline or low-grade malignancy. Intraoperative macroscopic features of the synovitis during operation suggested PNVS, which was confirmed by histopathological examination. The clinical symptoms and signs of the disease, in this case, are not obvious, and radiological investigations, including MRI, suggest high aggressiveness. The author believes that it may be more likely to relapse and metastasis and recommends complete removal of the synovial membrane and regular follow-up, while preoperative or postoperative radiotherapy and molecular targeted therapy are not recommended for the time being.
Evaluating the Lower Urinary Tract Syndrome with a Telemedicine Application: An Exploration of the Electronic Audiovisual Prostate Symptom Score
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Guan Zhiyuan , Lan Hongyu , Zhao Yan , Ye Zhiming , Lv Daojun , Yu Qingfeng , Wang Ming , Peng Kaoqing , Fu Nanfei , Mazzon Giorgio , Gu Di
Published: April 2022

Background

The Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) is used for the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). It is usually administered by general practitioners (GPs), but in these cases, outcomes do not seem to be reflecting the real conditions of a patient well, with consequent risks of misestimations and misinterpretations. We developed an electronic audiovisual version of VPSS (EPSS), a new symptom scale based on a telemedicine mobile light-based app. The aim of this study is to test and evaluate its reliability.

Methods

We enrolled male patients aged between 50 and 80 years across 24 community-based healthcare facilities in Guangzhou, China. Patients were asked to complete the Chinese version of VPSS and EPSS before consultation with the urology specialists. Patients were divided into two groups based on age. First, we analyzed the rate of full understanding of EPSS using a chi-square test. Then, we analyzed the difference between each score of EPSS, VPSS, and outcomes measured by specialists, used as the reference score (RS). Finally, the outcomes were analyzed with the Spearman test and Bartlett test separately.

Results

Seventy-nine male patients were included (mean age 70.42 years). Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (>70 years, n = 40) and group 2 (<70 years, n = 39). The full-understanding rates in groups 1 and 2 were 50% and 64.1%, respectively. No significant differences were noted between groups (p = 0.206). A t-test was presented between each question of VPSS, EPSS, and RS. All questions did not display significant differences (p > 0.05); total scores from the three scales had no significant differences in the evaluation of LUTS. We further explored the variations of choices made by patients in different scales. Spearman’s test among VPSS, EPSS, and RS showed positive correlations, and coefficients of the total score were 0.92, 0.91, and 0.93 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

EPSS can be easily used in a significant number of patients and showed correlation with the VPSS and RS. Moreover, certain items resulted in better performance than VPSS. The results showed that EPSS could be a valuable option for both patients and GPs monitoring LUTS and particularly helpful when teleconsultations are considered, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Role of Intra-Operative Duplex Ultrasonography Following Translabyrinthine Approach for Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Fatima Nida , Barnard Zachary R. , Maxwell Anne K. , Muelleman Tommy J. , Slattery William H. , Mehta Gautam U. , Wagner Willis , Lekovic Gregory P.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Sigmoid sinus (SS) stenosis is a complication of translabyrinthine approach. Velocity changes in the SS measured by intra-operative doppler ultrasound may help in identifying patients at risk for sinus occlusion.

Patients

SS velocity was measured using doppler ultrasound prior to opening dura and again prior to placement of the abdominal fat graft.

Intervention

Data collected included: patient age, surgical side, sinus dominance, tumor volume, intra-operative doppler ultrasound measurements, post-operative venous sinus imaging, anticoagulation, and morbidities and mortalities.

Main Outcome Measure

SS patency and velocity.

Results

Eight patients were included in the analysis (22 to 69 years). Four had left-sided and four had right-sided craniotomies. Sigmoid sinuses were either right-side dominant or co-dominant. The mean velocity ± standard deviation (SD) prior to dura opening and abdominal fat packing was 23.2 ± 11.3 and 25.5 ± 13.9 cm/s, respectively, p = 0.575. Post-operative Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) imaging showed four sigmoid sinus occlusions; seven patients showed sigmoid sinus stenosis, and one internal jugular vein occlusion. One patient had post-operative Computed Tomography Venography (CTV) only. Of the four patients with MRV occlusions, CTVs were performed with three showing occlusion and all four-showing stenosis. One patient with internal jugular vein occlusion on MRV received warfarin anticoagulation. There was one cerebrospinal fluid leak requiring ear closure, one small cerebellar infarct, and one with facial nerve palsy (House-Brackman Grade 3).

Conclusion

SS velocity changes before and after tumor resection were not predictive of sinus occlusion. We hypothesize that sinus occlusion may be caused by related factors other than thrombosis, such as external compression of the sinus secondary to abdominal fat grafting.
Clinical and Anatomical Factors Affecting Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis During Thyroidectomy via Intraoperative Nerve Monitorization
Authors: Aygun Nurcihan , Kostek Mehmet , Unlu Mehmet Taner , Isgor Adnan , Uludag Mehmet
Published: April 2022

Background

Despite all the technical developments in thyroidectomy and the use of intraoperative nerve monitorization (IONM), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralysis may still occur. We aimed to evaluate the effects of anatomical variations, clinical features, and intervention type on RLN paralysis.

Method

The RLNs identified till the laryngeal entry point, between January 2016 and September 2021 were included in the study. The effects of RLN anatomical features considering the International RLN Anatomical Classification System, intervention and monitoring types on RLN paralysis were evaluated.

Results

A total of 1,412 neck sides of 871 patients (672 F, 199 M) with a mean age of 49.17 + 13.42 years (range, 18–99) were evaluated. Eighty-three nerves (5.9%) including 78 nerves with transient (5.5%) and 5 (0.4%) with permanent vocal cord paralysis (VCP) were detected. The factors that may increase the risk of VCP were evaluated with binary logistic regression analysis. While the secondary thyroidectomy (OR: 2.809, 95%CI: 1.302–6.061, p = 0.008) and Berry entrapment of RLN (OR: 2.347, 95%CI: 1.425–3.876, p = 0.001) were detected as the independent risk factors for total VCP, the use of intermittent-IONM (OR: 2.217, 95% CI: 1.299–3.788, 0.004), secondary thyroidectomy (OR: 3.257, 95%CI: 1.340–7.937, p = 0.009), and nerve branching (OR: 1.739, 95%CI: 1.049–2.882, p = 0.032) were detected as independent risk factors for transient VCP.

Conclusion

Preference of continuous-IONM particularly in secondary thyroidectomies would reduce the risk of VCP. Anatomical variations of the RLN cannot be predicted preoperatively. Revealing anatomical features with careful dissection may contribute to risk reduction by minimizing actions causing traction trauma or compression on the nerve.
Safety and Feasibility of Vaginal Delivery in Full-Term Pregnancy After Transvaginal-Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery: A Case Series
Authors: Zhang Shoufeng , Dong Zhiyong , Liu Junling , Qin Zhenyue , Wang Huihui , Bao Mingyue , Wei Weiwei , Shi Ruxia , Chen Jiming , Xia Bairong
Published: April 2022

Study Objective

The aim was to investigate the outcome of vaginal delivery of full-term pregnancies in patients after transvaginal-natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) treatment for gynecological disorders.

Design

A case series report.

Setting

A medical university hospital.

Patients

12 cases of successful delivery after transvaginal-natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Interventions

Long-term follow-up of patients with fertility needs after transvaginal-natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

Measurements and Main Results

From 2018 to 2021, 163 cases of gynecological diseases were treated by vNOTES. One hundred forty-seven patients were followed up, with a follow-up rate of 90.1%. The average follow-up time was 28 (15–47) months, including 66 cases with fertility requirements. Among these 66 patients, 12 patients successfully got pregnant and completed delivery, including 10 cases of vaginal delivery and 2 cases of cesarean section, with no adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with vNOTES arising.

Conclusion

Vaginal delivery of a full-term pregnancy after transvaginal-natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery appears to be safe and feasible and would not be one of the bases for elective cesarean delivery.
Effects of Anemoside B4 on Diarrhea Incidence, Serum Indices, and Fecal Microbial of Suckling Calves
Authors: Lu Meng , Hu Fengming , Bi Yanliang , Ma Tao , Diao Qiyu , Jiang Linshu , Tu Yan
Published: April 2022

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Anemoside B4 on diarrhea incidence, serum indices, and fecal microbial of suckling calves. Sixty newborn Chinese Holstein calves with similar body weight (43.7 ± 3.9 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with 15 calves each, fed the diet which was supplied 0 (CON), 15 (A1), 30 (A2), and 45 (A3) mg/day of Anemoside B4, respectively. The trial period is 56 days. The blood and fecal samples were collected at 28 and 56 days of age. Results show that during the whole trial period, the diarrhea incidence in Group A1, A2, and A3 was significantly lower than that in Group CON (p < 0.05). Compared with the Group CON, Anemoside B4 supplementation significantly decreased the contents of serum D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase at 28-day-old (p < 0.05). At 56-day-old, the content of serum D-lactic acid in Group A3 tended to be higher (0.05 < p < 0.01), and the content of serum diamine oxidase in Group A3 increased significantly, in comparison with Group CON (p < 0.05). Group A3 increased the level of Chao1 and Simpson indices at 28-day-old (0.05 < p < 0.01), and Chao1, Observed_species, Shannon, and Simpson indices at 56-day-old (p < 0.05), in comparison to Group CON. Compared with Group CON, 45 mg / day Anemoside B4 supplementation significantly increased the contents of Bacteroidota (at the phylum level), Prevotella (at the genus level) at 28-day-old (p < 0.05), and the content of Sutterella (at the genus level) at 56-day-old (p < 0.05), promoted the processes of energy metabolism, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between Prevotella and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins, energy metabolism, and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism. A positive correlation was observed between Sutterella and energy metabolism. In conclusion, Anemoside B4 could effectively alleviate calf diarrhea, protect the integrity of intestinal mucosa, and change the structure of intestinal microbiota, indicating the potential value of Anemoside B4 in regulating intestinal microbiota and the prevention of intestinal diseases.
The Melatonin Treatment Improves the Ovarian Responses After Superstimulation in Thai-Holstein Crossbreeds Under Heat Stress Conditions
Authors: Ratchamak Ruthaiporn , Thananurak Pachara , Boonkum Wuttigrai , Semaming Yoswaris , Chankitisakul Vibuntita
Published: April 2022

The effect of heat stress with melatonin treatment on the superovulatory responses and embryo characteristics in Thai-Holstein crossbreeds under heat stress conditions was examined. Six non-lactating cows (replication = 4; n = 24) were assigned to one of 2 treatments in double cross-over design. All cows were superstimulated with traditional treatment. Melatonin group (n = 12): cows received intramuscularly injection 18 mg/50 kg. simultaneously with GnRH injection, while those in the control group (n = 12) received none. Bloods samples were taken to determine lipid peroxidation (MDA) and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase; SOD). The experiment was conducted from April to September, which determined severe heat stress (the mean temperature-humidity index above 77). The results revealed that numbers of large follicles and corpora lutea were higher in the melatonin group than in the control group (p < 0.01). Numbers of recovered ova/embryos, fertilized ova, and transferable embryos were higher in the melatonin group (p < 0.01); meanwhile, more degenerated embryos were found in the control group (p < 0.01). Increased activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD after melatonin administration decreased MDA levels (p < 0.05). In summary, melatonin administration benefited the ovarian response and embryo quality in superstimulated Thai-Holstein crossbreed affected by heat stress.
Long-Term Monocultures of American Ginseng Change the Rhizosphere Microbiome by Reducing Phenolic Acids in Soil
Authors: An Shuhui , Wei Yanli , Li Hongmei , Zhao Zhongjuan , Hu Jindong , Philp Joshua , Ryder Maarten , Toh Ruey , Li Jishun , Zhou Yi , Denton Matthew D.
Published: April 2022

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is an important cash crop, but long-term monoculture often results in serious root rot disease and yield reduction. The dynamics of soil phenolic acids perform an important function in soil microbe–plant interactions, but the extent to which changes in phenolic acids that occur under the continuous monoculture of American ginseng influence growth and the rhizosphere microbial community are unclear. In this study, American ginseng was planted in soil that had been used for 3 years of continuous monoculture (3 yr) and into a soil with no history of planting American ginseng (0 yr). Soil phenolic acids, rhizosphere microbiome characteristics, and pathogen suppression were analyzed. In the findings, the diversity and structure of the rhizosphere microbial community were affected by monoculture history, as the diversity of fungi and bacteria in 3 yr soil was higher than in 0 yr soil. The physiological performance of American ginseng in 3 yr soil was significantly lower than that in 0 yr soil. Soil phenolic acid contents decreased with the longer monoculture history, and high concentrations of phenolic acids suppressed the growth of American ginseng-specific pathogens. Soil phenolic acids appeared to modulate the pathogen population and the rhizosphere microbiome in American ginseng monocultures.
Integrated Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses of Maize Inbred lines in Response to Salt Stress
Authors: Chen Fenqi , Ji Xiangzhuo , Zhuang Zelong , Peng Yunling
Published: April 2022

To better understand the resistance of maize (Zea mays L.) to salt stress, maize inbred lines 8723 and P138, which are salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive, respectively, were investigated using the transcriptional and proteomic profiling of seedling roots under normal conditions and 180 mM NaCl stress. The screening criteria for differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were a fold change (FC) ≥1.20 (up-regulated) or ≤0.83 (down-regulated). Additionally, the screening criteria for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were FC >2 or <0.5. We analyzed the correlation between the protein and mRNA levels of two maize inbred lines under salt stress and found that a total of 3152 associated genes/proteins were identified in line 8723 under salt stress. However, only 14 DEGs were also identified by their corresponding DEPs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.07. A similar comparison of the 3159 genes/proteins affected by salt stress in line P138 identified just 8 DEGs with corresponding DEPs, with a correlation coefficient of 0.05. This indicates major differences in the regulation of transcriptional and translational processes in response to salt stress. In addition, in line 8723, we identified just eight DEGs with the same expression trend as their corresponding DEPs and six DEGs that behaved in contrast to their DEPs under salt stress. Compared to P138, the root response to salt stress in line 8723 involved the following processes. First, the up-regulation of lipid transporters and the lipid transfer-like protein VAS resulted in an increased lipid metabolism. Next, the increased expression of CAD6, as well as PRP1 and PRP10 under salt stress, promoted lignin synthesis and activated the abscisic acid signal pathway, respectively. In addition, the up-regulation of ADK2 and adenylate kinase expression regulated the concentration of purine ribonucleoside to help maintain dynamic energy balance in the maize cells. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and protective mechanisms were effectively enhanced by the up-regulation of peroxidase 12, peroxidase 67, glutathione transferase 9 and the putative laccase family protein, and the down-regulation of peroxidase 72. Therefore, maize enhances its salt tolerance by enhancing its lipid metabolism, promoting lignin biosynthesis, activating the abscisic acid signaling pathway, maintaining the dynamic energy balance of the maize cells, and enhancing the ROS clearance and protection mechanisms. Our study identified some genes and proteins related to salt tolerance in maize, and has thus provided new and important clues to better understand the resistance of maize to salt stress.
Introducing Three New Fruit-Scented Mints to Farmlands: Insights on Drug Yield, Essential-Oil Quality, and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Ahmadi Hosein , Morshedloo Mohammad Reza , Emrahi Roya , Javanmard Abdollah , Rasouli Farzad , Maggi Filippo , Kumar Manoj , Lorenzo Jose Manuel
Published: April 2022

Mint species are one of the most traded medicinal plants with a wide array of applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and perfumery industries. Here, a field experiment based on completely randomized block design (RCBD) aimed to compare drug yield, antioxidant properties, and essential-oil (EO) quality of three newly introduced mints (i.e., ginger mint, pineapple mint, and grapefruit mint) with a chiefly cultivated one (i.e., peppermint). The results manifested that dry-weight yield and EO yield of grapefruit mint (310 g/m2 and 5.18 g/m2, respectively) was approximately 2 times more than that of others. The highest EO content (i.e., 3.12%, v/w)) was obtained from the ginger mint; however, there were no significant differences among the other three mints. The highest total flavonoids content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity of both methanolic and ethanolic extracts were found in pineapple and grapefruit mint. Methanolic extract of ginger mint yielded the highest total polyphenol content, whereas the ethanolic extract of pineapple mint showed the highest total polyphenol content. According to mean comparisons, the EO of ginger mint exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (EC50 value = 2.23 µL/mL), while EO of peppermint showed the lowest antioxidant activity (EC50 value = 48.23 µL/mL). Gas chromatography analysis identified four EO types among these mints: (i) grapefruit mint EO rich in linalool (51.7%) and linalyl acetate (28.38%); (ii) ginger mint EO rich in linalool (59.16%); (iii) pineapple mint EO rich in piperitone oxide (77.65%); and (iv) peppermint EO rich in menthol (35.65%). The findings of the present study provide new insights into the cultivation of preferable mints possessing desired characteristics for food and drug industries.
An Enhanced Routing and Scheduling Mechanism for Time-Triggered Traffic with Large Period Differences in Time-Sensitive Networking
Authors: Nie Hongrui , Li Shaosheng , Liu Yong
Published: April 2022

In the field of the automotive area as well as industrial control, real-time communication requires deterministic delivery with low delay and bounded jitter. Real-time communication in these networks requires transmission schedule and routing, which is an NP-hard problem. In this paper, we present an offline routing and scheduling method based on integer linear programming (ILP), with a flow preprocessing step to explore the period correlation of time-triggered (TT) traffic in time-sensitive networking (TSN). First, a multiperiod flow routing and scheduling algorithm based on flow classification is proposed to improve the scheduling success rate and reduce execution time. The flow classification technique obtained a more fine-grained TT traffic classification, which can be superimposed on any routing and scheduling algorithms. Second, an adaptive period compensation scheduling algorithm based on flow classification is proposed in simple network architecture conditions. The evaluations demonstrate that the proposed algorithms improve scheduling success rate and reduce execution time compared with baseline methods in all test cases. In addition, we can adapt our different proposed algorithms in different network architecture conditions to schedule various flows with different periods and sizes.
A Systematic Approach to Healthcare Knowledge Management Systems in the Era of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Phan Anh-Cang , Phan Thuong-Cang , Trieu Thanh-Ngoan
Published: April 2022

Big data in healthcare contain a huge amount of tacit knowledge that brings great value to healthcare activities such as diagnosis, decision support, and treatment. However, effectively exploring and exploiting knowledge on such big data sources exposes many challenges for both managers and technologists. In this study, we therefore propose a healthcare knowledge management system that ensures the systematic knowledge development process on various data in hospitals. It leverages big data technologies to capture, organize, transfer, and manage large volumes of medical knowledge, which cannot be handled with traditional data-processing technologies. In addition, machine-learning algorithms are used to derive knowledge at a higher level in supporting diagnosis and treatment. The orchestration of a knowledge system, big data, and artificial intelligence brings many advances to healthcare. Our research results show that the system fully ensures the knowledge development process, serving for knowledge exploration and exploitation to improve decision-making in healthcare. The knowledge system is illustrated for the detection and classification of high blood pressure and brain hemorrhage in text and CT/MRI image formats, respectively, from medical records of hospitals. It can support doctors to accurately diagnose the diseases to give appropriate treatment regimens.