bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Psychological Challenges of Emergency Medical Service Providers During Disasters: A Mini-Review February 2022
Authors: Alghamdi Abdullah Abdulaziz
Published: February 2022

The provision of emergency medical services (EMS) is an inherently stressful job. Depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common psychological challenges affecting EMS providers. As disasters increase worldwide, the need for EMS also increases, as they are an essential part of any disaster management system. Studies have shown that EMS providers experience psychological challenges due to disaster response without receiving the needed psychological support. There is a scarcity of research focusing on EMS providers' psychological challenges in disaster times, especially in the Eastern world. This review highlights the psychological challenges faced by EMS providers in disaster times and discusses the amount of mental health care they receive. By emphasizing the need for mental health support, more research can be conducted to view EMS providers' perspectives on mental health needs before, during, and after disasters, and EMS policy makers can find programs to meet EMS providers' mental health needs, which might reflect positively on EMS and disaster management systems.
Mindfulness Practice Is Associated With Subjective Wellbeing Homeostasis Resilience in People With Crohn's Disease but Not Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Lyall Kimina , Beswick Lauren , Evans Subhadra , Cummins Robert A. , Mikocka-Walus Antonina
Published: February 2022

Objectives

People with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (inflammatory bowel disease: IBD), commonly experience high levels of depressive symptoms and stress and low levels of subjective wellbeing (SWB). Mindfulness is increasingly considered an adjuvant IBD treatment. The relationships between depression, disease symptoms and mindfulness have not previously been considered within the theory of SWB homeostasis. This theory states that SWB is normally maintained by a homeostatic system around a setpoint range but can fail when psychological challenges dominate consciousness. This study explored the relationship among SWB and patient-reported psychological and IBD symptoms and investigated whether mindfulness practice is independently associated with SWB homeostatic resilience.

Design

This cross-sectional study recruited participants through online IBD support groups.

Methods

Participants (n = 739; 62% Crohn's disease) detailed symptoms of depression and stress, patient-reported disease symptoms, and regularity of mindfulness practice.

Results

The sample had significantly lower SWB (hedges g = −0.98) than normative data. A logistic regression found mindfulness practice doubled the Crohn's disease participants' odds of reporting SWB within the normal homeostatic range, after controlling for psychological, physical, and demographic variables (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.66). A one-point increase of patient-reported bowel symptoms reduced the participant's odds of reporting SWB in the normal homeostatic range by about a third (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.85). However, the influence of mindfulness or disease symptoms on SWB was not observed for people with ulcerative colitis.

Conclusion

These findings provide initial evidence for an association between mindfulness and SWB homeostatic resilience in a clinical population.
Comparing the Effects of Melatonin and Zolpidem on Mental Health and Sexual Function in Men With Opioid Addiction: Evidence From a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Amini Zahra , Moeini Mina , Etminani Negin
Published: February 2022

Background

Mental health problems and impaired sexual function are widely reported among those suffering from drug abuse, particularly among those under methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).

Aims

The current study aimed to, firstly, investigate the effect of melatonin and zolpidem on mental health and sexual function of those with drug abuse under MMT, and, secondly, to compare the effects of melatonin and zolpidem on the studied outcomes.

Methods

The current randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 98 participants who were randomly assigned into three groups of melatonin (n = 34), zolpidem (n = 32), and placebo (n = 32). All participants received the intervention once a day for 30 days, without changes in nutrition. Mental health and sexual function were measured before and 30 days after the intervention.

Results

The mean age of participants in the groups of melatonin, zolpidem, and placebo was 35.8 ± 9.6 years (22–58 years of old), 35.9 ± 9.3 years (21–58), and 37.2 ± 7.8 years (26–53), respectively. Sexual function mean score was significantly increased from 38 to 41 in the melatonin group, while it deceased in zolpidem (from 39.1 to 38) and placebo (39.25–38.59) groups. Also, mental health mean scores improved statistically significantly in the melatonin group (from 60.65 to 43.56; p = 0.002), and descriptively in the zolpidem group (57.88–51.18; p = 0.129). Concerning both outcomes, the observed improvement was considerably higher in the melatonin group. The highest improvement was observed in dimensions of overall satisfaction and depression in the melatonin group (1.18 and −8.4, respectively).

Conclusion

Melatonin could significantly improve both mental health and some domains of sexual function of those with drug abuse under MMT, while zolpidem did not show a significant effect.

Trial Registration Number

https://www.irct.ir/trial/53047, identifier: IRCT20201214049718N1.
Association Between Parental Parenting Style Disparities and Mental Health: An Evidence From Chinese Medical College Students
Authors: Ding Gan , Xu Lingzhong , Sun Long
Published: February 2022

Background

The associations between parental parenting styles and adolescents' development and health problems were also identified in a series of studies. However, the interactive impact of mother's and father's parenting style was less reported, which was implied in previous studies. In this study, we aim to analyze the associations between parental parenting style disparities and mental health among medical college students.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical college students in Shandong province, China, and 2,598 medical college students with parents were analyzed in this study. Items in a short form of Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran (EMBU) were used to calculate the parental parenting style disparities. Mental health was evaluated by the Kessler 10 scale.

Results

The results of linear regressions showed that parental nurture reject disparities (RDs, β = 0.50,p< 0.001), parental emotional warmth disparities (WDs, β = 0.33,p< 0.001), parental overprotective disparities (ODs, β = 0.25,p< 0.001), and total disparities in parenting styles (TDs, β = 0.15,p< 0.001) were associated with mental health among medical college students, respectively. The other associated factors were age, ethnicity, chronic disease, above average family economic status, and good parental relationship.

Conclusion

Our findings supported the positive association between parental parenting style disparities and mental health problems. Further studies can test the mechanism and intervention of the findings about the importance of parental parenting style consistence on mental health.
Accelerated Muscle Deoxygenation in Aerobically Fit Subjects During Exhaustive Exercise Is Associated With the ACE Insertion Allele
Authors: Gasser Benedikt , Franchi Martino V. , Ruoss Severin , Frei Annika , Popp Werner L. , Niederseer David , Catuogno Silvio , Frey Walter O. , Flück Martin
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the gene for the major regulator of vascular tone, angiotensin-converting enzyme-insertion/deletion (ACE-I/D) affects muscle capillarization and mitochondrial biogenesis with endurance training. We tested whether changes of leg muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during exhaustive exercise and recovery would depend on the aerobic fitness status and the ACE I/D polymorphism.

Methods

In total, 34 healthy subjects (age: 31.8 ± 10.2 years, 17 male, 17 female) performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion. SmO2 in musculus vastus lateralis (VAS) and musculus gastrocnemius (GAS) was recorded with near-IR spectroscopy. Effects of the aerobic fitness status (based on a VO2peak cutoff value of 50 ml O2 min−1 kg−1) and the ACE-I/D genotype (detected by PCR) on kinetic parameters of muscle deoxygenation and reoxygenation were assessed with univariate ANOVA.

Results

Deoxygenation with exercise was comparable in VAS and GAS (p = 0.321). In both leg muscles, deoxygenation and reoxygenation were 1.5-fold higher in the fit than the unfit volunteers. Differences in muscle deoxygenation, but not VO2peak, were associated with gender-independent (p > 0.58) interaction effects between aerobic fitness × ACE-I/D genotype; being reflected in a 2-fold accelerated deoxygenation of VAS for aerobically fit than unfit ACE-II genotypes and a 2-fold higher deoxygenation of GAS for fit ACE-II genotypes than fit D-allele carriers.

Discussion

Aerobically fit subjects demonstrated increased rates of leg muscle deoxygenation and reoxygenation. Together with the higher muscle deoxygenation in aerobically fit ACE-II genotypes, this suggests that an ACE-I/D genotype-based personalization of training protocols might serve to best improve aerobic performance.
Effects of Post-Emergence Herbicides and Period of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) Control on Growth and Yield of Sunflower Crops
Authors: Karkanis Anestis , Nakopoulos Dimitrios , Palamioti Charikleia , Giannoulis Kyriakos D. , Palamiotis Thomas , Igoumenos Georgios , Souipas Spyridon , Liava Vasiliki , Danalatos Nicholaos G.
Published: February 2022

Sunflower is an important industrial crop since it is grown all over the world for oil production, while Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.) is characterized by great competitiveness and can severely impair plant growth and crop productivity. Thus, a two-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of Johnsongrass control practices on plant growth, seed yield, and oil content of sunflower crop. The results indicated that Johnsongrass competition negatively affected sunflower growth and productivity as the lowest values of height, dry biomass, seed, and oil yields were recorded at the weed-infested treatment, followed by the weed infested for 30 days after sowing. All the other treatments had a positive effect on vegetative and yield parameters. Moreover, fluazifop-p-butyl, quizalofop-p-ethyl, and the combination of fluazifop-p-butyl and imazamox effectively controlled Johnsongrass. Specifically, in 2020, the lowest dry weight of Johnsongrass was observed in the plots where fluazifop-p-butyl + imazamox were applied. Thus, the results of this study clearly showed that the use of the above-mentioned herbicides can improve the seed and oil yield of a sunflower crop by managing Johnsongrass, while the competition of this rapidly growing weed for a short period of 30 days can significantly reduce crop yield.
Immune- and Non-Immune-Mediated Adverse Effects of Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: A Survey of 110 Approved Antibodies
Authors: Baldo Brian A.
Published: February 2022

Identification of new disease-associated biomarkers; specific targeting of such markers by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); and application of advances in recombinant technology, including the production of humanized and fully human antibodies, has enabled many improved treatment outcomes and successful new biological treatments of some diseases previously neglected or with poor prognoses. Of the 110 mAbs preparations currently approved by the FDA and/or EMA, 46 (including 13 antibody–drug conjugates) recognizing 29 different targets are indicated for the treatment of cancers, and 66, recognizing 48 different targets, are indicated for non-cancer disorders. Despite their specific targeting with the expected accompanying reduced collateral damage for normal healthy non-involved cells, mAbs, may cause types I (anaphylaxis, urticaria), II (e.g., hemolytic anemia, possibly early-onset neutropenia), III (serum sickness, pneumonitis), and IV (Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis) hypersensitivities as well as other cutaneous, pulmonary, cardiac, and liver adverse events. MAbs can provoke severe infusion reactions that resemble anaphylaxis and induce a number of systemic, potentially life-threatening syndromes with low frequency. A common feature of most of these syndromes is the release of a cascade of cytokines associated with inflammatory and immunological processes. Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted antibodies may provoke papulopustular and mucocutaneous eruptions that are not immune-mediated.
Why d-Mannose May Be as Efficient as Antibiotics in the Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infections—Preliminary Considerations and Conclusions from a Non-Interventional Study
Authors: Wagenlehner Florian , Lorenz Horst , Ewald Oda , Gerke Peter
Published: February 2022

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very frequent in women and can be caused by a range of pathogens. High recurrence rates and increasing antibiotic resistance of uropathogens make UTIs a severe public health problem. d-mannose is a monosaccharide that can inhibit bacterial adhesion to the urothelium after oral intake. Several clinical studies have shown the efficacy of d-mannose in the prevention of recurrent UTIs; these also provided limited evidence for the efficacy of d-mannose in acute therapy. A recent prospective, non-interventional study in female patients with acute cystitis reported good success rates for treatment with d-mannose. Here, we present data from a post hoc analysis of this study to compare the cure rate of d-mannose monotherapy with that of antibiotics. The results show that d-mannose is a promising alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated UTIs in women.
Changing Epidemiology of Respiratory Tract Infection during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tang Hung-Jen , Lai Chih-Cheng , Chao Chien-Ming
Published: February 2022

The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly changed the epidemiology of respiratory tract infection in several ways. The implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including universal masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing not only resulted in a decline in reported SARS-CoV-2 cases but also contributed to the decline in the non-COVID-19 respiratory tract infection-related hospital utilization. Moreover, it also led to the decreased incidence of previous commonly encountered respiratory pathogens, such as influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although antimicrobial agents are essential for treating patients with COVID-19 co-infection, the prescribing of antibiotics was significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of bacterial co-infection, which indicated the overuse of antibiotics or unnecessary antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inappropriate antimicrobial exposure may drive the selection of drug-resistant microorganisms, and the disruption of infection control in COVID-19 setting measures may result in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In conclusion, NPIs could be effective in preventing respiratory tract infection and changing the microbiologic distribution of respiratory pathogens; however, we should continue with epidemiological surveillance to establish updated information, antimicrobial stewardship programs for appropriate use of antibiotic, and infection control prevention interventions to prevent the spread of MDROs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Relationship between Vitamin C Deficiency and Cognitive Impairment in Older Hospitalised Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Popescu Alexandra , Horwood Chris , Hakendorf Paul , Thompson Campbell
Published: February 2022

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and facilitates neurotransmission. This study explored association between vitamin C deficiency and cognitive impairment in older hospitalised patients. This prospective study recruited 160 patients ≥ 75 years admitted under a Geriatric Unit in Australia. Cognitive assessment was performed by use of the Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE) and patients with MMSE scores <24 were classified as cognitively-impaired. Fasting plasma vitamin C levels were determined using high-performance-liquid-chromatography. Patients were classified as vitamin C deficient if their levels were below 11 micromol/L. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether vitamin C deficiency was associated with cognitive impairment after adjustment for various covariates. The mean (SD) age was 84.4 (6.4) years and 60% were females. A total of 91 (56.9%) were found to have cognitive impairment, while 42 (26.3%) were found to be vitamin C deficient. The mean (SD) MMSE scores were significantly lower among patients who were vitamin C deficient (24.9 (3.3) vs. 23.6 (3.4), p-value = 0.03). Logistic regression analysis suggested that vitamin C deficiency was 2.9-fold more likely to be associated with cognitive impairment after adjustment for covariates (aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.05–8.19, p-value = 0.031). Vitamin C deficiency is common and is associated with cognitive impairment in older hospitalised patients.
Neuronal Pnn Deficiency Increases Oxidative Stress and Exacerbates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Mice
Authors: Hsu Shu-Yuan , Chen Chih-Hung , Mukda Sujira , Leu Steve
Published: February 2022

Cerebral stroke remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Ischemic stroke caused by the sudden loss of blood flow in brain is the major type of cerebral stroke. In addition to necrotic cell death in the ischemic core region, neuronal apoptosis is usually observed in the ischemic penumbra. Pnn, a multi-functional protein, participates in cellular proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis as well as cell–cell interaction through its abilities in regulating gene transcription and mRNA processing. Our recent studies have demonstrated that Pnn has a cell type-specific distribution manner in neural cells under ischemic injury and plays a protective role in astrocytes against ischemic stress. In this study, we generated an inducible neuron-specific Pnn deficiency mouse model to further investigate the physiological role of Pnn in neurons. To directly examine the role of neuronal Pnn in ischemic stress, four weeks after induction of Pnn deficiency in neurons, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was applied to induce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in mice. In the cerebrum and hippocampus with neuronal Pnn depletion, the expression of SRSF2, a mRNA splicing regulator, was increased, while the expression of SRSF1, a functional antagonist of SRSF2, was reduced. Expression levels of ROS generators (NOX-1 and NOX-2) and antioxidant proteins (GR, HO-1, NQO-1) were upregulated in brain tissue with loss of neuronal Pnn, echoing an increase in oxidized proteins in cortical and hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, the expression of DNA damage marker, p53bp1, was found in the choroid plexus of mice with neuronal Pnn depletion. In mice with MCAO, compared to wild type mice, both increased cerebral infarcted area and elevated expressions of proapoptotic proteins were found in mice with neuronal Pnn depletion. In conclusion, Pnn deficiency increases oxidative stress in neurons and exacerbates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice.
Influence of Blanching on the Gene Expression Profile of Phenylpropanoid, Flavonoid and Vitamin Biosynthesis, and Their Accumulation in Oenanthe javanica
Authors: Kumar Sunjeet , Huang Xinfang , Ji Qun , Qayyum Abdul , Zhou Kai , Ke Weidong , Zhu Honglian , Zhu Guopeng
Published: February 2022

Field blanching is a process used in agriculture to obtain sweet, delicious, and tender stems of water dropwort by obstructing sunlight. The nutritional and transcriptomic profiling of blanched water dropwort has been investigated in our previous studies. However, the effect of blanching on the production of secondary metabolites and different vitamins in water dropwort has not been investigated at the transcriptomic level. This study explored the transcriptomic variations in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and different vitamin biosynthesis pathways under different blanching periods in the water dropwort stems (pre-blanching, mid-blanching, post-blanching, and control). The results show that polyphenol and flavonoid contents decreased; however, the contents of vitamins (A, B1, B2, and C) and antioxidant activity increased significantly after blanching. Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis of blanched water dropwort showed the downregulation of many important genes involved in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, and the downregulation of these genes might be the reason for the reduction in polyphenol and flavonoid contents. We also examined and highlighted the genes involved in the higher vitamin content, antioxidant activity, pale color, tenderness, and sweetness of the blanched stem of water dropwort. In conclusion, the present study explored the role of phenylpropanoid and vitamin biosynthesis, and it will provide a basis for future investigation and application in the blanch cultivation of water dropwort.
W-Band Modular Antenna/Detector Array for the Electron Cyclotron Emission Imaging System in KSTAR
Authors: Lee Gwan Hui , Lee Jung Seok , Kim Dong Hwi , Nashuha Syifa Haunan , Kim Mun Ju , Min Byung Cheol , Lee Jae Hyun , Lee Woo Chang , Yun Gun Su , Kim Tae Gyu , Kim Bong Tae , Choi Hyun Chul , Park Hyeon Keo , In Yong Kyoon , Kim Kang Wook
Published: February 2022

A design of a modular antenna/detector array for the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) imaging system at the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) is proposed. The modular antenna/detector array is based on a unit antenna/detector module, which consists of an elliptical mini-lens, a dual-dipole antenna, an antenna balun, a low-noise amplifier, and a metal frame. The proposed modular antenna/detector array resolves the problem in the conventional antenna/detector array where one faulty channel requires the entire array to be removed for the service. With the proposed modular array, each channel module can be easily and independently removed and replaced without interference to the rest of the array, thus minimizing the interrupted service time for maintenance. Moreover, the unit channel modules can be efficiently updated under a variety of the tokamak operation conditions. The antenna/detector modules are optimized to have improved performance, and are tested in a W-band test setup, and consistently provide the gain increase by 10~20 dB as compared with the conventional antenna/detector array. A set of the proposed modular antenna/detector array is currently installed and tested in the KSTAR ECE imaging system, and will consistently produce the improved ECE imaging to monitor MHD instability activities under various plasma operation conditions.
Thickness-Stretch Vibration of an Infinite Piezoelectric Plate with Flexoelectricity
Authors: Guo Yan , Huang Bin , Wang Ji
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the thickness-stretch vibration of an infinite piezoelectric plate is studied, with consideration of the flexoelectric effect. The theoretical model developed herein is based on a one-dimensional formulation, with the assumption that the displacement and electric potential vary through the thickness. The Gibbs energy density function and variational principle are adopted to derive the constitutive equation with flexoelectricity, governing equations, and boundary conditions. For the effect of flexoelectricity, the coupling between the strain gradient through the thickness and the electric field is considered. Two electric boundary conditions are used in this work and the corresponding frequency shift due to the flexoelectricity is calculated. The present results demonstrate that the flexoelectric effect decreases the fundamental frequency of the thickness-stretch vibration and has a significant effect on the vibrational frequencies of the thickness-stretch mode of a thin piezoelectric plate. The results also show that the flexoelectric effect has a significant size dependency, and should be taken into consideration for the design and development of next-generation high-precision and high-frequency piezoelectric transducers and resonators in the future.
Hardware Countermeasures Benchmarking against Fault Attacks
Authors: Potestad-Ordóñez Francisco Eugenio , Tena-Sánchez Erica , Acosta-Jiménez Antonio José , Jiménez-Fernández Carlos Jesús , Chaves Ricardo
Published: February 2022

The development of differential fault analysis (DFA) techniques and mechanisms to inject faults into cryptographic circuits brings with it the need to use protection mechanisms that guarantee the expected level of security. The AES cipher, as a standard, has been the target of numerous DFA techniques, where its security has been compromised through different formulations and types of fault injections. These attacks have shown vulnerabilities of different AES implementations and building blocks. Consequently, several solutions have been proposed that provide additional protection to cover the identified vulnerabilities. In this paper, an extensive analysis has been carried out covering the existing fault injection techniques, the types of faults, and the requirements needed to apply DFA. Additionally, an analysis of the countermeasures reported in the literature is also presented, considering the protection provided, the type of faults considered, and the coverage against fault attacks. The eight different types of fault that allow us to perform DFAs on the AES cipher have been differentiated, as well as the vulnerabilities of the cipher. On the other hand, two comparisons have been made considering frequency penalty vs. area and fault coverage vs. area and frequency overhead. A metric has been proposed to compare the fault coverage of all the proposed solutions. To conclude, a final analysis is presented discussing the key aspects when choosing a particular solution and the possible development of new countermeasures to provide further protection against DFA.
Application of Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. in the Bioconversion of Urban Leachates into Industrially Relevant Metabolites
Authors: Ortiz-Betancur Jeimy J. , Herrera-Ochoa Marla S. , García-Martínez Janet B. , Urbina-Suarez Néstor A. , López-Barrera Germán L. , Barajas-Solano Andrés F. , Bryan Samantha J. , Zuorro Antonio
Published: February 2022

This paper explores the ability of Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus sp. to convert landfill leachates into usable metabolites. Different concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, and 10% v/v) of leachate coupled with an inorganic carbon source (Na2CO3, and NaHCO3) were tested to improve biomass production, metabolites synthesis, and removal of NO3 and PO4. The result shows that both strains can effectively grow in media with up to 5% (v/v) leachate, while significantly reducing the concentrations of NO3, and PO4 (80 and 50%, respectively). The addition of NaHCO3 as a carbon source improved the final concentration of biomass, lipids, carbohydrates, and the removal of NO3 and PO4 in both strains.
Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Pediatric Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Cephalometric Variations in Upper Airway’s Dimension
Authors: Nota Alessandro , Caruso Silvia , Caruso Sara , Sciarra Fabio Massimo , Marino Alessandra , Daher Sam , Pittari Laura , Gatto Roberto , Tecco Simona
Published: February 2022

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is considered an effective treatment in the management of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and malocclusions in pediatric patients, not only because it is able to correct the transverse maxillary deficiency, but it also widens the floor of the nasal cavities, leading to a drastic and immediate reduction in air resistance and facilitating a normal nasal breathing pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate cephalometric changes in the upper airway’s dimensions and facial morphology in pediatric SDB patients treated with RME, comparing data with a no-SDB group treated with RME for malocclusion. In this retrospective study, pre-treatment and post-treatment cephalometric variables were measured on lateral skull radiographs from 20 SDB pediatric patients (nine males and 11 females) aged 6 to 9 years (mean age 7.61 ± 0.6), treated with a rapid maxillary expander, and 20 control patients without SDB (nine males and 11 females) aged 6 to 11 years (mean age 8.4 ± 0.5). In both groups, there were statistically significant changes in the variables indicating the airway’s dimensions and mandibular sagittal position in relation to the cranial base, with a skeletal class II correction in SDB children. Rapid maxillary expansion is associated with an increase in upper-airway dimensions in SDB children, as well as in control healthy subjects, with a possible correction of class II relationship.
Clinical Effects of Locally Delivered Lactobacillus reuteri as Adjunctive Therapy in Patients with Periodontitis: A Split-Mouth Study
Authors: Sufaru Irina-Georgeta , Lazar Luminita , Sincar Dorina-Cerasella , Martu Maria-Alexandra , Pasarin Liliana , Luca Elena-Odette , Stefanescu Ada , Froicu Eliza-Maria , Solomon Sorina-Mihaela
Published: February 2022

Different methods and products have been investigated as measures of adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP). Probiotic use has gained interest for this particular application, especially Lactobacillus spp. This split-mouth interventional prospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects of L. reuteri DSM 17938 with local application in periodontal pockets of severe periodontitis patients. The study was conducted on 40 subjects with stage 3–4 periodontitis who, based on a split-mouth model, followed SRP and SRP + L. reuteri solution in five weekly sessions. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed at baseline and at three months after probiotic treatment completion. Both SRP and SRP + L. reuteri generated significant improvements of all three clinical parameters, but the changes were significantly better for SRP + L. reuteri treated sites. Therefore, we can conclude that adjunctive therapy with L. reuteri DSM 17938 could represent an interesting treatment option, particularly for severe periodontitis cases.
An Adaptive Operational Modal Analysis under Non-White Noise Excitation Using Hybrid Neural Networks
Authors: Qin Min , Chen Huaihai , Zheng Ronghui , He Xudong , Ren Siyu
Published: February 2022

To adaptively identify the modal parameters for time-invariant structures excited by non-white noise, this paper proposes a new operational modal analysis (OMA) method using hybrid neural networks. In this work, taking the acceleration response directly as the input data of the networks not only simplifies the data processing, but also retains all the characteristics of the data. The data processed by the output function is the output data of the network, and its peak corresponds to the modal frequency. The proposed output function greatly reduces the computational cost. In addition, a small sample dataset ensures that the hybrid neural networks identify the modal parameters with the highest accuracy in the shortest possible time. Interestingly, the hybrid neural networks combine the advantages of the convolutional neural network (CNN) and gate recurrent unit (GRU). To illustrate the advantages of the proposed method, the cantilever beam and the rudder surface excited by white and non-white noise are taken as examples for experimental verification. The results reveal that the proposed method has a strong anti-noise ability and high recognition accuracy, and is not limited by ambient excitation type.
Geometrical Planning of the Medial Opening Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy—An Experimental Approach
Authors: Cofaru Nicolae Florin , Oleksik Valentin , Cofaru Ileana Ioana , Simion Carmen Mihaela , Roman Mihai Dan , Lebada Ioana Codruta , Fleaca Sorin Radu
Published: February 2022

This article presents an experimental approach to the geometrical planning of the medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy surgery which, as it is known, is an efficient surgical strategy quite widely used in treating knee osteoarthritis. While most of the published papers focus on analyzing this surgery from a medical point of view, we suggest a postoperative experimental evaluation of the intervention from a biomechanical point of view. The geometrical planning and, more specifically, the determination of the point of intersection between the corrected mechanical axis and the medial-lateral articular line of the knee, is a problem quite often debated in literature. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the behavior of the tibia with an open wedge osteotomy fixed with a locking plate, TomoFix (DE Puy Synthes), taking into account two positions of the mechanical axis of the leg on the width of the tibial plateau, measured from medial to lateral at 50% and 62.5% (Fujisawa point), respectively. The variations of the force relative to the deformation, strains, and displacements resulting from the progressive loading of the tibial plateau are studied. The research results reveal that using the Fujisawa point is better for conducting the correction not only for medical reasons, but also from a mechanical point of view.
Effect of Processing on the Nutritional Quality of Ilex paraguariensis
Authors: Ramirez Maria Rosana , Mohamad Leandro , Alarcon-Segovia Lilian Celeste , Rintoul Ignacio
Published: February 2022

Ilex paraguariensisA.St.-Hil. (IP) is a South American plant. IP-dried leaves have been consumed in the form of infusion by indigenous peoples since pre-Hispanic times. In recent years, IP has gained many beverage markets and new ways of consumption, reaching the category of a global consumer product. A side consequence is the increase in IP crops for the specification of human consumption. This situation is the driving force for the investigation of new uses of IP, including feed supplements for livestock and functional food for human consumption. A deep understanding of the influence of processing on the nutritional value of IP is crucial for the development of these alternative products. It is known that the quality and quantity of nutritional compounds occurring in IP depend on the origin, plant condition, and harvest time. However, the effects of the drying method of the leaves and the ageing time of dried leaves on the final IP products deserve further investigation. The present work presents the variation of the nutritional, digestibility, energy, and mineral assets of IP submitted to three different processes: open-air dried and crushed; dried under direct fire and grounded; and dried under direct fire, grounded, and aged for 6 months under controlled conditions. The presence of agrochemical residues and antinutritional factors were also studied. Processing widely influenced the nutritional and digestibility assets of IP leaves. The inorganic content (K, Mg, Ca, P, Zn, B and Fe) significantly varied among leaves treated using different processes. IP samples dried in open air resulted in the highest % of crude protein, Mg, K, S, and Mn. IP samples dried under direct fire resulted in the highest % of carbohydrates and Fe. IP samples dried under direct fire and aged for 6 months resulted in the highest % of digestible matter, Ca, P, Zn, and B. The results also showed quality protein levels between 10.03 and 19.06% of dry matter. The digestibility values showed that IP leaves are suitable for human functional foods and for enriched supplements for livestock feeds. No traces of agrochemicals or antinutritional factors were found.
Recent Advances in Biological Recycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Wastes
Authors: Soong Ya-Hue Valerie , Sobkowicz Margaret J. , Xie Dongming
Published: February 2022

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most commonly used polyester plastics worldwide but is extremely difficult to be hydrolyzed in a natural environment. PET plastic is an inexpensive, lightweight, and durable material, which can readily be molded into an assortment of products that are used in a broad range of applications. Most PET is used for single-use packaging materials, such as disposable consumer items and packaging. Although PET plastics are a valuable resource in many aspects, the proliferation of plastic products in the last several decades have resulted in a negative environmental footprint. The long-term risk of released PET waste in the environment poses a serious threat to ecosystems, food safety, and even human health in modern society. Recycling is one of the most important actions currently available to reduce these impacts. Current clean-up strategies have attempted to alleviate the adverse impacts of PET pollution but are unable to compete with the increasing quantities of PET waste exposed to the environment. In this review paper, current PET recycling methods to improve life cycle and waste management are discussed, which can be further implemented to reduce plastics pollution and its impacts on health and environment. Compared with conventional mechanical and chemical recycling processes, the biotechnological recycling of PET involves enzymatic degradation of the waste PET and the followed bioconversion of degraded PET monomers into value-added chemicals. This approach creates a circular PET economy by recycling waste PET or upcycling it into more valuable products with minimal environmental footprint.
Research into Morphofunctional Characteristics of Erythrocytes in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Revin Victor , Balykova Larisa , Pinyaev Sergey , Syusin Ilya , Radaeva Olga , Revina Nadezhda , Kostina Yuliya , Kozlov Evgeniy , Inchina Vera , Nikitin Igor , Salikov Alexandr , Fedorov Ilya
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the erythrocytes of healthy donors and people with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were tested by Raman spectroscopy and laser interference microscopy. We argue that erythrocytes (red blood cells) in COVID-19 patients have an irregular shape, and their morphometric characteristics are impaired in comparison to healthy red blood cells. Raman spectroscopy also allows us to detect a decreased oxygen transport function of these erythrocytes. The combination of these methods—Raman spectroscopy and laser interference microscopy—is a highly effective method for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.
Frequency and Clinical Significance of Elevated IgG4 in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sakthiswary Rajalingham , Shaharir Syahrul Sazliyana , Wahab Asrul Abdul
Published: February 2022

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4 is a unique protein molecule and its role in autoimmune diseases remains elusive and controversial. Accumulating evidence suggests a pathogenic role of IgG4 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid factors (RF) in RA can recognize the Fc domains of IgG4 to form RF-IgG4 immune complexes that may activate the complement system leading to synovial injury. The aim of this article was to systematically review the literature from the past 2 decades to determine the frequency of elevated IgG4 and its clinical significance in RA. We comprehensively searched the Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases with the following terms: “IgG4”, “rheumatoid arthritis”, and “immunoglobulin G4”, and scrutinized all of the relevant publications. Based on the selection criteria, 12 studies were incorporated, which involved a total of 1715 RA patients. Out of 328 subjects from three studies, the pooled frequency of elevated non-specific IgG4 was 35.98%. There was a significant positive correlation between the IgG4 levels and the RA disease activity based on DAS-28 measurements (r = 0.245–0.253) and inflammatory markers, i.e., erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (r = 0.262–0.389). Longitudinal studies that measured the serial levels of IgG4 consistently showed a decline in the concentrations (up to 48% less than baseline) with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment. Current evidence suggests that serum IgG4 levels are significantly elevated in RA compared to the general population. This review indicates that IgG4 is a promising biomarker of disease activity and tends to decline in response to DMARD therapies. Biologic therapies have revolutionized the therapeutic armamentarium of RA in the recent decade, and IgG4 appears to be a potential treatment target.
Pathophysiological Studies of Monoaminergic Neurotransmission Systems in Valproic Acid-Induced Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kuo Hsiao-Ying , Liu Fu-Chin
Published: February 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology. The core syndromes of ASD are deficits in social communication and self-restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Social communication relies on the proper integration of sensory and motor functions, which is tightly interwoven with the limbic function of reward, motivation, and emotion in the brain. Monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, are key players in the modulation of neuronal activity. Owing to their broad distribution, the monoamine neurotransmitter systems are well suited to modulate social communication by coordinating sensory, motor, and limbic systems in different brain regions. The complex and diverse functions of monoamine neurotransmission thus render themselves as primary targets of pathophysiological investigation of the etiology of ASD. Clinical studies have reported that children with maternal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) have an increased risk of developing ASD. Extensive animal studies have confirmed that maternal treatments of VPA include ASD-like phenotypes, including impaired social communication and repetitive behavior. Here, given that ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, we begin with an overview of the neural development of monoaminergic systems with their neurochemical properties in the brain. We then review and discuss the evidence of human clinical and animal model studies of ASD with a focus on the VPA-induced pathophysiology of monoamine neurotransmitter systems. We also review the potential interactions of microbiota and monoamine neurotransmitter systems in ASD pathophysiology. Widespread and complex changes in monoamine neurotransmitters are detected in the brains of human patients with ASD and validated in animal models. ASD animal models are not only essential to the characterization of pathogenic mechanisms, but also provide a preclinical platform for developing therapeutic approaches to ASD.
Moving Object Detection and Tracking by Event Frame from Neuromorphic Vision Sensors
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Ji Shilong , Cai Zhihao , Zeng Yiwen , Wang Yingxun
Published: February 2022

Fast movement of objects and illumination changes may lead to a negative effect on camera images for object detection and tracking. Event cameras are neuromorphic vision sensors that capture the vitality of a scene, mitigating data redundancy and latency. This paper proposes a new solution to moving object detection and tracking using an event frame from bio-inspired event cameras. First, an object detection method is designed using a combined event frame and a standard frame in which the detection is performed according to probability and color, respectively. Then, a detection-based object tracking method is proposed using an event frame and an improved kernel correlation filter to reduce missed detection. Further, a distance measurement method is developed using event frame-based tracking and similar triangle theory to enhance the estimation of distance between the object and camera. Experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods for moving object detection and tracking.
Cognitive Test Scores and Progressive Cognitive Decline in the Aberdeen 1921 and 1936 Birth Cohorts
Authors: Whalley Lawrence J. , Staff Roger T. , Lemmon Helen , Fox Helen C. , McNeil Chris , Murray Alison D.
Published: February 2022

The Aberdeen birth cohorts of 1921 and 1936 (ABC21 and ABC36) were subjected to IQ tests in 1932 or 1947 when they were aged about 11y. They were recruited between 1997–2001 among cognitively healthy community residents and comprehensively phenotyped in a long-term study of brain aging and health up to 2017. Here, we report associations between baseline cognitive test scores and long-term cognitive outcomes. On recruitment, significant sex differences within and between the ABC21 and ABC36 cohorts supported advantages in verbal ability and learning among the ABC36 women that were not significant in ABC21. Comorbid physical disorders were self-reported in both ABC21 and ABC36 but did not contribute to differences in terms of performance in cognitive tests. When used alone without other criteria, cognitive tests scores which fell below the −1.5 SD criterion for tests of progressive matrices, namely verbal learning, digit symbol and block design, did not support the concept that Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a stable class of acquired loss of function with significant links to the later emergence of a clinical dementia syndrome. This is consistent with many previous reports. Furthermore, because childhood IQ-type data were available, we showed that a lower cognitive performance at about 64 or 78 y than that predicted by IQ at 11 ± 0.5 y did not improve the prediction of progress to MCI or greater cognitive loss. We used binary logistic regression to explore how MCI might contribute to the prediction of later progress to a clinical dementia syndrome. In a fully adjusted model using ABC21 data, we found that non-amnestic MCI, along with factors such as female sex and depressive symptoms, contributed to the prediction of later dementia. A comparable model using ABC36 data did not do so. We propose that (1) MCI criteria restricted to cognitive test scores do not improve the temporal stability of MCI classifications; (2) pathways towards dementia may differ according to age at dementia onset and (3) the concept of MCI may require measures (not captured here) that underly self-reported subjective age-related cognitive decline.
Methods of Sputum and Mucus Assessment for Muco-Obstructive Lung Diseases in 2022: Time to “Unplug” from Our Daily Routine!
Authors: Charriot Jeremy , Volpato Mathilde , Petit Aurélie , Vachier Isabelle , Bourdin Arnaud
Published: February 2022

Obstructive lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, share some major pathophysiological features: small airway involvement, dysregulation of adaptive and innate pulmonary immune homeostasis, mucus hyperproduction, and/or hyperconcentration. Mucus regulation is particularly valuable from a therapeutic perspective given it contributes to airflow obstruction, symptom intensity, disease severity, and to some extent, disease prognosis in these diseases. It is therefore crucial to understand the mucus constitution of our patients, its behavior in a stable state and during exacerbation, and its regulatory mechanisms. These are all elements representing potential therapeutic targets, especially in the era of biologics. Here, we first briefly discuss the composition and characteristics of sputum. We focus on mucus and mucins, and then elaborate on the different sample collection procedures and how their quality is ensured. We then give an overview of the different direct analytical techniques available in both clinical routine and more experimental settings, giving their advantages and limitations. We also report on indirect mucus assessment procedures (questionnaires, high-resolution computed tomography scanning of the chest, lung function tests). Finally, we consider ways of integrating these techniques with current and future therapeutic options. Cystic fibrosis will not be discussed given its monogenic nature.