bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association of Fat-Mass-and Obesity-Associated Gene Polymorphism (rs9939609) With Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Akbari Mohammad Esmail , Doaei Saeid , Davoodi Sayed Hossein , Bahar Bojlul , Tabesh Ghasem Azizi , Sadeghi Hossein , Razavi Hashemi Melika , Kheyrani Elham , Rastgoo Samira , Hajipour Azadeh , Aslany Zahra , Mirfakhraie Reza , Mosavi Jarrahi Alireza
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

The association between the rs9939609 polymorphism of fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) and risk of colorectal cancer is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and colorectal cancer (CRC) in Iranian people.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted on 125 patients with CRC and 250 healthy subjects in Tehran, Iran. Demographic data and blood samples were collected from all participants. Genotyping of rs9939609 polymorphism was performed by the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) method.

Results

The occurrence of AA genotype of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism in the colorectal cancer patients was significantly higher compared to that of healthy subjects (16.4 vs. 2.9%, respectively, P=0.02). The association between the frequency of risk allele of the FTO polymorphism and CRC (B=1.67, P=0.042) remained significant after adjustment for age. Further adjustment for gender (model 2) and marital status (model 3) did not change this result (B=1.67, P= 0.042 and B=1.67, P=0.043, respectively). The results remained significant after additional adjustment for ethnicity (B=1.57, P= 0.047).

Conclusion

We found a positive association between the A allele of the rs9939609 polymorphism and CRC. Future studies are required to identify the underlying mechanisms.
Bevacizumab Combined with Corticosteroids Does Not Improve the Clinical Outcome of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients With Radiation-Induced Brain Necrosis
Authors: Li Honghong , Rong Xiaoming , Hu Weihan , Yang Yuhua , Lei Ming , Wen Wenjie , Yue Zongwei , Huang Xiaolong , Chua Melvin L. K. , Li Yi , Cai Jinhua , He Lei , Pan Dong , Cheng Jinping , Pi Yaxuan , Xue Ruiqi , Xu Yongteng , Tang Yamei
Published: September 2021

Objective

Our aim was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with bevacizumab combined with corticosteroids and those with bevacizumab monotherapy from a radiation-induced brain necrosis (RN) registry cohort (NCT03908502).

Methods

We utilized clinical data from a prospective RN registry cohort (NCT03908502) from July 2017 to June 2020. Patients were considered eligible if they had symptomatic RN after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and received bevacizumab (5 mg/kg, two to four cycles) with a minimum follow-up time of 3 months. The primary outcome was a 2-month response rate determined by MRI and clinical symptoms. Secondary outcomes included quality of life [evaluated by the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire] and cognitive function (evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale) at 2 months, RN recurrence during follow-up, and adverse events.

Results

A total of 123 patients (34 in the combined therapy group and 89 in the monotherapy group) were enrolled in our study with a median follow-up time of 0.97 year [interquartile range (IQR) = 0.35–2.60 years]. The clinical efficacy of RN did not differ significantly between patients in these two groups [odds ratio (OR) = 1.642, 95%CI = 0.584–4.614, p = 0.347]. Furthermore, bevacizumab combined with corticosteroids did not reduce recurrence compared with bevacizumab monotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.329, 95%CI = 0.849–2.079, p = 0.213]. The most common adverse events of bevacizumab were hypertension (17.89%), followed by nosebleed (8.13%) and fatigue (8.13%). There was no difference in grade 2 or more severe adverse events between the two groups (p = 0.811).

Interpretation

Our results showed that the treatment strategy of combining bevacizumab with corticosteroids did not lead to better clinical outcomes for RN patients with a background of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Shock Index, Pediatric Age-Adjusted Predicts Morbidity and Mortality in Children Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chen , Yang Ying , Li Chao-Jui , Cheng Fu-Jen , Huang Ying-Hsien , Chuang Po-Chun , Chiu I-Min
Published: September 2021

Background: The shock index, pediatric age-adjusted (SIPA), defined as the maximum normal heart rate divided by the minimum normal systolic blood pressure by age, can help predict the risk of morbidity and mortality after pediatric trauma. This study investigated whether the SIPA can be used as an early index of prognosis for non-traumatic children visiting the pediatric emergency department (ED) and were directly admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We hypothesized that an increase in SIPA values in the first 24 h of ICU admission would correlate with mortality and adverse outcomes.

Methods: This multicenter retrospective study enrolled non-traumatic patients aged 1–17 years who presented to the pediatric ED and were directly admitted to the ICU from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018, in Taiwan. The SIPA value was calculated at the time of arrival at the ED and 24 h after ICU admission. Cutoffs included SIPA values >1.2 (patient age: 1–6), >1.0 (patient age: 7–12), and >0.9 (patient age: 12–17). The utility of the SIPA and the trends in the SIPA during the first 24 h of ICU admission were analyzed to predict outcomes.

Results: In total, 1,732 patients were included. Of these, 1,050 (60.6%) were under 6 years old, and the median Pediatric Risk of Mortality score was 7 (5–10). In total, 4.7% of the patients died, 12.9% received mechanical ventilator (MV) support, and 11.1% received inotropic support. The SIPA value at 24 h after admission was associated with increased mortality [odds ratio (OR): 4.366, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.392–7.969, p < 0.001], MV support (OR: 1.826, 95% CI: 1.322–2.521, p < 0.001), inotropic support (OR: 2.306, 95% CI: 1.599–3.326, p < 0.001), and a long hospital length of stay (HLOS) (2.903 days, 95% CI: 1.734–4.271, p < 0.001). Persistent abnormal SIPA value was associated with increased mortality (OR: 2.799, 95% CI: 1.566–5.001, p = 0.001), MV support (OR: 1.457, 95% CI: 1.015–2.092, p = 0.041), inotropic support (OR: 1.875, 95% CI: 1.287–2.833, p = 0.001), and a long HLOS (3.2 days, 95% CI: 1.9–4.6, p < 0.001). Patients with abnormal to normal SIPA values were associated with decreased mortality (OR: 0.258, 95% CI: 0.106–0.627, p = 0.003), while patients with normal to abnormal SIPA values were associated with increased mortality (OR: 3.055, 95% CI: 1.472–5.930, p = 0.002).

Conclusions: In non-traumatic children admitted to the ICU from the ED, increased SIPA values at 24 h after ICU admission predicted high mortality and bad outcomes. Monitoring the trends in the SIPA could help with prognostication and optimize early management.
A Review of the Relationship Between Social Media Use and Online Prosocial Behavior Among Adolescents
Authors: Lysenstøen Christoffer , Bøe Tormod , Hjetland Gunnhild Johnsen , Skogen Jens Christoffer
Published: September 2021

Social media (SoMe) activity constitutes a large part of the lives of adolescents. Even though the behavior on SoMe is complex, the research on SoMe has mostly focused on negative effects, bad content, and online antisocial behavior (OAB). Less research has been conducted on online prosocial behavior (OPB), and to what extent OPBs are widespread is relatively unknown. A review was conducted to investigate to what extent OPB is related to SoMe use among adolescents based on studies published from 2014 to May 2021. To be included, the studies had to be quantitative, non-experimental, have participants aged 13–18, include measures of SoMe and OPB, and be published in peer-reviewed journals with full text available in English, Swedish, Danish or Norwegian. A research was conducted in databases PsychINFO, Ovid MEDLINE(R), EMBASE, COCHRANE Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, Sociological Services Abstracts, and Eric. Two studies met the eligibility criteria. Both studies found an association between OPB and SoMe use. Methodological issues, however, were identified through a quality assessment using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for cross-sectional studies, and the small samples in the studies prevent us from drawing any firm conclusions. Possible reasons for the scarcity of eligible studies and directions for future research are discussed.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO; ID CRD42020162161 and CRISTIN; ID 2038994.
Human, All Too Human? An All-Around Appraisal of the “Artificial Intelligence Revolution” in Medical Imaging
Authors: Coppola Francesca , Faggioni Lorenzo , Gabelloni Michela , De Vietro Fabrizio , Mendola Vincenzo , Cattabriga Arrigo , Cocozza Maria Adriana , Vara Giulio , Piccinino Alberto , Lo Monaco Silvia , Pastore Luigi Vincenzo , Mottola Margherita , Malavasi Silvia , Bevilacqua Alessandro , Neri Emanuele , Golfieri Rita
Published: September 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) has seen dramatic growth over the past decade, evolving from a niche super specialty computer application into a powerful tool which has revolutionized many areas of our professional and daily lives, and the potential of which seems to be still largely untapped. The field of medicine and medical imaging, as one of its various specialties, has gained considerable benefit from AI, including improved diagnostic accuracy and the possibility of predicting individual patient outcomes and options of more personalized treatment. It should be noted that this process can actively support the ongoing development of advanced, highly specific treatment strategies (e.g., target therapies for cancer patients) while enabling faster workflow and more efficient use of healthcare resources. The potential advantages of AI over conventional methods have made it attractive for physicians and other healthcare stakeholders, raising much interest in both the research and the industry communities. However, the fast development of AI has unveiled its potential for disrupting the work of healthcare professionals, spawning concerns among radiologists that, in the future, AI may outperform them, thus damaging their reputations or putting their jobs at risk. Furthermore, this development has raised relevant psychological, ethical, and medico-legal issues which need to be addressed for AI to be considered fully capable of patient management. The aim of this review is to provide a brief, hopefully exhaustive, overview of the state of the art of AI systems regarding medical imaging, with a special focus on how AI and the entire healthcare environment should be prepared to accomplish the goal of a more advanced human-centered world.
A Measurement Invariance Investigation of the Polish Version of the Dual Filial-Piety Scale (DFPS-PL): Student-Employee and Gender Differences in Filial Beliefs
Authors: Różycka-Tran Joanna , Jurek Paweł , Olech Michał , Dmochowski Tadeusz
Published: September 2021

Filial beliefs are defined as a cognitive script or even a contextualized personality construct for social exchanges, which shapes the attitudes of individuals. In the given study, we investigate the factorial structure of the Polish version of the Dual Filial Piety Scale (DFPS-PL) and verify whether measurement of filial piety is invariant among students and employees, and among men and women. Two studies were conducted on different age samples: 489 students aged 18–24 and 849 employees aged 25–64. In order to verify the hypotheses, the DFPS-PL was administered. As a result of confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), it has been demonstrated that the structure of filial piety measured by the DFPS-PL among students and employees, and men and women, could be interpreted as two-factorial, and that there is partial scalar measurement invariance for the tested model across these groups (MGCFA). The comparison of the average latent mean scores suggests that employees declare a lower level of AFP (Authoritarian Filial Piety; need of social belonging and collective identity) than students. There were no significant differences between students and employees when RFP (Reciprocal Filial Piety; need of interpersonal relatedness) was compared. In addition, the results showed that women score higher in RFP than men. The given findings are discussed in the context of values transition in non-Asian countries. The main contribution is to confirm the factorial structure of the DFPS-PL and introduce the novel Eastern concept of Filial Piety to Western culture.
Research on the Psychological Expectation Impact on Enterprise Innovation Under Mergers and Acquisitions Pressure: From the Evidence of Large Stock Dividends
Authors: Kuang XueWen , Li ZeYu , Lin He
Published: September 2021

From the perspective of social psychology, takes the large stock dividends policy of Chinese listed companies as an example, based on the sample of Chinese listed companies from 2009 to 2018, this article examines the impact of psychological expectation under the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) pressure on enterprise innovation. The empirical study finds that the high dividend payout mainly increases the liquidity of the stock, which makes the company face a greater risk of hostile merger and acquisition, and thus causes the management to pay attention to the psychological preference of short-term effect, and reduces the level of enterprise R&D and innovation. Moreover, the above conclusion is still true after controlling the endogenetic problem. Further research shows that in private enterprises, enterprises with low ownership concentration and non-high-tech enterprises, large stock dividends has a more obvious inhibiting effect on the level of enterprises’ R&D and innovation. After excluding the possible of agency problem, the conclusion is still robust. This article expands the research on the influencing factors of enterprise innovation from the perspective of psychological expectation. The findings of this study provide references and inspirations for facilitating enterprise innovations by reducing short-sighted behaviors of management under increased stock liquidity.
EFL/ESL Students' Perceptions of Distributive, Procedural, and Interactional Justice: The Impact of Positive Teacher-Student Relation
Authors: Yang Dan
Published: September 2021

The correlation between teacher-student interpersonal relationships and students' perception of different dimensions of justice using in the learning context has been found absolutely important since it can provide a nice learning environment for students in which they can comfortably learn a new language. Even though several studies have been carried out regarding the above-mentioned points, a review paper that focuses on the importance between these two variables by which students' learning is influenced seems of great interest. In this study, the author has strived hard to highlight the interplay between the aforementioned variables. First of all, Justice and its dimensions including distributive, procedural, and interactional justice are described in the learning context. Then the effect of the positive relationship between teachers and students is accentuated. Following it, different types of characteristics that are crucially noticeable considering teacher-student interpersonal relationship including “teachers care,” “teacher clarity,” “teacher confirmation,” “teacher credibility,” “teacher immediacy,” “teacher stroke,” “teacher-student rapport” are discussed. The term “positive psychology” accompanied by its factors is defined then. What is discussed then is classroom justice as a teacher-student interpersonal factor. Finally, it is concluded with implications and suggestions for future studies.
Simulations and Experiments of the Soil Temperature Distribution after 2.45-GHz Short-Time Term Microwave Treatment
Authors: Sun Xiaohe , Zhai Changyuan , Yang Shuo , Ma Haolin , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: September 2021

Microwave treatment is a green and pollution-free soil disinfection method. The application of microwaves to disinfect soil before cultivation is highly important to increase crop yields and protect the ecological environment. The electromagnetic field is an important parameter influencing the soil temperature field in the process of microwave soil treatment, and the change in soil temperature directly affects soil disinfection. Therefore, this article carried out research on the heating pattern in North China loess due to microwave treatment. First, COMSOL software was employed to simulate the microwave soil treatment process to analyze microwave penetration into soil. Second, with the application of microwaves at the designed frequency produced with a 2.45-GHz tunable microwave generating microdevice, soil with water contents of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% was treated for 10~60 s (at 10-s time intervals), and experiments on the influence of the microwave output power, treatment time, and soil moisture content on the soil temperature were performed via the controlled variable method. The simulation results indicate that with increasing soil moisture content, the microwave frequency inside the soil model increases, and the electric field intensity value decreases in the model at the same depth. After microwaves traverse through the 20-cm soil model, the incident field strength is three orders of magnitude lower than the outgoing field strength. The results of the microwave soil treatment experiment reveal that: (1) Compared to microwave output power levels of 1.8 and 1.6 kW, a level of 2 kW is more suitable for microwave soil disinfection. (2) After treatment, the highest temperature occurs on the soil surface, not within the soil. (3) The location of the highest soil internal temperature after microwave treatment increasingly approaches the soil surface with increasing soil moisture content, and the microwave output power does not affect the location of the highest soil internal temperature. Combining the electromagnetic field simulation and microwave soil treatment experiment results, it was found that the higher the field strength is, the higher the temperature value, and the highest soil internal temperature after microwave treatment often occurs at the first electromagnetic wave peak.
Usage and Impacts of Technologies and Management Practices in Ethiopian Smallholder Maize Production
Authors: Assefa Banchayehu Tessema , Chamberlin Jordan , van Ittersum Martin K. , Reidsma Pytrik
Published: September 2021

Maize yields can be improved through many individual technologies and management practices, but the full realization of potential benefits is generally understood to require integrated use of complementary practices. We employed two years of survey data and alternative econometric models to better understand the use of individual and bundled packages of technologies and management practices in Ethiopian maize production, i.e., fertilizers, improved varieties, herbicides, pesticides, manure, intercropping, erosion control and crop rotation (the last three labeled integrated management). Although fertilizer and improved varieties were used on 85% of maize fields, with average yields of 3.4 ton/ha, large yield gaps remain. Complementary management practices improved these yields by as much as 22%, although in variable ways. Integrated management contributed to maize yield only when combined with crop protection (herbicides and/or pesticides). Combining manure with fertilizer and improved variety decreased maize yields, possibly due to manure quality and less inorganic fertilizer used on fields that received manure. Packages including crop protection increased labor productivity by 16–70%, while using integrated management decreased labor productivity by almost half. In summary, the combination of management practices did not automatically lead to increased yields, partly related to the conditions under which practices were applied, indicating the need for site-specific research and recommendations for sustainable intensification.
Influence of Tillage on the Mollisols Physicochemical Properties, Seed Emergence and Yield of Maize in Northeast China
Authors: Chen Qiang , Zhang Xingyi , Sun Li , Ren Jianhua , Yuan Yaru , Zang Shuying
Published: September 2021

Tillage practices are critical for sustaining soil quality necessary for successful crop growth and productivity, but there are only few studies for strip tillage (ST) in the Mollisols region of Northeast China at present. A long-term (≥10-year) study was carried out to investigate the influence of within the tilled row (IR) and between rows (BR) in ST (10-year), conventional tillage (CT, 14-year) and no tillage (NT, 14-year) treatments on soil physicochemical properties. Soil samples were taken in May of 2019 at 0–5, 5–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm depths and used to analyze bulk density (BD), soil aggregate distribution and stability, and soil organic carbon (SOC). Meanwhile, our study also explored the differences in seed emergence, soil moisture, and temperature during the seed emergence period, and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) among the different treatments. Similar soil properties were observed between ST-BR and NT, which showed they had a significantly greater BD, >0.25 mm water stable aggregate content (WR0.25) (especially in the amount of >2 mm and 1–2 mm size proportion), aggregate stability, and SOC than ST-IR and CT-IR at a depth of 0–20 cm. By improving soil conditions of seedbed, ST-IR and CT-IR increased soil temperature above NT by 1.64 °C and 1.80 °C, respectively, and ST-IR had a slight greater soil moisture than CT-IR in the top 10 cm layer during the seed emergence period. Late maize seed emergence was observed NT in than ST-IR and CT-IR and the average annual yields in ST were slightly greater than NT and CT, but the differences were not significant. Our results also showed that CT-BR had a poor soil structure and lower SOC than other treatments at 0–30 cm depth. We conclude from these long-term experimental results that ST could improve soil water-heat conditions to promote seed germination, maintain soil structure, and increase the maize yield and it should be applied in the Mollisols region of Northeast China.
Clinical Efficacy of Repeated Applications of Local Drug Delivery and Adjunctive Agents in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tan Oi Leng , Safii Syarida Hasnur , Razali Masfueh
Published: September 2021

The aim of this systematic review is to compare the clinical efficacy of repeated applications of local drug delivery and adjunctive agents (LDAs) in nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) compared to subgingival mechanical debridement (SMD) alone. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, hand-searched literature and grey literature databases were searched for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. The outcomes of interest were changes in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level as well as patient-centred outcomes. Of 1094 studies identified, 16 RCTs were included in the qualitative analysis. Across 11 different adjuncts analysed, only two studies utilizing minocycline gel/ointment and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with indocyanine green photosensitizer had statistically significant differences in primary outcomes when compared to their control groups. Only one study on aPDT methylene blue 0.005% had compared single versus multiple applications against its control group. A mean range of 0.27–3.82 mm PD reduction and −0.09–2.82 mm CAL gain were observed with repeated LDA application. Considerable clinical heterogeneity and methodological flaws in the included studies preclude any definitive conclusions regarding the clinical efficacy of repeated LDA applications. Future RCTs with a direct comparison between single and repeated applications should be conducted to confirm or refute the clinical advantages of repeated LDA application in the nonsurgical management of periodontitis.
In Vivo Pharmacodynamics of β-Lactams/Nacubactam against Carbapenem-Resistant and/or Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae in Murine Pneumonia Model
Authors: Hagihara Mao , Kato Hideo , Sugano Toshie , Okade Hayato , Sato Nobuo , Shibata Yuichi , Sakanashi Daisuke , Hirai Jun , Asai Nobuhiro , Suematsu Hiroyuki , Yamagishi Yuka , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: September 2021

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) have become global threats. CRE− and CPE− derived infections have been associated with high mortality due to limited treatment options. Nacubactam is a β-lactamase inhibitor and belongs to the new class of diazabicyclooctane. The agent has an in vitro antimicrobial activity against several classes of β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales. This study evaluated antimicrobial activity of combination therapies including β-lactams (aztreonam, cefepime, and meropenem) and nacubactam against four Enterobacter cloacae and six Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with murine pneumonia model. Based on changes in bacterial quantity, antimicrobial activities of some regimens were assessed. Combination therapies including β-lactams (aztreonam, cefepime, and meropenem) with nacubactam showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against CRE E. cloacae (−3.70 to −2.08 Δlog10 CFU/lungs) and K. pneumoniae (−4.24 to 1.47 Δlog10 CFU/lungs) with IMP-1, IMP-6, or KPC genes, compared with aztreonam, cefepime, meropenem, and nacubactam monotherapies. Most combination therapies showed bacteriostatic (−3.0 to 0 Δlog10 CFU/lungs) to bactericidal (<−3.0 Δlog10 CFU/lungs) activities against CRE isolates. This study revealed that combination regimens with β-lactams (aztreonam, cefepime, and meropenem) and nacubactam are preferable candidates to treat pneumonia due to CRE and CPE.
Consumption of Antibacterials for Systemic Use in Slovakia: A National Study and the Quality Indicators for Outpatient Antibiotic Use
Authors: Tesar Tomas , Masarykova Lucia , Lehocka Lubica , Porubcova Slavka , Cicova Monika , Wawruch Martin
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to analyse the consumption of antibiotics in the Slovak health care system from 2011 to 2020. The data source on the consumption of antibiotics is sales data from SUKL and NCZI. The study employed the ATC/DDD Index and focused on the consumption of antibiotics in the primary care sector. Total antibiotic consumption decreased from 19.21 DID in 2011 to 13.16 DID in 2020. Consumption of beta-lactamase-sensitive penicillins, expressed as a percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, decreased from 8.4% in 2011 to 4.2% in 2020. Consumption of the combination of penicillins, including beta-lactamase inhibitor, expressed as a percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, increased from 16.2% in 2011 to 17.9% in 2020. Consumption of third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, expressed as the percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, increased from 2.0% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2020. Consumption of fluoroquinolones, expressed as the percentage of the total consumption of antibiotics, decreased from 10.7% in 2011 to 8.6% in 2020. Overall, antibiotic consumption significantly changed in Slovakia from 2011 to 2020. The ratio of the consumption of broad-spectrum to the consumption of narrow-spectrum penicillins, cephalosporins and macrolides decreased from 14.98 in 2011 to 13.38 in 2020.
Pharmacokinetics of Antibiotics in Pediatric Intensive Care: Fostering Variability to Attain Precision Medicine
Authors: Gijsen Matthias , Vlasselaers Dirk , Spriet Isabel , Allegaert Karel
Published: September 2021

Children show important developmental and maturational changes, which may contribute greatly to pharmacokinetic (PK) variability observed in pediatric patients. These PK alterations are further enhanced by disease-related, non-maturational factors. Specific to the intensive care setting, such factors include critical illness, inflammatory status, augmented renal clearance (ARC), as well as therapeutic interventions (e.g., extracorporeal organ support systems or whole-body hypothermia [WBH]). This narrative review illustrates the relevance of both maturational and non-maturational changes in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) applied to antibiotics. It hereby provides a focused assessment of the available literature on the impact of critical illness—in general, and in specific subpopulations (ARC, extracorporeal organ support systems, WBH)—on PK and potential underexposure in children and neonates. Overall, literature discussing antibiotic PK alterations in pediatric intensive care is scarce. Most studies describe antibiotics commonly monitored in clinical practice such as vancomycin and aminoglycosides. Because of the large PK variability, therapeutic drug monitoring, further extended to other antibiotics, and integration of model-informed precision dosing in clinical practice are suggested to optimise antibiotic dose and exposure in each newborn, infant, or child during intensive care.
Salivary Oxidative Stress Markers’ Relation to Oral Diseases in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Salman Bahareh Nazemi , Darvish Shayan , Goriuc Ancuta , Mazloomzadeh Saeideh , Hossein Poor Tehrani Maryam , Luchian Ionut
Published: September 2021

Current evidence suggests that salivary markers of oxidative stress are indicative of clinical disease indices such as the papillary bleeding index (PBI) and the caries index (CI). The aim of this study was to assess the relation of oxidative stress markers with oral dental caries and periodontal problems in a pediatric population. In our case-control study, unstimulated whole saliva was collected from individuals aged 3–18 years (n = 177); 14 individuals were excluded. Study subjects were divided into those with caries (CI = 2, n = 78) and those who were caries-free (n = 85). These groups were then divided into another subset consisting of children (mean age 7.3 years, n = 121) and adolescents (mean age 16.1 years, n = 42). The PBI was determined in all groups. We then assessed salivary levels of oxidative stress markers. Our results showed that, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level increased in patients with more gingival bleeding (p < 0.05) in the study group aged 3–18 years. In addition, TAC showed a significant decrease in samples with caries when compared to the caries-free group in adolescents (p = 0.008). In conclusion, TAC levels may be a marker of both gingival bleeding and dental caries in young adult populations. We hope that in the near future, prophylaxis, control, follow up and even possible therapeutic use of oxidative stress markers in a chairside way will become possible as antioxidants have been shown to be effective against oral diseases.
Kombucha Tea—A Double Power of Bioactive Compounds from Tea and Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts (SCOBY)
Authors: Antolak Hubert , Piechota Dominik , Kucharska Aleksandra
Published: September 2021

Kombucha is a low alcoholic beverage with high content of bioactive compounds derived from plant material (tea, juices, herb extracts) and metabolic activity of microorganisms (acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts). Currently, it attracts an increasing number of consumers due to its health-promoting properties. This review focuses on aspects significantly affecting the bioactive compound content and biological activities of Kombucha tea. The literature review shows that the drink is characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds, strong antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Factors that substantially affect these activities are the tea type and its brewing parameters, the composition of the SCOBY, as well as the fermentation parameters. On the other hand, Kombucha fermentation is characterized by many unknowns, which result, inter alia, from different methods of tea extraction, diverse, often undefined compositions of microorganisms used in the fermentation, as well as the lack of clearly defined effects of microorganisms on bioactive compounds contained in tea, and therefore the health-promoting properties of the final product. The article indicates the shortcomings in the current research in the field of Kombucha, as well as future perspectives on improving the health-promoting activities of this fermented drink.
Hydroxy-Selenomethionine Improves the Selenium Status and Helps to Maintain Broiler Performances under a High Stocking Density and Heat Stress Conditions through a Better Redox and Immune Response
Authors: Sun Hua , Zhao Ling , Xu Zi-Jian , De Marco Michele , Briens Mickael , Yan Xiang-Hua , Sun Lv-Hui
Published: September 2021

This study has determined whether hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) exerts a better protective action on broilers against environmental stress than sodium selenite (SS) or seleno-yeast (SY). Day-old male Cobb 500 broilers (12 cages/diet, 9 broilers/cage) were fed a selenium (Se)-deficient diet (0.047 mg/kg) supplemented with SS, SY or OH-SeMet at 0.3 mg Se/kg under a high stocking density and heat stress condition for six weeks. OH-SeMet improved the FCR and Se concentration in the tissues than SS and SY. SY and OH-SeMet both reduced the serum cortisol, T3, IL-6, IgA, IgM and LPS, more than SS, while only OH-SeMet further increased IL-10 and IgG. SY and OH-SeMet improved the intestinal morphology and increased the T-AOC, TXRND, SELENON and OCCLUDIN activities but decreased CLAUDIN2 in the jejunum than SS, while OH-SeMet further improved these values than SY. SY and OH-SeMet both increased SELENOS and TXNRD2 in the muscles than SS, and OH-SeMet further raised T-AOC, GPX4, SELENOP, SELENOW and TXNRD1, and reduced malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl in the muscles than SS and SY. OH-SeMet showed a better ability to maintain the performance and the redox and immune status of broilers under a high stocking density and heat stress challenge than SS and SY.
Traceable PM2.5 and PM10 Calibration of Low-Cost Sensors with Ambient-like Aerosols Generated in the Laboratory
Authors: Horender Stefan , Tancev Georgi , Auderset Kevin , Vasilatou Konstantina
Published: September 2021

This work builds upon previous efforts at calibrating PM (particulate matter) monitors with ambient-like aerosols produced in the laboratory under well-controlled environmental conditions at the facility known as PALMA (Production of Ambient-like Model Aerosols). In this study, the sampling system of PALMA was equipped with commercial PM2.5 and PM10 impactors, designed according to the EN 12341:2014 standard, to select different aerosol size fractions for reference gravimetric measurements. Moreover, a metallic frame was mounted around the PM impactor to accommodate up to eight low-cost PM sensors. This sampling unit was placed at the bottom of the 2-meter-long aerosol homogenizer, right above the filter holder for the reference gravimetric measurements. As proof of principle, we used the upgraded PALMA facility to calibrate the new AirVisual Outdoor (IQAir, Goldach, Switzerland) and the SDS011 (InovaFitness, Jinan, China) low-cost PM sensors in a traceable manner against the reference gravimetric method according to the EN 12341 standard. This is the first time that PM2.5 and PM10 calibrations of low-cost sensors have been successfully carried out with complex ambient-like aerosols consisting of soot, inorganic species, secondary organic matter, and dust particles under controlled temperature and relative humidity.
On the Properties of a Class of Impulsive Competition Beverton–Holt Equations
Authors: De la Sen Manuel , Ibeas Asier , Alonso-Quesada Santiago , Garrido Aitor J. , Garrido Izaskun
Published: September 2021

This paper is devoted to a type of combined impulsive discrete Beverton–Holt equations in ecology when eventual discontinuities at sampling time instants are considered. Such discontinuities could be interpreted as impulses in the corresponding continuous-time logistic equations. The set of equations involve competition-type coupled dynamics among a finite set of species. It is assumed that, in general, the intrinsic growth rates and the carrying capacities are eventually distinct for the various species. The impulsive parts of the equations are parameterized by harvesting quotas and independent consumptions which are also eventually distinct for the various species and which control the populations’ evolution. The performed study includes the existence of extinction and non-extinction equilibrium points, the conditions of non-negativity and boundedness of the solutions for given finite non-negative initial conditions and the conditions of asymptotic stability without or with extinction of the solutions.
AudienceMR: Extending the Local Space for Large-Scale Audience with Mixed Reality for Enhanced Remote Lecturer Experience
Authors: Han Bin , Kim Gerard Jounghyun
Published: September 2021

AudienceMR is designed as a multi-user mixed reality space that seamlessly extends the local user space to become a large, shared classroom where some of the audience members are seen seated in a real space, and more members are seen through an extended portal. AudienceMR can provide a sense of the presence of a large-scale crowd/audience with the associated spatial context. In contrast to virtual reality (VR), however, with mixed reality (MR), a lecturer can deliver content or conduct a performance from a real, actual, comfortable, and familiar local space, while interacting directly with real nearby objects, such as a desk, podium, educational props, instruments, and office materials. Such a design will elicit a realistic user experience closer to an actual classroom, which is currently prohibitive owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper validated our hypothesis by conducting a comparative experiment assessing the lecturer’s experience with two independent variables: (1) an online classroom platform type, i.e., a 2D desktop video teleconference, a 2D video screen grid in VR, 3D VR, and AudienceMR, and (2) a student depiction, i.e., a 2D upper-body video screen and a 3D full-body avatar. Our experiment validated that AudienceMR exhibits a level of anxiety and fear of public speaking closer to that of a real classroom situation, and a higher social and spatial presence than 2D video grid-based solutions and even 3D VR. Compared to 3D VR, AudienceMR offers a more natural and easily usable real object-based interaction. Most subjects preferred AudienceMR over the alternatives despite the nuisance of having to wear a video see-through headset. Such qualities will result in information conveyance and an educational efficacy comparable to those of a real classroom, and better than those achieved through popular 2D desktop teleconferencing or immersive 3D VR solutions.
Comparison of Palliative Care Models in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Younus Sarah , Bakal Jeffrey A. , Richman-Eisenstat Janice , Alrehaili Ghadah , Aldhaheri Sharina , Morales Michelle , Rippon Naomi , Bendstrup Elisabeth , Harle Ingrid , Moran-Mendoza Onofre , Barratt Shaney L. , Adamali Huzaifa , Kalluri Meena
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Palliative care (PC) is recommended in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients but poorly implemented. Integration of PC into routine management by pulmonologists may improve overall and end-of-life (EOL) care, but the optimal model of PC delivery is unknown. Objective: To describe three PC care delivery models and their impact on EOL; the Multidisciplinary Collaborative ILD clinic, Edmonton, Canada (EC) and the Bristol ILD Service, UK (BC) that provide primary level PC; and the Queen’s University ILD Clinic, Kingston, Canada (QC), which refers IPF patients to a specialist PC Clinic using specific referral criteria. Methods: A multicenter retrospective observational study of IPF patients receiving care in the identified clinics (2012–2018) was designed. Demographics; PC delivery, including symptom management; advance care planning (ACP); and location of death data were examined. Results: 298 IPF patients were included (EC 95, BC 84, and QC 119). Median age was 71 years with 74% males. Overall, 63% (188) patients received PC. Primary PC approach in EC and BC led to more patients receiving PC (98% EC, 94% BC and 13% QC (p < 0.001/<0.001)) with earlier initiation compared to QC. Associated higher rates of non-pharmacologic dyspnea management [98% EC, 94% BC, and 2% QC (p < 0.001/<0.001); opioids (45% EC and BC, and 23% QC (p < 0.001/<0.001)); and ACP (100% EC and BC, and 13% QC patients (p < 0.001/<0.001))] were observed. Median follow up (IQR) was 16 months (5–28) with 122 deaths (41%). Primary PC model in EC and BC decedents was associated with more PC delivery (91% EC, 92% BC and 19% QC (p < 0.001)) with more symptoms management, oxygen, and opiate use than QC (p < 0.001; p = 0.04; p = 0.01). EOL discussions occurred in 73% EC, 63% BC, and 4% QC decedents (p = 0.001). Fifty-nine% (57) died at home or hospice and 38% (36) in hospitals. Concordance rate between preferred and actual location of death was 58% in EC (0.29 (−0.02–0.51)) and 37% in BC models (−0.11 (−0.20–0.15)). Conclusions: Primary PC approach for IPF is feasible in ILD clinics with concurrent disease management and can improve access to symptom management, ACP, PC and EOL care. Reliance on PC specialist referral for PC initiation outside of the ILD clinic can result in delayed care.
Statistical Modeling of Cultural Differences in Adopting Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Yun Yongdeok , Oh Hyungseok , Myung Rohae
Published: September 2021

As autonomous driving technology develops, the advantages and disadvantages of autonomous vehicles emerge. In order for automated vehicles to find a place in society, public opinion and acceptance are important, and a number of studies about public opinion and acceptance are underway. In this paper, we investigated the relation between cross cultural differences and public opinion on automated vehicles. Through a literature review, public opinion in various countries, including China, India, Japan, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia, was collected. Through these data, the influence of cross cultural differences in public opinion was identified, and statistical models for predicting public opinion about autonomous vehicles were developed. In addition, the prediction models were validated through the results of the survey conducted in this paper. As a result, the influence of cross cultural differences on public opinion about automated vehicles was confirmed.
Photo Identification of Individual Salmo trutta Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Pedersen Marius , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: September 2021

Individual fish identification and recognition is an important step in the conservation and management of fisheries. One of most frequently used methods involves capturing and tagging fish. However, these processes have been reported to cause tissue damage, premature tag loss, and decreased swimming capacity. More recently, marine video recordings have been extensively used for monitoring fish populations. However, these require visual inspection to identify individual fish. In this work, we proposed an automatic method for the identification of individual brown trouts, Salmo trutta. We developed a deep convolutional architecture for this purpose. Specifically, given two fish images, multi-scale convolutional features were extracted to capture low-level features and high-level semantic components for embedding space representation. The extracted features were compared at each scale for capturing representation for individual fish identification. The method was evaluated on a dataset called NINA204 based on 204 videos of brown trout and on a dataset TROUT39 containing 39 brown trouts in 288 frames. The identification method distinguished individual fish with 94.6% precision and 74.3% recall on a NINA204 video sequence with significant appearance and shape variation. The identification method takes individual fish and is able to distinguish them with precision and recall percentages of 94.6% and 74.3% on NINA204 for a video sequence with significant appearance and shape variation.
Weighting with Life Cycle Assessment and Cradle to Cradle: A Methodology for Global Sustainability Design
Authors: Peralta M. Estela , Alcalá Nuria , Soltero Víctor M.
Published: September 2021

Sustainable product design uses methodologies focused on eco-effectiveness and eco-efficiency for the proposal of innovative technological solutions and for the control of environmental impacts during the product life cycle. One of the main drawbacks of such techniques is their qualitative nature, associated with a decision-making process that is sometimes arbitrary, or with unverifiable data; this means that several complementary tools are currently being used to reduce the error in the results obtained. This situation makes the unification of procedures necessary. In this context, this research develops a methodology for the sustainable design of industrial products that integrates life cycle assessment (in its environmental, economic and social application) and cradle-to-cradle techniques. For this purpose, a new assessment process is proposed, based on damage, developing LCA+C2C endpoint indicators. The methodology is subsequently verified in a case study of products for sustainable mobility (city trike electric). The results show that an integrated LCA+C2C assessment can help to propose more balanced sustainable strategies and would be a suitable method to measure tradeoffs between economic, social and environmental results, for practical purposes and future redesigns. The unified method provides a procedure to design a solution with a trade-off between eco-efficient and eco-effective criteria; it also simplifies the design phases, facilitates the interpretation of the results and provides a quantitative scope to the cradle-to-cradle framework.
The Impact of Bending on Radiation Characteristics of Polymer-Based Flexible Antennas for General IoT Applications
Authors: Khan Muhammad Usman Ali , Raad Raad , Tubbal Faisel , Ioannis Theoharis Panagiotis
Published: September 2021

Flexible wearable wireless devices have found practical uses as their cost has fallen and Internet of Things applications have gained further acceptance. These devices are gaining further use and acceptance in the consumer and wearable space for applications such as logistical tracking and maintaining sensor information, including temperature, humidity, and location. In such applications, antennas are exposed to bending and crumbling. Therefore, flexible substrate antennas for use with polymer-based flexible devices are an important area of research that needs to be addressed. In this study, the bending capabilities of flexible polymer substrate antennas for general IoT applications were practically analyzed by fabricating flexible antennas on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Teflon, and Polyvinylchloride (PVC) substrates operating at 2.45, 4.45, and 7.25 GHz frequencies. The basic premise was to investigate the flexibility and bending ability of polymer materials, and their tendency to withstand deformation. In the current paper, we start by providing an equivalent model for the flexible microstrip patch antenna under bent conditions, followed by outlining the process of designing flexible antennas on polymer substrates. Finally, the fabricated flexible antennas were tested in an anechoic chamber for various radiation characteristics such as reflection coefficients, operating frequency shifts, and impedance mismatch with the transmission line, under bending conditions up to 7 mm. The practical outcomes were then compared with our recent investigation on flexible polymer substrate antennas for wearable applications. This study provides a means to select a suitable polymer substrate for future wearable sensors and antennas with high bendability.