bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care-engaged individuals with polysubstance use in Northeastern US are undertreated for methamphetamine use disorder: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yen Li Mimi , Alba George A. , Mitton Julian , Bearnot Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Background

Stimulant use has increased across the US, with concomitant opioid and methamphetamine use doubling between 2011 and 2017. Shifting patterns of polysubstance use have led to rising psychostimulant-involved deaths. While it is known that individuals who use methamphetamine require greater access to treatment, there is still little known about methamphetamine use and treatment among individuals who are already engaged in outpatient substance use treatment.

Objectives

To characterize care-engaged individuals who use methamphetamine to guide harm reduction and treatment strategies.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of individuals at a large academic medical center in Massachusetts with ≥ 2 positive methamphetamine oral fluid toxicology tests between August 2019 and January 2020. We performed descriptive analysis of sociodemographic, medical, and drug use characteristics and a comparative analysis of injection methamphetamine use versus other routes of use.

Results

Included were 71 individuals [56 male (80%), 66 non-Hispanic white (94%), median age 36 (IQR 30–42)]. Nearly all had opioid (94%) and stimulant use disorder (92%). Most had (93%) or were (83%) being treated with medications for opioid use disorder, but few received pharmacologic treatment for methamphetamine use disorder (24%). None received contingency management treatment.

People who inject methamphetamine (68%) were more likely to have a history of overdose (91% vs. 70%; p = 0.02), have HCV (94% vs. 52%; p < 0.01), use fentanyl (93% vs. 65%; p = 0.02), and engage in sex work (19% vs. 0%; p = 0.03) compared to those who used via other routes. Both groups had prevalent homelessness (88% vs. 73%; p = 0.15), incarceration (81% vs. 64%; p = 0.11), depression (94% vs. 87%; p = 0.34), and bacteremia (27% vs. 22%; p = 0.63).

Conclusions

Individuals in our study had high prevalence of polysubstance use, particularly concomitant methamphetamine and opioid use. Individuals who were well connected to substance use treatment for their opioid use were still likely to be undertreated for their methamphetamine use disorder and would benefit from greater access to contingency management treatment, harm reduction resources, and resources to address adverse social determinants of health.
Co-creation as an innovative setting to improve the uptake of scientific knowledge: overcoming obstacles, understanding considerations and applying enablers to improve scientific impact in society
Authors: Stier J. , Smit S. E.
Published: September 2021

Impact-driven research is a EU priority and, increasingly, for universities around Europe. Still, there is need for specific strategies to improve the societal impact of scientific knowledge and therewith improve the uptake of scientific results. Co-creation deeply evolves the role of scientific knowledge and increases its impact. Albeit there is much research on the conceptualization and contextualization of co-creation, research on the microlevel dynamics of co-creation is less common. This article aims to understand the dynamics of and clarify the role of co-creation within and between quadruple helix actors (academia, government, industry and societal partners). Here, co-creation refers to the collaboration, where such actors actively join forces to address challenges. This paper revolves around insights from the European Commission Horizon 2020-project—Accomplissh(www.accomplissh.eu) which stands for “Accelerate co-creation by setting up a multi-actor platform for impact from Social Sciences and Humanities”. The results lay bare a set of obstacles, areas of consideration and enablers in co-creation. This said, it is argued that scientific knowledge is optimally utilized when a set of guidelines or recommendations are followed and carried out by all involved actors.
Innovation processes in Kazakhstan: development factors
Authors: Sadyrova Mansia , Yusupov Kuanish , Imanbekova Bibigul
Published: September 2021

The paper analyzes and assesses the main issues and development factors of innovation processes in Kazakhstan. It is known that in modern conditions of dynamically developing competitive processes and scientific and technological progress, innovations serve as the basis of the national economy and a key factor in ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises. Moreover, today, the economy of the country can successfully compete in the market on the basis of the continuous improvement of goods and services produced as well as the development of new directions. It is also obvious that the development of new products, implementation of innovations and new measures are key performance indicators at both the macro and microeconomic levels. In this sense, an innovative way of socio-economic development of the country is becoming an urgent problem for Kazakhstan. An analysis of the situation shows that in the real sector of the economy, the possibilities of increasing production at the expense of extensive factors are largely exhausted. It is necessary to ensure the modernization of the economy through the introduction of modern technologies and the maximum use of the country’s intellectual potential. The realization of the economic strategy determines the implementation of the main directions of social policy in line with the innovative development of Kazakh society as a whole.
Effectiveness of topical vancomycin in the prevention of spinal surgical site infections: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tafish Rawan T. , Alkhaldi Ahmed F. , Bourghli Anouar , Althunian Turki A.
Published: September 2021

Background

The risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) SSIs, after spinal surgeries is one of the most daunting experiences to patients and surgeons. Some authors suggest applying vancomycin powder on the wound before skin closure to minimize the risk of SSIs; however, this practice is not supported by well-established evidence. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of topical (i.e. intra-wound) vancomycin in minimizing the risk of SSIs in patients who underwent spinal surgeries at a Saudi hospital.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the hospital database. Patients who underwent spinal surgeries from the period of 09/2013 to 09/2019 were included and followed up (observed from the time of the surgery) to 30 days (surgeries without implants) or 90 days (with implants). The odds ratio (OR) of the primary outcome between vancomycin treated versus non-treated patients was estimated using a logistic regression model adjusting for the measured confounders. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using propensity score analysis (inverse probability of treatment weighting [IPTW] with stabilized weights) to control for confounding by indication. All study analyses were completed using RStudio Version 1.2.5033.

Results

We included 81 vancomycin treated vs. 375 untreated patients with 28 infections (8/81 vs. 20/375; respectively). The adjusted OR of SSIs between the two groups was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11 to 1.34). The result of the propensity score analysis was consistent (OR: 0.97 [95% CI 0.35 to 2.68]).

Conclusions

We could not find a lower association of SSIs with intra-wound vancomycin in patients who underwent spinal surgeries. Further studies are needed to assess benefits of using topical vancomycin for this indication vs. the risk of antimicrobial resistance.
Rapid reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 variant-of-concern Alpha detected in a nurse during an outbreak at a non-covid inpatient ward: lessons learned
Authors: Koopsen Jelle , Dekker Mireille , Thung Philip , Jonges Marcel , Vennema Harry , Leenstra Tjalling , Eggink Dirk , Welkers Matthijs R. A. , Struijs Peter A. A. , Reusken Chantal , van Mansfeld Rosa , de Jong Menno D. , Schinkel Janke , Spijkerman Ingrid J. B.
Published: September 2021

We describe the lessons learned during a SARS-CoV-2 variant-of-concern Alpha outbreak investigation at a normal care unit in a university hospital in Amsterdam in December 2020. The outbreak consisted of nine nurses and two roomed-in patient family members. (attack rate 18%). One nurse tested positive with a phylogenetically distinct variant, after a documented infection 83 days prior. Three key points were taken from this investigation. First, it was controlled by adherence to existing guidelines, despite increased transmissibility of the variant. Second, viral sequencing can inform transmission cluster inference, but the epidemiological context is essential to draw appropriate conclusions. Third, reinfections with Alpha variants can occur rapidly after primary infection.
Pneumomediastinum complicating COVID-19: a case series
Authors: Damous Sérgio Henrique Bastos , dos Santos Junior Jones Pessoa , Pezzano Álvaro Vicente Alvarez , Chams Mohamad Abdul Majid , Haritov Nathaly , Waksman Ricardo , Lima Helber Vidal Gadelha , dos Santos Miranda Jocielle , Rasslan Roberto , Utiyama Edivaldo Massazo
Published: September 2021

Background

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia, which may or may not be associated with invasive ventilatory support. Therefore, the report and findings associated with its evolution can be of great contribution in the management of this unknown disease.

Case presentation

Here, we present a series of four patients with severe pneumomediastinum requiring intensive care unit. These patients developed pneumomediastinum before or during orotracheal intubation (OTI) or without OTI. The four patients were three men and one woman with a mean age of 60.5 years (48–74 years). No patients had a known history of lung disease or traumatic events, except for one patient who had a history of smoking, but who was without parenchymal disease. All intubations were performed without complications. No cases of pneumomediastinum occurred after tracheostomy, and none of the patients had tomographic or bronchoscopic evidence of tracheal injury. Although the pneumomediastinum observed in our cases was apparently not related to a violation of the aerodigestive track, this complication was associated with a worse prognosis.

Conclusion

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia, and the most likely etiopathogenesis is severe pulmonary involvement, which may or may not be associated with invasive ventilatory support. Future studies with a greater number of cases should elucidate the relationship of pneumomediastinum to a probable prognostic factor.
NR4A3 and CCL20 clusters dominate the genetic networks in CD146+ blood cells during acute myocardial infarction in humans
Authors: Wang Yan-hui , Li Chen-xin , Stephenson Jessica M. , Marrelli Sean P. , Kou Yan-ming , Meng Da-zhi , Wu Ting
Published: September 2021

Background

CD146 is a tight junction-associated molecule involved in maintaining endothelial barrier, and balancing immune–inflammation response, in cardiovascular disease. Notably, peripheral CD146+ cells significantly upsurge under vessel dyshomeostasis such as acute myocardial injury (AMI), appearing to be a promising therapeutic target. In this study, with a new view of gene correlation, we aim at deciphering the complex underlying mechanism of CD146+ cells’ impact in the development of AMI.

Methods

Transcription dataset GSE 66,360 of CD146+ blood cells from clinical subjects was downloaded from NCBI. Pearson networks were constructed and the clustering coefficients were calculated to disclose the differential connectivity genes (DCGs). Analysis of gene connectivity and gene expression were performed to reveal the hub genes and hub gene clusters followed by gene enrichment analysis.

Results and conclusions

Among the total 23,520 genes, 27 genes out of 126 differential expression genes were identified as DCGs. These DCGs were found in the periphery of the networks under normal condition, but transferred to the functional center after AMI. Moreover, it was revealed that DCGs spontaneously crowded together into two functional models, CCL20 cluster and NR4A3 cluster, influencing the CD146-mediated signaling pathways during the pathology of AMI for the first time.
Role of fatty liver in coronavirus disease 2019 patients’ disease severity and hospitalization length: a case–control study
Authors: Ziaee Arash , Azarkar Ghodsiyeh , Ziaee Masood
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

Fatty liver is one of the most common pre-existing illnesses; it can cause liver injury, leading to further complications in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Our goal is to determine if pre-existing fatty liver is more prevalent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to patients admitted before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and determine the disease severity among fatty liver patients.

Experimental approach

This retrospective study involves a case and a control group consisting of 1162 patients; the case group contains hospitalized COVID-19 patients with positive PCR tests and available chest CT-scan; the control group contains patients with available chest CT-scan previous to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients’ data such as liver Hounsfield unit, hospitalization length, number of affected lobes, and total lungs involvement score were extracted and compared between the patients.

Results

The findings indicate that 37.9% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a pre-existing fatty liver, which is significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the prevalence of pre-existing fatty liver in control group patients (9.02%). In comparison to hospitalized non-fatty liver COVID-19 patients, data from hospitalized COVID-19 patients with fatty liver indicate a longer hospitalization length (6.81 ± 4.76P = 0.02), a higher total lungs involvement score (8.73 ± 5.28P < 0.001), and an increased number of affected lobes (4.42 ± 1.2P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The statistical analysis shows fatty liver is significantly more prevalent among COVID-19 against non-COVID-19 patients, and they develop more severe disease and tend to be hospitalized for more extended periods.
Dense core vesicle markers in CSF and cortical tissues of patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Barranco Neus , Plá Virginia , Alcolea Daniel , Sánchez-Domínguez Irene , Fischer-Colbrie Reiner , Ferrer Isidro , Lleó Alberto , Aguado Fernando
Published: September 2021

Background

New fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) that reveal synaptic and neural network dysfunctions are needed for clinical practice and therapeutic trial design. Dense core vesicle (DCV) cargos are promising cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicators of synaptic failure in AD patients. However, their value as biomarkers has not yet been determined.

Methods

Immunoassays were performed to analyze the secretory proteins prohormone convertases PC1/3 and PC2, carboxypeptidase E (CPE), secretogranins SgIII and SgII, and Cystatin C in the cerebral cortex (n = 45, provided by Bellvitge University Hospital) and CSF samples (n = 66, provided by The Sant Pau Initiative on Neurodegeneration cohort) from AD patients (n = 56) and age-matched controls (n = 55).

Results

In AD tissues, most DCV proteins were aberrantly accumulated in dystrophic neurites and activated astrocytes, whereas PC1/3, PC2 and CPE were also specifically accumulated in hippocampal granulovacuolar degeneration bodies. AD individuals displayed an overall decline of secretory proteins in the CSF. Interestingly, in AD patients, the CSF levels of prohormone convertases strongly correlated inversely with those of neurodegeneration markers and directly with cognitive impairment status.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate marked alterations of neuronal-specific prohormone convertases in CSF and cortical tissues of AD patients. The neuronal DCV cargos are biomarker candidates for synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration in AD.
mGWAS identification of six novel single nucleotide polymorphism loci with strong correlation to gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Shuangfeng , Wang Yuan-Liang , Lyu Yanping , Jiang Yu , Xiang Jianjun , Ji Shumi , Kang Shuling , Lyu Xuejie , He Chenzhou , Li Peixin , Liu Baoying , Wu Chuancheng
Published: September 2021

Background

Metabolite genome-wide association studies (mGWAS) are key for understanding the genetic regulation of metabolites in complex diseases including cancers. Although mGWAS has revealed hundreds of metabolomics quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) in the general population, data relating to gastric cancer (GC) are still incomplete.

Methods

We identified mQTLs associated with GC by analyzing genome-wide and metabolome-wide datasets generated from 233 GC patients and 233 healthy controls.

Results

Twenty-two metabolites were statistically different between GC cases and healthy controls, and all of them were associated with the risk of gastric cancer. mGWAS analyses further revealed that 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were significantly associated with 3 metabolites. Of these 9 SNPs, 6 loci were never reported in the previous mGWAS studies. Surprisingly, 4 of 9 SNPs were significantly enriched in genes involved in the T cell receptor signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Our study unveiled several novel GC metabolite and genetic biomarkers, which may be implicated in the prevention and diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Robust metabolic transcriptional components in 34,494 patient-derived cancer-related samples and cell lines
Authors: Leeuwenburgh V. C. , Urzúa-Traslaviña C. G. , Bhattacharya A. , Walvoort M. T. C. , Jalving M. , de Jong S. , Fehrmann R. S. N.
Published: September 2021

Background

Patient-derived bulk expression profiles of cancers can provide insight into the transcriptional changes that underlie reprogrammed metabolism in cancer. These profiles represent the average expression pattern of all heterogeneous tumor and non-tumor cells present in biopsies of tumor lesions. Hence, subtle transcriptional footprints of metabolic processes can be concealed by other biological processes and experimental artifacts. However, consensus independent component analyses (c-ICA) can capture statistically independent transcriptional footprints of both subtle and more pronounced metabolic processes.

Methods

We performed c-ICA with 34,494 bulk expression profiles of patient-derived tumor biopsies, non-cancer tissues, and cell lines. Gene set enrichment analysis with 608 gene sets that describe metabolic processes was performed to identify the transcriptional components enriched for metabolic processes (mTCs). The activity of these mTCs was determined in all samples to create a metabolic transcriptional landscape.

Results

A set of 555 mTCs was identified of which many were robust across different datasets, platforms, and patient-derived tissues and cell lines. We demonstrate how the metabolic transcriptional landscape defined by the activity of these mTCs in samples can be used to explore the associations between the metabolic transcriptome and drug sensitivities, patient outcomes, and the composition of the immune tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions

To facilitate the use of our transcriptional metabolic landscape, we have provided access to all data via a web portal (www.themetaboliclandscapeofcancer.com). We believe this resource will contribute to the formulation of new hypotheses on how to metabolically engage the tumor or its (immune) microenvironment.
Relationship between eating disorders and internalized problems in chilean adolescents
Authors: Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Urzúa Alfonso , Flores Jerome , Acevedo Daniel , Lorca Jessica Herrera , Casanova Jenifer
Published: September 2021

Background

Eating disorders (ED) are associated with internalized problems (INTP), such as depression and anxiety. Evidence shows that ED and INTP are associated with comorbidities. The relationship between these variables has not been the focus of studies on young people from Northern Chile. Children and adolescents are considered as an at-risk group, since they have been found to experience greater vulnerability to psychological problems than other age groups within the population and given the scarcity of studies in Chile, it is necessary to study the relationship between these variables.

Methods

This study analyzed the relationship between ED and INTP in Chilean high school students aged 12 to 18 years using Pearson's correlation. This is a non-experimental and transactional correlational study. We included 2277 students belonging to the public, government-subsidized, and private educational establishments in Northern Chile. The Child and Adolescent Evaluation System [Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA)] was used to detect a range of INTP, as well as ED. The Brief Self-Control Scale was used in this study.

Results

A strong and direct correlation of the eating disorder variable with depression and anxiety was found. Additionally, significant differences were observed with sex, highlighting females with a higher presence of INTP and ED.

Conclusions

There is a need to establish strategies in the school setting for detecting frequent symptomatology in adolescents with INTP and ED to achieve a timely and accessible intervention.

Plain English Summary

Since the symptomatology of ED is more prevalent in adolescents, this research evaluated relationships between ED and INTP in young people from Northern Chile. This research is relevant because the evidence on this topic in Chile is scarce and the relationships found could be the first research on the subject and serve to design an intervention plan at the school level in the medium and long terms. It is a non-experimental and transactional correlational study because all variables were measured at a single moment, and it sought to establish relationships between variables without assuming causality. The sample of secondary school students consisted of 2277 students, belonging to the public, subsidized, and private schools. Strong relationships were observed between INTP and ED, the strongest correlations being with the variables depression and anxiety. In addition, female participants presented greater problems in ED and INTP.
Inpatients experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on eating behaviors: an exploratory focus group study
Authors: Roer Grethe Emilie , Solbakken Heidi Hurlen , Abebe Dawit Shawel , Aaseth Jan Olav , Bolstad Ingeborg , Lien Lars
Published: September 2021

Background

Unhealthy changes in eating behavior among people experiencing trauma have been observed. There is, however, a lack of in-depth knowledge regarding the impact of the after effects of traumatic life experiences on eating behavior. Because eating behavior represents important components for promotion and maintenance of good health throughout life, this study aimed to explore inpatients’ lived experiences of the impact of traumatic stress on eating behavior.

Method

Thirteen female and two male inpatients (age range 28–62 years), recruited from a psychiatric clinic in Norway, participated in this qualitative explorative focus group study. The data analysis was performed using systematic text condensation.

Results

The results in the present study describe the participants’ experiences about the impact of traumatic stress on their eating behavior. Their discussions and descriptions disclosed problems that could be summarized into four main themes: “experiencing eating behaviors as coping strategies”; “experiencing being addicted to food and sweets”; “experiencing eating behaviors controlled by stress and emotions”; and “experiencing lack of appetite and reduced capacity to plan and prepare meals”.

Conclusion

Traumatic stress can impact eating behavior in several complex ways that over time may cause adverse health consequences. The results add to an important understanding of changes in eating behavior that might appear in people struggling to cope with the after effects of traumatic life experiences to the existing literature. To better understand the complexity of how traumatic experiences may impact eating behavior, this knowledge is important and useful for health professionals offering support to those who experience struggling with eating behavior after traumatic experiences.
Absence of Apolipoprotein E is associated with exacerbation of prion pathology and promotes microglial neurodegenerative phenotype
Authors: Pankiewicz Joanna E. , Lizińczyk Anita M. , Franco Leor A. , Diaz Jenny R. , Martá-Ariza Mitchell , Sadowski Martin J.
Published: September 2021

Prion diseases or prionoses are a group of rapidly progressing and invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenesis of prionoses is associated with self-replication and connectomal spread of PrPSc, a disease specific conformer of the prion protein. Microglia undergo activation early in the course of prion pathogenesis and exert opposing roles in PrPSc mediated neurodegeneration. While clearance of PrPSc and apoptotic neurons have disease-limiting effect, microglia-driven neuroinflammation bears deleterious consequences to neuronal networks. Apolipoprotein (apo) E is a lipid transporting protein with pleiotropic functions, which include controlling of the phagocytic and inflammatory characteristics of activated microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Despite the significance of microglia in prion pathogenesis, the role of apoE in prionoses has not been established. We showed here that infection of wild type mice with 22L mouse adapted scrapie strain is associated with significant increase in the total brain apoE protein and mRNA levels and also with a conspicuous cell-type shift in the apoE expression. There is reduced expression of apoE in activated astrocytes and marked upregulation of apoE expression by activated microglia. We also showed apoE ablation exaggerates PrPSc mediated neurodegeneration. Apoe−/− mice have shorter disease incubation period, increased load of spongiform lesion, pronounced neuronal loss, and exaggerated astro and microgliosis. Astrocytes of Apoe−/− mice display salient upregulation of transcriptomic markers defining A1 neurotoxic astrocytes while microglia show upregulation of transcriptomic markers characteristic for microglial neurodegenerative phenotype. There is impaired clearance of PrPSc and dying neurons by microglia in Apoe−/− mice along with increased level of proinflammatory cytokines. Our work indicates that apoE absence renders clearance of PrPSc and dying neurons by microglia inefficient, while the excess of neuronal debris promotes microglial neurodegenerative phenotype aggravating the vicious cycle of neuronal death and neuroinflammation.
Generation of human chronic wasting disease in transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Zerui , Qin Kefeng , Camacho Manuel V. , Cali Ignazio , Yuan Jue , Shen Pingping , Greenlee Justin , Kong Qingzhong , Mastrianni James A. , Zou Wen-Quan
Published: September 2021

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a cervid prion disease caused by the accumulation of an infectious misfolded conformer (PrPSc) of cellular prion protein (PrPC). It has been spreading rapidly in North America and also found in Asia and Europe. Although bovine spongiform encephalopathy (i.e. mad cow disease) is the only animal prion disease known to be zoonotic, the transmissibility of CWD to humans remains uncertain. Here we report the generation of the first CWD-derived infectious human PrPSc by elk CWD PrPSc-seeded conversion of PrPC in normal human brain homogenates using in vitro protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA). Western blotting with human PrP selective antibody confirmed that the PMCA-generated protease-resistant PrPSc was derived from the human PrPC substrate. Two lines of humanized transgenic mice expressing human PrP with either Val or Met at the polymorphic codon 129 developed clinical prion disease following intracerebral inoculation with the PMCA-generated CWD-derived human PrPSc. Diseased mice exhibited distinct PrPSc patterns and neuropathological changes in the brain. Our study, using PMCA and animal bioassays, provides the first evidence that CWD PrPSc can cross the species barrier to convert human PrPC into infectious PrPSc that can produce bona fide prion disease when inoculated into humanized transgenic mice.
Exploring spatiotemporal changes in cities and villages through remote sensing using multibranch networks
Authors: Mengqi Zhao , Yan Tian
Published: September 2021

With the rapid development of the social economy, monumental changes have taken place in the urban and rural environments. Urban and rural areas play a vital role in the interactions between humans and society. Traditional machine learning methods are used to perceive the massive changes in the urban and rural areas, though it is easy to overlook the detailed information about the changes made to the intentional target. As a result, the perception accuracy needs to be improved. Therefore, based on a deep neural network, this paper proposes a method to perceive the spatiotemporal changes in urban and rural intentional connotations through the perspective of remote sensing. The framework first uses multibranch DenseNet to model the multiscale spatiotemporal information of the intentional target and realizes the interaction of high-level semantics and low-level details in the physical appearance. Second, a multibranch and cross-channel attention module is designed to refine and converge multilevel and multiscale temporal and spatial semantics to perceive the subtle changes in the urban and rural intentional targets through the semantics and physical appearance. Finally, the experimental results show that the multibranch perception framework proposed in this paper has the best performance on the two baseline datasets A and B, and its F-Score values are 88.04% and 53.72%, respectively.
The prediction of impacted versus spontaneously erupted mandibular third molars
Authors: De Sousa Amanda Silva , Neto José Valladares - , Normando David
Published: September 2021

Background

To evaluate the predictive capacity of orthodontists and oral maxillofacial surgeons (OMFSs) in anticipating the process of impaction or eruption of lower third molars (L3Ms) through the examination of serial panoramic radiographs.

Methods

Sixty-eight lower third molars (L3Ms) were analyzed in 34 orthodontically treated patients without extraction. Twenty-seven OMFSs and 27 orthodontists were randomized in order to analyze the radiographs. Initially, the evaluators issued the prognosis for the L3Ms in XR1, a posterior for the XR1 + XR2. Concordance of the diagnosis was examined using Kappa statistics, and the differences between the groups of evaluators were examined using the chi-square test at p<0.05.

Results

When examining XR1 in cases where the teeth erupted spontaneously, the prognostic accuracy rate for OMFSs and orthodontists was similar, 63 and 65.7%, respectively (p=0.19). When evaluating XR1 + XR2, the accuracy among orthodontists (60%) was similar to that reported for XR1 (p=0.19), while OMFSs presented a reduction in the accuracy (55.3%, p<0.0001). When the L3Ms remained impacted, accuracy in XR1 was lower than in spontaneously erupting L3Ms, although similar between OMFSs (50.1%) and orthodontists (49.1%). Furthermore, for impacted L3Ms, when examining XR1 + XR2, the OMFSs presented a significant higher accuracy (71.8%, p <0.0001).

Conclusions

Orthodontists and OMFSs seem unable to predict spontaneous eruption or impaction of the lower third molars from single or longitudinal x-rays. When adding a second longitudinal x-ray, orthodontists and more significantly OMFSs tend to indicate more extractions.
Agricultural management and cultivation period alter soil enzymatic activity and bacterial diversity in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) orchards
Authors: Chen Yu-Pei , Tsai Chia-Fang , Hameed Asif , Chang Yu-Jen , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: September 2021

Background

Agricultural management and temporal change including climate conditions and soil properties can result in the alteration of soil enzymatic activity and bacterial community, respectively. Therefore, different agricultural practices have been used globally to explore the soil quality. In this study, the temporal variations in soil property, enzymatic activity, and bacterial community at three successive trimester sampling intervals were performed in the soil samples of litchi orchards that were maintained under conventional and sustainable agricultural practices.

Results

Agricultural management found to significantly influence arylsulfatase, β-glucosidase, and urease activities across time as observed by repeated-measures analysis of variance. Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, and the relative abundance of predominant Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria were significantly influenced by temporal change but not agricultural management. This suggested that soil enzymatic activity was more susceptible to the interaction of temporal change and agricultural management than that of the bacterial community. Multiple regression analysis identified total nitrogen, EC, and phosphorus as the significant predictors of acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase for explaining 29.5–39% of the variation. Moreover, the soil pH and EC were selected for the SOBS, Chao, ACE, and Shannon index to describe 33.8%, 79% of the variation, but no significant predictor was observed in the dominant bacterial phyla. Additionally, the temporal change involved in the soil properties had a greater effect on bacterial richness and diversity, and enzymatic activity than that of the dominant phyla of bacteria.

Conclusions

A long-term sustainable agriculture in litchi orchards would also decrease soil pH and phosphorus, resulting in low β-glucosidase and urease activity, bacterial richness, and diversity. Nevertheless, application of chemical fertilizer could facilitate the soil acidification and lead to adverse effects on soil quality. The relationship between bacterial structure and biologically-driven ecological processes can be explored by the cross-over analysis of enzymatic activity, soil properties and bacterial composition.
360-degree video in education: An overview and a comparative social media data analysis of the last decade
Authors: Lampropoulos Georgios , Barkoukis Vassilis , Burden Kevin , Anastasiadis Theofylaktos
Published: September 2021

Due to its immersive and interactive nature, 360-degree video is becoming ever more popular. However, little is known about the public’s viewpoints and attitudes regarding the use of this emerging technology in educational contexts. This study reviews the research evidence for 360° video, virtual learning environments and social media and presents related studies. Moreover, the methodology, the tools and the analysis process used to comparatively analyze social media data are presented and the results that arose are showcased. The use of 360° video in education is discussed and directions for future research are given. Based on the data from the last 10 years, the main findings of the study show that 360° video and its use in educational settings are recognized positively by the public who mostly express anticipation, trust and joy when referring to it. Nonetheless, teachers are unfamiliar with 360° video and do not have the necessary technical skills to develop educational material using it or incorporating it into teaching activities. Finally, 360° video is proven to be an effective educational tool which satisfies the emerging educational needs, enriches the teaching and learning process and promotes students’ motivation, active participation and engagement, rendering, thus, learning more effective.
Mechanical properties of unmodified and montmorillonite-modified epoxy compounds. Part I: compression test
Authors: Rudawska Anna
Published: September 2021

The aim of the article was to determine the compressive strength and compressive strain of an unmodified and a modified epoxy compounds containing a montmorillonite filler, as well as to determine the effect of temperature and an aging time on the mechanical parameters of the considered epoxy compounds. The subject of the research was both the unmodified and the modified adhesive compounds. The unmodified epoxy compounds were made in four variants, which included the epoxy resins based on a bisphenol A as well as the curing agents: a triethylenetetramine and a polyamide curing agent. The modified compounds containing the montmorillonite filler, were also made in four variants. The samples were subjected in a thermal chamber at 80 °C for 1 and 2 months and in a thermal shock chamber in the temperature range from − 40 °C to 80 °C for 1 and 2 months. The reference samples were seasoned at room temperature 20–25 °C. The epoxy compounds samples were subjected to the compression strength tests in accordance with ISO 604 standard. The compressive strength is influenced by the environment and temperature, the aging time and the presence of the modifying agent. The epoxy compounds subjected at elevated or variable temperatures have higher compressive strength than the reference epoxy compounds. The operation of the climatic chamber or the thermal shock chamber makes the samples more deformable than the reference samples.
Kinetic measurement system use in individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a scoping review of methodological approaches
Authors: Labban Wasim , Stadnyk Meredith , Sommerfeldt Mark , Nathanail Stephanie , Dennett Liz , Westover Lindsey , Manaseer Thaer , Beaupre Lauren
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Our primary objectives were to (1) describe current approaches for kinetic measurements in individuals following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) suggest considerations for methodological reporting. Secondarily, we explored the relationship between kinetic measurement system findings and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Methods

We followed the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews and Arksey and O’Malley’s 6-stage framework. Seven electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to June 2020. Original research papers reporting parameters measured by kinetic measurement systems in individuals at least 6-months post primary ACLR were included.

Results

In 158 included studies, 7 kinetic measurement systems (force plates, balance platforms, pressure mats, force-measuring treadmills, Wii balance boards, contact mats connected to jump systems, and single-sensor insoles) were identified 4 main movement categories (landing/jumping, standing balance, gait, and other functional tasks). Substantial heterogeneity was noted in the methods used and outcomes assessed; this review highlighted common methodological reporting gaps for essential items related to movement tasks, kinetic system features, justification and operationalization of selected outcome parameters, participant preparation, and testing protocol details. Accordingly, we suggest considerations for methodological reporting in future research. Only 6 studies included PROMs with inconsistency in the reported parameters and/or PROMs.

Conclusion

Clear and accurate reporting is vital to facilitate cross-study comparisons and improve the clinical application of kinetic measurement systems after ACLR. Based on the current evidence, we suggest methodological considerations to guide reporting in future research. Future studies are needed to examine potential correlations between kinetic parameters and PROMs.
Evaluation of a simultaneous adsorption device for cytokines and platelet–neutrophil complexes in vitro and in a rabbit acute lung injury model
Authors: Sekiya Yumiko , Shimada Kaoru , Takahashi Hiroshi , Kuga Chisa , Komachi Shunsuke , Miwa Keishi , Kotani Toru
Published: September 2021

Background

Platelet–neutrophil complexes (PNCs) readily migrate into tissues and induce tissue damage via cytokine or other pathogenic factors release. These actions are involved in onset and progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Thus, simultaneous removal of cytokines and activated neutrophils, including PNCs by blood purification may prevent development of ARDS and enhance drug effects. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of a newly developed adsorption column (NOA-001) that eliminates cytokines and activated neutrophils in a lung injury model.

Results

Adsorption of cytokines, such as IL-8, IL-6 and HMGB-1, and PNCs was first measured in vitro. Lung injury was induced by HCl and lipopolysaccharide intratracheal infusion in rabbits ventilated at a low tidal volume (7–8 mL/kg) and PEEP (2.5 cmH2O) for lung protection. Arterial blood gas, hematologic values, plasma IL-8, blood pressure and heart rate were measured, and lung damage was evaluated histopathologically in animals treated with 8-h direct hemoperfusion with or without use of NOA-001. The in vitro adsorption rates for IL-8, IL-6, HMGB-1, activated granulocytes and PNCs were 99.5 (99.4–99.5)%, 63.9 (63.4–63.9)%, 57.6 (57.4–62.1)%, 9.9 (-4.4–21.3)% and 60.9 (49.0–67.6)%, respectively. Absorption of PNCs onto fibers was confirmed microscopically. These adsorption effects were associated with several improvements in the rabbit model. In respiratory function, the PaO2/FIO2ratios at 8 h were 314 ± 55 mmHg in the NOA-001 group and 134 ± 41 mmHg in the sham group. The oxygenation index and PaCO2at 8 h were 9.6 ± 3.1 and 57.0 ± 9.6 mmHg in the sham group and 3.0 ± 0.8 and 40.4 ± 4.5 mmHg in the NOA-001 group, respectively (p < 0.05). Blood pH at 8 h reached 7.18 ± 0.06 in the sham group, but was maintained at 7.36 ± 0.03 (within the normal range) in the NOA-001 group (p < 0.05). In lung histopathology, fewer hyaline membrane and inflammatory cells were observed in the NOA-001 group.

Conclusion

A column for simultaneous removal of cytokines and PNCs showed efficacy for improvement of pulmonary function in an animal model. This column may be effective in support of treatment of ARDS.
Corneal collagen cross-linking epithelium-on vs. epithelium-off: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: D’Oria Francesco , Palazón Antonio , Alio Jorge L.
Published: September 2021

Background

The purpose of the study was to determine the advantages and disadvantages of epi-on corneal cross-linking (CXL) techniques compared with standard epi-off CXL.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) and we evaluated the selected papers according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We considered, as primary outcomes, average Kmax flattening, changes in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA); as secondary outcomes, we considered changes in pachymetry values and endothelial cell density (ECD). We also investigated adverse events related to the treatments and treatment failure. Meta-analysis was conducted with a fixed or random-effects model using weighted mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) as the effect size.

Results

A total of 15 studies were included and among these 15 trials, 9 were RCTs and 6 were NRSIs, but only 4 studies showed no high risk of bias and were included in this meta-analysis. Our analysis revealed significant postoperative differences in CDVA (MD = 0.07; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.10; P < 0.001), and no significative differences in UDVA, Kmax, central corneal thickness (CCT) and ECD (P > 0.05). Epi-on CXL protocol was found to be significantly less prompt to have risks of delay in epithelial healing (P = 0.035) and persistent stromal haze (P = 0.026).

Conclusion

Epi-on CXL is as effective as epi-off CXL. Except for a higher significant improvement in CDVA with current epi-on protocols, our meta-analysis demonstrates that epi-on and epi-off CXL have comparable effects on visual, topographic, pachymetric, and endothelial parameters. Epi-on CXL has clinical advantages in terms of comfort and avoidance of complications as it reduces the risk of developing delay in epithelial healing and persistent stromal haze.
Plane wave in non-local semiconducting rotating media with Hall effect and three-phase lag fractional order heat transfer
Authors: Kaur Iqbal , Singh Kulvinder
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with the propagation of the plane wave in a nonlocal magneto-thermoelastic semiconductor solid with rotation. The fractional-order three-phase lag theory of thermoelasticity with two temperatures has been applied. When a longitudinal wave is incident on the surface z = 0, four types of reflected coupled longitudinal waves (the coupled longitudinal displacement wave, the coupled thermal wave, coupled carrier density wave, and coupled transverse displacement wave) are identified. The plane wave characteristics such as phase velocities, specific loss, attenuation coefficient, and penetration depth of various reflected waves are computed. The effects of two temperatures, non-local parameter, fractional order parameter, and Hall current on these wave characteristics are illustrated graphically with the use of MATLAB software.
Effects of Non-periodized and Linear Periodized Combined Exercise Training on Insulin Resistance Indicators in Adults with Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Streb Anne Ribeiro , dos Santos Leonel Larissa , Delevatti Rodrigo Sudatti , Cavaglieri Cláudia Regina , Del Duca Giovani Firpo
Published: September 2021

Background

The aim was to verify the effect of non-periodized and linear periodized combined (aerobic plus resistance) exercise training on insulin resistance markers in adults with obesity.

Methods

A blinded randomized control trial was conducted with three groups of individuals with obesity (BMI, 30–39.9 kg/m2): control group (CG, n = 23), non-periodized group (NG, n = 23), and linear periodized group (PG, n = 23). The NG and PG performed aerobic and resistance exercises in the same session in aerobic-resistance order for 16 weeks. Both intervention groups trained three sessions weekly, with a total duration of 60 min each. The aerobic training of the NG had a duration of 30 min always between 50% and 59% of the reserve heart rate (HRres), while resistance exercise was comprised of 6 exercises, performed always in 2 × 10–12 maximum repetitions (MRs). The PG progressed the aerobic and resistance training from 40%–49% to 60%–69% (HRres) and from 2 × 12–14 to 2 × 8–10 RM, respectively, along the intervention period. The evaluated indicators of insulin resistance included fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) collected pre- and post-intervention. The analyses to verify the exercise training effect were performed using generalized estimating equations.

Results

After 16 weeks of training, per protocol analysis (n = 39) showed significant reductions in HOMA-IR only in the training groups (NG: Δ = − 1.6, PG: Δ = − 0.6; p = 0.094). Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated significant reductions in fasting insulin levels (NG: Δ = − 1.4, PG: Δ = − 1.0; p = 0.004) and HOMA-IR (NG: Δ = − 5.5, PG: Δ = − 3.8; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Periodized and non-periodized combined exercise training similarly reduces insulin resistance markers in adults with obesity.

Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-3c7rt3. Registered 07 February 2019—https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/trial/5970/1.