bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of mitral chordae’s length in echocardiography as a function of their manual measurement in the operating room
Authors: Gun Mesut , Barry Misbaou , Bohbot Yohann , Tribouilloy Christophe , Touati Gilles
Published: April 2022

Objective

In mitral insufficiency, trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE) analysis of the mitral valve is an indispensable and irreplaceable examination to establish precisely the type of surgical repair to be performed and the exact length of neo-chordae to be used for an anatomical repair. The aim of our study is to find a predictive model of the Echographic Measurement (EM) variable according to the Manual Measurement (MM) variable of the mitral valve chordae, when the echocardiography measurement is not feasible.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective study on 191 patients undergoing mitral valve repair. The sex ratio (M/F) is 2.13 (130 men and 61 women). The collection of data of mitral chordae measurements performed echographically in preoperatively conditions, and then manually in intraoperatively conditions from January 2008 to December 2016 was made from the medical records of patients at the cardiology and cardiac surgery department of the University Hospital Center of Amiens in Picardy.

Results

For this study 191 patients of mean age of 68 ± 13 years were included. The averages of the MM and EM of the mitral chordae were respectively 23 ± 2.5 mm and 24 ± 2.4 mm. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.897 (p-value < 10−4) showing a strong positive correlation between MM and EM. The results of the linear regression allow us to found the following mathematical model: EM = 0.87 × MM + 4.

Conclusions

When patients have a contraindication to transesophageal echocardiography or when TEE is not feasible, manual measurement is performed during the surgery. By using the values obtained (MM) in the model, it is possible to predict the corresponding echographic measurements. This allows us to achieve the mitral tendinous chordae substitution with a very high precision.

Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Epidermolysis Bullosa in children: the central role of the pediatrician
Authors: Marchili Maria Rosaria , Spina Giulia , Roversi Marco , Mascolo Cristina , Pentimalli Elisabetta , Corbeddu Marialuisa , Diociaiuti Andrea , El Hachem Maya , Villani Alberto
Published: April 2022

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a severe hereditary disease characterized by defective epithelial adhesion causing mucocutaneous fragility. The major types are EB simplex (EBS), junctional EB (JEB), dystrophic EB (DEB) and more than 35 EB subtypes. Another very rare type of EB is Kindler EB (KEB). Clinically, it is a very heterogeneous disease which ranges from localized to extensive skin lesions with frequent multisystem extra cutaneous involvement. The role of a pediatrician-dermatologist cooperation within a multidisciplinary team is fundamental for both the diagnosis and management contributing to these patients’ better life expectancy. Aim of this study is to describe clinical and laboratory characteristics of the main EB subtypes focusing on nutritional and gastrointestinal aspects, providing information to aid the paediatric management of children with EB. This retrospective study reviewed the cases of 160 pediatric EB patients (76 male and 84 female): 31 patients affected by EBS (mean age ± SD: 4.37 ± 7.14), 21 patients affected by JEB (mean age ± SD: 9.26± 17.30) and 108 with DEB (mean age ± SD: 11.61 ± 13.48). All patients were admitted at the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, between June 2005 to June 2020. The reduced gastrointestinal absorption, chronic losses, esophageal stenosis and chronic inflammatory state, represent the basis of nutritional problems of EB patients. In particular, anemia represents one of the most important complications of DEB patients which could require transfusion-dependent patterns. Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and anemia have been related to growth delay in EB patients. A specific diet with a balance of all macronutrients is required and improving caloric intake with sugar limitations is fundamental to prevent dental caries and tooth decay typical of EB patients. While sepsis proved to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality in younger patients, squamous cell carcinoma was mostly observed in older patients, especially those affected by DEB. Patients with EB require regular monitoring for complications and sequelae with a frequency of evaluations which varies based on age and EB subtypes. Cooperation among medical teams involving paediatricians, dermatologists, specialist clinicians including nutritionists such as families and patient’s association is fundamental to approach the disease and improve the quality of life of these patients.
The experiences of people with haemophilia and their families of gene therapy in a clinical trial setting: regaining control, the Exigency study
Authors: Fletcher Simon , Jenner Kathryn , Pembroke Luke , Holland Michael , Khair Kate
Published: April 2022

Background

Gene therapy has the potential to change the life experience of people with haemophilia and family members. Few studies have sought to explore the impact of gene therapy on both individuals and families. The aim of this study was to capture real-life experiences of gene therapy in People with haemophilia and their families.

Results

Sixteen participants with severe haemophilia (11 haemophilia A, five haemophilia B), mean age 41.4 years (range 23–75 years), took part in a single qualitative interview; ten were accompanied by a family member. Mean time since transfection was 3.56 years (range 1–10 years). Participants saw their involvement in gene therapy as a positive experience, freeing them from the personal burden of haemophilia and furthering treatment options for the wider haemophilia community. However, participants reported being unprepared for the side effects of immunosuppression. Some also reported feeling unsupported and having little control over what was happening as their factor levels became the focus of the process.

Conclusion

The results suggest that strategies need to be put into place to enable PwH fully to understand the process of gene therapy, and thereby make an informed choice as to whether it is a treatment they might wish for themselves. These include early and ongoing education, increased provision of psychosocial support and ongoing qualitative research.
Differential humanistic and economic burden of mild, moderate and severe haemophilia in european adults: a regression analysis of the CHESS II study
Authors: Rodriguez-Santana Idaira , DasMahapatra Pronabesh , Burke Tom , Hakimi Zalmai , Bartelt-Hofer José , Nazir Jameel , O’Hara Jamie
Published: April 2022

Background

The lifelong nature of haemophilia makes patient-centred and societal assessments of its impact important to clinical and policy decisions. Quantifying the humanistic and economic burden by severity is key to assessing the impact on healthcare systems. We analysed the annual direct medical (excluding factor replacement therapy costs) and non-medical costs as well as societal costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of mild, moderate and severe disease among adults with haemophilia A or B without inhibitors in Europe. Participants in the CHESS II study reported their HRQoL, non-medical costs, and work impairment; physicians provided costs and consultation history from the medical chart. Descriptive statistics summarized patient characteristics, costs, and HRQoL scores. Regression models estimated differences in outcomes for moderate and severe versus mild disease, adjusting for age, body mass index, country, comorbidities, weight-adjusted factor consumption and education.

Results

The analytic sample included 707 patients with a mean age of 38 years; the majority of patients had haemophilia A (81%), and 47% had severe disease, followed by moderate (37%) and mild disease (16%). Patients with severe or moderate disease had on average higher direct costs, €3105 and €2469 respectively, versus mild disease. Societal costs were higher for patients with severe and moderate disease by €11,115 and €2825, respectively (all P < 0.01). HRQoL scores were also significantly worse for severe and moderate patients versus those with mild disease.

Conclusion

Severity of haemophilia is predictive of increasing economic and humanistic burden. The burden of moderate disease, as measured by direct costs and HRQoL, did not appear to be substantially different than that observed among patients with severe haemophilia.
Olfactory receptor 78 is expressed in hypothalamic vasopressin/oxytocin neurons, parenchymal microglia and choroidal macrophages in mice
Authors: Nakashima Akiko , Nakashima Noriyuki , Nakashima Kie , Takano Makoto
Published: April 2022

Olfactory receptors have been detected in extraolfactory organs. Olfactory receptor 78 (Olfr78), proposed to respond to small organic acids, is widely expressed in the kidney, arterioles, colon, and prostate. However, its expression patterns in the brain remain largely unknown. Using immunohistochemistry, we revealed that Olfr78 was densely expressed in the hypothalamus and choroid plexus and sparsely expressed throughout the parenchyma. By costaining with cellular markers, we further found that Olfr78 was expressed in the somata and axons of vasopressin/oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular/supraoptic nuclei. Olfr78 was also strongly expressed in macrophages in the choroid plexus and moderately expressed in microglia near the parenchymal vasculature. Considering that these brain regions should communicate with cerebral blood flow, Olfr78 could contribute to sensing the humoral conditions surrounding the cerebrovascular system.
Yarning about foot care: evaluation of a foot care service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Authors: West Matthew , Sadler Sean , Charles James , Hawke Fiona , Lanting Sean , Munteanu Shannon E. , Chuter Vivienne
Published: April 2022

Background

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have high rates of diabetes‐related foot disease including foot ulcer and amputation. There has been limited evaluation of foot care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This project aimed to evaluate an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foot care service (the Buridja Clinic) for prevention and management of diabetes‐related foot disease embedded in a university podiatry program from a Community perspective using culturally appropriate methods.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study took place from March 2018 to April 2021 in the Buridja Clinic on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia, and included an audit of occasions of service (March 2018 to March 2020), and review of the Buridja Clinic via research yarns with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients of the clinic and a written 10‐item customised clinic feedback survey. Research yarns were transcribed and analysed thematically. Descriptive analysis of quantitative occasions of use and survey data was undertaken, with the open‐ended survey responses thematically analysed.

Results

Total occasions of service across the review period was 548, with a total of 199 individual clients treated. Most common service types were general treatments (nail and skin care) and diabetes assessments. Nine participants who attended the Buridja Clinic were recruited to the two research yarns. An additional 52 participants who attended the clinic completed the customised clinic feedback survey. Specific clinic design elements, including yarning circles and group booking as well as student placement, were identified as strengths of the clinic. Participants reported difficulty with transport and restricted opening hours and encouraged increased Community engagement by clinic staff.

Conclusion

Evaluation of a foot care service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples embedded in a university‐based podiatry program demonstrated that the incorporation of specific service design elements, including yarning circles and group appointments as well as student placements, encouraged ongoing Community engagement with the service. Participants reported improved foot health, greater foot and self‐care knowledge, and overall better general health and management as a result of attendance to the clinic. Consideration needs to be given to addressing limited access to transport and flexible operating hours when establishing similar services.
Prevalence and factors associated with bullying phenomenon among pre-adolescents attending first-grade secondary schools of Palermo, Italy, and a comparative systematic literature review
Authors: Costantino Claudio , Mazzucco Walter , Scarpitta Francesco , Ventura Gianmarco , Marotta Claudia , Bono Stefania Enza , Arcidiacono Evelina , Gentile Maurizio , Sannasardo Pierfrancesco , Gambino Carlo Roberto , Sannasardo Claudia Emilia , Vella Carlotta , Vitale Francesco , Casuccio Alessandra , Restivo Vincenzo
Published: April 2022

Background

Bullying is recognized as one of the most significant social and health problems in the school environment for children and adolescents. In Italy, bullying involved 2 in 10 kids between 11–17 years that referred to have been bullied two or more times in a month. In Sicily, the estimated prevalence of children aged 11 to 15 that suffered at least one act of bullying in the last two months was 14% in 2011.

Methods

A questionnaire consisting of 30 items investigating physical, verbal and indirect bullying, observers of bullying, resiliency, and prosociality was administered to preadolescents of ten first-grade secondary schools within the Palermo Province in order to analyze prevalence and factors associated with bullying phenomenon. Also, a systematic literature review (SLR) analyzing manuscripts that reported prevalence of the bullying phenomenon worldwide was conducted.

Results

Survey: a total of 867 students, belonging to 35 s and 31 third classes of ten different schools in Palermo, Italy, were recruited in the survey. The values of physical bullying are included between the 4% of the single question method and the almost forty percent detected by the score of 7 method. Verbal bullying oscillates between 15.9% and 66.3%. Observers average values varies from 15.8% to 47.5%.

SLR: the estimated prevalence showed a considerable fluctuation. The occurrence of the bullying phenomenon was low in some Northern European countries, while in Anglo-Saxon countries it affected over a quarter of the middle school student population (28% in Maryland, USA and 21% in the UK).

Conclusions

The prevalence of the bullying phenomenon recorded by this survey with the three different methods used is similar to observations in international literature. In the Sicilian context, a higher prevalence of bullying phenomena was observed in pre-adolescents attending major classes and in schools with lower socio-economic index. Though it remains difficult to obtain univocal data that clarifies the prevalence of different type of bullying, the continuous investigation of prevalence and factors associated with the phenomenon is a necessary starting point to introduce interventions and preventive measures in Public Health programs.
Intensive care-related loss of quality of life and autonomy at 6 months post-discharge: Does COVID-19 really make things worse?
Authors: Thiolliere Fabrice , Falandry Claire , Allaouchiche Bernard , Geoffray Victor , Bitker Laurent , Reignier Jean , Abraham Paul , Malaquin Stephanie , Balança Baptiste , Boyer Hélène , Seguin Philippe , Guichon Céline , Simon Marie , Friggeri Arnaud , Vacheron Charles-Hervé ,   AZUREA Study Group, Argaud Laurent , Floccard Bernard , Rimmele Thomas , Levrat Albrice , Ledechowski Stanislas , Bruyere Remi , Schwebel Carole , Zerr Benedicte , Jarrige Luc , Blanc Quentin , Morel Jerome , Baldesi Olivier , Plantefeve Gaëtan , Seguin Philippe , Dahyot-Fizelier Claire , Bonnivard Michel , Roustan J. , Vimeux S. , Mofredj Ali , Alaya Sami , Maamar Adel , Badie Julio , Souweine Bertrand , Choukroun Gerald , Fontaine Oriane , Constantin Jean Michel , Gainier Marc , Misset Benoit , Orban Jean Claude , Reignier Jean , Doise Jean-Marc , Millet Olivier , Favier Laurent , Jany Berangere , Ravan Ramin , Roux Delphine , Bertrand Pierre Marie , Bele Nicolas , Malaquin Stéphanie , Guinot Pierre Grégoire , Quenot Jean Pierre , Bounes Fanny , Koubi Claude , Danin P.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To compare old patients hospitalized in ICU for respiratory distress due to COVID-19 with old patients hospitalized in ICU for a non-COVID-19-related reason in terms of autonomy and quality of life.

Design

Comparison of two prospective multi-centric studies.

Setting

This study was based on two prospective multi-centric studies, the Senior-COVID-Rea cohort (COVID-19-diagnosed ICU-admitted patients aged over 60) and the FRAGIREA cohort (ICU-admitted patients aged over 70).

Patients

We included herein the patients from both cohorts who had been evaluated at day 180 after admission (ADL score and quality of life).

Interventions

None.

Measurements and main results

A total of 93 COVID-19 patients and 185 control-ICU patients were included. Both groups were not balanced on age, body mass index, mechanical ventilation, length of ICU stay, and ADL and SAPS II scores. We modeled with ordered logistic regression the influence of COVID-19 on the quality of life and the ADL score. After adjustment on these factors, we observed COVID-19 patients were less likely to have a loss of usual activities (aOR [95% CI] 0.47 [0.23; 0.94]), a loss of mobility (aOR [95% CI] 0.30 [0.14; 0.63]), and a loss of ADL score (aOR [95% CI] 0.30 [0.14; 0.63]). On day 180, 52 (56%) COVID-19 patients presented signs of dyspnea, 37 (40%) still used analgesics, 17 (18%) used anxiolytics, and 14 (13%) used antidepressant.

Conclusions

COVID-19-related ICU stay was not associated with a lower quality of life or lower autonomy compared to non-COVID-19-related ICU stay.
Identification of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus genotypes in patients and ticks in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Han Xiao-Hu , Ma Yue , Liu Hong-Yan , Li Dan , Wang Yan , Jiang Feng-Hua , Gao Qing-Tian , Jiang Feng , Liu Bao-Shan , Shen Guo-Shun , Chen Ze-Liang
Published: April 2022

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), is an acute infectious disease transmitted by ticks that has recently been identified. There are no reports of epidemic serotypes in Liaoning Province, PR China. The aim of this study was, therefore, to identify genotypes of SFTSV in this province.

Methods

In 2019, quantitative PCR testing was performed on 17 patients suspected of being infected with SFTS in Liaoning Province and on 492 ticks from the counties and cities surrounding the patients’ residences. Four samples were subjected to virus isolation and whole-genome amplification.

Results

Molecular diagnostic results confirmed SFTSV infection in five of the 17 suspected cases of SFTS and in 12 of the 492 ticks, with a prevalence of 2.4%. Four strains of SFTSV were successfully isolated from patients’ blood and ticks. Phylogenetic analysis after whole-genome amplification and sequencing showed that they all belonged to genotype A of SFTSV.

Conclusions

This study is the first to determine the genotype of SFTSV in patients and ticks in Liaoning Province, PR China. The results deepen our understanding of the SFTS epidemic and provide information on the variability in mortality rate among genotypes.

Graphical Abstract
Sex differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease dementia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Eikelboom Willem S. , Pan Michel , Ossenkoppele Rik , Coesmans Michiel , Gatchel Jennifer R. , Ismail Zahinoor , Lanctôt Krista L. , Fischer Corinne E. , Mortby Moyra E. , van den Berg Esther , Papma Janne M.
Published: April 2022

Background

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia, but substantial heterogeneity exists in the manifestation of NPS. Sex differences may explain this clinical variability. We aimed to investigate the sex differences in the prevalence and severity of NPS in AD dementia.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted in Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar from inception to February 2021. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were conducted in duplicate. Effect sizes were calculated as odds ratios (OR) for NPS prevalence and Hedges’ g for NPS severity. Data were pooled using random-effects models. Sources of heterogeneity were examined using meta-regression analyses.

Results

Sixty-two studies were eligible representing 21,554 patients (61.2% females). The majority of the included studies had an overall rating of fair quality (71.0%), with ten studies of good quality (16.1%) and eight studies of poor quality (12.9%). There was no sex difference in the presence of any NPS (k = 4, OR = 1.35 [95% confidence interval 0.78, 2.35]) and overall NPS severity (k = 13, g = 0.04 [− 0.04, 0.12]). Regarding specific symptoms, female sex was associated with more prevalent depressive symptoms (k = 20, OR = 1.60 [1.28, 1.98]), psychotic symptoms (general psychosis k = 4, OR = 1.62 [1.12, 2.33]; delusions k = 12, OR = 1.56 [1.28, 1.89]), and aberrant motor behavior (k = 6, OR = 1.47 [1.09, 1.98]). In addition, female sex was related to more severe depressive symptoms (k = 16, g = 0.24 [0.14, 0.34]), delusions (k = 10, g = 0.19 [0.04, 0.34]), and aberrant motor behavior (k = 9, g = 0.17 [0.08, 0.26]), while apathy was more severe among males compared to females (k = 11, g = − 0.10 [− 0.18, − 0.01]). There was no association between sex and the prevalence and severity of agitation, anxiety, disinhibition, eating behavior, euphoria, hallucinations, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Meta-regression analyses revealed no consistent association between the effect sizes across studies and method of NPS assessment and demographic and clinical characteristics.

Discussion

Female sex was associated with a higher prevalence and greater severity of several specific NPS, while male sex was associated with more severe apathy. While more research is needed into factors underlying these sex differences, our findings may guide tailored treatment approaches of NPS in AD dementia.
Potential pre-activation strategies for improving therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells: current status and future prospects
Authors: Li Meirong , Jiang Yufeng , Hou Qian , Zhao Yali , Zhong Lingzhi , Fu Xiaobing
Published: April 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has been considered as a promising approach targeting a variety of intractable diseases due to remarkable multiple effect of MSCs, such as multilineage differentiation, immunomodulatory property, and pro-regenerative capacity. However, poor engraftment, low survival rate of transplanted MSC, and impaired donor-MSC potency under host age/disease result in unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. Enhancement strategies, including genetic manipulation, pre-activation, and modification of culture method, have been investigated to generate highly functional MSC, and approaches for MSC pre-activation are highlighted. In this review, we summarized the current approaches of MSC pre-activation and further classified, analysed the scientific principles and main characteristics of these manipulations, and described the pros and cons of individual pre-activation strategies. We also discuss the specialized tactics to solve the challenges in this promising field so that it improves MSC therapeutic functions to serve patients better.
ChemInformatics Model Explorer (CIME): exploratory analysis of chemical model explanations
Authors: Humer Christina , Heberle Henry , Montanari Floriane , Wolf Thomas , Huber Florian , Henderson Ryan , Heinrich Julian , Streit Marc
Published: April 2022

The introduction of machine learning to small molecule research– an inherently multidisciplinary field in which chemists and data scientists combine their expertise and collaborate - has been vital to making screening processes more efficient. In recent years, numerous models that predict pharmacokinetic properties or bioactivity have been published, and these are used on a daily basis by chemists to make decisions and prioritize ideas. The emerging field of explainable artificial intelligence is opening up new possibilities for understanding the reasoning that underlies a model. In small molecule research, this means relating contributions of substructures of compounds to their predicted properties, which in turn also allows the areas of the compounds that have the greatest influence on the outcome to be identified. However, there is no interactive visualization tool that facilitates such interdisciplinary collaborations towards interpretability of machine learning models for small molecules. To fill this gap, we present CIME (ChemInformatics Model Explorer), an interactive web-based system that allows users to inspect chemical data sets, visualize model explanations, compare interpretability techniques, and explore subgroups of compounds. The tool is model-agnostic and can be run on a server or a workstation.
Towards spectral efficiency enhancement for IoT-aided smart transportation: a compressive OFDM transmission and regularized recovery approach
Authors: Zhang Yusi , Li Yong , Fang Xiaojie , Sha Xuejun , Feng Yuqing , Wang Weizhi
Published: April 2022

The increasing number of vehicles brings ubiquitous connectivity and huge information interaction, implementing with limited spectrum resource. Focusing on the higher spectral efficiency requirement, a compressive OFDM system is proposed in this paper. The idea of compressing the transmission of OFDM signal for spectral efficiency enhancement origins from GP extrapolation algorithm for bandlimited signal. In the proposed scheme, a truncation filter with deliberately designed compressed ratio and truncation mode is performed on the OFDM signal to generate the compressive OFDM signal. At the receiver, up-sampling and iterative extrapolation are conducted to recover from the partial signal. Simulation results show that the compressive OFDM signal could be compressed up to 0.5, presenting better compressive capability than the typical nonorthogonal SEFDM system. Further considering the ill-posed problem caused by the noise, a regularization approach is adopted to retain the convergence of recovery. Moreover, the proposed compressive OFDM system possesses the spectrally efficient advantage than SEFDM system. At the compressed ratio 0.5, the compressive OFDM system possesses better BER than SEFDM. At 10 dB $$E_{\mathrm{b}}/N_{0}$$

E
b

/

N
0

, the throughput rate of the compressive OFDM is 2 times and 1.6 times higher than OFDM and SEFDM, respectively.
A framework of safety analysis with temporal feature based on MBSA and case study for ACC system
Authors: Wang Lisong , Zhang Qin , Hu Jun
Published: April 2022

The safety of automotive Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is of great significance to prevent fatigue driving, improve driving comfort, reduce accident rate and promote the development of intelligent transportation and autonomous driving technology. However, the current safety analysis of ACC lacks consideration of the temporal dynamic property, so it is necessary to establish a set of safety analysis methods to consider the temporal characteristics. This paper proposes a new safety analysis method based on MBSA framework and introduces temporal features. Altarica3.0 is a high-level modeling language for safety analysis, and its basic mathematical form is Guardian Transformation System (GTS). In this paper, we outline an analysis approach that converts failure behavioral models (GTS) to temporal fault trees (TFTs), which can be analyzed using Pandora a recent technique for introducing temporal logic to fault trees. However, like classical fault tree analysis, TFT analysis requires a lot of manual effort, which makes it time consuming and expensive. In order to improve the safety of the system, the proposal extends Bayesian Networks with Pandora and results to dependability analysis with temporal relationships to provide more reliable basis for safety design. As a typical case study, the safety analysis method proposed in this paper is applied to the safety analysis of adaptive cruise system, and the results show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Furthermore, it also provides new technologies for the automation and intelligence of safety analysis for smart internet of vehicle.
Signal processing of Internet of Vehicles based on intelligent interference
Authors: Wu Xiangyu , Hou Changbo , Deng Zhian , Fang Chenyu , Liu Guowei
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of in-vehicle electronic technology and artificial intelligence, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) technology, as an effective integration of the two, greatly reduces the probability of road traffic accidents. However, the current IoV system is not perfect for the control process of abnormal vehicles. Therefore, to strengthen the management and control of abnormal vehicles in the IoV, it is extremely necessary to propose a method for interfering with IoV signals. Among the current popular intelligent interference methods, most of them rely on the prior knowledge of the signal. However, prior knowledge is difficult to obtain in practical applications. Therefore, in view of the shortcomings of the current communication interference technology, this study introduces intelligent interference into the signal processing technology of the IoV. When the service provider identifies abnormal signals, the intelligent interference method can be used to achieve precise interference for a single target and then realize the control of the IoV signals. This study proposes an interference waveform generation technology based on convolutional autoencoders. The convolutional autoencoder was used to change the features on the fully connected layer to generate an interference waveform that is very similar to the received signal waveform. The simulation results show that the interference waveform generation technology proposed in this study can make the bit error rate (BER) reach 38.4% within the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) from − 10 to − 15 dB.
Nonoperative treatment for pain sensitization in patients with low back pain: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Nopsopon Tanawin , Suputtitada Areerat , Lertparinyaphorn Irin , Pongpirul Krit
Published: April 2022

Background

Low back pain is a disability that occurs worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disorder that affects patients with dominant nociceptive, neuropathic, and central sensitization pain. An important pathophysiology of low back pain involves pain sensitization. Various nonoperative interventions are available for treatment, but there is inconclusive evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions for pain sensitization, leading to arbitrary nonoperative treatments for low back pain.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review of RCTs evaluating the effectiveness and safety of nonoperative treatment for pain sensitization in patients with low back pain. The primary outcomes will be static quantitative sensory testing, dynamic quantitative sensory testing, and pain algometry. The secondary outcome will be adverse events. We will search the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent authors will screen the titles and abstracts, review full texts, extract data, assess the risk of bias, and evaluate the quality of evidence. We will qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize the results using a random effects model for meta-analysis.

Discussion

This systematic review aims to provide evidence regarding which treatment, if any, provides the greatest benefit for pain sensitization and safety among patients with low back pain. Evidence synthesized from this systematic review will inform clinical practice and further research. Since there is still a small amount of research, additional studies might need to be conducted in the future.

Systematic review registration

Submitted to PROSPERO on March 20, 2021, CRD42021244054
Bursting out of our bubble: using creative techniques to communicate within the systematic review process and beyond
Authors: Coon Jo Thompson , Orr Noreen , Shaw Liz , Hunt Harriet , Garside Ruth , Nunns Michael , Gröppel-Wegener Alke , Whear Becky
Published: April 2022

Background

Increasing pressure to publicise research findings and generate impact, alongside an expectation from funding bodies to go beyond publication within academic journals, has generated interest in alternative methods of science communication.

Our aim is to describe our experience of using a variety of creative communication tools, reflect on their use in different situations, enhance learning and generate discussion within the systematic review community.

Methods

Over the last 5 years, we have explored several creative communication tools within the systematic review process and beyond to extend dissemination beyond traditional academic mechanisms.

Central to our approach is the co-production of a communication plan with potential evidence users which facilitates (i) the identification of key messages for different audiences, (ii) discussion of appropriate tools to communicate key messages and (iii) exploration of avenues to share them. We aim to involve evidence users in the production of a variety of outputs for each research project cognisant of the many ways in which individuals engage with information.

Results

Our experience has allowed us to develop an understanding of the benefits and challenges of a wide range of creative communication tools. For example, board games can be a fun way of learning, may flatten power hierarchies between researchers and research users and enable sharing of large amounts of complex information in a thought provoking way, but they are time and resource intensive both to produce and to engage with. Conversely, social media shareable content can be quick and easy to produce and to engage with but limited in the depth and complexity of shareable information.

Discussion

It is widely recognised that most stakeholders do not have time to invest in reading large, complex documents; creative communication tools can be a used to improve accessibility of key messages. Furthermore, our experience has highlighted a range of additional benefits of embedding these techniques within our project processes e.g. opening up two-way conversations with end-users of research to discuss the implications of findings.
On new generalized $\theta _{b}$-contractions and related fixed point theorems
Authors: Ali Amjad , Arshad Muhammad , Hussain Aftab , Hussain Nawab , Alsulami Saud Mastour
Published: April 2022

The manuscript is an extension of the investigations concerning θ-contractions which have been newly proposed in (Jleli and Samet in J. Inequal. Appl. 2014:38, 2014). The authors generalize the notion of θ-contractions to the case of nonlinear $\theta _{b} $

θ
b

-contraction mappings and prove multi-valued fixed point theorems based on the b-Bianchini–Grandolfi gauge function in b-metric spaces. The manuscript consists of a tangible example which displays the motivation for such investigations. The work is compiled by the application of the proposed nonlinear $\theta _{b}$

θ
b

-contractions to Liouville–Caputo fractional differential equations.
Turing instability in a modified cross-diffusion Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with Beddington–DeAngelis functional response
Authors: Farshid Marzieh , Jalilian Yaghoub
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a modified cross-diffusion Leslie–Gower predator–prey model with the Beddington–DeAngelis functional response is studied. We use the linear stability analysis on constant steady states to obtain sufficient conditions for the occurrence of Turing instability and Hopf bifurcation. We show that the Turing instability and associated patterns are induced by the variation of parameters in the cross-diffusion term. Some numerical simulations are given to illustrate our results.
A case of primary COVID-19 pneumonia: plausible airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Dumont-Leblond Nathan , Duchaine Caroline , Veillette Marc , Pen Visal , Bergevin Marco
Published: April 2022

Background

The different clinical manifestations, from none to severe, and the variability in efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis by upper respiratory tract testing, make diagnosis of COVID-19 and prevention of transmission especially challenging. In addition, the ways by which the virus can most efficiently transmit still remain unclear.

Case Presentation

We report the case a 48-year-old man who presents primary COVID-19 pneumonia. He was initially admitted for cholecystitis but, upon review of his abdominal CT scan, a segmental zone of ground glass opacity was identified in the right lower lobe. A bronchoalveolar lavage proved positive to SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR, even if he tested negative by oro-nasopharyngeal swab at admission and the day after he underwent bronchoscopy. The near absence of the virus in his saliva 2 days after, combined with a very sharp increase in salivary viral load on the third day, also rule out the possibility of prior viral replication in the upper airway and clearance. In addition, rapidly increasing bilateral alveolar lung infiltrates appeared as the upper respiratory tests begin to detect the virus.

Conclusions

For this patient to have developed primary COVID-19 pneumonia, a contagious aerosol must have traveled to the lower respiratory system. This case gives indirect but compelling evidence that aerosol may spread the virus. It also highlights the limitations of oral and nasal testing methods and the importance of anatomical considerations when studying infections by SARS-CoV-2.
Potential of a fucoidan-rich Ascophyllum nodosum extract to reduce Salmonella shedding and improve gastrointestinal health in weaned pigs naturally infected with Salmonella
Authors: Venardou Brigkita , O’Doherty John V. , Maher Shane , Ryan Marion T. , Gath Vivian , Ravindran Rajeev , Kiely Claire , Rajauria Gaurav , Garcia-Vaquero Marco , Sweeney Torres
Published: April 2022

Background

Dietary supplementation with a fucoidan-rich Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), possessing an in vitro anti-Salmonella Typhimurium activity could be a promising on-farm strategy to control Salmonella infection in pigs. The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the anti-S. Typhimurium activity of ANE (containing 46.6% fucoidan, 18.6% laminarin, 10.7% mannitol, 4.6% alginate) in vitro, and; 2) compare the effects of dietary supplementation with ANE and Zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, Salmonella shedding and selected gut parameters in naturally infected pigs. This was established post-weaning (newly weaned pig experiment) and following regrouping of post-weaned pigs and experimental re-infection with S. Typhimurium (challenge experiment).

Results

In the in vitro assay, increasing ANE concentrations led to a linear reduction in S. Typhimurium counts (P <  0.05). In the newly weaned pig experiment (12 replicates/treatment), high ANE supplementation increased gain to feed ratio, similar to ZnO supplementation, and reduced faecal Salmonella counts on d 21 compared to the low ANE and control groups (P <  0.05). The challenge experiment included thirty-six pigs from the previous experiment that remained on their original dietary treatments (control and high ANE groups with the latter being renamed to ANE group) apart from the ZnO group which transitioned onto a control diet on d 21 (ZnO-residual group). These dietary treatments had no effect on performance, faecal scores, Salmonella shedding or colonic and caecal Salmonella counts (P > 0.05). ANE supplementation decreased the Enterobacteriaceae counts compared to the control. Enterobacteriaceae counts were also reduced in the ZnO-residual group compared to the control (P <  0.05). ANE supplementation decreased the expression of interleukin 22 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in the ileum compared to the control (P <  0.05).

Conclusions

ANE supplementation was associated with some beneficial changes in the composition of the colonic microbiota, Salmonella shedding, and the expression of inflammatory genes associated with persistent Salmonella infection.
Combining BTK inhibitors with BCL2 inhibitors for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia and mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lu Xueying , Li Jianyong , Miao Yi
Published: April 2022

The advent of BTK inhibitors has changed the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The first-in-class BTK inhibitor ibrutinib has shown remarkable therapeutic effects and manageable toxicities in multiple clinical trials. The second-generation BTK inhibitors, including acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib, also show remarkable efficacies. However, using BTK inhibitors as monotherapies requires continuous treatment. Resistance to BTK inhibitors and severe side effects unavoidably occur during BTK inhibitor monotherapy, frequently resulting in treatment failure. The addition of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax to BTK inhibitor may improve the therapeutic effects and result in deeper responses, providing a potential fixed-duration treatment, especially for patients with CLL. In this review, by focusing on CLL and MCL, we discussed the rationale for the combinational use and summarized the current data on the combinations of BTK inhibitors and venetoclax in patients with CLL and MCL.
Diet communication on the early Silk Road in ancient China: multi-analytical analysis of food remains from the Changle Cemetery
Authors: Ren Meng , Wang Renfang , Yang Yimin
Published: April 2022

Characterization of ancient food remains could reflect how people exploited biological resources and interacted with different cultures in antiquity. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), starch grain, phytolith, stable isotope analysis and proteomics were adopted to characterize the composition of the food remains including three cereal foodstuffs, some meat strips and a kebab discovered at the Changle Cemetery (202 BCE–220 CE), Ningxia, northwest China, a key area on the Silk Road. The results show that the cereal foods were baked cakes, primarily made from foxtail millet (Setaria italica). One cake was simply made of millet grains, the others were more elaborately comprised of millet flour with the addition of barley flour and meat from cattle (Bos taurus) and chicken (Gallus gallus). These findings indicate that grinding and baking technologies, which were considered as the culinary tradition in western Eurasia, had been adopted at the latest by the inhabitants in Ningxia region at that time. The large-scale migration from central China to Ningxia and the opening up of the Silk Road during the Han Dynasty gave rise to the diet communication and assimilation in this border area. Moreover, the meat strips were identified as dried beef, and the kebab was likely to be made from sheep/goat meat, wherein the latter is the earliest scientific evidence of mutton kebab in ancient China up to our knowledge. The analytical strategy could be widely applied in characterizing ancient visible food remains in order to better understand their preparation methods.
Antibacterial and antioxidant properties of humic substances from composted agricultural biomasses
Authors: Verrillo Mariavittoria , Salzano Melania , Savy Davide , Di Meo Vincenzo , Valentini Massimiliano , Cozzolino Vincenza , Piccolo Alessandro
Published: April 2022

Background

Bioactive components isolated from composted agricultural biomasses have been receiving progressive attention, because they may improve the antibiotic susceptibility of drug resistant bacterial strains. Here, three different humic substances (HS) were isolated from composted artichoke (HS-CYN) and pepper (HS-PEP) wastes, and from coffee grounds (HS-COF), and characterized by infrared spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, thermochemolysis–GC/MS, and high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. The antibacterial activity of HS was evaluated against some pathogenic bacterial strains, while their bioactivity was determined by a germination assay on basil (Red–Violet variety) seeds.

Results

HS-CYN and HS-PEP exhibited the largest antioxidant activity and most significant antimicrobial capacity against some gram-positive bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The same HS determined a significant increase of both root and epicotyls in seed germination experiments. The bioactivity of HS was related not only to their specific molecular composition but also to the conformational stability of their suprastructures. Specifically, the greatest bioactive and antimicrobial properties were related to the largest abundance of hydrophobic aromatic and phenolic components and to a more rigid conformational arrangement, that, in turn, appeared to be related to a small fragmentation degree of lignin structures.

Conclusions

Our results showed that extraction of bioactive HS from green composts may be a sustainable and eco-compatible way to valorise agricultural byproducts. HS may be indeed exploited as substrates to produce novel materials not only to improve plant productivity but also for medical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of quantum-learning and conventional teaching methods on learning achievement, motivation to learn, and retention among nursing students during critical care nursing education
Authors: Khozaei Sahar Arab , Zare Najmeh Valizadeh , Moneghi Hossin Karimi , Sadeghi Tahereh , Taraghdar Mousa Mahdizadeh
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Nursing education needs to be dedicated to sparking creativity as well as enhancing dynamic thinking and clinical decision-making skills. In this respect, exploiting quantum-learning methodology can be effective since it provides contexts and contents to improve.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of the quantum-learning methodology and conventional teaching learning achievement, motivation to learn, and retention among nursing students during critical care nursing education.

Methods

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 46 nursing students, enrolled in the sixth semester at the School of Nursing and Midwifery affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, were initially randomized into intervention and control groups. Then, the phases of “enroll, experience, label, demonstrate, review, and celebrate model were implemented in the intervention group, receiving the quantum-learning methodology. With regard to the control group, education was fulfilled according to the conventional teaching method. The learning achievement was subsequently measured in each group using. One month later, the in both groups were calculated. The data collection tools included a demographic characteristics form and the Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory and Learning Motivation Questionnaire. The data were finally compared via statistical tests.

Results

The total scores of the learning achievement in the intervention group were 16.84 ± 2.28 and these values were equal to 15.16 ± 2.41 in the control group, which were significantly different based on the independent-samples t-test results (p < 0.001). The retention mean scores in the intervention and control groups were also by 13.25 ± 1.88 and 11.71 ± 2.05, respectively (p < 0.001). In the intervention group, motivation to learn before and after education significantly different (p < 0.001). However, such a significant difference was not observed in the control group before and after the intervention (p = 0.30).

Conclusion

It was concluded that teaching methods encouraging students and providing interactive and fun environments could boost motivation to learn and give rise to retention, particularly in skill-based programs and courses. Teachers can thus utilize dynamic models such as the quantum-learning methodology to help students understand and gain more nursing skills.