bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety evaluation of dexmedetomidine for postoperative patient controlled intravenous analgesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Rui , Sun Shujun , Li Yufan , Dou Xiaoke , Dai Maosha , Wu Yan , Lin Yun
Published: December 2022

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine (DEX) for postoperative patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA).

Measurements: Two investigators independently searched Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library and CBM for randomized controlled trials of DEX for PCIA.

Main results: Thirty-seven studies with a total of 5,409 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with analgesics alone, DEX for PCIA reduced pain score at 24 h [mean difference (MD) = −0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.85, −0.54; p < 0.00001, I2 = 90%] and 48 h postoperatively (MD = −0.43; 95% CI: −0.52, −0.34; p < 0.00001, I2 = 96%). Moreover, DEX reduced analgesics consumption during the first 24 h [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.25; 95% CI: −0.34, −0.16; p < 0.00001, I2 = 91%] and the number of resuscitation analgesics administered [odds ratio (OR) = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.66; p < 0.00001, I2 = 72%]. Furthermore, DEX improved patient satisfaction (OR = 3.55; 95% CI: 2.36, 5.35; p < 0.00001, I2 = 60%), and reduced incidence of side effects, such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.57; p < 0.00001, I2 = 59%) and pruritus after surgery (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.68; p = 0.0001, I2 = 0%). Besides, DEX attenuates inflammatory cytokine levels, such as IL-6 (MD = −5.73; 95% CI: −8.34, −3.12; p < 0.00001, I2 = 91%) and TNF-α (MD = −0.63; 95% CI: −0.76, −0.50; p < 0.00001, I2 = 89%). Finally, DEX increased the risk of bradycardia (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.45; p = 0.01, I2 = 15%), but the complication of hypotension did not differ between the two groups (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 0.84, 2.04; p = 0.25, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion: DEX is used for postoperative PCIA analgesia, which can significantly improve the analgesic effect, effectively control postoperative inflammatory response, reduce the dosage and adverse reactions of analgesics, and improve postoperative patient satisfaction. Of course, the impact of the immunosuppressive effect of DEX on the prognosis of patients needs further study.

Systematic review registration: CRD42022340933, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
First-in-human study to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of DS002, an anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody
Authors: Ma Tingting , Cao Bei , Huang Lei , Yang Yuanxun , Geng Yan , Xie Pinhao , Zhao Yu , Lin Hui , Wang Kun , Wang Chunhe , Sun Runbin , Li Juan
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of DS002 injection, an anti-nerve growth factor (anti-NGF) monoclonal antibody for treating pain conditions, in healthy Chinese subjects.

Methods: This study was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, single-dose escalation, placebo-controlled design (CTR20210155). A total of 53 healthy subjects, 27 male and 26 female, were enrolled in this study, and one subject withdrew from the study before administration. Seven dose groups were set up, which were 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 7.0 mg, 12.0 mg and 20.0 mg, respectively. The drug was administered by single subcutaneous injection. Four subjects were enrolled in the first dose group (0.5 mg) received DS002. Other dose groups enrolled eight subjects each, six of whom received DS002 while the other two received a placebo. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic parameters and immunogenicity of DS002 were assessed.

Results: DS002 was well tolerated; all adverse events were Grade 1–2, and did not reach the termination standard of dose increment within the range of 0.5–20.0 mg. Adverse event rates were generally similar across treatments. After a single subcutaneous injection, the median Tmax in different dose groups ranged 167.77–337.38 h; mean t1/2 ranged 176.80–294.23 h, the volume of distribution (Vz) ranged 5265.42–7212.00 ml, and the clearance rate (CL) ranged 12.69–24.75 ml/h. In the dose range of 0.5–20.0 mg, Cmax ranged from 51.83 ± 22.74 ng/ml to 2048.86 ± 564.78 ng/ml, AUC0-t ranged from 20615.16 ± 5698.28 h·ng/mL to 1669608.11 ± 387246.36 h·ng/mL, and AUC0-inf ranged from 21852.45 ± 5920.21 h·ng/mL to 1673504.66 ± 389106.13 h·ng/mL. They all increased with dose escalation, and Cmax and AUC0-t did not have a significant dose-linear relationship, whilst AUC0-t was not dose-dependent at all. anti-drug antibody test results of each group of all subjects in this trial were negative.

Conclusion: DS002 showed satisfactory safety within the dose range of 0.5 mg–20.0 mg. The absorption and metabolism of DS002 were slow, it exhibited a low volume of distribution and the clearance rate was low. These data suggest that DS002, by blocking nerve growth factor, is expected to become a novel, safe and non-addictive treatment for pain conditions.
Clinical updates on tyrosine kinase inhibitors in HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Singh Desh Deepak , Lee Hae-Jeung , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is caused by epigenetic modifications and genetic heterogeneity and exhibits various histological feature. HER2+ (Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a more aggressive type of breast cancer, diagnosis and prognosis are difficult for HER2+ BC. Anti-HER2+ inhibitors have been effectively used for patient treatment. High mortality rate is reported in HER2+ BC, due to availability of limited therapeutic options. Despite advances in systemic medications to treat metastatic breast cancer (MBC), HER2-positive MBC is still challenging for patients and treating clinicians. The clinical characteristics of the disease have changed after treatment with HER2-targeted therapy. Various types of Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed to treat patients with HER2+ BC including afatinib, lapatinib, neratinib, tucatinib, and pyrotinib, have been developed as HER2-targeted therapies. The antibody-drug conjugates adotrastuzumab, emtansine, famtrastuzumab, and deruxtecan, as well as the anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody pertuzumab are used in both early-stage and metastatic situations, either alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy and other HER2-targeting therapies. The emergence of drug resistance in anti-HER2 therapies has been observed. To overcome drug resistance and limited efficacy in current treatment options, nano formulations can be used in patients with HER2+ BC treatment. Anti-HER2 ligands can be used in various nano formulations to target HER2 receptors. Here we will discuss, targeted TKIs in patients with HER2+ BC, clinical studies of HER2+ targeted TKIs, mechanisms of resistance to HER2-directed therapies with new implications of TKIs in HER2+ MBC (metastatic breast cancer) and anti-HER2 ligand in various nano formulations to target HER2 receptors.
Regularity and mechanism of fake crackle noise in an electronic stethoscope
Authors: Ye Peitao , Li Qiasheng , Jian Wenhua , Liu Shuyi , Tan Lunfang , Chen Wenya , Zhang Dongying , Zheng Jinping
Published: December 2022

Background:Electronic stethoscopes are widely used for cardiopulmonary auscultation; their audio recordings are used for the intelligent recognition of cardiopulmonary sounds. However, they generate noise similar to a crackle during use, significantly interfering with clinical diagnosis. This paper will discuss the causes, characteristics, and occurrence rules of the fake crackle and establish a reference for improving the reliability of the electronic stethoscope in lung auscultation.

Methods:A total of 56 participants with healthy lungs (no underlying pulmonary disease, no recent respiratory symptoms, and no adventitious lung sound, as confirmed by an acoustic stethoscope) were enrolled in this study. A 30-s audio recording was recorded from each of the nine locations of the larynx and lungs of each participant with a 3M Littmann 3200 electronic stethoscope, and the audio was output in diaphragm mode and auscultated by the clinician. The doctor identified the fake crackles and analyzed their frequency spectrum. High-pass and low-pass filters were used to detect the frequency distribution of the fake crackles. Finally, the fake crackle was artificially regenerated to explore its causes.

Results:A total of 500 audio recordings were included in the study, with 61 fake crackle audio recordings. Fake crackles were found predominantly in the lower lung. There were significant differences between lower lung and larynx (p< 0.001), lower lung and upper lung (p= 0.005), lower lung and middle lung (p= 0.005), and lower lung and infrascapular region (p= 0.027). Furthermore, more than 90% of fake crackles appeared in the inspiratory phase, similar to fine crackles, significantly interfering with clinical diagnosis. The spectral analysis revealed that the frequency range of fake crackles was approximately 250–1950 Hz. The fake crackle was generated when the diaphragm of the electronic stethoscope left the skin slightly but not completely.

Conclusion:Fake crackles are most likely to be heard when using an electronic stethoscope to auscultate bilateral lower lungs, and the frequency of a fake crackle is close to that of a crackle, likely affecting the clinician’s diagnosis.
The hidden power of secondary metabolites in plant-fungi interactions and sustainable phytoremediation
Authors: Elhamouly Neveen Atta , Hewedy Omar A. , Zaitoon Amr , Miraples Angelica , Elshorbagy Omnia T. , Hussien Suzan , El-Tahan Amira , Peng Deliang
Published: December 2022

The global environment is dominated by various small exotic substances, known as secondary metabolites, produced by plants and microorganisms. Plants and fungi are particularly plentiful sources of these molecules, whose physiological functions, in many cases, remain a mystery. Fungal secondary metabolites (SM) are a diverse group of substances that exhibit a wide range of chemical properties and generally fall into one of four main family groups: Terpenoids, polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, or a combination of the latter two. They are incredibly varied in their functions and are often related to the increased fitness of the respective fungus in its environment, often competing with other microbes or interacting with plant species. Several of these metabolites have essential roles in the biological control of plant diseases by various beneficial microorganisms used for crop protection and biofertilization worldwide. Besides direct toxic effects against phytopathogens, natural metabolites can promote root and shoot development and/or disease resistance by activating host systemic defenses. The ability of these microorganisms to synthesize and store biologically active metabolites that are a potent source of novel natural compounds beneficial for agriculture is becoming a top priority for SM fungi research. In this review, we will discuss fungal-plant secondary metabolites with antifungal properties and the role of signaling molecules in induced and acquired systemic resistance activities. Additionally, fungal secondary metabolites mimic plant promotion molecules such as auxins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid, which modulate plant growth under biotic stress. Moreover, we will present a new trend regarding phytoremediation applications using fungal secondary metabolites to achieve sustainable food production and microbial diversity in an eco-friendly environment.
The modified biochars influence nutrient and osmotic statuses and hormonal signaling of mint plants under fluoride and cadmium toxicities
Authors: Farhangi-Abriz Salar , Ghassemi-Golezani Kazem
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Chemically modified biochars are a new generation of biochars that have a great ability to absorb and stabilize environmental pollutants. In this research, the physiological performance of mint plants (Mentha crispa L.) under fluoride and cadmium toxicities and biochar treatments was evaluated.

Methods

Four levels of soil toxicities including non-toxic, 600 mg NaF kg-1 soil, 60 mg Cd kg-1 soil, and 600 mg NaF kg-1 soil + 60 mg Cd kg-1 soil were applied. The biochar addition to the soil was 25 g kg-1 (non-biochar, solid biochar, H2O2, KOH, and H3PO4-modified biochars).

Results

The results showed that the application of biochar and especially chemically modified biochars reduced fluoride (about 15-37%) and cadmium (30-52%) contents in mint leaves, while increased soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC), nitrogen (12-35%), phosphorus (16-59%), potassium (17-52%), calcium (19-47%), magnesium (28-77%), iron (37-114%), zinc (45-226%), photosynthetic pigments of leaves and plant biomass (about 10-25%) under toxic conditions.

Discussion

The biochar-related treatments reduced the osmotic stress and osmolytes content (proline, soluble proteins, and carbohydrates) in plant leaves. Plant leaf water content was increased by solid and modified biochar, up to 8% in toxic conditions. Furthermore, these treatments reduced the production of stress hormones [abscisic acid (27-55%), salicylic acid (31-50%), and jasmonic acid (6-12%)], but increased indole-3-acetic acid (14-31%) in plants under fluoride and cadmium stresses. Chemically modified biochars reduced fluoride and cadmium contents of plant leaves by about 20% and 22%, respectively, compared to solid biochar.

Conclusion

This result clearly shows the superiority of modified biochars in protecting plants from soil pollutants.
Making things happen: How employees’ paradox mindset influences innovative performance
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Zhang Hui
Published: December 2022

Individual innovation involves many contradicted behavioral options such as creative vs. habitual actions and explorative vs. exploitative activities. However, the agentic nature of innovative behaviors has been widely ignored, and we know less about what factors lead individuals to approach and balance the contradictions caused by competing demands and intentionally engage in innovative behaviors. Integrating social cognitive theory and innovation paradox, we propose a chain-mediating model to explain how employees with a paradox mindset realize the creative benefits through their innovative endeavors, considering role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) and individual ambidexterity as two mediators. Using data collected from 480 employees paired with 100 supervisors at 3-time points, the results show that RBSE and individual ambidexterity play a mediating role, respectively, even though they sequentially play a chain-mediating role between employees’ paradox mindset and innovative performance. Individuals who hold a paradox mindset are more likely to perceive high capability beliefs in successfully undertaking expanded roles, promoting behavioral tendencies to switch between exploration and exploitation, and in turn encouraging employees to undertake more innovative behaviors. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications for promoting employees’ innovative performance from an agentic perspective. Employees with a paradox mindset can make creative things happen by managing the tensions between exploration and exploitation proactively. Thus, organizations may try to enhance employees’ proactive motivation states and behavioral capability to encourage individual innovation.
The moderating role of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between toxic leadership and emotional exhaustion
Authors: Koç Oktay , Bozkurt Serdar , Taşdemir Deniz Devrim , Günsel Ayşe
Published: December 2022

Dysfunctional and destructive leadership behaviors have begun to be seen frequently in today’s business world. Likewise, toxic leadership, with incompetent supervision elements results with negative outputs for organizations and heavily for the employees. Employees may experience long-term stress in the work environment and develop emotional exhaustion, resulting in mental breakdown. Hence, this study aims to reveal the effects of toxic leadership on emotional exhaustion within the healthcare industry as a first step. Moreover, we also attempt to reveal the contingency of intrinsic motivation to lessen the reflections of toxic leadership on emotional exhaustion as a second step. Using PLS-SEM, we find that toxic leadership is positively associated with emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, our findings provide empirical evidence supporting the moderator role of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between toxic leadership and emotional exhaustion.
Comparing the psychometric properties of two primary school Computational Thinking (CT) assessments for grades 3 and 4: The Beginners' CT test (BCTt) and the competent CT test (cCTt)
Authors: El-Hamamsy Laila , Zapata-Cáceres María , Marcelino Pedro , Bruno Barbara , Dehler Zufferey Jessica , Martín-Barroso Estefanía , Román-González Marcos
Published: December 2022

Introduction

With the increasing amount of research around Computational Thinking (CT) and endeavors introducing CT into curricula worldwide, assessing CT at all levels of formal education is of utmost importance to ensure that CT-related learning objectives are met. This has contributed to a progressive increase in the number of validated and reliable CT assessments for K-12, including primary school. Researchers and practitioners are thus required to choose among multiple instruments, often overlapping in their age validity.

Methods

In this study, we compare the psychometric properties of two of these instruments: the Beginners' CT test (BCTt), developed for grades 1–6, and the competent CT test (cCTt), validated for grades 3–4. Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory (IRT) were employed on data acquired from 575 students in grades 3–4 to compare the properties of the two instruments and refine the limits of their validity.

Results

The findings (i) establish the detailed psychometric properties of the BCTt in grades 3–4 for the first time, and (ii) through a comparison with students from the same country, indicate that the cCTt should be preferred for grades 3–4 as the cCTt is able to discriminate between students of low and medium ability. Conversely, while the BCTt, which is easier, shows a ceiling effect, it is better suited to discriminate between students in the low ability range. For these grades, the BCTt can thus be employed as a screening mechanism to identify low ability students.

Discussion

In addition to providing recomendations for use of these instruments, the findings highlight the importance of comparing the psychometric properties of existing assessments, so that researchers and practitioners, including teachers and policy makers involved in digital education curricular reforms, may take informed decisions when selecting assessments.
Mediating effect of workplace violence on the relationship between empathy and professional identity among nursing students
Authors: Wang Liping , Li Haiyang , Chen Qiongni , Fang Chunhua , Cao Lifang , Zhu Li
Published: December 2022

Background

Studies have reported that empathy had a positive effect on professional identity (PI) in nursing students. However, little was known about the mechanism underlying this relationship between empathy and professional identity in nursing students.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to analyze in depth the mediating effect of workplace violence (WVP) between empathy and professional identity in nursing students.

Methods

A total of 405 nursing students participated and were investigated using the Chinese version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professional (JSE-HP), the scale of professional identity about nursing students, and the workplace violence Incident Survey in this study. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the mediating effect of workplace violence on the relationship between empathy and professional identity among nursing students.

Results

The score of nursing students' professional identity was 103.69 ± 17.79. Workplace violence had a significant negative correlation with empathy (r = −0.449, P < 0.001) and professional identity (r = −0.330, P < 0.001). Workplace violence accounted for 14.59% of the total mediating effect on the relationship between empathy and professional identity for nursing students.

Conclusions

In this study, the level of professional identity of nursing students was low. Workplace violence had a partially significantly mediating effect on the relationship between empathy and professional identity. Maybe, it was suggested that nursing students' professional identity might be improved and driven by a decrease in workplace violence. Targeted interventions at reducing nursing students' workplace violence should be developed and implemented. In addition, nursing managers and educators should be aware of the importance of empathy and improve professional identity in nursing students.
Short-chain fatty acids in patients with schizophrenia and ultra-high risk population
Authors: Peng Huiqing , Ouyang Lijun , Li David , Li Zongchang , Yuan Liu , Fan Lejia , Liao Aijun , Li Jinguang , Wei Yisen , Yang Zihao , Ma Xiaoqian , Chen Xiaogang , He Ying
Published: December 2022

Background

Individuals who experience the prodromal phase of schizophrenia (SCZ), a common and complex psychiatric disorder, are referred to as ultra-high-risk (UHR) individuals. Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) is imperative in the microbiota-gut-brain axis and brain function. Accumulating amount of evidence shows the connections between psychiatric disorders and SCFAs. This study aims to explore the underlying roles SCFAs play in SCZ by investigating the association of alterations in SCFAs concentrations with common cognitive functions in both the SCZ and UHR populations.

Methods

The study recruited 59 SCZ patients (including 15 participants converted from the UHR group), 51 UHR participants, and 40 healthy controls (HC) within a complete follow-up of 2 years. Results of cognitive functions, which were assessed by utilizing HVLT-R and TMT, and serum concentrations of SCFAs were obtained for all participants and for UHR individuals at the time of their conversion to SCZ.

Results

Fifteen UHR participants converted to SCZ within a 2-year follow-up. Valeric acid concentration levels were lower in both the baseline of UHR individuals whom later converted to SCZ (p = 0.046) and SCZ patients (p = 0.036) than the HC group. Additionally, there were lower concentrations of caproic acid in the baseline of UHR individuals whom later transitioned to SCZ (p = 0.019) and the UHR group (p = 0.016) than the HC group. Furthermore, the caproic acid levels in the UHR group are significantly positively correlated with immediate memory (r = 0.355, p = 0.011) and negatively correlated with TMT-B (r = -0.366, p = 0.009). Significant differences in levels of acetic acid, butyric acid and isovaleric acid were absent among the three groups and in UHR individuals before and after transition to SCZ.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that alterations in concentrations of SCFAs may be associated with the pathogenesis and the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia. Further researches are warranted to explore this association. The clinical implications of our findings were discussed.
Diet self-management: A qualitative study of college students' experiences and perspectives
Authors: Zhou Li , Chu Yalin , Wei Lai , Wang Jing , Zhu Xiaorong
Published: December 2022

Background

Overweight and obesity among college students have become an emergent public health concern, which may be effectively prevented by diet self-management (DSM). The purpose of this explorative study was to explore college students' experiences and perspectives on diet self-management (DSM), as well as its influencing factors.

Method

Thirty-three college students were recruited from different universities in China. A qualitative method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with audio recording to explore their DSM experience and factors that influence DSM. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to develop themes related to DSM.

Result

In the perception of what "good DSM" means, three themes and ten subthemes were identified: characteristics of good DSM (including 5 subthemes: regularity, balanced diet, no picky eating, good eating habits, and scientificity), method of good DSM (including three subthemes: self-control, adjusting, and making plans), and content of good DSM (including two subthemes: nutrition management and safety management). The influencing factors of DSM can be categorized into four levels of themes and 34 subthemes: individual, family, school, and social levels.

Conclusion

The results of this qualitative research highlighted the complexity and multi-dimension of DSM and its influencing factors. Our findings may help to inform diverse and needs-based intervention approaches to improve DSM and promote healthy diet among college students so as to prevent overweight and obesity.
The effects of laser procedure in symptomatic patients with haemorrhoids: A systematic review
Authors: Torrinha Gonçalo , Gonçalves Tatiana , Sousa Maria , Högemann Gerrit , Goulart André , Carvalho Alexandre Fernandes , Leão Pedro
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Haemorrhoids are normal structures in the human body, only seen as pathological when symptomatic. Nowadays, new techniques have surfaced using a diode laser which, after locating the target arteries, blocks the blood flow while hitting and shrinking the local mucosa/submucosa at a depth of 4 mm. Our work aimed to give a broad view over this new technique and its consequences in the post-operative follow-up with a systematic review.

Methods

EMBASE and MEDLINE databases were consulted, retrieving clinical trials, which mentioned the use of 980 nm diode laser on the treatment of haemorrhoids.

Results

Ten clinical trials analyzing the post-operative effects of laser haemorrhoidectomy were selected, including 2 randomized controlled clinical trials and 1 controlled clinical trial. The overall quality of the trials was low, indicating a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

The laser haemorrhoidectomy procedure revealed a high therapeutic potential, considering the reduced number of postoperative complaints (bleeding/pain), the high symptom resolution and the reduced recurrence, albeit the high heterogeneity between the studies in terms of reported results. Future investigations with higher quality and controlled double-blinded studies obtaining better-categorized results should be conducted in order to better evaluate this procedure and compare it to the current paradigm.
Phenotypic characterization of idiopathic epilepsy and epilepsy of unknown cause in Irish Setters
Authors: Plonek Marta , Diaz-Espineira Montse M. , Stassen Quirine E. M. , Santifort Koen M. , Leegwater Peter A. J. , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: December 2022

Canine epileptic seizures are common neurological symptom presenting to veterinary practice. Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) with a suspected genetic background has been reported in several dog breeds. Although it has been reported in the Irish Setter (IS), the phenotypic characteristics have not yet been described. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenotype of IE in this breed and to trace its mode of inheritance.

Owners of IS were requested to fill in a questionnaire via the Dutch Irish Setter Club concerning the epileptic seizures in their dogs. The data was assessed retrospectively using descriptive statistics. Forty-eight privately owned IS dogs fulfilling tier I criteria for IE according to the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force of both sexes were included in the study. The mean age of seizure onset was 41 months. Five of the dogs included in the study had an onset of seizures >6 years of age. These dogs were classified with epilepsy of unknown cause (EUC). Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most common type of seizure and were seen in almost all dogs. Cluster seizures were reported in 54% of the studied population. Most owners reported pre- (56%) and post-ictal (97%) signs in their dogs. A pedigree analysis of one subpopulation was performed and traced the lineage of 13 affected IS. A segregation analysis of this population rejected a simple autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. The present study supports the occurrence of IE and EUC in the IS. The results provide clinical insight into epileptic seizures in this breed and may be a starting point for further, including genetic, analysis.
Effects of rumen-protected methionine supplementation on production performance, apparent digestibility, blood parameters, and ruminal fermentation of lactating Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Li Yuanxiao , Wei Jialin , Dou Mengying , Liu Shuai , Yan Bichuan , Li Cuiyu , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Zhang Yinghui , Xiao Jianxin
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of reducing dietary CP and supplementing rumen protected-methionine (RPM) on production performance, blood parameters, digestibility of nutrients or ruminal fermentation in lactating Holstein dairy cows. A total of 96 lactating cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: a diet containing 17.3% CP without RPM (control group; CON; n = 49) or a diet containing 16.4% CP and supplemented with 15.0 g/d of RPM (treatment group; RPM; n = 47). No effect was observed in the RPM group on milk yield, milk composition and digestibility of nutrients. The results of blood parameters showed that cows in the RPM group exhibited lower blood urea nitrogen concentration than in CON group. Rumen microbial crude protein (MCP) was higher in the RPM group compared to the CON group. Ruminal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were not different between treatments except for butyrate and isovalerate, which were higher in the RPM group than the CON group 2 h after feeding. In conclusion, reducing dietary CP with RPM supplementation did not limit milk yield, milk composition or digestibility of nutrients, but could improve nitrogen utilization, synthesis of MCP and partially increase VFA production 2 h after feeding cows.
Special Issue on Algorithms for Sequential Analysis
Authors: Sofronov Georgy
Published: December 2022

In a large variety of different fields, it is necessary to make decisions while information is still being collected [...]
Research Themes, Trends and Future Priorities in the Field of Climate Change and Health: A Review
Authors: Ouyang Huiling , Tang Xu , Zhang Renhe
Published: December 2022

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to human living and health in the 21st century. Whilst a large number of papers have been published addressing the health impact of climate change, there is a lack of comprehensive bibliometric analysis in the crosscutting field. This study evaluated the global scientific output of research in the field of climate change and health between 1990 and 2020, based on the Web of Science Core Collection database. Research themes were identified using a social network analysis technique based on author keywords. Research trends were assessed by the change in overall publication number and the percentage of publications in each research theme. Articles were further categorized by the availability of funding and author affiliation to compare the difference between developed and developing countries. Results showed that the research output in the field of climate change and health has increased dramatically in the past 30 years, mainly dominated by researchers in developed countries. The percentage of research receiving funding was found to be the lowest in those published by developing countries only and the highest in those published by the collaboration of developed and developing countries. A total of nine major research themes was identified. Research related to ‘risk assessment and adaptation’, ‘sustainable development’ and ‘infectious diseases’ were relatively underfunded. A significant research trend was observed between 2006 and 2020, with increased attention on research themes related to ‘risk assessment and adaptation’, ‘sustainable development’, ‘extreme events’ and ‘air pollution’, and reduced attention on research themes related to ‘ocean’, ‘infectious disease’ and ‘phenology’. The shift of the research trend was mainly driven by research in developed countries. Suggestions, recommendations and future priorities identified by experts in the field of atmospheric sciences, epidemiology, public health, climate change, environmental sciences, and policy development are also provided to guide future research. It is important to shift our focus from single health aspects to an integrated system (such as One Health framework, which considers environmental health, animal health and human health as a whole), with future research focusing more on the systemic impact of climate change in order to achieve better, more effective and efficient risk governance. More funding should be mobilized to support the research capacity building in developing countries and to support climate change adaptation strategies for sustainable development.
A Case Study of Bias Correction and the Dynamical Downscaling of CFSv2 S2S Forecasts Using a WRF Model: Heatwave in 2018 over South Korea
Authors: Oh Jiwon , Oh Jaiho , Huh Morang
Published: December 2022

Extreme weather events caused by climate change affect the growth of crops, requiring reliable weather forecasts. In order to provide day-to-season seamless forecasting data for the agricultural sector, improving the forecasting performance of the S2S period is necessary. A number of studies have been conducted to improve prediction performance based on the bias correction of systematic errors in GCM or by producing high-resolution data via dynamic detailing. In this study, a daily simple mean bias correction technique is applied on CFSv2 (∼100 km) data. We then use case studies to evaluate how beneficial the precision of the high-resolution RCM simulation is in improving S2S prediction performance using the bias-corrected lateral boundary. Based on our examination of 45-day sequences of WRF simulations with 27–9–3 km resolution, it can be concluded that a higher resolution is correlated with better prediction in the case of the extreme heatwave in Korea in 2018. However, the effect of bias correction in improving predictive performances is not significant, suggesting that further studies on more cases are necessary to obtain more solid conclusions in the future.
Control of PMSM Based on Switched Systems and Field-Oriented Control Strategy
Authors: Nicola Marcel , Nicola Claudiu-Ionel , Selișteanu Dan , Ionete Cosmin
Published: December 2022

Starting from the problem of studying the parametric robustness in the case of the control of a permanent magnet-synchronous motor (PMSM), although robust control systems correspond entirely to this problem, due to the complexity of the algorithms of the robust type, in this article the use of switched systems theory is proposed as a study option, given the fact that these types of systems are suitable both for the study of systems with variable structure and for systems with significant parametric variation under conditions of lower complexity of the control algorithms. The study begins by linearizing a PMSM model at a static operating point and continues with a systematic presentation of the basic elements and concepts concerning the stability of switched systems by applying these concepts to the control system of a PMSM based on the field-oriented control (FOC) strategy, which usually changes the value of its parameters during operation (stator resistance Rs, stator inductances Ld and Lq, but also combined inertia of PMSM rotor and load J). The numerical simulations performed in Simulink validate the fact that, for parametric variations of the PMSM structure, the PMSM control switched systems preserve qualitative performance in terms of its control. A series of Matlab programs are presented based on the YALMIP toolbox to obtain Pi matrices, by solving Lyapunov–Metzler type inequalities, and using dwell time to demonstrate stability, as well as the qualitative study of the performance of PMSM control switched systems by presenting in phase plane and state space analysis of the evolution of state vectors: ω PMSM rotor speed, iq current, and id current.
Influence of the Oxygen Surface Functionalities Introduced by Electrochemical Treatment on the Behavior of Graphite Felts as Electrodes in VRFBs
Authors: García-Alcalde Laura , Concheso Alejandro , Rocha Victoria G. , Blanco Clara , Santamaría Ricardo , González Zoraida
Published: December 2022

Graphite felts act as electrodes in VRFBs thanks to their properties such as chemical strength and electrical conductivity or 3D-structure. However, there are significant drawbacks to be overcome, such as their low wettability, sluggish kinetic reversibility and electroactivity towards faradaic processes related to vanadium electroactive species. As a consequence, it is key to alter the fibres to enhance their electrochemical performance during battery operation. Most of the previously reported modifications have been focused on incorporating surface oxygenated functional groups, even though the role of those groups on the electrocatalytic activity towards vanadium faradaic processes is still not clear. Aiming to gain knowledge on this issue, this work investigates the influence of electro-oxidation and electro-reduction treatments, performed in different acidic media (H2SO4 or HNO3 solutions), on their subsequent electrochemical response towards VO2+/VO2+ and V3+/V2+ faradaic processes. The chemical and electrochemical properties of the modified felts were analyzed to understand two key parameters that affect the vanadium reaction catalysis: the depth and oxidation degree of the fibres. A treatment with HNO3, a strong oxidizing agent, leads to a deep oxidation of the fibre and the development of a high density of oxygenated functional groups, mainly C=O, which hinder the redox reactions of vanadium, especially for the faradaic reactions from the catholyte.
Effect of the Thumb Orientation and Actuation on the Functionality and Performance of Affordable Prosthetic Hands: Obtaining Design Criteria
Authors: Andrés-Esperanza Javier , Iserte-Vilar Jose L. , Llop-Harillo Immaculada , Pérez-González Antonio
Published: December 2022

The advent of 3D printing technologies has enabled the development of low-cost prosthetic underactuated hands, with cables working as tendons for flexion. Despite the particular relevance to human grasp, its conception in prosthetics is based on vague intuitions of the designers due to the lack of studies on its relevance to the functionality and performance of the device. In this work, some criteria for designers are provided regarding the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb in these devices. To this end, we studied four prosthetic hands of similar characteristics with the motion of abduction/adduction of the thumb resolved in three different ways: fixed at a certain abduction, coupled with the motion of flexion/extension, and actuated independently of the flexion/extension. The functionality and performance of the hands were assessed for the basic grasps using the Anthropomorphic Hand Assessment Protocol (AHAP) and a reduced version of the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure (SHAP). As a general rule, it seems desirable that thumb adduction/abduction is performed independently of flexion/extension, although this adds one degree of control. If having this additional degree of control is beyond debate, coupled flexion/extension and adduction/abduction should be avoided in favour of the thumb having a fixed slight palmar abduction.
Burdens and Resources of Staff of a Specialized Ward for Neuropalliative Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Herwest Sarah , Kuhlmann Stella Linnea , Willert Anna-Christin , Ploner Christoph Johannes , Kowski Alexander Bernhard
Published: December 2022

Palliative care adds significant burdens to healthcare workers. In neuropalliative care (NPC), additional challenges include patient symptom burdens, such as impairments in mobility, cognition, and communication. After one year of operating the first NPC ward in Germany, we assessed burdens, resources, and the number of deaths perceived as stressful. NPC physicians and nursing staff were compared with the team of other neurological wards, including a stroke unit. The assessment took place between March 2022 and May 2022. All 64 team members were contacted; the responder rate was 81%. The perceived burden was high but did not differ between groups. There were no differences between the NPC- and the neurological wards in the number of deaths perceived as stressful. However, rather than the number of deaths, the circumstances of dying influence the perceived distress. The resources mentioned were similar between groups, with the team and private life being most important. Communication difficulties were frequently cited as stressful, whereas successful communication was identified as a resource.
Exercise and Bone Health in Cancer: Enemy or Ally?
Authors: Avancini Alice , Benato Giulia , Borsati Anita , Oliviero Luca , Belluomini Lorenzo , Sposito Marco , Tregnago Daniela , Trestini Ilaria , Insolda Jessica , Zacchi Francesca , Fiorio Elena , Schena Federico , Milella Michele , Pilotto Sara
Published: December 2022

Bone health is often threatened in cancer patients. Bone metastasis and osteoporosis frequently occur in patients with cancer and may lead to different skeletal-related events, which may negatively affect patients’ quality of life and are associated with high mortality risk. Physical exercise has been recognized as a potential adjunctive strategy in the cancer setting to improve physical function as well as treatment-related side effects. Nevertheless, exercise is often not recommended to patients with bone health impairments due to safety concerns. In the current review, we aimed, through a comprehensive review of the evidence, to explore the impact of exercise in terms of safety profile, bone outcomes, and the effects on other outcomes in patients with cancer affected by bone metastasis or at high risk of losing bone. Additionally, we explored the potential mechanisms by which exercise may act on bone, particularly the impact of mechanical load on bone remodeling. Finally, considerations about exercise prescription and programming in these populations are also discussed.
Impact of Bevacizumab on Visual Function, Tumor Size, and Toxicity in Pediatric Progressive Optic Pathway Glioma: A Retrospective Nationwide Multicentre Study
Authors: Bennebroek Carlien A. M. , van Zwol Judith , Porro Giorgio L. , Oostenbrink Rianne , Dittrich Anne T. M. , Groot Annabel L. W. , Pott Jan W. , Janssen Etienne J. M. , Bauer Noël J. , van Genderen Maria M. , Saeed Peerooz , Lequin Maarten H. , de Graaf Pim , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N.
Published: December 2022

Backgrounds: Bevacizumab (BVZ) is used as a subsequent line of treatment for pediatric optic pathway glioma (OPG) in the case of progression. Data on the treatment effect concerning tumor progression and visual function are scarce and nationwide studies are lacking. Methods: We performed a retrospective, nationwide, multicentre cohort study including all pediatric patients with OPG treated with BVZ in the Netherlands (2009–2021). Progression-free survival, change in visual acuity and visual field, MRI-based radiologic response, and toxicity were evaluated. Results: In total, 33 pediatric patients with OPG were treated with BVZ (median 12 months). Visual acuity improved in 20.5%, remained stable in 74.4%, and decreased in 5.1% of 39 of all analysed eyes. The monocular visual field improved in 73.1%, remained stable in 15.4%, and decreased in 7.7% of 25 analysed eyes. Radiologic response at the end of therapy showed a partial response in 7 patients (21.9%), minor response in 7 (21.9%), stable disease in 15 (46.9%), and progressive disease in 3 (9.3%). Progression-free survival at 18 and 36 months after the start of BVZ reduced from 70.9% to 38.0%. Toxicity (≥grade 3 CTCAE) during treatment was observed in five patients (15.2%). Conclusion: Treatment of BVZ in pediatric patients with OPG revealed stabilisation in the majority of patients, but was followed by progression at a later time point in more than 60% of patients. This profile seems relatively acceptable given the benefits of visual field improvement in more than 70% of analysed eyes and visual acuity improvement in more than 20% of eyes at the cessation of BVZ.
Oral Microbiome in Nonsmoker Patients with Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Defined by Metagenomic Shotgun Sequencing
Authors: Ganly Ian , Hao Yuhan , Rosenthal Matthew , Wang Hongmei , Migliacci Jocelyn , Huang Bin , Katabi Nora , Brown Stuart , Tang Yi-Wei , Pei Zhiheng , Yang Liying
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Smoking is the commonest cause of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OC-SCC), but the etiology of OC-SCC in nonsmokers is unknown. Our primary goal was to use metagenomic shotgun sequencing (MSS) to define the taxonomic composition and functional potential of oral metagenome in nonsmokers with OC-SCC. Methods: We conducted a case–control study with 42 OC-SCC case and 45 control nonsmokers. MSS was performed on DNA extracted from mouthwash samples. Taxonomic analysis and pathway analysis were done using MetaPhlAn2 and HUMAnN2, respectively. Statistical difference was determined using the Mann–Whitney test controlling false discovery rate. Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex, race, or alcohol consumption between OC-SCC and control patients. There was a significant difference in beta diversity between OC-SCC and controls. At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes were overly represented in OC-SCC while Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were overly represented in controls. At the genus level, Fusobacterium was overly represented in OC-SCC compared with controls, while Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Cryptobacterium, and Selenomonas were overly represented in controls. Bacterial pathway analysis identified overrepresentation in OC-SCC of pathways related to metabolism of flavin, biotin, thiamin, heme, sugars, fatty acids, peptidoglycans, and tRNA and overrepresentation of nucleotides and essential amino acids in controls. Conclusions: The oral microbiome in nonsmoker patients with OC-SCC is significantly different from that of nonsmoker control patients in taxonomic compositions and functional potentials. Our study’s MSS findings matched with previous 16S-based methods in taxonomic differentiation but varied greatly in functional differentiation of microbiomes in OC-SCC and controls.
Fear of Cancer Recurrence in Sarcoma Survivors: Results from the SURVSARC Study
Authors: Pellegrini Ilaria , Drabbe Cas , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Van de Sande Michiel A. J. , de Haan Jacco J. , Keymeulen Kristien B.M.I. , Bonenkamp Johannes J. , Van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Husson Olga
Published: December 2022

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is often reported as an unmet concern by cancer patients. The aim of our study was to investigate (1) the prevalence of FCR in sarcoma survivors; (2) the factors associated with a higher level of FCR; the relationship between (3) FCR and global health status and (4) FCR and use of follow-up care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among sarcoma survivors 2 to 10 years after diagnosis. Patients completed the Cancer Worry Scale (CWS), the global health status subscale of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and a custom-made questionnaire on follow-up care. Results: In total, 1047 patients were included (response rate 55%). The prevalence of high FCR was 45%. Factors associated with high FCR were female sex with 1.6 higher odds (95% CI 1.22–2.25; p = 0.001); having ≥1 comorbidities and receiving any treatment other than surgery alone with 1.5 (95% CI 1.07–2.05; p = 0.017) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.06–1.98; p = 0.020) higher odds, respectively. Patients on active follow-up had 1.7 higher odds (95% CI 1.20–2.61; p = 0.004) and patients with higher levels of FCR scored lower on the global health status scale (72 vs. 83 p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Severe FCR is common in sarcoma survivors and high levels are related to a decreased global health status. FCR deserves more attention in sarcoma survivorship, and structured support programs should be developed to deliver interventions in a correct and time adequate environment.