bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Fluorescent Anti-CEA Antibodies to Label, Resect and Treat Cancers: A Review
Authors: Turner Michael A. , Lwin Thinzar M. , Amirfakhri Siamak , Nishino Hiroto , Hoffman Robert M. , Yazaki Paul J. , Bouvet Michael
Published: December 2021

A major barrier to the diagnosis and effective treatment of solid-tumor cancers is the difficulty in detection and visualization of tumor margins in primary and metastatic disease. The use of fluorescence can augment the surgeon’s ability to detect cancer and aid in its resection. Several cancer types express carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) including colorectal, pancreatic and gastric cancer. Antibodies to CEA have been developed and tagged with near-infrared fluorescent dyes. This review article surveyed the use of CEA antibodies conjugated to fluorescent probes for in vivo studies since 1990. PubMed and Google Scholar databases were queried, and 900 titles and abstracts were screened. Fifty-nine entries were identified as possibly meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria and were reviewed in full. Forty articles were included in the review and their citations were screened for additional entries. A total of 44 articles were included in the final review. The use of fluorescent anti-CEA antibodies has been shown to improve detection and resection of tumors in both murine models and clinically. The cumulative results indicate that fluorescent-conjugated anti-CEA antibodies have important potential to improve cancer diagnosis and surgery. In an emerging technology, anti-CEA fluorescent antibodies have also been successfully used for photoimmunotherapy treatment for cancer.
The Most Relevant Factors Affecting the Perioperative Death Rate in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and COVID-19, Based on Annual Follow-Up in the ORPKI Registry
Authors: Kaziród-Wolski Karol , Sielski Janusz , Sidło Jacek , Januszek Rafał , Siudak Zbigniew
Published: December 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affecting the functioning of the entire healthcare system. The disease itself may be associated with thromboembolic complications. The purpose of this study is to compare patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and patients with ACS who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in terms of their clinical profile, management, treatment complications, and prognosis. Methods: We analyzed 47,940 cases of patients treated for ACS in 2020, including 44,952 patients (93.8%) who were not diagnosed with COVID-19 and 2988 patients (6.2%) who tested positive for COVID-19. Results: Patients with COVID-19 were significantly more likely to experience out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (7.9 vs. 1.1%; p < 0.0001) and be transported directly to a catheterization laboratory (21.3% vs. 8.1%; p < 0.0001). Mortality was significantly higher in this group (0.9% vs. 0.4%; p < 0.0001). The risk of perioperative death was increased by age over 65 years, use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (GPI IIb/IIIa), femoral access, critical left main stem coronary artery (LMCA) vascular lesions, ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and no-reflow phenomenon. Conclusions: Despite the pandemic, patients with COVID-19 were treated equally to healthy patients. Efficient organization of the healthcare system allowed the prompt transportation of patients to catheterization laboratories. The study group was characterized by a worse prognosis that was affected by multiple factors.
Ex Vivo Expanded Circulating Tumor Cells for Clinical Anti-Cancer Drug Prediction in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Lin Kuan-Chou , Ting Lai-Lei , Chang Chia-Lun , Lu Long-Sheng , Lee Hsin-Lun , Hsu Fang-Chi , Chiou Jeng-Fong , Wang Peng-Yuan , Burnouf Thierry , Ho Dennis Chun-Yu , Yang Kai-Chiang , Chen Chang-Yu , Chen Chu-Huang , Wu Ching-Zong , Chen Yin-Ju
Published: December 2021

The advanced-stage head and neck cancer (HNC) patients respond poorly to platinum-based treatments. Thus, a reliable pretreatment method for evaluating platinum treatment response would improve therapeutic efficiency and outcomes. This study describes a novel strategy to predict clinical drug responses in HNC patients by using eSelect, a lab-developed biomimetic cell culture system, which enables us to perform ex vivo expansion and drug sensitivity profiling of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Forty liquid biopsies were collected from HNC patients, and the CTCs were expanded ex vivo using the eSelect system within four weeks. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the CTC-derived organoids were positive for EpCAM and negative for CD45. Two illustrative cases present the potential of this strategy for evaluating treatment response. The statistical analysis confirmed that drug sensitivity in CTC-derived organoids was associated with a clinical response. The multivariant logistic regression model predicted that the treatment accuracy of chemotherapy responses achieved 93.75%, and the area under the curves (AUCs) of prediction models was 0.8841 in the whole dataset and 0.9167 in cisplatin specific dataset. In summary, cisplatin sensitivity profiles of patient-derived CTCs expanded ex vivo correlate with a clinical response to cisplatin treatment, and this can potentially underpin predictive assays to guide HNC treatments.
Single Snapshot Imaging of Optical Properties (SSOP) for Perfusion Assessment during Gastric Conduit Creation for Esophagectomy: An Experimental Study on Pigs
Authors: Cinelli Lorenzo , Felli Eric , Baratelli Luca , Ségaud Silvère , Baiocchini Andrea , Okamoto Nariaki , Rodríguez-Luna María Rita , Elmore Ugo , Rosati Riccardo , Partelli Stefano , Marescaux Jacques , Gioux Sylvain , Diana Michele
Published: December 2021

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious complication occurring after esophagectomy. The current knowledge suggests that inadequate intraoperative perfusion in the anastomotic site contributes to an increase in the AL rate. Presently, clinical estimation undertaken by surgeons is not accurate and new technology is necessary to improve the intraoperative assessment of tissue oxygenation. In the present study, we demonstrate the application of a novel optical technology, namely Single Snapshot imaging of Optical Properties (SSOP), used to quantify StO2% in an open surgery experimental gastric conduit (GC) model. After the creation of a gastric conduit, local StO2% was measured with a preclinical SSOP system for 60 min in the antrum (ROI-A), corpus (ROI-C), and fundus (ROI-F). The removed region (ROI-R) acted as ischemic control. ROI-R had statistically significant lower StO2% when compared to all other ROIs at T15, T30, T45, and T60 (p < 0.0001). Local capillary lactates (LCLs) and StO2% correlation was statistically significant (R = −0.8439, 95% CI −0.9367 to −0.6407, p < 0.0001). Finally, SSOP could discriminate resected from perfused regions and ROI-A from ROI-F (the future anastomotic site). In conclusion, SSOP could well be a suitable technology to assess intraoperative perfusion of GC, providing consistent StO2% quantification and ROIs discrimination.
Mismatch Repair Deficiency and Somatic Mutations in Human Sinonasal Tumors
Authors: Hieggelke Lena , Heydt Carina , Castiglione Roberta , Rehker Jan , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Riobello Cristina , Llorente José Luis , Hermsen Mario A. , Buettner Reinhard
Published: December 2021

Due to limitations in local therapy approaches for sinonasal tumors, improvement in systemic therapies plays a pivotal role for prolongation of the patient’s survival. The aim of this study was to examine potential biomarkers, including deficiency in mismatch repair proteins (dMMR)/microsatellite instability (MSI-H) in sinonasal cancers and their precancerous lesions. A comprehensive analysis of 10 sinonasal cancer cell lines by whole exome sequencing, screening 174 sinonasal tumors by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch repair deficiency and next generation sequencing (NGS) of 136 tumor samples revealed a dMMR/MSI-H sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) cell line based on a somatic missense mutation in MLH1 and an overall frequency of dMMR/MSI-H SNSCC of 3.2% (4/125). Targetable EGFR mutations were found in 89.3% (25/28) of inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP) and in 60% (6/10) of ISP-associated carcinomas. While PIK3CA and EGFR mutations were not mutually exclusive, KRAS mutated tumors were an EGFR-wildtype. The effect of potential driver mutations in FGFR2, FGFR3, BRAF, HRAS, MAP2K1, PTEN, NOTCH1 and CARD11 need further investigation. Our results suggest that biomarker testing, including MMR-IHC and NGS panel analysis, should be integrated into the diagnostics of clinically aggressive ISPs and SNSCC to assess prognosis and facilitate therapeutic decisions.
An Intersectional Perspective on the Utilization of Cervical Cancer Screening among Migrants. A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Survey Data from Austria
Authors: Brzoska Patrick , Wahidie Diana , Yilmaz-Aslan Yüce
Published: December 2021

In most European countries, migrant women have lower rates of cervical cancer screening utilization than non-migrant women. While studies have illustrated that disparities can be partially explained by social determinants, they usually did not take into account the heterogeneity of the migrant population in terms of cultural background or country of origin. Applying an intersectional approach and using 2019 data from a representative survey from Austria on 6228 women aged 20–69 years, the present study examines differences in the utilization of cervical cancer screening in the five largest migrant groups (i.e., individuals with a nationality from or born in a Yugoslav successor state, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, or Germany) residing in Austria. By means of a multivariable analysis, amongst others adjusted for socioeconomic and health-related determinants, it is illustrated that particularly Turkish migrant women have a lower utilization than the Austrian majority population (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.60; 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.40–0.91), while no significant differences between the majority population and other groups of migrants became evident. The findings are indicative of the heterogeneity of migrants and likely result from different obstacles some groups of migrants encounter in the health system. This heterogeneity must be taken into account in order to support informed decision-making and to ensure adequate preventive care.
Integration of Tumor Heterogeneity for Recurrence Prediction in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Authors: Mai Zihang , Liu Qianwen , Wang Xinye , Xie Jiaxin , Yuan Jianye , Zhong Jian , Fang Shuogui , Xie Xiuying , Yang Hong , Wen Jing , Fu Jianhua
Published: December 2021

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the deadliest malignancies in China. The prognostic value of mutations, especially those in minor tumor clones, has not been systematically investigated. We conducted targeted deep sequencing to analyze the mutation status and the cancer cell fraction (CCF) of mutations in 201 ESCC patients. Our analysis showed that the prognostic effect of mutations was relevant to the CCF, and it should be considered in prognosis prediction. EP300 was a promising biomarker for overall survival, impairing prognosis in a CCF dose-dependent manner. We constructed a CCF-based predictor using a smooth clipped absolute deviation Cox model in the training set of 143 patients. The 3-year disease-free survival rates were 6.3% (95% CI: 1.6–23.9%), 29.8% (20.9–42.6%) and 70.5% (56.6–87.7%) in high-, intermediate- and low-risk patients, respectively, in the training set. The prognostic accuracy was verified in a validation set of 58 patients and the TCGA-ESCC cohort. The eight-gene model predicted prognosis independent of clinicopathological factors and the combination of our model and pathological staging markedly improved the prognostic accuracy of pathological staging alone. Our study describes a novel recurrence predictor for ESCC patients and provides a new perspective for the clinical translation of genomic findings.
Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Neurodevelopmental Disorders Caused by Rac GTPases Dysregulation: What’s behind Neuro-RACopathies
Authors: Scala Marcello , Nishikawa Masashi , Nagata Koh-ichi , Striano Pasquale
Published: December 2021

Rho family guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) regulate cellular signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics, playing a pivotal role in cell adhesion, migration, and cell cycle progression. The Rac subfamily of Rho GTPases consists of three highly homologous proteins, Rac 1–3. The proper function of Rac1 and Rac3, and their correct interaction with guanine nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) are crucial for neural development. Pathogenic variants affecting these delicate biological processes are implicated in different medical conditions in humans, primarily neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In addition to a direct deleterious effect produced by genetic variants in the RAC genes, a dysregulated GTPase activity resulting from an abnormal function of GEFs and GAPs has been involved in the pathogenesis of distinctive emerging conditions. In this study, we reviewed the current pertinent literature on Rac-related disorders with a primary neurological involvement, providing an overview of the current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the neuro-RACopathies.
Efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Yoshimura Kohei , Kawabata Shinji , Kashiwagi Hideki , Fukuo Yusuke , Takeuchi Koji , Futamura Gen , Hiramatsu Ryo , Takata Takushi , Tanaka Hiroki , Watanabe Tsubasa , Suzuki Minoru , Hu Naonori , Miyatake Shin-Ichi , Wanibuchi Masahiko
Published: December 2021

Background: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a nuclear reaction-based tumor cell-selective particle irradiation method. High-dose methotrexate and whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) are the recommended treatments for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). This tumor responds well to initial treatment but relapses even after successful treatment, and the prognosis is poor as there is no safe and effective treatment for relapse. In this study, we aimed to conduct basic research to explore the possibility of using BNCT as a treatment for PCNSL. Methods: The boron concentration in human lymphoma cells was measured. Subsequently, neutron irradiation experiments on lymphoma cells were conducted. A mouse central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma model was created to evaluate the biodistribution of boron after the administration of borono-phenylalanine as a capture agent. In the neutron irradiation study of a mouse PCNSL model, the therapeutic effect of BNCT on PCNSL was evaluated in terms of survival. Results: The boron uptake capability of human lymphoma cells was sufficiently high both in vitro and in vivo. In the neutron irradiation study, the BNCT group showed a higher cell killing effect and prolonged survival compared with the control group. Conclusions: A new therapeutic approach for PCNSL is urgently required, and BNCT may be a promising treatment for PCNSL. The results of this study, including those of neutron irradiation, suggest success in the conduct of future clinical trials to explore the possibility of BNCT as a new treatment option for PCNSL.
A Functional Precision Medicine Pipeline Combines Comparative Transcriptomics and Tumor Organoid Modeling to Identify Bespoke Treatment Strategies for Glioblastoma
Authors: Reed Megan R. , Lyle A. Geoffrey , De Loose Annick , Maddukuri Leena , Learned Katrina , Beale Holly C. , Kephart Ellen T. , Cheney Allison , van den Bout Anouk , Lee Madison P. , Hundley Kelsey N. , Smith Ashley M. , DesRochers Teresa M. , Vibat Cecile Rose T. , Gokden Murat , Salama Sofie , Wardell Christopher P. , Eoff Robert L. , Vaske Olena M. , Rodriguez Analiz
Published: December 2021

Li Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in TP53. TP53 is the most common mutated gene in human cancer, occurring in 30–50% of glioblastomas (GBM). Here, we highlight a precision medicine platform to identify potential targets for a GBM patient with LFS. We used a comparative transcriptomics approach to identify genes that are uniquely overexpressed in the LFS GBM patient relative to a cancer compendium of 12,747 tumor RNA sequencing data sets, including 200 GBMs. STAT1 and STAT2 were identified as being significantly overexpressed in the LFS patient, indicating ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase 1 and 2 inhibitors, as a potential therapy. The LFS patient had the highest level of STAT1 and STAT2 expression in an institutional high-grade glioma cohort of 45 patients, further supporting the cancer compendium results. To empirically validate the comparative transcriptomics pipeline, we used a combination of adherent and organoid cell culture techniques, including ex vivo patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from four patient-derived cell lines, including the LFS patient. STAT1 and STAT2 expression levels in the four patient-derived cells correlated with levels identified in the respective parent tumors. In both adherent and organoid cultures, cells from the LFS patient were among the most sensitive to ruxolitinib compared to patient-derived cells with lower STAT1 and STAT2 expression levels. A spheroid-based drug screening assay (3D-PREDICT) was performed and used to identify further therapeutic targets. Two targeted therapies were selected for the patient of interest and resulted in radiographic disease stability. This manuscript supports the use of comparative transcriptomics to identify personalized therapeutic targets in a functional precision medicine platform for malignant brain tumors.
Progressive Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Ramai Daryl , Facciorusso Antonio , Vigandt Erika , Schaf Bryan , Saadedeen Waleed , Chauhan Aditya , di Nunzio Sara , Shah Aashni , Giacomelli Luca , Sacco Rodolfo
Published: December 2021

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic and progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Its global incidence is increasing and makes NASH an epidemic and a public health threat. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with major morbidity and mortality, with a heavy burden on quality of life and liver transplant requirements. Due to repeated insults to the liver, patients are at risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma. The progression of NASH was initially defined according to a two-hit model involving an initial development of steatosis, followed by a process of lipid peroxidation and inflammation. In contrast, current evidence proposes a “multi-hit” or “multi-parallel hit” model that includes multiple pathways promoting progressive fibrosis and oncogenesis. This model includes multiple cellular, genetic, immunological, metabolic, and endocrine pathways leading to hepatocellular carcinoma development, underscoring the complexity of this disease.
The Current Status of Neuroprotection in Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Kobayashi Kei , Liu Christopher , Jonas Richard A. , Ishibashi Nobuyuki
Published: December 2021

Neurological deficits are a serious and common sequelae of congenital heart disease (CHD). While their underlying mechanisms have not been fully characterized, their manifestations are well-known and understood to persist through adulthood. Development of therapies to address or prevent these deficits are critical to attenuate future morbidity and improve quality of life. In this review, we aim to summarize the current status of neuroprotective therapy in CHD. Through an exploration of present research in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases of patient management, we will describe existing clinical and bench efforts as well as current endeavors underway within this research area.
The New Generation of Professional Soccer Talent Is Born under the Bias of the RAE: Relative Age Effect in International Male Youth Soccer Championships
Authors: Pérez-González Benito , León-Quismondo Jairo , Bonal José , Burillo Pablo , Fernández-Luna Álvaro
Published: December 2021

In 2019, numerous championships of youth categories soccer national teams were held. In the present study, we analyzed the existence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in four major male championships that, due to their importance and participating teams, most likely brought together the great bulk of the players who will dominate professional soccer in the next decade. Participants were professional and amateur youth male soccer players who participated in the last international championships: UEFA European Under-21 Championship (2017–2019); UEFA European Under-19 Championship (2019); South American Youth Football Championship (also known as Conmebol U-20) (2019); and FIFA U-20 World Cup (2019), with 823 players (20.25 ± 0.84 years). In the four championships analyzed, the existence of RAE was found for all players (p < 0.001). Analyzing the players when considering their position on the pitch and their championship, RAE was found, statistically significant, in 10 of the 16 classifications. New generations of elite soccer players arrive with a clear bias in the selection of talent; an unfair bias, based on unequal opportunities in early categories, which should be reviewed by sports authorities.
Durable Response to Brentuximab Vedotin Plus Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, and Prednisone (BV-CHP) in a Patient with CD30-Positive PTCL Arising as a Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD)
Authors: Hong Jennifer , Johnson William T. , Kartan Saritha , Gonsalves Anitha S. , Fenkel Jonathan M. , Gong Jerald Z. , Porcu Pierluigi
Published: December 2021

T-cell PTLDs are lymphoid proliferations that develop in recipients of SOT or allogeneic HSCT. They carry an extremely poor prognosis with a reported median survival of only 6 months. The infrequency with which they are encountered makes treatment a challenge due to the lack of prospective trials to guide management. The significantly higher risk of morbidity and mortality in T-cell PTLD, compared to B-cell PTLD, underscores the challenge of treating these patients and the need for new therapeutic options. Brentuximab vedotin, an ADC targeting CD30, is FDA-approved in combination with CHP as front-line treatment for patients with CD30 expressing PTCL. Herein we report a case of CD30-positive T-cell PTLD that was successfully treated with BV-CHP, suggesting the added value of the addition of BV to chemotherapy, contributing to our patient’s long and ongoing progression-free survival. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of successful treatment using BV-CHP for a CD30-positive, EBV-negative, late T-cell PTLD.
Fragmentation of Coastal Grasslands by Plantations and Spontaneous Spread of Invasive Pines in the Southern Pampa
Authors: Yezzi Alejandra , Nebbia Ana , Zalba Sergio
Published: December 2021

Coastal dunes of the southern Buenos Aires province, in Argentina, are one of the last remnants of biodiversity in the southern Pampa unit, within the Rio de la Plata Grasslands. While the direct loss of grasslands due to the advance of cities and afforestation is conspicuous, the negative effects of the subdivision of the remaining environments on biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics are less considered. Our work aimed to analyze the combined effect of fires and subdivision of grasslands by invasive alien trees. Our results suggest that fragmentation affects the resilience of coastal grasslands after fire and affects the course of succession, promoting the establishment of invasive alien plants. We also suggest that fires favor the advance of pines and acacias towards the interior of grassland remnants, further reducing their area. The effective conservation of the components of Pampas biodiversity that still persist in these coastal ecosystems will depend on preventing, mitigating and compensating the insularization effects associated with forest plantations and the expansion of invasive trees, by means of adequate territorial planning that allows remnants to be maintained in a good state of conservation.
Ultrasound Imaging of Brachial and Antebrachial Fasciae
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Guidolin Diego , Fede Caterina , Macchi Veronica , De Caro Raffaele , Stecco Carla
Published: December 2021

Knowledge about fasciae has become increasingly relevant in connection to regional anesthesiology, given the growing interest in fascial plane, interfascial, and nerve blocks. Ultrasound (US) imaging, thanks to high definition, provides the possibility to visualize and measure their thickness. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare, by US imaging, the thickness of deep/muscular fasciae in different points of the arm and forearm. An observational study has been performed using US imaging to measure brachial and antebrachial fasciae thickness at anterior and posterior regions, respectively, of the arm and forearm at different levels with a new protocol in a sample of 25 healthy volunteers. Results of fascial thickness revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) in the brachial fascia between the anterior and the posterior regions; in terms of the antebrachial fascia, no statistically significant difference was present (p > 0.05) between the regions/levels. Moreover, regarding the posterior region/levels, the brachial fascia had a greater thickness (mean 0.81 ± 0.20 mm) than the antebrachial fascia (mean 0.71 ± 0.20 mm); regarding the anterior region/levels, the antebrachial fascia was thicker (mean 0.70 ± 0.2 mm) than the brachial fascia (mean 0.61 ± 0.11 mm). In addition, the intra-rater reliability reported good reliability (ICC2,k: 0.88). US imaging helps to improve grading of fascial dysfunction or disease by revealing subclinical lesions, clinically invisible fascial changes, and one of the US parameters to reliably evaluate is the thickness in the different regions and levels.
The Impact of Integrating Musical and Image Technology upon the Level of Learning Engagement of Pre-School Children
Authors: Lee Liza , Liang Wei-Ju , Sun Fu-Chih
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of music technology on the attitudes and engagement level of preschool children. The desired outcome of the study is to formulate recommendations to improve the teaching curriculum through the use of physical activities at the preschool level. The strategy tested involved integrating technology, music, and images into children’s physical activities to enhance their willingness to learn, preference, and motor skills. The study used music and images created through technology instruments to stimulate multiple senses, including vision, hearing, and touch sensations. It was expected to enhance learning interests and motor skills among children in physical activities. The innovative courses were developed jointly by qualified and senior preschool teachers, a physical fitness trainer, and a music therapist. The regimen involved a set of lesson plans combining music technology with physical training for children. The study used 64 healthy children who were 5 years old and studied at a private preschool in Taiwan, who were divided into an experimental group that implemented the innovative courses and a control group that adopted traditional teaching. The physical training courses were implemented twice a week, with 45 min per session for 18 weeks. The results revealed a significant enhancement in the concentration, preference, and willingness of participation among children in the experimental group after participation in the course. However, these effects were not observed and were not found among the children in the control group. Additionally, it was also found that the positive impact of enhanced motor skills, such as dynamic balance, hopping, and jumping, was significantly better among children in the experimental group than those in the control group. Consequently, this research study supports the integration of music technology and images into physical courses for children. Clinically, it indicates a significantly improved enhancement effect towards learning mentality and motor skills among children. This innovative teaching approach suggests a high probability to substantially assist the preschool’s course management strategy and methodical learning effects.
Student Teachers’ Sustainable Behavior
Authors: Vukelić Nena , Rončević Nena
Published: December 2021

This study contributes to the understanding of student teachers’ sustainable behaviors. (Future) teachers are perceived as models of social learning as they model desirable behavior, attitudes, values, and emotions while living and demonstrating a pro-sustainable lifestyle. Therefore, it is essential to understand which personal variables, aptitudes, and psychological benefits predispose them towards a pro-sustainable lifestyle. This study’s intent was to consider components that can affect sustainable actions such as psychological tendencies (e.g., attitudes, motives, beliefs, values, norms) and consequences (e.g., well-being or happiness) associated with sustainable actions. This study’s main objective was to test the sustainable behavior model on a sample of student teachers. A total of 496 student teachers participated in the study. The results analyzed by SEM indicate that student teachers’ sustainable behavior is directly predicted by their intention to act, which is both positively and significantly influenced by indignation and affinity towards diversity. Additionally, sustainable behaviors slightly (but statistically significantly) predict the self-assessment of happiness. These findings contribute to a better general understanding of sustainable behaviors’ antecedents and repercussion variables, especially within a student teacher population.
An Adaptive Hierarchical Hybrid Multicast Based on Information-Centric Networking
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Jinlin , Zhu Xiaoyong , You Jiali , Hu Linlin
Published: December 2021

Many information-centric services have emerged, such as IPTV and video conferencing. These services put a lot of demands on scalable multicast communication. However, traditional IP multicast has low adoption because of its poor scalability. Therefore, some stateless multicast methods were proposed, which encapsulate the destination’s information into the packet header without requiring routers to maintain the multicast forwarding state. However, stateless multicast also faces some problems, such as ingress router overload, high forwarding overhead, packet redundancy, etc. In addition, most multicast methods cannot optimize the multicast tree because the multicast flow is simply forwarded along the shortest path tree from the source to receivers. This paper proposes an Adaptive Hierarchical Hybrid Multicast (AHHM) based on Information-Centric Networking. To balance the forwarding states and forwarding overhead, AHHM is designed as a two-layer structure, in which the upper layer establishes a stateful main tree and the lower layer establishes several stateless sub trees. The router on the main tree is defined as the multicast join node (MJN), and AHHM uses the Name Resolution System to maintain the mapping between each multicast group name and corresponding MJNs. To optimize the multicast transmission path, we designed the minimum cost selection strategy for users to select the appropriate MJN to join. Simulation results show that compared with Source-Specific Multicast (SSM) and Bit Index Explicit Replication (BIER), AHHM can not only reduce the multicast forwarding states but also reduce the control overhead and link load.
Reliability and Characteristic Analysis Considering the Circuit Structure and Operation Risk of Forward Converters
Authors: Kwak Yun-Gi , Heo Dae-Ho , Kang Feel-Soon
Published: December 2021

The forward converter is divided into two circuit topologies depending on the method of resetting the energy stored in the magnetizing inductance of the transformer: a single-ended structure using a reset circuit and a double-ended structure called a two-switch forward converter and, accordingly, a difference occurs in the operational mode. Generally, forward converters are designed with low power of less than 500 W and are sold at low prices, so it is common to replace them in case of failure. However, in terms of environmental conservation through resource saving, it is desirable to design with as high reliability as possible. In this paper, reliability is analyzed for the two representative circuit topologies of forward converters. The conventional PCA (part count failure analysis) method determines the failure rate only by the number of circuit components constituting the converter and the correlation between the components, but the FTA (fault-tree analysis) method can additionally consider the operation risk of the converter according to the circuit configuration and operation. Therefore, it is possible to analyze the failure rate according to the operating characteristics of the two converters from the difference in the failure rate obtained by the two methods. In addition, the two converters were manufactured as a 300 W prototype, respectively, and the volume, weight, and power loss were compared, and the economic feasibility was analyzed based on the cost model.
Novel Hybrid Intelligent Secure Cloud Internet of Things Based Disease Prediction and Diagnosis
Authors: Verma Ankit , Agarwal Gaurav , Gupta Amit Kumar , Sain Mangal
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, more people are affected by various diseases such as blood pressure, heart failure, etc. The early prediction of diseases tends to increase the survival of affected patients by allowing preventive action. A key element for this purpose is the digitalization of the healthcare system through the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing. Nevertheless, there are major problems in the cloud with the IoT due to false predictions and errors in medical data, which results in taking a longer time to receive patient details and not providing the best outcome. Data transfer through the cloud can also be hacked by attackers due to the lack of security. This leads to a challenge for medical experts to predict the diseases accurately for a specific patient. Therefore, a novel hybrid elapid encryption (HEE) method was proposed for improving the security of cloud systems. In addition, the affected person’s disease and the severity risk level were predicted and classified using the proposed novel hybridization technique of the generalized-fuzzy-intelligence-based gray wolf ant lion optimization (GFI-GWALO) method. After the disease is predicted, the alert signal is provided to the patients. Moreover, this proposed research was implemented on MATLAB. Then the proposed simulation outcome was compared with various conventional methods and showed that the proposed method has the best outcomes in terms of its security and disease prediction with 80 ms of encryption time and 78 ms of decryption time, 100% accuracy, 99.50% precision and 8 ms of processing time.
Evaluating Recent and Future Climatic Suitability for the Cultivation of Norway Spruce in the Czech Republic in Comparison with Observed Tree Cover Loss between 2001 and 2020
Authors: Čermák Petr , Mikita Tomáš , Kadavý Jan , Trnka Miroslav
Published: December 2021

The high portion of secondary Norway spruce in Central European forests constitutes a major problem because a significant part of these forests is moving further away from their original bioclimatic envelope. The precise evaluation and prediction of climatic suitability are needed for the implementation of forest adaptation strategies. We evaluated climatic suitability for the cultivation of Norway spruce in the Czech Republic forests, making use of the Random Forest combined learning statistical method. The evaluation presented was based on a comparison with the climatic normal period 1961–1990; change analysis was carried out for the period 1991–2014 and projected for 2021–2040 and 2041–2060. We found that suitable conditions for Norway spruce will remain only in 11.3% by area of Czech forests in the period 2041–2060 vs. 46.0% in the period 1961–1990. We also compared tree cover loss data (using Global Forest Watch) from 2001 to 2020 with statistics on salvage logging. In the period, the cover loss affected 19.5% of the area with more than 30% Norway spruce. The relationships between relative tree cover loss and the percentage of salvage logging caused by insects were conclusive and statistically significant.
Valuing Recreational Services of the National Forest Parks Using a Tourist Satisfaction Method
Authors: Kang Nannan , Wang Erda , Yu Yang , Duan Zenghui
Published: December 2021

Estimating the economic value of ecosystem services has become one of the most fertile areas in ecological economics. In this paper, we propose a novel method of using a tourist satisfaction model to evaluate the recreational services being embedded in forest ecosystems. We establish a functional relationship between tourist satisfaction and recreational attributes based on the survey data of China National Forest Parks. The results indicate that each recreational attribute considered enables the generation of a significant amount of tourism welfare for tourists, whereas tourist congestion was found to be a negative contributor to tourists’ satisfaction. Reducing congestion from the current level is the most valued recreational attribute for tourists, and the willingness to pay for it is as high as CNY 623.18 (USD 92.29) per visitor per trip. Additionally, local and nonlocal tourists display a divergent degree of preference for the recreational attributes and their levels of willingness to pay.
Spin-Up from Rest of a Liquid Metal with Deformable Free Surface in a Cylinder under the Influence of a Uniform Axial Magnetic Field
Authors: Tagawa Toshio , Song Kewei
Published: December 2021

Spin-up from rest of a liquid metal having deformable free surface in the presence of a uniform axial magnetic field is numerically studied. Both liquid and gas phases in a vertically mounted cylinder are assumed to be an incompressible, immiscible, Newtonian fluid. Since the viscous dissipation and the Joule heating are neglected, thermal convection due to buoyancy and thermocapillary effects is not taken into account. The effects of Ekman number and Hartmann number were computed with fixing the Froude number of 1.5, the density ratio of 800, and the viscosity ratio of 50. The evolutions of the free surface, three-component velocity field, and electric current density are portrayed using the level-set method and HSMAC method. When a uniform axial magnetic field is imposed, the azimuthal momentum is transferred from the rotating bottom wall to the core region directly through the Hartmann layer. This is the most striking difference from spin-up of the nonmagnetic case.
A Critical Review of Statistical Methods for Twin Studies Relating Exposure to Early Life Health Conditions
Authors: Fasola Salvatore , Montalbano Laura , Cilluffo Giovanna , Cuer Benjamin , Malizia Velia , Ferrante Giuliana , Annesi-Maesano Isabella , La Grutta Stefania
Published: December 2021

When investigating disease etiology, twin data provide a unique opportunity to control for confounding and disentangling the role of the human genome and exposome. However, using appropriate statistical methods is fundamental for exploiting such potential. We aimed to critically review the statistical approaches used in twin studies relating exposure to early life health conditions. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (2011–2021). We identified 32 studies and nine classes of methods. Five were conditional approaches (within-pair analyses): additive-common-erratic (ACE) models (11 studies), generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs, five studies), generalized linear models (GLMs) with fixed pair effects (four studies), within-pair difference analyses (three studies), and paired-sample tests (two studies). Four were marginal approaches (unpaired analyses): generalized estimating equations (GEE) models (five studies), GLMs with cluster-robust standard errors (six studies), GLMs (one study), and independent-sample tests (one study). ACE models are suitable for assessing heritability but require adaptations for binary outcomes and repeated measurements. Conditional models can adjust by design for shared confounders, and GLMMs are suitable for repeated measurements. Marginal models may lead to invalid inference. By highlighting the strengths and limitations of commonly applied statistical methods, this review may be helpful for researchers using twin designs.
Tailoring Digital Tools to Address the Radiation and Health Information Needs of Returnees after a Nuclear Accident
Authors: Ohba Takashi , Goto Aya , Yumiya Yui , Murakami Michio , Nakano Hironori , Honda Kaori , Nollet Kenneth E. , Schneider Thierry , Tanigawa Koichi
Published: December 2021

Digital tools are increasingly used for health promotion, but their utility during recovery from a nuclear disaster has yet to be established. This study analysed differences in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward digital tools for radiation protection and health promotion, and preferences for specific application functions, among cohorts living within and outside areas affected by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station (FDNPS) accident. A needs assessment was conducted by internet survey, and responses from those affected (N = 86) and not affected (N = 253) were compared and quantified by an adjusted odds ratio (aOR), using logistic regression analyses. KAP toward the radiation-related application in the affected group had an aOR of 1.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12–3.38) for knowledge, and 5.71 (CI = 2.55–12.8) for practice. Conversely, toward the health-related application, the aOR of the affected group was 0.50 (CI = 0.29–0.86). The preference in the affected group was significantly lower for two application functions related to radiation measurement and two health-related functions (one about the effects of radiation in general and another about personal health advice in general): aOR range 0.43–0.50. Development of specific applications incorporating the findings from this survey was intended to foster a locally appropriate eHealth environment during recovery from the FDNPS accident.
Feasibility of Implementing Physical Activity Behavior Change Counseling in an Existing Cancer-Exercise Program
Authors: McGinnis Emma L. , Rogers Laura Q. , Fruhauf Christine A. , Jankowski Catherine M. , Crisafio Mary E. , Leach Heather J.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of implementing research-tested physical activity (PA) behavior change counseling (BCC) sessions in an existing cancer-exercise program, and the preliminary effects on cancer survivor’s self-efficacy and PA. Methods: Participants were cancer survivors undergoing or within six-months of completing cancer treatment(s), and exercise program staff. Cancer survivors were randomized to receive the exercise program plus PABCC, or the standard exercise program. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by recruitment, adherence, satisfaction, and a focus group with program staff. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive thematic analysis. Self-report questionnaires measured PA and exercise self-efficacy. Results: Recruitment was 33 out of 93 (36.7%), and n = 13 (39%) provided post-program data. Cancer survivors enjoyed PABCC sessions, but reported face-to-face delivery was an added time burden. Program staff expressed desire to implement PABCC, but perceived staff capacity and time as barriers to sustainability. Exercise self-efficacy increased by 21.5% in the PABCC group vs. 4.2% in the control. PA increased by 81.3% in the PABCC group vs. 16.6% in the control group. Conclusions: Implementing PABCC in an existing cancer-exercise program was acceptable and promising for increasing moderate to vigorous PA, but additional research is needed to enhance the feasibility and sustainability of translating efficacious behavioral interventions into existing cancer-exercise programs.
Exploration of Psychological Resilience during a 25-Day Endurance Challenge in an Extreme Environment
Authors: Harrison David , Sarkar Mustafa , Saward Chris , Sunderland Caroline
Published: December 2021

Psychological resilience is the ability to use personal qualities to withstand pressure, consisting of the interaction between the individual and the environment over time. It is essential when operating in extreme environments which are typically characterised by a complex combination of stressors with increased elements of risk and adversity. Psychological resilience has never been investigated “live” (e.g., in the moment) throughout the duration of an extreme endurance challenge, despite anecdotal accounts of the need for resilience to successfully function in such environments. The aim of the study was to explore psychological resilience with challenge team members (n = 4, mean age = 46.0 years) involved in a 25-day extreme endurance challenge. The object of the challenge was to ‘TAB’ (Tactical Advance to Battle, fast marching with weighted packs) 100 peaks in the UK in 25 days and complete long-distance bike rides between base camps. A mixed-methods approach with a focus on qualitative methods was utilised. Specifically, individual reflective video diaries (n = 47) and focus groups (n = 4) were completed and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). At the same time, the 10-item Connor Davidson Resilience Scale was employed to measure resilience, which highlighted the individualised and dynamic nature of resilience. Two superordinate themes were identified from the video diaries and focus groups, namely, the identification of the stressors within extreme environments and strategies to maintain functioning. Stressors were split into subordinate themes of significant and every day, and collectively, they created a cluster effect which contributed to pressure associated with operating in these environments. Challenge team members employed various strategies to maintain functioning, including using a challenge mindset to positively appraise pressure as a challenging learning experience. Further research should continue to develop an understanding of how participants completing challenges within extreme environments utilise and develop personal qualities to maintain functioning.