bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Irrigation Water Quality Database to Identify Water Resources and Assess Microbiological Risks During the Production of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Authors: Bihn Elizabeth A. , Mangione Kurt J. , Lyons Bill , Wszelaki Annette L. , Churey John J. , Stoeckel Don M. , Worobo Randy W.
Published: November 2021

An Irrigation Water Quality Database was developed to help assess the microbiological quality of irrigation water used in fruit and vegetable production in 15 counties in New York (NY) State. Water samples from Tennessee (TN) were also included in the database. Four water quality parameters, quantified generic Escherichia coli, specific conductance, pH, and turbidity, were tested. Ground, reservoir, and running water were sampled over 2 years (2009 and 2010), covering three seasons each year (spring, summer, and fall). TN data are for all three seasons in 2010 only. Overall in NY (254 total samples), ground water had a geometric mean of 1 most probable number (MPN)/100 ml, reservoir water had a geometric mean of 8 MPN/100 ml, and running water had a geometric mean of 52 MPN/100 ml. Overall in TN (63 total samples), ground water had a geometric mean of 1 colony forming unit (CFU)/100 ml, reservoir water had a geometric mean of 5 CFU/100 ml, and running water had a geometric mean of 38 CFU/100 ml. These values are all below the 126 MPN/100 ml United States Environmental Protection Agency's Ambient Water Quality Standards (AWQS) standard for fresh water. The presence of E. coli had very weak but sometimes statistically signficiant correlatation with water specific conductance, pH, and turbidity, depending on the water source but the r-squared effect was not strong enough to make the other measurements a substitute for testing specifically for E. coli in water.
The Neoliberalization of Higher Education: Paradoxing Students' Basic Needs at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Authors: Schraedley Megan K. , Jenkins J. Jacob , Irelan Molly , Umana Megan
Published: November 2021

Millions of college students in the United States lack access to adequate food, housing, and other basic human needs. These insecurities have only been exacerbated in recent decades by the country's neoliberal approach to higher education, with disproportionately negative consequences for historically underserved populations (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, low-income students, and first-generation college students). For each of these reasons, this study explores the organizational paradoxes faced by students attending a public, 4-year Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in southern California. Drawing upon 30 semi-structured interviews with undergraduates who self-identified as historically underserved, our three-stage conceptualization of data analysis revealed three specific paradoxes: (1) provision vs. dependence, (2) sympathy vs. distancing, and (3) bootstrapping vs. unattainability. We conclude with practical and theoretical implications for alleviating the repercussions of neoliberal policies on today's college students.
Effect of Limonene on Cancer Development in Rodent Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhou Jingyi , Azrad Maria , Kong Lingyan
Published: November 2021

Cancer is a major health issue and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many natural compounds, e.g., lycopene, curcumin, resveratrol, etc., have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Similarly, limonene, a major active component in citrus essential oils and widely used flavoring additive, has demonstrated anticarcinogenic effects in both cell and animal studies. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the anticarcinogenic effects of limonene and its potential underlying mechanisms. Eight peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2000 and 2020 were identified after screening using MEDLINE, Academic Search Premier, and CINAHL plus. All 8 studies showed an effect of limonene on reducing tumor burden, resulting in either decreased size, number, weight, or multiplicities of tumors. Limonene treatment extended the latency and survival periods in 2 studies yet did not reduce tumor incidence rate in another study. Limonene was shown to promote cell apoptosis in 4 studies that examined either the apoptosis index or apoptosis related gene/protein expressions. Two studies tried to explain the cancer preventive mechanisms of limonene and found limonene could restore the antioxidant capacity or immune functions that were impaired by cancer. These results supported the potential applicability of limonene on inhibiting cancer development, yet the real-world applicability on human requires more research and evaluation through clinical studies.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42020168387.
Diagnostic Criteria for the Painful Swollen Pediatric Knee: Distinguishing Septic Arthritis From Aseptic Effusion in a Non-Lyme Endemic Area
Authors: Thomas Claudia S. , Schiffman Corey J. , Faino Anna , Bompadre Viviana , Schmale Gregory A.
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The child with a painful swollen knee must be worked-up for possible septic arthritis; the classic clinical prediction algorithms for septic arthritis of the hip may not be the best models to apply to the knee.

Materials and methods: This was a retrospective case-control study of 17 years of children presenting to one hospital with a chief complaint of a painful swollen knee, to evaluate the appropriateness of applying a previously described clinical practice algorithm for the hip in differentiating between the septic and aseptic causes of the painful knee effusions. The diagnoses of true septic arthritis, presumed septic arthritis, and aseptic effusion were established, based upon the cultures of synovial fluid, blood cultures, synovial cell counts, and clinical course. Using a logistic regression model, the disease status was regressed on both the demographic and clinical variables.

Results: In the study, 122 patients were included: 51 with true septic arthritis, 37 with presumed septic arthritis, and 34 with aseptic knee effusion. After applying a backward elimination, age <5 years and C-reactive protein (CRP) >2.0 mg/dl remained in the model, and predicted probabilities of having septic knee arthritis ranged from 15% for the lowest risk to 95% for the highest risk. Adding a knee aspiration including percent polymorphonucleocytes (%PMN) substantially improved the overall model performance, lowering the lowest risk to 11% while raising the highest risk to 96%.

Conclusions: This predictive model suggests that the likelihood of pediatric septic arthritis of the knee is >90% when both “age <5 years” and “CRP > 2.0 mg/dl” are present in a child with a painful swollen knee, though, in the absence of these factors, the risk of septic arthritis remains over 15%. Aspiration of the knee for those patients would be the best next step.
Clinical Case of a Child with Algoneurodystrophy
Authors: Santos Ana Catarina , Silva Claudia M.
Published: November 2021

A clinical case of a 12-year-old female child with anxiety symptoms and a diagnosis of Algoneurodystrophy in the left hand is presented. The psychological assessment was carried out using the following instruments: observation, psychological interview, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III), State/Trait Anxiety Questionnaire for children, and Conners Scales for parents and teachers. The intervention aimed to reduce anxiety levels, promote self-esteem, and alleviate the child's grief. For this purpose, a cognitive-behavioral intervention was carried out with the child and their parents. Through education, the child's parents were alerted to the need to express the feeling of loss, providing an environment for the resolution of the grieving process of all family members. Furthermore, they were also warned about the maintenance factors of the child's anxiety symptoms, such as the issue of high parental demand. As a result, it can be concluded that good therapeutic gains were seen, translating into the resolution of the child's problems and, consequently, increasing their psychological well-being.
Clinical Psychology during COVID-19: Experiences from Six Frontline Hospitals in Mexico
Authors: Landa-Ramírez Edgar , Sánchez-Cervantes Cintia Tamara , Sánchez-Román Sofía , Urdapilleta-Herrera Eryka del Carmen , Basulto-Montero Jorge Luis , Ledesma-Torres Lucía
Published: November 2021

Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has generated clinical challenges for health personnel in general and hospital personnel in particular. In Mexico, the clinical psychologists who are part of the local hospital systems have adapted professional practices to provide mental health care in COVID-19 frontline hospitals. This text describes the actions and challenges arising from treating patients, families, and health workers in six COVID-19 hospitals in Mexico. It highlights the main problems identified, strategies to address them, and the barriers encountered during this pandemic. Finally, this document may be useful for planning clinical psychological activities within COVID-19 hospitals in places where new waves of contagion appear.
Eficacia de una Intervención Online Basada en Mindfulness Frente al Tratamiento Psicológico Habitual para la Reducción de Síntomas de Ansiedad y Depresión
Authors: Nieto Juan , Arribas Borja , Cataluña Dafne
Published: November 2021

Introducción: La ansiedad y la depresión son dos de los trastornos más predominantes y gran parte de los afectados no reciben la ayuda necesaria. Las intervenciones online están emergiendo como una alternativa accesible para más personas.

Objetivo: Comprobar la eficacia de una Intervención online Basada en Mindfulness (IBM online) para reducir la sintomatología en Ansiedad y Depresión.

Método: Se seleccionan a 152 sujetos con sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva que solicitan una IBM online o el Tratamiento psicológico Habitual en el IEPP, creando dos grupos no aleatorizados según la intervención que demanda cada participante.

Resultados: Se encuentra una mejora significativa de la sintomatología aplicando ambos tratamientos. El TH es más eficaz reduciendo la sintomatología en Ansiedad, mientras que para Depresión no se encuentran diferencias entre ambas intervenciones. Por ello, una IBM online puede resultar una alternativa viable para la reducción de síntomas ansioso-depresivos cuando el Tratamiento psicológico Habitual no es accesible.
Load Balancing Strategies for Slice-Based Parallel Versions of JEM Video Encoder
Authors: Migallón Héctor , López-Granado Otoniel , Martínez-Rach Miguel O. , Galiano Vicente , Malumbres Manuel P.
Published: November 2021

The proportion of video traffic on the internet is expected to reach 82% by 2022, mainly due to the increasing number of consumers and the emergence of new video formats with more demanding features (depth, resolution, multiview, 360, etc.). Efforts are therefore being made to constantly improve video compression standards to minimize the necessary bandwidth while retaining high video quality levels. In this context, the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding has been analyzing new video coding technologies to improve the compression efficiency with respect to the HEVC video coding standard. A software package known as the Joint Exploration Test Model has been proposed to implement and evaluate new video coding tools. In this work, we present parallel versions of the JEM encoder that are particularly suited for shared memory platforms, and can significantly reduce its huge computational complexity. The proposed parallel algorithms are shown to achieve high levels of parallel efficiency. In particular, in the All Intra coding mode, the best of our proposed parallel versions achieves an average efficiency value of 93.4%. They also had high levels of scalability, as shown by the inclusion of an automatic load balancing mechanism.
On the Relation between Blade Loading and In-Passage Energy Balance
Authors: Mao Yinbo , Chen Ziyu , Li Hui , Su Xinrong , Yuan Xin
Published: November 2021

This paper presents a novel theory regarding the blade loading and the passage flow field within general turbomachineries. The basic philosophy is to establish an analytical relation between the loading, the flow angle, and the blade geometry based on the conservation of energy. Detailed validations and analyses will be carried out to provide a general scope regarding the theory itself as well as its advantages and limitations in common applications. The paper includes the theoretical derivation of the target relation. The starting point is the standard RANS equations. From that, with the aid of the passage-average operator, the relation between the loading and the passage flow field is derived under the energy balance. Theoretical analyses regarding the validity of the relation are performed based on the simulation results and test data on different cascades. Discussions are conducted regarding the assumption and potential applications of the theory. Conclusions are drawn on the applicability of the theory to introduce its potential applications in general turbomachineries.
Optimization of the Composition of a Novel Bioactive Silage Produced by Mixing of Ground Maize Grains with Olive Mill Waste Waters, Grape Pomace and Feta Cheese Whey
Authors: Petrotos Konstantinos , Papaioannou Chryssoula , Kokkas Stylianos , Gkoutsidis Paschalis , Skoufos Ioannis , Tzora Athina , Bonos Eleftherios , Tsinas Anastasios , Giavasis Ioannis , Mitsagga Chrysanthi
Published: November 2021

In this work, the production of a novel and sustainable silage was realized and optimized. Three agro-industrial wastes produced in bulk: olive mill wastewater (OMWW), grape pomace (GP) and de-proteinized feta cheese whey (DFCW) were mixed with coarsely ground maize grains, and the mixture was inoculated with commercial lactic bacteria starter culture and fermented for 30 days under anaerobic conditions to obtain silage. Sixty-seven recipes with varying compositions of the three agro-wastes were ensilaged, and four silage quality indices: pH value, % acidity as lactic acid, total lactobacillus count (cfu/g) and total yeast and mold count (cfu/g) were monitored throughout the ensilage process, and the obtained data were used to perform multicriteria optimization of the silage composition. The optimization target was to simultaneously maximize the pH drop, % total acidity as lactic acid and lactobacillus count while minimizing the count of undesirable yeasts and molds. Following this optimization strategy, it was found that the best composition of the mixture of all three tested agro-industrial wastes to obtain a high-quality silage was the one containing: 20% w/w GP, 60% w/w OMWW and 20% w/w feta cheese whey. Finally, the produced silage was tested in broilers’ nutrition and by 10% w/w inclusion in the feed, which led to the production of high added-value bioactive meat rich in ω-3 fatty acids and with high antioxidant capacity.
Chitosan Treatment of E-11 Cells Modulates Transcription of Nonspecific Immune Genes and Reduces Nodavirus Capsid Protein Gene Expression
Authors: Chérif Nadia , Amdouni Fatma , Bessadok Boutheina , Tagorti Ghada , Sadok Saloua
Published: November 2021

This study explores whether crustacean products inhibit viral infections in aquaculture. Chitosan (CHT) was extracted from waste products of Parapenaeus longirostris. Biochemical composition, viscosity measurement, molecular weight, structure and cytotoxicity tests were used to characterize the extracted chitosan. Cultures of E-11 cells derived from snakehead Ophicephalus striatus were inoculated with 106.74 TCID50 of an isolate of betanodavirus genotype RGNNV (redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus) after being treated with solutions of 0.3% CHT for 1 h at room temperature. The antiviral effect of CHT was assessed by comparing the ability of RGNVV to replicate and produce cytopathic effects on CHT-treated cell cultures. The change in RNA expression levels of the nodavirus capsid protein gene and three mediator genes in infected cells with or without CHT treatment was evaluated by qPCR. Changes in gene expression compared to control groups were monitored at 6, 24, 48 and 71 h post treatment in all target gene transcripts. The CCR3 expression in CHT treated cells showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) until day 3. On the other hand, the expression of TNF-α decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in CHT treated cells throughout the experimental period. Likewise, the expression of the IL-10 gene showed a significant downregulation in CHT treated cells at all time points (p ≤ 0.05). As further evidence of an antiviral effect, CHT treatment of cells produced a reduction in virus load as measured by a reduced expression of the viral capsid gene and the increase in RQ values from 406 ± 1.9 at hour 1 to 695 ± 3.27 at 72 h post inoculation. Statistical analysis showed that the expression of the viral capsid gene was significantly lower in cells treated with chitosan (p ≤ 0.05). These results improve our knowledge about the antiviral activity of this bioactive molecule and highlight its potential use in fish feed industry.
The Cytogenetics of the Water Buffalo: A Review
Authors: Iannuzzi Alessandra , Parma Pietro , Iannuzzi Leopoldo
Published: November 2021

The water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), also known as the Asian buffalo, is an essential domestic bovid. Indeed, although its world population (~209 million heads) is approximately one-ninth that of cattle, the management of this species involves a larger human population than that involved with raising cattle. Compared with cattle, water buffalo have been understudied for many years, but interest in this species has been increasing, especially considering that the world population of these bovids grows every year—particularly that of the river buffalo. There are two genera of buffalo worldwide: the Syncerus (from the African continent), and the Bubalus (from the southwest Asian continent, Mediterranean area, southern America, and Australia). All species belonging to these two genera have specific chromosome numbers and shapes. Because of such features, the study of chromosomes is a fascinating biological basis for differentiating various species (and hybrids) of buffaloes and characterizing their karyotypes in evolutionary, clinical, and molecular studies. In this review, we report an update on essential cytogenetic studies in which various buffalo species were described from evolutionary, clinical, and molecular perspectives—particularly considering the river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis 2n = 50). In addition, we show new data on swamp buffalo chromosomes.
A Questionnaire Study on the Use of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine for Horses in Sweden
Authors: Gilberg Karin , Bergh Anna , Sternberg-Lewerin Susanna
Published: November 2021

Complementary or alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) includes treatment methods with limited scientific evidence. Swedish veterinarians are legally obliged to base treatments and recommendations on science or well-documented experience, but most CAVM methods are not well documented in animals. The aim of this study was to explore the use of CAVM in Swedish horses. Electronic questionnaires were distributed to horse owners, equine veterinary practitioners and CAVM therapists. Of the 204 responding horse owners, 83% contacted a veterinarian first in case of lameness, while 15% contacted a CAVM therapist. For back pain, 52% stated a CAVM therapist as their first contact and 45% a veterinarian. Only 10–15% of the respondents did not use any CAVM method for prevention or after injury. Of the 100 veterinarians who responded, more than half did not use CAVM themselves but 55% did refer to people who offer this service. Of the 124 responding CAVM therapists, 72% recommended their clients to seek veterinary advice when needed, 50% received referrals from a veterinarian, and 25% did not collaborate with a veterinarian. The two most common methods used by the respondents in all three categories were stretching and massage. Most veterinarians and therapists were not content with the current lack of CAVM regulation.
Estimates of the Economic Cost Caused by Five Major Reproductive Problems in Dairy Animals in Assam and Bihar, India
Authors: Deka Ram Pratim , Magnusson Ulf , Grace Delia , Randolph Thomas F. , Shome Rajeswari , Lindahl Johanna F.
Published: November 2021

Reproductive problems in dairy animals reduce fertility, prevent conception, create problems in the delivery of healthy calves, lead to postpartum complications, increase inter-calving periods, reduce milk yield, and lower overall lifetime productivity. This study aimed at understanding the incidence of reproductive problems and the cost caused by these. The study covered 954 dairy animals in Bihar and 1348 dairy animals in Assam that were selected using a multi-stage random sampling method. The costs were calculated as the sum of income losses and expenditures incurred. The major cost incurred resulted from extended calving intervals (46.1% of the total cost), followed by loss through salvage selling (38.1%), expenditure for treatment of repeat breeders (5.9%), loss of milk production (5.3%) and expenditure for extra inseminations (2.0%). About one fifth of the selected reproductive problems were left untreated. The estimated cost of reproductive problems was Indian Rupees (INR) 2424.9 (USD 36.1) per dairy animal per year (of the total dairy animal population) which represented approximately 4.1% of the mean value loss of dairy animals (INR 58,966/USD 877) per year. Reproductive problems were significantly (p < 0.001) higher among improved (exotic breed or cross-bred) dairy animals than indigenous (native breed or nondescript indigenous) dairy animals. The study suggests that with the increase of improved dairy animal population, the loss may further increase. The study concludes that any economic estimation of reproduction problems based on aetiology without confirmatory diagnoses could be highly misleading because of the complex nature of the problems.
Effect of Silage Diet (Sweet Sorghum vs. Whole-Crop Corn) and Breed on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, and Meat Quality of Lambs
Authors: Wu Pu , Fu Xiaoyue , Wang Hucheng , Hou Mingjie , Shang Zhanhuan
Published: November 2021

Diet and breed directly affect ruminant carcass traits and meat quality. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of silage diet and breed on growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of lambs. A total of 28, 3–4 months old female lambs consisting of 14 Dorper lambs (DP) and 14 Thin-tailed Han lambs (TH) were allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design and offered two experimental diets (sweet sorghum silage: SS; whole-crop corn silage: WS) for 90 days. Lambs fed the WS diet had a higher growth performance (p < 0.01), intramuscular fat content (p < 0.05), and bright meat color (p < 0.01) than lambs fed the SS diet. The lambs fed the SS diet showed a higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content than the lambs fed the WS diet (p < 0.01); there was no significant difference in growth performance and carcass characteristics between DP and TH lambs (p > 0.05). The meat of the DP lambs showed lower values of initial pH, shear force, lightness (L*), redness (a*), and saturated fatty acid (SFA) content (p < 0.05). The lamb breed influenced fewer variables of growth performance and carcass characteristics compared to the diet. The lambs fed the SS diet had higher nutritional quality meat than lambs fed the WS diet.
Gut Microbiota in Canine Idiopathic Epilepsy: Effects of Disease and Treatment
Authors: García-Belenguer Sylvia , Grasa Laura , Valero Olga , Palacio Jorge , Luño Isabel , Rosado Belén
Published: November 2021

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in humans and dogs. The structure and composition of gut microbiome associated to this disorder has not yet been analyzed in depth but there is evidence that suggests a possible influence of gut bacteria in controlling seizures. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in gut microbiota associated to canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and the possible influence of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on the modulation of this microbiota. Faecal microbiota composition was analyzed using sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene in a group of healthy controls (n = 12) and a group of epileptic dogs both before (n = 10) and after a 30-day single treatment with phenobarbital or imepitoin (n = 9). Epileptic dogs showed significantly reduced abundance of GABA (Pseudomonadales, Pseudomonadaceae, Pseudomonas and Pseudomona_graminis) and SCFAs-producing bacteria (Peptococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae and Anaerotruncus) as well as bacteria associated with reduced risk for brain disease (Prevotellaceae) than control dogs. The administration of AEDs during 30 days did not modify the gut microbiota composition. These results are expected to contribute to the understanding of canine idiopathic epilepsy and open up the possibility of studying new therapeutic approaches for this disorder, including probiotic intervention to restore gut microbiota in epileptic individuals.
The Fatty Acid Profile of Meat from New Zealand White Rabbits Raised under Intensive and Extensive Production Systems
Authors: Daszkiewicz Tomasz , Gugołek Andrzej , Kubiak Dorota , Kerbaum Krzysztof , Burczyk Ewa
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid (FA) profile of meat from New Zealand White rabbits raised from 30 to 90 days of age under intensive (IPS) and extensive (EPS) production systems. In group IPS, the rabbits were housed in wire mesh cages with a slatted floor (16.7 animals/m2) and were fed a commercial pelleted diet. In group EPS, the rabbits were housed in free-standing cages on straw litter (2.5 animals/m2) and were fed a conventional farm-made diet (green fodder, barley grain, stale bread, hay). The FA profile of intramuscular fat (IMF) was analyzed in samples of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. The analyzed production systems had no significant effect on the content of most FAs in IMF. However, the differences between group means contributed to more desirable values of the quality indicators of IMF (in particular in the LTL muscle) in group IPS. The study demonstrated that the claim that meat produced under less intensive farming systems is of superior quality could be an oversimplified generalization that should be validated in research.
The Impact of Anthropogenic Climate Change on Egyptian Livestock Production
Authors: Goma Amira A. , Phillips Clive J. C.
Published: November 2021

Egypt is one of the hottest countries in the world, and extreme climate events are becoming more frequent, which is consistent with the warming of the planet. The impact of this warming on ecosystems is severe, including on livestock production systems. Under Egyptian conditions, livestock already suffer heat stress periods in summer. The predicted increases in temperature as result of climate change will affect livestock production by reducing growth and milk production because of appetite suppression and conception rate reductions and will increase animal welfare concerns. In severe cases, these effects can result in death. We review the heat stress effects on livestock behaviour, reproduction, and production in the context of predicted climate change for Egypt over the course of this century and offer alternative scenarios to achieve food security for a growing human population. As an example, we combine predictions for reduced milk production during heat stress and human population trajectories to predict that milk availability per person will decline from 61 kg/year in 2011 to 26 kg/year in 2064. Mitigation strategies are discussed and include the substitution of animal-based foods for plant-based foods and laboratory-grown animal products.
Influence of Impurity Scattering on Surface Plasmons in Graphene in the Lindhard Approximation
Authors: Bahrami Mousa , Vasilopoulos Panagiotis
Published: November 2021

We study the influence of impurity scattering on transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) surface plasmons (SPs) in graphene using the Lindhard approximation. We show how the behaviour and domains of TM SPs are affected by the impurity strength γ and determine the critical value γc below which no SPs exist. The quality factor of TM SPs, for single-band and two-band transitions, is proportional to the square of αλSP/γ, with α being the fine-structure constant and λSP being the plasmon wavelength. In addition, we show that impurity scattering suppresses TE SPs.
The Learning Curve of Artificial Intelligence for Dental Implant Treatment Planning: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Roongruangsilp Pathompong , Khongkhunthian Pathawee
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been applied to implant dentistry. The increasing use of this technology produces a critical number of images that can be used for training artificial intelligence (AI). Objectives: To investigate the learning curve of the developed AI for dental implant planning in the posterior maxillary region. Methods: A total of 184 CBCT image sets of patients receiving posterior maxillary implants were processed with software (DentiPlan Pro version 3.7; NECTEC, NSTDA, Thailand) to acquire 316 implant position images. The planning software image interfaces were anonymously captured with full-screen resolution. Three hundred images were randomly sorted to create six data sets, including 1–50, 1–100, 1–150, 1–200, 1–250, and 1–300. The data sets were used to develop AI for dental implant planning through the IBM PowerAI Vision platform (IBM Thailand Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand) by using a faster R-CNN algorithm. Four data augmentation algorithms, including blur, sharpen, color, and noise, were also integrated to observe the improvement of the model. After the testing process with 16 images that were not included in the training set, the recorded data were analyzed for detection and accuracy to generate the learning curve of the model. Results: The learning curve revealed some similar patterns. The curve trend of the original and blurred augmented models was in a similar pattern in the panoramic image. In the last training set, the blurred augmented model improved the detection by 12.50%, but showed less accuracy than the original model by 18.34%, whereas the other three augmented models had different patterns. They were continuously increasing in both detection and accuracy. However, their detection dropped in the last training set. The colored augmented model demonstrated the best improvement with 40% for the panoramic image and 18.59% for the cross-sectional image. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the study, it may be concluded that the number of images used in AI development is positively related to the AI interpretation. The data augmentation techniques to improve the ability of AI are still questionable.
Responsiveness and Relationships of Shooting Performance to On-Ice Physical Performance Tests
Authors: Kurz Eduard , Schulze Stephan , Panian Matti , Brill Richard , Delank Karl-Stefan , Schwesig René
Published: November 2021

The aim of this investigation was to quantify the acute effects of the execution of the physical performance tests within the ice hockey-specific complex test (IHCT) on shooting performance. Thirty-four professional male ice hockey players with an average of 6.9 years of playing experience were recruited. The slap shot (SS) was found to accelerate the puck with a higher speed and greater precision. After the IHCT, the maximum puck speed of successful goal shots decreased considerably (p < 0.001, d > 1.5). The puck speed percentage decrement after the IHCT did not differ between the SS (6.1, SD = 4.4, −5.5–17.9) and the wrist shot (WS, 6.0, SD = 3.5, −0.9–12.2, p = 0.86, d = 0.03). The magnitude of puck speed reduction in the WS was inversely related to the functional heart rate reserve (r = −0.44, p = 0.02) and the blood lactate elimination rate (r = −0.43, p < 0.02). The linear and COD speed tests on-ice resulted in a higher amount of successful goal shots. These findings highlight the interaction of intense on-ice testing and goal-shooting performance.
Development of Task-Space Nonholonomic Motion Planning Algorithm Based on Lie-Algebraic Method
Authors: Mielczarek Arkadiusz , Dulęba Ignacy
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a Lie-algebraic nonholonomic motion planning technique, originally designed to work in a configuration space, was extended to plan a motion within a task-space resulting from an output function considered. In both planning spaces, a generalized Campbell–Baker–Hausdorff–Dynkin formula was utilized to transform a motion planning into an inverse kinematic task known for serial manipulators. A complete, general-purpose Lie-algebraic algorithm is provided for a local motion planning of nonholonomic systems with or without output functions. Similarities and differences in motion planning within configuration and task spaces were highlighted. It appears that motion planning in a task-space can simplify a planning task and also gives an opportunity to optimize a motion of nonholonomic systems. Unfortunately, in this planning there is no way to avoid working in a configuration space. The auxiliary objective of the paper is to verify, through simulations, an impact of initial parameters on the efficiency of the planning algorithm, and to provide some hints on how to set the parameters correctly.
In Vitro Genotoxicity Assessment from the Glycyrrhiza New Variety Extract
Authors: Song Young-Jae , Kim Dong-Gu , Lee Jeonghoon , Kim Wonnam , An Hyo-Jin , Lee Jong-Hyun , Jeon Yong-Deok , Chang Jaeki , Kang Sa-Haeng , Soh Ju-Ryoun , Jin Jong-Sik
Published: November 2021

The various species that comprise the genus Glycyrrhiza (Licorice) have long been used as oriental herbal medicines in Asian countries. Wongam (WG), which is a new variety of Glycyrrhiza, was developed in Korea to overcome the limitations of low productivity, environmental restrictions, and an insufficient presence of glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritigenin. In this study, we evaluated WG extract’s genotoxicity through an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation (AMES) test, an in vitro chromosome aberration test, and an in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. In the AMES test, WG extract at concentrations of up to 5000 µg/plate showed no genotoxicity regardless of S9 mix. No chromosome aberrations appeared after 6 h in 1400 µg/mL WG extract regardless of S9 mix or in 1100 µg/mL WG extract after 24 h without S9 mix. Nor was there a significant increase in the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes to total erythrocytes up to 5000 mg/kg/day for 2 days detected in the micronucleus test. These results confirm that WG extract is safe for use as an herbal medicine, as it precipitates no detectable genotoxic effects.
Low-Cost Nanostructured Thin Films as Covert Laser Readable Security Tags for Large-Scale Productions Tracking
Authors: Gravier Laurent , Salvadé Yves , Pidoux Damien , Maritz Julien , Laratta Marco
Published: November 2021

We report here the feasibility study of anti-counterfeiting low-cost nanostructured flexible security tags for the tracking of large-scale fabrication products, such as pharmaceuticals or original equipment manufacturers. The fabrication process makes use of the mature nanotechnology called Template Synthesis to shape thin track-etched polymer film into covert laser readable tags, combining random self-organized structures with organized patterns. Techniques are developed to drastically limit the number of fabrication steps and keep fabrication costs low, while opening to numerous adjustment parameters. A dedicated, simple optical setup is presented, to capture speckle images of such tags lightened up by light emitting diodes or laser beams. Speckle images are analyzed in terms of encoding parameters, found here quite numerous to ensure a large coding range of large-scale production batches. We particularly highlight ultra-dark areas in speckle images, where nanowire structures completely inhibit speckle patterns. This unique, high-contrast optical feature addresses these low-cost nanostructured thin films to provide a very promising solution for large-scale security tags.
Causes of the Record-Breaking Pacific Northwest Heatwave, Late June 2021
Authors: Overland James E.
Published: November 2021

The extreme heat event that hit the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, southern British Columbia) at the end of June 2021 was 3 °C greater than the previous Seattle record of 39 °C; larger extremes of 49 °C were observed further inland that were 6 °C above previous record. There were hundreds of deaths over the region and loss of marine life and forests. At the large scale prior to the event, the polar vortex was split over the Arctic. A polar vortex instability center formed over the Bering Sea and then extended southward along the west coast of North America. The associated tropospheric trough (low geopotential heights) established a multi-day synoptic scale Omega Block (west-east oriented low/high/low geopotential heights) centered over the Pacific Northwest. Warming was sustained in the region due to subsidence/adiabatic heating and solar radiation, which were the main reasons for such large temperature extremes. The seasonal transition at the end of spring suggests the possibility of a southern excursion of a polar vortex/jet stream pair. Both the Pacific Northwest event in 2021 and the Siberian heatwave climax in June 2020 may be examples of crossing a critical state in large-scale atmospheric circulation variability.
Analyzing Atmospheric Circulation Patterns Using Mass Fluxes Calculated from Weather Balloon Measurements: North Atlantic Region as a Case Study
Authors: Connolly Michael , Connolly Ronan , Soon Willie , Velasco Herrera Víctor M. , Cionco Rodolfo Gustavo , Quaranta Nancy E.
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, efforts to investigate atmospheric circulation patterns have predominantly relied on either semi-empirical datasets (i.e., reanalyses) or modeled output (i.e., global climate models, GCMs). While both approaches can provide important insights, there is a need for more empirical data to supplement these approaches. In this paper, we demonstrate how the application of relatively simple calculations to the basic measurements from a standard weather balloon radiosonde can provide a vertical profile of the horizontal atmospheric mass fluxes. These mass fluxes can be resolved into their meridional (north/south) and zonal (east/west) components. This provides a new useful empirical tool for analyzing atmospheric circulations. As a case study, we analyze the results for a selected five stations along a fairly constant meridian in the North Atlantic sector from 2015–2019. For each station, we find the atmospheric mass flux profiles from the lower troposphere to mid-stratosphere are surprisingly coherent, suggesting stronger interconnection between the troposphere and stratosphere than previously thought. Although our five stations span a region nominally covered by the classical polar, Ferrel and Hadley meridional circulation cells, the results are inconsistent with those expected for polar and Ferrel cells and only partially consistent with that of a Hadley cell. However, the region is marked by very strong prevailing westerly (west to east) mass fluxes for most of the atmosphere except for the equatorial surface easterlies (“trade winds”). We suggest that the extension of the techniques of this case study to other stations and time periods could improve our understanding of atmospheric circulation patterns and their time variations.
Relationship between Arterial Hypertension with Cognitive Performance in Elderly. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sánchez-Nieto José Miguel , Rivera-Sánchez Uriel Dagoberto , Mendoza-Núñez Víctor Manuel
Published: November 2021

Background: Previous systematic reviews report that arterial hypertension (AHT) is associated with lower performance in cognition in the elderly. However, some studies show that with higher blood pressure, a better cognitive performance is obtained. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between AHT with cognitive performance in the elderly. Methods: the review involved a search on PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO databases from January 1990 to March, 2020 to identify the relationship among AHT and cognitive performance in older people. Results: 1170 articles were identified, 136 complete papers were reviewed, a qualitative analysis of 26 studies and a quantitative analysis of eight studies were carried out. It was found that people with AHT have a lower performance in processing speed SMD = 0.40 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.54), working memory SMD = 0.28 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.41) in short-term memory and learning SMD = −0.27 (95% CI: −0.37, −0.17) and delayed recall SMD = −0.20 (95% CI: −0.35, −0.05). Only one study found that higher blood pressure was associated with better memory performance. Conclusion: Our results suggest that high blood pressure primarily affects processing speed, working memory, short-term memory and learning and delayed recall.
Deep Learning Approach for Screening Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children with Facial Images and Analysis of Ethnoracial Factors in Model Development and Application
Authors: Lu Angelina , Perkowski Marek
Published: November 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Early intervention for children with ASD can help to improve their intellectual ability and reduces autistic symptoms. Multiple clinical researches have suggested that facial phenotypic differences exist between ASD children and typically developing (TD) children. In this research, we propose a practical ASD screening solution using facial images through applying VGG16 transfer learning-based deep learning to a unique ASD dataset of clinically diagnosed children that we collected. Our model produced a 95% classification accuracy and 0.95 F1-score. The only other reported study using facial images to detect ASD was based on the Kaggle ASD Facial Image Dataset, which is an internet search-produced, low-quality, and low-fidelity dataset. Our results support the clinical findings of facial feature differences between children with ASD and TD children. The high F1-score achieved indicates that it is viable to use deep learning models to screen children with ASD. We concluded that the racial and ethnic-related factors in deep-learning based ASD screening with facial images are critical to solution viability and accuracy.
Waiving Subsequent Complete Lymph Node Dissection in Melanoma Patients with Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Does Not Result in Worse Outcome on 20-Year Analysis
Authors: Susok Laura , Nick Celine , Becker Jürgen C. , Bechara Falk G. , Stücker Markus , Uhl Waldemar , Gambichler Thilo
Published: November 2021

Complete lymph node dissection (CLND) following positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has been the standard of care for decades. We aimed to study melanoma patients with an emphasis on the outcome of patients with versus without CLND following positive SLN biopsy. SLN-positive patients with or without CLND were compared regarding important prognostic clinical and histological characteristics. Ten-year and 20-year survival curves for melanoma relapse and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards regression. We studied 258 patients who had micrometastases in their SLN biopsy. CLND was performed in 209 of 258 patients (81%). Hence, in 49 of 258 patients (19%) with SLN micrometastases, CLND was not performed. These patients did not significantly (p > 0.05) differ from patients with CLND in regard to age, gender, tumor thickness, tumor ulceration, capsule infiltration of SLN, or invasion level of SLN. On 10-year analysis, we did not observe a significantly increased risk for melanoma relapse and worse in MSS in patients who did not undergo CLND (hazard ratio: 1.1 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.7) and 1.1 (95% CI 0.67 to 1.9), respectively). On 20-year survival analysis, we confirmed that the risk of melanoma relapse and impaired MSS does not significantly increase in patients without CLND (hazard ratio: 1.2 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.9) and 1.3 (95% CI 0.8 to 2.3), respectively). On 10-year as well as 20-year multivariable follow-up analysis (including several important prognostic factors), Cox proportional-hazards regression showed that the status of CLND did not remain in the regression model (p > 0.1). Our 10-year data give conclusive support to previous investigations indicating that waiving CLND in patients with SLN micrometastases does not affect MSS. More importantly, our long-term follow-up data confirm for the first time the 10-year survival data of previous investigations.
Liquid Biopsy and Primary Brain Tumors
Authors: Eibl Robert H. , Schneemann Markus
Published: November 2021

Two decades of “promising results” in liquid biopsy have led to both continuing disappointment and hope that the new era of minimally invasive, personalized analysis can be applied for better diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and therapy of cancer. Here, we briefly highlight the promises, developments, and challenges related to liquid biopsy of brain tumors, including circulating tumor cells, cell-free nucleic acids, extracellular vesicles, and miRNA; we further discuss the urgent need to establish suitable biomarkers and the right standards to improve modern clinical management of brain tumor patients with the use of liquid biopsy.
Pembrolizumab Plus Gemcitabine in the Subset of Triple-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer Patients in the GEICAM/2015-04 (PANGEA-Breast) Study
Authors: de la Cruz-Merino Luis , Gion María , Cruz-Jurado Josefina , Quiroga Vanesa , Andrés Raquel , Moreno Fernando , Alonso-Romero Jose , Ramos Manuel , Holgado Esther , Cortés Javier , López-Miranda Elena , Henao-Carrasco Fernando , Palazón-Carrión Natalia , Rodríguez Luz , Ceballos Isaac , Casas Maribel , Benito Sara , Chiesa Massimo , Bezares Susana , Caballero Rosalia , Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Rojo Federico
Published: November 2021

The PANGEA-Breast trial evaluated a new chemo-immunotherapeutic combination that would synergistically induce long-term clinical benefit in HER2-negative advanced breast cancer patients. Treatment consisted of 21-day cycles of 200 mg of pembrolizumab (day 1) plus gemcitabine (days 1 and 8). The primary objective was the objective response rate (ORR). The tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) density and PD-L1 expression in tumor, and the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) level in peripheral blood, were analyzed to explore associations with treatment efficacy. Considering a two-stage Simon’s design, the study recruitment was stopped after its first stage as statistical assumptions were not met. A subset of 21 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients was enrolled. Their median age was 49 years; 15 patients had visceral involvement, and 16 had ≤3 metastatic locations. Treatment discontinuation due to progressive disease (PD) was reported in 16 patients. ORR was 15% (95% CI 3.2–37.9). Four patients were on treatment >6 months before PD. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 8 patients, where neutropenia was the most common. No association was found between TILs density, PD-L1 expression or MDSCs levels and treatment efficacy. ORR in TNBC patients also did not meet the assumptions, but 20% were on treatment >6 months.
Novel Treatment Strategies Utilizing Immune Reactions against Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Stem Cells
Authors: Matsushita Maiko
Published: November 2021

Introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has improved the prognosis of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and treatment-free remission (TFR) is now a treatment goal. However, about half of the patients experience molecular relapse after cessation of TKIs, suggesting that leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are resistant to TKIs. Eradication of the remaining LSCs using immunotherapies including interferon-alpha, vaccinations, CAR-T cells, and other drugs would be a key strategy to achieve TFR.