bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping Cancer in Africa: A Comprehensive and Comparable Characterization of 34 Cancer Types Using Estimates From GLOBOCAN 2020
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Aashima  , Nanda Mehak , Fronterre Claudio , Sewagudde Paul , Ssentongo Anna E. , Yenney Kelsey , Arhin Nina D. , Oh John , Amponsah-Manu Forster , Ssentongo Paddy
Published: April 2022

Objective

Cancer incidence and mortality rates in Africa are increasing, yet their geographic distribution and determinants are incompletely characterized. The present study aims to establish the spatial epidemiology of cancer burden in Africa and delineate the association between cancer burden and the country-level socioeconomic status. The study also examines the forecasts of the cancer burden for 2040 and evaluates infrastructure availability across all African countries.

Methods

The estimates of age, sex, and country-specific incidence and mortality of 34 neoplasms in 54 African countries, were procured from GLOBOCAN 2020. Mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) was employed as a proxy indicator of 5-year survival rates, and the socioeconomic development of each country was measured using its human development index (HDI). We regressed age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and MIR on HDI using linear regression model to determine the relationship between cancer burden and HDI. Maps were generated for each cancer group for each country in Africa. The data about the cancer infrastructure of African countries were extracted from the WHO Cancer Country Profiles.

Results

In Africa, an estimated 1.1 million new cases [95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) 1.0 – 1.3 million] and 711,429 [611,604 – 827,547] deaths occurred due to neoplasms in 2020. The ASIR was estimated to be 132.1/100,000, varying from 78.4/100,000 (Niger) to 212.5/100,000 (La Réunion) in 2020. The ASMR was 88.8/100,000 in Africa, ranging from 56.6/100,000 in the Republic of the Congo to 139.4/100,000 in Zimbabwe. The MIR of all cancer combined was 0.64 in Africa, varying from 0.49 in Mauritius to 0.78 in The Gambia. HDI had a significant negative correlation with MIR of all cancer groups combined and main cancer groups (prostate, breast, cervical and colorectal). HDI explained 75% of the variation in overall 5-year cancer survival (MIR). By 2040, the burden of all neoplasms combined is forecasted to increase to 2.1 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths in Africa.

Conclusion

High cancer mortality rates in Africa demand a holistic approach toward cancer control and management, including, but not limited to, boosting cancer awareness, adopting primary and secondary prevention, mitigating risk factors, improving cancer infrastructure and timely treatment.
Field Evaluation of the New Rapid NG-Test® SARS-CoV-2 Ag for Diagnosis of COVID-19 in the Emergency Department of an Academic Referral Hospital
Authors: Avgoulea Kalliopi , Beredaki Maria-Ioanna , Vourli Sophia , Siopi Maria , Siafakas Nikolaos , Pournaras Spyros
Published: April 2022

Background

As the COVID-19 pandemic resurges affecting large numbers of patients, rapid, and accurate diagnosis using point-of-care tests is very important.

Objectives

To evaluate the NG-Test® SARS-CoV-2 Ag (NG-Test) immunoassay for qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen in nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) samples compared with RT-PCR, in patients attending the Emergencies of an academic referral hospital.

Methods

All adult ambulatory patients presenting to the Emergencies of “Attikon” University hospital (Athens, Greece) within three consecutive hours per day between December 2020 and March 2021 and for whom SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing was requested were included. Two NP and one OP samples obtained from each participant were analyzed to determine the diagnostic performance [sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV)] of the NG-Test (NP/OP swabs) in comparison to the reference RT-PCR (NP swab).

Results

Overall, 134/263 (51%) patients tested were RT-PCR positive, whereof 108 (overall sensitivity 81%, 95% CI 73–87%) were NP NG-Test positive (PPV 99%, NPV 83%) and 68 (overall sensitivity 51%, 95% CI 42–59%) were OP NG-Test positive (PPV 100%, NPV 66%). The test's specificity (95% CI) was 99% (95–100%) and 100% (96–100%) for NP and OP swabs, respectively. The assay's sensitivity (95% CI) for high viral load (Ct ≤25) was 99% (92–100%) and 71% (60–81%) for NP and OP swabs, respectively.

Conclusions

NG-Test using NP swabs detected almost all patients with high viral loads, showing satisfactory performance as a point-of-care test for NP samples obtained from patients with acute infection.
Combined Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a Simple Home Exercise Program May Reduce Cancer Risk Among Active Adults Aged 70 and Older: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A. , Willett Walter C. , Manson JoAnn E. , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Manz Markus G. , Theiler Robert , Braendle Kilian , Vellas Bruno , Rizzoli René , Kressig Reto W. , Staehelin Hannes B. , Da Silva José A. P. , Armbrecht Gabriele , Egli Andreas , Kanis John A. , Orav Endel J. , Gaengler Stephanie
Published: April 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to test the individual and combined benefit of vitamin D, omega-3, and a simple home strength exercise program on the risk of any invasive cancer.

Design: The DO-HEALTH trial is a three-year, multicenter, 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design double-blind, randomized-controlled trial to test the individual and combined benefit of three public health interventions.

Setting: The trial was conducted between December 2012 and December 2017 in five European countries.

Participants: Generally healthy community-dwelling adults ≥70 years were recruited.

Interventions: Supplemental 2000 IU/day of vitamin D3, and/or 1 g/day of marine omega-3s, and/or a simple home strength exercise (SHEP) programme compared to placebo and control exercise.

Main outcome: In this pre-defined exploratory analysis, time-to-development of any verified invasive cancer was the primary outcome in an adjusted, intent-to-treat analysis.

Results: In total, 2,157 participants (mean age 74.9 years; 61.7% women; 40.7% with 25-OH vitamin D below 20 /ml, 83% at least moderately physically active) were randomized. Over a median follow-up of 2.99 years, 81 invasive cancer cases were diagnosed and verified. For the three individual treatments, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs, 95% CI, cases intervention versus control) were 0.76 (0.49–1.18; 36 vs. 45) for vitamin D3, 0.70 (0.44–1.09, 32 vs. 49) for omega-3s, and 0.74 (0.48–1.15, 35 vs. 46) for SHEP. For combinations of two treatments, adjusted HRs were 0.53 (0.28–1.00; 15 vs. 28 cases) for omega-3s plus vitamin D3; 0.56 (0.30–1.04; 11 vs. 21) for vitamin D3 plus SHEP; and 0.52 (0.28–0.97; 12 vs. 26 cases) for omega-3s plus SHEP. For all three treatments combined, the adjusted HR was 0.39 (0.18–0.85; 4 vs. 12 cases).

Conclusion: Supplementation with daily high-dose vitamin D3 plus omega-3s, combined with SHEP, showed cumulative reduction in the cancer risk in generally healthy and active and largely vitamin D–replete adults ≥70 years.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT01745263.
Considerations Regarding Public Use of Longevity Interventions
Authors: Liu Yasmine J. , McIntyre Rebecca L. , Janssens Georges E.
Published: April 2022

Public attention and interest for longevity interventions are growing. These can include dietary interventions such as intermittent fasting, physical interventions such as various exercise regimens, or through supplementation of nutraceuticals or administration of pharmaceutics. However, it is unlikely that most interventions identified in model organisms will translate to humans, or that every intervention will benefit each person equally. In the worst case, even detrimental health effects may occur. Therefore, identifying longevity interventions using human data and tracking the aging process in people is of paramount importance as we look towards longevity interventions for the public. In this work, we illustrate how to identify candidate longevity interventions using population data in humans, an approach we have recently employed. We consider metformin as a case-study for potential confounders that influence effectiveness of a longevity intervention, such as lifestyle, sex, genetics, age of administration and the microbiome. Indeed, metformin, like most other longevity interventions, may end up only benefitting a subgroup of individuals. Fortunately, technologies have emerged for tracking the rate of ‘biological’ aging in individuals, which greatly aids in assessing effectiveness. Recently, we have demonstrated that even wearable devices, accessible to everyone, can be used for this purpose. We therefore propose how to use such approaches to test interventions in the general population. In summary, we advocate that 1) not all interventions will be beneficial for each individual and therefore 2) it is imperative that individuals track their own aging rates to assess healthy aging interventions.
An Ontology-Based Chatbot to Enhance Experiential Learning in a Cultural Heritage Scenario
Authors: Casillo Mario , De Santo Massimo , Mosca Rosalba , Santaniello Domenico
Published: April 2022

Italy is rich in cultural attractions, many known worldwide, others more hidden and unrecognized. Cultural attractions include tangible cultural assets (works of art, archaeological excavations, and churches) and intangible ones (music, poetry, and art). Today, given the pervasive diffusion of “smart” devices, the intelligent use of modern technologies could play a crucial role in changing the habit of consulting and visiting cultural heritage mainly with traditional methodologies, making little or no use of the advantages coming from the more and more availability of digitalized resources. A realm of particular interest is “experiential learning” when applied to cultural heritage, where tourists more and more ask to be helped in discovering the richness of sites they explore. In this article, we will present an innovative chatbot-based system, called HeriBot, that supports experiential tourism. Our system has been developed and experimented with a research effort for applying ICT technologies to enhance the knowledge, valorization, and sustainable fruition of the Cultural Heritage related to the Archaeological Urban Park of Naples (PAUN—Parco Archeologico Urbano di Napoli). Our article starts exploiting the ontological approach based on a purpose ontology describing the Park Heritage. Using such an ontology, we designed a chatbot that can identify the specific characteristics and motivations of the tourist, defining language, tone, and visitable scenarios and, through the ontology, allows the visit to be transformed into a personalized educational opportunity. The system has been validated in terms of dialogue effectiveness and training efficiency by a panel of experts, and we present and discuss obtained results.
A Haptic Sleeve as a Method of Mechanotactile Feedback Restoration for Myoelectric Hand Prosthesis Users
Authors: Borkowska Violet R. , McConnell Alistair , Vijayakumar Sethu , Stokes Adam , Roche Aidan D.
Published: April 2022

Current myoelectric upper limb prostheses do not restore sensory feedback, impairing fine motor control. Mechanotactile feedback restoration with a haptic sleeve may rectify this problem. This randomised crossover within-participant controlled study aimed to assess a prototype haptic sleeve's effect on routine grasping tasks performed by eight able-bodied participants. Each participant completed 15 repetitions of the three tasks: Task 1—normal grasp, Task 2—strong grasp and Task 3—weak grasp, using visual, haptic, or combined feedback All data were collected in April 2021 in the Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Edinburgh, UK. Combined feedback correlated with significantly higher grasp success rates compared to the vision alone in Task 1 (p < 0.0001), Task 2 (p = 0.0057), and Task 3 (p = 0.0170). Similarly, haptic feedback was associated with significantly higher grasp success rates compared to vision in Task 1 (p < 0.0001) and Task 2 (p = 0.0015). Combined feedback correlated with significantly lower energy expenditure compared to visual feedback in Task 1 (p < 0.0001) and Task 3 (p = 0.0003). Likewise, haptic feedback was associated with significantly lower energy expenditure compared to the visual feedback in Task 1 (p < 0.0001), Task 2 (p < 0.0001), and Task 3 (p < 0.0001). These results suggest that mechanotactile feedback provided by the haptic sleeve effectively augments grasping and reduces its energy expenditure.
Validation of a Disability Assessment Tool Based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health in the Chinese Context
Authors: Li Jiahui , Qiu Huaide , Zhang Xia , Jin Juan , Zhao Yuanping , Yan Juan , Xie Hong , Liu Shouguo , Li Jianan
Published: April 2022

Background:

The common standards of disability assessment for long-term care (LTC) insurance are currently absent. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) was designed for a better description of health and functioning, which could fill the demand gap for the standards of disability assessment and be a promising tool for the development of LTC insurance system.

Objectives

To validate a disability assessment scale for disabled elderly individuals based on the ICF for LTC in the Chinese context.

Methods

The present study is a cross-sectional study. A disability assessment tool based on the ICF was developed by referring to other assessment tools and an expert consensus meeting in the initial phase of the study. The developed tool was used to evaluate 1,610 elderly individuals in the LTC institutions. The Cronbach's α coefficient and split-half reliability were applied to test the internal consistency of the tool, while the Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate the interrater reliability (IRR). Factor analysis was performed to verify the construct validity of the tool. The scores from the Medical Outcomes Short Form-12 (SF-12) were correlated with that from the disability assessment tool, to assess the criterion-related validity.

Results

The Cronbach's α coefficient and split-half reliability of the disability assessment tool were 0.969 and 0.877, respectively. The ICCs of the sum scale was 0.85, and the ICCs of each of the 20 items in the scale ranged from 0.78 to 0.94. The items were divided into three factors through analysis, which is consistent with the structure expectation. The scores of each item and the sum score of the disability assessment scale were negatively correlated with the scores of the physical and psychological fields in SF-12 (p < 0.001). Overall, the data indicated that the tool was characterized by good internal consistency, IRR, construct validity, and criterion-related validity.

Conclusions

The disability assessment tool based on the ICF is a reliable and valid tool for the collection of information on functioning across various LTC settings. The information of disability provided evidence for the distribution of LTC service and guided the development of LTC insurance standards.
Research on Incentive Mechanism and Evaluation of Gamification Application for Sustainable Consumption in the Context of China
Authors: Sun Shouheng , Wang Zhenqin , Wu Qi , Wang Weicai
Published: April 2022

The gamification of sustainable consumption is receiving more and more attention from both academic and business circles. However, there is still a lack of research on the incentive mechanism and evaluation of gamification design to promote sustainable consumption behavior. Taking the gamified apps that promote sustainable consumption in China as an example, this study attempts to explore the incentive mechanism of gamification application for sustainable consumption by using the “stimulus-organism-response” model. Furthermore, it also constructs an evaluation index system of gamification design for sustainable consumption app and identifies the key factors in the gamification design by using the analytic hierarchy process. The results suggest that gamification apps use game elements and game mechanism frameworks to build a new sustainable consumption context for users, which breaks the boundary between reality and virtuality, and enables users to gain real-life value for their behavior in the virtual world. Moreover, the trust mechanism and socialized contextual experience of the gamified apps further strengthen this sense of connectedness and interaction, and enhance the user's motivation for sustainable consumption. In the gamification design of sustainable consumption app, more attention needs to be paid to the implementation effect behind gamification, that is, to promote the cultivation of public sustainable consumption values and lifestyle. This study advances theoretical and practical understanding of the gamification of sustainable consumption. The results can also be used as a starting base for the development and design of gamified apps in the sustainable consumption field.
The Impacts of Junk Food on Health
Authors: Jia Si Si , Wardak Sara , Raeside Rebecca , Partridge Stephanie R.
Published: April 2022

Energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods, otherwise known as junk foods, have never been more accessible and available. Young people are bombarded with unhealthy junk-food choices daily, and this can lead to life-long dietary habits that are difficult to undo. In this article, we explore the scientific evidence behind both the short-term and long-term impacts of junk food consumption on our health.
Hosting and Human Rights: The Summer Olympics in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Ross MacIntosh , McDougall Michael
Published: April 2022

During the twenty-first century, Summer Olympic Games have been used to distract from, justify and push through acts of increased securitization, surveillance, and displacement of the host city populace. Situating sport within the field of International Relations, we outline these civil and human rights intrusions across successive Games. From Sydney 2000 to Rio de Janeiro 2016, we explicate the consequences, contestedness, and evolution of repressive techniques applied at each Games using theories of hegemony espoused by Antonio Gramsci, Robert W. Cox, and Raymond Williams, among others. In doing so, we demonstrate how the International Olympic Committee (IOC), their partners and host cities are wedded in a symbolic and symbiotic courtship that manufactures local consent for and normalizes human right infringements; simultaneously providing the architecture for the spread and imposition of neoliberal order on the citizenry, while masking the damage done by and through the Olympics. Finally, we close by asserting that the current formulation of the Olympics are not ‘the best we can do.' Instead, through the counterhegemonic potential of critical approaches and engaged, strategic action, a transformation of critical consciousness - and the Olympics, into something to be proud of - remain a live and entirely possible option.
Muscle Glycogen in Elite Soccer – A Perspective on the Implication for Performance, Fatigue, and Recovery
Authors: Mohr Magni , Vigh-Larsen Jeppe F. , Krustrup Peter
Published: April 2022

Based on extrapolation of current trends in modern soccer, physiological loading has increased markedly, and the game will continue to become even more demanding in the future, which will exacerbate fatigue at the end of a game and between games. Soccer is a glycogen consuming activity due to its high-intensity intermittent nature, and muscle glycogen is a key factor associated with fatigue late in a game, as well as in determining recovery after a game or an intense training session. Low glycogen in individual muscle fibers and subcellular compartments in the muscle cell is likely to negatively affect several essential steps in the excitation-contraction coupling such as action potential propagation, calcium handling and cross-bridge cycling through reductions in muscle ATP which are suggested sites of muscle function impairment inducing muscle fatigue. Recovery of physical performance and muscle glycogen after a soccer game is a slow process, which challenges the reality in modern elite soccer with increased game and training frequency and physiological loading. We suggest a markedly higher prioritization of fitness training modalities, nutritional approaches and general recovery strategies that optimizes muscle glycogen storage prior to games and training sessions. Also, the soccer community including the governing bodies of the sport must acknowledge and plan according to the high and increasing demands of the modern game, as well as the consequences this has on fatigue and recovery. These aspects are paramount to consider in the planning of training and games, as well as in the process of structuring soccer tournaments and developing competitive regulations in the future to optimize performance and player health.
Developing Germplasm and Promoting Consumption of Anthocyanin-Rich Grains for Health Benefits
Authors: Dwivedi Sangam L. , Mattoo Autar K. , Garg Monika , Dutt Som , Singh Brajesh , Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: April 2022

Malnutrition, unhealthy diets, and lifestyle changes are the major risk factors for overweight and obesity-linked chronic diseases in humans adversely impact achieving sustainable development goals. Colored grains are a source of anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids, that contribute positively to human health. This review focuses on genetic variation harnessed through breeding and biotechnology tools for developing anthocyanin-rich grain crops. Agronomic practices, genotype × environment interactions, different stresses, seed development and seed maturity are factors that impact the content and composition of anthocyanins. Significant progress has been made in characterizing genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in cereal and other crops. Breeding has led to the development and release of grain anthocyanin-rich crop cultivars in Europe, America and in some countries in Asia. Notably, genetic engineering utilizing specific transcription factors and gene editing has led to the development of anthocyanin-rich genetic variants without any significant yield penalty. A variety of food products derived from colored grains or flours are now available in grocery stores and supermarkets worldwide. The public perception about anthocyanin-rich food is positive, but availability, affordability, and willingness to pay a higher price than before limit consumption. Together with other seed nutrition traits in breeding programs the inclusion of anthocyanins can ensure the development of cultivars that meet nutrition needs of humans, especially in the developing world.
Laparoscopic Proximally Extended Colorectal Resection With Two-Stage Turnbull-Cutait Pull-Through Coloanal Anastomosis for Late Complications of Chronic Radiation Proctopathy
Authors: He Yanjiong , Zhou Zuolin , Huang Xiaoyan , Guan Qi , Qin Qiyuan , Zhu Miaomiao , Wang Huaiming , Zhong Qinghua , Chen Daici , Wang Hui , Fang Lekun , Ma Tenghui
Published: April 2022

Background

Chronic radiation proctopathy (CRP) is a common complication after radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies. Compared with diversion surgery, resection surgery removes the damaged tissue completely to avoid the risks of recurrence and improve patients' outcome. Hence, resection surgery could be an optimal surgical approach when CRP is complicated by late complications. This study aimed to describe a modified surgical procedure of resection surgery and report its preliminary efficacy and safety in treating patients with CRP with late complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the patients who were diagnosed with CRP with late complications and underwent the modified surgical procedure of laparoscopic proximally extended colorectal resection with two-Stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through coloanal anastomosis (PE-Bacon) between November 2019 and October 2020 in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.

Results

A total of 15 patients were performed the modified laparoscopic procedure of PE-Bacon, of which 1 patient underwent conversion from laparoscopic to open operation for intraoperative massive hemorrhage. Overall, the major (Clavien-Dindo III-V) postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient, anastomotic leakage was observed in 2 (13.3%) patients, and anastomotic stricture was observed in 4 (26.7%) patients. No patient had to be reoperated and died. Up to now, at the average follow-up of (524.40 ± 108.39) days, the preoperative symptoms of 93.3% (14/15) patients were relieved, with nine patients achieved complete remission, five patients only suffered minor symptoms. Because of the progression of radiation uropathy, one patient still had a vesicovaginal fistula as pre-operative complication. Colostomy reversal has been performed on 8 (53.3%) patients at an average postoperative duration of 299.5 ± 92.68 days, among whom only 2 patients suffered from major Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) until now.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic PE-Bacon surgery is a safe and feasible surgical procedure for late complications of CRP with low morbidity and high symptom remission rate.
Transient Receptor Potential Channel 1 Potentially Serves as a Biomarker Indicating T/TNM Stages and Predicting Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Liang , Shan Guang , Ge Minghuan , Qian Huijun , Xia Yue
Published: April 2022

Background

Transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) regulates the progression of several cancers, but its clinical implication in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has not been explored yet. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of TRPC1 with clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with RCC.

Methods

Totally, 177 patients with primary RCC who received surgical resection were retrospectively screened. Their tumor and paired adjacent tissue specimens were retrieved to assess TRPC1 mRNA expression using RT-qPCR and TRPC1 protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Both TRPC1 IHC score and TRPC1 mRNA expression were elevated in RCC tissue than in adjacent tissue (both P < 0.001). Meanwhile, both TRPC1 IHC score and TRPC1 mRNA expression in tumor were associated with higher T stage (both P = 0.02) and TNM stage (P = 0.009, P = 0.003, respectively). However, no correlation was found in tumor TRPC1 IHC score or TRPC1 mRNA expression with other tumor properties (all P > 0.05). Besides, the 3-, 5-, and 7-year overall survival (OS) were 81.4, 68.6, and 60.2%, respectively in patients with high tumor TRPC1 protein, while they were 89.3, 82.7, and 76.7%, respectively in patients with low tumor TRPC1 protein. High (vs. low) TRPC1 protein in the tumor was associated with shorter OS (P = 0.017), while high (vs. low) TRPC1 mRNA in the tumor was not correlated with OS (P = 0.144). By the forward stepwise method, TRPC1 protein expression independently predicted poor OS (P = 0.01, hazard ratio = 2.052).

Conclusion

TRPC1 serves as a potential biomarker reflecting tumor features and long-term survival profile in patients with RCC.
Precision Endonasal Endoscopic Surgery of the Frontal Recess Cells and Frontal Sinus Guided by the Natural Sinus Drainage Pathway
Authors: Peng Zhouying , Wang Yumin , Fang Yan , Wang Yaxuan , Chen Xiang , Fan Ruohao , Zhang Hua , Xie Zhihai , Jiang Weihong
Published: April 2022

Background

The endoscopic endonasal approach to removing lesions in the nasal cavity and sinuses has become the modern first choice. However, if endoscopic surgery is performed without proper knowledge of sinus anatomy, there is a risk of residual lesions, recurrence, and even serious complications. Therefore, this article illustrates the importance of precise sinus opening guided by the natural sinus drainage pathway, using the anatomy of the frontal sinus (FS) and the frontal recess (FR) cells as an example.

Method

A total of 82 sides cadaveric heads were dissected and analyzed, and the natural drainage pathways of the FR cells and FS were observed at 0°and 70°nasal endoscopic views, and the findings were summarized. The data of 79 patients who accepted endonasal endoscopic surgery (EES) guided by natural sinus drainage pathways to remove mucoceles in our department from January 2015 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Two natural drainage pathways of the FR cells were discovered, identified, and named the medial pathway of the FR (MPFR) and the lateral pathway of the FR (LPFR). The 79 patients who accepted EES to remove mucoceles through the natural drainage pathways of FR cells and the FS showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms, and none of them had recurrence after surgery without serious complications.

Conclusion

The EES of the FR cells and FS through the natural drainage pathways to remove the mucoceles facilitates exposure of the cells without residual lesions and without serious complications.
Dietary Supplementation of Ferrous Glycine Chelate Improves Growth Performance of Piglets by Enhancing Serum Immune Antioxidant Properties, Modulating Microbial Structure and Its Metabolic Function in the Early Stage
Authors: Ma Jiayu , Liu Sujie , Piao Xiangshu , Wang Chunlin , Wang Jian , Lin Yu-sheng , Hsu Tzu-ping , Liu Li
Published: April 2022

The present research aimed to explore the effect of dietary ferrous glycine chelate supplementation on performance, serum immune-antioxidant parameters, fecal volatile fatty acids, and microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 80 healthy piglets (weaned at 28 day with an initial weight of 7.43 ± 1.51 kg) were separated into two treatments with five replicates of eight pigs each following a completely randomized block design. The diet was a corn-soybean basal diet with 2,000 mg/kg ferrous glycine chelates (FGC) or not (Ctrl). The serum and fecal samples were collected on days 14 and 28 of the experiment. The results indicated that dietary FGC supplementation improved (p < 0.05) the average daily gain and average daily feed intake overall, alleviated (p < 0.05) the diarrhea rate of piglets at the early stage, enhanced (p < 0.05) the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase on day 14 and lowered (p < 0.05) the MDA level overall. Similarly, the levels of growth hormone and serum iron were increased (p < 0.05) in the FGC group. Moreover, dietary FGC supplementation was capable of modulating the microbial community structure of piglets in the early period, increasing (p < 0.05) the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria Tezzerella, decreasing (p < 0.05) the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria Slackia, Olsenella, and Prevotella as well as stimulating (p < 0.05) the propanoate and butanoate metabolisms. Briefly, dietary supplemented FGC ameliorates the performance and alleviated the diarrhea of piglets by enhancing antioxidant properties, improving iron transport, up-regulating the growth hormone, modulating the fecal microbiota, and increasing the metabolism function. Therefore, FGC is effective for early iron supplementation and growth of piglets and may be more effective in neonatal piglets.
Growth Performance, Blood Biochemical Indices, Rumen Bacterial Community, and Carcass Characteristics in Goats Fed Anthocyanin-Rich Black Cane Silage
Authors: Suong Ngo Thi Minh , Paengkoum Siwaporn , Schonewille Jan Thomas , Purba Rayudika Aprilia Patindra , Paengkoum Pramote
Published: April 2022

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of a standard total mixed ration (TMR) with containing anthocyanin-rich plants on animal performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation, microbial composition, and carcass characteristics in meat goats. Thirty-six healthy crossbred Thai-native Anglo-Nubian male goats (14.42 ± 0.6 kg) were used to compare the possibility of using anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (AS) in place of Napier grass silage (NS) as a functional feed resource. All goats received a 90-d routine feeding consisting of two experimental diets that were isocaloric and isonitrogenous: the control group received TMR containing 50% NS (NS; n = 18), and one group received TMR containing 50% AS (AS; n = 18). Average daily weight gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured as indicators of performance. At the end of the experiment, meat, blood, and rumen samples were collected. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of final body weight, ADG, DMI, or ADG/DMI. There were no differences in rumen pH or total volatile fatty acids (VFAs); however, rumen ammonia N concentrations were lower in the AS group than in the NS group. Individual VFA concentrations varied, with AS group containing more Ruminococcus albus and NS group containing more methanogenic bacteria. Blood biochemical indices varied, with NS group having higher TBARS concentration and AS group having higher concentrations of TAC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GSH-Rx. Goat meat from the AS group had higher levels of intramuscular fat and was more tender compared to goat meat from the NS group. The feeding of anthocyanin-rich black cane appears to be an attractive alternative for Napier grass in the nutrition of meat goats. The current results indicate that the feeding of a TMR containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane alleviates oxidative stress and promotes the production of tender meat.
Dermal Microvascular Units in Domestic Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica): Role as Transdermal Passive Immune Channels
Authors: Meng Xiangfei , Zhu Zhaoxuan , Ahmed Nisar , Ma Qianhui , Wang Qi , Deng Bihua , Chen Qiusheng , Lu Yu , Yang Ping
Published: April 2022

The dermal microvascular unit (DMU) is a perivascular functional unit in the dermis. It is composed of microvascular and capillary lymphatics surrounded by immune cells. In this study, jet needle-free injection system was used to injected biocompatible carbon nanoparticles into the cervical skin of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) and assessed the morphological distribution of DMUs by hematoxylin erythrosine staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and TEM was also used to observe the ultrastructural changes of DMUs after jet needle-free injection. Following our study, we identified DMUs in the dermis stratum papillare and similar structures in the dermis stratum reticulare, but the aggregation of CD68+ and CD1a+ cells in the dermis stratum papillare of DMUs by IHC confirmed that DMUs act as reservoirs of dermal immune cells, while similar structures in the dermis stratum reticulare should not be considered as DMUs. Ultrastructure of DMUs was revealed by TEM. Marvelous changes were found following xenobiotics attack, including the rearrangement of endothelial cells and pericytes, and the reactivity of immune cells. Novel interstitial cell telocyte (TC) was also identified around the microvasculature, which may have been previously known as the veil cell. Our results successfully identified the distribution of DMUs in the skin of domestic pigs, which might act as reservoirs of immune cells in the skin and play a role in immune surveillance and immune defense.
Dynamics Modeling and Adaptive Sliding Mode Control of a Hybrid Condenser Cleaning Robot
Authors: Li Jiabao , Wang Chengjun
Published: April 2022

This study examines the pose control of the 4-RPU redundant parallel mechanism of a hybrid condenser cleaning robot in response to the poor control accuracy of current cleaning robots. The kinematics of the 4-RPU mechanism is analysed, and its dynamics model is constructed using the virtual work principle. The theoretical calculation and virtual prototype simulation of the constructed model are conducted in MATLAB and ADAMS, which yield basically consistent results, demonstrating the precision of the model. Based on this model, an adaptive sliding mode control method is proposed that can estimate and compensate for parameter uncertainties and load perturbations simultaneously. The system stability is analysed using Lyapunov functions. The results suggest that the adaptive sliding mode control method can significantly reduce the average tracking error of each degree of freedom of the moving platform and exhibits higher control stability and convergence accuracy than the conventional sliding mode control algorithm. This study provides a reference and research basis for attitude control of the cleaning robots affected by uncertainties such as water backlash during operation.
Design of Mega-Constellations for Global Uniform Coverage with Inter-Satellite Links
Authors: Jia Lu , Zhang Yasheng , Yu Jinlong , Wang Xuan
Published: April 2022

Constellation configuration design is a prerequisite and critical step in the construction of a mega-constellation system in low Earth orbit. However, the huge number of satellites and the intricate changes in relative positions among them make the configuration design the most challenging part. In this paper, we propose a configuration design scheme for mega-constellations considering collision-avoidance constraints with the objective of uniform global coverage. In this design scheme, the constellation is made up of multiple Walker constellations with the same orbital altitude and different orbital inclination. Moreover, the analytical expression for the minimum distance between any two satellites in the same orbital altitude is derived, and the constellation internal collision-avoidance constraint is established accordingly. Finally, a permanent inter-satellite link design scheme without dynamic reconstruction is presented based on the mega-constellation configuration. Simulation results show that the mega-constellation design scheme introduced in this paper can achieve relatively uniform global coverage (its N Asset Coverage ranges from 18 to 25). The mixed Walker constellation is capable of providing a greater number of N Asset Coverage for most of the world than the Walker constellation of the same satellite order of magnitude. In addition, the inter-satellite link scheme designed in this paper can ensure continuous and stable communication between any satellite nodes.
Effects of Solid-State Fermented Wheat Bran on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Intestinal Morphology and Microflora in Lipopolysaccharide-Challenged Broiler Chickens
Authors: An Jishan , Shi Jingjing , Liu Kuanbo , Li Aike , He Beibei , Wang Yu , Duan Tao , Wang Yongwei , He Jianhua
Published: April 2022

The study evaluated the effects of dry and wet solid-state fermented wheat bran (FWB) on growth performance, immune function, intestinal morphology and microflora in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broiler chickens. The experiment was designed as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. A total of 252 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chickens were randomly allocated to 1 of 6 treatments: basal diet + sterile saline (negative control, NC), basal diet + LPS (positive control, PC), 7% dry FWB + sterile saline (FWB-I), 7% dry FWB + LPS (FWB-II), 7% wet FWB + sterile saline (FWB-III) and 7% wet FWB + LPS (FWB-IV), with containing 6 replicate cages/treatment and 7 broiler chickens/cage, and the experimental period lasted for 42 days. Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with either 0.5 mg LPS or sterile saline solution per kg body weight at 16, 18 and 20 d of age. Growth performance, serum immunological parameters and indicators related to intestinal health were analyzed on days 21 and 42. Compared with NC, dry and wet FWB significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily feed intake of days 21 to 42, and increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio of ileum on day 21, decreased (p = 0.101) the jejunum crypt depth and decreased (p < 0.05) the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts of the cecum digesta on day 42. Compared with NC, FWB-II and FWB-IV significantly increased (p < 0.05) the levels of serum total protein and globulin on day 21; compared with the basal diet groups, dry and wet FWB groups significantly increased (p < 0.05) glucose levels on day 21, and wet FWB significantly decreased (p < 0.05) alanine aminotransferase levels on day 42. Compared with PC and FWB-II, FWB-IV significantly increased (p < 0.05) the level of serum immunoglobulin G on day 21. Compared with PC and FWB-II, FWB-IV significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β and acute C reactive protein (CRP) on day 21; compared with FWB-III, FWB-IV significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the levels of IL-6, IL-8, CRP and tumor necrosis factor alpha on day 42, but the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were significantly increased (p < 0.05) on days 21 and 42. These results indicated that supplementing 7% dry or wet FWB can improve growth performance and serum immune functions of broilers, which effectively alleviate the LPS-challenged damage, and wet FWB had a better effect than dry FWB.
A New Hybrid Dynamic FMECA with Decision-Making Methodology: A Case Study in an Agri-Food Company
Authors: Di Nardo Mario , Murino Teresa , Osteria Gianluca , Santillo Liberatina Carmela
Published: April 2022

The Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is often used to improve a system’s reliability. This paper proposes a new approach that aims to overcome the most critical defects of the traditional FMEA. This new methodology combines the Entropy and Best Worst Method (BWM) methodology with the EDAS and System Dynamics, FMECA: The EN-B-ED Dynamic FMECA. The main innovation point of the proposed work is the presence of an unknown factor (Cost) that allows to obtain an objective weighted factor, a risk index when a machine failure occurs. The criticality analysis has been carried out using software (Vensim PLE x64) to simulate System Dynamics models to identify corrective actions and evaluate the possible implementation of these actions. The methodology proposed is applied to a case study in a relevant Italian company in the agri-food sector.
Revisiting the Contrasting Response of Polar Stratosphere to the Eastern and Central Pacific El Niños
Authors: Kolennikova Maria , Gushchina Daria
Published: April 2022

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) invokes the release of a large amount of heat and moisture into the tropical atmosphere, inducing circulation anomalies. The circulation response to ENSO propagates both horizontally poleward and vertically into the stratosphere. Here, we investigate the remote response of the polar stratosphere to ENSO using reanalysis data, along with composite and regression analysis. In particular, we focus on inter-event variability resulting from two ENSO types (the Eastern Pacific (EP) and the Central Pacific (CP) El Niño) and the inter-hemispheric difference in the ENSO responses. Consistent with previous results, we show that ENSO is associated with a weakening in the stratospheric polar vortex but emphasize that the polar stratosphere response strongly depends on the ENSO types, differs between the hemispheres, and changes from the lower to middle stratosphere. The main inter-hemispheric asymmetry manifests in response to the EP El Niño, which is not significant in the Southern Hemisphere, while CP events are associated with pronounced weakening in the polar vortex in both hemispheres. The weakening in the stratospheric polar vortex arguably results from the intensification in the wave flux from the troposphere into the stratosphere and is accompanied by increased heat transport. The latter causes stratospheric warming in the Artic and Antarctic and slows zonal currents. The response of the lower stratosphere circulation to ENSO is approximately the opposite to that of the middle stratosphere.
Gene Editing of the Catfish Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene and Hormone Therapy to Control the Reproduction in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Qin Guyu , Qin Zhenkui , Lu Cuiyu , Ye Zhi , Elaswad Ahmed , Bangs Max , Li Hanbo , Zhang Yiliu , Huang Yingqi , Shi Huitong , Gosh Kamal , Abass Nermeen Y. , Vo Khoi , Odin Ramjie , Bugg William S. , Backenstose Nathan J. C. , Drescher David , Taylor Zachary , Braden Timothy , Su Baofeng , Dunham Rex A.
Published: April 2022

Transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) plasmids targeting the channel catfish gonadotropin-releasing hormone (cfGnRH) gene were delivered into fertilized eggs with double electroporation to sterilize channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Targeted cfGnRH fish were sequenced and base deletion, substitution, and insertion were detected. The gene mutagenesis was achieved in 52.9% of P1 fish. P1 mutants (individuals with human-induced sequence changes at the cfGnRH locus) had lower spawning rates (20.0–50.0%) when there was no hormone therapy compared to the control pairs (66.7%) as well as having lower average egg hatch rates (2.0% versus 32.3–74.3%) except for one cfGnRH mutated female that had a 66.0% hatch rate. After low fertility was observed in 2016, application of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog (LHRHa) hormone therapy resulted in good spawning and hatch rates for mutants in 2017, which were not significantly different from the controls (p > 0.05). No exogenous DNA fragments were detected in the genome of mutant P1 fish, indicating no integration of the plasmids. No obvious effects on other economically important traits were observed after the knockout of the reproductive gene in the P1 fish. Growth rates, survival, and appearance between mutant and control individuals were not different. While complete knock-out of reproductive output was not achieved, as these were mosaic P1 brood stock, gene editing of channel catfish for the reproductive confinement of gene-engineered, domestic, and invasive fish to prevent gene flow into the natural environment appears promising.
Acute Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Resting Metabolic Rate and Substrate Utilisation in Healthy Women
Authors: Maciejczyk Marcin , Bawelski Marek , Więcek Magdalena , Szygula Zbigniew , Michailov Michail Lubomirov , Vadašová Bibiana , Kačúr Peter , Pałka Tomasz
Published: April 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the acute effects of single-whole-body vibration (WBV) on resting metabolic rate (RMR) and carbohydrate–lipid profile of blood in young, healthy women. The participants, in a randomised controlled crossover study, participated in two trials: WBV and a vibration simulation (placebo). The WBV was performed in the prone position and cycloidal-oscillatory vibration was used. The RMR measurement (calorimetry) was performed: before the WBV, during WBV, immediately after the completion of WBV, and 1 h after the completion of WBV. For biochemical analyses, venous blood was collected. During WBV, there was a significant increase in RMR compared to baseline. Immediately after and 1 h following the end of the WBV, RMR was close to baseline levels (p > 0.05). The increased energy expenditure resulted from the increased utilisation of carbohydrates and proteins during the vibration. In the placebo condition, there were no significant changes over time in the level of the studied indices during calorimetry. The WBV had no significant effects on the level of glucose in the blood. The applied vibration did not significantly affect the concentration of the analysed lipid indices, which were within the physiological norms for all measurements. Results indicate the need for further research to establish the physiological mechanisms underlying the observed effects of WBV on resting metabolic rate.