bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chain Mediating Effect of the Public's Online Health Information-Seeking Behavior on Doctor-Patient Interaction
Authors: Luo Aijing , Yu Zhen , Liu Fei , Xie Wenzhao
Published: June 2022

Objective

This paper aims to explore the influence mechanisms of online health information-seeking behavior (OHISB) on doctor-patient interactions from a psychological perspective, using theory as a guide, which can effectively guide the mode of doctor-patient interaction after search behavior in China.

Methods

We conducted a convenient web-based survey among members of the public who engage in searching behavior in China using a pretested structured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was performed for path analysis and mediating effect testing.

Results

The findings of the study show that (1) 4 control variables (education level, occupation, income, and diagnosed disease) had significant differences in online health information-seeking behavior; 7 control variables (age, gender, living area, education level, occupation, income, medical insurance) were significantly different in doctor-patient interaction behaviors. (2) perceived disease severity (95% CI: 0.003, 0.04, P < 0.001), perceived action benefits (95% CI: 0.059, 0.138, P < 0.001), and e-health literacy (95% CI: 0.061, 0.155, P < 0.001) were positive predictors between OHISB and doctor-patient interactions. (2) E-health literacy and perceived disease severity (95% CI: 0.001, 0.013, P < 0.05), and e-health literacy and perceived action benefits (95% CI: 0.082, 0.166, P < 0.001) play chain mediating roles between OHISB and doctor-patient interactions.

Conclusions

E-health literacy, perceived disease severity, and perceived action benefits act as chain mediators between OHISB and doctor-patient interactions.
Worker Characteristics and Measures Associated With Patient and Visitor Violence in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multilevel Regression Analysis From China
Authors: Guo Ya-qian , Huang Ju , Xu Na-na , Ma Xiao-jing
Published: June 2022

Objective

To analyze the patient and visitor workplace violence (PVV) toward health workers (HWs) and identify correlations between worker characteristics, measures against violence and exposure to PVV in COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey utilizing the international questionnaires in six public tertiary hospitals from Beijing in 2020 was conducted, and valid data from 754 respondents were collected. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to determine the association between independents and exposure to PVV.

Results

During COVID-19 pandemic and regular epidemic prevention and control, doctors were 5.3 times (95% CI = 1.59~17.90) more likely to suffer from physical PVV than nurses. HWs most frequently work with infants were 7.2 times (95% CI = 2.24~23.19) more likely to suffer from psychological PVV. More than four-fifth of HWs reported that their workplace had implemented security measures in 2020, and the cross-level interactions between the security measures and profession variable indicates that doctors in the workplace without security measures were 11.3 times (95% CI = 1.09~116.39) more likely to suffer from physical PVV compared to nurses in the workplace with security measures.

Conclusion

Doctors have higher risk of physical PVV in COVID-19 containment, and the security measures are very important and effective to fight against the physical PVV. Comprehensive measures should be implemented to mitigate hazards and protect the health, safety, and well-being of health workers.
No Differences in Wound Healing and Scar Formation Were Observed in Patients With Different COVID-19 Vaccination Intervals
Authors: Dong Chen , Yu Zhou , Quan Xin , Wei Siming , Wang Jiayang , Ma Xianjie
Published: June 2022

Background

Safety concerns are one of the most common reasons for COVID-19 vaccination refusal. In the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, whether COVID-19 vaccination influences wound healing and scar formation is worthy of special attention.

Methods

In this study, patients with adult trauma with subcutaneous sutures placed by a single plastic surgeon in a single center were included. The vaccination interval was defined as the interval between the last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and when surgical sutures were introduced. The patients were categorized by vaccination interval into three groups of <1, 1–3, and ≥3 months. Wound healing and scar formation were rated according to the Wound Assessment Inventory (WAI) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) in the groups at 7 days and after a 3-month follow-up.

Results

All total and individual scores of WAI and POSAS were not significantly different among the groups.

Conclusion

No differences in wound healing and scar formation were observed in patients with different COVID-19 vaccination intervals. Thus, it is not necessary to postpone COVID-19 vaccination, as the vaccine does not affect wound healing and scar formation in patients undergoing surgery. This study aimed to eliminate concerns and hesitancy in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Demographic Predictors of Mothers' Willingness to Vaccinate Young Children Against COVID-19, Get Tested and Isolate: A Cross-Sectional Survey Before and During the Greater Sydney Lockdown 2021, Australia
Authors: Wen Li Ming , Xu Huilan , Rissel Chris , Kerr Erin , Buchanan Limin , Taki Sarah , Phongsavan Philayrath , Chua Reuel Kangjie , Hua Myna , Wardle Karen , Simone Lisa , Hayes Alison , Baur Louise A.
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Having a COVID-19 vaccination, getting tested, and self-isolating if symptomatic are some of the most important mitigation strategies for preventing the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate whether demographic factors are associated with mothers' willingness to vaccinate their 4-year-old children against COVID-19 if a suitable vaccine becomes available or to get tested and self-isolate if they themselves have COVID-19 symptoms and whether the willingness could be influenced by the Greater Sydney lockdown 2021.

Methods

A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between 24th February and 26th October 2021. Questions from the NSW Adult Population Health Survey and from previously published studies were used to assess family demographics, mothers' willingness to vaccinate their young children, and willingness to get tested and self-isolate if symptomatic. The survey involved 604 mothers of children aged 4 years who participated in an existing trial in Sydney, Australia.

Results

Mothers were more willing to vaccinate their children when the child's father had a tertiary education or higher, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.60 (95% CI 1.67–4.04). Mothers who were older than 30 years or who completed the survey during the lockdown were more willing to get tested if symptomatic, with AOR 2.50 (95% CI 1.17–5.36) and AOR 3.36 (95% CI 1.41–8.02), respectively. Mothers who were married or had de-facto partners were more willing to self-isolate if symptomatic [AOR 17.15 (95% CI 3.56–82.65)].

Conclusion

Fathers' educational level, mothers' age, and marital status were associated with mothers' willingness to vaccinate their young children if a suitable vaccine were available, to get tested, and self-isolate if symptomatic respectively. The promotion of mitigation strategies for tackling the COVID-19 pandemic needs to take into account specific family demographics.
Predictive Factors for Acute Postoperative Pain After Open Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xie Han , Wei Jingxuan , Ma Zhengliang , Ge Weihong
Published: June 2022

Background

Pain has become an important factor in evaluating patients' quality of life and clinical treatment. For gastric cancer (GC) patients, open radical gastrectomy (OG) causes significant trauma to the body, increases patients' pain after operation, and delays early recovery. The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors of acute pain after OG within postoperative 72 h.

Methods

From March 2020 to September 2021, 307 patients who underwent OG were included in the study in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The predictors included demographic predictors, pathological data, surgical predictors, and intraoperative predictors. The pain scores at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after operation were evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS). The predictors of acute pain were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The average pain score (NRS) of patients showed a downward trend over time within 72 h after OG. Multivariate analysis indicated that total gastrectomy (OR 1.823, 95% CI 1.094–3.040, P < 0.05), AJCC TNM stage (II) (OR.232, 95% CI 0.062–0.872, P < 0.05), AJCC TNM stage(III) (OR.185, 95% CI 0.049–0.698, P < 0.05), BMI (kg/m2) (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.029–2.976, P < 0.05), distant metastasis (OR 3.054, 95% CI 1.019–9.155, P < 0.05), intraoperative transfusion (OR 2.246, 95% CI 1.267–3.982, P < 0.01) were significant predictive factors for acute pain after OG.

Conclusion

Reasonable postoperative acute pain control was the prerequisite for accelerating the postoperative rehabilitation of patients. In order to reduce the occurrence of excessive or insufficient analgesia, it was necessary for patients who underwent OG to formulate appropriate analgesics according to risk factors.
Development and Validation of Multi-Stage Prediction Models for Pre-eclampsia: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Chinese Women
Authors: Tang Zeyu , Ji Yuelong , Zhou Shuang , Su Tao , Yuan Zhichao , Han Na , Jia Jinzhu , Wang Haijun
Published: June 2022

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop multistage prediction models for pre-eclampsia (PE) covering almost the entire pregnancy period based on routine antenatal measurements and to propose a risk screening strategy.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that included 20582 singleton pregnant women with the last menstruation between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2019. Of the 20582 women, 717 (3.48%) developed pre-eclampsia, including 46 (0.22%) with early-onset pre-eclampsia and 119 (0.58%) preterm pre-eclampsia. We randomly divided the dataset into the training set (N = 15665), the testing set (N = 3917), and the validation set (N = 1000). Least Absolute Shrinkage And Selection Operator (LASSO) was used to do variable selection from demographic characteristics, blood pressure, blood routine examination and biochemical tests. Logistic regression was used to develop prediction models at eight periods: 5–10 weeks, 11–13 weeks, 14–18 weeks, 19–23 weeks, 24–27 weeks, 28–31 weeks, 32–35 weeks, and 36–39 weeks of gestation. We calculated the AUROC (Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve) on the test set and validated the screening strategy on the validation set.

Results

We found that uric acid tested from 5–10 weeks of gestation, platelets tested at 18–23 and 24–31 weeks of gestation, and alkaline phosphatase tested at 28–31, 32–35 and 36–39 weeks of gestation can further improve the prediction performance of models. The AUROC of the optimal prediction models on the test set gradually increased from 0.71 at 5–10 weeks to 0.80 at 24–27 weeks, and then gradually increased to 0.95 at 36–39 weeks of gestation. At sensitivity level of 0.98, our screening strategy can identify about 94.8% of women who will develop pre-eclampsia and reduce about 40% of the healthy women to be screened by 28–31 weeks of pregnancy.

Conclusion

We developed multistage prediction models and a risk screening strategy, biomarkers of which were part of routine test items and did not need extra costs. The prediction window has been advanced to 5–10 weeks, which has allowed time for aspirin intervention and other means for PE high-risk groups.
The Effect of Big Data-Based Digital Payments on Household Healthcare Expenditure
Authors: Li Chengming , Li Daming , He Si , Sun Shiqi , Tian Yuan , Wang Zeyu
Published: June 2022

Whether families using big data-based digital payments will increase household healthcare expenditure is a subject that needs to be investigated in the era of big data. Based on the data from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), 24,126 samples from 2014 to 2018 are used to examine the impact and mechanism of big data-based digital payments on household healthcare expenditure. The empirical results of this paper show that the use of digital payments by households can significantly increase household healthcare expenditure with the empowerment of big data. This research employs the instrumental variable method to verify and produce consistent estimation results in order to address potential endogeneity issues such as measurement error and missing variables. We learn via mechanism analysis that household adoption of big data-driven digital payments can remove credit limitations and build social capital, resulting in higher household health-care spending. We also perform a heterogeneity analysis. The findings reveal that when a family's traditional financial accessibility is high, the head of the household is young or middle-aged, and the head of the household has a higher level of education, digital payment will play a larger role in encouraging household healthcare expenditure. The conclusions of this paper are still solid after changing the indicators of household healthcare expenditure substituting the indicators of digital payment, and adjusting the variables. As a result, this article provides micro-evidence for the usage of digital payments by households to enhance healthcare spending.

JEL Classification

D12 G21 O30 O53 I12
Effect of an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection on Saturn’s Radio Emission
Authors: Cecconi B. , Witasse O. , Jackman C. M. , Sánchez-Cano B. , Mays M. L.
Published: June 2022

The Saturn Kilometric Radiation (SKR) was observed for the first time during the flyby of Saturn by the Voyager spacecraft in 1980. These radio emissions, in the range of a few kHz to 1 MHz, are emitted by electrons travelling around auroral magnetic field lines. Their study is useful to understand the variability of a magnetosphere and its coupling with the solar wind. Previous studies have shown a strong correlation between the solar wind dynamic pressure and the SKR intensity. However, up to now, the effect of an Interplanetary Coronal Mass Ejection (ICME) has never been examined in detail, due to the lack of SKR observations at the time when an ICME can be tracked and its different parts be clearly identified. In this study, we take advantage of a large ICME that reached Saturn mid-November 2014 (Witasse et al., J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics, 2017, 122, 7865–7890). At that time, the Cassini spacecraft was fortunately travelling within the solar wind for a few days, and provided a very accurate timing of the ICME structure. A survey of the Cassini data for the same period indicated a significant increase in the SKR emissions, showing a good correlation after the passage of the ICME shock with a delay of ∼13 h and after the magnetic cloud passage with a delay of 25–42 h.
Institutional Innovations for Climate Smart Agriculture: Assessment of Climate-Smart Village Approach in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Rajiv , Khatri-Chhetri Arun , Chhetri Netra
Published: June 2022

Institutions have a crucial role in communicating climate science into meaningful forms and to develop context specific adaptation options. Led by multiple institutions, Climate Smart Village (CSV) in Nepal is an organized approach to designing location specific package of interventions in response to climatic and other ongoing changes in the agricultural system. While addressing the impending risk of climate change and promoting food security objectives in smallholder settings, the CSV approach aims to increase the adoption of Climate Smart Agricultural (CSA) technologies at the local levels. One of the challenges, however, has been to sustain and scale the CSA technologies and practices. Based on the in-depth review of policy documents, field observations, and interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of pilot programs, this study evaluates the institutional framework of the CSV approach in the Gandaki region, Nepal. Our analysis proposes a revised conceptual model of innovation in the agricultural system that contributes to an increase in knowledge, attitude, and skills of multiple stakeholders for agricultural adaptation and the scaling of appropriate options. Our case demonstrates that while the scaling of the CSV approach is a concern, the institutional innovation around CSV has been instrumental in making farmers aware of CSA technologies. This has been done largely through collaboration among public, private, civil society organizations, and communities. This collaborative effort illustrates the possibilities for scaling the CSV approaches in the future and highlights their contribution to climate and development goals.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Accuracy of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/ Computerized Tomography for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Hu Mei , Chen Guangwen , Luo Lin , Shang Lan
Published: June 2022

Objective

Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (FDG PET/CT) has become popular for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). However, the diagnostic accuracy for this technique has varied from report to report. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of FDG PET/CT for PJI diagnosis.

Material and Methods

We conducted a systematic search of online academic databases for all studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET/CT for PJI. Meta-analysis was performed using STATA software.

Results

23 studies, containing data on 1,437 patients, met inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET/CT for diagnosing PJI were 85% (95% CI, 76%, 91%) and 86% (95% CI, 78%, 91%), respectively with an AUC of 0.92. LRP was 6.1 (95% CI, 3.8, 9.7) and LRN was 0.17 (0.11, 0.28), indicating that FDG PET/CT cannot be used for confirmation or exclusion of PJI. There was significant inter-study heterogeneity, but no significant publication bias was noted.

Conclusions

Our study found that FDG PET/CT has an important role as a diagnostic tool for PJI with high sensitivity and specificity. Further studies exploring its accuracy in different PJI locations remain necessary.
Importance of Zinc Nanoparticles for the Intestinal Microbiome of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Baholet Daria , Skalickova Sylvie , Batik Andrej , Malyugina Svetlana , Skladanka Jiri , Horky Pavel
Published: June 2022

The scientific community is closely monitoring the replacement of antibiotics with doses of ZnO in weaned piglets. Since 2022, the use of zinc in medical doses has been banned in the European Union. Therefore, pig farmers are looking for other solutions. Some studies have suggested that zinc nanoparticles might replace ZnO for the prevention of diarrhea in weaning piglets. Like ZnO, zinc nanoparticles are effective against pathogenic microorganisms, e.g., Enterobacteriaceae family in vitro and in vivo. However, the effect on probiotic Lactobacillaceae appears to differ for ZnO and zinc nanoparticles. While ZnO increases their numbers, zinc nanoparticles act in the opposite way. These phenomena have been also confirmed by in vitro studies that reported a strong antimicrobial effect of zinc nanoparticles against Lactobacillales order. Contradictory evidence makes this topic still controversial, however. In addition, zinc nanoparticles vary in their morphology and properties based on the method of their synthesis. This makes it difficult to understand the effect of zinc nanoparticles on the intestinal microbiome. This review is aimed at clarifying many circumstances that may affect the action of nanoparticles on the weaning piglets' microbiome, including a comprehensive overview of the zinc nanoparticles in vitro effects on bacterial species occurring in the digestive tract of weaned piglets.
A Review on Canine and Feline Prostate Pathology
Authors: Palmieri Chiara , Fonseca-Alves Carlos Eduardo , Laufer-Amorim Renee
Published: June 2022

Prostatic diseases are very common in male dogs, accounting for 3–10% of cases submitted to the veterinary practitioners. Commonly reported canine prostatic disorders include prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, prostatic cysts and prostatic carcinoma. However, clinical signs may be non-specific, or many cases are asymptomatic, thus leading to a difficult estimation of the actual prevalence of clinical cases. On the other side, because of the rare occurrence of prostate disease in cats, very little is known about pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches and treatment. The goal of this review is to provide detailed clinical and pathological overview of the feline and canine prostatic pathology, including the most up-to-date classification systems and histological findings. Emphasis is places on gross, cytological and histological features that are critical to reach a definitive diagnosis for a proper treatment and prognosis.
Tracking Infection and Genetic Divergence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus at Pets, Pet Owners, and Environment Interface
Authors: Shoaib Muhammad , Aqib Amjad Islam , Ali Muhammad Muddassir , Ijaz Muhammad , Sattar Huma , Ghaffar Awais , Sajid Hasni Muhammad , Bhutta Zeeshan Ahmad , Ashfaq Khurram , Kulyar Muhammad Fakhar-e-Alam , Pu Wanxia
Published: June 2022

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has become a leading animal and public health pathogen that keeps on transferring from one host to other, giving rise to newer strains by genetic shifts. The current study was designed to investigate the epidemiology and genetic relatedness of mecA gene in S. aureus isolated from pets, immediate individuals in contact with pets, and veterinary clinic environments. A total of n = 300 samples were collected from different veterinary hospitals in Pakistan using convenience sampling. The collected samples were subjected to microbiological and biochemical examination for the isolation of S. aureus. Methicillin resistance was investigated by both phenotypically using oxacillin disk diffusion assay and by genotypically targeting mecA gene by PCR. PCR amplicons were subjected for sequencing by Sanger method of sequencing, which were subsequently submitted to NCBI GenBank under the accession numbers MT874770, MT874771, and MT874772. Sequence evolutionary analysis and mecA gene characterization was done using various bioinformatics tools. Overall, 33.66% mecA genes harboring S. aureus strains were isolated from all sources (33.33% from pets, 46.0% from surrounding, and 28.0% from immediate contact individuals). The bioinformatics analysis noted that one SNP was identified at position c.253C>A (Transvertion). The phylogenetic tree (two clades) of S. aureus mecA revealed a possibility of inter-transmission of disease between the environment and pets. Frequency of adenine and thymine nucleotide in motifs were found to be the same (0.334). Cytosine and guanine frequency were also the same (0.166). Threonine was replaced by asparagine (p.T84D) in each sample of cat, environment, and human. On the other hand, protein structures ofcat-1 and cat-2 proteins were found identical while cat-3, environmental, and human proteins shared identical structures. The study thus concludes rising circulation of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains in animal-human-environment interfaces, forecasting the development of novel strains withmodified range of resistance.
Design and Experimental Comparison of PID, LQR and MPC Stabilizing Controllers for Parrot Mambo Mini-Drone
Authors: Okasha Mohamed , Kralev Jordan , Islam Maidul
Published: June 2022

Parrot Mambo mini-drone is a readily available commercial quadrotor platform to understand and analyze the behavior of a quadrotor both in indoor and outdoor applications. This study evaluates the performance of three alternative controllers on a Parrot Mambo mini-drone in an interior environment, including Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID), Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR), and Model Predictive Control (MPC). To investigate the controllers’ performance, initially, the MATLAB®/Simulink™ environment was considered as the simulation platform. The successful simulation results finally led to the implementation of the controllers in real-time in the Parrot Mambo mini-drone. Here, MPC surpasses PID and LQR in ensuring the system’s stability and robustness in simulation and real-time experiment results. Thus, this work makes a contribution by introducing the impact of MPC on this quadrotor platform, such as system stability and robustness, and showing its efficacy over PID and LQR. All three controllers demonstrate similar tracking performance in simulations and experiments. In steady state, the maximal pitch deviation for the PID controller is 0.075 rad, for the LQR, it is 0.025 rad, and for the MPC, it is 0.04 rad. The maximum pitch deviation for the PID-based controller is 0.3 rad after the take-off impulse, 0.06 rad for the LQR, and 0.17 rad for the MPC.
Dynamic Response of a Composite Fan Blade Excited Instantaneously by Multiple MFC Actuators
Authors: Chen Yong , Jin Lu , Tang Xu , Huang Dandan , Zhang Jiguo
Published: June 2022

The vibration characteristics of a composite fan blade are much more complex than those of a solid titanium fan blade due to the anisotropic material properties and complex excitations coming from unsteady flow and mechanically induced vibration. In this study, the dynamic response measurement of a wide-chord composite fan blade was carried out to study the vibration characteristics using multiple macro fiber composite (MFC) actuators, which can generate complex excitation forces with different frequencies and peak values at different locations. The measured mode shapes and natural frequencies were compared with the finite element simulation results. Based on these results, the responses of the blade under the instantaneous excitation of three MFC actuators with different combinations of several natural frequencies were measured and compared. The results show that the responses of the blade excited by different combinations of MFC actuators with different frequencies were significantly different from those excited by a single MFC actuator. The superposition of different mode shapes may cause the change of the vibration stress state, which indicates that the high cycle fatigue location of the blade under complex excitations may change to an unexpected location. The results will be helpful in understanding the vibration characteristics of the composite blades under complex excitations, and the MFC actuator could be a potential tool in vibration active control.
Congestion Recognition of the Air Traffic Control Sector Based on Deep Active Learning
Authors: Tan Xianghua , Sun Yushi , Zeng Weili , Quan Zhibin
Published: June 2022

The air traffic control sector (ATCS) is the basic unit of the airspace system. If we can identify the congestion of an ATCS, it will help provide decision support for planning and daily operations. However, current methods mainly characterize congestion from the static structure and the dynamic operational features, resulting in poor generalization and operability. To this end, we propose a deep learning method from the perspective of complex networks. It takes aircraft as nodes to construct an aircraft network and utilizes the complexity indices to characterize it. So, the problem of identifying congestion becomes the complexity of the aircraft network. Inspired by active learning methods, we construct a deep active learning (DAL) model for congestion recognition. It adopts an iterative semi-supervised approach to reduce the number of labeled samples while ensuring recognition performance. To make full use of a large number of unlabeled samples, the sparse autoencoder is employed to characterize all labeled samples and unlabeled samples. The hidden layer of the deep neural network is constructed by stacking. In the process of active learning iteration, minimum confidence, marginal sampling, and information entropy are introduced as measures to select samples from the unlabeled sample set with significantly different features from the labeled sample set. The model is applied to three representative sectors in China’s airspace as cases. Results suggest that DAL can reduce the labeled sample set’s redundancy and achieve the desired performance with the smallest number of samples. Additionally, DAL is superior to the existing mainstream methods in the four objective evaluation indices.
A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Soft Tissue Mobilization
Authors: Bergh Anna , Asplund Kjell , Lund Iréne , Boström Anna , Hyytiäinen Heli
Published: June 2022

Soft tissue mobilization is frequently used in the treatment of sport and companion animals. There is, however, uncertainty regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of these methods. Therefore, the aim of this systematic literature review was to assess the evidence for clinical effects of massage and stretching in cats, dogs, and horses. A bibliographic search, restricted to studies in cats, dogs, and horses, was performed on Web of Science Core Collection, CABI, and PubMed. Relevant articles were assessed for scientific quality, and information was extracted on study characteristics, species, type of treatment, indication, and treatment effects. Of 1189 unique publications screened, 11 were eligible for inclusion. The risk of bias was assessed as high in eight of the studies and moderate in three of the studies, two of the latter indicating a decreased heart rate after massage. There was considerable heterogeneity in reported treatment effects. Therefore, the scientific evidence is not strong enough to define the clinical efficacy and effectiveness of massage and stretching in sport and companion animals.
Empirical Antibiotic Prescribing in Adult COVID-19 Inpatients over Two Years in Mexico
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , Mendoza-Cano Oliver , Guzmán-Esquivel José , Guzmán-Solórzano José Alejandro , Ochoa-Castro María Regina , Ortega-Macías Alan Gabriel , Zepeda-Anaya Andrea Lizeth , Ruiz-Montes de Oca Valeria , Ríos-Silva Mónica , Lugo-Radillo Agustin
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: Empirical antibiotic prescribing in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been common even though bacterial coinfections are infrequent. The overuse of antibacterial agents may accelerate the antibiotic resistance crisis. We aimed to evaluate factors predicting empirical antibiotic prescribing to adult COVID-19 inpatients over 2 years (March 2020–February 2021) in Mexico. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of a nationwide cohort study was conducted. Hospitalized adults due to laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included (n = 214,171). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), computed by using logistic regression models, were used to evaluate factors predicting empirical antibiotic prescribing. Results: The overall frequency of antibiotic usage was 25.3%. In multiple analysis, the highest risk of antibiotic prescription was documented among patients with pneumonia at hospital admission (OR = 2.20, 95% CI 2.16–2.25). Male patients, those with chronic comorbidities (namely obesity and chronic kidney disease) and longer interval days from symptoms onset to healthcare seeking, were also more likely to receive these drugs. We also documented that, per each elapsed week during the study period, the odds of receiving antibiotic therapy decreased by about 2% (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99). Conclusion: Our study identified COVID-19 populations at increased risk of receiving empirical antibiotic therapy during the first two years of the pandemic.
Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Risk of Liver Disease in an Ovine Model of “PCOS Males”
Authors: Siemienowicz Katarzyna J. , Filis Panagiotis , Thomas Jennifer , Fowler Paul A. , Duncan W. Colin , Rae Mick T.
Published: June 2022

First-degree male relatives of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) sufferers can develop metabolic abnormalities evidenced by elevated circulating cholesterol and triglycerides, suggestive of a male PCOS equivalent. Similarly, male sheep overexposed to excess androgens in fetal life develop dyslipidaemia in adolescence. Dyslipidaemia, altered lipid metabolism, and dysfunctional hepatic mitochondria are associated with the development of non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). We therefore dissected hepatic mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism in adolescent prenatally androgenized (PA) males from an ovine model of PCOS. Testosterone was directly administered to male ovine fetuses to create prenatal androgenic overexposure. Liver RNA sequencing and proteomics occurred at 6 months of age. Hepatic lipids, glycogen, ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and collagen were assessed. Adolescent PA males had an increased accumulation of hepatic cholesterol and glycogen, together with perturbed glucose and fatty acid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, with altered mitochondrial transport, decreased oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis, and impaired mitophagy. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PA males was associated with increased hepatic ROS level and signs of early liver fibrosis, with clinical relevance to NAFLD progression. We conclude that excess in utero androgen exposure in male fetuses leads to a PCOS-like metabolic phenotype with dysregulated mitochondrial function and likely lifelong health sequelae.
Biologics and Small Molecule Inhibitors for Treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Chun-Hsien , Huang I-Hsin , Tai Cheng-Chen , Chi Ching-Chi
Published: June 2022

Background: The treatment guidelines for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) vary among different countries, and several biologics and small molecule inhibitors have been tested for treating moderate-to-severe HS over the past few years. However, treatment guidelines for HS vary among different countries. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to exam the efficacy and serious adverse events (SAEs) of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors in treating moderate-to-severe HS. Binary outcomes were presented as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: We included 16 RCTs with a total of 2076 participants on nine biologics and three small-molecule inhibitors for treating moderate-to-severe HS, including adalimumab, anakinra, apremilast, avacopan, bimekizumab, CJM112, etanercept, guselkumab, IFX-1, INCB054707, infliximab, and MABp1. The meta-analysis revealed only adalimumab (RR 1.77, 95% CI, 1.44–2.17) and bimekizumab (RR 2.25, 95% CI, 1.03–4.92) achieved significant improvement on hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response (HiSCR), and adalimumab was superior to placebo in achieving dermatology life quality index (DLQI) 0/1 (RR 3.97; 95% CI, 1.70–9.28). No increase in SAEs was found for all included active treatments when compared with placebo. Conclusions: Adalimumab and bimekizumab are the only two biologics effective in achieving HiSCR with acceptable safety profile, whereas adalimumab is the only biologic effective in achieving DLQI 0/1.
Discovering Common miRNA Signatures Underlying Female-Specific Cancers via a Machine Learning Approach Driven by the Cancer Hallmark ERBB
Authors: Pane Katia , Zanfardino Mario , Grimaldi Anna Maria , Baldassarre Gustavo , Salvatore Marco , Incoronato Mariarosaria , Franzese Monica
Published: June 2022

Big data processing, using omics data integration and machine learning (ML) methods, drive efforts to discover diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for clinical decision making. Previously, we used the TCGA database for gene expression profiling of breast, ovary, and endometrial cancers, and identified a top-scoring network centered on the ERBB2 gene, which plays a crucial role in carcinogenesis in the three estrogen-dependent tumors. Here, we focused on microRNA expression signature similarity, asking whether they could target the ERBB family. We applied an ML approach on integrated TCGA miRNA profiling of breast, endometrium, and ovarian cancer to identify common miRNA signatures differentiating tumor and normal conditions. Using the ML-based algorithm and the miRTarBase database, we found 205 features and 158 miRNAs targeting ERBB isoforms, respectively. By merging the results of both databases and ranking each feature according to the weighted Support Vector Machine model, we prioritized 42 features, with accuracy (0.98), AUC (0.93–95% CI 0.917–0.94), sensitivity (0.85), and specificity (0.99), indicating their diagnostic capability to discriminate between the two conditions. In vitro validations by qRT-PCR experiments, using model and parental cell lines for each tumor type showed that five miRNAs (hsa-mir-323a-3p, hsa-mir-323b-3p, hsa-mir-331-3p, hsa-mir-381-3p, and hsa-mir-1301-3p) had expressed trend concordance between breast, ovarian, and endometrium cancer cell lines compared with normal lines, confirming our in silico predictions. This shows that an integrated computational approach combined with biological knowledge, could identify expression signatures as potential diagnostic biomarkers common to multiple tumors.
Immune Cell Plasticity in Inflammation: Insights into Description and Regulation of Immune Cell Phenotypes
Authors: Margraf Andreas , Perretti Mauro
Published: June 2022

Inflammation is a life-saving immune reaction occurring in response to invading pathogens. Nonetheless, inflammation can also occur in an uncontrolled, unrestricted manner, leading to chronic disease and organ damage. Mechanisms triggering an inflammatory response, hindering such a response, or leading to its resolution are well-studied but so far insufficiently elucidated with regard to precise therapeutic interventions. Notably, as an immune reaction evolves, requirements and environments for immune cells change, and thus cellular phenotypes adapt and shift, leading to the appearance of distinct cellular subpopulations with new functional features. In this article, we aim to highlight properties of, and overarching regulatory factors involved in, the occurrence of immune cell phenotypes with a special focus on neutrophils, macrophages and platelets. Additionally, we point out implications for both diagnostics and therapeutics in inflammation research.
A Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Cd2+ Detection Based on Prussian Blue-PEDOT-Loaded Laser-Scribed Graphene-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Machhindra Londhe Akash , Yen Yi-Kuang
Published: June 2022

Heavy metal ion pollution has had a serious influence on human health and the environment. Therefore, the monitoring of heavy metal ions is of great practical significance. In this work, we describe the development of an electrochemical sensor to detect cadmium (Cd2+) using a Prussian blue (PB), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT)-loaded laser-scribed graphene (LSG) nanocomposite-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). In this nanocomposite material, we successfully brought together the advantages of an extraordinarily large surface area. The accumulation of PB nanoparticles results in an efficient electrochemical sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity and fast detection ability, developed for the trace-level detection of Cd2+. Electrochemical features were explored via cyclic voltammetry (CV), whereas the stripping voltammetry behavior of modified electrodes was analyzed by utilizing differential pulse voltammetry. Compared with bare GCE, the LSG/PB-PEDOT/GCE modified electrode greatly increased the anodic stripping peak currents of Cd2+. Under the optimized conditions, the direct and facile detection of Cd2+ was achieved with a wide linear range (1 nM–10 µM) and a low LOD (0.85 nM).
Supervised Exercise Interventions in Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Shi Qing , Zheng Junyi , Liu Ke
Published: June 2022

Background: Childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) may suffer from a multitude of health impairments, resulting in a compromised quality of life (QoL). This review’s objective was to examine CCSs’ adherence to supervised exercise training interventions and the impact of these interventions on health outcomes. Methods: The following databases were searched in May 2022: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The included studies were limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs), published in English involving CCSs aged 18 years and below. Results: Nine RCTs (n = 642 participants) were included in the systematic review, and seven of them (n = 551 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Both the mean retention rate and adherence to the supervised exercise interventions were 87%. Supervised exercise interventions significantly improved muscle strength (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.42, p = 0.03), level of daily physical activity (SMD = 1.05, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (mean difference (MD) = 1.06, p = 0.03), and fatigue (SMD = −0.44, p < 0.001), while there was no statistical significance in the quality of life (QoL) (SMD = 0.21, p = 0.20). Conclusions: The adherence of CCSs to supervised exercise interventions is high, and supervised exercise interventions are safe and effective.
Azadirachta indica (Neem) as a Potential Natural Active for Dermocosmetic and Topical Products: A Narrative Review
Authors: Baby André Rolim , Freire Thamires Batello , Marques Gabriela de Argollo , Rijo Patricia , Lima Fabiana Vieira , Carvalho João Carlos Monteiro de , Rojas John , Magalhães Wagner Vidal , Velasco Maria Valéria Robles , Morocho-Jácome Ana Lucía
Published: June 2022

Azadirachta indica (Neem) is a large tree that is native to India and is traditionally used due to its several properties, mainly to treat skin diseases, as well as its “herbicidal” activity. Its bark, leaves, seeds, fruits and flowers are widely used in medicinal treatment due to the presence of active secondary metabolites with biological effects, mainly limonoids and tetranortriterpenoids, such as azadirachtin. Thus, A. indica was studied in a variety of conditions, such as anticancer, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive agents, as well as a biopesticide. Furthermore, differentiated cell tissue in A. indica cultivation was reported to produce active metabolites for different purposes. However, only a few studies have been developed regarding its potential use in cosmetics. For instance, most studies explained the antimicrobial properties in health conditions, such as acne, dandruff and personal health care. Here, we summarized not only the most common cosmetic claims to treat acne but also mitigating other skin disorders related to inflammatory and oxidant processes in recent in vivo studies and patents to aid researchers and industrialists to select A. indica derivatives as novel cosmetic ingredients.
Handling Dataset with Geophysical and Geological Variables on the Bolivian Andes by the GMT Scripts
Authors: Lemenkova Polina
Published: June 2022

In this paper, an integrated mapping of the georeferenced data is presented using the QGIS and GMT scripting tool set. The study area encompasses the Bolivian Andes, South America, notable for complex geophysical and geological parameters and high seismicity. A data integration was performed for a detailed analysis of the geophysical and geological setting. The data included the raster and vector datasets captured from the open sources: the IRIS seismic data (2015 to 2021), geophysical data from satellite-derived gravity grids based on CryoSat, topographic GEBCO data, geoid undulation data from EGM-2008, and geological georeferences’ vector data from the USGS. The techniques of data processing included quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the seismicity and geophysical setting in Bolivia. The result includes a series of thematic maps on the Bolivian Andes. Based on the data analysis, the western region was identified as the most seismically endangered area in Bolivia with a high risk of earthquake hazards in Cordillera Occidental, followed by Altiplano and Cordillera Real. The earthquake magnitude here ranges from 1.8 to 7.6. The data analysis shows a tight correlation between the gravity, geophysics, and topography in the Bolivian Andes. The cartographic scripts used for processing data in GMT are available in the author’s public GitHub repository in open-access with the provided link. The utility of scripting cartographic techniques for geophysical and topographic data processing combined with GIS spatial evaluation of the geological data supported automated mapping, which has applicability for risk assessment and geological hazard mapping of the Bolivian Andes, South America.
EndoNuke: Nuclei Detection Dataset for Estrogen and Progesterone Stained IHC Endometrium Scans
Authors: Naumov Anton , Ushakov Egor , Ivanov Andrey , Midiber Konstantin , Khovanskaya Tatyana , Konyukova Alexandra , Vishnyakova Polina , Nora Sergei , Mikhaleva Liudmila , Fatkhudinov Timur , Karpulevich Evgeny
Published: June 2022

We present EndoNuke, an open dataset consisting of tiles from endometrium immunohistochemistry slides with the nuclei annotated as keypoints. Several experts with various experience have annotated the dataset. Apart from gathering the data and creating the annotation, we have performed an agreement study and analyzed the distribution of nuclei staining intensity.
Be Nice to Thy Neighbors: Spatial Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Poverty in Africa
Authors: Arogundade Sodiq , Biyase Mduduzi , Bila Santos
Published: June 2022

This study examines the spatial impact of FDI on the poverty of 44 African countries. In achieving this, the study uses the Driscoll–Kraay fixed effect instrumental variable regression, the instrumental variable generalized method of moments estimator (IV-GMM), and the spatial Durbin model. The empirical investigation of this study yielded four significant findings: (1) neighboring countries’ FDIs have a positive and significant impact on the incidence and intensity of the host country’s poverty, (2) improved institutional quality in neighboring countries has a significant impact on the FDI–poverty reduction nexus of the host country, (3) the empirical results lend support for a significant spatial spillover of poverty in the region, (4) the marginal effect results indicate that countries within the region are no longer in isolation or independent, i.e., the level of poverty in a particular country is influenced by its determinants in the neighboring country. This result is robust to the alternative proximity matrix, which is the inverse distance. Since there is spatial interdependence among African countries, we recommend that African governments, through the African Union (AU), should not only champion the institutional reform in the region, but also establish a binding mechanism to ensure reform implementation.