bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Compounds in Liposomal Nanoformulations of Potential Clinical Application in Glioblastoma
Authors: Piwowarczyk Ludwika , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Krajka-Kuźniak Violetta , Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra , Budzianowska Anna , Tomczak Szymon , Budzianowski Jaromir , Woźniak-Braszak Aneta , Pietrzyk Rafał , Baranowski Mikołaj , Goslinski Tomasz , Jelinska Anna
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant neoplasm in adults among all CNS gliomas, with the 5-year survival rate being as low as 5%. Among nanocarriers, liposomal nanoformulations are considered as a promising tool for precise drug delivery. The herein presented study demonstrates the possibility of encapsulating four selected natural compounds (curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, acteoside, and orientin) and their mixtures in cationic liposomal nanoformulation composed of two lipid types (DOTAP:POPC). In order to determine the physicochemical properties of the new drug carriers, specific measurements, including particle size, Zeta Potential, and PDI index, were applied. In addition, NMR and EPR studies were carried out for a more in-depth characterization of nanoparticles. Within biological research, the prepared formulations were evaluated on T98G and U-138 MG glioblastoma cell lines in vitro, as well as on a non-cancerous human lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5) using the MTT test to determine their potential as anticancer agents. The highest activity was exhibited by liposome-entrapped acteoside towards the T98G cell line with IC50 equal 2.9 ± 0.9 µM after 24 hours of incubation. Noteworthy, curcumin and orientin mixture in liposomal formulation exhibited a synergistic effect against GBM. Moreover, the impact on the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins (p53 and Caspase-3) of acteoside as well as curcumin and orientin mixture, as the most potent agents, was assessed, showing nearly 40% increase as compared to control U-138 MG and T98G cells. It should be emphasized that a new and alternative method of extrusion of the studied liposomes was developed.
A Single Dose of Novel PSMA-Targeting Radiopharmaceutical Agent [177Lu]Ludotadipep for Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Shin Dongho , Ha Seunggyun , O Joo Hyun , Rhew Seung ah , Yoon Chang Eil , Kwon Hyeok Jae , Moon Hyong Woo , Park Yong Hyun , Park Sonya Youngju , Park Chansoo , Chi Dae Yoon , Yoo Ie Ryung , Lee Ji Youl
Published: December 2022

[177Lu]Ludotadipep, which enables targeted delivery of beta-particle radiation to prostate tumor cells, had been suggested as a promising therapeutic option for mCRPC. From November 2020 to March 2022, a total of 30 patients were enrolled for single dose of [177Lu]Ludotadipep RPT, 6 subjects in each of the 5 different activity groups of 1.9 GBq, 2.8 GBq, 3.7 GBq, 4.6 GBq, and 5.6 GBq. [177Lu]Ludotadipep was administered via venous injection, and patients were hospitalized for three days to monitor for any adverse effects. Serum PSA levels were followed up at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12, and PSMA PET/CT with [18F]Florastamin was obtained at baseline and again at weeks 4 and 8. The subjects required positive PSMA PET/CT prior to [177Lu]Ludotadipep administration. Among the 29 subjects who received [177Lu]Ludotadipep, 36 treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 17 subjects (58.6%) and 4 adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 3 subjects (10.3%). Of the total 24 subjects who had full 12-week follow-up data, 16 (66.7%) showed decrease in PSA of any magnitude, and 9 (37.5%) showed a decrease in PSA by 50% or greater. A total of 5 of the 24 patients (20.8%) showed disease progression (PSA increase of 25% or higher from the baseline) at the 12th week following single dose of [177Lu]Ludotadipep. These data thus far suggest that [177Lu]Ludotadipep could be a promising RPT agent with low toxicity in mCRPC patients who have not been responsive to conventional treatments.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Deep Learning Applications for Histological Assessment of Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Grant Sydney R. , Andrew Tom W. , Alvarez Eileen V. , Huss Wendy J. , Paragh Gyorgy
Published: December 2022

Melanoma is among the most devastating human malignancies. Accurate diagnosis and prognosis are essential to offer optimal treatment. Histopathology is the gold standard for establishing melanoma diagnosis and prognostic features. However, discrepancies often exist between pathologists, and analysis is costly and time-consuming. Deep-learning algorithms are deployed to improve melanoma diagnosis and prognostication from histological images of melanoma. In recent years, the development of these machine-learning tools has accelerated, and machine learning is poised to become a clinical tool to aid melanoma histology. Nevertheless, a review of the advances in machine learning in melanoma histology was lacking. We performed a comprehensive literature search to provide a complete overview of the recent advances in machine learning in the assessment of melanoma based on hematoxylin eosin digital pathology images. In our work, we review 37 recent publications, compare the methods and performance of the reviewed studies, and highlight the variety of promising machine-learning applications in melanoma histology.
Ex Vivo Drug Sensitivity Correlates with Clinical Response and Supports Personalized Therapy in Pediatric AML
Authors: Strachan Debbie C. , Gu Christine J. , Kita Ryosuke , Anderson Erica K. , Richardson Michelle A. , Yam George , Pimm Graham , Roselli Jordan , Schweickert Alyssa , Terrell Maci , Rashid Raushan , Gonzalez Alan K. , Oviedo Hailey H. , Alozie Michelle C. , Ilangovan Tamilini , Marcogliese Andrea N. , Tada Hiroomi , Santaguida Marianne T. , Stevens Alexandra M.
Published: December 2022

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease that accounts for ~20% of all childhood leukemias, and more than 40% of children with AML relapse within three years of diagnosis. Although recent efforts have focused on developing a precise medicine-based approach towards treating AML in adults, there remains a critical gap in therapies designed specifically for children. Here, we present ex vivo drug sensitivity profiles for children with de novo AML using an automated flow cytometry platform. Fresh diagnostic blood or bone marrow aspirate samples were screened for sensitivity in response to 78 dose conditions by measuring the reduction in leukemic blasts relative to the control. In pediatric patients treated with conventional chemotherapy, comprising cytarabine, daunorubicin and etoposide (ADE), ex vivo drug sensitivity results correlated with minimal residual disease (r = 0.63) and one year relapse-free survival (r = 0.70; AUROC = 0.94). In the de novo ADE analysis cohort of 13 patients, AML cells showed greater sensitivity to bortezomib/panobinostat compared with ADE, and comparable sensitivity between venetoclax/azacitidine and ADE ex vivo. Two patients showed a differential response between ADE and bortezomib/panobinostat, thus supporting the incorporation of ex vivo drug sensitivity testing in clinical trials to further evaluate the predictive utility of this platform in children with AML.
Resistance to Antiangiogenic Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Impact
Authors: Federico Piera , Giunta Emilio Francesco , Tufo Andrea , Tovoli Francesco , Petrillo Angelica , Daniele Bruno
Published: December 2022

Antiangiogenic drugs were the only mainstay of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment from 2007 to 2017. However, primary or secondary resistance hampered their efficacy. Primary resistance could be due to different molecular and/or genetic characteristics of HCC and their knowledge would clarify the optimal treatment approach in each patient. Several molecular mechanisms responsible for secondary resistance have been discovered over the last few years; they represent potential targets for new specific drugs. In this light, the advent of checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been a new opportunity; however, their use has highlighted other issues: the vascular normalization compared to a vessel pruning to promote the delivery of an active cancer immunotherapy and the development of resistance to immunotherapy which leads to a better selection of patients as candidates for ICIs. Nevertheless, the combination of antiangiogenic therapy plus ICIs represents an intriguing approach with high potential to improve the survival of these patients. Waiting for results from ongoing clinical trials, this review depicts the current knowledge about the resistance to antiangiogenic drugs in HCC. It could also provide updated information to clinicians focusing on the most effective combinations or sequential approaches in this regard, based on molecular mechanisms.
Targeting IRS-1/2 in Uveal Melanoma Inhibits In Vitro Cell Growth, Survival and Migration, and In Vivo Tumor Growth
Authors: Chattopadhyay Chandrani , Bhattacharya Rajat , Roszik Jason , Khan Fatima S. , Wells Gabrielle A. , Villanueva Hugo , Qin Yong , Bhattacharya Rishav , Patel Sapna P. , Grimm Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2022

Uveal melanoma originating in the eye and metastasizing to the liver is associated with poor prognosis and has only one approved therapeutic option. We hypothesized that liver-borne growth factors may contribute to UM growth. Therefore, we investigated the role of IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling in UM. Here, we found that IRS-1, the insulin receptor substrate, is overexpressed in both UM cells and tumors. Since we previously observed that IGF-1R antibody therapy was not clinically effective in UM, we investigated the potential of NT157, a small molecule inhibitor of IRS-1/2, in blocking this pathway in UM. NT157 treatment of multiple UM cell lines resulted in reduced cell growth and migration and increased apoptosis. This treatment also significantly inhibited UM tumor growth in vivo, in the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and subcutaneous mouse models, validating the in vitro effect. Mechanistically, through reverse phase protein array (RPPA), we identified significant proteomic changes in the PI3K/AKT pathway, a downstream mediator of IGF-1 signaling, with NT157 treatment. Together, these results suggest that NT157 inhibits cell growth, survival, and migration in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo via inhibiting IGF-1 signaling in UM.
Current Knowledge on Spinal Meningiomas Epidemiology, Tumor Characteristics and Non-Surgical Treatment Options: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis (Part 1)
Authors: El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Pettersson-Segerlind Jenny , Fletcher-Sandersjöö Alexander , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: December 2022

Background: Spinal meningiomas are the most common primary intradural spinal tumors. Although they are a separate entity, a large portion of the knowledge on spinal meningiomas is based on findings in intracranial meningiomas. Therefore, a comprehensive review of all the literature on spinal meningiomas was performed. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for all studies on spinal meningiomas dating from 2000 and onward. Findings of matching studies were pooled to strengthen the current body of evidence. Results: A total of 104 studies were included. The majority of patients were female (72.83%), elderly (peak decade: seventh), and had a world health organization (WHO) grade 1 tumor (95.7%). Interestingly, the minority of pediatric patients had a male overrepresentation (62.0% vs. 27.17%) and higher-grade tumors (33.3% vs. 4.3%). Sensory and motor dysfunction and pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Despite a handful of studies reporting promising findings associated with the use of non-surgical treatment options, the literature still suffers from contradictory results and limitations of study designs. Conclusions: Elderly females with WHO grade 1 tumors constituted the stereotypical type of patient. Compared to surgical alternatives, the evidence for the use of non-surgical treatments is still relatively weak.
An Immunocompetent Environment Unravels the Proto-Oncogenic Role of miR-22
Authors: Centomo Maria Laura , Vitiello Marianna , Poliseno Laura , Pandolfi Pier Paolo
Published: December 2022

MiR-22 was first identified as a proto-oncogenic microRNA (miRNA) due to its ability to post-transcriptionally suppress the expression of the potent PTEN (Phosphatase And Tensin Homolog) tumor suppressor gene. miR-22 tumorigenic role in cancer was subsequently supported by its ability to positively trigger lipogenesis, anabolic metabolism, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) towards the metastatic spread. However, during the following years, the picture was complicated by the identification of targets that support a tumor-suppressive role in certain tissues or cell types. Indeed, many papers have been published where in vitro cellular assays and in vivo immunodeficient or immunosuppressed xenograft models are used. However, here we show that all the studies performed in vivo, in immunocompetent transgenic and knock-out animal models, unanimously support a proto-oncogenic role for miR-22. Since miR-22 is actively secreted from and readily exchanged between normal and tumoral cells, a functional immune dimension at play could well represent the divider that allows reconciling these contradictory findings. In addition to a critical review of this vast literature, here we provide further proof of the oncogenic role of miR-22 through the analysis of its genomic locus vis a vis the genetic landscape of human cancer.
Comparing Genetic Risk and Clinical Risk Classification in Luminal-like Breast Cancer Patients Using a 23-Gene Classifier
Authors: Huang Chi-Cheng , Chen Ting-Hao , Liu Liang-Chih , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Liang Ji-An , Hsu Yu-Chen , Hsieh Chia-Ming , Huang Sean-Lin , Shih Kuan-Hui , Tseng Ling-Ming
Published: December 2022

Background: A 23-gene classifier has been developed based on gene expression profiles of Taiwanese luminal-like breast cancer. We aim to stratify risk of relapse and identify patients who may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy based on genetic model among distinct clinical risk groups. Methods: There were 248 luminal (hormone receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor II-negative) breast cancer patients with 23-gene classifier results. Using the modified Adjuvant! Online definition, clinical high/low-risk groups were tabulated with the genetic model. The primary endpoint was a recurrence-free interval (RFI) at 5 years. Results: There was a significant difference between the high/low-risk groups defined by the 23-gene classifier for the 5-year prognosis of recurrence (16 recurrences in high-risk and 3 recurrences in low-risk; log-rank test: p < 0.0001). Among the clinically high-risk group, the 5-year RFI of high risk defined by the 23-gene classifier was significantly higher than that of the low-risk group (15 recurrences in high-risk and 2 recurrences in low-risk; log-rank test: p < 0.0001). Conclusion: This study showed that 23-gene classifier can be used to stratify clinically high-risk patients into distinct survival patterns based on genomic risks and displays the potentiality to guide adjuvant chemotherapy. The 23-gene classifier can provide a better estimation of breast cancer prognosis which can help physicians make a better treatment decision.
The Role of Amino Acid Metabolism of Tumor Associated Macrophages in the Development of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jiang Manman , Cui Hongquan , Liu Zhihong , Zhou Xin , Zhang Ling , Cao Longnv , Wang Miao
Published: December 2022

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Previous studies have shown that TAMs play a dual role in the development of colorectal cancer and promote the additional exploration of the immune escape of colorectal cancer. Studies have confirmed that macrophages utilize amino acid metabolism under the stimulation of some factors released by tumor cells, thus affecting the direction of polarization. Therefore, we investigated the effect of amino acid metabolism on macrophage function and the involved mechanism. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the GSE18804 GEO dataset and amino acid metabolism pathway, we identified the eight key enzymes of amino acid metabolism in colon TAMs, namely, ACADM, ACADS, GPX4, GSR, HADH, HMGCL, HMGCS1 and IDH1. We then evaluated the expression, survival analysis and relationship of clinicopathological features with these eight key enzymes. The results supported the critical role of these eight genes in colorectal cancer. Macrophages phagocytose tumor cells, and these eight key enzymes were identified in combination with GPX4, a critical protein of ferroptosis, suggesting that the change in the expression of these eight key enzymes in TAMs may be involved in the regulation of colorectal cancer through cell death. Correlation analysis of three programmed cell death (PCD) marker genes indicated that these eight key enzymes may cause macrophage death through pyroptosis, leading to immune escape of colorectal cancer. We also investigated the regulation of ACADS in CRC using flow cytometry, qPCR and ELISAs, which demonstrated that an ACADS deficiency polarizes TAMs to M2 macrophages. In summary, the present study revealed the relationship between amino acid metabolism and the cell death of macrophages, providing a new research direction for the molecular mechanism of macrophage polarization.
Enhancing the Performance of Two Different Commercial CO2 Indicators Using Digital Colourimetric Analysis, DCA
Authors: McDonnell Lauren , Yusufu Dilidaer , O’Rourke Christopher , Mills Andrew
Published: December 2022

Two different, commercial colourimetric CO2 indicators are made in the lab, namely one based on an indicator in solution for monitoring the level of dissolved CO2 in an aquarium, i.e., a drop check indicator, and another based on an ink, for monitoring the level of CO2 in breath (capnography), i.e., a correct tracheal placement indicator. The selected commercial indicators are limited currently in terms of the analytical information they provide (qualitative) as they are normally assessed by eye. Thus, in each case, for both the lab-made and commercial indicators, colour photography coupled with digital image analysis, i.e., digital colour analysis (DCA), is used to convert the colour data from the indicator into a quantitative measure of CO2 and so markedly improve the quality of the analytical information provided by original indicator. This is the first time either indicator has been studied as a quantitative analytical system. The CO2 sensitivity of each of the lab-made indicators is found to match well that of its commercial counterpart. A simple program is provided to help non-experts and experts alike to apply DCA in this way. The potential of DCA to enhance the performance of other commercial indicators is discussed briefly.
Diagnosis of Dextrocardia with a Pictorial Rendition of Terminology and Diagnosis
Authors: Rao P. Syamasundar , Rao Nilesh Sai
Published: December 2022

A significant number of patients with dextrocardia and other cardiac malpositions have other congenital heart defects (CHDs). The incidence of CHDs in subjects with cardiac malpositions is significantly greater than that in normal children, and the prevalence varies with the associated visceroatrial situs. The most useful approach to diagnosis is segmental analysis. Firstly, dextroposition should be excluded. In segmental analysis, the visceroatrial situs, ventricular location, status of atrioventricular connections, the great artery relationship, and conotruncal relationship are determined with the use of electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, and echocardiographic studies, and, when necessary, other imaging studies, including angiography. Following identification of the afore-mentioned segments, the associated defects in the atrial and ventricular septae, valvar and vascular stenosis or atresia may be determined by a review of the historical information, physical examination, and analysis of chest roentgenogram, ECG, and echocardiographic studies. Along the way, a pictorial rendition of the terminology and diagnosis of cardiac malpositions is undertaken.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Nursing Students in Greece Regarding Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Pisimisi Dionysia-Chara , Syrinoglou Plouto-Antiopi , Sinopidis Xenophon , Karatza Ageliki , Lagadinou Maria , Soldatou Alexandra , Varvarigou Anastasia , Fouzas Sotirios , Dimitriou Gabriel , Gkentzi Despoina
Published: December 2022

Data on the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare practitioners in training regarding child abuse and neglect (CAN) are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes regarding CAN of medical and nursing students in Greek universities. We performed a questionnaire-based e-survey on a convenience sample of students and recruited 609 students (366 medical and 243 nursing). An unsatisfactory level of knowledge in the field was reported overall. Most of the students (92.2%) were aware of their future responsibility to protect vulnerable children and report suspected cases of CAN; at the same time, they were willing to obtain further education. Based on the above, appropriate training in the undergraduate curriculum should be developed in order to strengthen future healthcare practitioners and boost their confidence in dealing with suspected cases of CAN and protect children’s welfare.
Diagnostic Clues in Pediatric Nutcracker Syndrome: From Two Clinical Cases to Current Literature Analysis
Authors: Cioffi Speranza , Di Domenico Federica , Russo Giuseppina , De Nigris Angelica , Guarino Stefano , Miraglia del Giudice Emanuele , Marzuillo Pierluigi , Di Sessa Anna
Published: December 2022

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is a rare pediatric disease caused by left kidney vein compression. Besides the “Triade’s symptoms”, including hematuria, proteinuria, and flank pain, a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations has been reported. As the significant hemodynamic changes secondary to the dilatation of the left renal vein, serious consequences such as renal vein thrombosis and severe anemia might occur in these children. NCS diagnosis includes a variety of invasive and non-invasive imaging tools, but cutoff values need to be further validated. A conservative treatment represents the most common therapeutic approach for these patients, but operative options are available in selected cases. To complicate matters, a standard diagnostic and treatment algorithm is currently lacking and scientific pediatric evidence in this field is still poor and limited. In this perspective, early recognition of NCS is crucial but challenging for pediatricians. Therefore, a better knowledge of the disease is recommended. Starting from two different clinical presentations of NCS, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the disease in children.
Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Related Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Hospitalized Thai Children: A 6-Year National Data Analysis
Authors: Sitthikarnkha Phanthila , Uppala Rattapon , Niamsanit Sirapoom , Sutra Sumitr , Thepsuthammarat Kaewjai , Techasatian Leelawadee , Niyomkarn Watit , Teeratakulpisarn Jamaree
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This study sought to determine the epidemiology, seasonal variations, morbidity, and mortality of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection among hospitalized children with lower respiratory tract infection in Thailand. In addition, we assessed the risk factors associated with severe RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)-related morbidity and mortality. Methods: The data were reviewed retrospectively from the National Health Security Office for hospitalized children younger than 18 years old diagnosed with RSV-related LRTI in Thailand, between the fiscal years of 2015 to 2020. The RSV-related LRTIs were identified using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Thai Modification. ICD-10-TM codes J12.1, J20.5, and J21.0, which represent respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia, acute bronchitis due to respiratory syncytial virus, and acute bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus, respectively, were studied. Results: During the study period, RSV-related LRTI accounted for 19,340 of the 1,610,160 hospital admissions due to LRTI. RSV pneumonia was the leading cause of hospitalization (13,684/19,340; 70.76%), followed by bronchiolitis (2849/19,340; 14.73%) and bronchitis (2807/19,340; 14.51%), respectively. The highest peak incidence of 73.55 percent occurred during Thailand’s rainy season, from August to October. The mortality rate of RSV-related LRTI in infants younger than 1 year of age was 1.75 per 100,000 person years, which was significantly higher than that of children 1 to younger than 5 years old and children 5 to younger than 18 years old (0.21 per 100,000 person years and 0.01 per 100,000 person years, respectively, p-value < 0.001). Factors associated with mortality were congenital heart disease, hematologic malignancy, malnutrition, and neurological disease. Conclusions: In children with RSV LRTI, pneumonia was the leading cause of hospitalization. The admission rate was highest during the rainy season. Mortality from RSV-related LRTI was higher in children under 1 year old and in children with underlying illnesses; future preventive interventions should target these groups of patients.
Developmental Population Pharmacokinetics-Pharmacodynamics of Meropenem in Chinese Neonates and Young Infants: Dosing Recommendations for Late-Onset Sepsis
Authors: Wu Yue-E , Kou Chen , Li Xue , Tang Bo-Hao , Yao Bu-Fan , Hao Guo-Xiang , Zheng Yi , van den Anker John , You Dian-Ping , Shen A-Dong , Zhao Wei
Published: December 2022

The pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of meropenem in Chinese newborns with late-onset sepsis (LOS) are still lacking. Causative pathogens of LOS and their susceptibility patterns in China differ from the data abroad. We, therefore, conducted a developmental population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analysis in Chinese newborns with the goal to optimize meropenem dosing regimens for LOS therapy. An opportunistic sampling strategy was used to collect meropenem samples, followed by model building and validation. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to show the probability of target attainment (PTA) for various dosages. The information from 78 newborns (postmenstrual age: 27.4–46.1 weeks) was compiled and had a good fit to a 1-compartment model that had first order elimination. The median (range) values of estimated weight–normalized volume of distribution (V)and clearance (CL) were 0.60 (0.51–0.69) L/kg and 0.16 (0.04–0.51) L/h/kg, respectively. Covariate analysis revealed that postnatal age (PNA), gestational age (GA) and current weight (CW) were the most important factors in describing meropenem PK. Simulation results showed for LOS with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 mg/L, the doses of 30 mg/kg 3 times daily (TID) as a 1-h infusion for newborns with GA ≤ 37 weeks and 40 mg/kg TID as a 3-h infusion for those with GA > 37 weeks were optimal, with PTA of 71.71% and 75.08%, respectively. In conclusion, we proposed an evidence-based dosing regimen of meropenem for LOS in Chinese newborns by using the population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analysis, based on domestic common pathogens and their susceptibility patterns.
Effects of Combined Exercise Program on Spinal Curvature and Balance Ability in Adolescents with Kyphosis
Authors: Park Yun-Jin , Kim Won-Moon , Yu Jae-Ho , Moon Hyung-Hoon , Seo Yong-Gon
Published: December 2022

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is associated with postural abnormality, physical function, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of a combined exercise program on the spinal curvature and balance ability in adolescents with kyphosis. Fifty-one adolescents (mean age 21.95 ± 3.90 year, 23 male and 28 female) diagnosed with kyphosis were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 26). All participants in the study group underwent a combined exercise program for 60 min, three times per week, for 12 weeks. Cobb’s angle and forward head angle showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). The anterior and posterior weight distributions of static and dynamic plantar foot pressures showed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001), and significant differences were observed only in the study group (p < 0.001). However, the left and right static plantar foot pressures did not differ significantly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a combined exercise program is an effective intervention for the improvement of alignment in the spinal curve and balance in adolescents with postural kyphosis.
Development of Raspberry Pi 4 B and 3 B+ Micro-Kubernetes Cluster and IoT System for Mosquito Research Applications
Authors: Pan Zhihao , Hur Byul , Myles Kevin , Adelman Zach
Published: December 2022

Detecting infected female mosquitoes can be vital when they transmit harmful diseases such as dengue, malaria, and others. Infected mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs in breeding locations, and newborns can transmit diseases to more victims. Hence, gathering and monitoring climate data and environmental conditions for mosquito research can be valuable in preventing mosquitoes from spreading diseases. To obtain microclimate data, users such as mosquito researchers may need weather stations in various locations and an inexpensive, effective IoT system for monitoring multiple specific locations. We can achieve this in each location by sending microclimate data from wireless sensor end-node devices to a nearby middle-node aggregator. Each location’s aggregator can send the data to a cluster, such as a customized Raspberry Pi-based cluster with Micro-Kubernetes as its distributed operating system. The applications, such as the database and web server, can be wrapped up by docker containers and deployed as containerized applications on the cluster. This cluster can store the data, available to be accessed via Android and web applications. The results of this work show that the measurement data of the specific locations are more accurate than those from nearby third-party weather stations. This proposed IoT cluster system in this paper can be used to provide accurate microclimate data for the selected locations.
Transferability of Models for Predicting Rice Grain Yield from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Multispectral Imagery across Years, Cultivars and Sensors
Authors: Zheng Hengbiao , Ji Wenhan , Wang Wenhui , Lu Jingshan , Li Dong , Guo Caili , Yao Xia , Tian Yongchao , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan , Cheng Tao
Published: December 2022

Timely and accurate prediction of crop yield prior to harvest is vital for precise agricultural management. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide a fast and convenient approach to crop yield prediction, but most existing crop yield models have rarely been tested across different years, cultivars and sensors. This has limited the ability of these yield models to be transferred to other years or regions or to be potentially used with data from other sensors. In this study, UAV-based multispectral imagery was used to predict rice grain yield at the booting and filling stages from four field experiments, involving three years, two rice cultivars, and two UAV sensors. Reflectance and texture features were extracted from the UAV imagery, and vegetation indices (VIs) and normalized difference texture indices (NDTIs) were computed. The models were independently validated to test the stability and transferability across years, rice cultivars, and sensors. The results showed that the red edge normalized difference texture index (RENDTI) was superior to other texture indices and vegetation indices for model regression with grain yield in most cases. However, the green normalized difference texture index (GNDTI) achieved the highest prediction accuracy in model validation across rice cultivars and sensors. The yield prediction model of Japonica rice achieved stronger transferability to Indica rice with root mean square error (RMSE), bias, and relative RMSE (RRMSE) of 1.16 t/ha, 0.08, and 11.04%, respectively. Model transferability was improved significantly between different sensors after band correction with a decrease of 15.05–59.99% in RRMSE. Random forest (RF) was found to be a good solution to improve the model transferability across different years and cultivars and obtained the highest prediction accuracy with RMSE, bias, and RRMSE of 0.94 t/ha, −0.21, and 9.37%, respectively. This study provides a valuable reference for crop yield prediction when existing models are transferred across different years, cultivars and sensors.
A Parallel Multi-Modal Factorized Bilinear Pooling Fusion Method Based on the Semi-Tensor Product for Emotion Recognition
Authors: Liu Fen , Chen Jianfeng , Li Kemeng , Tan Weijie , Cai Chang , Ayub Muhammad Saad
Published: December 2022

Multi-modal fusion can exploit complementary information from various modalities and improve the accuracy of prediction or classification tasks. In this paper, we propose a parallel, multi-modal, factorized, bilinear pooling method based on a semi-tensor product (STP) for information fusion in emotion recognition. Initially, we apply the STP to factorize a high-dimensional weight matrix into two low-rank factor matrices without dimension matching constraints. Next, we project the multi-modal features to the low-dimensional matrices and perform multiplication based on the STP to capture the rich interactions between the features. Finally, we utilize an STP-pooling method to reduce the dimensionality to get the final features. This method can achieve the information fusion between modalities of different scales and dimensions and avoids data redundancy due to dimension matching. Experimental verification of the proposed method on the emotion-recognition task using the IEMOCAP and CMU-MOSI datasets showed a significant reduction in storage space and recognition time. The results also validate that the proposed method improves the performance and reduces both the training time and the number of parameters.
Design of Adaptive Fractional-Order Fixed-Time Sliding Mode Control for Robotic Manipulators
Authors: Ahmed Saim , Azar Ahmad Taher , Tounsi Mohamed
Published: December 2022

In this investigation, the adaptive fractional-order non-singular fixed-time terminal sliding mode (AFoFxNTSM) control for the uncertain dynamics of robotic manipulators with external disturbances is introduced. The idea of fractional-order non-singular fixed-time terminal sliding mode (FoFxNTSM) control is presented as the initial step. This approach, which combines the benefits of a fractional-order parameter with the advantages of NTSM, gives rapid fixed-time convergence, non-singularity, and chatter-free control inputs. After that, an adaptive control strategy is merged with the FoFxNTSM, and the resulting model is given the label AFoFxNTSM. This is done in order to account for the unknown dynamics of the system, which are caused by uncertainties and bounded external disturbances. The Lyapunov analysis reveals how stable the closed-loop system is over a fixed time. The pertinent simulation results are offered here for the purposes of evaluating and illustrating the performance of the suggested scheme applied on a PUMA 560 robot.
Estimating Gaussian Copulas with Missing Data with and without Expert Knowledge
Authors: Kertel Maximilian , Pauly Markus
Published: December 2022

In this work, we present a rigorous application of the Expectation Maximization algorithm to determine the marginal distributions and the dependence structure in a Gaussian copula model with missing data. We further show how to circumvent a priori assumptions on the marginals with semiparametric modeling. Further, we outline how expert knowledge on the marginals and the dependency structure can be included. A simulation study shows that the distribution learned through this algorithm is closer to the true distribution than that obtained with existing methods and that the incorporation of domain knowledge provides benefits.
Study on the Homogeneity of Large-Size Blade Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Thermoelectric Coupling Model Simulation
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhu Wenkuan , Kong Xiangdong , Huang Yunfeng , Wang Yu , Zheng Yuejiu , Ren Dongsheng
Published: December 2022

To improve the energy density of lithium-ion battery packs, lithium-ion batteries are gradually advancing towards large-size structures, which has become one of the dominant development trends in the battery industry. With large-size blade lithium-ion batteries as the research object, this paper develops a high-precision electro-thermal coupling model based on the relevant parameters obtained through basic performance experiments, explores the mechanism of battery inhomogeneity from a simulation perspective, and further proposes a design management method. First of all, the optimal intervals of capacity and temperature, as well as the characteristics of the inhomogeneity distribution for large-size cells, are determined by essential performance and inhomogeneity tests; subsequently, the electrochemical and thermal characteristics of the large-size battery are described precisely through a 3D thermoelectric coupling mechanism model, and the inhomogeneity of the temperature distribution is obtained through simulation; eventually, the optimized cell connection method and thermal management strategy are proposed based on the validated model. As indicated by the findings, the above solutions effectively ease the inhomogeneity of large-size cells and significantly boost the performance of large-size cells under different operating conditions.
Bidirectional Power Control for a Three-Phase Grid-Connected Inverter under Unbalanced Grid Conditions Using a Proportional-Resonant and a Modified Time-Domain Symmetrical Components Extraction Method
Authors: Alathamneh Mohammad , Ghanayem Haneen , Nelms R. M.
Published: December 2022

Discussed in this study is a bidirectional power control technique for a three-phase grid connected inverter under different unbalanced grid conditions. Prior researchers have focused on either solving the unbalanced problem or controlling the power. However, this paper addresses both issues: solving the unbalanced problems of the point-of-common-coupling (PCC) voltages and grid currents, and reducing the large ripple in the real and reactive power while also applying a bidirectional power control under weak grid conditions. A phase-locked loop (PLL) is not required because a simpler PR controller was employed. A symmetrical components extraction method was used. Compared to previous symmetrical component techniques that used complicated transformations, this approach requires less computations. Since the unbalanced load issue has been resolved, other loads connected to the grid will not be impacted. MATLAB Simulink was used in simulation experiments, and a real-time interface platform dSPACE DS1202 was used to verify the proposed control method efficacy experimentally.
Application of the Experimental Method in the Assessment of the Electromobility Paradigm for Courier Shipments in an Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Jedliński Mariusz , Nürnberg Mariusz
Published: December 2022

The main idea of this article is to identify the benefits of the full vehicle substitution process for a fully sustainable Urban Freight Transport (UFT) in economic, social, and environmental terms, based on the application of the experimental method. The scientific assumption was made that Electric Delivery Vehicles (EFV) can be complementary in the first stage, and only in the next stage, substitutable to the traditional diesel-powered fleet servicing transport (courier) tasks within the delivery limits in the Szczecin Agglomeration. To assess the level of substitutability, observational instruments were used, while ensuring an active modification of the studied phenomenon (introduction to the operation of selected routes of electric vehicles). The focus was on three key elements, the environment, rules, and regularities. The article presents the architecture of such experiments regarding 22 selected routes, which allowed for the calculation of selected performance indicators for ex-ante evaluation in planning delivery scenarios. The results were verified using a simulation-based approach in the Szczecin Metropolitan Area. As a result, it made it possible to find answers to the research questions posed, in particular: is it possible to fully replace combustion-engine vans with electric ones, and what integrated benefits can be identified, and their systematics has been illustrated in the proposed proprietary model “Electromobility Octagon Profit”. Future research could extend the theoretical knowledge by further exploring the development processes for the use of electric vehicles in the urban freight transport system and by adding insights from other contexts, stakeholders, and theoretical areas.
Local Charge Carrier Dynamics for Photocatalytic Materials Using Pattern-Illumination Time-Resolved Phase Microscopy
Authors: Katayama Kenji , Kawaguchi Kei , Egawa Yuta , Pan Zhenhua
Published: December 2022

We showed two demonstrations of the local charge carrier dynamics measurements of photocatalytic materials using our recently developed time-resolved phase-contrast microscopic technique combined with the clustering analyses. In this microscopic time-resolved technique, we observed the charge carrier dynamics via the refractive index change instead of the luminescence or absorption change, where we could often observe non-radiative charge carrier processes such as charge carrier trapping and non-radiative relaxation. By the clustering analyses of all the pixel-by-pixel responses, we could extract various different charge carrier dynamics because photocatalytic materials have inhomogeneity on surfaces and the charge carrier behavior depends on the local structure and species. Even for typical photocatalytic materials, titanium oxide and hematite, we could recognize various charge carrier dynamics, which cannot be differentiated by the general fitting procedure for the averaged time response. We could categorize the surface-trapped charge carriers (holes and electrons) and bulk carriers in the nanosecond to millisecond order, which indicates that this analytical procedure will play an important role in understanding the charge carrier dynamics for various photocatalytic materials.
Control Method of Step Voltage Regulator on Distribution Lines with Distributed Generation
Authors: Kim Jong-Bin , Lee Min-Gu , Lee Jung-Hun , Ryu Je-Chang , Choi Tae-Seong , Park Min-Su , Kim Jae-Eon
Published: December 2022

Generally, utilities regulate the voltage on the long power distribution line within a permissible range by using a step voltage regulator (SVR), which is located around the middle of the line and operates according to the condition of the line current. However, as large-scale distributed generations (DG’s) are interconnected into distribution lines, it is difficult to maintain the line voltage properly owing to bi-directional power flow or reverse power flow. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel SVR tap-changing algorithm to solve the problem, considering line load conditions and reverse power flow. Its validity is verified through the PSCAD/EMTDC software tool and simulations.
New Performance Indices for Power System Stabilizers
Authors: Izdebski Michał , Małkowski Robert , Miller Piotr
Published: December 2022

The subject of the article is issues related to innovative indices for power system stabilizers (PSSs). These new indices will be able to quickly show which PSS (among many other PSSs) is not working properly and that advanced optimization and simulation methods should be used to improve the PSS settings. The authors note the fact that the acceptance requirements for PSSs are different in various power systems. Moreover, the authors pay attention to the fact that transmission system operators (TSOs) often have different PSS requirements (tests) even though they work in the same large power system. The article reviews the requirements for the PSSs used by TSOs of various power systems. The need to supplement the required tests with new qualitative indices is demonstrated. In the paper, new performance indices are proposed to improve the evaluation of the PSS and to check the desired performance of the stabilizer. These indices are derived from the active power frequency response characteristic with PSS and without PSS (PSS ON and PSS OFF). Additionally, the new PSS indices allow the graphical visualization of the properties of all synchronous generators equipped with the PSS in a predefined area on a single 3D graph. Such visualization can be used to quickly detect weak points of the power system.
Unmanned Electric Tugboat Formation Multi-Agent Energy-Aware Control System Concept
Authors: Koznowski Wojciech , Łebkowski Andrzej
Published: December 2022

The topic of reducing exhaust gas emissions from internal combustion engines in the areas of port and coastal waters is in line with the assumptions of the climate policy. The publication presents a proposal to reduce the energy associated with the movement of port vessels through the use of a specific pattern (shape and size) of their movement. In addition to controlling the formation of tugboats, the authors propose the use of a multi-agent system offering elements of autonomous control of the vessels, which adjusts the parameters of the formation depending on the tasks performed. The results of tests for four tugboats with a hull length of 32 m and a maximum speed of 13 knots, moving in formations of eight different configurations, were analyzed. Studies conducted on the basis of a simulated exit and return to port scenario at a distance of 11.4 nm showed the possibility of reducing energy consumption required for movement by 5.8% to even 57.6% for tugboats moving one after another, at a certain distance. In addition, in order to completely eliminate exhaust gas emissions from the engines, it is proposed to use tugboats with electric drive together with an appropriate energy storage charging infrastructure.
An Approach to Performing Stability Analysis for Power Transformer Differential Protection: A Case Study
Authors: Sheryar Muhammad , Ali Muhammad Ahsan , Umer Farhana , Rashid Zeeshan , Amjad Muhammad , Haider Zunaib Maqsood , Khan Muhammad Omer
Published: December 2022

Differential protection normally detects short circuits and ground faults in the windings of a power transformer and its terminals. Inter-turn faults refer to flashovers among the electrodes that arise only in a similar type of physical winding. Inter-turn faults can be examined when the adequate sum of turns is served as short-circuited. In electrical protection, it is difficult to detect inter-turn faults. An inter-turn fault of small magnitude is based on the limited number of turns that resultantly provide a large quantity of current. Due to this reason, protection that comes from the differential scenario possesses a higher degree of sensitivity without causing unwanted operations during external faults. In this paper, a protection-based stability method is proposed whereby external voltages are applied at the low-voltage (LV) side of the transformer while keeping the high-voltage (HV) side short-circuited. This was conducted using a three-phase power transformer (rating: 100 MVA, 380 kV/13.8 kV) at SWCC Shoaiba Power Plant, Saudi Arabia. In this work, differential protection (87T) and high-impedance differential protection for HV-restricted earth faults (REFs) were verified by creating In-Zone and Out-Zone fault conditions to ensure current transformer (CT) circuits and tripping logic. All of the IEDs, protection, and control schemes involved were designed by ABB. This method verifies protection stability for power transformers by implementing differential protection (87T) and high-impedance restricted earth fault (64HV) schemes through creating In-Zone and Out-Zone fault conditions.