bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal delivery of neurotherapeutics via nanocarriers: Facets, aspects, and prospects
Authors: Rajput Amarjitsing , Pingale Prashant , Dhapte-Pawar Vividha
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the neurological ailments which continue to represent a major public health challenge, owing to increased life expectancy and aging population. Progressive memory loss and decrease in cognitive behavior, owing to irreversible destruction of neurons along with expensive therapeutic interventions, call for an effective, alternate, yet affordable treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Safe and effective delivery of neurotherapeutics in Alzheimer’s like central nervous system (CNS) disorders still remains elusive despite the major advances in both neuroscience and drug delivery research. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) with its tight endothelial cell layer surrounded by astrocyte foot processes poses as a major barrier for the entry of drugs into the brain. Nasal drug delivery has emerged as a reliable method to bypass this blood–brain barrier and deliver a wide range of neurotherapeutic agents to the brain effectively. This nasal route comprises the olfactory or trigeminal nerves originating from the brain and terminating into the nasal cavity at the respiratory epithelium or olfactory neuroepithelium. They represent the most direct method of noninvasive entry into the brain, opening the most suitable therapeutic avenue for treatment of neurological diseases. Also, drugs loaded into nanocarriers can have better interaction with the mucosa that assists in the direct brain delivery of active molecules bypassing the BBB and achieving rapid cerebrospinal fluid levels. Lipid particulate systems, emulsion-based systems, vesicular drug delivery systems, and other nanocarriers have evolved as promising drug delivery approaches for the effective brain delivery of anti-Alzheimer’s drugs with improved permeability and bioavailability via the nasal route. Charge, size, nature of neurotherapeutics, and formulation excipients influence the effective and targeted drug delivery using nanocarriers via the nasal route. This article elaborates on the recent advances in nanocarrier-based nasal drug delivery systems for the direct and effective brain delivery of the neurotherapeutic molecules. Additionally, we have attempted to highlight various experimental strategies, underlying mechanisms in the pathogenesis and therapy of central nervous system diseases, computational approaches, and clinical investigations pursued so far to attain and enhance the direct delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain via the nose-to-brain route, using nanocarriers.
Isometric handgrip exercise impacts only on very short-term blood pressure variability, but not on short-term blood pressure variability in hypertensive individuals: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bertoletti Otávio A. , Ferrari Rodrigo , Ferlin Elton L. , Barcellos Ozi M. , Fuchs Sandra C.
Published: September 2022

Background: The effect of a single isometric handgrip exercise (IHG) on blood pressure (BP) variability (BPV) has not been addressed. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of IHG vs. sham on BPV and BP.

Methods: Hypertensive patients using up to two BP-lowering medications were randomly assigned to IHG (4 × 2 min; 30% of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC, with 1 min rest between sets, unilateral) or sham (protocol; 0.3% of MVC). Systolic and diastolic BP were assessed beat-to-beat in the laboratory before, during, and post-intervention and also using 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). BPV was expressed as average real variability (ARV) and standard deviation (SD).

Results: Laboratory BPV, ARV and SD variability, had marked increase during the intervention, but not in the sham group, decreasing in the post-intervention recovery period. The overall change in ARV from pre- to 15 min post-intervention were 0.27 ± 0.07 (IHG) vs. 0.05 ± 0.15 (sham group), with a statistically significant p-value for interaction. Similarly, mean systolic BP increased during the intervention (IHG 165.4 ± 4.5 vs. sham 152.4 ± 3.5 mmHg; p = 0.02) as did diastolic BP (104.0 ± 2.5 vs. 90.5 ± 1.7 mmHg, respectively; p < 0.001) and decreased afterward. However, neither the short-term BPV nor BP assessed by ABPM reached statistically significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: A single session of IHG reduces very short-term variability but does not affect short-term variability. IHG promotes PEH in the laboratory, but does not sustain 24-h systolic and diastolic PEH beyond the recovery period.
A novel modular modeling approach for understanding different electromechanics between left and right heart in rat
Authors: Kim Nari , Pronto Julius D. , Nickerson David P. , Taberner Andrew J. , Hunter Peter J.
Published: September 2022

While ion channels and transporters involved in excitation-contraction coupling have been linked and constructed as comprehensive computational models, validation of whether each individual component of a model can be reused has not been previously attempted. Here we address this issue while using a novel modular modeling approach to investigate the underlying mechanism for the differences between left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV). Our model was developed from modules constructed using the module assembly principles of the CellML model markup language. The components of three existing separate models of cardiac function were disassembled as to create smaller modules, validated individually, and then the component parts were combined into a new integrative model of a rat ventricular myocyte. The model was implemented in OpenCOR using the CellML standard in order to ensure reproducibility. Simulated action potential (AP), Ca2+ transient, and tension were in close agreement with our experimental measurements: LV AP showed a prolonged duration and a more prominent plateau compared with RV AP; Ca2+ transient showed prolonged duration and slow decay in LV compared to RV; the peak value and relaxation of tension were larger and slower, respectively, in LV compared to RV. Our novel approach of module-based mathematical modeling has established that the ionic mechanisms underlying the APs and Ca2+ handling play a role in the variation in force production between ventricles. This simulation process also provides a useful way to reuse and elaborate upon existing models in order to develop a new model.
Development of breast muscle parameters, glycogen reserves, and myogenic gene expression in goslings during pre- and post-hatching periods
Authors: Dang De Xin , Zhou Haizhu , Lou Yujie , Liu Xiao , Li Desheng
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to better understand the development patterns of breast muscle and glycogen reserves in goslings during pre- and post-hatching periods. The timepoints for sampling were embryonic days 23 and 27 of hatching and days 1, 4, and 7 post hatching. We found that the body weight of goslings increased with age. The small intestine developed with age and remained reasonably constant on day 4 post hatching. The breast muscle development decreased with age and stayed relatively stable on day 1 post hatching. The diameter of myofiber increased prior to hatching and then decreased while hatching. The development patterns of breast muscle glycogen reserves were similar to the diameter of myofiber. In contrast, the contents of liver glycogen began to decrease before hatching and then increased rapidly after hatching. Moreover, the expression of Myf-5 increased with age. The expression of MSTN was maintained at high levels prior to hatching, dropped immediately after hatching, and then gradually increased with age. Additionally, we also observed that the glycogen content in the breast muscle was positively correlated with the diameter of the myofiber. The liver glycogen content was positively correlated to the relative weight of the breast muscle, the diameter of the myofiber, and the breast muscle glycogen content. The development pattern of the myofiber was synchronized with the change in the MSTN/Myf-5 ratio. This study provided a profile to understand the development patterns of breast muscle, glycogen reserves, and myogenic gene expression in goslings, which was beneficial to understanding the characteristics of energy reserves during the early life of goslings.
Event history analysis of the duration of online public opinions regarding major health emergencies
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhao Jiarui , Liu Ran , Liu Kai
Published: September 2022

Based on event history analysis, this study examined the survival distribution of the duration of online public opinions related to major health emergencies and its influencing factors. We analyzed the data of such emergencies (N= 125) that took place in China during a period of 10 years (2012–2021). The results of the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the average duration of online public opinions regarding health emergencies is 43 days, and the median is 19 days, which dispels the myth of the “Seven-day Law of Propagation.” Furthermore, the duration of online public opinions can be divided into three stages: the rapid decline stage (0–50 days), the slowdown stage (51–200 days), and the disappearing stage (after 200 days). In addition, the type of event, and the volume of both social media discussion and traditional media coverage all had significant impacts on the duration. Our findings provide practical implications for the carrying out of targeted and stage-based governance of public opinions.
Mapping the perception-space of facial expressions in the era of face masks
Authors: Verroca Alessia , de Rienzo Chiara Maria , Gambarota Filippo , Sessa Paola
Published: September 2022

With the advent of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-Corona Virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the theme of emotion recognition from facial expressions has become highly relevant due to the widespread use of face masks as one of the main devices imposed to counter the spread of the virus. Unsurprisingly, several studies published in the last 2 years have shown that accuracy in the recognition of basic emotions expressed by faces wearing masks is reduced. However, less is known about the impact that wearing face masks has on the ability to recognize emotions from subtle expressions. Furthermore, even less is known regarding the role of interindividual differences (such as alexithymic and autistic traits) in emotion processing. This study investigated the perception of all the six basic emotions (anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise), both as a function of the face mask and as a function of the facial expressions’ intensity (full vs. subtle) in terms of participants’ uncertainty in their responses, misattribution errors, and perceived intensity. The experiment was conducted online on a large sample of participants (N = 129). Participants completed the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the Autistic Spectrum Quotient and then performed an emotion-recognition task that involved face stimuli wearing a mask or not, and displaying full or subtle expressions. Each face stimulus was presented alongside the Geneva Emotion Wheel (GEW), and participants had to indicate what emotion they believed the other person was feeling and its intensity using the GEW. For each combination of our variables, we computed the indices of ‘uncertainty’ (i.e., the spread of responses around the correct emotion category), ‘bias’ (i.e., the systematic errors in recognition), and ‘perceived intensity’ (i.e., the distance from the center of the GEW). We found that face masks increase uncertainty for all facial expressions of emotion, except for fear when intense, and that disgust was systematically confused with anger (i.e., response bias). Furthermore, when faces were covered by the mask, all the emotions were perceived as less intense, and this was particularly evident for subtle expressions. Finally, we did not find any evidence of a relationship between these indices and alexithymic/autistic traits.
Predicting review helpfulness in the omnichannel retailing context: An elaboration likelihood model perspective
Authors: Zhang Zhebin , Jiang Haiyin , Zhou Chuanmei , Zheng Jingyi , Yang Shuiqing
Published: September 2022

As increasingly retail enterprises have adopted the omnichannel retailing strategy, both online-generated and offline-generated reviews should be considered to better understand the helpfulness of online reviews in the omnichannel retailing context. Drawing on the Elaboration Likelihood Model, the present study attempts to examine the impacts of review label volume, review content length, and review label-content relevance on review helpfulness in the omnichannel retailing context. The empirical data of 2,822 product reviews were collected from Suning.com. The results of Negative Binomial Regression showed that both central cue (review label-content relevance) and peripheral cue (review content length) positively affect review helpfulness. Specifically, the positive effect of review content length on review helpfulness will be stronger when the online review is submitted from an omnichannel retailer’s online store. On the contrary, the positive effect of review label-content relevance on review helpfulness will be weaker when the online review is generated from an omnichannel retailer’s online channel.
Psychometric study of the brazilian version of the personality inventory for DSM-5–paper-and-pencil version
Authors: Barchi-Ferreira Ana Maria , Osório Flávia de Lima
Published: September 2022

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5 - Self Reported Form (PID-5-SRF) operationalizes Criterion B of the personality alternative model of DSM-5 Section III and has already been cross-culturally adapted to many countries. The objective is to present evidence of validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of PID-5 (pencil-and-paper) in a Brazilian community sample. The sample was composed of 730 individuals from the general population [67.8% women, aged 33.84 (SD = ±15.2), 69.5% ≥ 12 years of schooling]. The participants were recruited in academic, organizational, healthcare, and business facilities in three Brazilian states. The snowball method was used. The PID-5 Brazilian version and the Revised NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI-R) were individually applied, and the retest was applied 30 days after. Satisfactory internal consistency (facets α ≥0.51; domains α ≥0.82) and test-retest reliability (facets ICC ≥ 0.45; domains ICC ≥0.76) were found, but a floor effect was verified in 97.7% of the items. Regarding convergent validity, strong correlations were found between the PID-5 and the NEO-FFI-R domains (r = −0.44 to 0.70). Ten facets did not fit the unidemensional structure. Confirmatory Factor Analyses did not present adequate goodness of fit, and Exploratory Analyses indicated that a five-factor model is more appropriate, though it presents some peculiarities concerning the original model. PID-5 also presented satisfactory goodness of fit to the personality hierarchical model. Generally, the instrument's psychometric indicators favor its use in the Brazilian context. However, some aspects demand attention, and more specific studies should be conducted to verify the impact of reverse-scored items, floor effect, and peculiarities of its internal structure (some facets' multidimensionality and interstitiality) concerning the original model.
Alienation from school and cyberbullying among Chinese middle school students: A moderated mediation model involving self-esteem and emotional intelligence
Authors: Gan Xiong , Wang Pinyi , Huang Chen , Li Hao , Jin Xin
Published: September 2022

As an extension of traditional bullying behavior, cyberbullying behavior emerges with the increasing popularity of the internet, and seriously affects the health of middle school students. However, just a few studies have explored the impact of the school factor on cyberbullying and its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the potential mediator (i.e., self-esteem) and potential moderator (i.e., emotional intelligence) of the relationships between alienation from school and cyberbullying. Five hundred and seventy five Chinese middle school students participated in the study (45.74% male) and completed self-report questionnaires regarding alienation from school, cyberbullying, self-esteem, and emotional intelligence. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between alienation from school and cyberbullying. Mediation analysis indicated that alienation from school positively predicts individual cyberbullying, and self-esteem partly mediated the association. Meanwhile, emotional intelligence moderated the pathway from alienation from school to cyberbullying. Specifically, the effect of high alienation from school on cyberbullying was weaker for middle school students who reported high emotional intelligence. The findings of this study expose the influence of the school factor and individual factors on cyberbullying, which has potential preventive and intervention value for youth cyberbullying.
Lessons learnt of the COVID-19 contact tracing strategy in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan using systems thinking processes
Authors: Zafar Shamsa , Fruchtman Carmen Sant , Bilal Khalid Muhammad , Zia Zaeem , Khalid Khan Fawad , Iqbal Shahid , Muñoz Daniel Cobos
Published: September 2022

The strategy of test, trace and isolate has been promoted and seen as a crucial tool in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As simple as the slogan sounds, effectively implementing it turns into a complex endeavor with multiple moving parts and the need for multisector collaboration. In this study, we apply a systems thinking lens to analyse the design and implementation of the contact tracing strategy for COVID-19 in the district of Islamabad, Pakistan. The data collection included participatory observation, reflective exercises, key informant interviews and participatory workshops with district health managers and health providers. The information gathered was structured using process and stakeholder mapping to identify the lessons learned of the COVID-19 contact tracing strategy. The results showed that the elements crucial for implementation were, good coordination during a crisis, available resources mobilized effectively and establishment of early active surveillance for contact tracing. Furthermore, the main aspects to be improved were lack of preparedness and existing surveillance systems and task shifting leading to impact on regular health services. The results of this study highlight the importance of developing information systems that are coherent with existing processes and resources, even in times of crisis.
Meta-analysis of the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Jing , Geng Yujie , Fang Zhengmei , Zhu Lijun , Chen Yan , Yao Yingshui
Published: September 2022

Objective

To systematically review the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

Computers were used to search CNKI, VIP, WanFang Data, PubMed, and other Chinese and English databases. The search period was limited to December 2019 to April 2022. Cross-sectional studies collected data on the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers since the onset of COVID-19. The STATA 15.1 software was used for the meta-analysis of the included literature.

Results

A total of 30 studies were included, with a sample size of 18,382 people. The meta-analysis results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the total prevalence of anxiety among frontline healthcare workers was 43.00%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.36–0.50, and the total prevalence of depression was 45.00%, with a 95% CI of 0.37–0.52. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that prevalence of anxiety and depression in women, married individuals, those with children, and nurses was relatively high. Frontline healthcare workers with a bachelor's degree or lower had a higher prevalence of anxiety. The prevalence of depression was higher among frontline healthcare workers with intermediate or higher professional titles.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers was high. In the context of public health emergencies, the mental health status of frontline healthcare workers should be given full attention, screening should be actively carried out, and targeted measures should be taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection among frontline healthcare workers.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022344706.
Impact of public health education on the health status of the older migrant population
Authors: Yan Zaohong , Han Fang , Gao Runguo , Jing Qi , Gao Qianqian , Cai Weiqin
Published: September 2022

Background

Due to an increasing aging population, China has experienced a rapid expansion in its internal older migrant population who face greater health risks and who have a relatively high demand for health education. Public health education is an important means of preventing diseases and promoting health. However, many studies have focused on the utilization, with few studies examining the impact of public health education on the health of the older migrant population in China.

Objectives

This study analyzed the impact of public health education on the health of the older migrant population in China.

Methods

Based on data obtained from the National Migrant Population Health and Family Planning Dynamic Monitor Survey (2018), logistic models and propensity score matching were used to analyze the impact of public health education on the health of the older migrant population.

Results

The self-assessed health of China's older migrant population was good, and the acceptance rate of public health education was 40.81%. The public health status of the older migrant population receiving public health education significantly improved (p < 0.05). After correcting for endogeneity among the variables, public health education increased the probability of improving the older migrant population's self-assessed health by 5.4–6.1% (p < 0.01). Heterogeneity analysis found that public health education had a greater impact on the health of older men with an education level of middle school and below, and especially on the older migrant population in the eastern region of China.

Conclusions

Public health education positively affected the health status of the older migrant population. The characteristics and preferences of the older migrant population involving different genders, regions, and educational levels need to be considered, public health education needs to be standardized, and appropriate education methods need to be adopted that suit the older migrant population. Reference suggestions are provided for improving the health level of the older migrant population.
Minimum standards for evaluating machine-learned models of high-dimensional data
Authors: Chen Brian H.
Published: September 2022

The maturation of machine learning and technologies that generate high dimensional data have led to the growth in the number of predictive models, such as the “epigenetic clock”. While powerful, machine learning algorithms run a high risk of overfitting, particularly when training data is limited, as is often the case with high-dimensional data (“large p, small n”). Making independent validation a requirement of “algorithmic biomarker” development would bring greater clarity to the field by more efficiently identifying prediction or classification models to prioritize for further validation and characterization. Reproducibility has been a mainstay in science, but only recently received attention in defining its various aspects and how to apply these principles to machine learning models. The goal of this paper is merely to serve as a call-to-arms for greater rigor and attention paid to newly developed models for prediction or classification.
Deep unfolding for multi-measurement vector convolutional sparse coding to denoise unobtrusive electrocardiography signals
Authors: Fotiadou Eleni , Melaet Raoul , Vullings Rik
Published: September 2022

The use of wearable technology for monitoring a person’s health status is becoming increasingly more popular. Unfortunately, this technology typically suffers from low-quality measurement data, making the acquisition of, for instance, the heart rate based on electrocardiography data from non-adhesive sensors challenging. Such sensors are prone to motion artifacts and hence the electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements require signal processing to enhance their quality and enable detection of the heart rate. Over the last years, considerable progress has been made in the use of deep neural networks for many signal processing challenges. Yet, for healthcare applications their success is limited because the required large datasets to train these networks are typically not available. In this paper we propose a method to embed prior knowledge about the measurement data and problem statement in the network architecture to make it more data efficient. Our proposed method aims to enhance the quality of ECG signals by describing ECG signals from the perspective of a multi-measurement vector convolutional sparse coding model and use a deep unfolded neural network architecture to learn the model parameters. The sparse coding problem was solved using the Alternation Direction Method of Multipliers. Our method was evaluated by denoising ECG signals, that were corrupted by adding noise to clean ECG signals, and subsequently detecting the heart beats from the denoised data and compare these to the heartbeats and derived heartrate variability features detected in the clean ECG signals. This evaluation demonstrated an improved in the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvement ranging from 17 to 27 dB and an improvement in heart rate detection (i.e. F1 score) ranging between 0 and 50%, where the range depends on the SNR of the input signals. The performance of the method was compared to that of a denoising encoder-decoder neural network and a wavelet-based denoising method, showing equivalent and better performance, respectively.
Incidence and correlates of testicular pain after kidney donation
Authors: Gandhi Nisarg V. , Murad Dina N. , Hebert Sean A. , Morgan Monica , Nguyen Duc T. , Graviss Edward A. , Ibrahim Hassan N.
Published: September 2022

Some kidney donors experience testicular pain after donation. We studied the presence of testicular pain in male donors from The Renal and Lung Donor Evaluation (RELIVE) Study which investigated short- and long-term outcomes of 8922 kidney donors. Of the 2551 male donors with available testicular status data included in the analysis, 54 (2.12%) developed testicular pain 19 days (IQR 7, 40) after donation: 34 had testicular pain only, 6 had epididymitis, and 14 had both. Donors developing pain were 4 years older and pain occurred more often in those undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy; 3.6% vs. 1.1% for open nephrectomy. Non-Hispanic White ethnicity and undergoing laparoscopic nephrectomy were associated with increased risk of testicular pain; RR 5.56 (95% CI 1.35, 22.84), p=0.02, RR 3.11 (95% CI 1.71, 5.65), p<0.001, respectively. Laterality of nephrectomy, however, was not associated with increased risk of testicular pain. Testicular pain is not infrequent and contrary to previous reports, left nephrectomy was not associated with a higher incidence of testicular pain. Donors should be routinely asked about this potentially bothersome complication.
Emotional constraint, father-son relationships, and men's wellbeing
Authors: Cleary Anne
Published: September 2022

Male rates of suicide exceed female rates and research findings indicate an association between particular practices of masculinity, specifically emotional constraint, and male suicide. This paper examines gender and family influences on men's wellbeing, based on in-depth interviews with a sample of fifty-two men, aged 18–30 years, who made a clinically serious or near-fatal suicide attempt and were recruited following presentation to hospital. Themes derived from the analysis included learning about masculinity which relates to the gender culture within the home, the regulation and enforcement of behavior by peers and father-son relationships. Results demonstrated that the men were generally from families where hegemonic ideals of masculinity, emphasizing strength and emotional stoicism, were practiced. This gender environment, which was reinforced in the neighborhood, restricted behavior and the expression of feeling, shaped communication between fathers and sons and affected the father's ability to emotionally engage with his son. Fathers were significant figures in these men's lives and were role models for demonstrating masculinity practices but there was an absence of positive, nurturing, relationships between fathers and sons and this influenced the son's gender learning and his wellbeing. Fathers who were emotionally distant, and particularly those who were abusive, gave rise to feelings of rejection, sadness and anger in their sons but problematic father-son relationships were not addressed nor ill-treatment in childhood disclosed due to gender-related constraints on expression. Restrictions on expression and prohibitions on revealing weakness denied the men a space to explore as well as manage the issues of their lives and prevented them from revealing distress. They coped by sublimating problems and disguising vulnerability and by seeking emotional comfort within intimate partnerships but these men were susceptible to situations which threatened their psychological security. Overall, the study demonstrated challenges for males raised in settings of hegemonic masculinity and the importance of nurturing father-son relationships for male wellbeing. The results imply the need for a focus on the benefits of positive fathering and the inclusion of more nuanced messaging relating to men's emotions in Public Health messaging.
Exploration of the causes of cerebrospinal fluid leakage after endoscopic endonasal surgery for sellar and suprasellar lesions and analysis of risk factors
Authors: Xiong Yicheng , Liu Yajing , Xin Guo , Xie Shenhao , Luo Hai , Xiao Liming , Wu Xiao , Hong Tao , Tang Bin
Published: September 2022

Objective

Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is a frequent complication. This study aims to identify potential risk factors of postoperative CSF leakage.

Methods

A retrospective review of 360 patients who underwent EES was included. The associations between postoperative CSF leakage and patient demographics, medical history, tumor characteristics, and intraoperative repair techniques were analyzed; the diagnosis and repair of postoperative CSF leakage were also introduced.

Results

Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in 14 patients (3.9%), 2 of them cured by lumbar cistern drainage, 12 underwent endoscopic repair. Among these 12 cases, 3 were repaired twice, and the rest were cured the first time. During the repair surgery, insufficient embedded fat was detected in one case detected, seven with breached inner artificial dura, three had vascularized pedicle nasoseptal flap (VP-NSF) displacement, two with VP-NSF perforation, two with VP-NSF inactivation, and one with imperfect adherence to VP-NSF to the skull base. Eight cases had intracranial infections. Excluding one case who died of severe intracranial infection, the rest were cured and discharged without obvious sequelae. Multivariate analysis revealed that the suprasellar lesion, subarachnoid invasion, and intraoperative grade 3 flow CSF leakage were the risk factors of CSF leakage after operation, while the bone flap was a protective factor.

Conclusion

Bone flap combined with VP-NSF and iodoform gauze for skull base reconstruction is recommended in high-risk patients, while postoperative lumbar cistern drain remains dispensable.
Sleeping with the enemy: Maintaining ASF-free farms in affected areas
Authors: Groenendaal Huybert , Costard Solenne , Zagmutt Francisco J. , Perez Andres M.
Published: September 2022

African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to spread worldwide, with very limited eradication success in countries where the disease affects domestic pig populations. Various biosecurity tools exist to reduce the on-farm risk incursion of ASF and other diseases. However, their focus on overall biosecurity scores and benchmarking results in recommendations that are not always cost-effective. We propose to apply a risk analysis approach that actively involves farmers and farmworkers in identifying their weakest links in biosecurity and corresponding mitigation efforts. Furthermore, the approach's focus on describing and understanding pathways of introduction and/or spread specific to individual farms creates buy-in from producers for investing in biosecurity measures and improving compliance.
Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever in the Arab world: A systematic review
Authors: Perveen Nighat , Khan Gulfaraz
Published: September 2022

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an important tick-borne viral infection with a fatality rate of up to 50% during outbreaks. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is sustained in the ecosystem in benign form through vertical and horizontal transmission cycles involving tick vectors, wildlife, and livestock. Hyalomma ticks are considered the major source of human infection. CCHF occurs most often among butchers, slaughterhouse workers, and farmworkers through infected tick bites or/and contact with blood and tissues of infected livestock. The nosocomial transmission can occur in auxiliary nurses and physicians through contact with the infected patients. The widespread distribution of CCHFV most probably occurred by ticks on migratory birds, or through international travel and trade of livestock and wildlife. During co-infections of ticks and vertebrates, reassortment among genome segments could play a significant role in generating diversity, and hence, a potential risk for the emergence of novel variants. In this systematic review, we aimed to determine the epidemiology, transmission, distribution, mortality, and clinical features of CCHF in 22 Arab countries, comprising the Arab world. Based on the analysis of 57 studies published from 1978 to 2021, we found 20 tick species that could be associated with CCHFV transmission. During the 43-year period, 321 cases of CCHF were reported from 9/22 Arab countries, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Sudan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Mauritania. The mean case fatality rate was 29% during various outbreaks. Individuals working in abattoirs/slaughter houses, livestock farms, and healthcare were most at risk. Contact with blood or body secretions from infected animals and patients was the most common mode of transmission. A number of different animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, and camels were reported to be seropositive for CCHFV. The highest seroprevalence was observed in camels (29%), followed by cattle (21%), goats (15%), and sheep (14%). We discuss these results in the context of policy-making and potential preventative measures that can be implemented to reduce the burden of CCHF in the Arab world.
Transcriptomics of circulating neutrophils in dairy cows with subclinical hypocalcemia
Authors: Zhang Bingbing , Ma Xinru , Huang Baoyin , Jiang Qianming , Loor Juan J. , Lv Xinquan , Zhang Wei , Li Ming , Wen Jianan , Yin Yufeng , Wang Jingjing , Yang Wei , Xu Chuang
Published: September 2022

Hypocalcemia is closely associated with inflammatory diseases in dairy cows. Recent research has underscored the key role of calcium in the adaptations of the innate immune system during this period. The main objective in the present study was to compare the transcriptome profiles and analyze differences in the expression of neutrophil (PMNL) immune function-related genes and calcium binding-related genes in hypocalcemic cows. At 2 days postpartum, a concentration >2.10 mmol Ca2+/L was used to classify cows as controls (CON), and a concentration <2.00 mmol Ca2+/L used to classify cows as low-calcium (LCAL) (n = 8 in each group). A routine medical examination was conducted by the attending veterinarian to ensure there were no other complications and that the blood β-hydroxybutyrate was <1.2 mmol/L. Blood was collected from the tail vein (20 mL) to isolate PMNL, and 5 cows in each group were used for RNA sequencing and statistical analysis of gene expression differences. Transcriptome RNA-seq sequencing analysis was via omicsstudio using the R package edgeR. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were used for bioinformatics. The remaining 3 cows in each group were used for validation of RNA sequencing data via quantitative PCR, which confirmed the observed responses. Compared with CON, 158 genes in LCAL were significantly up-regulated and 296 genes were down-regulated. The downregulation of Interleukin-12 (CXCL12), Tubulin beta chain (TUBB1), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) indicated a decrease in immune function of PMNL in LCAL cows. The decreased expression of calcium-binding pathway-related genes in PMNL of LCAL cows indicated a decrease in immune function of PMNL likely related to calcium ions. For example, cartilage acid protein 1 (CRTAC1) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase 4 (CAMK4) were significantly reduced in LCAL cows. The upregulation of Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), Perforin 1 (PRF1), and Homeodomain interacting protein kinase 3 (HIPK3) indicated that LCAL led to greater cell apoptosis and senescence. Overall, the analyses indicated that the reduction in PMNL immune function during hypocalcemia is associated with downregulation of intracellular Ca2+ related genes and upregulation of genes controlling apoptosis and senescence. Together, these alterations contribute to an immunosuppressive state during the transition period.
Gastrointestinal digestibility insights of different levels of coated complex trace minerals supplementation on growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers
Authors: Chen Chuanbin , Qu Mingren , Liang Huan , Ouyang Kehui , Xiong Zhihui , Zheng Youchang , Yan Qiuliang , Xu Lanjiao
Published: September 2022

This study was designed to evaluate the optimum additional level of coated complex trace minerals (TMs) and its impacts on the growth performance of broilers through measurement of digestibility of nutrients and intestinal development. In a 56-day trial, a total of 360 one-day-old male yellow-feathered broilers were randomly divided into six dietary treatment groups. Each treatment contained six replicates, with 10 birds. The control group was supplemented with 1,000 mg/kg of uncoated complex TMs in the basal diet (UCCTM1000). The remaining 5 treatments were degressively supplemented with coated complex TMs from 1,000 to 200 mg/kg in the basal diet, which were considered as (CCTM1000), (CCTM800), (CCTM600), (CCTM400), (CCTM200), respectively. Results: On comparing the UCCTM1000 supplementation, the CCTM1000 supplementation decreased the feed to gain ratio (F/G) (P < 0.05), increased digestibility of crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05), crude fat (CF) (P < 0.05), villus height (VH) of duodenum (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression level of occludin in jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). In addition, the F/G was lower in the CCTE600 group than that in the CCTE200 group (P < 0.05). The VH to crypt depth (CD) ratio (V/C) of jejunum and ileum in the CCTM400 and CCTM600 groups was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CCTM1000 group. The serum endotoxin and D-lactate level and CP digestibility were increased by dietary coated complex TMs addition level. The mRNA expression levels of claudin-1 and ZO-1 in the CCTM600 group were higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CCTM1000 group. In conclusion, adding 600 mg/kg of coated complex TMs showed the minimum F/G and the maximum crude protein digestibility and intestine development of yellow-feathered broilers compared with other treatments. This supplementation level of coated complex TMs could totally replace 1,000 mg/kg of uncoated complex TMs to further decrease the dose of TMs and raise economic benefit.
Genetic Risk for Osteoporosis and the Benefit of Adherence to Healthy Lifestyles
Authors: Yang Yi-Qun , Yu Xing-Hao , Bo Lin , Lei Shu-Feng , Deng Fei-Yan
Published: September 2022

Objectives: We aimed to explore how healthy lifestyles and genetic factors influence the risk of Osteoporosis (OP).

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we first performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) and constructed the genetic risk score (GRS) based on the effect of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on eBMD. We then assessed the effect of three-level GRS and adherence to healthy lifestyles on the risk of OP and fracture, respectively. Finally, we assessed the joint effects of GRS and lifestyle on the OP and fracture risk.

Results: People with higher GRS have a lower risk of OP and fracture. Negative associations were detected between healthy lifestyle factors and the risk of OP and fracture. Compare with the group with high GRS and favorable lifestyles, the group with low GRS and unfavorable lifestyles had a high Hazard Ratio (HR).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that adherence to healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk of OP and fracture in people with different genetic risks.
Performance Evaluation for Launcher Testing Vehicle
Authors: Chelaru Teodor-Viorel , Pană Valentin , Ene Costin
Published: September 2022

The paper’s purpose is to present a calculus model for a testing vehicle that can be used to validate guidance, navigation and control systems for reusable launchers in all flight phases. The technical solution is based on a throttleable engine with thrust vectoring control and a reaction control system (RCS) used for roll. For calculus, we will develop a nonlinear model with six degrees of freedom, based on quaternion, extended with nonlinear equations that use pulse modulation in order to control roll. In order to synthesize the controller, we also develop a linear model similar to the launcher model. The paper analyzes two basic scenarios, first with the ascending and the descending flight phases and the second having a horizontal flight interleaved between ascending and descending flight phases, both scenarios being specific for reusable launchers. Based on these scenarios, the paper evaluates some performances of the proposed vehicle, namely flight envelope and guidance accuracy.
An Optimized Dynamic Tensile Impact Test for Characterizing the Behavior of Materials
Authors: Pantalé Olivier , Ming Lu
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a new dynamic tensile test based on the Taylor impact technique for application on metallic materials. The Taylor impact test is a well-known technique to characterize the behavior of metallic materials in compression because it allows us to reach very high strain rates (105s−1). In this dynamic tensile test, we launch a projectile with an initial velocity into a specially designed target in order to generate tensile deformation in its central area. In this paper, the geometry of a tensile target previously published in our laboratory was modified and optimized to achieve higher plastic strains and strain rates without reaching the critical state of target failure. Numerical simulations and experimental tests validate the new geometry. Experimental tests have been performed with this new geometry to show the gains allowed. Numerical simulations by finite elements on Abaqus show the equivalent plastic deformations and elongation of the two versions of the targets and the correlation of these results with the tests.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimization of an Aircraft Propulsor Air Intake with Boundary Layer Ingestion
Authors: Sudasinghe Ayesh , Rajakareyar Padmassun , Matida Edgar , Abo El Ella Hamza , ElSayed Mostafa S. A.
Published: September 2022

The growth of the airline industry has highlighted the need for more environmentally conscious aviation, leading to the conceptualization of more fuel-efficient aircraft. One concept that has received significant attention and has been associated with improved fuel efficiency is the boundary layer ingesting (BLI) propulsion system, which refers to the ingesting of the aircraft wake by the propulsors. Although BLI has theoretically been proven to reduce fuel burn, this can potentially be offset by the reduced efficiency and stability experienced by the propulsor in the presence of distorted inflow. Therefore, engine intakes must be optimized in order to mitigate the effects of BLI on the propulsion system. In this work, the shape optimization of a BLI intake is investigated using a free-form deformation technique in combination with a multi-objective genetic algorithm, in order to minimize pressure losses and distortion at the engine inlet. The optimization is performed on an S-duct intake at a cruise altitude of approximately 37,000 feet and a free stream Mach number of 0.7. An optimization strategy was developed for the task which was able to produce a Pareto optimal set of designs with improved pressure recovery and distortion. The general trend of the optimal designs shows that to reduce distortion the optimizer accelerates the flow to reduce the size of the low total pressure region and increase the dynamic pressure at the engine inlet. In contrast, the pressure recovery was increased by reducing velocity as well as shifting the maximum velocity region to the outlet, which reduces the viscous dissipation losses within the intake. The final result is a fully autonomous optimization strategy resulting in reduced pressure losses and reduced distortion leading to higher efficiency BLI S-duct intake designs.
Impacts of Cumulus Parameterizations on Extreme Precipitation Simulation in Semi-Arid Region: A Case Study in Northwest China
Authors: Zhaoye Pinghan , Yang Kai , Wang Chenghai
Published: September 2022

In the context of climate change, extreme precipitation in semi-arid region happens frequently. How well models simulate extreme precipitation in semi-arid region remains unclear. Based on a WRF v4.3 simulation of a rainstorm event that occurred in Qingyang, China on 21 July 2019, applying Kain–Fritsch (KF), Grell–Devenyi (GD) and Bullock–Wang (BW) schemes, the impacts of different cumulus parameterizations on extreme precipitation simulations in semi-arid region were analyzed, and the possible causes of precipitation biases were explored. The results showed that the WRF with the three schemes essentially reproduced the location and structure of precipitation, but the intensity of precipitation in the central region was underestimated. Based on the structure-amplitude-location (SAL) method, the KF scheme exhibited better performance in precipitation simulation than the other two schemes, while there were significant intensity and location deviations of rain band occurrence between simulations using the GD, BW schemes and observations. Convection simulation using the GD and BW schemes was less effective than that using the KF scheme, compared to the observations. As a result, the GD and BW schemes simulated a larger geopotential height at 500 hPa over Qingyang and weaker upper-level low troughs than simulations using the KF scheme. This led to simulation of less water vapor transport into the front of the trough, resulting in a deficit in simulated precipitation. The study results highlight the impacts of convection on large-scale atmospheric circulation linked to extreme precipitation in semi-arid region.