bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critically Ill Pediatric Patient and SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Klučka Jozef , Klabusayová Eva , Kratochvíl Milan , Musilová Tereza , Vafek Václav , Skříšovská Tamara , Kosinová Martina , Havránková Pavla , Štourač Petr
Published: April 2022

In December 2019 SARS-CoV-2 initiated a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, which is still ongoing in 2022. Although adult elderly patients with chronic preexisting diseases had been identified as the most vulnerable group, COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on pediatric intensive care. Early in 2020, a new disease presentation, multisystemic inflammatory syndrome, was described in children. Despite the vaccination that is available for all age categories, due to its selection process, new viral mutations and highly variable vaccination rate, COVID-19 remains a significant clinical challenge in adult and pediatric intensive care in 2022.
Association between EEG Paroxysmal Abnormalities and Levels of Plasma Amino Acids and Urinary Organic Acids in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Marcotulli Daniele , Davico Chiara , Somà Alessandra , Teghille Guido , Ravaglia Giorgio , Amianto Federico , Ricci Federica , Puccinelli Maria Paola , Spada Marco , Vitiello Benedetto
Published: April 2022

Abnormalities in the plasma amino acid and/or urinary organic acid profile have been reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity has been proposed as a mechanism to explain dysfunctional brain networks in ASD, as also suggested by the increased risk of epilepsy in this disorder. This study explored the possible association between presence of EEG paroxysmal abnormalities and the metabolic profile of plasma amino acids and urinary organic acids in children with ASD. In a sample of 55 children with ASD (81.8% male, mean age 53.67 months), EEGs were recorded, and 24 plasma amino acids and 56 urinary organic acids analyzed. EEG epileptiform discharges were found in 36 (65%) children. A LASSO regression, adjusted by age and sex, was applied to evaluate the association of plasma amino acids and urinary organic acids profiles with the presence of EEG epileptiform discharges. Plasma levels of threonine (THR) (coefficient = −0.02, p = 0.04) and urinary concentration of 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaric acid (HMGA) (coefficient = 0.04, p = 0.02) were found to be associated with the presence of epileptiform discharges. These results suggest that altered redox mechanisms might be linked to epileptiform brain activity in ASD.
Lung and Pleural Findings of Children with Pulmonary Vein Stenosis with and without Aspiration: MDCT Evaluation
Authors: Winant Abbey J. , Callahan Ryan , Vargas Sara O. , Jenkins Kathy J. , Rameh Vanessa , Johnston Patrick R. , Niccum Maria , Keochakian Mirjam L. , Lee Edward Y.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To retrospectively compare the lung and pleural findings in children with pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) with and without aspiration on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Materials and Methods: All consecutive children (≤18 years old) with PVS who underwent thoracic MDCT studies from August 2004 to December 2021 were categorized into two groups: children with PVS with aspiration (Group 1) and children with PVS without aspiration (Group 2). Two independent pediatric radiologists retrospectively evaluated thoracic MDCT studies for the presence of lung and pleural abnormalities as follows: (1) in the lung (ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation, nodule, mass, cyst(s), interlobular septal thickening, and fibrosis) and (2) in the pleura (thickening, effusion, and pneumothorax). Interobserver agreement between the two reviewers was evaluated by the proportion of agreement and the Kappa statistic. Results: The final study population consisted of 64 pediatric patients (36 males (56.3%) and 43 females (43.7%); mean age, 1.7 years; range, 1 day–17 years). Among these 64 patients, 19 patients (29.7%) comprised Group 1 and the remaining 45 patients (70.3%) comprised Group 2. In Group 1 (children with PVS with aspiration), the detected lung and pleural MDCT abnormalities were: GGO (17/19; 89.5%), pleural thickening (17/19; 89.5%), consolidation (16/19; 84.5%), and septal thickening (16/19; 84.5%). The lung and pleural MDCT abnormalities observed in Group 2 (children with PVS without aspiration) were: GGO (37/45; 82.2%), pleural thickening (37/45; 82.2%), septal thickening (36/45; 80%), consolidation (3/45; 6.7%), pleural effusion (1/45; 2.2%), pneumothorax (1/45; 2.2%), and cyst(s) (1/45; 2.2%). Consolidation was significantly more common in pediatric patients with both PVS and aspiration (Group 1) (p < 0.001). There was high interobserver agreement between the two independent reviewers for detecting lung and pleural abnormalities on thoracic MDCT studies (Kappa = 0.98; CI = 0.958, 0.992). Conclusion: Aspiration is common in pediatric patients with PVS who undergo MDCT and was present in nearly 30% of all children with PVS during our study period. Consolidation is not a typical radiologic finding of PVS in children without clinical evidence of aspiration. When consolidation is present on thoracic MDCT studies in pediatric patients with PVS, the additional diagnosis of concomitant aspiration should be considered.
Deformation Characteristics of Bucket−Soil Interaction in Sand during Jacked Penetration
Authors: Jiang Tong , Ren Miao , Zhang Junran
Published: April 2022

Grouped buckets are an important type of foundation for offshore structures. Because of interactions between buckets, jacked penetration above a group of two buckets is a complicated process that involves complex bucket-soil interactions. In this study, non-contact digital image correlation was applied to study the deformation of sandy soil during jacked penetration. Bucket-group efficiency is negatively correlated with sand density and bucket diameter, and the incremental filling ratio is negatively correlated with sand density and positively correlated with bucket diameter. The graph of the incremental filling ratio versus penetration depth curves is a polyline for a bucket diameter of 5 cm and a hyperbola for 7.5 cm. Buckets in groups experience superposition of their deformation fields, which leads to a partial loss of shear strength. Sand density, bucket diameter, and bucket spacing markedly influence the deformation field of a bucket group, consistent with the force-displacement curves. The bucket-group effect retards the formation of a soil plug.
Research on the Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots/SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt and Its Application Performance
Authors: Lu Youfu , Shi Nan , Wang Mingming , Wang Xinyang , Yin Liyang , Xu Qiang , Zhao Pinhui
Published: April 2022

This study aims to prepare a graphene quantum dots (GQDs)/styrene-butadiene segmented copolymer composite (GQDs/SBS) as an asphalt modifier using the Pickering emulsion polymerization method. The physicochemical properties of the GQDs/SBS modifier and their effects on asphalt modification were investigated. In addition, the GQDs/SBS modifier was compared with the pure SBS modifier. Research results demonstrated that GQDs could be evenly dispersed into the SBS phase to form a uniform composite. Adding GQDs brings more oxygen-containing functional groups into the GQDs/SBS modifier, thus strengthening the polarity and making it disperse into the asphalt better. Compared with the SBS modifier, the GQDs/SBS modifier presents better thermostability. Moreover, GQDs/SBS composite-modified asphalt achieves better high-temperature performance than SBS-modified asphalt, which is manifested by the increased softening points, complex shear modulus and rutting factors. However, the low-temperature performance decreases, which is manifested by reductions in cone penetration, viscosity and ductility as well as the increased ratio between creep stiffness (S) and creep rate (m), that is, S/m. Furthermore, adding GQDs can improve the high-temperature performance of asphalt mixture, but it influences low-temperature and water stability slightly. GQDs/SBS also have the advantages of simple preparation techniques, low cost and are environmentally friendly. Therefore, they have become a beneficial choice as asphalt cementing material modifiers.
Microstructure, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of SiC Particle Reinforced CoCrFeNiCu High-Entropy Alloy Coatings
Authors: Xu Li , Du Huiling , Liu Jia , Feng Danni , Xia Siyu
Published: April 2022

SiC particle reinforced CoCrFeNiCu high-entropy alloy (HEA) coatings (CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)x, x = 0, 5, 10, 15 wt%) were successfully fabricated on 316L stainless steel via laser cladding technique. The effects of SiC particles on the microstructure, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of CoCrFeNiCu HEA were investigated. The results showed that the as-fabricated CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)x HEA coatings is a FCC structure, and a secondary phase formed of Cr7C3 at the grain boundaries. Grain boundary strengthening enhances the mechanical properties of CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)x HEA coatings. Especially for CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)15 HEA coatings, the microhardness, wear weight, and friction coefficient were 568.4 HV, 0.9 mg, and 0.35, respectively. With the increasing of SiC content, the corrosion resistance of CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)x HEA coatings was enhanced in 3.5% NaCl solution. The CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)10 coatings showed better performance than others when they were evaluated for corrosion. These results indicated that the CoCrFeNiCu(SiC)x HEA coatings could significantly enhance the wear, friction, and corrosion resistance properties of the 316L stainless steel.
Improving Optoelectrical Properties of PEDOT: PSS by Organic Additive and Acid Treatment
Authors: Lien Shui-Yang , Lin Po-Chen , Chen Wen-Ray , Liu Chuan-Hsi , Sze Po-Wen , Wang Na-Fu , Huang Chien-Jung
Published: April 2022

This article demonstrates the change of structural and optical properties of poly (3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) by organic additive and acid treatment. The addition of sorbitol and maltitol can disperse the micelles of PEDOT: PSS. The mechanism of the bond-breaking reaction was investigated and a model for the bond-breaking reaction is also proposed. Furthermore, multiple formic acid treatments were found to reduce the PSS content of PEDOT: PSS, resulting in an enhancement in conductivity (4.2 × 104 S/m).
Identification, Characterization, and Preliminary X-ray Diffraction Analysis of a Single Stranded DNA Binding Protein (LjSSB) from Psychrophilic Lacinutrix jangbogonensis PAMC 27137
Authors: Choi Woong , Son Jonghyeon , Park Aekyung , Jin Hongshi , Shin Seung Chul , Lee Jun Hyuck , Kim T. Doohun , Kim Han-Woo
Published: April 2022

Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (SSBs) are essential for DNA metabolism, including repair and replication, in all organisms. SSBs have potential applications in molecular biology and in analytical methods. In this study, for the first time, we purified, structurally characterized, and analyzed psychrophilic SSB (LjSSB) from Lacinutrix jangbogonensis PAMC 27137 isolated from the Antarctic region. LjSSB has a relatively short amino acid sequence, consisting of 111 residues, with a molecular mass of 12.6 kDa. LjSSB protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and analyzed for binding affinity using 20- and 35-mer deoxythymidine oligonucleotides (dT). In addition, the crystal structure of LjSSB at a resolution 2.6 Å was obtained. The LjSSB protein crystal belongs to the space group C222 with the unit cell parameters of a = 106.58 Å, b = 234.14 Å, c = 66.14 Å. The crystal structure was solved using molecular replacement, and subsequent iterative structure refinements and model building are currently under progress. Further, the complete structural information of LjSSB will provide a novel strategy for protein engineering and for the application on molecular biological techniques.
The Loneliness of Migraine Scale: A Development and Validation Study
Authors: Neumeier Maria , Efthymiou Evdokia , Gantenbein Andreas , Stattmann Miranda , Pohl Heiko
Published: April 2022

Patients with migraine often isolate themselves during their attacks. This disease-related loneliness seems to reverberate interictal, as some patients report failing relationships, losing jobs, or suffering from reduced social contacts. We developed a 10-item self-report questionnaire, the loneliness of migraine scale (LMS), and conducted an online survey. The questionnaire comprised diagnostic questions for migraine, the loneliness of migraine scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), and the Headache Attributed Lost Time Index (HALT-90). We computed item statistics, the psychometric properties of the LMS and assessed correlations between loneliness, migraine days, anxiety, and depression. We included 223 participants with (probable) migraine, reporting 8 ± 6 headache days with a disease duration of 11 ± 11 years. The mean scores of the HALT were 88 ± 52, of the GAD-7 10 ± 5, for PHQ-8 11 ± 6, and of the LMS 28.79 ± 9.72. Cronbach’s alpha for all ten items was 0.929. The loneliness scale correlated with the GAD-7 (r = 0.713, p < 0.001), with the PHQ-8 scale (r = 0.777, p < 0.001) and with migraine days (r = 0.338, p < 0.001). The LMS is a reliable and valid questionnaire measuring the loneliness of migraine patients. Feelings of loneliness were common and correlated highly with migraine days, anxiety, and depression.
Nonlinear Dynamics of the Financial–Growth Nexus in African Emerging Economies: The Case of a Macroprudential Policy Regime
Authors: Zungu Lindokuhle Talent
Published: April 2022

A panel data analysis of nonlinear financial growth dynamics in a macroprudential policy regime was conducted in a panel of 10 African emerging countries from 1983–2020, where it had been a non-prudential regime from 1983–1999 and a prudential regime from 2000–2020. The paper explored the validity of invented U-shape hypothesis in the prudential policy regime as well as the threshold level at which excessive finance boosts growth using the panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model. The PSTR model was adopted due to its ability to address the problems of endogeneity and heterogeneity in a nonlinear framework. The results reveal evidence of a nonlinear effect between financial development and economic growth, where the minimum level of financial development is found to be 60.5% of GDP, above which financial development increases growth in African emerging countries. The findings confirmed a U-shaped relationship, contradicting the invented U-curve hypothesis. The focal policy recommendation is that the financial sector should be given adequate consideration and recognition by, for example, implementing appropriate financial reforms, developing a suitable investment portfolio, and keeping spending on technological investment in Africa’s emerging countries below the threshold. Again, caution is needed when introducing macroprudential policies at a low level of the financial system.
A New Method of Conductor Galloping Monitoring Using the Target Detection of Infrared Source
Authors: Gao Yufeng , Yang Jun , Zhang Ke , Peng Huaizhen , Wang Yin , Xia Na , Yao Gang
Published: April 2022

Because the galloping of iced conductors is one of the main disasters in the State Grid, resulting in huge economic and property losses every year, the research on relevant monitoring methods is of great significance. The existing galloping monitoring technology is mainly based on the contact detection method, which presents potential electrical hazards and power supply problems. In this paper, a conductor galloping monitoring method based on the target detection of infrared sources is put forward to overcome the shortcomings of existing methods. In other words, an infrared source label is installed on the conductor spacer, high-definition night vision infrared cameras are installed on electric power towers to take video of the infrared source labels, and the characteristic amplitude of conductor galloping is calculated by an image recognition and tracking algorithm. The practical application results indicate that the method has the advantages of non-contact detection, safety and reliability, and high detection accuracy.
Face Image Analysis Using Machine Learning: A Survey on Recent Trends and Applications
Authors: Siddiqi Muhammad Hameed , Khan Khalil , Khan Rehan Ullah , Alsirhani Amjad
Published: April 2022

Human face image analysis using machine learning is an important element in computer vision. The human face image conveys information such as age, gender, identity, emotion, race, and attractiveness to both human and computer systems. Over the last ten years, face analysis methods using machine learning have received immense attention due to their diverse applications in various tasks. Although several methods have been reported in the last ten years, face image analysis still represents a complicated challenge, particularly for images obtained from ’in the wild’ conditions. This survey paper presents a comprehensive review focusing on methods in both controlled and uncontrolled conditions. Our work illustrates both merits and demerits of each method previously proposed, starting from seminal works on face image analysis and ending with the latest ideas exploiting deep learning frameworks. We show a comparison of the performance of the previous methods on standard datasets and also present some promising future directions on the topic.
Location-Visiting Characteristics Based Privacy Protection of Sensitive Relationships
Authors: Xia Xiu-Feng , Jiang Miao , Liu Xiang-Yu , Zong Chuan-Yu
Published: April 2022

In the era of Internet of Things (IoT), the problem of the privacy leakage of sensitive relationships is critical. This problem is caused by the spatial–temporal correlation between users in location-based social networks (LBSNs). To solve this problem, a sensitive relationship-protection algorithm based on location-visiting characteristics is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a new model based on location-visiting characteristics is proposed for calculating the similarity between users, which evaluates check-in features of users and locations. In order to avoid an adversary inferring sensitive relationship privacy and to ensure the utility of data, our proposed algorithm adopts a heuristic rule to evaluate the impact of deduction contributions and information loss caused by data modifications. In addition, location-search technology is proposed to improve the algorithm’s execution efficiency. The experimental results show that our proposed algorithm can effectively protect the privacy of sensitive data.
Enhancement of PHA Production by a Mixed Microbial Culture Using VFA Obtained from the Fermentation of Wastewater from Yeast Industry
Authors: Ospina-Betancourth Carolina , Echeverri Sergio , Rodriguez-Gonzalez Claudia , Wist Julien , Combariza Marianny Y. , Sanabria Janeth
Published: April 2022

Wastewater from the yeast production industry (WWY) is potentially harmful to surface water due to its high nitrogen and organic matter content; it can be used to produce compounds of higher commercial value, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHA are polyester-type biopolymers synthesized by bacteria as energy reservoirs that can potentially substitute petrochemical-derived plastics. In this exploratory work, effluent from WWY was used to produce PHA, using a three-step setup of mixed microbial cultures involving one anaerobic and two aerobic reactors. First, volatile fatty acids (VFA; 2.5 g/L) were produced on an anaerobic batch reactor (reactor A) fed with WWY, using a heat pretreated sludge inoculum to eliminate methanogenic activity. Concurrently, PHA-producing bacteria were enriched using synthetic VFA in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR, reactor C) operated for 78 days. Finally, a polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing reactor (reactor B) was assembled using the inoculum enriched with PHA-producing bacteria and the raw and distilled effluent from the anaerobic reactor as a substrate. A maximum accumulation of 17% of PHB based on cell dry weight was achieved with a yield of 1.2 g PHB/L when feeding with the distilled effluent. Roche 454 16S rRNA gene amplicon pyrosequencing of the PHA-producing reactor showed that the microbial community was dominated by the PHA-producing bacterial species Paracoccus alcalophilus (32%) and Azoarcus sp. (44%). Our results show promising PHB accumulation rates that outperform previously reported results obtained with real substrates and mixed cultures, demonstrating a sustainable approach for the production of PHA less prone to contamination than a pure culture.
The Traveling Wave Solutions in a Mixed-Diffusion Epidemic Model
Authors: Hou Ru , Xu Wen-Bing
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study the traveling wave solution of an epidemic model with mixed diffusion. First, we give two definitions of the minimum wave speeds and prove that they are equivalent. Second, the existence, decaying behavior, and uniqueness of traveling wave fronts are obtained. Third, the signs of minimum wave speeds are studied, and further, in two specific cases of the dispersal kernel, we show how to identify the signs of minimum wave speeds.
Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Mucoadhesive Carvedilol Nanosponge: A Promising Platform for Buccal Anti-Hypertensive Delivery
Authors: Khafagy El-Sayed , Abu Lila Amr S. , Sallam Nahed Mohamed , Sanad Rania Abdel-Basset , Ahmed Mahgoub Mohamed , Ghorab Mamdouh Mostafa , Alotaibi Hadil Faris , Alalaiwe Ahmed , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Alshahrani Saad M. , Alshetaili Abdullah , Almutairy Bjad K. , Al Saqr Ahmed , Gad Shadeed
Published: April 2022

Carvedilol (CRV) is a non-selective third generation beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure and angina pectoris. Oral administration of CRV showed poor bioavailability (25%), which might be ascribed to its extensive first-pass metabolism. Buccal delivery is known to boost drugs bioavailability. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of bilosomes-based mucoadhesive carvedilol nanosponge for enhancing the oral bioavailability of CRV. The bilosomes were prepared, optimized and characterized for particle size, surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency and ex-vivo permeation studies. Then, the optimized formula was incorporated into a carboxymethyl cellulose/hydroxypropyl cellulose (CMC/HPC) composite mixture to obtain buccal nanosponge enriched with CRV bilosomes. The optimized bilosome formula (BLS9), showing minimum vesicle size, maximum entrapment, and highest cumulative in vitro release, exhibited a spherical shape with 217.2 nm in diameter, 87.13% entrapment efficiency, and sustained drug release for up to 24 h. In addition, ex-vivo drug permeation across sheep buccal mucosa revealed enhanced drug permeation with bilosomal formulations, compared to aqueous drug suspension. Consecutively, BLS9 was incorporated in a CMC/HPC gel and lyophilized for 24 h to obtain bilosomal nanosponge to enhance CRV buccal delivery. Morphological analysis of the prepared nanosponge revealed improved swelling with a porosity of 67.58%. The in vivo assessment of rats indicated that CRV-loaded nanosponge efficiently enhanced systolic/diastolic blood pressure, decreased elevated oxidative stress, improved lipid profile and exhibited a potent cardio-protective effect. Collectively, bilosomal nanosponge might represent a plausible nanovehicle for buccal delivery of CRV for effective management of hypertension.
Patterns of Prescription Medicine, Illicit Drugs, and Alcohol Misuse among High-Risk Population: A Factor Analysis to Delineate Profiles of Polydrug Users
Authors: Gili Alessio , Lancia Massimo , Mercurio Isabella , Bacci Mauro , Nicoletti Alessia , Pelliccia Chiara , Gambelunghe Cristiana
Published: April 2022

Polydrug use is a serious health and social problem worldwide. Treatment remains a challenge because it requires planning based on estimates of the nature and extent of drug consumption and the characteristics of the population in need. To this end, 103 subjects, who voluntarily asked to begin rehabilitation treatment, were monitored through hair analysis to investigate the nature and extent of their polydrug use. A factor analysis was carried out to delineate polydrug user profiles based on the following variables: age, sex, type of illicit drug use, type of prescription drug misuse, and amount of alcohol consumption. Twenty-three percent of subjects tested positive to more than one illicit drug (mainly cocaine), 44% to unprescribed drugs (mainly benzodiazepines), and 66% were hard drinkers. The profiles of drug users outlined included “single drug cocaine user”, and “single drug opiate user”. Moreover, a particularly problematic profile of cocaine users, common between genders and age groups, who combine high levels of alcohol and unprescribed benzodiazepines and opiates, emerged (“hard polydrug abusers”). From a treatment policy perspective, these findings support the importance of preventive analysis before rehabilitation treatment begins in order to identify different patterns of drug abusers to implement personalized multidisciplinary measures.
Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Actinic Cheilitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ayen-Rodriguez Angela , Naranjo-Diaz Maria Jose , Ruiz-Villaverde Ricardo
Published: April 2022

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a chronic inflammation of the lip considered an oral, potentially malignant disorder associated with an increased risk of lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development. Controversies surrounding current therapeutic modalities of AC are under debate, and the implications of laser treatment have not been specifically investigated through a systematic review design. The present study aims to evaluate the degree of evidence of laser for the treatment of AC in terms of efficacy and safety. We searched for primary-level studies published before January 2022 through MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL, with no limitation in publication language or date. We evaluated the methodological quality and risk of bias of the studies included using the updated Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB-2). Twenty studies (512 patients) met our eligibility criteria. Laser therapy showed a complete clearance of AC in 92.5% patients, with a maximum recurrence rate of 21.43%, and a very low frequency of malignant transformation to SCC (detected in only 3/20 studies analyzed). In addition, cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction were described as excellent. In conclusion, our findings indicate that laser therapy is a high efficacy approach to AC.
The Moderating Effects of Host Country Governance and Trade Openness on the Relationship between Cultural Distance and Financial Performance of Foreign Subsidiaries in Latin America
Authors: Correa da Cunha Henrique , Ruzgar Nursel Selver , Singh Vikkram
Published: April 2022

Cultural distance (CD) is an important driver of foreign expansion strategy at the firm level. However, its effects can be more or less significant depending on the contextual characteristics of the host country, such as the quality of formal institutions and the openness to international trade. Therefore, it is argued that strong formal institutions in the host country can effectively reduce the adverse impact of CD. Additionally, due to the more frequent interactions with foreign cultures, countries open to foreign trade can positively accommodate the effects of CD. The study tests these assumptions using data from the Orbis database and the World Bank and finds a reduction in the adverse impact of CD on the financial performance of foreign subsidiary firms with robust formal institutions in the host country. Moreover, the negative effects of CD increase with higher degrees of trade openness. Thus, the results indicate that foreign subsidiary firms operating in host countries that are more open to foreign trade will have to conform to the higher expectations from the local culture.
The Relationships between Abnormal Serum Lipid Levels, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation According to Sex
Authors: Lee Kounseok , Kim Sunhae , Jo Jung Ki
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Serum lipid levels affect not only nutritional status but also emotional state. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of various socio-demographic characteristics, abnormal cholesterol levels, and BMI indicators on depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in the Korean population. (2) Methods: A total of 23,692 people were surveyed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHNES) 2014, 2016, and 2018. Data from 11,653 patients were analyzed. Age, sex, chronic disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, total cholesterol (HDL, triglycerides), BMI, depression, and suicidal ideation were measured. (3) Results: According to sex, low HDL, high triglycerides, and suicidal ideation were significant, along with low education level, smoking, binge drinking, and high BMI. High triglyceride level was shown to significantly increase the risk of depression in males (OR = 1.535, 95% CI = 1.098–2.147). Factors affecting suicidal ideation in males were age, binge drinking, and depression, while blood lipid factors were not significant. (4) Conclusions: Of the types of serum lipid factors affecting depression and suicidal ideation, high triglycerides were found to be a risk factor for depression in men. Serum lipids can be used as biomarkers to reflect depressive symptoms in men depending on cholesterol level.
Safety and Efficacy of Short Daily Hemodialysis with Physidia S3 System: Clinical Performance Assessment during the Training Period
Authors: Fessi Hafedh , Szelag Jean-Christophe , Courivaud Cécile , Nicoud Philippe , Aguilera Didier , Gilbert Olivia , Morena Marion , Thomas Michel , Canaud Bernard , Cristol Jean-Paul
Published: April 2022

Background: A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that clinical outcomes of hemodialysis patients can be improved with short daily dialysis treatment. Current in-center hemodialysis machines do not fulfill the requirements needed for self-care home hemodialysis (HHD) treatment. In line with the reviviscence of home therapy, several hemodialysis devices have been developed and deployed for treatment. Physidia S3 is one of these new dialysis delivery systems featuring an appealing design and functionalities intended for daily HHD treatment. Methods: In this French multicenter proof-of-concept study enrolling 13 training centers, we report our preliminary experience with a special focus on quantifying clinical performances in short daily HHD treatment performed during the training period of the patients. Results: Among the 80 patients included in this study, a total of 249 sessions could be analyzed. Dialysis dose, estimated from weekly standardized Kt/V, was maintained at 2.22 [1.95–2.61] with a normalized protein catabolic rate of 0.93 [0.73–1.18] g/kg/24 h. Furthermore, anemia and nutritional status were adequately controlled as indicated by 11.6 ± 1.4 g/dL of hemoglobin level and 39.4 ± 5.7 g/L of serum albumin as well as electrolyte disorders. Conclusions: The safety and efficacy of the S3 therapy concept relying on a short daily hemodialysis treatment using a bagged delivery system are in total agreement with daily HHD recommendations. Clinical performances are aligned to the metabolic needs of the vast majority of HHD patients. Currently ongoing studies at home will provide further evidence and value of this therapeutic approach.
Endoscopic Intragastric Injection of Botulinum Toxin A in Obese Patients Accelerates Weight Loss after Bariatric Surgery: Follow-Up of a Randomised Controlled Trial (IntraTox Study)
Authors: Sánchez-Torralvo Francisco José , Vázquez-Pedreño Luis , Gonzalo-Marín Montserrat , Tapia María José , Lima Fuensanta , García-Fuentes Eduardo , García Pilar , Moreno-Ruiz Javier , Rodríguez-Cañete Alberto , Valdés Sergio , Olveira Gabriel
Published: April 2022

Background: Intragastric injection of botulinum toxin A (BT-A) has been shown to be effective for weight loss up to six months after administration, according to previous studies. Our objective was to determine, in patients on bariatric surgery waiting lists, the effect of BT-A on weight loss in the pre- and postoperative period and to analyse if there are different responses based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: We performed a follow-up analysis of the IntraTox study, which included 46 patients on bariatric surgery waiting lists in a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The treatment group received intragastric BT-A, whereas the control group received physiological saline solution. The one-time procedure was performed at the time of diagnostic endoscopy 7–8 months before surgery. Weight loss was evaluated at admission and after 4 and 12 weeks from the bariatric surgery. Our analysis was stratified by BMI at randomisation. Results: weight loss percentage on the day of surgery, with respect to the initial visit, was −4.5 ± 3.9% for the control group vs. −7.6 ± 4.2%, for the treatment group (p = 0.013). Weight loss percentage tended to remain greater in the treatment group one month after the intervention (−12.7 ± 4.7% vs. −15.2 ± 4.6%, p = 0.07) and become similar three months after (−21.6 ± 4.7% vs. −21.6 ± 4.6%). After stratifying by BMI, only patients with BMI over 50 kg/m2 allocated to the treatment group obtained a greater weight loss at the end of the trial, the day of surgery, and one month after, compared with the placebo group (−4.9 ± 4.9%, −10.8 ± 5.3% and −17.1 ± 3.8% vs. −0.1 ± 2.6%, −4.3 ± 3.2% and −12.8 ± 4.1%, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: intragastric injection of BT-A is effective to achieve significant weight loss, especially in extreme obesity. Its use before bariatric surgery enhances perioperative weight loss.
The Role of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Novel Scoring System
Authors: Li Cheng-Yu , Chuang Chi-Cheng , Chen Ching-Chang , Tu Po-Hsun , Wang Yu-Chi , Yeap Mun-Chun , Chen Chun-Ting , Chang Ting-Wei , Liu Zhuo-Hao
Published: April 2022

Traumatic intraventricular hemorrhage (tIVH) is associated with increased mortality and disability in traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the significance of tIVH itself remains unclear. Our goal is to assess whether tIVH affects in-hospital mortality and short-term functional outcomes. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 5048 patients with TBI during a 5-year period, and 149 tIVH patients were analyzed. Confounding was reduced using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity score. The association between IVH and outcomes was investigated using logistic regression in the IPTW-adjusted cohort. In our study, after adjustment for analysis, the in-hospital mortality rate (11.4% vs. 9.2%) and the poor functional outcome rate (37.9% vs.10.6%) were significantly higher in the tIVH group than in the non-tIVH group. Factors independently associated with outcomes were age ≥ 65 years, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) severity score, and the Graeb score. The Traumatic Graeb Score, a novel scoring system for predicting functional outcomes associated with tIVH, comprised the sum of the following components: GCS scores of 3 to 4 (=2 points), 5 to 12 (=1 point), 13 to 15 (=0 points); age ≥ 65 years, yes (=1 point), no (=0 points); Graeb score (0–12 points). A Traumatic Graeb Score ≥ 4 is an optimal cutoff value for poor short-term functional outcomes.
Orthodromic and Antidromic Snare Techniques for Left Ventricular Lead Implantation in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Kim Juwon , Lee Sung Ho , Kim Hye Ree , Chung Tae-Wan , Choi Ji-Hoon , Kim Ju Youn , Park Kyoung-Min , On Young Keun , Kim June Soo , Park Seung-Jung
Published: April 2022

The snare technique can be used to overcome unsuitable cardiac venous anatomies for left ventricular (LV) lead implantation in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) procedures. However, limited data exist regarding performance of the snare technique. We classified 262 patients undergoing CRT procedure into the snare (n = 20) or conventional group (n = 242) according to the LV lead implantation method. We compared the safety, efficacy, and composite outcome (all-cause death and heart failure readmission) at 3 years post-implant between the snare and conventional groups. In the snare group, all LV leads were implanted safely using orthodromic (n = 15) or antidromic (n = 5) techniques, and no immediate complications occurred including vessel perforation, tamponade, and lead dislodgement. During follow-up, LV lead threshold and impedance remained stable without requiring lead revision in the snare group. There were no significant between-group differences regarding LV ejection fraction increase (12 ± 13% vs. 12 ± 13%, p = 0.929) and LV end-systolic volume reduction (18 ± 48% vs. 28 ± 31%, p = 0.501). Both groups exhibited comparable CRT-response rates (62.5% vs. 60.6%, p = 1.000). The risk of primary outcome was not significantly different between the two groups (25.9% vs. 30.9%, p = 0.817). In patients who failed conventional LV lead implantation for CRT, the snare technique could be a safe and effective solution to overcome difficult coronary venous anatomy.
Antifungal Activity of Polymethoxylated Flavonoids (PMFs)-Loaded Citral Nanoemulsion against Penicillium italicum by Causing Cell Membrane Damage
Authors: Guo Long , Li Yi , Mao Xiaoxue , Tao Rui , Tao Boyun , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: April 2022

A major citrus postharvest pathogen, Penicillium italicum (P. italicum), causes substantial economic losses in citrus. In this study, a citral nanoemulsion containing polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs), the antimicrobial compounds from citrus, was prepared. The antifungal activity and potential antifungal mechanisms of the nanoemulsion against P. italicum were evaluated. The results showed that the growth of P. italicum was effectively inhibited by the nanoemulsion, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of 62.5 and 250 mg L−1, respectively. The nanoemulsion significantly inhibited spore germination and mycelial growth, and it altered the morphology of P. italicum. In addition, the permeability of the cell membrane increased with increasing nanoemulsion concentrations, as evidenced by a rapid rise in extracellular electric conductivity and stronger red fluorescence from mycelia (propidium iodide staining). Compared with the control, the nanoemulsion treatment induced a decrease in total lipid and ergosterol contents in P. italicum cells by 64.61% and 60.58%, respectively, demonstrating that membrane integrity had been disrupted. The results indicated that the PMFs-loaded nanoemulsion exerted antifungal activity against P. italicum by disrupting cell membrane integrity and permeability; such a nanoemulsion may be used as a potential fungicide substitute for preservation in citrus fruits.
How to Integrate Sex and Gender Medicine into Medical and Allied Health Profession Undergraduate, Graduate, and Post-Graduate Education: Insights from a Rapid Systematic Literature Review and a Thematic Meta-Synthesis
Authors: Khamisy-Farah Rola , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: April 2022

Sex and gender are concepts that are often misunderstood and misused, being utilized in a biased, preconceived, interchangeable way. Sex and gender medicine is generally overlooked, despite the profound impact of sex and gender on health outcomes. The aims of the present rapid systematic literature review were (i) to assess the extent to which sex- and gender-sensitive topics are covered in medical courses; (ii) to assess the need for and willingness toward integrating/incorporating sex and gender medicine into health-related education; (iii) to identify barriers and facilitators of the process of implementation of sex and gender medicine in medical teaching, mentoring, and training; and (iv) to evaluate the effectiveness of interventional projects targeting curriculum building and improvement for future gender-sensitive physicians. Seven themes were identified by means of a thematic analysis, namely, (i) how much sex- and gender-based medicine is covered by medical courses and integrated into current medical curricula, (ii) the knowledge of sex and gender medicine among medical and allied health profession students, (iii) the need for and willingness toward acquiring sex- and gender-sensitive skills, (iv) how to integrate sex- and gender-based medicine into medical curricula in terms of barriers and facilitators, (v) existing platforms and tools to share knowledge related to sex and gender medicine, (vi) sex- and gender-based medicine aspects in the post-medical education, and (vii) the impact of sex- and gender-sensitive topics integrated into medical curricula. Based on the identified gaps in knowledge, further high-quality, randomized trials with larger samples are urgently warranted to fill these gaps in the field of implementation of gender medicine in educating and training future gender-sensitive physicians.
Increasing Wear Resistance of Heavy-Loaded Friction Pairs by Nanoparticles in Conventional Lubricants: A Proof of Concept
Authors: Kosarchuk Valeriy , Chausov Mykola , Pylypenko Andrii , Tverdomed Volodymyr , Maruschak Pavlo , Vasylkiv Vasyl
Published: April 2022

This paper provides experimental data on the effective use of a new lubricating composition, which includes industrial oil of any brand with the addition of a nanometal of the component of a friction pair, which has a lower hardness. It is shown that this composition significantly reduces the wear resistance of the rails and wheels of rolling stock during operation, prevents electrochemical corrosion of the friction pair wheel–rail and, most importantly, stabilizes the coefficient of friction at the optimum level after a relatively short operating time. The experiments were performed on the friction pair, “sample of the bandage material of the railway wheel—a sample of the rail material”, with a ratio of hardness of the bandage material (Rockwell hardness, HRC scale—35.3) to the hardness of the rail material of 1.1. Test results show that in the case of industrial lubricant, the BioRail brand, with the addition of a nanomaterial friction pair with lower wear hardness of the rail metal sample, after three hours in operation the wear was practically not observed. Moreover, the average value of the friction coefficient for three hours of operation was maintained at the level 0.25, which is optimal for the friction pair wheel–rail. Similar experiments using only the same lubricant brand showed much worse results.
Comparison of Implant Placement Accuracy in Healed and Fresh Extraction Sockets between Static and Dynamic Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery Navigation Systems: A Model-Based Evaluation
Authors: Wang Miaozhen , Rausch-Fan Xiaohui , Zhan Yalin , Shen Huidan , Liu Feng
Published: April 2022

The aim of this model-base study was to compare the accuracy of implant placement between static and dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) systems in a fresh extraction socket and healed ridge. A randomized in vitro study was conducted. Twenty 3D-printed maxillary models and 80 implants were used. One experienced researcher placed the implants using either the static navigation or dynamic navigation system. Accuracy was measured by overlaying the real position in the postoperative CBCT on the virtual presurgical placement of the implant in a CBCT image. Descriptive and bivariate analyses of the data were performed. In the fresh sockets, the mean deviation was 1.24 ± 0.26 mm (entry point), 1.69 ± 0.34 mm (apical point), and 3.44 ± 1.06° (angle discrepancy) in the static CAIS group, and 0.60 ± 0.29 mm, 0.78 ± 0.33 mm, and 2.47 ± 1.09° in the dynamic CIAS group, respectively. In the healed ridge, the mean deviation was 1.09 ± 0.17 mm and 1.40 ± 0.30 mm, and 2.12 ± 1.11° in the static CAIS group, and 0.80 ± 0.29 mm, 0.98 ± 0.37 mm, and 1.69 ± 0.76° in the dynamic CIAS group, respectively. Compared with the static CAIS system, the dynamic CAIS system resulted in significantly lower entry and apical errors in both fresh sockets and healed ridges. Differences in bone morphology therefore seem to have little effect on accuracy in the dynamic CAIS group.
Numerical Modeling of Transient Two-Phase Flow and the Coalescence and Breakup of Bubbles in a Continuous Casting Mold
Authors: Tian Yushi , Shi Pengzhao , Xu Lijun , Qiu Shengtao , Zhu Rong
Published: April 2022

The multiphase flow and spatial distribution of bubbles inside a continuous casting (CC) mold is a popular research issue due to its direct impact on the quality of the CC slab. The behavior of bubbles in the mold, and how they coalesce and break apart, have an important influence on the flow pattern and entrapment of bubbles. However, due to the limitations of experiments and measurement methods, it is impossible to directly observe the multiphase flow and bubble distribution during the CC process. Thus, a three-dimensional mathematical model which combined the large eddy simulation (LES) turbulent model, VOF multiphase model, and discrete phase model (DPM) was developed to study the transient two-phase flow and spatial distribution of bubbles in a continuous casting mold. The interaction between the liquid and bubbles and the coalescence, bounce, and breakup of bubbles were considered. The measured meniscus speed and bubble diameter were in good agreement with the measured results. The meniscus speed increased first and then decreased from the nozzle to the narrow face, with a maximum value of 0.07 m/s, and appeared at 1/4 the width of the mold. The current mathematical model successfully predicted the transient asymmetric two-phase flow and completely reproduced the coalescence, bounce, and breakup of bubbles in the mold. The breakup mainly occurred near the bottom of the submerged entry nozzle (SEN) due to the strong turbulent motion of the molten steel after hitting the bottom of the SEN. The average bubble diameter was about 0.6 mm near the nozzle and gradually decreased to 0.05 mm from the nozzle to the narrow face. The larger bubbles floated up near the SEN due to the effect of their greater buoyancy, while the small bubbles were distributed discretely in the entire mold with the action of the molten steel jet. Overall, the bubbles were distributed in a fan shape. The largest concentration of bubbles was in the lower part of the SEN and the upper edge of the SEN outlet.
Development of an Anthropomorphic and Dexterous Dual-Arm System for Aerial Cooperative Bimanual Manipulation
Authors: Yang Peng , Wang Hao , Liu Zhen , Dong Zhiyan , Zhang Lihua
Published: April 2022

It is a challenging task for an aerial manipulator to complete dual-arm cooperative manipulation in an outdoor environment. In this study, a new dual-arm aerial manipulator system with flexible operation is developed. The dual-arm manipulator system is designed for the application of aerial manipulation, and it has the characteristics of low weight, low inertia, and a humanoid arm structure. The arm structure is composed of customized aluminum parts, each manipulator contains four degrees of freedom, similar to the arrangement of human joints, including shoulder yaw, shoulder pitch, elbow pitch, and wrist roll. Next, the workspace of the dual-arm manipulator is simulated and analyzed, and the relevant kinematic and dynamic models are deduced. Finally, through the lift load, accuracy and repeatability, cooperative bimanual manipulation tests on the test bench, and multiple groups of outdoor flight tests, the relevant performance analysis and verification of the dual-arm aerial manipulator system are carried out. The test results evaluate the feasibility of the designed dual-arm aerial manipulator system for outdoor cooperative manipulation.