bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Integrity of Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened With Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Using the Acoustic Emission Technique
Authors: Mat Saliah S. N. , Md Nor N.
Published: June 2022

Today, the use of a non-destructive technique to assess the integrity of reinforced concrete structures strengthened with carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) is becoming increasingly important. It is highly important to assess the behaviour of the structure under load. This paper presents the evaluation of a reinforced concrete beam laminated with CFRP at the soffit using the acoustic emission technique. Two types of beams were made, a normal reinforced concrete beam and a reinforced concrete beam laminated with CFRP. CFRP was used to reinforce the bottom part of the beam. The beams were subjected to three-point loading and loaded to failure. During the loading tests, the integrity of the beams was monitored using the acoustic emission technique, and the crack patterns were observed visually. The intensity analysis was carried out on two sensors, designated as CH6 and CH7. CH6 and CH7 were located on top of the beam. Based on the intensity analysis of the acoustic emissions, five intensity crack zones were identified, namely zone A-no crack, zone B-minor, zone C-intermediate, zone D-follow up and zone E-major. With increasing load, which tended to progress the crack modes in the beam, the plots in the intensity zones developed for each crack mode from zone A to zone E. The crack progression matched well with the plots in the intensity zones. Using the intensity zones enables the early detection and prediction of damage.
Ultrasound Detection of Intracranial Hypertension in Brain Injuries
Authors: Vitiello Livio , Salerno Giulio , De Bernardo Maddalena , D'Aniello Olga , Capasso Luigi , Marotta Giuseppe , Rosa Nicola
Published: June 2022

In recent years, the measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter with ultrasound to detect the presence of increased intracranial pressure has widely spread. It can be qualitatively and effectively used to identify intracranial hypertension. Intracranial pressure can rise due to acute injury, cerebral bleeding, hydrocephalus, brain tumors and other space-occupying abnormalities, and it is linked to a high death rate. The purpose of this review is to give a general overview of the most relevant scientific publications on ultrasonographic evaluation of the optic nerve in case of brain injuries published in the last 30 years, as well as to analyze the limits of the most extensively used B-scan approach. Fifty-two papers chosen from the PubMed medical database were analyzed in this review. Our findings revealed that ocular ultrasound is an useful diagnostic tool in the management of intracranial hypertension when it exceeds a certain value or after head trauma. As a result, an ultrasound of the optic nerve can be extremely helpful in guiding diagnosis and treatment. The blooming effect is one of the most critical restrictions to consider when using B-scan ultrasonography. Since amplitude-scan ultrasound, also known as A-scan, does not have this limit, these two diagnostic techniques should always be used together for a more full, accurate, and trustworthy ultrasound examination, ensuring more data objectivity.
Willingness to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Among People With HIV in the United States: Results From a National Survey
Authors: Wickersham Jeffrey A. , Meyer Jaimie P. , Shenoi Sheela , Altice Frederick L. , Barakat Lydia Aoun , Virata Michael , Olivares Miriam , Maviglia Francesca , Khati Antoine , Shrestha Roman
Published: June 2022

Background

Approximately 215 million Americans have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19, representing over 65% of the total population. People with HIV (PWH) may be more susceptible to COVID-19 infection or severe disease, elevating the importance of COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the population. We report results from a national survey of PWH to evaluate the likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods

We conducted an online survey of 1,030 PWH living in the United States between December 6, 2020 and January 8, 2021 to evaluate likelihood of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Results

Overall, participants were highly willing to be vaccinated, with 83.8% stating they “strongly agree” (65.7%) or “somewhat agree” (18.1%). Participants' top vaccine-related concerns were side-effects (39.3%), safety (14.7%), and fair/equitable distribution of the vaccine to affected communities (13.6%). Participants were more willing to be vaccinated if they reported receiving an annual influenza vaccination (p < 0.001), had previously tested positive for (p = 0.043) COVID-19, had been hospitalized for (p = 0.027) COVID-19 infection, or had an undetectable HIV viral load (p = 0.002). Black (p < 0.001), politically conservative (p < 0.001), and participants with an annual income of ≤ $19,999 (p = 0.005) were significantly less willing to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Conclusions

The vast majority of PWH were willing to be vaccinated, though predominantly those who were already engaged in HIV care or directly affected by COVID-19. Findings from this large survey of PWH suggest intensive outreach efforts are needed to support engagement in vaccination programs, particularly among Black and politically conservative PWH.
Psychobiological Evaluation of Day Clinic Treatment for People Living With Dementia – Feasibility and Pilot Analyses
Authors: Wuttke-Linnemann Alexandra , Palm Svenja , Geschke Katharina , Skoluda Nadine , Bischoff Theresa , Nater Urs M. , Endres Kristina , Fellgiebel Andreas
Published: June 2022

Background

Hospitalization is often stressful and burdensome for people living with dementia (PwD) and their informal caregivers (ICs). Day clinic treatment may provide a suitable alternative, but is often precluded by a diagnosis of dementia. Furthermore, it is often caregiver-based ratings that measure treatment success as the validity of self-reports in PwD is critically discussed. We therefore set out to examine the feasibility of psychobiological stress measures in PwD and ICs and to evaluate treatment trajectories considering both the day clinic context and the daily life of the dyads.

Method

A total of 40 dyads of PwD (mean age: 78.15 ± 6.80) and their ICs (mean age: 63.85 ± 13.09) completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires (covering stress, depressive symptoms, and caregiver burden among others) in addition to the measurement of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) at admission, discharge, and follow-up 6 months after day clinic treatment. As part of an ambulatory assessment, for 2 days at the beginning and 2 days at the end of the day clinic treatment, PwD and ICs collected six saliva samples per day for the analysis of salivary cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA).

Results

Paper-and-pencil questionnaires and HCC assessments were more feasible than the ambulatory assessment. We found discrepancies between subjective and physiological markers of stress in PwD. Whereas HCC decreased over time, self-reported stress increased. Child–parent dyads reported decreases in neuropsychiatric symptoms, associated burden, and self-reported stress from admission to follow-up. In daily life, both PwD and ICs showed characteristic diurnal profiles of sAA and sCort, however, we found no differences in summary indicators of salivary stress markers over time.

Discussion

The psychobiological evaluation was feasible and added informative value, underlining the potential of physiological stress markers to complement self-reports on stress in PwD and to objectively evaluate treatment trajectories. In this sample, HCC was more feasible and acceptable as biological marker of stress compared to saliva samples. Concerning treatment trajectories, differential effects on the dyads were found, with child–parent dyads benefiting more from day clinic treatment compared to spousal dyads.
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Strength Training on Respiratory-Related Impairments of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Zhuang Jinyang , Jia Jie
Published: June 2022

In addition to typical motor dysfunction, Parkinson's disease is also characterized by respiratory-related dysfunction. As a means of rehabilitation, respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) has been applied to restore Parkinson's disease (PD) functions. However, the current clinical value of RMST in the application for PD has not been widely established. This article aims to review the research progress of the application of RMST in PD rehabilitation to provide new sight into respiratory-related impairments management in people with PD.
Neuronal Adenosine A1 Receptor is Critical for Olfactory Function but Unable to Attenuate Olfactory Dysfunction in Neuroinflammation
Authors: Schubert Charlotte , Schulz Kristina , Träger Simone , Plath Anna-Lena , Omriouate Asina , Rosenkranz Sina C. , Morellini Fabio , Friese Manuel A. , Hirnet Daniela
Published: June 2022

Adenine nucleotides, such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), as well as the nucleoside adenosine are important modulators of neuronal function by engaging P1 and P2 purinergic receptors. In mitral cells, signaling of the G protein-coupled P1 receptor adenosine 1 receptor (A1R) affects the olfactory sensory pathway by regulating high voltage-activated calcium channels and two-pore domain potassium (K2P) channels. The inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) impairs the olfactory function and gives rise to large amounts of extracellular ATP and adenosine, which act as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators, respectively. However, it is unclear whether neuronal A1R in the olfactory bulb modulates the sensory function and how this is impacted by inflammation. Here, we show that signaling via neuronal A1R is important for the physiological olfactory function, while it cannot counteract inflammation-induced hyperexcitability and olfactory deficit. Using neuron-specific A1R-deficient mice in patch-clamp recordings, we found that adenosine modulates spontaneous dendro-dendritic signaling in mitral and granule cells via A1R. Furthermore, neuronal A1R deficiency resulted in olfactory dysfunction in two separate olfactory tests. In mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we detected immune cell infiltration and microglia activation in the olfactory bulb as well as hyperexcitability of mitral cells and olfactory dysfunction. However, neuron-specific A1R activity was unable to attenuate glutamate excitotoxicity in the primary olfactory bulb neurons in vitro or EAE-induced olfactory dysfunction and disease severity in vivo. Together, we demonstrate that A1R modulates the dendro-dendritic inhibition (DDI) at the site of mitral and granule cells and impacts the processing of the olfactory sensory information, while A1R activity was unable to counteract inflammation-induced hyperexcitability.
Community Exercise: A New Tool for Personalized Parkinson’s Care or Just an Addition to Formal Care?
Authors: Domingos Josefa , Dean John , Fernandes Júlio Belo , Massano João , Godinho Catarina
Published: June 2022

Physiotherapy and exercise are associated with motor and non-motor benefits in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Community exercise programs may increase ongoing exercise participation and help people with Parkinson’s disease actively participate in their health management. But there is still limited knowledge about these programs regarding their benefits, safety, implications over the long-term, and effective implementation. These questions could hold relevant clinical implications. In this perspective article, we identify the current challenges and reflect upon potential solutions to help community exercise to be implemented as an additional anchor to personalize management models for Parkinson’s disease.
A Class IIb Bacteriocin Plantaricin NC8 Modulates Gut Microbiota of Different Enterotypes in vitro
Authors: Pu Jiaqian , Hang Shuting , Liu Manman , Chen Ziqi , Xiong Jiayi , Li Yongquan , Wu Hongchen , Zhao Xiaodan , Liu Shuxun , Gu Qing , Li Ping
Published: June 2022

The gut microbiota is engaged in multiple interactions affecting host health. Bacteriocins showed the ability of impeding the growth of intestinal pathogenic bacteria and modulating gut microbiota in animals. Few studies have also discovered their regulation on human intestinal flora using an in vitro simulated system. However, little is known about their effect on gut microbiota of different enterotypes of human. This work evaluated the modification of the gut microbiota of two enterotypes (ET B and ET P) by the class IIb bacteriocin plantaricin NC8 (PLNC8) by using an in vitro fermentation model of the intestine. Gas chromatography results revealed that PLNC8 had no influence on the gut microbiota’s production of short-chain fatty acids in the subjects’ samples. PLNC8 lowered the Shannon index of ET B’ gut microbiota and the Simpson index of ET P’ gut microbiota, according to 16S rDNA sequencing. In ET B, PLNC8 enhanced the abundance of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Megamonas, Escherichia-Shigella, Parabacteroides, and Lactobacillus while decreasing the abundance of Streptococcus. Prevotella_9, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Mitsuokella, and Collinsella were found more abundant in ET P. The current study adds to our understanding of the impact of PLNC8 on the human gut microbiota and lays the groundwork for future research into PLNC8’s effects on human intestinal disease.
Reno-Protective Effect of Low Protein Diet Supplemented With α-Ketoacid Through Gut Microbiota and Fecal Metabolism in 5/6 Nephrectomized Mice
Authors: Zhu Yifan , He Haidong , Tang Yuyan , Peng Yinshun , Hu Ping , Sun Weiqian , Liu Ping , Jin Meiping , Xu Xudong
Published: June 2022

Background

Low protein supplemented with α-ketoacid diet (LKD) was recommended to be an essential intervention to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients who were not yet on dialysis. Aberrant gut microbiota and metabolism have been reported to be highly associated with CKD. However, the effect of LKD on gut microbiota and related fecal metabolism in CKD remains unclear.

Methods

Mice were fed with normal protein diet (NPD group), low protein diet (LPD group), and low protein diet supplemented with α-ketoacid (LKD group) after 5/6 nephrectomy. At the end of the study, blood, kidney tissues, and feces were collected for biochemical analyses, histological, 16S rRNA sequence of gut microbiome, and untargeted fecal metabolomic analyses.

Results

Both LKD and LPD alleviate renal failure and fibrosis, and inflammatory statement in 5/6 nephrectomized mice, especially the LKD. In terms of gut microbiome, LKD significantly improved the dysbiosis induced by 5/6Nx, representing increased α-diversity and decreased F/B ratio. Compared with NPD, LKD significantly increased the abundance of g_Parasutterella, s_Parabacteroides_sp_CT06, f_Erysipelotrichaceae, g_Akkermansia, g_Gordonibacter, g_Faecalitalea, and s_Mucispirillum_sp_69, and decreased s_Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_28-4 and g_Lachnoclostridium. Moreover, 5/6Nx and LKD significantly altered fecal metabolome. Then, multi-omics analysis revealed that specific metabolites involved in glycerophospholipid, purine, vitamin B6, sphingolipid, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and microbes associated with LKD were correlated with the amelioration of CKD.

Conclusion

LKD had a better effect than LPD on delaying renal failure in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced CKD, which may be due to the regulation of affecting the gut microbiome and fecal metabolic profiles.
Dietary Zinc Intake Affects the Association Between Dietary Vitamin A and Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hu Biao , Lin Zheng-yang , Zou Run-pu , Gan Yin-wen , Ji Jia-ming , Guo Jing-xi , Li Wan-gen , Guo Yong-jing , Xu Hao-qin , Sun Dong-lin , Yi Min
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Dietary vitamin A concentrations correlate with depression. Zinc has been reported to be associated with lower depression. In addition, zinc is an important cofactor in the activation of vitamin A. However, there are few studies investigating relationships between of dietary zinc intake, dietary vitamin A intake and depression.

Materials and Methods

The data for this study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018 and involved 70,190 participants. We stratified participants by recommended dietary zinc intake (recommended dietary zinc intake for women: 8 mg/day, recommended dietary zinc intake for men: 11 mg/day). We further assessed the association between vitamin A and depression in participants with low and high zinc intake (interaction test) using univariate logistic regression of intake participants.

Result

In the female population we grouped the population into low and high zinc intake groups using the recommended dietary zinc intake of 8 (mg/day), with an increase in total vitamin A, the risk of depression was significantly lower in the low zinc intake group (OR: 0.85 95 CI: 0.76–0.96), while the risk of depression was increased in the high zinc intake group (OR: 1.05 95 CI: 0.95 to 1.17). Thus, in the female population, there was a significant interaction between insufficient vitamin an intake and depression (interaction likelihood ratio test of p = 0.011). In the male population we grouped the population by the recommended dietary zinc intake of 11(mg/day). Again, the population was divided into two groups with low and high zinc intake, however we did not find significant results for the interaction (p = 0.743 for the interaction likelihood ratio test).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that zinc intake may influence the relationship between dietary vitamin A and depression. Of course, our findings require further randomized controlled trials to enhance the credibility.
Lactobacillus plantarum Alleviates Obesity by Altering the Composition of the Gut Microbiota in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Ma Yong , Fei Yanquan , Han Xuebing , Liu Gang , Fang Jun
Published: June 2022

Metabolic disorders and intestinal flora imbalance usually accompany obesity. Due to its diverse biological activities, Lactobacillus plantarum is widely used to alleviate various diseases as a probiotic. Here, we show that L. plantarum can reduce the body weight of mice fed high-fat diets, reduce fat accumulation, and enhance mice glucose tolerance. Our results show that L. plantarum can significantly reduce the expression of DGAT1 and DGAT2, increase the expression of Cpt1a, and promote the process of lipid metabolism. Further data show that L. plantarum can increase the SCFA content in the colon and reverse the intestinal flora disorder caused by HFD, increase the abundance of Bacteroides, and Bifidobacteriales, and reduce the abundance of Firmicutes and Clostridiales. Finally, through Pearson correlation analysis, we found that Bacteroides and SCFAs are positively correlated, while Clostridiales are negatively correlated with SCFAs. Therefore, we believe that L. plantarum can regulate the structure of the intestinal microbial community, increase the production of SCFAs and thus regulate lipid metabolism.
A Mathematical Model to Assess the Effect of Residual Positive Lymph Nodes on the Survival of Patients With Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Authors: Liu Wen , Yan Xuejing , Dong Zhizhong , Su Yanjun , Ma Yunhai , Zhang Jianming , Diao Chang , Qian Jun , Ran Tao , Cheng Ruochuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Active surveillance (AS) has been considered the first-line management for patients with clinical low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) who often have lymph node micrometastasis (m-LNM) when diagnosed. The “low-risk” and “high prevalence of m-LNM” paradox is a potential barrier to the acceptance of AS for thyroid cancer by both surgeons and patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with PTMC who underwent thyroidectomy with at least one lymph node (LN) examined were identified from a tertiary center database (n = 5,399). A β-binomial distribution was used to estimate the probability of missing nodal disease as a function of the number of LNs examined. Overall survival (OS) probabilities of groups with adequate and inadequate numbers of LNs examined were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (n = 15,340). A multivariable model with restricted cubic splines was also used to verify the association of OS with the number of LNs examined.

Results

The risk of residual m-LNM (missed nodal disease) ranged from 31.3% to 10.0% if the number of LNs examined ranged from 1 and 7 in patients with PTMC. With 7 LNs examined serving as the cutoff value, the intergroup comparison showed that residual positive LNs did not affect OS across all patients and patients aged ≥55 years (P = 0.72 and P = 0.112, respectively). After adjusting for patient and clinical characteristics, the multivariate model also showed a slight effect of the number of LNs examined on OS (P = 0.69).

Conclusions

Even with the high prevalence, OS is not significantly compromised by persistent m-LNM in the body of patients with low-risk PTMC. These findings suggest that the concerns of LNM should not be viewed as an obstacle to developing AS for thyroid cancer. For patients with PTMC who undergo surgery, prophylactic central LN dissection does not provide a survival benefit.
En Bloc Resection of Right Renal Cell Carcinoma and Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus Without Caval Reconstruction: Is It Safe to Divide the Left Renal Vein?
Authors: Horodyski Laura , Gonzalez Javier , Tabbara Marina M. , Gaynor Jeffrey J. , Rodriguez-Cabero Maria , Herranz-Amo Felipe , Hernández Carlos , Shah Rushi , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: June 2022

Introduction

It has been suggested that inferior vena cava (IVC) reconstruction following resection of retroperitoneal tumors with IVC tumor thrombus (TT) is not required when adequate collateral circulation is present. There are no reports evaluating mid-term effects on renal function in these patients. The purpose of this study was to assess renal function after en bloc resection of right renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with obstructing IVC TT and the possible risks that may arise after left renal vein division.

Materials and Methods

A bi-institutional retrospective review was performed over a 15-year period, assessing patients with right RCC and obstructing level II–IV TT. All patients underwent extensive evaluation and cardiology clearance, and informed consent was obtained for right radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy with or without IVC reconstruction with possible cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative factors, complications, length of stay, and patient survival were evaluated. Preoperative creatinine was recorded, as was creatinine on the day of discharge and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Twenty-two patients were included in the study. Median age at surgery was 62.5 (range: 45–79) years, and 19 (86%) of the patients were men. One patient (5%) had a level II thrombus, 14 patients (64%) had a level III thrombus (IIIa, n = 3; IIIb, n = 6; IIIc, n = 3; IIId, n = 2), and seven patients (32%) had a level IV thrombus. Intraoperatively, median estimated blood loss was 1.35 (range: 0.2–25) L. The median length of hospital stay was 11 (range: 5–50) days. Median preoperative creatinine was 1.20 (range: 0.40–2.70) mg/dl, and postoperatively, median creatinine was 1.3 (range: 0.86–2.20) mg/dl. Median creatinine levels at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively were 1.10 (range: 0.5–1.8) mg/dl and 1.40 (range: 0.6–2.0) mg/dl, respectively. Four patients died (range: 0.1–1.3 years), and median postoperative follow-up among the 18 ongoing survivors (at last follow-up) was 1.5 (range: 0.5–7.0) years.

Conclusions

Resection of right RCC with an obstructing level II–IV TT without reconstruction of the IVC appears to not have a significant adverse effect on mid-term renal function after division of the left renal vein.
A Novel Defined Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related lncRNA Signature for Prognosis Prediction and Immune Therapy in Glioma
Authors: Zheng Yinfei , Yue Xiaoyu , Fang Cheng , Jia Zhuang , Chen Yuxiang , Xie Han , Zhao Jiajia , Yang Zhihao , Li Lianxin , Chen Zhigang , Bian Erbao , Zhao Bing
Published: June 2022

Gliomas are a group of the most aggressive primary central nervous system tumors with limited treatment options. The abnormal expression of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is related to the prognosis of glioma. However, the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated lncRNAs in glioma prognosis has not been reported. In this paper, we obtained ER stress-related lncRNAs by co-expression analysis, and then a risk signature composed of 6 ER stress-related lncRNAs was constructed using Cox regression analysis. Glioma samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were separated into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score. Compared with the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had shorter survival times. Additionally, we verified the predictive ability of these candidate lncRNAs in the testing set. Three glioma patient subgroups (cluster 1/2/3) were identified by consensus clustering. We further analysed the abundance of immune-infiltrating cells and the expression levels of immune checkpoint molecules in both three subgroups and two risk groups, respectively. Immunotherapy and anticancer drug response prediction showed that ER stress-related lncRNA risk signature positively correlates with responding to immune checkpoints and chemosensitivity. Functional analysis showed that these gene sets are enriched in the malignant process of tumors. Finally, LINC00519 was chosen for functional experiments. The silence of LINC00519 restrained the migration and invasion of glioma cells. Hence, those results indicated that ER stress-related lncRNA risk signature could be a potential treatment target and a prognosis biomarker for glioma patients.
Infection Prevention and Management in Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Merras-Salmio Laura , Pakarinen Mikko P.
Published: June 2022

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a rare disease with potentially life-threatening consequences. In addition to intestinal failure-associated liver disease, infections and other complications related to central venous catheters (CVCs) cause a significant burden to patients with SBS and may even necessitate an intestinal transplant eventually. The need for long-term central venous access and the intestinal dysfunction associated with SBS drive the need for intestinal failure-specific approach to prevent and treat infections in patients with SBS. In bacterial infections, the line can often be salvaged with proficient antibiotic therapy. Repeated catheter replacements are predisposed to recurrent infections and thrombotic complications, which may limit the long-term survival of patients with SBS. Protocol-based CVC access procedures and daily care including taurolidine and ethanol catheter locks have been shown to reduce infection rates substantially. Compromised intestinal function in SBS predisposes to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, mucosal injury, and increased permeability. These pathophysiological changes are concentrated in a subset of patients with excessive bowel dilatation and frequent bowel-derived infections. In such patients, reconstructive intestinal surgery may be indicated. Probiotics have not been effective in infection prevention in SBS and carry a significant risk of complications. While more studies focusing on the prevention of infections and their complications are needed, protocol-based approach and multidisciplinary teams in the care of patients with SBS have been shown to reduce complications and improve outcomes.
Clinical Application Value of Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Vancomycin in Children Treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Zhou Bo , Xiong Wenyi , Bai Ke , Dang Hongxing , Li Jing , Xu Feng , Fu Yue-qiang , Liu Chengjun
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the efficacy and safety of vancomycin as measured by pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters in children with severe infection in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and to determine the appropriate threshold for avoiding nephrotoxicity.

Methods

The medical records of hospitalized children with severe infection treated with vancomycin in the PICU of a tertiary pediatric hospital from September 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively collected. Univariate analysis was used to assess the correlation between vancomycin pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic parameters and therapeutic efficacy or vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity. The vancomycin area under the concentration-time curve over 24 h (AUC0–24) threshold was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

One hundred and 10 patients were included in this study. Seventy-six patients (69.1%) exhibited clinically effective response, while the rest exhibited clinically ineffective response. There were no significant differences in APACHE II score, steady-state trough concentration, peak concentration or AUC0–24 of vancomycin between the effective and ineffective groups. Among the 110 patients, vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity occurred in 15 patients (13.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that vancomycin treatment duration, trough concentration, and AUC0–24 were risk factors for vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity. The ROC curve indicated that AUC0–24 < 537.18 mg.h/L was a suitable cutoff point for predicting vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion

No significant correlations were found between the trough concentration or AUC0–24 of vancomycin and therapeutic efficacy when the daily dose of vancomycin was approximately 40 mg/kg d, while the trough concentration and AUC0–24 were both closely related to vancomycin-related nephrotoxicity. The combination of AUC0–24 and trough concentration for therapeutic drug monitoring may reduce the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Pulmonary Function and Persistent Clinical Symptoms in Children and Their Parents 12 Months After Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Bode Sebastian F. N. , Haendly Marisa , Fabricius Dorit , Mayer Benjamin , Zernickel Maria , Haddad Anneke Donne Maree , Frieh Pauline , Elling Roland , Renk Hanna , Stich Maximilian , Jacobsen Eva-Maria , Debatin Klaus-Michael , Janda Ales
Published: June 2022

Background

Pulmonary involvement is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Long-term impairment has been reported in adults with severe infection. However, most infections cause only mild symptoms or are even asymptomatic, especially in children. There is insufficient evidence regarding pulmonary outcome measures in mild SARS-CoV-2. The objectives of this study were to determine spirometry parameters after SARS-CoV-2 infection and correlate those with reported persisting symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults.

Methods

Data on clinical symptoms during acute infection as well as SARS-CoV-2 serology results were recorded. Twelve months after infection, spirometry was performed and information on persisting symptoms was collected using a structured questionnaire. 182 participants (108 SARS-CoV-2 positive) from 48 families were included; 53 children (< 14 years), 34 adolescents and young adults (14–25 years), and 95 adults.

Results

Spirometry values did not significantly differ between the particular subgroups of the cohort (adults, adolescents, children; infected and non-infected individuals). Adults reported more symptoms during acute infection as well more persisting fatigue (29.7% of participants), reduced physical resilience (34.4%), and dyspnea (25.0%) 12 months after infection than adolescents (fatigue 26.7%, reduced physical resilience 20%, and 0% dyspnea) and children (4%, 0%, 0%, respectively). There was no correlation between persistent subjective symptoms and spirometry results.

Discussion

Children and adolescents are less affected than adults by acute SARS-CoV-2 as well as by post-infection persistent symptoms. Spirometry was not able to demonstrate any differences between healthy individuals and participants who had suffered from mild SARS-CoV-2 12 months after the infection.
Case Report: Congenital Perineal Lipoma Associated With Additional External Genitalia Anomalies
Authors: Tocchioni Francesca , Caporalini Chiara , Buccoliero Annamaria , Facchini Flavio , Ghionzoli Marco , Morini Francesco
Published: June 2022

Perineal lipoma is an uncommon congenital benign tumor sometimes associated with genitourinary or anorectal malformations. Accessory scrotum and accessory labioscrotal fold are infrequent features, often concurrent with perineal tumors. We describe a single institution experience with three consecutive cases of perineal lipoma associated with external genital anomalies, and a literature review.
Evolutionary Analysis of International Student Mobility Based on Complex Networks and Semi-Supervised Learning
Authors: Cui Mingwei , Hu Jun , Wu Peng , Hu Yuxia , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2022

With the expansion of globalization, the internationalization of education has become an essential strategy for developing in various countries. To obtain higher education, more and more students decide to study abroad. Many countries have been recruiting talented people to promote education and technology innovation in recent years. In particular, emerging and developing countries have improved systems on talent introduction. Meanwhile, the internationalization of education has become one of the important factors affecting the economic development of a country. Thus, the environment for talent development has been improving, and the international talent flow mode has become increasingly diversified, and it is of certain guiding significance to analyze and formulate corresponding laws according to the behavior of foreign students. This article constructs a weighted directed network to analyze the network’s evolution by global student mobility data from 2007 to 2016. The results are as follows: first, the network has a small average path length and significant average clustering coefficient, showing small-world characteristics. Second, the density shows a trend of first reducing and then rising. It explains that emerging countries also improve the ability to attract talents, and interactions between countries are becoming more frequent. Moreover, degree and degree centrality gradually increase, indicating that the number of students is rising, and the study abroad path is also growing in the network. Finally, the division of community based on the label propagation and semi-supervised learning to demonstrate the club’s change reflects the communications of these communities during the decade.
A Balanced Tri-Band Substrate Integrated Waveguide Bandpass Filter With High Selectivity
Authors: Min Li , Pan Mingyue , Wang Dawei , Luo Zhenhai , Xu Congcai
Published: June 2022

This paper proposed a balanced tri-band bandpass filter (BPF) with high selectivity based on substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) technology. The tri-band filtering response and multiple transmission zeros (TZs) are attained by elaborately merging cascaded quadruplet (CQ) topology and split topology. The proposed balanced tri-band bandpass filter is designed, which integrates high selectivity differential-mode (DM) transmission and good common-mode suppression by cleverly placing TE102-mode SIW cavity on the symmetric plane. To verify the proposed concept, a prototype of balanced tri-band BPF operating at 9.33, 9.67, and 10.02 GHz has been implemented. Measured results show eight TZs at out of DM passbands and more than 35 dB CM suppression within the DM passbands, which agree well with the simulated results.
Validating a Major Quantitative Trait Locus and Predicting Candidate Genes Associated With Kernel Width Through QTL Mapping and RNA-Sequencing Technology Using Near-Isogenic Lines in Maize
Authors: Zhao Yanming , Ma Xiaojie , Zhou Miaomiao , Wang Junyan , Wang Guiying , Su Chengfu
Published: June 2022

Kernel size is an important agronomic trait for grain yield in maize. The purpose of this study was to validate a major quantitative trait locus (QTL), qKW-1, which was identified in the F2 and F2:3 populations from a cross between the maize inbred lines SG5/SG7 and to predict candidate genes for kernel width (KW) in maize. A major QTL, qKW-1, was mapped in multiple environments in our previous study. To validate and fine map qKW-1, near-isogenic lines (NILs) with 469 individuals were developed by continuous backcrossing between SG5 as the donor parent and SG7 as the recurrent parent. Marker-assisted selection was conducted from the BC2F1 generation with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers near qKW-1. A secondary linkage map with four markers, PLK12, PLK13, PLK15, and PLK17, was developed and used for mapping the qKW-1 locus. Finally, qKW-1 was mapped between the PLK12 and PLK13 intervals, with a distance of 2.23 cM to PLK12 and 0.04 cM to PLK13, a confidence interval of 5.3 cM and a phenotypic contribution rate of 23.8%. The QTL mapping result obtained was further validated by using selected overlapping recombinant chromosomes on the target segment of maize chromosome 3. Transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 12 out of 45 protein-coding genes differentially expressed between the two parents were detected in the identified qKW-1 physical interval by blasting with the Zea_Mays_B73 v4 genome. GRMZM2G083176 encodes the Niemann–Pick disease type C, and GRMZM2G081719 encodes the nitrate transporter 1 (NRT1) protein. The two genes GRMZM2G083176 and GRMZM2G081719 were predicted to be candidate genes of qKW-1. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) validation was conducted, and the results provide further proof of the two candidate genes most likely responsible for qKW-1. The work will not only help to understand the genetic mechanisms of KW in maize but also lay a foundation for further cloning of promising loci.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Digital Content Marketing Under Mixed Reality Training Platform on the Online Purchase Intention
Authors: Li C. H. , Chan O. L. K. , Chow Y. T. , Zhang Xiangying , Tong P. S. , Li S. P. , Ng H. Y. , Keung K. L.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of Digital Content Marketing (DCM) on a Mixed Reality (MR) training platform environment with the consideration of online purchase intention (OPI) through social media. E-commerce today encounters several common issues that cause customers to have reservations to purchase online. With the absence of physical contact points, customers often perceive more risks when making purchase decisions. Furthermore, online retailers often find it hard to engage customers and develop long-term relationships. In this research, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) is proposed to examine the efficacy of DCM from both immediate and long-term OPI. The results examine whether adopting DCM on an MR training platform environment through social media brings positive results in OPI. Empirical research was carried out through online questionnaires collected in 2021 and 2022. A total of 374 questionnaires were qualified for data analysis in this study, conducted with IBM SPSS and AMOS. The results imply that DCM is critical to stimulating both immediate and long-term OPI. The immediate OPI is positively affected by increasing perceived value through MR in DCM. Regarding the long-term OPI, increased customer engagement with DCM under MR environment can cultivate brand trust and significantly affect the long-term OPI.
Exploring the Impact of Individual and Social Antecedents on Teachers’ Teaching Innovation: Perspective of Goal-Oriented Behavior and Social Identity
Authors: Cao Caixia , Chen Beibei , Yang Suping , Zheng Xu , Ye Yan , Yue Xiaoyao
Published: June 2022

Many scholars have investigated education management. Scholars in the education field have made significant achievements in contributing to multiple educational reform policies, while other scholars discuss teacher-related issues from the perspective of organizational behavior. The teaching innovation of high school teachers plays a critical role in students’ learning attitude and motivation, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers need to utilize more diversified teaching methods to enable students to carry out effective learning. In order to examine teachers’ teaching innovation, this study explores teaching innovation intentions and performance from the perspective of individual and social factors in combination with goal-oriented behavior and social identity theory. This study conducts questionnaires with a sample of Chinese coastal high school teachers, and obtains a total of 475 responses. The research results show that innovation attitude, positive anticipated emotion, group norms and social identity positively affect teachers’ teaching innovation intention; furthermore, teachers’ teaching innovation intention also positively affects their teaching innovation performance. Based on the comprehensive research findings, this research proposes corresponding theoretical and practical implications.
Teachers' Participation in Decision-Making, Professional Growth, Appraisal, and Behavioral Intentions in the Promotion System Reform in Chinese Universities
Authors: Peng Wangxin , Nair Subadrah Madhawa
Published: June 2022

The promotion system in Chinese universities has been undergoing a reform since 2017. This study employed an online survey validated by confirmatory factor analysis with 372 Chinese teachers to investigate the extent to which they were empowered by the two practices of participation in decision-making and professional growth in the reform and level of their appraisal of and behavioral intentions toward the new promotion system. Structural equation modeling was used to measure how the two empowerment practices influenced the teachers' appraisal of and behavioral intentions toward the new system. The findings suggest that the Chinese teachers had low participation in decision-making and medium institutional support for professional growth, relatively low nonmonetary cost-benefit appraisal and medium practicality and fairness appraisal of the new system, and relatively high behavioral intentions to increase efforts according to the new system. Besides, participation in decision-making had a significantly direct effect on practicality and nonmonetary cost-benefit appraisal. Professional growth had a significantly direct effect on practicality, fairness, and nonmonetary cost-benefit appraisal and behavioral intentions. Nonmonetary cost-benefit appraisal had a significantly direct effect on behavioral intentions. The implications are that, in promotion system reforms, the two empowerment strategies of shared decision-making and professional growth can help establish a new promotion system with high nonmonetary cost-benefits for teachers and raise teachers' behavioral intentions to develop and pursue promotion. They can also contribute to the formulation of a new promotion system that effectively evaluates individual teacher's achievements according to the characteristics of the specific university, teacher type, and discipline. This study had the limitations of using convenience sampling, collecting cross-sectional data through self-administered questionnaires, and reporting only teachers' side of the story. Therefore, it is recommended that future studies target both teachers and administrators, employ a mixed-method design, collect quantitative data through random sampling, and take a longitudinal view.
Multifarious Linkages Between Personality Traits and Psychological Distress During and After COVID-19 Campus Lockdown: A Psychological Network Analysis
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hsuan , Xia Yiwei , Ma Zhihao
Published: June 2022

Background

The novel coronavirus disease pandemic is still proliferating and is not expected to end any time soon. Several lockdowns and social distancing measures might be implemented in the future. A growing body of research has explored the effect of personality on individuals' psychological wellbeing during the pandemic. However, most prior studies have not discussed the dynamic and reciprocal transactions between personality and psychological distress in various situations. Therefore, this study aims to explore the internal mechanisms of the ways in which certain personality traits triggered specific symptoms during and after college lockdown, by using network analysis.

Methods

Based on survey data from 525 university students in China, the study detected the connection between individual personality and psychological distress through network analysis. Of the participants, 70.1% were female, and 20.9% were male. The mean age of the participants was 19.701 (SD = 1.319) years. We estimated networks via two steps: First, two networks that only contain the Big Five personality traits and the six symptoms of psychological distress during and after the lockdown measure were estimated. Second, we add control variables and re-estimated the networks to check whether the linkages among the Big Five personality traits and the six symptoms of psychological distress observed in the first step were stable. Moreover, we employed strength centrality as the key indicator to present the potential significance of diverse variables within a network.

Results

The findings demonstrate that, first, “depress” was the central symptom in the network during the college lockdown, while “efforts” was the central symptom after the lockdown. Second, the symptoms of “restless” and “worthless” significantly declined after the lockdown. Third, we found that there is an internal mechanism through which personality affected certain psychological symptoms during and after lockdowns. Specifically, neuroticism triggered certain symptoms during and after the lockdown, while extraversion and conscientiousness suppressed certain symptoms. Substantial evidence on internal linkages is imperative to develop effective interventions.

Conclusion

This study explores the internal mechanisms of the ways in which certain personality traits trigger specific symptoms. Overall, our results provide empirical evidence that personality traits play a key role in how individuals with certain traits respond to college lockdown during a pandemic. The study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it is among the first few studies which explores the effects of personality traits on individual psychological distress using network analysis during the pandemic.
Is It so Severe for Social Entrepreneurship in a Transitional Economy? The Role of Work-Related Wellbeing and Political Connection in Shaping the Exit Intention
Authors: Dong Jianing , Wang Xiao , Cao Xuanwei , Higgins David
Published: June 2022

In the context of a transitional economy, there are much more studies with a heroic characterization of social entrepreneurs, whereas there is limited exploration of their less positive stories. A range of studies tried to address this issue, although very few delved into the “inner layer” (work-related mental health) to unveil the mechanism of how social entrepreneurs develop their intention to quit their businesses. With a sample of 196 social business owners from China, this research focuses on the prosocial motivation of social entrepreneurs as well as its impacts on their work-related wellbeing and thus their business exit intention. With the partial least squares structural equation modeling, this research finds that prosocial motivation decreased entrepreneurs' partial work-related wellbeing, increasing their exit intention, and the mediating effects among the three components of work-related wellbeing were different. Furthermore, this research finds that work-related wellbeing's impact on exit intention was largely stronger for the social entrepreneurs without political connections.