bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Meta-Analysis of 10 Storage Mediums for Preserving Avulsed Teeth
Authors: Zhang Na , Cheng Yuzhao , Li Fenglan , Kang Qian
Published: October 2021

Many storage mediums are available for the storage of avulsed teeth to preserve the viability of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells before replantation; however, it is unclear which medium is the optimal option. We performed this network meta-analysis to answer this question. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library to capture eligible studies investigating the comparative efficacy of Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), aloe vera gel (AVG), oral rehydration solution (ORS), coconut water, egg white, green tea, propolis, saline, milk, and water. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager v5.3 and ADDIS v1.16.8. In total, 20 RCTs involving 31 reports were included finally. Direct meta-analysis suggested that HBSS was superior to ORS, milk, saline, and water, ORS was superior to milk but inferior to coconut water and propolis, egg white was superior to milk but inferior to AVG and propolis, propolis was superior to AVG, milk, and saline, and coconut water and water was inferior to saline and milk, respectively. Network meta-analysis suggested that AVG was inferior to the other nine mediums, and propolis was superior to HBSS (SMD, −5260.24; 95% CrI, −10447.39 to −70.37) and milk (SMD, −5461.11; 95% CrI, −10574.99 to −328.51). Moreover, ranking probabilities indicated the highest probability for propolis, followed by saline, ORS, HBSS, milk, egg white, water, green tea, and AVG successively. Propolis may be the optimal media for storing avulsed teeth before replantation. However, given the availability of propolis and HBSS and the hypotonic properties of saline, ORS or milk should also be preferentially selected.
Videoconferencing Software Options for Telemedicine: A Review for Movement Disorder Neurologists
Authors: Cubo Esther , Arnaiz-Rodriguez Adrian , Arnaiz-González Álvar , Díez-Pastor José Francisco , Spindler Meredith , Cardozo Adriana , Garcia-Bustillo Alvaro , Mari Zoltan , Bloem Bastiaan R.
Published: October 2021

Background: The use of telemedicine has increased to address the ongoing healthcare needs of patients with movement disorders.

Objective: We aimed to describe the technical and basic security features of the most popular telemedicine videoconferencing software.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of articles/websites about “Telemedicine,” “Cybersecurity,” and “Videoconferencing software.” Technical capabilities and basic security features were determined for each videoconferencing software.

Results: Twenty-six videoconferencing software programs were reviewed, 13 (50.0%) were specifically designed for general healthcare, and 6/26 (23.0%) were compliant with European and US regulations. Overall technical and security information were found in 5/26 software (19.2%), including Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout, Coviu, Doxy.me, and Thera platforms.

Conclusions: Detailed information about technical capabilities and data security of videoconferencing tools is not easily and openly retrievable. Our data serves as a guide for practitioners seeking to understand what features should be examined when choosing software and what options are available.
Melatonin Alleviates Cardiac Function in Sepsis-Caused Myocarditis via Maintenance of Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Chen Liyang , Tian Qing , Shi Zhiguang , Qiu Yu , Lu Qiulun , Liu Chao
Published: October 2021

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has been shown to have a cardioprotective effect against myocarditis. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective role of melatonin (MLT) in sepsis-induced myocarditis are yet to be revealed. In this study, MLT was administrated to mice, 14 days before cecal ligation puncture surgery. Echocardiography results showed that MLT alleviated cardiac dysfunction in sepsis-induced myocarditis. Furthermore, MLT reduced cardiac inflammation by inhibiting the expression of Il-1α, Il-1β, Il-6, and Mcp-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) assays with heart tissues showed that MLT maintains the mitochondrial function in sepsis-caused myocarditis. Additionally, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in heart tissues was suppressed by MLT. Taken together, in evaluating the therapeutic effect of MLT on sepsis-induced myocarditis, the results showed that MLT alleviated cardiac damage by regulating mitochondrial function and mitochondrial ROS.
In vitro Neuroprotective Potential and Lipidomics Study of Olive Leaves Extracts Enriched in Triterpenoids
Authors: Gallego Rocío , Suárez-Montenegro Zully J. , Ibáñez Elena , Herrero Miguel , Valdés Alberto , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: October 2021

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia that is associated with extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque formation. Genetic, environmental, and nutrition factors have been suggested as contributors to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation events that are connected to AD etiology, and secondary metabolites, such as triterpenes, have shown promising results in AD prevention. In this work, the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory potential of an olive leaves fraction enriched in triterpenoid compounds obtained using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and dynamic adsorption/desorption using sea sand as adsorbent has been performed. In addition, a comprehensive lipidomics study of the response of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line to this fraction was carried out using advanced analytical methodologies, namely, charged-surface hybrid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (CSH-Q-TOF MS/MS). The use of freely available lipidomic annotation tools and databases, and stringent cut-off filters allowed the annotation of more than 250 intracellular lipids. Advanced bioinformatics and statistical tools showed a number of phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylethanolamines significantly increased, which could explain the protection against the cell death caused by Aβ1–42. Moreover, several triacylglycerols were found decreased. These results suggest triterpenoids from olive leaves as good neuroprotective candidates, and open a new gate for future experiments using in vivo models to corroborate this hypothesis.
Stroke-Like Episodes in PMM2-CDG: When the Lack of Other Evidence Is the Only Evidence
Authors: Serrano Mercedes
Published: October 2021

Phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2-CDG) is the most frequent congenital disorder of glycosylation. PMM2-CDG patients develop chronic cerebellar atrophy as a neurological hallmark. However, other acute neurological phenomena such as stroke-like episodes (SLE), epilepsy, migraine, and cerebrovascular events, may also occur, and they are frequently the cause of disability and impaired quality of life. Among these, SLE are among the most stressful situations for families and doctors, as their risk factors are not known, their underlying pathomechanisms remain undiscovered, and clinical guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment are lacking. In this paper, the recent SLE experiences of two PMM2-CDG patients are examined to provide clinical clues to help improve diagnosis through a clinical constellation of symptoms and a clinical definition, but also to support a neuroelectrical hypothesis as an underlying mechanism. An up-to-date literature review will help to identify evidence-based and non-evidence-based management recommendations. Presently neuropediatricians and neurologists are not capable of diagnosing stroke-like episodes in an unequivocal way, so there is still a need to perform invasive studies (to rule out other acute diseases) that may, in the end, prove unnecessary or even harmful. However, reaching a correct and early diagnosis would lead not only to avoidance of invasive tests but also to better recognition, management, and understanding of the disease itself. There is a great need for understanding of SLE that may ultimately be very informative for the detection of patients at risk, and the future development of preventive and management measures.
Climate Change–Induced Stress Reduce Quantity and Alter Composition of Nectar and Pollen From a Bee-Pollinated Species (Borago officinalis, Boraginaceae)
Authors: Descamps Charlotte , Quinet Muriel , Jacquemart Anne-Laure
Published: October 2021

In temperate ecosystems, elevated temperatures, and drought occur especially during spring and summer, which are crucial periods for flowering, pollination, and reproduction of a majority of temperate plants. While many mechanisms may underlie pollinator decline in the wake of climate change, the interactive effects of temperature and water stress on the quantity and quality of floral nectar and pollen resources remain poorly studied. We investigated the impact of temperature rise (+3 and +6°C) and water stress (soil humidity lower than 15%) on the floral resources produced by the bee-pollinated speciesBorago officinalis. Nectar volume decreased with both temperature rise and water stress (6.1 ± 0.5 μl per flower under control conditions, 0.8 ± 0.1 μl per flower under high temperature and water stress conditions), resulting in a 60% decrease in the total quantity of nectar sugars (mg) produced per flower. Temperature rise but not water stress also induced a 50% decrease in pollen weight per flower but a 65% increase in pollen polypeptide concentration. Both temperature rise and water stress increased the total amino acid concentration and the essential amino acid percentage in nectar but not in pollen. In both pollen and nectar, the relative percentage of the different amino acids were modified under stresses. We discuss these modifications in floral resources in regards to plant–pollinator interactions and consequences on plant pollination success and on insect nutritional needs.
Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Transmitted Drug Resistance and Genetic Transmission Networks Among Newly Diagnosed People Living With HIV/AIDS in a Minority Area, China
Authors: Yuan Dan , Yu Bin , Li Yiping , Wang Zixin , Liu Meijing , Ye Li , Huang Yuling , Su Ling , Zhang Yan , Api Laze , Chen Maogang , Zhou Chang , Liu Li , Zhang Linglin , Liang Shu , Jia Peng , Yang Shujuan
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Transmitted drug resistance (TDR) can compromise antiretroviral therapy (ART) efficacy. We aimed to understand the molecular epidemiology of TDR and its genetic transmission networks among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH).

Methods: A total of 1,318 newly diagnosed PLWH, identified in all population-based HIV screening in an HIV-affected county of a minority area of China (i.e., Butuo county), were enrolled between January 1, 2018, and November 31, 2018. HIV-1 pol gene sequences were used for phylogenetic and genotypic drug resistance analyses. The genetic transmission networks were identified.

Results: The prevalence of TDR among newly diagnosed PLWH was 8.12% (107/1,318). Patients in the stage of AIDS (adjusted odds ratio, OR: 2.32) and who had a history of sharing a needle ≥5 times (adjusted OR: 3.89) were more likely to have an increased risk of TDR. The prevalence of TDR for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) is higher than that of other inhibitors, with a relatively high prevalence of three mutations [V179D/E/DE (4.93%), K103N/KN (3.11%), and E138A/G (1.52%)]. A total of 577 (43.78%) pol sequences were involved in the genetic transmission network, with 171 clusters ranging in size from 2 to 91 pol sequences; 37.38% (40/107) of individuals carrying TDR were involved in the network, and individuals with the same TDR-associated mutations were usually cross-linked.

Conclusions: Our data suggest a relatively high level of TDR and many transmission clusters among the newly diagnosed PLWH. Targeted intervention, early identification, and monitoring of resistance are warranted to reduce the TDR and prevent HIV-1 transmission in areas with a high rate of HIV-1.
Health Worker Absenteeism in Selected Health Facilities in Enugu State: Do Internal and External Supervision Matter?
Authors: Obodoechi Divine Ndubuisi , Onwujekwe Obinna , McKee Martin , Angell Blake , Agwu Prince , Orjiakor Charles , Nwokolo Chukwudi , Odii Aloysius , Hutchinson Eleanor , Balabanova Dina
Published: October 2021

Background: Absenteeism is widespread in Nigerian health facilities and is a major barrier to achievement of effective Universal Health Coverage. We have examined the role of internal (by managerial staff within facilities) and external (by managers at a higher level) supervision arrangements on health worker absenteeism. Specifically, we sought to determine whether these forms of supervision have any role to play in reducing health worker absenteeism in health facilities in Enugu State Nigeria.

Methods: We conducted interviews with 412 health workers in urban and rural areas of Enugu State, in South-Eastern Nigeria. We used binary logistic regression to estimate the role of different types of supervision on health worker absenteeism in selected health facilities in Enugu State.

Results: Internal supervision arrangements significantly reduce health worker absenteeism (odds ratio = 0.516, p = 0.03). In contrast, existing external supervision arrangements were associated with a small but significant increase in absenteeism (OR = 1.02, 0.043). Those reporting a better financial situation were more likely to report being absent (OR = 1.36, p < 0.01) but there was no association with age and marital status of respondents. Our findings also pointed to the potential for alternative forms of supervision, provided in a supportive rather than punitive way, for example by community groups monitoring the activities of health workers but trying to understand what support these workers may need, within or beyond the work environment.

Conclusion: The existing system of external supervision of absenteeism in health facilities in Nigeria is not working but alternatives that take a more holistic approach to the lived experiences of health workers might offer an alternative.
Kinematic Analysis of a Parallel Manipulator Driven by Perpendicular Linear Actuators
Authors: Choi Kee-Bong , Lee Jaejong , Kim Geehong , Lim Hyungjun , Kwon Soongeun
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a goniometer-type specimen stage with a linear actuation mechanism mounted on a rotation mechanism is introduced. The linear actuation mechanism was modeled as a spatial parallel manipulator consisting of a moving body, three linear actuators, and an anti-rotation mechanism. The three linear actuators were arranged perpendicular to each other. In the specimen stage, the linear actuators were in ball contact with the surface of a holder designed to hold a specimen. For the parallel manipulator, the ball contact was replaced with two prismatic joints and a spherical joint. The mobility of the manipulator without the anti-rotation mechanism was one degree of freedom greater than the number of actuators. Therefore, the redundant one degree-of-freedom motion was restrained using an anti-rotation mechanism with three rotation joints and two prismatic joints. The inverse and direct kinematics of the goniometer mechanism were derived and verified. In addition, the inverse Jacobian was derived, and local and global performance indices were analyzed by the terms of manipulability and isotropy. Finally, the goniometer-type specimen stage was designed by the global performance indices.
Classification and Analysis of Go-Arounds in Commercial Aviation Using ADS-B Data
Authors: Kumar Satvik G. , Corrado Samantha J. , Puranik Tejas G. , Mavris Dimitri N.
Published: October 2021

Go-arounds are a necessary aspect of commercial aviation and are conducted after a landing attempt has been aborted. It is necessary to conduct go-arounds in the safest possible manner, as go-arounds are the most safety-critical of operations. Recently, the increased availability of data, such as ADS-B, has provided the opportunity to leverage machine learning and data analytics techniques to assess aviation safety events. This paper presents a framework to detect go-around flights, identify relevant features, and utilize unsupervised clustering algorithms to categorize go-around flights, with the objective of gaining insight into aspects of typical, nominal go-arounds and factors that contribute to potentially abnormal or anomalous go-arounds. Approaches into San Francisco International Airport in 2019 were examined. A total of 890 flights that conducted a single go-around were identified by assessing an aircraft’s vertical rate, altitude, and cumulative ground track distance states during approach. For each flight, 61 features relevant to go-around incidents were identified. The HDBSCAN clustering algorithm was leveraged to identify nominal go-arounds, anomalous go-arounds, and a third cluster of flights that conducted a go-around significantly later than other go-around trajectories. Results indicate that the go-arounds detected as being anomalous tended to have higher energy states and deviations from standard procedures when compared to the nominal go-arounds during the first approach, prior to the go-around. Further, an extensive comparison of energy states between nominal flights, anomalous flights, the first approach prior to the go-around, and the second approach following the go-around is presented.
A Physics-Based Multidisciplinary Approach for the Preliminary Design and Performance Analysis of a Medium Range Aircraft with Box-Wing Architecture
Authors: Abu Salem Karim , Cipolla Vittorio , Palaia Giuseppe , Binante Vincenzo , Zanetti Davide
Published: October 2021

The introduction of disruptive innovations in the transport aviation sector is becoming increasingly necessary. This is because there are many very demanding challenges that the transport aviation system will have to face in the years ahead. In particular, the reduction in pollutant emissions from air transport, and its impact on climate change, clearly must be addressed; moreover, sustainable solutions must be found to meet the constantly increasing demand for air traffic, and to reduce the problem of airport saturation at the same time. These three objectives seem to be in strong contrast with each other; in this paper, the introduction of a disruptive airframe configuration, called PrandtlPlane and based on a box-wing lifting system, is proposed as a solution to face these three challenges. This configuration is a more aerodynamically efficient alternative candidate to conventional aircraft, introducing benefits in terms of fuel consumption and providing the possibility to increase the payload without enlarging the overall aircraft wingspan. The development and analysis of this configuration, applied to a short-to-medium range transport aircraft, is carried out through a multi-fidelity physics-based approach. In particular, following an extensive design activity, the aerodynamic performance in different operating conditions is investigated in detail, the structural behaviour of the lifting system is assessed, and the operating missions of the aircraft are simulated. The same analysis methodologies are used to evaluate the performance of a benchmark aircraft with conventional architecture, with the aim of making direct comparisons with the box-wing aircraft and quantifying the performance differences between the two configurations. Namely, the CeRAS CSR-01, an open-access virtual representation of an A320-like aircraft, is selected as the conventional benchmark. Following such a comparative approach, the paper provides an assessment of the potential benefits of box-wing aircraft in terms of fuel consumption reduction and increase in payload capability. In particular, an increase in payload capability of 66% and a reduction in block fuel per pax km up to 22% is achieved for the PrandtlPlane with respect to the conventional benchmark, while maintaining the same maximum wingspan.
Research on Loading Method of Tractor PTO Based on Dynamic Load Spectrum
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Ling , Zong Jianhua , Lv Dongxiao , Wang Shumao
Published: October 2021

The torque load spectrum is an important basis for the strength design and durability test verification of tractor power take-off (PTO), and the performance and reliability of tractor PTO directly affect the quality and efficiency of agricultural operations. In this paper, taking the PTO torque load as the object, a PTO loading method based on the dynamic load spectrum acquired in the actual field work was proposed in this paper. Based on the Peak Over Threshold model, the extrapolation of the PTO load spectrum was realized, and the load spectrum throughout the whole life cycle was obtained. On the basis of this, the mobile tractor PTO loading test bench and Fuzzy-Proportional-Integral-Derivative (Fuzzy-PID) controller were developed to achieve the dynamic loading of the PTO load spectrum, and the dynamic characteristics were analyzed and verified by the simulation and laboratory test. The results showed that with the time domain extrapolation method, the load extreme value was expanded from (63.24, 469.50) to (60.88, 475.18), and the coverage was expanded by 1.98%. By comparing with the fitting results, statistical characteristics and rain flow counting results, the load spectrum extrapolation method was effective. In addition, the response time of simulation and laboratory test were 0.05s and 0.75s, respectively; the maximum error was 1.77% and 4.03%, respectively; and the goodness of fit was 16.78 N·m, which indicated that the PTO loading test bench, can accurately restore the dynamic loading of the tractor and the Fuzzy-PID controller had better accuracy and stability. It would provide a reference for the practical application of PTO load spectrum of the tractors.
The Quality of Superior Seedless Bunches during Shelf Life as Determined by Growth on Different Rootstocks
Authors: Lo’ay A. A. , Ismail Hamed , Kassem Hazem S.
Published: October 2021

Vineyard rootstocks are an important tool in the local and international market for growing the Superior Seedless grape cultivar, which is highly favored by customers. As a result, it is vital to pay close attention to the quality of clusters during handling. The current study aimed to determine whether Superior Seedless vines can be grown on specific rootstocks, resulting in higher quality during shelf life. Vines of the Superior Seedless vine cultivar that were used were 13 years old and had been grown on sandy soil. These vines were grafted onto four different rootstocks (genotypes), namely Freedom, 1103 Paulsen, SO4, and Own Root. The soluble solids content (SSC%) was selected as 16%. Bunches were subsequently stored in the lab at 27 ± 1 °C with 57 ± 3% air relative humidity for three days. Rootstock 1103 Paulsen’s quality was found to be superior to that of the other rootstocks, according to the results of the study. Rootstock 1103 Paulsen maintained its ascorbic acid (AA) content, which is reflected in its antioxidant capacity, according to the results. In addition, lipid peroxidation accumulation and ion leakage percentages indicated that oxidative reactions were at their lowest levels. The results show that 1103 Paulsen decreases cellular metabolism enzyme activities at the shelf life level and improves the bunch quality of Superior Seedless (scion) grapes within 4 days of application. As a whole, the results show that the 1103 Paulsen rootstock produces Superior Seedless bunches of a high quality that is preserved throughout the shelf life period.
Top Photoselective Netting in Combination with Reduced Fertigation Results in Multi-Annual Yield Increase in Valencia Oranges (Citrus sinensis)
Authors: Dovjik Ilya , Nemera Diriba Bane , Cohen Shabtai , Shahak Yosepha , Shlizerman Lyudmila , Kamara Itzhak , Florentin Assa , Ratner Kira , McWilliam Simon C. , Puddephat Ian J. , FitzSimons Toby R. , Charuvi Dana , Sadka Avi
Published: October 2021

Fruit tree production is challenged by climate change, which is characterized by heat waves, warmer winters, increased storms, and recurrent droughts. The technology of top netting may provide a partial solution, as it alleviates climatic effects by microclimate manipulation. The tree physiological performance is improved under the nets, with an increased productivity and quality. The application of photoselective nets, which also alter the light spectrum, may result in additional horticultural improvements. We present the results of a 5-year experimental study on Valencia oranges, examining three nets: red, pearl, and transparent. Each net was tested at three fertigation conditions: a field standard (100%, I100) and two reduced fertigation regimes, which were 80% (I80) and 60% (I60) of the standard. The average multi-annual yield under the red and pearl nets with I100 and I80 and transparent net with I100 was significantly higher than that of the control trees. While the multi-annual yield increase under the red net I80 was due to the increase in the fruit number, in other treatments, the effect was mostly due to induction in the individual fruit weight. The data presented here show that an increased productivity of orange trees grown under photoselective nets, particularly the red net, with its specific spectral properties, was achieved with a considerable water-saving effect.
Analysis of Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Using Enogen Corn in Beef Cattle Rations
Authors: Matlock Marty , Christie Martin , Thoma Greg
Published: October 2021

Agricultural production systems have been identified as significant sources of anthropogenic impacts across several environmental key performance indicators (KPIs). Livestock husbandry is growing in global importance as the demand for high-quality protein continues to increase. It is therefore imperative to have sustainable intensification technologies, and we describe one such technology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of Enogen® corn grain compared to conventional feed corn when used as an ingredient in backgrounding and feed yard beef rations using life cycle assessment. The project was conducted in compliance with ISO standards, including a third-party panel review. A series of scenarios were analyzed to evaluate the impacts of boundaries and functional units on the outcomes. The use of Enogen corn as a feed component in beef production showed a quantifiable benefit in terms of the sustainability metrics of primary interest in this study. The gate-to-gate improvements at the feed yard and backgrounding based on full field trial datasets from field trials conducted at Kansas State University and at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln showed 3.4 and 5.8 percent reductions in Global Warming Potential, respectively. It is particularly noteworthy that the improvement in feed conversion ratio at the feed yard results in approximately 6 percent improvement in the four key environmental performance metrics of beef production, which demonstrates potential for the sector to meet its sustainability targets.
Simple Tube Centrifugation Method for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Preparation in Catalonian Donkeys as a Treatment of Endometritis-Endometrosis
Authors: Fantini Priscila , Jiménez Román , Vilés Karina , Iborra Antoni , Palhares Maristela Silveira , Catalán Jaime , Prades Marta , Miró Jordi
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to standardize a simple, manual platelet-rich plasma (PRP) protocol in Catalonian donkeys using single-spin tube centrifugation as a treatment for jenny endometritis. The objective was to obtain a blood product with a moderate concentration of platelets (2 or 3 times baseline physiologic values) and a low WBC (White Blood Cells) concentration. Blood was drawn from six Catalonian donkeys using acid citrate dextrose (ACD) as an anticoagulant, and then processed by single centrifugation at 133× g for two different centrifugation times (10 and 15 min). The PRP samples were evaluated by flow cytometry, and TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1) concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The 10 min centrifugation protocol resulted in a slightly greater release of TGF-β1 (6044.79 ng/mL), a 2.06-fold increase in platelet concentration, and a 15-fold reduction in leukocyte concentration when compared to the initial values. The 15 min centrifugation time resulted in a 2.44-fold increase in baseline platelet concentration, a reduction in WBC count by a factor of 20, and slightly lower TGF levels (5206 ng/mL). We conclude that both protocols are adequate for the obtention of PRP, and both may have an acceptable therapeutic potential for use in this species, although this needs to be further validated.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Simulation of Vancomycin Administered by Continuous Injection in Critically Ill Patient
Authors: Garreau Romain , Falquet Benoît , Mioux Lisa , Bourguignon Laurent , Ferry Tristan , Tod Michel , Wallet Florent , Friggeri Arnaud , Richard Jean-Christophe , Goutelle Sylvain
Published: October 2021

Background: Vancomycin is widely used for empirical antimicrobial therapy in critically ill patients with sepsis. Continuous infusion (CI) may provide more stable exposure than intermittent infusion, but optimal dosing remains challenging. The aims of this study were to perform population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of vancomycin administered by CI in intensive care unit (ICU) patients to identify optimal dosages. Methods: Patients who received vancomycin by CI with at least one measured concentration in our center over 16 months were included, including those under continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Population PK was conducted and external validation of the final model was performed in a dataset from another center. Simulations were conducted with the final model to identify the optimal loading and maintenance doses for various stages of estimated creatinine clearance (CRCL) and in patients on CRRT. Target exposure was defined as daily AUC of 400–600 mg·h/L on the second day of therapy (AUC24–48 h). Results: A two-compartment model best described the data. Central volume of distribution was allometrically scaled to ideal body weight (IBW), whereas vancomycin clearance was influenced by CRRT and CRCL. Simulations performed with the final model suggested a loading dose of 27.5 mg/kg of IBW. The maintenance dose ranged from 17.5 to 30 mg/kg of IBW, depending on renal function. Overall, simulation showed that 55.8% (95% CI; 47–64%) of patients would achieve the target AUC with suggested dosages. Discussion: A PK model has been validated for vancomycin administered by CI in ICU patients, including patients under CRRT. Our model-informed precision dosing approach may help for early optimization of vancomycin exposure in such patients.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Granata Guido , Donno Davide Roberto
Published: October 2021

The Gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium Clostridioides difficile (CD) represents the most common cause of nosocomial diarrhea worldwide and is responsible for increased morbidity and mortality, and prolonged hospital stays [...]
Podiatric and Stabilographic Examinations of the Effects of School Bag Carrying in Children Aged 11 to 15 Years
Authors: Bukowska Joanna M. , Jekiełek Małgorzata , Kruczkowski Dariusz , Ambroży Tadeusz , Rydzik Łukasz , Spieszny Michał , Jaszczur-Nowicki Jarosław
Published: October 2021

Background: The issues raised in this study were inspired by the concern for the musculoskeletal status of school children. Carrying excess weight in the form of a school bag in this period of life affects the correct body posture of school children. The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of school bags on the feet force distribution on the ground and postural balance in children of both sexes between 11 and 15 years of age. Methods: The study investigated the distribution of pressure forces on the sole of the foot and its arch. The center of pressure for both feet and the whole body was also examined. The participants were 100 students from primary schools in Gdańsk, aged 11 to 15, including 54 girls and 46 boys. The research used a podobarographic platform that measures the distribution of foot pressure to the ground. The examinations included two measurements: in the first, the children stood on the platform in a natural position. Then, a 5 kg backpack was put on and they stood on the platform again. Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of the foot pressure on the ground in the left metatarsus (p = 0.000) and heel (p = 0.000) after putting on the backpack in both girls and boys. However, in the right foot, these differences concerned the metatarsal area (p = 0.001). The results of the balance tests were only statistically significant in the group of girls in the right foot sway area (p = 0.020). Conclusions: The school backpack load led to an increase in the values of the heel and metatarsal area measured in the students, causing its flattening.
SLA-DQTS: SLA Constrained Adaptive Online Task Scheduling Based on DDQN in Cloud Computing
Authors: Li Kaibin , Peng Zhiping , Cui Delong , Li Qirui
Published: October 2021

Task scheduling is key to performance optimization and resource management in cloud computing systems. Because of its complexity, it has been defined as an NP problem. We introduce an online scheme to solve the problem of task scheduling under a dynamic load in the cloud environment. After analyzing the process, we propose a server level agreement constraint adaptive online task scheduling algorithm based on double deep Q-learning (SLA-DQTS) to reduce the makespan, cost, and average overdue time under the constraints of virtual machine (VM) resources and deadlines. In the algorithm, we prevent the change of the model input dimension with the number of VMs by taking the Gaussian distribution of related parameters as a part of the state space. Through the design of the reward function, the model can be optimized for different goals and task loads. We evaluate the performance of the algorithm by comparing it with three heuristic algorithms (Min-Min, random, and round robin) under different loads. The results show that the algorithm in this paper can achieve similar or better results than the comparison algorithms at a lower cost.
Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Pintore Andrea , Cipollaro Lucio , Oliva Francesco , Maffulli Nicola
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Outpatient total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is attracting growing interest. This meta-analysis compared patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), infection, readmission, revision, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and mortality rates of outpatient versus inpatient TKA. Methods: This meta-analysis was conducted according to the 2020 PRISMA statement. In August 2021, the following databases were accessed: Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase. All the clinical trials comparing outpatient versus inpatient (>2 days) TKA were considered. Studies which reported data on revision settings were not considered, nor studies which included patients discharged between one and two days. Results: Data from 159,219 TKAs were retrieved. The mean follow-up was 5.8 ± 7.6 months. The mean age was 63.7 ± 5.0 years and the mean BMI 30.3 ± 1.8 kg/m2. Comparability was found in age (p = 0.4), BMI (p = 0.3), and gender (p = 0.4). The outpatient group evidenced a greater Oxford knee score (p = 0.01). The inpatient group demonstrated a greater rate of revision (p = 0.03), mortality (p = 0.003), and DVT (p = 0.005). No difference was found in the rate of readmission (p = 0.3) and infection (p = 0.4). Conclusions: With regards to the endpoints evaluated in this meta-analysis, current evidence does not support outpatient TKA. However, given the limited data available for inclusion and the overall poor quality of the included articles, no reliable conclusion can be inferred. Further high quality clinical trials with clear eligibility criteria are required.
3D Numerical Simulation and Performance Analysis of CO2 Vortex Tubes
Authors: Xu Qijun , Wang Jinfeng , Xie Jing
Published: October 2021

In view of the extensive application of swirl flow pipes (vortex tubes) in refrigeration systems, the parameters of swirl flow pipes were investigated to provide optimal cooling and heating conditions. Three-dimensional numerical simulations were carried out using available experimental data and models. The analysis verified that the heat pipe with a length of 175 mm performed better than the swirl flow pipe with a length of 125 mm, confirming experiments by Agrawal. Meanwhile, by comparing different pressures, it was found that in the single-nozzle swirl flow pipe, the greater the increase of pressure (0.1–1.0 MPa), the greater the burden on the vortex chamber and the more serious the wear is, which can be seen in the higher inlet pressure. In order to improve the durability of the swirl flow pipe, we suggest using a swirl flow pipe with more nozzles. Finally, according to the simulation results, with the rise of carbon dioxide pressure potential energy at the inlet, the cooling effect of the swirl flow is first increasing and then decreasing. When the swirl flow pipe is used as a refrigeration device to determine the minimum cooling temperature under the maximum pressure, the lowest temperature of the 125 mm swirl flow pipe was 252.4 K at 0.8 MPa, while the lowest temperature of the 175 mm swirl flow pipe was 246.0 K. Secondly, the distance from the inlet to the hot outlet of the swirl flow pipe had little effect on the cooling temperature and radial velocity, but increasing its distance increased the wall temperature of the swirl flow pipe because it increases the contact time between the airflow and the hot end of the tube wall. When the swirl flow pipe is used as a heat-producing device, increasing the tube length of the swirl flow pipe appropriately increases its maximum heat-producing temperature.
Comparison of the Accuracy of Intraoral Scanners Based on the Type of Tooth Preparation for a Single Crown
Authors: Lee Dong-Geun , Son Keunbada , Lee Kyu-Bok
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of intraoral scanners in 10 abutments (five premolars and five molars) obtained in a dental clinic and to analyze the impacts of the volume and area of abutments on scanning accuracy. Abutment casts were scanned five times with a 3D contact scanner (DS10; Renishaw plc). The five scan files were lined up and then merged, and one high-resolution computer-aided design reference model (CRM) was obtained. To obtain a computer-aided design test model (CTM), three types of intraoral scanners (CS3600 (Carestream Dental), i500 (Medit), and EZIS PO (DDS)) and one type of laboratory scanner (E1; 3Shape) were employed. Using 3D analysis software (Geomagic control X; 3D Systems), the accuracy of the scanners was evaluated, including optimal overlap by optimal alignment. The conformity of the overlapped data was calculated by the root mean square (RMS) value, using the 3D compare function for evaluation. As for statistical analysis, testing was conducted, using one-way and two-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test (α = 0.05) for the comparison of the groups. To analyze the correlations of the volume and area of the abutments with accuracy, Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted (α = 0.00625). Both premolar and molar abutments showed a lower RMS value on the laboratory scanner than on the intraoral scanners, and the RMS value was lower in premolars than in molars (p < 0.001). In the intraoral scanner group, CS3600 showed the best accuracy (p < 0.001). There were significant positive correlations for the volume and area of the abutments with accuracy (p < 0.001). The type, volume, and area of the clinically applicable abutments may affect the accuracy of intraoral scanners; however, the scanners used in the present study showed a clinically acceptable accuracy range, regardless of the type of abutment.
The Human Meniscus Behaves as a Functionally Graded Fractional Porous Medium under Confined Compression Conditions
Authors: Bulle Raphaël , Alotta Gioacchino , Marchiori Gregorio , Berni Matteo , Lopomo Nicola F. , Zaffagnini Stefano , Bordas Stéphane P. A. , Barrera Olga
Published: October 2021

In this study, we observe that the poromechanical parameters in human meniscus vary spatially throughout the tissue. The response is anisotropic and the porosity is functionally graded. To draw these conclusions, we measured the anisotropic permeability and the “aggregate modulus” of the tissue, i.e., the stiffness of the material at equilibrium, after the interstitial fluid has ceased flowing. We estimated those parameters within the central portion of the meniscus in three directions (i.e., vertical, radial and circumferential) by fitting an enhanced model on stress relation confined compression tests. We noticed that a classical biphasic model was not sufficient to reproduce the observed experimental behaviour. We propose a poroelastic model based on the assumption that the fluid flow inside the human meniscus is described by a fractional porous medium equation analogous to Darcy’s law, which involves fractional operators. The fluid flux is then time-dependent for a constant applied pressure gradient (in contrast with the classical Darcy’s law, which describes a time independent fluid flux relation). We show that a fractional poroelastic model is well-suited to describe the flow within the meniscus and to identify the associated parameters (i.e., the order of the time derivative and the permeability). The results indicate that mean values of λβ,β in the central body are λβ=5.5443×10−10m4Ns1−β, β=0.0434, while, in the posterior and anterior regions, are λβ=2.851×10−10m4Ns1−β, β=0.0326 and λβ=1.2636×10−10m4Ns1−β, β=0.0232, respectively. Furthermore, numerical simulations show that the fluid flux diffusion is facilitated in the central part of the meniscus and hindered in the posterior and anterior regions.
Mesh-Free Surrogate Models for Structural Mechanic FEM Simulation: A Comparative Study of Approaches
Authors: Hoffer Johannes G. , Geiger Bernhard C. , Ofner Patrick , Kern Roman
Published: October 2021

The technical world of today fundamentally relies on structural analysis in the form of design and structural mechanic simulations. A traditional and robust simulation method is the physics-based finite element method (FEM) simulation. FEM simulations in structural mechanics are known to be very accurate; however, the higher the desired resolution, the more computational effort is required. Surrogate modeling provides a robust approach to address this drawback. Nonetheless, finding the right surrogate model and its hyperparameters for a specific use case is not a straightforward process. In this paper, we discuss and compare several classes of mesh-free surrogate models based on traditional and thriving machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methods. We show that relatively simple algorithms (such as k-nearest neighbor regression) can be competitive in applications with low geometrical complexity and extrapolation requirements. With respect to tasks exhibiting higher geometric complexity, our results show that recent DL methods at the forefront of literature (such as physics-informed neural networks) are complicated to train and to parameterize and thus, require further research before they can be put to practical use. In contrast, we show that already well-researched DL methods, such as the multi-layer perceptron, are superior with respect to interpolation use cases and can be easily trained with available tools. With our work, we thus present a basis for the selection and practical implementation of surrogate models.
Time-Delay Vibration Reduction Control of 3-DOF Vehicle Model with Vehicle Seat
Authors: Wu Kaiwei , Ren Chuanbo , Chen Yuanchang
Published: October 2021

Vehicles driving on the road continuously suffer low-frequency and high-intensity road excitation, which can cause the occupant feelings of tension and dizziness. To solve this problem, a three-degree-of-freedom vehicle suspension system model including vehicle seat is established and a linear function equivalent excitation method is proposed. The optimization of the random excitation is transformed into the optimization of constant force in a discrete time interval, which introduces the adaptive weighted particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimize the delay and feedback gain parameters in the feedback control of time delay. In this paper, the stability switching theory is used for the first time to analyze the stability interval of 3-DOF time-delay controlled active suspension, which ensures the stability of the control system. The numerical simulation results show that the algorithm can reduce vertical passenger acceleration and vehicle acceleration, respectively, by 13.63% and 28.38% on average, and 29.99% and 47.23% on random excitation, compared with active suspension and passive suspension based on inverse control. The effectiveness of the method to suppress road random interference is verified, which provides a theoretical reference for further study of suspension performance optimization with time-delay control.
A GPU-Accelerated Radiation Transfer Model Using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Wang Yansen , Zeng Xiping , Decker Jonathan
Published: October 2021

A prototype of a three-dimensional (3-D) radiation model is developed using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and implemented on a graphical processing unit (GPU) to accelerate the model’s computational speed. This radiative transfer-lattice Boltzmann model (RT-LBM) results from a discretization of the radiative transfer equation in time, space, and solid angle. The collision and streaming computation algorithm, widely used in LBM for fluid flow modeling, is applied to speed up the RT-LBM computation on the GPU platform. The isotropic scattering is assumed in this study. The accuracy is evaluated using Monte Carlo method (MCM) simulations, showing RT-LBM is quite accurate when typical atmospheric coefficients of scattering and absorption are used. RT-LBM runs about 10 times faster than the MCM in a same CPU. When implemented on a NVidia Tesla V100 GPU in simulation with a large number of computation grid points, for example, RT-LBM runs ~120 times faster than running on a single CPU. The test results indicate RT-LBM is an accurate and fast model and is viable for simulating radiative transfer in the atmosphere with ranges for the isotropic atmosphere radiative parameters of albedo scattering (0.1~0.9) and optical depth (0.1~12).