bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Combined Association between Road Traffic Noise and Air Quality Using QGIS
Authors: Adza Wisdom K. , Hursthouse Andrew S. , Miller Jan , Boakye Daniel
Published: December 2022

There is mounting evidence that exposure to air pollution and noise from transportation are linked to the risk of hypertension. Most studies have only looked at relationships between single exposures. To examine links between combined exposure to road traffic, air pollution, and road noise. A Casella CEL-63x instrument was used to monitor traffic noise on a number of locations in residential streets in Glasgow, UK during peak traffic hours. The spatial numerical modelling capability of Quantum GIS (abbreviated QGIS) was used to analyse the combined association of noise and air pollution. Based on geospatial mapping, data on residential environmental exposure was added using annual average air pollutant concentrations from local air quality monitoring network, including particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and road-traffic noise measurements at different component frequencies (Lden). The combined relationships between air pollution and traffic noise at different component frequencies were examined. Based on Moran I autocorrelation, geographically close values of a variable on a map typically have comparable values when there is a positive spatial autocorrelation. This means clustering on the map was influenced significantly by NO2, PM10 and PM2.5, and Lden at the majority of monitoring locations. Studies that only consider one of these two related exposures may exaggerate the impact of the individual exposure while underestimating the combined impact of the two environmental exposures.
The Impact of Mixed Emotions on Consumer Improvisation Behavior in the Environment of COVID-19: The Moderating Effect of Tightness-Looseness Culture
Authors: Huang Xiaozhi , Zhang Xiaojie , Zhang Heng
Published: December 2022

Organizations and individuals are unprepared for an unexpected outbreak of COVID-19. While most of the literature focuses on improvised reactions at the organizational level, this paper focuses on understanding improvised reactions at the individual level. This paper draws on previous research applying improvisation to the field of consumer behavior and introduces consumer knowledge acquisition as a mediating variable and tightness-looseness culture as a moderating variable from the perspective of mixed emotions of awe and anxiety to explain the mechanism of consumers with mixed emotions of awe and anxiety on improvisation behavior based on the environment of a COVID-19 outbreak. Data from 330 participants in Study 1 examined the effect of mixed emotions of awe and anxiety on improvisation behavior through knowledge acquisition, and data from 434 participants in Study 2 examined the moderating effect of relaxed culture. The findings suggest that consumers with mixed emotions report a higher willingness to acquire knowledge and report higher levels of improvisational behavior. Consumers behaved differently in different environments. Consumers with mixed emotions responded more strongly to improvisation in the loose-culture environment than in the tight-culture environment, and the mixed emotions of awe and anxiety had a positive effect on individual consumers’ improvisational behavior through the mediating role of knowledge acquisition.
More than a Physical Problem: The Effects of Physical and Sensory Impairments on the Emotional Development of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Sterkenburg Paula S. , Ilic Marie , Flachsmeyer Miriam , Sappok Tanja
Published: December 2022

With the introduction of the ICD-11 and DSM-5, indicators of adaptive behavior, including social–emotional skills, are in focus for a more comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders. Emotional skills can be assessed with the Scale of Emotional Development-Short (SED-S). To date, little is known about the effects of physical disorders and sensory impairments on a person’s developmental trajectory. The SED-S was applied in 724 adults with intellectual disabilities, of whom 246 persons had an additional physical and/or sensory impairment. Ordinal regression analyses revealed an association of movement disorders with more severe intellectual disability and lower levels of emotional development (ED) on the overall and domain levels (Others, Body, Material, and Communication). Visual impairments predicted lower levels of ED in the SED-S domains Material and Body, but not the overall level of ED. Hearing impairments were not associated with intellectual disability or ED. Epilepsy correlated only with the severity of intellectual disability. Multiple impairments predicted more severe intellectual disabilities and lower levels of overall ED. In conclusion, physical and sensory impairments may not only affect physical development but may also compromise intellectual and emotional development, which should be addressed in early interventions.
Validation of Lund University Sexual Harassment Inventory (LUSHI)—A Proposed Instrument for Assessing Sexual Harassment among University Employees and Students
Authors: Östergren Per-Olof , Canivet Catarina , Priebe Gisela , Agardh Anette
Published: December 2022

The objective was to investigate the validity and reliability of a new instrument assessing sexual harassment at a public university in Sweden. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions resulted in a 10-item instrument, the ‘Lund University Sexual Harassment Inventory’ (LUSHI). A survey was sent to all staff, including PhD students, and students, with a response rate of 33% (n = 2736) and 32% (n = 9667), respectively. Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha statistics were applied. Having experienced one or more of 10 specific behaviors was defined as sexual harassment exposure and was reported by 17.1% of staff/PhD students and 21.1% of students. Exploratory factor analysis yielded two factors with Eigenvalues above 1, labeled ‘unwanted sexual attention of soliciting type’ and ‘unwanted sexual attention of non-soliciting type’. Rape/attempted rape fell outside of the two factors. The Cronbach’s alpha values of the original 10-item scale and of the two newly formed scales were 0.80, 0.80, and 0.66, respectively. The mentioned statistics were markedly similar among men, women, and non-binary individuals and between staff/PhD students and students. We conclude that the 10-item instrument could be used for assessing sexual harassment in university settings or any type of workplace.
A Recreational Swimming Intervention during the Whole School Year Improves Fitness and Cardiometabolic Risk in Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Machado Elisabeth , Jannuzzi Fernanda , Telles Silvio , Oliveira Cecilia , Madeira Isabel , Sicuro Fernando , Souza Maria das Graças , Monteiro Alexandra , Bouskela Eliete , Collett-Solberg Paulo , Farinatti Paulo
Published: December 2022

The benefits of swimming as a treatment for overweight children are undefined. We investigated the effects of recreational swimming on cardiometabolic risk in children/adolescents with normal and excess weight. Participants (n = 49, 26 girls, 10.3 ± 1.8 y) were grouped as ‘eutrophic swimming’ (EU-Swim, n = 14); ‘excess weight swimming’ (EW-Swim, n = 20) with an ‘obese swimming’ subgroup (OB-Swim, n = 10); and ‘excess weight sedentary’ (EW-Sed, n = 15) with an ‘obese sedentary’ subgroup (OB-Sed, n = 11). Swimming (50 min, twice/week, moderate-vigorous intensity) was an extra activity during the school year (6 + 3 months with a 3-month school break). Nutritional status, blood pressure (BP), physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, biochemical variables, autonomic modulation, endothelial function, abdominal fat, and carotid thickness were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Greater improvements (p < 0.05) occurred in EW-Swim vs. EW-Sed in body mass index (z-BMI, −16%, d+ 0.52), waist-to-height ratio (W/H, −8%, d+ 0.59–0.79), physical activity (37–53%, d+ 1.8–2.2), cardiorespiratory fitness (30–40%, d+ 0.94–1.41), systolic BP (SBP, −6–8%, d+ 0.88–1.17), diastolic BP (DBP, −9–10%, d+ 0.70–0.85), leptin (−14–18%, d+ 0.29–0.41), forearm blood flow (FBF, 26–41%, d+ 0.53–0.64), subcutaneous fat (SAT, −6%, d+ 0.18), and intra-abdominal fat (VAT, −16%, d+ 0.63). OB-Swim showed improvements vs. OB-Sed in TNFα (−17%, d+ 1.15) and adiponectin (22%, d+ 0.40). Swimming improved fitness and cardiometabolic risk in children/adolescents with overweight/obesity. (TCTR20220216001)
Impact of the Digital Economy on PM2.5: Experience from the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Zhao Huaxue , Cheng Yu , Zheng Ruijing
Published: December 2022

The development of the digital economy holds great significance for alleviating haze pollution. To estimate the impact of the digital economy on haze pollution, this paper explores the spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of the digital economy and PM2.5 concentration in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin from 2011 to 2019 and conducts regression analysis by combining a fixed effect (FE) model and the spatial Durbin model (SDM). Moreover, this study divides the mitigation effect of haze pollution into a direct effect and a spatial spillover effect, and it further analyzes the mechanism from the perspectives of technological innovation and the industrial structure. The empirical results show that the development level of the digital economy increases year by year and that the concentration of PM2.5 decreases year by year. The digital economy level and PM2.5 concentration in the downstream region are higher than those in the middle region, and the digital economy is negatively correlated with haze pollution. Similarly, the spatial spillover effect of the digital economy is conducive to curbing haze pollution. The robustness test also supports this conclusion. In addition, there is regional heterogeneity in the impact of the digital economy on haze pollution. The direct effect and spatial spillover effect of the digital economy on haze pollution in the downstream region are greater than those in the middle region. This study suggests that to realize air pollution prevention and control, it is necessary to strengthen the construction of digital infrastructure and create a good digital economy development environment based on local conditions. Encouraging the development of digital technological innovation and promoting industrial digital transformation hold great significance for alleviating haze pollution.
Multi-Scale Flood Mapping under Climate Change Scenarios in Hexagonal Discrete Global Grids
Authors: Li Mingke , McGrath Heather , Stefanakis Emmanuel
Published: December 2022

Among the most prevalent natural hazards, flooding has been threatening human lives and properties. Robust flood simulation is required for effective response and prevention. Machine learning is widely used in flood modeling due to its high performance and scalability. Nonetheless, data pre-processing of heterogeneous sources can be cumbersome, and traditional data processing and modeling have been limited to a single resolution. This study employed an Icosahedral Snyder Equal Area Aperture 3 Hexagonal Discrete Global Grid System (ISEA3H DGGS) as a scalable, standard spatial framework for computation, integration, and analysis of multi-source geospatial data. We managed to incorporate external machine learning algorithms with a DGGS-based data framework, and project future flood risks under multiple climate change scenarios for southern New Brunswick, Canada. A total of 32 explanatory factors including topographical, hydrological, geomorphic, meteorological, and anthropogenic were investigated. Results showed that low elevation and proximity to permanent waterbodies were primary factors of flooding events, and rising spring temperatures can increase flood risk. Flooding extent was predicted to occupy 135–203% of the 2019 flood area, one of the most recent major flooding events, by the year 2100. Our results assisted in understanding the potential impact of climate change on flood risk, and indicated the feasibility of DGGS as the standard data fabric for heterogeneous data integration and incorporated in multi-scale data mining.
Domain Constraints-Driven Automatic Service Composition for Online Land Cover Geoprocessing
Authors: Xing Huaqiao , Liu Chang , Li Rui , Wang Haihang , Zhang Jinhua , Wu Huayi
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of web service technology, automatic land cover web service composition has become one of the key challenges in solving complex geoprocessing tasks of land cover. Service composition requires the creation of service chains based on semantic information about the services and all the constraints that should be respected. Artificial intelligence (AI) planning algorithms have recently significantly progressed in solving web service composition problems. However, the current approaches lack effective constraints to guarantee the accuracy of automatic land cover service composition. To address this challenge, the paper proposes a domain constraints-driven automatic service composition approach for online land cover geoprocessing. First, a land cover service ontology was built to semantically describe land cover tasks, data, and services, which assist in constructing domain constraints. Then, a constraint-aware GraphPlan algorithm was proposed, which constructs a service planning graph and searches services based on the domain constraints for generating optimal web service composition solutions. In this paper, the above method was integrated into a web prototype system and a case study for the online change detection automatic geoprocessing was implemented to test the accuracy of the method. The experimental results show that with this method, a land cover service chain can generate automatically by user desire objective and domain constraints, and the service chain execution result is more accurate.
The Effects of Colour Content and Cumulative Area of Outdoor Advertisement Billboards on the Visual Quality of Urban Streets
Authors: Adam Mastura , Al-Sharaa Ammar , Ab Ghafar Norafida , Mundher Riyadh , Abu Bakar Shamsul , Alhasan Ameer
Published: December 2022

Visual comfort has a critical effect that significantly influences public appreciation of urban environments. Although colour is an integral part of billboard design, little empirical evidence exists to support some of the popularly held ideas about the effects of colour on task performance and human psychological wellbeing. Thus, attempting to set a threshold level of allowed undesirable visual stimuli in each urban setting is considered to be essential in achieving a satisfactory level of visual quality. Therefore, this research investigates the effects of colour content of outdoor advertisement billboards on the appreciation of urban scenes by the public. This research utilises pictorial survey, R.G.B bivariate histogram technique, and an areal cumulative analysis of a group of collected pictures within one of Kuala Lumpur’s high streets. Results of the pictorial survey are cross analysed against the results of the pictorial RGB content analysis and pictorial outdoor advertisement (OA) cumulative areal analysis to indicated a strong correlation between environmental colour content, OAs’ cumulative area, and visual comfort. The study suggests that the lack of guidelines and regulations of the color content of outdoor billboard advertisement design could potentially be detrimental for the public’s appreciation of urban environments. Future research initiatives are encouraged to develop a visual quality assessment framework that contributes to the image and identity of the city of Kuala Lumpur.
Photobiomodulation Attenuated Cognitive Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Prenatal Valproic Acid-Induced Autism Spectrum Disorder Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Ui-Jin , Hong Namgue , Ahn Jin-Chul
Published: December 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication and interaction disorders, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. To date, no effective treatment strategies have been identified. However, photobiomodulation (PBM) is emerging as a promising treatment for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. We used mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) as a model of ASD and found that pathological behavioral and histological changes that may have been induced by VPA were attenuated by PBM treatment. Pregnant mice that had been exposed to VPA were treated with PBM three times. Thereafter, we evaluated the offspring for developmental disorders, motor function, hyperactivity, repetitive behaviors, and cognitive impairment. PBM attenuated many of the pathological behaviors observed in the VPA-induced ASD mouse model. In addition, pathophysiological analyses confirmed that the increase in activated microglia and astrocytes observed in the VPA-induced ASD mouse model was attenuated by PBM treatment. This suggests that PBM can counteract the behavioral changes caused by neuroinflammation in ASD. Therefore, our data show that PBM has therapeutic potential and may reduce the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD.
Rare Variants in Genes of the Cholesterol Pathway Are Present in 60% of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Pan-Lizcano Ricardo , Mariñas-Pardo Luis , Núñez Lucía , Rebollal-Leal Fernando , López-Vázquez Domingo , Pereira Ana , Molina-Nieto Aranzazu , Calviño Ramón , Vázquez-Rodríguez Jose Manuel , Hermida-Prieto Manuel
Published: December 2022

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a pandemic in which conventional risk factors are inadequate to detect who is at risk early in the asymptomatic stage. Although gene variants in genes related to cholesterol, which may increase the risk of AMI, have been identified, no studies have systematically screened the genes involved in this pathway. In this study, we included 105 patients diagnosed with AMI with an elevation of the ST segment (STEMI) and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Using next-generation sequencing, we examined the presence of rare variants in 40 genes proposed to be involved in lipid metabolism and we found that 60% of AMI patients had a rare variant in the genes involved in the cholesterol pathway. Our data show the importance of considering the wide scope of the cholesterol pathway in order to assess the genetic risk related to AMI.
Relationship between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Tumor-Associated Macrophages in Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Gazzillo Aurora , Polidoro Michela Anna , Soldani Cristiana , Franceschini Barbara , Lleo Ana , Donadon Matteo
Published: December 2022

The liver is the most common metastatic site in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Indeed, 25–30% of the cases develop colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), showing an extremely poor 5-year survival rate and resistance to conventional anticancer therapies. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) provide a nurturing microenvironment for CRC metastasis, promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the TGF-β signaling pathway, thus driving tumor cells to acquire mesenchymal properties that allow them to migrate from the primary tumor and invade the new metastatic site. EMT is known to contribute to the disruption of blood vessel integrity and the generation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), thus being closely related to high metastatic potential in numerous solid cancers. Despite the fact that it is well-recognized that the crosstalk between tumor cells and the inflammatory microenvironment is crucial in the EMT process, the association between the EMT and the role of TAMs is still poorly understood. In this review, we elaborated on the role that TAMs exert in the induction of EMT during CLM development. Since TAMs are the major source of TGF-β in the liver, we also focused on novel insights into their role in TGF-β-induced EMT.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Zintl Phases Na2CaCdSb2, Na2SrCdSb2 and Na2EuCdSb2
Authors: Saparov Bayram , Bobev Svilen
Published: December 2022

This work details the synthesis and the crystal structures of the quaternary Zintl phases Na2CaCdSb2, Na2SrCdSb2 and Na2EuCdSb2. They are isostructural and their noncentrosymmetric structure is with the space group Pmc21 (Pearson code oP12). All structural work is carried out via single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structure features [CdSb2]4– layers of corner-shared CdSb4 tetrahedra, which are stacked along the b-crystallographic axis and are separated by cations. The results from the structure refinements suggest that in addition to full cation ordering, which is typical for this structure, there also exists a possibility for an accommodation of a small degree of cation disorder.
Apilactobacillus kunkeei Alleviated Toxicity of Acetamiprid in Honeybee
Authors: Liu Peng , Niu Jingheng , Zhu Yejia , Li Zhuang , Ye Liang , Cao Haiqun , Shi Tengfei , Yu Linsheng
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, colony collapse disorder extensively affects honeybees. Insecticides, including acetamiprid, are considered as critical factors. As prevalent probiotics, we speculated that supplementation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could alleviate acetamiprid-induced health injuries in honeybees. Apilactobacillus kunkeei was isolated from beebread; it significantly increased the survival of honeybees under acetamiprid exportation (from 84% to 92%). Based on 16S rRNA pyrosequencing, information on the intestinal bacteria of honeybees was acquired. The results showed that supplementation with A. kunkeei significantly increased survival and decreased pollen consumption by honeybees under acetamiprid exportation. Under acetamiprid exportation, some opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria invaded the intestinal regions. Subsequently, the community richness and diversity of symbiotic microbiota were decreased. The community structure of intestinal bacteria was changed and differentiated. However, with the supplementation of A. kunkeei, the community richness and community diversity of symbiotic microbiota showed an upward trend, and the community structure was stabilized. Our results showed that A. kunkeei alleviated acetamiprid-induced symbiotic microbiota dysregulation and mortality in honeybees. This demonstrates the importance of symbiotic microbiota in honeybees and supports the application of Apilactobacillus kunkeei as probiotics in beekeeping.
A Non-Gradual Development Process of Cicada Eyes at the End of the Fifth-Instar Nymphal Stage to Obtain Visual Ability
Authors: Su Minjing , Yuan Feimin , Li Tiantian , Wei Cong
Published: December 2022

Insects’ visual system is directly related to ecology and critical for their survival. Some cicadas present obvious differences in color and ultrastructure of compound eyes between nymphal and adult stages, but little is known about when cicadas obtain their visual ability to deal with the novel above-ground habitat. We use transcriptome analyses and reveal that cicada Meimuna mongolica has a trichromatic color vision system and that the eyes undergo a non-gradual development process at the end of the 5th-instar nymphal stage. The white-eye 5th-instar nymphs (i.e., younger 5th-instar nymphs) have no visual ability because critical components of the visual system are deficient. The transformation of eyes toward possessing visual function takes place after a tipping point in the transition phase from the white-eye period to the subsequent red-eye period, which is related to a decrease of Juvenile Hormone. The period shortly after adult emergence is also critical for eye development. Key differentially-expressed genes related to phototransduction and chromophore synthesis play positive roles for cicadas to adapt to above-ground habitat. The accumulation of ommochromes corresponds to the color change of eyes from white to red and dark brown during the end of the 5th-instar nymphal period. Cuticle tanning leads to eye color changing from dark-brown to light-brown during the early adult stage. We hypothesize that the accumulation of ommochromes occurring at the end of 5th-instar nymphal stage and the early adult stage is not only for cicadas to obtain visual ability, but also is a secure strategy to cope with potential photodamage after emergence.
Reference Genome Sequences of the Oriental Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Yokoi Kakeru , Furukawa Seiichi , Zhou Rui , Jouraku Akiya , Bono Hidemasa
Published: December 2022

Lepidopteran insects are an important group of animals, including those used as biochemical and physiological model species in the insect and silk industries as well as others that are major agricultural pests. Therefore, the genome sequences of several lepidopteran insects have been reported. The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata, is an agricultural pest commonly used to study insect immune reactions and interactions with parasitoid wasps as hosts. To improve our understanding of these research topics, reference genome sequences were constructed in the present study. Using long-read and short-read sequence data, de novo assembly and polishing were performed and haplotigs were purged. Subsequently, gene predictions and functional annotations were performed. To search for orthologs of the Toll and Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathways and for C-type lectins, annotation data analysis, BLASTp, and Hummer scans were performed. The M. separata genome is 682 Mbp; its contig N50 was 2.7 Mbp, with 21,970 genes and 24,452 coding sites predicted. All orthologs of the core components of the Toll and IMD pathways and 105 C-type lectins were identified. These results suggest that the genome data were of sufficient quality for use as reference genome data and could contribute to promoting M. separata and lepidopteran research at the molecular and genome levels.
Ultrasonic Diagnosis and Management of Posthemorrhagic Ventricular Dilatation in Premature Infants: A Narrative Review
Authors: Liu Gengying , Nie Chuan
Published: December 2022

The survival rate of preterm infants is increasing as a result of technological advances. The incidence of intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH) in preterm infants ranges from 25% to 30%, of which 30% to 50% are severe IVH (Volpe III-IV, Volpe III is defined as intraventricular bleeding occupying more than 50% of the ventricular width and acute lateral ventricle dilatation, Volpe IV is defined as intraventricular hemorrhage combined with venous infarction) and probably lead to posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD). Severe IVH and subsequent PHVD have become the leading causes of brain injury and neurodevelopmental dysplasia in preterm infants. This review aims to review the literature on the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for PHVD and provide some recommendations for management to improve the neurological outcomes.
Therapy Used to Promote Disease Remission Targeting Gut Dysbiosis, in UC Patients with Active Disease
Authors: Mirsepasi-Lauridsen Hengameh
Published: December 2022

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing non-transmural chronic inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by bloody diarrhea. The etiology of UC is unknown. The goal is to reduce the inflammation and induce disease remission in UC patients with active disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the innovative treatment method used to promote disease remission in UC patients with active disease targeting gut dysbiosis. Immunosuppressants such as TNF-α blocker are used to promote disease remission in UC, but it is expensive and with side effects. Probiotic, prebiotic and diet are shown to be effective in maintaining disease remission. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) might be the future therapy option to promote disease remission in UC patients with active disease. However, correct manufacturing and administration of the FMT are essential to achieve successful outcome. A few cohorts with FMT capsules show promising results in UC patients with active disease. However, randomized controlled clinical trials with long-term treatment and follow-up periods are necessary to show FMT capsules’ efficacy to promote disease remission in UC patients.
Avoidance Behavior in Patients with Chronic Dizziness: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Prell Tino , Axer Hubertus
Published: December 2022

Avoidance behavior in adults with chronic dizziness is common. Here, we analyzed factors that are associated with avoidance behavior in a sample of adults with chronic dizziness and/or vertigo. Therefore, 595 patients with chronic vertigo and dizziness who had been subjected to our 5-day multimodal treatment program in a tertiary care outpatient clinic for vertigo and dizziness were prospectively investigated. Both general and dizziness/vertigo-specific data were collected at baseline (n = 595) and at 6-month follow-up (n = 262). Avoidance behavior was measured using the Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MI). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to estimate anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). At baseline, higher MI (higher level of avoidance) was associated with female gender, higher HADS-D, higher HADS-A, and of a higher age. HADS-D provoked the strongest effect on public places, while gender had the strongest effect on open spaces. The majority (79%) reported improvement of MI and 21% reported that MI had worsened or remained stable at follow-up. In the Generalized Estimating Equations, female gender, higher HADS-A, higher HADS-D, and of a higher age predicted higher MI at follow-up. In particular, older female persons with depressive and anxiety symptoms have a high risk for avoidance behavior related to dizziness.
Self-Reported Depression among Chinese Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Focusing on Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Gao Rui , Qin Lang , Bai Peng
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: To investigate whether women suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) have a higher prevalence of self-reported depression than healthy controls and to assess the associated risk factors for RPL women self-reporting the symptom of depression. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study investigating 247 women with histories of RPL and 193 healthy women was performed in Southwest China. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to measure self-reported depression, and the prevalence of self-reported depression was compared between the two groups. Sociodemographic data for the two groups and clinical information for the RPL group were collected by questionnaires. (3) Results: The prevalence of self-reported depression was higher in the RPL group than in the control group (45.3% vs. 30.1%, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated that the statistical difference in the prevalence of self-reported depression was significant in the subgroups of women in the first trimester of gestation, age ≥ 36 years, BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2, working hours ≤ 8 h/day, university and higher education, and urban residence. Multivariable logistic analysis indicated that age ≥ 36 years, >2 times of spontaneous miscarriages, and no history of live birth were independent risk factors for RPL women self-reporting depression. (4) Conclusions: A higher prevalence of self-reported depression was observed in RPL patients than in healthy women. The psychological status for RPL patients with age ≥ 36 years, >2 times of spontaneous miscarriages, or without a history of a live birth needs to be further addressed.
Predictive Factors for Bone Cement Displacement following Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation in Kümmell’s Disease
Authors: Gao Xiangcheng , Du Jinpeng , Zhang Yongyuan , Gong Yining , Zhang Bo , Qu Zechao , Hao Dingjun , He Baorong , Yan Liang
Published: December 2022

Objective: To investigate the independent influencing factors of bone cement displacement following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) in patients with stage I and stage II Kümmell’s disease. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 824 patients with stage Ⅰ and stage Ⅱ Kümmell’s disease treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PKP) from January 2016 to June 2022. Patients were divided into the postoperative bone cement displacement group (n = 150) and the bone cement non-displacement group (n = 674) according to the radiographic inspection results. The following data were collected: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), underlying disease, bone mineral density (BMD), involved vertebral segment, Kümmell’s disease staging, anterior height, local Cobb angle, the integrity of anterior vertebral cortex, the integrity of endplate in surgical vertebrae, surgical method, surgical approach, the volume of cement, distribution of cement, the viscosity of cement, cement leakage, and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent influencing factors of bone cement displacement. The discrimination ability was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results: The results of logistic regression analysis revealed that thoracolumbar junction (odds ratio (OR) = 3.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.12–4.50, p = 0.011), Kümmell’s disease staging (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.81–3.41, p < 0.001), anterior cortex defect (OR = 5.34, 95% CI 3.53–7.21, p < 0.001), vertebral endplates defect (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.35–0.71, p < 0.001), cement distribution (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 2.03–3.52, p = 0.002), cement leakage (OR = 4.59, 95% CI 3.85–5.72, p < 0.001), restoration of local Cobb angle (OR = 3.17, 95% CI 2.40–5.73, p = 0.024), and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.18–0.72, p = 0.025) were independently associated with the bone cement displacement. The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC was 0.816 (95% CI 0.747–0.885), the sensitivity was 0.717, and the specificity was 0.793. Conclusion: Thoracolumbar fracture, stage Ⅱ Kümmell’s disease, anterior cortex defect, uneven cement distribution, cement leakage, and high restoration of the local Cobb angle were risk factors for cement displacement after PVA in Kümmell’s disease, while vertebral endplates defect and postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment are protective factors.
Clinical Features of COVID-19 in Elderly Patients: Tools for Predicting Outcomes Are Needed
Authors: Giorgino Riccardo , Migliorini Filippo
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic faced the healthcare landscape with new challenges, impacting work dynamics across all medical disciplines [...]
Next in Surgical Data Science: Autonomous Non-Technical Skill Assessment in Minimally Invasive Surgery Training
Authors: Nagyné Elek Renáta , Haidegger Tamás
Published: December 2022

Background: It is well understood that surgical skills largely define patient outcomes both in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and Robot-Assisted MIS (RAMIS). Non-technical surgical skills, including stress and distraction resilience, decision-making and situation awareness also contribute significantly. Autonomous, technologically supported objective skill assessment can be efficient tools to improve patient outcomes without the need to involve expert surgeon reviewers. However, autonomous non-technical skill assessments are unstandardized and open for more research. Recently, Surgical Data Science (SDS) has become able to improve the quality of interventional healthcare with big data and data processing techniques (capture, organization, analysis and modeling of data). SDS techniques can also help to achieve autonomous non-technical surgical skill assessments. Methods: An MIS training experiment is introduced to autonomously assess non-technical skills and to analyse the workload based on sensory data (video image and force) and a self-rating questionnaire (SURG-TLX). A sensorized surgical skill training phantom and adjacent training workflow were designed to simulate a complicated Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy task; the dissection of the cholecyst’s peritonial layer and the safe clip application on the cystic artery in an uncomfortable environment. A total of 20 training sessions were recorded from 7 subjects (3 non-medicals, 2 residents, 1 expert surgeon and 1 expert MIS surgeon). Workload and learning curves were studied via SURG-TLX. For autonomous non-technical skill assessment, video image data with tracked instruments based on Channel and Spatial Reliability Tracker (CSRT) and force data were utilized. An autonomous time series classification was achieved by a Fully Convolutional Neural Network (FCN), where the class labels were provided by SURG-TLX. Results: With unpaired t-tests, significant differences were found between the two groups (medical professionals and control) in certain workload components (mental demands, physical demands, and situational stress, p<0.0001, 95% confidence interval, p<0.05 for task complexity). With paired t-tests, the learning curves of the trials were also studied; the task complexity resulted in a significant difference between the first and the second trials. Autonomous non-technical skill classification was based on the FCN by applying the tool trajectories and force data as input. This resulted in a high accuracy (85%) on temporal demands classification based on the z component of the used forces and 75% accuracy for classifying mental demands/situational stress with the x component of the used forces validated with Leave One Out Cross-Validation. Conclusions: Non-technical skills and workload components can be classified autonomously based on measured training data. SDS can be effective via automated non-technical skill assessment.
The Influence of Weight Loss in Postural Control in Women Undergoing Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Bullo Valentina , Gobbo Stefano , Cugusi Lucia , Di Blasio Andrea , Bortoletto Alessandro , Pippi Roberto , Cruz-Diaz David , Gasperetti Andrea , Vettor Roberto , Ermolao Andrea , Bergamin Marco
Published: December 2022

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective procedure for obesity management, with a greater body weight loss and the remission of several diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between the anthropometric profile and postural control outcomes in a group of obese adult women, and the effect of bariatric surgery on postural control. Methods: eighty-eight women candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited. Static balance was measured with the ARGO stabilometric platform under two conditions: open eyes (OE) and closed eyes (CE). Results: Multiple linear regression indicated BMI as the first predictor for postural control in all parameters, except for APO in open eyes, predicted mainly by height. Changes in body weight and BMI showed no statistically significant correlations with modification of postural control parameters (OE), while they appeared to exert an influence under closed eyes conditions. Conclusions: Before surgery, obese patients with a higher BMI showed a better postural control. After surgery, the sway path and antero-posterior oscillation improved under open eyes conditions, while the magnitude of weight loss was negatively correlated with differences in postural control.
Lamellar Spacing Modelling for LPBF Aluminum Parts
Authors: Anglada Eva , García José Carlos , Arrue Mario , Cearsolo Xabier , Garmendia Iñaki
Published: December 2022

The high cooling rates reached during metal additive manufacturing (MAM) generate microstructures very different from those obtained by other conventional manufacturing methods. Therefore, research about the modeling of this type of microstructure is of great interest to the MAM community. In this work, the prediction of the lamellar spacing of an AlSi10Mg sample manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), is presented. A multiscale approach is used, combining a CALPHAD (Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and Thermochemistry) model to predict the material properties, with a macroscale model of the sample manufacturing and with a microscale model to predict the microstructure. The manufacturing and metallographic characterization of the sample is also included. The results prove that the multiscale strategy followed is a valid approximation to simulate this type of manufacturing process. In addition, it is shown that the use of a generic simulation software focused on metal casting processes can be useful in predicting the lamellar spacing of the microstructure manufactured by LPBF. Finally, the relationship between the cooling rate and the resulting lamellar spacing has been established for this AlSi10Mg under the specific manufacturing conditions considered.
Estimation of LNG Dolphin Capacity: Dolphins of Different Size in Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Nam Kyu , An Yohan
Published: December 2022

The LNG terminals are characterized by a large number of ships entering the port during the winter season due to the seasonality of rapidly increasing demand for heating. In winter, there is a shortage of dolphin jetty wharf (dolphins), which increases the waiting rate for ships. Therefore, there is a practical argument that dolphins should be additionally built to solve the ship standby problem. This study proposes the proper LNG handling capacity of a terminal with multiple dolphins of different size. Studies on calculating the LNG handling capacity of LNG terminal dolphins have been proposed by UNCTAD and Ministry of Transport of China (MTC). The formula-based calculation of LNG handling capacity has the advantage of being simple, but it has the disadvantage of not reflecting the actual operation. In this study, the proper LNG handling capacity is measured using a simulation method to overcome the limitations of formula-based calculation for Incheon port in South Korea. In order to check whether the method by simulation is justified, it is compared with the unloading capacity by the calculation formula. This study finds that the proper (or optimal) LNG handling capacity of Incheon port is determined by a dolphin occupancy of 49%, where the dolphin’s profits are maximized. As the results of simulation model, the proper (or optimal) loading capacity is 38.5 million m3 when dolphin occupancy is 49%. The capacity of individual dolphin is estimated at 17.0 million m3 for 70,000 DWT dolphin and 21.2 million m3 for 120,000 DWT dolphin, respectively. The main points of this study to use simulation model are as follows: First, the number of non-working days should be considered. Second, the optimal dolphin occupancy should be determined by finding the maximum profit point of using the pier. Third, if the size of the dolphin is different, an appropriate simulation will be implemented. Fourth, the data of the peak season should be analyzed. Finally, it should be checked whether the ship waiting rate is acceptable level or not.
Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss after Ciliary Sulcus Placement of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in Patients with Noninfectious Uveitic Glaucoma
Authors: Komatsu Kaori , Harada Yosuke , Hiyama Tomona , Sada Ikuyo , Hirooka Kazuyuki , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: December 2022

This study was performed to investigate the corneal endothelial cell density (CECD) reduction and treatment efficacy in patients with uveitic glaucoma treated by the ciliary sulcus placement of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV). This retrospective study included 27 eyes of 27 patients with noninfectious uveitis who underwent the sulcus placement of the AGV. Each patient underwent a clinical assessment including a CECD measurement before surgery and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. The mean CECD was 2431.4 ± 367.5 cells/mm2 at preoperative baseline and 2360.5 ± 391.3 cells/mm2 at 12 months (p = 0.074), with a reduction rate of 2.73 ± 9.29%. The CECD reduction was significantly greater in patients with unilateral uveitis than that with bilateral uveitis. The rate of successful intraocular pressure control was 88% at 12 months, and the number of intraocular pressure-lowering medications was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). The current study showed that the implantation of an Ahmed tube into the ciliary sulcus provided stable intraocular pressure control in patients with glaucoma secondary to noninfectious uveitis, and CECD reduction was moderate in most patients at 12 months.
Effect of Exercise Using an Exoskeletal Hip-Assist Robot on Physical Function and Walking Efficiency in Older Adults
Authors: Lee Su-Hyun , Lee Hwang-Jae , Kim Kyungrock , Lee Byoung-Hee , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: December 2022

Robotic technology has developed rapidly in recent years, and several robotic devices have been applied to improve physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological, and social functioning in the elderly and people with disabilities. In this study, we investigated the effects of EX1-assisted exercise in various environments on physical function, muscle strength, and walking efficiency in older adults. We designated four experimental conditions and randomly assigned participants to one of four groups: A (overground walking without an EX1), B (overground walking using the resistance mode of EX1), C (stair ascent using the assistance mode of EX1), and Group D (inclined treadmill walking using the assistance mode of EX1). A total of 60 community-dwelling elderly persons participated in 10 exercise intervention sessions for 4 weeks, and all participants were assessed before and after the exercise intervention. Physical function was measured by the 10-meter walk test for self-selected velocity (10MWT-SSV), short physical performance battery (SPPB), Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go (TUG), functional reach test (FRT), geriatric depression scale—short form (GDS-SF), and muscle strength of trunk and lower extremity. Cardiopulmonary metabolic energy efficiency was measured using a portable telemetric gas analyzer system. A significant increase in the 10MWT-SSV and TUG test was observed in groups B, C, and D. A statistically significant improvement in the SPPB and FRT was seen only in group D, and GDS-SF scores decreased significantly after exercise with an EX1 in groups B and D. Trunk and lower limb muscle strength increased more in the groups that exercised with EX1 assistance than those without an EX1, particularly in group B. The net metabolic energy costs and energy expenditure measurement during walking significantly improved in exercise groups C and D. The findings in this study support the application of the EX1 to physical activity and exercise to improve age-related changes in physical function, muscle strength, and walking efficiency among older adults. In addition, personalized exercise programs using different modes and training environments with an EX1 can enhance physical performance and walking efficiency in the elderly.
Integration of Molecular Data in the Prognostic Stratification and Management of Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Raffone Antonio , Travaglino Antonio , Raimondo Diego , Casadio Paolo , Seracchioli Renato , Zannoni Gian , Mollo Antonio
Published: December 2022

In the last years, the TCGA-based molecular classifier have been progressively integrated in the management of endometrial carcinoma. While molecular assays are increasingly available across pathology laboratories, the additional costs will expectedly be compensated by a reduction in overtreatments and a prevention of recurrences. The additional time might be shortened by assessing molecular markers on biopsy specimens. Retrospective data suggest that the molecular classifier will have a major impact of on the risk stratification, with many patients having their risk class down- or upstaged based on POLE mutations or p53 abnormalities, respectively. However, there are still several issues to be resolved, such as the prognostic value of the TCGA classifier in each FIGO stage, or the type of adjuvant treatment most suitable for each molecular group. Other issues regard the prognostic stratification of the mismatch repair-deficient and “no specific molecular profile” groups, which currently follows the same criteria; however, the former seems to be prognostically consistent regardless of FIGO grade and histotype, whereas the latter appears highly heterogeneous. Numerous clinical, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular markers have been proposed to refine the TCGA classification, but their prognostic value is still undefined. Hopefully, prospective data collected in the next years will help resolving these issues.