bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Prophylaxis or Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor Support in Multiple Myeloma Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Klein Eva-Maria , Sauer Sandra , Klein Sabrina , Tichy Diana , Benner Axel , Bertsch Uta , Brandt Juliane , Kimmich Christoph , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Jordan Karin , Giesen Nicola
Published: July 2021

We compare, in this manuscript, antibiotic prophylaxis versus granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) support as anti-infective strategies, in patients with multiple myeloma (MM), undergoing high-dose therapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDT/ASCT). At our institution, antibiotic prophylaxis after HDT/ASCT in MM was stopped in January 2017 and replaced by G-CSF support in March 2017. Consecutive MM patients who received HDT/ASCT between March 2016 and July 2018 were included in this single-center retrospective analysis. In total, 298 patients and 353 individual cases of HDT/ASCT were evaluated. In multivariate analyses, G-CSF support was associated with a significantly shortened duration of severe leukopenia < 1/nL (p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 16.22), and hospitalization (estimate = −0.19, p < 0.001) compared to antibiotic prophylaxis. Rates of febrile neutropenia, need of antimicrobial therapy, transfer to intensive care unit, and death, were similar between the two groups. Furthermore, antibiotic prophylaxis was associated with a significantly increased risk for the development of multidrug resistant bacteria especially vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium compared to G-CSF support (odds ratio (OR) = 17.38, p = 0.01). Stop of antibiotic prophylaxis as an anti-infective strategy was associated with a reduction in overall resistance rates of bacterial isolates. These results indicate that G-CSF support should be the preferred option in MM patients undergoing HDT/ASCT.
Regulations, Open Data and Healthcare Innovation: A Case of MSK-IMPACT and Its Implications for Better Cancer Care
Authors: Jibiki Takaharu , Nishimura Hayato , Sengoku Shintaro , Kodama Kota
Published: July 2021

This study investigated a case of Memorial Sloan Kettering-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets (MSK-IMPACT), a tumor profiling test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017, to examine what factors would contribute to healthcare innovation. First, we set the following three parameters to observe cases: (i) the FDA regulatory reforms, (ii) early application of new technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), to both research and clinical settings, and (iii) accumulation of open data. Then, we performed a comparative analysis of MSK-IMPACT with FoundationOne CDx and Oncomine Dx Target Test, both of which were FDA-approved tumor profiling tests launched in 2017. As a result, we found that MSK-IMPACT secures neutrality as a non-profit organization, achieves the active incorporation of basic research results, and performs superiorly in clinical operations, such as patient enrollment. On the contrary, we confirmed that FoundationOne CDx was the most prominent case in terms of the number of new drugs and expanded indications approved in which the FDA’s expedited approval programs were considerably utilized. Consequently, to uncover the full potential of MSK-IMPACT, it is suggested that more intersectoral collaborative activities between various healthcare stakeholders, in particular, pharmaceutical companies, for driving clinical development must be carried out based on an organizational framework that facilitates collaboration.
Explainable Artificial Intelligence Reveals Novel Insight into Tumor Microenvironment Conditions Linked with Better Prognosis in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Chakraborty Debaditya , Ivan Cristina , Amero Paola , Khan Maliha , Rodriguez-Aguayo Cristian , Başağaoğlu Hakan , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel
Published: July 2021

We investigated the data-driven relationship between immune cell composition in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the ≥5-year survival rates of breast cancer patients using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) models. We acquired TCGA breast invasive carcinoma data from the cbioPortal and retrieved immune cell composition estimates from bulk RNA sequencing data from TIMER2.0 based on EPIC, CIBERSORT, TIMER, and xCell computational methods. Novel insights derived from our XAI model showed that B cells, CD8+ T cells, M0 macrophages, and NK T cells are the most critical TME features for enhanced prognosis of breast cancer patients. Our XAI model also revealed the inflection points of these critical TME features, above or below which ≥5-year survival rates improve. Subsequently, we ascertained the conditional probabilities of ≥5-year survival under specific conditions inferred from the inflection points. In particular, the XAI models revealed that the B cell fraction (relative to all cells in a sample) exceeding 0.025, M0 macrophage fraction (relative to the total immune cell content) below 0.05, and NK T cell and CD8+ T cell fractions (based on cancer type-specific arbitrary units) above 0.075 and 0.25, respectively, in the TME could enhance the ≥5-year survival in breast cancer patients. The findings could lead to accurate clinical predictions and enhanced immunotherapies, and to the design of innovative strategies to reprogram the breast TME.
Experimental Characterization of Ferroelectric Capacitor Circuits for the Realization of Simply Designed Electroceuticals
Authors: Olsommer Yves , Ihmig Frank R.
Published: July 2021

Currently, a large number of neurostimulators are commercially available for the treatment of drug-resistant diseases and as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. According to the current state of the art, such highly engineered electroceuticals require bulky battery units and necessitate the use of leads and extensions to connect the implantable electronic device to the stimulation electrodes. The battery life and the use of wired electrodes constrain the long-term use of such implantable systems. Furthermore, for therapeutic success and patient safety, it is of utmost importance to keep the stimulation current within a safe range. In this paper, we propose an implantable system design that consists of a low number of passive electronic components and does not require a battery. The stimulation parameters and power are transmitted inductively using an extracorporeal wearable transmitter at frequencies below 1 MHz. A simple circuit design approach is presented to achieve a closed-loop control of the stimulation current by exploiting the nonlinear properties of ferroelectric materials in ceramic capacitors. Twenty circuit topologies of series- and/or parallel-connected ceramic capacitors are investigated by measurement and are modeled in Mathcad. An approximately linear increase in the stimulation current, a stabilization of the stimulation current and an unstable state of the system were observed. In contrast to previous results, specific plateau ranges of the stimulation current can be set by the investigated circuit topologies. For further investigations, the consistency of the proposed model needs to be improved for higher induced voltage ranges.
Optimization of an Energy Storage System for Electric Bus Fast-Charging Station
Authors: Ding Xiaowei , Zhang Weige , Wei Shaoyuan , Wang Zhenpo
Published: July 2021

To relieve the peak operating power of the electric grid for an electric bus fast-charging station, this paper proposes to install a stationary energy storage system and introduces an optimization problem for obtaining the optimal sizes of an energy buffer. The charging power demands of the fast-charging station are uncertain due to arrival time of the electric bus and returned state of charge of the onboard energy storage system can be affected by actual traffic conditions, ambient temperature and other factors. The introduced optimization is formulated as a stochastic program, where the power matching equality of the total charging demands of connected electric buses is described as a chance constraint by denoting a satisfaction probability, then a stochastic supremum for the operating power of the electric grid is defined by actual data and the problem finally can be solved by convex programming. A case study for an existing electric bus fast-charging station in Beijing, China was utilized to verify the optimization method. The result shows that the operation capacity cost and electricity cost of the electric grid can be decreased significantly by installing a 325 kWh energy storage system in the case of a 99% satisfaction probability.
Use of Immunochromatographic SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Testing in Eight Long-Term Care Facilities for the Elderly
Authors: Ifko Martina , Skvarc Miha
Published: July 2021

The clinical validation of the NADAL COVID-19 antigen test (Nal von Minden, Moers, Germany) started in eight Slovenian long-term health care facilities in October 2020. The purpose of clinical validation is to implement the test into the everyday working process in long-term care (LTC) facilities and demonstrate how it can be used to mitigate the spread of the virus in these environments. The facilities compared the results of antigen tests to the results obtained using Cobas 6800 SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (Roche, USA). Sensitivity (86.96%, 95% CI: 66.41–97.23%) and specificity (88.24%, 95% CI: 80.35–93.77%) of the NADAL COVID-19 antigen test were good. Rapid antigen testing served well for early detection of infection and helped to prevent and control spread of the SARS Cov2 in six out of eight LTCs. Moreover, mini-outbreaks were quickly resolved in all six LTCs. Locally validated immunochromatographic SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing can be used to contain the spread of the virus in LTCs. Antigen tests also deliver accurate information very quickly if used early with a low threshold. The NADAL COVID-19 antigen test proved to be a good screening tool to detect SARS-COV-2 in LTCs.
Alopecia Universalis Occurring after Alemtuzumab Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. A Two-Year Follow-Up of Two Patients
Authors: Borriello Giovanna , Ianniello Antonio , Toosy Ahmed T
Published: July 2021

Alopecia Universalis (AU) is the most severe form of Alopecia Areata and is caused by cytotoxic T-cells reacting with follicular autoantigens, producing complete loss of scalp and body hair. Alemtuzumab is a highly efficacious monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but it causes secondary autoimmunity in up to 40% of patients. Many factors are believed to contribute to this process, but pathogenic mechanisms are not well clear. To date, three cases of AU after treatment with Alemtuzumab have been reported. In this paper we report the cases of two patients who developed AU 12 months after the second cycle of Alemtuzumab, with a review of the literature. One year after the end of the second cycle, two female patients in their thirties experienced complete hair loss. The first case was temporally associated with a significant drop in vitamin D (VD) levels. The second case was accompanied by joint swelling. Both patients had thyroid alterations and showed no hair regrowth after a 2-year follow-up. AU must be considered among the secondary autoimmune manifestations of Alemtuzumab treatment. We emphasize the need for appropriate patient screening and thorough clinical surveillance for factors predisposing patients to secondary autoimmunity.
Ramadan Observance Is Associated with Impaired Kung-Fu-Specific Decision-Making Skills
Authors: Saddoud Anis , Khacharem Aïmen , H’Mida Cyrine , Trabelsi Khaled , Boukhris Omar , Ammar Achraf , Clark Cain C. T. , Glenn Jordan M. , Chtourou Hamdi , Jarraya Mohamed , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: July 2021

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of Ramadan observance (RAM) on decision-making in Kung-Fu athletes. Fourteen male Kung-Fu athletes (mean age = 19 ± 3 years) completed two test sessions: before Ramadan (BR) and at the end of Ramadan (ER). In the afternoon of each session (between 16:00 h and 18:00 h), participants completed: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subjects also reported subjective fatigue, alertness, and concentration. Additionally, all participants performed video-based decision-making tasks (i.e., reaction time and decision-making). Results indicated that reaction time decreased by 30% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.01). However, decision-making decreased by 9.5% at ER vs. BR (p < 0.05). PSQI results indicated sleep quality score, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency were negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). ESS was higher at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In addition, fatigue scores, estimated by the POMS and current subjective feelings (i.e., fatigue, concentration, and alertness), were also negatively affected at ER compared to BR (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance was associated with an adverse effect on sleep and decision making, as well as feelings of fatigue, alertness, and concentration.
Barriers to, and Facilitators of, Exercising in Fitness Centres among Adults with and without Physical Disabilities: A Scoping Review
Authors: Nikolajsen Helene , Sandal Louise Fleng , Juhl Carsten Bogh , Troelsen Jens , Juul-Kristensen Birgit
Published: July 2021

Fitness centres are an obvious arena for performing physical activity for the general population but representation of adults with physical disabilities (AwPD) is lacking. To increase possibilities for AwPD to exercise in fitness centres together with adults without physical disabilities (AwoPD), the aim of this study was to identify, synthesise, and compare barriers to, and facilitators of, exercising in fitness centres for each group. A scoping review was conducted and data extraction of the barriers and facilitators was performed independently by two researchers on six categories of contextual factors based on the framework of Di Blasi: (1) The fitness centre setting; (2) The fitness centre user characteristics; (3) The fitness instructor/staff characteristics; (4) The fitness centre user–instructor/management relationship; and (5) The fitness/exercise characteristics. An extra category, (6) Other relationships, was added. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews was used for reporting. Of the 102 included papers, only 26 (25%) of the papers were on AwPD, which focused mainly on physical barriers (category 1: inaccessible settings). In contrast, the remaining 76 papers involving AwoPD focused primarily on facilitators (category 2: motivational factors and exercising effects). In categories 3–6, the two groups had similar results, as both groups preferred skilled instructors, a welcoming and comfortable fitness centre environment, an ability to exercise at their preferred type and level, and good social connections. Since most data were based on AwoPD, more studies on actual experiences from AwPD are needed, to reveal the facilitators/motivational factors for fitness centre use.
Effects of an Intervention for Promoting Basic Motor Competencies in Middle Childhood
Authors: Strotmeyer Anne , Kehne Miriam , Herrmann Christian
Published: July 2021

The development of motor competencies is necessary for participation in the culture of sport, exercise, and physical activity, which in turn supports the development of a healthy lifestyle. A lack of physical activity in childhood and deficits in motor performance emphasize the relevance of interventions for promoting basic motor competencies. However, there are research desiderata with regard to such interventions. This article describes an intervention program for promoting basic motor competencies in middle childhood (around 6 to 10 years of age). The intervention was investigated in a longitudinal study from June 2019 to January 2020 (n = 200; 58% girls, M = 8.84 years, SD = 0.63) at three primary schools. The intervention was conducted once a week in physical education (PE). The comparison group participated in regular PE. The intervention showed significant effects on basic motor competencies in object movement but not in self-movement. The results demonstrate that positive effects on basic motor competencies can be achieved with the help of a relatively simple intervention. Further longitudinal studies are desirable as a means of substantiating the results and developing evidence-based concepts to support children in their development in the best possible way.
The Genomic Landscape of a Restricted ALL Cohort from Patients Residing on the U.S./Mexico Border
Authors: Grant Alice Hernandez , Ayala-Marin Yoshira Marie , Mohl Jonathon Edward , Robles-Escajeda Elisa , Rodriguez Georgialina , Dutil Julie , Kirken Robert Arthur
Published: July 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has identified unique biomarkers yielding new strategies in precision medicine for the treatment of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hispanics show marked health disparities in ALL, often absent in clinical trials or cancer research. Thus, it is unknown whether Hispanics would benefit equally from curated data currently guiding precision oncology. Using whole-exome sequencing, nine ALL patients were screened for mutations within genes known to possess diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value. Genes mutated in Hispanic ALL patients from the borderland were mined for potentially pathogenic variants within clinically relevant genes. KRAS G12A was detected in this unique cohort and its frequency in Hispanics from the TARGET-ALL Phase II database was three-fold greater than that of non-Hispanics. STAT5B N642H was also detected with low frequency in Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals within TARGET. Its detection within this small cohort may reflect a common event in this demographic. Such variants occurring in the MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways may be contributing to Hispanic health disparities in ALL. Notable variants in ROS1, WT1, and NOTCH2 were observed in the ALL borderland cohort, with NOTCH2 C19W occurring most frequently. Further investigations on the pathogenicity of these variants are needed to assess their relevance in ALL.
Dominance of Fossil Fuels in Japan’s National Energy Mix and Implications for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Oladipupo Seun Damola , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Jayakumar Arunkumar , Kumar Nallapaneni Manoj
Published: July 2021

Despite the drive for increased environmental protection and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), coal, oil, and natural gas use continues to dominate Japan’s energy mix. In light of this issue, this research assessed the position of natural gas, oil, and coal energy use in Japan’s environmental mitigation efforts from the perspective of sustainable development with respect to economic growth between 1965 and 2019. In this regard, the study employs Bayer and Hanck cointegration, fully modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS), and dynamic ordinary least square (DOLS) to investigate these interconnections. The empirical findings from this study revealed that the utilization of natural gas, oil, and coal energy reduces the sustainability of the environment with oil consumption having the most significant impact. Furthermore, the study validates the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis in Japan. The outcomes of the Gradual shift causality showed that CO2 emissions can predict economic growth, while oil, coal, and energy consumption can predict CO2 emissions in Japan. Given Japan’s ongoing energy crisis, this innovative analysis provides valuable policy insights to stakeholders and authorities in the nation’s energy sector.
A Health eLearning Ontology and Procedural Reasoning Approach for Developing Personalized Courses to Teach Patients about Their Medical Condition and Treatment
Authors: Michalowski Martin , Wilk Szymon , Michalowski Wojtek , O’Sullivan Dympna , Bonaccio Silvia , Parimbelli Enea , Carrier Marc , Le Gal Grégoire , Kingwell Stephen , Peleg Mor
Published: July 2021

We propose a methodological framework to support the development of personalized courses that improve patients’ understanding of their condition and prescribed treatment. Inspired by Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs), the framework uses an eLearning ontology to express domain and learner models and to create a course. We combine the ontology with a procedural reasoning approach and precompiled plans to operationalize a design across disease conditions. The resulting courses generated by the framework are personalized across four patient axes—condition and treatment, comprehension level, learning style based on the VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/write, Kinesthetic) presentation model, and the level of understanding of specific course content according to Bloom’s taxonomy. Customizing educational materials along these learning axes stimulates and sustains patients’ attention when learning about their conditions or treatment options. Our proposed framework creates a personalized course that prepares patients for their meetings with specialists and educates them about their prescribed treatment. We posit that the improvement in patients’ understanding of prescribed care will result in better outcomes and we validate that the constructs of our framework are appropriate for representing content and deriving personalized courses for two use cases: anticoagulation treatment of an atrial fibrillation patient and lower back pain management to treat a lumbar degenerative disc condition. We conduct a mostly qualitative study supported by a quantitative questionnaire to investigate the acceptability of the framework among the target patient population and medical practitioners.
Changes in the Structures and Directions of Heavy Metal-Contaminated Soil Remediation Research from 1999 to 2020: A Bibliometric & Scientometric Study
Authors: Shi Dongping , Xie Chengyu , Wang Jinmiao , Xiong Lichun
Published: July 2021

The pollution of heavy metals in soil is a problem of great concern to international scholars today. This research investigates the current research activities in the field of soil heavy metal pollution remediation and discusses the current areas of research focus and development trends. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on soil heavy metal pollution remediation from 1999 to 2020. CiteSpace and Vosviewer were used to conduct document co-citation and cluster analyses on the collected data. The research was mainly carried out based on the following factors: chronological distribution, country and institution distribution, source journal analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and reference co-citation analysis. China (2173, 28.64%) and the United States (946, 12.47%) are the top two countries in terms of the number of articles published, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research (384, 5.06%) and Science of the Total Environment (345, 4.55%) published the most articles. The Chinese Academy of Science (485) is the organization that has contributed the most to the total number of publications. Furthermore, based on a keyword co-word analysis with Vosviewer and CitesSpace, it was concluded that the applications of phytoremediation and biochar in the remediation of heavy metals in soil are current research hotspots. Additionally, future research should focus on repair mechanisms, the development of new repair technology and joint repair systems.
Performance Evaluation of Particulate Matter and Indoor Microclimate Monitors in University Classrooms under COVID-19 Restrictions
Authors: Predescu Laurentiu , Dunea Daniel
Published: July 2021

Optical monitors have proven their versatility into the studies of air quality in the workplace and indoor environments. The current study aimed to perform a screening of the indoor environment regarding the presence of various fractions of particulate matter (PM) and the specific thermal microclimate in a classroom occupied with students in March 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic) and in March 2021 (during pandemic) at Valahia University Campus, Targoviste, Romania. The objectives were to assess the potential exposure of students and academic personnel to PM and to observe the performances of various sensors and monitors (particle counter, PM monitors, and indoor microclimate sensors). PM1 ranged between 29 and 41 μg m−3 and PM10 ranged between 30 and 42 μg m−3. It was observed that the particles belonged mostly to fine and submicrometric fractions in acceptable thermal environments according to the PPD and PMV indices. The particle counter recorded preponderantly 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 micron categories. The average acute dose rate was estimated as 6.58 × 10−4 mg/kg-day (CV = 14.3%) for the 20–40 years range. Wearing masks may influence the indoor microclimate and PM levels but additional experiments should be performed at a finer scale.
What Impacts Perceived Stress among Canadian Farmers? A Mixed-Methods Analysis
Authors: Hagen Briana N. M. , Sawatzky Alex , Harper Sherilee L. , O’Sullivan Terri L. , Jones-Bitton Andria
Published: July 2021

Globally, farmers report high levels of occupational stress. The purpose of this study was to identify and explore factors associated with perceived stress among Canadian farmers. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used. An online cross-sectional national survey of Canadian farmers (n = 1132) was conducted in 2015–2016 to collect data on mental health, demographic, lifestyle, and farming characteristics; stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale. A multivariable linear regression model was used to investigate the factors associated with perceived stress score. Qualitative interviews (n = 75) were conducted in 2017–2018 with farmers and agricultural sector workers in Ontario, Canada, to explore the lived experience of stress. The qualitative interview data were analyzed via thematic analysis and then used to explain and provide depth to the quantitative results. Financial stress (highest category—a lot: (B = 2.30; CI: 1.59, 3.00)), woman gender (B = 0.55; CI: 0.12, 0.99), pig farming (B = 1.07; CI: 0.45, 1.69), and perceived lack of support from family (B = 1.18; CI: 0.39, 1.98) and industry (B = 1.15; CI: 0.16–2.14) were positively associated with higher perceived stress scores, as were depression and anxiety (as part of an interaction). Resilience had a small negative association with perceived stress (B = −0.04; CI: −0.06, −0.03). Results from the qualitative analysis showed that the uncertainty around financial stress increased perceived stress. Women farmers described the unique demands and challenges they face that contributed to their overall stress. Results from this study can inform the development of mental health resources and research aimed at decreasing stress among Canadian farmers.
ACT Up TIL Now: The Evolution of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Adoptive Cell Therapy for the Treatment of Solid Tumors
Authors: Hulen Thomas Morgan , Chamberlain Christopher Aled , Svane Inge Marie , Met Özcan
Published: July 2021

The past decades of cancer immunotherapy research have provided profound evidence that the immune system is capable of inducing durable tumor regression. Although many commercialized anti-cancer immunotherapies are available to patients, these treatment options only scrape the surface of the potential immune-related treatment possibilities for cancer. Additionally, many individuals are ineligible for established immunotherapies due to their cancer type. The adoptive cell transfer of autologous tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has been used in humans for over 30 years to treat metastatic melanoma, and continued modifications are making it increasingly more effective against other types of cancer. This comprehensive review outlines this therapy from its infancy through to the present day, bringing to light modifications and optimizations to the traditional workflow, as well as highlighting the influence of new methods and technologies.
Overview of Radiological Studies on Visualization of Gubernaculum Tracts of Permanent Teeth
Authors: Oda Masafumi , Nishida Ikuko , Habu Manabu , Takahashi Osamu , Tsurushima Hiroki , Otani Taishi , Yoshiga Daigo , Saeki Katsura , Tanaka Tatsurou , Wakasugi-Sato Nao , Matsumoto-Takeda Shinobu , Nagasaki Yutaro , Miyamoto Ikuya , Kito Shinji , Sasaguri Masaaki , Morimoto Yasuhiro
Published: July 2021

The eruption pathway from the dental follicle to the gingiva for permanent teeth is known as the gubernaculum tract (GT), a physiologic structure thought to play a role in tooth eruption. Cone beam computed tomography and multi-detector computed tomography have recently been used to visualize the GT, with the results indicating that this structure might be related to the normal eruption of teeth. By contrast, curved and/or constricted GTs may lead to abnormal tooth eruption. In addition, complex odontomas have been reported from within the GT or dental sac of unerupted permanent teeth. If an odontoma occurs within the GT, the tooth will not erupt normally. Moreover, the imaging characteristics of the GT from the top of the odontogenic mass to the alveolar crest are extremely useful for making a differential pathological diagnosis and for differentiating between odontogenic and non-odontogenic masses. Therefore, radiological studies on the GT have been attracting increasing attention. Given this background, the present review aims to clarify the imaging characteristics and review recent studies on the GT considering the importance of the research.
Applying the FFP Approach to Wider Land Management Functions
Authors: Kelm Kathrine , Antos Sarah , McLaren Robin
Published: July 2021

The initial focus of implementing the Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration (FFPLA) methodology was to address the significant, global security of tenure divide. We argue that this land tenure methodology is proving successful in scaling up the provision of security of tenure for developing countries. The increasing adoption of the FFPLA methodology has also opened opportunities and provided flexibility for the innovative use of emerging technologies to accelerate the global roll out of security of tenure, such as the use of autonomous drones and machine learning techniques applied to image analysis. Despite wider adoption of participatory approaches to the recording of land tenure, similar FFP solutions for the other components of land administration services (land value, land use and land development) and land management functions are still evolving. This article therefore explores how the FFP approach can be applied to this wider set of land administration services and land management functions. A case study methodology, using three case studies, is used to determine if the case study approaches meet the FFP criteria. The focus is on the urban environment, drawing mostly from experiences and case studies in the Urban, Disaster Risk Management, Resilience & Land Global Practice of the World Bank. These opportunities for the wider application of the FFP approach and associated principles are being triggered by the innovative use of emerging new data capture technology developments. The paper examines the innovative use of these emerging technologies to identify a common set of data capture techniques and geospatial data that can be shared across a range of urban land administration and management activities. Finally, the paper discusses how individual land projects could be integrated into a more holistic land administration and management program approach and deliver a significant set of socio-economic benefits more quickly. It is found that the FFP approach can be more widely adopted across land administration and land management and in many cases can share a common set of geospatial data. The authors argue that the wider adoption and integration of these new, innovative FFP urban management approaches will require a significant cultural, professional, and institutional change from all stakeholders. Future work will explore more deeply these institutional weaknesses, which will provide a basis for guidance to the World Bank and similar institutions.
Effective Sorption of Europium Ions by Interpolymer System Based on Industrial Ion-Exchanger Resins Amberlite IR120 and AB-17-8
Authors: Jumadilov Talkybek , Khimersen Khuangul , Malimbayeva Zamira , Kondaurov Ruslan
Published: July 2021

The research is aimed at checking the impact of a remote interaction phenomenon on growth of sorption properties of ion-exchange resins during sorption of europium ions. Industrial ion exchangers Amberlite IR120 and AB-17-8 were selected as objects for the study. Investigation was undertaken using the following physico-chemical methods of analysis: conductometry, pH-metry, colorimetry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and atomic emission spectroscopy. Remote interaction of the initial ion exchangers in the interpolymer system leads to their transition into highly ionized state due to formation of optimal conformation. Found that high ionization areas of Amberlite IR120 and AB-17-8 are the molar ratios Amberlite IR120:AB-17-8 = 4:2 and 1:5. The remote interaction effect provides significant increase of the following sorption properties: sorption degree, polymer chain binding degree, effective dynamic exchange capacity. A strong increase of the sorption properties (average increase for all time of remote interaction is over 50%) in the interpolymer system Amberlite IR120-AB-17-8 was observed with individual polymer structures of Amberlite IR120 and AB-17-8. The remote interaction phenomenon can be successfully used for effective modification of industrial ion exchangers for sorption of rare-earth metals.
The Effect of Various Si/Al, Na/Al Molar Ratios and Free Water on Micromorphology and Macro-Strength of Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer
Authors: Wang Hongguang , Wu Hao , Xing Zhiqiang , Wang Rui , Dai Shoushuai
Published: July 2021

The current work aimed to explore the effect of Na/Al ratios of 0.43, 0.53, 0.63, 0.73, 0.83, and 0.93, using NaOH to alter the molar ratio, on the mechanical properties of a geopolymer material, with fixing of the Si/Al molar ratio. While fixing the Na/Al molar ratio, alteration of the Si/Al ratios to 1.7, 1.75, 1.8, 1.85, 1.9, 1.95 was used, with silica fume and sodium silicate as a silica corrector. The influence on the micromorphology and macro-strength of samples was characterized through SEM, EDS, and compressive strength characterization methods. The results show that Si/Al and Na/Al molar ratios play a significant role in the microstructure and mechanical behavior of MK-based geopolymers, and revealed that the optimal molar Si/Al and Na/Al ratios for attaining maximum mechanical strength in geopolymers are 1.9 and 0.73, respectively. Under various Si/Al ratios, the macro-strength of the geopolymer mainly relies on the formation of NASH gel, rather than zeolites or silicate derivatives. The appropriate Na/Al molar ratio can contribute to the geopolymerization, but a ultra-high Na/Al molar ratio caused a high alkali state that destroyed the microstructure of the geopolymers. Regardless of the amount of water contained in the initial geopolymer raw material, the water content of Si/Al = 1.65 and Si/Al = 1.75 after curing for 10 days was almost the same, and the bound water content of the final geopolymer was maintained at about 15%. Structural water exists in geological polymer gels in the form of a chemical structure. It has effects on the structural performance strength, while free water affects the volume stability of the geological polymer. Overall, the current work provides a perspective on the elemental composition analysis, combined with the molecular structure and micromorphology, to explore the mechanical performance of geopolymers.
Curing Assessment of Concrete with Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Ptacek Lisa , Strauss Alfred , Hinterstoisser Barbara , Zitek Andreas
Published: July 2021

The curing of concrete significantly influences the hydration process and its strength development. Inadequate curing leads to a loss of quality and has a negative effect on the durability of the concrete. Usually, the effects are not noticed until years later, when the first damage to the structure occurs because of the poor concrete quality. This paper presents a non-destructive measurement method for the determination of the curing quality of young concrete. Hyperspectral imaging in the near infrared is a contactless method that provides information about material properties in an electromagnetic wavelength range that cannot be seen with the human eye. Laboratory tests were carried out with samples with three different curing types at the age of 1, 7, and 27 days. The results showed that differences in the near infrared spectral signatures can be determined depending on the age of the concrete and the type of curing. The data was classified and analyzed by evaluating the results using k-means clustering. This method showed a high level of reliability for the differentiation between the different curing types and concrete ages. A recommendation for hyperspectral measurement and the evaluation of the curing quality of concrete could be made.
What the Aftermath of the Global Pandemic Will Mean for Neurologists
Authors: Rutovic Stela , Volevach Ekaterina , Maršálková Hana , Fumagalli Ana Isabel , Corea Francesco
Published: July 2021

The emergence of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a widespread public health impact, thus causing a significant socioeconomic burden [...]
Impact of a Geriatric Intervention to Improve Screening and Management of Undernutrition in Older Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Results of the ANC Stepped-Wedge Trial
Authors: Gilbert Thomas , Bernard Lorraine , Alexandre Marine , Bin-Dorel Sylvie , Villeneuve Laurent , Decullier Evelyne , Bonnefoy Marc ,   ANC Working Group
Published: July 2021

Almost two in three patients who are aged 75 years and older and scheduled for surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) are undernourished. Despite evidence that perioperative nutritional management can improve patients outcomes, international guidelines are still insufficiently applied in current practice. In this stepped-wedge cluster-randomized study of five surgical hospitals, we included 147 patients aged 70 years or older with scheduled abdominal surgery for CRC between October 2013 and December 2016. In the intervention condition, an outreach team comprising a geriatrician and a dietician visited patients and staff in surgical wards to assist with the correct application of guidelines. Evaluation, diagnosis, and prescription (according to nutritional status) were considered appropriate and strictly consistent with guidelines in 39.2% of patients in the intervention group compared to only 1.4% in the control group (p = 0.0002). Prescription of oral nutritional supplements during the perioperative period was significantly improved (41.9% vs. 4.1%; p < 0.0001). However, there were no benefits of the intervention on surgical complications or adverse events. A possible benefit of hospital stay reduction will need to be confirmed in further studies. This study highlights the importance of the implementation of quality improvement interventions into current practice for the perioperative nutritional management of older patients with CRC.
Mechanisms of Anticancer Activity of a Fatty Acid Mixture Extracted from Hen Egg Yolks Enriched in Conjugated Linoleic Acid Diene (CLA) against WM793 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Domagała Dominik , Leszczyńska Teresa , Koronowicz Aneta , Domagała Barbara , Drozdowska Mariola , Piasna-Słupecka Ewelina
Published: July 2021

The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) diene is a biologically active compound with proven health-promoting effects. In terms of anticancer properties, it has been shown that CLA reduces the proliferation of cancer cells. In this study, it has been demonstrated that a mixture of fatty acids, isolated from chicken egg yolk enriched in CLA isomers by biofortification, reduces (by 30.5%) the proliferation of human melanoma cancer cells line WM793 to a greater extent than a mixture of fatty acids not containing these isomers. At the same time, the tested fatty acid mixtures show no effect on human normal BJ fibroblast cells. For the first time, the genes with increased expression have been identified and the proteins have been activated by the fatty acid mixture of CLA-enriched egg yolk, mainly responsible for mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis.
Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Mid-Upper Arm Muscle Circumference Can Be Used to Detect Low Muscle Mass in Clinical Practice
Authors: Gort-van Dijk Dorienke , Weerink Linda B.M. , Milovanovic Milos , Haveman Jan-Willem , Hemmer Patrick H.J. , Dijkstra Gerard , Lindeboom Robert , Campmans-Kuijpers Marjo J.E.
Published: July 2021

Identification of low muscle mass becomes increasingly relevant due to its prognostic value in cancer patients. In clinical practice, mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are often used to assess muscle mass. For muscle-mass assessment, computed tomography (CT) is considered as reference standard. We investigated concordance between CT, BIA, and MAMC, diagnostic accuracy of MAMC, and BIA to detect low muscle mass and their relation with the clinical outcome malnutrition provided with the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG-SGA SF). This cross-sectional study included adult patients with advanced esophageal and gastrointestinal cancer. BIA, MAMC, and PG-SGA-SF were performed. Routine CT-scans were used to quantify psoas muscle index (PMI) and skeletal muscle area. Good concordance was found between CTPMI and both BIAFFMI (fat free mass index) (ICC 0.73), and BIAASMI (appendicular skeletal muscle index) (ICC 0.69) but not with MAMC (ICC 0.37). BIAFFMI (94%), BIAASMI (86%), and MAMC (86%) showed high specificity but low sensitivity. PG-SGA-SF modestly correlated with all muscle-mass measures (ranging from −0.17 to −0.43). Of all patients with low muscle mass, 62% were also classified with a PG-SGA-SF score of ≥4 points. Although CT remains the first choice, since both BIA and MAMC are easy to perform by dieticians, they have the potential to be used to detect low muscle mass in clinical practice.
Vitamin D Level Trajectories of Adolescent Patients with Anorexia Nervosa at Inpatient Admission, during Treatment, and at One Year Follow Up: Association with Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Föcker Manuel , Timmesfeld Nina , Bühlmeier Judith , Zwanziger Denise , Führer Dagmar , Grasemann Corinna , Ehrlich Stefan , Egberts Karin , Fleischhaker Christian , Wewetzer Christoph , Wessing Ida , Seitz Jochen , Herpertz-Dahlmann Beate , Hebebrand Johannes , Libuda Lars
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: Evidence has accumulated that patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency than healthy controls. In epidemiologic studies, low 25(OH) vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were associated with depression. This study analyzed the relationship between 25(OH)D serum levels in adolescent patients and AN and depressive symptoms over the course of treatment. (2) Methods: 25(OH)D levels and depressive symptoms were analyzed in 93 adolescent (in-)patients with AN from the Anorexia Nervosa Day patient versus Inpatient (ANDI) multicenter trial at clinic admission, discharge, and 1 year follow up. Mixed regression models were used to analyze the relationship between 25(OH)D levels and depressive symptoms assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). (3) Results: Although mean 25(OH)D levels constantly remained in recommended ranges (≥50 nmol/L) during AN treatment, levels decreased from (in)patient admission to 1 year follow up. Levels of 25(OH)D were neither cross-sectionally, prospectively, nor longitudinally associated with the BDI-II score. (4) Conclusions: This study did not confirm that 25(OH)D levels are associated with depressive symptoms in patients with AN. However, increasing risks of vitamin D deficiency over the course of AN treatment indicate that clinicians should monitor 25(OH)D levels.
Exploring the Views of Dentists and Dental Support Staff Regarding Multiple Caries in Children
Authors: Richards Wayne , Filipponi Teresa , Coll Anne-Marie , Ameen Jamal
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the reasons for multiple caries in children from the viewpoint of clinical practice, namely General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) and their teams, to identify obstacles to reducing inequalities in caries experience. The context of the research is the distribution of dental caries in UK communities where disease prevalence correlates with deprivation and these sub-groups are not attending for dental care on a regular basis. A focus group of dentists, along with individual interviews with dentists and dental support staff were chosen to explore the perceptions of GDPs, Dental Therapists, and Dental Nurses. The content analysis of the data highlighted six main themes. These included sugar, in terms of the amount, availability and the marketing of it; socioeconomic associations with dental caries experience; the dentists’ role; the National Health Service (NHS) dental contract in terms of time-constraints in meeting targets and finally, the management of the child with multiple caries. This research suggests that there are possible barriers to the delivery of equitable care to populations. These include availability and access to GDPs along with the perceptions held by GDPs. Training aimed to develop a targeted behavioural approach towards deprived sub-groups is required in order to avoid unintended social exclusion.
Pharmacokinetic Comparison between Methotrexate-Loaded Nanoparticles and Nanoemulsions as Hard- and Soft-Type Nanoformulations: A Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approach
Authors: Jeong Seung-Hyun , Jang Ji-Hun , Lee Yong-Bok
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to identify and explore the differences in pharmacokinetics between different nanoformulations. This was done by comparing the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate-loaded nanoparticles [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); size of 163.70 ± 10.25 nm] and nanoemulsions (olive oil and Labrasol; size of 173.77 ± 5.76 nm), which represent hard- and soft-type nanoformulations, respectively. In addition, the population pharmacokinetic modeling approach as a useful tool for the comparison of pharmacokinetics between nanoformulations was newly proposed through this study. Significant pharmacokinetic differences were identified between nanoformulations through the new population pharmacokinetic modeling approach. As a result, the formulation type was explored as a significant covariate. The clearance and bioavailability of methotrexate-loaded nanoemulsions tended to decrease by 99% and increase by 19%, respectively, compared to those of the nanoparticles. The exploration of significant pharmacokinetic differences between drug formulations and their correlations presented in this study provide new perspectives on the development of nanoformulations.
Intelligent Recognition Method of Low-Altitude Squint Optical Ship Target Fused with Simulation Samples
Authors: Liu Bo , Xiao Qi , Zhang Yuhao , Ni Wei , Yang Zhen , Li Ligang
Published: July 2021

To address the problem of intelligent recognition of optical ship targets under low-altitude squint detection, we propose an intelligent recognition method based on simulation samples. This method comprehensively considers geometric and spectral characteristics of ship targets and ocean background and performs full link modeling combined with the squint detection atmospheric transmission model. It also generates and expands squint multi-angle imaging simulation samples of ship targets in the visible light band using the expanded sample type to perform feature analysis and modification on SqueezeNet. Shallow and deeper features are combined to improve the accuracy of feature recognition. The experimental results demonstrate that using simulation samples to expand the training set can improve the performance of the traditional k-nearest neighbors algorithm and modified SqueezeNet. For the classification of specific ship target types, a mixed-scene dataset expanded with simulation samples was used for training. The classification accuracy of the modified SqueezeNet was 91.85%. These results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.