bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Dosage Regimen of Meropenem in Patients Undergoing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Soyoung , Yang Seungwon , Hahn Jongsung , Jang June Young , Min Kyoung Lok , Wi Jin , Chang Min Jung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPatients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) therapy often require antibiotics to prevent and treat infections. Our objective was to determine an optimal dosage regimen of meropenem in patients receiving VA ECMO by developing a population pharmacokinetic model.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study. Blood samples were collected during ECMO (ECMO-ON) and after ECMO (ECMO-OFF). The population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. A Monte Carlo simulation was used (n=10,000) to assess the probability of target attainment.ResultsThirteen adult patients on ECMO receiving meropenem were included. Meropenem pharmacokinetics was best fitted by a two-compartment model. Covariate analysis indicated that continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was negatively correlated with clearance (CL). The final pharmacokinetic model was: CL (L/h) = 3.79 × 0.44CRRT; where use of CRRT = 1, no CRRT = 0, central volume of distribution (L) = 2.4, peripheral volume of distribution (L) = 8.56, and intercompartmental clearance (L/h) = 21.3. According to the simulation results, 1–2 g q8h intravenous administration over 20 min was sufficient in patients without CRRT for both susceptible (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 2 mg/L) and resistant (MIC = 8 mg/L) pathogens, regardless of ECMO use (40% fT>MIC target). However, if more aggressive treatment is needed (100% fT>MIC target), dose increment or extended infusion is recommended.ConclusionsWe established a population pharmacokinetic model for meropenem in patients receiving VA ECMO and suggested an optimal dosage regimen. These results should improve treatment success and survival in VA ECMO patients. Clinicaltrials.gov registration # NCT02581280
Comparison of Biometry Traits, Chemical and Fatty Acid Composition of Wild and Farmed Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus Labrax)
Authors: Tarricone Simona , Cagnetta Prospero , Jambrenghi Anna Caputi , Ragni Marco 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sea bass is a fish widely produced, consumed and appreciated in Italy. Its intensive rearing system provide the consumption of valuable fish to wider population. Thanks to the use of an appropriate feed is possible to obtain reared sea bass richer in total lipid with a majority presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as n-3 and n-6 families. A total of 75 specimens of European sea bass from three different origins (two farmed and one wild) were considered, 25 fish from each origin. Biometry traits were valuated as the chemical and fatty acid composition of fillets. Biometric indices, chemical composition and fatty acid profile resulted significantly affected by the rearing system. Fishes from the Intensive rearing system (IRS) showed the highest value of relative profile and condition factor; higher content of lipid and total n-6 that influenced the n-3/n-6 ratio and the atherogenic index; values that make their meats very healthy and indicated for human consumption as the wild fishes.
A Blended Empirical Shot Stream Velocity Model for Improvement of Shot Peening Production
Authors: NGUYEN VAN BO , Teo Augustine , Ba Te , Aramcharoen Ampara , Ahluwalia Kunal , Kang Chang Wei 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Peening intensity and coverage are vital measurement outputs to quantify the quality of a peening process in surface enhancement operation of metal parts. In practice, these parameters can only be measured offline upon process completion, which are not suitable for online tracking and operation. Instead, shot stream velocity can be used as a real-time monitoring parameter to bridge operational inputs to the outputs. As such, a robust and accurate shot stream velocity model is needed for real-time tracking. In this study, we propose a blended practical model for shot stream velocity to address the issues. The model is constructed using regression algorithm based on the blended candidate functions, which are developed from experimental data and nature of the particle-air flow inside the system. Obtained model is validated against experimental data for different conditions. Calculated velocities are in good agreement with the measurements. In addition, applications of the model in predicting the shot stream velocity for different peen types, different peening intensities and coverages. The obtained results are comparable to the measurement data. Furthermore, a single-input and single-output model-based control is developed from proposed shot stream velocity model. The developed control system is robust, accurate and reliable. It implies that the developed model can be used to provide necessary information as well as in optimal process control development to improve and accelerate the peening processes to reduce cost and time of actual productions.
Enhancing Environmental Sustainability Through Corporate Governance: The Merger and Acquisition Perspective
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Yuan Zhipan , DING Shusheng , Cui Tianxiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Environmental sustainability may be perceived as conflicting with economic development. Economic activities such as merger and acquisitions can contribute to resource allocation optimization, where corporate governance plays an important role in advancing environmental sustainability. Our study broadens the investigation of whether merger and acquisitions are helpful for sustainable environmental development. We attempt to reveal the mechanism by which merger and acquisitions affect sustainable development: namely, through corporate governance. Results: By employing panel data for Chinese listed companies, we reveal that merger and acquisitions have a significant positive influence on environmental sustainability. In particular, the study documents a mediating effect of corporate governance. We argue that merger and acquisitions can trigger company reorganizations and thus optimize firm structure, resulting in better corporate governance. This effect, in turn, can enhance company management in several aspects, including sustainable environmental development. Therefore, we conclude that the government can improve corporate governance by promoting board reorganizations via mergers and acquisitions, leading to better environmental sustainability. Conclusions: This paper can inspire future research avenues by shedding light on how economic development and environment sustainability can be harmonized through better corporate governance. It can also deliver research implications on corporate governance studies through merger and acquisitions.
Soil biotic and abiotic characteristics as driven factors for site quality of Araucaria angustifolia plantations
Authors: Souza Tancredo , Dobner Mário , Schmitt Djalma Eugênio , Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues da , Niemeyer Júlia Carina , Schneider Ketlin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The role of soil biotic and abiotic factors in crucial ecosystem services such as primary production, organic matter dynamics, nutrient cycling, and soil biota community structure in the Araucaria ecosystem remains poorly quantified. We aimed to quantify the role of site quality on the development of organic horizons, root growth, soil chemical properties, and the entire soil biota community in even-aged and monospecific Araucaria angustifolia plantations.
Methods
We collected and dissected soil monoliths to describe layers of organic matter and the complex soil food web into these layers. We determined soil pH, soil moisture, total nitrogen, available P, and total organic carbon into each layer (litter, F-layer, H-layer, and A horizon), the biomass of fine roots, the community structure of soil biota, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and nematodes, as well as the microbial biomass carbon.
Results
In the high-productivity site, there was significantly higher organic matter formation, nutrient cycling (N and P), root growth, soil moisture, soil biota diversity, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, nematodes, and microbial activity evaluated by the microbial biomass carbon compared to the low-productivity site.
Conclusions
High-productivity sites promote the development of organic horizons, root growth on superficial layers that provide plant nutrient release, the A horizon nutrient contents, and the entire soil biota community in monospecific Araucaria angustifolia plantations located on humid subtropical Cambisols. This creates a positive plant-soil feedback that maintains soil quality and increases primary production, nutrient cycling, and habitat and food for the soil food web.
An Initial Experience and Usefulness of Porcine Acellular Dermal Matrix (PADM) Assisted Prepectoral Breast Implant Surgery: Case Series and Systematic Review
Authors: Song Woo Jin , Sim Hyung Bo , Jeong Hyun Gyo , Kang Sang Gue 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: We report our experience with performing prepectoral placement breast implant surgery using Supporix TM (HansBiomed, Korea), a porcine acellular dermal matrix (PADM), for cosmetic and reconstructive indications. The clinical efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of PADM were also discussed. Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was designed from December 2017 to December 2019. The participants were Korean female patients who had PADM-assisted prepectoral breast implant surgery performed by two surgeons (S.G.K. & H.B.S.). All complications were registered and analyzed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the complication rates after PADM-assisted prepectoral breast implant surgery were conducted for comparison with other studies. Subgroup analysis was performed in three groups according to the operation type: the cosmetic breast surgery (CBS) group, the immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IIBR) group, and the delayed implant-based breast reconstruction (DIBR) group. Results: A total of 20 breasts in 16 patients were included in our study with a median follow-up period of 8.25 months. In a systematic review, 20 publications with a total of 2,504 breasts in 1,921 females were quantitively analyzed. The overall complication rates in our study and other studies were 14% and 24% in total group analysis, 0% and 12% in the CBS group, 62% and 26% in the IIBR group, and 0% and 28% in the DIBR group, respectively.Conclusion: Our data support the effectiveness of PADM-assisted prepectoral breast implant surgery, which was comparable to other studies. PADM was effective for reducing seroma and hematoma in the revision CBS group and the DIBR group. In the IIBR group, it was helpful in preventing implant loss and explantation.
Enhancing Resonance Imaging Sensitivity and Upconversion Emission of Gd-based Nanoscale Coordination Polymers by Combination With Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Xiao Chen , Change Tuck Yun , Li Yin , Xu Hualan , Zhong Shengliang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Nanoscale coordination polymers (NCPs) are attracting increasing research interest due to their highly tailorable structure, feasible functionality and promising application in various fields, especially in biomedical applications, they are excellent contrast agents for bioimaging, biosensing and clinical diagnosis. Currently, to overcome the low relaxation rate and unitary information of magnetic resonance imaging, the design of multifunction contrast agent is critical and challenging. Herein, a new Au nanoparticles/Gd-based coordination polymer (Au@GdCP) composite nanoparticles have been fabricated by a facile hydrothermal methodology. The Au@GdCP exhibit excellent magnetic resonance, bright upconversion luminescence (UC) and good biocompatibility. More importantly, with the introduction of Au nanoparticles, the magnetization and longitudinal relaxation rate (r1) of the nanocomposite is enhanced significantly, with 131.6-fold from 5.19 emu/g to 683.52 emu/g and 11.5 fold from 0.248 mM–1S–1 to 2.853 mM–1S–1 enhancement, respectively, as well as better UC property over GdCPs. This work may offer a new way to develop multifunctional NCPs with enhanced performance in image-guided diagnosis and therapy.
A simple algorithm for selecting cases to investigate acute and early HIV infections in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: MATSUDA ELAINE MONTEIRO , Ahagon Cintia Mayumi , Coelho Luana Portes Ozório , Campos Ivana Barros , Colpas Daniela Rodrigues , Campos Norberto Camilo , López-Lopes Giselle Ibete Silva , Silva Valeria Oliveira , de Oliviera Isabela Penteriche , Brígido Luis Fernando de Macedo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We documented the outcome of an over 10-year effort to diagnose acute and early HIV infections (AEHI) in an Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic with limited resources. Of a total of 132 cases, 119 HIV-RNA tests were performed from 2017–2020, 12 cases were identified, using a simple algorithm: risk exposure of six weeks or less before the visit and/or symptoms compatible with acute retroviral syndrome 7–30 days after exposure and/or undetermined 3rd generation rapid diagnostic test or serology. AEHI diagnoses varied from 2.4% among asymptomatic to 25% for undetermined serology cases using a simple screening applicable to different settings.
Simultaneous Optimization of Even Flow and Land and Timber value in Forest Planning: A Continuous Approach
Authors: González-González José Mario , Vázquez-Méndez Miguel Ernesto , Diéguez-Aranda Ulises 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Forest management planning involves deciding which silvicultural treatment should be applied to each stand and at what time to best meet the objectives established for the forest. For this, many mathematical formulations have been proposed, both within the linear and non-linear programming frameworks, in the latter case generally considering integer variables in a combinatorial manner. We present a novel approach for planning the management of forests comprising single-species, even-aged stands, using a continuous, multi-objective formulation (considering economic and even flow) which can be solved with gradient-type methods.Results: The continuous formulation has proved robust in forest with different structures and different number of stands. The results obtained show a clear advantage of the gradient-type methods over heuristics to solve the problems, both in terms of computational time (efficiency) and in the solution obtained (effectiveness): their improvement increases drastically with the dimension of the problem (number of stands). Conclusions: It is advisable to rigorously analyze the mathematical properties of the objective functions involved in forest management planning models. The continuous bi-objective model proposed in this paper works with smooth enough functions and can be efficiently solved by using gradient-type techniques, does not require to set management prescriptions in advance, and avoids the division of the planning horizon into periods, providing better solutions than the traditional combinatorial formulations. The graphical display of trade-off information allows a posteriori articulation of preferences in an intuitive way, therefore being a very interesting tool for the decision-making process in forest planning.
Relationship between serum total testosterone and prostate volume in aging men
Authors: Xia Bo-Wen , Zhao Si-Cong , Chen Zong-Ping , Chen Chao , Liu Tian-Shu , Yang Fan , Yan Yong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives
Total testosterone levels decline with age, while prostate volume and the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia increase with age. We sought to investigate the correlation of serum testosterone levels with prostate volume in aging men.
Materials and methods
We analyzed clinical data obtained from 416 ostensibly healthy men who underwent routine health check-ups and recruited and collected data from these subjects 4 years later. We analyzed the correlation between prostate volume and relevant factors, as well as the correlation between changes in prostate volume and low testosterone over a 4-year period.
Results
Men with low testosterone had significantly larger prostate volume than those in the normal testosterone group (26.86 ± 8.75 vs 24.06 ± 6.77 p = 0.02), and subjects with low testosterone had significantly higher levels of obesity-related factors, including waist circumference, body mass index, and insulin (all p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, testosterone level was negatively correlated with prostate volume (p = 0.004), and prostate volume and 4-year changes in prostate volume were associated with low testosterone. With increased testosterone level, prostate volume showed a significant linear decreasing trend.
Conclusion
These findings provide evidence of the relationship between testosterone and prostate volume. Additional large studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
Effects of Simultaneous Reinforcement of Endocannabinoid and Cholinergic Systems on Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Shahidi Siamak , Dindar Asghar , Komaki Alireza , Sadeghian Reihaneh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveAnxiety behavior is regulated by different neurotransmitter systems. There has been no direct relationship between endocannabinoid and cholinergic systems on anxiety in previous studies. This study investigated the effects of each of these systems separately and simultaneously using Donepezil (Cholinesterase inhibitor) and URB-597 (endocannabinoid degrading enzyme inhibitor) on anxiety-like behavior. MethodEighty-eight male mice were divided into eleven groups (n=8) including control (saline), diazepam (0.3 mg /kg), URB-597 (0.1, 0.3, or 1 mg /kg), donepezil (0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg) and the combination of the two drugs at low, medium and high doses. All treatments were injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before the elevated plus maze test. ResultsSeparate administration of URB597, donepezil or diazepam increased the number and time spent of open arms compared to the control group. Concurrent administration of URB and donepezil at low, medium and high doses did not change the number of open arms entries compared to the control group, but they reduced the number of entries to the closed arms. ConclusionsThese results suggest that strengthening any cholinergic or endocannabinoid system has anxiolytic effect similar to diazepam. However, the interaction of these two systems has fewer anxiolytic effects compared to the effects of each alone. It seems that these drugs alone may represent a strategy for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
An analysis of social participation and depression in middle-aged and senior citizens in China: A fixed-effect analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaoqun , Hua Zhongsheng , Zhu Xiaoli 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Social activities has been suggested to prevent for depression for middle-aged and senior citizens for a long time. However, researchers failed to reach an agreement on the influence of formal and informal social activities on depression for both males and females. This study aimed to investigate the difference between these two types of social activities on depressive symptoms in middle-aged and senior citizens for both males and females in China.
Methods
Based on activity theory, social activities are classified into formal social activities and informal social activities according to the degree of intensity and intimacy. A total of 8610 participants from an 8-year period of the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2018) were analyzed using fixed-effect analysis. 10-item center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to measure depression symptoms for middle-aged and senior citizens.
Results
The average depression score for women and men are 9.235 and 7.141, respectively. There was a significant negative relationship between participating in informal social activities and depression scores. Moreover, the coefficient of informal social activities for men are significantly higher than women.
Conclusion
Only informal social activities can reduce depressive symptoms middle-aged and senior citizens. The effects of informal social participation on depression are different between men and women among middle-aged and senior citizens. Middle-aged and senior women are more likely to be depressed, but men can benefit more from informal social activities.
Design and modelling of all-optical NAND gate using metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides based Mach- Zehnder Interferometers for high-speed information processing
Authors: Swarnakar Sandip , Reddy Siva Koti , Harijan Ramanand , Kumar Santosh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
All the basic logic gates play a major role in carrying out the mathematical computation. The drawbacks of conventional electronics are alleviated by all-optical integrated circuits with a great application of high-speed computing and information processing. In this paper, plasmonic metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides have an excellent property of propagating the surface plasmons beyond the diffraction limit up to deep sub-wavelength scale. All-optical NAND gate design is optimized by using MIM plasmonic waveguide-based Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZIs) in the footprint of 36 µm × 8 µm that works at 1.55 µm operating wavelength. The better performance of the proposed device is achieved, such as the extinction ratio is 10.55 dB, insertion loss is obtained as 0.506 dB, and response time is 262 ps. The proposed design is verified by using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique and further analysis are carried out by mathematical computation and MATLAB simulation results.
Patients Harboring Uncommon EGFR Exon 19 Deletion-insertion Mutations Respond Well to First-generation EGFR Inhibitors and Osimeritinib Upon Acquisition of T790M
Authors: Wang Yurong , Zheng Ruipan , Hu Peizhu , Zhang Ziheng , Shen Shujing , Li Xingya 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: This study is to investigate the effects and resistance mechanisms of first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients carrying rare EGFR exon 19 deletion-insertion (19delins) mutations. Methods: The next generation sequencing (NGS) data of 1783 patients diagnosed as advanced NSCLC from November 2017 to September 2020 were successively and retrospectively reviewed. 41 patients with EGFR 19delins and 41 patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion (19del) were enrolled in this study, who were given first generation EGFR TKIs as first-line therapy. Results: 17 mutation types of EGFR 19delins were identified in this study, L747_P753delinsS (10/41) and L747_A750delinsP (9/41) were the most frequent mutation types, followed by L747_T751delinsP (6/41) and E746_S752delinsV (3/41). Under the same baseline characteristics, median progression-free survival (mPFS) was similar in patients with EGFR 19delins to those with EGFR 19del (10.4 months vs. 13.1 months, p=0.1076). Interestingly, patients with L747_T751delinsP had a better mPFS than those with other variants (18.7 months vs. 13.1 months, p=0.035). No significant difference in mPFS was found among the three groups of gefitinib, icotinib, and erlotinb with 14.7 months, 10.9 months, and 13.1 months (p>0.05). After progression from ﬁrst-line EGFR TKIs, both EGFR 19delins and EGFR 19del had similar rates of developing resistance mechanisms including EGFR T790M mutation (45.8% vs. 57.8%). Patients acquiring T790M mutation received osimeritinib as second-line treatment, and the mPFS was similar between the groups of EGFR 19delins (n=8) and EGFR 19del (n=10): 12.0 months vs. 12.2 months (p=0.97). Conclusion: Our results indicate that patients with uncommon EGFR 19delins can also benefit from ﬁrst-generation EGFR TKIs treatment, having similar treatment responses and survival outcomes to those with EGFR 19del, even similar clinical outcomes from osimeritinib upon acquiring T790M resistance mutation.