bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twenty-four-hour time-use composition and cognitive function in older adults: cross-sectional findings of the ACTIVate study
Authors: Mellow Maddison L. , Dumuid Dorothea , Wade Alexandra T. , Stanford Ty , Olds Timothy S. , Karayanidis Frini , Hunter Montana , Keage Hannah A. D. , Dorrian Jillian , Goldsworthy Mitchell R. , Smith Ashleigh E.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep are associated with cognitive function in older adults. However, these behaviours are not independent, but instead make up exclusive and exhaustive components of the 24-h day. Few studies have investigated associations between 24-h time-use composition and cognitive function in older adults. Of these, none have considered how the quality of sleep, or the context of physical activity and sedentary behaviour may impact these relationships. This study aims to understand how 24-h time-use composition is associated with cognitive function across a range of domains in healthy older adults, and whether the level of recreational physical activity, amount of television (TV) watching, or the quality of sleep impact these potential associations.

Methods

384 healthy older adults (age 65.5 ± 3.0 years, 68% female, 63% non-smokers, mean education = 16.5 ± 3.2 years) participated in this study across two Australian sites (Adelaide, n = 207; Newcastle, n = 177). Twenty-four-hour time-use composition was captured using triaxial accelerometry, measured continuously across 7 days. Total time spent watching TV per day was used to capture the context of sedentary behaviours, whilst total time spent in recreational physical activity was used to capture the context of physical activity (i.e., recreational accumulation of physical activity vs. other contexts). Sleep quality was measured using a single item extracted from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Cognitive function was measured using a global cognition index (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III) and four cognitive domain composite scores (derived from five tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery: Paired Associates Learning; One Touch Stockings of Cambridge; Multitasking; Reaction Time; Verbal Recognition Memory). Pairwise correlations were used to describe independent relationships between time use variables and cognitive outcomes. Then, compositional data analysis regression methods were used to quantify associations between cognition and 24-h time-use composition.

Results

After adjusting for covariates and false discovery rate there were no significant associations between time-use composition and global cognition, long-term memory, short-term memory, executive function, or processing speed outcomes, and no significant interactions between TV watching time, recreational physical activity engagement or sleep quality and time-use composition for any cognitive outcomes.

Discussion

The findings highlight the importance of considering all activities across the 24-h day against cognitive function in older adults. Future studies should consider investigating these relationships longitudinally to uncover temporal effects.
The effect of ketamine on cognition, anxiety, and social functioning in adults with psychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marchi Mattia , Magarini Federica Maria , Galli Giacomo , Mordenti Federico , Travascio Antonio , Uberti Daniele , De Micheli Edoardo , Pingani Luca , Ferrari Silvia , Galeazzi Gian Maria
Published: November 2022

Background

It has been shown that ketamine can improve suicidality and depression. Evidence for other dimensions of psychopathology is lacking. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the effect of ketamine on cognition, anxiety, quality of life, and social functioning in adults with psychiatric disorders.

Methods

PubMed (Medline), Scopus, PsycINFO, and EMBASE were searched up to April 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ketamine [or its S (+) enantiomer] reporting data on cognition, anxiety, quality of life, social functioning in adults with psychiatric disorders were included. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for summarizing continuous outcomes.

Results

Twenty-two reports were included in the final selection, of which 20, corresponding to 1,298 participants, were included in the quantitative synthesis. Affective disorders were the predominant diagnostic category. Median follow-up time was 21 days. The evidence was rated moderate to very low. In most trials, ketamine was administered intravenously or as adjuvant to electro-convulsant therapy (ECT). Only 2 trials of intranasal esketamine were identified. The effect of ketamine on depression was confirmed (SMD: −0.61 [95% CI: −1.06; −0.16]). Furthermore, by pooling results of 6 RCTs, ketamine may be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms (SMD: −0.42 [95% CI: −0.84; 0.003]), particularly when administered not within ECT (5 trials; SMD: −0.58 [95% CI: −1.07; −0.09]). However, there was moderate heterogeneity of results. Patients treated with ketamine also had an improvement in social functioning (SMD: −0.31 [95% CI: −0.52; −0.10]), although the estimate was based only on 2 studies. No difference to comparators was found with respect to cognition and quality of life.

Conclusion

Alongside the antidepressant effect, ketamine may also improve anxiety and social functioning in adults with affective disorders.
A double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial of hydrogen inhalation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Okada Masahiro , Ogawa Hideo , Takagi Taro , Nishihara Eriko , Yoshida Tadashi , Hyodo Jun , Shinomori Yusuke , Honda Nobumitsu , Fujiwara Takashi , Teraoka Masato , Yamada Hiroyuki , Hirano Shin-ichi , Hato Naohito
Published: November 2022

Background

Hydrogen (H2) has been reported to be effective in reducing hearing loss due to several causes in animal studies. However, no study has examined the effectiveness of H2 in treating hearing loss in humans. Thus, we investigated whether H2 is effective for the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

Materials and methods

We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial at six hospitals between June 2019 and March 2022. The study protocol and trial registration have been published in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT, No. jRCTs06119004). We randomly assigned patients with ISSNHL to receive either H2 (H2 group) or air as a placebo (control group) through inhalation combined with the administration of systemic glucocorticoids and prostaglandin E1. The primary outcome was the hearing threshold and changes in hearing threshold 3 months after therapy. In contrast, the secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients with a good prognosis (complete recovery or marked improvement).

Results

Sixty-five patients with ISSNHL (31 and 34 in the H2 and control groups, respectively) were included in this study. The hearing threshold 3 months after treatment was not significantly different between the groups; 39.0 decibels (dB) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.7–49.3) and 49.5 dB (95% CI: 40.3–58.7) in the H2 and control groups, respectively. In contrast, the changes in hearing threshold 3 months after treatment was 32.7 dB (95% CI: 24.2–41.3) and 24.2 dB (95% CI: 18.1–30.3) in the H2 and control groups, respectively. Consequently, the changes in hearing threshold were significantly better in the H2 group than in the control group (P = 0.048). However, no adverse effects due to the inhalation of H2 gas have been reported.

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of H2 for the treatment of ISSNHL in humans. The results suggest that H2 therapy may be effective for ISSNHL treatment.

Clinical trial registration

[https://jrct.niph.go.jp/re/reports/detail/10442], identifier [jRCTs06119004].
A pilot study of contrast-enhanced electrical impedance tomography for real-time imaging of cerebral perfusion
Authors: Zhang Yuyan , Ye Jian’an , Jiao Yang , Zhang Weirui , Zhang Tao , Tian Xiang , Shi Xuetao , Fu Feng , Wang Liang , Xu Canhua
Published: November 2022

Background

Real-time detection of cerebral blood perfusion can prevent adverse reactions, such as cerebral infarction and neuronal apoptosis. Our previous clinical trial have shown that the infusion of therapeutic fluid can significantly change the impedance distribution in the brain. However, whether this alteration implicates the cerebral blood perfusion remains unclear. To explore the feasibility of monitoring cerebral blood perfusion, the present pilot study established a novel cerebral contrast-enhanced electrical impedance tomography (C-EIT) technique.

Materials and methods

Rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: the internal carotid artery non-occlusion (ICAN) and internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) groups. Both of groups were injected with glucose, an electrical impedance-enhanced contrast agent, through the right internal carotid artery under EIT monitoring. The C-EIT reconstruction images of the rabbits brain were analyzed according to the collected raw data. The paired and independent t-tests were used to analyze the remodeled impedance values of the left and right cerebral hemispheres within and between studied groups, respectively. Moreover, pathological examinations of brain were performed immediately after C-EIT monitoring.

Results

According to the reconstructed images, the impedance value of the left cerebral hemisphere in the ICAN group did not change significantly, whereas the impedance value of the right cerebral hemisphere gradually increased, reaching a peak at approximately 10 s followed by gradually decreased. In the ICAO group, the impedance values of both cerebral hemispheres increased gradually and then began to decrease after reaching the peak value. According to the paired t-test, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the remodeling impedance values between the left and right hemispheres in the ICAN group, and there was also a significant difference (P < 0.001) in the ICAO group. According to the independent t-test, there was a significant difference (P < 0.001) of the left hemispheres between the ICAN and ICAO groups.

Conclusion

The cerebral C-EIT proposed in this pilot study can reflect cerebral blood perfusion. This method has potential in various applications in the brain in the future, including disease progression monitoring, collateral circulation judgment, tumor-specific detection, and brain function research.
Pharmaceutical and pharmacological studies of Shen Ma Yi Zhi granule for prevention of vascular dementia: A review
Authors: Chang Su-rui , Liu Jian-gang , Li Hao , Liu Mei-xia , Shi Dan-dan , Zhou Li-juan
Published: November 2022

Background: With dementia significantly increasing hospitalization and disability rates, worldwide aging of the population presents major challenges to public health. The majority of cases of cognitive dysfunction among the elderly, however, are characterized by an identifiable, preventable and treatable vascular component. As such, increased study of preventative methods in the context of dementia is warranted. Traditional Chinese medicine compounds have been reported to be neuroprotective and improve cognitive function via a variety of mechanisms. Shen Ma Yi Zhi granule (SMYZG) is one such collection of compounds that has been proven clinically effective. Pharmacological mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and clinical applications of SMYZG have been previously studied using a variety of vascular dementia animal models. SMYZG activates and regulates four main signaling pathways relevant to vascular dementia including the AMPK/PPARα/PGC-1α/UCP2, Nrf2/HO-1, HIF-1/VEGF/Notch, and VEGF/Flk-1/p8 MAPK pathways. Furthermore, SMYZG influences anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant stress responses, reverses demyelination of brain white matter and vascular endothelium, regulates pericyte function and normalizes mitochondrial metabolism. Neuroprotective effects of SMYZG, as well as those promoting regeneration of vascular endothelium, have also been reported in studies of rat models of vascular dementia. Future research concerning SMYG is warranted for development of vascular dementia preventative management strategies.
Neuroprotective effect of Src kinase in hypoxia-ischemia: A systematic review
Authors: Christidis Panagiotis , Vij Abhya , Petousis Stamatios , Ghaemmaghami Javid , Shah Bhairav V. , Koutroulis Ioannis , Kratimenos Panagiotis
Published: November 2022

Background

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the application of therapeutic hypothermia has improved neurodevelopmental outcomes for some survivors of HIE, this lone treatment option is only available to a subset of affected neonates. Src kinase, an enzyme central to the apoptotic cascade, is a potential pharmacologic target to preserve typical brain development after HIE. Here, we present evidence of the neuroprotective effects of targeting Src kinase in preclinical models of HIE.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive literature search using the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database to compile studies examining the impact of Src kinase regulation on neurodevelopment in animal models. Each eligible study was assessed for bias.

Results

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria, and most studies had an intermediate risk for bias. Together, these studies showed that targeting Src kinase resulted in a neuroprotective effect as assessed by neuropathology, enzymatic activity, and neurobehavioral outcomes.

Conclusion

Src kinase is an effective neuroprotective target in the setting of acute hypoxic injury. Src kinase inhibition triggers multiple signaling pathways of the sub-membranous focal adhesions and the nucleus, resulting in modulation of calcium signaling and prevention of cell death. Despite the significant heterogeneity of the research studies that we examined, the available evidence can serve as proof-of-concept for further studies on this promising therapeutic strategy.
Determinants of stunting in children aged between 6–23 months in Musanze region, Rwanda
Authors: Umwali Nadine , Kunyanga Catherine Nkirote , Kaindi Dasel Wambua Mulwa
Published: November 2022

Under-nutrition causes approximately half of all deaths in young children every year globally which is exacerbated by the multiple malnutrition burden. Infant and young child feeding practices pose immediate effects on the nutrition status of under 2 years aged children and greatly influence the survival of a child. This study aimed at determining the implication of the infant and young child feeding practices in evaluating stunting in young children among other stunting risk factors. Analytical cross-section study was carried out in Musanze, a district of Rwanda and involved 241 mothers having children aged between 6 and 23 months. Data was collected using a validated semi-structured questionnaire with observations and check list guides. Chi-square test and logistic regressions were used to determine the associations and risk factors of various variables. The results show that minimum meal frequency (MMF) was attained at 83% rate, minimum dietary diversity (MDD) at 57%, minimum acceptable diet (MAD) at 53% with consumption of iron rich foods at 29%. Stunting prevalence was 28%. The MAD had a significant (p = 0.021) association with height-for-age Z-score of a child and was found to be the stunting's predictor. The child's sex, consumption of animal sourced foods, child underweight status and income type were revealed as other stunting risk factors. A holistic approach that promotes infant and young child feeding practices and complementary feeding in particular can contribute to the alleviation of the stunting burden in Rwanda. Further, other associated factors that influence child nutrition status should be taken into consideration by the policy decision makers and development partners when developing food and nutrition sensitive programs and interventions.
Applications of T1 and T2 relaxation time calculation in tissue differentiation and cancer diagnostics—a systematic literature review
Authors: Micek Marta , Aebisher David , Surówka Justyna , Bartusik-Aebisher Dorota , Madera Michał
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The purpose of this review was to summarize current applications of non-contrast-enhanced quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) in tissue differentiation, considering healthy tissues as well as comparisons of malignant and benign samples. The analysis concentrates mainly on the epithelium and epithelial breast tissue, especially breast cancer.

Methods

A systematic review has been performed based on current recommendations by publishers and foundations. An exhaustive overview of currently used techniques and their potential in medical sciences was obtained by creating a search strategy and explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results and Discussion

PubMed and Elsevier (Scopus & Science Direct) search was narrowed down to studies reporting T1 or T2 values of human tissues, resulting in 404 initial candidates, out of which roughly 20% were found relevant and fitting the review criteria. The nervous system, especially the brain, and connective tissue such as cartilage were the most frequently analyzed, while the breast remained one of the most uncommon subjects of studies. There was little agreement between published T1 or T2 values, and methodologies and experimental setups differed strongly. Few contemporary (after 2000) resources have been identified that were dedicated to studying the relaxation times of tissues and their diagnostic applications. Most publications concentrate on recommended diagnostic standards, for example, breast acquisition of T1- or T2-weighted images using gadolinium-based contrast agents. Not enough data is available yet to decide how repeatable or reliable analysis of relaxation times is in diagnostics, so it remains mainly a research topic. So far, qMRI might be recommended as a diagnostic help providing general insight into the nature of lesions (benign vs. malignant). However, additional means are generally necessary to differentiate between specific lesion types.
In vivo modelling of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: The role of SOCS1
Authors: Luo Yixin , Vermeer Maarten H. , de Gruijl Frank R. , Zoutman Willem H. , Sluijter Marjolein , van Hall Thorbald , Tensen Cornelis P.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common type of Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma (CTCL), is characterized by an inflamed skin intermixed with proliferating malignant mature skin-homing CD4+ T cells. Detailed genomic analyses of MF skin biopsies revealed several candidate genes possibly involved in genesis of these tumors and/or potential targets for therapy. These studies showed, in addition to common loss of cell cycle regulator CDKN2A, activation of several oncogenic pathways, most prominently and consistently involving JAK/STAT signaling. SOCS1, an endogenous inhibitor of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, was identified as a recurrently deleted gene in MF, already occurring in the earliest stages of the disease.

Methods

To explore the mechanisms of MF, we create in vivo mouse models of autochthonous CTCLs and these genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMS) can also serve as valid experimental models for targeted therapy. We describe the impact of allelic deletion of Socs1 in CD4 T cells of the skin. To achieve this, we crossed inducible Cre-transgenic mice in the CD4 lineage with transgenic mice carrying floxed genes of Socs1. We first determined optimal conditions for Socs1 ablation with limited effects on circulating CD4 T-cells in blood. Next, we started time-course experiments mimicking sustained inflammation, typical in CTCL. FACS analysis of the blood was done every week. Skin biopsies were analyzed by immunocytochemical staining at the end of the experiment.

Results

We found that the Socs1 knockout transgenic group had thicker epidermis of treated skin compared with the control group and had more CD3 and CD4 in the skin of the transgenic group compared to the control group. We also noted more activation of Stat3 by staining for P-Stat3 in Socs1 knockout compared to wt CD4+T cells in the skin. The results also indicated that single copy loss of Socs1 in combination with sustained inflammation is insufficient to start a phenotype resembling early stage mycosis fungoides within eight weeks in these mice.

Conclusion

In sum, we developed and optimized an autochthonous murine model permitting selective knockout of Socs1 in skin infiltrating CD4 T-cells. This paves the way for more elaborate experiments to gain insight in the oncogenesis of CTCL.
Innovation in BCMA CAR-T therapy: Building beyond the Model T
Authors: Banerjee Rahul , Lee Sarah S. , Cowan Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

Autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) have revolutionized the field of multiple myeloma in the same way that the Ford Model T revolutionized the original CAR world a century ago. However, we are only beginning to understand how to improve the efficacy and usability of these cellular therapies. In this review, we explore three automotive analogies for innovation with BCMA CAR-T therapies: stronger engines, better mileage, and hassle-free delivery. Firstly, we can build stronger engines in terms of BCMA targeting: improved antigen binding, tools to modulate antigen density, and armoring to better reach the antigen itself. Secondly, we can improve “mileage” in terms of response durability through ex vivo CAR design and in vivo immune manipulation. Thirdly, we can implement hassle-free delivery through rapid manufacturing protocols and off-the-shelf products. Just as the Model T set a benchmark for car manufacturing over 100 years ago, idecabtagene vicleucel and ciltacabtagene autoleucel have now set the starting point for BCMA CAR-T therapy with their approvals. As with any emerging technology, whether automotive or cellular, the best in innovation and optimization is yet to come.
Sellar masses: diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Al-Bader Dana , Hasan Alya , Behbehani Raed
Published: November 2022

Sellar mases can cause a variety of neuro-ophthalmic manifestations, including compressive optic neuropathy, chiasmal syndrome, and ophthalmoplegia due to cranial nerve palsy. Diagnosis involves a thorough history, neuro-ophthalmic examination, and ancillary tests and investigations. Visual field testing is critical in diagnosing and localizing the lesion and determining the extent of visual field loss. Appropriate neuro-imaging is essential in characterizing and localizing the lesion. Neuro-ophthalmologic assessment include meticulous clinical examination and ancillary tests including,visual field testing, which is useful in localizing the lesion, and optical coherence tomography, which is helpful in assessing the degree of axonal and neuronal loss and predicting the visual outcome. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach by different specialties, including radiologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and neurosurgeons. The two primary treatment modalities for these tumors are surgery and radiation therapy. We review the main types of sellar lesions, their neuro-ophthalmologic evaluation, and treatment options.
Data-driven electrical conductivities of dense plasmas
Authors: Murillo Michael S.
Published: November 2022

A wide range of theoretical and computational models have been developed to predict the electrical transport properties of dense plasmas, in part because dense plasma experiments explore order-of-magnitude excursions in temperature and density; in experiments with mixing, there may also be excursions in stoichiometry. In contrast, because high pressures create transient and heterogeneous plasmas, data from experiments that isolate transport are relatively rare. However, the aggregate of our datasets continues to increase in size and plays a key role in the validation of transport models. This trend suggests the possibility of using the data directly to make predictions, either alone or in combination with models, thereby creating a predictive capability with a controllable level of agreement with the data. Here, such a data-driven model is constructed by combining a theoretical model with extant data, using electrical conductivity as an example. Discrepancy learning is employed with a theoretical model appropriate for dense plasmas over wide ranges of conditions and a dataset of electrical conductivities in the solid to expanded warm dense matter regimes. The resulting discrepancy is learned via a radial basis function neural network. Regularization of the network is included through centers chosen with silhouette scores from k-means clustering. The covariance properties of each cluster are used with a scaled Mahalanobis distance metric to construct anisotropic basis functions for the network. The scale is used as a hyperparameter that is used to optimize prediction quality. The resulting predictions agree with the data and smoothly transition to the theoretical model away from the data. Detailed appendices describe the electrical conductivity model and compare various machine-learning methods. The electrical conductivity data and a library that yields the model are available at GitHub.
V˙O2 kinetics and tethered strength influence the 200-m front crawl stroke kinematics and speed in young male swimmers
Authors: Sokołowski Kamil , Bartolomeu Raul Filipe , Barbosa Tiago Manuel , Strzała Marek
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between the fast component of oxygen consumption developed in 1-min V˙O2 and force indices both measured in tethered swimming test and to assess the influence of the gathered indices on speed and swimming kinematics in 200-m front crawl race.

Methods: Forty-eight male swimmers (aged 13.5 ± 0.9 years old) participated in this study. Testing included 1) 1-min all-out front crawl tethered swimming while oxygen consumption (breath by breath) and tethered forces were measured, 2) 200-m front crawl race-like swimming featuring kinematic analysis, and 3) biological age (BA) examination.

Results: During the 1-min all-out tethered swimming test, a linear increase in oxygen consumption was observed. There were moderate to high partial correlations between particular periods of seconds in the 1-min V˙O2: 31–60, 41–60, and 51–60 and Fmax, Fave, and Iave of tethered swimming, while 41–60 and 51–60 V˙O2 were moderately to highly interrelated with all the swimming speed indices and SI. The swimming speed indices significantly interplayed with SL, SI, Fmax, Fave, and Iave. Partial correlations were computed with BA control.

Conclusion: The ability of reaching a high level of V˙O2 fast is essential for a swimmer’s energy production at short- and middle-distance events. Reaching a high level of V˙O2 significantly determines tethered strength and swimming kinematics. The level of V˙O2 influences the maintenance of a proper pulling force and the stroke technique of front crawl swimming in young male swimmers.
Possible molecular mechanisms of persistent pollen tube growth without de novo transcription
Authors: Motomura Kazuki , Sugi Naoya , Takeda Atsushi , Yamaoka Shohei , Maruyama Daisuke
Published: November 2022

The vegetative cell nucleus proceeds ahead of a pair of sperm cells located beneath the pollen tube tip during germination. The tip-localized vegetative nucleus had been considered to play a pivotal role in the control of directional pollen tube growth and double fertilization. However, we recently reported the female-targeting behavior of pollen tubes from mutant plants, of which the vegetative nucleus and sperm nuclei were artificially immotile. We showed that the apical region of the mutant pollen tubes became physiologically enucleated after the first callose plug formation, indicating the autonomously growing nature of pollen tubes without the vegetative nucleus and sperm cells. Thus, in this study, we further analyzed another Arabidopsis thaliana mutant producing physiologically enucleated pollen tubes and discussed the mechanism by which a pollen tube can grow without de novo transcription from the vegetative nucleus. We propose several possible molecular mechanisms for persistent pollen tube growth, such as the contribution of transcripts before and immediately after germination and the use of persistent transcripts, which may be important for a competitive race among pollen tubes.
The role of nanoparticles in plant biochemical, physiological, and molecular responses under drought stress: A review
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , Li Huijie , Tahir Majid M. , Mahmood Athar , Nawaz Muhammad , Shah Adnan Noor , Aslam Muhammad Talha , Negm Sally , Moustafa Mahmoud , Hassan Muhammad Umair , Wu Ziming
Published: November 2022

Drought stress (DS) is a serious challenge for sustaining global crop production and food security. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as an excellent tool to enhance crop production under current rapid climate change and increasing drought intensity. DS negatively affects plant growth, physiological and metabolic processes, and disturbs cellular membranes, nutrient and water uptake, photosynthetic apparatus, and antioxidant activities. The application of NPs protects the membranes, maintains water relationship, and enhances nutrient and water uptake, leading to an appreciable increase in plant growth under DS. NPs protect the photosynthetic apparatus and improve photosynthetic efficiency, accumulation of osmolytes, hormones, and phenolics, antioxidant activities, and gene expression, thus providing better resistance to plants against DS. In this review, we discuss the role of different metal-based NPs to mitigate DS in plants. We also highlighted various research gaps that should be filled in future research studies. This detailed review will be an excellent source of information for future researchers to adopt nanotechnology as an eco-friendly technique to improve drought tolerance.
Intuitive eating in Greek-Cypriot adults: Influence of gender and body mass
Authors: Argyrides Marios , Anastasiades Elly
Published: November 2022

Introduction

To date, research on eating behaviors has largely taken a pathological approach. Researchers are increasingly taking a positive approach to explore adaptive eating styles. One such style that has recently received much research attention is intuitive eating. Recent work examining intuitive eating and its relationships with body mass and gender has yielded mixed findings. The current study explored the differential effects of gender and body mass on intuitive eating scores in a sample of Greek-Cypriot adults.

Method

A total of 1,312 adult participants (women n = 655; Mage = 34.49) completed the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 and provided demographic information.

Results

Our analyses revealed that men reported significantly higher intuitive eating scores than women. Body mass was significantly inversely associated with intuitive eating in both men and women. Additionally, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated significant interaction effects between gender and body mass on intuitive eating. These interaction effects were explored for each of the four subscales of intuitive eating, identifying differential associations for intuitive eating and BMI between men and women.

Discussion

Both gender and body mass are important factors which influence intuitive eating levels in Greek-Cypriot adults. Discussions of how these findings can inform future research, theory and practice are presented.
The effects of lexical frequency and homophone neighborhood density on incomplete tonal neutralization
Authors: Bi Yifei , Chen Yiya
Published: November 2022

We investigated the effects of lexical frequency and homophone neighborhood density on the acoustic realization of two neutralizing falling tones in Dalian Mandarin Chinese. Monosyllabic morphemes containing the target tones (Tone 1 and Tone 4) were produced by 60 native speakers from two generations (middle-aged vs. young). The duration of tone-bearing syllable rhymes, as well as the F0 curves and velocity profiles of the lexical tones were quantitatively analyzedvialinear mixed-effects modeling and functional data analysis. Results showed no durational difference between T1 and T4. However, the F0 contours of the two falling tones were incompletely neutralized for both young and middle-aged speakers. Lexical frequency showed little effect on the incomplete tonal neutralization; there were significant differences in the turning point of the two falling tones in syllables with both high and low lexical frequency. However, homophone neighborhood density showed an effect on the incomplete neutralization between the two falling tones, reflected in significant differences in the slope and turning point of the F0 velocity profiles between the two tones carried by syllables with low density but not with high density. Moreover, homophone neighborhood density also affected the duration, the turning point of F0 curves, and velocity profiles of the T1- and T4-syllables. These results are discussed with consideration of social phonetic variations, the theory of Hypo- and Hyper-articulation (H&H), the Neighborhood Activation Model, and communication-based information-theoretic accounts. Collectively, these results broaden our understanding of the effects that lexical properties have on the acoustic details of lexical tone production and tonal sound changes.
Salivary oxytocin in autistic patients and in patients with intellectual disability
Authors: Pichugina Yulia A. , Maksimova Irina V. , Berezovskaya Marina A. , Afanaseva Natalya A. , Pichugin Aleksey B. , Dmitrenko Diana V. , Timechko Elena E. , Salmina Alla B. , Lopatina Olga L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Assessing the role of oxytocin (OT) in the regulation of social interaction is a promising area that opens up new opportunities for studying the mechanisms of developing autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Aim

To assess the correlation between the salivary OT level and age-related and psychopathological symptoms of children with intellectual disability (ID) and ASD.

Methods

We used the clinical and psychopathological method to assess the signs of ASD based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), the severity of ASD was specified by the selected Russian type version “Childhood Autism Rating Scale” (CARS). Patients of both groups had an IQ score below 70 points.

Results

The median and interquartile range of salivary OT levels in patients with ID and ASD were 23.897 [14.260–59.643] pg/mL, and in the group ID without ASD - Me = 50.896 [33.502–83.774] pg/mL (p = 0.001). The severity of ASD on the CARS scale Me = 51.5 [40.75–56.0] score in the group ID with ASD, and in the group ID without ASD—at the level of Me = 32 [27.0–38.0] points (p < 0.001). According to the results of correlation-regression analysis in the main group, a direct correlation was established between salivary OT level and a high degree of severity of ASD Rho = 0.435 (p = 0.005). There was no correlation between the salivary OT level and intellectual development in the group ID with ASD, Rho = 0.013 (p = 0.941) and we have found a relationship between oxytocin and intellectual development in the group ID without ASD, Rho = 0.297 (p = 0.005). There was no correlation between salivary OT and age, ASD and age.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that patients in the group ID with ASD demonstrated a lower level of salivary OT concentration and a direct relationship between the maximum values of this indicator and the severity of autistic disorders, in contrast to patients in the group ID without ASD.
Relationship between social support and schizophrenia relapse among patients with schizophrenia on follow-up at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A case-control study
Authors: Samuel Tinbete , Nigussie Kabtamu , Mirkena Yohannes , Azale Telake
Published: November 2022

Background

Severe mental illnesses affect about 4% of the adult population worldwide. The illness is highly related to the relapse rate and can cause cognitive, social, and functional deterioration in patients. While there are some factors that are known to be protective of the occurrence of relapse in schizophrenia, having good social support is found to be one of the strongest factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the association between relapse and poor social support in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

With unmatched case-control (case—patients with schizophrenia with poor social support and controls—patients with schizophrenia with good social support), the study included 408 patients with schizophrenia on a follow-up at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital from March to May; 2020. The convenience sampling technique was used to draw the participants. Social support was assessed by the Oslo social support scale (Oslo-3), whereas Family Emotional Involvement and Criticism Scale and Medication Adherence Rating Scale-10 (MARS-10) were used to assess the emotion expressed and adherence to medication, respectively. Epidemiological Information (Epi Info) version 7 was used for data coding and entry, which were then exported to the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 for analysis. Unconditioned binary logistic regression analysis and bivariate correlation analysis were carried out.

Results

Out of 408 samples, 396 participants, of which 194 were cases and 202 were controls, were included in the study with a response rate of 97.06%. The mean and standard deviation (SD) age of the participants was 36.06 ± 9.842 years. From 194 cases, 61.1% of them were reported to have poor social support. In multiple logistic regression, only social support was found to be statistically significant [p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.102, confidence interval (CI) (95%) = (1.985–4.848)]. Hence, the odds of having relapse were 3.102 higher in those who have poor social support when compared to those with good social support. Emotional involvement, financial problems, and stressful life events were found to indirectly affect relapse by having a negative correlation with social support.

Conclusion

The present study showed that there was a relationship between relapse and social support, and this indicates that social support can be a good predictor of schizophrenia relapse. The caregivers and clinicians of the patients should increase their support to the patients, while hospitals with mental health services have to encourage formation of better social support for the patients, including psychosocial interventions which will be performed to enhance the social support system.
Multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension and coronary heart disease in middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Li Mingzhuo , Zhou Miao , Yang Yang , Liu Yafei , Yin Chaonan , Geng Wenting , Wang Chunxia , Tang Fang , Zhao Yang , Xue Fuzhong , Sun Xiubin , Yuan Zhongshang
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension and assess their association with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.

Methods

The study cohort comprised 4,102 individuals aged 40–75 years with records of at least four systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). A group-based multi-trajectory model was adopted to identify multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension, followed by a logistic model to assess the independent associations between these trajectories and CHD risk. The multinomial logistic model was used to evaluate the impact of baseline covariates on trajectory groups.

Results

Six distinct trajectories for systolic and diastolic hypertension were identified which represent distinct stages of hypertension and were characterized as low-stable, low-increasing, medium-decreasing, medium-increasing-decreasing, isolated systolic hypertension phase, and high-decreasing. Compared with the low-stable group, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were 2.23 (1.34–3.70) for the medium-increasing-decreasing group and 1.87 (1.12–3.11) for the high-decreasing group after adjustment for baseline covariates. Compared with the low-increasing group, the ORs and 95% CIs were 1.88 (1.06–3.31) for the medium-increasing-decreasing group. Age, gender, drinking, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride (TG), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were independent predictors for trajectory groups 4 and 6.

Conclusion

Novel, clinically defined multi-trajectories of systolic and diastolic hypertension were identified. Middle-aged and older adults with medium-increasing-decreasing or high-decreasing blood pressure trajectories are potentially critical periods for the development of CHD. Preventing adverse changes in hypertension status and reducing the high risk of CHD is necessary for people in distinct trajectory groups.
Analysis of the gut microbiome in obese native Tibetan children living at different altitudes: A case–control study
Authors: Du Wenqi , Liu Linxun , Ma Yan , Zhu Qinfang , Jia Ruhan , Han Ying , Wu Ziyi , Yan Xin , Ailizire Ainiwaer , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

Objective

To explore the relationship between intestinal flora and obesity in Tibetan children at different altitudes.

Methods

Using16S rRNA gene sequencing results and blood lipid metabolism indexes to study the characteristics of the intestinal flora present in faeces and changes in blood lipid metabolism in obese children in Tibet who reside at different altitudes and to study correlations between blood lipid metabolism indicators and the intestinal flora composition.

Results

The results showed the following. (a) The triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the obesity groups were higher than those in the normal-weight groups, and those in the high-altitude obesity groups were lower than those in the low-altitude obesity groups. (b) The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that altitude affected the composition and relative abundance of the gut microbiota. These parameters were basically the same among the low-altitude groups, while they were significantly lower in the high-altitude groups than in the low-altitude groups. (c) Groups that lived at different altitudes and had different body weights had different dominant bacterial genera. Megamonas was closely related to obesity, and its relative abundance in the low-altitude groups was higher than that in the high-altitude groups. Prevotella was associated with altitude, and its relative abundance in the high-altitude groups was higher than that in the low-altitude groups. In addition, Prevotella elicited changes in the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. The lower prevalence of obesity and incidence of intestinal inflammation in those living at high altitudes were related to the abundance of Prevotella. (d) There were correlations between the gut microbiota composition and lipid metabolism indicators. The abundance of Romboutsia was positively correlated with TG and LDL-C levels but negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The abundance of Akkermansia was negatively correlated with LDL-C levels, and the abundance of Blautia was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and LDL-C levels.

Conclusions

The intestinal flora diversity varied by body weight and altitude, with lower diversity in those at higher altitudes and with lower body weights. Prevotella likely plays a role in suppressing obesity at high altitudes.
Optimal diagnostic fever thresholds using non-contact infrared thermometers under COVID-19
Authors: Lai Fan , Li Xin , Liu Tianjiao , Wang Xin , Wang Qi , Chen Shan , Wei Sumei , Xiong Ying , Hou Qiannan , Zeng Xiaoyan , Yang Yang , Li Yalan , Lin Yonghong , Yang Xiao
Published: November 2022

Fever screening is an effective method to detect infectors associated with different variants of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on the fact that most infectors with COVID-19 have fever symptoms. Non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) are widely used in fever screening. Nevertheless, authoritative data is lacking in defining “fever” at different body surface sites when using NCITs. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal diagnostic threshold for fever screening using NICTs at different body surface sites, to improve the accuracy of fever screening and provide theoretical reference for healthcare policy. Participants (n = 1860) who were outpatients or emergency patients at Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital were recruited for this prospective investigation from March 1 to June 30, 2021. NCITs and mercury axillary thermometers were used to measure neck, temple, forehead and wrist temperatures of all participants. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to reflect the accuracy of NCITs. Linear correlation analysis was used to show the effect of age on body temperature. Multilinear regression analysis was used to explore the association between non-febrile participant's covariates and neck temperature. The mean age of participants was 3.45 ± 2.85 years for children and 28.56 ± 7.25 years for adults. In addition 1,304 (70.1%) participants were children (≤12), and 683 (36.7%) were male. The neck temperature exhibited the highest accuracy among the four sites. Further the optimal fever diagnostic thresholds of NCITs at the four body surface measurement sites were neck (36.75 °C, sensitivity: 0.993, specificity: 0.858); temple (36.55 °C, sensitivity: 0.974, specificity: 0.874); forehead (36.45 °C, sensitivity: 0.961, specificity: 0.813); and wrist (36.15 °C, sensitivity: 0.951, specificity: 0.434). Based on the findings of our study, we recommend 36.15, 36.45, 36.55, and 36.75 °C as the diagnostic thresholds of fever at the wrist, forehead, temple and neck, respectively. Among the four surface sites, neck temperature exhibited the highest accuracy.
Role of polycystic ovarian syndrome in developing psychological burden in Saudi Arabian females: A case control study
Authors: Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Alhomrani Majid , Alsanie Walaa F. , Almuqbil Mansour , Alqarni Khawlah M. , Alshehri Saleh M. , Abdulaziz Osama , Salih Magdi M. , Raafat Bassem M. , Alamri Abdulwahab , Alomar Nasser Fawzan , Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin
Published: November 2022

It is well known that polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may elevate psychological problems in patients, but there is a scarcity of the studies among Saudi Arabian population. This research was designed to investigate the influence of PCOS on the development of psychological load in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress in comparison to normal women who have no PCOS. Further, a correlation of psychological distress in PCOS females was done with their educational level. This is case-control research carried out in one of Riyadh's multispecialty hospitals. In the PCOS patients and control groups (each with 84 samples), samples were collected using convenience sampling and a simple random approach, respectively. The psychological burden was determined using DASS-21. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS-IBM 25. Most participants (52.9%) were between the ages of 26 and 35 and had a university education (68.4%). A significantly higher percentage of PCOS patients (P = 0.001) had irregular menses, hirsutism, infertility, and acne in comparison to the mothers without PCOS. There was a significantly higher possibility of depression (P = 0.003), anxiety (P = 0.016), and stress (P = 0.001) among PCOS patients than in control subjects. Among the psychological domain tested in the study, the risk of developing stress (odds ratio, OR = 8.32) was high when compared to depression (OR = 3.12) and anxiety (OR = 2.127) in PCOS patients. Furthermore, when compared to PCOS females with less education, a significantly lower number of university-educated PCOS females developed depression. The study demonstrates a high prevalence of psychological burden among the PCOS population. Higher education has been shown to help in alleviating depression in PCOS females. Meeting PCOS women's psychological needs will improve their overall health status.