bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Olfactory three-needle” acupuncture enhances synaptic function in A𝜷1-42-induced Alzheimer’s disease via activating PI3K/AKT/GSK-3𝜷 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yuan , Zheng Ani , Yang Huan , Wang Qiang , Ren Bo , Guo Ting , Qiang Jing , Cao Hui , Gao Yu-Jie , Xu Lei , Li Hui , He Ling , Liu Zhi-Bin
Published: April 2021

Synaptic dysfunction and neuronal loss are related to cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease. Recent evidence indicates that regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT/GSK-3β pathway is a therapeutic strategy for improving synaptic plasticity in Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we investigated “olfactory three-needle” effects on synaptic function and the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in β-amyloid1-42 (Aβ1-42)-induced Alzheimer’s disease rats. A three-needle olfactory bulb insertion for 28 days alleviated Aβ1-42-induced Alzheimer’s disease rats’ cognitive impairment as assessed by performance in the Morris water maze test. Furthermore, the three-needle electrode inhibited neuro-apoptosis and neuro-inflammation. It significantly upregulated the protein expression of postsynaptic density protein 95, synaptophysin, and GAP43, indicating a protective effect on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Additionally, the activation level of PI3K/AKT signaling and the phosphorylation inactivation of GSK-3β were significantly enhanced by the “olfactory three-needle”. Our findings suggested that the three-needle acupuncture is a potential alternative to improve synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival of Alzheimer’s disease brain in rodents.
c.3G>A mutation in the CRYAB gene that causes fatal infantile hypertonic myofibrillar myopathy in the Chinese population
Authors: Lu Xin-Guo , Yu Uet , Han Chun-Xi , Mai Jia-Hui , Liao Jian-Xiang , Hou Yan-Qi
Published: April 2021

Infantile hypertonic myofibrillar myopathy is characterized by the rapid development of rigid muscles and respiratory insufficiency soon after birth, with very high mortality. It is extremely rare, and only a few cases having been reported until now. Here we report four Chinese infants with fatal neuromuscular disorders characterized by abdominal and trunk skeletal muscle stiffness and rapid respiratory insufficiency progression. Electromyograms showed increased insertion activities and profuse fibrillation potentials with complex repetitive discharges. Immunohistochemistry staining of muscle biopsies showed accumulations of desmin in the myocytes. Powdery Z-bands with dense granules across sarcomeres were observed in muscle fibers using electron microscopy. All patients carry a homozygous c.3G>A mutation in the CRYAB gene, which resulted in the loss of the initiating methionine and the absence of protein. This study’s findings help further understand the disease and highlight a founder mutation in the Chinese population.
A patient with acute myeloid leukemia presented with a superior sagittal sinus thrombosis as the first manifestation of Trousseau syndrome
Authors: Bu Yi , Wei Na , Liu Yan , Han Jing-Zhe
Published: April 2021

This paper reports a case of Trousseau syndrome with intracranial venous sinus thrombosis as the first manifestation, which is relatively rare in the clinic. A 44-year-old female patient presented with a blurred vision of the visual substance for 2 months, and the condition was aggravated with a headache for 10 days. The final diagnosis was intracranial venous sinus thrombosis and acute myeloid leukemia subtype M2. Anticoagulant + intra-arterial regimen (cytarabine + igdabistar) was given, and the patient’s headache and blurred vision were gradually restored. After 2 courses of chemotherapy, acute myeloid leukemia subtype M2 was in complete remission. After 6 months of follow-up, headache and the blurred vision disappeared, leukemia did not recur, limb vascular ultrasound was screened regularly, and no new vascular embolism disease occurred.
The functional hierarchy of the task-positive networks indicates a core control system of top-down regulation in visual attention
Authors: Zhao Ping , Yu Ren-Shu , Liu Yuan , Liu Zheng-Hao , Wu Xia , Li Rui , Ding Ming-Zhou , Wen Xiao-Tong
Published: April 2021

The cingulo-opercular network (CON), dorsal attention network (DAN), and ventral attention network (VAN) are prominently activated during attention tasks. The function of these task-positive networks and their interplay mechanisms in attention is one of the central issues in understanding how the human brain manipulates attention to better adapt to the external environment. This study aimed to clarify the CON, DAN, and VAN’s functional hierarchy by assessing causal interactions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from human participants performing a visual-spatial attention task and correlating Granger causal influences with behavioral performance revealed that CON exerts behavior-enhancing influences upon DAN and VAN, indicating a higher level of CON in top-down attention control. By contrast, the VAN exerts a behavior-degrading influence on CON, indicating external disruption of the CON’s control set.
Processing neutral tone under the non-attentional condition: a mismatch negativity study
Authors: Zhou Wei-Jing , Wang Zhi-Yan , Wang Su-Wan , Zhao Lun
Published: April 2021

The neutral tone is a unique tone form in Mandarin as it distinguishes from four canonical tones or full tones on the one hand and integrates phonetic, morphological, syntactical and prosodic information on the other hand. Research to date has been focusing on its unique and variant acoustic features. However, little is known about how native Mandarin speakers process such a unique tone. In the present study, the mismatch negativity was used to explore the comparison-based pre-attentive change detection of Mandarin neutral tone. The mismatch negativity at the time window of 400-800 ms post-first-tone onset was obtained by subtracting event-related potentials to standard neutral tone from event-related potentials to a deviant natural tone. The source analysis of mismatch negativity showed the cortex generator was located at the left temporal lobe. The data suggest that Chinese native speakers process neutral tone automatically under non-attentional conditions, as revealed by the mismatch negativity data aligned with a neutral tone, and that neutral tone does exist as an automatically recognizable one in native Mandarin speakers’ tone system.
The role of mast cells in the gut and brain
Authors: Traina Giovanna
Published: April 2021

Mast cells are the major effectors in allergic reactions through degranulation and release of inflammatory, vasoactive and nociceptive mediators associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of inflammatory disorders. Mast cells are strategically positioned as gatekeepers at host/environment interfaces, like the skin, airways, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts, and their presence also in the brain allows them to act not only as sentinels of invading microorganisms but also as targets to respond to different allergens, pathogens and other dangerous agents that can be ingested, inhaled or encountered after the breakdown of the epithelial barrier. Mast cells can respond to any change in the environment by communicating with the different cells involved in the immune response and giving rise to an amplification signal network through feedback loops. They secrete both preformed mediators within minutes of stimulation and de novo synthesized molecules acting as effectors in the relationship between nervous, vascular and immune systems. For this peculiarity, mast cells are master regulators and key players of the immune system and important sources of essential and beneficial mediators with crucial roles in regulating various physiological processes.
The superior parietal lobule of primates: a sensory-motor hub for interaction with the environment
Authors: Passarelli Lauretta , Gamberini Michela , Fattori Patrizia
Published: April 2021

The superior parietal lobule of the macaque monkey occupies the postero-medial part of the parietal lobe and plays a crucial role in the integration of different sources of information (from visual, motor and somatosensory brain regions) for the purpose of high-level cognitive functions, as perception for action. This region encompasses the intraparietal sulcus and the parieto-occipital sulcus and includes also the precuneate cortex in the mesial surface of the hemisphere. It hosts several areas extensively studied in the macaque: PE, PEip, PEci anteriorly and PEc, MIP, PGm and V6A posteriorly. Recently studies based on functional MRI have suggested putative human homologue of some of the areas of the macaque superior parietal lobule. Here we review the anatomical subdivision, the cortico-cortical and thalamo-cortical connections of the macaque superior parietal lobule compared with their functional properties and the homology with human organization in physiological and lesioned situations. The knowledge of this part of the macaque brain could help in understanding pathological conditions that in humans affect the normal behaviour of arm-reaching actions and can inspire brain computer interfaces performing in more accurate ways the sensorimotor transformations needed to interact with the surrounding environment.
Vessel territory mapping after cerebral revascularization surgery using selective angiographic flat detector perfusion imaging
Authors: Zijden Thijs van der , Mondelaers Annelies , Voormolen Maurits , Yperzeele Laetitia , Menovsky Tomas
Published: April 2021

The technical feasibility and diagnostic potential of angiographic flat-detector perfusion imaging technique, combining digital subtraction angiography with a flat-detector computed tomography steady-state perfusion imaging, was explored in patients treated with direct or indirect revascularization surgery. This short communication is about an imaging modality with great potential for evaluation, comparison and grading of vascular perfusion territory areas and anatomical location selectively perfused by direct and indirect cerebral bypasses.
Punicalagin effect on total sleep deprivation memory deficit in male Wistar rats
Authors: Nasehi Mohammad , Mohammadi-Mahdiabadi-Hasani Mohammad-Hossein , Zarrindast Mohammad-Reza , Zarrabian Shahram
Published: April 2021

Sleep deprivation has deteriorating effects on cognitive functions and activation of brain inflammation mechanisms has been reported by some studies following total sleep deprivation. Some studies have reported the health benefits of punicalagin, a main abstract from Punica granatum L., including those for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant characteristic of punicalagin and the fact that sleep deprivation accelerates mediators of inflammation led us to further explore the possible neuroprotective role of punicalagin in total sleep deprivation memory impairment in a rat model. In this study, male Wistar rats were implanted with a canula in the lateral ventricle to receive intracerebroventricular injections (drug or vehicle). The animals were trained for the passive avoidance test and then received intracerebroventricular injections of different doses of punicalagin (0.001, 0.01, or 0.1 μg/rat). Then, they were placed in the sleep deprivation apparatus for 24 hours and tested afterwards for memory retrieval and locomotion. Our results indicated that 24 hours of total sleep deprivation impaired memory processes. PG microinjection before TSD did not prevent the deteriorating effect of total sleep deprivation on memory, and only showed a tendency of restoring the memory impairment. Comparison of the locomotor activity between the animals in different groups showed a significant increase in the total sleep deprivation sham groups that received two of the highest doses of punicalagin. Considering the reported beneficial actions of PG by other studies, further investigation is needed into the possible effects of PG in memory alterations.
Vitamin D, Epstein-Barr virus, and endogenous retroviruses in multiple sclerosis - facts and hypotheses
Authors: Brütting Christine , Stangl Gabriele I. , Staege Martin S.
Published: April 2021

The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains poorly understood. Presumably, MS is caused by multiple environmental, epigenetic, and genetic factors. Among them, human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and vitamin D have been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis and course of MS. Because vitamin D can affect the immune system and infections, it can be hypothesized that there is a close interplay between vitamins, EBV and ERV in the pathogenesis of MS. Here, we summarize the important data on vitamin D, including polymorphisms in genes related to vitamin D metabolism, EBV and ERV, in the pathogenesis of MS and create hypotheses regarding their interactions. Data indicate that vitamin D has a strong impact on viral infections and interferes with EBV infection, while EBV is capable of activating silent ERVs. We believe that EBV could be the missing link between vitamin D and ERV in MS pathogenesis.
Imaging in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights into echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Chacon-Portillo Martin A. , Acharya Tushar , Janardhanan Rajesh
Published: April 2021

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly prevalent and represents more than half of all heart failure cases. It is defined by the presence of heart failure signs and symptoms, identification of cardiac structural abnormalities leading to high left ventricular filling pressures, and an EF > 50%. Common imaging findings in HFpEF include left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, left atrial enlargement, and elevated pulmonary artery pressure (> 35 mm Hg). Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for diagnosing HFpEF. It can be complemented by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) when further characterization is needed. Advances like real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography and speckle-tracking derived strain, as well as tissue characterization by CMR, have furthered our understanding of the mechanisms and aided in making the diagnosis of a diverse group of conditions that can present as HFpEF. This review aims to touch upon the imaging methods of characterizing HFpEF and discuss their role in specific disease entities.
Promoting healthy lifestyles using information technology during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dixit Snehil , Nandakumar Girish
Published: April 2021

In this pandemic era there exist a relationship between a sedentary lifestyle during lockdown with periods of anxiety and stress among the population. Moreover, the population with chronic disease will be vulnerable to the ill effects of a physically inactive lifestyle. Besides, social media platforms and technological advances also appear to be another potential tool for promoting health and wellbeing, however, the capability of these interventions during the pandemic era is largely unknown. To explore the possible role of technological advances and social media platforms as an alternate tool in promoting a healthy living style during the COVID-19 era. The studies with the predefined criteria were used to synthesize information regarding the opportunities and challenges. Studies delivering lifestyle intervention using social media platforms, technologies for health promotion were considered for the review. The studies included to synthesize evidence were randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Database like Medline, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched independently by two reviewers. A total of 17 studies were included in the review, Internet and lifestyle modification n = 2, mHealth and lifestyle modification n = 3, Social media and lifestyle modifications n = 3, technology adoption for lifestyle modification n = 4, and hazards = 5. Technology and social media-based interventions appear to be a promising technique for promoting health and wellbeing and it is the only effective method for delivering an intervention during a pandemic situation. However, there also appears a need for the development of guidelines for social media usage to prevent probable hazards.
Update on coronary artery bioresorbable vascular scaffolds in percutaneous coronary revascularization
Authors: Azzi Nagi , Shatila Wassim
Published: April 2021

Coronary angioplasty was first introduced in 1977. From plain old balloon angioplasty to the introduction of bare metal stents in 1986 and dual antiplatelet therapy in 1992 to much more later on. Due to the unacceptable rate of stent restenosis, drug eluting stents (DES) were introduced in 2000. The first generation showed an increase in late stent thrombosis which led to the introduction of the second generation DES with biocompatible or biodegradable polymers and thinner platforms. However very late stent thrombosis and late restenosis might still pose problems in the latter. Furthermore, there has been major debate regarding the impact of long-term vessel caging on normal vasomotricity and long-term positive remodeling. To resolve these issues, the bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were launched into the real world in 2011, showing promising initial results. Multiple randomized trials, meta-analyses, and registries were performed, mainly with the Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold System (Abbott Vascular, Chicago, IL, USA). This new technology is hindered by certain features, such as the BVS radial strength, its strut thickness, and the inflammatory process related to scaffold degradation. Moreover, there is known data indicating higher thrombosis rate with the Absorb BVS compared with the new generation of DES, despite similar cardiovascular death. In this review, we discuss the clinical procedural and technical evidence on BVS, with emphasis on their clinical impact. We finally tackle the future directions on device and procedural improvement while asking: is the bioresorbable technology still the way to the future?
Cardiovascular complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Yu-Hao , Zhao Lei , Yang Xin-Chun , Wang Pan
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to find the association between COVID-19 and cardiovascular complications. We conducted a systematic literature search of the PubMed and Embase databases from 01 December 2019 to 30 November 2020. We then statistically analyzed the incidence of cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients. We included 3044 confirmed COVID-19 cases from 12 studies. The most common cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients were myocardial injury (21.2%, 95% CI 12.3-30.0%) and arrhythmia (15.3%, 95% CI 8.4-22.3%), followed by heart failure (14.4%, 95% CI 5.7-23.1%) and acute coronary syndrome (1.0%, 95% CI 0.5-1.5%). The pooled incidence of heart failure, arrhythmia and myocardial injury in non-survivors were 47.8% (95% CI 41.4-54.2%), 40.3% (95% CI 1.6-78.9%) and 61.7% (95% CI 46.8-76.6%), respectively. Also, the data separately showed significantly higher incidence of heart failure and cardiac injury in non-survivors (relative risks = 5.13, 95% CI 2.46-10.7, Z = 4.36, P = 0.017) and (relative risks = 6.91, 95% CI 3.19-14.95, Z = 4.91, P = 0.009). Myocardial injury and arrhythmia were the most common complications in COVID-19 patients. Myocardial injury and heart failure were more common in patients who died, regardless of a history of cardiovascular disease. The incidence of heart failure and myocardial injury were higher in non-survivors compared to the survivors. Accordingly, in addition to basic support, cardiac reactions of patients with confirmed COVID-19 with or without underlying cardiovascular diseases should be closely monitored.
The impact of COVID-19 on short-term prognosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients receiving primary percutaneous coronary intervention in Wuhan China
Authors: Lu Qing , Wang Jiu-Long , Chen Zhi-Nan , Fu Wen-Bo , Liu Hui-Jian , Ding Shi-Fang
Published: April 2021

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a common cardiovascular emergency for which timely reperfusion therapies are needed to minimize myocardial necrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reorganization of chest pain centers (CPC) on the practice of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and prognosis of STEMI patients. This single-center retrospective survey included all patients with STEMI admitted to our CPC from January 22, 2020 to April 30, 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan), compared with those admitted during the analogous period in 2019, in respect of important time points of PPCI and clinical outcomes of STEMI patients. In the present article, we observed a descending trend in STEMI hospitalization and a longer time from symptom onset to first medical contact during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to the control period (4.35 h versus 2.58 h). With a median delay of 17 minutes in the door to balloon time (D2B), the proportion of in-hospital cardiogenic shock was significantly higher in the COVID-19 era group (47.6% versus 19.5%), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) tend to increase in the 6-month follow-up period (14.3% versus 2.4%). Although the reorganization of CPC may prolong the D2B time, immediate revascularization of the infarct-related artery could be offered to most patients within 90 minutes upon arrival. PPCI remained the preferred treatment for patients with STEMI during COVID-19 pandemic in the context of timely implementation and appropriate protective measures.
Platelet reactivity in dyslipidemia: atherothrombotic signaling and therapeutic implications
Authors: Yang Moua , Kholmukhamedov Andaleb
Published: April 2021

The risks for adverse thrombotic events, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and deep vein thrombosis, are markedly increased in dyslipidemia and other metabolic disorders and are the major cause of death worldwide. Recent evidence points out that increased thrombotic risk in dyslipidemia is mediated by platelets circulating in a pre-activated state. The mechanisms of platelet reactivity in this setting are multifaceted including platelet activation by classic agonist receptor signaling as well as platelet sensitization by pattern recognition receptors. Elevated platelet counts in dyslipidemia due to dysregulation in hematopoiesis also contribute to the overall thrombotic phenotype. Despite recent advancements in antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies, recurrences of adverse thrombotic events remain to be a large clinical burden. In the light of new knowledge, understanding mechanisms that drive pathologic thrombosis in dyslipidemia, the antithrombotic approach shall be revisited. Here, we discuss potential therapeutic avenues based on the overview of platelet signaling mechanisms that contribute to a prothrombotic phenotype in dyslipidemia.
Rethinking heart failure care and health technologies from early COVID-19 experiences - A narrative review
Authors: Satici Sakine , Iyngkaran Pupalan , Andrew Sharon , Patil Arun , Bidargaddi Niranjan , Battersby Malcolm , Courten Maximilian De
Published: April 2021

Heart Failure (HF), a common chronic disease, requires multidisciplinary care to optimise outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on people’s movement and access to health services, introduced severe challenges to chronic disease management. The era that will evolve after this pandemic is likely to provide uncertainty and service model disruptions. HF treatment is based on guidelines derived from randomised clinical trial evidence. Translational shortfalls from trials into practice have been overcome with post-trial service improvement studies like OPTIMIZE-HF where a team using a process of care can translate evidence to the general population. However, gaps remain for vulnerable populations e.g. those with more severe HF, with multiple comorbid conditions, and certain demographic groups and/or residents in remote locations. Health technology has come with great promise, to fill some of these gaps. The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to observe, from Australian healthcare lens, HF management outside the traditional model of care. This narrative review describes relatively recent events with health technology as a solution to improve on service gaps.
Role of coronary microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Tona Francesco , Montisci Roberta , Iop Laura , Civieri Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is one of the greatest unmet needs in modern medicine. The lack of an appropriate therapy may reflect the lack of an accurate comprehension of its pathophysiology. Coronary microvascular rarefaction in HFpEF was first hypothesized in an autopsy study that showed how HFpEF patients had lower microvascular density and more myocardial fibrosis than control subjects. This was later confirmed in vivo when it was noted that HFpEF is associated with reduced myocardial flow reserve (MFR) at single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and that coronary microvascular dysfunction may play a role in HFpEF disease processes. HFpEF patients were found to have lower coronary flow reserve (CFR) and a higher index of microvascular resistance (IMR). What is the cause of microvascular dysfunction? In 2013, a new paradigm for the pathogenesis of HFpEF has been proposed. It has been postulated that the presence of a proinflammatory state leads to coronary microvascular endothelial inflammation and reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, which ultimately results in heart failure. Recently, it has also been noted that inflammation is the main driver of HFpEF, but via an increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) resulting in a decrease in unfolded protein response. This review summarizes the current evidence on the etiology of coronary microvascular dysfunction in HFpEF, focusing on the role of inflammation and its possible prevention and therapy.
Antecedent ACE-inhibition, inflammatory response, and cardiac surgery associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Presta Pierangela , Bolignano Davide , Coppolino Giuseppe , Serraino Filiberto , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Andreucci Michele , Fuiano Giorgio
Published: April 2021

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may trigger organs damage, including kidney injury, due to a massive cytokine release. In this observational, prospective study, we analyzed the possible impact of chronic treatment with ACE-Inhibitors (ACE-I) on the inflammatory response and renal function after CPB. Sixty-nine patients undergoing major cardiac surgery with CPB were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to long-term (> 6 mo.) ACE-I use (n = 38) or not (n = 31). The primary endpoint was the change in IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF alpha, EGF and VEGF plasma levels. Secondary (renal) endpoints were postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), recovery of baseline GFR values and the absolute changes in renal function indexes. After CPB, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-4 and TNF-alpha remained stable over time while a significant decrease in IL-2 levels was noticed in the ACE-I group (p = 0.01). IL-6 and IL-8 increased after surgery and tended to decrease after 48 h. IL-10 levels showed a similar variation, but both their rise and decrease were more pronounced in patients under ACE-I treatment (p = 0.007). Finally, VEGF and EGF showed a marked initial decrease with a tendency to normalization 10 days after surgery (p for trend ranging from 0.01 to 0.001). The occurrence of AKI within 2 days after surgery, the rate of GFR recovery and the absolute changes in renal function indexes were not statistically different between groups. Chronic, long-term ACE-I treatment may influence the inflammatory response following CPB. On the other hand, this drug class apparently has neutral impact on perioperative renal outcomes.
Factor Analysis Approach to Classify COVID-19 Datasets in Several Regions
Authors: Mahmoudi Mohammad Reza , Baleanu Dumitru , Band Shahab S. , Mosavi Amir
Published: April 2021

The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between the counts of cases with Covid-19 and the deaths due to it in seven countries that are severely affected by the pandemic. First, the Pearson’s correlation is used to determine the relationships among these countries. Then, the factor analysis is applied to categorize these countries based on their relationships.
Tuổi thơ tôi
Authors: Khuc Quy Van
Published: April 2021

Tìm về tuổi thơ tôi, Tuổi thơ
Calibration of Trust in Automated Driving: A Matter of Initial Level of Trust and Automation Driving Style?
Authors: Manchon J. B. , Bueno Mercedes , Navarro Jordan
Published: April 2021

Automated driving is becoming a reality, such technology raises new concerns about human-machine interaction on-road. Sixty-one drivers participated in an experiment aiming to better understand the influence of initial level of trust (Trustful vs Distrustful) on drivers’ behaviors and trust calibration during simulated Highly Automated Driving (HAD). The automated driving style was manipulated as positive (smooth) or negative (abrupt) to investigate human-machine early interactions. Trust was assessed over time through questionnaires. Drivers’ visual behaviors and take-over performances during an unplanned take-over request were also investigated. Results showed an increase of trust in automation over time, for both Trustful and Distrustful drivers regardless the automated driving style. Trust was also found to fluctuate over time depending on the specific events handled by the automated vehicle. Take-over performances were not influenced by the initial level of trust nor automated driving style.
Initial cohort characteristics and protocol for SIGMA: An accelerated longitudinal study of environmental factors, inter- and intrapersonal processes, and mental health in adolescence
Authors: Kirtley Olivia J , Achterhof Robin , Hagemann Noëmi , Hermans Karlijn Susanna Francisca Maria , Hiekkaranta Anu Pauliina , Lecei Aleksandra , Boets Bart , Henquet Cecile , Kasanova Zuzana , Schneider Maude , van Winkel Ruud , Reininghaus Ulrich , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Myin-Germeys Inez
Published: April 2021

Background: Over half of all mental health conditions have their onset in adolescence. Large-scale epidemiological studies have identified relevant environmental risk factors for mental health problems. Yet, few have focused on potential mediating inter- and intrapersonal processes in daily life, hampering intervention development. Objectives: To investigate 1) the impact of environmental risk factors on changes in inter- and intrapersonal processes; 2) the impact of altered inter- and intrapersonal processes on the development of (sub)clinical mental health symptoms in adolescents and; 3) the extent to which changes in inter- and intrapersonal processes mediate the association between environmental risk factors and the mental health outcomes in adolescents.Methods: ‘SIGMA’ is an accelerated longitudinal study of adolescents aged 12 to 18 from across Flanders, Belgium. Using self-report questionnaires, experience sampling, an experimental task, and wearables, we are investigating the relationship between environmental risk factors (e.g. trauma, parenting), inter- and intrapersonal processes (e.g. real-life social interaction and interpersonal functioning) and mental health outcomes (e.g. psychopathology, self-harm) over time. Results: N= 1913 adolescents (63% female) aged 11 – 20, from 22 schools, participated. The range of educational trajectories within the sample was broadly representative of the Flemish general adolescent population.Conclusions: Our findings will enable us to answer fundamental questions about inter- and intrapersonal processes involved in the development and maintenance of poor mental health in adolescence. This includes insights regarding the role of daily-life social and cognitive-affective processes, gained by using experience sampling. The accelerated longitudinal design enables rapid insights into developmental and cohort effects.
Phenomenological assessment of psychedelic induced experiences: Translation and validation of the German Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Ego-Dissolution Inventory (EDI)
Authors: Dworatzyk Katharina , Jansen Tallulah , Schmidt Timo Torsten
Published: April 2021

Several measures have been designed to assess subjective experiences induced by psychedelic substances and other mind-altering drugs or non-pharmacological methods. Recently, two self-report questionnaires have been introduced to measure acute adverse effects following psilocybin ingestion and the phenomenon of ego-dissolution associated with psychedelic use, respectively. The 26-item Challenging Experience Questionnaire assesses multiple dimensions of psilocybin induced experiences, whereas the 8-item Ego-Dissolution Inventory consists of a uni-dimensional scale. In the present study, these questionnaires were translated into German and their psychometric properties then evaluated in an online survey on psychedelic induced experiences. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 7-factor structure of the German Challenging Experience Questionnaire with overall good internal consistency for all subscales. The factor structure did not differ based on gender or prior struggle with anxiety or depression, furthering the evidence of internal validity. Correlations with the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory and the Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale demonstrated convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analysis did not confirm the hypothesized single-factor structure of the German Ego-Dissolution Inventory and exploratory factor analysis suggested an alternative factor structure, where only five items loaded onto a common factor that was interpreted as ego-dissolution. Internal consistency of this 5-item measure was high and correlation with selected items of the Mystical Experience Questionnaire and Altered States of Consciousness Rating Scale supported convergent validity. Translation and validation of these questionnaires contribute to the advancement of common standards in the psychological and neuroscientific study of altered states of consciousness.
Regional brain abnormalities in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kamalian Aida , khodadadifar Tina , Saberi Amin , Masoudi Maryam , Camilleri Julia , Eickhoff Claudia R. , Zarei Mojtaba , Pasquini Lorenzo , Eickhoff Simon , Tahmasian Masoud
Published: April 2021

INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies have reported brain alterations in behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). However, they pointed to inconsistent findings. METHODS: We used a meta-analytic approach to identify the convergent structural and functional brain abnormalities in bvFTD. Following the best-practice neuroimaging meta-analysis guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase databases and performed reference tracking. Then, the coordinates of group comparisons between bvFTD and controls from 73 studies were extracted and tested for convergence using activation likelihood estimation. RESULTS: We identified convergent abnormalities in the anterior cingulate cortices, anterior insula, amygdala, paracingulate, striatum, and hippocampus. Task-based and resting-state functional connectivity pointed to the joint networks that are connected to the obtained consistent regions. Functional decoding analyses suggested associated dysfunction of emotional processing, interoception, reward processing, higher-order cognitive functions, olfactory and gustatory perceptions in bvFTD.DISCUSSION: Our findings highlighted a key role of the salience network and subcortical regions in the pathophysiology of bvFTD.
Gulliver Effect in Macroeconomic Policies of Landlocked Developing Countries: A Comparative Study
Authors: Paudel Ramesh C. , Thapa-Parajuli Resham
Published: April 2021

This paper analyses the different macroeconomic indicators of three landlocked developing countries to identify the Gulliver effect. Initially, it analyses the trade and economic size of Botswana, Lao PDR, and Nepal corresponding to their respective big neighbour South Africa, Thailand, and India, respectively. The paper further analyses the major macroeconomic indicators of these landlocked developing countries. The findings signal for the existence of the Gulliver effect in trade. Moreover, the paper extends the analysis of the Gulliver effect in inflation, interest rate and exchange rates. The findings support the presence of Gulliver effect. The study found that prime macroeconomic variables of these landlocked developing countries move in a similar direction following almost similar pattern with those of Gulliver neighbours in different magnitudes though.
An Inquiry into Child Health and its Determinants: Application of Ordered Probit Model
Authors: Raut Nirmal Kumar , Sah Karmayogi Subodh Kumar
Published: April 2021

This study analyzes determinants of child health 0 to 5 years old and compares those with the determinants of adolescent health 10 to19 years old. The particular focus is to test whether there exists socio-economic inequality and regional disparity in health of children and adolescents. It utilizes third wave of Nepal Living Standard Survey (NLSS-III) and further exploit ordered probit model to analyze the determinants. The results show the absence of socio-economic inequality in child health while sits presence in adolescent health. It is argued that factors other than income or socio-economic status like medical care, child rearing and breastfeeding matter for child health. However, the study finds regional disparity more pronounced in the health of children than adolescents. This difference may be attributed to the low-level of child-centered health awareness, high cost of access to health service facilities, and limited health service facilities specializing on child health in some regions. In addition, the study finds that caste, age of the child, and parental health status as major determinants of child health while age of the adolescent, education, and their parental health status as major determinants of adolescent health. Further, disaggregation of parental health status reveals that mother's health status matter more. Finally, some recommendations are made for improving child health.
Tourism Sector Employment Elasticity in Nepal: An Analysis
Authors: Thapa-Parajuli Resham , Paudel Ramesh C.
Published: April 2021

Given Nepal's location and geographical situation, the country has unique comparative advantages in the tourism sector. The Nepalese tourism sector largely remains labour intensive due to insufficient investment in quality infrastructure and technology. Even in this background, the tourism sector contributes a significant share of GDP and employment in Nepal. Knowing the employment elasticities to various tourism indicators helps to understand the tourism sector and make sound policy inferences. For this purpose, the paper combined the annual data from the WorldTravel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on direct and indirect contribution to employment and GDP with the total tourist arrival and the average length of stay data from Nepal Tourism Statistics to estimate a simple double log-linear equation-based individual elasticity coefficients. The findings of this paper suggest that besides government personal travel and tourism spending, other all elasticities are positive. Among them, the average length of stay has the most substantial and positive employment elasticity coefficient, which is relatively higher than the total number of arrival elasticity too. Thus, it is better to target to extend the length of stay than the arrival of tourist, other things remaining the same
Industrial Development in Nepal: Problems and Prospects
Authors: Khatri Mukti Bahadur
Published: April 2021

Industry has historically played an important role in contributing to economic growth and employment of many countries around the world. It is imperative to give high priority to Nepalese labor, skill and raw material based domestic investments to promote national level industries for achieving high employment and economic growth. So, this study examines analytically the industrial development of Nepal for the period 1960 to 2018 based on secondary data. As an outcome of this sector is found to be a more potential sector and contributing a significant role in sustain and wide economic growth in Nepal even in reality it has less contribution as its potential capacity in the past.
Effect of Different Dose of Nitrogen and Phosphorous on Gladiolus Yield at Ilam, Nepal
Authors: Basnet M. , Shakya S.M. , Pant S.S.
Published: April 2021

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus on Gladiolus yield of cultivar (cv.) Jester in Ilam municipality-2 Fulgachi, Ilam. The research was conducted at the Department farm of Bachelors of Science in Horticulture and Floriculture Management (B.Sc. HFM), Ilam from April to September 2014. The experiment consisted of twelve treatment combinations laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. Four levels of nitrogen 0 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg and 150 kg/ha were experimented as the first factor and three levels of phosphorous 0 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg/ha formed were taken as the second factor which comprised of twelve treatment combinations. Nitrogen and phosphorous significantly affected plant height, number of leaves per plant, spike length, days to first cutting, days to last cutting and yield (number of corm per plant) of Gladiolus plant.
Diplomacy in the Perspective of Boundaries
Authors: Shrestha Buddhi Narayan
Published: April 2021

Diplomacy is an instrument for negotiation to find mutually acceptable solutions to a common challenge in a non-confrontational and polite manner. In this perspective, border diplomacy refers to the diplomatic approaches to demarcate, manage and resolve the border disputes in a peaceful manner. For Nepal, border diplomacy for demarcation and management should be based on the dynamic equilibrium of both the neighbours, China and India. This paper revisits the crux of diplomacy and border diplomacy for the peaceful settlement of disputes in a peaceful way. The research emphasizes on border demarcation diplomacy, focussing on Nepal-India and Nepal-China borders. The study explains about the border dispute between Nepal and India in the region of Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani. Further, the paper suggests border management diplomacy for Nepal-China and Nepal-India, focusing on the Kalapani issue, and alerts about the possible circumstances during the negotiations and recommends Nepal’s potential strategies for border management in the future.
Economic Diplomacy for Development Partnership
Authors: Shrestha Rajendra
Published: April 2021

The turn of events after the end of the Cold War called for revisiting traditional approaches to foreign policy. Shift in the world order triggered by enhanced economic activities in the national, regional and international markets has increased the need for coordinated economic diplomacy. Nepal, after the restoration of democracy in 1990, attempted to institutionalise and practise economic diplomacy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its overseas missions. Exploring the leading features of economic diplomacy, this study revisits the economic diplomacy experiences of Nepal. Underscoring how a country’s development success, in the globalised era, depends on the application of new skills and tactfulness in the conduct of relations by the lead ministry in the government, this paper internalises the importance of more competent and robust strategies to enhance the spirit of coordinated economic diplomacy. Hypothesising that Nepal has huge potential for development and economic growth, and prospects to conduct coordinated economic diplomacy, the study recommends strategies to strengthen coordinated economic diplomacy as a tool to advance Nepal’s economic, political and strategic interests.
Labour Diplomacy and Migration Governance in Nepal
Authors: Bashyal Keshav , Subedi Binita
Published: April 2021

This paper examines the linkage between labour diplomacy and migration governance, which is one of the most interconnected subjects in international relations. Especially in the case of Nepal, almost a quarter of the total working age population is working abroad and the remittance contributes to more than a quarter of its national GDP and greatly influences the socio-economic dynamics of Nepali society. Myriads of socio-economic tangibles, besides macroeconomic variables are intertwined with the country’s labour migration phenomena. The paper focusses on analysing different facets of this linkage by distinctly dissecting various issues concerning labour migration, including the gender perspective, on the diplomatic as well as governance front to explore the gap between the economic aspirations of the country and the actual pace of economic development. The paper uses qualitative methods to allow analytical assessment of various government as well as secondary sources of literature, including reports prepared by international bodies. This leads to the conclusion that without proper interlinkage and cooperation between labour diplomacy and migration governance, it is not possible to achieve sustainable economic growth and development of Nepal.
Capitalising on Nepal’s Soft Power Heritage in the 21st Century
Authors: Mulmi Amish Raj
Published: April 2021

As Nepal forges ahead in the 21st century, linked to two Asian powers by thousands of years of shared cultures and histories, it is time for Nepal to capitalise on its heritage and look to the future. Nepal must claim and revitalise our shared histories of Hinduism and Buddhism, and create a soft power potential that emphasises traditional religious practices, natural and cultural heritage, and sustainability in a time of climate change. The paper argues that Nepal should anchor itself in the past - invoking the idea of a shared civilisation - and look to the future. The potential of religious and cultural tourism must be fully realised while being sustainable. Private sector entrepreneurship in culture must be encouraged, especially as culture itself - or the many cultures within Nepal - must be thought of as a tool to emphasise Nepal’s soft power. Nepal stands to lose US$ 460 million in the tourism sector alone due to the Covid-19 pandemic and it must diversify its tourism offerings if a recovery is desired. Building on a study of historical literature and contemporary trends in filmmaking, brand marketing and perception building, this paper argues that Nepal must invest in its culture and heritage to build an export policy around geographical indications (GIs), establish a new film production template, making it easier for foreign filmmaking companies to come to Nepal, and finally, reinvent its tourism policy in a world ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic.
An Intellectual in the Corridors of Power
Authors: Acharya Jaya Raj
Published: April 2021

Introduction: A reviewer of my book Yadu Nath Khanal: Jivani ra Vichar (Yadu Nath Khanal: Life and Thoughts) wrote: “Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal, Bhanubhakta Acharya standardised Nepali language and Yadu Nath Khanal intellectualised Nepal’s foreign policy”. Indeed Professor Yadu Nath Khanal made outstanding contributions in explaining Nepal’s foreign policy to the international community in modern terminology. His thoughts on Nepal, Nepali literature and Nepal’s foreign policy are compiled in a book Nepal’s Non-Isolationist Foreign Policy (Kathmandu: Satyal Prakashan, 2000) that has 100 articles divided into five sections. Professor Khanal was a scholar, literary critic and successful practitioner as well as a thinker of Nepal’s foreign policy. But above all, he was an intellectual par excellence. I will begin this biographical sketch of Professor Khanal with his birth and academic career and conclude it with an extract from Professor Kamal P. Malla (1936-2018), himself a great scholar, who described Professor Khanal as “an intellectual in the corridors of power”.