bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of a 3-Minute Mindfulness Intervention, and the Mediating Role of Maximization, on Critical Incident Decision-Making
Authors: Shortland Neil D. , McGarry Presley , Thompson Lisa , Stevens Catherine , Alison Laurence J.
Published: May 2021

Objective

In this study, we extend the impact of mindfulness to the concept of least-worst decision-making. Least-worst decisions involve high-uncertainty and require the individual to choose between a number of potentially negative courses of action. Research is increasingly exploring least-worst decisions, and real-world events (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) show the need for individuals to overcome uncertainty and commit to a least-worst course of action. From sports to business, researchers are increasingly showing that “being mindful” has a range of positive performance-related benefits. We hypothesized that mindfulness would improve least-worst decision-making because it would increase self-reflection and value identification. However, we also hypothesized that trait maximization (the tendency to attempt to choose the “best” course of action) would negatively interact with mindfulness.

Methods

Three hundred and ninety-eight participants were recruited using Amazon MTurk and exposed to a brief mindfulness intervention or a control intervention (listening to an audiobook). After this intervention, participants completed the Least-Worst Uncertain Choice Inventory for Emergency Responders (LUCIFER).

Results

As hypothesized, mindfulness increased decision-making speed and approach-tendencies. Conversely, for high-maximizers, increased mindfulness caused a slowing of the decision-making process and led to more avoidant choices.

Conclusions

This study shows the potential positive and negative consequences of mindfulness for least-worst decision-making, emphasizing the critical importance of individual differences when considering both the effect of mindfulness and interventions aimed at improving decision-making.
How Suppressed Anger Can Become an Illness: A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Experiences and Perspectives of Hwabyung Patients in Korea
Authors: Suh Hyo-Weon , Lee Ki-Beom , Chung Sun-Yong , Park Minjung , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Kim Jong Woo
Published: May 2021

Background: In the clinical field, anger has generally been studied in terms of aggressive behavior. However, in Asians, anger suppression is more common than anger expression. Hwabyung is a culture-related anger syndrome in Korea and is known to occur due to the continued repression of anger. Investigating Hwabyung should lead to a better understanding of the multiple dimensions of anger. To explore Hwabyung patients' experiences and perspectives, a meta-aggregation approach was used to conduct a systematic review and a qualitative synthesis.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycARTICLES, and four Korean databases [Korean Medical Database (KMbase), Korean Studies Information Service System (KISS), National Digital Science Library (NDSL), and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS)] in September 2020. Studies were included if they collected and analyzed qualitative data from Hwabyung patients. Qualitative research findings on the experiences and perspectives of Hwabyung patients in Korea were critically appraised and synthesized using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

Results: Seven eligible studies were included. The findings from those studies (i.e., theme or subtheme of qualitative research) were aggregated into categories (a group of similar findings) and synthesized findings (a group of categorized findings). Ultimately, 116 findings were aggregated into 15 categories. Finally, four synthesized findings were derived from the 15 categories: (i) anger arousal, (ii) blame, (iii) uncontrollable physical and emotional symptoms, and (iv) compromise and temporary coping.

Conclusions: Patients with Hwabyung experience chronic anger through the complex cognitive processes involved in blame. Hwabyung negatively affects patients' physical, psychological, and social functions. Because Hwabyung patients feel as if they are losing control, due to emotional dysregulation and physical symptoms, professional support should be provided to facilitate their coping strategies. Further studies on Hwabyung can serve as a new model of pathological anger.
Cannabis Use and Car Crashes: A Review
Authors: Preuss Ulrich W. , Huestis Marilyn A. , Schneider Miriam , Hermann Derik , Lutz Beat , Hasan Alkomiet , Kambeitz Joseph , Wong Jessica W. M. , Hoch Eva
Published: May 2021

In this review, state-of-the-art evidence on the relationship between cannabis use, traffic crash risks, and driving safety were analyzed. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and other relevant papers published within the last decade were systematically searched and synthesized. Findings show that meta-analyses and culpability studies consistently indicate a slightly but significantly increased risk of crashes after acute cannabis use. These risks vary across included study type, crash severity, and method of substance application and measurement. Some studies show a significant correlation between high THC blood concentrations and car crash risk. Most studies do not support this relationship at lower THC concentrations. However, no scientifically supported clear cut-off concentration can be derived from these results. Further research is needed to determine dose-response effects on driving skills combined with measures of neuropsychological functioning related to driving skills and crash risk.
Social Information Processing in Substance Use Disorders: Insights From an Emotional Go-Nogo Task
Authors: Bjork James M. , Keyser-Marcus Lori , Vassileva Jasmin , Ramey Tatiana , Houghton David C. , Moeller F. Gerard
Published: May 2021

Positive social connections are crucial for recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Of interest is understanding potential social information processing (SIP) mediators of this effect. To explore whether persons with different SUD show idiosyncratic biases toward social signals, we administered an emotional go-nogo task (EGNG) to 31 individuals with Cocaine Use Disorder (CoUD), 31 with Cannabis Use Disorder (CaUD), 79 with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), and 58 controls. Participants were instructed to respond to emotional faces (Fear/Happy) but withhold responses to expressionless faces in two task blocks, with the reverse instruction in the other two blocks. Emotional faces as non-targets elicited more “false alarm” (FA) commission errors as a main effect. Groups did not differ in overall rates of hits (correct responses to target faces), but participants with CaUD and CoUD showed reduced rates of hits (relative to controls) when expressionless faces were targets. OUD participants had worse hit rates [and slower reaction times (RT)] when fearful faces (but not happy faces) were targets. CaUD participants were most affected by instruction effects (respond/“go” vs withhold response/“no-go” to emotional face) on discriminability statistic A. Participants were faster to respond to happy face targets than to expressionless faces. However, this pattern was reversed in fearful face blocks in OUD and CoUD participants. This experiment replicated previous findings of the greater salience of expressive face images, and extends this finding to SUD, where persons with CaUD may show even greater bias toward emotional faces. Conversely, OUD participants showed idiosyncratic behavior in response to fearful faces suggestive of increased attentional disruption by fear. These data suggest a mechanism by which positive social signals may contribute to recovery.
Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation in Forensic Psychiatry and Adjacent Clinical Fields: A Review of Current Assessment and Treatment Methods for Practitioners
Authors: Sygel Kristina , Wallinius Märta
Published: May 2021

Background: Research has indicated that interactive, computerized case simulations using immersive virtual reality (VR) technology may be beneficial in the augmentation of conventional methods of assessment and treatment in forensic psychiatry, primarily through providing an engaging and safe environment in which the user can practice and learn skills and behaviors. However, there does not appear to be an overview of current developments available in the field, which may be an obstacle to clinicians considering the use of VR in their clinical practice.

Objectives: Current, clinically relevant assessment and treatment methods applying immersive VR in forensic or adjacent clinical settings, were analyzed.

Methods: This review surveyed the practical use of immersive VR in forensic psychiatry and relevant adjacent psychiatric and forensic fields from 2016 to 2020 and was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results: Out of the 1,105 journal articles screened, 14 met criteria for inclusion. Four articles described VR interventions directly addressing forensic psychiatric settings (treatment of general aggression and assessment of sexual offenders against children). The majority of the remaining articles were in the clinical domain of psychosis treatment. Several interventions were designed as part of comprehensive treatment programs, and others were intended as one-off assessments or paired with pre-existing psychological treatment. The degree to which the VR simulations were individualized to the user appeared to be largely dependent upon the extent of provider input. A variety of research methodologies were used in the included articles and the majority had limitations common to small-scale, non-randomized studies. None of the studies reported serious adverse effects.

Discussion: There is a lack of large randomized controlled trials of current assessments or treatments using VR simulation in forensic psychiatry, let alone those with long-term follow-up, showing clear advantages of VR over standard practice. The evidence thus far is insufficient to recommend immediate and large-scale implementation of any one VR intervention, however, several have been shown to be feasible and acceptable to the participants and to provide insights and inspiration for future research and development.
Reactive Astrocytes: Critical Players in the Development of Chronic Pain
Authors: Tang James , Bair Mercedes , Descalzi Giannina
Published: May 2021

Chronic pain is associated with long term plasticity of nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system. Astrocytes can profoundly affect synaptic function and increasing evidence has highlighted how altered astrocyte activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pain. In response to injury, astrocytes undergo a shift in form and function known as reactive astrogliosis, which affects their release of cytokines and gliotransmitters. These neuromodulatory substances have been implicated in driving the persistent changes in central nociceptive activity. Astrocytes also release lactate which neurons can use to produce energy during synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, recent research has provided insight into lactate's emerging role as a signaling molecule in the central nervous system, which may be involved in directly modulating neuronal and astrocytic activity. In this review, we present evidence for the involvement of astrocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor alpha in pain-associated plasticity, in addition to research suggesting the potential involvement of gliotransmitters D-serine and adenosine-5′-triphosphate. We also discuss work implicating astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, and the possible role of lactate, which has been sparsely studied in the context of chronic pain, in supporting pathological changes in central nociceptive activity.
Investigation on the Loss of Taste and Smell and Consequent Psychological Effects: A Cross-Sectional Study on Healthcare Workers Who Contracted the COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Dudine Luisa , Canaletti Claudia , Giudici Fabiola , Lunardelli Alberta , Abram Giulia , Santini Ingrid , Baroni Vera , Paris Marta , Pesavento Valentina , Manganotti Paolo , Ronchese Federico , Gregoretti Barbara , Negro Corrado
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between psychological distress and taste and sense of smell dysfunctions on healthcare workers (HCW) who contracted the COVID-19 infection in the midst of the disease outbreak. Reports of sudden loss of taste and smell which persist even after recovery from COVID-19 infection are increasingly recognized as critical symptoms for COVID-19 infections. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study on COVID-19 HCW (N = 104) who adhered to respond to a phone semistructured interview addressing the virus symptoms and associated psychological distress. Data were collected from June to September 2020. Findings confirm the association between experienced taste/olfactory loss and emotional distress and suggest that dysfunctions of taste and smell correlate positively with anxiety and depression. Furthermore, their psychological impact tends to persist even after the recovery from the disease, suggesting the need for appropriate psychological interventions to prevent people from developing more serious or long-lasting psychological disorders and, as far as HCW, to reduce the risk of work-related distress.
Pandemics and Income Inequality: What Do the Data Tell for the Globalization Era?
Authors: Chen Tiejun , Gozgor Giray , Koo Chun Kwong
Published: May 2021

This paper empirically investigates the effects of pandemics uncertainty on income inequality We consider a new measure of pandemics uncertainty, the World Pandemic Discussion Index (WPDI), and the post-tax (net) Gini coefficient We focus on the panel data of 141 countries from 1996 to 2020. The results from the Feasible General Least Squares estimations indicate that the WPDI is negatively related to income inequality in 107 non-OECD countries. However, the WPDI is positively associated with income inequality in 34 OECD economies. This evidence remains robust when considering different models, including several controls, and implementing various sensitivity analyses.
PennDemic Simulation Framework: An Innovative Approach to Increase Student Interest and Confidence in Disasters Preparedness/Response and Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Authors: Cole Stephen D. , Nelson Hillary C. M. , Jenkins Bonnie D. , Poon Cathy Y. , Rankin Shelley C. , Becker Deborah E.
Published: May 2021

An interdisciplinary group from two higher-education institutions in Philadelphia developed a novel framework for interprofessional education. This framework was applied to two different scenarios disease outbreak and natural disaster, which were used in simulations in 2018 and 2020. By design, these simulations included students from a broad range of disciplines, beyond the typical healthcare fields. Students were first grouped by discipline and were then placed in interdisciplinary teams for the rest of the scenario. Students were administered four surveys throughout which included 10 point-Likert scale and free response items. A statistically significant post-simulation increase in student interest and confidence was found. Survey analysis also revealed higher scores of positive group behaviors among interdisciplinary teams when compared to discipline groups. Importantly, students realized the importance of broad representation of disciplines for disaster preparedness. The PennDemic framework may be helpful for teams looking to develop simulations to build interest and confidence in disaster preparedness/response and interdisciplinary teamwork.
Body and Tail Coordination in the Bluespot Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) During Limb Regeneration
Authors: Donatelli Cassandra M. , Lutek Keegan , Gupta Keshav , Standen Emily M.
Published: May 2021

Animals are incredibly good at adapting to changes in their environment, a trait envied by most roboticists. Many animals use different gaits to seamlessly transition between land and water and move through non-uniform terrains. In addition to adjusting to changes in their environment, animals can adjust their locomotion to deal with missing or regenerating limbs. Salamanders are an amphibious group of animals that can regenerate limbs, tails, and even parts of the spinal cord in some species. After the loss of a limb, the salamander successfully adjusts to constantly changing morphology as it regenerates the missing part. This quality is of particular interest to roboticists looking to design devices that can adapt to missing or malfunctioning components. While walking, an intact salamander uses its limbs, body, and tail to propel itself along the ground. Its body and tail are coordinated in a distinctive wave-like pattern. Understanding how their bending kinematics change as they regrow lost limbs would provide important information to roboticists designing amphibious machines meant to navigate through unpredictable and diverse terrain. We amputated both hindlimbs of blue-spotted salamanders (Ambystoma laterale) and measured their body and tail kinematics as the limbs regenerated. We quantified the change in the body wave over time and compared them to an amphibious fish species, Polypterus senegalus. We found that salamanders in the early stages of regeneration shift their kinematics, mostly around their pectoral girdle, where there is a local increase in undulation frequency. Amputated salamanders also show a reduced range of preferred walking speeds and an increase in the number of bending waves along the body. This work could assist roboticists working on terrestrial locomotion and water to land transitions.
Health Care Providers as Agents of Change: Integrating PrEP With Other Sexual and Reproductive Health Services for Adolescent Girls and Young Women
Authors: O'Malley Gabrielle , Beima-Sofie Kristin M. , Roche Stephanie D. , Rousseau Elzette , Travill Danielle , Omollo Victor , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Bekker Linda-Gail , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Kinuthia John , Barnabee Gena , Dettinger Julie C. , Wagner Anjuli D. , Pintye Jillian , Morton Jennifer F. , Johnson Rachel E. , Baeten Jared M. , John-Stewart Grace , Celum Connie L.
Published: May 2021

Background: Successful integration of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with existing reproductive health services will require iterative learning and adaptation. The interaction between the problem-solving required to implement new interventions and health worker motivation has been well-described in the public health literature. This study describes structural and motivational challenges faced by health care providers delivering PrEP to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) alongside other SRH services, and the strategies used to overcome them.

Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCWs from two demonstration projects delivering PrEP to AGYW alongside other SRH services. The Prevention Options for the Women Evaluation Research (POWER) is an open label PrEP study with a focus on learning about PrEP delivery in Kenyan and South African family planning, youth mobile services, and public clinics at six facilities. PrIYA focused on PrEP delivery to AGYW via maternal and child health (MCH) and family planning (FP) clinics in Kenya across 37 facilities. IDIs and FGDs were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a combination of inductive and deductive methods.

Results: We conducted IDIs with 36 participants and 8 FGDs with 50 participants. HCW described a dynamic process of operationalizing PrEP delivery to better respond to patient needs, including modifying patient flow, pill packaging, and counseling. HCWs believed the biggest challenge to sustained integration and scaling of PrEP for AGYW would be lack of health care worker motivation, primarily due to a misalignment of personal and professional values and expectations. HCWs frequently described concerns of PrEP provision being seen as condoning or promoting unprotected sex among young unmarried, sexually active women. Persuasive techniques used to overcome these reservations included emphasizing the social realities of HIV risk, health care worker professional identities, and vocational commitments to keeping young women healthy.

Conclusion: Sustained scale-up of PrEP will require HCWs to value and prioritize its incorporation into daily practice. As with the provision of other SRH services, HCWs may have moral reservations about providing PrEP to AGYW. Strategies that strengthen alignment of HCW personal values with professional goals will be important for strengthening motivation to overcome delivery challenges.
Supporting the Sustainable Energy Transition in the Canary Islands: Simulation and Optimization of Multiple Energy System Layouts and Economic Scenarios
Authors: Barone Giovanni , Buonomano Annamaria , Forzano Cesare , Giuzio Giovanni Francesco , Palombo Adolfo
Published: May 2021

The Canary Islands have great potential for the implementation of sustainable energy systems due to its availability of natural resources. The archipelago is not connected to the mainland electricity grid and the current generation system is mainly based on traditional fossil fuel. Therefore, the islands strongly dependent on fuel importations, with high costs due to logistics. Furthermore, due to the inadequate coverage of residential heating and cooling needs, the per capita energy consumption is far below the Spanish national average. This occurrence has inspired an intense debate on the current development model of the Canary Archipelago, which has led to the implementation of actions and measures aimed at achieving greater energy sustainability in the archipelago. Furthermore, at a local scale, an important investment plan has been carried out by the Spanish grid operator to ensure energy supply, to improve the system security and reliability, and to optimize the integration of renewable energies. Future measures and investments will be crucial to ensure a sustainable growth, both from the economic and the environment point of views. In this framework, this paper aims to discuss and compare the energy solutions, based on renewable energy technologies, identified to boost the sustainable transition of the islands. To this aim, multiple configurations of a wind power plant coupled with reversible hydro power/storage system for the distributed and on-site energy production in the island of Gran Canaria were modeled, simulated, and optimized by a TRNSYS/Matlab algorithm suitably developed. Specifically, along with the proposed system layouts, different scenarios related to diverse annual costs growth rate of fuel were investigated. The proposed analysis covers a time horizon of 20 years, up to 2040, and aims at assessing the impact of the investigated solution on energy demand, energy supply, and population incomes. Depending on the considered fuel cost growth rate, the best system configurations allow a primary energy saving in the range of 58.1–68.1%. Based on the system choice, the enterprise will generate significant revenues to the island population. The net present values are estimated in the range 1.50 × 103 ÷ 1.84 × 103 and 0.85 × 103 ÷ 1.27 × 103 M€, respectively for the two considered scenarios (annual costs growth rate of fuel 2 and −2%). The analysis demonstrates the importance of investments targeted at the implementation of renewables. The proposed scenarios indicate that the current energy model has the potential to radical change and to tackle climate change and energy issues while producing substantial economic savings and better life conditions for the population in the next years.
Visual Capture of a Tactile Sensation is Influenced by Repeated, Structured Exposure of a Visual Stimulus in Virtual Reality
Authors: Willis Dion , Stevens Brett , Powell Wendy
Published: May 2021

Phantom limb pain is commonly known as a neurological condition, where an amputee will continue to feel a limb that is no longer present in a painful fashion. Virtual mirror therapy (VMT) has been suggested as a method for alleviating phantom limb pain. The inclusion of tactile sensation in VMT has shown to be beneficial; however, delivering a tactile sensation to a phantom limb, without the use of invasive procedures, can be difficult. The current approach for transferring a tactile sensation to a phantom limb is called visual capture. The ability to establish visual capture has been demonstrated in VMT applications. However, there is little research into whether an established visual capture effect can be relocated to a more distal location for phantom limb pain management. This paper investigates whether a passive vibrotactile sensation can be moved to a distal location from its veridical location using a series of distally located lights presented in either a random or a structured fashion. Eight non-amputee participants were tasked with localising a static tactile sensation on a virtual arm. These vibrotactile sensations were presented simultaneously with a visual light stimulus, either co-located or located distally at three different locations. Findings show that a tactile sensation without a visual stimulus was difficult for participants to localise; however, when a visual stimulus was added, they were better able to locate the veridical tactile position. The structured group exhibited a larger range of tactile relocation responses than the random group. However, this result was unreliable, with the majority of the responses situated at the vibrotactile actuator. There was a significant difference between the random and structured group’s ability to retain a visual capture at the veridical vibrotactile location when the lights were located distally. The random group did not express a visual capture response when the lights were presented distally while the structured group did, suggesting the structured group developed a more robust association between the visual stimulus and the vibrotactile stimulus. Findings may be of use where increasing tactile acuity without significant alteration of a veridical location is a desired therapeutic outcome.
From the Inside Out: Gender Mainstreaming and Organizational Culture Within the Aid Sector
Authors: Lokot Michelle
Published: May 2021

Many international non-government organizations (INGOs) implement interventions designed to promote gender equality, investing significant resources into embedding gender considerations into programmes through the strategy of gender mainstreaming. However, despite their altruistic mission, INGOs place less focus on addressing culture and power hierarchies within their organizations. This article suggests that many INGOs fail to walk the talk on gender equality. Through an analysis of recent challenges facing the development and humanitarian aid sector, including gaps in safeguarding and #AidToo, this paper emphasizes the importance of addressing gender equality from the inside out. It draws on feminist perspectives, the notion of the “deep structure” of organizations and the author’s own experiences to argue for the need to address gendered, racial and colonial power hierarchies within the organizational culture of INGOs. The article argues that it is no longer sufficient to reduce gender mainstreaming and inclusion to programming interventions, and that INGOs need to reflexively and intentionally tackle power and inequalities within their own culture and structures.
Ordinary Muon Capture for Double Beta Decay and Anti-Neutrino Nuclear Responses
Authors: Hashim Izyan Hazwani , Ejiri Hiroyasu
Published: May 2021

This is a brief review on ordinary muon capture (OMC) experiments at Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP) Osaka University relevant for the study of double beta decays (DBDs) and astro anti-neutrinos (neutrino) nuclear responses. OMC usually leaves the nucleus in highly excited unbound state. OMC is a charge exchange reaction via the charged weak boson as given by (μ,vμ) reactions with μ and vμ being the muon and muon neutrino. Subjects discussed include 1) unique features of OMC for studying DBDs and astro anti-neutrino (neutrino) nuclear responses, 2) experiments of OMCs on 100Mo and natMo to study neutrino nuclear responses for DBDs and astro anti-neutrinos, 3) impact of the OMC results on neutrino nuclear responses for DBDs and astro anti-neutrinos. Remarks and perspectives on OMC experiments for neutrino nuclear responses are briefly described.
A Brief Review on Primordial Black Holes as Dark Matter
Authors: Villanueva-Domingo Pablo , Mena Olga , Palomares-Ruiz Sergio
Published: May 2021

Primordial black holes (PBHs) represent a natural candidate for one of the components of the dark matter (DM) in the Universe. In this review, we shall discuss the basics of their formation, abundance and signatures. Some of their characteristic signals are examined, such as the emission of particles due to Hawking evaporation and the accretion of the surrounding matter, effects which could leave an impact in the evolution of the Universe and the formation of structures. The most relevant probes capable of constraining their masses and population are discussed.
Training the Next Generation of Academic Global Neurosurgeons: Experience of the Association of Future African Neurosurgeons
Authors: Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Zolo Yvan , Nguembu Stéphane , Tétinou Francklin , Sebopelo Lorraine Arabang , Endalle Geneviève , Sichimba Dawin , Takoukam Régis , Ghomsi Nathalie , Jumbam Desmond T.
Published: May 2021

Introduction:Although the past decade has seen a substantial increase in African neurosurgeons' academic productivity, productivity remains low compared to their colleagues from other regions. Aspiring neurosurgeons can contribute to the academic neurosurgery workforce by taking care of less technical and time-consuming research tasks. Fortunately, global neurosurgery institutions have also made efforts to increase research exposure and scholarly output in academic global neurosurgery. The Association of Future African Neurosurgeons (AFAN) created a research incubator for aspiring academic global neurosurgeons in Africa to provide enrollees with mentorship, skills, and experience. This study assesses and reports the activities and results of the research incubator.

Methods:Aspiring academic global neurosurgeons were enrolled in the AFAN Research Incubator Program (ARIP), whose primary objective was to provide enrollees with foundational skills in all aspects of the research cycle. ARIP enrollees participated in didactic and practical activities with the aim of publishing ≥1 article and presenting ≥1 abstracts at international conferences in one year.

Results:Fifteen AFAN members aged 25.0 ± 3.0 years enrolled in ARIP: 7 (46.7%) medical students, 4 (26.7%) general practitioners, and 4 (26.7%) residents. Eleven (73.3%) were male, 6 (40.0%) were from Cameroon and 6 (40.0%) had no previous research experience. Two (13.3%) enrollees dropped out. ARIP enrollees published a total of 28 articles, and enrollees published a median of 1.0 (IQR = 2) first-author articles on neurosurgical system strengthening. Additionally, ARIP enrollees presented 20 abstracts with a median of one abstract (IQR = 3.0).

Conclusion:South-South research collaborations like ARIP can contribute to improving global neurosurgery research capacity and output. These collaborations can set up the foundations for robust research in low- and middle-income countries.
Needs of Young African Neurosurgeons and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kanmounye Ulrick S. , Robertson Faith C. , Thango Nqobile S. , Doe Alvin Nah , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran , Ginette Pape Aicha , Ondoma Solomon , Balogun James A. , Opoku Isabella , Jokonya Luxwell , Mbaye Thioub , Shabhay Zarina A. , Ashour Ahmed M. , Silva Ana Cristina Veiga , Cheserem Beverly , Karekezi Claire , Hassani Fahd Derkaoui , Mentri Nesrine , Laeke Tsegazeab , Aklilu Abenezer Tirsit , Sanoussi Samuila , Musara Aaron , Ntalaja Jeff , Ssenyonga Peter , Bakhti Souad , El Abbadi Najia , Mahmud Muhammad Raji , El-Ghandour Nasser M. F. , Al-Habib Amro , Kolias Angelos G. , Servadei Franco , Fieggen Graham , Qureshi Mahmood , Esene Ignatius ,   CAANS Young Neurosurgeons Committee and WFNS Young Neurosurgeons Committee
Published: May 2021

Introduction:Africa has many untreated neurosurgical cases due to limited access to safe, affordable, and timely care. In this study, we surveyed young African neurosurgeons and trainees to identify challenges to training and practice.

Methods:African trainees and residents were surveyed online by the Young Neurosurgeons Forum from April 25th to November 30th, 2018. The survey link was distributed via social media platforms and through professional society mailing lists. Univariate and bivariate data analyses were run and aP-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:112 respondents from 20 countries participated in this study. 98 (87.5%) were male, 63 (56.3%) were from sub-Saharan Africa, and 52 (46.4%) were residents. 39 (34.8%) had regular journal club sessions at their hospital, 100 (89.3%) did not have access to cadaver dissection labs, and 62 (55.4%) had never attended a WFNS-endorsed conference. 67.0% of respondents reported limited research opportunities and 58.9% reported limited education opportunities. Lack of mentorship (P= 0.023, Phi = 0.26), lack of access to journals (P= 0.002, Phi = 0.332), and limited access to conferences (P= 0.019, Phi = 0.369) were associated with the country income category.

Conclusion:This survey identified barriers to education, research, and practice among African trainees and young neurosurgeons. The findings of this study should inform future initiatives aimed at reducing the barriers faced by this group.
Complicated Postoperative Flat Back Deformity Correction With the Aid of Virtual and 3D Printed Anatomical Models: Case Report
Authors: Fayad Jennifer , Turbucz Mate , Hajnal Benjamin , Bereczki Ferenc , Bartos Marton , Bank Andras , Lazary Aron , Eltes Peter Endre
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The number of patients with iatrogenic spinal deformities is increasing due to the increase in instrumented spinal surgeries globally. Correcting a deformity could be challenging due to the complex anatomical and geometrical irregularities caused by previous surgeries and spine degeneration. Virtual and 3D printed models have the potential to illuminate the unique and complex anatomical-geometrical problems found in these patients.

Case Presentation: We present a case report with 6-months follow-up (FU) of a 71 year old female patient with severe sagittal and coronal malalignment due to repetitive discectomy, decompression, laminectomy, and stabilization surgeries over the last 39 years. The patient suffered from severe low back pain (VAS = 9, ODI = 80). Deformity correction by performing asymmetric 3-column pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) and stabilization were decided as the required surgical treatment. To better understand the complex anatomical condition, a patient-specific virtual geometry was defined by segmentation based on the preoperative CT. The geometrical accuracy was tested using the Dice Similarity Index (DSI). A complex 3D virtual plan was created for the surgery from the segmented geometry in addition to a 3D printed model.

Discussion: The segmentation process provided a highly accurate geometry (L1 to S2) with a DSI value of 0.92. The virtual model was shared in the internal clinical database in 3DPDF format. The printed physical model was used in the preoperative planning phase, patient education/communication and during the surgery. The surgery was performed successfully, and no complications were registered. The measured change in the sagittal vertical axis was 7 cm, in the coronal plane the distance between the C7 plumb line and the central sacral vertical line was reduced by 4 cm. A 30° correction was achieved for the lumbar lordosis due to the PSO at the L4 vertebra. The patient ODI was reduced to 20 points at the 6-months FU.

Conclusions: The printed physical model was considered advantageous by the surgical team in the pre-surgical phase and during the surgery as well. The model was able to simplify the geometrical problems and potentially improve the outcome of the surgery by preventing complications and reducing surgical time.
Ponseti Casting vs. Soft Tissue Release for the Initial Treatment of Non-idiopathic Clubfoot
Authors: Abraham Jonathan , Wall Jon Cooper , Diab Michel , Beaver Cody
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Ponseti casting has universally been accepted as the gold standard for treatment of idiopathic clubfoot. Conversely, primary treatment for non-idiopathic clubfoot has not been established. The purpose of this study is to compare treatment outcomes following primary soft tissue release (STR) and Ponseti casting of non-idiopathic clubfoot.

Methods: An IRB-approved retrospective study of patients treated for non-idiopathic clubfoot between 2005 and 2020 was conducted. Patients were included if they began treatment before the age of 2 and had at least 1 year of follow up. Patients were placed into either the STR group or Ponseti group and variables of interest were documented including reoccurrence of deformity, number of surgeries performed, type of surgeries performed, anesthesia time, and surgery time. Data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables.

Results: A total of 33 children with 57 neuromuscular/syndromic clubfoot were identified of which 9 (15 feet) were treated with STR and 24 (42 feet) were treated with Ponseti casting. Average anesthesia and surgery time were found to be 291 and 179 min, respectively, for the STR group, and 113 and 67 min for the Ponseti group. The difference in operating time was determined to be significant (p = 0.02, p = 0.01). Patients treated with STR were found to have significantly more surgeries performed over the course of treatment than those treated with Ponseti casting (p = 0.001) with an average of 4.2 surgeries in the STR group and 1.5 surgeries in the Ponseti group. Extracapsular procedures were performed in 100% of the STR group and 97.6% of the Ponseti group (p = 0.55). Intracapsular procedures were performed in 100% of the STR group and 50% of the Ponseti group (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The Ponseti method should serve as the primary approach in the initial treatment of non-idiopathic clubfoot as it can reduce the risk of future invasive intracapsular surgery and shorten anesthesia and surgery times when surgical treatment is necessary.

Level of Evidence: Level III retrospective case control study.
In vitro Assessment of the Safety and Potential Probiotic Characteristics of Three Bacillus Strains Isolated From the Intestine of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂)
Authors: Amoah Kwaku , Dong Xiao-hui , Tan Bei-ping , Zhang Shuang , Kuebutornye Felix K. A. , Chi Shu-yan , Yang Qi-hui , Liu Hong-yu , Zhang Hai-tao , Yang Yuan-zhi
Published: May 2021

Probiotics serving as an alternative to the criticized antibiotics mainly focus on improving animal's growth and health. After realizing the dangers posed by diseases that have led to lots of economic losses, aquaculture scientists have sought the usage of probiotics. However, most probiotics are ineffective in eliciting aquatic animals' preferred effects, since they are from non-fish sources. Again, there are even a few marine aquatic probiotics. Given this, a study was conducted to investigate the probiotic potential of the bacteria species isolated from the digestive tract of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂). Based on the morphological, biochemical, 16S rRNA sequencing analysis and evolutionary relationships, the isolated species were identified as Bacillus tequilensis GPSAK2 (MW548630), Bacillus velezensis GPSAK4 (MW548635), and Bacillus subtilis GPSAK9 (MW548634), which were designated as GPSAK2, GPSAK4, and GPSAK9 strains, respectively. Their probiotic potentials including their ability to tolerate high bile salt concentration, low pH, high temperatures, adhesion ability (auto-aggregation and cell-surface hydrophobicity), antimicrobial activity and biosafety test, compatibility test, hemolytic activity, and antibiotic susceptibility test were evaluated. While GPSAK2 and GPSAK9 strains were γ-hemolytic, that of GPSAK4 was α-hemolytic. All the isolates were resistant to low pH (1) and higher bile salt concentration (0.5%), showed higher viability ability after higher temperature exposure (80, 90, and 100°C), as well as higher cell-surface percentage hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation. All isolates exhibited positive compatibility with each other, signifying their ability to be used as multispecies. The three strains were susceptible to ampicillin (except GPSAK9, which was resistant), penicillin, kanamycin, ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, clindamycin, furazolidone (except GPSAK2 and GPSAK9, which were moderately susceptible and resistant, respectively), polymyxin B, vancomycin (except GPSAK9, which was resistant), sulfamethoxazole (except GPSAK9, which was moderately susceptible), amikacin, minocycline, ofloxacin, norfloxacin, doxycycline, neomycin, gentamicin, tetracycline, carbenicillin, midecamycin (except GPSAK9, which was moderately susceptible), ciprofloxacin, piperacillin, and cefoperazone. All isolates demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against four pathogens, viz. Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus iniae, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio alginolyticus. The results collectively suggest that Bacillus strains GPSAK2, GPSAK4, and GPSAK9 could serve as potential probiotic candidates that can be used to improve the growth and health status of aquatic animals, especially grouper.
Effects of Dietary Energy Level on Performance, Plasma Parameters, and Central AMPK Levels in Stressed Broilers
Authors: Hu Xiyi , Li Xianlei , Xiao Chuanpi , Kong Linglian , Zhu Qidong , Song Zhigang
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to characterize the effects of diets with different energy levels on the growth performance, plasma parameters, and central AMPK signaling pathway in broilers under dexamethasone (DEX)-induced stress. A total of 216 1-day-old male broiler chickens were allocated to groups fed with high (HED), National Research Council-recommended (control), or low (LED) energy diets. At 10 days old, chickens were treated with or without dexamethasone (DEX, 2 mg/kg body weight) for 3 consecutive days. HED increased broiler average daily gain (ADG) at 10 days old, compared with the LED (P < 0.05), while average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) decreased as the dietary energy level increased (P < 0.05). Chickens fed a HED had higher total protein (TP) content, albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TCHO), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). At 13 days old, DEX decreased ADG and increased FCR in broilers fed with different energy diets (P < 0.05). The DEX-HED group had a higher ADFI than non-DEX treated HED group chickens. In addition, TP, ALB, triglycerides (TG), TCHO, HDL, and LDL content levels in the DEX group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The uric acid (UA) content of the LED group was higher than that of the HED group (P < 0.05). Further, gene expression levels of liver kinase B1, AMP-activated protein kinase α1, neuropeptide Y, and GC receptor in the hypothalamus were increased in chickens treated with DEX (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward interaction between plasma TCHO and hypothalamic LKB1 expression (0.05 < P < 0.1). In conclusion, this study suggests that HED improves growth performance, plasma glucose and total cholesterol at 10 days old broilers, but had no significant effect on performance, plasma parameters, and central AMPK in stressed broilers.
Nitrogen Supply Affects Grain Yield by Regulating Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Photosynthetic Capacity of Maize Plant in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Yue Kai , Li Lingling , Xie Junhong , Fudjoe Setor Kwami , Zhang Renzhi , Luo Zhuzhu , Anwar Sumera
Published: May 2021

Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for maize, and appropriate N fertilization can promote maize growth and yield. The effect of N fertilizer rates and timings on morphology, antioxidant enzymes, and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) in the Loess Plateau of China was evaluated. The four N levels, i.e., 0 (N0), 100 (N1), 200 (N2), and 300 (N3) kg ha−1, were applied at two timings (T1, one-third N at sowing and two-thirds at the six-leaf stage of maize; T2, one-third applied at sowing, six-leaf stage, and eleven-leaf stage of maize). The results show that N2 and N3 significantly increased the plant height, stem and leaf dry weight, and leaf area index of maize compared with a non-N-fertilized control (N0). The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and leaf chlorophyll contents were lower, while the intercellular carbon dioxide concentration was higher for non-fertilized plants compared to fertilized plants. The activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased with N rate, but the difference between 200 and 300 kg ha−1 was not significant; further, the isozyme bands of POD and SOD also changed with their activities. Compared with a non-N-fertilized control, N2 and N3 significantly increased grain yield by 2.76- and 3.11-fold in 2018, 2.74- and 2.80-fold in 2019, and 2.71- and 2.89-fold in 2020, and there was no significant difference between N2 and N3. N application timing only affected yield in 2018. In conclusion, 200 kg N ha−1 application increased yield through optimizing the antioxidant enzyme system, increasing photosynthetic capacity, and promoting dry matter accumulation. Further research is necessary to evaluate the response of more cultivars under more seasons to validate the results obtained.
In Vitro Antifungal Activity and Chemical Composition of Piper auritum Kunth Essential Oil against Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium equiseti
Authors: Chacón César , Bojórquez-Quintal Emanuel , Caamal-Chan Goretty , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor M. , Montes-Molina Joaquín A. , Garrido-Ramírez Eduardo R. , Rojas-Abarca Luis M. , Ruiz-Lau Nancy
Published: May 2021

The essential oils of plants of the genus Piper have secondary metabolites that have antimicrobial activity related to their chemical composition. The objective of our work was to determine the chemical composition and evaluate the antifungal activity of the aerial part essential oil of P. auritum obtained by hydrodistillation on Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium equiseti isolated from Capsicum chinense. The antifungal activity was evaluated by direct contact and poisoned food tests, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) and maximum radial growth inhibition (MGI) were determined. The identification of oil metabolites was carried out by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). By direct contact, the essential oil reached an inhibition of over 40% on Fusarium spp. The 8.4 mg/mL concentration showed the highest inhibition on F. oxysporum (40–60%) and F. equiseti (>50%). The MIC50 was 6 mg/mL for F. oxysporum FCHA-T7 and 9 mg/mL for F. oxysporum FCHJ-T6 and F. equiseti FCHE-T8. DART-MS chemical analysis of the essential oil showed [2M-H]− and [M-H]− adducts of high relative intensity that were mainly attributed to eugenol and thymol/p-cimen-8-ol. The findings found in this study show a fungistatic effect of the essential oil of P. auritum on Fusarium spp.