bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haploinsufficiencies of FOXF1, FOXC2 and FOXL1 genes originated from deleted 16q24.1q24.2 fragment related with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins and lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome: relationship to phenotype
Authors: Wang Xuezhen , Guo Lili , Zhang Bei , Wu Jiebin , Sun Yu , Tao Huimin , Sha Jing , Zhai Jingfang , Liu Min
Published: November 2022

Objective

We describe a fetus with a 2.12-Mb terminal deleted fragment in 16q associated with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACDMPV) and lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome (LDS) and intend to provide a comprehensive prenatal management strategy for the fetuses with ACDMPV and LDS through reviewing other similar published studies.

Methods

The fetus presented a series of diverse structural malformations including congenital cardiovascular, genitourinary and gastro-intestinal anomalies in ultrasound at 23 + 5 weeks of gestation (GA). Amniocentesis was conducted for karyotype analysis and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) after informed consent.

Results

The fetal karyotype was 46,XX, however the result of CNV-seq showed an approximately 2.12-Mb deletion in 16q24.1q24.2 (85220000-87340000) × 1 indicating pathogenicity.

Conclusion

Genomic testing should be recommend as a first line diagnostic tool for suspected ACDMPV and/or LDS or other genetic syndromes for the fetuses with structural abnormalities in clinical practice.
The importance of being CAFs (in cancer resistance to targeted therapies)
Authors: Rizzolio Sabrina , Giordano Silvia , Corso Simona
Published: November 2022

In the last two decades, clinical oncology has been revolutionized by the advent of targeted drugs. However, the efficacy of these therapies is significantly limited by primary and acquired resistance, that relies not only on cell-autonomous mechanisms but also on tumor microenvironment cues. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are extremely plastic cells of the tumor microenvironment. They not only produce extracellular matrix components that build up the structure of tumor stroma, but they also release growth factors, chemokines, exosomes, and metabolites that affect all tumor properties, including response to drug treatment. The contribution of CAFs to tumor progression has been deeply investigated and reviewed in several works. However, their role in resistance to anticancer therapies, and in particular to molecular therapies, has been largely overlooked. This review specifically dissects the role of CAFs in driving resistance to targeted therapies and discusses novel CAF targeted therapeutic strategies to improve patient survival.
The landscape of hervRNAs transcribed from human endogenous retroviruses across human body sites
Authors: She Jianqi , Du Minghao , Xu Zhanzhan , Jin Yueqi , Li Yu , Zhang Daoning , Tao Changyu , Chen Jian , Wang Jiadong , Yang Ence
Published: November 2022

Background

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), the remnants of ancient retroviruses, account for 8% of the human genome, but most have lost their transcriptional abilities under physiological conditions. However, mounting evidence shows that several expressed HERVs do exert biological functions. Here, we systematically characterize physiologically expressed HERVs and examine whether they may give insight into the molecular fundamentals of human development and disease.

Results

We systematically identify 13,889 expressed HERVs across normal body sites and demonstrate that they are expressed in body site-specific patterns and also by sex, ethnicity, and age. Analyzing cis-ERV-related quantitative trait loci, we find that 5435 hervRNAs are regulated by genetic variants. Combining this with a genome-wide association study, we elucidate that the dysregulation of expressed HERVs might be associated with various complex diseases, particularly neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. We further find that physiologically activated hervRNAs are associated with histone modifications rather than DNA demethylation.

Conclusions

Our results present a locus-specific landscape of physiologically expressed hervRNAs, which represent a hidden layer of genetic architecture in development and disease.
A malware detection system using a hybrid approach of multi-heads attention-based control flow traces and image visualization
Authors: Ullah Farhan , Srivastava Gautam , Ullah Shamsher
Published: November 2022

Android is the most widely used mobile platform, making it a prime target for malicious attacks. Therefore, it is imperative to effectively circumvent these attacks. Recently, machine learning has been a promising solution for malware detection, which relies on distinguishing features. While machine learning-based malware scanners have a large number of features, adversaries can avoid detection by using feature-related expertise. Therefore, one of the main tasks of the Android security industry is to consistently propose cutting-edge features that can detect suspicious activity. This study presents a novel feature representation approach for malware detection that combines API-Call Graphs (ACGs) with byte-level image representation. First, the reverse engineering procedure is used to obtain the Java programming codes and Dalvik Executable (DEX) file from Android Package Kit (APK). Second, to depict Android apps with high-level features, we develop ACGs by mining API-Calls and API sequences from Control Flow Graph (CFG). The ACGs can act as a digital fingerprint of the actions taken by Android apps. Next, the multi-head attention-based transfer learning method is used to extract trained features vector from ACGs. Third, the DEX file is converted to a malware image, and the texture features are extracted and highlighted using a combination of FAST (Features from Accelerated Segment Test) and BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features). Finally, the ACGs and texture features are combined for effective malware detection and classification. The proposed method uses a customized dataset prepared from the CIC-InvesAndMal2019 dataset and outperforms state-of-the-art methods with 99.27% accuracy.
Posterior hamstring harvest improves aesthetic satisfaction and decreases sensory complications as compared to the classic anterior approach in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery
Authors: García Hernández Jesús Manuel , López-Vidriero Tejedor Emilio , Castañeda González Sofía , Yrayzoz Fuentes Joaquín , Periáñez Moreno Rafael , Saval Benítez Jose María , Carrascal Aldana Guillermo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The use of the posterior approach for harvesting hamstring grafts has recently become popular thanks to new all-inside techniques and retrograde drills. This study aims to compare the classic anterior approach with the posterior approach in the popliteal fossa.

Methods

Retrospective comparative study of 100 consecutive cases of primary ligamentoplasty performed using ipsilateral semitendinosus autograft with at least one year of follow-up. 50 patients with anterior approach (group A) and 50 patients with posterior approach (P). Ratio men/women: 9/1. Mean age: 32 ± 13 years. Mean operative time: 64.88 ± 12.28 min.

Study variables

Graft harvest time; intraoperative complications (semitendinous [ST] tendon cut); postoperative neurological complications (allodynia, paresthesia, pain) or hematoma in the donor area; atrophy of the operated thigh compared to the contralateral thigh, postoperative VAS score, aesthetic satisfaction and overall satisfaction.

Results

Graft harvest time of 9.5 min in group A versus 5.25 min in group P (p < 0.05). Sensory complications: 16% in group A versus 2% in group P (p < 0.05). Regarding the patient’s evaluation of the aesthetic result of the surgery, 80% in group A and 92% in group P were very satisfied, 16% in group A and 8% in group P were satisfied and 4% in group A and no patients in group P not very satisfied (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in terms of total operative time, postoperative joint movement, atrophy of the operated thigh, postoperative VAS, or overall patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

The posterior approach to harvesting the ipsilateral hamstring graft obtained better results than the anterior approach in terms of aesthetic satisfaction of the patient, lower rate of neurological complications (allodynia, paresthesias and hypoesthesia in the anterior region of the knee and leg) and shorter hamstring harvest time.

Level of evidence

IV.
The role of pre-pandemic depression for changes in depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a longitudinal probability sample of adults from Germany
Authors: Benke Christoph , Asselmann Eva , Entringer Theresa M. , Pané-Farré Christiane A.
Published: November 2022

Background

The present study aims to delineate the role of preexisting depression for changes in common mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Using mixed-effects linear regression models, we analyzed data on the course of depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2) symptoms as well as loneliness (three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale) in a subset of the Socio-Economic Panel Study, a large and nationally representative household panel study from Germany. Participants were assessed during the first COVID-19 wave in Germany (March 31 to July 4, 2020;n= 6,694) and prospectively followed up at the peak of the second COVID-19 wave (January 18 to February 15, 2021;n= 6,038).

Results

Overall, anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased, whereas loneliness increased from the first to the second COVID-19 wave. However, depressive symptoms increased and the surge in loneliness was steeper in those with versus without clinically relevant depressive symptoms in 2019 or a history of a depressive disorder before the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety symptoms remained stable throughout the pandemic in individuals with versus without clinically relevant depressive symptoms in 2019. Pre-pandemic depression was associated with overall higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and loneliness across both assessments. The stringency of lockdown measures did not affect the results.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that individuals with a history of depressive symptoms before the COVID-19 pandemic are at increased risk to experience an escalation of mental health problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, they might particularly profit from targeted prevention and early intervention programs.
Chimeric 3D gastruloids – a versatile tool for studies of mammalian peri-gastrulation development
Authors: Wehmeyer Alexandra E. , Schüle Katrin M. , Conrad Alexandra , Schröder Chiara M. , Probst Simone , Arnold Sebastian J.
Published: November 2022

Stem cell-derived three-dimensional (3D) gastruloids show a remarkable capacity of self-organisation and recapitulate many aspects of gastrulation stage mammalian development. Gastruloids can be rapidly generated and offer several experimental advantages, such as scalability, observability and accessibility for manipulation. Here, we present approaches to further expand the experimental potency of murine 3D gastruloids by using functional genetics in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to generate chimeric gastruloids. In chimeric gastruloids, fluorescently labelled cells of different genotypes harbouring inducible gene expression or loss-of-function alleles are combined with wild-type cells. We showcase this experimental approach in chimeric gastruloids of mESCs carrying homozygous deletions of the Tbx transcription factor brachyury or inducible expression of Eomes. Resulting chimeric gastruloids recapitulate reported Eomes and brachyury functions, such as instructing cardiac fate and promoting posterior axial extension, respectively. Additionally, chimeric gastruloids revealed previously unrecognised phenotypes, such as the tissue sorting preference of brachyury deficient cells to endoderm and the cell non-autonomous effects of brachyury deficiency on Wnt3a patterning along the embryonic axis, demonstrating some of the advantages of chimeric gastruloids as an efficient tool for studies of mammalian gastrulation.
Analysis of the safety and immunogenicity profile of an azoximer bromide polymer-adjuvanted subunit influenza vaccine.
Authors: Kompier Ronald , Neels Pieter , Beyer Walter , Hardman Tim , Lioznov Dmitry , Kharit Susanna , Kostinov Michail
Published: November 2022

A systematic review of clinical trials conducted with a low-dose inactivated influenza vaccine adjuvanted by azoximer bromide (AZB, Polyoxidonium), was performed to compare vaccine reactogenicity against non-adjuvant vaccines. We also assessed whether lower amounts of antigen per viral strain in AZB-adjuvanted vaccines affected antibody responses. A robust search strategy identified scientific publications reporting 30 clinical trials, comprising data on 11,736 participants and 86 trial arms, for inclusion in the analysis. Local reaction rates (R lr) appeared to be lower in AZB-adjuvanted vaccine treatment arms versus comparator vaccine treatment arms. Post-vaccination geometric mean titres in those exposed to AZB-adjuvanted vaccine and comparator vaccine treatment arms were similar in both children and adults aged 18–60 years, implying an antigen-sparing effect by AZB. Meta‑regression analysis based on a literature search of records or reports of clinical trials featuring AZB and the inactivated subunit of influenza published between 1998–2018 was conducted online in January 2019 and updated in August 2019. This search covered trials performed between 1993 and 2016 and suggested that AZB did not contribute to vaccine reactogenicity.
FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE E AS TDIC NO PROCESSO ENSINO E APRENDIZAGEM: RECURSOS E ESTRATÉGIAS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO ONLINE
Authors: Lima Willams Dos Santos Rodrigues , Farias Iris Maria Dos Santos , Viana Maria Aparecida Pereira
Published: November 2022

O artigo discute a formação de professores para/com o uso das Tecnologias Digitais da Informação e Comunicação (TDIC), apresentando os recursos e propostas de utilização como auxílio do processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Nesse contexto, o estudo busca responder à seguinte questão: como as tecnologias digitais podem auxiliar o processo ensino-aprendizagem em aulas online? A metodologia utilizada está baseada na pesquisa qualitativa dentro de uma abordagem narrativo-descritiva, trazendo reflexões diante dos recursos digitais como meio de inovação didática. O estudo apresenta as possibilidades metodológicas que podem ser aplicadas ao processo de ensino e aprendizagem no contexto educacional, favorecendo a participação e a colaboração de docentes e discentes na construção do conhecimento.
O Soft Power da Política Externa Japonesa: o caso Nintendo no modelo Cool Japan (2004-2011) | The Soft power of Japanese Foreign Policy: the Nintendo case in the Cool Japan model (2004-2011)
Authors: Mesquita Murilo , Matos João , Medeiros Vitor Rodrigues de
Published: November 2022

A pesquisa relaciona o exercício de soft power à indústria de jogos eletrônicos desde a seguinte pergunta-problema: como a venda dos videogames da Nintendo está relacionada ao modelo Cool Japan de política externa? O objetivo geral é analisar o exercício de política externa japonês no período de 2004 a 2011; tem como objetivos específicos: (i) contextualizar o modelo Cool Japan, (ii) verificar o crescimento e importância da indústria dos videogames no Japão e (iii) avaliar a participação da Nintendo no soft power do Japão. Como um estudo de caso, explora um modelo de política externa que faz uso do soft power para promoção dos interesses do Estado e de atores privados. Com os dados das vendas de consoles e a contextualização do modelo Cool Japan observa-se uma relação win-win, pois permite maior inserção japonesa na política internacional e a aceitação dos seus produtos no mercado mundial de jogos eletrônicos.Palavras-chaves: Soft power. Cool Japan. Nintendo.ABSTRACTThe research relates the exercise of soft power and the electronic games industry from the following problem question: how is the sale of Nintendo video games related to the Cool Japan model of foreign policy? The general objective is to analyze the exercise of Japanese foreign policy in the period from 2004 to 2011; has as specific objectives: (i) to contextualize the Cool Japan model, (ii) to verify the growth and importance of the videogame industry in Japan and (iii) to evaluate Nintendo's participation in Japan's soft power. As a case study, it explores a foreign policy model that makes use of soft power to promote the interests of the State and private actors. With the data on console sales and the contextualization of the Cool Japan model, a win-win relationship can be observed, as it allows for a greater Japanese insertion in international politics and the acceptance of its products in the world market of electronic games.Keywords: Soft power. Cool Japan. Nintendo. Recebido em: 09 mar. 2021 | Aceito em: 25 out. 2022.
PISTAS SOBRE A PERMANÊNCIA ESTUDANTIL COMO VIRADA EPISTEMOLÓGICA: INICIATIVAS DE UM NÚCLEO DE PESQUISA POR UMA SOCIOLOGIA DA PERMANÊNCIA NA EDUCAÇÃO A PARTIR DE VINCENT TINTO*
Authors: Carmo Gerson Tavares do , Manhães Elane Kreile , Cola Maria Luiza Terra
Published: November 2022

Apostar nos estudos sobre a permanência estudantil, desviando do marasmo dos estudos sobre evasão, implica uma virada epistemológica. Assim, por um lado, observa-se que o campo de pesquisa sobre a evasão aponta para recorrentes estudos sobre fatores de causalidade da saída de estudantes, que, como tais, não sugerem horizontes de mudança. E, por outro lado, apostar em pesquisas sobre a permanência tem significado explorar um campo frutífero de discussões, ações e decisões no sentido de se garantir o direito a uma educação de qualidade para todos. Nesse contexto, a partir de registros do Núcleo de Estudos sobre Acesso e Permanência na Educação em torno de pesquisas do sociólogo norte-americano Vincent Tinto, o presente trabalho visa ao compartilhamento de reflexões que convergem para a busca dos sentidos da permanência na educação sob outro paradigma, principalmente o da sala de aula, trazendo o método retrodutivo e suas relações entre registros, pistas e hipóteses da investigação.
Korean Pre-service Teachers' Flipped Learning Experiences in a Teacher Education Program
Authors: Lee Yong-Jik , Jeong Seung-Hoon , Li Yue
Published: November 2022

This study explores Korean pre-service teachers' perceptions, attitudes, and satisfaction with flipped learning courses in a teacher education program. A mixed research method was used to collect the end-of-semester survey (n=62) and individual interview data (n=4). Guided by the four pillars of flipped learning (FL), study results are followed. First, Korean pre-service teachers believed that flipped learning format provided a flexible learning environment where pre-service teachers (PSTs) learn course materials in their own space. This result indicated that their learning happened without the limits of time and space. Second, pre-service teachers showed that their self-directed learning could be enhanced while watching pre-recorded videos before attending the class. Most PSTs agreed that their self-directed learning could be enhanced after participating in the flipped learning courses. Third, pre-service teachers evaluated that the FL course instructor was a professional educator who conveyed the intentional content effectively. Fourth, pre-service teachers were generally satisfied with the FL courses and were willing to take the FL courses again in the future.
Students’ Challenges and Support Needed in Reaching Academic Literacies in Higher Education: In-Depth Interviews with Swedish Students
Authors: Svensson Anna-Karin
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to capture and analyse perspectives on higher education from the views of five students through in-depth interviews. The students' statements are analyzed in order to gain an understanding of their experiences of developing academic literacies in their university studies. They are regularly visiting the university study workshop for help with their exam assignments. The following questions have been formulated to fulfil the aim of the study: (a) what aspects of studies in higher education do the students express as important, favorable, or unfavorable, for their development of academic literacies? and (b) in what way do the students value the study workshops as an educational tool? The analysis reveals three themes: the importance of explicit support structures, the importance of teachers’ feedback, and the importance of using the students’ pedagogical capital. The results also show that the students highly value the study workshop when they reflect upon the one-to-one feedback, but the support seems to be insufficient both in supporting them to be more independent in their studies and in developing academic literacies from a critical and epistemological point of view.
Determination of Number of Manual Hoe Weeding for Optimal Yield of Castor (Ricinus communis L., Euphorbiaceae) in Nigeria
Authors: Gana A.K. , Bida Alhaji Baba
Published: November 2022

Weeds are very detrimental to castor plant as castor plant emergence is slow. The need to determine for specific number of manual hoe weeding needed for the achievement of effective and affordable weed control for the realization of optimal yield of castor becomes very important in Nigeria. The experiment was established on the upland castor experimental field of the National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi in 2011 and 2012 wet seasons. Three hoe weeding regimes including weeding at 1month after planting (MAP), weeding at 1&2MAP and weeding at 1,2 and 3MAP were evaluated along with the weedy check where no weeding was carried out. From the results in both years of 2011 and 2012 wet seasons, poorest weed control and crop growth along with the yield of castor were obtained from the weedy checks. Among the weeding regimes, castor plots that were hoe weeded once at 1MAP in the two years trial gave good weed control and castor yields significantly comparable to plots that were weeded 2 and 3 times both years.
Old Forestry Traditions and Modern Chronobiological Research: Lunar-Cycle-Related Sowing Time Influences Effectively Initial Plant Growth
Authors: Zürcher E. , Mikulecky M.
Published: November 2022

After a preliminary trial, 12 successive sowings (with 4 repetitions each) of the panafrican tree Maesopsis eminii had been realized, at alternating dates 2 days before Full Moon (FM) and 2 days before New Moon (NM) [1]. The mean height of the young plants 4 months after sowing was by 3 centimeters (= ca. 19%) larger for sowings before FM compared to sowings before NM. This phenomenon, now re-evaluated by Halberg´s cosinor regression, was statistically significant partly on the level a = 0.05, partly 0.1.
Respiratory Function and Physical Capacity in Combustible Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products Users: a Two-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Sharman Almaz , Yermakova Irina , Erenchina Elmira , Tyulebekova Gulnara , Bekzhanova Aisulu
Published: November 2022

Background: Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is the fourth leading cause of death in Kazakhstan. Prior literature suggests that heated tobacco products (HTP) might be a better option for people who cannot quit smoking. The aim of this paper was to analyze the long-term effects of shifting to HTP use compared to continued combustible cigarettes (CC) use in long-term smokers.

Methods: A cohort of 1200 participants (400 HTP and 800 CC) aged 40-59 years with a minimum of 10 pack-year smoking history were recruited. The functional outcomes compared between HTP and CC users included: (1) COPD Assessment Test (CAT); (2) post-bronchodilator lung function; (3) 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) test; and (4) metabolic syndrome components. Multivariable linear mixed models were used to test associations between health outcomes and smoking type (HTP vs. CC) over time.

Results: After 24-month 188 (117 CC users and 71 HTP users) participants were lost to follow-up, while 107 (9%) participants quit smoking. The loss to follow-up was similar in both groups with 15% for CC users and 18% for HTP users. Liner mixed models showed HTP use was associated with lesser decrease in functional outcomes over time compared to CC users. Lung function decrease was significantly less in HTP users, while CAT scores, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure were significantly better compared to CC users.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that while both CC and HTP users experienced decrease in lung function, HTP users experienced it to a significantly lesser degree, while demonstrating better CAT score and physical characteristics compared to CC users. The results of this study suggest that HTP might be a less deleterious alternative compared to CC in people with long history of CC use and who cannot quit smoking.
Migrant Differences in Adolescents’ Medicine Use for Common Health Problems: A National Representative Survey
Authors: Cantarero-Arévalo Lourdes , Andersen Anette , Holstein Bjørn Evald , Hansen Ebba Holme
Published: November 2022

Aim: Despite the substantial proportion of adolescents use medicine for common health problems, prevalence of medicine use among adolescents with migrant background have rarely been documented, and the causal pathway continue to be poorly understood. The aim was to examine whether there are migrant differences in adolescents’ medicine use for common health problems, and if feeling safe at school, as a non-exposure to discrimination, explained these differences. Methods: Data derived from the 2006 Danish contribution to the World Health Organization collaborative study Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC). Medicine use for headache, stomach-ache, difficulties getting to sleep and nervousness and feeling safe at school were self-reported. The population included boys and girls from ages 11 to 15 who were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Included were 8480 ethnic Danes, 508 descendants and 456 migrants. Logistic regression was applied to assess associations. Multi-level logistic regression was used to assess the independent effect of school cluster. Results: Immigrant girls reported the highest past-month prevalence of medicine use for the four ailments included in the analysis. The highest prevalence of medicine use was found for alleviating headache (54.7%), followed by stomach-ache (30.4%). Among the boys who took medicine for stomach-ache, the odds were 2.11 (1.46-3.05) for descendants and 1.55 (1.00-2.39) for immigrants. Feeling safe at school modifies the effect by reducing the odds to 1.93 (1.32-2.81) for descendants and to 1.30 (0.81-2.07) for immigrants. When simultaneously controlling for the clustering effect of school, feeling safe at school and specific symptoms, the risk of using medicine for stomach-ache was still higher for descendant boys 1.90 (1.26-2.85). Conclusions: Self-reported medicine use for common health problems is high among adolescents with migrant background, particularly among first generations immigrant girls. Feeling safe at school partially mediated the association between migrant background and adolescent’s medicine use. As the process of migration is becoming more and more frequent, our findings suggest that more adolescents may be using medicines for reasons that cannot only be explained by frequency of symptoms alone.
Preliminary Results of a Prospective Clinical and Radiological Study with Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) after Implantation of a Posterior Dynamic Stabilization Device in the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Daentzer Dorothea , Noll Christine , Seehaus Frank , Hurschler Christof , Schwarze Michael
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Posterior dynamic stabilization (PDS) can be based on interspinous distraction devices (IDD). The goals of these implants are maintaining or restoring intervertebral range of motion (ROM) in a controlled fashion and avoiding a complete restriction of mobility. Clinical and radiological data with the Wallis® spacer as one type of IDD have been rarely reported. The goal of this study was to present clinical and radiological data including roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA) after a short- to mid-term follow-up period.
Patients and Methods: 10 patients were included in this prospective monocentric study and had PDS of the lumbar spine with an IDD (Wallis® spacer). Before and soon after operation and 3, 6, and 12 months later clinical and radiological evaluations were performed. Pain and disability were analyzed by use of visual analog scale for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and Short-Form-36 Health Survey. The ROM of the operated levels and the total lumbar spine was determined by use of lateral functional x-ray images with calculation of the differences of the segmental and total lumbar spine angles in flexion and extension. Furthermore, RSA was used to measure the segmental ROM.
Results: After a follow-up of 12 months, the results of the pain intensity and the disability and health related quality of life scores showed statistical significant improvement. The segmental angles of the operated levels demonstrated statistical significant reduction in ROM during the different follow-up examinations. The discrepancy of the conventionally determined segmental angles and the data measured by RSA were low with a mean of 1.77°. The mean total lumbar spine angles did not change statistically significantly during the postoperative controls.
Conclusions: According to the radiological results of this study, the used implant leads to a posterior dynamic stabilization. The clinical findings are promising, but they are to be interpreted with caution because of the small number of patients and the lack of a control group.
Perceptions of inspiratory muscle training in adults recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Shelley James , Hudson Joanne , Mackintosh Kelly A. , Saynor Zoe L. , Duckers Jamie , Lewis Keir , Davies Gwyneth A. , Berg Ronan M. G. , McNarry Melitta A.
Published: November 2022

Post COVID-19 condition can occur following infection with SARS-CoV-2 and is characterised by persistent symptoms, including fatigue, breathlessness and cognitive dysfunction, impacting everyday functioning. This study explored how people living with post COVID-19 experienced an eight-week inspiratory muscle training (IMT) rehabilitation programme. Individualised semi-structured interviews with 33 adults (29 female; 49 ± 10 years; 6–11 months post-infection) explored expectations of IMT prior to the intervention, and post intervention interviews explored perceptions of IMT and its impact on recovery. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. IMT helped many to feel proactive in managing their symptoms and was associated with perceived improvements in respiratory symptoms, exercise and work capacity, and daily functioning. IMT was well perceived and offers significant potential for use as part of a holistic recovery programme, although it is important to consider the complex, varied symptoms of post COVID-19, necessitating an individually tailored rehabilitation approach.
Can hippocampal subfield measures supply information that could be used to improve the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Kannappan Balaji , te Nijenhuis Jan , Choi Yu Yong , Lee Jang Jae , Choi Kyu Yeong , Balzekas Irena , Jung Ho Yub , Choe Youngshik , Song Min Kyung , Chung Ji Yeon , Ha Jung-Min , Choi Seong-Min , Kim Hoowon , Kim Byeong C. , Jo Hang Joon , Lee Kun Ho
Published: November 2022

The diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) needs to be improved. We investigated if hippocampal subfield volume measured by structural imaging, could supply information, so that the diagnosis of AD could be improved. In this study, subjects were classified based on clinical, neuropsychological, and amyloid positivity or negativity using PET scans. Data from 478 elderly Korean subjects grouped as cognitively unimpaired β-amyloid-negative (NC), cognitively unimpaired β-amyloid-positive (aAD), mild cognitively impaired β-amyloid-positive (pAD), mild cognitively impaired—specific variations not due to dementia β-amyloid-negative (CIND), severe cognitive impairment β-amyloid-positive (ADD+) and severe cognitive impairment β-amyloid-negative (ADD-) were used. NC and aAD groups did not show significant volume differences in any subfields. The CIND did not show significant volume differences when compared with either the NC or the aAD (except L-HATA). However, pAD showed significant volume differences in Sub, PrS, ML, Tail, GCMLDG, CA1, CA4, HATA, and CA3 when compared with the NC and aAD. The pAD group also showed significant differences in the hippocampal tail, CA1, CA4, molecular layer, granule cells/molecular layer/dentate gyrus, and CA3 when compared with the CIND group. The ADD- group had significantly larger volumes than the ADD+ group in the bilateral tail, SUB, PrS, and left ML. The results suggest that early amyloid depositions in cognitive normal stages are not accompanied by significant bilateral subfield volume atrophy. There might be intense and accelerated subfield volume atrophy in the later stages associated with the cognitive impairment in the pAD stage, which subsequently could drive the progression to AD dementia. Early subfield volume atrophy associated with the β-amyloid burden may be characterized by more symmetrical atrophy in CA regions than in other subfields. We conclude that the hippocampal subfield volumetric differences from structural imaging show promise for improving the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Testing network autocorrelation without replicates
Authors: Chan Kwun Chuen Gary , Han Jinhui , Kennedy Adrian Patrick , Yam Sheung Chi Phillip
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a portmanteau test for whether a graph-structured network dataset without replicates exhibits autocorrelation across units connected by edges. Specifically, the well known Ljung-Box test for serial autocorrelation of time series data is generalized to the network setting using a specially derived central limit theorem for a weakly stationary random field. The asymptotic distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis of no autocorrelation is shown to be chi-squared, yielding a simple and easy-to-implement procedure for testing graph-structured autocorrelation, including spatial and spatial-temporal autocorrelation as special cases. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate and confirm the derived asymptotic results. Convergence is found to occur quickly depending on the number of lags included in the test statistic, and a significant increase in statistical power is also observed relative to some recently proposed permutation tests. An example application is presented by fitting spatial autoregressive models to the distribution of COVID-19 cases across counties in New York state.
More than just investment: Causality analysis between foreign direct investment and economic growth
Authors: Nupehewa Shenali , Liyanage Sachintha , Polkotuwa Deshan , Thiyagarajah Madhurshi , Jayathilaka Ruwan , Lokeshwara Anuja
Published: November 2022

This study examines the causal nexus between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the economic growth of seven (7) regions encompassing 117 countries. A more recent panel dataset over the period 2010–2020 was analysed using the Granger causality approach and panel VAR/block exogeneity test to conduct predictive analysis among the panel series. Wavelet coherence techniques too were adapted in bringing novelty and further justifications to the research in exploring the interaction effects of the variables, which are yet to be popularised in the studied discipline. The empirical results indicate the presence of bi-directional causality between FDI and economic growth globally and in the Asian region. In contrast, the causality is uni-directional in the American region. A non-directional causality was discovered in European, Oceanian, Mediterranean, and African regions, and the findings were consistent with the outcome of the wavelet coherence technique results. The study further classifies the regions into three cross-market categories such as developed, emerging and frontier markets. The results imply no causality for most developed and emerging economies in the regional analysis. Findings also provide insights for governments and policymakers worldwide to formulate policies on directing FDI flows and propositions for a host country to become a more conducive destination for FDI and accelerate economic growth.
Depression and anxiety symptoms among Arab/Middle Eastern American college students: Modifying roles of religiosity and discrimination
Authors: Abuelezam Nadia N. , Lipson Sarah Ketchen , Abelson Sara , Awad Germine H. , Eisenberg Daniel , Galea Sandro
Published: November 2022

Introduction

We examine mental health outcomes in a national sample of Arab/Middle Eastern college students using the Healthy Minds Study (HMS) from 2015–2018 and assess the modifying roles of religion and discrimination.

Methods

HMS is an annual web-based survey administered to random samples of undergraduate and graduate students at participating colleges and universities. A total of 2,494 Arab/Middle Eastern and 84,423 white students were included in our sample. Our primary outcomes of depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, respectively. Survey-weighted logistic regression models were fit for each outcome using an Arab ethnicity indicator. Effect modification by religiosity and discrimination was examined by adding an interaction term to the model.

Results

Odds of depression (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.57) and anxiety (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.25, 1.60) were higher for Arab/Middle Eastern students than for white students. For Arab/Middle Eastern students, religiosity was a protective factor for both depression (AOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.79, 0.90) and anxiety (AOR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97). Arab/Middle Eastern students who experienced discrimination had higher odds of depression (AOR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.56) and anxiety (AOR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.65) than those who had not.

Discussion

Arab/Middle Eastern American college students are a vulnerable subgroup on college campuses experiencing a high burden of depression and anxiety symptoms which are dampened by religiosity and amplified by discrimination.
Patterns and predictors of fear of childbirth and depressive symptoms over time in a cohort of women in the Pwani region, Tanzania
Authors: Massae Agnes Fredrick , Larsson Margareta , Pembe Andrea Barnabas , Mbekenga Columba , Svanberg Agneta Skoog
Published: November 2022

Background

Fear of childbirth (FoB) and depressive symptoms (DS) are experienced by many women and can negatively affect women during and after pregnancy. This study assessed patterns of FoB and DS over time and associations of postpartum FoB and DS with sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study at six health facilities in Tanzania in 2018–2019. Pregnant women were consecutively assessed for FoB and DS before and after childbirth using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire versions A & B and the Edinburgh antenatal and postnatal depressive scale. This paper is based on 625 women who completed participation.

Results

The prevalence rates of FoB and DS during pregnancy were 16% and 18.2%, respectively, and after childbirth, 13.9% and 8.5%. Some had FoB (6.4%) and DS (4.3%) at both timepoints. FoB was strongly associated with DS at both timepoints (p < 0.001). Both FoB (p = 0.246) and DS (p < 0.001) decreased after childbirth. Never having experienced obstetric complications decreased the odds of postpartum and persisting FoB (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.23–0.83). Giving birth by caesarean section (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.11–3.65) and having more than 12 hours pass between admission and childbirth increased the odds of postpartum FoB (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.03–4.16). Postpartum DS was more common in women with an ill child/stillbirth/early neonatal death (aOR 4.78, 95% CI 2.29–9.95). Persisting DS was more common in single (aOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.02–6.59) and women without social support from parents (aOR 0.28, 95% 0.11–0.69).

Conclusions

FoB and DS coexist and decrease over time. Identifying predictors of both conditions will aid in recognising women at risk and planning for prevention and treatment. Screening for FoB and DS before and after childbirth and offering psychological support should be considered part of routine antenatal and postnatal care. Furthermore, supporting women with previous obstetric complications is crucial. Using interviews instead of a self-administered approach might have contributed to social desirability. Also, excluding women with previous caesarean sections could underestimate FoB and DS prevalence rates.
Youth motor competence across stages of maturity: Perceptions of physical education teachers and strength and conditioning coaches
Authors: Burton Alan M. , Eisenmann Joey C. , Cowburn Ian , Lloyd Rhodri S. , Till Kevin
Published: November 2022

Physical education (PE) teachers and strength and conditioning (S&C) coaches are well placed to develop motor competence within youth populations. However, both groups’ perceptions of important motor competencies are relatively unknown, especially when considering stage of maturity. Therefore, this study aimed to 1) present PE teachers and S&C coaches’ perceptions of motor competence importance according to stage of maturity; 2) compare perceptions of motor competence between stages of maturity, and between PE teachers and S&C coaches; and 3) explore factors that influence PE teachers and S&C coaches’ perceptions of motor competence importance. Via a mixed-method questionnaire, 47 PE teachers (professional experience = 10.3±6.6 years) and 48 S&C coaches (professional experience = 8.6±4.8 years) rated the importance of developing 21 motor competencies across four stages of maturity (childhood, pre-peak height velocity [PHV], circa-PHV, and post-PHV) using a Likert-scale (1 = not important, 5 = very important). Participants also provided open-ended explanations for their perceptions. Frequency analysis indicated that participants rated a broad range of competencies important, with S&C coaches rating more competencies important than PE teachers across all stages of maturity. Mixed-model analysis highlighted several differences in motor competence importance when comparing perceptions between participant groups, and between stages of maturity for PE teachers and S&C coaches. For example, S&C coaches rated strength-based motor competencies less important during childhood (d = -1.83 to -0.43), while PE teachers rated them less important during childhood (d = -2.22 to -0.42) and pre-PHV (d = -1.70 to -0.51) compared to other stages of maturity. Codebook thematic analysis showed several factors that influenced participant’s perceptions of motor competence importance (e.g., participants understanding of themselves). The findings suggest that multiple environments may be required to adequately facilitate motor competence development amongst youth. Coach education should target misunderstandings around the risks of strength-based activity during early stages of maturity and the benefits of developing strength-based motor competencies across youth populations.
Online informal learning community for interpreter training amid COVID-19: A pilot evaluation
Authors: Yan Da , Fan Qiongqiong
Published: November 2022

Sudden shifts towards online education since the outbreak of Covid-19 propelled the unprepared changes in teaching and learning over the world. The impact of transferring Interpreter training from face-to-face instruction and practices to a fully online environment was viewed differently. Issues such as relatively inferior engagement in learning and dissatisfied performance in competence building were highlighted and compounded by the concern of academic burnout and learning stress caused by the abiding pandemic. To curb the unsatisfactory situation, alternative learning methods and innovative pedagogical approaches were advocated. The present study was a pioneering effort to integrate informal learning into remote interpreter training by developing and implementing an online informal learning communities for undergraduate interpreting trainees in a Chinese university. The researcher recruited 36 students (n = 36) from the institution as participants in the 1.5-year piloting project. The findings of the research revealed the impact of informal learning in supplementing formal education by engaging involved students. Student-centered learning supported by collaborative and experiential activities in an informal environment was well-received for its ability to galvanize student’s engagement and academic achievements. The perceptions from participants revealed preference and expectation from students for expanded roles of trainers in interpreter training.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM IMPATIENS BALSAMINA
Authors: Zolotykh Denis Sergeyevich , Pozdniakov Dmitriy Igorevich , Glushko Margarita Petrovna , Daironas Жанна Владимировна
Published: November 2022

The review summarizes the literature data concerning the chemical composition of secondary metabolites and the types of biological activity of extracts and separate groups of secondary metabolites of Impatiens balsamina. First, data are given concerning the different types of biological activity of the extracts. Further, individual groups of secondary metabolites are considered, the corresponding structural formulas and types of biological activity established for this group of secondary metabolites are given. An attempt has been made to present the material about chemical composition and types of biological activity in chronological order. Extracts of I. balsamina have been shown to exhibit antiallergic, antihypotensive, antitumor, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antirheumatoid, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities. Among the secondary metabolites, peptides, naphthoquinones, polysaccharides, saponins, flavanoids, polyphenols, and tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives were identified. Research on peptides with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity is perspective. One of the most important groups of secondary metabolites are naphthoquinones, among which 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone is a significant metabolite, with which the antitumor effect of I. balsamina is associated. Also, this substance has shown in a number of tests an antifungal and antimicrobial activity exceeding the reference drug. Neuroprotective activity is simultaneously associated with a number of representatives of saponins, flavanoids, phenylpropanoids and tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives. This review shows that I. balsamina contains many groups of secondary metabolites, for which different types of biological activity have been identified. Due to the fact that the discussed plant is widely cultivated and is available, I. balsamina is a perspective object for the creation of new effective drugs.