bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and effectiveness of all-oral and injectable-containing, bedaquiline-based long treatment regimen for pre-XDR tuberculosis in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Mai Phuong , Nguyen Binh Hoa , Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy , Nguyen Hoang Anh , Vu Dinh Hoa , Nguyen Mai Hoa , Nguyen Bao Ngoc , Decroo Tom , Nguyen Viet Nhung
Published: October 2022

Background: The World health organization (WHO) recently recommended standardized all-oral shorter regimens for rifampicin resistant Tuberculosis (RR-TB). For highly resistant Tuberculosis patients such as pre-XDR-TB: RR-TB plus additional resistance to fluoroquinolones (FQ), the 6–9-months bedaquiline (bedaquiline)-based regimens or BDQ-based long regimens are recommended. The role of second-line injectable (SLI) drugs in the treatment of drug resistant TB is restricted because of safety concerns. Nevertheless, it is not well-known how all-oral long regimens (BDQ-long) perform compared to SLI-containing long regimens (BDQ/SLI-long) in terms of safety and effectiveness among patients with highly resistant TB.

Method: A prospective observational cohort of patients with RR-TB additionally resistant to fluoroquinolones and/or second-line injectable, treated with either BDQ-long or BDQ/SLI-long regimens according to the guidance of the National Tuberculosis Program of Vietnam, enrolled between December 2015 and June 2017.

Results: Of 99 patients enrolled, 42 (42%) patients were treated with BDQ-long and 57 (57%) with BDQ/SLI-long. More than 85% of patients were previously exposed to both FQ and SLI. FQ and SLI resistance were confirmed in 28 (67%) and 41 (98%) in the BDQ-long cohort and 48 (84%) and 17 (30%) in the BDQ/SLI-long cohort, respectively. Treatment success was achieved among 29 (69%) and 46 (81%) patients on the BDQ-long and BDQ/SLI-long regimen, respectively (p = 0.2). For both regimens, median time to first smear/culture sputum conversion was 2 months. All patients experienced at least one adverse event (AE) and 85% of them had at least one severe Adverse events. The median time to a first severe adverse event was 2 months. Among patients treated with BDQ-long a higher proportion of patients had three QT-prolonging drugs in the regimen (26.2% versus 7.0%; p = 0.009). The severe prolonged QTcF was observed in 22 (52.4%) and 22 (38.6%) patients on BDQ-long and BDQ/SLI-long, respectively. Overall, 30 (30%) patients had to either temporary or permanently discontinued or more TB drugs due to AEs.

Conclusion: Treatment success was similar for both all-oral and SLI-containing BDQ-based long regimens in highly resistant TB patients. Both regimens had a similar high frequency of AEs. For both BDQ-long and BDQ/SLI-long regimens active AEs monitoring is essential.
Selenium-enriched yeast modulates the metal bioaccumulation, oxidant status, and inflammation in copper-stressed broiler chickens
Authors: Habotta Ola A. , Wang Xiaoyan , Othman Hamzah , Aljali Abdulrahman A. , Gewaily Mahmoud , Dawood Mahmoud , Khafaga Asmaa , Zaineldin Amr I. , Singla Rajeev K. , Shen Bairong , Ghamry Heba I. , Elhussieny Eman , El-Mleeh Amany , Ibrahim Samah F. , Abdeen Ahmed
Published: October 2022

Copper (Cu) could be seriously hazardous when present at excessive levels, despite its vital contribution to various cellular processes. Selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) was reported to improve the health and metabolic status in broiler chicken. Hence, our study was endeavored to illustrate the mitigating efficacy of SeY on Cu-induced hepatic and renal damage. Cobb chicks aged 1 day were allocated into four experimental groups and offered a basal diet, SeY (0.5 mg/kg), CuSO4 (300 mg/kg), or SeY plus CuSO4 in their diets for 42 days. Our results revealed that SeY supplement antagonized significantly the Cu accumulation in livers and kidneys of exposed birds. Marked declines were also detected in the AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels, besides marked increases in total protein, glycerides, and cholesterol in the SeY-supplemented group. Moreover, enhancement of cellular antioxidant biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, CAT, GPx, and GSH) along with lowered MDA contents were achieved by SeY in hepatic and renal tissues. Further, SeY exerted a noteworthy anti-inflammatory action as indicated by decreased inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1β and TNF-α) and NO levels in both organs. Noticeable histopathological alterations of both organs further validated the changes in the markers mentioned above. To sum up, our findings indicate that SeY can be considered a potential feed supplement for alleviating Cu-induced hepatic and renal damage in broilers, possibly via activation of antioxidant molecules and lessening the inflammatory stress.
Antiseizure medication in early nervous system development. Ion channels and synaptic proteins as principal targets
Authors: Castro Patricio A. , Pinto-Borguero Ingrid , Yévenes Gonzalo E. , Moraga-Cid Gustavo , Fuentealba Jorge
Published: October 2022

The main strategy for the treatment of epilepsy is the use of pharmacological agents known as antiseizure medication (ASM). These drugs control the seizure onset and improves the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. Several ASMs are contraindicated during pregnancy, due to a potential teratogen risk. For this reason, the pharmacological treatments of the pregnant Women with Epilepsy (WWE) need comprehensive analyses to reduce fetal risk during the first trimester of pregnancy. The mechanisms by which ASM are teratogens are still under study and scientists in the field, propose different hypotheses. One of them, which will be addressed in this review, corresponds to the potential alteration of ASM on ion channels and proteins involved in relevant signaling and cellular responses (i.e., migration, differentiation) during embryonic development. The actual information related to the action of ASM and its possible targets it is poorly understood. In this review, we will focus on describing the eventual presence of some ion channels and synaptic proteins of the neurotransmitter signaling pathways present during early neural development, which could potentially interacting as targets of ASM. This information leads to elucidate whether these drugs would have the ability to affect critical signaling during periods of neural development that in turn could explain the fetal malformations observed by the use of ASM during pregnancy.
Superfluid density and two-component conductivity in hole-doped cuprates
Authors: Ayres Jake , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Hussey Nigel E.
Published: October 2022

While the pseudogap dominates the phase diagram of hole-doped cuprates, connecting the antiferromagnetic parent insulator at low doping to the strange metal at higher doping, its origin and relation to superconductivity remains unknown. In order to proceed, a complete understanding of how the single hole–initially localized in the Mott state–becomes mobile and ultimately evolves into a coherent quasiparticle at the end of the superconducting dome is required. In order to affect this development, we examine recent transport and spectroscopic studies of hole-doped cuprates across their phase diagram. In the process, we highlight a set of empirical correlations between the superfluid density and certain normal state properties of hole-doped cuprates that offer fresh insights into the emergence of metallicity within the CuO2 plane and its influence on the robustness of the superconducting state. We conclude by arguing that the overall behavior is best understood in terms of two distinct current-carrying fluids, only one of which dominates the superconducting condensate and is gapped out below the pseudogap endpoint at a critical hole concentration p∗.
Hyperspectral estimation of the soluble solid content of intact netted melons decomposed by continuous wavelet transform
Authors: Zhang Chao , Shi Yue , Wei Zhonghui , Wang Ruiqi , Li Ting , Wang Yubin , Zhao Xiaoyan , Gu Xiaohe
Published: October 2022

Netted melons are welcomed for their soft and sweet pulp and strong aroma during the best-tasting period. The best-tasting period was highly correlated with its soluble solid content (SSC). However, the SSC of the intact melon was difficult to determine due to the low relationship between the hardness, color, or appearance of fruit peel and its SSC. Consequently, a rapid, accurate, and non-destructive method to determine the SSC of netted melons was the key to determining the best-tasting period. A hyperspectral model was constructed to estimate the SSC of intact netted melons. The combination of continuous wavelet transform and partial least squares or random forest algorithm was employed to improve the estimation accuracy of the hyperspectral model. Specifically, the hyperspectra of the diffuse reflection and SSC of 261 fruit samples were collected. The sensitivity band was screened based on the correlation analysis and continuous wavelet transform decomposition. The correlation coefficient and RMSE of the random forest regression model decomposed by the continuous wavelet transform were 0.72 and 0.98%, respectively. The decomposition of the continuous wavelet transform improved the correlation coefficient by 5 and 1.178 times at 754 and 880 nm, respectively. The random forest regression model enhanced the determination coefficient by at least 56.5% than the partial least squares regression model, and the continuous wavelet transform decomposition further enhanced the determination coefficient of the random forest regression model by 4.34%. Meanwhile, the RMSE of the random forest regression model was reduced. Therefore, the decomposition of the continuous wavelet transform improved the stability and prediction ability of the random forest regression model.
Physical therapy as a promising treatment for osteoarthritis: A narrative review
Authors: Wang Wei , Niu Yonggang , Jia Qingxiu
Published: October 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease and a leading cause of disability in older adults. With an increasing population ageing and obesity, OA is becoming even more prevalent than it was in previous decades. Evidence indicates that OA is caused by the breakdown of joint tissues from mechanical loading and inflammation, but the deeper underlying mechanism of OA pathogenesis remains unclear, hindering efforts to prevent and treat this disease. Pharmacological treatments are mostly related to relieving symptoms, and there is no drug for radical cure. However, compelling evidence suggests that regular practice of resistance exercise may prevent and control the development of several musculoskeletal chronic diseases including OA, which may result in improved quality of life of the patients. In this review, we introduced the current understanding of the mechanism and clinical treatments of OA pathogenesis. We also reviewed the recent study of physical therapy in the treatment of skeletal system disorders, especially in OA. Finally, we discuss the present challenges and promising advantages of physical therapy in OA treatment.
Effect of temperature on yellow leaf disease symptoms and its associated areca palm velarivirus 1 titer in areca palm (Areca catechu L.)
Authors: Khan Latif Ullah , Cao Xianmei , Zhao Ruibai , Tan Hang , Xing Zengyu , Huang Xi
Published: October 2022

Yellow leaf disease (YLD) has been a major limiting factor threatening areca palm commonly known as betel palm (Areca catechu L.) plantations in Hainan, China. The YLD disease is closely associated with areca palm velarivirus 1 (APV1), which belongs to the family Closteroviridae. YLD-affected betel palms show more serious yellowing symptoms in winter than in summer based on anecdotal observations. In the present work, the underlying mechanism was investigated. We first observed that the severity of YLD symptoms was closely related with the APV1 viral titer determined by qRT-PCR and ELISA under natural conditions. To further investigate whether temperature plays a key role in APV1 accumulation, the areca palm seedlings were artificially inoculated with APV1-positive mealybugs (Ferrisia virgata) and then cultivated under controlled conditions. According to our results, the YLD symptoms severity in inoculated seedlings were closely associated with temperature, e.g., severest symptoms at low temperature (16/22 ± 2°C, night/day), severer symptoms at room temperature (24/26 ± 2°C, night/day), while moderate symptoms at high temperature (27/34 ± 2°C, night/day). The qRT-PCR and ELISA results showed that APV1 titer accumulates significantly abundant at low temperature as compared to high and room temperatures. In conclusion, this is the first report about the temperature effects on the symptoms severity of YLD and APV1 titer, which may have important implications for the epidemiology of YLD.
Social and digital vulnerabilities: The role of participatory processes in the reconfiguration of urban and digital space
Authors: Antonucci Maria Cristina , Sorice Michele , Volterrani Andrea
Published: October 2022

In the Italian context, political and social participation in the urban dimension has experienced innovations to broaden the inclusion of citizens in public choices relating to citylife and to urban renovation. Participation found in the city a relevant space to experiment with innovation in the relationship between institutions and citizens, many initiatives advanced and developed over the years have had a powerful lever in technology: participatory budgets, consultations, public-private-non-profit partnerships. In other cases, specifically in peripheral realities, urban innovation has turned out to be detached from digital infrastructures and has benefited, rather, from the social infrastructures in the area. Civic committees, community foundations, collaboration agreements between citizens and authorities, and local community development experiences developed in peripheral contexts. Regenerating urban spaces is a political objective proposed with increasing emphasis by institutional bodies at the various levels of governance. Environmental, economic, social and urban planning intersect and overlap and often projects related to urban planning “on paper” prevail over issues related to urban communities “on territories”. Without adequate processes of participation and subjectivity of citizens living in urban contexts, no model of “urban renaissance” appears fully deployed, resulting in participatory processes that—at best—only allow for access logics in a neoliberal perspective. Through a qualitative methodology, the paper aims at presenting and investigating six case studies in major Italian cities (Rome, Naples, Milan, Turin, Florence, Reggio Calabria), in which democratic innovation and experimentation in civic engagement spread from the digital capital of citizens and the social organizations of the peripheral territory, with its specificities and its problems. In particular, the objective of the paper is to discuss and problematise the processes of participation involving and featuring vulnerable people within the reconfiguration of urban and digital spaces. Following Sutton and Kemp's approach, we consider the relationship between urban spaces and marginal communities as central to a one-to-one relationship, fostering processes of urban inclusion. Combining participatory processes in liminal marginalized communities with an institutional push toward holistic urban regeneration may develop opportunities for active citizenship, overcoming the neoliberal paradigm of the city.
Relationship quality among dating adolescents: Development and validation of the Relationship Quality Inventory for Adolescents
Authors: Fortin Andréanne , Fortin Laurie , Paradis Alison , Hébert Martine
Published: October 2022

Relationship quality has implications for individuals’ and couples’ wellbeing, such as higher couple functioning and perceived quality of life. In adolescence, low relationship quality has been associated with poor mental health and relational outcomes. However, given the lack of instruments to assess satisfaction in dating relationships, most studies have relied on measures of marital satisfaction. The current study aimed to address this gap by elaborating and validating the Relationship Quality Inventory for Adolescents (RQI-A). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted among two samples of French-speaking dating adolescents (n1 = 310; n2 = 335). The two-factor structure (Connectedness and Commitment) was cross-validated, and dimensions showed high internal consistency coefficients (ω = 0.86–0.89). Results also provide evidence of convergent validity of the scale with related measures. The RQI-A may help study predictors and correlates of dating relationship quality.
Aphantasia and psychological disorder: Current connections, defining the imagery deficit and future directions
Authors: Cavedon-Taylor Dan
Published: October 2022

Aphantasia is a condition characterized by a deficit of mental imagery. Since several psychopathologies are partially maintained by mental imagery, it may be illuminating to consider the condition against the background of psychological disorder. After outlining current findings and hypotheses regarding aphantasia and psychopathology, this paper suggests that some support for defining aphantasia as a lack of voluntary imagery may be found here. The paper then outlines potentially fruitful directions for future research into aphantasia in general and its relation to psychopathology in particular, including rethinking use of the SUIS to measure involuntary imagery, whether aphantasia offers protection against addiction, and whether hyperphantasia is a potential risk factor for maladaptive daydreaming, among others.
Resistance Training Combined With Cognitive Training Increases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Improves Cognitive Function in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Castaño Luz Albany Arcila , Castillo de Lima Vivian , Barbieri João Francisco , Lucena Erick Guilherme Peixoto de , Gáspari Arthur Fernandes , Arai Hidenori , Teixeira Camila Vieira Ligo , Coelho-Júnior Hélio José , Uchida Marco Carlos
Published: October 2022

Background

The present study compared the effects of a traditional resistance training (TRT) and resistance training combined with cognitive task (RT + CT) on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) levels in older adults.

Methods

Thirty community-dwelling older adults were randomized into TRT (70.0 ± 8.1; 25% men) and RT + CT (66.3 ± 4.6; 31% men). Exercise groups performed a similar resistance training (RT) program, twice a week over 16 weeks. Cognitive Training involved performing verbal fluency simultaneously with RT. Exercise sessions (eight resistance exercises) were performed 2–3 sets, 8–15 repetitions at 60%–70% of 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Body composition, physical function, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels were assessed before and after intervention period.

Results

The physical performance was similarly improved in response to both TRT and RT + CT (p = 0.001). However, exclusive improvements on cognitive function (p < 0.001) and BDNF levels (p = 0.001) were observed only after RT + CT.

Conclusion

The RT program associated with a cognitive task, improved physical and cognitive performance in healthy older adults.
Does financial development and renewable energy consumption impact on environmental quality: A new look at China’s economy
Authors: Fu Qiang , Wang Junwei , Xiang Yonghui , Yasmeen Samina , Zou Bojun
Published: October 2022

Environmental problems such as climate change have brought to light the necessity of implementing more stringent environmental regulations and expanding the use of renewable energy sources in order to protect the environment and maintain a green ecosystem. As a result, this study aims to investigate the impact of China’s financial development and consumption of renewable energy on the country’s environmental quality from 2009 to 2019. Following the application of the ARDL method, this research begins by employing the NARDL (non-linear autoregressive distributive lag) model in order to analyze the asymmetry in the data that results from the presence of either positive or negative aspects of financial development. The results of the NARDL bound test indicate that the variables are long-term co-integrated. This enables the application of the ARDL methodology. The ARDL bound test findings show a positive relationship that exists over the long-term between financial development, trade openness, renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and CO2 emissions. In addition, the error correction model (ECM) provides evidence that there is, at least in the short run, a connection between CO2 emissions, financial development, economic growth, and energy consumption. Furthermore, according to a dynamic multiplier graph, the positive aspect of financial development has a greater influence on carbon emissions for a longer time than the shocks associated with a less favorable financial development. According to the findings, there does not appear to be any asymmetry between CO2 emissions and financial development, which supports the idea that both the positive and negative aspects of financial development have an equally significant impact.
A randomized controlled trial of a coping-focused family resilience intervention program for breast cancer patients: Study protocol
Authors: Gao Jie , Li Jia-Xin , Chen Wei-Ying , Song Jiang-Yan , Zhou Meng-Ke , Zhang Shan-Shan , Li Hui-Ping
Published: October 2022

Background

Breast cancer patients and their families are under various pressures in the process of disease diagnosis and treatment, which seriously threaten their physical and mental health. Findings from existing research suggest that good family resilience can help breast cancer families better adapt and cope with adversity and challenges. However, there are only a few intervention studies on family resilience and no intervention studies on resilience among the families of breast cancer patients. Therefore, this study aims to explore appropriate measures to improve the resilience level of breast cancer families and help them better cope with the disease.

Objective

The purpose of this study protocol is to demonstrate a coping-focused family resilience intervention to increase the level of resilience in the families of breast cancer patients and help them better cope with adversity.

Methods

The trial will recruit 80 breast cancer families and randomly assign them to experimental and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. The control group will receive routine care, and the intervention group will receive a 6-week one-on-one online family resilience intervention based on the control group. Two groups of subjects will be assessed at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The primary outcome is family resilience, and the secondary outcomes are coping style, social support, family disease burden, and levels of anxiety and depression.

Expected results

We hypothesized that after the intervention, the intervention group would have significantly higher levels of family resilience than the preintervention and control groups. In the intervention group, other aspects related to family resilience, such as family disease burden and anxiety and depression levels of patients and their families, were significantly alleviated, and disease coping and social support levels were improved accordingly.

Discussion

If the program works, it can help breast cancer families identify family strengths and resources to proactively address challenges so that families can successfully navigate the crisis and patient and family recovery can be facilitated. It can also provide a practical path for clinical workers to help breast cancer families adjust rationally.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration Number: http://www.chictr.org.cn/ChiCTR2100052108).
The roles of motion, gesture, and embodied action in the processing of mathematical concepts
Authors: Khatin-Zadeh Omid , Farsani Danyal , Eskandari Zahra , Marmolejo-Ramos Fernando
Published: October 2022

This article discusses perspective and frame of reference in the metaphorical description of mathematical concepts in terms of motions, gestures, and embodied actions. When a mathematical concept is described metaphorically in terms of gestures, embodied actions, or fictive motions, the motor system comes into play to ground and understand that concept. Every motion, gesture, or embodied action involves a perspective and a frame of reference. The flexibility in taking perspective and frame of reference allows people to embody a mathematical concept or idea in various ways. Based on the findings of past studies, it is suggested that the graphical representation of a mathematical concept may activate those areas of the motor system that are involved in the production of that graphical representation. This is supported by studies showing that when observers look at a painting or handwritten letters, they simulate the painter’s or writer’s hand movements during painting or writing. Likewise, the motor system can contribute to the grounding of abstract mathematical concepts, such as functions, numbers, and arithmetic operations.
Dark tetrad personality traits also play a role in bullying victimization
Authors: Pineda David , Rico-Bordera Pilar , Martínez-Martínez Ana , Galán Manuel , Piqueras José A.
Published: October 2022

Bullying refers to physical and/or psychological mistreatment or abuse by one individual or group toward another individual or group. Bullying is widespread in our society and carries considerable negative consequences. This phenomenon is caused by multiple factors, which include personality. Much more attention has been paid to the study of the perpetrators' negative personality traits than the victims. Several studies have examined the relationship between these traits—the Dark Triad or Dark Tetrad—and being a victim of bullying (or mobbing) in adults, especially in the workplace. However, only two studies have been located that have studied these relationships in adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between being a victim of bullying and the ark Tetrad traits, delving into the specific contribution of Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism in victims of bullying in Spanish adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out by administering the Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, and the Peer Bullying Questionnaire to 393 adolescents aged 12–18 years (M = 14.18; SD = 2.52; 53.7% male). The Dark Tetrad traits predicted the victimization variables in the seven models analyzed, with the verbal abuse model being the model with the largest contribution. Of the four dark traits, sadism stands out as the trait with the highest specific contribution. Our results indicate, despite not implying a causal relationship, that those people with high scores in the Dark Tetrad traits tend to be more victimized by bullying. Knowing the personality traits of the bullying perpetrators and their victims, practitioners will have a complete picture of the personality variables that play a role in preventing bullying and its associated victimization.
Epidemiological characteristics and survival analysis on patients with occupational pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang Province from 1987 to 2019
Authors: Zou Hua , Shi Zhihao , Zhang Yixin , Zhou Jiena , Fang Xinglin , Zhang Yijin , Hu Yong , Lou Xiaoming , Zhou Lifang
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate risk factors affecting survival in patients diagnosed with pneumoconiosis and propose strategies to improve the quality of life in these patients.

Methods

The basic patient information was obtained from the pneumoconiosis report card. Disease types, regions, and industry distribution of pneumoconiosis were analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the Cox proportional risk regression model was used for survival analysis.

Results

A total of 13,812 patients were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis in Zhejiang province from 1987 to 2019. The overall survival rate at the end of life table analysis was 83%. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that there were significant differences between survival curves depending on the stage of first diagnosis, age at first diagnosis, type of pneumoconiosis, industry, and duration of dust exposure (P < 0.05). The results of Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that pneumoconiosis stage of first diagnosis, age at first diagnosis, industry, and duration of dust exposure were risk factors affecting patient survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The patients with high stage of pneumoconiosis at first diagnosis, older age, and long duration of dust exposure should be followed up and monitored as key population, and the industries with high incidence of pneumoconiosis such as mining and construction should be supervised as key industries.
Mapping global trends in research of stem cell therapy for COVID-19: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinkang , Cai Jiehui , Chen Lingzhi , Yang Qiuping , Tian Huiting , Wu Jinyao , Ji Zeqi , Zheng Daitian , Li Zhiyang , Chen Yexi
Published: October 2022

Over the past 2 years, the world has witnessed the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on humanity. Fortunately, stem cell therapy is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of COVID-19 and has saved the lives of many critically ill patients. A bibliometric analysis of this field can analyze research hotspots and predict the research trends. This research analyzed documents from Web of Science between the years 2020–2022. The bibliometrics software bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace were used to complete the visual analysis of publications, authors, countries, documents, organizations, collaborative networks, and keywords clustering. 896 publications on COVID-19 stem cell therapy were included in the analysis, including 451 articles and 445 review articles. The field grew at the average growth rate of 103.17% between 2020 and 2021. The United States had the highest number of publications and citations. Many developing countries had also contributed significantly to the field. The journal with the most articles was Stem Cell Research and Therapy. The most cited journal was Stem Cell Reviews and Reports. The published documents were focused on five themes: “Cell Biology”, “Medicine Research Experimental”, “Cell Tissue Engineering”, “Immunology”, and “Pharmacology Pharmacy”. The bibliometric analysis revealed that current clinical trials had validated stem cell therapy's remarkable potential in treating COVID-19 and its complications. It is foreseeable that future research in this area will continue to increase. With the help of bibliometric analysis, researchers can identify the current state of research and potential research hotspots.
Blue sky as a protective factor for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Tang Haosu , Zheng Congyi , Cao Xue , Wang Su , Zhang Linfeng , Wang Xin , Chen Zuo , Song Yuxin , Chen Chen , Tian Yixin , Jiang Wenping , Huang Gang , Wang Zengwu
Published: October 2022

Objective

Blue sky has been considered to boost outdoor physical activity and social interaction, ameliorate work pressure and life stress, and enhance people's sense of happiness. However, the direct association between blue sky exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD) still lacks epidemiological evidence. In this study, we aimed to quantify their relationship via a nationwide prospective cohort in China.

Method

We extracted the baseline data from the China Hypertension Survey (CHS), by enrolling 22,702 participants aged ≥ 35 years without self-reported medical history of CVD from 14 provinces of China between 2012 and 2015 and followed up from 2018 to 2019. A blue day was marked out with no rain, low cloud cover ≤ climatological mean at each station, and visibility at 2 pm ≥ 21.52 km. We calculated the number of blue days at baseline survey year to evaluate the chronic individual blue day exposure. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to calculate the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR). We implemented subgroup analyses as well to identify potential effect modifications.

Results

A total of 1,096, 993, and 597 incident cases of all-cause mortality, fatal or nonfatal CVD, and stroke occurred during a median follow-up around 5 years, respectively. A 10-day increase in annual blue day exposure was associated with a 3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–6%) and 7% (95% CI: 5–10%) decreased risk of fatal or nonfatal CVD and stroke, respectively. Compared with those exposed to the worst tertile of blue days at baseline, subjects who exposed to the best tertile had a 32% (95% CI: 19–43%) and 43% (95% CI: 29–55%) lower likelihood of developing fatal or nonfatal CVD and stroke, respectively. Negative consistent exposure–response relationships were generally observed between them in the restricted cubic spline model. In the stratified analyses, the cardioprotective effects of blue sky were stronger for females, rural residents, and individuals residing in heavily contaminated areas.

Conclusion

This study indicates that blue sky may serve as an independent environmental protective factor against CVD, and informs future policies on fighting air pollution and protecting the blue sky in China.
Nutritional factors for anemia in pregnancy: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Quanhong , Song Ying , Fang Liping , Huang Lei , Sun Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

Anemia in pregnancy is a serious threat to maternal and child health and is a major public health problem. However, the risk factors associated with its incidence are unclear and controversial.

Methods

PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were systematically searched (inception to June 27, 2022). The screening of search results, extraction of relevant data, and evaluation of study quality were performed independently by two reviewers.

Results

A total of 51 studies of high quality (NOS score ≥ 7) were included, including 42 cross-sectional studies, six case-control studies, and three cohort studies. Meta-analysis showed that infected parasite, history of malarial attack, tea/coffee after meals, meal frequency ≤ 2 times per day, frequency of eating meat ≤ 1 time per week, frequency of eating vegetables ≤ 3 times per week, multiple pregnancies, multiparous, low household income, no antenatal care, rural residence, diet diversity score ≤ 3, have more than 3 children, history of menorrhagia, underweight, family size ≥ 5, middle upper arm circumference < 23, second trimester, third trimester, birth interval ≤ 2 year were all risk factors for anemia in pregnancy.

Conclusions

Prevention of anemia in pregnancy is essential to promote maternal and child health. Sufficient attention should be paid to the above risk factors from the social level and pregnant women's own aspects to reduce the occurrence of anemia in pregnancy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022344937.
Effects of psychological intervention on empathy fatigue in nurses: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Xiaojuan , Chen Mingdi , Zheng Huang , Wang Chaoyu , Chen Huimin , Wu Qinglan , Liao Huizhao , Zhu Jinru , Lin Junyan , Ou Xudong , Zou Zhihong , Wang Zhiwei , Zheng Zhenzhen , Zhuang Xianrui , Chen Riken
Published: October 2022

Objective

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to systematically assess the effects of psychological intervention on empathy fatigue among nursing staff.

Method

Five electronic databases are searched separately from their establishment to April 8th, 2022. The research team independently performs paper selection, quality assessment, data extraction and analysis for all included studies. PRISMA guidelines are used to report this meta-analysis.

Results

A total of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) covering 513 nursing staff are included. The meta-analysis results show that the empathy fatigue score (SMD = −0.22, 95% CI: −0.42~−0.02, P = 0.03) and burnout (SMD = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.56~−0.19, P < 0.001) are lower than the control group. The empathy satisfaction score of the psychological intervention group is higher than that of the control group (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27–0.63, P < 0.001). The differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis finds significant heterogeneity in the impact of different departments on psychological intervention at ≥6 weeks (I2 = 71%, P = 0.01) and <6 weeks (I2 = 0%, P = 0.75) (P = 0.05). Different departments also show significant heterogeneity in the effects of psychological intervention: ICU (I2 = 73%, P = 0.02), pediatric (I2 = 53%, P = 0.14) and other departments (I2 = 0%, P = 0.63). The differences are statistically significant (P = 0.0007). Besides, the results show that both mindfulness intervention (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.24–0.77, P = 0.0002) and other interventions (SMD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.16–0.65, P = 0.001) are statistically significant difference in the level of empathy satisfaction between the psychological intervention group and the control group.

Conclusion

Psychological intervention has a coordinated improvement effect on empathy fatigue, empathy satisfaction and burnout, and can also improve the quality of life of nursing staff.
Human mobility variations in response to restriction policies during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis from the Virus Watch community cohort in England, UK
Authors: Cheng Tao , Chen Tongxin , Liu Yunzhe , Aldridge Robert W. , Nguyen Vincent , Hayward Andrew C. , Michie Susan
Published: October 2022

Objective

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, public health and social measures to contain its transmission (e.g., social distancing and lockdowns) have dramatically changed people's lives in rural and urban areas globally. To facilitate future management of the pandemic, it is important to understand how different socio-demographic groups adhere to such demands. This study aims to evaluate the influences of restriction policies on human mobility variations associated with socio-demographic groups in England, UK.

Methods

Using mobile phone global positioning system (GPS) trajectory data, we measured variations in human mobility across socio-demographic groups during different restriction periods from Oct 14, 2020 to Sep 15, 2021. The six restriction periods which varied in degree of mobility restriction policies, denoted as “Three-tier Restriction,” “Second National Lockdown,” “Four-tier Restriction,” “Third National Lockdown,” “Steps out of Lockdown,” and “Post-restriction,” respectively. Individual human mobility was measured with respect to the time period people stayed at home, visited places outside the home, and traveled long distances. We compared these indicators across the six restriction periods and across socio-demographic groups.

Results

All human mobility indicators significantly differed across the six restriction periods, and the influences of restriction policies on individual mobility behaviors are correlated with socio-demographic groups. In particular, influences relating to mobility behaviors are stronger in younger and low-income groups in the second and third national lockdowns.

Conclusions

This study enhances our understanding of the influences of COVID-19 pandemic restriction policies on human mobility behaviors within different social groups in England. The findings can be usefully extended to support policy-making by investigating human mobility and differences in policy effects across not only age and income groups, but also across geographical regions.
Occluded object detection and exposure in cluttered environments with automated hyperspectral anomaly detection
Authors: Hanson Nathaniel , Lvov Gary , Padir Taşkın
Published: October 2022

Cluttered environments with partial object occlusions pose significant challenges to robot manipulation. In settings composed of one dominant object type and various undesirable contaminants, occlusions make it difficult to both recognize and isolate undesirable objects. Spatial features alone are not always sufficiently distinct to reliably identify anomalies under multiple layers of clutter, with only a fractional part of the object exposed. We create a multi-modal data representation of cluttered object scenes pairing depth data with a registered hyperspectral data cube. Hyperspectral imaging provides pixel-wise Visible Near-Infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectral curves which are invariant in similar material types. Spectral reflectance data is grounded in the chemical-physical properties of an object, making spectral curves an excellent modality to differentiate inter-class material types. Our approach proposes a new automated method to perform hyperspectral anomaly detection in cluttered workspaces with the goal of improving robot manipulation. We first assume the dominance of a single material class, and coarsely identify the dominant, non-anomalous class. Next these labels are used to train an unsupervised autoencoder to identify anomalous pixels through reconstruction error. To tie our anomaly detection to robot actions, we then apply a set of heuristically-evaluated motion primitives to perturb and further expose local areas containing anomalies. The utility of this approach is demonstrated in numerous cluttered environments including organic and inorganic materials. In each of our four constructed scenarios, our proposed anomaly detection method is able to consistently increase the exposed surface area of anomalies. Our work advances robot perception for cluttered environments by incorporating multi-modal anomaly detection aided by hyperspectral sensing into detecting fractional object presence without need for laboriously curated labels.
Design engineering a walking robotic manipulator for in-space assembly missions
Authors: Nair Manu Harikrishnan , Rai Mini Chakravarthini , Poozhiyil Mithun
Published: October 2022

In-Space Services aim to introduce sustainable futuristic technology to support the current and growing orbital ecosystem. As the scale of space missions grows, there is a need for more extensive infrastructures in orbit. In-Space Assembly missions would hold one of the key responsibilities in meeting the increasing demand. In the forthcoming decades, newer infrastructures in the Earth’s orbits, which are much more advanced than the International Space Station are needed for in-situ manufacturing, servicing, and astronomical and observational stations. The prospect of in-orbit commissioning a Large Aperture Space Telescope (LAST) has fuelled scientific and commercial interests in deep-space astronomy and Earth Observation. However, the in-situ assembly of such large-scale, high-value assets in extreme environments, like space, is highly challenging and requires advanced robotic solutions. This paper introduces an innovative dexterous walking robotic system for in-orbit assembly missions and considers the Large Aperture Space Telescope system with an aperture of 25 m as the use case. The top-level assembly requirements are identified with a deep insight into the critical functionalities and challenges to overcome while assembling the modular LAST. The design and sizing of an End-over-end Walking Robot (E-Walker) are discussed based on the design of the LAST and the specifications of the spacecraft platform. The E-Walker’s detailed design engineering includes the structural finite element analysis results for space and earth-analogue design and the corresponding actuator selection methods. Results of the modal analysis demonstrate the deflections in the E-Walker links and end-effector in the open-loop due to the extremities present in the space environment. The design and structural analysis of E-Walker’s scaled-down prototype is also presented to showcase its feasibility in supporting both in-orbit and terrestrial activities requiring robotic capabilities over an enhanced workspace. Further, the mission concept of operations is presented based on two E-Walkers that carry out the assembly of the mirror modules. The mission discussed was shortlisted after conducting an extensive trade-off study in the literature. Simulated results prove the dual E-Walker robotic system’s efficacy for accomplishing complex in-situ assembly operations through task-sharing.
Urban wildlife corridors: Building bridges for wildlife and people
Authors: Zellmer Amanda J. , Goto Barbara S.
Published: October 2022

Urbanization is rapidly expanding across the globe, leading to increasing threats to wildlife in and around cities. Wildlife corridors are one strategy used to connect fragmented wildlife populations; however, building wildlife corridors in urban areas remains a challenge because of the number of barriers between habitat patches and the extensive number of property owners and stakeholders involved. Successful urban wildlife corridor conservation thus requires a collaborative approach and a cohesive plan that transcends municipal boundaries. Here we demonstrate how urban wildlife corridor conservation can provide a unique opportunity to build bridges not only for wildlife but also among scientists, non-profits, government agencies, and communities. Our case study centers on the conservation of a network of wildlife corridors in one of the world's megacities, Los Angeles, and the positive feedback loop sparked by collaboration between research and non-profit work. We discuss the benefits of and challenges to building complex collaborations for the purpose of strengthening urban resilience and redesigning sustainable cities.
Ubiq-exp: A toolkit to build and run remote and distributed mixed reality experiments
Authors: Steed Anthony , Izzouzi Lisa , Brandstätter Klara , Friston Sebastian , Congdon Ben , Olkkonen Otto , Giunchi Daniele , Numan Nels , Swapp David
Published: October 2022

Developing mixed-reality (MR) experiments is a challenge as there is a wide variety of functionality to support. This challenge is exacerbated if the MR experiment is multi-user or if the experiment needs to be run out of the lab. We present Ubiq-Exp - a set of tools that provide a variety of functionality to facilitate distributed and remote MR experiments. We motivate our design and tools from recent practice in the field and a desire to build experiments that are easier to reproduce. Key features are the ability to support supervised and unsupervised experiments, and a variety of tools for the experimenter to facilitate operation and documentation of the experimental sessions. We illustrate the potential of the tools through three small-scale pilot experiments. Our tools and pilot experiments are released under a permissive open-source license to enable developers to appropriate and develop them further for their own needs.