bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trajectories of mindfulness, flow experience, and stress during an online-based MBSR program: the moderating role of emotional exhaustion
Authors: Hohnemann Charlotte , Engel Florian , Peifer Corinna , Diestel Stefan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Despite numerous papers focusing on mindfulness at work, our knowledge about how flow experience and stress as indicators of optimal functioning and wellbeing at work evolve over time during the common mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program remains limited. Drawing from the transactional model of flow and stress, we argue that a build-up of mindfulness over the training duration not only leads to a decrease in stress but also an increase in flow experience. Thereby, we examine the moderating role of emotional exhaustion amplifying the beneficial effects of mindfulness.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental study, 91 participants completed weekly questionnaires over the course of 8 weeks. Forty six participants in the experimental group took part in the MBSR program, while 45 participants were part of an inactive control group.

Results

Mindfulness and flow showed a significant linear increase over time, whereas stress exhibited a linear decrease. Those who participated in the MBSR training reported an increase in mindfulness that positively and negatively predicted the trajectories of flow and stress, respectively. Emotional exhaustion amplified the effects of the trajectory of mindfulness on the trajectories of flow and stress.

Discussion

These findings suggest that mindfulness can not only reduce stress but can also foster the autotelic experience of flow, especially for chronically depleted individuals. However, more research is necessary to replicate these results and address the limitations of the current study, including the quasi-experimental design, the use of self-report measures, as well as the dropout during the study period.
Flow and performance: a quantitative study of elicitation modeling in a piano performance perspective
Authors: Li Junrui , Xu Ying , Wang Xiaoyu , Yuan Xinran , Liu Shilin , Li Meihui , Ren Xiubo , Yang Dan , Liu Siqi , Jiang Zhenxu , Gou Qiaoqiao , Yang Miaomiao , Xu Qiujian
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Flow, defined as a heightened state of consciousness characterized by intense concentration during an activity, is influenced primarily by the perceived challenge and the dynamic equilibrium of skills. This investigation focuses on the patterns of flow state attainment and its elicitation mechanisms within the context of piano performance among Chinese music college students.

Methods

Our study establishes a framework for accessing flow, utilizing quantitative data from music ontology to gauge the level of challenge and the level of music acquisition to assess skills. Additionally, we integrate external factors such as music culture heterogeneity and demographic variables to elucidate the causes and moderating effects of flow on piano performance.

Results

The findings reveal a positive correlation between flow and performance, with the model of challenge and skill induction partially explaining these results. Notably, melodic Shannon Entropy emerges as a potential indicator of challenge, suggesting its relevance in future studies on flow.

Discussion

This research provides multidimensional insights into the interplay between performance and flow in piano performance, guiding future investigations to explore the musical quantitative perspective more deeply.
Making sense out of uncertainty: cognitive strategies in the child custody decision-making process
Authors: Mendes Josimar Antônio de Alcântara , Ormerod Thomas C.
Published: July 2024

Child custody cases post-parental separation entail inherent complexities and uncertainties for legal experts and decision-makers, and are influenced by context factors. This study sheds light on how legal actors (i.e., judges, prosecutors, lawyers, psychologists, and social workers) navigate the uncertainties that arise in such context and, therefore, make their decisions. Based on a reflexive thematic analysis involving 73 participants from Brazil and England, this study reveals cognitive strategies employed by legal actors to comprehend uncertainty and operate in the decision-making context. These strategies encompass heuristics (i.e., selection, evaluation, degrees of freedom, and outsourcing decisions/ resolution) and metacognitive strategies (custodial arrangements, professional practices and ‘best interests of the child’ speech). These results provide a window into the decision-making processes in child custody cases; they offer a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted sensemaking strategies employed by legal professionals. The results carry substantial implications for informing and improving legal practice in handling complex child custody situations. Furthermore, this study charts new paths for future research by highlighting potential avenues for refining and advancing the strategies employed by legal experts in these cases, especially considering the child’s best interests.
Prevalence of parenthood among hospitalized adult patients with severe mental illness: a quantitative data analysis
Authors: Havelková Anna , Havelka David , Koros Bartošová Kateřina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In the Western world, more than one-third of the patients of productive age hospitalized for severe mental illness (SMI) are parents. Each of their offspring is exposed to several stressors related to their parent’s illness and hospitalization, which puts them at an increased risk of developing mental health problems. In the Czech Republic, no statistics are currently available about the families of patients with SMI, inpatients who are parents, or data about their children (ages ≤18 years). Therefore, our research aim was to describe the prevalence of parenthood among hospitalized patients with SMI, assess the number of children and determine the extent to which offspring information was present in medical records.

Methods

Quantitative data from medical records (2,768 patients, aged 18–63 years, hospitalized for SMI between 2017 and 2020) from two large inpatient psychiatric facilities were examined. Parental information, demographic characteristics, number of children, and other available data were collected.

Results

The prevalence of parenthood among inpatients with SMI was 34.6%. Parenthood was most prevalent among female patients and patients with recurrent depressive and bipolar disorders. The total number of offspring in 957 patient-parents was 1781 (41.7% minors under the age of 18). Information on parenthood was available in 99.7% of cases; information on the age of offspring, custody, and sociodemographic situation varies, being included in 73% to 89.7% of the medical records (some details were more frequently recorded than others).

Discussion

The data obtained may help to better understand and address the specifics of these families and thus serve as a basis for the development of prevention programs.
Increased antipsychotic drug concentration in hospitalized patients with mental disorders following COVID-19 infection: a call for attention
Authors: Yang Rui , Wan Jin-Ling , Pi Chen-Qi , Wang Tian-Hui , Zhu Xue-Quan , Zhou Shuang-Jiang
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Examine the alterations in antipsychotic concentrations following coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection among hospitalized patients with mental disorders and conduct an analysis of the factors influencing these changes.

Methods

Data were collected from inpatients at Beijing Huilongguan Hospital between December 12, 2022, and January 11, 2023, pre- and post-COVID-19. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, 329 inpatients with mental disorders were included (3 with incomplete data excluded). Primary outcomes assessed changes in antipsychotic concentrations pre- and post-COVID-19, while secondary outcomes examined factors linked to concentration increases and antipsychotic dose adjustments.

Results

Clozapine (P < 0.001), aripiprazole (P < 0.001), quetiapine (P = 0.005), olanzapine (P < 0.001), risperidone (P < 0.001), and paliperidone (P < 0.001) concentrations increased post-COVID-19 in patients with mental disorders. Notably, clozapine concentration surpassing pre-infection levels was highest. Clozapine users were more likely to adjust their dose (50.4%) compared to olanzapine (17.5%) and other antipsychotics. Moreover, traditional Chinese patent medicines and antibiotics during COVID-19 infection were associated with antipsychotic reduction or withdrawal (OR = 2.06, P = 0.0247; OR = 7.53, P = 0.0024, respectively).

Conclusion

Antipsychotic concentrations in hospitalized patients with mental disorders increased after COVID-19 infection, that may be related not only to COVID-19, but also to the use of Chinese patent medicines during infection. The pre-infection concentration and types of antipsychotics, patient’s gender, and combination of traditional Chinese medicine or antibiotics, were factors found to correlate with increased drug concentrations and necessitate dose adjustments.
Effect of cyclic meditation on anxiety and sleep quality in sailors on merchant ships—A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Paranthatta Sukesh , George Titty , Vinaya H. M. , Swathi P. S. , Pandey Mangesh , Pradhan Balaram , Babu Natesh , Saoji Apar Avinash
Published: July 2024

Background

Sailors undergo anxiety and sleep disturbances due to prolonged journeys and the nature of their work on ships. Earlier studies indicate Cyclic Meditation (CM) being beneficial for managing anxiety and improving sleep quality. Thus, the current study was designed to investigate the effect of CM on anxiety and sleep quality among sailors.

Materials and methods

Fifty sailors were assigned to experimental (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. The experimental group received 45 min of CM, 7 days a week for 3 weeks. Control group continued with their routine activities and were offered CM practice the following 3 weeks. Hamilton Anxiety Scale for anxiety (HAM-A) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep along with blood pressure and pulse rate were taken at baseline and by the end of 3 weeks. Data were analyzed using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM ANOVA) for within and between group effects.

Results

Significant differences were found between the groups following 3 weeks for all the variables. Experimental group demonstrated reduced anxiety (p < 0.001) and improved sleep (p < 0.001) along with improvements in blood pressure and pulse rate. The control group did not show any significant changes following 3 weeks.

Conclusion

CM could be incorporated as a routine for sailors to manage their anxiety and improve sleep quality during the period on board ships.
Spatial variations and determinants of receiving cash and food from the productive safety net program among households in Ethiopia: spatial clustering and multilevel analyses
Authors: Terefe Bewuketu , Muluneh Begosew , Sisay Seretew Wullo , Misganaw Geremew Bisrat
Published: July 2024

Background

There is a global struggle with food insecurity and undernutrition among women, and Ethiopia has been particularly impacted by these issues. To address this challenge, Ethiopia has implemented a cash and food safety net program over many years. However, there is limited information available regarding the program’s factors and spatial distributions, with no recent national evidence from Ethiopia. Consequently, the objective of this study is to investigate the spatial clustering and determinants of the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) in Ethiopia.

Method

This study utilized data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The sample included 8,570 weighted households. Given the hierarchical nature of the data, a multilevel logistic regression model was employed to identify factors influencing the outcome variable. Geographical clusters of individuals receiving assistance from the PSNP were examined using SaTScan software and the Bernoulli model, along with the Kulldorff methods. The nationwide distribution of the program beneficiaries was visualized using ArcGIS version 10.8. Variables were considered statistically significant if their p-value was <0.05.

Results

The overall coverage of the PSNP was 13.54% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.84–14.29] among households in Ethiopia. The study revealed that people from richer households adjusted odds ratio [AOR = 0.46 (95% CI: (0.33, 0.64))], those from the richest households [AOR = 0.26 (95% CI:(0.17,0.41))], and those with educated household heads [AOR = 0.45 (95% CI:(0.28, 0.71))] have a lower likelihood of utilizing the PSNP compared to their counterparts. Conversely, a unit increase in household heads’ age [AOR = 1.02 (95% CI:(1.01, 1.02))] and family size [AOR = 1.05 (95% CI:1.021.10)] showed a higher likelihood of joining the PSNP, respectively. Household heads who have joined community health insurance [AOR = 3.21 (95% CI:(2.58, 4.01))] had significantly higher odds of being included in the PSNP than their counterparts. Heads who belong to a community with a high poverty level [AOR = 2.68 (95% CI:(1.51, 4.79))] and community health insurance [AOR = 2.49 (95% CI:(1.51, 4.11))] showed more inclination to utilize the PSNP compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

PSNP was judged to have a low implementation status based on the findings gathered regarding it. We found factors such as age, sex, region, wealth, education, family size, regions, and health insurance to be statistically significant. Therefore, encouraging women empowerment, community-based awareness creation, and coordination with regional states is advisable.
Marginal effects of economical development and university education on China’s regular exercise population
Authors: Agudamu  , Bu Te , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2024

Objective

Although the regular exercise population is a key metric for gaging the success of China’s fitness-for-all activities, effective policy approaches to increase mass sports participation remain unclear. Previous research suggests that GDP, educational attainment, sports resources, and meteorological conditions could influence regular exercise participation. Therefore, this study first analyzed the macro-level correlates influencing China’s regular exercise population.

Methods

We utilize ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and geographical weighted regression (GWR) to theorize the relationship. The analysis encompasses data from the 31 administrative regions of Mainland China, as reported at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period. The log–log model enables us to quantify the marginal effect (elasticity) of the explanatory variables.

Results

The OLS regression showed that regional GDP and the proportion of the population with a university education were significant predictors. In the global model, the marginal effects of regional GDP and university education were 0.048 and 0.173, respectively. Furthermore, the GWR revealed a distinct geographic pattern that corresponds to the classic Hu Line.

Conclusion

While regional GDP was also a significant correlate in our model, the elasticity demonstrates that university education had an asymmetric effect on China’s regular exercise population. Therefore, this paper sheds light on a policy priority for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing the strategic importance of expanding university education to enhance mass sports participation. In turn, a better-educated populace may yield significant secondary effects on public health and contribute to the high-quality development of the Chinese path to modernization.
Real-world analysis of the underdiagnosis, clinical outcomes and associated burden of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA) in the United States
Authors: Wang Yan , Rava Andrew , Smurzynski Marlene , Shah Bonny , Thanataveerat Anusorn , Al-Dakkak Imad , Ong Moh-Lim , Dvorak Christopher C. , Ho Vincent T.
Published: July 2024

Background

Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) associated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT-TMA) is a serious post-transplant complication. Diagnosis is difficult due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions and a lack of universally adopted diagnostic criteria.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study investigated HSCT-TMA incidence between July 2009–August 2020 using the TriNetX US Electronic Medical Record database. Patients who underwent autologous or allogeneic HSCT procedures and had conditioning agents were stratified as follows: confirmed TMA (≥1 hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)/TMA diagnosis code), suspected TMA [no HUS/TMA code but met modified published Cho (adult) or Jodele (pediatric) diagnostic criteria (further information in main text), and non-TMA (met neither criteria). Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes, and all-cause unadjusted healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) within 12-months of HSCT, were assessed. Statistical comparisons were against the non-TMA cohort (p<0.05).

Results

The study included 16,809 adults and 901 pediatrics. Of these, 125 adults (0.7%) and 30 pediatrics (3.3%) had confirmed TMA, 3029 (18.0%) adults and 94 (10.4%) pediatrics had suspected TMA; 13,655 (81.2%) adults and 777 (86.2%) pediatrics met non-TMA criteria. Confirmed and suspected TMA incidences were higher after allogeneic HSCT in adults. In pediatrics, confirmed TMA incidence was higher following autologous transplantation, and suspected TMA higher after allogeneic transplantation. Confirmed and suspected TMA patients had significantly higher Charlson Comorbidity Indexes pre-HSCT and more post-HSCT complications. In adults with confirmed and suspected TMA, mortality estimates within 12-months of HSCT were significantly higher compared to non-TMA patients, and numerically higher in pediatrics. All confirmed and suspected TMA patients had significantly more ER visits, inpatient stays and ICU admissions. HCRU within 12-months of HSCT was higher in all confirmed TMA patients; ≤0.1% of patients with suspected TMA, and 25.6–50.0% of patients with confirmed TMA, received complement inhibitors.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that incidence of HSCT-TMA in the real world, as per billing codes, is low compared with historical literature. However, a proportion of suspected TMA cases, based on diagnosis criteria, share similarly poor outcomes and HCRU. HSCT-TMA is likely underdiagnosed, or under-coded, in real world practice. Our study highlights the need for greater vigilance to this severe complication.
Design considerations for developing measures of policy implementation in quantitative evaluations of public health policy
Authors: Smith Natalie Riva , Levy Douglas E. , Falbe Jennifer , Purtle Jonathan , Chriqui Jamie F.
Published: July 2024

Typical quantitative evaluations of public policies treat policies as a binary condition, without further attention to how policies are implemented. However, policy implementation plays an important role in how the policy impacts behavioral and health outcomes. The field of policy-focused implementation science is beginning to consider how policy implementation may be conceptualized in quantitative analyses (e.g., as a mediator or moderator), but less work has considered how to measure policy implementation for inclusion in quantitative work. To help address this gap, we discuss four design considerations for researchers interested in developing or identifying measures of policy implementation using three independent NIH-funded research projects studying e-cigarette, food, and mental health policies. Mini case studies of these considerations were developed via group discussions; we used the implementation research logic model to structure our discussions. Design considerations include (1) clearly specifying the implementation logic of the policy under study, (2) developing an interdisciplinary team consisting of policy practitioners and researchers with expertise in quantitative methods, public policy and law, implementation science, and subject matter knowledge, (3) using mixed methods to identify, measure, and analyze relevant policy implementation determinants and processes, and (4) building flexibility into project timelines to manage delays and challenges due to the real-world nature of policy. By applying these considerations in their own work, researchers can better identify or develop measures of policy implementation that fit their needs. The experiences of the three projects highlighted in this paper reinforce the need for high-quality and transferrable measures of policy implementation, an area where collaboration between implementation scientists and policy experts could be particularly fruitful. These measurement practices provide a foundation for the field to build on as attention to incorporating measures of policy implementation into quantitative evaluations grows and will help ensure that researchers are developing a more complete understanding of how policies impact health outcomes.
Carbon evolution and mixing effects on groundwater age calculations in fractured basalt, southwestern Idaho, U.S.A.
Authors: Schlegel Melissa , Souza Jennifer , Warix Sara R. , Murray Erin M. , Godsey Sarah E. , Seyfried Mark S. , Cram Zane , Lohse Kathleen A.
Published: July 2024

Using hydrochemical and isotopic compositions of springs and wells, we trace carbon from critical zone carbon dioxide (CO2) into groundwater of the semi-arid Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed - Critical Zone Observatory, southwestern Idaho, USA. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) concentrations, pH and stable isotope tracers of carbon for DIC (δ13CDIC), are used to show that most groundwater evolves under open system conditions, moving carbon into the groundwater and acting as a carbon sink. However, one sample (−10.94‰ δ13CDIC, 6,350 14C years before present (yrs. BP)) may have evolved under closed system conditions with a higher partial pressure of critical zone CO2 than present-day soils. By characterizing the carbon cycle, we show that (1) carbon evolution is primarily under open-system conditions, (2) shallow groundwater samples are generally less mixed and more recent (10 to 70 3H yrs. BP) than deeper groundwater samples (1,469 to 6,350 14C yrs. BP), and (3) the older portion of the groundwater may be even older than the calculated 14C ages, as indicated by the mixing of age tracers in intermediate wells. Our global conception of the deep critical zone should include carbon cycling of critical zone CO2 in old groundwater. Characterizing the deep critical zone in a semi-arid weathered silicate watershed improves our global understanding of carbon, nutrient and water cycling.
5′-UMP inhibited muscle atrophy due to detraining: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparative study
Authors: Inoue Mika , Kubota Atsushi , Takazawa Yuji , Nakagawara Kosuke , Ishige Kazuya , Suzuki Yoshio
Published: July 2024

Purpose

A short period of disuse of 1–2 weeks due to factors such as illness or injury can lead to muscle atrophy, affecting both athletic performance and health. Recent research has shown that uridine 5′-monophosphate (5′-UMP) can counteract disuse-induced muscle atrophy by increasing PGC-1α expression and inhibiting atrogin-1 expression. However, the effect of 5′-UMP on disuse muscle atrophy in humans remains unknown. Therefore, the aimed of this study was to explore the effects of 5′-UMP supplementation during detraining on short-term disuse muscle atrophy in healthy men.

Methods

Following a 6-week resistance training program on upper arm, healthy men were randomized to either a UMP group (n = 11) or a placebo group (n = 10), taking their respective supplements during the 2-week detraining period. Muscle thickness, an indicator of muscle hypertrophy and atrophy, was measured at 3 positions (MT50, MT60, and MT70) at baseline, 1 week, and 2 weeks after detraining.

Results

Both groups showed a significant decrease in muscle thickness at MT70. The relative decrease was greater in the placebo group (2.4 ± 2.8%) than in the UMP group (0.0 ± 2.0%), significantly (p = 0.034) at 1 week. However, no significant difference was observed at MT50 and MT60.

Conclusion

After the hypertrophy, 5′-UMP may prevent muscle atrophy due to the detraining within the first week.
Ambidextrous Innovation in Project Management: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: AlSaied Mohammad , McLaughlin Patrick
Published: July 2024

Projects work under constant pressure of resource and time constraints. In order to perform effectively and efficiently, innovation seems to be a significant factor. However, due to the different nature of projects as compared to the organization, projects have been finding it difficult to undertake such innovation. However, ambidextrous innovation, which seeks to balance exploratory and exploitative innovation, offers a possible solution. However, research on the relationship between ambidextrous innovation and project management is at an early stage. The purpose of the present research is to undertake a systematic review of the literature to build and synthesize the understanding of innovation ambidexterity at the project level. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, our research collected data from the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases. By adhering to the PRISMA approach, we ensured a rigorous and transparent approach to the systematic review study, allowing for comprehensive data collection and analysis. The results of the present review study suggest that interest is building rapidly to incorporate ambidextrous innovation into project management. Ambidextrous innovation seemed to positively impact both the performance and capability of projects to undertake the innovation. Further, important drivers such as organizational culture, knowledge management, innovation activities, and agility play key roles in undertaking ambidextrous innovation at the project level. Further, elements of the team such as team integration, alignment, and knowledge utilization also play key roles. Finally, the avenue of future research has also been highlighted.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Immunosuppression in Tiger Pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes) under Cryptocaryon irritans Infection
Authors: Chi Yong , Mukiibi Robert , Zhang Hongxiang , Zhang Haien , Li Weidong , Robledo Diego , Chen Songlin , Li Yangzhen
Published: July 2024

The tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes), also known as fugu, has recently suffered from severe C. irritans infections under aquaculture environment, yet the underlying immune mechanisms against the parasite remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the gill tissue from infected and uninfected fish using PacBio long-read (one pooled sample each for seriously infected and healthy individuals, respectively) and Illumina short-read (three pools for mildly infected, seriously infected, and healthy individuals, respectively) RNA sequencing technologies. After aligning sequence data to fugu’s reference genome, 47,307 and 34,413 known full-length transcripts were identified and profiled in healthy and infected fish, respectively. Similarly, we identified and profiled 1126 and 803 novel genes that were obtained from healthy and infected fish, respectively. Interestingly, we found a decrease in the number of alternative splicing (AS) events and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) after infection with C. irritans, suggesting that they may be involved in the regulation of the immune response in fugu. There were 687 and 1535 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in moderately and heavily infected fish, respectively, compared to uninfected fish. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that immune-related DEGs in the two comparison groups were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, ECM-receptor interactions, T-cell receptor signaling pathways, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation, and Th17 cell differentiation pathways. Further analysis revealed that a large number of immune-related genes were downregulated in infected fish relative to uninfected ones, such as CCR7, IL7R, TNFRSF21, CD4, COL2A1, FOXP3B, and ITGA8. Our study suggests that C. irritans is potentially a highly efficient parasite that may disrupt the defense mechanisms of fugu against it. In addition, in combination of short-read RNA sequencing and previous genome-wide association analyses, we identified five key genes (NDUFB6, PRELID1, SMOX, SLC25A4, and DENND1B) that might be closely associated with C. irritans resistance. This study not only provides valuable resources of novel genic transcripts for further research, but also provides new insights into the immune mechanisms underlying C. irritans infection response in farmed fugu.
Metal Levels in Striped Dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Common Dolphins (Delphinus delphis) Stranded along the Sicilian Coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Naccari Clara , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Cammilleri Gaetano , Galluzzo Francesco Giuseppe , Macaluso Andrea , Riolo Pietro , Lo Dico Gianluigi Maria , Bava Roberto , Palma Ernesto
Published: July 2024

Dolphins, top predators of the aquatic food chain, are used as sentinel species of marine pollution as they are sensitive to environmental changes and able to accumulate a large content of contaminants. Several EU directives promote study of marine mammalians as bio-indicators to evaluate the presence of contaminants in the aquatic environment, such as the Mediterranean Sea, which is rich in environmental pollutants due to its geographic and geo-morphological characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of toxic and essential metals and metalloids (Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Se and Zn), through ICP-MS analysis, in organs/tissues (liver, muscle, lung, kidney and skin) of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the Sicilian coastlines of the Mediterranean Sea. The results confirm the exposure of dolphins to toxic metals and metalloids, with the highest Hg levels observed in skin and liver, although a low Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was found in all samples of both dolphin species. From a comparative analysis of trace metals and metalloids according to sex and state of development, the highest levels of Cd and As were found in females vs. males and adults vs. juveniles, except for Pb in both species, and significant differences were observed between the two species, size of specimens, and organs/tissues analyzed. The highest Hg levels were correlated to those of essential metals Se and Zn, expressed as molar ratios, to evaluate the potential synergic effect of these detoxifying elements against Hg toxicity. This study confirms the rule of Stenella coeruleoalba and Delphinus delphis as valid sentinel species of the Mediterranean Sea, to verify the trend of metals pollution in this aquatic environment and, consequently, the health of these marine species.
New Advances in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-like Dogs
Authors: González-Martínez Ángela , Muñiz de Miguel Susana , Diéguez Francisco
Published: July 2024

Similar to humans, dogs could suffer an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-like syndrome (ADHD-like). In fact, several studies highlight the use of dogs as a model for studying ADHD. This condition entails behavioral problems expressed through impulsivity, attention issues, hyperactivity, and/or aggression, compromising the quality of life for both the caregiver and the dog. The pathophysiology of ADHD-like is complex and is associated with dysregulation of various neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The expression of ADHD-like behavior in dogs would appear to depend on a classical gene–environment interaction as is the case with many neurological disorders in humans. In addition to the described symptomatology, ADHD-like dogs can exhibit strong comorbidities with compulsive behaviors, aggressiveness, inappropriate elimination and fearfulness, in addition to epilepsy, foreign body ingestion, and pruritus. In spite of the fact that there is no veterinary consensus about the diagnosis of ADHD-like, some validated questionnaires could be helpful, but these cannot be used as a unique diagnostic tool. The use of drugs, such as fluoxetine, in addition to an adequate environmental enrichment, relaxation protocols, and behavior modification can achieve an adequate quality of life for both the dog and caregivers.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Neural Architecture Search with Weight-Sharing Supernet
Authors: Liang Junchao , Zhu Ke , Li Yuan , Li Yun , Gong Yuejiao
Published: July 2024

Deep neural networks have played a crucial role in the field of deep learning, achieving significant success in practical applications. The architecture of neural networks is key to their performance. In the past few years, these architectures have been manually designed by experts with rich domain knowledge. Additionally, the optimal neural network architecture can vary depending on specific tasks and data distributions. Neural Architecture Search (NAS) is a class of techniques aimed at automatically searching for and designing neural network architectures according to the given tasks and data. Specifically, evolutionary-computation-based NAS methods are known for their strong global search capability and have aroused widespread interest in recent years. Although evolutionary-computation-based NAS has achieved success in a wide range of research and applications, it still faces bottlenecks in training and evaluating a large number of individuals during optimization. In this study, we first devise a multi-objective evolutionary NAS framework based on a weight-sharing supernet to improve the search efficiency of traditional evolutionary-computation-based NAS. This framework combines the population optimization characteristic of evolutionary algorithms with the weight-sharing ideas in one-shot models. We then design a bi-population MOEA/D algorithm based on the proposed framework to effectively solve the NAS problem. By constructing two sub-populations with different optimization objectives, the algorithm can effectively explore network architectures of various sizes in complex search spaces. An inter-population communication mechanism further enhances the algorithm’s exploratory capability, enabling it to find network architectures with uniform distribution and high diversity. Finally, we conduct performance comparison experiments on image classification datasets of different scales and complexities. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-objective evolutionary NAS framework and the practicality and transferability of the introduced bi-population MOEA/D-based NAS method compared to existing state-of-the-art NAS methods.
Development of Sourdough Bread Made with Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Bacteria Addition
Authors: Zielińska Dorota , Kostrzewska Aleksandra
Published: July 2024

Bread is a staple in the diet of people around the world. A new solution is the addition of selected strains of bacteria to the sourdough to increase the quality of the obtained bread. In the presented research, seven bread samples were baked and analysed, which differed by the selected strain of bacteria of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum species used in sourdough preparation. The bread was subjected to a 3-day ageing test. The structure of the products was analysed using the texture profile analysis (TPA) method on days 1 and 3 of storage. It was observed that the samples with the addition of selected L. plantarum bacterial strains underwent the process of staling much slower than the control sample. The analysis of the viability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in products after 1 and 3 days of storage was also performed. The obtained results indicate the highest survival rate of LAB in the control sample, i.e., the native microflora of baker’s starters, which was at 3.07 log CFU after one-day storage after baking. In the case of other samples, the viability of the bacteria was below 2.74 log CFU, which confirms a certain degree of thermostability of selected bacterial strains. The belonging of the isolated bacteria to the species L. plantarum was proven via genetic identification using the PCR method. A sensory analysis using the quantitative descriptive profile (QDP) method was also performed on the bread immediately after it was baked and cooled down. The analysis showed that the use of L. plantarum strains as starters did not significantly affect the aromatic and taste profiles of the samples compared to the control sample. The overall quality of the bread samples was high, above 6 units, with the control sample having the highest sensory quality of 7.5 units (on a scale of 0–10 units). The presented research suggests that it is possible to produce bread with bacteria that have health-promoting properties and good sensory quality, which enhances the textural features of the final product. Future research will focus on attempting to microencapsulate selected thermostable probiotic bacteria.
Sensitivity and Specificity of a Screening Test for the Detection of Deficiencies in Visuo-Perceptual Skills
Authors: Casillas-Casillas Elizabeth , Salas-Hernández Luis Héctor , Ortiz-Casillas Katie Lynn , Petrosyan Tamara , Ramírez-González Sergio , Barba-Gallardo Luis Fernando
Published: July 2024

This study determines the sensitivity and specificity of a screening test to detect perceptual abnormalities and whether there are differences between gender. Vision is a complex process involving visual perception. Any alterations can affect learning, so having a screening test in Spanish that is easy to use and reliable for timely diagnosis will reduce the percentage of visuo-perceptual interference during learning process. A total of 200 subjects participated, aged between 8 and 15 years old, with good visual acuity, and no strabismus, amblyopia, ocular pathology, or neurological damage. The Petrosyan questionnaire (screening test) was employed to identify symptoms associated with perceptual impairment, and a subsequent assessment was conducted to evaluate perceptual abilities. The mean age was 11.5 years (57% male; 44% female). The screening test indicated that 30% of the subjects were suspected of having perceptual alteration, while 24% were diagnosed with a real alteration in perceptual abilities. The sensitivity was 1 and the specificity was 0.92. The Spanish version of the Petrosyan questionnaire has high sensitivity and specificity values and is therefore considered very accurate for identifying the need for a perceptual assessment. There are statistically significant differences in perceptual abilities according to gender. The female group shows more symptomatology and a higher percentage of alteration in perceptual skills.
Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Temporomandibular Disorders and Their Comorbidity with Migraine
Authors: Khan Adnan , Liu Sufang , Tao Feng
Published: July 2024

Sexual dimorphism in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and their comorbidity with migraine are important phenomena observed in clinics. TMDs are the most prevalent orofacial pain conditions with jaw joint and masseter muscle dysfunction. Migraine is the predominant headache commonly associated with TMDs. Women much more often suffer from this orofacial pain than men. However, currently, there is no gender-specific therapy for such pain conditions. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms behind sex differences in TMDs as well as their comorbidity with migraines is essential for developing novel approaches for gender-specific treatment of TMDs and related orofacial pain comorbidity. In this review, we summarize recent research progress regarding sex differences in TMDs, focusing on the underlying mechanisms including craniofacial anatomy, hormonal regulation, and roles of opioids, transient receptor potential channels, and endocannabinoid systems. We also discuss the mechanisms of comorbid TMDs and migraine. The information covered in this review will provide mechanistic insights into sex differences in TMDs and their comorbidity with migraine, which could aid in developing effective treatment strategies for the overlapping orofacial pain condition.
Role of Alternative and Augmentative Communication in Three Cases of Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Neurorehabilitative Approach
Authors: Formica Caterina , De Cola Maria Cristina , Corallo Francesco , Lo Buono Viviana
Published: July 2024

Background: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) improved communicative skills in adults with post-stroke aphasia demonstrating the effectiveness in speech disorders and consequent improvement of patients’ communication skills. This study aimed to report the efficacy of AAC in the rehabilitation of cognitive disorders and to estimate how the changes in cognitive and communicative functions could enhance the quality of life in patients affected by severe acquired brain injury. Methods: Three patients with pontine cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and meningioma expressed in the posterior cranial fossa, respectively, were submitted to rehabilitative training with AAC for 6 months. Patients underwent to neuropsychological and mood evaluations at the beginning of AAC treatment (T0) and after rehabilitative training (T1). Results: The results support the efficacy of AAC in the improvement of cognitive functions, particularly in memory, attention, and language domains. In addition, we described also an improvement in the quality of life and a decrease in depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The AAC seems to be an important rehabilitative technique for the recovery of cognitive functions with a consequent effect in improvement of psychological aspects and quality of life in patients with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI).
Topography and Radiological Variables as Ancillary Parameters for Evaluating Tissue Adherence, Hypothalamic–Pituitary Dysfunction, and Recurrence in Craniopharyngioma: An Integrated Multidisciplinary Overview
Authors: Calandrelli Rosalinda , D’Apolito Gabriella , Martucci Matia , Giordano Carolina , Schiarelli Chiara , Marziali Giammaria , Varcasia Giuseppe , Ausili Cefaro Luca , Chiloiro Sabrina , De Sanctis Simone Antonio , Serioli Simona , Doglietto Francesco , Gaudino Simona
Published: July 2024

Craniopharyngiomas continue to present a challenge in clinical practice due to their heterogeneity and unpredictable adherence to vital neurovascular structures, particularly the hypothalamus. This results in different degrees of hypothalamus–pituitary axis dysfunction and a lack of uniform consensus and treatment guidelines regarding optimal management. MRI and CT are complementary techniques in the preoperative diagnostic phase, enabling the precise definition of craniopharyngioma size, shape, and consistency, as well as guiding classification into histopathological subtypes and topographical categories. Meanwhile, MRI plays a crucial role in the immediate postoperative period and follow-up stages by identifying treatment-related changes and residual tumors. This pictorial essay aims to provide an overview of the role of imaging in identifying variables indicative of the adherence degree to the hypothalamus, hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction, the extent of surgical excision, and prognosis. For a more comprehensive assessment, we choose to distinguish the following two scenarios: (1) the initial diagnosis phase, where we primarily discuss the role of radiological variables predictive of adhesions to the surrounding neurovascular structures and axis dysfunction which may influence the choice of surgical resection; (2) the early post-treatment follow-up phase, where we discuss the interpretation of treatment-related changes that impact outcomes.
Early 2-Factor Transcription Factors Associated with Progression and Recurrence in Bevacizumab-Responsive Subtypes of Glioblastoma
Authors: Shi Jian
Published: July 2024

The early 2-factor (E2F) family of transcription factors, including E2F1 through 8, plays a critical role in apoptosis, metabolism, proliferation, and angiogenesis within glioblastoma (GBM). However, the specific functions of E2F transcription factors (E2Fs) and their impact on the malignancy of Bevacizumab (BVZ)-responsive GBM subtypes remain unclear. This study used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to explore the impact of eight E2F family members on the clinical characteristics of BVZ-responsive GBM subtypes and possible mechanisms of recurrence after BVZ treatment. Using machine learning algorithms, including TreeBagger and deep neural networks, we systematically predicted and validated GBM patient survival terms based on the expression profiles of E2Fs across BVZ-responsive GBM subtypes. Our bioinformatics analyses suggested that a significant increase in E2F8 post-BVZ treatment may enhance the function of angiogenesis and stem cell proliferation, implicating this factor as a candidate mechanism of GBM recurrence after treatment. In addition, BVZ treatment in unresponsive GBM patients may potentially worsen disease progression. These insights underscore that E2F family members play important roles in GBM malignancy and BVZ treatment response, highlighting their potential as prognostic biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and recommending precision BVZ treatment to individual GBM patients.
Perinatal Famine Exposure and Young-Onset Cancer—Lessons from China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Shuai Aidi , Ullah Shahid , Yu Yongfu , Pandol Stephen J. , Barreto Savio George
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives: Perinatal exposure to malnutrition has been hypothesised to influence the development of young-onset cancer (≤50 years of age). This study aimed to determine if perinatal malnutrition in individuals exposed to the Great Famine of China increased their risk of developing young-onset cancer compared to other individuals born prior to the famine. Subjects/Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 7272 participants from the China Health and Nutrition Survey who were classified into four groups based on birth year: participants born between 1953 and 1955 (before the famine) were designated as the pre-famine group (unexposed); the remainder formed perinatal exposure groups comprised of those exposed during the famine (1959–1961), those exposed in the early post-famine period (1962–1964), and those exposed in the late post-famine period (1965–1967). Multivariable adjusted log-binomial regression models were used to calculate the RR and 95% CI of young-onset cancer (including genitourinary cancer) across four groups. Results: Perinatal exposure to early post-famine (RR 2.08; 95%CI 1.04, 4.34; p = 0.043) and the female sex (RR 15.6, 95%CI 4.54, 60.3; p < 0.001) were noted to have a significantly increased risk of young-onset cancer. In addition, the early (RR 13.8; 95%CI 2.68, 253; p = 0.012) and late post-famine (RR 12.3; 95%CI 2.16, 231; p = 0.020) cohorts demonstrated a significantly increased risk of young-onset genitourinary cancer. The latter was accompanied by an increased risk of hypertension (RR 3.30; 95%CI 1.28, 7.87; p = 0.009). Conclusions: Perinatal exposure to famine, especially in females, was associated with a higher risk of young-onset cancer. This was particularly evident for young-onset genitourinary cancers. These findings highlight the potential long-term impact of perinatal malnutrition on young-onset carcinogenesis.