bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A machine learning model on Real World Data for predicting progression to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) among COVID-19 patients
Authors: Lazzarini Nicola , Filippoupolitis Avgoustinos , Manzione Pedro , Eleftherohorinou Hariklia
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Identifying COVID-19 patients that are most likely to progress to a severe infection is crucial for optimizing care management and increasing the likelihood of survival. This study presents a machine learning model that predicts severe cases of COVID-19, defined as the presence of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and highlights the different risk factors that play a significant role in disease progression.

Methods

A cohort composed of 289,351 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in April 2020 was created using US administrative claims data from Oct 2015 to Jul 2020. For each patient, information about 817 diagnoses, were collected from the medical history ahead of COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome of the study was the presence of ARDS in the 4 months following COVID-19 infection. The study cohort was randomly split into training set used for model development, test set for model evaluation and validation set for real-world performance estimation.

Results

We analyzed three machine learning classifiers to predict the presence of ARDS. Among the algorithms considered, a Gradient Boosting Decision Tree had the highest performance with an AUC of 0.695 (95% CI, 0.679–0.709) and an AUPRC of 0.0730 (95% CI, 0.0676 – 0.0823), showing a 40% performance increase in performance against a baseline classifier. A panel of five clinicians was also used to compare the predictive ability of the model to that of clinical experts. The comparison indicated that our model is on par or outperforms predictions made by the clinicians, both in terms of precision and recall.

Conclusion

This study presents a machine learning model that uses patient claims history to predict ARDS. The risk factors used by the model to perform its predictions have been extensively linked to the severity of the COVID-19 in the specialized literature. The most contributing diagnosis can be easily retrieved in the patient clinical history and can be used for an early screening of infected patients. Overall, the proposed model could be a promising tool to deploy in a healthcare setting to facilitate and optimize the care of COVID-19 patients.
High HIV prevalence and associated factors in Lesotho: Results from a population-based survey
Authors: Schwitters Amee , McCracken Stephen , Frederix Koen , Tierney Reese , Koto Masebeo , Ahmed Nahima , Thin Kyaw , Dobbs Trudy , Sithole Sakhile , Letsie Mosilinyane , Parekh Bharat , Patel Hetal , Birhanu Sehin , Wiesner Lubbe , Low Andrea
Published: July 2022

Despite extensive global efforts, sub-Saharan Africa remains disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic. This generalized epidemic can be seen in Lesotho which in 2014 the HIV prevalence rate of those aged 15–49 years was 24.6%, with and incidence of 1.9 new infections per 100-person-year exposures. To better understand the impact of Lesotho’s national HIV response and significant predictors associated with HIV infection, the Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment was conducted. This survey provided a nationally representative sample of individuals aged 15–59 years old in which participants were tested for HIV and given an individual questionnaire that included socio-demographic and behavioral risk questions. The association of factors between survey questions and HIV incident was assessed using logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression models for men and women were constructed for each outcome using variables known to be or plausibly associated with recent or chronic infection. Overall annualized incidence among people aged 15–49 was 1.19% (95% CI 0.73–1.65) per year. The overall prevalence of HIV was 25.6% with women having significantly higher prevalence. Multiple variables, including decreased wealth status, lower education levels, marital status, condom use at first sex, and circumcision (men only) were identified as being significantly associated with HIV infection for both men and women. In combination with improving the awareness of HIV status, an increased focus is needed on AGYW and men 35–49 years old to prevent new infections. HIV education and prevention programs should focus heavily on younger age groups prior to and soon after sexual debut to prevent HIV transmission. The findings of the survey showed significant room for improvement in increasing awareness of HIV status and reinforcing the need for continued HIV prevention and treatment efforts in Lesotho to prevent new infections.
Zoledronic acid generates a spatiotemporal effect to attenuate osteoarthritis by inhibiting potential Wnt5a-associated abnormal subchondral bone resorption
Authors: Ding Dong , Wang Limei , Yan Jiangbo , Zhou Yong , Feng Gangning , Ma Long , Yang Yong , Pei Xiuying , Jin Qunhua
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to determine the effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) on OA in rats and explored the molecular mechanism of osteoclast activation in early OA. A knee OA rat model was designed by surgically destabilizing the medial meniscus (DMM). Seventy-two male rats were randomly assigned to Sham+phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), DMM+PBS, and DMM+ZOL groups; rats were administered with 100 μg/Kg ZOL or PBS, twice weekly for 4 weeks. After 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of OA induction, the thickness of the hyaline and calcified cartilage layers was calculated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, degenerated cartilage stained with Safranin O-fast green staining was evaluated and scored, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-stained osteoclasts were counted, changes in subchondral bone using micro-computed tomography were analyzed, and PINP and CTX-I levels were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using these results, 18 male rats were randomly assigned to three groups. Four weeks after surgery, Wnt5a, RANKL, CXCL12, and NFATc1 protein levels were measured in subchondral bone using western blotting, and mRNA levels of genes related to osteoclastogenesis in subchondral bone were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated as osteoclast precursors, and cell differentiation, migration, and adhesion were assessed by TRAP staining and Transwell assays, revealing that DMM induced knee OA in rats. Progressive cartilage loss was observed 12 weeks after OA induction. Subchondral bone remodeling was dominated by bone resorption during early OA (within 4 weeks), whereas bone formation was increased 8 weeks later. ZOL suppressed bone resorption by inhibiting Wnt5a signaling in early OA, improved the imbalance of subchondral bone remodeling, reduced cartilage degeneration, and delayed OA progression. Additionally, ZOL delayed OA progression and reduced cartilage degeneration via a spatiotemporal effect in DMM-induced OA. Osteoclast activity in early OA might be associated with Wnt5a signaling, indicating a possible novel strategy for OA treatment.
Does a rare mutation in PTPRA contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease in an Australian multi-incident family?
Authors: Hill Melissa A. , Bentley Steven R. , Walker Tara L. , Mellick George D. , Wood Stephen A. , Sykes Alex M.
Published: July 2022

The genetic study of multi-incident families is a powerful tool to investigate genetic contributions to the development of Parkinson’s disease. In this study, we identified the rare PTPRA p.R223W variant as one of three putative genetic factors potentially contributing to disease in an Australian family with incomplete penetrance. Whole exome sequencing identified these mutations in three affected cousins. The rare PTPRA missense variant was predicted to be damaging and was absent from 3,842 alleles from PD cases. Overexpression of the wild-type RPTPα and R223W mutant in HEK293T cells identified that the R223W mutation did not impair RPTPα expression levels or alter its trafficking to the plasma membrane. The R223W mutation did alter proteolytic processing of RPTPα, resulting in the accumulation of a cleavage product. The mutation also resulted in decreased activation of Src family kinases. The functional consequences of this variant, either alone or in concert with the other identified genetic variants, highlights that even minor changes in normal cellular function may increase the risk of developing PD.
ARIMA model forecasting analysis of the prices of multiple vegetables under the impact of the COVID-19
Authors: Mao Lisha , Huang Yin , Zhang Xiaofan , Li Sijin , Huang Xiangni
Published: July 2022

As a large agricultural country, China’s vegetable prices affect the increase in production and income of farmers and the daily life of urban and rural residents and influence the healthy development of Chinese agriculture. 51,567 vegetable price data of 2020 are analyzed to determine the factors that influence vegetable price fluctuations in two dimensions (vertical and horizontal) in the special context of the COVID-19, and an ARIMA model of short-term price prediction is then employed and evaluated. Based on the factors affecting vegetable prices, the results of the model are further examined. Finally, pertinent suggestions are made for the development of the local vegetable industry in the post-epidemic era.
Carbonic anhydrase XII as biomarker and therapeutic target in ovarian carcinomas
Authors: Hiepp Lisa , Mayr Doris , Gärtner Kathrin , Schmoeckel Elisa , Klauschen Frederick , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Zeidler Reinhard , Czogalla Bastian
Published: July 2022

Targeting the tumor-associated carbonic anhydrase XII (CA XII) is considered a promising strategy to improve cancer treatment. As such progress is highly demanded for ovarian carcinomas, the present study aimed to provide deeper information about their CA XII expression profile. A large collection of tissue specimens was stained immunohistochemically with a specific anti-CA XII antibody to evaluate the expression in neoplastic and non-neoplastic epithelial ovarian cells. In addition, flow cytometry was used to measure CA XII expression on tumor cells from malignant ascites fluid. Binding of the antibody revealed a significant CA XII expression in most ovarian carcinoma tissue samples and ascites-derived ovarian carcinoma cells. Moreover, CA XII was expressed at higher levels in ovarian carcinomas as compared to borderline ovarian tumors and non-neoplastic ovarian epithelia. Within the carcinoma tissues, high expression of CA XII was associated with higher tumor grading and a trend towards shorter overall survival. Our results indicate that CA XII plays a crucial role for the malignancy of ovarian carcinoma cells and emphasize the potential of CA XII as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in the management of ovarian carcinomas.
Magnitude and factors associated with treatment non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders at St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019: A cross sectional study
Authors: Alemayehu Yadeta , Asfaw Henock , Girma Million
Published: July 2022

Background

Inadequate adherence to treatment is among the main underlying causes of depression becoming a chronic problem. In developing countries due to limited access to health care, inaccurate diagnoses, and scarcity of medications, poor adherence may become an even larger obstacle in the treatment of depression. The current study aims to assess the magnitude and factors related to treatment non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders.

Objective

To assess the magnitude and factors associated with treatment non adherence among patients with depressive disorders at St. Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 respondents using systematic random sampling technique. Medication adherence was assessed by using Medication Adherence Rating Scale. Data was entered to Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic analysis was done and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The prevalence of treatment non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders was 26% (95%CI; 21.2, 32.5). Previous suicide attempt (AOR = 3.05, 95%CI; 1.82, 5.12), medication side effects (AOR = 2.46, 95%CI; 1.47, 4.11), moderate to high self-stigma (AOR = 2.60, 95%CI; 1.45, 4.66), and poor quality of life (AOR = 2.47, 95%CI; 1.42, 4.28) were significantly associated with treatment non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders.

Conclusion and recommendation

Treatment non-adherence is a common problem among patients being treated for depressive disorders. Previous suicide attempts, medication side effects, moderate to high self-stigma, and poor quality of life were significantly associated with treatment non-adherence. Appropriate interventions should be developed to promote measures to facilitate adherence in this group of patients, and address the associated factors when applicable.
Nearshore marine biodiversity of Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: Where the ocean meets the rainforest
Authors: Friedlander Alan M. , Ballesteros Enric , Breedy Odalisca , Naranjo-Elizondo Beatriz , Hernández Noelia , Salinas-de-León Pelayo , Sala Enric , Cortés Jorge
Published: July 2022

Osa Peninsula in remote southwest Costa Rica harbors 2.5% of global terrestrial biodiversity in only 1,200 km2 and has the largest remaining tract of Pacific lowland wet forest in Mesoamerica. However, little is known about the marine ecosystems of this diverse region. Much of the coastline consists of soft sediment exposed to strong wave action. Three major hard bottom habitat types define this region, including: 1) coral reefs around Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, a no-take marine protected area (MPA) of 52 km2, 2) coastal rocky reefs and islets along the peninsula, including Corcovado National Park, and 3) submerged pinnacles just outside the Isla del Caño MPA. Average coral cover at Isla del Caño was 21%, composed primarily of Porites lobata and Pocillopora elegans. In contrast, coastal rocky reefs were dominated by turf algae (39.8%) and macroalgae (20.7%) with low coral cover (1.1%). Submerged pinnacles were dominated by crustose coralline algae (33.3%) and erect coralline algae (25.7%). Fish assemblage characteristics (species richness, abundance, biomass) were significantly higher at the pinnacles compared to the other habitats and was dominated by schooling species such as Haemulon steindachneri, and the herbivores Kyphosus ocyurus, and Acanthurus xanthopterus. Top predators, primarily Triaenodon obesus, Caranx sexfasciatus, and Lutjanus argentimaculatus, were also most abundant at these pinnacles and accounted for the largest differences in fish trophic structure among habitats. Despite Isla del Caño being fully protected from fishing, biomass was similar to fished areas along the coast and lower than the adjacent submerged pinnacles outside the reserve. Similarly, Corcovado National Park includes 20.3 km2 of no-take MPAs; however, there is limited enforcement, and we noted several instances of fishing within the park. The unique configuration of healthy offshore coral reefs and pinnacles connected to coastal habitats provides corridors for many species including large predators such as sharks and other marine megafauna, which warrants additional protection.
Increased complexity of worker CHC profiles in Apis dorsata correlates with nesting ecology
Authors: Maihoff Fabienne , Bohlke Kyte , Brockmann Axel , Schmitt Thomas
Published: July 2022

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) are known to serve as discrimination cues and will trigger defence behaviour in a plethora of eusocial insects. However, little is known how about nestmate recognition ability selects for CHC diversification. In this study we investigate differences in CHC composition of four major honey bee species with respect to the differences in their nesting behavior. In contrast to A. mellifera, A. cerana and A. florea, the giant honey bee A. dorsata prefers to build their nests in aggregations with very small spatial distances between nests, which increases the probability of intrusions. Thus, A. dorsata exhibits a particularly challenging nesting behavior which we hypothesize should be accompanied with an improved nestmate recognition system. Comparative analyses of the worker CHC profiles indicate that A. dorsata workers exhibit a unique and more complex CHC profile than the other three honey bee species. This increased complexity is likely based on a developmental process that retains the capability to synthesize methyl-branched hydrocarbons as adults. Furthermore, two sets of behavioral experiments provide evidence that A. dorsata shows an improved nestmate discrimination ability compared to the phylogenetically ancestral A. florea, which is also open-nesting but does not form nest aggregations. The results of our study suggest that ecological traits like nesting in aggregation might be able to drive CHC profile diversification even in closely related insect species.
Malaria prevalence and risk factors among patients visiting Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Duguma Tadesse , Tekalign Eyob , Muleta Dassalegn , Simieneh Asnake
Published: July 2022

Background

Ethiopia is among sub-Saharan African countries with a high number of malaria cases each year, with most of the landmass favoring the breeding of the vectors. There have been extensive efforts to control and prevent the transmission of malaria, which is part of the country’s prevention-based health policy.

Objective

This study aimed to determine malaria prevalence and associated risk factors among patients visiting Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital (MTUTH).

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2021 among patients visiting MTUTH, Southwest Ethiopia. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, and a capillary blood sample was collected after obtaining written informed consent from the study participants. The data were entered into Epi-data manager (v4.0.2.101) and analyzed with SPSS version 25.0, with a P-value of < 0.05 set as a significance.

Results

A total of 439 patients participated, of which 20.7% (91) were positive for malaria parasites, with a higher prevalence observed among the age group interval of 25–34 years (5.5%). Inadequate access to insecticide-treated bed net (ITN) 23.9% (105) and a low level of ITN usage 20.5% (90) were recorded. Patients living in areas of stagnant water were more likely to get infected with the malaria parasite (AOR = 16.191, 95% CI: 9.137, 28.692) compared to those who live away from stagnant water, and individuals living in houses not sprayed with insecticides were more susceptible to malaria infection (AOR = 0.215, 95% CI: 0.128, 0.360).

Conclusion

The overall malaria prevalence in this study was 20.7% (91), which proves that malaria remains a major threat to the communities in the study area, with Plasmodium falciparum contributing to most of the cases. Improving the habits of ITN usage and indoor residual spray through health education may help to reduce the impact of malaria in the study area.
Improving behavioural compliance with the COVID-19 precautionary measures by means of innovative communication strategies: Social experimental studies
Authors: van Empelen Pepijn , Preuhs Katharina , Bakker Leonhard A. , Buursma Petra , Andree Rosa , Anraad Charlotte , van Keulen Hilde M.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Behavioural measures such as social distancing are crucial to prevent the spread of COVID-19. People sometimes have difficulty to comply with these behavioural measures for various reasons. Insight is needed into evidence-based strategies that can promote compliance. In the present study, we examined whether behaviour change techniques (volitional help sheet (VHS), behavioural journalism (BJ) and empathy inductions (EI)) could promote behavioural compliance with the COVID-19 measures.

Methods

Three online experiments were carried out (N = 424–593) among Dutch adult citizens, using a randomized 2-group post-test and 1-week follow-up design. In each experiment, a control group was compared with the experimental condition (respectively VHS, BJ or EI condition).

Results

Two out of the three different strategies did result in favourable changes with regard to the compliance-related measures. The VHS contributed to changes in perceived susceptibility of others (t = -2,78; f**2 = 0,019), perceived severity (t = -3,65; f**2 = 0,032) and individual behavioural compliance measures. People exposed to the VHS were more likely to receive less visitors (w = 16638; p = 0.003)and avoid crowds (w = 16631; p = 0.003). EI increased the perceived vulnerability of others. Video-based role model stories, based on BJ did not result in any changes.

Conclusions

Behaviour change strategies may contribute to promoting behavioural compliance and could be used in public health communication. The empathy induction can be used to enhance other protection motives, while the volitional help sheet effectively can help people to overcome compliance barriers. Behavioural science can add to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
Association of key species of vaginal bacteria of recurrent bacterial vaginosis patients before and after oral metronidazole therapy with short- and long-term clinical outcomes
Authors: Mollin Ashomathi , Katta Mounika , Sobel Jack D. , Akins Robert A.
Published: July 2022

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a state of vaginal dysbiosis typically involving depletion of otherwise dominant populations of Lactobacillus. The causes of this microbial succession are not known; there may be multiple causes. Standard treatment includes oral metronidazole, which typically restores Lactobacillus species to dominance. However, recurrence rates are high; recurrent BV patients recur 3–4 times annually and are often refractory to treatment. Our previous qPCR-based study of recurrent BV patients pointed to putatively more virulent species of Gardnerella that were associated with refractory responses to oral metronidazole, and less robust recovery of Lactobacillus species associated with recurrence after an initial period of remission. However, these associations did not account for outcomes in all patients, suggesting that other bacterial species were involved. In this follow-up study, we sequenced the V4 domain of 16S rRNA sequences of 41of these same patients pre- and posttreatment. Overall compositions among pretreatment clinical outcome groups were not different, although alpha diversity significantly decreased: refractory > recurrent > remission. Combinations of key species were associated with and prognostic for outcome. Higher pretreatment abundance of Megasphaera lornae together with lower abundance of Gardnerella Gsp07 and Finegoldia magna predicted long term remission after oral metronidazole. Furthermore, a subset of refractory patients that did not have high levels of Gardnerella Gsp07, instead had elevated levels of alternative species including Atopobium vaginae, Mageeibacillus indolicus (BVAB3), and Prevotella timonensis. Patients who recurred after transient remission had elevated abundance of species including Atopobium vaginae, Gardnerella, and Aerococcus christensenii, compared to long-term remission patients. Core bacterial species among refractory patients did not change in abundance after metronidazole, suggesting resistance or tolerance, in contrast to the loss in abundance of the same species among recurrent or remission patients. These findings have potential prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Self-, other-, and meta-perceptions of personality: Relations with burnout symptoms and eudaimonic workplace well-being
Authors: Vries Anita de , Broks Vera M. A. , Bloemers Wim , Kuntze Jeroen , de Vries Reinout E.
Published: July 2022

The present study examined whether disagreement between self-, other-, and meta-perceptions of personality was related to burnout symptoms and eudaimonic workplace well-being. We expected disagreement in personality perceptions to explain incremental variance in burnout symptoms and eudaimonic workplace well-being beyond the main effects of the different personality ratings. Participants were 459 Dutch employees and their 906 colleagues (who provided other ratings of personality). The results, based on polynomial regression with response surface analyses, highlighted strong main effects of self-rated personality traits in relation to burnout symptoms and eudaimonic workplace well-being. This study provides, as far as we know, the first empirical evidence that self-rated Honesty-Humility negatively predicts burnout symptoms. Results showed little evidence on incremental effects of disagreement between personality perceptions, with one clear exception: when respondents misjudged how their colleagues would rate them on Honesty-Humility (i.e., discrepancy between meta- and other-perceptions), respondents experienced more feelings of burnout and less eudaimonic workplace well-being. Our study contributes to the literature by providing evidence that discrepancies between meta- and other-perceptions of Honesty-Humility affect employee well-being (i.e., burnout symptoms and eudaimonic workplace well-being).
Evaluating the appropriateness of laboratory testing and antimicrobial use in South African children hospitalized for community-acquired infections
Authors: Mapala Lydia , Bekker Adrie , Dramowski Angela
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Community acquired infection (CAI) is the leading indication for paediatric hospitalization in South Africa.

Methods

We conducted secondary data analysis of prospective, consecutive paediatric admissions to Tygerberg Hospital (May 2015-November 2015). Clinical characteristics, admission diagnosis, appropriateness of diagnostic tests, use of antimicrobial prescriptions, hospital outcome and costs were analyzed.

Results

CAI episodes were documented in (364/451; 81%) children admitted to the general paediatric ward; median age 4.8 months (Interquartile range, IQR, 1.5–17.5) and weight 5.4kg (IQR, 3.6–9.0). Male gender predominated (210/364; 58%), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection prevalence was 6.0% (22/364). Common CAI types included respiratory tract infections (197; 54%), gastroenteritis (51; 14%), and bloodstream infections (33; 9%). Pre-hospital antibiotics (ceftriaxone) were given to 152/364 (42%). Of 274 blood cultures and 140 cerebrospinal fluid samples submitted, 5% and 2% respectively yielded a pathogen. Common CAI antibiotic treatment regimens included: ampicillin alone (53%); ampicillin plus gentamicin (25%) and ampicillin plus cefotaxime (20%). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was found in 39% of the children investigated for pneumonia. Most antibiotic prescriptions (323/364; 89%) complied with national guidelines and were appropriately adjusted based on the patient’s clinical condition and laboratory findings. The overall estimated cost of CAI episode management ZAR 22,535 (≈1423 USD) per CAI admission episode. Unfavourable outcomes were uncommon (1% died, 4% required re-admission within 30 days of discharge).

Conclusion

CAI is the most frequent reason for hospitalization and drives antimicrobial use. Improved diagnostic stewardship is needed to prevent inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions. Clinical outcome of paediatric CAI episodes was generally favourable.
Effect of game-based high-intensity interval training program on the executive function of children with ADHD: Protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sun Fenghua , Chow Gary Chi-Ching , Yu Clare Chung-Wah , Ho Ying-Fung , Liu Duo , Wong Stephen Heung-Sang , Siu Parco Ming-Fai , Cooper Simon B. , Jenkins David
Published: July 2022

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common developmental disorder in childhood, with a 5%-6% worldwide prevalence. Children with ADHD often demonstrate impaired executive function, which is closely related to the development of the commonly observed behavioral problems such as inattention, impaired inhibition, and hyperactivity. The purpose of this study is to examine whether a game-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program can improve the executive function of children with ADHD, compared with a traditional structured aerobic exercise program and a non-treatment control group.

Methods/Design

A total of 42 children with ADHD will be recruited to participate in this three-arm school-based randomized controlled trial. An 8-week specially designed game-based HIIT (GameHIIT) program and a traditional game-based structured aerobic exercise (GameSAE) program will be delivered to those children randomly assigned to these two intervention groups, while the children in the control group will maintain their regular physical activity over the same period. A number of outcome measures including executive function, cerebral hemodynamic response, physical activity, physical fitness, and enjoyment and adherence to the intervention will be assessed for both groups at baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention period (T1), and after the follow-up period (T2).

Discussion

HIIT has recently emerged as a feasible and efficacious strategy for increasing physical health outcomes and cognitive function, including executive function, in healthy young people. However, research has yet to investigate whether the executive function of children with ADHD can be effectively enhanced through HIIT. If, as hypothesized, GameHIIT program improves outcomes for children with ADHD, the present research will inform the development of targeted exercise programs that can be more broadly used with this particular population.
Palaeolithic polyhedrons, spheroids and bolas over time and space
Authors: Cabanès Julia , Borel Antony , Baena Preysler Javier , Lourdeau Antoine , Moncel Marie-Hélène
Published: July 2022

Polyhedrons, spheroids and bolas (PSBs) are present in lithic series from the Lower Palaeolithic onwards and are found in several regions of the world. Nevertheless, very little is known about them. We propose here to summarise, illustrate and discuss the current state of our knowledge about these artefacts. Based on the available data in the literature and on our observations of several collections, we set up a database comprising 169 Palaeolithic assemblages with PSBs. Thanks to the statistical analysis of these data, we aim to highlight potential relationships between PSB characteristics (e.g., quantity, raw material) and assemblage composition and context, according to regions and chrono-cultural attributions. We also aim to discuss the question of artefacts from possible independent local histories, especially in Northwest Europe, where these objects are scarce. Our study concludes that hard stones (stones with high resistance to a physical constraint) available locally were generally selected to produce PSBs. Soft sedimentary rocks are suitable for their manufacture, and were selected too, whereas siliceous materials were left aside. We hypothesise that the scarcity of PSBs in Northwest Europe could result from a combination of cultural and environmental factors: it could be part of a regional tradition, influenced by the abundance of siliceous materials in the environment. In this region where the lithic production is widely made of flint, even though other materials were available, objects made from hard stones are scarce, resulting in a toolkit with only rare PSBs and cleavers. Was flint too brittle for the functions of PSBs? Raw materials of PSBs are often similar to those of heavy-duty tools in assemblages, which could provide other clues about their functions (e.g., tasks requiring a resistance to shocks). It is possible that their raw materials partly conditioned their final shape. PSBs can comprise a wide variety of artefacts, that for some could have change of status (e.g., from cores to percussive tools), diffused, adapted but also reinvented over two million years.
Unbalanced fertilizer use in the Eastern Gangetic Plain: The influence of Government recommendations, fertilizer type, farm size and cropping patterns
Authors: Islam Md. Shofiqul , Bell Richard W. , Miah M. A. Monayem , Alam Mohammad Jahangir
Published: July 2022

Intensive cropping systems with diverse cropping patterns present a challenge for nutrient management on smallholder farms. Government-endorsed recommendations for crop fertilizer use are designed to assist farmers achieve profitable and balanced nutrient inputs, but it is unclear how closely farmers follow these recommendations. We identified farmers’ current nutrient use gaps (overuse or underuse) relative to the Government-endorsed recommended nutrient doses in two cropping patterns in three representative Agro-ecological Zones of Bangladesh. A total of 330 farms were surveyed in 2019 from three farm size categories (referred to as large-, medium and small-scale) and their gaps in nutrient use were assessed relative to Government-endorsed Fertilizer Recommendation Guides (FRG) published in 2012 and in 2018: FRG-2012 and FRG-2018. The large- and medium-scale farms used 11–16%, 80–90% and 21–30%, respectively, over-doses of NPK in the cropping season under fully rice-based cropping pattern relative to FRG-2012 recommendations, while the over-dose levels were much lower for small-scale farms. Small-scale farms used much less than recommended S, Mg, Zn, B and organic manure (OM) rates relative to FRG-2012. The FRG-2018, which increased N and K recommendations but decreased the P recommendation for rice crops relative to FRG-2012, shows that all farms can decrease the dose of P (by 50%) while small-scale farms need to increase the dose of N (7%), K (16%), S (20%) and to apply Zn in the fully rice-based cropping pattern. On the other hand, the farms could greatly reduce NPK (19%, 86% and 44%, respectively) use while increasing S (14%), Mg, Zn, B and OM use relative to FRG-2018 in the pattern with the high-value potato crop. To increase crop profitability, enhance food security and save Government treasury in the Eastern Gangetic Plain enabling approaches are needed to effectively communicate the benefits of balanced nutrient use practices to farmers.
N-acetyl cysteine prevents arecoline-inhibited C2C12 myoblast differentiation through ERK1/2 phosphorylation
Authors: Li Yi-Xuan , Hsiao Chun-Hung , Chang Yung-Fu
Published: July 2022

Arecoline is known to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our previous studies showed that arecoline inhibited myogenic differentiation and acetylcholine receptor cluster formation of C2C12 myoblasts. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a known ROS scavenger. We hypothesize that NAC scavenges the excess ROS caused by arecoline. In this article we examined the effect of NAC on the inhibited myoblast differentiation by arecoline and related mechanisms. We found that NAC less than 2 mM is non-cytotoxic to C2C12 by viability analysis. We further demonstrated that NAC attenuated the decreased number of myotubes and nuclei in each myotube compared to arecoline treatment by H & E staining. We also showed that NAC prevented the decreased expression level of the myogenic markers, myogenin and MYH caused by arecoline, using immunocytochemistry and western blotting. Finally, we found that NAC restored the decreased expression level of p-ERK1/2 by arecoline. In conclusion, our results indicate that NAC attenuates the damage of the arecoline-inhibited C2C12 myoblast differentiation by the activation/phosphorylation of ERK. This is the first report to demonstrate that NAC has beneficial effects on skeletal muscle myogenesis through ERK1/2 upon arecoline treatment. Since defects of skeletal muscle associates with several diseases, NAC can be a potent drug candidate in diseases related to defects in skeletal muscle myogenesis.
Optimization and evaluation of a live virus SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assay
Authors: Frische Anders , Brooks Patrick Terrence , Gybel-Brask Mikkel , Sækmose Susanne Gjørup , Jensen Bitten Aagaard , Mikkelsen Susan , Bruun Mie Topholm , Boding Lasse , Strandh Charlotta Polacek , Jørgensen Charlotte Sværke , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Fomsgaard Anders , Lassauniere Ria
Published: July 2022

Virus neutralization assays provide a means to quantitate functional antibody responses that block virus infection. These assays are instrumental in defining vaccine and therapeutic antibody potency, immune evasion by viral variants, and post-infection immunity. Here we describe the development, optimization and evaluation of a live virus microneutralization assay specific for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this assay, SARS-CoV-2 clinical isolates are pre-incubated with serial diluted antibody and added to Vero E6 cells. Replicating virus is quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) targeting the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein and the standardized 50% virus inhibition titer calculated. We evaluated critical test parameters that include virus titration, assay linearity, number of cells, viral dose, incubation period post-inoculation, and normalization methods. Virus titration at 96 hours was determined optimal to account for different growth kinetics of clinical isolates. Nucleocapsid protein levels directly correlated with virus inoculum, with the strongest correlation at 24 hours post-inoculation. Variance was minimized by infecting a cell monolayer, rather than a cell suspension. Neutralization titers modestly decreased with increasing numbers of Vero E6 cells and virus amount. Application of two different normalization models effectively reduced the intermediate precision coefficient of variance to <16.5%. The SARS-CoV-2 microneutralization assay described and evaluated here is based on the influenza virus microneutralization assay described by WHO, and are proposed as a standard assay for comparing neutralization investigations.
Superior reproducibility and repeatability in automated quantitative pupillometry compared to standard manual assessment, and quantitative pupillary response parameters present high reliability in critically ill cardiac patients
Authors: Nyholm Benjamin , Obling Laust , Hassager Christian , Grand Johannes , Møller Jacob , Othman Marwan , Kondziella Daniel , Kjaergaard Jesper
Published: July 2022

Background

Quantitative pupillometry is part of multimodal neuroprognostication of comatose patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the reproducibility, repeatability, and reliability of quantitative pupillometry in this setting have not been investigated.

Methods

In a prospective blinded validation study, we compared manual and quantitative measurements of pupil size. Observer and device variability for all available parameters are expressed as mean difference (bias), limits of agreement (LoA), and reliability expressed as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

Fifty-six unique quadrupled sets of measurement derived from 14 sedated and comatose patients (mean age 70±12 years) were included.

For manually measured pupil size, inter-observer bias was -0.14±0.44 mm, LoA of -1.00 to 0.71 mm, and ICC at 0.92 (0.86–0.95). For quantitative pupillometry, we found bias at 0.03±0.17 mm, LoA of -0.31 to 0.36 mm and ICCs at 0.99. Quantitative pupillometry also yielded lower bias and LoA and higher ICC for intra-observer and inter-device measurements.

Correlation between manual and automated pupillometry was better in larger pupils, and quantitative pupillometry had less variability and higher ICC, when assessing small pupils. Further, observers failed to detect 26% of the quantitatively estimated abnormal reactivity with manual assessment.

We found ICC >0.91 for all quantitative pupillary response parameters (except for latency with ICC 0.81–0.91).

Conclusion

Automated quantitative pupillometry has excellent reliability and twice the reproducibility and repeatability than manual pupillometry. This study further presents novel estimates of variability for all quantitative pupillary response parameters with excellent reliability.
Knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of elderly individuals regarding advance care planning: Questionnaire development and testing
Authors: Cheng Hui-Chuan , Ke Li-Shan , Chang Su-Yu , Huang Hsiu-Ying , Ku Yu-Chen , Lee Ming-Ju
Published: July 2022

Background

Studies have indicated that the advance care planning knowledge and attitudes of elderly individuals strongly affect their implementation of advance care planning. A measurement with a theoretical base for evaluating elderly individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding advance care planning is lacking.

Objectives

To develop a questionnaire and understand elderly individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding implementing advance care planning.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted. The content validity index, and statistical methods, including discrimination, factor, and reliability analysis, were adopted for psychometric testing. Descriptive statistics mainly presented data analysis.

Results

401 elderly individuals were recruited from a medical center and one senior activity center. The content validity index was approximately 0.71–0.92 for the developed questionnaires, the Kuder–Richardson formula 20 was 0.84 for advance care planning knowledge, and the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.86, 0.94, 0.76, and 0.92 for attitudes, behavioral intentions, influencing factors, and subjective norms, respectively. The average score for advance care planning knowledge for elderly individuals was 4.42, with a correct answer rate of 49.1%. They lacked knowledge of advance care planning-related legislation. The mean score for attitudes and behavioral intentions was 14.32 and 3.48, respectively. Elderly individuals agreed that advance care planning has benefits but were worried about the emotional distress caused by advance care planning discussions. Elderly individuals with positive behavioral intentions tend to implement advance care planning. Spouses, children, doctors, and nurses are significant reference people for elderly individuals.

Conclusions

The developed questionnaire exhibits good validity and reliability for understanding elderly individuals’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions concerning advance care planning. Advance care planning materials or decision aids suitable for elderly individuals must be developed to increase their understanding of advance care planning. Additionally, the role of nurses is indispensable in promoting advance care planning among elderly individuals.
Catástrofe y pandemia en la ciudad de Buenos Aires en Soy la peste
Authors: Cerdas Cisneros Maria Alejandra
Published: July 2022

En la obra Soy la peste, del escritor argentino Guillermo Saccomanno, se presenta una historia de supervivencia en medio de la ciudad de Buenos Aires azotada por una enfermedad letal. La violencia y la satisfacción inmediata son las principales fuerzas que impulsan la travesía del joven protagonista por una urbe plagada de cadáveres, personajes marginales y fieras salvajes, hasta llegar a su destino final, el mar. El personaje principal se perfila como un verdadero canalla desde el inicio de la historia cuando le da muerte a sus familiares y su vileza se va incrementando a medida que avanza en su recorrido por la ciudad. Posteriormente, su descenso moral culminará con su aparente autodestrucción. Este análisis plantea la inclusión de la obra de Saccomanno dentro de un corpus de narrativas argentinas anticipatorias que utilizan el registro apocalíptico para criticar un presente con fallas e imperfecciones que deben denunciarse. Primeramente, se ha encontrado que esta ficción apocalíptica propone una debacle que sugiere la profundización de la crisis socioeconómica argentina durante la expansión del Covid-19. Seguidamente, por medio del estudio de varios elementos correspondientes al realismo grotesco-carnavalesco de Mijaíl Bajtín, se concluye que Saccomanno exagera y deforma la realidad para criticar las reacciones de la sociedad que se dan en el momento de la aparición del virus. Por último, el acercamiento carnavalesco que se hace de la crisis vivida en tiempos de pandemia sugiere una sátira menipea de la sociedad.
Sunset Boulevard in Spanish Performance: Translations on the Musical Stage
Authors: Mateo Marta
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Sunset Boulevard (1993), in order to present some relevant aspects of the production and reception of musicals both in an original and a target context. The study will first describe the eventful creative process of this musical text in its Anglophone source contexts, and will then move on to examine it from the perspective of its performance in Spanish translation. Recently translated for a Spanish-language production staged in Tenerife in 2017 (soon followed by another one in Argentina in 2018), Sunset Boulevard is a good example of the powerful impact that the importation of Anglo-American musicals has had in Spain in recent decades (see Mateo 2008) while it also serves to illustrate interesting aspects of the evolution and current situation of musicals’ production in this country. This macro-level study will therefore examine Lloyd Webber’s musical performed in sung translation, addressing it from a contextual standpoint and with a focus in Spain, with the aim of contributing to a deeper knowledge of theatre translation when it involves musical plays.
The Presence of American Drama in the Spanish Non-Professional Theatre of the 1950s
Authors: Kmet Masa
Published: July 2022

American dramatists arrived in the Spanish theaters rather late, in the 1950s. In the beginning they were generally represented by non-professional theater groups (exemplified here by Dido Pequeño Teatro) that aimed to challenge the obsolete plays produced on the mainstream stages during Franco’s dictatorship (1939-1975). Thanks to these companies that were an alternative to the commercial theaters, Spanish audiences gradually discovered many contemporary playwrights whose plays were being staged in the rest of Europe at the time. This article focuses on three American authors who were the first significant ones to be staged in Spain: Eugene O’Neill, Tennessee Williams and the American-born T.S. Eliot, and were chosen by Dido Pequeño Teatro. This paper briefly presents the three authors and their theater, together with their success in the United States, in order to then concentrate on their first appearance in Spain. We highlight four plays that were produced by one of the most significant Spanish non-professional groups of that era, Dido Pequeño Teatro. The article then takes a closer look at how the plays were received by the critics and the general audience and analyze their success.
Critical explorations on the constitutional protection of decent living under the influence of poverty statistics
Authors: Christoforidou Styliani (Stella)
Published: July 2022

The protection of decent living is, since 2019, a constitutional obligation in the Greek legal order. The new constitutional provision which followed the constitutional amendment made the term decent living a legal term. Based on this development the question that arises is if it is still possible for the legislature and the courts to use the results of statistics of poverty as empirical data for the protection of decent living, given that poverty statistics quantify the term poverty, a term with different content comparing with the term decent living. The study aims to demonstrate the implications of the use of poverty statistics to the quality and effectiveness of protection of decent living and to propose new ways for the implementation of social statistics to judicial control for the protection of decent living. The main argument is that protection of socio-economic rights must follow the example of the environmental protection as far as the impact to decent living status is concerned.