bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balanced diet and daily calorie consumption: Consumer attitude during the COVID-19 pandemic from an emerging economy
Authors: Kolte Ashutosh , Mahajan Yogesh , Vasa László
Published: August 2022

This article tries to explore consumer attitudes regarding a balanced diet and daily calorie intake monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. It has become vital to boost people’s immunity because of reoccurring diseases such as COVID-19, Ebola, and other chronic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, etc. Healthy diets are important for supporting immune systems and keeping track of daily calorie consumption is an accompaniment to this. The research on attitudes toward a balanced diet is reviewed in this empirical study. Researchers employed a tri-component attitude model to assess consumer attitudes about a balanced diet and to track daily calorie consumption. A sample of 400 respondents was surveyed and data were collected with a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using the structural equation modelling technique. The majority of respondents were found to lack declarative knowledge of both a balanced diet and daily calorie consumption. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer attitudes about a healthy diet and daily calorie intake were effectively evaluated using beliefs, affection, and intentions. The repercussions for the government and business community were discussed. This study also evaluates the usefulness of the tri-component attitude model in the Indian context.
Preparation of size-tunable sub-200 nm PLGA-based nanoparticles with a wide size range using a microfluidic platform
Authors: Bao Yi , Maeki Masatoshi , Ishida Akihiko , Tani Hirofumi , Tokeshi Manabu
Published: August 2022

The realization of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) from laboratory to clinical applications remains slow, partly because of the lack of precise control of each condition in the preparation process and the rich selectivity of nanoparticles with diverse characteristics. Employing PLGA NPs to establish a large range of size-controlled drug delivery systems and achieve size-selective drug delivery targeting remains a challenge for therapeutic development for different diseases. In this study, we employed a microfluidic device to control the size of PLGA NPs. PLGA, poly (ethylene glycol)-methyl ether block poly (lactic-co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA), and blend (PLGA + PEG-PLGA) NPs were engineered with defined sizes. Blend NPs exhibit the widest size range (40–114 nm) by simply changing the flow rate conditions without changing the precursor (polymer molecular weight, concentration, and chain segment composition). A model hydrophobic drug, paclitaxel (PTX), was encapsulated in the NPs, and the PTX-loaded NPs maintained a large range of controllable NP sizes. Furthermore, size-controlled NPs were used to investigate the effect of particle size of sub-200 nm NPs on tumor cell growth. The 52 nm NPs showed higher cell growth inhibition than 109 nm NPs. Our method allows the preparation of biodegradable NPs with a large size range without changing polymer precursors as well as the nondemanding fluid conditions. In addition, our model can be applied to elucidate the role of particle sizes of sub-200 nm particles in various biomedical applications, which may help develop suitable drugs for different diseases.
Sustainable human resource management the mediating role between work engagement and teamwork performance
Authors: Navajas-Romero Virginia , Ceular-Villamandos Nuria , Pérez-Priego Manuel Adolfo , Caridad-López del Río Lorena
Published: August 2022

The present work aims to analyze the properties of the working conditions recorded in the Sixth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS); with it, it has being built seven independent indexes about different aspects of work’ quality in the health sector, and these constructs are used to evaluate their effects on work engagement (WE). In this sense, the originality of incorporating teamwork as a modulating variable is included. To analyze the effects of the job quality index (JQI) on the WE, a logistic regression model is proposed for a total of 3044 workers within the health sector, differentiating between those who work or not in a team; in a first stage and these estimates are compared with those obtained using an artificial neural network model, and both are used for the consideration of the research hypotheses about several causal factor. An important contributions of the study, it is related to how work commitment is mainly influenced by prospects, social environment, intensity and earnings, all of them related to job performance. Therefore, knowledge of the determinants of work commitment and the ability to modulate its effects in teamwork environments is necessary for the development of truly sustainable Human Resources policies.
Assessing the influence of French vaccine critics during the two first years of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Faccin Mauro , Gargiulo Floriana , Atlani-Duault Laëtitia , Ward Jeremy K.
Published: August 2022

When the threat of COVID-19 became widely acknowledged, many hoped that this pandemic would squash “the anti-vaccine movement”. However, when vaccines started arriving in rich countries at the end of 2020, it appeared that vaccine hesitancy might be an issue even in the context of this major pandemic. Does it mean that the mobilization of vaccine-critical activists on social media is one of the main causes of this reticence to vaccinate against COVID-19? In this paper, we wish to contribute to current work on vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic by looking at one of the many mechanisms which can cause reticence towards vaccines: the capacity of vaccine-critical activists to influence a wider public on social media. We analyze the evolution of debates over the COVID-19 vaccine on the French Twittosphere, during two first years of the pandemic, with a particular attention to the spreading capacity of vaccine-critical websites. We address two main questions: 1) Did vaccine-critical contents gain ground during this period? 2) Who were the main actors in the diffusion of these contents? While debates over vaccines experienced a tremendous surge during this period, the share of vaccine-critical contents in these debates remains stable except for a limited number of short periods associated with specific events. Secondly, analyzing the community structure of the re-tweets hyper-graph, we reconstruct the mesoscale structure of the information flows, identifying and characterizing the major communities of users. We analyze their role in the information ecosystem: the largest right-wing community has a typical echo-chamber behavior collecting all the vaccine-critical tweets from outside and recirculating it inside the community. The smaller left-wing community is less permeable to vaccine-critical contents but, has a large capacity to spread it once adopted.
Study on the grain refinement mechanism of Mg-Al alloy based on carbon addition
Authors: Sun Lifeng , Gao Zhongyu , Hu Zhongchao , Chen Huyan , Cai Jianwen , Cai Xiaoou
Published: August 2022

In this study, a comprehensive treatment process based on the rotary injection of Ar+CO2 Mg-Al alloy melt is proposed. The effect of carbon on the grain refinement of Mg-Al alloy is studied according to the proposed integrated treatment process. The regularity of carbon refinement in the Mg-Al alloy is examined by microstructural observation and theoretical calculation. The results show that carbon has no effect on the grain refinement of Mg-Al alloy when the Al content is less than 1wt.%. However, when the Al content reaches 2 wt.%, the refining effect is obvious, and the grain refinement efficiency is 62%. The refining effect increases with the increase in the Al content, and the refinement efficiency becomes 79% when the Al content reaches 9 wt.%. The size of Al-C-O in the matrix is approximately 5μm, which confirms the existence of Al4C3 phase exists as a heterogeneous nucleating agent. The theoretical calculations suggest that the Al4C3 heterogeneous nucleating agent cannot be formed when the Al content in the Mg alloy is less than 1.34%, so there is no thinning effect under such Al content. The crystallographic calculations reveal that the mismatch between the Al4C3 phase and Mg alloy matrix is only 4.05%, and Al4C3 can exist as a heterogeneous nucleating agent for α-Mg phase. Combining the measured solidification curves with the classical nucleation theory, the wetting angle of Mg-Al alloy on Al4C3 is calculated to be 24.3°.
Accurate detection of atrial fibrillation events with R-R intervals from ECG signals
Authors: Duan Junbo , Wang Qing , Zhang Bo , Liu Chen , Li Chenrui , Wang Lei
Published: August 2022

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a typical category of arrhythmia. Clinical diagnosis of AF is based on the detection of abnormal R-R intervals (RRIs) with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Previous studies considered this detection problem as a classification problem and focused on extracting a number of features. In this study we demonstrate that instead of using any specific numerical characteristic as the input feature, the probability density of RRIs from ECG conserves comprehensive statistical information; hence, is a natural and efficient input feature for AF detection. Incorporated with a support vector machine as the classifier, results on the MIT-BIH database indicates that the proposed method is a simple and accurate approach for AF detection in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Identifying signatures of natural selection in Indian populations
Authors: Mendes Marla , Jonnalagadda Manjari , Ozarkar Shantanu , Lima Torres Flávia Carolina , Borda Pua Victor , Kendall Christopher , Tarazona-Santos Eduardo , Parra Esteban J.
Published: August 2022

In this study, we present the results of a genome-wide scan for signatures of positive selection using data from four tribal groups (Kokana, Warli, Bhil, and Pawara) and two caste groups (Deshastha Brahmin and Kunbi Maratha) from West of the Maharashtra State In India, as well as two samples of South Asian ancestry from the 1KG project (Gujarati Indian from Houston, Texas and Indian Telugu from UK). We used an outlier approach based on different statistics, including PBS, xpEHH, iHS, CLR, Tajima’s D, as well as two recently developed methods: Graph-aware Retrieval of Selective Sweeps (GRoSS) and Ascertained Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (ASMC). In order to minimize the risk of false positives, we selected regions that are outliers in all the samples included in the study using more than one method. We identified putative selection signals in 107 regions encompassing 434 genes. Many of the regions overlap with only one gene. The signals observed using microarray-based data are very consistent with our analyses using high-coverage sequencing data, as well as those identified with a novel coalescence-based method (ASMC). Importantly, at least 24 of these genomic regions have been identified in previous selection scans in South Asian populations or in other population groups. Our study highlights genomic regions that may have played a role in the adaptation of anatomically modern humans to novel environmental conditions after the out of Africa migration.
Speech recognition can help evaluate shared decision making and predict medication adherence in primary care setting
Authors: Topaz Maxim , Zolnoori Maryam , Norful Allison A. , Perrier Alexis , Kostic Zoran , George Maureen
Published: August 2022

Objective

Asthma is a common chronic illness affecting 19 million US adults. Inhaled corticosteroids are a safe and effective treatment for asthma, yet, medication adherence among patients remains poor. Shared decision-making, a patient activation strategy, can improve patient adherence to inhaled corticosteroids. This study aimed to explore whether audio-recorded patient-primary care provider encounters can be used to: 1. Evaluate the level of patient-perceived shared decision-making during the encounter, and 2. Predict levels of patient’s inhaled corticosteroid adherence.

Materials and methods

Shared decision-making and inhaled corticosteroid adherence were assessed using the SDM Questionnaire-9 and the Medication Adherence Report Scale for Asthma (MARS-A). Speech-to-text algorithms were used to automatically transcribe 80 audio-recorded encounters between primary care providers and asthmatic patients. Machine learning algorithms (Naive Bayes, Support Vector Machines, Decision Tree) were applied to achieve the study’s predictive goals.

Results

The accuracy of automated speech-to-text transcription was relatively high (ROUGE F-score = .9). Machine learning algorithms achieved good predictive performance for shared decision-making (the highest F-score = .88 for the Naive Bayes) and inhaled corticosteroid adherence (the highest F-score = .87 for the Support Vector Machines).

Discussion

This was the first study that trained machine learning algorithms on a dataset of audio-recorded patient-primary care provider encounters to successfully evaluate the quality of SDM and predict patient inhaled corticosteroid adherence.

Conclusion

Machine learning approaches can help primary care providers identify patients at risk for poor medication adherence and evaluate the quality of care by measuring levels of shared decision-making. Further work should explore the replicability of our results in larger samples and additional health domains.
Seed to seed variation of proteins of the yellow pea (Pisum sativum L.)
Authors: Taghvaei Mostafa , Sadeghi Rohollah , Smith Brennan
Published: August 2022

The existing variation among pea protein isolates’ functionality limits their application in food formulations. The source and extent of variations among yellow pea protein profiles was assessed in 10 single seeds of two varieties with different size and weight. A new approach was developed to analyze proteins of yellow pea combining three analytical methods of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and microfluidic SDS-PAGE, to achieve the highest separation resolution. A high variation of protein concentration was observed not only between varieties, but also among seeds of the same variety. Vicilin to legumin ratio was between 2.72–4.19, and 1.70–2.22 among the individual seeds of AC Agassiz and CDC Saffron varieties, respectively. V/L ratio was significantly different among the individual seeds for both varieties. The amount of some protein fractions/subunits were correlated with seeds’ size and weight for AC Agassiz, while such correlations were not observed for CDC Saffron.
Similarity of TOPSIS results based on criterion variability: Case study on public economic
Authors: Vavrek Roman , Bečica Jiří
Published: August 2022

In the real world, acceptance of a decision is conditional on the availability of a great volume of data. Selection of a suitable solution on the basis of this data represents a problem that multi-criterial methods (MCDM) are applied to. The issue of which of these should be favoured during their use involves a specification of the importance of the assessed criteria. The goal of the presented research is to quantify the differences (symmetry) in assessment using selected MCDM methods (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution–TOPSIS), while applying an absolute and relative variability of the assessed criteria to a determination of their importance. The obtained results indicate that the order of the assessed subject (alternative) is not directly influenced by the method of determining the variability of the assessed criteria. We can also state that the degree of concurrence in the order of application of the TOPSIS technique, in combination with both approaches expressed by the Jaccard index, is relatively low.
The influence of organizational learning and external cooperation configuration on enterprise technological innovation: A study based on fsQCA approach
Authors: Du Junyi , Zhang Chunyu , Wu Qiong
Published: August 2022

This study explores the influence of organizational learning and external cooperation configuration on enterprise technological innovation and constructs a comprehensive theoretical framework of "organizational learning-external cooperation-technological innovation" based on the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The results show the following. (1) A single episode of organizational learning or external cooperation cannot affect the enterprise’s technological innovation, which requires the mutual linkage of the two to improve enterprise technological innovation performance. (2) The technological innovation model in which organizational learning and external cooperation interact is an effective way for enterprises to improve technological innovation performance. There are four technological innovation models that produce high technological innovation performance, namely consciousness-system synergy, consciousness-led, quasi-full, and all-around drive. (3) There are four models of non-high-tech innovation performance, which are not opposed to the technological innovation model of high-tech innovation performance. This research expands the technological innovation perspective of organizational learning and external cooperation matching, provides enterprises with effective technological innovation activities, and provides a theoretical reference and practical guidance for improving technological innovation performance.
Unusual bromine enrichment in the gastric mill and setae of the hadal amphipod Hirondellea gigas
Authors: Okada Satoshi , Chen Chong , Watanabe Hiromi Kayama , Isobe Noriyuki , Takai Ken
Published: August 2022

The hadal amphipod Hirondellea gigas is an emblematic animal of the Pacific trenches, and has a number of special adaptations to thrive in this ‘extreme’ environment, which includes the deepest part of the Earth’s ocean. One such adaptation that has been suggested is the presence of an ‘aluminum gel shield’ on the surface of its body in order to prevent the dissolution of calcitic exoskeleton below the carbonate compensation depth. However, this has not been investigated under experimental conditions that sufficiently prevent aluminum artefacts, and the possibility of other elements with similar characteristic X-ray energy as aluminum (such as bromine) has not been considered. Here, we show with new electron microscopy data gathered under optimized conditions to minimize aluminum artefacts that H. gigas actually does not have an aluminum shield–instead many parts of its body are enriched in bromine, particularly gastric ossicles and setae. Results from elemental analyses pointed to the use of calcite partially substituted with magnesium by H. gigas in its exoskeleton, in order to suppress dissolution. Our results exemplify the necessity of careful sample preparation and analysis of the signals in energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, and the importance of analyses at different electron energies.
Effect of a standardized maternal meal on fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler indices: A single-blinded crossover study
Authors: Zahid Saba Muneer , Opheim Gun Lisbet , Henriksen Tore , Michelsen Trond Melbye , Haugen Guttorm
Published: August 2022

Objective

Measures of Doppler blood flow velocity profiles are an integral part of monitoring fetal well-being during pregnancy. These examinations are performed at different times of the day and at different maternal meal states. In uncomplicated pregnancies, we assessed the effect of a standardized maternal meal on middle cerebral artery (MCA) and umbilical artery (UA) Doppler blood flow velocity pulsatility indices (PIs) and MCA peak systolic velocity (PSV).

Methods

In this prospective single-blinded crossover study 25 healthy women were examined at 36 weeks of pregnancy. The first examination was performed in the morning following overnight fast, and repeated after extended fast (state A), and after a standard breakfast meal (state B).

Results

Irrespective of maternal prandial status, the MCA-PI values were lower in the 2ndcompared to the 1stexamination (-0.187; p = 0.071, and -0.113; p = 0.099, state A and B, respectively). Compared to the values in the 1stexamination, the UA-PI values, were higher after extended fast (0.014; p = 0.436), and lower post-prandially (-0.036; p = 0.070). The difference (state B minus state A) between the meal states were not significant (0.074; p = 0.487 and -0.050; p = 0.058, for MCA-PI and UA-PI, respectively). Adjusting for the possible influence of fetal heart rate on MCA-PI and UA-PI, the differences between meal states remained non-significant (p = 0.179, p = 0.064, respectively). The MCA-PSV values increased after the meal (6.812; p = 0.035), whereas no increase was observed following extended fast (0.140; p = 0.951). The difference in MCA-PSV values between the two meal states was not significant (6.672; p = 0.055).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate possible diurnal variations in MCA-PI and UA-PI, with and without adjustment for fetal heart rate, that seem to be unaffected by maternal meal intake in healthy pregnancies.
Cognitive impairment, frailty and rehabilitation outcome in older cardiorespiratory patients. DEC_FRAinRIAB: Study protocol
Authors: Vigorè Martina , Granata Nicolò , Braga Simona Sarzi , Piaggi Giancarlo , Audifreddi Silvia , Ferrari Marina , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Pierobon Antonia
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two clinical conditions often associated with functional worsening, cognitive dysfunctions, treatment non-adherence, psychological distress and poor quality of life (QoL). In addition, since patients suffering from these conditions are often older adults, the presence of frailty syndrome could worsen the clinical situation.

Methods and design

This study protocol of a prospective multi-center clinical trial, will be conducted at two hospitals of the Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS group, from July 2020 until December 2022. CHF and COPD older patients (age ≥65) will undergo a multidisciplinary assessment at admission, discharge and at 6 months follow-up, from an inpatient rehabilitation program: disease-related clinical characteristics, functional variables, cognitive screening, treatment adherence, anxiety, depression, QoL and frailty. The estimated sample size will consist of 300 patients

Discussion

The expected results are related to the possibility of an improvement in the areas of intervention after the rehabilitative program and the maintenance of these improvements over time. The assessment of clinical and functional status, cognitive impairment, treatment adherence, psychosocial characteristics, and frailty could provide more specific and useful information about the main features to be considered in the evaluation and treatment of older patients suffering from CHF and COPD undergoing a rehabilitative pathway.

Trial registration

The study has been registered on January 28, 2022 with the ClinicalTrials.govNCT05230927registration number (clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05230927).
Spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of carbon emissions from civil buildings: Evidence from urban China
Authors: Wang Jing , Du Guangjie , Liu Mohan
Published: August 2022

Carbon emissions from civil buildings refer to the carbon emissions generated during the operation of civil buildings. With the continuous development of the urban economy and the improvement of people’s living standards, this part of carbon emission puts tremendous pressure on China to achieve the goal of carbon peaking and carbon neutral. In the context of rapid urbanization, studying the spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of the carbon emissions from civil buildings have strong practical significance for China to achieve the "dual carbon" goal. Based on the emission data from 104 prefecture-level cities in China, we examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of the civil building carbon emissions from the perspectives of temporal evolution trend, spatial distribution and its dynamic evolution, spatial difference and its decomposition, and spatial autocorrelation characteristics. Finally, we reveal the influencing factors of the carbon emissions from civil buildings using static panel data models and spatial dynamic panel data models. The results of the study show that: (1) During the sample period, the carbon emissions from civil buildings have increased year by year. The civil building carbon emissions have become an important source of China’s overall carbon emissions. Realizing energy saving and emission reduction in the operational stage of civil buildings is crucial to realizing China’s "dual carbon" goal. (2) According to the estimated results, there is a significant inverted U-shaped non-linear relationship between urbanization and civil building carbon emissions. Most Chinese cities are located in the upward part of the inverted U-shaped curve at present. Thus, the traditional economic growth model characterized by high energy consumption and high emission during rapid urbanization should be abandoned to reduce the carbon emissions from civil buildings. (3) Technological progress and fixed asset investment can effectively reduce the carbon emissions from civil buildings. At the same time, the level of marketization and social consumption expenditure positively affect the carbon emissions from civil buildings. It is necessary to improve the relevant market mechanisms, policy subsidies, and other means to encourage the application of green energy-saving technologies in civil buildings. Also, it is needed to guide the urban residents’ consumption structure and lifestyle in a low-carbon direction, to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions during the operation of civil buildings.
Phytochemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa seeds
Authors: Shafodino Festus S. , Lusilao Julien M. , Mwapagha Lamech M.
Published: August 2022

Nigella sativais one of the medicinal plant species that gained popularity for a wide range of medicinal applications due to its seeds which are rich in phytoconstituents. Continuous scientific investigations onN.sativaseeds are needed to better understand its many medicinal potentials. This will also form a composition-based foundation that support several old and/or new case beneficial histories of its seeds. In this study, the antimicrobial activity ofN.sativaseeds was phytochemically characterized and evaluated. Different extracts ofN.sativaseeds were obtained by maceration and soxhlet extraction methods using different extraction solvents. The obtained extracts were tested using UV-Vis, FTIR, TLC, and GC-MS techniques. Antimicrobial analysis against pathogenic bacterial strains (E.coli,P.aeruginosa,S.aureusandB.subtilis) was carried out by disc diffusion method using different preparations ofN.sativaseeds. The screening analysis revealed the presence of all the tested phytochemicals. FT-IR analysis ofN.sativaseeds oil extracted with absolute ethanol revealed functional groups that are associated with active ingredients of medicinal value. The GC-MS chromatograms revealed different chemical constituents whose known bioactivities and/or applications are essential in the management of life-threatening infections. Different extracts ofN.sativaseeds showed antimicrobial activity with different efficacy against the tested pathogenic bacterial strains. Therefore, this study shows that extracts ofN.sativaseeds contain a variety of chemical components and functional groups linked to their antimicrobial properties, and they might be natural precursors of nutraceuticals.
Glycated haemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose tests in the screening of outpatients for diabetes and abnormal glucose regulation in Uganda: A diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Kasujja Francis Xavier , Mayega Roy William , Daivadanam Meena , Kiracho Elizabeth Ekirapa , Kusolo Ronald , Nuwaha Fred
Published: August 2022

Background and objectives

To understand the utility of glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C) in screening for diabetes and Abnormal Glucose Regulation (AGR) in primary care, we compared its performance to that of the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test.

Methods

This was a prospective diagnostic accuracy study conducted in eastern Uganda. Patients eligible for inclusion were consecutive adults, 30–75 years, receiving care at the outpatient department of a general hospital in eastern Uganda. We determined the sensitivity, specificity and optimum cut-off points for HBA1Cand FPG tests using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as a clinical reference standard.

Results

A total of 1659 participants underwent FPG testing of whom 310 were also HBA1Cand OGTT tested. A total of 113 tested positive for diabetes and 168 for AGR on the OGTT. At recommended cut-off points for diabetes, the HBA1Cand FPG tests had comparable sensitivity [69.8% (95% CI 46.3–86.1) versus 62.6% (95% CI 41.5–79.8), respectively] and specificity [98.6% (95% CI 95.4–99.6) versus 99.4% (95% CI 98.9–99.7), respectively]. Similarly, the sensitivity of HBA1Cand the FPG tests for Abnormal Glucose Regulation (AGR) at ADA cut-offs were comparable [58.9% (95% CI 46.7–70.2) vs 47.7% (95% CI 37.3–58.4), respectively]; however, the HBA1Ctest had lower specificity [70.7% (95% CI 65.1–75.8)] than the FPG test [93.5% (95% CI 88.6–96.4)]. At the optimum cut-offs points for diabetes [45.0 mmol/mol (6.3%) for HBA1Cand 6.4 mmol/L (115.2 mg/dl) for FPG], HBA1Cand FPG sensitivity [71.2% (95% CI 46.9–87.8) versus 72.7% (95% CI 49.5–87.8), respectively] and specificity [95.1% (95% CI91.8 97.2) versus 98.7% (95% CI 98.0 99.2), respectively] were comparable. Similarly, at the optimum cut-off points for AGR [42.0 mmol/mol (6.0%) for the HBA1Cand 5.5 mmol/l (99.0 mg/dl) for the FPG test], HBA1Cand FPG sensitivity [42.3% (95% CI 31.8–53.6) and 53.2 (95% CI 43.1–63.1), respectively] and specificity [89.1% (95% CI 84.1 92.7) and 92.7% (95% CI 91.0 94.1), respectively] were comparable.

Discussion

HBA1Cis a viable alternative diabetes screening and confirmatory test to the FPG test; however, the utility of both tests in screening for prediabetes in this outpatient population is limited.
Active ageing profiles among older adults in Spain: A Multivariate analysis based on SHARE study
Authors: Rojo-Perez Fermina , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Vicente , Molina-Martinez Maria-Angeles , Fernandez-Mayoralas Gloria , Sanchez-Gonzalez Diego , Rojo-Abuin Jose-Manuel , Ayala Alba , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Calderon-Larrañaga Amaia , Ribeiro Oscar , Forjaz Maria-João
Published: August 2022

Background

Following the active ageing model based on the Health, Lifelong Learning, Participation and Security pillars, this research has a twofold objective: i) to classify older adults according to active ageing profiles, taking into account the four pillars, and ii) to ascertain the relationship between the profiles and personal and contextual factors, as well as well-being and quality of life in old age.

Methods

A study sample of 5,566 Spanish older adults who participated in wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was included. Data were analysed in different steps applying several statistical analyses (Principal Component, Cluster, Discriminant, Multiple Correspondence and bivariate analysis with Pearson chi-square and ANOVA).

Results

Five older adult profiles were obtained (I: with moderate activity; II: quasi-dependents; III: with active ageing-limiting conditions; IV: with diverse and balanced activity; V: with excellent active ageing conditions). The first three profiles were characterised by subjects with a high average age, low educational level, who were retired or housewives, and who perceived a moderate level of loneliness, satisfaction with the social network and quality of life, as well as having a larger family network, but living in small households or alone. In contrast, the latter two profiles showed better personal and contextual conditions, well-being and quality of life.

Discussion and conclusions

The multidimensional approach to active ageing followed in this article has revealed the presence of several older adult profiles, which are confined to groups with better or worse active ageing conditions. In this context, if ageing is a process that reflects the previous way of life, intervention priorities will have to consider actions that promote better conditions during the life cycle.
Expanding the tolerance of segmented Influenza A Virus genome using a balance compensation strategy
Authors: Zhao Xiujuan , Lin Xiaojing , Li Ping , Chen Zinuo , Zhang Chengcheng , Manicassamy Balaji , Rong Lijun , Cui Qinghua , Du Ruikun
Published: August 2022

Reporter viruses provide powerful tools for both basic and applied virology studies, however, the creation and exploitation of reporter influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been hindered by the limited tolerance of the segmented genome to exogenous modifications. Interestingly, our previous study has demonstrated the underlying mechanism that foreign insertions reduce the replication/transcription capacity of the modified segment, impairing the delicate balance among the multiple segments during IAV infection. In the present study, we developed a “balance compensation” strategy by incorporating additional compensatory mutations during initial construction of recombinant IAVs to expand the tolerance of IAV genome. As a proof of concept, promoter-enhancing mutations were introduced within the modified segment to rectify the segments imbalance of a reporter influenza PR8-NS-Gluc virus, while directed optimization of the recombinant IAV was successfully achieved. Further, we generated recombinant IAVs expressing a much larger firefly luciferase (Fluc) by coupling with a much stronger compensatory enhancement, and established robust Fluc-based live-imaging mouse models of IAV infection. Our strategy feasibly expands the tolerance for foreign gene insertions in the segmented IAV genome, which opens up better opportunities to develop more versatile reporter IAVs as well as live attenuated influenza virus-based vaccines for other important human pathogens.
Perfil de aptidão física relacionada à saúde em adolescentes brasileiros: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura / Health-Related Fitness Profile in Brazilian Adolescents: An Integrative Literature Review
Authors: Sobral Hildeberto Dutra , Correia Júnior Jânio Luiz , Duda Maria Beatriz Farias , Gonçalves Marina Pereira , Cardoso Mirian Domingos , Dias Ricardo De Freitas
Published: August 2022

Objetivo: Revisar a literatura, conhecer e compreender o perfil de aptidão física relacionada a saúde em adolescentes, destacando aspectos predominantes que impulsionam quadros negativos na saúde. Métodos: Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed; Scielo; Lilacs e Medline. Foram incluídos artigos de ensaios clínicos randomizados, nos idiomas inglês e português, publicados no período de 2017 a 2021, com limite de idade (10 anos – 19 anos). Resultados: Observou-se uma falta de consenso nos protocolos utilizados para avaliação da aptidão física dos adolescentes; fatores que contribuem negativamente para aptidão física do adolescente Brasileiro, sendo hábitos alimentares inadequados, falta de atividade física, tempo de tela (tempo gasto em frente à TV, computador, celular). Conclusão: A aptidão física é importante para o cotidiano, e diante dos resultados apresentados pelos artigos selecionados, observa-se que não influencia somente o físico do adolescente, mas seu rendimento cognitivo. Abstract: The aim of this article was to review the literature, to know and understand the health-related fitness profile in adolescents, highlighting predominant aspects that drive negative health pictures. Searches were performed in PubMed electronic databases; Scielo; Lilacs and Medline. Articles from randomized clinical trials, in English and Portuguese, published from 2017 to 2021, with age limit (10 years – 19 years) were included. There was a lack of consensus in the protocols used to assess the physical fitness of adolescents; factors that contribute negatively to the physical fitness of Brazilian adolescents, such as inadequate eating habits, lack of physical activity, screen time (time spent in front of TV, computer, cell phone). Physical fitness is important for everyday life, and in view of the results presented by the selected articles, it is observed that it does not only influence the physique of adolescents, but their cognitive performance.Keywords: Adolescent; Physical aptitude; Health.
Don’t tax you, Don’t tax me, tax the corporations across the sea’: examining the European Financial Transaction Tax as a model for tax multilateralism
Authors: Bawany Iqra
Published: August 2022

In light of the COVID-19 crisis, enthusiasm for a European Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) has been revitalised, driven by similar economic factors as the decade before. As such, this essay offers a timely exposition of the failures of the original FTT proposals by bringing together academic literature on the European FTT with that of FTTs in general within the larger framework of international tax cooperation. By dissecting the reasons for the failure of the European FTT, this essay will make two key arguments. The first is that the significant design flaws of the FTT played the most significant role in its failure. The second key argument is that the experience of the FTT highlights exactly why tax multilateralism is increasingly important in the international tax order and that despite the eventual failure of the proposals, the EU remains the most accessible international forum in which to foster multilateral tax cooperation.
Manuali e libri di testo per i maestri italiani dell’emigrazione nel primo Novecento
Authors: D’Alessio Michela D’Alessio
Published: August 2022

Sulla scia dei primi risultati di studio circa la relazione tra alfabeto, emigrazione e maestri, nella circolazione transnazionale dei saperi e dei libri di letture, un solco molto promettente per la ricerca storico-educativa riguarda le politiche migratorie dello Stato italiano specie nel primo ventennio del Novecento. Il contributo dedica un supplemento di attenzione al segmento di testi pubblicati per la preparazione “tutta speciale” - politica, culturale e didattica -, dei maestri dell’emigrazione, nei corsi aperti per la loro formazione (D’ALESSIO, 2019). L’articolo intende occuparsi della specifica manualistica loro indirizzata - di cui il vero modello è Il maestro degli emigranti di Cabrini (1912). I testi e libri destinati a preparare, con le cognizioni e gli orientamenti indispensabili, chi doveva fornire l’adeguata istruzione a chi si accingesse a partire intendevano favorire la maturazione di una cultura specifica in materia di emigrazione, fra tutti i maestri d’Italia.
Izanagi-Izanami y la abertura del viaje iniciático de la vida y la muerte
Authors: Esperón María Jimena
Published: August 2022

El viaje, en tanto desplazamiento espacial, temporal o mental, ha sido un tópico literario en la narrativa universal. Estudiado en diversas épocas, la “literatura de viajes” ha ido mutando hasta intentar constituirse en un subgénero literario tanto en la literatura europea como en la americana, pero aún es ignorado el tratamiento de este tópico en numerosas literaturas asiáticas. Por tal motivo, en este trabajo trataremos de aportar una aproximación sobre este tópico en una particular cultura como lo es la japonesa. Así pues, plantearemos el viaje como uno de los puntos obturadores en los mitos cosmogónicos japoneses que se encuentran recopilados en el Kōjiki y en el Nihonshoki. Focalizados en el primer ciclo mitológico de Yamato, protagonizado por la pareja primordial Izanagi-Izanami, develaremos el desplazamiento bajo dos aspectos: el viaje-creador-de-vida y el viaje-generador-de-muerte. En ambos tipos de viajes será el concepto de belleza el eslabón conector y detonante de los mismos.
Correspondencias poéticas entre el cuento (1957) y el filme (1963) de Young Sánchez
Authors: López-Quesada Álvaro
Published: August 2022

Se trata de reflexionar acerca de la relación del discurso literario de Ignacio Aldecoa en su cuento «Young Sánchez»(1957) y la reescritura de este en el filme de Mario Camus (1963). De este modo ponemos de manifiesto su correspondencia poética, entendida tanto en lo que se refiere a las equivalencias narratológicas como en las líricas. Así, este trabajo expone las convergencias entre dos relatos que, a simple vista, parecen divergir.
“La muerte del león”: una lectura de traducciones
Authors: Butti Enrique
Published: August 2022

La publicación en tres volúmenes de los Cuentos completos de Henry James en español resulta oportuna para analizar algunas pautas de traducción al confrontar cinco versiones de diferentes épocas del famoso cuento de James "La muerte del león".
Dynamic Analysis On Export, FDI and Growth in Indonesia: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model
Authors: Kurniawan Mahrus Lutfi Adi , A'yun Indanazulfa Qurrota
Published: August 2022

This study aims to test the export-led-growth (ELG) hypothesis in Indonesia after the implementation of trade liberalization and analyze the relevance of policies that can be taken by the government. The data used in this study is time series data from 1970- 2020. The analysis method of this research uses the Autoregressive Distributed LagÂ (ARDL) model by applying three models. Model 1 shows that in the short term the ELG hypothesis is proven valid but in the long term the ELG hypothesis is invalid in Indonesia. This is reinforced in model 2 in both of short and long term that real GDP is insignificant to real exports. In the long term, model 2 shows that real exports have a positive effect on FDI and vice versa in model 3 that real GDP has no effect on FDI. The implementation of the results illustrates to policy makers that strong economic growth can attract export capabilities in Indonesia, but policies that are based on economic growth have vulnerabilities to global dynamics that can affect export activities and the investment climate in Indonesia, so export market diversification policies need to be implemented to be able to reach a wider market. From the investment side, it is necessary to carry out structural reforms (such as policies, financial systems, and infrastructure development) so that there is certainty forÂ foreign investors to invest in Indonesia.
A Glance at the Activity of Iranian Researchers and Reviewers in Publons
Authors: Nojavan Fereshteh , Ghasemian Amir , Asnafi Amir Reza , Zarei Morad Haseli Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2022

Publons is a portal that gives information on scientific products, review activities, and the scientometric standing of researchers. In this line, the present study attempted to evaluate the review actions of researchers of Iranian universities in Publons. In this applied research, the 10 best institutions of Iran were picked as the comprehensive research based on the number of researchers in Publons. Demographic data, verified reviews, and scientometric indicators were extracted. Microsoft Office and R applications were used to examine the data. The findings suggested that the University of Tehran has top rank in terms of verified reviews compared to other institutions. Researchers from Iran University of Science and Technology in Publons did better with high H-index and citations. The data also demonstrated that there was a statistically significant association between scholars’ review activities with research products and scholars’ H-index, according to which the editors-in-chief of journals pick academics who have a lot of reputation and research products for review. Publons is an excellent instrument for researchers to exhibit their scientific strength in evaluating the editors-in-chief of journals in the worldwide community and also raise the quality of publishing research outputs by developing the talent of criticism and review.
Role of protease‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR‐1) in the glomerular filtration barrier integrity
Authors: Medipally Ajay , Xiao Min , Biederman Laura , Satoskar Anjali A. , Ivanov Iouri , Rovin Brad , Parikh Samir , Kerlin Bryce A. , Brodsky Sergey V.
Published: August 2022

Protease‐activated receptors (PAR) play an important role in the regulation of cellular function by the coagulation system, and they are activated by thrombin. PAR‐1 is expressed in both endothelial cells and podocytes in the kidney. The role of PAR1 in the maintenance of the glomerular filtration barrier is not clear. Anticoagulant‐related nephropathy (ARN) is a kidney disease with glomerular hematuria and red blood cell tubular casts. We validated 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6NE) in rats as a model of ARN and had demonstrated that direct thrombin inhibitor (dabigatran) induces ARN. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PAR‐1 in the ARN pathogenesis. 5/6NE rats were treated with dabigatran (150 mg/kg/day), PAR‐1 inhibitor SCH79797 (1 and 3 mg/kg/day) and PAR‐1 agonist TFLLR‐NH2 (0.25 and 0.50 µmol/kg/day) for 7 days. Serum creatinine and hematuria were assessed daily. Kidney morphology was evaluated at the end of the study. In 5/6NE rats treated with either dabigatran or combination with a PAR‐1 modulator, there was an elevation in serum creatinine, glomerular hematuria, red blood casts in the tubules, and acute tubular epithelial cell injury. Interestingly, both PAR‐1 modulators in a dose‐depended manner had similar effects on the serum creatinine levels and hematuria as those of dabigatran. Dabigatran‐induced increase in the systolic blood pressure was not affected by PAR‐1 modulators. In conclusion, the normal function of PAR‐1 is crucial to maintain the glomerular filtration barrier integrity. Either activation or blockage of PAR‐1 leads to glomerular hematuria and subsequent acute tubular epithelial cell injury.
The effect of Urtica dioica extract on oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, and brain histopathology in multiple sclerosis model
Authors: Namazi Fatemeh , Bordbar Elnaz , Bakhshaei Farnoosh , Nazifi Saeed
Published: August 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) results from the destruction of myelin and focal inflammation. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica on oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, and brain histopathology in multiple sclerosis model. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into six groups of 10. Groups included positive control, negative control, and treatment groups with U. dioica extract at a dose of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg for 21 days (three times a week). The MS model was developed by a diet containing 0.2% cuprizone for 6 weeks. A section of brains was evaluated with Luxol Fast Blue staining and the other part evaluated with heat shock protein (HSP) kits 60 and 70, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In sections of corpus callosum, the highest amount of myelin was observed in the negative controls, while the use of cuprizone in the positive controls caused the destruction and reduction of myelin. The use of U. dioica extract in therapeutic groups except at a dose of 50 mg/kg could reduce myelin degradation to some extent and lead to remyelination. However, myelin levels in treatment groups were not significantly different from any of the negative and positive controls. Although HSP60 decreased in the treatment groups, there was no significant difference between the positive and negative controls. Treatment with this extract significantly reduced the amount of HSP70 compared with the positive controls. The decreased TAC and increased MDA in positive controls indicated oxidative stress, respectively. Furthermore, the extract led to an increase and decrease of TAC and MDA in the treatment groups, respectively. However, only the MDA level was significantly different from that of the positive controls. Therefore, the antioxidant effects of U. dioica extract could decrease cuprizone‐induced oxidative stress and be effective in improving demyelination.