bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of protein production in baculovirus expression vector system by removing a total of 10 kb of nonessential fragments from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus genome
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , He Aiping , Zong Yuyu , Tian Houlu , Zhang Zhihui , Zhao Kaixia , Xu Xiaodong , Chen Hongying
Published: April 2023

Baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a powerful and versatile platform for recombinant protein production in insect cells. As the most frequently used baculovirus, Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) encodes 155 open reading frames (ORFs), including a considerable number of non-essential genes for the virus replication in cell culture. Studies have shown that protein production in BEVS can be improved by removing some viral dispensable genes, and these AcMNPV vectors also offer the possibility of accommodating larger exogenous gene fragments. In this study, we, respectively, deleted 14 DNA fragments from AcMNPV genome, each of them containing at least two contiguous genes that were known nonessential for viral replication in cell culture or functionally unknown. The effects of these fragment-deletions on virus replication and exogenous protein production were examined. The results showed that 11 of the 14 fragments, containing 43 genes, were dispensable for the virus replication in cultured cells. By detecting the expression of intracellularly expressed and secreted reporter proteins, we demonstrated that nine of the fragment-deletions benefited protein production in Sf9 cells and/or in High Five cells. After combining the deletion of some dispensable fragments, we obtained two AcMNPV vectors shortened by more than 10 kb but displayed an improved capacity for recombinant protein production. The deletion strategies used in this study has the potential to further improve the BEVS.
Integrating Venom Peptide Libraries Into a Phylogenetic and Broader Biological Framework
Authors: Chase Kevin , Watkins Maren , Safavi-Hemami Helena , Olivera Baldomero M.
Published: April 2023

The venomous marine snails are conventionally divided into three groups, the cone snails (family Conidae), the auger snails (family Terebridae) and the turrids (formerly all assigned to a single family, Turridae). In this study, a library of venom peptides from species conventionally assigned to the genus Turris was correlated to a phylogenetic analysis. Nucleotide sequences of multiple genes from transcriptomes were used to assess the phylogenetic relationships across a diverse set of species. The resulting tree shows that as conventionally defined, the conoidean genus Turris, is polyphyletic. We describe a new genus, Purpuraturris gen. nov., that comprises the outlier species. In addition to morphological distinctions, molecular data reveal that this group is divergent from Turris sensu stricto. The correlation between phylogenetic information and a family of peptide sequences was used to highlight those peptides mostly likely to be unique and intimately associated with biological diversity. The plethora of peptide sequences available requires two prioritization decisions: which subset of peptides to initially characterize, and after these are characterized, which to comprehensively investigate for potential biomedical applications such as drug developments.

Life Science Identifiers: urn:lsid:zoobank.org; pub: 60D46561-28F0-4C39-BAC4-66DC8B4EAEA4
New progress in the role of microRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Fu Yeqin , Yang Qiuhui , Yang Hongjian , Zhang Xiping
Published: April 2023

Triple negative breast cancer is distinguished by its high malignancy, aggressive invasion, rapid progression, easy recurrence, and distant metastases. Additionally, it has a poor prognosis, a high mortality, and is unresponsive to conventional endocrine and targeted therapy, making it a challenging problem for breast cancer treatment and a hotspot for scientific research. Recent research has revealed that certain miRNA can directly or indirectly affect the occurrence, progress and recurrence of TNBC. Their expression levels have a significant impact on TNBC diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Some miRNAs can serve as biomarkers for TNBC diagnosis and prognosis. This article summarizes the progress of miRNA research in TNBC, discusses their roles in the occurrence, invasion, metastasis, prognosis, and chemotherapy of TNBC, and proposes a treatment strategy for TNBC by interfering with miRNA expression levels.
Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Majdi Alireza , Deng Zhengdao , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed , De Vloo Philippe , Nuttin Bart , Mc Laughlin Myles
Published: April 2023

Background

One of the experimental neuromodulation techniques being researched for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is deep brain stimulation (DBS). To evaluate the effectiveness of DBS in AD, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available evidence.

Methods

From the inception through December 2021, the following databases were searched: Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The search phrases used were “Alzheimer's disease,” “AD,” “deep brain stimulation,” and “DBS.” The information from the included articles was gathered using a standardized data-collecting form. In the included papers, the Cochrane Collaboration methodology was used to evaluate the risk of bias. A fixed-effects model was used to conduct the meta-analysis.

Results

Only five distinct publications and 6 different comparisons (one study consisted of two phases) were included out of the initial 524 papers that were recruited. DBS had no impact on the cognitive ability in patients with AD [0.116 SMD, 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.236 to 0.469, p = 0.518]. The studies' overall heterogeneity was not significant (κ2 = 6.23, T2 = 0.053, df = 5, I2 = 19.76%, p = 0.284). According to subgroup analysis, the fornix-DBS did not improve cognitive function in patients with AD (0.145 SMD, 95%CI, −0.246 to 0.537, p = 0.467). Unfavorable neurological and non-neurological outcomes were also reported.

Conclusion

The inconsistencies and heterogeneity of the included publications in various target and age groups of a small number of AD patients were brought to light by this meta-analysis. To determine if DBS is useful in the treatment of AD, further studies with larger sample sizes and randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled designs are required.
Effect of acupuncture in the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage on the prognosis and serum BDNF: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Lingcong , Wang Xiujing , Guo Jiaxun , Chen Yilin , Wang Zhenyu
Published: April 2023

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cerebrovascular disease, with a high rate of disability. In the literature on Chinese traditional medicine, there is increasing evidence that acupuncture can help hematoma absorption and improve neurological deficits after cerebral hemorrhage. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the most studied neurotrophic factors, is involved in a variety of neurological functions and plays an important role in brain injury recovery. We investigated the effect of acupuncture intervention in the acute phase of ICH on the prognosis and serum BDNF levels of several patient groups.

Objective

To investigate the influence of acupuncture on the prognosis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in patients in the acute phase of ICH.

Methods

From November 2021 to May 2022, 109 subjects were consecutively enrolled, including patients with ICH, who were randomized into the acupuncture group (AG) and sham acupuncture group (SAG), and a control group (CG). The CG received the same acupuncture intervention as the AG, and the SAG received sham acupuncture, with 14 interventions in each group. The level of consciousness of patients with ICH was assessed and serum BDNF levels were measured in all three groups before the intervention and at 3 weeks after onset, and the level of consciousness and outcomes were assessed at 12 weeks after onset.

Results

After the intervention, the level of consciousness of the AG improved significantly (P < 0.05); the BDNF level of only the AG increased significantly (P < 0.05); the changes in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and BDNF level were significantly greater in the AG than in the SAG (P < 0.05), especially for locomotion (P < 0.05). At 12 weeks post-onset, the AG showed better outcomes and recovery of consciousness than the SAG (P < 0.05).
Brain region-specific genome-wide deoxyribonucleic acid methylation analysis in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ren Gang , Song Shan , Zhang Sheng-Xiao , Liu Yan , Lv Yan , Wang Yan-Hong , Zhao Rong , Li Xin-Yi
Published: April 2023

Objective

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuropathology and cognitive decline and associated with age. The comprehensive deoxyribonucleic acid methylation (DNAm)-transcriptome profile association analysis conducted in this study aimed to establish whole-genome DNAm profiles and explore DNAm-related genes and their potential functions. More appropriate biomarkers were expected to be identified in terms of AD.

Materials and methods

Illumina 450KGSE59685 dataset AD (n= 54) and HC (n= 21) and ribonucleic-acid-sequencing data GSE118553 dataset AD patients (n= 21) and HCs (n= 13) were obtained from the gene expression omnibus database before a comprehensive DNAm-transcriptome profile association analysis, and we performed functional enrichment analysis by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses (KEGG). Three transgenic mice and three wild-type mice were used to validate the hub genes.

Results

A total of 18,104 DNAm sites in healthy controls (n= 21) and AD patients (n= 54) were surveyed across three brain regions (superior temporal gyrus, entorhinal cortex, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). With the addition of the transcriptome analysis, eight hypomethylated-related highly expressed genes and 61 hypermethylated-related lowly expressed genes were identified. Based on 69 shared differentially methylated genes (DMGs), the function enrichment analysis indicated Guanosine triphosphate enzymes (GTPase) regulator activity, a synaptic vesicle cycle, and tight junction functioning. Following this, mice-based models of AD were constructed, and five hub DMGs were verified, which represented a powerful, disease-specific DNAm signature for AD.

Conclusion

The results revealed that the cross-brain region DNAm was altered in those with AD. The alterations in DNAm affected the target gene expression and participated in the key biological processes of AD. The study provides a valuable epigenetic resource for identifying DNAm-based diagnostic biomarkers, developing effective drugs, and studying AD pathogenesis.
Dietary Diversity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Disparities, Challenges, and Mitigation Measures
Authors: Hoteit Maha , Mortada Hussein , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub , Mansour Rania , Yazbeck Batoul , AlKhalaf Majid , Bookari Khlood , Tayyem Reema , Al-Awwad Narmeen J. , Al Sabbah Haleama , Cheikh Ismail Leila , Qasrawi Radwan , Abu Seir Rania , Kamel Iman , Dashti Somaia , Allehdan Sabika , Al-Mannai Mariam , Bawadi Hiba , Waly Mostafa ,   The Regional CORONA COOKING Survey Group
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the Eastern Mediterranean Region's food system's fragility posing severe challenges to maintaining healthy sustainable lifestyle. The aim of this cross-sectional study (N = 13,527 household's family members, mean age: 30.3 ±11.6, 80% women) is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food consumption patterns and household's dietary diversity in 10 Eastern Mediterranean countries. A food frequency questionnaire was used to investigate the consumption patterns along with the calculation of the Food Consumption Score (FCS), a proxy indicator of dietary diversity. Data collected on cooking attitudes, shopping and food stock explore the community mitigation measures. In the overall population, before and during the pandemic, most food groups were consumed less or equal to 4 times per week. As evident from our findings and considering that the pandemic may be better, but it's not over, small to moderate changes in food consumption patterns in relatively short time periods can become permanent and lead to substantial poor dietary diversity over time. While it is a priority to mitigate the immediate impact, one area of great concern is the long-term effects of this pandemic on dietary patterns and dietary diversity in Eastern Mediterranean households. To conclude, the COVID-19 crisis revealed the region's unpreparedness to deal with a pandemic. While the aggressive containment strategy was essential for most countries to help prevent the spread, it came at a high nutritional cost, driving poor dietary diversity.
Habitual low carbohydrate high fat diet compared with omnivorous, vegan, and vegetarian diets
Authors: Bogataj Jontez Nives , Kenig Saša , Šik Novak Karin , Petelin Ana , Jenko Pražnikar Zala , Mohorko Nina
Published: April 2023

Background

Dietary patterns which exclude whole food groups, such as vegetarian, vegan and low carbohydrate high fat diet (LCHF), are increasingly popular in general public. When carefully planned, all these diets have some known benefits for health, but concerns are also raised in particular for LCHF. The quality of LCHF diet which individuals follow in real life without supervision is not known.

Methods

One hundred thirty healthy individuals with stable body mass following LCHF, vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous diet for at least six months, were compared in a cross-sectional study. Diet was analyzed through 3-day food records and FFQ, anthropometric measurements were performed and serum metabolic biomarkers determined from fasting blood.

Results

Participants on LCHF diet had the intakes of micronutrients comparable to other groups, while the intakes of macronutrients differed in line with the definition of each diet. The intakes of saturated fats, cholesterol and animal proteins were significantly higher and the intakes of sugars and dietary fibers were lower compared to other groups. Healthy eating index 2015 in this group was the lowest. There were no differences in the levels of glucose, triacylglycerols and CRP among groups. Total and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in LCHF group, in particular in participants with higher ketogenic ratio. Fatty acids intakes and intakes of cholesterol, dietary fibers and animal proteins explained 40% of variance in total cholesterol level, with saturated fatty acids being the strongest positive predictor and monounsaturated fatty acids a negative predictor.

Conclusion

None of the self-advised diets provided all the necessary nutrients in optimal levels. Due to the detected increased levels of serum cholesterols, selection of healthy fat sources, higher intake of dietary fibers and partial replacing of animal sources with plant sources of foods should be recommended to the individuals selecting LCFH dietary pattern.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04347213.
Synergistic interaction and activation of the opioid receptor-NO–cGMP–K+ channel pathway on peripheral antinociception induced by the α-Bisabolol-diclofenac combination
Authors: Ortiz Mario I.
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The local peripheral combination of analgesic drugs with herbal derivatives may have beneficial effects. Information on the action mechanism of these interactions between drugs is scarce. Therefore, the main of the present study was to determine the pharmacological interaction and action mechanism of the combination α-Bisabolol and diclofenac.

Methods: Rats were injected in the dorsal surface of the right hind paw with 1% formalin. Rats received subcutaneous injections in the dorsal surface of paw of vehicles or increasing doses of α-Bisabolol, diclofenac or their combination before formalin injection into the paw. Antinociception of the α-Bisabolol + diclofenac combination was evaluated with and without the local treatment of naloxone, metformin, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1H- (1,2,4)-oxadiazolo (4,2-a) quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), glibenclamide, glipizide, 4-aminopyridine, tetraethylammonium, apamin, or charybdotoxin.

Results: α-Bisabolol, diclofenac or α-Bisabolol-diclofenac combinations produced significant antinociception in the rat (p < 0.05). The experimental effective dose (ED) value of 109.2 µg/paw was different significantly of the theoretical effective dose (ED) of 245.7 µg/paw (synergism). Blockers significantly reverted the antinociception produced by the synergistic combination of α-Bisabolol and diclofenac.

Discussion: Data showed a synergism of the α-Bisabolol-diclofenac combination and the activation of the opioid receptor-Nitric Oxide–cyclic GMP–K+ channels pathway and a biguanide-dependent mechanism in order to produce the potentiation of its peripheral antinociception in the formalin test.
Spray impact onto a hot solid substrate: Film boiling suppression by lubricant addition
Authors: Gajevic Joksimovic Marija , Hussong Jeanette , Tropea Cameron , Roisman Ilia V.
Published: April 2023

Spray cooling of solid substrates is one of the methods used in various industrial processes such as forging, quenching or other metallurgical applications, electronics, pharmaceutical industry, medicine, or for cooling of powerful electrical devices. Spray cooling is governed by various hydrodynamic and thermodynamic processes, like drop impact, heat conduction in the substrate and convection in the spreading drops, and different regimes of boiling. The problem of modeling spray cooling becomes even more challenging if the liquid is multicomponent. The presence of components with various physicochemical properties (surfactants, binders, dispersed particles, etc.) can significantly affect the entire process of spray impact, as well as the outcome of the known cooling regimes and could lead to a formation of a thin deposited layer on the substrate. In this experimental study, spray impact onto a substrate, initially heated to temperatures significantly exceeding the liquid saturation point, is visualized using a high-speed video system. The heat transfer associated with spray impact is characterized using an array of thermocouples installed in a thick metal target. As a working fluid, a mixture of a distilled water and industrial white lubricant was used. It is observed that the presence of very small concentrations of lubricant augments the heat flux dramatically, particularly at high wall temperatures, at which usually film boiling is observed for spray cooling by using distilled water. Three main mechanisms lead to the increase of heat flux and shift of the Leidenfrost point. They are caused by the significant viscosity increase of the evaporating lubricant solutions, by an increase of the substrate wettability and by the emergence of stable liquid sheets between bubbles, preventing their coalescence and percolation of the vapor channels.
Changes in CYP3A4 Enzyme Expression and Biochemical Markers Under Acute Hypoxia Affect the Pharmacokinetics of Sildenafil
Authors: Zhang Juanhong , Wang Rong
Published: April 2023

Graphical Abstract

Changes in CYP3A4 enzyme expression and biochemical markers under acute hypoxia affect the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil.
The serum soluble scavenger with 5 domains levels: A novel biomarker for individuals with heart failure
Authors: Ge Yulong , Liu Xiaoqiang , Chen Hangwei , Li Gonghao , Xing Xing , Liu Junyi , Zhang Chunxia , Zhuge Ying , Wang Fang
Published: April 2023

Background: We aimed to explore the relationship between the serum Soluble Scavenger with 5 Domains (SSC5D) levels and heart failure (HF).

Methods and Results: We retrospectively enrolled 276 patients diagnosed with HF or normal during hospitalization in Shanghai General Hospital between September 2020 and December 2021. Previously published RNA sequencing data were re-analyzed to confirm the expression profile of SSC5D in failing and non-failing human and mouse heart tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to quantify Ssc5d mRNA levels in murine heart tissue after myocardial infarction and transverse aortic constriction surgery. To understand the HF-induced secreted proteins profile, 1,755 secreted proteins were investigated using human dilated cardiomyopathy RNA-seq data, and the results indicated that SSC5D levels were significantly elevated in failing hearts compared to the non-failing. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data, we demonstrated that Ssc5d is predominantly expressed in cardiac fibroblasts. In a murine model of myocardial infarction or transverse aortic constriction, Ssc5d mRNA levels were markedly increased compared with those in the sham group. Similarly, serum SSC5D levels were considerably elevated in the HF group compared with the control group [15,789.35 (10,745.32–23,110.65) pg/mL, 95% CI (16,263.01–19,655.43) vs. 8,938.72 (6,154.97–12,778.81) pg/mL, 95% CI (9,337.50–11,142.93); p < 0.0001]. Moreover, serum SSC5D levels were positively correlated with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (R = 0.4, p = 7.9e-12) and inversely correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (R = −0.46, p = 9.8e-16).

Conclusion: We concluded that SSC5D was a specific response to HF. Serum SSC5D may function as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with HF.
Mock circulatory loop applications for testing cardiovascular assist devices and in vitro studies
Authors: Xu Ke-Wei , Gao Qi , Wan Min , Zhang Ke
Published: April 2023

The mock circulatory loop (MCL) is an in vitro experimental system that can provide continuous pulsatile flows and simulate different physiological or pathological parameters of the human circulation system. It is of great significance for testing cardiovascular assist device (CAD), which is a type of clinical instrument used to treat cardiovascular disease and alleviate the dilemma of insufficient donor hearts. The MCL installed with different types of CADs can simulate specific conditions of clinical surgery for evaluating the effectiveness and reliability of those CADs under the repeated performance tests and reliability tests. Also, patient-specific cardiovascular models can be employed in the circulation of MCL for targeted pathological study associated with hemodynamics. Therefore, The MCL system has various combinations of different functional units according to its richful applications, which are comprehensively reviewed in the current work. Four types of CADs including prosthetic heart valve (PHV), ventricular assist device (VAD), total artificial heart (TAH) and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) applied in MCL experiments are documented and compared in detail. Moreover, MCLs with more complicated structures for achieving advanced functions are further introduced, such as MCL for the pediatric application, MCL with anatomical phantoms and MCL synchronizing multiple circulation systems. By reviewing the constructions and functions of available MCLs, the features of MCLs for different applications are summarized, and directions of developing the MCLs are suggested.
The cell origins of foam cell and lipid metabolism regulated by mechanical stress in atherosclerosis
Authors: Ouyang Zhi , Zhong Jian , Shen Junyi , Zeng Ye
Published: April 2023

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease initiated by endothelial activation, in which lipoprotein, cholesterol, extracellular matrix, and various types of immune and non-immune cells are accumulated and formed into plaques on the arterial wall suffering from disturbed flow, characterized by low and oscillating shear stress. Foam cells are a major cellular component in atherosclerotic plaques, which play an indispensable role in the occurrence, development and rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. It was previously believed that foam cells were derived from macrophages or smooth muscle cells, but recent studies have suggested that there are other sources of foam cells. Many studies have found that the distribution of atherosclerotic plaques is not random but distributed at the bend and bifurcation of the arterial tree. The development and rupture of atherosclerotic plaque are affected by mechanical stress. In this review, we reviewed the advances in foam cell formation in atherosclerosis and the regulation of atherosclerotic plaque and lipid metabolism by mechanical forces. These findings provide new clues for investigating the mechanisms of atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression.
Hostile Attribution Bias and Anger Rumination Sequentially Mediate the Association Between Trait Anger and Reactive Aggression
Authors: Quan Fangying , Wang Lu , Gong Xinyu , Lei Xiaofang , Liang Binqi , Zhang Shuyue
Published: April 2023

Reactive aggression is a type of aggression that has severe consequences in individual’s psychosocial development and social stability. Trait anger is a risk personality factor for reactive aggression. However, the mediating mechanism of this relationship has not been sufficiently analyzed. We proposed that hostile attribution bias and anger rumination may be cognitive factors that play mediating roles in the relationship between trait anger and reactive aggression. To test this hypothesis, a sample of 600 undergraduates (51.67% females, Mage = 20.51, SD = 1.11) participated in this study. Findings showed that hostile attribution bias, anger rumination sequentially mediated the association between trait anger and reactive aggression. These results highlight the importance of anger rumination and hostile attribution bias to explain the link between trait anger and reactive aggression in undergraduates. The findings of the present study also provide valuable information about the role of negative cognitive activities (e.g., hostile attribution, ruminate in anger emotion) in high trait anger individual may trigger reactive aggression. The limitations of the study are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental burden and quality of life in physicians: Results of an online survey
Authors: Wetzel Lea , Halfmann Marie , Castioni Noah , Kiefer Falk , König Sarah , Schmieder Astrid , Koopmann Anne
Published: April 2023

Background

In previous pan-/epidemics such as the SARS epidemic of 2002/2003, negative effects on the wellbeing and an increase in symptoms of depression and anxiety were observed in doctors due to social isolation and the threat they experienced. Therefore, it is feared that the COVID-19 pandemic will also have a negative impact on the mental health and quality of life of doctors.

Objective

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of physicians. In particular, on the subjective anxiety and burden, depression and quality of life for the total sample and subsamples (work in COVID-19 units vs. no work in COVID-19 units).

Materials and methods

In an online survey, 107 physicians (23–42 years) were asked about their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to socio-demographic data, pandemic- and work-related data were also included. For example, infection control measures, deployment on COVID-19 wards and the subjective perceived threat posed by the pandemic. The physicians were asked to rate their perceived anxiety and stress, retrospectively, at 7 different points in time during the pandemic. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to retrospectively assess symptoms of anxiety and depression before and after the onset of the pandemic. The quality of life of the participants after 2 years of the pandemic was assessed using the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results

Both subjective anxiety and burden showed wave-like patterns with higher scores in autumn, winter and spring. We observed significant differences between the seven measurement time points for anxiety [Chi2(6) = 197.05, p < 0.001] as well as for burden [Chi2(6) = 106.33, p < 0.001]. Symptoms of depression and anxiety increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (M = 14.16, SD = 7.83) compared to the pre-pandemic time [M = 7.31, SD = 5.14, t(106) = −10.67, p < 0.001]. Physicians who worked at COVID-19 units showed higher scores in quality of life related to social relationships (M = 70.39, SD = 17.69) than physicians not working at COVID-19 units [M = 61.44, SD = 24.55, t(90.14) = −2.145, p = 0.035]. The multi-factorial ANOVA showed that previous psychiatric illness (p < 0.001), greater difference in depression scores (p = 0.014), higher anxiety scores (p = 0.048) and less work experience (p = 0.032) led to lower quality of life.

Conclusion

Hospitals should offer specific support, such as supervision, to prevent the development of longer-term psychiatric sequelae likely to lead to sick leave and high costs for the healthcare system.

Trial registration

The study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Registry (DRKS-ID: DRKS00028984).
Application of interpersonal psychotherapy for late-life depression in China: A case report
Authors: Xu Hua , Koszycki Diana
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective treatment for late-life depression, but little is known about its acceptability and efficacy in Chinese patients. This case report describes the use of IPT in a depressed elderly Chinese man.

Methods

The patient was a 79-year-old widower who lives alone in a large city in China. This was his first contact with a mental health specialist. His wife died one ago, and his only child lives in the United States with her husband and children. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his daughter could not visit him, and his usual social interactions decreased, leaving him feeling isolated, lonely, and depressed. He was diagnosed with a major depressive episode and initially prescribed venlafaxine. However, he failed to show an adequate response to medication and the side effects were intolerable. He was switched to a low dose of Duloxetine (60 mg) combined with IPT.

Results

The patient’s baseline score on the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) was 29, suggesting severe levels of depression. He received 12 sessions of IPT. Role transition was the focus of therapy. Although the patient expressed discomfort in therapy, he developed a good rapport with the therapist and was compliant with treatment. Clinical recovery was achieved at the end of acute IPT treatment (HAM-D score = 1).

Conclusion

Response to IPT was excellent in this elderly patient, but several points should be noted. First, mental health-related stigma in China can affect treatment engagement. Second, older Chinese are reluctant to speak openly about their personal experiences and feelings. Hence, repeated emphasis on the principles of confidentiality in psychotherapy and forming a strong therapeutic alliance are important. Third, the “empty-nest” household is an emergent phenomenon in China. Helping elderly Chinese navigate changes in traditional Chinese living arrangements and negotiate filial piety with offspring who have moved away are important issues to address in therapy.
The relationship between health belief and sleep quality of Chinese college students: The mediating role of physical activity and moderating effect of mobile phone addiction
Authors: Gao Xinchao , Li Chuang , Han Beining , Xu Peng , Qu Chenxu
Published: April 2023

Background

Poor sleep quality has become a common health problem encountered by college students.

Methods

Health belief scale (HBS), physical activity rating scale (PARS-3), mobile phone addiction tendency scale (MPATS) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were adopted to analyze the data collected from survey questionnaires, which were filled out by 1,019 college students (including 429 males and 590 females) from five comprehensive colleges and universities from March 2022 to April 2022. The data collected from survey questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro-program PROCESS.

Results

(1) Health belief, physical activity, mobile phone addiction and sleep quality are significantly associated with each other (P < 0.01); (2) physical activity plays a mediating role between health belief and sleep quality, and the mediating effects account for 14.77%; (3) mobile phone addiction can significantly moderate the effect size of health belief (β = 0.062, p < 0.05) and physical activity (β = 0.073, P < 0.05) on sleep quality, and significantly moderate the effect size of health belief on physical activity (β = −0.112, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The health belief of college students can significantly improve their sleep quality; college students’ health belief can not only improve their sleep quality directly, but also improve their sleep quality through physical activity; mobile phone addiction can significantly moderate the effect size of health belief on sleep quality, the effect size of health belief on physical activity, and the effect size of physical activity on sleep quality.
A systematic literature review on the utilization of extended operating room hours to reduce surgical backlogs
Authors: Oliveira Mariana , Bélanger Valérie , Ruiz Angel , Santos Daniel
Published: April 2023

This article is part of the Research Topic ‘Health Systems Recovery in the Context of COVID-19 and Protracted Conflict'

Introduction

Hospital managers address elective patient surgical backlogs with different strategies: increasing installed capacity, managing demand and improving efficiency. Recently, and particularly since the COVID-19 elective surgery suspension, extended operating room hours has been used to reduce waiting lists by taking advantage of empty operating rooms and existing surgical teams.

Methods

Two research questions are raised: (1) which are the scientific literature's insights related to the use of extended operating room hours to help reduce surgery backlogs? and (2) provided that a hospital decides to extend its operating room opening time, what are the main challenges and the key aspects to consider in the design and implementation of policies to manage extended operating room hours? A systematic review on Web of Science database was conducted to gather existing literature, published from January 2012 to December 2021, regarding strategies to reduce waiting lists using empty operating rooms outside regular working hours.

Results

A total of 12 papers were selected as relevant to address the two research questions. Results were organized according to their main features, namely setting, type of strategy, methodology, and how human resources are handled.

Discussion

The review suggests that extended operating room hours might be problematic if current staff is used and that a careful choice of patients should be made. However, its potential to reduce waiting times and its implications are discussed only superficially. Therefore, we analyze the implications of extending operating room hours from four different perspectives (management, staff, patients, and strategy deployment) and define some recommendations for policy makers and healthcare managers when implementing it in practice.
Factors associated with the incidence and the expenditure of self-medication among middle-aged and older adults in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Zheng Zehao , Wang Xiubo , Xia Jiabei , Zhu Xingce , Cheng Fanjun , Liu Zhiyong
Published: April 2023

Background

With the accelerated ageing of population and the growing prevalence of various chronic diseases in China, self-medication plays an increasingly important role in complementing the health care system due to its convenience and economy.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the incidence of self-medication and the amount of self-medication expenditure among middle-aged and older adults in China, and to explore factors associated with them.

Methods

A total of 10,841 respondents aged 45 years and older from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) wave 4 which conducted in 2018 were included as the sample of this study. The two-part model was adopted to identify the association between the incidence of self-medication and the amount of self-medication expenditure and specific factors, respectively.

Results

The incidence of self-medication among Chinese middle-aged and older adults was 62.30%, and the average total and out-of-pocket (OOP) pharmaceutical expenditure of self-medication of the self-medicated individuals were 290.50 and 264.38 Chinese yuan (CNY) respectively. Participants who took traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), self-reported fair, and poor health status, suffered from one and multiple chronic diseases had strongly higher incidence of self-medication. Older age and multiple chronic diseases were strongly associated with higher expenditure of self-medication. Those who took TCM had more self-medication expenditure, while those who drank alcohol had less.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated the great prevalence of self-medication among middle-aged and older adults in China and the large pharmaceutical expenditure that come with it, especially in the high-risk groups of self-medication identified in this paper. These findings enhanced our understanding of self-medication behaviors among Chinese middle-aged and older adults and may contribute to the formulation of targeted public health policy.
The health of rural Black communities during COVID: Some affirmations, some surprises
Authors: Newman Sharlene D. , Moss Kimberly , Pichon Melonie , Scott Deborah , Rogers Kileema , Orr Angela , Bui Chuong , Payne-Foster Pamela
Published: April 2023

Background and objective

There are overwhelming health disparities in the Deep South. It is important to include the voice of communities affected by these disparities when developing interventions. The goal of the current study was to develop an academic community engaged partnership to strengthen the ability to address priority health concerns of rural African American communities with a focus on health literacy and health advocacy.

Methods

A community-based participatory research approach was used to administer a 15-item community health survey in five rural communities led by African American mayors in Alabama (N = 752). The survey assessed the health concerns and the potential behaviors that may be associated with those health concerns.

Results

The five communities demonstrated similarities as well as differences in both the health concerns endorsed and the potential health behaviors that may contribute to those concerns. All five communities identified cardiovascular disease as a health concern with three endorsing mental health issues and 2 dental health. With respect to behaviors, all five communities identified either unhealthy eating/exercise and substance use as concerns with one community identifying racism as a risky behavior affecting health.

Conclusion

The results presented replicate CBPR studies demonstrating that communities are important sources of information about local health priorities and concerns.
Open science in Sámi research: Researchers' dilemmas
Authors: Cocq Coppélie
Published: April 2023

This article discusses the challenges of Indigenous research in relation to open science, more particularly in relation to Sámi research in Sweden. Based on interviews with active scholars in the multidisciplinary field of Sámi studies, and on policy documents by Sámi organizations, this article points at the challenges that can be identified, and the practices and strategies adopted or suggested by researchers. Topics addressed include ownership, control, sensitivity and accessibility of data, the consequences of experienced limitations, the role of the historical context, and community-groundedness. This article has the ambition to contribute with a discussion about the tensions between standards of data management/open science and data sovereignty in Indigenous contexts. This is done by bringing in perspectives from Indigenous methodologies (the 4 R) and by contextualizing research practices and forms of data colonialism in relation to our contemporary context of surveillance culture. Research—in relation to ethics and social sustainability—is an arena where tensions between various agendas becomes obvious. This is illustrated in this article by researchers' dilemmas when working with open science and the advancement of Indigenous research. Efforts toward ethically valid and cultural-sensitive modes of data use are taking shape in Indigenous research, calling for an increased awareness about the topic. In the context of Sámi research, the role of academia in such a transformation is also essential.
On the role and opportunities in teamwork design for advanced multi-robot search systems
Authors: Francos Roee M. , Bruckstein Alfred M.
Published: April 2023

Intelligent robotic systems are becoming ever more present in our lives across a multitude of domains such as industry, transportation, agriculture, security, healthcare and even education. Such systems enable humans to focus on the interesting and sophisticated tasks while robots accomplish tasks that are either too tedious, routine or potentially dangerous for humans to do. Recent advances in perception technologies and accompanying hardware, mainly attributed to rapid advancements in the deep-learning ecosystem, enable the deployment of robotic systems equipped with onboard sensors as well as the computational power to perform autonomous reasoning and decision making online. While there has been significant progress in expanding the capabilities of single and multi-robot systems during the last decades across a multitude of domains and applications, there are still many promising areas for research that can advance the state of cooperative searching systems that employ multiple robots. In this article, several prospective avenues of research in teamwork cooperation with considerable potential for advancement of multi-robot search systems will be visited and discussed. In previous works we have shown that multi-agent search tasks can greatly benefit from intelligent cooperation between team members and can achieve performance close to the theoretical optimum. The techniques applied can be used in a variety of domains including planning against adversarial opponents, control of forest fires and coordinating search-and-rescue missions. The state-of-the-art on methods of multi-robot search across several selected domains of application is explained, highlighting the pros and cons of each method, providing an up-to-date view on the current state of the domains and their future challenges.
COVID-19 Vaccines: Was the Writing on the Wall?
Authors: Roitburd-Berman Anna , Gershoni Jonathan M.
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus pandemic has completely turned our reality upside-down, changing our perspectives and behavior in every aspect of our lives. We have had to modify family gatherings, school, work, and interactions with our friends and loved ones. New concepts such as Zoom meetings, social distancing, masks, PCR tests, quarantine, and shutdowns have become our norm. Early in the pandemic, we optimistically thought that once the vaccine became available, the pandemic would be controlled and the threat of COVID-19 would gradually subside. Within a year, a novel vaccine became available—but we are still not out of the woods. In this article, we discuss how novel COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have helped control the pandemic and some of the challenges we still face.
Physiological and Oxidative Responses of Japanese Mint Grown Under Limited Water and Nitrogen Supplies in an Evaporated Greenhouse System
Authors: Sommano Sarana Rose , Kanthawang Naruemon , Janpen Chananchida , Norkum ai Pasin , Wongkaew Malaiporn , Inkham Chaiartid , Van Doan Hien , Cheewangkoon Ratchadawan
Published: April 2023

Graphical Abstract

Schematic diagram of physiological and biochemical responses of Japanese mint grown under the limit supplies of water and nitrogen fertilizer.
Fully resorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) mesh for soft tissue repair and reconstruction: A scoping review
Authors: Deeken Corey R. , Chen David C. , Lopez-Cano Manuel , Martin David P. , Badhwar Amit
Published: April 2023

Background

Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) is a fully resorbable, biologically-produced polymer with a strength and flexibility comparable to permanent synthetic polymers. The objective was to identify/summarize all peer-reviewed publications involving P4HB mesh.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted within PubMed and included articles published through October 2022.

Results

A total of n = 79 studies were identified (n = 12 in vitro/bench; n = 14 preclinical; n = 6 commentaries; n = 50 clinical). Of the clinical studies, n = 40 reported results applicable to hernia and n = 10 to plastic/reconstructive surgery and involved patients of all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) wound classes and Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grades.

Conclusion

P4HB mesh provides long-term hernia repair strength and exhibits promising clinical outcomes beyond its resorption period. Future studies should include randomized controlled trials comparing P4HB to other biomaterials, as well as optimal patient selection, operative technique, long-term outcomes, minimization of potential mesh-related complications, and potential contraindications/complications for P4HB in hernia/abdominal wall reconstruction.
Prevalence of respiratory disease in Irish preweaned dairy calves using hierarchical Bayesian latent class analysis
Authors: Donlon John D. , Mee John F. , McAloon Conor G.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) has a significant impact on the health and welfare of dairy calves. It can result in increased antimicrobial usage, decreased growth rate and reduced future productivity. There is no gold standard antemortem diagnostic test for BRD in calves and no estimates of the prevalence of respiratory disease in seasonal calving dairy herds.

Methods

To estimate BRD prevalence in seasonal calving dairy herds in Ireland, 40 dairy farms were recruited and each farm was visited once during one of two calving seasons (spring 2020 & spring 2021). At that visit the prevalence of BRD in 20 calves between 4 and 6 weeks of age was determined using thoracic ultrasound score (≥3) and the Wisconsin respiratory scoring system (≥5). Hierarchical Bayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate the calf-level true prevalence of BRD, and the within-herd prevalence distribution, accounting for the imperfect nature of both diagnostic tests.

Results

In total, 787 calves were examined, of which 58 (7.4%) had BRD as defined by a Wisconsin respiratory score ≥5 only, 37 (4.7%) had BRD as defined by a thoracic ultrasound score of ≥3 only and 14 (1.8%) calves had BRD based on both thoracic ultrasound and clinical scoring. The primary model assumed both tests were independent and used informed priors for test characteristics. Using this model the true prevalence of BRD was estimated as 4%, 95% Bayesian credible interval (BCI) (1%, 8%). This prevalence estimate is lower or similar to those found in other dairy production systems. Median within herd prevalence varied from 0 to 22%. The prevalence estimate was not sensitive to whether the model was constructed with the tests considered conditionally dependent or independent. When the case definition for thoracic ultrasound was changed to a score ≥2, the prevalence estimate increased to 15% (95% BCI: 6%, 27%).

Discussion

The prevalence of calf respiratory disease, however defined, was low, but highly variable, in these seasonal calving dairy herds.