bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High dietary non-starch polysaccharides detrimental to nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, growth performance, and intestinal morphology in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides
Authors: Liu Yu , Fan Jiongting , Huang Huajing , Zhou Hang , Cao Yixiong , Zhang Yumeng , Jiang Wen , Zhang Wei , Deng Junming , Tan Beiping
Published: October 2022

An 8-weeks feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary non-starch polysaccharide on the growth, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal development, and morphology of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Seven isoproteic and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated (crude protein 47.00%, crude lipid 12.50%), containing 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18% non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) (named Control, NSPs3, NSPs6, NSPs9, NSPs12, NSPs15, and NSPs18), respectively. Dietary inclusion of NSPs below 9% showed no negative impacts on fish growth and feed utilization efficiency, whereas dietary NSPs inclusion level above 9% decreased weight gain rate, specific growth rate, protein efficiency, protein deposition rate, apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein, and were accompanied by a reduction in intestinal protease, Na+/K+-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activity and an increase in feed intake and feed coefficient. The activity of lipase was significantly decreased when dietary inclusion of 15 and 18% NSPs. Moreover, the lipid deposition rate and the apparent digestibility of lipids were significantly decreased since dietary inclusion of 9% NSPs. Dietary inclusion of NSPs above 12% significantly up-regulated intestinal GLP-2 gene’s expression, and was accompanied by significant changes in hindgut morphology, including increases in villus length and width, muscularis thickness and number of goblet cell, as well as a decrease in crypt depth. Additionally, dietary inclusion of NSPs above 3% significantly increased intestinal length index, and the viserosomatic index was significantly increased when dietary NSPs exceeded 15%. The linear regression analysis based on weight gain rate and feed coefficient showed that the appropriate dietary NSPs level of juvenile largemouth bass should not above 5.51%. In conclusion, high dietary NSPs adversely affects digestive enzyme activity and intestinal morphology, which in turn reduced the apparent digestibility of dietary nutrients and growth of juvenile largemouth bass.
Authentication of duck blood tofu binary and ternary adulterated with cow and pig blood-based gel using Fourier transform near-infrared coupled with fast chemometrics
Authors: Han Fangkai , Ming Li , Aheto Joshua H. , Rashed Marwan M. A. , Zhang Xiaorui , Huang Xingyi
Published: October 2022

This work aims to investigate a feasible and practical technique for the authentication of edible animal blood food (EABF) using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) coupled with fast chemometrics. A total of 540 samples were used, including raw duck blood tofu (DBT), cow blood-based gel (CBG), pig blood-based gel (PBG), and DBT binary and ternary adulterated with CBG and PBG. The protein, fat, total sugar, and 16 kinds of amino acids were measured to validate the difference in basic organic matters among EABFs according to species. Fisher linear discriminate analysis (Fisher LDA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) were implemented comparatively to identify the adulterated EABF. To predict adulteration levels, four extreme learning machine regression (ELMR) models were constructed and optimized. Results showed that, by analyzing 27 crucial spectral variables, the ELM model provides higher accuracy of 93.89% than Fisher LDA for the independent samples. All the correlation coefficients of the optimized ELMR models’ training and prediction sets were better than 0.94, the root mean square errors were all less than 3.5%, and the residual prediction deviation and the range error ratios were all higher than 4.0 and 12.0, respectively. In conclusion, the FT-NIR paired with ELM have great potential in authenticating the EABF. This work presents amino acids content in EABFs for the first time and built tracing models for rapid authentication of DBT, which can be used to manage the EABF market, thereby preventing illegal adulteration and unfair competition.
Relationship between estimated desaturase enzyme activity and metabolic syndrome in a longitudinal study
Authors: Domínguez-López Inés , Arancibia-Riveros Camila , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Castro-Barquero Sara , Casas Rosa , Vázquez-Ruiz Zenaida , Ros Emilio , Fitó Montserrat , Estruch Ramon , López-Sabater M. Carmen , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M.
Published: October 2022

Desaturase enzyme activities (DEA) are associated with several metabolic diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between estimated plasma DEA and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as their relationship with individual components of the MetS. We conducted a longitudinal study of 148 participants recruited at random from the PREDIMED trial (Hospital Clinic site). At baseline and after 1 year of follow-up, DEA were estimated from product/precursor ratios of individual plasma fatty acids. Logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship of estimated DEA MetS, adjusted for potential cofounders. Estimated Δ5 desaturase (D5D) activity was associated with lower risk of MetS, whereas stearoyl-CoA (SCD)-16 and SCD-18 were negatively associated with MetS status. SCD-16, SCD-18, and Δ6 desaturase (D6D) were positively associated with triglycerides, SCD-18 was inversely associated with HDL-cholesterol. Estimated D6D activity was found to be associated with increases in diastolic blood pressure. In contrast, D5D was negatively associated with triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference. The present longitudinal study suggests that estimated SCD-16, SCD-18, and D6D have a negative impact in MetS and its components, whereas D5D may have beneficial effects for metabolic health.
Lung adenocarcinoma relapse with emerging EGFR mutation following complete response of small cell lung cancer warrants routine re-biopsy: A case report
Authors: Zhang Minna , Tang Yi , Wang Junlei , Liu Qian , Xia Bing
Published: October 2022

Transformation of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is rarely reported. Here, we report a case initially presented with SCLC and was diagnosed as LUAD when the lesion relapsed at the same site. A 56-year-old patient with SCLC who received etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy achieved a complete radiological response. After 28 months of stable disease, a computed tomography scan revealed a new lesion at the same site as the primary tumor. Pathological examination suggested a LUAD with an emerging EGFR exon 19 deletion. The patient was then treated with icotinib and achieved a near-complete radiological response. Nineteen months later, the patient developed resistance caused by EGFR T790M mutation and received treatment with osimertinib. At the last follow-up in January 2022, the patient was symptom-free. This case warrants re-biopsy and genetic testing as a routine operation when SCLC relapses at the same site as the primary tumor for an extended period, and prospective investigation is required.
Avatar and distance simulation as a learning tool – virtual simulation technology as a facilitator or barrier? A questionnaire-based study on behalf of Netzwerk Kindersimulation e.V.
Authors: Löllgen Ruth M. , Berger-Estilita Joana , Rössler Lisa A. , Mileder Lukas P.
Published: October 2022

Background

Virtual simulation modalities have been implemented widely since the onset of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic restrictions in March 2020, as educators face persistent restrictions to face-to-face education of medical students and healthcare professionals.

There is paucity of published data regarding the benefits and barriers of distance and avatar simulation training modalities.

Methods

Following a 2-day virtual pediatric simulation competition facilitated by Netzwerk Kindersimulation e.V., using remote human avatars and distance simulation, we conducted a multicenter survey to explore the advantages and challenges of avatar and distance simulation among participants. We used a modified Delphi approach to draft and develop the 32-item online questionnaire with 7-point Likert-like scales (7 being the highest rating).

Results

Twenty participants answered our questionnaire. Respondents indicated both a high overall satisfaction (median of 5.0 [Q25–Q75: 4.0–6.0] ) for avatar and distance simulation 6.0 (5.0–6.0), respectively, as well as a high achieved psychological safety with both simulation types (5.0 [4.0–6.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0–6.0]). The most frequently reported profits of avatar and distance simulation included the elimination of travel distances, associated lower costs, less time spent attending the education activity, and effective communication and leadership training, especially with avatar simulation. Most often named challenges were technical problems, limited reception of non-verbal cues and a spatial distance from the team/educator.

Discussion

Based on the results of this pilot study, avatar and distance simulation can be employed successfully and appear to be good supplements to face-to-face simulation. Other studies are warranted to further explore the effectiveness of various types of virtual simulation compared to conventional presential simulation. We suggest using avatar-based simulation for targeted communication and leadership skills training and the application of distance simulation to bring simulation experts virtually to remote places where educator resources are lacking.
Effect of L. reuteri on bowel movements in children aged 6 months to 4 years: A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jung Camille , Kalach Nicolas , Degas Vanessa , Jeridi Yasmine , Bertrand Valérie , Bellaiche Marc
Published: October 2022

Background

Chronic constipation is common in children and often requires prolonged laxative treatment. Preliminary studies suggest that the probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) may be useful in treating constipation in children, but these preliminary results need to be replicated. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of L. reuteri in infants and young children with chronic functional constipation.

Methods

A prospective double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 5 pediatric departments in France between June 2017 and June 2021. In all, 49 patients—ages 6 months to 4 years, and suffering from chronic constipation per Rome IV criteria—were randomly allocated to the test and control groups. For 4 weeks, all were orally administered 5 daily drops of the test (L. reuteri DSM 17938 at 108 colony-forming units per day) or control (placebo) treatment, respectively. Participants were clinically assessed at 4 and 8 weeks. Parents were asked to daily record the number of spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs), stool consistency, and the use of any additional laxatives. Informed consent was obtained from parents of all recruited patients, and the study was approved by both an ethics committee and the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM). The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03030664).

Results

The change in SBMs relative to baseline was greater in the control group at week 4 (control: 0.27 ± 0.5; test: 0.23 ± 0.5; P = 0.01) and in the test group at week 8 (control: 0.26 ± 0.4; test: 0.22 ± 0.5; P = 0.03). At week 4, the groups did not differ in number of responders (≥3 stools per week, with no non-retentive fecal incontinence), use of rescue medication, scoring of pain during defecation (Faces Pain Scale–Revised), or stool consistency (Bristol Stool Form Scale).

Conclusion

This double-blind randomized controlled trial did not confirm the efficacy of L. reuteri for treatment of chronic functional constipation in young children.
Characteristic time scale of cluster production at the Fermi energy
Authors: Pagano A. , Cardella G. , De Filippo E. , Geraci E. , Gnoffo B. , Lanzalone G. , Maiolino C. , Martorana N. S. , Pagano E. V. , Pirrone S. , Politi G. , Risitano F. , Rizzo F. , Russotto P. , Trifirò A. , Trimarchi M.
Published: October 2022

The study of heavy-ion collisions in the Fermi energy domain (20 MeV/nucleon < E/A < 100 MeV/nucleon) is a fundamental research topic in modern nuclear physics. In the case of semi-peripheral collisions, the Fermi energy regime is characterized by the formation of a transient, neck-like structure that connects a projectile-like fragment (PLF) with a target-like fragment (TLF). The neck structure represents a precursor of the fireball which is a typical overlap of participating nucleons at relativistic energies (E/A> 200 MeV/nucleon). It undergoes an expansion phase in a short time scale of the order of 100 fm/c with the formation of a low-density region of nuclear matter, therefore favoring the clusterization of intermediate mass fragments (IMFs) of atomic number Z (typically) less than 20. Particular emphasis is given to some relevant results obtained by the CHIMERA collaboration in the last decade, regarding the time scale of the production mechanisms of the intermediate mass fragments in neck fragmentation and their neutron enrichment.
Toxic effects of antimony in plants: Reasons and remediation possibilities—A review and future prospects
Authors: Tang Haiying , Meng Guiyuan , Xiang Junqing , Mahmood Athar , Xiang Guohong , SanaUllah  , Liu Ying , Huang Guoqin
Published: October 2022

Antimony (Sb) is a dangerous heavy metal (HM) that poses a serious threat to the health of plants, animals, and humans. Leaching from mining wastes and weathering of sulfide ores are the major ways of introducing Sb into our soils and aquatic environments. Crops grown on Sb-contaminated soils are a major reason of Sb entry into humans by eating Sb-contaminated foods. Sb toxicity in plants reduces seed germination and root and shoot growth, and causes substantial reduction in plant growth and final productions. Moreover, Sb also induces chlorosis, causes damage to the photosynthetic apparatus, reduces membrane stability and nutrient uptake, and increases oxidative stress by increasing reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing plant growth and development. The threats induced by Sb toxicity and Sb concentration in soils are increasing day by day, which would be a major risk to crop production and human health. Additionally, the lack of appropriate measures regarding the remediation of Sb-contaminated soils will further intensify the current situation. Therefore, future research must be aimed at devising appropriate measures to mitigate the hazardous impacts of Sb toxicity on plants, humans, and the environment and to prevent the entry of Sb into our ecosystem. We have also described the various strategies to remediate Sb-contaminated soils to prevent its entry into the human food chain. Additionally, we also identified the various research gaps that must be addressed in future research programs. We believe that this review will help readers to develop the appropriate measures to minimize the toxic effects of Sb and its entry into our ecosystem. This will ensure the proper food production on Sb-contaminated soils.
Counterfactual fairness: The case study of a food delivery platform’s reputational-ranking algorithm
Authors: Piccininni Marco
Published: October 2022

Data-driven algorithms are currently deployed in several fields, leading to a rapid increase in the importance algorithms have in decision-making processes. Over the last years, several instances of discrimination by algorithms were observed. A new branch of research emerged to examine the concept of “algorithmic fairness.” No consensus currently exists on a single operationalization of fairness, although causal-based definitions are arguably more aligned with the human conception of fairness. The aim of this article is to investigate the degree of this alignment in a case study inspired by a recent ruling of an Italian court on the reputational-ranking algorithm used by a food delivery platform. I relied on the documentation of the legal dispute to discuss the applicability, intuitiveness and appropriateness of causal models in evaluating fairness, with a specific focus on a causal-based fairness definition called “counterfactual fairness.” I first describe the details of the dispute and the arguments presented to the court, as well as the court’s final decision, to establish the context of the case study. Then, I translate the dispute into a formal simplified problem using a causal diagram, which represents the main aspects of the data generation process in the case study. I identify the criteria used by the court in ruling that the algorithm was unfair and compare them with the counterfactual fairness definition. The definition of counterfactual fairness was found to be well aligned with the human conception of fairness in this case study, using the court order rationale as a gold standard.
A review of the ESL/EFL learners’ gains from online peer feedback on English writing
Authors: Cao Siyi , Zhou Siruo , Luo Yong , Wang Tao , Zhou Tongquan , Xu Yizhong
Published: October 2022

Peer feedback is essential in writing English as a Second/Foreign Language (ESL/EFL). Traditionally, offline PF was more widely favored but nowadays online peer feedback (OPF) has become frequent in ESL/EFL learners’ daily writing. This study is undertaken to probe into the gains of using OPF in ESL/EFL writing on the basis of 37 research articles published in core journals from 2012 till 2022. In order to accurately cover the previous researches, we capitalize on three methods to evaluate and analyze the data, i.e., database search, citation search and manual search. Results show that from the perspective of the ESL/EFL learners’ gains, the OPF is basically divided into two categories (cognitive OPF and affective OPF), involving eight aspects in all: face-based strategies, revision-based comments, writing performance, learning environment, reflection/critical thinking/responsibility, writing emotion, motivation, and attitudes; and OPF can be well supported by a set of theories like Process-oriented Writing Theory, Collaborative Learning Theory, Interactionist Theory of L2 Acquisition and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. By comparison, the gains from OPF outperform those from offline PF in many dimensions (e.g., face-based strategies), despite some overlaps (e.g., the shift of the role) that were revealed in several investigations. Based on the past studies, we propose some pedagogical implications on OPF from ESL/EFL writing, including accenting the “student-centered” teaching strategy, providing students with OPF on the basis of incremental knowledge, adopting OPF regularly in ESL/EFL writing activities to shape personalities and outlooks and putting OPF into its full play with recourse to abundant internet-based vehicles. This review is desired to provide a guideline for both the peer feedback practice and the upcoming scholarly researches with respect to EFL/ESL writing.
ReStress mindset: An internet-delivered intervention that changes university students’ mindset about stress in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Karampas Konstantinos , Pezirkianidis Christos , Stalikas Anastassios
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate “ReStress Mindset,” an internet-delivered intervention that combines the Stress Mindset Training Program (SMTP) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). To that end, the current study determined whether the pilot study’s findings on the intervention’s effectiveness on stress mindset and stress response among university students in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, remained for 3 months following the completion of “ReStress Mindset” intervention. Twenty-six participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (N = 12) and a control (N = 14) group. Participants in the intervention group attended 5 weekly sessions online, between the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. All participants completed self-report questionnaires (Stress Mindset Measure, Satisfaction With Life Scale, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-9, Perceived Stress Scale, Scale of Positive, and Negative Experience) before, at the end of the intervention and 3 months after the completion of the program. The “ReStress Mindset” intervention resulted in a statistically significant increase in “stress-is-enhancing” mindset (SIEM), life satisfaction, and self-efficacy against stress, as well as a statistically significant decrease in “stress-is-debilitating” mindset (SIDM), with these effects lasting 3 months after the program’s completion. The findings of this study suggest that university students could benefit from the “ReStress Mindset” intervention in order to cultivate and maintain a positive stress mindset and increase their life satisfaction and self-efficacy against stress, even during the COVID-19 pandemic or any other highly stressful period or crisis.
The difference between metacognition and mindreading: Evidence from functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Li Zhaolan , Dai Wenwu , Jia Ning
Published: October 2022

The relationship between metacognition and mindreading was investigated by examining how well one can monitor their own learning (Self) compared to another person’s learning (Other). Here, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to systematically investigate the brain area activation during metacognition and mindreading. The evidence indicated that metacognition and mindreading are underpinned by distinct neural systems. Metacognition is associated with activation in brain regions important for memory retrieval, such as the fusiform gyrus, while mindreading is associated with activation in brain regions important for understanding and reasoning about others’ intentions, such as the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ).
Demographic differences in public acceptance of waste-to-energy incinerators in China: High perceived stress group vs. low perceived stress group
Authors: Chen Jiabin , He Xinyao , Shen Ye , Zhao Yiwei , Cui Caiyun , Liu Yong
Published: October 2022

Demographic characteristics have been recognized as an important factor affecting public acceptance of waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration facilities. The present study explores whether the differences in public acceptance of WTE incineration facilities caused by demographic characteristics are consistent in residential groups under different perceived stress using data collected by a large-scale questionnaire survey (1,066 samples) conducted in three second-tier cities in China. The result of data analysis using a T-test (one-way ANOVA) shows firstly that people with low perceived stress have higher public acceptance of WTE incineration facilities. Second, the differences in public acceptance of WTE incineration facilities caused by demographic characteristics (gender, educational attainment, and age) vary in residential groups with different perceived stress levels. The findings enrich the knowledge system related to demographic characteristics research on NIMBY infrastructure projects and provide the theoretical basis for the government to formulate more targeted policies about NIMBY infrastructure sitting.
The impact of the social adaptability of different groups on the human capital level in an uncertain environment: Panel data analysis based on 35 urban life satisfaction
Authors: Yan Shengwen , Li Xiaowen , Yan Tianan
Published: October 2022

To explore the role of the social adaptability of different groups in human capital in an uncertain environment, this paper empirically tests the relationship between social adaptation and human capital by using a panel quantile regression model (QRPD) with the life satisfaction of 35 cities in China as an indicator. By selecting Nelder Mead and adaptive MCMC estimation methods, this paper finds that (1) the higher the level of social adaptation is, the more obvious the promotion effect on the level of human capital; (2) for eastern cities, social adaptation can promote the improvement of the human capital level; for central or western cities, the relationship between social adaptation and human capital is not obvious and depends on the method selected for estimation. To enhance the social adaptability of individuals, the government leadership should actively create conditions, carry out targeted social adaptation training and active adaptation skills exchange for different social groups in order to strengthen social adaptability and enhance human capital. At the same time, policymakers need to consider the differences between the eastern, central and western regions and choose the most suitable human capital improvement action framework for the region to manage environmental uncertainty and make regional human capital sustainable competitive in the era of uncertainty.
Threats to public figures and association with approach, as a proxy for violence: The importance of grievance
Authors: James David V. , Farnham Frank R. , Allen Philip , Martinsone Ance , Sneader Charlie , Wolfe Murray Andrew
Published: October 2022

The adoption of the term grievance-fuelled violence reflects the fact that similarities exist between those committing violent acts in the context of grievance in different settings, so potentially allowing the application of insights gained in the study of one group to be applied to others. Given the low base rate of violence against public figures, studies in the field of violence against those in the public eye have tended to use, as a proxy for violence, attempts by the individuals concerned to achieve unwarranted and unwanted proximity to the subject of their attention, given that approach is a necessary prerequisite for most forms of attack. In such studies, one factor that has frequently been considered is whether the making of threats is associated with a subsequent approach. The results have been varied, with no correlation found in some, a negative correlation in others, and a positive correlation in at least one. Such studies have been retrospective, using case files prepared for other purposes, and samples of cases have been selected according to their victims’ sector of employment – for instance, politicians, celebrities, judiciary, and the corporate world. This study of a sample of 126 threat assessment cases, using a prospective methodology, looks at the associations between the making of threats and subsequent approach from a different angle – that of a standardised and validated classification of underlying motivation. It finds that particular types and forms of threat are significantly associated with subsequent approach in cases that are fuelled by grievance, but not in those with the motivation of seeking a relationship. Furthermore, when a sample with a mixture of motivational categories was examined in the manner of previous studies, such associations with threat were not apparent. These results refine the existing understanding of the significance of threats in public-facing cases. Future research projects in this area might usefully incorporate the consideration of underlying motivation, in particular grievance.
Differential H3K9me2 heterochromatin levels and concordant mRNA expression in postmortem brain tissue of individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar, and controls
Authors: Rizavi Hooriyah S. , Chase Kayla A. , Liu Chunyu , Gavin Hannah , Rosen Cherise , Xia Cuihua , Guidotti Alessandro , Sharma Rajiv P.
Published: October 2022

The existence of repressive and durable chromatin assemblies along gene promoters or networks, especially in the brain, is of theoretical and therapeutic relevance in a subset of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia who experience a chronic, persistent, and treatment-resistant trajectory. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to generate an epigenomic map that includes differential sites occupied by di-methylated lysine 9 of histone 3 (H3K9me2), a repressive modification that is yet unexplored in human postmortem brain tissue. We have discovered over 150 significantly differential promoter sites in the postmortem prefrontal cortex tissue of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (n= 15) when compared to controls (n= 15). Potentially dysregulated gene categories include postsynaptic proteins, processing enzymes (for proproteins, lipids, and oxidative stress), cadherin family genes, the complement system, and peptide hormones. Ten genes with significantly increased or decreased H3K9me2 promoter occupation were selected through statistical analysis, function, or previous GWAS association, and Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed on an extended sample of postmortem brain tissue, adding an additional 17 controls, 7 individuals with schizophrenia, and 19 individuals with bipolar samples (n= 32 control, 22 schizophrenia, 19 bipolar). This approach revealed that mRNA expression levels correlated with chromatin modification levels in eight of 10 selected genes, and mRNA expression in the total sample could be predicted by the occupancy of H3K9me2. Utilization of this method and replication in a larger sample open a pathway to durable and restrictive epigenomic assemblies whose accumulation across the lifespan of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia may explain treatment resistance, and advance therapeutic options.
A comparative magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of GABA+ and glutamate referenced to creatine and phosphocreatine in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of perimenopausal women and women of reproductive age
Authors: Tran Kim H. , Luki Jessica , Hanstock Sarah , Hanstock Christopher C. , Seres Peter , Aitchison Katherine , Shandro Tami , Le Melledo Jean-Michel
Published: October 2022

Objective

The perimenopause is associated with an increased risk of developing a major depressive (MD) episode. The biological changes occurring during perimenopause responsible for this increased risk of depression remain to be elucidated. Postmortem and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have revealed decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of MD patients. The objective of this study was to compare LDLPFC GABA+ and Glu ratios (referenced to creatine and phosphocreatine) in healthy reproductive-aged (RD) and perimenopausal (PM) women.

Materials and methods

Eighteen healthy PM and 20 RD women were included in the study. Our dependent variables, LDLPFC Glu and GABA+ ratios which include homocarnosine and macromolecules, were measured via MRS, using a 3 Tesla magnet. Absence of current or past psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed via a structured interview. RD participants were scanned during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (MC). PM women were scanned outside of ovulatory cycles.

Results

Mean LDLPFC GABA+ and Glu ratios were not statistically different between the PM group and RD group (PM mean = 0.10 ± 0.06, RD mean = 0.11 ± 0.04, t = –0.383, df = 36, d = −0.13, p = 0.70) (PM mean = 0.56 ± 0.06, RD mean = 0.57 ± 0.05, t = –0.794, df = 36, d = −0.26, p = 0.43), respectively. The perimenopause demarcates the end of the reproductive life. Unsurprisingly PM women were older than RD women (PM women: 48.8 ± 3.55 years, range 41–53 years old; RD women: 31.5 ± 9.66 years, range 18–47 years old) (p < 0.001). This inherent entanglement of group and age is a limitation of our study.

Conclusion

Contrary to our previous findings of decreased GABA+ and Glu in the medial prefrontal cortex in perimenopausal women, the perimenopause is not associated with decreased GABA+ or Glu ratios in the LDLPFC. This suggests that brain areas playing a role in MD display different sensitivity to the female hormones fluctuations associated with perimenopause.
Does a human rights-based approach to harm reduction support commercialized harm reduction? Brief research
Authors: Sircar Neil , Fleming Mary E. , Bialous Stella A.
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the tobacco industry has been pushing a narrative that their newer lines of products—including electronic nicotine delivery devices—are offered in part to meet a social responsibility of providing potentially reduced-harm choices to their consumers. While some of the newer tobacco products might potentially be less harmful than combustible tobacco products, there is also significant deviation from the very concept of harm reduction when it is used for such a conspicuously commercialized purpose. The framing of commercialized tobacco harm reduction as a mere consumer preference by the industry is not clearly consistent with the core principles of harm reduction, let alone the human right to health and the highest attainable level of health. A human rights-based approach (HRBA) to harm reduction is a set of principles that frame an effort to respect and promote human rights, including the right to health. Whether the HRBA supports commercialized harm reduction requires study. We review industry materials from 2017 to 2022 to identify themes in the harm reduction narrative of the tobacco industry and analyse those themes using an HRBA to the tobacco harm reduction framework. Using this analysis, the industry's continued marketing of combustible products alongside their “potentially less harmful” products, and preference that their non-combustible products be regulated less strictly than cigarettes and cigars, adulterates the public health principles of harm reduction and undermines the right to health. We conclude that the tobacco industry's commercialized tobacco harm reduction is incompatible with a human rights-based approach to tobacco harm reduction.
The impact of legal and organizational regulations on the nutritional behavior of patients-consumers of spa treatment services in Poland
Authors: Wozniak-Holecka Joanna , Holecki Tomasz , Suchecki Kajetan , Jaruga-Sękowska Sylwia
Published: October 2022

Health resort treatment facilities, regardless of the ownership status (public, private), most often carry out their activities based on contracts with the Polish public payer of the health care system, therefore the operation of sanatoriums is a fully-fledged element of the health care system, such as inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment and basic health care. The system designed in this way is designed to improve the organization of benefits, including by incorporating new useful organizational and legal tools. Thus, health education, along with its nutritional aspect, which is its inseparable part, is a perfect example of how to positively influence the behavior of consumers of spa treatment services. The structure of the study included the desk research method related to the consolidation and processing of information on applicable legal regulations and an individual in-depth, structured interview, using an original interview scenario. Based on the deliberate selection of the sample, 14 interviews were conducted. The interlocutors were representatives of the management of spa treatment facilities, academics and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The interview included functional and organizational, financial, competence and substantive aspects related to the implementation of nutritional education in spa treatment facilities in Poland. The use of a structured interview with experts made it possible to present the area of health education, including nutrition, in a broad light of the knowledge and experience of health care practitioners and theorists. Opinions were obtained on the optimal methods of assessing the effectiveness of education in the conditions of spa treatment and a set of system and organizational recommendations. Reporting of the results was presented using the COREQ checklist. It is justified to consider broadly understood health education in spa treatment facilities as a kind of wholesome health service, which may constitute effective systemic support for health policy and, consequently, increase the importance of prophylaxis and improve the health condition of the population. Such a legislative change will force organizational changes that may ultimately lead to a change in eating habits. Moreover, it is highly useful to use the potential of paramedical professionals, including dieticians, health educators and health promotion specialists.
Successes and obstacles in implementing social health insurance in developing and middle-income countries: A scoping review of 5-year recent literatures
Authors: Jamal Mohammad Husni , Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah , Aizuddin Azimatun Noor , Aljunid Syed Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Social health insurance (SHI) is a form of health finance mechanism that had been implemented in many countries to achieve universal health care (UHC). To emulate the successes of SHI in many developed countries, many developing and middle-income countries (MICs) have attempted to follow suit. However, the SHI implementation has problems and obstacles. Many more obstacles were observed despite some successes. This scoping review aimed to study the various developments of SHI globally in its uses, implementation, successes, and obstacles within the last 5 years from 2017 to 2021. Using three databases (i.e., PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar), we reviewed all forms of articles on SHI, including gray literature. The PRISMA-ScR protocol was adapted as the guideline. We used the following search terms: social health insurance, national health insurance, and community health insurance. A total of 57,686 articles were screened, and subsequently, 46 articles were included in the final review. Results showed that the majority of SHI studies were in China and African countries, both of which were actively pursuing SHI programs to achieve UHC. China was still regarded as a developing country. There were also recent experiences from other Asian countries, but only a few from South America. Implementing SHI to achieve UHC was desirable but will need to consider several factors and issues. This was especially the case in developing and MICs. Eventually, full UHC would only be possible with a combination of general taxation and SHI.
Toward an economy of wellbeing: The economic impact of the Welsh healthcare sector
Authors: Jagrič Timotej , Brown Christine , Fister Dušan , Darlington Oliver , Ashton Kathryn , Dyakova Mariana , Bellis Mark A. , Jagrič Vita
Published: October 2022

Population health and wellbeing is both a result, as well as a driver, of economic development and prosperity on global, European, national and sub-national (local) levels. Wales, one of the four United Kingdom (UK) nations, has shown a long-term commitment to sustainable development and achieving prosperity for all, providing a good example of both national and sub-national level, which can be useful for other European countries and regions. In this paper, the economic importance of the healthcare sector to the Welsh economy is explored. We use a large number of data sources for the UK and Welsh economy to derive an economic model for 2017. We estimate output, income, employment, value-added, and import multipliers of the healthcare sector. Results suggest that the healthcare sector has an above average contribution in four explored economic aspects of the Welsh economy (output, income, employment, value-added), according to its impact on the surrounding economic ecosystem. Also, it is below average regarding leaking through imports. The multipliers' values offer empirical evidence when deciding on alternative policy actions. Such actions can be used as a stimulus for encouraging regional development and post-COVID economic recovery. Our study refers to the Welsh healthcare sector's economic impact as a whole. Therefore, we suggest investigating the economic impact of individual healthcare providers in the future.
Building soil by building community: How can an interdisciplinary approach better support community needs and urban resilience?
Authors: Wohldmann Erica L. , Chen Yujuan , Schwarz Kirsten , Day Susan D. , Pouyat Richard V. , Barton Michelle , Gonez Manny
Published: October 2022

Given the interrelated problems of climate change, energy and resource scarcity, and the challenge of supporting critical natural systems in cities, urban dwellers may be exceptionally vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. While a number of programs and policies have been developed and implemented to help reduce the environmental and social impacts of climate change on communities, we argue that effective and sustainable programs must not only consider how the changing environment impacts communities, but also how communities interact with and impact the environment. Specifically, drawing on a case study of the needs assessment of the Healthy Soils for Healthy Communities Initiative conducted in Los Angeles (LA) County, CA as a model for a Virtuous Cycle Framework, we attempted to better understand how urban residents interact with land, green spaces, and soil as a means of finding ways to address some of the environmental and health disparities that many urban residents experience, while also exploring ways to improve soil health to support its capacity to provide essential ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, water filtration, food and biomass production). A unique feature of our approach is that it involved an interdisciplinary and multi-level partnership composed of a well-established environmental organization dedicated to urban forestry, environmental justice, and climate resilience, university faculty researchers who study human behavior and human-nature relationships, government partners, and, most importantly, community members, among others. The first step in understanding how community members interact with their environment involved collecting survey and focus group data from residents of LA County to assess attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors around land and soil. Results were used to explore strategies for deepening community engagement, addressing knowledge gaps, and shaping policies that would benefit not just people who live/work in LA, but also the soil and other natural systems that rely on soil. This article integrates our previously published survey and focus group findings with new results that pertain specifically to the Virtuous Cycle Framework, and demonstrates how the data are being used to inform our community-based interventions (e.g., policy change, public education and community engagement, and demonstration projects).
Solvent-induced crystallization and phase-transition phenomena in syndiotactic polystyrene and its relatives
Authors: Wang Hai , Men Yongfeng , Tashiro Kohji
Published: October 2022

The studies of time-dependent structural changes in the solvent-induced crystallization and phase transition phenomena have been reviewed by focusing mainly on syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) and its relatives having the functional groups on the phenyl rings. The time-resolved measurement of X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectra has revealed the structural evolution process in the solvent-induced crystallization of SPS, which depends on the type (polarity, bulkiness, etc.) of the solvent molecules. The heating of the SPS-solvent complexes causes the complicated phase transitions from theδform (complex) to theγform and to theα(orβ) form. The introduction of such a polar functional group as OCH3or halogen units on the phenyl rings enhances the interactions between the SPS and the solvent, the strength of which depends on the substitution position of the OCH3units on the phenyl ring. For example, the ortho- or para-substitution dissolves the sample quite easily at room temperature, while the meta-substitution makes it possible to create the solvent complexes. The discussion has been made for the structural relation before and after the formation of the solvent-complexes.
Sleep-EEG-based parameters for discriminating fatigue and sleepiness
Authors: Fujiwara Koichi , Goto Yuki , Sumi Yukiyoshi , Kano Manabu , Kadotani Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

Sleep quality can be evaluated from the viewpoint of recovery from fatigue and sleepiness; however, it is difficult to investigate sleep quality while distinguishing between the two. The aim of this study is to find biomarkers that can discriminate between daytime fatigue and sleepiness and to assess sleep quality in consideration thereof. We collected answers to questionnaires regarding daytime fatigue and sleepiness, as well as EEG data measured during sleep, from 754 city government employees in a rural area of Japan. The respondents were categorized into four groups in accordance with the severity of fatigue and sleepiness as assessed by the questionnaires: fatigued and sleepy (FS), fatigued, non-sleepy (FO), non-fatigued and sleepy (SO), and non-fatigued and non-sleepy (neither fatigued nor sleepy; NE) groups. EEG data of medial frontal electrodes were obtained with a one-channel portable electroencephalograph, and various sleep parameters such as powers or sleep durations in each stage were compared among the four groups. Statistical tests confirmed significant differences in some derived sleep parameters among the four groups. The Theta Delta power may be a biomarker that can discriminate between fatigue and sleepiness. In addition, the Delta and Theta powers may be associated with sleep quality in terms of recovery from sleepiness and fatigue, respectively. Moreover, high frequency or long duration of mid-arousals may contribute to recovery from fatigue. The results showed that fatigue and sleepiness have different effects on sleep, and multiple sleep parameters derived from EEG are associated with sleep quality.
Genitourinary cancers in the Arab world: A bibliometric study
Authors: Ibrahim Sarah , Farhat Theresa , Baalbaki Rim , Aoun Michael , Toumieh Georgio , Kaddoura Malak , Jaber Lubna , Taher Ali T. , Abdul-Sater Zahi
Published: October 2022

Background

The genitourinary cancer burden in the Arab region is rising at an increasing pace. The main objective of this study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications on genitourinary cancer to understand the growth, impact, trends, and flow of knowledge within GU cancer research in 22 Arab countries.

Methods

The Web of Science databases were searched for publications related to genitourinary cancer research in the 22 Arab countries from January 1, 2002, till December 31, 2021. The scientific research was evaluated based on productivity (number of published documents, authorships), impact (citation counts and journals impact factor), collaborations, and areas of interest for published papers.

Results

A total of 3,129 papers met the inclusion criteria in this research. After adjusting for the population power, Qatar (53.57) and Lebanon (46.83), Saudi Arabia (46.21), Jordan (41.58), and Tunisia (40.72) had the highest research productivity. The number of articles and average citations per year was generally increasing. Most Arab corresponding authors were from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia, and most Arab first authors were male researchers, highlighting gender inequality in genitourinary cancer research. Both regional and international collaborations are weak between authors in the field.

Conclusion

This bibliometric research provided a framework for visual and quantitative research productivity on GU can in the Arab world. Research output is low in some countries, which can be improved by investing in more international and national collaborative research projects in the field of GU cancer.