bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating FGF21 vs. Stress Markers in Girls during Childhood and Adolescence, and in Their Caregivers: Intriguing Inter-Relations between Overweight/Obesity, Emotions, Behavior, and the Cared-Caregiver Relationship
Authors: Christaki Eirini V. , Pervanidou Panagiota , Papassotiriou Ioannis , Mantzou Aimilia , Giannakakis Giorgos , Boschiero Dario , Chrousos George P.
Published: June 2022

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) acts on several brain regions, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, which is involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interrelations between FGF21 and stress indices in girls, as well as in their caregivers. 78 girls, aged between 5 and 15 years, were studied; 50 of them were overweight and obese (OB) and 28 in the control group (C). Serum FGF21 and hair and diurnal salivary cortisol were measured. Children participants filled in the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), while their caregivers filled in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Holmes-Rahe Stress Events Scale (HRSES). The OB group girls had significantly higher levels of FGF21 than the C group (p < 0.001). In contrast to the C group, in whom FGF21 levels were positively correlated with both hair and salivary AUCg cortisol concentrations (p = 0.045 and p = 0.007, respectively), no such correlations were observed in the OB group. In the caregivers of the OB group, STAI-state (r = 0.388, p = 0.008), STAI-trait (r = 0.4, p = 0.006), PSS (r = 0.388, p = 0.008), and HRSES (r = 0.358, p = 0.015) scores, all correlated positively with the FGF21 levels of the children under their care. FGF21 concentrations positively correlated with hair and salivary cortisol levels in the C group only. These findings may represent an interesting correlation dictated by bi-directional empathy links between the primary caregivers and the children under their care.
Do Physical Fitness and Executive Function Mediate the Relationship between Physical Activity and Academic Achievement? An Examination Using Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Muntaner-Mas Adrià , Mazzoli Emiliano , Abbott Gavin , Mavilidi Myrto F. , Galmes-Panades Aina M.
Published: June 2022

Background: Physical activity health benefits are widely known. However, the association between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic performance need further investigation. Additionally, one of the literature gaps reveals scarce and mixed findings on what mediators of physical activity may affect academic achievement. Purpose: This investigation aims to provide knowledge about the mediation role of physical fitness and executive function in the association of physical activity with academic achievement in a cohort of Spanish schoolchildren using a structural equation modelling approach. Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study were collected from a convenience sample of children from Spain (Balearic Islands) aged between 9 and 13 years. Physical activity levels were self-reported with the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children; physical fitness was assessed using the International Fitness Scale; executive function was assessed with the Trail Making Test, and children’s achievements were collected from the school records. Structural equation modelling was used to explore the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness, executive function, and academic achievement. Findings: Statistically significant positive direct associations were observed between physical activity and physical fitness (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.29, 0.64]), physical fitness and executive function (β = 0.28, 95% CI [0.04, 0.52]), and executive function and academic achievement (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.28, 0.65]), while adjusting for the confounding effects of sex and body mass index. Furthermore, indirect associations were observed between physical activity and executive function mediated by physical fitness (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI [0.02, 0.31]) and between physical fitness and academic achievement through executive function (β = 0.13, bias-corrected 95% CI [0.03, 0.32]). Conclusions: This investigation adds to the literature with evidence supporting the idea that regular PA leads to improvements in physical fitness and may support cognitive skills and academic performance in children.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Softening and Ripening-Related Genes in Kiwifruit Cultivars Treated with Ethylene
Authors: Choi Han Ryul , Baek Min Woo , Jeong Cheon Soon , Tilahun Shimeles
Published: June 2022

This work presents the transcriptome analysis of green ‘Hayward’ (Actinidia deliciosa) and gold ‘Haegeum’ (Actinidia chinensis) kiwifruit cultivars after treatment with ethylene for three days at 25 °C. Illumina high-throughput sequencing platform was used to sequence total mRNAs and the transcriptome gene set was constructed by de novo assembly. A total of 1287 and 1724 unigenes were differentially expressed during the comparison of ethylene treatment with control in green ‘Hayward’ and gold ‘Haegeum’, respectively. From the differentially expressed unigenes, 594 and 906 were upregulated, and 693 and 818 were downregulated in the green and gold kiwifruit cultivars, respectively, when treated with ethylene. We also identified a list of genes that were expressed commonly and exclusively in the green and gold kiwifruit cultivars treated with ethylene. Several genes were expressed differentially during the ripening of kiwifruits, and their cumulative effect brought about the softening- and ripening-related changes. This work also identified and categorized genes related to softening and other changes during ripening. Furthermore, the transcript levels of 12 selected representative genes from the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in the transcriptome analysis were confirmed via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to validate the reliability of the expression profiles obtained from RNA-Seq. The data obtained from the present study will add to the information available on the molecular mechanisms of the effects of ethylene during the ripening of kiwifruits. This study will also provide resources for further studies of the genes related to ripening, helping kiwifruit breeders and postharvest technologists to improve ripening quality.
Treetop Detection in Mountainous Forests Using UAV Terrain Awareness Function
Authors: Gonroudobou Orou Berme Herve , Silvestre Leonardo Huisacayna , Diez Yago , Nguyen Ha Trang , Caceres Maximo Larry Lopez
Published: June 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming essential tools for surveying and monitoring forest ecosystems. However, most forests are found on steep slopes, where capturing individual tree characteristics might be compromised by the difference in ground sampling distance (GSD) between slopes. Thus, we tested the performance of treetop detection using two algorithms on canopy height models (CHMs) obtained with a commercial UAV (Mavic 2 Pro) using the terrain awareness function (TAF). The area surveyed was on a steep slope covered predominantly by fir (Abies mariesii) trees, where the UAV was flown following (TAF) and not following the terrain (NTAF). Results showed that when the TAF was used, fir trees were clearly delimited, with lower branches clearly visible in the orthomosaic, regardless of the slope position. As a result, the dense point clouds (DPCs) were denser and more homogenously distributed along the slope when using TAF than when using NTAF. Two algorithms were applied for treetop detection: (connected components), and (morphological operators). (connected components) showed a 5% improvement in treetop detection accuracy when using TAF (86.55%), in comparison to NTAF (81.55%), at the minimum matching error of 1 m. In contrast, when using (morphological operators), treetop detection accuracy reached 76.23% when using TAF and 62.06% when using NTAF. Thus, for treetop detection alone, NTAF can be sufficient when using sophisticated algorithms. However, NTAF showed a higher number of repeated points, leading to an overestimation of detected treetop.
The Indentation Size Effect (ISE) of Metals
Authors: Petrík Jozef , Blaško Peter , Markulík Štefan , Šolc Marek , Palfy Pavol
Published: June 2022

The literature regarding the Reverse Indentation Size Effect (RISE) is scarce, the occurrence of which is assumed for plastic materials, including metals. The content of this article is to study the relationship between applied load and measured values of the Vickers micro-hardness of 19 metals with different types of lattices, measured with a Hanemann tester. The values of the load ranged between 0.09807 N (10 g) and 0.9807 N (100 g). The size and character of the Indentation Size Effect (ISE) were evaluated by Meyer’s power law (index n), Proportional Specimen Resistance (PSR), and Hays—Kendall methods. Meyer’s index n ranged between 1.65 for Mo and 2.44 for Ni. A correlation was found between the micro-hardness and Meyer’s index for metals with FCC and HCP lattices. The measured value of Vickers micro-hardness is influenced by the size and nature of the ISE. If this is not taken into account, it may be misleading. For this reason, we recommend using the “true hardness”, determined by the presented method.
Low Cycle Fatigue Behavior of TC21 Titanium Alloy with Bi-Lamellar Basketweave Microstructure
Authors: Nie Baohua , Song Yu , Huang Xianyi , Qi Haiying , Zhao Zihua , Chen Dongchu
Published: June 2022

Low cycle fatigue (LCF) behaviors of TC21 alloy with a bi-lamellar basketweave microstructure were investigated in this paper. The strain fatigue tests were carried out at total strain amplitudes of 1.4% to 2.0%. The cyclic stress response showed the cyclic softening behavior. In addition, the shape of the hysteresis rings exhibited a non-Masing model behavior. The cyclic stress–strain as well as the strain-life equations were obtained. The fatigue life decreased significantly with an increasing total strain from 1.4% to 2.0%. The cyclic softening behavior was interpreted by cyclic back stress and friction stress. Low cycle fatigue cracks were predominantly initiated on the surface of the samples. The relationship between the fatigue sub-critical crack and microstructure was also discussed. The cyclic deformation behavior and crack initiation mechanism were revealed on the basis of the deformation microstructure under different strain amplitudes.
A Search for Eurasian Sheep Relationships: Genomic Assessment of the Autochthonous Sheep Breeds in Russia and the Persian Plateau
Authors: Deniskova Tatiana , Esmailizadeh Ali , Dotsev Arsen , Koshkina Olga , Farahvashi Mohammad Ali , Mokhtari Mortaza , Khabisi Mozhdeh Moosanezhad , Lv Feng-Hua , Zinovieva Natalia
Published: June 2022

Genomic assessment of local sheep breeds is relevant to the reconstruction of post-domestication migrations and to filling in gaps in the developmental history and contemporary phylogeographic-differentiation patterns in Eurasia. In this study, we aimed to reveal possible genetic relationships between local sheep breeds in Russia and the Persian Highlands (Iran) based on high-density SNP genotypes. All samples (n = 395) from 11 Iranian and 10 Russian sheep breeds were genotyped by using the Ovine Infinium HD BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Principal Component Analysis, maximum-likelihood assessment, and Neighbor-Net graph analysis demonstrated a clear differentiation between Russian sheep breeds of European ancestry from the Iranian local cluster and Russian breeds of Asian origin. Admixture analysis revealed a shared ancestral background, which was detected in several Iranian-local and Russian-local fat-tailed coarse-wool sheep breeds. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the pattern of historic admixture, which is present in the genomes of many Eurasian sheep breeds.
Inflammatory and Cardiac Biomarkers in Relation with Post-Acute COVID-19 and Mortality: What We Know after Successive Pandemic Waves
Authors: Lionte Catalina , Sorodoc Victorita , Haliga Raluca Ecaterina , Bologa Cristina , Ceasovschih Alexandr , Petris Ovidiu Rusalim , Coman Adorata Elena , Stoica Alexandra , Sirbu Oana , Puha Gabriela , Constantin Mihai , Dumitrescu Gabriela , Gorciac Victoria , Chelariu Andrei-Costin , Catana Andreea Nicoleta , Jaba Elisabeta , Sorodoc Laurentiu
Published: June 2022

Background: Biomarkers were correlated with mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients. No prediction tools exist for noncritically ill COVID-19 patients. We aimed to compare the independent prognostic value of inflammation and cardiac biomarkers for post-acute COVID-19 patients and the 30-day mortality rate in noncritically ill COVID-19 patients, as well as the relation with the virus variant involved. Methods: This observational cohort study was conducted at an emergency clinical hospital between 1 October 2020 and 31 December 2021. We included consecutive patients with biomarkers determined within 24 h of presentation, followed up at least 30 days postdischarge. Results: Post-acute COVID-19 was diagnosed in 20.3% of the cases and the all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 35.1% among 978 patients infected with variants of concern. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (1.06 [95%CI, 1.01–1.11], p = 0.015) and NT-pro BNP were correlated with 30-daymortality, while the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (2.77 [95%CI, 1.10–6.94], p = 0.03) and NT-pro BNP (1.68 [95%CI, 1.00–2.84], p = 0.05) were correlated with post-acute COVID-19. High-sensitivity to troponin was associated with 30-day mortality (1.55 [95%CI, 1.00–2.42], p = 0.05). A Cox proportional-hazards model confirmed that NT-pro BNP was independently associated with mortality. NT-pro BNP remained independently associated with 30-day mortality during follow-up (1.29 [95%CI, 1.07–1.56], p = 0.007) after adjustment for confounders. Conclusion: Inflammation and cardiac biomarkers, determined upon admission and predischarge, in a cohort of hospitalized noncritically ill COVID-19 patients throughout successive pandemic waves, showed a predictive value for post-acute COVID-19 and 30-day mortality.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic News on the Cryptocurrency Market and Gold Returns: A Quantile-on-Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Mahdi Esam , Al-Abdulla Ameena
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we investigate the relationship between the RavenPack news-based index associated with coronavirus outbreak (Panic, Sentiment, Infodemic, and Media Coverage) and returns of two commodities—Bitcoin and gold. We utilized the novel quantile-on-quantile approach to uncover the dependence between the news-based index associated with coronavirus outbreak and Bitcoin and gold returns. Our results reveal that the daily levels of positive and negative shocks in indices induced by pandemic news asymmetrically affect the Bearish and Bullish on Bitcoin and gold, and fear sentiment induced by coronavirus-related news plays a major role in driving the values of Bitcoin and gold more than other indices. We find that both commodities, Bitcoin and gold, can serve as a hedge against pandemic-related news. In general, the COVID-19 pandemic-related news encourages people to invest in gold and Bitcoin.
Modelling the Current Response and Sensitivity of Oxidase Enzyme Electrodes, Monitored Amperometrically by the Consumption of Oxygen
Authors: Pirabaharan Pandy , Devi M. Chitra , Swaminathan Rajagopal , Rajendran Lakshmanan , Lyons Michael E. G.
Published: June 2022

Biosensor behaviour is characterised by non-linear differential equations that describe well-defined physical, chemical, and biological processes. Mathematical modelling of these biosensors is highly desirable since they have many applications. These models enable the prediction of a variety of their properties. In this study, the cyclic conversion of the substrate in an amperometric biosensor with an oxidase enzyme membrane electrode is studied using a mathematical model. The governing parameters for the Michaelis–Menten kinetics of enzymatic reactions are the enzyme kinetic and diffusion rates across the enzymatic layer. In this paper, we solved the non-linear equations analytically and numerically for all experimental values of parameters. This problem is simulated in MATLAB® v2016b software using the PDE solver. Our analytical solutions are compared to simulation results to validate the proposed model.
A Modular, Extensible, and Modelica-Standard-Compliant OpenModelica Compiler Framework in Julia Supporting Structural Variability
Authors: Tinnerholm John , Pop Adrian , Sjölund Martin
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, industrial products are getting increasingly complex, and time-to-market is significantly shorter. Modeling and simulation tools for cyber-physical systems need to keep up with the increased complexity. This paper presents OpenModelica.jl, a modular and extensible Modelica compiler framework in Julia targeting ModelingToolkit.jl and supporting Variable Structured Systems. We extended the Modelica language with three new operators to support continuous-time mode-switching and reconfiguration via recompilation at runtime. Therefore, our compiler supports the Modelica language and variable structure systems via the aforementioned extensions. To our knowledge, there are no other Modelica tools available that support both standard Modelica and variable structure systems. We evaluated our framework using a standardized benchmark suite, in terms of simulation, compilation and recompilation performance. The results concerning compilation and simulation time performance were compared with the results of running the existing OpenModelica compiler with the same set of models. A custom benchmark was devised to estimate the cost in terms of recompilation when simulating variable structure systems. The performance experiments showed that OpenModelica.jl is currently about four times slower in terms of compilation time when compiling a transmission line model with tens of thousands of equations and variables. The difference in simulation performance between the two compilers was negligable. Furthermore, the impact of recompilation during the simulation was usually small compared with the simulation time for long simulations. The results are promising for a prototype, and we outline approaches to further improve both compilation and simulation performance as future research.
An Enhanced DV-Hop Localization Scheme Based on Weighted Iteration and Optimal Beacon Set
Authors: Chen Tianfei , Hou Shuaixin , Sun Lijun , Sun Kunkun
Published: June 2022

Node localization technology has become a research hotspot for wireless sensor networks (WSN) in recent years. The standard distance vector hop (DV-Hop) is a remarkable range-free positioning algorithm, but the low positioning accuracy limits its application in certain scenarios. To improve the positioning performance of the standard DV-Hop, an enhanced DV-Hop based on weighted iteration and optimal beacon set is presented in this paper. Firstly, different weights are assigned to beacons based on the per-hop error, and the weighted minimum mean square error (MMSE) is performed iteratively to find the optimal average hop size (AHS) of beacon nodes. After that, the approach of estimating the distance between unknown nodes and beacons is redefined. Finally, considering the influence of beacon nodes with different distances to the unknown node, the nearest beacon nodes are given priority to compute the node position. The optimal coordinates of the unknown nodes are determined by the best beacon set derived from a grouping strategy, rather than all beacons directly participating in localization. Simulation results demonstrate that the average localization error of our proposed DV-Hop reaches about 3.96 m, which is significantly lower than the 9.05 m, 7.25 m, and 5.62 m of the standard DV-Hop, PSO DV-Hop, and Selective 3-Anchor DV-Hop.
Design and Analysis of Sliding-Mode Artificial Neural Network Control Strategy for Hybrid PV-Battery-Supercapacitor System
Authors: Zdiri Mohamed Ali , Guesmi Tawfik , Alshammari Badr M. , Alqunun Khalid , Almalaq Abdulaziz , Salem Fatma Ben , Hadj Abdallah Hsan , Toumi Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, the growing integration of renewable energy sources poses several challenges to electrical energy systems. The latter need be controlled by grid rules to ensure their stability and maintain the efficiency of renewable energy consumption. In this context, a novel HESS (hybrid energy storage system) control strategy, combining the PV (photovoltaic) generator with FLC (fuzzy logic control), SC (super-capacitor), and lithium-ion battery modules, is advanced. The proposed energy control rests on monitoring of the low-frequency and high-frequency electrical power components of the mismatch between power demand and generation, while applying the error component of the lithium-ion battery current. On accounting for the climatic condition and load variation considerations, the SC undertakes to momentarily absorb the high-frequency power component, while the low-frequency component is diverted to the lithium-ion battery. To improve the storage system’s performance, lifetime, and avoid load total disconnection during sudden variations, we consider equipping the envisioned energy control design with controllers of SM and ANN types. The MATLAB/Simulink based simulation results turn out to testify well the investigated HESS control scheme’s outstanding performance and efficiency in terms of DC bus voltage rapid regulation, thereby enhancing the battery’s lifetime and ensuring the PV system’s continuous flow.
Solar Desiccant Cooling System for a Commercial Building in Kuwait’s Climatic Condition
Authors: Narayanan Ramadas , Al Anazi Abeer Abdullah , Pippia Roberto , Rasul Mohammad G.
Published: June 2022

The use of air conditioning in buildings to provide a comfortable environment accounts for up to 75% of the electricity consumed in Kuwait for the hot season from April through to the end of October. The widespread adoption of air conditioning systems in buildings has resulted in an increased demand for electricity. This has led to an increased peak load demand that has resulted in a larger carbon footprint and placed the electricity grid under significant strain. Heat-driven air conditioning systems that use solar energy are now emerging as alternatives to electricity-driven conventional refrigerated air conditioners. These systems are more energy-efficient, with lower carbon emissions while also ensuring better indoor air quality and comfort when optimally designed. Among the heat-driven air conditioning systems, the desiccant cooling system is among the systems with the most potential. This paper presents a numerical investigation of the design optimization of solar desiccant cooling systems for Kuwait’s climate. The numerical model of the system is developed using validated components. The various design configurations analysed include a solar heating system and regeneration air for the desiccant wheel. It is found that an evacuated tube solar collector in conjunction with return air from the building to regenerate the desiccant wheel provides the best results.
Empowering Communities, beyond Energy Scarcity
Authors: Ulgiati Sergio , Schnitzer Hans , Santagata Remo
Published: June 2022

“If we talk of promoting development, what have we in mind: goods or people [...]
COVID-19 and Internet Hospital Development in China
Authors: Li Yushan , Hu Huimin , Rozanova Liudmila , Fabre Guilhem
Published: June 2022

Since 2018, the access policy for Internet hospitals has been issued in China. So far, thousands of Internet hospitals have been approved to operate and have played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic. While front-line hospitals strive to treat patients, Internet hospitals take the responsibility to guide patients to seek appropriate medical treatment and meet the urgent needs of chronic patients through online medical follow-up, payment, and drug distribution. This paper is based on Internet medical policies and interviews with doctors working with Internet hospitals, aiming to study the development of Internet hospitals in China through the management of the COVID-19 outbreak and the Chinese healthcare strategy on the national level.
Regulated LSTM Artificial Neural Networks for Option Risks
Authors: Liu David , Wei An
Published: June 2022

This research aims to study the pricing risks of options by using improved LSTM artificial neural network models and make direct comparisons with the Black–Scholes option pricing model based upon the option prices of 50 ETFs of the Shanghai Securities Exchange from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019. We study an LSTM model, a mathematical option pricing model (BS model), and an improved artificial neural network model—the regulated LSTM model. The method we adopted is first to price the options using the mathematical model—i.e., the BS model—and then to construct the LSTM neural network for training and predicting the option prices. We further form the regulated LSTM network with optimally selected key technical indicators using Python programming aiming at improving the network’s predicting ability. Risks of option pricing are measured by MSE, RMSE, MAE and MAPE, respectively, for all the models used. The results of this paper show that both the ordinary LSTM and the traditional BS option pricing model have lower predictive ability than the regulated LSTM model. The prediction ability of the regulated LSTM model with the optimal technical indicators is superior, and the approach adopted is effective.
Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides Better Regulate the Microbiota of Women Than Men
Authors: Tao Wenyang , Liu Wei , Wang Mingzhe , Zhou Wanyi , Xing Jianrong , Xu Jing , Pi Xionge , Wang Xiaotong , Lu Shengmin , Yang Ying
Published: June 2022

Dendrobium officinale is widely used as a health supplement, but its specific impact on healthy gut microbiota has not yet been clarified, nor has its impact on different human genders. To overcome the problems mentioned above. DOP was extracted and purified with an 8000–12,000 Da dialysis bag. The molecular weight and monosaccharide composition were determined using HPGPC and GC. Gas chromatography was used to detect the content of SCFA. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the diversity of human microbiota. The results showed that DOP contained two fractions, with an average molecular weight of 277 kDa and 1318 Da, and mainly composed of mannose and glucose. DOP can increase the relative abundance of benign microbiota and decrease the harmful types. Propionic acid content in women was significantly increased after DOP treatment. Finally, the correlation analysis revealed that DOP was beneficial to the microbiota of both men and women. It can be concluded from the results that DOP is a health supplement suitable for humans, and especially women.
“I Think Deprescribing as a Whole Is a Gap!”: A Qualitative Study of Student Pharmacist Perceptions about Deprescribing
Authors: Springer Sydney P. , Cernasev Alina , Barenie Rachel E. , Axon David R. , Scott Devin
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Older adults often manage multiple medications simultaneously, contributing to significant pill burden. Pill burden is a major concern for both patients and providers alike, and student pharmacists may play a role in decreasing that burden. Few studies exist evaluating student pharmacists’ roles in and perceptions of deprescribing in the healthcare team. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore student pharmacist perceptions regarding deprescribing in their pharmacy curricula. Methods: This study used a focus group discussion (FGD) methodology to facilitate discussion on deprescribing among student pharmacists. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) informed the conceptualization of this study, data collection, and thematic analysis. Student pharmacists enrolled in three different colleges of pharmacy across various geographical regions of the U.S. were recruited to participate in the study. Data collection occurred in the Fall of 2021, and recruitment proceeded until thematic saturation was achieved. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, and the transcripts were uploaded into Dedoose®, a qualitative software that facilitated the data analysis. The inductive codes were grouped into categories based on similarities that resulted in the themes. Results: Three colleges, totaling 1366 student pharmacists across different geographic regions of the U.S., were invited to participate in this study (UTHSC, N = 682; UNE, N = 158, University of Arizona, N = 526). Twenty-six student pharmacists participated in four FGDs. Of 26 participants, fourteen self-identified as male and two declined to state their gender identity. The mean age was 24 years old, with participants ranging from 21 to 37 years old. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes: (1) student pharmacists indicated that they possessed limited information about the deprescribing process, which is best illustrated by the following quote: “I think deprescribing as a whole is a gap!”; and (2) student pharmacists recommended increasing emphasis on deprescribing in pharmacy curricula. Conclusions: Student pharmacists identified few educational experiences on deprescribing in their curriculum while demonstrating a strong desire for more emphasis on deprescribing in the pharmacy curricula. This study highlights an opportunity to improve the integration of deprescribing education into pharmacy curricula, and colleges of pharmacy should evaluate whether, where, and to what extent the incorporation of this topic into their curricula is appropriate.
Palliative Care for Patients with End-Stage, Non-Oncologic Diseases—A Retrospective Study in Three Public Palliative Care Departments in Northern Italy
Authors: Romanò Massimo , Oldani Sabina , Reina Valter , Sofia Michele , Castiglioni Claudia
Published: June 2022

Patients with irreversible malignant and non-malignant diseases have comparable mortality rates, symptom burdens, and quality of life issues; however, non-cancer patients seldom receive palliative care (PC) or receive it late in their disease trajectory. To explore the characteristics of non-cancer patients receiving PC in northern Italy, as well as the features and outcomes of their care, we retrospectively analyzed the charts of all non-cancer patients initiating PC regimens during 2019 in three publicly funded PC departments in Italy’s populous Lombardy region. We recorded the baseline variables (including data collected with the NECPAL CCOMS-ICO-derived questionnaire used since 2018 to evaluate all admissions to the region’s PC network), as well as treatment features (setting and duration) and outcomes (including time and setting of death). Of the 2043 patients admitted in 2019, only 12% (243 patients—131 females; mean age 83.5 years) had non-oncological primary diagnoses (mainly dementia [n = 78], heart disease [n = 55], and lung disease [n = 30]). All 243 had Karnofsky performance statuses ≤ 40% (10–20% in 64%); most (82%) were malnourished, 92% had ≥2 comorbidities, and 61% reported 2–3 severe symptoms (pain, dyspnea, and fatigue). Fifteen withdrew or were discharged from the study PCN; the other 228 remained in the PCN and died in hospice (n = 133), at home (n = 9), or after family-requested transfer to an emergency department (n = 1). Most deaths (172/228, 75%) occurred <3 weeks after PC initiation. These findings indicate that the PCN network we studied cares for few patients with life-limiting non-malignant diseases. Those admitted have advanced-stage illness, heavy symptom burdens, low performance statuses, and poor survival. Additional efforts are needed to improve PCN accessibility for non-cancer patients.
Quantitative MRI of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: A New Diagnostic Approach
Authors: Ștefan Paul Andrei , Lupean Roxana Adelina , Lebovici Andrei , Csutak Csaba , Crivii Carmen Bianca , Opincariu Iulian , Caraiani Cosmin
Published: June 2022

The commonly used magnetic resonance (MRI) criteria can be insufficient for discriminating mucinous from non-mucinous pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). The histological differences between PCLs’ fluid composition may be reflected in MRI images, but cannot be assessed by visual evaluation alone. We investigate whether additional MRI quantitative parameters such as signal intensity measurements (SIMs) and radiomics texture analysis (TA) can aid the differentiation between mucinous and non-mucinous PCLs. Fifty-nine PCLs (mucinous, n = 24; non-mucinous, n = 35) are retrospectively included. The SIMs were performed by two radiologists on T2 and diffusion-weighted images (T2WI and DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. A total of 550 radiomic features were extracted from the T2WI and ADC maps of every lesion. The SIMs and TA features were compared between entities using univariate, receiver-operating, and multivariate analysis. The SIM analysis showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.69, 0.21–0.43, and 0.98 for T2, DWI, and ADC, respectively). Mucinous and non-mucinous PLCs were successfully discriminated by both T2-based (83.2–100% sensitivity and 69.3–96.2% specificity) and ADC-based (40–85% sensitivity and 60–96.67% specificity) radiomic features. SIMs cannot reliably discriminate between PCLs. Radiomics have the potential to augment the common MRI diagnosis of PLCs by providing quantitative and reproducible imaging features, but validation is required by further studies.
Sudden Cardiac Death in a Patient with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report
Authors: Yoshida Kikuaki , Murata Shogo , Morimoto Masaya , Mushino Toshiki , Tanaka Ken , Yamashita Yusuke , Hosoi Hiroki , Nishikawa Akinori , Tamura Shinobu , Hatakeyama Kinta , Matsumoto Masanori , Sonoki Takashi
Published: June 2022

A 49-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with malaise and gross hematuria. As ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motifs 13) activity was absent and the ADAMTS13 inhibitor was detected, she was diagnosed with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). In addition to plasma exchange and corticosteroid therapy, she received rituximab therapy for inhibitor boosting but died suddenly of a cardiac arrest on day 9. The postmortem revealed microvascular platelet thrombi in multiple organs. In this case, the deterioration of the patient’s clinical status was considered to have been caused by inhibitor boosting-induced systemic microvascular occlusion. In particular, her sudden death may have been due to cardiovascular microthrombosis. Since inhibitor boosting can cause TTP patients to deteriorate rapidly, it is crucial to manage TTP patients who undergo inhibitor boosting appropriately. The monitoring of cardiac complications in TTP patients may also be essential, especially in the acute phase.
Sacred Animals at Saqqara
Authors: Nicholson Paul T.
Published: June 2022

Saqqara, the necropolis of the first capital city of a unified Egypt, is best known today for the Step Pyramid of Pharaoh Djoser (2667–2648 B.C.). However, the Step Pyramid is only the most visible feature of this great burial site, and the tombs of many thousands of individuals are hidden beneath the sands, some excavated, others not. These human burials are only a part of Saqqara’s funerary history. This paper examines the catacombs of the numerous animals revered by the Egyptians at Saqqara and whose burial places have come to be known collectively as ‘The Sacred Animal Necropolis’ (SAN). First amongst these, both in importance and inception, was the Apis bull, the living image (ba) of Ptah, creator god of Memphis. However, it was the work conducted by Professor W.B. Emery (1903–1971) which brought to light the burial place of the Mother of the Apis as well as those for ibises, falcons, and baboons and which has provided much of what we know of the Sacred Animal Necropolis at North Saqqara. More recent work has built upon the discoveries made by Emery and others and taken a new approach to these subterranean catacombs for sacred animals.
Effects of Chromium Toxicity on Physiological Performance and Nutrient Uptake in Two Grapevine Cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) Growing on Own Roots or Grafted onto Different Rootstocks
Authors: Nikolaou Kleopatra-Eleni , Chatzistathis Theocharis , Theocharis Serafeim , Argiriou Anagnostis , Koundouras Stefanos , Zioziou Elefteria
Published: June 2022

Chromium toxicity is considered within the most severe and dangerous nutritional disorders, and it can often be observed in crops grown in industrial areas. The present study aims to determine the effects of Cr(VI) toxicity on the growth, nutrition, and physiological performance of grapevines. In a pot hydroponic experiment, own-rooted Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapevine cultivars or cultivars grafted onto 1103P and 101-14 Mgt rootstocks were exposed to 120 μM Cr(VI). Leaf interveinal chlorosis appeared after forty-five days of treatment. Overall leaf chlorosis and brown root coloration after sixty days was reported. A significant effect on the majority of the measured parameters due to the Cr(VI) treatment was observed. Chromium stress increased the total Cr concentrations in all parts of the vines, i.e., leaves, shoots, roots, and trunks. When comparing between the studied plant sections, the roots presented the highest Cr concentrations, ranging from 396 to 868 mg kg−1 d. w., and then, in descending order, the Cr concentrations ranged from 41 to 102 mg kg−1 d. w. in the trunks, from 2.0 to 3.3 mg kg−1 d. w. in the leaves, and from 1.9 to 3.0 mg kg−1 d. w. in the shoots. Between the assessed rootstocks, 1103P was identified to be a better excluder of Cr concentration in the roots and other aerial parts of the vines. Additionally, chromium toxicity negatively affected the concentrations and compartmentalization of the most important nutrients. Leaf chlorophyll (Chl) concentration decreased down to approximately 53% after sixty days of Cr stress. Chromium toxicity significantly reduced the stem water potential (SWP), net CO2 assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and PSII maximum quantum yield in all the cases of grafted or own-rooted vines. At this stage, chromium stress increased the leaf total phenolic content from 46.14% in Merlot vines to 75.91% in Cabernet Franc vines.
Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Obesity in a Developing Country: A Cross-Sectional Study among Middle-Aged and Older Chinese Adults
Authors: Lin Li , Chen Weiqing , Sun Weidi , Chen Minyan , Li Jinghua , Shen Jichuan , Guo Vivian Yawei
Published: June 2022

Background: The association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and obesity in developing countries has been underexplored and inconsistent. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data of 10,054 adults aged ≥ 45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Information on 12 ACE indicators was collected via questionnaires. General obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥28 kg/m². Central obesity was defined as a waist circumference of ≥90 cm for males and ≥85 cm for females. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association of ACEs with general obesity, central obesity, BMI, and waist circumference where appropriate. Results: Compared to the non-exposed group, the experience of ≥3 ACEs was significantly associated with decreased risks of general obesity (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.999), central obesity (OR = 0.88, 95% 0.77, 0.997), and smaller BMI (β = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.50, −0.04) and waist circumference (β = −0.89, 95% CI: −1.52, −0.26). Compared to the high socioeconomic status (SES) group, such associations were more evident in those with a low SES, except for central obesity. Conclusion: ACEs were shown to be inversely associated with later-life obesity in China, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. The context-specific impacts reflect divergent roles of socioeconomic position in the obesity epidemic between developed and developing countries. Further investigations are needed to confirm whether physical activity could shift the direction of this association.
Education, Age and Gender: Critical Factors in Determining Interventions for Child Brick Workers in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Authors: Pellenq Catherine , Lima Laurent , Gunn Susan
Published: June 2022

Working in factories fashioning bricks by hand seems the epitome of hazardous child labor. Yet, efforts to remove children from this work have shown little success; impoverished families balance the value of their children’s contribution against the risks they see. Unfortunately, psychosocial impacts are often not visible, and are rarely taken into consideration when designing interventions. A comprehensive occupational health study of children working in brick factories included a module on psychosocial risks and impacts. This analysis reports on the Pakistan and Afghanistan portion of the study which was administered to 450 child brick workers and 486 controls, aged 11–17. Factorial ANOVAs confirmed that working in brick factories was the strongest predictor of respondent’s psychosocial health. However, they also identified subgroups of children that escape this prediction. Older girls, for example, actually felt better when working, compared with staying at home. Schooling had positive associations, especially in younger boys and adolescent girls. In fact, the results of this study showed that those who are at greatest psychosocial risk were girls who do not go to school. These findings underscore the importance of assessing psychosocial impacts and tailoring policy and interventions to specific gender and age categories of young workers.
Non-Cooperation within a School-Based Wellness Program during the COVID-19 Pandemic—A Qualitative Research
Authors: Golan Moria , Ankori Galia , Hager Tamar
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a qualitative analysis of COVID-19′s impact on the development, delivery, and uptake of “Favoring Myself”, a school-based interactive wellness program conducted via Zoom during 2020–2021. “Favoring Myself” targets resilience, self-esteem, body-esteem, self-care behaviors, and media literacy among 5th-grade preadolescents. Data were obtained from meetings, 23 semi-structured interviews with parents, teachers, and principals, and other modes of correspondence. All data were transcribed and thematically analyzed. The analysis highlighted the barriers faced when delivering external programs during COVID-19. Parents’ difficulties in cooperating with the program, distrustful relationships between parents and the education system, as well as teachers’ overload and stress, were identified as barriers to the external program’s sustainability. These challenges are discussed in light of previous studies of school-based programs, the psychological and social contexts of an ongoing crisis and the impact of neoliberalism on education. This study concludes that school-based prevention programs and accompanying research should be more flexible and focus on understanding and relating to parents’ and schools’ fears, uncertainties, and resistance. It is the hope of the authors that knowledge created through this exploration will be helpful in future coping vis-à-vis prevention program teams and recipients in times of unpredictable, unmanageable, and overpowering crises.
Use of Biological Drugs for Psoriasis: A Drug-Utilization Study Using Tuscan Administrative Databanks
Authors: Giometto Sabrina , Tillati Silvia , Baglietto Laura , De Bortoli Nicola , Mosca Marta , Conte Marco , Tuccori Marco , Gini Rosa , Lucenteforte Ersilia
Published: June 2022

Our study aims at providing evidence on patterns of use of biologic drugs for psoriasis in Tuscany, Italy. We conducted a drug-utilization study based on administrative databanks of Tuscany (EUPAS45365) from 2011 to 2019. We selected new users of etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, ustekinumab, or secukinumab between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2016. We considered subjects with psoriasis and followed subjects until the end of the study period (three years after the first dispensation of biologic drug for psoriasis) or the patient’s death, whichever came first. We censored subjects for pregnancy or neoplasia. For each subject, we defined the state as the weekly coverage of one of the biologic drugs of interest. We then defined the switch as the change from a state to another one. A total of 7062 subjects with a first dispensation of a PSObio drug in the inclusion period was identified, and 1839 (52.9% female, 51.6 mean age) patients were included in the analysis. Among new users of adalimumab (N = 770, 41.9%), one third showed a continuous behaviour whereas the others moved to etanercept and ustekinumab. New users of etanercept (N = 758, 41.2%), had the highest proportion of switchers, with adalimumab most often being the second choice. New users of infliximab (N = 159, 8.6%) experienced the highest proportion of treatment discontinuation. The present study suggests that the majority of patients treated with PSObio drugs do not switch from one active ingredient to another. However, patients who started biological therapy with etanercept had the highest frequency of switching to other PSObio drugs, whereas those who started with secukinumab or ustekinumab had the lowest.
Stuck in the Present: A Human Lack of Ability to Visualise (Different) Needs in the Future May Hamper Timely Implementation of AAL and Supportive Technology
Authors: Bechtold Ulrike , Stauder Natalie , Fieder Martin , Wilfing Harald
Published: June 2022

Cities face an evident demographic change, making assistive technologies (AAL) an interesting choice to support older adults to autonomously age in place. Yet, supportive technologies are not as widely spread as one would expect. Hence, we investigate the surroundings of older adults living in Vienna and analyse their “socio relational setup”, considering their social integration and psychophysical state compared to others (health, fitness, activeness, contentedness). Method: Our data included 245 older adults (age: M = 74, SD = 6654) living in their own homes (2018–2020 with different grades of needing support). We calculated univariate and multivariate models regressing the socio-relational setup on the change of routines, technology attitude, mobility aid use, internet use, subjective age, openness to move to an institutional care facility in the future, and other confounding variables. Results: We found a strong correlation between all categories (health, fitness, activeness, contentedness) of older adults comparing themselves to their peers. Among others, they are significantly related to institutional care openness, which implies that participants who felt fitter and more active than their peers were less clear in visualising their future: unpleasant circumstances of ageing are suppressed if the current life circumstances are perceived as good. This is an example of cognitive dissonance.