bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of transcranial pulse stimulation on adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Study protocol of a pilot randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial
Authors: Cheung Teris , Chau Bolton , Fong Kwan Hin , Lam Joyce Yuen Ting , Lo Herman , Li Man Ho , Li Albert Martin Man Chim , Beisteiner Roland , Lei Sun , Yee Benjamin K. , Cheng Calvin Pak Wing
Published: March 2023

Background

Traditional treatment alone might not effectively control the severity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technology used on older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders and adults with major depressive disorder. However, there has been no study conducted on young adolescents with ADHD. This will be the first nationwide study evaluating the efficacy and safety of TPS in the treatment of ADHD among young adolescents in Hong Kong.

Methods

This study proposes a double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial including TPS as an intervention group and a sham TPS group. Both groups will be measured at baseline (T1), immediately after the intervention (T2), and at the 1-month (T3) and 3-month follow-ups (T4).

Recruitment

A total of 30 subjects aged between 12 and 17 years, diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), will be recruited in this study. All subjects will be computer randomized into either the intervention group or the sham TPS group on a 1:1 ratio.

Intervention

All subjects in each group will have to undertake functional MRI (fMRI) before and after six 30-min TPS sessions, which will be completed in 2 weeks' time.

Outcomes

Baseline measurements and post-TPS evaluation of the ADHD symptoms and executive functions will also be conducted on all participants. The 1- and 3-month follow-up periods will be used to assess the long-term sustainability of the TPS intervention. For statistical analysis, ANOVA with repeated measures will be used to analyze data. Missing data were managed by multiple imputations. The level of significance will be set to p < 0.05.

Significance of the study

Results emerging from this study will generate new knowledge to ascertain whether TPS can be used as a top-on treatment for ADHD.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrails.gov, identifier: NCT05422274.
Exploring the interaction between T-cell antigen receptor-related genes and MAPT or ACHE using integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Guo Wenbo , Gou Xun , Yu Lei , Zhang Qi , Yang Ping , Pang Minghui , Pang Xinping , Pang Chaoyang , Wei Yanyu , Zhang XiaoYu
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that primarily occurs in elderly individuals with cognitive impairment. Although extracellular β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation and tau protein hyperphosphorylation are considered to be leading causes of AD, the molecular mechanism of AD remains unknown. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore potential biomarkers of AD. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) datasets, GSE173955 and GSE203206, were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, and protein-protein networks were performed to identify genes that are potentially associated with AD. Analysis of the DEG based protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using Cytoscape indicated that neuroinflammation and T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)-associated genes (LCK, ZAP70, and CD44) were the top three hub genes. Next, we validated these three hub genes in the AD database and utilized two machine learning models from different AD datasets (GSE15222) to observe their general relationship with AD. Analysis using the random forest classifier indicated that accuracy (78%) observed using the top three genes as inputs differed only slightly from that (84%) observed using all genes as inputs. Furthermore, another data set, GSE97760, which was analyzed using our novel eigenvalue decomposition method, indicated that the top three hub genes may be involved in tauopathies associated with AD, rather than Aβ pathology. In addition, protein-protein docking simulation revealed that the top hub genes could form stable binding sites with acetylcholinesterase (ACHE). This suggests a potential interaction between hub genes and ACHE, which plays an essential role in the development of anti-AD drug design. Overall, the findings of this study, which systematically analyzed several AD datasets, illustrated that LCK, ZAP70, and CD44 may be used as AD biomarkers. We also established a robust prediction model for classifying patients with AD.
Interhemispheric transfer time and concussion in adolescents: A longitudinal study using response time and event-related potential measures
Authors: Christensen Benjamin A. , Clark Bradley , Muir Alexandra M. , Allen Whitney D. , Corbin Erin M. , Jaggi Tyshae , Alder Nathan , Clawson Ann , Farrer Thomas J. , Bigler Erin D. , Larson Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Concussion in children and adolescents is a public health concern with higher concussion incidence than adults and increased susceptibility to axonal injury. The corpus callosum is a vulnerable location of concussion-related white matter damage that can be associated with short- and long-term effects of concussion. Interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT) of visual information across the corpus callosum can be used as a direct measure of corpus callosum functioning that may be impacted by adolescent concussion with slower IHTT relative to matched controls. Longitudinal studies and studies testing physiological measures of IHTT following concussion in adolescents are lacking.

Methods

We used the N1 and P1 components of the scalp-recorded brain event-related potential (ERP) to measure IHTT in 20 adolescents (ages 12–19 years old) with confirmed concussion and 16 neurologically-healthy control participants within 3 weeks of concussion (subacute stage) and approximately 10 months after injury (longitudinal).

Results

Separate two-group (concussion, control) by two-time (3 weeks, 10 months) repeated measures ANOVAs on difference response times and IHTT latencies of the P1 and N1 components showed no significant differences by group (ps ≥ 0.25) nor by time (ps ≥ 0.64), with no significant interactions (ps ≥ 0.15).

Discussion

Results from the current sample suggest that measures of IHTT may not be strongly influenced at 3 weeks or longitudinally following adolescent concussion using the current IHTT paradigm.
Information, ingestion, and impulsivity: The impact of technology-enabled healthy food labels on online grocery shopping in impulsive and non-impulsive consumers
Authors: Ljusic Nikola , Fagerstrøm Asle , Sigurdsson Valdimar , Arntzen Erik
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Unhealthy food consumption is a problem for society, companies, and consumers. This study aims to contribute to knowledge regarding such issues by investigating how technology-enabled healthy food labels can impact food choice in an online grocery store context. We conceptualized unhealthy and healthy food choice as a matter of impulsivity problems. Three technology-enabled healthy food labels were derived based on variables that might impact self-control, and their influence on food choice was investigated.

Methods

The empirical study consisted of three parts. In the first part, participants’ impulsivity was measured using an adjusting delay task. Part two investigated the effects of self-monitoring, pre-commitment, and social comparison-based technology-enabled healthy food labels on food choice in a hypothetical online grocery shopping setting using a choice-based conjoint experiment. Lastly, in the third part, three where demographical questions were asked.

Results

The results (n = 405) show that self-monitoring, pre-commitment, and social comparison-based technology-enabled healthy food labels had the most to least impact on food choice in that order. Furthermore, the results indicate that self-monitoring and pre-commitment labels had more impact on the choice for impulsive compared to non-impulsive participants. Similarly, the results indicate that social comparison had more impact on choice for non-impulsive participants. These findings suggest that self-monitoring of previous healthy food choices might be more effective than pre-commitment based on discounts for healthy food products. However, these differences were minor.

Discussion

This finding has managerial implications as grocery stores might increase their revenue by introducing self-monitoring labels in an online grocery shopping setting. Future research should investigate these technology-enabled healthy food labels in natural food purchase settings.
Artificial intelligence annotated clinical-pathologic risk model to predict outcomes of advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Yan , Shou Lin , Xia Ying , Deng Yanju , Li Qianguo , Huang Zhishuang , Li Youlan , Li Yanmei , Cai Wenliang , Wang Yueshan , Cheng Yingying , Chen Hongzhuan , Wan Li
Published: March 2023

Background

Gastric cancer with synchronous distant metastases indicates a dismal prognosis. The success in survival improvement mainly relies on our ability to predict the potential benefit of a therapy. Our objective is to develop an artificial intelligence annotated clinical-pathologic risk model to predict its outcomes.

Methods

In participants (n=47553) with gastric cancer of the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program, we selected patients with distant metastases at first diagnosis, complete clinical-pathologic data and follow-up information. Patients were randomly divided into the training and test cohort at 7:3 ratio. 93 patients with advanced gastric cancer from six other cancer centers were collected as the external validation cohort. Multivariable analysis was used to identify the prognosis-related clinical-pathologic features. Then a survival prediction model was established and validated. Importantly, we provided explanations to the prediction with artificial intelligence SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) method. We also provide novel insights into treatment options.

Results

Data from a total 2549 patients were included in model development and internal test (median age, 61 years [range, 53-69 years]; 1725 [67.7%] male). Data from an additional 93 patients were collected as the external validation cohort (median age, 59 years [range, 48-66 years]; 51 [54.8%] male). The clinical-pathologic model achieved a consistently high accuracy for predicting prognosis in the training (C-index: 0.705 [range, 0.690-0.720]), test (C-index: 0.737 [range, 0.717-0.757]), and external validation (C-index: 0.694 [range, 0.562-0.826]) cohorts. Shapley values indicated that undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, young, absence of lung metastases and well differentiated were the top 5 contributors to the high likelihood of survival. A combination of surgery and chemotherapy had the greatest benefit. However, aggressive treatment did not equate to a survival benefit. SHAP dependence plots demonstrated insightful nonlinear interactive associations among predictors in survival benefit prediction. For example, patients who were elderly, or poor differentiated, or presence of lung or bone metastases had a worse prognosis if they undergo surgery or chemotherapy, while patients with metastases to liver alone seemed to gain benefit from surgery and chemotherapy.

Conclusion

In this large multicenter cohort study, we developed an artificial intelligence annotated clinical-pathologic risk model to predict outcomes of advanced gastric cancer. It could be used to discuss treatment options.
Fatty acid metabolism: A new therapeutic target for cervical cancer
Authors: Ping Pengbin , Li Juan , Lei Hongbin , Xu Xiaoying
Published: March 2023

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignancies in women. Cancer cells can use metabolic reprogramming to produce macromolecules and ATP needed to sustain cell growth, division and survival. Recent evidence suggests that fatty acid metabolism and its related lipid metabolic pathways are closely related to the malignant progression of CC. In particular, it involves the synthesis, uptake, activation, oxidation, and transport of fatty acids. Similarly, more and more attention has been paid to the effects of intracellular lipolysis, transcriptional regulatory factors, other lipid metabolic pathways and diet on CC. This study reviews the latest evidence of the link between fatty acid metabolism and CC; it not only reveals its core mechanism but also discusses promising targeted drugs for fatty acid metabolism. This study on the complex relationship between carcinogenic signals and fatty acid metabolism suggests that fatty acid metabolism will become a new therapeutic target in CC.
The diagnosis and treatment of a special rare type of Monteggia equivalent fractures in children
Authors: Su Fei , Li Min , Ma Yishan , Yang Yating , Hao Xue , Jia Haoruo , Dang Youting , Lu Qingda , Liu Chenxin , Yang Shuai , Wang Huan , Wang Bing , Jie Qiang
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To explore the characteristics, mechanism, treatment, and prognosis of head–neck separation type of Monteggia equivalent fractures in children.

Methods

Patients with this injury were reviewed retrospectively. The lesion was characterized by a fracture of the ulnar with radial neck fracture but without dislocation of the radial head. Our classification was based on the direction of displacement and angulation of fractures on radiographs, divided into the extension-valgus type and flexion-varus type. The fractures were treated with reduction and internal fixation, depending on the fracture type. The clinical results were evaluated by using radiology and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).

Results

A total of 12 patients were followed up for an average of 40.5 months. The ulnar fractures were treated with closed reduction (CR) and K-wire fixation in one patient, elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) fixation in four patients, open reduction (OR) and plate fixation in five, with no fixation in two. CR with ESIN fixation was successful in 11 patients with radial neck fractures, but one underwent OR and K-wire fixation. All fractures healed on time, with fewer complications (avascular necrosis in one patient, and bulk formation of metaphysis in another). The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by using MEPS and was found to be excellent in 10 patients, good in one, and fair in another.

Conclusions

The head–neck separation type of Monteggia equivalent fractures in children is rare. Its characteristics are different from that of Monteggia fracture. The length and anatomic structure of the ulna should be restored and stabilized first, while the radial neck fracture should be treated with CR and ESIN fixation. Satisfactory clinical results can be achieved with fewer complications.
High baseline prevalence of atopic comorbidities and medication use in children treated with allergy immunotherapy in the REAl-world effeCtiveness in allergy immunoTherapy (REACT) study
Authors: Fritszching Benedikt , Porsbjerg Celeste , Buchs Sarah , Larsen Julie Rask , Freemantle Nick , Contoli Marco
Published: March 2023

Background

Respiratory allergy, commonly manifesting as allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma, is a chronic progressive disease that frequently starts in childhood. Allergy immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causal treatment for respiratory allergy with the potential to modify the underlying cause of allergy and, ultimately, prevent disease progression. This analysis aimed to determine if AIT is received sufficiently early to halt the progression of allergic disease, by characterizing the burden and progression of disease in children prior to AIT initiation in real-life clinical practice.

Methods

The REAl-world effeCtiveness in allergy immunoTherapy (REACT) study was a large retrospective cohort study using German claims data between 2007 and 2017. Characteristics of two pre-defined AIT age cohorts from the REACT study – children (aged <18 years) and adults (aged ≥18 years) – were evaluated during the 1-year period before the first AIT prescription. For comparison, a control group of all subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of AR and without prescriptions for AIT was included. Burden of disease was assessed using diagnostic codes for atopic comorbidities [e.g., atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, and acute allergic conjunctivitis] and non-atopic comorbidities (e.g., migraine, headache); medication use, recorded as prescriptions for symptom-relieving AR medication and reliever/controller medication for asthma, was also assessed. Data were analyzed descriptively, using summary statistics.

Results

Both children (n = 11,036) and adults (n = 30,037) showed a higher prevalence of atopic comorbidities and a greater drug burden prior to AIT initiation compared to AR patients not treated with AIT (n = 1,003,332). In the two age-specific AIT cohorts, children consistently showed the highest prevalence of atopic comorbidities compared to adults (AIT children, AIT adults – asthma: 41.4%, 34.5%; AD: 19.9%, 10.2%; acute allergic conjunctivitis: 13.6%, 10.2%). Generally, prescriptions per year for symptom-relieving AR and asthma treatments were also higher for children initiating AIT vs. adults (AIT children, AIT adults – AR prescriptions per subject: 1.72, 0.73; asthma prescriptions per subject: 1.42, 0.79).

Conclusions

Children with AR who are offered AIT in real-life show considerable disease burden prior to initiation. As AIT may alleviate the burden and halt the progression of allergic disease, considering AIT earlier in the disease course may be warranted.
Post-myocardial infarction fibrosis: Pathophysiology, examination, and intervention
Authors: Yin Xiaoying , Yin Xinxin , Pan Xin , Zhang Jingyu , Fan Xinhui , Li Jiaxin , Zhai Xiaoxuan , Jiang Lijun , Hao Panpan , Wang Jiali , Chen Yuguo
Published: March 2023

Cardiac fibrosis plays an indispensable role in cardiac tissue homeostasis and repair after myocardial infarction (MI). The cardiac fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix collagen deposition are the hallmarks of cardiac fibrosis, which are modulated by multiple signaling pathways and various types of cells in time-dependent manners. Our understanding of the development of cardiac fibrosis after MI has evolved in basic and clinical researches, and the regulation of fibrotic remodeling may facilitate novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and finally improve outcomes. Here, we aim to elaborate pathophysiology, examination and intervention of cardiac fibrosis after MI.
Stylopine: A potential natural metabolite to block vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in osteosarcoma therapy
Authors: Velayutham Naveen Kumar , Thamaraikani Tamilanban , Wahab Shadma , Khalid Mohammad , Ramachawolran Gobinath , Abullais Shahabe Saquib , Wong Ling Shing , Sekar Mahendran , Gan Siew Hua , Ebenezer Angel Jemima , Ravikumar Mrinalini , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Mat Rani Nur Najihah Izzati , Wu Yuan Seng , Jeyabalan Srikanth
Published: March 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signals cell survival, cell migration, osteogenesis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability by binding to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, majorly affects young adults. Activation of VEGFR-2 signaling is a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. The present study aimed to evaluate the potency of stylopine in regulation of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway and its anti-tumour effect human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. The in silico study on benzylisoquinoline alkaloids was carried out for analyzing and shortlisting of compounds using a virtual screening, Lipinski’s rule, bioavailability graphical RADAR plot, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and molecular docking studies. Among the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, stylopine was selected and subjected to in-vitro studies against human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. Various experiments such as MTT assay, EtBr/AO staining, mitochondrial membrane potential assessment, transwell migration assay, gene expression analysis by a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method, SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting were performed to evaluate its anti-tumour effect as compared to standard axitinib. The MTT assay indicates that stylopine inhibits cell proliferation in MG-63 cells. Similarly, as confirmed by the EtBr/Ao staining method, the MMP assay indicates that stylopine induces mitochondrial membrane damage and apoptosis as compared to axitinib. Moreover, stylopine inhibits the VEGF-165 induced MG-63 cell migration by a trans-well migration assay. The immunoblotting and qRT-PCR analysis showed that stylopine inhibits the VEGF-165 induced VEGFR2 expression in MG-63 cells. It is concluded that stylopine has potential to regulate VEGFR2 and can inhibit osteosarcoma cells to offer a new drug candidate for the treatment of bone cancer in future.
Real-life relevant face perception is not captured by the N170 but reflected in later potentials: A comparison of 2D and virtual reality stimuli
Authors: Sagehorn Merle , Johnsdorf Marike , Kisker Joanna , Sylvester Sophia , Gruber Thomas , Schöne Benjamin
Published: March 2023

The perception of faces is one of the most specialized visual processes in the human brain and has been investigated by means of the early event-related potential component N170. However, face perception has mostly been studied in the conventional laboratory, i.e., monitor setups, offering rather distal presentation of faces as planar 2D-images. Increasing spatial proximity through Virtual Reality (VR) allows to present 3D, real-life-sized persons at personal distance to participants, thus creating a feeling of social involvement and adding a self-relevant value to the presented faces. The present study compared the perception of persons under conventional laboratory conditions (PC) with realistic conditions in VR. Paralleling standard designs, pictures of unknown persons and standard control images were presented in a PC- and a VR-modality. To investigate how the mechanisms of face perception differ under realistic conditions from those under conventional laboratory conditions, the typical face-specific N170 and subsequent components were analyzed in both modalities. Consistent with previous laboratory research, the N170 lost discriminatory power when translated to realistic conditions, as it only discriminated faces and controls under laboratory conditions. Most interestingly, analysis of the later component [230–420 ms] revealed more differentiated face-specific processing in VR, as indicated by distinctive, stimulus-specific topographies. Complemented by source analysis, the results on later latencies show that face-specific neural mechanisms are applied only under realistic conditions (A video abstract is available in the Supplementary material and via YouTube: https://youtu.be/TF8wiPUrpSY).
Analysis of the 24-h activity cycle: An illustration examining the association with cognitive function in the Adult Changes in Thought study
Authors: Wu Yinxiang , Rosenberg Dori E. , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , McCurry Susan M. , Proust-Lima Cécile , Nelson Jennifer C. , Crane Paul K. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Larson Eric B. , Shaw Pamela A.
Published: March 2023

The 24-h activity cycle (24HAC) is a new paradigm for studying activity behaviors in relation to health outcomes. This approach inherently captures the interrelatedness of the daily time spent in physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep. We describe three popular approaches for modeling outcome associations with the 24HAC exposure. We apply these approaches to assess an association with a cognitive outcome in a cohort of older adults, discuss statistical challenges, and provide guidance on interpretation and selecting an appropriate approach. We compare the use of the isotemporal substitution model (ISM), compositional data analysis (CoDA), and latent profile analysis (LPA) to analyze 24HAC. We illustrate each method by exploring cross-sectional associations with cognition in 1,034 older adults (Mean age = 77; Age range = 65–100; 55.8% female; 90% White) who were part of the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) Activity Monitoring (ACT-AM) sub-study. PA and SB were assessed with thigh-worn activPAL accelerometers for 7-days. For each method, we fit a multivariable regression model to examine the cross-sectional association between the 24HAC and Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument item response theory (CASI-IRT) score, adjusting for baseline characteristics. We highlight differences in assumptions and the scientific questions addressable by each approach. ISM is easiest to apply and interpret; however, the typical ISM assumes a linear association. CoDA uses an isometric log-ratio transformation to directly model the compositional exposure but can be more challenging to apply and interpret. LPA can serve as an exploratory analysis tool to classify individuals into groups with similar time-use patterns. Inference on associations of latent profiles with health outcomes need to account for the uncertainty of the LPA classifications, which is often ignored. Analyses using the three methods did not suggest that less time spent on SB and more in PA was associated with better cognitive function. The three standard analytical approaches for 24HAC each have advantages and limitations, and selection of the most appropriate method should be guided by the scientific questions of interest and applicability of each model’s assumptions. Further research is needed into the health implications of the distinct 24HAC patterns identified in this cohort.
The association between working memory and mathematical problem solving: A three-level meta-analysis
Authors: Ji Zhongtian , Guo Kan
Published: March 2023

Although working memory (WM) is an important factor in mathematical problem solving (MPS), it remains unclear how well WM relates to MPS. Thus, we aimed to determine this relationship by using a meta-analysis. We searched electronic databases for studies published between 2000 and 2020 and established operational criteria. We conducted Egger’s regression tests and created funnel plots to test for publication bias. Finally, a three-level meta-analytic model analysis of data from 130 studies involving 43,938 participants and 1,355 effect sizes revealed a moderate relationship between WM and MPS (r = 0.280, 95% CI = [0.263, 0.314]). Moreover, moderator analyses showed that: (1) dressed-up word problems were more strongly tied to WM than to intra-mathematical problems; (2) the central executive function showed the strongest relation with MPS, whereas the phonological loop had the weakest; (3) gender ratio had significant moderating effects; and (4) some of the above-mentioned significant moderating effects were unique after controlling for other factors. Implications for research and practice were also discussed.
The impact of adolescent achievement goal orientation on learning anxiety: The mediation effect of peer interaction
Authors: Kong Haiyan , Wang Guangfeng , Cheng Dazhi , Li Tian
Published: March 2023

Learning anxiety is one of the most critical emotional disturbances, which also has a high incidence rate in adolescents. Peer interaction is critical and unique for adolescents. Although previous studies have found that achievement goal orientation has an important role in the development of learning anxiety, its mechanism has not been clarified. This study surveyed 470 adolescents (191 middle school students and 279 high school students; 211 boys) and established a structural equation model to explore the mediating role of peer interaction in the influence of achievement goal orientation on learning anxiety. Results showed that (1) there were significant gender differences in mastery-avoidance goal orientation, peer interaction, and learning anxiety, and there were grade differences in performance-approach goal and performance-avoidance goal orientations; (2) mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, and performance-avoidance goal orientations directly predicted learning anxiety; and (3) social anxiety in peer interactions had a mediating effect on the influence of mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance, and performance-avoidance goal orientations on learning anxiety. The findings extend theoretical considerations by teasing out the process of peer interaction affecting the relationship between achievement goal orientation and learning anxiety. Additionally, the results have practical implications for the effective use of peer interaction to reduce learning anxiety.
Development and psychometric properties of the Stressors in Breast Cancer Scale
Authors: Cerezo M. Victoria , Soria-Reyes Lorena M. , Pajares Bella , Gómez-Millán Jaime , Blanca María J.
Published: March 2023

Background

A diagnosis of breast cancer generates psychological stress, due not only to treatment and its side effects but also to the impact on different areas of the patient’s daily life. Although there are instruments for measuring psychological stress in the cancer context, there is currently no tool for assessing stressors specific to breast cancer.

Aims

The aim of this study was to develop the Stressors in Breast Cancer Scale (SBCS).

Method

A panel of experts evaluated the clarity and relevance of scale items, providing validity evidence based on test content. Psychometric properties of the scale were then analyzed.

Results

Validity evidence based on the internal structure of the SBCS was obtained through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), following a cross-validation strategy. The CFA supported a second-order factor model with five dimensions: physical appearance and sex strains, health and daily difficulties, interpersonal relationship strains, healthcare strains, and worries and concerns about the future. This structure was invariant across two groups distinguished by time from cancer diagnosis (less than 3 and 3 years or more from diagnosis). Reliability, based on McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, ranged from 0.83 to 0.89 for factor scores, and reached 0.95 for total scores. Validity evidence was also provided by correlations with depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and perceived health and quality of life.

Discussion

The results support the use of the SBCS for measuring stress as a stimulus in the breast cancer context. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.
Effects of Ramadan fasting on the diurnal variations of physical and cognitive performances at rest and after exercise in professional football players
Authors: Khemila Syrine , Romdhani Mohamed , Farjallah Mohamed Amine , Abid Rihab , Bentouati Emna , Souissi Mohamed Abdelkader , Abedelmalek Salma , Garbarino Sergio , Souissi Nizar
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Ramadan fasting (RF) is characterized by daily abstinence from food and fluid intake from dawn to sunset. The understanding of the Ramadan effects on the diurnal variations of athletic and cognitive performance is crucial for practitioners, coach and researchers to prepare sport events and optimize performance. The aim of the present study was to reveal the effects of RF on the diurnal variation of physical and cognitive performances at rest and after exercise.

Method

In a randomized order, 11 male football players (age: 19.27 ± 0.9; height: 1.79 ± 0.04 cm; body mass: 70.49 ± 3.97 kg; BMI: 21.81 ± 1.59 kg/m2) completed a 30-s Wingate test [i.e., mean (MP) and peak powers (PP)] at 07:00, 17:00, and 21:00 h on five occasions: 1 week before Ramadan (BR); the second (R2); the third (R3); the fourth (R4) week of Ramadan; and 2 weeks after Ramadan (AR), with an in-between recovery period of ≥72 h. Simple (SRT) and choice (CRT) reaction times, mental rotation test (MRT) and selective attention (SA) test were measured before and after Wingate test. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), body composition, dietary intake, profile of mood states (POMS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed over the five periods.

Results

Compared to BR, RF decreased MP at 17:00 h (p < 0.05, d = 1.18; p < 0.001, d = 2.21, respectively) and PP at 17:00 h (p < 0.05, d = 1.14; p < 0.001, d = 1.77, respectively) and 21:00 h (p < 0.01, d = 1.30; p < 0.001, d = 2.05, respectively) at R3 and R4. SRT (p < 0.001,d = 1.15; d = 1.32, respectively), number of correct answers (MRTE; p < 0.05, d = 1.27; d = 1.38, respectively) and SA (p < 0.01, d = 1.32; d = 1.64, respectively) increased during R2 and R3 in the evening before exercise compared to BR. Short term maximal exercise enhanced SRT (p < 0.01, d = 1.15; p < 0.001, d = 1.35, respectively), MRTE (p < 0.001, d = 2.01; d = 2.75 respectively) and SA (p < 0.05, d = 0.68; d = 1.18, respectively) during R2 and R3 in the evening. In comparison to BR, sleep latency and sleep duration increased during R3 (p < 0.001, d = 1.29; d = 1.74, respectively) and R4 (p < 0.001, d = 1.78; d = 2.19, respectively) and sleep quality increased in R2, R3 and R4 (p < 0.01, d = 1.60; p < 0.001, d = 1.93; d = 2.03, respectively).

Conclusion

During RF, anaerobic and cognitive performances were unaffected in the morning but were impaired in the afternoon and evening. Short-term maximal exercise mitigates the negative effects of fasting on cognitive performance. Maximal exercise could thus partially counteract the effect of fasting on cognitive function.
Faith-based health screenings for Marshallese adults living in the Republic of the Marshall Islands: Study design and results
Authors: Andersen Jennifer A. , Rowland Brett , O'Connor Gail , Bing Williamina Ioanna , Riklon Sheldon , Mendoza-Kabua Philmar , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Striking health disparities exist in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). The RMI has one of the highest age-adjusted type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rates in the world (23.0%) compared to global (9.3%) and United States (US; 13.3%) rates. We conducted health screenings including clinical indicators of T2DM and hypertension among Marshallese in the RMI.

Methods

Screenings were conducted at 20 churches on Majuro Atoll. Participants completed questionnaires and biometric data collection assessing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, and body mass index.

Results

Screenings included 528 participants and showed a high prevalence of T2DM, obesity, and hypertension. One-third of participants were referred to the non-communicable disease clinic. The percent of adults in this study with T2DM-indicative HbA1c (48.5%) is higher than observed at the national level (23.0%).

Discussion

Results highlight the need for non-communicable disease-related programs in the RMI.
Obesity prevalence, physical activity, and dietary practices among adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsulami Salhah , Baig Mukhtiar , Ahmad Tauseef , Althagafi Nouf , Hazzazi Eman , Alsayed Razan , Alghamdi Majd , Almohammadi Thikra
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The current study evaluated obesity prevalence, physical activity, and dietary practices among Saudi adults in the Makkah region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The current survey was accomplished between November 2021 and March 2022.

Method

A validated questionnaire, Arab Teens Lifestyle Study (ATLS), was used to evaluate all participants' physical activities, sedentary behaviors, and nutritional habits in addition to demographic data.

Result

A total of 2,115 people [1,238 (58.5%) women and 877 (41.5%) men] participated in this survey. Being overweight was prevalent in 32.8% of the population (41% of men and 28.9% of women), obesity was prevalent in 23% of the population (males 23.1% and females 24.2%). Obese people consumed more soft drinks, and overweight people did not consume enough vegetables (fresh/cooked). Obese people consumed fast food (e.g., burgers, sausage, pizza, or Arabic shawarma) over three times each week. The mean (SD) number of days of practice walking was 2.51 (2.05) vs. 1.3 (1.87) (p < 0.001) for lean and obese individuals, respectively. In addition, individuals with normal BMI had more days of jogging, moderate and high-intensity exercise, dancing, and strength training than those with obesity. The odds of being obese increased with age (OR: 1.07; p < 0.001), in males (OR: 2.16; p < 0.001), in participants earning <5,000 SR/month (1.3 thousand $) and 10–15 thousand SR/month (1.34–2.66 thousand $) (OR: 2.36; P = 0.01). Obesity was inversely associated with moderate-intensity exercise (OR: 0.802; p = 0.009), and regular walking (OR: 0.685; CI: 0.624–0.752; p < 0.001).

Discussion

Overweight and obesity were prevalent in 32.8% and 23% of the population, respectively. Sociodemographic factors associated with obesity. Focused intervention strategies are needed to overcome the obesity issue.
Machine learning approaches to identify Parkinson's disease using voice signal features
Authors: Alshammri Raya , Alharbi Ghaida , Alharbi Ebtisam , Almubark Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is the second most common age-related neurological disorder that leads to a range of motor and cognitive symptoms. A PD diagnosis is difficult since its symptoms are quite similar to those of other disorders, such as normal aging and essential tremor. When people reach 50, visible symptoms such as difficulties walking and communicating begin to emerge. Even though there is no cure for PD, certain medications can relieve some of the symptoms. Patients can maintain their lifestyles by controlling the complications caused by the disease. At this point, it is essential to detect this disease and prevent it from progressing. The diagnosis of the disease has been the subject of much research. In our project, we aim to detect PD using different types of Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) models such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) to differentiate between healthy and PD patients by voice signal features. The dataset taken from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) machine learning repository consisted of 195 voice recordings of examinations carried out on 31 patients. Moreover, our models were trained using different techniques such as Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), Feature Selection, and hyperparameter tuning (GridSearchCV) to enhance their performance. At the end, we found that MLP and SVM with a ratio of 70:30 train/test split using GridSearchCV with SMOTE gave the best results for our project. MLP performed with an overall accuracy of 98.31%, an overall recall of 98%, an overall precision of 100%, and f1-score of 99%. In addition, SVM performed with an overall accuracy of 95%, an overall recall of 96%, an overall precision of 98%, and f1-score of 97%. The experimental results of this research imply that the proposed method can be used to reliably predict PD and can be easily incorporated into healthcare for diagnosis purposes.
Sequence-to-sequence pretraining for a less-resourced Slovenian language
Authors: Ulčar Matej , Robnik-Šikonja Marko
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Large pretrained language models have recently conquered the area of natural language processing. As an alternative to predominant masked language modeling introduced in BERT, the T5 model has introduced a more general training objective, namely sequence to sequence transformation, which more naturally fits text generation tasks. The monolingual variants of T5 models have been limited to well-resourced languages, while the massively multilingual T5 model supports 101 languages.

Methods

We trained two different-sized T5-type sequence-to-sequence models for morphologically rich Slovene language with much fewer resources. We analyzed the behavior of new models on 11 tasks, eight classification ones (named entity recognition, sentiment classification, lemmatization, two question answering tasks, two natural language inference tasks, and a coreference resolution task), and three text generation tasks (text simplification and two summarization tasks on different datasets). We compared the new SloT5 models with the multilingual mT5 model, multilingual mBART-50 model, and with four encoder BERT-like models: multilingual BERT, multilingual XLM-RoBERTa, trilingual Croatian-Slovene-English BERT, and monolingual Slovene RoBERTa model.

Results

Concerning the classification tasks, the SloT5 models mostly lag behind the monolingual Slovene SloBERTa model. However, these models are helpful for generative tasks and provide several useful results. In general, the size of models matters, and currently, there is not enough training data for Slovene for successful pretraining of large models.

Discussion

While the results are obtained on Slovene, we believe that they may generalize to other less-resourced languages, where such models will be built. We make the training and evaluation code, as well as the trained models, publicly available.
Intermittent catheterization: A patient-centric approach is key to optimal management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
Authors: Krassioukov Andrei , Welk Blayne , Vrijens Desiree , Islamoska Sabrina , Barken Kim Bundvig , Keppenne Veronique , Wyndaele Michel , Walter Matthias
Published: March 2023

The value of disposable, single-use catheters has come under scrutiny in recent years with a growing attention on environmental sustainability. Intermittent catheterization (IC) is a widely available and minimally invasive technique for management of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Effective IC for individuals with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction can promote their independence and improve quality of life. Are there alternative options within IC that could minimize environmental impact without compromising the safety and effectiveness of single-use catheters? How does the future of IC look – environmentally friendly, biodegradable, disposable catheters may be complementary to certified reusable catheters? In the midst of this debate, it is important to emphasize that individuals have the right to choose the best evidence-based treatment available. Here we consider the current landscape for IC with a focus on chronic use in individuals with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.
Transcriptome analysis reveals mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs associated with fecundity in the hypothalamus of high-and low-fecundity goat
Authors: Hou Biwei , Mao Min , Dong Shucan , Deng Ming , Sun Baoli , Guo Yongqing , Li Yaokun , Liu Dewu , Liu Guangbin
Published: March 2023

As an important organ that coordinates the neuroendocrine system, the hypothalamus synthesizes and secretes reproductive hormones that act on the goat organism, thereby precisely regulating follicular development and reproductive processes in goats. However, it is still elusive to explore the mechanism of hypothalamic effects on goat fertility alone. Therefore, RNA-seq was used to analyze the gene expression in hypothalamic tissues of goats in high fertility group (HFG: litter size per litter ≥2) and low fertility group (LFG: litter size per litter = 1), and identified the differential lncRNAs and mRNAs and their associated pathways related to their fertility. The results showed that a total of 23 lncRNAs and 57 mRNAs were differentially expressed in the hypothalamic tissue of high and low fertility goats. GO terms and KEGG functional annotation suggest that DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in hormone-related pathways regulating ovarian development, hormone synthesis and secretion, regulation of reproductive processes, Estrogen signaling pathway, Oxytocin signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway. And we constructed a co-expression network of lncRNAs and target genes, and identified reproduction-related genes such as NMUR2, FEZF1, and WT1. The sequencing results of the hypothalamic transcriptome have broadened our understanding of lncRNA and mRNA in goat hypothalamic tissue and provided some new insights into the molecular mechanisms of follicle development and regulation of its fertility in goats.
Rotor Faults Diagnosis in PMSMs Based on Branch Current Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Yu Yinquan , Gao Haixi , Zhou Shaowei , Pan Yue , Zhang Kunpeng , Liu Peng , Yang Hui , Zhao Zhao , Madyira Daniel Makundwaneyi
Published: March 2023

To solve the problem that it is difficult to accurately identify the rotor eccentric fault, demagnetization fault and hybrid fault of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) with a slot pole ratio of 3/2 and several times of it, this paper proposes a method to identify the rotor fault based on the combination of branch current analysis and a machine learning algorithm. First, the analysis of the electrical signal of the PMSM after various types of rotor faults shows that there are differences in the time domain of the electrical signal of the PMSM after three types of rotor faults. Considering the symmetry of the structure of the PMSM with a slot-pole ratio of 3/2 and its integer multiples, the changes in the time domain of the phase currents cancel each other after the fault, and the time domain fluctuations of the stator branch currents that do not cancel each other are chosen as the characteristics of the fault classification in this paper. Secondly, after signal preprocessing, feature factors are extracted and several fault feature factors with large differences are selected to construct feature vectors. Finally, a genetic algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of a support vector machine (SVM), and the GA-SVM model is constructed as a classifier for multifault classification of permanent magnet synchronous motors to classify these three types of faults. The fault classification results show that the proposed method using branch current signals combined with GA-SVM can effectively diagnose faulty PMSM.
Identification and Modeling Method of Longitudinal Stall Aerodynamic Parameters of Civil Aircraft Based on Improved Kirchhoff Stall Aerodynamic Model
Authors: Wang Lixin , Zhao Rong , Xu Ke , Zhang Yi , Yue Ting
Published: March 2023

The stall aerodynamic model based on Kirchhoff’s theory of flow separation is widely used in the identification and modeling of stall aerodynamic parameters. However, it has two defects. First, its model structure is significantly different from the pre-stall model used for a small attack angle, meaning the identification results cannot be combined with the pre-stall model to form the full flight envelope model. Second, the pitching moment model, which is used in conjunction with the Kirchhoff lift model, cannot accurately describe the aircraft stall pitching moment characteristics. To ensure the compatibility of the two models, this paper proposes a method to determine some unknown parameters in the stall model. The mechanism for the pitching moment generation of the aircraft stall is analyzed, and two high-order correction terms are added to the pitching moment model to better describe the longitudinal stall aerodynamic characteristics. Based on the identification of aerodynamic parameters, a longitudinal stall aerodynamic modeling method used for the aircraft stall process is developed. The identification and simulation validation results based on the quasi-steady stall flight data of a civil aircraft show that the improved stall model can accurately describe the quasi-steady stall pitching moment. The established stall aerodynamic model can accurately characterize the longitudinal quasi-steady stall aerodynamic characteristics of aircraft under different stall degrees.