bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear Immunoglobulin a Bullous Dermatosis in Children
Authors: Mori Francesca , Saretta Francesca , Liotti Lucia , Giovannini Mattia , Castagnoli Riccardo , Arasi Stefania , Barni Simona , Mastrorilli Carla , Pecoraro Luca , Caminiti Lucia , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Barbaud Annick , Novembre Elio
Published: July 2022

Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Disease (LABD) is a rare dermatosis whose pathomechanisms are not yet completely understood. LABD has different features characterizing adults and children in terms of potential triggers, clinical manifestations, and prognosis. The aim of the present study is to review all neonatal and pediatric cases of LABD and summarize the major characteristics. Childhood LABD is mainly idiopathic with a benign prognosis. Neonatal cases are difficult to differentiate from infectious diseases and usually have a poor prognosis. Drugs are one of the possible triggers that can activate autoimmune responses through antigen mimicry and epitope spreading as well as different stimuli (e.g., infections, inflammatory diseases, trauma). The gold standard for the diagnosis is based on direct immunofluorescence. Prognosis is generally favorable but often depends on the prompt dermatological diagnosis, treatment and follow-up guaranteed by a multidisciplinary team, including pediatricians for this group of age.
Catalpol as a Component of Rehmannia glutinosa Protects Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Neuronal Apoptosis
Authors: Huang Zhiyang , Gong Jiahong , Lin Wen , Feng Zhiyi , Ma Yirou , Tu Yurong , Cai Xiong , Liu Jianhua , Lv Chang , Lv Xinru , Wu Qiuji , Lu Wenjie , Zhao Juan , Ying Yibo , Li Shengcun , Ni Wenfei , Chen Haili
Published: July 2022

Disturbance of the internal environment in the spinal cord after spinal cord injury (SCI) is an important cause of the massive death of neurons in the injury area and one of the major problems that lead to the difficult recovery of motor function in patients. Rehmannia glutinosa, a famous traditional Chinese medicine, is commonly used in neurodegenerative diseases, whereas an iridoid glycoside extract of catalpol (CAT), with antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and neuroprotective pharmacological effects. However, the neuroprotective and anti-apoptosis mechanism of CAT in SCI remains unclear. In our study, we found that CAT has a restorative effect on the lower limb motor function of rats with SCI by establishing a rat model of SCI and treating CAT gavage for 30 days. Our study further found that CAT has the effect of inhibiting apoptosis and protecting neurons, and the action pathway may reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by inhibiting CHOP and GRP78 expression and then reduce apoptosis and protect neurons through the Caspase3/Bax/Bcl-2 pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that CAT can treat SCI by inhibiting ER stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis and has the potential to be a clinical drug for the treatment of SCI.
Berberrubine, a Main Metabolite of Berberine, Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Modulating Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Restoring Gut Microbiota
Authors: Yang Sa , Cao Shijie , Li Congyu , Zhang Jichao , Liu Chang , Qiu Feng , Kang Ning
Published: July 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health problem in many countries. Berberine (BBR) is an effective therapeutic agent in alleviating NAFLD. Berberrubine (BRB) is one of the main active metabolites of BBR, which shows significant anti-obesity and antihypoglycemic effects. However, whether BRB is responsible for the in vivo therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of BRB on NAFLD have not been elucidated. In this study, the ability of BRB to ameliorate NAFLD, together with its molecular mechanism, was investigated. The results showed that BRB treatments could significantly improve hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)–fed mice and oleic acid (OA)–treated HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, BBR and BRB treatment similarly prevented lipid accumulation by regulating the protein expression of ATGL, GK, PPARα, CPT-1, ACC1, FAS, and CD36. In addition, compared with BBR, BRB could maintain glucose homeostasis via GLUT2, GSK3β, and G6Pase in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, the components of the gut microbiota in mice were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BBR and BRB treatment could greatly modify the structure and composition of gut microbiota. At the genus level, BBR and BRB treatment decreased Lactobacillus and Romboutsia, while BBR increased beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Bacteroides, and BRB increased beneficial bacteria, such as Ileibacterium and Mucispirillum. Altogether, both BRB and BBR were active in alleviating NAFLD in vivo and BRB might be used as a functional material to treat NAFLD clinically.
On Non-Convexity of the Nonclassicality Measure via Operator Ordering Sensitivity
Authors: Fu Shuangshuang , Luo Shunlong , Zhang Yue
Published: July 2022

In quantum optics, nonclassicality in the sense of Glauber-Sudarshan is a valuable resource related to the quantum aspect of photons. A desirable and intuitive requirement for a consistent measure of nonclassicality is convexity: Classical mixing should not increase nonclassicality. We show that the recently introduced nonclassicality measure [Phys. Rev. Lett. 122, 080402 (2019)] is not convex. This nonclassicality measure is defined via operator ordering sensitivity, which is an interesting and significant probe (witness) of nonclassicality without convexity but can be intrinsically connected to the convex Wigner-Yanase skew information [Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. United States 49, 910 (1963)] via the square root operation on quantum states. Motivated by the Wigner-Yanase skew information, we also propose a faithful measure of nonclassicality, although it cannot be readily computed, it is convex.
Research Advances and Prospects of Orphan Genes in Plants
Authors: Jiang Mingliang , Li Xiaonan , Dong Xiangshu , Zu Ye , Zhan Zongxiang , Piao Zhongyun , Lang Hong
Published: July 2022

Orphan genes (OGs) are defined as genes having no sequence similarity with genes present in other lineages. OGs have been regarded to play a key role in the development of lineage-specific adaptations and can also serve as a constant source of evolutionary novelty. These genes have often been found related to various stress responses, species-specific traits, special expression regulation, and also participate in primary substance metabolism. The advancement in sequencing tools and genome analysis methods has made the identification and characterization of OGs comparatively easier. In the study of OG functions in plants, significant progress has been made. We review recent advances in the fast evolving characteristics, expression modulation, and functional analysis of OGs with a focus on their role in plant biology. We also emphasize current challenges, adoptable strategies and discuss possible future directions of functional study of OGs.
Does Corporate Social Responsibility Heterogeneity Affect Corporate Financial Performance Through Technological Innovation? The Moderating Effects of Advertising Intensity
Authors: Niu Mengxi , Ma Wentao
Published: July 2022

In this study, we examine the effects of firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR), technological innovation, and advertising intensity on corporate financial performance (CFP). Prior research has shown mixed findings for the CSR–CFP relationship. To provide additional evidence and alternative explanations for these mixed findings, we built a moderated mediating model by combining the knowledge-based view with the stakeholder theory. We use this model to examine whether CSR influences CFP by affecting technological innovation, and whether such mediating effects are moderated by advertising intensity. We classify heterogeneous CSR activities into technical and institutional activities. Using data from 2010 to 2018 on Chinese listed firms, we find that superior technical CSR performance can enhance CFP by promoting technological innovation and that it promotes technological innovation to a greater extent when advertising intensity is higher. However, institutional CSR does not affect technological innovation or CFP. The findings suggest that to improve the firm's financial position, its resources should be allocated effectively to technical CSR activities as well as to innovation and advertising.
Exploring the Role of Social Connection in Interventions With Military Veterans Diagnosed With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: Gettings Richard D. , Kirtley Jenna , Wilson-Menzfeld Gemma , Oxburgh Gavin E. , Farrell Derek , Kiernan Matthew D.
Published: July 2022

Background

It has been identified that military veterans have distinct experiences of loneliness and social isolation and, when comparing this community to other client groups with a PTSD diagnosis, veterans respond less favorably to treatment. However, the link between PTSD and loneliness for veterans remains insufficiently researched and it is unclear if there are effective interventions tackling this distinct experience of loneliness.

Aims

This systematic narrative review aimed to synthesize existing evidence incorporating elements of social connection, social isolation, and loneliness within interventions for military veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD, consequently aiming to examine the impact of such interventions upon this community.

Methods

Six databases were searched, utilizing relevant search criteria, with no date restrictions. Articles were included if they involved intervention or treatment for military veterans with PTSD and considered elements of social connection, social isolation, and/or loneliness. The initial search returned 202 papers. After exclusions, removal of duplications, and a reference/citation search, 28 papers remained and were included in this review.

Results

From the 28 studies, 11 directly addressed social isolation and two studies directly addressed loneliness. Six themes were generated: (i) rethinking the diagnosis of PTSD, (ii) holistic interventions, (iii) peer support, (iv) social reintegration, (v) empowerment through purpose and community, and (vi) building trust.

Conclusions

A direct focus upon social reintegration and engagement, psychosocial functioning, building trust, peer support, group cohesiveness and empowerment through a sense of purpose and learning new skills may mitigate experiential loneliness and social isolation for veterans with PTSD. Future research and practice should further explore the needs of the PTSD-diagnosed veteran community, seek to explore and identify potential common routes toward the development of PTSD within this community and consider bespoke interventions for tackling loneliness.
Searching for Best Predictors of Paralinguistic Comprehension and Production of Emotions in Communication in Adults With Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Calić Gordana , Glumbić Nenad , Petrović-Lazić Mirjana , Đorđević Mirjana , Mentus Tatjana
Published: July 2022

Paralinguistic comprehension and production of emotions in communication include the skills of recognizing and interpreting emotional states with the help of facial expressions, prosody and intonation. In the relevant scientific literature, the skills of paralinguistic comprehension and production of emotions in communication are related primarily to receptive language abilities, although some authors found also their correlations with intellectual abilities and acoustic features of the voice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate which of the mentioned variables (receptive language ability, acoustic features of voice, intellectual ability, social-demographic), presents the most relevant predictor of paralinguistic comprehension and paralinguistic production of emotions in communication in adults with moderate intellectual disabilities (MID). The sample included 41 adults with MID, 20–49 years of age (M = 34.34, SD = 7.809), 29 of whom had MID of unknown etiology, while 12 had Down syndrome. All participants are native speakers of Serbian. Two subscales from The Assessment Battery for Communication – Paralinguistic comprehension of emotions in communication and Paralinguistic production of emotions in communication, were used to assess the examinees from the aspect of paralinguistic comprehension and production skills. For the graduation of examinees from the aspect of assumed predictor variables, the following instruments were used: Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test was used to assess receptive language abilities, Computerized Speech Lab (“Kay Elemetrics” Corp., model 4300) was used to assess acoustic features of voice, and Raven’s Progressive Matrices were used to assess intellectual ability. Hierarchical regression analysis was applied to investigate to which extent the proposed variables present an actual predictor variables for paralinguistic comprehension and production of emotions in communication as dependent variables. The results of this analysis showed that only receptive language skills had statistically significant predictive value for paralinguistic comprehension of emotions (β = 0.468, t = 2.236, p < 0.05), while the factor related to voice frequency and interruptions, form the domain of acoustic voice characteristics, displays predictive value for paralinguistic production of emotions (β = 0.280, t = 2.076, p < 0.05). Consequently, this study, in the adult population with MID, evidenced a greater importance of voice and language in relation to intellectual abilities in understanding and producing emotions.
Regional Patterning of Adult Neurogenesis in the Homing Pigeon’s Brain
Authors: Mehlhorn Julia , Niski Nelson , Liu Ke , Caspers Svenja , Amunts Katrin , Herold Christina
Published: July 2022

In the avian brain, adult neurogenesis has been reported in the telencephalon of several species, but the functional significance of this trait is still ambiguous. Homing pigeons (Columba livia f.d.) are well-known for their navigational skills. Their brains are functionally adapted to homing with, e.g., larger hippocampi. So far, no comprehensive mapping of adult neuro- and gliogenesis or studies of different developmental neuronal stages in the telencephalon of homing pigeons exists, although comprehensive analyses in various species surely will result in a higher understanding of the functional significance of adult neurogenesis. Here, adult, free flying homing pigeons were treated with 5-bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label adult newborn cells. Brains were dissected and immunohistochemically processed with several markers (GFAP, Sox2, S100ß, Tbr2, DCX, Prox1, Ki67, NeuN, Calbindin, Calretinin) to study different stages of adult neurogenesis in a quantitative and qualitative way. Therefore, immature and adult newborn neurons and glial cells were analyzed along the anterior–posterior axis. The analysis proved the existence of different neuronal maturation stages and showed that immature cells, migrating neurons and adult newborn neurons and glia were widely and regionally unequally distributed. Double- and triple-labelling with developmental markers allowed a stage classification of adult neurogenesis in the pigeon brain (1: continuity of stem cells/proliferation, 2: fate specification, 3: differentiation/maturation, 4: integration). The most adult newborn neurons and glia were found in the intercalated hyperpallium (HI) and the hippocampal formation (HF). The highest numbers of immature (DCX+) cells were detected in the nidopallium (N). Generally, the number of newborn glial cells exceeded the number of newborn neurons. Individual structures (e.g., HI, N, and HF) showed further variations along the anterior–posterior axis. Our qualitative classification and the distribution of maturing cells in the forebrain support the idea that there is a functional specialization, respectively, that there is a link between brain-structure and function, species-specific requirements and adult neurogenesis. The high number of immature neurons also suggests a high level of plasticity, which points to the ability for rapid adaption to environmental changes through additive mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss a possible influence of adult neurogenesis on spatial cognition.
Corporate Co-Agglomeration and Green Economy Efficiency in China
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Zhang Yunqi , Yang Weizhi
Published: July 2022

This paper uses panel OLS, IV, and system GMM methods to empirically study the effects of manufacturing and producer service corporate co-agglomeration on green economy efficiency (GEE) in China. Chinese panel data from 2000 to 2019 are collected to assess the GEE and co-agglomeration degrees. The regression results show that there is an “inverted U-shaped” relationship between co-agglomeration and GEE. However, regional heterogeneity is found in the effects of corporate co-agglomeration on GEE. The mediating analysis indicates that corporate co-agglomeration could increase GEE through business entrepreneurship and innovation entrepreneurship. Variables such as transportation infrastructure, human capital, foreign direct investment, and environmental regulations are also found to have an elevating effect on GEE, whereas local fiscal expenditure on environmental protection has little effect. The findings in this paper indicate that entrepreneurship plays an important role in the process of co-agglomeration impacting GEE which differs in different regions and thus provide references for corporate and regional sustainable development.
Identification of Everyday Sounds Affects Their Pleasantness
Authors: Heller Laurie M. , Smith Jessica M.
Published: July 2022

This study examines the role of source identification in the emotional response to everyday sounds. Although it is widely acknowledged that sound identification modulates the unpleasantness of sounds, this assumption is based on sparse evidence on a select few sounds. We gathered more robust evidence by having listeners judge the causal properties of sounds, such as actions, materials, and causal agents. Participants also identified and rated the pleasantness of the sounds. We included sounds from a variety of emotional categories, such as Neutral, Misophonic, Unpleasant, and Pleasant. The Misophonic category consists of everyday sounds that are uniquely distressing to a subset of listeners who suffer from Misophonia. Sounds from different emotional categories were paired together based on similar causal properties. This enabled us to test the prediction that a sound’s pleasantness should increase or decrease if it is misheard as being in a more or less pleasant emotional category, respectively. Furthermore, we were able to induce more misidentifications by imposing spectral degradation in the form of envelope vocoding. Several instances of misidentification were obtained, all of which showed pleasantness changes that agreed with our predictions.
The Collaborative Governance Between Public and Private Companies to Address Climate Issues to Foster Environmental Performance: Do Environmental Innovation Resistance and Environmental Law Matter?
Authors: Sijing Wei
Published: July 2022

In the recent decade, the environmental problem is increasing significantly worldwide. With the decrease in environmental health, the environmental performance is decreasing continuously having adverse consequences for the societies. Therefore, to address the environmental problem in China, the current study examined the role of collaborative governance in environmental performance. Consequently, this study examined the relationship between collaborative governance, innovative methods, performance, availability of resources, environmental innovation resistance, environmental law, and environmental performance. Both the public and private companies of environmental protection working in China are considered. To address the objective of the study, a quantitative research approach is used along with the cross-sectional research design. A questionnaire survey is carried out among the public and private companies working in China for data collection. A total of 290 valid questionnaires were returned and used in data analysis. Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used for data analysis. Results of this study reported important findings which have a contribution to the literature and practice. Collaborative governance has major importance to enhance environmental performance. The collaboration between public and private companies has the potential to enhance environmental performance. It is found that an increase in collaborative governance can increase the innovative methods, performance, and availability of resources which can enhance environmental performance. The improvement in innovative methods, performance, and availability of resources can foster environmental performance. Furthermore, environmental innovation resistance can decrease environmental performance. Most significantly, environmental law is crucial to enhancing environmental performance. The better implementation of environmental law can enhance the environmental performance in China.
Job Demands, Resources and Burnout Among Polish Nurses During the Late Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Emotional Labor
Authors: Wójcik Grzegorz , Wontorczyk Antoni , Barańska Ilona
Published: July 2022

Objective

Burnout has been recognized as a serious health problem. Nurses as a professional group are at a high risk of burnout occurrence, especially when facing burden associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite evidence that higher job demands lead to burnout, there is less known about the indirect effect of job demands and resources on burnout via surface acting. Using the JD-R framework, this study examined how job demands and resources affected burnout among Polish nurses and whether these relationships are mediated by surface acting and moderated by coping with the workload.

Materials and Methods

A sample of 270 nurses from the biggest hospital in Southern Poland filled out an online questionnaire at the time between the fourth and the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The Polish adaptations of Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), Organizational Constraints Scale (OCS), Interpersonal Conflict at Work Scale (ICAWS), Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS), and Emotional Labor Scale (ELS) were used. Mediation and moderation analyses were carried out in the SPSS macro-PROCESS.

Results

Surface acting partially mediated the positive association between organizational constraints and interpersonal conflict at work and burnout, as well as the negative association between the perceived organizational support and burnout. Coping with workload moderated the direct effect of organizational constraints on burnout via surface acting.

Conclusion

The findings enrich the knowledge of the mediating and moderating mechanisms to explain the association between job demands, resources and burnout among nurses. There have been proposed interventions concerning increasing organizational support, effective emotional regulation of management education and psychological training regarding adequate coping strategies which could help reduce or prevent the occurrence of burnout in this professional group.
Environmental Persistence of the World's Most Burdensome Infectious and Parasitic Diseases
Authors: Hopkins Skylar R. , Jones Isabel J. , Buck Julia C. , LeBoa Christopher , Kwong Laura H. , Jacobsen Kim , Rickards Chloe , Lund Andrea J. , Nova Nicole , MacDonald Andrew J. , Lambert-Peck Miles , De Leo Giulio A. , Sokolow Susanne H.
Published: July 2022

Humans live in complex socio-ecological systems where we interact with parasites and pathogens that spend time in abiotic and biotic environmental reservoirs (e.g., water, air, soil, other vertebrate hosts, vectors, intermediate hosts). Through a synthesis of published literature, we reviewed the life cycles and environmental persistence of 150 parasites and pathogens tracked by the World Health Organization's Global Burden of Disease study. We used those data to derive the time spent in each component of a pathogen's life cycle, including total time spent in humans versus all environmental stages. We found that nearly all infectious organisms were “environmentally mediated” to some degree, meaning that they spend time in reservoirs and can be transmitted from those reservoirs to human hosts. Correspondingly, many infectious diseases were primarily controlled through environmental interventions (e.g., vector control, water sanitation), whereas few (14%) were primarily controlled by integrated methods (i.e., combining medical and environmental interventions). Data on critical life history attributes for most of the 150 parasites and pathogens were difficult to find and often uncertain, potentially hampering efforts to predict disease dynamics and model interactions between life cycle time scales and infection control strategies. We hope that this synthetic review and associated database serve as a resource for understanding both common patterns among parasites and pathogens and important variability and uncertainty regarding particular infectious diseases. These insights can be used to improve systems-based approaches for controlling environmentally mediated diseases of humans in an era where the environment is rapidly changing.
Facilitators and Barriers to Sustainable Employment After Spinal Cord Injury or Acquired Brain Injury: The Person's Perspective
Authors: Karcz Katarzyna , Schiffmann Barbara , Schwegler Urban , Staubli Stefan , Finger Monika E.
Published: July 2022

Background

Sustaining employment after initial return to work represents a major challenge for people with a disability. While individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and acquired brain injury (ABI) make a prime example for this challenge, their view on factors supporting and hindering sustainable employment have rarely been investigated in depth so far.

Purpose

To examine facilitators and barriers to sustainable employment, as perceived by persons with SCI or ABI.

Methods

Fourteen focus groups and four individual interviews were conducted and thematically analyzed.

Results

Perceived facilitators and barriers to sustainable employment reflected the three biopsychosocial areas of personal, impairment-related and environmental factors. For both condition groups, key facilitators included environmental factors (i.e., aspects of the work organization, the workplace, supportive private and work environment) and personal factors (i.e., the ability to self-advocate, to communicate and to learn how to live with one's own disability). Major barriers comprised injury-related impairments, including decreased mobility and pain for people with SCI and fatigue and limited cognitive resources for persons with ABI, as well as environmental factors related to insurance procedures and the social security system for both conditions.

Conclusions

The biopsychosocial factors identified in our study as well as their interplay should receive particular attention to optimally support sustainable employment in vocational integration and work retention practice. Interventions should particularly focus on the empowerment of those affected as well as on the creation of supportive work environments that match their abilities and needs.
Analyzing Local Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide Emissions From Space Using the Divergence Method: An Application to the Synthetic SMARTCARB Dataset
Authors: Hakkarainen Janne , Ialongo Iolanda , Koene Erik , Szeląg Monika E. , Tamminen Johanna , Kuhlmann Gerrit , Brunner Dominik
Published: July 2022

Since the Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015, the role of space-based observations for monitoring anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has increased. To meet the requirements for monitoring carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the European Copernicus programme is preparing a dedicated CO2 Monitoring (CO2M) satellite constellation that will provide CO2 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observations at 4 km2 resolution along a 250 km wide swath. In this paper, we adapt the recently developed divergence method to derive both CO2 and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions of cities and power plants from a CO2M satellite constellation by using synthetic observations from the COSMO-GHG model. Due to its long lifetime, the large CO2 atmospheric background needs to be removed to highlight the anthropogenic enhancements before calculating the divergence. Since the CO2 noise levels are large compared to the anthropogenic enhancements, we apply different denoising methods and compare the effect on the CO2 emission estimates. The annual NOx and CO2 emissions estimated from the divergence maps using the peak fitting approach are in agreement with the expected values, although with larger uncertainties for CO2. We also consider the possibility to use co-emitted NOx emission estimates for quantifying the CO2 emissions, by using source-specific NOx-to-CO2 emission ratios derived directly from satellite observations. In general, we find that the divergence method provides a promising tool for estimating CO2 emissions, alternative to typical methods based on inverse modeling or on the analysis of individual CO2 plumes.
Dietary Change and Global Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Chen Canxi , Chaudhary Abhishek , Mathys Alexander
Published: July 2022

Food production for human consumption is a leading cause of environmental damage in the world and yet over two billion people suffer from malnutrition. Several studies have presented evidence that changes in dietary patterns across the world can lead to win-win outcomes for environmental and social sustainability and can complement ongoing technological and policy efforts to improve the efficiency of agricultural production. However, the existing evidence have been compiled in “silos” by a large range of researchers across several disciplines using different indicators. The aim of this quantitative review is to bring together the existing knowledge on heterogeneity of current dietary patterns across the world and how a transition toward healthy diets in different countries can aid in progress toward multiple global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We first summarize the nutritional quality, economic cost, and environmental footprint of current diets of over 150 countries using multiple indicators. Next, we review which shifts in dietary patterns across different world regions can help toward achievement of SDG2 (Zero hunger), SDG3 (Good health and wellbeing), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG13 (Climate action), SDG14 (Life below water), and SDG15 (Life on land). Finally, we briefly discuss how to enable the shift toward sustainable dietary patterns and identify the research and data gaps that need to be filled through future efforts. Our analysis reveals that dietary change is necessary in all countries as each one has unique priorities and action items. For regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, increased intake of nutrient dense foods is needed to address deficiency of essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and vitamin A. For North America and Europe, shifting toward more plant-based diets would be healthier and simultaneously reduce the per capita environmental footprints. The results can be useful for policymakers in designing country-specific strategies for adoption of sustainable dietary behaviors and for food industry to ensure the supply of sustainable food items customized with regions' need.
Severe Blunt Liver Injury Complicated by Delayed Massive Hemobilia in a Toddler: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Xiaoming , Sun Qianqian , Sun Wenjing , Niu Qiong , Wang Zhu , Liu Chen , Fu Tingliang , Geng Lei , Li Xiaomei
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Unintentional injuries remain a leading cause of disability among children. Although most of the pediatric patients suffering blunt liver injury can be successfully treated with non-operative therapy, the diagnosis and management of delayed life-threatening hemobilia following severe blunt liver injury, especially in the pediatric population, remain a challenge for clinicians.

Case Presentation

A previously healthy 2-year-old girl suffered a severe blunt liver injury related to an electric bike, which was inadvertently activated by herself. She initially received non-operative therapy and was in a stable condition in the first 2 weeks. On the 16th and 22nd postinjury days, the patient presented with life-threatening massive hemobilia, which was confirmed via repeat emergent gastroscopy and hepatic arterial angiography. An emergency selective transarterial embolization of the involved branch of the left hepatic artery was successfully performed. The patient recovered uneventfully, and long-term follow-up was needed owing to a mild dilatation of the left intrahepatic bile duct.

Discussion

Incidental injury in children should be considered as a major public health issue and preventive measures should be taken to reduce its occurrence. Delayed massive hemobilia after severe blunt liver trauma is rare, and its accurate and timely diagnosis via emergency hepatic arterial angiography and selective angioembolization may allow prompt and optimal management to achieve good outcomes in the pediatric population.
A Passivity-Based Velocity Control Method of Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation for Space Robotic Operations
Authors: He Jun , Shen Mingjin , Gao Feng
Published: July 2022

The hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation is an important approach to test space robotic operations, rendering virtual free-floating dynamics on robotic facilities. However, this approach suffers from velocity divergence due to intrinsic time delay in the control loop. This paper proposes a passivity-based control strategy to handle the simulation divergence. A HIL simulation system with an industrial robot is modelled and its divergence problems are analyzed through numerical simulations. Then, through representing the HIL simulation system in a passivity network of view, the passivity observer (PO) of the dynamic system is established. The PO includes the effect of a real contact damping on energy flow of the passivity network during a contact process. Thus, a passivity controller is defined. Moreover, a real-time estimation method for contact damping is presented. Finally, collision experiments against a virtual wall and real collision experiments are both implemented. The experimental results show that the simulation divergence due to the time delay can be prevented by the proposed control strategy, and that the velocity characteristics with high fidelity are rendered on the HIL simulation system.
Modeling the Relationship between Business Process Reengineering and Organizational Culture
Authors: Fetais Aljazzi , Abdella Galal M. , Al-Khalifa Khalifa N. , Hamouda Abdel Magid
Published: July 2022

Business process reengineering (BPR) has been widely known for its effectiveness in generating chances for organizational improvement. Understanding and modeling the relationship between the factors that contribute to the BPR and organizational culture (OC) is critical for the success of its implementation. This paper introduces a fuzzy-based analytical hierarchy process, named FAHP, for integrating the factors affecting BPR with OC to ensure the BPR’s success. First, a real case study was conducted to investigate the operational effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach. Then, the BPR factors were validated and prioritized by a panel of experts from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) members network-Qatar chapter and a group of quality directors in Qatar. On the other side, the OC factors were investigated via a systematic literature review. Finally, an analytical correlation study was conducted to understand the relationship between the corresponding factors better. The correlation analysis study has shown that the organizational strategy, leadership, and transfer of knowledge are highly correlated with respect to people, innovation, and supportiveness. The team orientation, outcome orientation, and attention to detail factors have a medium correlation with the BPR factors. Moreover, the aggressiveness showed a weak correlation with all the BPR factors. The outcomes of this study provide decision-makers with guidelines for successful integration of the BPR and OC factors to ensure effective implementation of the BPR initiatives.
Global/Regional Impacts on Present and Near-Future Climate Regimes in the Metropolitan Region of Belém, Eastern Amazon
Authors: Gutierrez Carlos B. B. , de Souza Everaldo B. , Gutierrez Dione M. G.
Published: July 2022

Impact studies have contributed to a better integrated scientific understanding of the climate and environment of the Amazon, in the present, past, and future. This work aims to describe the regional impacts of human-induced landcover changes on the RAINY (January to April) and DRY (July to November) regime of the Metropolitan Region of Belém (MRB), the first frontier of Amazonian occupation. Furthermore, a dynamic downscaling (RegCM4 driven by HadGEM2-ES under the RCP8.5 scenario) was performed to investigate future global climate change impacts. A present climate (1985/2020) quantitative analysis showed that the disorderly urban enlargement in Belém and the forest suppression that led to the uncontrolled expansion of pasture/agriculture area over MRB has conditioned a local warmer climate with a significant increasing air temperature trend in both seasonal regimes. Another clear piece of evidence was the systematic intensification of the precipitation during the RAINY period. RegCM4 simulations indicate that the region will be impacted by the global climate change, such that warmer conditions in the DRY and intensified rainfall in the RAINY regime are expected to persist in the coming decades (2021/2045). Our findings for the MRB (area 3565 km2 for a population about 2.5 million inhabitants) are relevant and should be considered in the tasks of long-term planning and elaboration of advanced strategies to mitigate future climate-related risks and urban disaster management.
Evaluation of Water Vapor Product from TROPOMI and GOME-2 Satellites against Ground-Based GNSS Data over Europe
Authors: Vaquero-Martinez Javier , Anton Manuel , Chan Ka Lok , Loyola Diego
Published: July 2022

A novel integrated water vapor (IWV) product from TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) is validated together with a Global Ozone Monitoring Instrument-2 (GOME-2) standard product. As reference, ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) IWV data in 235 European stations from May 2018 to May 2019 are used. Under cloud free situations, a general comparison is carried out. It suggests that TROPOMI IWV exhibits less bias than GOME-2 and better results in the dispersion and regression parameters. Moreover, TROPOMI presents more homogeneous results along the different stations. However, TROPOMI is found to be overestimating the IWV uncertainties and being, therefore, too conservative in the confidence interval considered. The dependence of satellite product performance on several variables is also discussed. TROPOMI IWV shows wet bias of 5.7% or less for IWV < 10 mm (TROPOMI) and dry bias of up to −3% (TROPOMI). In contrast, GOME-2 shows wet bias of 30% or less for IWV < 25 mm (GOME-2) and dry bias of −12.3% for IWV > 25 mm. In addition, relative standard deviation (rSD) increases as IWV increases. In addition, the dependence on solar zenith angle (SZA) was also analyzed, as solar radiation bands are used in the retrieval algorithm of both instruments. Relative mean bias error (rMBE) shows positive values for GOME-2, slightly increasing with SZA, while TROPOMI shows more stable values. However, under high SZA, GOME-2 IWV exhibits a steep increase in rMBE (overestimation), while TROPOMI IWV exhibits a moderate decrease (underestimation). rSD is slightly increasing with SZA. The influence of cloudiness on satellite IWV observations is such that TROPOMI tends to overestimate IWV more as cloudiness increases, especially for high IWV. In the case of GOME-2, the rSD slightly increases with cloudiness, but TROPOMI rSD has a marked increase with increasing cloudiness. TROPOMI IWV is an important source of information about moisture, but its algorithm could still benefit from further improvement to respond better to cloudy situations.
Amelioration of Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Experimental Mice Using the Medicinal Plant Salvia moorcroftiana
Authors: Wahid Fazal , Jan Tour , Al-Joufi Fakhria A. , Ali Shah Syed Wadood , Nisar Mohammad , Zahoor Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Salvia moorcroftiana is medicinally used in various parts of the world to treat a number of diseases. In the literature, the antiamnesic activity of this plant has not yet been reported. Therefore, the current study was aimed at evaluating the in vivo antiamnesic (scopolamine-induced) potential of Salvia moorcroftiana. The major phytochemical groups such as total phenolic (TPC), total tannin (TTC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in methanolic extract (SlMo-Crd) and subsequent fractions of Salvia moorcroftiana were quantified using standard methods. The in vitro anticholinesterase (against butyryl cholinesterase; BChE and acetylcholinesterase; AChE) and antioxidant (against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; DPPH and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid); ABTS free radicals) potentials of crude (SIMO-Crd) extract and fractions (hexane; SlMo-Hex, chloroform; SlMo-Chl, ethyl acetate; SlMo-Et) were also determined. The SlMo-Crd at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight compared to fractions of 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight (which were 1/10th of the highest dose tested in acute toxicity tests) were evaluated for their memory enhancement and learning behavior in normal and scopolamine-induced mental dysfunction in mice using behavioral memory tests such as the Y-maze test and novel object recognition test (NORT). Moreover, the samples were further evaluated for acetylcholine contents and biochemical markers such as MDA (malondialdehyde), SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase), and GSH (glutathione peroxidase) levels. The maximum TPC with a value of 114.81 ± 1.15 mg GAE/g, TTC with a value of 106.79 ± 1.07 mg GAE/g, and TFC with a value of 194.29 ± 0.83 mg RE/g were recorded for the SlMo-Chl fraction. Against the DPPH free radical, the methanolic extract exhibited an IC50 value of 95.29 ± 1.06 µg/mL whereas, among the fractions, the best activity was observed for the SlMo-Chl fraction with an IC50 of 75.02 ± 0.91 µg/mL, followed by SlMoS-Et with an IC50 value of 88.71 ± 0.87 µg/mL. Among the extracts, the SlMo-Chl and SlMo-Et fractions inverted the amnesic effects of scopolamine in mice effectively. Additionally, the SlMo-Chl and SIMO-Et fractions considerably enhanced the percent spontaneous alteration performance in the Y-maze test with values of 65.18 ± 2.61/69.51 ± 2.71 and 54.92 ± 2.49/60.41 ± 2.69, respectively, for the tested doses. The discrimination index (DI) in experimental mice was considerably enhanced by the SlMo-Chl in the NORT with values of 59.81 ± 1.21/61.22 ± 1.31% DI correspondingly for the tested doses, as mentioned above, followed by the SlMo-Et extract. The selected plant in the form of extracts ameliorated the effects of amnesia in mice and could, therefore, be used as a therapy for amnesia; however, this is subject to further exploration in other animal models and the isolation of the responsible compounds.
Editorial for Brain Sciences Special Issue “Epidemiology of ASD Services: Unmet Need, Barriers and Innovative Solutions”
Authors: Venerosi Aldina , Chiarotti Flavia
Published: July 2022

We are very honoured by the collaboration we had with the editorial staff of Brain Sciences for the realization of the special issue “Epidemiology of ASD Services: Unmet Need, Barriers and Innovative Solutions” [...]
The Counteractive Effect of Self-Regulation-Based Interventions on Prior Mental Exertion: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Sun He , Soh Kim Geok , Roslan Samsilah , Norjali Wazir Mohd Rozilee Wazir , Liu Fang , Zhao Zijian
Published: July 2022

Background: Many investigations have been performed on the effects of mental exertion that consumes self-regulatory resources and then affects physical and/or cognitive performance later on. However, the effect of manipulating self-regulation and interventions to attenuate this negative effect remains unclear. Moreover, there is continuous controversy regarding the resource model of self-regulation. Objective: We conducted a systematic review to assess the literature on manipulating self-regulation based on four ingredients (standard, monitoring, strength, and motivation) in order to counter mental exertion and improve physical and/or cognitive performance. The results provide more insight into the resource model. Method: A thorough search was conducted to extract the relevant literature from several databases, as well as Google Scholar, and the sources from the references were included as grey literature. A self-regulation intervention compared to a control condition, a physical and/or cognitive task, and a randomised controlled trial were selected. Result: A total of 39 publications were included. Regarding the four components of self-regulation, the interventions could mainly be divided into the following: (i) standard: implementation intervention; (ii) monitoring: biofeedback and time monitoring; (iii) strength: repeated exercise, mindfulness, nature exposure, and recovery strategies; (iv) motivation: autonomy-supportive and monetary incentives. The majority of the interventions led to significant improvement in subsequent self-regulatory performance. In addition, the resource model of self-regulation and attention-restoration theory were the most frequently used theories and supported relevant interventions. Conclusion: In line with the resource model, manipulating the four components of self-regulation can effectively attenuate the negative influence of mental exertion. The conservation proposed in the strength model of self-regulation was supported in the current findings to explain the role of motivation in the self-regulation process. Future studies can focus on attention as the centre of the metaphorical resource in the model.
SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Tönges Lars , Klebe Stephan
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many areas of our daily life [...]
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Kim Iljin , Choi Sanga , Yoo Seongkyeong , Lee Mingyu , Kim In-San
Published: July 2022

Solid cancers are composed of malignant cells and their surrounding matrix components. Hypoxia plays a critical role in shaping the tumor microenvironment that contributes to cancer progression and treatment failure. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most prominent components of the tumor microenvironment. CAFs are highly sensitive to hypoxia and participates in the crosstalk with cancer cells. Hypoxic CAFs modulate several mechanisms that induce cancer malignancy, such as extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Key signaling molecules regulating CAFs in hypoxia include transforming growth factor (TGF-β) and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). In this article, we summarize the mechanisms underlying the hypoxic regulation of CAFs and how hypoxic CAFs affect cancer development and progression. We also discuss the potential therapeutic strategies focused on targeting CAFs in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment.