bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with stroke history in a reverse J-shape
Authors: Pan Jue-heng , Wu Shuo-long , Ma Jing-xiang , Chang Long , Zheng Ying-feng , Wang Xiao-dong
Published: January 2023

Background

25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], the major form of vitamin D in the body, has a non-linear association with stroke risk. However, the association is not fully understood. The specific shape of the association and the ideal value of 25(OH)D related to minimum risk of stroke remain unclear.

Aim

We conducted the study to establish the correlation between circulating 25(OH)D and stroke history and determine the ideal value of 25(OH)D in relation to the lowest stroke prevalence.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used for analyzes. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis with fitted smooth curves to explore the relationship between 25(OH)D and self-reported stroke history. Subsequently, 40,632 participants were enrolled in the study.

Results

A reverse J-shaped association between 25(OH)D and stroke history was determined, where the lowest stroke prevalence for the 25(OH)D level was about 60 nmol/L. After adjusting for confounding factors, prevalence of stroke showed an increasing trend below and above the middle quintile (53.2–65.4 nmol/L) of 25(OH)D. Participants with 25(OH)D levels in the lowest quintile (≤ 39.3 nmol/L) had a 38% increased prevalence of stroke (OR 1.38, 95 %CI 1.12–1.70), while those in the higher level range of 25(OH)D (65.5–80.8 nmol/L) had a 27% higher stroke prevalence (OR 1.27, 95 %CI 1.03–1.57).

Conclusion

Using data from a large, cross-sectional cohort program, we found that circulating 25(OH)D was related to stroke history in a reverse J-shaped manner. Given how the causal relationship between circulating 25(OH)D and history of stroke has not been established, more high-quality evidence based on the reverse J-shaped feature is needed to elucidate the link between vitamin D and stroke risk, and the effect of vitamin D supplements on stroke prevention.
Face and content validation of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—Bulbar dysfunction index (ALS-BDI)
Authors: Yunusova Yana , Waito Ashley , Barnett Tapia Carolina , Huynh Anna , Martino Rosemary , Abrahao Agessandro , Pattee Gary L. , Berry James D. , Zinman Lorne , Green Jordan R.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Early detection and tracking of bulbar dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are critical for directing management of the disease. Existing physiological assessments of bulbar dysfunction are often inaccessible and cost-prohibitive for clinical application. Existing clinical assessments are limited. The overall goal of our research is to develop a brief and reliable, clinician-administered assessment tool, the ALS Bulbar Dysfunction Index (ALS-BDI) to evaluate bulbar dysfunction. The aim of this study was to establish content and face validity of the ALS-BDI through item generation and reduction, including item scoring.

Methods

The design of the ALS-BDI followed guidelines outlined by the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). The design stage of the ALS-BDI involved two steps: (Step 1) the generation of candidate items from a literature review of commonly used clinical tools, and selection of items following a review of item reliability and item relevance and expert consensus; (Step 2) the assessment of their content and face validityviaonline survey feedback from experts (n= 35). The initial design was followed by a semi-structured cognitive interview with Speech-Language Pathologists (n= 5) to finalize a testable draft of the instrument.

Results

Two drafts of the ALS-BDI were developed. The first draft contained 48 items, after a review of existing clinical tools for their relevance to bulbar dysfunction in ALS. Of the 48 items, 35 items were retained after surveying experts and clinician users for their relevance, feasibility, interpretability, and appropriateness. The second draft of the ALS-BDI contained 37 items, due to one item splitting, based on users cognitive interviews.

Conclusions

The ALS-BDI described in this study aims to provide a brief and reliable, clinician-administered assessment tool to evaluate bulbar dysfunction in patients with ALS. Future research will evaluate the psychometric properties of this tool including its reliability, validity, and responsiveness to change over time.
Selectivity of timing: A meta-analysis of temporal processing in neuroimaging studies using activation likelihood estimation and reverse inference
Authors: Mondok Chloe , Wiener Martin
Published: January 2023

Over the last few decades, many researchers have investigated time perception and how it is processed in the brain. Past studies have identified cortical and subcortical regions that play an important role in implicit and/or explicit timing tasks. In regard to timing, different regions appear to have roles of varying importance depending on the duration (sub-second vs. supra-second), type of task (such as involving motor responses or passively observing stimuli), and modality (such as auditory, visual, and sensorimotor) resulting in the literature reporting divergent results that are contingent on the specifics of the task. This meta-analysis aims at identifying regions that show activation only for explicit timing tasks through reverse inference. As such, two datasets (the first including studies that involved explicit timing tasks while the second did not) were compared using the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) algorithm. Reverse inference was implemented through Bayes factor modeling, which allowed for the comparison of the activated regions between the two ALE-maps. Results showed a constellation of regions that exhibited selective activation likelihood in explicit timing tasks with the largest posterior probability of activation resulting in the left supplementary motor area (SMA) and the bilateral insula. Some areas that have been dubbed critical for time perception in past studies (i.e., the cerebellum) did not exhibit prevalent activation after analyses.
Identification of peptides sequence and conformation contributed to potential allergenicity of main allergens in yogurts
Authors: Huang Meijia , Yang Fan , Wu Yong , Meng Xuanyi , Shi Linbo , Chen Hongbing , Li Xin
Published: January 2023

Yogurts provide a good source of nutrition and may induce tolerance in people with cow’s milk allergy (CMA). This study aimed to investigate the IgE-binding capacity of main allergens in the different yogurts which provide a reference for people with a high risk of CMA, and analyze the epitopes of major allergen peptides in yogurt. We assessed the degradation and the allergenic properties of major allergens in six commercial yogurts and fresh milk. The degradation of major allergens was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC. Western blot and ELISA experiments detected allergenic characteristics by using specific sera. The results showed that β-lactoglobulin (Bos d 5) and α-lactalbumin (Bos d 4) were obviously degraded in yogurts but caseins were still present in abundance, which indicated that the proteases in yogurts were specific to whey proteins. IgE and IgG binding ability of major allergens were obviously reduced in yogurts, especially GuMi yogurt. In addition, 17 peptides of major allergens in GuMi yogurt were identified by LC-MS/MS and most of them were located in the interior of the spatial structure of proteins. Among them, 8 peptides had specific biological functions for health benefits, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, and ACE-inhibitory. We also found that 6 and 14 IgE epitopes of Bos d 5 and caseins were destroyed in GuMi yogurt, which could lead to the reduction of IgE-binding capacity. Meanwhile, peptides [Bos d 5 (AA15–40), Bos d 9 (AA120–151, AA125–151)] also preserved T cell epitopes, which might also induce the development of oral tolerance. Therefore, this study suggested that the sequence and conformation of peptides in yogurts contributed to hypoallergenicity.
L-shaped association of serum calcium with all-cause and CVD mortality in the US adults: A population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Hou Xinran , Hu Jie , Liu Zhuoyi , Wang E. , Guo Qulian , Zhang Zhong , Song Zongbin
Published: January 2023

Background

Calcium is involved in many biological processes, but the impact of serum calcium levels on long-term mortality in general populations has been rarely investigated.

Methods

This prospective cohort study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2018). All-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, and cancer mortality were obtained through linkage to the National Death Index. Survey-weighted multivariate Cox regression was performed to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidential intervals (CIs) for the associations of calcium levels with risks of mortality. Restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to examine the non-linear association of calcium levels with all-cause and disease-specific mortality.

Results

A total of 51,042 individuals were included in the current study. During an average of 9.7 years of follow-up, 7,592 all-cause deaths were identified, including 2,391 CVD deaths and 1,641 cancer deaths. Compared with participants in the first quartile (Q1) of serum calcium level [≤2.299 mmol/L], the risk of all-cause mortality was lower for participants in the second quartile (Q2) [2.300–2.349 mmol/L], the third quartile (Q3) [2.350–2.424 mmol/L] and the fourth quartile (Q4) [≥2.425 mmol/L] with multivariable-adjusted HRs of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.74–0.88), 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71–0.86), and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73, 0.88). Similar associations were observed for CVD mortality, with HRs of 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71–0.95), 0.87 (95% CI, 0.74–1.02), and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.72, 0.97) in Q2–Q4 quartile. Furthermore, the L-shaped non-linear associations were detected for serum calcium with the risk of all-cause mortality. Below the median of 2.350 mmol/L, per 0.1 mmol/L higher serum calcium was associated with a 24% lower risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.76, 95% CI, 0.70–0.83), however, no significant changes were observed when serum calcium was above the median. Similar L-shaped associations were detected for serum calcium with the risk of CVD mortality with a 25% reduction in the risk of CVD death per 0.1 mmol/L higher serum calcium below the median (HR: 0.75, 95% CI, 0.65–0.86).

Conclusion

L-shaped associations of serum calcium with all-cause and CVD mortality were observed in US adults, and hypocalcemia was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality.
Volumetric modulated arc therapy based total marrow and lymphoid irradiation: Workflow and clinical experience
Authors: Ladbury Colton , Han Chunhui , Liu An , Wong Jeffrey Y. C.
Published: January 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to report historical treatment planning experience at our institution for patients receiving total marrow and lymphatic irradiation (TMLI) using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) as part of the conditioning regimen prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Methods

We identified a total of fifteen patients with VMAT TMLI, ten with a prescription dose of 20 Gy (targeting the skeletal bones, lymph nodes, spleen, and spinal canal, with 12 Gy to the brain and liver) and five with a prescription dose of 12-16 Gy (targeting the skeletal bones, lymph nodes, spleen, and spinal canal). Representative dosimetric parameters including total treatment time, mean and median dose, D80, and D10 (dose covering 80% and 10% of the structure volume, respectively) for targets and normal organs were extracted and compared to historical patients treated with helical tomotherapy.

Results

The median treatment time for the first and subsequent fractions was 1.5 and 1.1 hours, respectively. All the target volumes had a mean dose greater than the prescribed dose except the ribs, which had an average mean dose of 19.5 Gy. The skeletal bones had an average mean dose of 21.1 Gy. The brain and liver have average mean doses of 14.8 and 14.1 Gy, respectively. The mean lung dose had an average of 7.6 ± 0.6 Gy for the 20-Gy cohort. Relative to the prescription dose of 20 Gy, the average mean dose for the normal organ volumes ranged from 16.5% to 72.0%, and the average median dose for the normal organs ranged from 16.5% to 71.0%. Dosimetry for patients treated to 12-16 Gy fell within expected ranges based on historical helical tomotherapy plans.

Conclusions

Dosimetric data in the VMAT TMLI plans at our institution are summarized for 20 Gy and 12-16 Gy cohorts. Dose distributions and treatment times are overall similar to plans generated with helical tomotherapy. TMLI may be delivered effectively using a VMAT technique, even at escalated doses.
Case report: Visibly curative effect of dabrafenib and trametinib on advanced thyroid carcinoma in 2 patients
Authors: Peng Xue , Lei Jianyong , Li Zhihui , Zhang Kun
Published: January 2023

Background

Differentiated thyroid cancer accounts for the majority of thyroid cancers and has a good prognosis after standard treatment. However, there are still some complex and refractory thyroid cancers, including locally advanced differentiated thyroid carcinoma and medullary carcinoma (MTC), poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Here, we report the therapeutic response of 2 advanced thyroid carcinoma patients treated with dabrafenib and trametinib.

Case presentation

Two elderly females presented to the clinic with neck masses, dyspnea, and dysphagia. Signs of the trachea and esophageal compression were markedly visible in computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonography. Pathologic diagnoses of PDTC were confirmed for both patients through ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-FNA). Both patients were significantly relieved from dyspnea and dysphagia after a course of treatment with dabrafenib and trametinib, and their tumors gradually shrank during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Overall, this treatment modality is rare, but effective. By sharing these 2 case reports, we hope to provide a reference for the treatment of clinically similar patients with advanced thyroid carcinoma.
Alternative splicing event associated with immunological features in bladder cancer
Authors: Yu Xinbo , Luo Bixian , Lin Jianwei , Zhu Yu
Published: January 2023

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is the most prevalent urinary tumor with few treatments. Alternative splicing (AS) is closely related to tumor development and tumor immune microenvironment. However, the comprehensive analysis of AS and prognosis and immunological features in BLCA is still lacking. In this study, we downloaded RNA-Seq data and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and AS events were acquired from the TCGA Splice-seq. A total of eight prognostic AS events (C19orf57|47943|ES, ANK3|11845|AP, AK9|77203|AT, GRIK2|77096|AT, DYM|45472|ES, PTGER3|3415|AT, ACTG1|44120|RI, and TRMU|62711|AA) were identified by univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis to construct a risk score model. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the high-risk group had a worse prognosis compared with the low-risk group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) for this risk score model in 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.698, 0.742, and 0.772, respectively. One of the prognostic AS event-related genes, TRMU, was differentially expressed between tumor and normal tissues in BLCA. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT algorithm showed that both the risk score model and TRMU were significantly associated with tumor immune microenvironment and immune status (immune cells, immune-related pathway, and immune checkpoint) in BLCA patients. The TIMER database confirmed the relationship between the expression of TRMU and immune cells and checkpoint genes. Furthermore, Cytoscape software 3.8.0 was used to construct the regulatory network between AS and splicing factors (SFs). Our study demonstrated that AS events were powerful biomarkers to predict the prognosis and immune status in BLCA, which may be potential therapeutic targets in BLCA.
Hirudotherapy for limb ischemia in the pediatric intensive care unit: A retrospective observational cohort
Authors: Resch Joseph C. , Hedstrom Rachel , Steiner Marie E. , Said Sameh M. , Somani Arif
Published: January 2023

Background

Acute limb ischemia due to microvascular malperfusion may be refractory to initial therapies. Medicinal leech therapy (hirudotherapy) has been attempted in plastic and reconstructive surgery to improve venous congestion in ischemic flaps; however, there are minimal reports related to ischemia secondary to arterial malperfusion. We evaluated a pediatric cohort from an academic intensive care unit with refractory limb ischemia in whom hirudotherapy was attempted to elucidate its use and outcomes.

Method

Institutional patient database was queried to identify pediatric patients (<18 years) who received hirudotherapy in the pediatric critical care unit and met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patient charts were evaluated for indices including demographics, primary disease, coagulative status, vascular access, vasoactive medication dosing, bleeding, leech use, limb and mortality outcomes. Data was evaluated to identify trends or suspected impact on outcomes.

Results

Hirudotherapy was used in 7 patients for limb ischemia, 5 with congenital heart disease, and 2 others with viremic shock. Time to leech application following recognition of ischemia averaged 3 days, with duration of use averaging 3.9 days. Five patients discontinued therapy due to bleeding. Mortality rate was 57%, all secondary to multiorgan failure. In 3 surviving patients, 4 of 5 treated limbs resulted in at minimum partial amputation. Vasoactive-inotropic score tended higher prior to leech application, suggesting a vasoconstrictive pathway for arterial malperfusion. No identifiable trends appeared associated with salvaged limb or adverse effects. Blood loss predictably increased with leech application, as did total transfusion requirement.

Conclusion

This case series establishes baseline data for use of hirudotherapy in critically ill children with acute limb ischemia caused by arterial malperfusion. Based on this retrospective cohort, we cannot recommend routine use of hirudotherapy for acute limb ischemia from arterial malperfusion in the pediatric intensive care unit. Application of leeches should be aligned with a protocol defining start and stop parameters, standardized leech utilization, and monitoring for adverse outcomes. Future study would benefit from consensus definitions of study outcomes, including perfusion recovery, tissue/limb salvage and bleeding manifestations. Additional prospective studies are needed prior to any standard or systematic recommendations for use.
Comparison of the Canadian vs. the international risk scoring tool for respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in moderate-to-late preterm infants
Authors: Butt Michelle , Elliott LouAnn , Guy Fiona , Symington Amanda , Paes Bosco
Published: January 2023

Aim

The study objective was to compare the Pediatric Investigators Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada risk scoring tool (CRST) that determines need for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis in infants 33–35 weeks gestational age during the RSV season, with the newly developed international risk scoring tool (IRST).

Methods

Children 33–35 weeks gestational age born during the 2018–2021 RSV seasons were prospectively identified following birth and scored with the validated CRST and IRST, that comprises seven and three variables respectively, into low- moderate- and high-risk groups that predict RSV-related hospitalization. Correlations between total scores on the two tools, and cut-off scores for the low-, moderate- and high-risk categories were conducted using the Spearman rank correlation.

Results

Over a period of 3 RSV seasons, 556 infants were scored. Total risk scores on the CRST and the IRST were moderately correlated (rs = 0.64, p < 0.001). A significant relationship between the risk category rank on the CRST and the risk category rank on the IRST (rs = 0.53; p < 0.001) was found. The proportion of infants categorized as moderate risk for RSV hospitalization by the CRST and IRST were 19.6% (n = 109) and 28.1% (n = 156), respectively.

Conclusion

The IRST may provide a time-efficient scoring alternative to the CRST with three vs. seven variables, and it selects a larger number of infants who are at moderate risk for RSV hospitalization for prophylaxis. A cost-utility analysis is necessary to justify country-specific use of the IRST, while in Canada a cost comparison is necessary between the IRST vs. the currently approved CRST prior to adoption.
Transparency of data on the value chain of medicines in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia
Authors: Ribeiro Alane Andrelino , Acosta Angela , Pontes Marcela Amaral , Machado Beltran Manuel Alejandro , Peixoto Rafaela Tavares , Leite Silvana Nair
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The transparency of data on the value chain of medicines is crucial for the study and monitoring of the pharmaceutical system. These data may impact medicine pricing negotiations, contribute to patient access to pharmaceutical products, and strengthen health systems.

Objective: This study analyzed the national strategies to ensure the transparency of data from medicine cost development to marketing in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.

Method: A descriptive study was carried out by searching databases, reports, documents, and scientific articles published between January and August 2022 related to rules on transparency and databases, including 1) marketing authorization; 2) pricing; 3) intellectual property; 4) clinical trials; 5) research and development (R&D); and 6) health technology assessment (HTA) of selected biopharmaceuticals.

Results: Transparency data, rules, and information are not uniform. The infostructures (organizational capacity for collecting and distributing information) regarding the pharmaceutical value chain in these three countries face limitations in appropriate measures to publicly share data and evidence, including pre-clinical data, clinical data, and costs. None of the countries require transparency about data on research and development costs. All three countries present similar publicization of data on marketing authorization and intellectual property, with some differences. The significant limitations in Argentina include the absence of formal price regulation and data on the volume of medicine purchased and respective amounts paid. Among the three countries, Brazil showed a higher degree of information transparency, perhaps due to the legal regulation that guarantees citizens access to information of public interest. Brazil also stands out in terms of the public availability of HTA reports and pricing, in addition to the highest volume of information. In contrast, Colombia has in place a decree that allows 5 years of trial data exclusivity for new medicines, an act contrary to data transparency. Despite the different stages of transparency, no country has evidenced a robust use of these data in public policy decision-making.

Conclusion: The results reinforce the presence of information asymmetry between stakeholders, data fragmentation, data gaps and overlap, and difficulty in comparing available data across the three countries and the use of these data nationally to produce evidence.
Shenxiong glucose injection inhibits oxidative stress and apoptosis to ameliorate isoproterenol-induced myocardial ischemia in rats and improve the function of HUVECs exposed to CoCl2
Authors: Wu Zhong-Xiu , Chen Shuai-Shuai , Lu Ding-Yan , Xue Wei-Na , Sun Jia , Zheng Lin , Wang Yong-Lin , Li Chun , Li Yong-Jun , Liu Ting
Published: January 2023

Background: Shenxiong Glucose Injection (SGI) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of ligustrazine hydrochloride and Danshen (Radix et rhizoma Salviae miltiorrhizae; Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Lamiaceae). Our previous studies and others have shown that SGI has excellent therapeutic effects on myocardial ischemia (MI). However, the potential mechanisms of action have yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of SGI in MI treatment.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with isoproterenol (ISO) to establish the MI model. Electrocardiograms, hemodynamic parameters, echocardiograms, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and serum concentrations of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were analyzed to explore the protective effect of SGI on MI. In addition, a model of oxidative damage and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was established using CoCl2. Cell viability, Ca2+ concentration, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis, intracellular ROS, and cell cycle parameters were detected in the HUVEC model. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Caspase-3, PARP, cytoplasmic and mitochondrial Cyt-c and Bax, and p-ERK1/2) was determined by western blotting, and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 was analyzed by immunofluorescence.

Results: SGI significantly reduced ROS production and serum concentrations of cTnI and cTnT, reversed ST-segment elevation, and attenuated the deterioration of left ventricular function in ISO-induced MI rats. In vitro, SGI treatment significantly inhibited intracellular ROS overexpression, Ca2+ influx, MMP disruption, and G2/M arrest in the cell cycle. Additionally, SGI treatment markedly upregulated the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and downregulated the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins p-ERK1/2, mitochondrial Bax, cytoplasmic Cyt-c, cleaved caspase-3, and PARP.

Conclusion: SGI could improve MI by inhibiting the oxidative stress and apoptosis signaling pathways. These findings provide evidence to explain the pharmacological action and underlying molecular mechanisms of SGI in the treatment of MI.
Design, fabrication, and preclinical testing of a miniaturized, multispectral, chip-on-tip, imaging probe for intraluminal fluorescence imaging of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Slomka Bridget , Duan Suzann , Knapp Thomas G. , Lima Natzem , Sontz Ricky , Merchant Juanita L. , Sawyer Travis W.
Published: January 2023

Gastrointestinal cancers continue to account for a disproportionately large percentage of annual cancer deaths in the United States. Advancements in miniature imaging technology combined with a need for precise and thorough tumor detection in gastrointestinal cancer screenings fuel the demand for new, small-scale, and low-cost methods of localization and margin identification with improved accuracy. Here, we report the development of a miniaturized, chip-on-tip, multispectral, fluorescence imaging probe designed for compatibility with a gastroscope working channel with the aim of detecting cancerous lesions in point-of-care endoscopy of the gastrointestinal lumen. Preclinical testing has confirmed fluorescence sensitivity and supports that this miniature probe can locate structures of interest via detection of fluorescence emission from exogenous contrast agents. This work demonstrates the design and preliminary performance evaluation of a miniaturized, single-use, chip-on-tip fluorescence imaging system, capable of detecting multiplexed fluorophores, and devised for deployment via the accessory channel of a standard gastroscope.
Atomic number prior guided network for prohibited items detection from heavily cluttered X-ray imagery
Authors: Chen Jinwen , Leng Jiaxu , Gao Xinbo , Mo Mengjingcheng , Guan Shibo
Published: January 2023

Prohibited item detection in X-ray images is an effective measure to maintain public safety. Recent prohibited item detection methods based on deep learning has achieved impressive performance. Some methods improve prohibited item detection performance by introducing prior knowledge of prohibited items, such as the edge and size of an object. However, items within baggage are often placed randomly, resulting in cluttered X-ray images, which can seriously affect the correctness and effectiveness of prior knowledge. In particular, we find that different material items in X-ray images have clear distinctions according to their atomic number Z information, which is vital to suppress the interference of irrelevant background information by mining material cues. Inspired by this observation, in this paper, we combined the atomic number Z feature and proposed a novel atomic number Z Prior Guided Network (ZPGNet) to detect prohibited objects from heavily cluttered X-ray images. Specifically, we propose a Material Activation (MA) module that cross-scale flows the atomic number Z information through the network to mine material clues and reduce irrelevant information interference in detecting prohibited items. However, collecting atomic number images requires much labor, increasing costs. Therefore, we propose a method to automatically generate atomic number Z images by exploring the color information of X-ray images, which significantly reduces the manual acquisition cost. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our method can accurately and robustly detect prohibited items from heavily cluttered X-ray images. Furthermore, we extensively evaluate our method on HiXray and OPIXray, and the best result is 2.1% mAP50 higher than the state-of-the-art models on HiXray.
Mutant plasminogen in hereditary angioedema is bypassing FXII/kallikrein to generate bradykinin
Authors: Hintze Stefan , Möhl Britta S. , Beyerl Jessica , Wulff Karin , Wieser Andreas , Bork Konrad , Meinke Peter
Published: January 2023

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is characterized by recurrent localized edema in various organs, which can be potentially fatal. There are different types of hereditary angioedema, which include genetic deficiency of C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) and hereditary angioedema with normal C1-INH (HAEnCI). In HAEnCI patients mutations have been identified in the F12, PLG, KNG1, ANGPT1, MYOF, and HS3ST6 genes. The release of bradykinin from kininogen via the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) has been shown to be the main mediator in HAE-FXII, but for HAE-PLG there are only first indications how the PLG mutations can result in bradykinin release. Here we identified in a multi-generation HAE-PLG family an additional F12 mutation, resulting in the loss of one F12 allele. There were no differences in the clinical presentation between HAE-PLG patients with and without the additional F12 mutation, thus we concluded that the kallikrein-kinin system is bypassed in HAE-PLG. Structural modeling and in vitro assays using purified proteins confirmed the PLG mutation c.988A>G; p.K330E to be a gain of function mutation resulting in an increased bradykinin release by direct cleavage of high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK). Thus, we can provide clinical and experimental evidence that mutant plasminogen in HAE-PLG is bypassing FXII/kallikrein to generate bradykinin.
Defense response of strawberry plants against Botrytis cinerea influenced by coriander extract and essential oil
Authors: Dėnė Lina , Laužikė Kristina , Rasiukevičiūtė Neringa , Chrapačienė Simona , Brazaitytė Aušra , Viršilė Akvilė , Vaštakaitė-Kairienė Viktorija , Miliauskienė Jurga , Sutulienė Rūta , Samuolienė Giedrė , Valiuškaitė Alma
Published: January 2023

Essential oils and extracts are investigated in sustainable plant protection area lately. Alternative antifungal substances are especially relevant for major economic-relevance pathogens, like Botrytis cinerea (causal agent of strawberry grey mold), control. However, the reaction of plants to alternative protection with plant-origin products is currently unknown. Induced stress in plants causes changes in antioxidant and photosynthetic systems. The aim of the research was to determine the defense response of strawberry plants under application of coriander seed products. In the first step of the research, we determined coriander seed (Coriandrum sativum), black seed (Nigella sativa) and peppermint leaf (Menta × piperita) products’ antifungal activity against B. cinerea in vitro. Secondly, we continued evaluation of antifungal activity under controlled environment on strawberry plants of the most effective coriander seed products. Additionally, we evaluated the antioxidant and photosynthetic parameters in strawberries, to examine the response of plants. Antifungal activity on strawberries was determined based on grey mold incidence and severity after application of coriander products. Impact on photosynthetic system was examined measuring photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and intercellular to ambient CO2 concentration. Strawberry leaves were collected at the end of the experiment to analyze the antioxidant response. The highest antifungal activity both in vitro and on strawberries had coriander seed essential oil, which decreased grey mold severity. Coriander extract increased the photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant response of strawberry plants, however had negative effect on suppression of grey mold. In most cases, the essential oil activated antioxidant response of strawberry plants lower than extract. Our study results provide no direct impact of increased photosynthetic capacity values and antifungal effect after treatment with natural oils. The highest concentrations of coriander essential oil and extract potentially demonstrated a phytotoxic effect.
The influence of uncertain expectations on Chinese rural residents’ consumer behavior decisions: Theoretical analysis and empirical test
Authors: Han Lina , Liu Xiaofei , Ma Shusheng
Published: January 2023

Economic uncertainty will result in consumers’ unstable environment expectations, thus affecting household consumption decisions. The paper established a consumption model though using the cointegration theory and ECM model, and used the annual data from 2002 to 2021 to examine the influence of uncertain expectations on the consumption behavior of rural residents in China. The research results show that consumers’ income, consumption, consumption habits liquidity constraints and precautionary savings jointly produce the feelings of uncertainty, which will lead to rural consumers’ uncertain expectations. Uncertain expectations will not only lead to rural residents the prudent consumption behavior of residents, but also lead to the lack of confidence of residents, forming phased consumption characteristics. Combining the results of the empirical analysis, this paper gives suggestions to promote rural consumption from the perspective of increasing rural residents’ income, reforming the income distribution system, improving the rural financial system, and reinforcing the construction of rural consumption infrastructure.
A study on psychological stress assessment of higher educational institution’s students based on computer data mining technology
Authors: Chen Shaohong
Published: January 2023

Safety begins in the human mind, and the individual’s need for psychological safety is the most fundamental need. This fundamental need takes psychological safety as the starting point for the gradual formation of a connection with the outside world. Graduates are the backbone of China’s economic development, and their healthy development is of great significance to the sustainable development of China’s economy and society. Excessive psychological pressure may bring pain to students in physical and psychological aspects, and even lead to suicide. If students with abnormal psychological pressure can be found in time, the school can provide help and intervention in time to relieve psychological pressure. This paper uses pressure sensor technology for data collection and data mining techniques for data analysis to assess and predict the psychological stress level of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) students. The results show that this method can accurately and objectively evaluate the psychological stress of the students, and the evaluation results of students’ psychological stress are stable, which can provide students with psychological stress assessment services. It implies that HEI’s policymakers should consider these techniques to assess the psychological stress of the students proactively.
The relationship between big five personality and quality of life of people with disabilities: The mediating effect of social support
Authors: Cai Lin , He Jiaxin , Wu Yibo , Jia Xuji
Published: January 2023

Objective

The quality of life of people with disabilities is of great significance to social stability and development. Increasing the quality of life among the disabled has become a worldwide topic. This study aims to examine the relationship between the big five personality and quality of life and the mediating effects of social support indicators in people with disabilities.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study with 358 people with disabilities (193 women and 165 men). A questionnaire was utilized to measure big five personality, social support, and quality of life variables. Pearson’s correlation analysis and structural equation modeling were used to examine the relation among big five personality, social support, and quality of life.

Results

QOL was positively correlated with social support (r= 0.402, p< 0.001), extraversion (r= 0.324, p< 0.001), agreeableness (r= 0.474, p< 0.001), conscientiousness (r= 0.482, p< 0.001), and openness (r= 0.498, p< 0.001). QOL was negatively correlated with neuroticism (r= −0.186, p< 0.001). The mediating effect of social support on the relationship between neuroticism and the quality of life of people with disabilities was not significant. Social support significantly mediated the relationship between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness, and quality of life. Overall, positive personality traits (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness) in the Big Five Personality of people with disabilities could increase their quality of life by Perceiving social support. But social support could not significantly mediate the relationship between neuroticism and the quality of life of people with disabilities.

Conclusion

These new findings suggest that combining individual factors (personality) and environmental factors (social support) can better improve the quality of life of people with disabilities.
The Arabic version of the modified-abbreviated math anxiety scale: Psychometric properties, gender differences, and associations with different forms of anxiety and math achievement
Authors: Megreya Ahmed M. , Al-Emadi Ahmed A. , Moustafa Ahmed A.
Published: January 2023

Background

This study examined the psychometric properties (factor structure, measurement invariance, convergent and criterion validity, inter-correlations, and reliabilities) of an Arabic version of the modified-Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (m-AMAS) and gender differences in math anxiety in an Arabic speaking Middle Eastern country, Qatar.

Methods

A large sample of students in grade 7 to 10 (N = 731) completed the m-AMAS, three different scales to measure science anxiety, test anxiety, and general anxiety, as well as a scholastic math achievement test.

Results

The two-factor structure of the m-AMAS was confirmed, with good to adequate reliabilities, and its compositional measurement invariance was established across girls and boys in the four grades. In addition, math anxiety correlated positively with science anxiety, test anxiety, and general anxiety. Regression analyses showed that math anxiety was negatively associated with math achievement, even when test anxiety, science anxiety, and general anxiety were considered. Furthermore, girls showed higher math anxiety than boys.

Conclusion

These adequate psychometric properties of the Arabic m-AMAS suggest that the construct of math anxiety has a cross-cultural similarity.
The affective commitment of newcomers in hybrid work contexts: A study on enhancing and inhibiting factors and the mediating role of newcomer adjustment
Authors: Mazzei Alessandra , Ravazzani Silvia , Butera Alfonsa , Conti Sara , Fisichella Chiara
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on one of the most impacted human aspects of digital transformation in contemporary organizations: the development of the affective commitment of newcomers in hybrid work contexts. Specifically, this study addresses a research gap related to the factors that influence the affective commitment of newcomers in hybrid work contexts. First, it investigates the role of two drawbacks of the remote component of hybrid work contexts inhibiting affective commitment: workplace social isolation and technostress. Second, it explores the role of two factors that were previously investigated in in-presence contexts and proved to enhance affective commitment: perceived organizational support and perceived supervisor support. Moreover, this study considers the possible mediating role of newcomer adjustment, intended as a proximal outcome of successful onboarding and an antecedent of newcomer affective commitment. In order to examine enhancing and inhibiting factors and the mediating role of newcomer adjustment, a quantitative study was carried out involving newcomers who began to work in their current organization after January 2021 and who still do remote work at least 1 day a week. Results confirm the inhibiting role of workplace social isolation and the enhancing role of perceived organizational support and perceived supervisor support on affective commitment in hybrid work contexts. Furthermore, they support the mediating role of newcomer adjustment in the relationship between workplace social isolation and affective commitment. While contributing to theory advancement in understanding newcomer affective commitment in current hybrid work contexts, these results also suggest important managerial implications in the field of human resources management, specifically the need to pay greater attention to strategies devoted to increasing newcomers' perception of organizational and supervisor support.
The impacts of academic stress on college students' problematic smartphone use and Internet gaming disorder under the background of neijuan: Hierarchical regressions with mediational analysis on escape and coping motives
Authors: Gu Xiao , Mao Eric (Zeqing)
Published: January 2023

With sluggish economic growth in the post-pandemic era, the phenomenon “neijuan” becomes increasingly severe in many Asian countries like China. Neijuan refers to a hypercompetitive social environment wherein individuals involuntarily get involved in inhumane work or study hours, resulting in a considerable amount of tension and stress. Previous pathology research has shown that stress can trigger the overuse of Internet-based devices and services, which can subsequently lead to problematic smartphone use (PSU) and Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Provided college students are generally deemed one of the groups most susceptible to neijuan, limited attention has been given to the stimuli and the resultant psychological and behavioral ill-beings. Our study examined the impacts of academic stress on Chinese college students' PSU and IGD problems, with the inclusion of escape and coping motives as mediators. Based upon the results of hierarchical regressions and path analysis, we found that whereas academic stress increased IGD tendency mediated through escape and coping motives, excessive use of smartphone might have developed into a habitual behavior rather than effective escape and coping instruments. Demographic and academic characteristics, such as gender and whether studying at a prestigious institution, also exerted influences on college students' IGD intensity.
Mental health status of early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study in the southwestern region of Bangladesh
Authors: Nishat Jannatul Ferdous , Shovo Taufiq-E-Ahmed , Ahammed Benojir , Islam Md. Akhtarul , Rahman Mohammad Mizanur , Hossain Md. Tanvir
Published: January 2023

Background

Due to unemployment, the prolonged lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic caused panic and deepened poverty, especially among lower-class and marginal people. The related financial crises led to harmful practices such as the early marriage of adolescent girls, which deteriorated these girl’s mental state.

Aims

This study attempted to assess the prevalence of mental health problems among early married girls and determine the associated predictors of the growing mental health burden.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Dumuria Upazila in the Khulna district of Bangladesh. Data were collected purposively from 304 girls who were married off during the COVID-19 pandemic, this was carried out between 22 July and 31 August 2022 by administering a semi-structured interview schedule, with mental health measured by the depression, anxiety, and stress scale 21 (DASS 21). The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25), and multiple linear regression was executed in order to predict mental health problems among early married girls.

Results

The findings show that the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among early married girls during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh was 60.9% (95% CI: 0.554–0.663), 74.7% (95% CI: 0.698–0.796), and 23.7% (95% CI: 0.189–0.285). The prevalence was relatively higher among girls from the Sanatan (Hindu) religion and younger girls than among Muslim and older girls, respectively. The multiple linear regressions indicate that age, age at marriage, duration of the marriage, spousal occupation, intimate partner violence (IPV), and subjective happiness were the critical predictors of mental health problems among early married girls.

Conclusion

Early marriage, along with various adverse outcomes, i.e., IPV, maladjustment, and poor subjective happiness, has resulted in heightened mental health problems for young girls. Policymakers should implement coercive measures to prevent early marriage, especially during social, economic, political, and health crises; in addition, more research is recommended in order to explore the mechanisms that make early married girls psychologically vulnerable and thus formulate protective and preventive programs for addressing such vulnerabilities.