bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the design and structure of electronic medication labels to improve patient health knowledge and safety: a systematic review
Authors: Saif Sara , Bui Tien Thi Thuy , Srivastava Gyana , Quintana Yuri
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Patient misunderstanding of instructions on medication labels is a common cause of medication errors and can result in ineffective treatment. One way to better improve patient comprehension of medication labels is by optimizing the content and display of the information.

Objectives

To review comparative studies that have evaluated the design of a medication label to improve patient knowledge or safety.

Methods

Studies were selected from systematic computerized literature searches performed in PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane Central (EBSCO), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature-CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science (Thomson Reuters). Eligible studies included comparative studies that evaluated the design of a medication label to improve patient knowledge or safety.

Results

Of the 246 articles identified in the primary literature search, 14 studies were selected for data abstraction. Thirteen of these studies significantly impacted the patient understanding of medication labels. Three studies included a measure of patient safety in terms of medication adherence and dosing errors. The utilization of patient-centered language, pictograms/graphics, color/white space, or font optimization was seen to have the most impact on patient comprehension.

Conclusion

It is essential to present medication information in an optimal manner for patients. This can be done by standardizing the content, display, and format of medication labels to improve understanding and medication usage. Evidence-based design principles can, therefore, be used to facilitate the standardization of the structure of label content for both print and electronic devices. However, more research needs to be done on validating the implications of label content display to measure its impact on patient safety.

Systemic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022347510 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).
The impact of DNA methylation as a factor of Adverse Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes (APBOs): a systematic review protocol
Authors: Moagi Innocent , Mabasa Lawrence , Maputle Sonto Maria , Ndwandwe Duduzile , Raliphaswa Ndidzulafhi Selina , Netshikweta Lizzy Mutshinyalo , Malwela Thivhulawi , Samie Amidou
Published: January 2024

Background

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation is one of the epigenetic modifications that has gained a lot of interest as a factor influencing fetal programming and as a biomarker for adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes (APBOs). Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation can result in adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes (APBOs) including miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), low birth weight (LBW), sepsis, and preterm birth (PTB), which may later result in diseases in adulthood. However, the mechanism by which DNA methylation influences these APBOs remains unclear. The systematic review will assess the association between global and gene-specific DNA methylation with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Method

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 checklist will be followed when conducting this systematic review. To develop the search strategy the PI(E)COS (population, intervention/exposure, comparator/control, outcome, and study designs) framework will be followed. Thus far, the research team has retrieved 4721 from Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Sciences, and MEDLINE. Out of these, 584 studies have been screened for eligibility, and approximately 124 studies meet the inclusion criteria. Pending the search results identified from the grey literature. For identification of unpublished studies in journals indexed in electronic databases, Google Scholar will be used. I.M and A.S will separately extract data from the articles and screen them, if there are any disagreements between I.M and A.S, then the L.M will resolve them. The methodological quality and bias risk of the included studies will be evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme CASP) checklist. $${I}^{2}$$

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Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. The systematic review will assess available literature on possible associations between DNA methylation with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes (APBOs) including LBW, IUGR, miscarriage, sepsis, and PTB. The findings could help guide future research assessing DNA methylation and other APBOs.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRCRD42022370647.
Existence and uniqueness of solutions for multi-order fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions
Authors: Sun Jian-Ping , Fang Li , Zhao Ya-Hong , Ding Qian
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the following nonlinear multi-order fractional differential equation with integral boundary conditions $$ \textstyle\begin{cases} ({}^{C}D_{0+}^{\alpha}u)(t)+\sum_{i=1}^{m}\lambda _{i}(t)({}^{C}D_{0+}^{\alpha _{i}}u)(t)+ \sum_{j=1}^{n}\mu _{j}(t)({}^{C}D_{0+}^{\beta _{j}}u)(t)\\ \quad{}+\sum_{k=1}^{p}\xi _{k}(t)({}^{C}D_{0+}^{\gamma _{k}}u)(t)+\sum_{l=1}^{q}\omega _{l}(t)({}^{C}D_{0+}^{\delta _{l}}u)(t)\\ \quad{}+\sigma (t)u(t)+f(t,u(t))=0,\quad t\in [0,1],\\ u^{\prime \prime}(0)=u^{\prime \prime \prime}(0)=0,\qquad u^{\prime}(0)=\eta _{1}\int _{0}^{1}u(s)\,ds,\qquad u(1)=\eta _{2}\int _{0}^{1}u(s)\,ds, \end{cases} $$

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Extinction behavior and recurrence of n-type Markov branching–immigration processes
Authors: Li Junping , Wang Juan
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider n-type Markov branching–immigration processes. The uniqueness criterion is first established. Then, we construct a related system of differential equations based on the branching property. Furthermore, the explicit expression of extinction probability and the mean extinction time are successfully obtained in the absorbing case by using the unique solution of the related system of differential equations and Kolmogorov forward equations. Finally, the recurrence and ergodicity criteria are given if the zero state 0 is not absorbing.
Challenges of the green transition for the recovery of the Western Balkans
Authors: Ignjatović Jelena , Filipović Sanja , Radovanović Mirjana
Published: January 2024

Background

The aim of this paper is to reconsider the necessity for the green transition and the key preconditions for the implementation of a circular economy in Western Balkan countries. With the objective of the research in mind, the method of analysis and synthesis was applied to determine (1) regulatory and institutional prerequisites for the green transition; (2) the need for the Western Balkan countries to redefine the model of sustainable economic growth towards the green transition; (3) the development opportunities for recovery defined in the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans; and (4) the possibility of implementing the circular economy in the Western Balkans.

Main text

The main findings of the research indicate that: (1) the countries of the Western Balkan region, following the example of the EU, should define a national strategic approach to the green transition with an accompanying action plan and regulatory framework; (2) the biggest challenge of the green transition is the reform of the energy sector and the restructuring of the energy-intensive economy; (3) the countries have untapped potential in renewable energy sources and report the improvement of energy efficiency; (4) the circular economy can boost the green transition, because the countries of the region have a five-time lower value of resource productivity than the average of the EU, while the generation of waste (excluding major mineral wastes) per GDP unit is lower compared to the EU; (5) cross-sectoral governance should be more coordinated.

Conclusions

The green transition might be a development opportunity for the Western Balkans, which should enable sustainable economic growth as well as energy security and environmental protection. However, the implementation of the Green Agenda is not easy, because the region faces the problem of underdeveloped regulatory and institutional capacities that might provide not only the base for long-term planning but also financial resources for the efficient implementation of projects. In addition, it is essential to understand the principles of the Green Agenda and the interaction of all activities that should enable the achievement of defined goals.
“Waste to energy” as a driver towards a sustainable and circular energy future for the Balkan countries
Authors: Bjelić Draženko , Markić Dragana Nešković , Prokić Dunja , Malinović Borislav N. , Panić Andrea Andrejević
Published: January 2024

Background

The main goal of the paper is to review the existing state and propose a model solution for the introduction of the waste-to-energy concept in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as these Balkan countries are a source of high pollution due to the inefficient use of fossil fuels and the operation of coal-fired power plants. Besides, these countries have very low level of waste management, which results in the uncontrolled disposal of a large amount of waste which consists of plastic and microplastic materials which are difficult to decompose in natural ecosystems.

Methods

Considering the type and objectives of the study, a mixed research method was chosen as a combination of exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, and modeling.

Results

The main result of the research shows the unfavorable situation in the field of waste management in the Republic of Serbia, as well as in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Both countries have adopted adequate strategies and plans, but waste management is not implemented accordingly, Nevertheless, numerous problems create considerable opportunities for improvement, especially regarding the potential for energy production from waste, which is an important approach to implementing the circular economy model. The study showed that the situation is particularly unfavorable in rural areas. Hence, the research proposes (a) a novel model for waste-to-energy governance and (b) a novel model for waste-to-energy management in rural areas. The research was done, and models were developed based on the examples of the Republic of Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the results can be used in countries with a similar level of waste management and with a larger share of rural areas.

Conclusions

The paper emphasizes the importance of a holistic and systemic approach to waste management, with emphasis on using waste-to-energy concept as particularly applicable in the transition to circular economy. This study proposes a model for the integration of waste management (with emphasis on plastic and microplastic) and energy efficiency, presenting a model of approach that can be used in countries that are at the beginning of introducing a circular economy.
Examining workload variations among different surgical team roles, specialties, and techniques: a multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study
Authors: Totonchilar Sepideh , Aarabi Akram , Eftekhari Naeimeh , Mohammadi Masoumeh
Published: January 2024

Background

A high workload may negatively impact the surgical team's performance and jeopardize patient safety. The aim of this study was to measure the workload of the surgical team across different surgical roles, specialties, and techniques in several hospitals.

Methods

This cross-sectional multicenter study was performed in the operating rooms of eight teaching hospitals affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. At the conclusion of each surgical procedure, all members of the surgical team completed the Surgery Task Load Index (SURG-TLX) questionnaire to assess workload levels. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson correlations, were performed to compare surgical roles, specialties, techniques, and surgical time on workload overall and by subscale.

Results

A total of 409 workload questionnaires were obtained from 76 surgical teams or cases, involving 346 surgical team members. The total workload among all participants was 32.41 ± 17.21. Surgical complexity, physical demands, and mental demands were the highest workload subscales and distraction was the lowest workload subscale. Cardiovascular specialty had a higher workload compared to other specialties. Open techniques resulted in a higher workload compared to minimally invasive techniques. Surgical technologists who act in both the role of circulating and scrub nurse (C&Ss) experienced the highest workload, followed by surgical residents and surgeons.

Conclusions

The results of the study showed that the workload for some members of the surgical team is disproportionately high and is influenced by factors such as specialty, technique, role, and surgical duration. By knowing the distribution of workload among the members of the surgical team, efforts can be made to optimize the team members’ workload.
How staying in a gymnasium affects sleep and bed climate in children
Authors: Okamoto-Mizuno Kazue , Mizuno Koh
Published: January 2024

Background

We investigated the relationship between sleep, ambient climate, and bed climate in school-aged children during a one-night stay in a simulated shelter in a gymnasium to demonstrate the effect of ambient climate, and bed climate on sleep.

Methods

We obtained measurements during a one-night stay in a school gymnasium (C), days before C (BC), on the day after (A1), and on the second day after C (A2) in 13 healthy school-aged children during summer. Sleep was evaluated using an actigraph, and the temperature and humidity of the bedrooms in the participants’ homes and in the gymnasium were monitored for 3 days before and after C. The bed climate of the chest and foot areas was measured for two nights before and after C. The participants were asked to report on their subjective sleep estimations and thermal sensations two nights before and after C.

Results

The ambient temperature in C was significantly higher than that in BC at the initial 180 min, while it significantly decreased compared to A1 and A2 in the last 100 min. The ambient humidity was significantly higher in both C and BC compared to A1 and A2. The sleep efficiency index decreased significantly in C (43±4.8%) compared to other conditions. Sleep time was significantly shorter in C than in other conditions during the initial 195 min. The increase in the bed climate temperature of the chest area in C was significantly delayed compared to that in the other conditions, around the initial 30 min after the lights were off. Subjective estimation revealed that in C, 85% of the participants were out of their sleeping bag at sleep onset, and their sleep was disturbed by heat (77%).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that the disturbed sleep patterns observed with children in a simulated shelter may be related to a delayed increase in bed climate temperature in the chest area. This delayed increase could be related to the children not entering the sleeping bag and a delayed chest skin temperature increase during the sleep onset period.
Alleviation of acute stress response by black pepper aroma administration
Authors: Dilrukshi E. A. Chayani , Nishiyama Yuta , Ito Kanetoshi , Nomura Shusaku
Published: January 2024

Background

Black pepper is one of the most popular spices globally. As black pepper essential oil has not yet been used in the context of aromatherapy, this study examined the effect of black pepper aroma on cardiac and peripheral autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity under stressful conditions using an olfactometer to administer aroma in a precise and controlled manner to ensure reproducibility.

Methods

A within-participant design experiment was conducted with 20 male university students who performed a 30-min calculation task as a short-term stressor under three aroma conditions: black pepper, ginger, and dipropylene glycol (DPG) (scentless air as a control). Each aroma was sporadically delivered (first 20 s of each 1-min interval) with the olfactometer during the task. Electrocardiograms and skin conductance level (SCL) were measured to evaluate ANS's physiological acute stress response. Subjective evaluations for the given stressful task and impressions on the types of aromas were assessed.

Results

The physiological acute stress response induced by the short-term stressor, which is characterized by the enhancement of the heart rate (HR) and SCL and decreases in the heart rate variability (HRV), was suppressed with black pepper: the increase in HR and reduction in HRV from the baseline were 38.9% (p = 0.048 when compared with DPG) and 32.9% smaller (p = 0.002 for multiple comparisons) than those in DPG, respectively, and the increase of SCL was 15.5% smaller (p = 0.005 for multiple comparisons) than that in ginger. However, there was no significant difference in subjective scores among the conditions.

Conclusion

Although black pepper is a stimulative agent, the study findings showed that black pepper aroma alleviated the physiological acute stress response, which can be beneficial in aromatherapy under stressful conditions.
Impact of an oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic profiles and microbial ecology of weanling pigs experimentally infected with a pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Kim Kwangwook , Jinno Cynthia , Li Xunde , Bravo David , Cox Eric , Ji Peng , Liu Yanhong
Published: January 2024

Background

Our previous study has reported that supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhances gut health and disease resistance of pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) F18 in a manner similar to carbadox. The objective of this study was to investigate the impacts of oligosaccharide-based polymer or antibiotic on the host metabolic profiles and colon microbiota of weaned pigs experimentally infected with ETEC F18.

Results

Multivariate analysis highlighted the differences in the metabolic profiles of serum and colon digesta which were predominantly found between pigs supplemented with oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic. The relative abundance of metabolic markers of immune responses and nutrient metabolisms, such as amino acids and carbohydrates, were significantly differentiated between the oligosaccharide-based polymer and antibiotic groups (q < 0.2 and fold change > 2.0). In addition, pigs in antibiotic had a reduced (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillaceae, whereas had greater (P < 0.05) Clostridiaceae and Streptococcaceae in the colon digesta on d 11 post-inoculation (PI) compared with d 5 PI.

Conclusions

The impact of oligosaccharide-based polymer on the metabolic and microbial profiles of pigs is not fully understood, and further exploration is needed. However, current research suggest that various mechanisms are involved in the enhanced disease resistance and performance in ETEC-challenged pigs by supplementing this polymer.
Evidence-based universal health coverage interventions delivery in infectious disease of poverty elimination and eradication
Authors: Tambo Ernest , Ugwu Chidiebere E. , Alemayehu Amberbir , Krishna Anil , Binagwaho Agnes
Published: January 2024

The recent 78th United Natiions General Assembly (UNGA) declaration relaunched a new health priority and political commitment in accelerating Universal Health Coverage (UHC), adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 and are intended to be met by 2030. At mid-way point of UHC implementation, we advocate for the much needed programmatic implementation research, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) policies and strategies leadership and management capacity building to enable robust, resilient and sustainable multi-sectoral partnerships, integrated coordination and governance mechanisms capabilities in accelerating UHC package mainly infectious diseases of poverty elimination and eradication agenda.

Graphical Abstract
Mental health disparities in young adults with arrest history: a survey-based, cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Baser Onur , Rodchenko Katarzyna , Zeng Yixuan , Endrizal Amy
Published: January 2024

Background

Over 4.53 million arrests were made in 2021 in the United States. People under 26 years of age were more likely to be arrested than older people. Although mental health disparities are prominent in the incarcerated population, the subject has not been closely examined among young adults specifically.

Objectives

This study examines how criminal justice involvement, specifically arrests, affects the mental health of adults between 18 and 25 years of age.

Methods

We analyzed secondary data using the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The study used a subsample of 13,494 people aged 18 to 25 years, including 7,330 women and 6,164 men. History of arrest was the key independent variable. Depression, serious mental illness (SMI), substance use, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt were the outcome variables. We performed five multivariate logistic regression models for each outcome variable, controlling for race/ethnicity, income, and education level for men and women separately.

Results

Of 13,494 respondents, 6.63% had a history of arrest. Among young women, a history of arrest was associated with significantly higher adjusted odds ratios for all mental health concerns. Most notably, a history of arrest increased the likelihood of substance use by a factor of 15.19, suicide attempts by 2.27, SMI by 1.79, suicidal ideation by 1.75, and depression by 1.52. Among young men, a history of arrest was associated with increased adjusted odds ratios (AORs) for substance use (AOR, 13.37; p < .001), suicidal ideation (AOR, 1.45; p = .011), and suicide attempt (AOR, 1.82; p = .044).

Conclusions

We found a strong relationship between young people having an arrest history and mental health concerns. More specifically, a history of arrest was associated with all mental health concerns among young women, while it was associated with only substance use and suicide among young men. Providing arrestees with appropriate mental health care would benefit them and the criminal justice system by decreasing the odds of recidivism.
Time perspectives and procrastination in university students: exploring the moderating role of basic psychological need satisfaction
Authors: Codina Nuria , Castillo Isabel , Pestana José Vicente , Valenzuela Rafael
Published: January 2024

Background

Research on procrastination, regarding time perspective factors and basic psychological need satisfaction (BPNS) has placed this problem at the meeting point of individual and contextual variables. The present study focused both on the individual, given that time perspectives can be defined as a person’s attitude to an object (time) at three moments (present, past, future); and on contextual aspects, because the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (competence, autonomy, relatedness) is facilitated or made difficult by social contexts. Based on this, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between time perspectives and inter-subject procrastination variations, testing the moderating role of BPNS in this relationship.

Method

A total of 1,188 undergraduate students, aged 17–50 years (M = 20.02, SD = 2.63), completed three questionnaires containing the variables of interest.

Results

Regression analyses showed significant negative (thus, potentially protective) association of future time perspective with all three procrastination dimensions (decisional procrastination, implemental delay, and lateness). Conversely, past-negative time perspective showed a positive (thus, potentially adverse) association with procrastination. Satisfaction of the need for competence also showed a negative (thus, potentially protective) association with all procrastination dimensions. On eight occasions, the relationships between time perspectives and procrastination dimensions were moderated by psychological need satisfaction.

Conclusions

These findings show that BPNS may play relevant roles in the negative (favourable) relationships between procrastination dimensions and positive time perspectives, as well as in the positive (adverse) associations between negative time perspectives and procrastination dimensions. Contextual interventions fostering enhanced levels of perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as well as future time perspective, are thus strong candidates to consider for use and evaluation by policy makers, pedagogues, teachers, coaches and other professionals interested in counteracting procrastination tendencies.
Wow, I cannot stop: a concentration on vocabulary learning via instagram and its effects on informal digital learning of english, technostress, and on-line engagement
Authors: Almohesh Ali Rashed Ibraheam , Altamimi Jinan Abdulaziz Hamad
Published: January 2024

The proliferation of social media in contemporary society presents a compelling impetus for scholars to explore the untapped capabilities of social networking platforms with the aim of enhancing educational practices. Despite the notable impact of social media on the acquisition of second or foreign languages, there is a scarcity of empirical research investigating the influence of Instagram feed-based activities on the development of vocabulary in language learning at under-intermediate level. In order to address this research gap, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of Instagram feed-based activities on the acquisition of vocabulary among individuals studying English as a foreign language (EFL). As a result, a cohort of 79 intermediate EFL learners was subjected to random assignment, leading to the formation of both experimental and control groups. The participants in the control group were provided with conventional online teaching using webinar platforms. The participants in the experimental group, on the other hand, were instructed via the use of webinar platforms and were required to participate in exercises that were based on Instagram feeds respectively. The results of the data analysis using one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed that the learners in the experimental group (EG) demonstrated superior performance compared to their counterparts in the control group (CG). The findings underscored the notable impact of using Instagram feed-based activities in promoting the acquisition of vocabulary knowledge. Additionally, it was shown that EFL learners had favorable views towards the use of Instagram Feed-based Tasks for the purpose of learning vocabulary. Due to treatment, EG achieved higher state in informal digital learning of English and on-line engagement. Moreover, they felt less technostress after treatment. The findings of this research have potential consequences for language learners, instructors, curriculum designers, and policy makers. Specifically, they suggest that incorporating Instagram feed-based activities into language learning and teaching may provide valuable chances for further practice.
Determining psychometric properties of the Persian version of demoralization scale-II in patients with cancer
Authors: Taghilou Elaheh , Heidarzadeh Mehdi , Molaei Behnam , Khameslou Mehdi Ajri
Published: January 2024

Background

One of the emotional problems in patients experiencing cancer is demoralization syndrome. Concerning the importance of demoralization in patients with cancer, having a valid and reliable scale for assessing this problem is crucial. A revised version of Demoralization Scale (DS-II) was designed in 2016. It was necessary to determine its validity and reliability in populations with different cultures. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of DS-II (PDS-II) in Iranian patients with cancer.

Methods

The study population comprised 170 Iranian patients with cancer in Ardabil, Iran. The inclusion criteria were: age 18 or more, ability to understand and speak Persian, willingness to consent to participate in the study, having healthy cognitive function, and having an awareness of cancer. To determine the psychometric properties of PDS-II, the content, convergent, construct, and discriminant validity, besides internal consistency, were evaluated.

Results

Regarding the high correlation of PDS-II with General Anxiety Disorder, Patient Health Questionnaire, Beck Hopelessness Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the convergent validity of the PDS-II was confirmed. Confirmatory factor analyses confirmed both the original 2-factor and one-factor models of PDS-II. Internal discriminant validity of the PDS-II was not confirmed because the Average Variance Extracted from two dimensions of PDS-II (AVE = 0.31 and 0.37) was less than the square correlation between these two dimensions (r2 = 0.79). Cronbach α and coefficient was 0.88 for the PDS-II.

Conclusions

PDS-II is a valid and reliable scale for measuring demoralization among Iranian people with cancer. However, the discriminant validity of the PDS-II was not supported.
The effect of gratitude on death anxiety is fully mediated by optimism in Lebanese adults following the 2023 earthquake
Authors: Al Boukhary Reem , Hallit Rabih , Postigo Alvaro , Malaeb Diana , Dabbous Mariam , Sakr Fouad , El Khatib Sami , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: January 2024

Background

Exploring the levels of death anxiety and factors that can undermine its impact are crucial for the Lebanese nationals. Even though studies have shown various relationships between death anxiety and several factors, very few to no research has been done to show the relationship of death anxiety, gratitude and optimism. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to assess the mediating role of optimism in the association between gratitude and death anxiety, along with investigating the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the Death Anxiety Scale.

Methods

A one-time-point online survey was conducted among Arabic-speaking community adults from the general population of Lebanon (N = 601; mean age 29.91 ± 12.61; 62.7% females). The following scales were used: Scale of Death Anxiety, Optimism–Pessimism Short Scale–2, and Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form.

Results

The results of the mediation analysis showed that optimism fully mediated the association between gratitude and death anxiety. Higher gratitude was significantly associated with more optimism; higher optimism was significantly associated with less death anxiety. Finally, higher gratitude was not directly associated with death anxiety.

Conclusion

Our study reveals the relationship between gratitude and death anxiety and the mediating role of optimism. Our results need to be confirmed in a longitudinal study, but point to the importance of assessing optimism in prevention and management of persons with death anxiety.
Prediction of drug–drug interactions between roflumilast and CYP3A4/1A2 perpetrators using a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) approach
Authors: Jia Guangwei , Ren Congcong , Wang Hongyan , Fan Caixia
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to develop a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model to predict changes in the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD, PDE4 inhibition) of roflumilast (ROF) and ROF N-oxide when co-administered with eight CYP3A4/1A2 perpetrators. The population PBPK model of ROF and ROF N-oxide has been successfully developed and validated based on the four clinical PK studies and five clinical drug-drug interactions (DDIs) studies. In PK simulations, every ratio of prediction to observation for PK parameters fell within the range 0.7 to 1.5. In DDI simulations, except for tow peak concentration ratios (Cmax) of ROF with rifampicin (prediction: 0.63 vs. observation: 0.19) and with cimetidine (prediction: 1.07 vs. observation: 1.85), the remaining predicted ratios closely matched the observed ratios. Additionally, the PBPK model suggested that co-administration with the three perpetrators (cimetidine, enoxacin, and fluconazole) may use with caution, with CYP3A4 strong inhibitor (ketoconazole and itraconazole) or with dual CYP3A41A2 inhibitor (fluvoxamine) may reduce to half-dosage or use with caution, while co-administration with CYP3A4 strong or moderate inducer (rifampicin, efavirenz) should avoid. Overall, the present PBPK model can provide recommendations for adjusting dosing regimens in the presence of DDIs.
Sex-biased gene expression and gene-regulatory networks of sex-biased adverse event drug targets and drug metabolism genes
Authors: Fisher Jennifer L. , Clark Amanda D. , Jones Emma F. , Lasseigne Brittany N.
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous pharmacovigilance studies and a retroactive review of cancer clinical trial studies identified that women were more likely to experience drug adverse events (i.e., any unintended effects of medication), and men were more likely to experience adverse events that resulted in hospitalization or death. These sex-biased adverse events (SBAEs) are due to many factors not entirely understood, including differences in body mass, hormones, pharmacokinetics, and liver drug metabolism enzymes and transporters.

Methods

We first identified drugs associated with SBAEs from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Next, we evaluated sex-specific gene expression of the known drug targets and metabolism enzymes for those SBAE-associated drugs. We also constructed sex-specific tissue gene-regulatory networks to determine if these known drug targets and metabolism enzymes from the SBAE-associated drugs had sex-specific gene-regulatory network properties and predicted regulatory relationships.

Results

We identified liver-specific gene-regulatory differences for drug metabolism genes between males and females, which could explain observed sex differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. In addition, we found that ~ 85% of SBAE-associated drug targets had sex-biased gene expression or were core genes of sex- and tissue-specific network communities, significantly higher than randomly selected drug targets. Lastly, we provide the sex-biased drug-adverse event pairs, drug targets, and drug metabolism enzymes as a resource for the research community.

Conclusions

Overall, we provide evidence that many SBAEs are associated with drug targets and drug metabolism genes that are differentially expressed and regulated between males and females. These SBAE-associated drug metabolism enzymes and drug targets may be useful for future studies seeking to explain or predict SBAEs.
Improvements and methodological innovations in the application of the Historic Landscape Characterisation methodology to industrial heritage landscapes
Authors: Alba Dorado María Isabel , Cano Sanchiz Juan Manuel
Published: January 2024

Industrial heritage landscapes today are phenomena of extraordinary complexity, the study of which has been addressed belatedly by the scientific community in general, and to date no methodological trend has given priority to its study and management. There do exist, however, recent methodological approaches, such as Historic Landscape Characterisation, which, in recent years, have addressed the problems and opportunities presented by a wide diversity of landscapes, as is the case of the industrial landscape of Blaenavon. The aim of this article is to critically evaluate the validity of this methodology in terms of responding to the needs that these landscapes present with regard to their study, enhancement and intervention from a heritage and cultural perspective. This study concludes that, while this methodology is a valuable contribution to knowledge of the historical character of these landscapes, the importance of addressing their specific nature makes necessary the development of more solid, methodologically sophisticated approaches that respond to some of the theoretical and methodological weaknesses of this methodology. In this regard, this article advances in the definition of improvements and methodological innovations that attempt to address, among other issues, the complexity of these landscapes in terms of their establishment in the territory, the diversity of spatial and temporal scales in which they participate, their dynamic, highly anthropised character, and their uniqueness as landscapes that have been radically transformed by past industrial activity and which possess enormous cultural and heritage value.
Histone acetylation in an Alzheimer’s disease cell model promotes homeostatic amyloid-reducing pathways
Authors: Xu Daniel C. , Sas-Nowosielska Hanna , Donahue Greg , Huang Hua , Pourshafie Naemeh , Good Charly R. , Berger Shelley L.
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a disorder characterized by cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Dysregulation of epigenetic histone modifications may lead to expression of transcriptional programs that play a role either in protecting against disease genesis or in worsening of disease pathology. One such histone modification, acetylation of histone H3 lysine residue 27 (H3K27ac), is primarily localized to genomic enhancer regions and promotes active gene transcription. We previously discovered H3K27ac to be more abundant in AD patient brain tissue compared to the brains of age-matched non-demented controls. In this study, we use iPSC-neurons derived from familial AD patients with an amyloid precursor protein (APP) duplication (APPDupneurons) as a model to study the functional effect of lowering CBP/P300 enzymes that catalyze H3K27ac. We found that homeostatic amyloid-reducing genes were upregulated in the APPDupneurons compared to non-demented controls. We lowered CBP/P300 to reduce H3K27ac, which led to decreased expression of numerous of these homeostatic amyloid-reducing genes, along with increased extracellular secretion of a toxic amyloid-β species, Aβ(1–42). Our findings suggest that epigenomic histone acetylation, including H3K27ac, drives expression of compensatory genetic programs in response to AD-associated insults, specifically those resulting from APP duplication, and thus may play a role in mitigating AD pathology in neurons.
Scratch detection of archival films: modeling and trajectory calculation
Authors: Liu Quanyang , Liu Yunqing , Yan Fei
Published: January 2024

Scratches are a common continuous structural type of damage in archival films. Scratch pixel level segmentation algorithms still use general image segmentation, and with poor the detection. Based on the characteristics of scratches, a scratch model based on a Gaussian probability density function is proposed, a local adaptive one-dimensional Gaussian weighted segmentation algorithm is designed, and an invalid region filtering mechanism is described. Based on experimental results, the local one-dimensional Gaussian weighted segmentation algorithm proposed in this paper can preserve the integrity and continuity of scratches, and effectively suppresses edge defects; the invalid region filtering mechanism can effectively reduce the false detection of scratches. Adding a scratch trajectory can effectively reduce the chances of missing the detection of scratches, and the stability of the traditional algorithm using Kalman filters to predict the scratch trajectory is poor. According to the similarity of multiple scratch trajectories, a calculation method of trajectories based on U-net is described. Experimental results show that this method can calculate the scratch trajectory stably and effectively.
Hybrid beluga whale optimization algorithm with multi-strategy for functions and engineering optimization problems
Authors: Huang Jiaxu , Hu Haiqing
Published: January 2024

Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO) is a new metaheuristic algorithm that simulates the social behaviors of beluga whales swimming, foraging, and whale falling. Compared with other optimization algorithms, BWO shows certain advantages in solving unimodal and multimodal optimization problems. However, the convergence speed and optimization performance of BWO still have some performance deficiencies when solving complex multidimensional problems. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid BWO method called HBWO combining Quasi-oppositional based learning (QOBL), adaptive and spiral predation strategy, and Nelder-Mead simplex search method (NM). Firstly, in the initialization phase, the QOBL strategy is introduced. This strategy reconstructs the initial spatial position of the population by pairwise comparisons to obtain a more prosperous and higher quality initial population. Subsequently, an adaptive and spiral predation strategy is designed in the exploration and exploitation phases. The strategy first learns the optimal individual positions in some dimensions through adaptive learning to avoid the loss of local optimality. At the same time, a spiral movement method motivated by a cosine factor is introduced to maintain some balance between exploration and exploitation. Finally, the NM simplex search method is added. It corrects individual positions through multiple scaling methods to improve the optimal search speed more accurately and efficiently. The performance of HBWO is verified utilizing the CEC2017 and CEC2019 test functions. Meanwhile, the superiority of HBWO is verified by utilizing six engineering design examples. The experimental results show that HBWO has higher feasibility and effectiveness in solving practical problems than BWO and other optimization methods.
The mechanisms of condensed tannins inhibit Pediococcus pentosaceus
Authors: Huang Rongzheng , Zhang Fanfan , Wang Xuzhe , Ma Chunhui , Ma Mingxin
Published: January 2024

Background

The antibacterial mechanisms of action of condensed tannins (CTs) obtained from tea are well known. However, the antibacterial mechanism of CTs from legumes, such as sainfoin, against to Pediococcus pentosaceus was still unclear. Using Pediococcus pentosaceus SF11 as a model organism, this study investigated the antibacterial mechanism of CTs (extract from sainfoin by 70% acetone aqueous solution).

Methods

The mechanism of CTs against Pediococcus pentosaceus was investigated though determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CTs, effects of CTs on cell membrane, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis and global transcriptome analysis, et al.

Results

The results showed that CTs decreased the activities of enzymes such as lactic dehydrogenase, and inhibited the pentose phosphate (PP)/glycolytic pathway. The content of hydrogen peroxide produced by CTs was increased in P. pentosaceus SF11, and antibacterial activity partly occurred due to this hydrogen peroxide. The global transcriptome analysis showed that CTs upregulated the expression of 187 genes, most of which were involved in hypothetical protein, followed by the PTS (phosphotransferase system) system, while three genes were involved in oxidative stress. The expression of 161 genes was downregulated, most of which were involved in the phosphate ABC transporter system.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the mechanism of antibacterial action of sainfoin CTs mainly operates through the inhibition of protease activity, and is partly associated with oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Graphical Abstract
A systematic scheme to develop dynamic earthquake rupture scenarios: a case study on the Wenchuan–Maoxian Fault in the Longmen Shan, China, thrust belt
Authors: Tang Rongjiang , Ando Ryosuke
Published: January 2024

The 2008 Wenchuan Mw 7.9 mainshock caused catastrophic destruction to cities along the northwestern margin of the Sichuan Basin. This earthquake did not activate the Wenchuan–Maoxian Fault (WMF) on the hinterland side and the conjugate buried Lixian Fault (LXF), but they could experience large earthquakes in the future. We propose a systematic scheme to develop scenario earthquakes for active fault systems with insufficient constrain of 3D fault geometries. We first performed stress tensor inversion to constrain the regional stress field. Then, we developed a new method to constrain fault geometries by inverting long-term slip rates under the given regional stress and applied it to the WMF. We conducted a set of 3D dynamic earthquake rupture simulations on the WMF and LXF to assess the scenarios of earthquake rupture processes. Several fault nucleation points, friction coefficients, and initial stress states are assessed, the general rupture patterns for these earthquake scenarios are evaluated, and finally, we find the scenarios that could fall into three groups. Depending on initial conditions, the dynamic rupture may start in the LXF, leading to magnitude-7.0 earthquakes, or start in the WMF, then cascade through the LXF, leading to magnitude-7.5 earthquakes, or both start and arrest in the WMF, leading to around magnitude-6.5 or -7.0 earthquakes. We find that the rupture starting on the reverse oblique-slip jumps to the strike-slip fault, but the reverse process is impeded.

Graphical Abstract