bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Requirements and Unmet Needs of Informal Caregivers of Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) Receiving Haemodialysis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Matthews Michael , Reid Joanne , McKeaveney Clare , Noble Helen
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease receiving haemodialysis rely heavily on informal caregivers to support them living at home. Informal caregiving may exact a toll on caregivers’ physical, emotional, and social well-being, impacting negatively on their overall quality of life. The aim of this narrative review is to report knowledge requirements and needs of informal caregivers of patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving haemodialysis. Methods: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Five electronic databases were searched: Web of Science, PsycINFO, Embase, Medline, and CINAHL to identify the experiences and unmet needs of informal caregivers of patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) receiving haemodialysis. Results: Eighteen papers were included in the review and incorporated a range of methodological approaches. There are several gaps in the current literature around knowledge and informational needs and skills required by informal caregivers, such as signs and symptoms of potential complications, dietary requirements, and medication management. Although most research studies in this review illustrate the difficulties and challenges faced by informal caregivers, there is a paucity of information as to which support mechanisms would benefit caregivers. Conclusion: Informal caregivers provide invaluable assistance in supporting people with ESKD undergoing haemodialysis. These informal caregivers however experience multiple unmet needs which has a detrimental effect on their health and negatively influences the extent to which they can adequately care for patients. The development of supportive interventions is essential to ensure that informal caregivers have the requisite knowledge and skills to allow them to carry out their vital role.
Does Internet Use Affect Medical Decisions among Older Adults in China? Evidence from CHARLS
Authors: Li Gan , Han Chuanfeng , Liu Pihui
Published: December 2021

Background: The rapid growth of the elderly population poses a huge challenge for people to access medical services. The key to get rid of the dilemma is for patients to go firstly to primary medical institutions. Existing studies have identified numerous factors that can affect patients’ health institution choice. However, we currently know little about the role of Internet use in the patients’ medical decisions. The objective of this study is to explore health-seeking behavior and institution choice under the background of the Internet era from the perspective of older adults, and to analyze whether the Internet could guide patients to the appropriate medical institution so as to accomplish hierarchical treatment. Methods: The dataset comprises 9416 people aged 45 or above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), which, through multistage cluster sampling, was conducted in 2011, 2013, and 2015. Logistic regression, PSM, and FE model are used to estimate the influence of Internet use on the health care decision-making behavior. Results: Internet use has a significant positive impact on the self-treatment of common diseases (β = 0.05, p < 0.05). In terms of medical institution choices, those who use Internet are more inclined to choose top-level hospitals than community health service institutions to treat common diseases (β = 0.06, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The Internet has lowered the obstacles to learning about common ailments, resulting in a substitution impact of self-treatment for hospital care. However, Internet use may aggravate older adults’ perception of the risk of disease, which exacerbates the tendency of going to higher-level medical institutions for medical treatment. The finding of the study is useful for further rational planning and utilization of the Internet in order to guide patients to appropriate medical institution, which helps to improve the efficiency of the overall medical and health services.
Effects of Selenium on the Chlorophylls, Gas Exchange, Antioxidant Activity and Amino Acid Composition of Lettuce Grown under an Aquaponics System
Authors: Piñero María Carmen , Otálora Ginés , Collado-González Jacinta , López-Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: December 2021

Aquaponics is a sustainable technique that is respectful to the environment, as it reuses products and minimizes the consumption of new materials. The combination of this technique with the foliar application of selenium (as Na2SeO4) could lead to healthier and more sustainable products, which are increasingly requested by consumers. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants were grown in an aquaponics system (fish water) as compared with a control (conventional soilless fertigation), and sprayed with different concentrations of selenium (0, 4, 8, and 16 µmol L−1). The results showed a reduction in the dry weight and N content of lettuce plants irrigated with the fish water mixture treatment. However, the application of Se relieved this stress, increasing the photosynthetic rate and ABTS, and reducing the content of chlorophylls, β-carotene, and several of the measured amino acids. The best results were observed with the highest concentration of Se (16 µmol L−1), as an increase in nitrogen content was observed, as shown by a greater weight of the plant. Furthermore, this treatment produced the greatest increase in ABTS and the least reduction in amino acid content. This novel study highlights the possibility of improving the efficiency of N utilization in lettuce by applying foliar selenium in combination with an aquaponics system.
Quali-Quantitative Study on Phenol Compounds as Early Predictive Markers of Graft Incompatibility: A Case Study on Chestnut (Castanea spp.)
Authors: Gamba Giovanni , Cisse Viviana , Donno Dario , Razafindrakoto Zoarilala Rinah , Beccaro Gabriele Loris
Published: December 2021

In recent years, research has focused on phenolic compounds and their putative role as markers of graft incompatibility. Thus far, no studies have been conducted on the role of phenolic compounds in chestnut (Castanea spp.). The present study investigated the content of phenolic compounds in different combinations of Castanea spp. cultivars and rootstocks. Analyses were performed on the inner and outer tissues of chestnut grafts at two phenological sampling stages. The separation, identification and quantification of the phenolic markers via HPLC were preceded by an ultrasonic green extraction. Two chromatographic methods were tested for a total of 15 phenol compounds. Flavonol compounds were not detected, while cinnamic acids were found in low concentrations. The amount of gallic acid turned out to be higher at the graft union of the incompatible combination (20.11 ± 1.47 mg/100 gFW vs. 8.94 ± 1.08 mg/100 gFW). The same pattern was observed for catechin (15.79 ± 1.83 mg/100 gFW vs. 9.63 ± 1.98 mg/100 gFW). Differences in tannin concentrations seemed to be species-specific, and were apparently not related to graft incompatibility. The present work underlines the potential application of certain phenol compounds for the early prediction of graft incompatibility in Castanea spp.
Risk of Glaucoma Associated with Components of Metabolic Disease in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Chang Ya-Wen , Sung Fung-Chang , Tzeng Ya-Ling , Mou Chih-Hsin , Tien Peng-Tai , Su Cheng-Wen , Teng Yu-Kuei
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the glaucoma risk associated with metabolic disease (MetD) using insurance claims data of Taiwan. Methods: From the database, we identified patients with newly diagnosed hypertension, diabetes and/or hyperlipidemia from the years 2000 to 2002 as the MetD cohort (N = 42,036) and an age-gender-diagnosis-date matched control cohort without MetD with a two-fold sample size than that of the MetD cohort. Both cohorts were followed until the development of glaucoma, death, or withdrawal, until 31 December 2013. The incidence of glaucoma, and the Cox method estimated hazard ratio (HR) of glaucoma were calculated. Results showed that the incidence of glaucoma was two-fold higher in the MetD cohort than in the controls (1.99 versus 0.99 per 1000 person-years), with an adjusted HR of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.50–1.85). The glaucoma incidence was higher in patients with diabetes than those with hypertension and hyperlipidemia (2.38 versus 1.95 and 1.72 per 1000 person-years, respectively). The incidence increased to 5.67 per 1000 person-years in patients with all three comorbidities, with an aHR of 4.95 (95% CI: 2.35–10.40). We also found higher incidence rates of primary open-angle glaucoma and primary angle-closure glaucoma with aHRs of 2.03 and 1.44, respectively. It was concluded that glaucoma risk increased with the number of MetD. Health providers need to monitor patients with MetD to prevent glaucoma.
Effects of Nutritional Interventions on Accuracy and Reaction Time with Relevance to Mental Fatigue in Sporting, Military, and Aerospace Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oliver Liam S. , Sullivan John P. , Russell Suzanna , Peake Jonathan M. , Nicholson Mitchell , McNulty Craig , Kelly Vincent G.
Published: December 2021

Background: Research in sport, military, and aerospace populations has shown that mental fatigue may impair cognitive performance. The effect of nutritional interventions that may mitigate such negative effects has been investigated. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effects of nutritional interventions on cognitive domains often measured in mental fatigue research. Methods: A systematic search for articles was conducted using key terms relevant to mental fatigue in sport, military, and aerospace populations. Two reviewers screened 11,495 abstracts and 125 full texts. A meta-analysis was conducted whereby effect sizes were calculated using subgroups for nutritional intervention and cognitive domains. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The consumption of energy drinks was found to have a small positive effect on reaction time, whilst the use of beta-alanine, carbohydrate, and caffeine had no effect. Carbohydrate and caffeine use had no effect on accuracy. Conclusions: The results of this meta-analysis suggest that consuming energy drinks may improve reaction time. The lack of effect observed for other nutritional interventions is likely due to differences in the type, timing, dosage, and form of administration. More rigorous randomized controlled trials related to the effect of nutrition interventions before, during, and after induced mental fatigue are required.
NeuroSmog: Determining the Impact of Air Pollution on the Developing Brain: Project Protocol
Authors: Markevych Iana , Orlov Natasza , Grellier James , Kaczmarek-Majer Katarzyna , Lipowska Małgorzata , Sitnik-Warchulska Katarzyna , Mysak Yarema , Baumbach Clemens , Wierzba-Łukaszyk Maja , Soomro Munawar Hussain , Compa Mikołaj , Izydorczyk Bernadetta , Skotak Krzysztof , Degórska Anna , Bratkowski Jakub , Kossowski Bartosz , Domagalik Aleksandra , Szwed Marcin
Published: December 2021

Exposure to airborne particulate matter (PM) may affect neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The mechanisms underlying these relationships are not currently known. We aim to assess whether PM affects the developing brains of schoolchildren in Poland, a country characterized by high levels of PM pollution. Children aged from 10 to 13 years (n = 800) are recruited to participate in this case–control study. Cases (children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) are being recruited by field psychologists. Population-based controls are being sampled from schools. The study area comprises 18 towns in southern Poland characterized by wide-ranging levels of PM. Comprehensive psychological assessments are conducted to assess cognitive and social functioning. Participants undergo structural, diffusion-weighted, task, and resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). PM concentrations are estimated using land use regression models, incorporating information from air monitoring networks, dispersion models, and characteristics of roads and other land cover types. The estimated concentrations will be assigned to the prenatal and postnatal residential and preschool/school addresses of the study participants. We will assess whether long-term exposure to PM affects brain function, structure, and connectivity in healthy children and in those diagnosed with ADHD. This study will provide novel, in-depth understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of PM pollution.
Environmental Barriers and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Schizophrenia in Taiwan: The Capacity-Performance Discrepancy
Authors: Lien Wei-Chih , Wang Wei-Ming , Wang Hui-Min David , Lin Feng-Huei , Yao Fen-Zhi
Published: December 2021

Environmental factors are crucial determinants of disability in schizophrenic patients. Using data from the 2014–2018 Certification of Disability and Care Needs dataset, we identified 3882 adult patients (46.78% females; age, 51.01 ± 13.9 years) with schizophrenia. We found that patients with severe schizophrenia had lower capacity and performance than those with moderate schizophrenia. The chances of having an access barrier to environmental chapter 1 (e1) products and technology in moderate schizophrenic patients and in severe schizophrenic patients were 29.5% and 37.8%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the performance score was related to accessibility barriers in the categories described in e1, with adequate fitness of models in category e110 for personal consumption, e115 for personal usage in daily living activities, and e120 for personal outdoor and indoor mobility and transportation. Furthermore, the capacity-performance discrepancy was higher in moderate schizophrenic patients with accessibility barriers in the e110, e115, and e120 categories than that in moderate schizophrenic patients without accessibility barriers. However, severe schizophrenic patients with category e120 accessibility barriers were prone to a lower discrepancy, with institutional care a potentially decreasing factor. In conclusion, providing an e1 barrier-free environment is necessary for patients with schizophrenia to decrease their disability.
Missed Appointments at a Child Development Centre and Barriers to Access Special Needs Services for Children in Klang Valley, Malaysia: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Fadzil Fariza , Idris Idayu Badilla , Kamal Nor Norazlin , Ismail Juriza , Mohd Tamil Azmi , Mohamad Noh Kamaliah , Khamis Noraziani , Ahmad Noor Ani , Othman Salimah , Ismail Rohana
Published: December 2021

Attending appointments is vital for children with special needs, as such appointments involve long-term interdisciplinary care to ensure continuity of care and improve health and well-being. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of missed clinic appointments and identify the factors among those who have ever missed appointments and barriers of access to children’s special needs services at the Child Development Centre (CDC) at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). Moreover, suggestions for improvement from the caregivers’ perspectives were explored. This is an explanatory sequential mixed methods study among caregivers of children with developmental disabilities aged up to 17 years old. Of 197 caregivers, 62 (31.5%) had missed clinic appointments. Forgetfulness was the most frequently cited reason. The bi-variable analysis showed significant differences in missed appointment rates by gender of caregivers and duration of follow-up. The final logistic regression model demonstrated that, when combined with the effect of being a male caregiver as an independent variable, follow-up duration of more than 6 years increased 2.67 times the risk of missing an appointment. Caregivers’ perceived barriers were transportation, caregiver, child and healthcare services factors. Policies and strategic plans should be focused on key findings from these factors to improve appointment adherence and accessibility to services for children with special needs.
OTT Streaming Distribution Strategies for Dance Performances in the Post-COVID-19 Age: A Modified Importance-Performance Analysis
Authors: Kim Jian , Kim Eunhye , Hong Aeryung
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore strategies for distributing online content of dance post COVID-19 in Korea. And specially to discuss the distribution strategies of online performances through videoization of dance performances and OTT (over-the-top) streaming: (1) Methods: For this purpose, a survey was conducted on the distribution strategy of dance online contents for a total of 100 practitioners such as dance field, video contents, and art management. A total 91 sample were used except for defective questionnaires, and Vavra (1997)’s modified important performance analysis was conducted; (2) Results: The results of the matrix through the modified IPA analysis are as follows: first, the first quadrant included ‘quality of dance performance’, ‘platform for OTT streaming’, and ‘promotion for potential audience development’. This means that both explicit and intrinsic importance are high, and it is an important execution factor that has a positive effect on the satisfaction of the online contents of dance only if it is met. Second, the second quadrant included ‘brand awareness of choreographer or dance company’, ‘creative composition and choreography’, and ‘fee and price criteria’. This is a case of low explicit importance but high intrinsic importance, and these factors are attractive attributes that affect the satisfaction of dance online contents, although consumers do not expect it to be important. Third, the third quadrant included ‘new formats and curation’, ‘convergence technology (AR, VR, 3D, etc.) for the field sense’, and ‘online audience service (communication, membership, etc.)’. This means that both explicit and intrinsic importance are low, and if these factors are met, it can have a positive effect on the satisfaction of viewing of dance online contents. However, it does not have a negative effect even if it is not met. Fourth, in the fourth quadrant, ‘production and editing competency’, ‘quality of videos and sounds’, ‘copyright of performance creation’, and ‘fandom and audience management’ was included. This is an essential attribute in the distribution strategy of dance online contents because it has high explicit importance and low intrinsic importance, and it can have a negative impact on satisfaction when these factors are not met.
Birth Experience, Postpartum PTSD and Depression before and during the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Russia
Authors: Yakupova Vera , Suarez Anna , Kharchenko Anna
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study is to investigate the changes in the maternal healthcare system during the pandemic and their associations with maternal mental health in Russia. A sample of Russian women who gave birth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 1645) and matched controls, i.e., women who gave birth before the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 611), completed an anonymous Internet survey about recent childbirth. They were assessed for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and postpartum depression (PPD). Clinically relevant symptoms of PPD and PTSD were high before the pandemic and showed no significant change during the pandemic (p = 0.48 and p = 0.64, respectively). We found a notable increase in the frequency of obstetric violence (p = 0.015) during the pandemic, which, in turn, has a strong correlation with birth-related PTSD and PPD. The problem of ethical communication with patients among maternal healthcare professionals is acute in Russia, and it has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Family and doula support during labor can be a potential protective factor against obstetric violence.
A Pilot Case-Control Study of the Social Media Activity Following Cluster and Non-Cluster Suicides in Australia
Authors: Law Phillip Cheuk Fung , Too Lay San , Hill Nicole T. M. , Robinson Jo , Gould Madelyn , Occhipinti Jo-An , Spittal Matthew J. , Witt Katrina , Sinyor Mark , Till Benedikt , Osgood Nathaniel , Prodan Ante , Zahan Rifat , Pirkis Jane
Published: December 2021

Social media may play a role in the “contagion” mechanism thought to underpin suicide clusters. Our pilot case-control study presented a novel methodological approach to examining whether Facebook activity following cluster and non-cluster suicides differed. We used a scan statistic to identify suicide cluster cases occurring in spatiotemporal clusters and matched each case to 10 non-cluster control suicides. We identified the Facebook accounts of 3/48 cluster cases and 20/480 non-cluster controls and their respective friends-lists and retrieved 48 posthumous posts and replies (text segments) referring to the deceased for the former and 606 for the latter. We examined text segments for “putatively harmful” and “putatively protective” content (e.g., discussion of the suicide method vs. messages discouraging suicidal acts). We also used concept mapping, word-emotion association, and sentiment analysis and gauged user reactions to posts using the reactions-to-posts ratio. We found no “putatively harmful” or “putatively protective” content following any suicides. However, “family” and “son” concepts were more common for cluster cases and “xx”, “sorry” and “loss” concepts were more common for non-cluster controls, and there were twice as many surprise- and disgust-associated words for cluster cases. Posts pertaining to non-cluster controls were four times as receptive as those about cluster cases. We hope that the approach we have presented may help to guide future research to explain suicide clusters and social-media contagion.
Integration of Web Processing Services with Workflow-Based Scientific Applications for Solving Environmental Monitoring Problems
Authors: Feoktistov Alexander , Gorsky Sergey , Kostromin Roman , Fedorov Roman , Bychkov Igor
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, developing and applying advanced digital technologies for monitoring protected natural territories are critical problems. Collecting, digitalizing, storing, and analyzing spatiotemporal data on various aspects of the life cycle of such territories play a significant role in monitoring. Often, data processing requires the utilization of high-performance computing. To this end, the paper addresses a new approach to automation of implementing resource-intensive computational operations of web processing services in a heterogeneous distributed computing environment. To implement such an operation, we develop a workflow-based scientific application executed under the control of a multi-agent system. Agents represent heterogeneous resources of the environment and distribute the computational load among themselves. Software development is realized in the Orlando Tools framework, which we apply to creating and operating problem-oriented applications. The advantages of the proposed approach are in integrating geographic information services and high-performance computing tools, as well as in increasing computation speedup, balancing computational load, and improving the efficiency of resource use in the heterogeneous distributed computing environment. These advantages are shown in analyzing multidimensional time series.
Phenanthroline Complexation Enhances the Cytotoxic Activity of the VO-Chrysin System
Authors: Actis Dato Agustin , Naso Luciana G. , Rey Marilin , Gonzalez Pablo J. , Ferrer Evelina G. , Williams Patricia A. M.
Published: December 2021

Metal complexation in general improves the biological properties of ligands. We have previously measured the anticancer effects of the oxidovanadium(IV) cation with chrysin complex, VO(chrys)2. In the present study, we synthesized and characterized a new complex generated by the replacement of one chrysin ligand by phenanthroline (phen), VO(chrys)phenCl, to confer high planarity for DNA chain intercalation and more lipophilicity, giving rise to a better cellular uptake. In effect, the uptake of vanadium has been increased in the complex with phen and the cytotoxic effect of this complex proved higher in the human lung cancer A549 cell line, being involved in its mechanisms of action, the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), the decrease of the natural antioxidant compound glutathione (GSH) and the ratio GSH/GSSG (GSSG, oxidized GSH), and mitochondrial membrane damage. Cytotoxic activity studies using the non-tumorigenic HEK293 cell line showed that [VO(chrys)phenCl] exhibits selectivity action towards A549 cells after 24 h incubation. The interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) by fluorometric determinations showed that the complex could be carried by the protein and that the binding of the complex to BSA occurs through H-bond and van der Waals interactions.
Global Size Pattern in a Group of Important Ecological Indicators (Diptera, Chironomidae) Is Driven by Latitudinal Temperature Gradients
Authors: Baranov Viktor , Jourdan Jonas , Hunter-Moffatt Blue , Noori Sajad , Schölderle Simon , Haug Joachim T.
Published: December 2021

Size is one of the most outwardly obvious characteristics of animals, determined by multiple phylogenetic and environmental variables. Numerous hypotheses have been suggested to explain the relationship between the body size of animals and their geographic latitude. Bergmann’s Rule, describing a positive relationship between the body size of endothermic animals and their geographic latitude, is especially well known. Whether or not insects exhibit a similar pattern has long been a subject for debate. We hypothesize that latitudinal size gradients are coupled to temperature variation affecting the metabolic rate of these merolimnic insects. We showcase a strong latitudinal size gradient in non-biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae), based on the examination of 4309 specimens of these midges from around the world. Although phylogenetic position was a key predictor of wing length, we also found that wing length decreases by 32.4 µm per every 1 °C of mean annual temperature increase. This pattern was found across different taxa and could be detected in 20 of 24 genera studied. We discuss the reasons for this pattern origin and its palaeoecological implications.
Decrease in Carabid Beetles in Grasslands of Northwestern China: Further Evidence of Insect Biodiversity Loss
Authors: Liu Xueqin , Wang Xinpu , Bai Ming , Shaw Josh Jenkins
Published: December 2021

Ground-dwelling beetles are important functional components in nutrient-poor grasslands of middle temperate steppe ecosystems in China. Here, we assessed the changes in ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities in the grasslands of northwestern China over 12 years to improve the management and conservation of beetles all over the world. The Generalized Additive Model (GAM) was applied to estimate the changes in carabid beetle communities in two regions: a desert steppe (Yanchi region), and a typical steppe and meadow steppe (Guyuan region). During the 12-year investigation, a total of 34 species were captured. We found that species abundance and richness per survey declined by 0.2 and 11.2%, respectively. Precipitation was the main factor affecting the distribution of carabid beetles. A distinct decline in carabid beetle species in the Yanchi region indicated that they may be threatened by less precipitation and loss of habitat, which could be due to climate change. Overall, species richness was stable in the Guyuan region. It is necessary to estimate and monitor the changes in carabid beetle communities in a temperate steppe of northern China and to protect them. Extensive desertification seriously threatens the distribution of carabid beetles. Future research should develop methods to protect carabid beetle communities in temperate steppes in China.
Identification of Chemosensory Genes Based on the Antennal Transcriptomic Analysis of Plagiodera versicolora
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Tong Na , Wu Zheran , Li Yang , Ma Meiqi , Liu Pei , Lu Min
Published: December 2021

Insects can sense surrounding chemical signals by their accurate chemosensory systems. This system plays a vital role in the life history of insects. Several gene families participate in chemosensory processes, including odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), gustatory receptors (GRs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a leaf-eating forest pest found in salicaceous trees worldwide. In this study, a transcriptome analysis of male and female adult antennae in P. versicolora individuals was conducted, which identified a total of 98 candidate chemosensory genes including 40 ORs, 7 IRs, 13 GRs, 10 CSPs, 24 OBPs, and 4 SNMPs. Subsequently, the tissue expression profiles of 15 P. versicolora OBPs (PverOBPs) and 39 ORs (PverORs) were conducted by quantitative real-time PCR. The data showed that almost all PverOBPs and PverORs were highly expressed in the male and female antennae. In addition, several OBPs and ORs (PverOBP10, PverOBP12, PverOBP18, PverOR24, and PverOR35) had higher expression levels in female antennae than those in the male antennae, indicating that these genes may be taking part in some female-specific behaviors, such as find mates, oviposition site, etc. This study deeply promotes further understanding of the chemosensory system and functional studies of the chemoreception genes in P. versicolora.
Standard Methods for Dissection of Varroa destructor Females
Authors: Piou Vincent , Vilarem Caroline , Rein Carolin , Sprau Lina , Vétillard Angélique
Published: December 2021

Varroa destructor (Anderson and Trueman) is known as a major pest of Apis mellifera L, especially in the Northern Hemisphere where its effects can be deleterious. As an obligate parasite, this mite relies entirely on its host to reproduce and complete its cycle. Studies focusing on isolated organs are needed to better comprehend this organism. To conduct such targeted molecular or physiological studies, the dissection of V. destructor mites is crucial as it allows the extraction of specific organs. Here, we propose a technical article showing detailed steps of females V. destructor dissection, illustrated with pictures and videos. These illustrated guidelines will represent a helpful tool to go further in V. destructor research.
Sociodemographic Determinants, Health Conditions, and Mental Status as Predictors of the Functional Status of Older Saudi People
Authors: Al Anazi Naif H. , Carsula Rene P. , Tumala Regie B.
Published: December 2021

The increasing population of Saudi elderly demands adequate assessment of their functional health status and mental status to improve their health and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the functional status of older Saudi people in performing basic activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and its influencing factors. This quantitative, descriptive-correlational study surveyed a total of 203 participants using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Katz Index of ADL, and Lawton IADL. Overall, the participants had moderate cognitive impairment and were able to perform basic ADLs and IADLs independently, but they needed assistance in doing housework. Functional status was sensitive to their sociodemographic characteristics, presence of health problems, and mental status. Mental status, education, employment, marital status, and source of support were significantly associated with their ability to perform basic ADLs and IADLs. This study suggests that more efforts are needed to understand the sociodemographic characteristics, presence of health problems, and mental status that support the development of evidence-based public health policy on the functional status among older Saudi people. The findings can be utilized by hospital and nursing administrators to initiate educational and training programs for healthcare professionals including nurses and to create healthcare policies so that the health concerns and functional difficulties of older patients are adequately addressed.
CD147 Levels in Blood and Adipose Tissues Correlate with Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Diabetic Adults
Authors: Ali Mohamed M. , Mirza Imaduddin , Naquiallah Dina , Hassan Chandra , Masrur Mario , Bianco Francesco M. , Mahmoud Abeer M.
Published: December 2021

CD147 is a glycoprotein that stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), known contributors to cardiovascular risk. The activity of CD147 protein depends on its glycosylation. However, it is unclear whether CD147 protein expression or glycosylation are influenced by the diabetic milieu characterized by hyperglycemia and abundant glycation-end-products (AGEs). We examined the circulating and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) levels of CD147 and their correlation with vascular function in obese, obese diabetic, and non-obese controls (n = 40, each). The circulating levels of CD147 and the glycosylated CD147 protein in VAT were considerably higher in obese, particularly obese diabetic subjects compared to controls. Obese diabetics had the lowest brachial and arteriolar vasoreactivity and the highest carotid pulse-wave velocity (PWV, a measure of arterial stiffness) among the three groups. CD147 correlated positively with body mass index (BMI), total and visceral fat mass, PWV, and plasma levels of glucose, insulin, MMPs, and AGEs and negatively with brachial artery and VAT-arteriolar vasoreactivity and nitric oxide production. Multivariate regression revealed that BMI, body fat mass, insulin, and glucose levels significantly predicted CD147. Our data suggest that higher levels of CD147 in obese subjects, particularly those with diabetes, are linked to vascular dysfunction and several cardiometabolic risk factors.
Incorporating Medical Supply and Demand into the Index of Physician Maldistribution Improves the Sensitivity to Healthcare Outcomes
Authors: Takayama Atsushi , Poudyal Hemant
Published: December 2021

Background: Since the association between disparity in physician distribution and specific healthcare outcomes is poorly documented, we aimed to clarify the association between physician maldistribution and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), a high-priority health outcome in Japan. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted multivariable regression analysis with the Physician Uneven Distribution Index (PUDI), a recently developed and adopted policy index in Japan that uniquely incorporates the gap between medical supply and demand, as the independent variable and CeVD death rate as the dependent variable. Population density, mean annual income, and prevalence of hypertension were used as covariates. Results: The coefficient of the PUDI for the CeVD death rate was −0.34 (95%CI: −0.49–−0.19) before adjusting for covariates and was −0.19 (95%CI: −0.30–−0.07) after adjusting. The adjusted R squared of the analysis for the PUDI was 0.71 in the final model. However, the same multivariable regression model showed that the number of physicians per 100,000 people (NPPP) was not associated with the CeVD death rates before or after adjusting for the covariates. Conclusion: Incorporating the gap between the medical supply and demand in physician maldistribution indices could improve the responsiveness of the index for assessing the disparity in healthcare outcomes.
Association between Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay-Measured Kidney Injury Markers and Urinary Cadmium Levels in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Tsai Kai-Fan , Hsu Pai-Chin , Lee Chien-Te , Kung Chia-Te , Chang Yi-Chin , Fu Lung-Ming , Ou Yu-Che , Lan Kuo-Chung , Yen Tzung-Hai , Lee Wen-Chin
Published: December 2021

Cadmium exposure is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the optimal biomarker for early cadmium-associated nephrotoxicity in low-level exposure has not yet been established. We conducted a cross-sectional investigation involving 167 CKD patients stratified according to tertiles of urinary cadmium levels (UCd), in which enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-measured novel renal biomarkers were utilized to assess the extent of renal injury associated with cadmium burden. In the analyses, urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels and age were the independent factors positively correlated with UCd after adjusting for covariates in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients (high vs. low UCd, odds ratio (95% confidence interval), 1.0016 (1.0001–1.0032), p = 0.043, and 1.0534 (1.0091–1.0997), p = 0.018). Other conventional and novel renal biomarkers, such as serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, CKD staging, urinary protein/creatinine ratio, urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) were not independently correlated with UCd in the analyses. In conclusion, our study found that the ELISA-measured urinary KIM-1 level could serve as an early renal injury marker in low-level cadmium exposure for non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients. In addition, age was an independent factor positively associated with UCd in this population.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Urine by RT-LAMP: A Very Rare Finding
Authors: García-Bernalt Diego Juan , Fernández-Soto Pedro , Muñoz-Bellido Juan Luis , Febrer-Sendra Begoña , Crego-Vicente Beatriz , Carbonell Cristina , López-Bernús Amparo , Marcos Miguel , Belhassen-García Moncef , Muro Antonio
Published: December 2021

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 is routinely performed in naso/oropharyngeal swabs samples from patients via RT-qPCR. The RT-LAMP technology has also been used for viral RNA detection in respiratory specimens with both high sensitivity and specificity. Recently, we developed a novel RT-LAMP test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in nasopharyngeal swab specimens (named, N15-RT-LAMP) that can be performed as a single-tube colorimetric method, in a real-time platform, and as dry-LAMP. To date, there has been very little success in detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine by RT-qPCR, and the information regarding urine viral excretion is still scarce and not comprehensive. Here, we tested our N15-RT-LAMP on the urine of 300 patients admitted to the Hospital of Salamanca, Spain with clinical suspicion of COVID-19, who had a nasopharyngeal swab RT-qPCR-positive (n = 100), negative (n = 100), and positive with disease recovery (n = 100) result. The positive group was also tested by RT-qPCR for comparison to N15-RT-LAMP. Only a 4% positivity rate was found in the positive group via colorimetric N15-RT-LAMP and 2% via RT-qPCR. Our results are consistent with those obtained in other studies that the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine is a very rare finding. The absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine in the recovered patients might suggest that the urinary route is very rarely used for viral particle clearance.
Crown-Cut Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Aspiration Needle: First Real-World Experiences
Authors: Oezkan Filiz , Byun Woo Yul , Loeffler Clemens , Siebolts Udo , Diessel Linda , Lambrecht Nina , Eisenmann Stephan
Published: December 2021

Advancements in personalized medicine have increased the demand for quantity and preservation of tissue architecture of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) samples. These demands may be addressed by the SonoTip TopGain® needle, which has a 3-point crown-cut design that contrasts with the standard single bevel design of the ViziShot 2®. The objective was to compare the SonoTip TopGain® and ViziShot 2® needles by considering biopsy sample characteristics, diagnostic accuracy, and patient safety. The primary endpoint of the study was the number of high-power fields (HPFs) in the center of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cell block per sample. The lymph node with the highest probability for malignant infiltration based on size and sonographic appearance was chosen as the target lymph node for 20 patients. The same lymph node in each patient was sampled using both the ViziShot 2® and SonoTip TopGain® needles. The samples were measured, sliced, and analyzed by a pathologist. Sixteen patients were biopsied with both needles. Four patients could not be biopsied with the SonoTip TopGain® needle since it could not penetrate cartilage or be repositioned to bypass cartilage. HPFs and sample dimensions were significantly greater in the patients where sampling with the SonoTip TopGain® needle was possible (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005, respectively). Diagnostic accuracy and safety profiles were comparable. Significantly more material can be sampled using the SonoTip TopGain® needle when cartilage penetration can be avoided. This improves the yield for molecular workup in the era of personalized medicine.
Validation of Noninvasive Remote Dielectric Sensing System to Quantify Lung Fluid Levels
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Gonoi Wataru , Hori Masakazu , Ueno Yohei , Narang Nikhil , Onoda Hiroshi , Tanaka Shuhei , Nakamura Makiko , Kataoka Naoya , Ushijima Ryuichi , Sobajima Mitsuo , Fukuda Nobuyuki , Ueno Hiroshi , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: December 2021

Background: The accuracy of the remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM) system, which is a noninvasive electromagnetic-based technology to quantify lung fluid levels, particularly among those with small body size, remains uncertain. Methods: Hospitalized patients with and without heart failure underwent assessment of lung fluid levels with ReDS and successive chest computed tomography imaging. We performed a correlation analysis of the ReDS measurement, representing lung fluid levels, and computed tomography-derived high attenuation area percentage, which also provides a spatial quantification of lung fluid level. Results: A total of 46 patients (median 76 years old, 28 men), including 28 patients with heart failure, were included. The median ReDS value was 28% (interquartile: 23%, 33%), and the median percentage of high attenuation area was 21.6% (14.4%, 28.5%). ReDS values and percentage of high attenuation area were moderately correlated (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), irrespective of the existence of heart failure. ReDS value independently predicted the percentage of high attenuation area seen on computed tomography (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ReDS system may be a promising, noninvasive tool to quantify fluid lung levels, as validated by comparison with chest computed tomography imaging. Further studies are warranted to validate the utility and applicability of this technology to a variety of clinical scenarios.
Trends in the Prevalence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy Associated with Hyperglycemic Disorders during Pregnancy in Japan
Authors: Sugimoto Masahiko , Sampa Kohei , Tsukitome Hideyuki , Kato Kumiko , Matsubara Hisashi , Asami Shin , Sekimoto Kaori , Kitano Shigehiko , Yoshida Shigeo , Takamura Yoshihiro , Hirano Takao , Murata Toshinori , Shimizu Miho , Kinoshita Takamasa , Kusuhara Sentaro , Sawada Osamu , Ohji Masahito , Yoshikawa Rina , Kimura Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Hiroto , Gomi Fumi , Terasaki Hiroto , Kondo Mineo , Ikeda Tomoaki ,   on behalf of the Writing Committee of Japan-Clinical Retina STudy Group (J-CREST)
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) with hyperglycemic disorders during pregnancy (HDPs) in Japan between 2013 and 2018 using two cohorts. The patients with HDPs were classified as those with pre-existing DM (pexD), gestational DM (GDM), and overt DM (ODM). Cohort 1 was obtained from the health claims database whose diseases were classified by the International Classification of Diseases-10. Cohort 2 was derived from a retrospective, multicenter analysis of the medical records of 225 patients from 10 ophthalmological institutions. In Cohort 1, there were 5268 patients with an HDP prevalence of 8.4%. Among them, 73 of 1139 patients had pexD (6.4%) and 61 of 4129 patients with GDM (1.5%) had DR; the overall prevalence of DR was 2.5%. In Cohort 2, 36 of 225 patients (16.0%) had DR, and 149 patients were followed at the early and late stages of pregnancy. Moreover, 10 of the 102 patients with pexD (9.8%) and two of five patients with ODM (40.0%) had a progression of DR. In conclusion, the prevalence and progression of DR in patients with pexD is lower than previously reported. More attention should be given to pexD and ODM.
Infection Probability Index: Implementation of an Automated Chronic Wound Infection Marker
Authors: Schollemann Franziska , Kunczik Janosch , Dohmeier Henriette , Pereira Carina Barbosa , Follmann Andreas , Czaplik Michael
Published: December 2021

The number of people suffering from chronic wounds is increasing due to demographic changes and the global epidemics of obesity and diabetes. Innovative imaging techniques within the field of chronic wound diagnostics are required to improve wound care by predicting and detecting wound infections to accelerate the application of treatments. For this reason, the infection probability index (IPI) is introduced as a novel infection marker based on thermal wound imaging. To improve usability, the IPI was implemented to automate scoring. Visual and thermal image pairs of 60 wounds were acquired to test the implemented algorithms on clinical data. The proposed process consists of (1) determining various parameters of the IPI based on medical hypotheses, (2) acquiring data, (3) extracting camera distortions using camera calibration, and (4) preprocessing and (5) automating segmentation of the wound to calculate (6) the IPI. Wound segmentation is reviewed by user input, whereas the segmented area can be refined manually. Furthermore, in addition to proof of concept, IPIs’ correlation with C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as a clinical infection marker was evaluated. Based on average CRP levels, the patients were clustered into two groups, on the basis of the separation value of an averaged CRP level of 100. We calculated the IPIs of the 60 wound images based on automated wound segmentation. Average runtime was less than a minute. In the group with lower average CRP, a correlation between IPI and CRP was evident.
The Cognitive Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Members of the General Population in Italy: A Preliminary Study on Executive Inhibition
Authors: Favieri Francesca , Forte Giuseppe , Agostini Francesca , Giovannoli Jasmine , Di Pace Enrico , Langher Viviana , Tambelli Renata , Pazzaglia Mariella , Giannini Anna , Casagrande Maria
Published: December 2021

The pandemic period which has characterized the last two years has been associated with increasingly worsening psychological conditions, and previous studies have reported severe levels of anxiety, mood disorder, and psychopathological alteration in the general population. In particular, worldwide populations have appeared to present post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Surprisingly, no studies have evaluated the effect of COVID-related PTSS on cognitive functioning. This study focused on the association between high levels of PTSS related to COVID-19 and alterations in executive functioning by considering executive inhibitions in populations not infected by the virus. Ninety respondents from the Italian population participated in the study. A higher percentage of PTSS was reported. Moreover, respondents with high post-traumatic symptomatology presented deficits in the inhibition of preponderant responses, demonstrating an executive deficit which could be expressed by a difficulty in controlling goal-directed actions. This was underlined by worse performances in elaborating incongruent stimuli in the Stroop task and no-go stimuli in the Go/No-Go task. This report presents preliminary findings underlining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on cognitive functions. The results confirmed a persistently higher post-traumatic symptomatology related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Italian population and highlighted an association with cognitive inhibition impairment.