bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hearing aids on cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults with hearing loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Zhizhong , Ni Jingnian , Teng Yuou , Su Mingwan , Wei Mingqing , Li Ting , Fan Dongsheng , Lu Tao , Xie Hengge , Zhang Wei , Shi Jing , Tian Jinzhou
Published: November 2022

Objective

The study aimed to examine the effects of hearing aids on cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults with hearing loss.

Data sources and study selection

PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for studies published before 30 March 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSIs) were included in the search. Restriction was set on neither types, severity, or the time of onset of hearing impairment nor cognitive or psychiatric statuses.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the study quality of RCTs. Cognitive function outcomes were descriptively summarized and converted to standardized mean difference (SMD) in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted in RCTs. Sub-group analyses were conducted by cognitive statuses, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive domains.

Results

A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, including five RCTs (n = 339) and 10 NRSIs (n = 507). Groups were classified as subjects without dementia or with normal global cognition, subjects with AD or dementia, and subjects with depressive symptoms. For subjects without dementia, improvements were found in global cognition, executive function, and episodic memory. For subjects with depressive symptoms, improvements were found in immediate memory, global cognition, and executive function. No improvement was found in subjects with AD or dementia. In total, four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. For subjects without dementia (SMD = 0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.15–0.37) and those with AD, no significant effect was found (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.65–0.28). For subjects without dementia, no significant effect was found in language (SMD = 0.14, 95% CI: −0.30–0.59) or general executive function (SMD = −0.04, 95% CI: −0.46–0.38). Further sub-group analysis found no significant effect in executive function (SMD = −0.27, 95% CI: −0.72–0.18) or processing speed (SMD = −0.02, 95% CI: −0.49–0.44).

Conclusion

Hearing aids might improve cognitive performance in domains such as executive function in subjects without dementia. The effects on subjects with depressive symptoms remained unclear. No improvement was found in subjects with AD or dementia. Long-term RCTs and well-matched comparison-group studies with large sample sizes are warranted.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022349057.
A multi-frame network model for predicting seizure based on sEEG and iEEG data
Authors: Lu Liangfu , Zhang Feng , Wu Yubo , Ma Songnan , Zhang Xin , Ni Guangjian
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Analysis and prediction of seizures by processing the EEG signals could assist doctors in accurate diagnosis and improve the quality of the patient's life with epilepsy. Nowadays, seizure prediction models based on deep learning have become one of the most popular topics in seizure studies, and many models have been presented. However, the prediction results are strongly related to the various complicated pre-processing strategies of models, and cannot be directly applied to raw data in real-time applications. Moreover, due to the inherent deficiencies in single-frame models and the non-stationary nature of EEG signals, the generalization ability of the existing model frameworks is generally poor.

Methods

Therefore, we proposed an end-to-end seizure prediction model in this paper, where we designed a multi-frame network for automatic feature extraction and classification. Instance and sequence-based frames are proposed in our approach, which can help us simultaneously extract features of different modes for further classification. Moreover, complicated pre-processing steps are not included in our model, and the novel frames can be directly applied to the raw data. It should be noted that the approaches proposed in the paper can be easily used as the general model which has been validated and compared with existing model frames.

Results

The experimental results showed that the multi-frame network proposed in this paper was superior to the existing model frame in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and AUC in the classification performance of EEG signals.

Discussion

Our results provided a new research idea for this field. Researchers can further integrate the idea of the multi-frame network into the state-of-the-art single-frame seizure prediction models and then achieve better results.
A novel tDCS control condition using optimized anesthetic gel to block peripheral nerve input
Authors: Kerstens Silke , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques , Mc Laughlin Myles
Published: November 2022

Background

Recent studies indicate that some transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects may be caused by indirect stimulation of peripheral nerves in the scalp rather than the electric field in the brain. To address this, we developed a novel tDCS control condition in which peripheral input is blocked using topical anesthetics. We developed a compounded anesthetic gel containing benzocaine and lidocaine (BL10) that blocks peripheral input during tDCS.

Methods

In a blinded randomized cross-over study of 18 healthy volunteers (M/F), we compared the gel's efficacy to EMLA and an inert placebo gel. Subjects used a visual analog scale (VAS) to rate the stimulation sensation in the scalp produced by 10 s of 2 mA tDCS every 2 min during 1 h. In an additional in-vitro experiment, the effect of a DC current on gel resistivity and temperature was investigated.

Results

Both the BL10 and EMLA gel, lowered the stimulation sensations compared to the placebo gel. The BL10 gel showed a tendency to work faster than the EMLA gel with reported sensations for the BL10 gel being lower than for EMLA for the first 30 min. The DC current caused a drastic increase in gel resistivity for the EMLA gel, while it did not affect gel resistivity for the BL10 and placebo gel, nor did it affect gel temperature.

Conclusions

Topical anesthetics reduce stimulation sensations by blocking peripheral nerve input during tDCS. The BL10 gel tends to work faster and is more electrically stable than EMLA gel.

Clinical trial registration

The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with name “Understanding the Neural Mechanisms Behind tDCS” and number NCT04577677.
Brain2Pix: Fully convolutional naturalistic video frame reconstruction from brain activity
Authors: Le Lynn , Ambrogioni Luca , Seeliger Katja , Güçlütürk Yağmur , van Gerven Marcel , Güçlü Umut
Published: November 2022

Reconstructing complex and dynamic visual perception from brain activity remains a major challenge in machine learning applications to neuroscience. Here, we present a new method for reconstructing naturalistic images and videos from very large single-participant functional magnetic resonance imaging data that leverages the recent success of image-to-image transformation networks. This is achieved by exploiting spatial information obtained from retinotopic mappings across the visual system. More specifically, we first determine what position each voxel in a particular region of interest would represent in the visual field based on its corresponding receptive field location. Then, the 2D image representation of the brain activity on the visual field is passed to a fully convolutional image-to-image network trained to recover the original stimuli using VGG feature loss with an adversarial regularizer. In our experiments, we show that our method offers a significant improvement over existing video reconstruction techniques.
Efficacy and mechanism of intermittent fasting in metabolic associated fatty liver disease based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Deng Jiang , Feng Dandan , Jia Xiaoli , Zhai Song , Liu Yixin , Gao Ning , Zhang Xin , Li Mei , Lu Mengnan , Liu Chenrui , Dang Shuangsuo , Shi Juanjuan
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Drug treatment of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains lacking. This study analyzes the efficacy and mechanism underlying intermittent fasting combined with lipidomics.

Methods

Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into three groups: Normal group, administered a standard diet; MAFLD group, administered a 60% high-fat diet; time-restricted feeding (TRF) group, administered a 60% high-fat diet. Eating was allowed for 6 h per day (16:00–22:00). After 15 weeks, liver lipidomics and other indicators were compared.

Results

A total of 1,062 metabolites were detected. Compared with the Normal group, the weight, body fat ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, uric acid, and levels of 317 lipids including triglycerides (TG) (17:0−18:1−20:4) were upregulated, whereas the levels of 265 lipids including phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) (17:0−20:5) were downregulated in the MAFLD group (P < 0.05). Compared with the MAFLD group, the weight, body fat ratio, daily food intake, and levels of 253 lipids including TG (17:0−18:1−22:5) were lower in the TRF group. Furthermore, the levels of 82 lipids including phosphatidylcholine (PC) (20:4−22:6) were upregulated in the TRF group (P < 0.05), while serum TG level was increased; however, the increase was not significant (P > 0.05). Enrichment analysis of differential metabolites showed that the pathways associated with the observed changes mainly included metabolic pathways, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, and fat digestion and absorption, while reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that TRF improved the abnormal expression of FAS and PPARα genes in the MAFLD group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that 6 h of TRF can improve MAFLD via reducing food intake by 13% and improving the expression of genes in the PPARα/FAS pathway, thereby providing insights into the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.
Cervical squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary: Oncological outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Meulemans Jeroen , Voortmans Jens , Nuyts Sandra , Daisne Jean-François , Clement Paul , Laenen Annouschka , Delaere Pierre , Van Lierde Charlotte , Poorten Vincent Vander
Published: November 2022

Background/Objectives

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP) is a rare entity within head and neck cancer and both treatment regimens as well as identified potential predictors for oncological outcomes vary between published series. In this study, we evaluated oncological outcomes and identified potential prognostic factors for outcome.

Patients and methods

This retrospective monocentric cohort study includes 82 SCCUP patients diagnosed and treated between January 2000 and June 2021. Overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), disease-free survival (DFS) and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) were evaluated. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the prognostic effect of patient and tumor characteristics on oncological outcomes.

Results

Five year OS, DSS, DFS and LRFS were respectively 53.9%, 72.2%, 68.9% and 67.3%. The p16 status was evaluated in 55 patients with 40% being p16 positive. On univariable analysis, p16 negative SCCUPs had significantly worse survival and recurrence rates in the presence of clinical extranodal extension (cENE) (OS: p=0.0013, DSS: p=0.0099, DFS: p=0.0164, LRFS: p=0.0099) and radiological extranodal extension (rENE) (OS: p=0.0034, DSS: p=0.0137, DFS: p=0.0167, LRFS: p=0.0100). In p16 positive SCCUP patients, rENE had a significantly negative prognostic effect on DFS (p=0.0345) and LRFS (p=0.0367). Total group multivariate analysis identified rENE as an independent negative predictor for all oncological outcomes. The “number of positive lymph nodes” was a second independent predictor for DSS (p=0.0257) and DFS (p=0.0435).

Conclusions

We report favorable oncological outcomes, comparable to previously published results. Although the presence of rENE seems associated with poor oncological outcomes, the differential effect of clinical, radiological and pathological ENE in both p16 positive and negative subgroups remain to be elucidated by further prospective research.
Effect of perioperative seizures on mortality and recurrence in patients with brain metastases
Authors: Zheng Yilong , Yang Yuxiu , Ng Min Hui , Chew Adrienne Yu Hsiang , Goh Chun Peng , Chua Christopher Yuan Kit , Rathakrishnan Rahul , Ang Yvonne , Wong Andrea Li Ann , Vellayappan Balamurugan , Teo Kejia , Nga Vincent Diong Weng , Yeo Tseng Tsai , Lim Mervyn Jun Rui
Published: November 2022

Objective

To identify the independent risk factors for 30-day perioperative seizures, as well as to evaluate the effect of perioperative seizures on overall mortality and tumor recurrence among patients who underwent surgical resection of brain metastases.

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical resection of brain metastases at our institution between 2011 and 2019 were included. 30-day perioperative seizures were defined as the presence of any preoperative or postoperative seizures diagnosed by a neurosurgeon or neurologist within 30 days of metastases resection. Independent risk factors for 30-day perioperative seizures were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression models were constructed to evaluate the effects of 30-day perioperative seizures on overall mortality and tumor recurrence. Subgroup analyses were conducted for 30-day preoperative and 30-day postoperative seizures.

Results

A total of 158 patients were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age was 59.3 (12.0) years, and 20 (12.7%) patients had 30-day perioperative seizures. The presence of 30-day preoperative seizures (OR=41.4; 95% CI=4.76, 924; p=0.002) was an independent risk factor for 30-day postoperative seizures. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that any 30-day perioperative seizure (HR=3.25; 95% CI=1.60, 6.62; p=0.001) was independently and significantly associated with overall mortality but not tumor recurrence (HR=1.95; 95% CI=0.78, 4.91; p=0.154).

Conclusions

Among patients with resected brain metastases, the presence of any 30-day perioperative seizure was independently associated with overall mortality. This suggests that 30-day perioperative seizures may be a prognostic marker of poor outcome. Further research evaluating this association as well as the effect of perioperative antiepileptic drugs in patients with resected brain metastases may be warranted.
Is the six-minute walk test still reliable compared to cardiopulmonary exercise test for exercise capacity in children with congenital heart disease?
Authors: Qu Jiangbo , Shi Hui , Guo Yugong , Chen Xinxin , Xiao Xuwen , Zheng Xiaojuan , Cui Yanqin
Published: November 2022

Objectives

We aimed to assess the validity of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) to reflect the functional capacity of children with congenital heart disease (CHD), evaluate a possible correlation between the 6MWT distance with cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) variables, as well as to find a cutoff value to stratification the physical fitness in this population.

Methods

We enrolled 459 children with CHD, 6–18 years old, who performed a complete CPET and 6MWT on the same day in a cross-sectional observational study. Correlations between variables of CPET and six-minute walking distance (6MWD) were analyzed and cutoff values of 6MWD were identified for the classification of the physical fitness in the population.

Results

The mean distance ambulated during the 6MWT was 578 ± 65 m, 590 ± 65 m for boys, and 562 ± 62 m for girls (p < 0.001). Both VO2max and %predicted VO2max showed a correlation with the 6MWT distance (r = 0.35, p < 0.001 and r = 0.51, p < 0.001, respectively), and an inverse correlation was found between VE/VCO2 slope and the 6MWT distance (r = −0.31; p < 0.001). There appeared to be a linear association between 6MWD and VO2max up to a 6MWD of approximately 600 m. We divided the population into 4 subgroups (boys <130 cm; boys ≥130 cm; girls <130 cm; girls ≥130 cm), and get the cutoff values (554 m, 617 m, 549 m, 587 m) respectively equivalent to 80% of predicted VO2max. The 6MWT distances of another 102 patients were applied for external verification of the cutoff values.

Conclusions

Our study provided evidence on when a 6MWT should be considered as a convincing complementary test in the pediatric population with CHD and explored the classification of exercise tolerance using a 6MWD value. The cut-off values for 6MWD may be qualified as an intervention target for exercise rehabilitation.
The role of the gut microbiota and probiotics associated with microbial metabolisms in cancer prevention and therapy
Authors: Wang Zijun , Li Lanqing , Wang Shunshun , Wei Jing , Qu Linghang , Pan Lianhong , Xu Kang
Published: November 2022

Cancer is the second leading cause of elevated mortality worldwide. Thus, the development of drugs and treatments is needed to enhance the survival rate of the cancer-affected population. Recently, gut microbiota research in the healthy development of the human body has garnered widespread attention. Many reports indicate that changes in the gut microbiota are strongly associated with chronic inflammation-related diseases, including colitis, liver disease, and cancer within the intestine and the extraintestinal tract. Different gut bacteria are vital in the occurrence and development of tumors within the gut and extraintestinal tract. The human gut microbiome has significant implications for human physiology, including metabolism, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Moreover, diet and lifestyle habits are involved in the evolution of the human microbiome throughout the lifetime of the host and are involved in drug metabolism. Probiotics are a functional food with a protective role in cancer development in animal models. Probiotics alter the gut microbiota in the host; thus, beneficial bacterial activity is stimulated, and detrimental activity is inhibited. Clinical applications have revealed that some probiotic strains could reduce the occurrence of postoperative inflammation among cancer patients. An association network was constructed by analyzing the previous literature to explore the role of probiotics from the anti-tumor perspective. Therefore, it provides direction and insights for research on tumor treatment.
Metabolic reprogramming of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Zhai Xiaoxuan , Sun Xiao , Cao Shengchuan , Yuan Qiuhuan , Wang Jiali
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and intractable lung disease with fibrotic features that affects alveoli elasticity, which leading to higher rates of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Pulmonary fibrosis is initiated by repetitive localized micro-damages of the alveolar epithelium, which subsequently triggers aberrant epithelial-fibroblast communication and myofibroblasts production in the extracellular matrix, resulting in massive extracellular matrix accumulation and interstitial remodeling. The major cell types responsible for pulmonary fibrosis are myofibroblasts, alveolar epithelial cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming or dysregulation of these cells exerts their profibrotic role via affecting pathological mechanisms such as autophagy, apoptosis, aging, and inflammatory responses, which ultimately contributes to the development of pulmonary fibrosis. This review summarizes recent findings on metabolic reprogramming that occur in the aforementioned cells during pulmonary fibrosis, especially those associated with glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, with the aim of identifying novel treatment targets for pulmonary fibrosis.
Pharmacodynamic evaluation of lefamulin in the treatment of gonorrhea using a hollow fiber infection model simulating Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections
Authors: Jacobsson Susanne , Golparian Daniel , Oxelbark Joakim , Wicha Wolfgang W. , da Costa Renata Maria Augusto , Franceschi Francois , Brown David , Louie Arnold , Gelone Steven P. , Drusano George , Unemo Magnus
Published: November 2022

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is seriously threatening the treatment and control of gonorrhea globally. Novel treatment options are essential, coupled with appropriate methods to pharmacodynamically examine the efficacy and resistance emergence of these novel drugs. Herein, we used our dynamic in vitro hollow fiber infection model (HFIM) to evaluate protein-unbound lefamulin, a semisynthetic pleuromutilin, against N. gonorrhoeae. Dose–range and dose–fractionation experiments with N. gonorrhoeae reference strains: WHO F (susceptible to all relevant antimicrobials), WHO X (extensively drug-resistant, including ceftriaxone resistance), and WHO V (high-level azithromycin resistant, and highest gonococcal MIC of lefamulin (2 mg/l) reported), were performed to examine lefamulin gonococcal killing and resistance development during treatment. The dose–range experiments, simulating a single oral dose of lefamulin based on human plasma concentrations, indicated that ≥1.2 g, ≥2.8 g, and ≥9.6 g of lefamulin were required to eradicate WHO F, X, and V, respectively. Dose–fractionation experiments, based on human lefamulin plasma concentrations, showed that WHO X was eradicated with ≥2.8 g per day when administered as q12 h (1.4 g twice a day) and with ≥3.6 g per day when administered as q8 h (1.2 g thrice a day), both for 7 days. However, when simulating the treatment with 5–10 times higher concentrations of free lefamulin in relevant gonorrhea tissues (based on urogenital tissues in a rat model), 600 mg every 12 h for 5 days (approved oral treatment for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia) eradicated all strains, and no lefamulin resistance emerged in the successful treatment arms. In many arms failing single or multiple dose treatments for WHO X, lefamulin-resistant mutants (MIC = 2 mg/l), containing an A132V amino acid substitution in ribosomal protein L3, were selected. Nevertheless, these lefamulin-resistant mutants demonstrated an impaired biofitness. In conclusion, a clinical study is warranted to elucidate the clinical potential of lefamulin as a treatment option for uncomplicated gonorrhea (as well as several other bacterial STIs).
Medical ultrasound image speckle reduction and resolution enhancement using texture compensated multi-resolution convolution neural network
Authors: Moinuddin Muhammad , Khan Shujaat , Alsaggaf Abdulrahman U. , Abdulaal Mohammed Jamal , Al-Saggaf Ubaid M. , Ye Jong Chul
Published: November 2022

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a mature technology that has widespread applications especially in the healthcare sector. Despite its widespread use and popularity, it has an inherent disadvantage that ultrasound images are prone to speckle and other kinds of noise. The image quality in the low-cost ultrasound imaging systems is degraded due to the presence of such noise and low resolution of such ultrasound systems. Herein, we propose a method for image enhancement where, the overall quality of the US images is improved by simultaneous enhancement of US image resolution and noise suppression. To avoid over-smoothing and preserving structural/texture information, we devise texture compensation in our proposed method to retain the useful anatomical features. Moreover, we also utilize US image formation physics knowledge to generate augmentation datasets which can improve the training of our proposed method. Our experimental results showcase the performance of the proposed network as well as the effectiveness of the utilization of US physics knowledge to generate augmentation datasets.
The discovery of a key prenyltransferase gene assisted by a chromosome-level Epimedium pubescens genome
Authors: Shen Guoan , Luo Yanjiao , Yao Yu , Meng Guoqing , Zhang Yixin , Wang Yuanyue , Xu Chaoqun , Liu Xiang , Zhang Cheng , Ding Gang , Pang Yongzhen , Zhang Hui , Guo Baolin
Published: November 2022

Epimedium pubescens is a species of the family Berberidaceae in the basal eudicot lineage, and a main plant source for the traditional Chinese medicine “Herba Epimedii”. The current study achieved a chromosome-level genome assembly of E. pubescens with the genome size of 3.34 Gb, and the genome guided discovery of a key prenyltransferase (PT) in E. pubescens. Our comparative genomic analyses confirmed the absence of Whole Genome Triplication (WGT-γ) event shared in core eudicots and further revealed the occurrence of an ancient Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) event approximately between 66 and 81 Million Years Ago (MYA). In addition, whole genome search approach was successfully applied to identify 19 potential flavonoid PT genes and an important flavonoid PT (EpPT8) was proven to be an enzyme for the biosynthesis of medicinal compounds, icaritin and its derivatives in E. pubescens. Therefore, our results not only provide a good reference genome to conduct further molecular biological studies in Epimedium genus, but also give important clues for synthetic biology and industrial production of related prenylated flavonoids in future.
Overexpression of TaMYC2 confers freeze tolerance by ICE-CBF-COR module in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Rui , Yu Mengmeng , Xia Jingqiu , Xing Jinpu , Fan Xiaopei , Xu Qinghua , Cang Jing , Zhang Da
Published: November 2022

Dongnongdongmai No.1 (Dn1) is one of the few winter wheat varieties that can successfully overwinter at temperatures as low as -25°C or even lower. To date, few researches were carried to identify the freeze tolerance genes in Dn1 and applied them to improve plant resistance to extreme low temperatures. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor MYC2 is a master regulator in JA signaling, which has been reported to involve in responses to mild cold stress (2°C and 7°C). We hypothesized that MYC2 might be part of the regulatory network responsible for the tolerance of Dn1 to extreme freezing temperatures. In this study, we showed that wheat MYC2 (TaMYC2) was induced under both extreme low temperature (-10°C and-25°C) and JA treatments. The ICE-CBF-COR transcriptional cascade, an evolutionary conserved cold resistance pathway downstream of MYC2, was also activated in extreme low temperatures. We further showed that overexpression of any of the MYC2 genes from Dn1 TaMYC2A, B, D in Arabidopsis led to enhanced freeze tolerance. The TaMYC2 overexpression lines had less electrolyte leakage and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and an increase in proline content, an increases antioxidant defences, and the enhanced expression of ICE-CBF-COR module under the freezing temperature. We further verified that TaMYC2 might function through physical interaction with TaICE41 and TaJAZ7, and that TaJAZ7 physically interacts with TaICE41. These results elucidate the molecular mechanism by which TaMYC2 regulates cold tolerance and lay the foundation for future studies to improve cold tolerance in plants.
Salix gordejevii females exhibit more resistance against wind erosion than males under aeolian environment
Authors: Ma Shaowei , Liu Guohou , Wang Lei , Liu Guanzhi , Xu Xiao
Published: November 2022

Effects of wind erosion on growth and adaptability have been widely reported in many plants, but little attention has been paid to dioecious plants. Recent studies have shown that sex-specific responses to environmental changes in many plants exist. To explore sexual differences in response to wind erosion, female and male Salix gordejevii saplings growing on inter-dune land (no erosion) and on the windward slope of the dune (20cm wind erosion) in Hunshandake Sandy Land were chosen and their morphology, biomass and physiological traits were investigated, respectively. Wind erosion significantly reduced plant growth, biomass accumulation, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, and obviously disrupted osmotic regulation function and antioxidant enzyme system in both sexes, especially in males. Under wind erosion condition, females exhibited higher sapling height (SH), basal diameter (BD), leaf dry mass (LDM), root dry mass (RDM), total dry mass (TDM), root percentage in total dry mass, net photosynthesis rate (Pn), maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII), relative water content (RWC) of leaves, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities, but lower malondialdehyde (MDA), proline as well as soluble sugar content than did males. However, no significant sexual differences in most of these traits were observed under no erosion condition. Our results demonstrated that females possess a greater resistance to wind erosion than do males, with females having a better photosynthetic capacity, stronger water retention capacity and more efficient antioxidant system to alleviate negative effects caused by aeolian environment.
Managingtomato bacterial wilt by suppressing Ralstonia solanacearum population in soil and enhancing host resistance through fungus-derived furoic acid compound
Authors: Ye Meijin , Feng Hong , Hu Jianghong , Yu Qing , Liu Songqing
Published: November 2022

Synthetic chemical pesticides are primarily used to manage plant pests and diseases, but their widespread and unregulated use has resulted in major health and environmental hazards. Using biocontrol microbes and their bioactive compounds is a safe and sustainable approach in plant protection. In this study, a furoic acid (FA) compound having strong antibacterial activity against soil-borne phytopathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum [causal agent of bacterial wilt (BW) disease] was isolated from Aspergillus niger and identified as 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furoic acid compound through spectroscopic analyses (liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (MS), electron ionization MS, and NMR). The SEM study of bacterial cells indicated the severe morphological destructions by the FA compound. The FA was further evaluated to check its potential in enhancing host resistance and managing tomato BW disease in a greenhouse experiment and field tests. The results showed that FA significantly enhanced the expression of resistance-related genes (PAL, LOX, PR1, and PR2) in tomato and caused a significant reduction (11.2 log10 colony-forming units/g) of the R. solanacearum population in soil, resulting in the reduction of bacterial wilt disease severity on tomato plants and increase in plant length (58 ± 2.7 cm), plant biomass (28 ± 1.7 g), and root length (13 ± 1.2 cm). The findings of this study suggested that the fungus-derived FA compound can be a potential natural compound of biological source for the soil-borne BW disease in tomato.
Environmental sustainability through green HRM: Measuring the perception of university managers
Authors: Lashari Ishfaque Ahmed , Li Qiyuan , Maitlo Qamaruddin , Bughio Faraz Ali , Jhatial Ashique Ali , Rashidi Syed Obed
Published: November 2022

Environmental sustainability has gained great momentum worldwide especially in the United Nations (UN), governments, and corporations, and by those who promote global awareness of environmental challenges and are engaged in environmental management. Even as these stakeholders struggle hard, academia has actively engaged in an ongoing debate to make “green human resource management” an independent field of research and teaching. From the large body of academic literature, it has been observed that the field is yet in its embryonic stage in many developing countries such as Pakistan and there is insufficient knowledge on how universities face and manage environmental challenges. Hence, this study addressed this gap in the literature and measured the perception of public and private sector university managers regarding environmental sustainability by using a multi-respondent multi-wave design and collected data from academic heads/supervisors and university faculty in three-time intervals. The data found support for all the hypothetical relationships. The study revealed that the green human resource management (GHRM) practices of public and private universities have a positive impact on environmental sustainability through the mediation of innovative work behavior of employees.
Online in-class vs. out-of-class flipped learning models in English as foreign language writing classes
Authors: Sengul Fatma , Bostanci Hanife Bensen , Kurt Mustafa
Published: November 2022

Flipped learning models are considered as important elements of English as a foreign language (EFL) writing courses in order to advance the EFL learners' writing skills. Significantly, studies examining the efficacy of in-class and out-of-class writing models in flipped classroom settings when teaching online EFL writing courses are still of focus in the Turkish Cypriot context. This investigation aimed to examine the most efficient flipped learning model among the in-class vs. out-of-class writing models for the purpose of helping instructors to advance their EFL learners' writing achievement in an online writing setting. In addition, this study sorted to reveal the EFL learners' perceptions toward learning writing through in-class and out-of-class flipped learning writing models. A mixed methods research design was applied to achieve the aforementioned aims. Twenty-eight EFL learners studying at a private university's English Language Teaching department constituted the participants of this study. As the findings pointed out, the EFL learners in group A who wrote their essays in-class outperformed those in group B, who wrote their essays out-of-class. Moreover, it was found that the majority of the participants had more positive perceptions toward the in-class flipped classroom writing model. This study highlights that, better learner performances are achieved when the learners write during the class session online with the support of the instructor when implementing a flipped classroom model to teach EFL writing.
Correlated metadiscourse and metacognition in writing research articles: A cross-linguistic and cross-cultural study
Authors: Gai Fei-Hong , Wang Yao
Published: November 2022

Metadiscourse represents a producer’s intention to guide a receiver’s interpretation of the textual meanings. It is a highly dynamic topic in discourse analysis and language education. Related studies provide a way to understand language in use, and contribute to a better understanding about the relationship between the seemingly unconscious language choices and the social contexts. Based-on a corpus of 150 research articles (RAs) written by English L1 scholars, Chinese ESL scholars and Chinese L1 scholars, this study compared their interactive and interactional metadiscourse strategies cross-linguistically and cross-culturally. Quantitative results manifest significantly higher metadiscursive frequencies in English-medium RAs than in Chinese-medium RAs, and significantly higher metadiscursive frequencies in RAs written by British-American scholars than by Chinese scholars. Also, Chinese ESL writers reveal L1-based transfer of discourse conceptualization. Apart from providing with cultural explanations, this study then particularly discusses cognitive implications of culture-specific and language-specific metadiscourse variations by addressing the connections between metacognition and metadiscourse. With the proposed Model of Correlated Metadiscourse and Metacognition, it argues that metadiscourse is the linguistic reflection of metacognition and that metacognition exerts mediation and monitoring over cognitive objects partly by the means of metadiscourse.
Face name matching and memory complaints in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Siquier Antònia , Andrés Pilar
Published: November 2022

Objective

Memory impairment is a hallmark cognitive deficit in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it remains unclear which processes underlie this deficit in PD. Also, little is known on these patients’ subjective experiences of memory difficulties and their relationship with objective measures. We aim to portray memory deficits in PD by combining objective and subjective memory measures.

Methods

Fifteen PD patients and 15 controls were assessed with an extended version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME) and the Memory Failures of Everyday Questionnaire (MFE-28). We also explored the relationship among clinical and cognitive variables.

Results

Participants with PD presented with more memory complaints. On the FNAME, these patients exhibited lower performance in free recall, as well as in name recognition and matching. Importantly, when controlling for initial learning, group effects disappeared, except for matching. Associative memory therefore was significantly compromised in PD and correlated with subjective memory complaints (SMC).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that associative memory may constitute a sensitive measure to detect subtle memory deficits in PD. Moreover, the current study further clarifies the source of memory impairment in PD. Thus, our study highlights the clinical value of including associative memory tests such as the FNAME in PD neuropsychological assessment.
Characteristics and trends in acceptance and commitment therapy research: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Zhihong , Shang Wenru , Wang Caiyun , Yang Kehu , Guo Juanmei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

As acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) becomes mainstream and a growing body of literature emerges, it is critical to map the global collaborative network and a quantitative and systematic assessment of ACT, as research on this topic is still lacking. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory, key themes, and future prospects in ACT research.

Methods

Publications were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection before 2022. Excel 2019, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software were used to analyze the characteristics and trends of ACT research. Examples include publications trend analysis, authors’ cooperation network analysis, keywords co-occurrence analysis, and citation burst analysis.

Results

A total of 799 articles in 314 journals contributed by 2,862 authors from 958 institutions in 52 countries were identified. The number of publications has increased significantly since 2015. The United States/Utah State University is the most productive country/institution; Karolinska Institute, Utah State University, and King’s College of London are the most significant nodes. Twohig M.P., Hayes S.C., and Levin M.E. are the most influential authors. Keyword co-occurrence analysis found the curative mechanisms, using network technology or mobile technology as adjuvant therapy, reducing psychological diseases of cancer patients were potential trends.

Conclusion

This review is the first attempt of its kind to systematically examine the knowledge structure and draw an evidence map of ACT research. It deepens the understanding of existing research, gives many operable research directions and suggests to future ACT research.
The relationship between living arrangements and depression among older adults in Shandong, China: The mediating role of social support
Authors: Pei Zhongfei , Hu Fangfang , Qin Wenzhe , Zhao Yan , Zhang Xiaohong , Cong Xinxia , Liu Chuanli , Xu Lingzhong
Published: November 2022

Background

Living arrangements and social support have an impact on depression among older adults. However, the underlying mechanism between those variables remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of social support in the relationship between living arrangements and depression among older adults.

Materials and methods

Multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select 3,859 older adults from Taian City, Shandong Province, China, for cross-sectional investigation. Living arrangements were measured by a question. Social support and depression were measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between living arrangements and depression and the possible influence of social support on the relationship between living arrangements and depression.

Results

Statistics showed that 15.08% of older adults lived alone. After controlling for covariates, living arrangements (ß = 0.45, t = 2.87, P < 0.01) and social support (ß =−0.08, t =−16.93, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with depression. The linear regression model showed that social support mediated the relationship between living arrangements and depression, and the mediating effect accounted for 18.20% of the total effect.

Conclusion

This study revealed that living arrangements played an essential role in indirectly predicting depression in older adults through social support. This provided evidence for how to reduce depression in older adults.
Symptom diaries as a digital tool to detect SARS-CoV-2 infections and differentiate between prevalent variants
Authors: Grüne Barbara , Kugler Sabine , Ginzel Sebastian , Wolff Anna , Buess Michael , Kossow Annelene , Küfer-Weiß Annika , Rüping Stefan , Neuhann Florian
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the high numbers of infected individuals pose major challenges for public health departments. To overcome these challenges, the health department in Cologne has developed a software called DiKoMa. This software offers the possibility to track contact and index persons, but also provides a digital symptom diary. In this work, the question of whether these can also be used for diagnostic purposes will be investigated. Machine learning makes it possible to identify infections based on early symptom profiles and to distinguish between the predominant dominant variants. Focusing on the occurrence of the symptoms in the first week, a decision tree is trained for the differentiation between contact and index persons and the prevailing dominant variants (Wildtype, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron). The model is evaluated, using sex- and age-stratified cross-validation and validated by symptom profiles of the first 6 days. The variants achieve an AUC-ROC from 0.89 for Omicron and 0.6 for Alpha. No significant differences are observed for the results of the validation set (Alpha 0.63 and Omicron 0.87). The evaluation of symptom combinations using artificial intelligence can determine the individual risk for the presence of a COVID-19 infection, allows assignment to virus variants, and can contribute to the management of epidemics and pandemics on a national and international level. It can help to reduce the number of specific tests in times of low labor capacity and could help to early identify new virus variants.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures on the management, health, and behavior of the cystic fibrosis population in France during 2020 (MUCONFIN)
Authors: Oubaya Nadia , Pombet Thibaud , Delestrain Celine , Remus Natascha , Douvry Benoit , Grenet Dominique , Corvol Harriet , Thouvenin Guillaume , Prulière-Escabasse Virginie , Mounir Hakima , Argoud Dominique , Fretigne Cédric , Costes Laurence , Mackiewicz Marie-Pierre , Jung Camille , Ahamada Laitissia , Lanone Sophie , Maitre Bernard , Bégot Anne-Cécile , Epaud Ralph
Published: November 2022

Background

Most of the studies on cystic fibrosis (CF) focused on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence and suggested a low incidence of infection in this population. We aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic and related lockdown measures implemented in May 2020 in response to the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection on healthcare access, health, and behavior in CF patients.

Methods

A national questionnaire opened online from May 15th, 2020 to June 11th, 2020 was completed by 751 CF-patients, aged 14 years and over. It comprised questions about access to healthcare, anxiety and depression, smoking, alcohol, drug and psychotropic drug consumption, adherence to CF treatment, and constraints. A semi-structured comprehensive interview was performed no later than 1 month after the end of the lockdown in 16 CF-patients.

Results

The mean age of the population was 28.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 20.0–37.0] years old. More than 75% of in-person consultations scheduled during the lockdown were canceled. Alternatively, 27% were postponed, and telehealth consultations were proposed and accepted in almost 40% of cases. More than 75% of the scheduled physiotherapy sessions were canceled and replaced mainly by self-drainage. Annual follow-up clinic visits were consistently postponed whereas required hospitalizations at CF centers for exacerbation were maintained in most cases. While 43.2% CF-patients had signs of anxiety, 51.0% presented symptoms of depression, both associated with increased use of psychotic medications and inversely correlated to COVID-19 prevalence. Among the lower and lower middle classes, very little medical information was obtained or requested by the patient, participation to sports or other activities was low, while excessive home confinement and isolation were more frequent. In contrast, in the upper middle and upper classes, individuals solicitated help to their CF centre, had more physical activities, and maintained contact with friends or families.

Conclusion

The first lockdown in France had only minimal impact on the management care of CF-patients but was associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, together with behavioral changes that varied with social class.

Trial registration

NCT04463628.
ECG diagnosis for arrhythmia detection with a cloud-based service and a wearable sensor network in a smart city environment
Authors: Prajitha C. , Sridhar K. P. , Baskar S.
Published: November 2022

Irregular heartbeats are a primary indicator of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death in a developing smart city environment. Wearable devices can reliably monitor cardiac beats by producing Electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. The considerable value gained from a wireless wearable system allows for remote ECG assessment with continuous real-time functionality. The data collected from the wearable sensor network in the smart city platform gives timely alarms and treatment that could save lives. Cloud-based ECG methods can be accurate to a certain extent, as latency is still an existing problem. Cloud-based portals linked immediately to wearable devices can provide numerous advantages, such as reduced latency and a good level of service. Therefore, a novel cloud-based arrhythmia detection using the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) (NC-RNN) method has been proposed for the ECG diagnosis with a wearable sensor in the smart city environment. The ECG signal collected from the wearable sensor involves three phase diagnosis stage. R-peak detection techniques are used for preliminary diagnostics in edge devices. The ECG signals are then classified using RNN at the edge device, with the severity of irregular beat detected in the ECG signal. Finally, a cloud platform classification method can evaluate the obtained ECG signals. While the proposed method's training session is runnable on the technically rich Cloud data centers, the interpretation unit is deployed over the cloud infrastructure for evaluating the ECG signals and setting off the emergency remedies with minimum latency. The simulation results of the suggested framework can accomplish effective ECG detection via wearable devices with high accuracy and less latency.
Liquid crystal-based actuators
Authors: Gruzdenko Alexandra , Dierking Ingo
Published: November 2022

Liquid crystal polymer networks (LCNs) have a great potential in soft actuator technologies. In contrast to other materials, LCNs offer a wide range of external stimuli which can trigger their actuation. These are for example based on changes of temperature, photo-induced orviathe application of electric fields. We here discuss the main LCN actuation mechanisms and classify them into several groups based on the used stimulus. Specific recent examples are provided for liquid crystal actuators and several general applications of such materials in connection to actuation mechanisms are exemplary outlined.