bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vom Trauma zur Widerstandsfähigkeit – vom Individuum zur Gemeinschaft
Authors: Fernandez Isabel
Published: September 2022

Im Verlauf der letzten Jahre erlebten wir die Entwicklung von Kenntnissen, Werkzeugen und gar internationalen Richtlinien, die die Bedeutung einer psychologischen Behandlung nach persönlichen und kollektiven traumatischen Erlebnissen hervorheben. Auch im Bereich der EMDR-Therapie wurde die Entwicklung genau verfolgt. Der Therapieansatz wurde angepasst und weiterentwickelt, um auch in schwierigen Situationen und bei Menschen mit unterschiedlichem kulturellem, religiösem und sprachlichem Hintergrund anwendbar zu sein. In diesem Artikel wird der Beitrag der EMDR-Therapie zur Psychotherapie untersucht. Dazu werden praktische Erfahrungen und wissenschaftliche Veröffentlichungen beschrieben, die ihre Wirksamkeit belegen. Wie wir feststellen konnten, haben viele Menschen, die ein traumatisches Ereignis überlebt haben, diese Erfahrungen überwinden und weiterleben können. Es ist wichtig, die verschiedenen Stadien zu berücksichtigen, die Patient*innen in Stressreaktionen durchlaufen, und zu prüfen, welche Art der Intervention am besten geeignet ist, um die Resilienz der Betroffenen zu stärken und ein posttraumatisches Wachstum zu ermöglichen. Insbesondere Minderjährige und die gefährdetsten Bevölkerungsgruppen benötigen spezielle psychologische Interventionen, die dem Trauma entsprechen und die Symptome reduzieren, die Patient*innen stabilisieren und die Entwicklung persönlicher und gemeinschaftlicher Schutzfaktoren ermöglichen, die die Widerstandsfähigkeit fördern. In der wissenschaftlichen Literatur zu diesem Thema wird hervorgehoben, wie wichtig es ist, in den verschiedenen Traumaphasen entsprechend zu intervenieren, um psychischen Störungen vorzubeugen, Risikofaktoren zu minimieren und vor allem die posttraumatische Anpassung sowie Entwicklung zu fördern. Inzwischen wurde EMDR in verschiedenen Traumasituationen angewandt, auch in humanitären Notsituationen mit gefährdeten Bevölkerungsgruppen, in unterschiedlichen Traumaphasen, in Einzelund Gruppenbehandlung.
Automatisierte Montage großskaliger Wasser-Elektrolyseure: Digitale Montageplanung für eine nachhaltige Wasserstoffwirtschaft auf Grundlage von Produkt, Prozess und Ressource
Authors:   Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Adler Patrick , Syniawa Daniel ,   Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Jakschik Malte ,   Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Christ Lukas ,   Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hypki Alfred ,   Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Kuhlenkötter Bernd ,   Lehrstuhl für Produktionssysteme, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Published: September 2022

Ein zentrales Element der Energiewende in Deutschland liegt in grünem Wasserstoff. Wasser-Elektrolyseure wandeln durch die Erzeugung von Wasserstoff elektrische Energie in chemische Energie um. Die aktuelle Produktion von Elektrolyseuren erfolgt meist manufakturähnlich. Im H2Giga-Projekt HyPLANT100 werden die Standardisierung der Montageprozesse sowie die Automatisierbarkeit der Anlagenmontage betrachtet. Durch eine digitale Planung und Vorbereitung einer Montage mit automatisierten, manuellen und kollaborativen Elementen, lässt sich die Herstellung von Wasser-Elektrolyseuren wirtschaftlich skalieren. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Referenzprozess aus der Elektrolyseur-Montage ausgewählt und für die vollständige Abbildung einer Datenstruktur analysiert. Die ermittelte Datenstruktur kann als Basis für einen digitalen Zwilling verwendet werden.
Digitale Abbilder als Basis Digitaler Zwillinge im Anlagenbau: Besonderheiten, Herausforderungen und Lösungsansätze
Authors:   TU Dresden, Saske Bernhard , Schwoch Sebastian ,   TU Dresden, Paetzold Kristin ,   TU Dresden, Layer Max ,   Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co.KG, Neubert Sebastian ,   Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co.KG, Leidich Jonathan ,   Siemens AG, Robl Peter ,   Siemens AG
Published: September 2022

Die Nutzung Digitaler Zwillinge birgt vielfältige Anwendungsfälle und Chancen zur Optimierung von Prozessen entlang des gesamten Lebenszyklus technischer Systeme. Jedoch trifft das Konzept im Anlagenbau auf spezifische Besonderheiten innerhalb der Entwicklung, der Errichtung sowie dem Betrieb der Anlagen. Dieser Beitrag erläutert diese Besonderheit und die daraus folgenden Herausforderungen für die Erstellung und die Anwendung Digitaler Zwillinge im Anlagenbau. Als Lösungsansatz wird das Digitale Abbild als Grundlage Digitaler Zwillinge sowie dessen Konzept, Voraussetzungen und Potenziale vorgestellt.
Flexibles Referenzmodell zur Planung und Optimierung der Produktion (Teil 2): Generierung digitaler Fabrikmodelle durch den digitalen Zwilling
Authors:   Hochschule Offenburg, Köbler Jürgen , Wußler David ,   Hochschule Offenburg, Schlecht Michael ,   Hochschule Offenburg, Kirchenbaur Sarah ,   Hochschule Offenburg, de Guio Roland ,   INSA Straßburg, Blöchle Max ,   SMH Analytics GmbH, Schwaiger Benedikt ,   SMH Analytics GmbH
Published: September 2022

In dem ersten Teil dieses Beitrags, welcher in der Industrie 4.0 Management Ausgabe 5/2021 erschienen ist, wurde das Referenzmodell bereits in seinen wesentlichen Grundzügen erläutert [1]. Im zweiten Teil soll die Weiterentwicklung zu einem flexiblen Referenzmodell aufgezeigt werden. Der Fokus liegt auf die Implementierung von weiteren Planungstools, und die Implementierung von KI-Tools zur Erreichung eines dynamischen Produktionsengineerings in Form einer ganzheitlichen und integrierten Fabrikplanung.
The Mutation Profiles of K-RAS/N-RAS Genes in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: EREN KESKİN Seda , GÜZDOLU Eda , SERTDEMİR Nilüfer , DEMİR Gülhan , SÜNNETÇİ AKKOYUNLU Deniz , ÇABUK Devrim , ÇİNE Naci , SAVLI Hakan
Published: September 2022

Objective: RAS genes are members of the RAS/Mitogen activated protein kinase pathway which is induced by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Mutations in genes in this pathway trigger cancer development. In colorectal cancer, mutations in RAS genes cause resistance to EGRF- targeted therapy. In the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, EGFR’s monoclonal antibodies are widely used as chemotherapeutic agents. Kirsten-RAS mutations are found in 30-50% and N-RAS mutations are found in 2-3% of colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to analyze Kirsten-RAS /N-RAS mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Methods: One hundred of metastatic colorectal cancer patients resistant to EGFR- targeted therapy were scanned for the Kirsten-RAS mutations status (exon 2,3,4) and N-RAS mutation status (Exon 2,3,4) by Real-Time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method.
Results: As a result of this study, Kirsten-RAS mutation was found 48% and N-RAS mutation was 1.92%. The most common Kirsten-RAS mutations were in codon 12. The distribution of codon 12 mutations were obtained as G12V (25%), G12D (23%), G12C (14.5%).
Conclusion: In our study, the frequencies of Kirsten-RAS and N-RAS mutations were compitable with similar reports. Our results have supported that testing RAS genes mutations have a vital role in identifying patients who benefit from Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor- targeted therapy.
Violence against Women and Domestic Violence: The European Commission’s Directive Proposal
Authors: Picchi Marta
Published: September 2022

The Commission proposed to enshrine in the law of the European Union minimum standards to criminalise certain forms of violence against women; protect victims and improve access to justice; support victims and ensure coordination between relevant services; and prevent these types of crimes from happening in the first place. In particular, the Commission’s proposal would make it possible, on the one hand, to surmount the gaps existing in some Member States and, on the other hand, to standardise the various national legislations with a single discipline valid in all the countries of the European Union. This paper focuses on the contents of the European Commission’s proposal by highlighting and reflecting on the key points. Keywords: Violence against women; Domestic violence; Directive proposal; European Commission; Minimum standards
Early concepts of nutrition, digestion, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and their treatment: mysticism, astrology, bloodletting, and leeches
Authors: Gubergrits N. B. , Byelyayeva N. V. , Linevska K. Y.
Published: September 2022

The secrets that veiled alchemy with mysticism were passed down from the members of the fraternal order associations to the physicists and pharmacists, and are still preserved to a certain extent among these professionals. Their preparations were exotic and included a wide range of medicines to treat many diseases. Thus, the so‑called «golden solution», presented as a universal cure, was marketed under the name of the «Solar elixir».In ancient times, presence of parasites, such as worms or their eggs, was one of the objective signs of the disease. Their revealing led to conclusions about the devil’s possession as a result of sin. Thus, treatment included not only extraction of parasites through the anus or skin ulcers but also the prayers and potions to exorcise evil spirits.While cosmology, divination and biblical prophecy dominated the assessment of health status and were used to predict the likelihood of a successful outcome of treatment, the results of research by anatomists and physiologists of the 16th and 17th centuries made it possible to give rise to an understanding of the relationship between body structure and function. The application of the principle that structure governs function, while function is influenced by structure according to the concept of total integration of the organism allowed the researchers of that time to unravel some of the mysteries of the organism and led to certain advances in the medical field.Medical bloodletting was applied in almost all cultures and societies. It was based on the concept that the removal of a certain amount of blood ensures a faster recovery of the patient in several diseases. There were three main techniques of bloodletting: phlebotomy — opening a vein to let blood out; cupping, which was used in young, elderly and weak patients who could not tolerate phlebotomy; the use of leeches. However, leeches were the most popular. Anticoagulants secreted by the leech into the blood slow down healing and scarring. This property is especially useful for repairing damaged tissues without scarring, and therefore is of particular interest for plastic surgery.
NEAR-INFRARED IDENTIFICATION AND SORTING OF POLYLACTIC ACID
Authors: Mhaddolkar Namrata , Koinig Gerald , Vollprecht Daniel
Published: September 2022

Biobased plastics are often seen to be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, with their share, though being less now, is gradually increasing. This necessitates that the waste management of these possibly eco-friendly materials is also at par with their growth. Near-infrared (NIR) sorting is an effective waste sorting technology and is already widely used for conventional plastics. Thus, it would be imperative to analyse whether this effective existing infrastructure could also be successfully used to sort bioplastic. In the present study, the lab-scale NIR sensor-based sorting system in Montanuniversität Leoben was used to analyse polylactic acid (PLA) in three sets of experiments. First, the spectra of 7 conventional plastics were compared to that of virgin PLA and it was found that PLA has a distinct spectrum and should ideally be detected from a mixed plastic fraction. Second, it was assessed whether different grades and thicknesses of virgin PLA samples produced different spectra and it was found that there is a slight difference in the intensities without any wavelength shift of the recognizable peaks. Lastly, the detection of 10 PLA product samples was tested using the NIR recipe of a virgin PLA. It was observed that the samples were successfully detected and blown out as PLA for all the conducted trials. Additionally, it was also seen that an appropriate backlight setting is important to be able to correctly sort the transparent PLA products in the used chute-type sorter.
Romidepsin Enhances the Killing Ability of NKG2D-CAR-T Cells through Enhanced Expression of NKG2DL against Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Liang , Lin Xite , Yu Lirui , Sun Pengming
Published: September 2022

Background: Upregulating tumor cell targeting antigens and improving the cytotoxicity of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) are expected to facilitate better treatment efficacy for solid cancers represented by ovarian cancer. Methods: Killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily K member 1 ligands (NKG2DL) are the target antigens for ovarian cancer. NKG2D-CAR-T cells were constructed for NKG2D ligand on the ovarian cancer cell surface. We used flow cytometry to evaluate the expression of NKG2DL on SKOV3 (a human ovarian cancer adenocarcinoma cell line). Innovatively, when combined with romidepsin to treat ovarian cancer cell SKOV3, to evaluate the killing ability of the combined strategy, we verified the cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release test and determined the secretion of cytokines by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The results of flow cytometry showed effective activation of the NKG2D-CAR-T cells, and romidepsin treatment resulted in increased expression of NKG2DL on the surface of SKOV3. Cytotoxicity test showed that romidepsin could enhance the killing ability of NKG2D-CAR-T cells against ovarian cancer cells by regulating their NKG2DL expression (p < 0.05). The killing effects and secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) increased synchronously (p < 0.05). Levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Pore-forming protein (PFP) were statistically significant at a low target ratio but programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) remained unaffected (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: Enhancing the expression of tumor target antigen is a solution to improve the limited application of CAR-T cells in solid cancers.
Proximate Composition, Physicochemical and Microbiological Characterization of Edible Seaweeds Available in the Portuguese Market
Authors: Campos Bruno Miguel , Ramalho Edgar , Marmelo Isa , Noronha João Paulo , Malfeito-Ferreira Manuel , Mata Paulina , Diniz Mário Sousa
Published: September 2022

Background: The aim of this work was the study of the proximate composition and profile of fatty acids, minerals, and some microbiological aspects of four edible seaweed species (Chondrus crispus, Palmaria palmata, Porphyra sp., and Ulva sp.) available in the Portuguese market for food consumption, and produced in a national Integrated Multi-Trophic System (IMTA). Methods: Moisture, ash, and total lipids were determined gravimetrically. Crude protein was analysed by Duma’s combustion procedures. The total carbohydrate content was assayed by the phenol/sulphuric acid method. The assessment of the fatty acids methyl esters (FAMEs) was determined through GC-MS. Characterization of elemental analysis was performed by ICP-AES. Different standard microbiological methods were applied for microorganisms. Statistics were performed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test to assess significant differences between samples. Results: Lipid contents (n = 3) were very low (1.6–2.3%), particularly in Palmaria palmata, and Chondrus crispus (1.6–1.7%). The protein content (n = 4) varied from 14.4% in P. palmata to 23.7% in Porphyra sp. Carbohydrates (n = 3) were the major constituent of most seaweeds (31–34%), except in Porphyra sp., with higher content in proteins than carbohydrates. Regarding the fatty acid content (n = 4), in general, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were the most abundant followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Among macro and trace elements (n = 3), Chondrus crispus shows the highest average content in Zn (71.1 mg ⋅ kg - 1 D.W.), Palmaria palmata the highest average content in K (124.8 g ⋅ kg - 1 D.W.), Porphyra sp. the highest average content in P (2.1 g ⋅ kg - 1 D.W.), and Ulva sp. the highest average content of Ca (5.5 g ⋅ kg - 1 D.W.), Mg (55.8 g ⋅ kg - 1 D.W.), and Fe (336.3 mg ⋅ kg - 1 D.W.). In general, Na and K were the most abundant elements among analysed seaweed. Additionally, the microbiological results (n = 4) comply with the Portuguese guidelines (subgroup 2D) on the application of general principles of food hygiene in ready-to-eat foods. Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight the potential of using these seaweeds as an alternative and sustainable source of elements and bioactive compounds to produce enriched food products with a beneficial potential for human nutrition.
HLA-DQA1 and DQB1 Alleles are Associated with Acitretin Response in Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Zhou Xingchen , He Yijing , Kuang Yehong , Chen Wangqing , Zhu Wu
Published: September 2022

Background: Psoriasis vulgaris is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. Although the pathogenesis of psoriasis is unclear, genetic susceptibility, such as HLA-C*06:02, is believed to be a major risk factor. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the relationship between genetics and the response to systemic treatment of psoriasis. We hypothesized that genetic variations in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes may act as predictors of acitretin treatment in psoriasis. The aim of our study was to explore the presence of HLA gene variants in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis receiving acitretin treatment. Methods: A total of 100 Han Chinese patients with psoriasis completed the study. 24 patients including 16 responders and 8 non-responders underwent deep sequencing by MHC targeted region capture and 76 samples were genotyped by Sanger sequencing (SBT) based HLA typing for validation. Results: Regressions with adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and baseline psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) revealed that two HLA alleles (HLA-DQA1*:02:01, DQB*:02:02) were associated with the response to acitretin. The DQA1*0201-positive patients showed a better response to acitretin compared to the DQA1*0201-negative patients (relative risk (RR) = 10.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.62–40.77, p = 0.001), and the DQB1*0202-positive patients manifested a better response to acitretin when compared to the DQB1*0202-negative patients (RR = 21.01, 95% CI: 2.53–174.27, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Our observations support the potential role of HLA-DQA1*:02:01 and DQB*:02:02 as pharmacogenetic markers of the acitretin response in patients with psoriasis.
Identifying Human Remains from 20th Century Warfare: A State of the Field Essay
Authors: Xu Yiran , Allen Edward , Wang Lingxiang , Wen Shaoqing
Published: September 2022

As we continually reflect on the wars of the 20th century, identification of the remains of victims takes an increasingly prominent position in ongoing research. Existing work on the identification of human remains from 20th century wars primarily covers the determination of phenotypic characteristics, kinship and geographic origins, supporting the establishment of genetic information databases. Compared with standard forensic methods, DNA analyses have revealed greater effectiveness. The process of DNA analysis includes DNA extraction, genetic marker testing and data analysis. Protocols from ancient DNA research can be applied to degraded remains, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques can compensate for shortcomings in the most commonly-used PCR-capillary electrophoresis typing. As it stands, wide-ranging inter-governmental and inter-institutional collaboration is necessary in order to set up NGS-based public databases, and thereby promote the identification of human remains and archaeological forensics.
Tropical Medicinal Plant Extracts from Indonesia as Antifungal Agents against Candida Albicans
Authors: Geraldi Almando , Wardana Andika Pramudya , Aminah Nanik Siti , Kristanti Alfinda Novi , Sadila Aliffa Yusti , Wijaya Nabilla Hapsari , Wijaya Mellya Rimadha Andra , Diningrum Noviana Indah Dwi , Hajar Versa Rachmania , Manuhara Yosephine Sri Wulan
Published: September 2022

Background: Candida albicans is responsible for a wide range of medical ailments, from harmless cutaneous to life-threatening bloodstream infections. Growing cases of antifungal-drug resistance strains of C. albicans become a rationale to explore and develop novel anti-candida agents. In this paper, we assessed the anti-candida activity of the methanolic extracts of various tropical medicinal plants from Myrtaceae, Poaceae, and Zingiberaceae, commonly used in Indonesia to treat fungal infections. Methods: Candida albicans strain ATCC 10231 was used as a subject to assess the anti-Candida activities of plant methanolic extracts through disc diffusion assay. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were observed. Results: All plant extracts in this study showed antifungal activities against C. albicans. Among them, Cymbopogon citratus, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Zingiber officinale var. rubrum showed the lowest MIC and MFC value of 3.8 mg/mL. Conclusions: The growth inhibition of C. albicans on disc diffusion assay was demonstrated by Z. officinale var. rubrum and C. longa, which were comparable to antifungal nystatin. Further investigation of the chemical constituents of the extracts and the cytotoxicity test is needed to further develop plant-derived anti-candida agents.
Antioxidant Activity and Inhibition of Carbohydrate Digestive Enzymes Activities of Artemisia campestris L.
Authors: Marghich Mohamed , Daoudi Nour Elhouda , Amrani Ouafa , Addi Mohamed , Hano Christophe , Chen Jen-Tsung , Mekhfi Hassane , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Bnouham Mohamed , Aziz Mohammed
Published: September 2022

Background: Carbohydrate digestive enzymes play a major role in the management of the postprandial hyperglycemia. A chronic hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems due to excessive production of several reactive oxygen species. Therefore, the inhibition of carbohydrate digestive enzyme and the use of antioxidant natural product can be an important strategy to control the glycaemia level and prevent against the complication of diabetes. Aim: The study aims to perform a phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, inhibitory effect on α -amylase, α -glucosidase (in vitro and in vivo) and the intestinal glucose absorption in Wistar rats of Artemisia campestris aqueous extract (AcAE) and hydro-ethanolic extract (AcEE). Results: The test of total phenolic content, show that the AcAE has the highest quantity of polyphenol (44.65 ± 0.54 μ g GAE/mg extract) compared to the AcEE (31.7 ± 0.53 μ g GAE/mg extract) significantly. The amount of flavonoid and condensed tannins content in AcAE is 24.41 ± 3.57 μ g QrE/mg extract, 14.31 ± 5.26 μ g CE/mg respectively. The AcAE has also exhibit a great antioxidant activity in DPPH-scavenging and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) compared to AcEE with an IC 50 = 0.355 ± 0.057 mg/mL and IC 50 = 0.269 ± 0.025 mg/mL. However, in a β -carotene bleaching assay the AcEE has the highest effect with an IC 50 = 0.319 ± 0.097 mg/mL. The both extract of Artemisia campestris L. (250 mg/kg) decreased postprandial hyperglycemia in the normal and alloxane diabetic rats in a very significant manner after starch or sucrose administration as an α -amylase and α -glucosidase substrate respectively. This result is confirmed in vitro by a remarkable inhibitory effect on α -amylase digestive enzymes by an IC 50 = 1.259 ± 0.128 mg/mL and IC 50 = 0.602 ± 0.072 mg/mL receptively for AcAE and AcEE. For the α -glucosidase enzyme, the both extracts significantly inhibit α -glucosidase activity compared to the control and they are almost similar to each other. Using a jejunum perfusion technique (in situ), Artemisia campestris L. decrease the intestinal D-glucose absorption activity significantly compared to the control and comparable to the Phlorizin used as a positive control by an amount of glucose absorbed equal a 6.53 ± 0.57, 5.34 ± 0.64 and 4.71 ± 0.24 mg/10 cm/h, for AcAE, AcEE and Phlorizin respectively. Conclusions: These results showed that the Artemisia campestris L. has highest phenolic content, antioxidant activity and demonstrated a postprandial anti-hyperglycemic effect via the inhibiting of the carbohydrate digestive enzyme ( α -amylase and α -glucosidase) and the intestinal glucose absorption.
The Evaluation Indexes Suitable for Nonhuman Primates can be Extracted from Clinical Consciousness Disorder Assessment Scales: A Hypothesis
Authors: Sun Wei-ming , Liu Guan-xiu , Le Chang-hao , Li Can , Dong Xiang-li , Ma Chao-lin
Published: September 2022

Background: Currently, case studies or clinical trials in different patient populations remain the main resource underlying the understanding of disorder of consciousness (DoC). This provides a low efficacy for the derivation of data and the implementation of associated controlled experimental designs. Preclinical models provide precise controls, reduced variability, rich data output and limited ethical complexity. Nonhuman primates are suitable model animals for disorders of consciousness due to their brain structure being very similar to that of humans. Behavioral tests remain the primary standard for assessing the consciousness status of humans. However, there is currently no behavioral assessment scale available for evaluation of the state of consciousness disorder in nonhuman primates. This presents a significant challenge for the establishment of different models of consciousness disorder. Therefore, there is considerable motivation to focus on the development of a proper tool for assessment of the state of consciousness associated with nonhuman primate models that are based on clinically common consciousness assessment scales. Methods: It is assumed that the Delphi and level analysis methods based on clinical consciousness disorder assessment scales may provide an effective way to select and include assessment indexes for levels of consciousness in nonhuman primates. Results: 8 first-level indicators with 41 second-level indexes were selected preliminary as a pool of evaluation entries of state of consciousness of nonhuman primates. Conclusions: It may be practicable to extract appropriate indicators for non-human primates from the clinical consciousness disorder assessment scales. Besides, a combination of Delphi method, behavioral analysis, electroencephalography, neuroimaging (such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography) and functional magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to test the reliability and validity of the novel scale reported here.
Functional Connectivity of Ipsilateral Striatum in Rats with Ischemic Stroke Increased by Electroacupuncture
Authors: Yin Lianhua , Tang Tong , Lin Yunjiao , Yang Minguang , Liu Weilin , Liang Shengxiang
Published: September 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment at Zusanli (ST36) and Quchi (LI11) on cortico-striatal network connectivity after ischemia stroke by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established. Rats were randomly assigned into a sham-operated control group (SC group, n = 8), untreated MCAO model group (MCAO group, n = 8), and MCAO group receiving EA treatment at ST36 and LI11 (MCAO + EA group, n = 8). Rats in the SC and the MCAO groups received no treatment. The MCAO + EA group was treated with EA from the 1st day to the 7th day after surgery. The behavioral tests including Zea Longa test and modified neurologic severity score (mNSS) for all rats were performed before and after treatment for MCAO + EA group. fMRI scans were performed after behavioral tests on the 7th day after surgery. Results: The neurologic severity scores estimated by Zea Longa and mNSS were significantly improved in the rat ischemic stroke model of MCAO within 1 week after EA treatment at acupoints ST36 and LI11. Besides, voxel-wise analysis showed that EA could increase the functional connectivity of the left striatum with the bilateral sensory cortex, bilateral motor cortex, left retrosplenial cortex, right cerebellum, bilateral hippocampus, bilateral auditory cortex, bilateral visual cortex, left parietal cortex, left cingulate gyrus, and left superior colliculus. Further graph theory analysis showed that EA significantly decreased the characteristic path length and increased the global efficiency of the cortico-striatal network. Conclusions: EA at ST36 and LI11 could improve the cortico-striatal network to impact the brain’s protective in MCAO, which is a potential treatment for ischemia stroke.
Coronary Microcirculatory Function Indicated by Coronary Angiography-Derived Index of Microvascular Resistance in Patients Undergoing Rotational Atherectomy
Authors: Li Hui , Peng Xi , Li Le , Feng Yun-Di , Tang Guo-Dong , Zhao Ying , Yang Guo-Jian , Zheng Nai-Xin , Sun Fu-Cheng , Ai Hu , Zhang Hui-Ping
Published: September 2022

Background: There are scarce published data reporting the effect of rotational atherectomy (RA) on coronary microcirculation function. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate coronary microcirculation function indicated by the coronary angiography-derived index of microvascular resistance (caIMR) in patients undergoing RA. Methods: RA procedures between January 2013 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. We investigated coronary microcirculation function indicated by caIMR as well as peri-procedural adverse events among the study population. All caIMR measurements were performed using a FlashAngio system. The primary outcome was a composite of post-RA thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade <3 in the target vessel, myocardial injury, procedure-related myocardial infarction, and cardiac death during hospitalization. Results: A total of 155 RA procedures were analyzed. The post-RA caIMRs were significantly higher than pre-RA caIMRs in the target vessels (16.0 ± 7.0 vs. 14.5 ± 7.5, p = 0.029). Patients with post-RA caIMR ≥25 accounted for nearly 12% of those with pre-RA caIMR <25. Patients with post-RA thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade <3 had a significantly higher pre-RA caIMR (23.5 ± 10.2 vs. 13.7 ± 6.6, p = 0.005), and the proportion of patients with pre-RA caIMR ≥25 in the group with TIMI flow grade <3 was greater (61.5% vs. 38.5%, p < 0.001) than that in the group with TIMI flow grade of 3. Maximum RA time of each pass (odds ratio: 1.127, 95% confidence interval: 1.025–1.239, p = 0.014) and pre-RA caIMR ≥25 (odds ratio: 3.254, 95% confidence interval: 1.054–10.048, p = 0.040) were identified to be the independent predictors of the primary outcome for patients who underwent RA. Conclusions: There were significant changes in the coronary microcirculation function of the target vessels after receiving RA as indicated by increased post-RA caIMR compared to pre-RA caIMR. Patients with baseline coronary microcirculatory dysfunction were more likely to have post-RA TIMI flow grade <3, whereas those with pre-RA caIMR ≥25 experienced worse outcomes.
Arterial Accesses in Coronary Angiography and Intervention—Review with a Focus on Prognostic Relevance
Authors: Langer Christoph , Prog Rostislav
Published: September 2022

Arterial access in coronary angiography has always been an important issue. Convincing prognostic data from large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the first place but also safe performance of same-day-discharge after diagnostic and interventional procedures, improved patient comfort and cost-effectiveness led to a paradigm shift from the transfemoral approach (TFA) to the transradial approach (TRA) in several clinical situations. Consequently, today’s relevant guidelines recommend a radial-first strategy as default approach. However, there is still strong controversy among interventional cardiologists resulting in delayed spread of the TRA causing significant regional differences. One major critics point is the rate of postprocedural radial artery occlusion (RAO) after using the traditional puncture site at the proximal radial artery (pTRA) which was registered too high in certain centers. A new access using the distal radial artery (dTRA) in the area of the snuff box (SB) and the dorsal box (DB) has been proven to minimize RAO and enabling even complex interventions using 7F guiding catheters. Although, dTRA seems to be an advantageous option, this approach is still not widely used. This review—addressed to beginners and even advanced interventionalists—presents all arterial access routes in interventional cardiology. It focusses on those to be routinely preferred and also on the possibility to guide the puncture with ultrasound. Thereby, the various approaches, including the transulnar (TRU) but also the still relevant TFA approach, are discussed in detail. Thereby, we introduce our philosophy of “radial freedom” and a new classification for TRA.
Consensus design of a calibration experiment for human fear conditioning
Authors: Bach Dominik R , Sporrer Juliana Katharina , Abend Rany , Beckers Tom , Dunsmoor Joseph E. , Fullana Miquel A , Gamer Matthias , Gee Dylan G. , Hamm Alfons O. , Hartley Catherine A. , Herringa Ryan , Jovanovic Tanja , Kalisch Raffael , Knight David , Lissek Shmuel , Lonsdorf Tina B , Merz Christian J. , Milad Mohammed , Morriss Jayne , Phelps Elizabeth A. , Pine Daniel , Olsson Andreas , van Reekum Carien M. , Schiller Daniela
Published: September 2022

Measurement practice in experimental psychology is heterogeneous. Psychometric properties of measurement methods are sometimes difficult to establish, leaving researchers with few criteria to select between methods. To overcome this obstacle, calibration is a standard metrological procedure in which well-defined values of a latent variable are generated in an established experimental paradigm. These intended values can then serve as validity criterion, to rank methods by their measurement error. This approach requires community consensus on which calibration experiment to use. Here, we develop a consensus process and exemplify it in the field of human fear conditioning. Based on a literature review and survey of N = 96 experts, we propose a calibration experiment and settings for 25 design variables to calibrate the measurement of "learned unconditioned-stimulus (US) expectation". This latent variable and the calibration procedure were chosen to be as theory-free as possible, and to have the widest experimental applicability among the surveyed researchers. Besides establishing a specific calibration procedure for fear conditioning, the general calibration process we outline may serve as a blueprint for calibration efforts in other subfields of experimental psychology that are in need of measurement refinement.
Using Facial Expressions Instead of Response Keys in the Implicit Association Test
Authors: Bar-Anan Yoav , Hershman Ronen
Published: September 2022

Previous research found that when people are instructed to smile toward liked objects and show negative facial expressions toward disliked objects their facial response is faster and more intense than when they are required to smile toward disliked objects and express negative facial response toward liked objects. The present research tested a technologically innovative indirect evaluation measure that was based on that finding.Over the Internet, using emotional facial expression detection through a webcam, participants completed an Implicit Association Test (IAT) – a common indirect measure of evaluation, responding with their emotional facial expressions, rather than by pressing response keys. In three web studies, we found that the Facial Response IAT (FR-IAT) is a reliable and valid measure of evaluations, comparable to the keyboard IAT. Because facial responses provide more information than key responses, pursuing future improvements of the FR-IAT’s methodology, software, and data analysis is a promising direction for enhancing the quality of indirect evaluation measurement. The same methodology and technology may also enhance other indirect measures of evaluation and cognitive tests related to emotion and judgment.
A machine learning web application for screening social anxiety disorder based on participants' emotion regulation (ML-SAD)
Authors: Ahmadi Majd Sara , Parsaeian Mohamad Rasoul , Madani Mohsen , Moradisabzevar Manouchehr , Mohammadi Abolfazl
Published: September 2022

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is called a neglected anxiety disorder since people do not realize its existence and the need to be evaluated by an expert. Thus, it is important to develop widely available self-screening systems to assess people and guide needy people for further evaluations. Consequently, in this paper, we present a machine learning-based web application to screen SAD. The web application consists of 10 multimedia scenarios with which people with SAD may have difficulty dealing. Four hundred eighty-eight subjects were asked to consider themselves in these scenarios and rank their competency in dealing with each specific situation considering three emotion regulation strategies. The participants were divided into two groups, SAD and No SAD, based on their diagnostic history of SAD and their self-assessment of their anxiety level. Then, a random forest was trained and tested to screen the subjects with SAD from the No SAD subjects with over 85% accuracy.
Exploratory Factor Analysis Trees: Evaluating Measurement Invariance Between Multiple Covariates
Authors: Sterner Philipp , Goretzko David
Published: September 2022

Measurement invariance (MI) describes the equivalence of a construct across groups. To be able to meaningfully compare latent factor means between groups, it is crucial to establish MI. Although methods exist that test for MI, these methods do not perform well when many groups have to be compared or when there are no hypotheses about them. We suggest a method called Exploratory Factor Analysis Trees (EFA trees) that are an extension to SEM trees (Brandmaier et al., 2013). EFA trees combine EFA with a recursive partitioning algorithm that can uncover non-invariant subgroups in a data-driven manner. An EFA is estimated and then tested for parameter instability on multiple covariates (e.g., age, education, etc.) by a decision tree based method. Our goal is to provide a method with which MI can be addressed in the earliest stages of questionnaire development or prior to analyses between groups. We show how EFA trees can be implemented in the software R using lavaan (Rosseel, 2012) and partykit (Hothorn & Zeileis, 2015). In a simulation, we demonstrate the ability of EFA trees to detect a lack of MI under various conditions. Our online material contains a template script that can be used to apply EFA trees on one's own questionnaire data. Limitations and future research ideas are discussed.
An Empirical Model of Mobile App Competition: The Role of the Revenue-Source Channel
Authors: Kawaguchi Kohei , Sato Susumu , Kuroda Toshifumi
Published: September 2022

Mobile apps earn revenues from multiple sources, including download prices, in-app purchases, and advertisements. The presence of multiple revenue sources creates the channel through which business parameter changes affect app developers' choice of revenue sources, which may overturn standard price and advertisement pass-through effects. To capture this revenue-source channel, we propose an empirical model of mobile app competition employing a competition-in-utility approach that offers a tractable characterization of developers' revenue source choices. We estimate the model using Google Play data from Japan over 2015–2017, showing the effects of reduced transaction fees, lower advertisement prices, and app mergers, highlighting the importance of each channel.
Managerial Functions of an Independent Coordinating Body in the Governance of Waste Management
Authors: Beccarello Massimo , Di Foggia Giacomo
Published: September 2022

Policies adopted to improve the competitiveness of public services include those designed to reform governance. Good governance of the waste management industry is becoming one of the most thought-provoking themes in heading toward a more circular economy. Given the complexity of this industry, the starting point for improving waste management performance must be at the industry structure and governance level. Although the economic literature on waste management has deeply investigated economic efficiency, business models, environmental performances, and citizens' behavior, governance's role in supporting the market's healthy functioning has received little attention. In such an evolving industry, securing a competitive market while ensuring the universality of waste management services and reaching circular economy targets is challenging. Based on both a theoretical approach and empirical analysis, we provide insights into the managerial functions of an independent body aimed at performing tasks that help policymakers to implement policies, waste management operators make decisions, and stakeholders, get information. We identify the economic and managerial functions that shall be entrusted to an independent coordinating body to coordinate and support the operators and institutions involved in the waste management industry. Focusing on municipal solid waste, we justify our proposal since it is a public service with environmental and economic implications at the center of the transition toward a more circular economy. Given its complexity, it needs to be properly governed to avoid policy and strategic drifts that may hinder the transition path.
VÍA DE TERMINACIÓN DEL EMBARAZO EN MUJERES CON PREECLAMPSIA HOSPITAL GENERAL LATACUNGA 2007-2016
Authors: Durán Chavez Augusto , Remache Cevallos Héctor , Morales Villacís Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

La preeclampsia es una enfermedad del embarazo, caracterizada por hipertensión y proteinuria con una incidencia entre el 2 y 8 %. El ob-jetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la vía de terminación del embarazo en preeclampsia leve y severa. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el Hospital General de Latacunga de enero a junio de 2007 y 2016 en el cual se incluyeron todas las pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión para preeclampsia leve y severa. Los resultados muestran 29 casos de preeclampsia en el 2007 de los cuales 16 casos con preeclampsia severa y 13 casos leves. En el 2016 con 43 casos, 11 casos con preeclampsia severa y 32 leve; la vía de ter-minación del embarazo en el 2007 en su mayoría por cesárea con un total del 62% y en el 2016 prevaleció el parto céfalo vaginal con un 58%. La principal indicación para la terminación del embarazo por cesárea en el 2007 fue desproporción céfalo pélvica mientras que en el 2016 fue cesárea anterior acompañada o no de Síndrome de HELLP.
Regenerative Agriculture and its Prospects in Nepal: A Review
Authors: Das Soni Kumari , Karki Tika Bahadur , Gyawaly Pankaj , Neupane Reshama , Bhattarai Rajendra Kumar , Kaduwal Sangita , Chaulagain Bhimsen
Published: September 2022

Modern agriculture is heavily dependent on soil. Soil’s carrying capacity is being decreased these days due to erosion, depletion of soil nutrients and climate change. Regenerative agriculture is a way of farming both plants and animals that enriches and restores topsoil, and in turn, improves the water cycle. Nepal is also facing the ill effects of the conventional agriculture system. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this review article to highlight some of the alternative production systems suitable for Nepal. The findings of this review paper were about regenerative agriculture technology reduced the cost of production through minimum tillage, less use of agriculture inputs, less labor, consumption of less irrigation, maintaining soil moisture, water holding capacity and nutrient value through crop residue, crop rotation, soil cover, reduced soil erosion and run off top layer soil and increases the soil fertility through soil carbon sequestration that mitigates the climate change effects. The major constraints of regenerative agriculture are the lack of appropriate information and technologies in hand. For policymakers, farmers and food processing and marketing companies, regenerative agriculture has been an alternative production system with lower impacts on the environment. Therefore, to promote the identified and developed regenerative agricultural practices, participatory research in the farmer’s field with large-scale demonstration across the egro-ecological domains of the country.
Non-FDA-Approved Uses of Apremilast in Dermatology: A Review of Current Available literature
Authors: Bhatia Saurabh
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Apremilast, an oral phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, decreases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-12/23, IL-12, IL-2, and interferon-γ; while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Its pan-immunomodulatory nature has led to its use in managing various immune-mediated dermatoses for non-FDA-approved indications.
Objectives: To review and analyze the use of Apremilast in Non-FDA-approved indications in current available literature.
Materials and methods: PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Google scholar databases were searched with the parameters “Apremilast”, “Apremilast NOT Psoriasis*”, “Apremilast NOT Behçet’s*”, and “Apremilast NOT arthritis*”. A total of 45 relevant articles were chosen for review.
Results: We found 22 indications in dermatology where apremilast has been used without FDA approval. The best evidence was for treatment in Atopic Dermatitis, Alopecia Areata, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa, with randomized controlled trials. Prospective open-label trials were found for Cutaneous Sarcoidosis, Lichen Planus, Rosacea, and Vitiligo. Individual case series and reports were found for Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau, Dermatomyositis, Disseminated Granuloma Annulare, Erythema Nodosum Leprosum, Morphea, Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris, Hailey-Hailey Disease, Recurrent Erythema Multiforme, and Folliculitis Decalvans, Prurigo Nodularis, Perforating Dermatoses, Chronic Actinic Dermatitis, and Hand Eczema, and Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex-Generalised Severe Type. Apremilast has shown varied efficacy despite a better safety profile and tolerability over a long duration compared to conventional immunosuppressant drugs and placebo.
Conclusion: Apremilast has been used for varied non-FDA-approved indications in dermatology with variable efficacy. Better controlled, randomized studies with adequate sample size and drug comparisons are needed for better analyses.