bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indigenous Peoples: Traditional knowledges, climate change, and health
Authors: Redvers Nicole , Aubrey Paula , Celidwen Yuria , Hill Kyle
Published: October 2023

Indigenous Peoples around the globe make up approximately six percent of the global population, yet they sustainably care for around eighty percent of the world’s remaining biodiversity. Despite continued political, economic, and racial marginalization, as well as some of the worst health inequities on the planet, Indigenous Peoples have worked hard to maintain their cultures and languages against all odds. Indigenous Peoples’ close connections to land, water, and ecosystems, however, have placed them at increasing vulnerability from the effects of climate change. With this, the health risks from climate change have unique considerations within Indigenous Nations for both mitigation and adaptation responses that are largely unappreciated. This Indigenous narrative review will synthesis the current climate and health landscape of Indigenous Peoples at a global, high-level scale, including relevant international mechanisms and considerations for Indigenous Peoples’ health. This Indigenous narrative review will also explore and reflect on the strengths of Indigenous traditional knowledges as it pertains to climate change and health.
Associations between soil-transmitted helminth infections and physical activity, physical fitness, and cardiovascular disease risk in primary schoolchildren from Gqeberha, South Africa
Authors: Nqweniso Siphesihle , Walter Cheryl , du Randt Rosa , Adams Larissa , Beckmann Johanna , Coulibaly Jean T. , Dolley Danielle , Joubert Nandi , Long Kurt Z. , Müller Ivan , Nienaber Madeleine , Pühse Uwe , Seelig Harald , Steinmann Peter , Utzinger Jürg , Gerber Markus , Lang Christin
Published: October 2023

Background/Aim

School-aged children in low- and middle-income countries carry the highest burden of intestinal helminth infections, such as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). STH infections have been associated with negative consequences for child physical and cognitive development and wellbeing. With the epidemiological transition and rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD), studies have shown that helminth infections may influence glucose metabolism by preventing obesity. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association of STH infections in schoolchildren from Gqeberha, focusing on physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 680 schoolchildren (356 girls and 324 boys; mean age 8.19 years, SD±1.4) from disadvantaged communities in Gqeberha (formerly, Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Stool samples were collected and examined for STH infections using the Kato-Katz method. Physical activity (accelerometer) and physical fitness (grip strength, 20 m shuttle run) were measured using standard procedures. Furthermore, anthropometry, blood pressure, as well as glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile from capillary blood samples were assessed. We employed one-way ANOVAs to identify the associations of STH infections in terms of species and infection intensity with physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score.

Results

We found a low STH infection prevalence (7.2%) in our study, with participants infected with at least one intestinal helminth species. In comparison to their non-infected peers, children infected with STH had lower mean grip strength scores, but higher mean VO2max estimation and higher levels of MVPA (p < .001). When considering type and intensity of infection, a positive association ofA.lumbricoidesinfection and MVPA was found. In contrast, lightT.trichiura-infected children had significantly lower grip strength scores compared to non and heavily-infected children. VO2max and MVPA were positively associated with lightT.trichiurainfection. No significant association between the clustered CVD risk score and infection with any STH species was evident.

Conclusions

STH-infected children had lower grip strength scores than their non-infected peers, yet, achieved higher VO2max and MVPA scores. Our study highlights that the type and intensity of STH infection is relevant in understanding the disease burden of STH infections on children’s health. The findings of our study must be interpreted cautiously due to the low infection rate, and more research is needed in samples with higher prevalence rates or case-control designs.
Associations between vitamin C intake and serum uric acid in US adults: Findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016
Authors: Yang Yanting , Zheng Sijie , Feng Yunfu
Published: October 2023

Backgrounds

Dietary factors has been found to influence serum uric acid (SUA) levels. We further explored the associations between dietary and supplemental vitamin C intake and SUA in a large population-based study.

Methods

The cross-sectional study included 6308 participants (3146 males and 3162 females) aged ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2016 in the United States. The dietary vitamin C was log-transformed for statistical analysis. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA concentrations >420 umol/L in males or >360 umol/L in females. The associations of dietary vitamin C and supplemental vitamin C with SUA levels and hyperuricemia risk were evaluated using weighted linear regression models and weighted multivariate logistic regression models, and a subgroup analysis stratified by gender was also conducted.

Results

In this large-scale database study, there was a negative association between dietary vitamin C (log transformed) and SUA levels in US adults (β = −7.27, 95% CI: −11.58, −2.97). The inverse relationship existed among males but not females (P for interaction = 0.02). There was inverse correlation between dietary vitamin C (log transformed) and hyperuricemia risk (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57, 0.81), especially in males compared to females determined through an interaction test (P = 0.04). There were no associations between supplemental vitamin C and SUA levels (β = 1.00 (95% CI: −4.44, 6.44) or hyperuricemia risk (OR = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.78, 1.24). High-dosage supplemental vitamin C (>300 mg) and hyperuricemia risk were not associated (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.56).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that there were negative associations between dietary vitamin C and SUA levels and hyperuricemia risk among US adults. The inverse correlations between dietary vitamin C and hyperuricemia risk were more significant in males compared to females. There were no associations between supplemental vitamin C and SUA levels or hyperuricemia risk.
Topology optimization on metamaterial cells for replacement possibility in non-pneumatic tire and the capability of 3D-printing
Authors: Dezianian Shokouh , Azadi Mohammad , Razavi Seyed Mohammad Javad
Published: October 2023

One of the applications of mechanical metamaterials is in car tires, as a non-pneumatic tire (NPT). Therefore, to find a suitable cell to replace the pneumatic part of the tire, three different solution methods were used, including topology optimization of the cubic unit cell, cylindrical unit cell, and fatigue testing cylindrical sample (FTCS). First, to find the mechanical properties, a tensile test was conducted for materials made of polylactic acid (PLA) and then, the optimization was done based on the weight and overhang control for the possibility of manufacturing with 3D printers, as constraints, besides, the objective of minimum compliance. In the optimization of the cubic unit cell, the sample with a minimum remaining weight of 35% was selected as the optimal sample. However, for the cylindrical unit cell, a sample with a weight limit of 20% was the most optimal state. In contrast, in the FTCS optimization, a specimen with lower remaining weight equal to 60% of the initial weight was selected. After obtaining the answer, five cells in the FTCS and two mentioned cells were evaluated under compressive testing. The samples were also subjected to bending fatigue loadings. The results demonstrated that cellular structures with 15% of lower weight than the optimized samples had the same fatigue lifetime. In the compressive test, the line slope of the specimens with cellular structures in the elastic region of the force-displacement diagram was reduced by 37%, compared to the completely solid samples. However, the weight of these samples decreased by 59%. Furthermore, the fracture surface was also investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that a weak connection between the layers was the cause of failure.
Exploring the roles and functions of champions within community-based interventions to support older adults with chronic conditions: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina M. , Singh Hardeep K. , Abdelhalim Reham , Saragosa Marianne , Fat Guillaume Lim , Sheppard Christine
Published: October 2023

Background

Health care solutions are needed to meet the need of an ageing population. Health care champions are people who endorse the adoption of new initiatives being implemented within health care settings. Although the role of champions has been cited as key to the success of numerous community-based interventions implemented to improve the care of older adults with chronic conditions, no synthesis of their implementation experiences have been conducted. We report on a scoping review protocol that will be applied to collect evidence on the role of champions within community-based health interventions to support older adults with chronic conditions. Specifically, we will identify how the term ‘champion’ is used and defined (i.e., conceptualized) and identify the roles (i.e., professional background) and functions of champions (i.e., responsibilities). We will also explore how this role impacts program implementation.

Methods

This is a scoping review protocol informed by guidelines for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and a six-stage scoping review methodology. Peer-review literature will be retrieved from Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane JBI and Scopus databases, using a peer-reviewed search strategy developed in collaboration with an Information Specialist. The scoping review will consider all empirical studies published in English. Two reviewers will pilot-test the screening criteria and data abstraction forms, and then independently screen the literature. Extracted data will be analyzed numerically and thematically. Self-identified champions will be consulted to refine the practice recommendations from this work.

Discussion

This scoping review will broadly and systematically identify, define and expand existing knowledge on champions’ impact in implementing community-based interventions to support older adults with chronic conditions. We anticipate that our results will lead to a greater understanding of the characteristics and role champions play within these interventions, which will be relevant to a wide range of knowledge users, including researchers, decision-makers, and health care providers.
Are the predicted known bacterial strains in a sample really present? A case study
Authors: Ventolero Minerva , Wang Saidi , Hu Haiyan , Li Xiaoman
Published: October 2023

With mutations constantly accumulating in bacterial genomes, it is unclear whether the previously identified bacterial strains are really present in an extant sample. To address this question, we did a case study on the known strains of the bacterial speciesS.aureusandS.epidermisin 68 atopic dermatitis shotgun metagenomic samples. We evaluated the likelihood of the presence of all sixteen known strains predicted in the original study and by two popular tools in this study. We found that even with the same tool, only two known strains were predicted by the original study and this study. Moreover, none of the sixteen known strains was likely present in these 68 samples. Our study thus indicates the limitation of the known-strain-based studies, especially those on rapidly evolving bacterial species. It implies the unlikely presence of the previously identified known strains in a current environmental sample. It also called for de novo bacterial strain identification directly from shotgun metagenomic reads.
Gamified online surveys: Assessing experience with self-determination theory
Authors: Aubert Alice H. , Scheidegger Andreas , Schmid Sara
Published: October 2023

We developed four online interfaces supporting citizen participation in decision-making. We included (1) learning loops (LLs), good practice in decision analysis, and (2) gamification, to enliven an otherwise long and tedious survey. We investigated the effects of these features on drop-out rate, perceived experience, and basic psychological needs (BPNs): autonomy, competence, and relatedness, all from self-determination theory. We also investigated how BPNs and individual causality orientation influence experience of the four interfaces. Answers from 785 respondents, representative of the Swiss German-speaking population in age and gender, provided insightful results. LLs and gamification increased drop-out rate. Experience was better explained by the BPN satisfaction than by the interface, and this was moderated by respondents’ causality orientations. LLs increased the challenge, and gamification enhanced the social experience and playfulness. LLs frustrated all three needs, and gamification satisfied relatedness. Autonomy and relatedness both positively influenced the social experience, but competence was negatively correlated with challenge. All observed effects were small. Hence, using gamification for decision-making is questionable, and understanding individual variability is a prerequisite; this study has helped disentangle the diversity of responses to survey design options.
Teacher-class relationship and emotional intelligence in the academic output and generic competence of higher education students
Authors: Yasmeen Rahat , Shah Ashfaque Ahmad , Naseer Sehrish , Syeda Zunaira Fatima
Published: October 2023

Academic output of students is considered as a crucial element and it is affected by various aspects. Teacher-class relationship, emotional intelligence and generic competence are the elements which can have a considerable effect on the academic output of the students. Current study was intended to find out the moderating role of teacher-class relationship, emotional intelligence in the academic output and generic competence of higher education students. All the teachers and students of University of Sargodha were the population of the study. The sample was taken from four departments of different faculties of University of Sargodha i.e., Faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Social Sciences. For this study, a sample of 21 teachers and 320 students from regular and self-support programs was selected conveniently from University of Sargodha. For data collection, three adapted instruments were used. Findings of current study concluded an insignificant moderating role of teacher-class relationship and emotional intelligence in the academic output and generic competence of students at higher education. The results of present study provide guideline to curriculum developers for developing the generic competence of students so that they can progress in future prospects which will eventually make contribution towards economy, moreover, stakeholder may take steps in order to develop the emotional intelligence of students by providing them needful counseling and trainings which will improve the academic output of students.
Subclinical articulatory changes of vowel parameters in Korean amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with perceptually normal voices
Authors: Kim Jin-Ah , Jang Hayeun , Choi Yoonji , Min Young Gi , Hong Yoon-Ho , Sung Jung-Joon , Choi Seok-Jin
Published: October 2023

The available quantitative methods for evaluating bulbar dysfunction in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are limited. We aimed to characterize vowel properties in Korean ALS patients, investigate associations between vowel parameters and clinical features of ALS, and analyze subclinical articulatory changes of vowel parameters in those with perceptually normal voices. Forty-three patients with ALS (27 with dysarthria and 16 without dysarthria) and 20 healthy controls were prospectively collected in the study. Dysarthria was assessed using the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) speech subscores, with any loss of 4 points indicating the presence of dysarthria. The structured speech samples were recorded and analyzed usingPraatsoftware. For three corner vowels (/a/, /i/, and /u/), data on the vowel duration, fundamental frequency, frequencies of the first two formants (F1 and F2), harmonics-to-noise ratio, vowel space area (VSA), and vowel articulation index (VAI) were extracted from the speech samples. Corner vowel durations were significantly longer in ALS patients with dysarthria than in healthy controls. The F1 frequency of /a/, F2 frequencies of /i/ and /u/, the VSA, and the VAI showed significant differences between ALS patients with dysarthria and healthy controls. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.912. The F1 frequency of /a/ and the VSA were the major determinants for differentiating ALS patients who had not yet developed apparent dysarthria from healthy controls (AUC 0.887). In linear regression analyses, as the ALSFRS-R speech subscore decreased, both the VSA and VAI were reduced. In contrast, vowel durations were found to be rather prolonged. The analyses of vowel parameters provided a useful metric correlated with disease severity for detecting subclinical bulbar dysfunction in ALS patients.
The lived experience of long COVID: A qualitative study of mental health, quality of life, and coping
Authors: Kennelly Colleen E. , Nguyen Anh T. P. , Sheikhan Natasha Yasmin , Strudwick Gillian , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. , Bartram Mary , Soklaridis Sophie , Rossell Susan L. , Castle David , Hawke Lisa D.
Published: October 2023

The majority of people who contract COVID-19 experience a short period of symptomatic infection. However, symptoms persist for months or years following initial exposure to the virus in some cases. This has been described as long COVID. Little is known about the lived experience of this condition, as it has only recently emerged. This study aimed to explore the experiences of mental health, quality of life, and coping among people living with long COVID. A sample of 47 adults with lived experience participated in web-based focus groups. Separate focus groups were held for 24 individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions and 23 individuals without pre-existing mental health conditions. Data were analyzed using a codebook thematic analysis approach. Five themes were identified as integral to the long COVID experience: The Emotional Landscape of Long COVID, New Limits to Daily Functioning, Grief and Loss of Former Identity, Long COVID-related Stigmatization, and Learning to Cope with Persisting Symptoms. These findings illustrate the immense impact of long COVID on mental health and quality of life. Minimal differences were found between those with and those without pre-existing mental health conditions, as both groups were substantially impacted by the condition. Attention to the perspectives of people with lived experience of long COVID is necessary to inform future directions for research and clinical practice.
The effects of exercise training on circulating adhesion molecules in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khalafi Mousa , Symonds Michael E. , Sakhaei Mohammad Hossein , Ghasemi Faeghe
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The current meta-analysis investigated the effects of exercise training on circulating adhesion molecules i.e. soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in adults.

Method

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were searched to identify original articles, published in English languages journal from inception up to 31 August 2023 that compared the effects of exercise training with non-exercising control on sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in adults. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs were calculated using random-effect models.

Results

Twenty-three studies including 31 intervention arms and involving 1437 subjects were included in the meta-analysis. Exercise training effectively reduced sICAM-1 [SMD: -0.33 (95% CI -0.56 to -0.11), p = 0.004; I2 = 56.38%, p = 0.001; 23 intervention arms]. Subgroup analyses showed that sICAM-1 decreased in adults with age <60 years (p = 0.01) and BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2 (p = 0.002) and those with metabolic disorders (p = 0.004) and cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.005). In addition, aerobic (p = 0.02) and resistance training (p = 0.007) are effective in reducing sICAM-1. However, exercise training did not indicate a superior effect on sVCAM-1 [SMD: -0.12 (95% CI -0.29 to 0.05), p = 0.17; I2 = 36.29%, p = 0.04; 23 intervention arms].

Conclusion

Our results show that exercise training reduces sICAM-1, but not for sVCAM-1, where both aerobic and resistance training is effective in reducing sICAM-1 in adults with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases.

Trial registration

The current meta-analysis was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero with ID registration number: CRD42023410474.
Dynamic risk spillover effect and path of risk transmission across industrial sectors in China during COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Ling Lin , Khan Hayat , Lingwei Jiang , Qiumei Li , Zuominyang Zhang , Khan Itbar
Published: October 2023

Understanding the dynamic link between the development of COVID-19 pandemic and industry sector risk spillovers is crucial to explore the underlying mechanisms by which major public health events affect economic systems. This paper applies ElasticNet method proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012, 2014) to estimate the dynamic risk spillover indicators of 20 industrial sectors in China from 2016 to 2022, and systematically examines the impact of industry risk network fluctuations and the transmission path caused by COVID-19 shock. The findings reveal that risk spillovers of Chinese industries show a dynamic change of "decline-fluctuation-rebound" with the three phases of COVID-19 epidemic. At the beginning of the epidemic, machinery and equipment, paper and printing, tourism and hotels, media and information services, and agriculture were the exporters of epidemic risk, while materials, transportation equipment, commercial trade, health care, and environmental protection were the importers of epidemic risk; However, as the epidemic developed further, the direction and effect of risk transmission in the industry was reversed. Examining the network characteristics of the pair sectors, we found that under the epidemic shock, the positive risk spillover from tourism and hotels, culture, education and sports to consumer goods, finance, and energy industries was significantly increased, and finance and real estate industries were affected by the risk impact of more industries, while the number of industries affected by information technology and computer industry was significantly reduced. This paper shows that there is inter-industry risk transmission of the COVID-19 epidemic shock, and the risk transmission feeds back in a cycle between industries as the epidemic develops, driving the economy into a vicious circle. The role of the service sector in blocking the spread of negative shocks from the epidemic should be emphasized and brought into play to avoid increasing the overall economic vulnerability. This study will help to deepen the understanding of scholars and policy makers on the network transmission effects of the epidemic.
Effect of miR-34a on the expression of clock and clock-controlled genes in DLD1 and Lovo human cancer cells with different backgrounds with respect to p53 functionality and 17β-estradiol-mediated regulation
Authors: Moravčík Roman , Olejárová Soňa , Zlacká Jana , Herichová Iveta
Published: October 2023

The small non-coding RNA miR-34a is a p53-regulated miRNA that acts as a tumour suppressor of colorectal cancer (CRC). Oncogenesis is also negatively influenced by deregulation of the circadian system in many types of tumours with various genetic backgrounds. As the clock gene per2 was recently recognized as one of the target genes of miR-34a, we focused on the miR-34a-mediated influence on the circadian oscillator in CRC cell lines DLD1 and LoVo, which differ in their p53 status. Previously, a sex-dependent association between the expression of per2 and that of miR-34a was demonstrated in CRC patients. Therefore, we also investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on miR-34a oncostatic functions. miR-34a mimic caused a pronounced inhibition of per2 expression in both cell lines. Moreover, miR-34a mimic significantly inhibited bmal1 expression in LoVo and rev-erbα expression in DLD1 cells and induced clock gene expression in both cell lines. miR-34a mimic caused a pronounced decrease in sirt1 and cyclin D1 expression, which may be related to the inhibition of proliferation observed after mir-34a administration in DLD1 cells. E2 administration inhibited the migration and proliferation of DLD1 cells. E2 and miR-34a, when administered simultaneously, did not potentiate each other’s effects. To conclude, miR-34a strongly influences the expression of components of the circadian oscillator without respect to p53 status and exerts its oncostatic effects via inhibition of sirt1 and cyclin D1 mRNA expression. E2 administration inhibits the growth of DLD1 cells; however, this effect seems to be independent of miR-34a-mediated action. With respect to the possible use of miR-34a in cancer treatment, clock genes can be considered as off-target genes, as changes in their expression induced by miR-34a treatment do not contribute to the oncostatic functions of miR-34a. Possible ambiguous oncogenic characteristics should be taken into consideration in future clinical studies focused on miR-34a.
Retrospective cohort analysis of outpatient antibiotic prescribing for community-acquired pneumonia in Canadian older adults
Authors: Saatchi Ariana , Reid Jennifer N. , Shariff Salimah Z. , Povitz Marcus , Silverman Michael , Patrick David M. , Morris Andrew M. , McCormack James , Haverkate Manon R. , Marra Fawziah
Published: October 2023

Background

This retrospective cohort study is the first in North America to examine population-level appropriate antibiotic use for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in older adults, by agent, dose and duration. With the highest rates of CAP reported in the elderly populations, appropriate antibiotic use is essential to improve clinical outcomes. Given the ongoing crisis of antimicrobial resistance, understanding inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is integral to direct community stewardship efforts.

Methods

All outpatient primary care visits for CAP (aged ≥65 years) were identified using physician billing codes between January 1 2014 to December 31 2018 in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario (ON). Categories of prescribing were derived from existing literature, and constructed for clinical relevance using Canadian and international guidelines available during the study period. Categories were mutually exclusive and included: guideline adherent (first-line agent, adherent dose/duration), clinically appropriate (non-first line agent, presence of comorbidities), effective but unnecessary (first-line agent, excess dose/duration), undertreatment (first-line agent, subtherapeutic dose/duration), and not recommended (non-first line agent, absence of comorbidities). Proportions of prescribing were examined by category. Temporal trends in prescribing were examined using Poisson regression.

Results

A total of 436,441 episodes of CAP were identified, with 46% prescribed an antibiotic in BC, and 52% in Ontario. Guideline adherent prescribing was minimal for both provinces (BC: 2%; ON: 1%) however the largest magnitude of increase was reported in this category by the final study year (BC—Rate Ratio [RR]: 3.4, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.7–4.3; ON—RR: 4.62, 95% CI: 3.4–6.5). Clinically appropriate prescribing accounted for the most antibiotics issued, across all study years (BC: 61%; ON: 74%) (BC—RR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.8–0.8; ON—RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.8–0.9). Excess duration of therapy was the hallmark characteristic for effective but unnecessary prescribing (BC: 92%; ON: 99%). The most common duration prescribed was 7 days, followed by 10. Not recommended prescribing was minimal in both provinces (BC: 4%; ON: 7%) and remained stable by the final study year (BC—RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.9–1.2; ON—RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1).

Conclusion

Three quarters of antibiotic prescribing for CAP was appropriate in Ontario, but only two thirds in BC. Shortening durations—in line with evidence for 3 to 5-day treatment presents a focused target for stewardship efforts.
Strategic coastal dike shape for enhanced tsunami overflow reduction
Authors: Takegawa Naoki , Sawada Yutaka , Furuichi Noriyuki
Published: October 2023

Coastal dikes are an essential social infrastructure to mitigate tsunami damage. However, there are no clear guidelines on effective dike shapes for reducing tsunami overflow. To examine effective dike shapes, numerical simulations of the amount of tsunami overflow at coastal dikes are conducted with reference to tsunami waveforms caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Results reveal the relationship between the dike shape and the amount of the overflow; the mechanism of overflow reduction based on the velocity and water level distribution is also verified. The comparison of the seaward and landward slopes of coastal dikes reveals that the seaward slope has a greater impact on the overflow, and the seaward slope with a vertical wall or a wave return structure reduces the overflow by 5%–30% compared to the 1:2 (26.6°) seaward slope. The landward slope should be determined based on the tsunami scale and the scour related to the dike stability. Since tsunami inflow damages human life and social infrastructure, achieving the overflow reduction without increasing dike height is vital. Our work contributes to rational design guidelines for coastal dikes.
Environmental DNA transformation resulted in an active phage in Escherichia coli
Authors: Karaynir Abdulkerim , Bozdoğan Bülent , Salih Doğan Hanife
Published: October 2023

The achievement of an active biological entity from environmental DNA is important in the field of phage. In this study, the environmental DNA extracted from hospital wastewater was transferred into Escherichia coli DH10B and Escherichia coli BL21 with chemical transformation and electroporation. After transformation, overnight cultures were filtered and used as phage source. The efficacies of the techniques were evaluated with spot test and double-layer agar assay. The emerged phage, named as ADUt, was purified and host-range analysis was performed. Phage DNA was isolated, sequenced and restriction profile was determined. The genome was assembled. The phylogenetic tree was constructed via VipTree. The extracted DNA resulted in active phage by the transformation of E. coli DH10B, but not E. coli BL21. The chemical transformation was found more successful than electroporation. ADUt phage was found to be polyvalent and effective against limited strains of Shigella and Escherichia genera. The phage genome size and GC ratio are 166904 bp and 35.67%, respectively. ADUt is a member of Straboviridae family and Tequatrovirus genus. This is the first study that uses environmental DNA for acquiring active phage, which may be an important source of new phage discovery. The result showed that DNA transformation yields active bacteriophage with both chemical transformation and electroporation.
Mapping the human parafoveal vascular network to understand flow variability in capillaries
Authors: Neriyanuri Srividya , Bedggood Phillip , Symons R. C. Andrew , Metha Andrew
Published: October 2023

Capillary flow is known to be non-homogenous between vessels and variable over time, for reasons that are poorly understood. The local properties of individual vessels have been shown to have limited explanatory power in this regard. This exploratory study investigates the association of network-level properties such as vessel depth, branch order, and distance from the feeding arteriole with capillary flow. Detailed network connectivity analysis was undertaken in 3 healthy young subjects using flood-illuminated adaptive optics retinal imaging, with axial depth of vessels determined via optical coherence tomography angiography. Forty-one out of 70 vessels studied were of terminal capillary type, i.e. fed from an arterial junction and drained by a venous junction. Approximately half of vessel junctions were amenable to fitting with a model of relative branch diameters, with only a few adhering to Murray’s Law. A key parameter of the model (the junction exponent) was found to be inversely related to the average velocity (r = -0.59, p = 0.015) and trough velocity (r = -0.67, p = 0.004) in downstream vessels. Aspects of cellular flow, such as the minimum velocity, were also moderately correlated (r = 0.46, p = 0.009) with distance to the upstream feeding arteriole. Overall, this study shows that capillary network topology contributes significantly to the flow variability in retinal capillaries in human eyes. Understanding the heterogeneity in capillary flow is an important first step before pathological flow states can be properly understood. These results show that flow within capillary vessels is not affected by vessel depths but significantly influenced by the upstream feeder distance as well as the downstream vessel junction exponents, but there remains much to be uncovered regarding healthy capillary flow.
Acute effects of unilateral and bilateral conditioning activity on countermovement jump, linear speed, and muscle stiffness: A randomized crossover study
Authors: Biel Piotr , Zubik Mateusz , Filip-Stachnik Aleksandra , Ewertowska Paulina , Krzysztofik Michał
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Evidence directly comparing the effects of bilateral and unilateral conditioning activities is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the acute effect of unilateral and bilateral conditioning activity on vastus lateralis stiffness, countermovement jump parameters, and 10 m sprint.

Methods

Twelve semi-professional basketball players participated in this study (age: 23 ± 4 yrs; body mass: 84.7 ± 10.6 kg; body height: 192 ± 6 cm; basketball training experience: 11 ± 4 yrs) performed four experimental sessions to compare the acute effects of bilateral, stronger-only, weaker-only lower limb or no conditioning activity on vastus lateralis stiffness, countermovement jumps variables (height; peak velocity; peak force, contraction time, countermovement depth, and modified reactive strength index and 10 m sprint time. Measurements were performed 5 minutes before and in the 5thand 10thminutes after CA.

Results

Bilateral conditioning activity significantly increase the countermovement jump height (p = 0.002; ES = 0.71) and the reactive strength index modified (p = 0.010; ES = 0.59). Moreover, a significantly higher peak force in the stronger than in the weaker limb was found (p<0.001) without any differences between conditions and time points (p>0.05). However, there were no significant (p>0.05) interactions and effects of conditions or time-point in the case of the other countermovement jump variables, vastus lateralis stiffness, and 10m sprint time.

Conclusion

Unilateral and bilateral drop jumps (3 sets of 5 repetitions) did not affect the vastus lateralis stiffness and time of the 10m sprint. However, only bilateral drop jumps effectively enhanced the countermovement jump height and modified reactive strength index. Bilateral drop jumps might be a useful part of a warm-up to improve jumping performance in basketball players.
Structural and functional basis of low-affinity SAM/SAH-binding in the conserved MTase of the multi-segmented Alongshan virus distantly related to canonical unsegmented flaviviruses
Authors: Chen Hua , Lin Sheng , Yang Fanli , Chen Zimin , Guo Liyan , Yang Jing , Lin Xi , Wang Lingling , Duan Yanping , Wen Ao , Zhang Xindan , Dai Yushan , Yin Keqing , Yuan Xin , Yu Chongzhang , He Yarong , He Bin , Cao Yu , Dong Haohao , Li Jian , Zhao Qi , Liu Quan , Lu Guangwen
Published: October 2023

Alongshan virus (ALSV), a newly discovered member of unclassified Flaviviridae family, is able to infect humans. ALSV has a multi-segmented genome organization and is evolutionarily distant from canonical mono-segmented flaviviruses. The virus-encoded methyltransferase (MTase) plays an important role in viral replication. Here we show that ALSV MTase readily binds S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) and S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) but exhibits significantly lower affinities than canonical flaviviral MTases. Structures of ALSV MTase in the free and SAM/SAH-bound forms reveal that the viral enzyme possesses a unique loop-element lining side-wall of the SAM/SAH-binding pocket. While the equivalent loop in flaviviral MTases half-covers SAM/SAH, contributing multiple hydrogen-bond interactions; the pocket-lining loop of ALSV MTase is of short-length and high-flexibility, devoid of any physical contacts with SAM/SAH. Subsequent mutagenesis data further corroborate such structural difference affecting SAM/SAH-binding. Finally, we also report the structure of ALSV MTase bound with sinefungin, an SAM-analogue MTase inhibitor. These data have delineated the basis for the low-affinity interaction between ALSV MTase and SAM/SAH and should inform on antiviral drug design.
Diagnostic Yield of Ambulatory Reflux Monitoring Systems for Evaluation of Chronic Laryngeal Symptoms
Authors: Krause Amanda J. , Greytak Madeline , Kaizer Alexander M. , Carlson Dustin A. , Chan Walter W. , Chen Chien-Lin , Gyawali C. Prakash , Jenkins Andrew , Pandolfino John E. , Polamraju Vinathi , Wong Ming-Wun , Yadlapati Rena
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Among patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms, ambulatory reflux monitoring off acid suppression is recommended to evaluate for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). However, reflux monitoring systems are diverse in configuration and monitoring capabilities, which present a challenge in creating a diagnostic reference standard in these patients. This study aimed to compare diagnostic yield and performance between reflux monitoring systems in patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms.

METHODS:

This multicenter, international study of adult patients referred for evaluation of LPR over a 5-year period (March 2018–May 2023) assessed and compared diagnostic yield of pathologic gastroesophageal reflux (GER+) on ambulatory reflux monitoring off acid suppression.

RESULTS:

Of 813 patients, 296 (36%) underwent prolonged wireless pH, 532 (65%) underwent 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring, and 15 (2%) underwent both tests. Overall diagnostic yield for GER+ was 36% and greater for prolonged wireless pH compared with that for 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring (50% vs 27%; P < 0.01). Among 15 patients who underwent both prolonged wireless pH and 24-h pH-impedance monitoring, concordance between systems for GER+ was 40%. The most common source of discordance was strong evidence of GER+ across multiple days on prolonged wireless pH compared with no evidence of GER+ on pH-impedance.

DISCUSSION:

In this multicenter international study of patients with chronic laryngeal symptoms referred for LPR evaluation, diagnostic yield of ambulatory reflux monitoring off acid suppression was 36% and rose to 50% when using wireless pH monitoring. In patients referred for chronic laryngeal symptoms, 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring may risk a low negative predictive value in patients with unproven GER+ disease.
Analysis of Issues Related to Multicultural Families, Multicultural Children, and Multicultural Youth Using Topic Modeling (LDA)
Authors: Lee Young-Sin
Published: October 2023

This study applied topic modeling among text mining techniques to examine social issues related to multicultural families, multicultural children, and multicultural youth. To this end, 1,764 media articles reported from 2010 to 2022 were collected using Big Kines, and related articles were divided into 1st (2010-2012), 2nd (2013-2017), and 3rd (2018-2022), focusing on the time when the basic plan for multicultural family support policies was announced. As a result of the study, first, the number of related articles has decreased since 2013, but continuous media reports have been made. Second, as the main keywords for each period, education, welfare, policies, multicultural family support centers, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family were derived. Third, three top topics and five detailed topics for each period were derived, and the first (2010-2012) was named as a foundation for the policy promotion system, the second (2013-2017) as a response to policy continuous changes, and the third (2018-2022) as a policy adjustment and reorganization according to long-term policies.
Latent Transition Patterns and Influential Factor of Multicultural Adolescents’ National Identity
Authors: Jang Eunae , Chung Hyunhee
Published: October 2023

This study aims to classify latent profiles of multicultural adolescents' national identity, and to explore transition patterns of the latent profiles and their influential factors. Data were collected from 1,329 multicultural students who had participated in the MAPS (the 6th and 7th years). Data were analyzed by means of latent transition analysis using Mplus 8.0. The results of this study were as follows. First, the patterns of the national identity at the two points were classified into three subtypes (i.e., low level, middle level, and high level). Second, the three latent profile patterns of national identity were found to be transferred to were maintained the same patterns, but the ‘high level’ patterns was likely to be transferred to the ‘middle level’ patterns. There were significant influential factors of the transition. In particular, body satisfaction, self-esteem, teachers' support, achievement motivation, body satisfaction, self-esteem, and achievement motivation were seen as being significant determinants in predicting the transition. The study showed significant influential factors of latent profiles of multicultural adolescents' national identity and the transition patterns of the latent profiles, and discussed suggestions and implications for future studies.
Research on Educational Supports of plan Through Demand Analysis for University Students Participating in ‘Multicultural Mentoring’
Authors: Kim Eunhui , Jang Hyeonjeong
Published: October 2023

This study identifies the level of demands of university student mentors for the multicultural mentoring support system and presents implications for the development of multicultural mentoring programs. Literature analysis, field staff interviews, and expert reviews were conducted to derive demand survey items. We conducted a demand survey of 40 field workers on the final 45 requirements survey items. The difference between the needs of the current level and the future level was analyzed using the Borich need formula, and the priority items were identified by applying the Focus for Focus model. According to the analysis, 17 out of 45 items ranked first and second, indicating high demand levels. Matching, mentor training, mentoring content, operational methods, financial support, assessment, reflection, etc. were included in the top priority group. The priority group included mentor competencies, mentoring content, and values. As a result of the need, it has been confirmed that there is a high demand for reasonable matching, stable space, and expanded economic support. Based on the results of the study, we presented educational support and improvement measures to strengthen the publicity of multicultural mentoring.
The Relationship Between Parental Controlling Parenting Behavior and Peer Relationship Quality Perceived by Chinese Children: The Mediating Effect of Self-Determination
Authors: Bai Yuan-yuan , Kim Lee-jin , Lee Jin-ju
Published: October 2023

This study explores the mediating role of self-​determination between parental controlling behavior and quality of peer relationships. A sample of 402 children in 5th and 6th grades elementary school in S city, Hebei Province. Data analysis was performed using Cronbach’s α, t-test, Pearson’s correlation and Regression analysis using SPSS 26.0 and Process macro model 4. The findings are as follows. Firstly, mother’s educational attainment differences were observed in father’s controlling behavior (control) and father’s educational attainment differences were observed in mother’s controlling behavior (control). And quality of peer relationships showed difference according to grade. Secondly, parental encouragement independence showed a positive correlation with the quality of peer relationships and self-determination. And parental control showed a negative correlation with the quality of peer relationships and self-determination. And quality of peer relationships showed a positive correlation with the self-determination. Thirdly, mediating effects of self-​determination between parental controlling behavior and quality of peer relationships was identified. And parental controlling behavior had a indirect effect on quality of peer relationships.
Bilingual Curriculum Impact on Vietnamese Multicultural Students in Elementary School: Focusing on Cognitive, Functional, and Emotional Effects
Authors: Park Jeongeun , Chang Insil
Published: October 2023

Social change and technological development are rapidly taking place. In order for meaningful education to take place in the future society, it is necessary to develop classes that can foster the capabilities necessary for the future society by utilizing the linguistic abilities of multicultural students, not just focusing on Korean language education. The purpose of this study is to examine the cognitive, functional, and emotional changes through bilingual curriculum using the linguistic strengths of multicultural students and to explore implications for teaching and learning that are meaningful for multicultural students. The results of this study are as follows. First, as a result of conducting bilingual subject classes, the subjects showed significant changes in their ability to use Korean and understand the subject in terms of cognition. Second, the ability to understand and use Korean has improved. Third, the subjects clearly identified their understanding of the class through bilingual subject classes and achieved positive results, such as improving their confidence in learning and self-efficacy.
The Longitudinal Interrelations Between Career Barriers and Career Determination of the Multicultural Youths: the Mediating Role of Achievement Motivation
Authors: Ha Yeojin
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the longitudinal mediation effect of achievement motivation between career barriers and career determinations of multicultural youths. For this purpose, the 7th to 9th waves of the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study data conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute were analyzed by using an autoregressive cross-lagged model. Results from this model showed as follows: First, multicultural youths’ perceived career barriers, achievement motivation, and career determination in the previous time positively significantly predicted multicultural youths’ perceived career barriers, achievement motivation, and career determination in the later time. Second, the longitudinal interrelations between career barriers and achievement motivation were significant; it was also identified that when achievement motivation in the previous time became high, career determination in the later time became significantly high. Third, it was found that multicultural youths’ perceived career barriers through achievement motivation played a longitudinal mediation effect on career determination. Based on these results, the implication of this study were discussed and suggestions for future study were proposed.