bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment strategies for hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HR+/HER2+) metastatic breast cancer: A review
Authors: Ran Ran , Ma Yingying , Wang Hui , Yang Jin , Yang Jiao
Published: December 2022

Hormone receptor-positive HER2-positive (HR+/HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a unique subtype of breast cancer. Most current guidelines recommend that combination regimens based on anti-HER2 therapy should be used as first-line treatment for HER2+ MBC, irrespective of HR status. Endocrine therapy can be applied as maintenance therapy for patients who are intolerant to chemotherapy or post-chemotherapy. Increasing evidence suggests that complex molecular crosstalk between HR and HER2 pathways may affect the sensitivity to both HER2-targeted and endocrine therapy in patients with HR+/HER2+ breast cancer. Recent research and clinical trials have revealed that a combination of endocrine therapy and anti-HER2 approaches without chemotherapy provides along-term disease control for some patients, but the challenge lies in how to accurately identify the subsets of patients who can benefit from such a de-chemotherapy treatment strategy. In this review, we aim to summarize the results of preclinical and clinical studies in HR+/HER2+ MBC and discuss the possibility of sparing chemotherapy in this subgroup of patients.
Biological treatments for pediatric Netherton syndrome
Authors: Pontone Matteo , Giovannini Mattia , Filippeschi Cesare , Oranges Teresa , Pedaci Fausto Andrea , Mori Francesca , Barni Simona , Barbati Federica , Consonni Filippo , Indolfi Giuseppe , Lodi Lorenzo , Azzari Chiara , Ricci Silvia , Hovnanian Alain
Published: December 2022

Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic skin disease responsible for skin inflammation and scaling, hair abnormalities and severe allergic manifestations. NS is caused by loss-of-function variants in Serine Peptidase Inhibitor Kazal-Type 5 (SPINK5), encoding the serine protease inhibitor LEKTI. NS patients have a profound skin barrier defect caused by unopposed kallikrein-related proteases activity (KLKs). They develop severe skin inflammation with eczematous-like lesions and high serum IgE levels. Multiomics studies have revealed that the IL-17/IL-36 pathway is the most predominant upregulated pathway in NS. It is associated with a Th2 signature with complement activation in the ichthyosis linearis circumflexa subtype, and with interferon and Th9 activation in the scaly erythrodermic form. Several case reports proved the efficacy of different biotherapies targeting IL-17A, IL-12/IL-23, IL-4R and IL-13R, TNF-a and IL-1β in pediatric NS patients. Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have also shown efficacy. These studies showed no severe side effects. At present, IL-17 blockade seems to be the most efficient treatment, but case reports remain limited with small numbers of patients and no placebo-control. Additional pathways must also be explored, and more efficient strategies could be used to block IL-17 and IL-23 pathways. In the future, the combination of specific strategies aiming at repairing the initial skin barrier defect could potentiate the efficacy of biologics. The current reports suggest that biological therapy is safe and often effective at pediatric age. However, controlled clinical trials that include a larger number of patients need to be conducted to reach more reliable conclusions.
Dispensing of psychotropic drugs in the Brazilian capital city before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2020)
Authors: Escalante Saavedra Pamela Alejandra , Galato Dayani , de Souza Silva Calliandra Maria , Rodrigues da Silva Izabel Cristina , da Silva Emília Vitoria
Published: December 2022

Objective: Evaluate the data on the psychotropic drugs dispensed by private community pharmacies before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the quarterly and annual consumption of psychotropic drugs per Defined Daily Dose per 1000 inhabitants-day (DHD). Interrupted time series were also constructed to expose changes in the consumption pattern in the periods before and after March 2020.

Results: Among the 20 most consumed psychoactive drugs, 12 were antidepressants, for example, escitalopram (DHD 7.996 and 10.626; p < 0.001), and sertraline (DHD 6.321 and 8.484; p < 0.001), in addition to the hypnotic zolpidem (DHD 6.202 and 8.526; p < 0.001). The time series reveals (R2 value) a variation in drug dispensing, in DHD values, during the pandemic.

Conclusion: Despite the higher variance, a significant increase is clearly seen in the consumption trends of psychoactive drugs, particularly antidepressants, consistent with the pandemic’s influence on the general population’s mental health.
Lonicerin attenuates house dust mite-induced eosinophilic asthma through targeting Src/EGFR signaling
Authors: Deng Zhenan , Zhang Xuefei , Wen Junjie , Yang Xiaojing , Xue Lingna , Ou Changxing , Ma Jianjuan , Zhan Hongrui , Cen Xiaomin , Cai Xuliang , Zhang Yu , Chen Riken , Zhang Qingling
Published: December 2022

Eosinophilic asthma is the predominant phenotype of asthma, and although these patients are sensitive to glucocorticoid therapy, they also experience many side effects. Lonicerin is a kind of bioflavonoid isolated from the Chinese herb Lonicera japonica Thunb, which has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects of lonicerin on eosinophilic asthma and its potential mechanisms. Here, we established a house dust mite (house dust mite)-induced eosinophilic asthma model in BALB/c mouse, and evaluated the effects of lonicerin on it. Our results showed that lonicerin significantly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness the number of inflammatory cells (especially eosinophils) and the elevation of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) supernatants of mice. Additionally, lonicerin also eminently blunted inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion, as well as mRNA levels of Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in lung tissue. Furthermore, results of network pharmacology and molecular docking revealed that Src kinase and epidermal growth factor receptor may be the potential targets responsible for the effects of lonicerin. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed that lonicerin inhibited activation of the Src/EGFR pathway by decreasing their phosphorylation. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that lonicerin could suppress HDM-induced eosinophilic asthma in mice through inhibiting the activation of Src/EGFR pathway, which also provides a basis for further research as a new potentially therapeutic agent for eosinophilic asthma and its underlying mechanisms in the future.
Attitudes and behaviors regarding online pharmacies in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic: At the tipping point towards the new normal
Authors: Fittler András , Ambrus Tünde , Serefko Anna , Smejkalová Lenka , Kijewska Anna , Szopa Aleksandra , Káplár Mátyás
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the online purchase of goods and services in which today’s e-pharmacy is now an integral part of healthcare provisions in developed countries. The aim of our research was to assess the frequency and attitudes of European consumers purchasing medications online prior to and following the pandemic in the Visegrad Group countries (V4). An online cross-sectional study was conducted between May-August 2022. A 25-item questionnaire with single choice and 5-point Likert scale answers was used and implemented in Google forms and Pollfish. A sampling of 2087 responses was collected. A majority (92.8%) of the respondents were aware medicines can be purchased online, yet prefer traditional pharmacies (4.6 ± 0.8) and somewhat oppose the internet channel (2.8 ± 1.3). Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, respondents’ attitude towards purchasing consumer goods (3.65 ± 0.89) and medications (3.26 ± 0.91) online increased, however, the change regarding medications is significantly smaller (p < 0.01). A distinct increase in the frequency of buying medicines (from 49.16% to 55.48%) and health products (from 60.61% to 63.0%) online was measured since the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05). Despite the relatively high prevalence witnessed in previous purchases, our results highlight the trend in which 18.3% of participants will definitely purchase medications online while a proportionate 17.7% will not in the future. Although long-term post-COVID attitudes towards the internet pharmacy channel have modestly increased, in comparison to previously published research the frequency of purchasing medications online has significantly increased during the past years. As national legislation in V4 countries permit only non-prescription online sales, our findings are primarily applicable to countries with similar regulatory environment. The rapid global spread of the coronavirus has transitionally affected medicinal purchase behaviors, augmenting potential public health concerns related to online sourcing. Consequently, public awareness campaigns are needed to promote verified online pharmacies and prevent the utilization of illicit websites and the use of unregistered, substandard and falsified medicinal products.
Voice efficiency for different voice qualities combining experimentally derived sound signals and numerical modeling of the vocal tract
Authors: Fleischer Mario , Rummel Stefanie , Stritt Fiona , Fischer Johannes , Bock Michael , Echternach Matthias , Richter Bernhard , Traser Louisa
Published: December 2022

Purpose:Concerning voice efficiency considerations of different singing styles, from western classical singing to contemporary commercial music, only limited data is available to date. This single-subject study attempts to quantify the acoustic sound intensity within the human glottis depending on different vocal tract configurations and vocal fold vibration.

Methods:Combining Finite-Element-Models derived from 3D-MRI data, audio recordings, and electroglottography (EGG) we analyzed vocal tract transfer functions, particle velocity and acoustic pressure at the glottis, and EGG-related quantities to evaluate voice efficiency at the glottal level and resonance characteristics of different voice qualities according to Estill Voice Training®.

Results:Voice qualities Opera and Belting represent highly efficient strategies but apply different vowel strategies and should thus be capable of predominate orchestral sounds. Twang and Belting use similar vowels, but the twang vocal tract configuration enabled the occurrence of anti-resonances and was associated with reduced vocal fold contact but still partially comparable energy transfer from the glottis to the vocal tract. Speech was associated with highly efficient glottal to vocal tract energy transfer, but with the absence of psychoactive strategies makes it more susceptible to noise interference. Falsetto and Sobbing apply less efficiently. Falsetto mainly due to its voice source characteristics, Sobbing due to energy loss in the vocal tract. Thus technical amplification might be appropriate here.

Conclusion:Differences exist between voice qualities regarding the sound intensity, caused by different vocal tract morphologies and oscillation characteristics of the vocal folds. The combination of numerical analysis of geometries inside the human body and experimentally determined data outside sheds light on acoustical quantities at the glottal level.
Nanosilicon: An approach for abiotic stress mitigation and sustainable agriculture
Authors: Verma Krishan K. , Zeng Yuan , Song Xiu-Peng , Singh Munna , Wu Kai-Chao , Rajput Vishnu D. , Li Yang-Rui
Published: December 2022

Abiotic stresses cause extensive yield loss in various crops globally. Over the past few decades, the application of silicon nanoparticles (nSi) has emerged as an abiotic stress mitigator. The initial responses of plants are exemplified by the biogenesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to sustain cellular/organellar integrity, ensuring in vivo operation of metabolic functions by regulating physiological and biochemical pathways during stress conditions. Plants have evolved various antioxidative systems to balance/maintain the process of homeostasis via enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities that repair any losses. In an adverse environment, supplementation of Si mitigates the stress condition and improves the growth and development of plants. Its ameliorative effects are correlated with enhanced antioxidant enzymes activities, maintaining the equilibrium between ROS generation and reduction. However, a limited number of studies cover the role of nSi in abiotic stress conditions. This review addresses the accumulation and/or uptake of nSi in several crops, as well as its mode of action, which are linked with improved plant growth and tolerance capabilities, contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Cell-free microbial culture filtrates as candidate biostimulants to enhance plant growth and yield and activate soil- and plant-associated beneficial microbiota
Authors: Morcillo Rafael Jorge León , Baroja-Fernández Edurne , López-Serrano Lidia , Leal-López Jesús , Muñoz Francisco José , Bahaji Abdellatif , Férez-Gómez Alberto , Pozueta-Romero Javier
Published: December 2022

In this work we compiled information on current and emerging microbial-based fertilization practices, especially the use of cell-free microbial culture filtrates (CFs), to promote plant growth, yield and stress tolerance, and their effects on plant-associated beneficial microbiota. In addition, we identified limitations to bring microbial CFs to the market as biostimulants. In nature, plants act as metaorganisms, hosting microorganisms that communicate with the plants by exchanging semiochemicals through the phytosphere. Such symbiotic interactions are of high importance not only for plant yield and quality, but also for functioning of the soil microbiota. One environmentally sustainable practice to increasing crop productivity and/or protecting plants from (a)biotic stresses while reducing the excessive and inappropriate application of agrochemicals is based on the use of inoculants of beneficial microorganisms. However, this technology has a number of limitations, including inconsistencies in the field, specific growth requirements and host compatibility. Beneficial microorganisms release diffusible substances that promote plant growth and enhance yield and stress tolerance. Recently, evidence has been provided that this capacity also extends to phytopathogens. Consistently, soil application of microbial cell-free culture filtrates (CFs) has been found to promote growth and enhance the yield of horticultural crops. Recent studies have shown that the response of plants to soil application of microbial CFs is associated with strong proliferation of the resident beneficial soil microbiota. Therefore, the use of microbial CFs to enhance both crop yield and stress tolerance, and to activate beneficial soil microbiota could be a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly approach to minimize shortfalls related to the technology of microbial inoculation. In this review, we compile information on microbial CFs and the main constituents (especially volatile compounds) that promote plant growth, yield and stress tolerance, and their effects on plant-associated beneficial microbiota. In addition, we identify challenges and limitations for their use as biostimulants to bring them to the market and we propose remedial actions and give suggestions for future work.
Improvement of soil acidification in tea plantations by long-term use of organic fertilizers and its effect on tea yield and quality
Authors: Ye Jianghua , Wang Yuhua , Wang Yuchao , Hong Lei , Jia Xiaoli , Kang Jiaqian , Lin Shaoxiong , Wu Zeyan , Wang Haibin
Published: December 2022

Soil acidification in tea plantation seriously reduced the yield and quality of tea. It was an effective method to use organic fertilizer for acidified soil remediation to ensure tea yield and quality. In this study, different fertilizers were used to treat the acidified tea plantation soils for 4 consecutive years to analyze the remediation effect of different fertilizers on acidified soil and their effects on tea yield and quality. The results showed that during the period of 2017-2021, the soil pH value of tea plantation (S1) with long-term use of chemical fertilizer decreased continuously, from 3.07 to 2.82. In the tea plantation (S2), the soil pH value was stable between 4.26 and 4.65 in the combination of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer for a long time. The tea plantation (S3) with long-term use of organic fertilizer has a stable soil pH value between 5.13 and 5.33, which is most suitable for the growth of tea trees. The analysis results of tea yield and quality indicators (tea polyphenols, theanine, amino acids, caffeine, catechin components) showed that after long-term use of chemical fertilizer in S1 tea plantation, soil pH value decreased continuously, soil acidification intensified, tea tree growth was hindered, and tea yield and quality decreased continuously. S2 tea plantation used some organic fertilizer in combination with chemical fertilizer for a long time, the soil pH value gradually improved, soil acidification weakened, and tea yield and quality improved steadily. After long-term use of organic fertilizer in S3 tea plantation, soil acidification was significantly improved, which was conducive to the normal growth of tea trees and the yield and quality of tea reached the maximum. The results of interaction analysis showed that the long-term use of chemical fertilizer had a negative effect on the growth of tea trees, and the combination of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizer improved the growth of tea trees to some extent, but the effect was poor, while the long-term use of organic fertilizer was the most beneficial to the growth of tea trees and most conducive to ensuring the yield and quality of tea. This study provides important practical significance for the remediation and fertilizer regulation of acidified tea plantation soils. In the process of field experiment, climate is a variable factor, and attention should be paid to the effect of climate change on fertilization efficiency in subsequent experiment.
The localization of the alkaloids in Coptis chinensis rhizome by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: He Fan , Huang Yu-Feng , Dai Wei , Qu Xian-You , Lu Jing-Guang , Lao Chi-Chou , Luo Wen-Hui , Sun Dong-Mei , Wei Mei , Xiao Sheng-Yuan , Xie Ying , Liu Liang , Zhou Hua
Published: December 2022

Background

Understanding the spatial distribution of active compounds can effectively evaluate the quality of decoction pieces of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Traditional methods are economical and practical but lack chemical information on the original distribution. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), with the advantage of non-destructive detection of samples, can directly analyze the distribution of chemical compounds on the surface of various samples.

Methods

In this study, TOF-SIMS image analysis technology was used to detect TCM for the first time. Taking Coptis rhizome (CR) as an example, a commonly used TCM, the distribution of the compounds in the cross-section of CR was studied. Meanwhile, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLCQQQ-MS/MS) was used to verify the results of TOF-SIMS.

Results

The distribution of nine active compounds: berberine, epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, tetrahydricheilanthifolinium, and oxyberberine, was well imaged in the cross-section of CR by TOF-SIMS. The content of berberine and epiberberine was the highest; Palmatine distribution in the pith was more than that in other parts; Oxyberberine was mainly concentrated in the cork and xylem rays. Normalization analysis showed contents of these compounds increased along with the growth years. The result was consistent with UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS.

Conclusion

The TOF-SIMS method can display the spatial distribution status of the active compounds of herbs, providing a basis for selecting the medicine site with non-destructive and fast detection.
Design and study of psychometric properties of the Community Attitude to Abortion Scale (CAAS) with the Chilean population: Autonomy and Stigma
Authors: Pérez Sánchez Beatriz , Burgos Padilla Juan José , Alveal-Álamos Carolina , Concha-Salgado Andrés , Jara Sepúlveda Luisa , Rodríguez Díaz Francisco Javier
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Attitudes toward abortion are related to structural, cultural, and direct gender-based violence. This violence can affect women’s mental, physical and reproductive health. Therefore, it is essential to know the nature of community attitudes toward abortion. Since we currently do not have an instrument that measures attitudes towards abortion in Chile, we set the objective of this study to design the Community Attitude to Abortion Scale (CAAS) and analyze its psychometric properties in a Chilean community population.

Methods

This work is an instrumental design study. Using a sampling of panelists by sociodemographic quotas, we obtained a sample of 1,223 participants with a mean age of 36.7 years (SD = 13.56).

Results

As a result, we obtained a scale of 18 items and two correlated factors, Autonomy and Stigma. This structure fits better as an Exploratory Structural Equations Model (ESEM). Both factors have excellent internal consistency. In addition, we obtained evidence of concurrent and discriminant validity: The scores on the factors of the Universal Religious Involvement Scale (I-E12) correlated negatively with Autonomy and positively with Stigma; participants with low levels of identification with a right-wing political orientation, with high levels of identification with a leftwing, pro-feminist, pro-LGBTQ +, and pro-euthanasia political orientation, obtained higher mean scores on Autonomy and lower on Stigma.

Discussion

The CAAS is an adequate tool for use with the Chilean community population, with evidence of consistency and validity. La CAAS is the first tool to measure attitudes to abortion in this country.
Analyzing the role of family support, coping strategies and social support in improving the mental health of students: Evidence from post COVID-19
Authors: Yang Chunying , Gao Hong , Li Yuxiang , Wang Enguo , Wang Nina , Wang Qinglei
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the multifaceted response strategies to curb its spread both have devastating effects on mental and emotional health. Social distancing, and self-isolation have impacted the lives of students. These impacts need to be identified, studied, and handled to ensure the well-being of the individuals, particularly the students.

Aim

This study aims to analyze the role of coping strategies, family support, and social support in improving the mental health of the students by collecting evidence from post COVID-19.

Methods

Data was collected from deaf students studying in Chinese universities of Henan Province, China. A survey questionnaire was designed to collect data from 210 students. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS 21 while hypothesis testing was carried out using Mplus 7.

Results

The results demonstrated that family support was strongly positively linked to mental health and predicted coping strategies. The direct relationship analysis showed that coping strategy strongly predicted mental health. Furthermore, coping strategies significantly mediated the relationship between family support and mental health. Additionally, the results highlighted that PSS significantly moderated the path of family support and coping strategies only.

Conclusion

Family support and coping strategies positively predicted mental health, whereas, family support was also found to be positively associated with coping strategies. Coping strategies mediated the positive association between family support and mental health. However, perceived family and other support only moderated the relationship between family support and coping strategies.
Validating the evaluation capacity scale among practitioners in non-governmental organizations
Authors: Ngai Steven Sek-yum , Cheung Chau-kiu , Li Yunjun , Zhao Lifen , Wang Lin , Jiang Shan , Tang Hon-yin , Yu Elly Nga-hin
Published: December 2022

The growing emphasis on demonstrating the effectiveness of social services through evaluation has heightened demand for nongovernmental organization (NGO) practitioners to enhance evaluation capacity. However, a lack of validated instruments in the NGO context has hampered efforts to assess NGO practitioners’ current evaluation capacity and understand how capacity-building activities could be tailored to meet NGO practitioners’ actual needs and enhance their evaluation capacity. Hence, this study aims to develop the Evaluation Capacity Scale (ECS), a self-reporting instrument of NGO practitioners’ capacity to conduct an effective evaluation of their service programs. Validation data was derived from 439 NGO practitioners who attended the Jockey Club MEL Institute Project in Hong Kong, China. Exploratory factor analysis of the ECS revealed three factors—evaluation mindset, evaluation implementation, and evaluation communication—and confirmatory factor analysis further validated this three-factor structure. Moreover, MANCOVA analysis demonstrated the ECS’s predictive validity. Overall, the ECS demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity, high internal consistency reliability, and predictive validity, and its factor structure was supported in subgroups based on gender, age, and level of education. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Aggressive humor style and cyberbullying perpetration: Normative tolerance and moral disengagement perspective
Authors: Zhu Hong , Ou Yilin , Zhu Zimeng
Published: December 2022

The literature has acknowledged the correlation between aggressive humor style and cyberbullying perpetration; however, little is known about how this occurs. In this study, we sought to gain an understanding of how and when someone with an aggressive humor style may develop into a perpetrator of cyberbullying. We propose that whether an individual’s aggressive humor style results in cyberbullying perpetration depends on online social norms of tolerance for aggressive humor. When online normative tolerance for aggressive humor is high, individuals’ aggressive humor style is positively correlated with their moral disengagement, which, in turn, increases their intention to commit cyberbullying. When online normative tolerance for aggressive humor is low, the effect of individuals’ aggressive humor style on their moral disengagement is attenuated, which, in turn, weakens the relationship between aggressive humor style and cyberbullying perpetration. A total of 305 Chinese university students were recruited to participate in the experiment, and we found support for this hypothesis across the experiment. Several theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Gambling problems and help-seeking in serving United Kingdom military personnel: A qualitative study
Authors: Champion Hannah , Pritchard Amy , Dighton Glen , Dymond Simon
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In military personnel are vulnerable to gambling problems, yet many are reluctant to seek help. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experience of problem gambling and help-seeking among serving members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces.

Methods

Seventeen individuals from a larger, cross-sectional survey of gambling and wellbeing in the Royal Air Force (RAF) completed semi-structured interviews. Interview questions focused on personal experiences, the context of the RAF and its influence, knowledge and experiences of treatment and support services, and the impact of COVID-19.

Results

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) harmful and protective occupational factors; (2) socio-cultural and personal influences; (3) organizational attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking, and (4) current support pathways and provision.

Discussion

Findings also indicated that gambling and alcohol use are common within the RAF, and that personnel are actively coping with mental health challenges.
Diagnostic traction and dorsal locking plate stabilization of a fifth and sixth thoracic vertebral fracture/luxation in a golden retriever: Case report
Authors: Tammaro William J. , Early Peter J. , Bergman Robert , Petrovsky Brian L. , Kraus Karl H.
Published: December 2022

Traction was used to diagnose instability of a T5-T6 traumatic luxation that was stabilized with locking plates in the laminae and dorsal pedicles. A two-year-old, 27 kg, female spayed golden retriever was presented to a veterinary teaching hospital after being referred for possible mandibular and spinal fractures after being hit by a car. The dog presented non-ambulatory paraparetic with intact pain perception. Computed tomographic (CT) imaging showed a fifth and sixth thoracic vertebral fracture/luxation, with and without manual traction. Surgical stabilization of the spine was performed with bilateral dorsally placed locking plates (String-of-Pearls, Orthomed, UK) in the laminae and dorsal aspects of the vertebral pedicles. The dog recovered well, and neurologic status improved significantly overnight and continued to improve up until discharge, which was 6 days postoperatively. Upon recheck exam at 8 weeks postoperatively, the dog appeared neurologically normal with no obvious surgical complications. This case demonstrates that diagnostic traction—the process of pulling, during imaging, on the dog's pelvis while the forelimbs are secured in extension—demonstrated instability of the spine which was not readily apparent on initial CT imaging. Additionally, the dorsal locking plate stabilization is a viable fixation option that provided acceptable stabilization of the mid-thoracic vertebrae.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection in sturgeon species: A promising reproductive technology of selected genitors
Authors: Fatira Effrosyni , Havelka Miloš , Saito Taiju , Landeira José , Rodina Marek , Gela David , Pšenička Martin
Published: December 2022

Sturgeons are the most endangered species group and their wild populations continue to decrease. In this study, we apply intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an assisted reproductive technology, for the first time in endangered and critically endangered sturgeons. Using various egg-sperm species combinations we performed different ICSI experiments with immobilized pre- or non-activated spermatozoa, single or many, fresh or cryopreserved. Then we evaluated the fertilization success as well as the paternity of the resultant embryos and larvae. Surprisingly, all experimental groups exhibited embryonic development. Normal-shaped feeding larvae produced in all egg-sperm species-combination groups after ICSI using single fresh-stripped non-activated spermatozoa, in one group after ICSI using single fresh-stripped pre-activated spermatozoa, and in one group after ICSI using multiple fresh-stripped spermatozoa. ICSI with single cryopreserved non-activated spermatozoa produced neurula stage embryos. Molecular analysis showed genome integration of both egg- and sperm-donor species in most of the ICSI transplants. Overall, ICSI technology could be used as an assisted reproduction technique for producing sturgeons to rescue valuable paternal genomes.
Impact of Inclusive Leadership on Innovative Work Behavior: The Mediating Role of Job Crafting
Authors: Guo Yinping , Jin Junge , Yim Sang-Hyuk
Published: December 2022

The study aims to examine the mediating role of job crafting between inclusive leadership and innovative work behavior. The data were collected from 314 workers employed in China’s small and medium-sized industries. The data collection was done through survey design. The data analysis was done using Spss 26.0 and through structural equation modeling by Mplus 8. Inclusive leadership was found to be related to job crafting and innovative work behavior of the employees. Job crafting was found to be mediating between inclusive leadership and innovative work behavior. The study delineated the link mechanism between inclusive leadership and innovative work behavior. Studying inclusive leadership in the context of Chinese culture is a powerful complement to inclusive leadership theory. This paper provides the managers of SMEs with significant managerial insights into how inclusive leadership can effectively motivate employees’ innovative work behaviors.
Predicting the Relationship between Green Transformational Leadership, Green Human Resource Management Practices, and Employees’ Green Behavior
Authors: Cahyadi Afriyadi , Natalisa Diah , Poór József , Perizade Badia , Szabó Katalin
Published: December 2022

Building on theories of Corporate Sustainability, Triple Bottom Line, and Natural Resource-Based View, this study aims to predict the positive relationship between green transformational leadership, green human resource management practices, and employees’ green behavior. It applies a quantitative approach to analyze 252 data collected from the customers who are prospective employees of small and medium enterprises in Budapest. An online questionnaire was sent to 252 samples with the Snowball sampling method for about a month in Hungary. Based on a structural equation modeling analysis, green transformational leadership and green human resource management practices positively influence employees’ green behavior. Green human resource management practices mediate the relationship between green transformational leadership and employees’ green behavior. Small and medium enterprises should consider solving the green behavioral problems of their employees by promoting the green concept in leadership and human resource management practices. Such initiatives contribute to sustainability in small and medium enterprises.
A Systematic Review Exploring the Psychosocial Factors Affecting Adolescent Access to HIV Treatment Services
Authors: Variava Tarique , Watermeyer Jennifer
Published: December 2022

Context: Despite the global realization that increasing access to antiretroviral treatment promotes significant bio-medical gains amongst adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), the psychosocial impact of HIV on the health and well-being of ALHIV has been overlooked. Objective: To identify, synthesize, and discuss the psychosocial factors that affect ALHIV who are accessing HIV treatment services in South Africa. Data sources: Only empirical research published in English were searched for via four electronic research databases (i.e., ProQuest, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Sabinet Online) of the University of the Witwatersrand on 1 August 2020. Eligibility criteria: Full-text articles published in English were included in the sample on the following basis: (1) the identified studies included HIV-positive adolescents (≥10 years old and ≤19 years old) residing in South Africa; (2) the phenomena under investigation within the identified studies related to psychosocial factors which affect ALHIV accessing HIV treatment services in South Africa; (3) measures exploring any form of psychosocial factors associated with ALHIV in South Africa that had to be utilized; (4) study research designs were either an observational or cohort study; (5) studies were of a quantitative or qualitative nature, and (6) studies ought to have been published between 1 January 2000 and 31 July 2020. Data extraction: Data from the articles included in this systematic review were extracted using predefined data fields, including study quality indicators. Data synthesis: A total of 18 empirical articles met the inclusion criteria informing this research report. From the articles included in this systematic review, it was evident that ALHIV accessing HIV treatment services in South Africa were impacted by seven major psychosocial factors. Specifically, this included their (1) psychosocial development, (2) quality of life, (3) experience of adversity, (4) availability of social support, (5) experience of HIV stigma, (6) HIV status disclosure, and (7) adherence to ART. Conclusions: The physiological, social, behavioural, and cognitive functioning of ALHIV accessing HIV treatment services predisposed them to psychosocial distress, which in turn had implications for their health and well-being.
A Potential Anthelmintic Phytopharmacological Source of Origanum vulgare (L.) Essential Oil against Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Sheep
Authors: Štrbac Filip , Krnjajić Slobodan , Maurelli Maria Paola , Stojanović Dragica , Simin Nataša , Orčić Dejan , Ratajac Radomir , Petrović Kosta , Knežević Goran , Cringoli Giuseppe , Rinaldi Laura , Bosco Antonio
Published: December 2022

The development of anthelmintic resistance in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) requires novel strategies for the sustainable control of these parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of the Origanum vulgare (L.) essential oil (EO) against sheep GINs and to evaluate the possibility of its use in control practice. The in vitro egg hatch test was conducted at eight different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025, and 0.0125 mg/mL) of the tested EO. For the in vivo fecal egg count reduction test, the EO of O. vulgare was administrated orally at a mean single dose of 150 mg/kg to sheep from two farms in Southern Italy, whereby potential toxic effects to the hosts were also evaluated. In the egg hatch test, the inhibition of egg hatchability varied from 71.3% to 93.7%, depending on the concentration used. The high anthelmintic potential was confirmed in the fecal egg count reduction test with an average reduction of nematode eggs in feces of 43.2% and 60.1% on days 7 and 14 after treatment, respectively. In addition, no toxic effects were noticed during the clinical examination of sheep or by observing blood count and liver or kidney function test results. The obtained results suggest the strong activity of the O. vulgare EO against sheep GINs, probably due to a high percentage of carvacrol (76.21%), whereby it can be considered safe for sheep at the dose tested in vivo. Therefore, it is suitable for use in veterinary practice as a part of an integrated strategy for the control of sheep GINs.
Pigs as Pets: Early Human Relations with the Sulawesi Warty Pig (Sus celebensis)
Authors: Brumm Adam
Published: December 2022

The Sulawesi warty pig (S. celebensis) is a wild and still-extant suid that is endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. It has long been theorised that S. celebensis was domesticated and/or deliberately introduced to other islands in Indonesia prior to the advent of the Neolithic farming transition in the region. Thus far, however, there has been no empirical support for this idea, nor have scientists critiqued the argument that S. celebensis was a pre-Neolithic domesticate in detail. Here, it is proposed that early foragers could have formed a relationship with S. celebensis that was similar in essence to the close association between Late Pleistocene foragers in Eurasia and the wild wolf ancestors of domestic dogs. That is, a longstanding practice of hunter-gatherers intensively socialising wild-caught S. celebensis piglets for adoption into human society as companion animals (‘pets’) may have altered the predator–prey dynamic, brought aspects of wild pig behaviour and reproduction under indirect human selection and control, and caused changes that differentiated human-associated pigs from their solely wild-living counterparts.
Testing the Properties of Radon Barrier Materials and Home Ventilation to Mitigate Indoor Radon
Authors: Portaro Manuela , Tuccimei Paola , Galli Gianfranco , Soligo Michele , Longoni Cristina , Vasquez Dino
Published: December 2022

Indoor radon is the second cause of lung cancer. Mitigation strategies are based on (i) building protection with radon barrier materials, (ii) increasing home ventilation or (iii) room pressurization. A scale model room created with a porous ignimbrite rich in radon precursors was used as an analogue to test the indoor radon reduction ability of various radon barrier materials in a real room. The properties of these materials were tested with and without room pressurization by introducing outdoor air at different flow rates. The best materials reduced indoor radon up to 80% and, when the highest pressurization was applied, to 93%.
Clopidogrel with Aspirin versus Aspirin Alone following Intravenous Thrombolysis in Minor Stroke: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Cao Hai-Ming , Lian Hui-Wen , E Yan , Duan Rui , Zhou Jun-Shan , Chen Xiang-Liang , Jiang Teng
Published: December 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) using clopidogrel plus aspirin versus aspirin monotherapy after intravenous thrombolysis on functional outcomes in patients with minor stroke. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤ 5 who received either DAPT or aspirin monotherapy following recombinant tissue plasminogen activator intravenous thrombolysis were studied. Data recorded between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary efficacy outcome was functional improvement at 1 year, measured by a 1-point decrease across modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores. Secondary outcomes included complete rehabilitation (mRS = 0), an excellent outcome (mRS = 0–1), and a favorable outcome (mRS = 0–2) at 1 year, as well as the rates of stroke recurrence and all-cause mortality within 1 year. Results: A total of 238 patients were included, and follow-up data were available for 205 patients (86.1%). The distribution of 1-year outcomes on the mRS favored DAPT over aspirin monotherapy (adjusted common odds ratio (OR), 2.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–4.28; p = 0.022). Patients who received DAPT, compared with those receiving aspirin alone, were more likely to achieve complete rehabilitation (adjusted OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.21–4.95; p = 0.013) at the 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the percentages of an excellent outcome and a favorable outcome did not differ, and the rates of stroke recurrence and all-cause mortality were comparable during the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: Clopidogrel with aspirin following intravenous thrombolysis was associated with improved functional outcome at the 1-year follow-up for patients with minor stroke, and it did not increase the stroke recurrence rate and mortality.
Exploiting the Cone of Influence for Improving the Performance of Wavelet Transform-Based Models for ERP/EEG Classification
Authors: Chen Xiaoqian , Gupta Resh S. , Gupta Lalit
Published: December 2022

Features extracted from the wavelet transform coefficient matrix are widely used in the design of machine learning models to classify event-related potential (ERP) and electroencephalography (EEG) signals in a wide range of brain activity research and clinical studies. This novel study is aimed at dramatically improving the performance of such wavelet-based classifiers by exploiting information offered by the cone of influence (COI) of the continuous wavelet transform (CWT). The COI is a boundary that is superimposed on the wavelet scalogram to delineate the coefficients that are accurate from those that are inaccurate due to edge effects. The features derived from the inaccurate coefficients are, therefore, unreliable. In this study, it is hypothesized that the classifier performance would improve if unreliable features, which are outside the COI, are zeroed out, and the performance would improve even further if those features are cropped out completely. The entire, zeroed out, and cropped scalograms are referred to as the “same” (S)-scalogram, “zeroed out” (Z)-scalogram, and the “valid” (V)-scalogram, respectively. The strategy to validate the hypotheses is to formulate three classification approaches in which the feature vectors are extracted from the (a) S-scalogram in the standard manner, (b) Z-scalogram, and (c) V-scalogram. A subsampling strategy is developed to generate small-sample ERP ensembles to enable customized classifier design for single subjects, and a strategy is developed to select a subset of channels from multiple ERP channels. The three scalogram approaches are implemented using support vector machines, random forests, k-nearest neighbor, multilayer perceptron neural networks, and deep learning convolution neural networks. In order to validate the performance hypotheses, experiments are designed to classify the multi-channel ERPs of five subjects engaged in distinguishing between synonymous and non-synonymous word pairs. The results confirm that the classifiers using the Z-scalogram features outperform those using the S-scalogram features, and the classifiers using the V-scalogram features outperform those using the Z-scalogram features. Most importantly, the relative improvement of the V-scalogram classifiers over the standard S-scalogram classifiers is dramatic. Additionally, enabling the design of customized classifiers for individual subjects is an important contribution to ERP/EEG-based studies and diagnoses of patient-specific disorders.
Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy Seems to Be Safe in Children with Low-Grade Midline Glioma: A Series of 124 Cases with Review of the Literature
Authors: Puvilland Coline , Villanueva Carine , Hemmendinger Anaëlle , Kornreich Laure , Gueorguieva Iva , Karnoub Mélodie-Anne , Beuriat Pierre Aurélien , Leblond Pierre
Published: December 2022

There is little scientific evidence regarding the safety of GHRT in LGG, where GH deficiency is common. Purpose: to compare the recurrence rate in children with midline LGG, depending on whether or not they have received GHRT, in order to assess its impact on the risk of tumor recurrence. Methods: This bicentric retrospective study included 124 patients under the age of 18 who were diagnosed with a midline low-grade glial tumor between 1998 and 2016. We also reviewed literature on this subject. The main outcome measure was tumor relapse, demonstrated by brain MRI. Results: There were 17 patients in the GH-supplemented group (14%) and 107 patients in the non-supplemented group (86%). Relapse occurred in 65 patients (45.5%); 7 patients died (4.9%); no deaths occurred in patients receiving GHRT. Two patients developed a second tumor (1.4%), none of which had received GHRT. Relapse concerned 36.4% of patients without GHRT and 52.9% of patients with GHRT. The difference was not statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.3). Conclusion: GHRT does not lead to a statistically significant increase in risk of relapse for pediatric midline low-grade pediatric glioma in our cohort. Although these results appear reassuring, future natural history or prospective studies should be done to ascertain these findings. Nevertheless, these reassuring data regarding GHRT are in agreement with the data in the current literature.