bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of laryngeal mask airway anesthesia with preserved spontaneous breathing in children undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Huang Jinjin , Huang Wenfang , Zhang Jie , Tan Zheng , Wang Dongpi
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility and safety of non-intubated general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing combined with paravertebral nerve blocks (PVNB) in young children undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and to determine its significance for rapid recovery after pediatric thoracic surgery.

Methods

The data of 46 children aged 6–36 months with an American Society of Anesthesiologists status of I–II who underwent elective VATS under general anesthesia were retrospectively analyzed. Of these patients, 25 underwent non-intubated general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing combined with PVNB (non-intubation group), and 21 received conventional intubated general anesthesia combined with local infiltration anesthesia (intubation group). The following perioperative parameters were compared between the two groups: heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure, saturation of pulse oximetry (SpO2), partial pressure end-tidal carbon dioxide, time from the completion of the operation to extubation or removing laryngeal masks, time to first feeding after the operation, length of postoperative in-hospital stay, incidence of postoperative complications, and hospitalization expenses.

Results

The operations were completed successfully in both groups. When the non-intubation group was compared with the intubation group, the minimal SpO2 level during the surgery was higher (93% vs. 88%, P < 0.001), which might indicate better oxygenation. There was no significant difference of the duration of surgery and intraoperative blood loss between two groups. Compared to the intubation group, the duration of anesthesia (P = 0.027), time from the completion of the operation to extubation (P < 0.001), time to the first feeding after surgery (P < 0.001), and length of postoperative in-hospital stay (P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the non-intubation group. The incidence of postoperative complications was not significantly different.

Conclusions

Non-intubated general anesthesia with spontaneous breathing combined with PVNB is safe and feasible in young children undergoing VATS and can promote rapid recovery in young children undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.
Influence of continuous renal replacement therapy on the plasma concentration of tigecycline in patients with septic shock: A prospective observational study
Authors: Huang Fang , Cao Wen-Xiang , Yan Yu-Ying , Mao Tian-Tian , Wang Xian-Wen , Huang Dan , Qiu Yu-Shuang , Lu Wen-Jie , Li Dong-Jie , Zhuang Yu-Gang
Published: March 2023

Objective: The influence of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on the steady-state plasma concentration of high-dose tigecycline was investigated in septic shock patients to provide references for drug dosing.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, 17 septic shock patients presenting with severe infections needing a broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with high-dose tigecycline (100 mg per 12 h) in the intensive care unit were included and divided into CRRT group (n = 6) or non-CRRT group (n = 11). The blood samples were collected and plasma drug concentration was determined by SHIMADZU LC-20A and SHIMADZU LCMS 8040. The steady-state plasma concentration was compared between groups using unpaired t-test. Furthermore, between-groups comparisons adjusted for baseline value was also done using multivariate linear regression model.

Results: Peak concentration (Cmax) of tigecycline was increased in CRRT group compared to non-CRRT group, but there were no statistical differences (505.11 ± 143.84 vs. 406.29 ± 108.00 ng/mL, p-value: 0.129). Trough concentration (Cmin) of tigecycline was significantly higher in CRRT group than in non-CRRT group, with statistical differences (287.92 ± 41.91 vs. 174.79 ± 33.15 ng/mL, p-value: 0.000, adjusted p-value: 0.000). In safety, Cmin was reported to be a useful predictor of hepatotoxicity with a cut-off of 474.8 ng/mL. In our studies, Cmin of all patients in CRRT group was lower than 474.8 ng/mL.

Conclusion: The plasma concentration of tigecycline was increased in septic shock patients with CRRT treatment and only Cmin shown statistical differences. No dose adjustment seems needed in the view of hepatotoxicity.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2000037475.
Sericin/crocetin micro/nanoparticles for nucleus pulposus cells regeneration: An “active” drug delivery system
Authors: Bari Elia , Perteghella Sara , Rassu Giovanna , Gavini Elisabetta , Petretto Giacomo Luigi , Bonferoni Maria Cristina , Giunchedi Paolo , Torre Maria Luisa
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Initiation and progression of intervertebral disk degeneration are linked to oxidative stress, with reactive oxygen species being a key factor. Therefore, as a potentially novel approach able to regenerate the damaged intervertebral disk, this work aimed to prepare an “active per sé” drug delivery system by combining sericin and crocetin: both are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulant and regenerative properties.

Methods: In detail, sericin nanoparticles were prepared using crocetin as a cross-linker; then, the nanoparticle dispersions were dried by spray drying as it is (NP), with an excess of sericin (NPS) or crocin/crocetin (NPMix), obtaining three microparticle formulations.

Results and Discussion: Before drying, the nanoparticles were nanometric (about 250 nm), with a negative surface charge, and appeared spherical and smooth. Following the drying process, spherical and smooth microparticles were obtained, with a mean diameter of about 1.7–2.30 μm. NPMix was the most active in antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities, likely due to the excess of crocin/crocetin, while NPS had the best anti-elastase activity, likely due to sericin in excess. Furthermore, all the formulations could prevent oxidative stress damage on nucleus pulposus cells, with NPMix being the best. Overall, the intrinsic anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities and the ability to protect from oxidative stress-induced damages justify future investigations of these “active per sé” formulations in treating or preventing intervertebral disk degeneration.
Pedal cadence does not affect muscle damage to eccentric cycling performed at similar mechanical work
Authors: Ueda Hisashi , Saegusa Riki , Tsuchiya Yosuke , Ochi Eisuke
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate muscle damage when performing equal mechanical work of fast and slow pedaling speed by eccentric muscle actions (ECCs) cycling.

Methods: Nineteen young men [mean ± standard deviation (SD) age: 21.0 ± 2.2 years; height: 172.7 ± 5.9 cm; and body mass: 70.2 ± 10.5 kg] performed maximal effort of ECCs cycling exercise with fast speed (Fast) and slow speed trials (Slow). First, subjects performed the Fast for 5 min by one leg. Second, Slow performed until the total mechanical work was equal to that generated during Fast other one leg. Changes in maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque of knee extension, isokinetic pedaling peak torque (IPT), range of motion (ROM), muscle soreness, thigh circumference, muscle echo intensity, and muscle stiffness were assessed before exercise, and immediately after exercise, and 1 and 4 days after exercise.

Results: Exercise time was observed in the Slow (1422.0 ± 330.0 s) longer than Fast (300.0 ± 0.0 s). However, a significant difference was not observed in total work (Fast:214.8 ± 42.4 J/kg, Slow: 214.3 ± 42.2 J/kg). A significant interaction effect was not observed in peak values of MVC torque (Fast:1.7 ± 0.4 Nm/kg, Slow: 1.8 ± 0.5 Nm/kg), IPT, muscle soreness (Fast:4.3 ± 1.6 cm, Slow: 4.7 ± 2.9 cm). In addition, ROM, circumference, muscle thickness, muscle echo intensity, and muscle stiffness also showed no significant interaction.

Conclusion: The magnitude of muscle damage is similar for ECCs cycling with equal work regardless of velocity.
Genetic trends for yield and key agronomic traits in pre-commercial and commercial maize varieties between 2008 and 2020 in Uganda
Authors: Asea Godfrey , Kwemoi Daniel Bomet , Sneller Clay , Kasozi Charles L. , Das Biswanath , Musundire Lennin , Makumbi Dan , Beyene Yoseph , Prasanna Boddupalli M.
Published: March 2023

Estimating genetic gains is vital to optimize breeding programs for increased efficiency. Genetic gains should translate into productivity gains if returns to investments in breeding and impact are to be realized. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic gain for grain yield and key agronomic traits in pre-commercial and commercial maize varieties from public and private breeding programs tested in (i) national performance trials (NPT), (ii) era trial and, (iii) compare the trends with the national average. The study used (i) historical NPT data on 419 improved maize varieties evaluated in 23 trials at 6-8 locations each between 2008 and 2020, and (ii) data from an era trial of 54 maize hybrids released between 1999 and 2020. The NPT data was first analyzed using a mixed model and resulting estimate for each entry was regressed onto its first year of testing. Analysis was done over all entries, only entries from National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), or private seed companies. Estimated genetic gain was 2.25% or 81 kg ha-1 year-1 from the NPT analysis. A comparison of genetic trends by source indicated that CIMMYT entries had a gain of 1.98% year-1 or 106 kg ha-1 year-1. In contrast, NARO and private sector maize entries recorded genetic gains of 1.30% year-1 (59 kg ha-1 year-1) and 1.71% year-1 (79 kg ha-1 year-1), respectively. Varieties from NARO and private sector showed comparable mean yields of 4.56 t ha-1 and 4.62 t ha-1, respectively, while hybrids from CIMMYT had a mean of 5.37 t ha-1. Era analysis indicated significant genetic gain of 1.69% year-1 or 55 kg ha-1 year-1, while a significant national productivity gain of 1.48% year-1 (37 kg ha-1 year-1) was obtained. The study, thus, demonstrated the importance of public-private partnerships in development and delivery of new genetics to farmers in Uganda.
Insights into the regulation of energy metabolism during the seed-to-seedling transition in marine angiosperm Zostera marina L.: Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Zhu Meiling , Zang Yu , Zhang Xuelei , Shang Shuai , Xue Song , Chen Jun , Tang Xuexi
Published: March 2023

Seed development is a crucial phase in the life cycle of seed-propagated plants. As the only group of angiosperms that evolved from terrestrial plants to complete their life cycle submerged in marine environments, the mechanisms underlying seed development in seagrasses are still largely unknown. In the present study, we attempted to combine transcriptomic, metabolomic, and physiological data to comprehensively analyze the molecular mechanism that regulates energy metabolism in Zostera marina seeds at the four major developmental stages. Our results demonstrated that seed metabolism was reprogrammed with significant alteration of starch and sucrose metabolism, glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), and the pentose phosphate pathway during the transition from seed formation to seedling establishment. The interconversion of starch and sugar provided energy storage substances in mature seeds and further acted as energy sources to support seed germination and seedling growth. The glycolysis pathway was active during Z. marina germination and seedling establishment, which provided pyruvate for TCA cycle by decomposing soluble sugar. Notably, the biological processes of glycolysis were severely inhibited during Z. marina seed maturation may have a positive effect on seed germination, maintaining a low level of metabolic activity during seed maturation to preserve seed viability. Increased acetyl-CoA and ATP contents were accompanied with the higher TCA cycle activity during seed germination and seedling establishment, indicating that the accumulations of precursor and intermediates metabolite that can strengthen the TCA cycle and facilitate energy supply for Z. marina seed germination and seedling growth. The large amount of oxidatively generated sugar phosphate promotes fructose 1,6-bisphosphate synthesis to feed back to glycolysis during seed germination, indicating that the pentose phosphate pathway not only provides energy for germination, but also complements the glycolytic pathway. Collectively, our findings suggest these energy metabolism pathways cooperate with each other in the process of seed transformation from maturity to seedling establishment, transforming seed from storage tissue to highly active metabolic tissue to meet the energy requirement seed development. These findings provide insights into the roles of the energy metabolism pathway in the complete developmental process of Z. marina seeds from different perspectives, which could facilitate habitat restoration of Z. marina meadows via seeds.
Biotic stress-induced changes in root exudation confer plant stress tolerance by altering rhizospheric microbial community
Authors: Sharma Indrani , Kashyap Sampurna , Agarwala Niraj
Published: March 2023

Every organism on the earth maintains some kind of interaction with its neighbours. As plants are sessile, they sense the varied above-ground and below-ground environmental stimuli and decipher these dialogues to the below-ground microbes and neighbouring plants via root exudates as chemical signals resulting in the modulation of the rhizospheric microbial community. The composition of root exudates depends upon the host genotype, environmental cues, and interaction of plants with other biotic factors. Crosstalk of plants with biotic agents such as herbivores, microbes, and neighbouring plants can change host plant root exudate composition, which may permit either positive or negative interactions to generate a battlefield in the rhizosphere. Compatible microbes utilize the plant carbon sources as their organic nutrients and show robust co-evolutionary changes in changing circumstances. In this review, we have mainly focused on the different biotic factors responsible for the synthesis of alternative root exudate composition leading to the modulation of rhizosphere microbiota. Understanding the stress-induced root exudate composition and resulting change in microbial community can help us to devise strategies in engineering plant microbiomes to enhance plant adaptive capabilities in a stressful environment.
Home culture and its effects on English as a lingua franca communication: Voices from Chinese students at a United Kingdom university
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Lütge Christiane
Published: March 2023

In academic research on intercultural communication (IC), students’ perceptions and experiences regarding English as alingua franca(ELF) have been central to the discussion because they form the basis for English teaching policies and practices in multilingual and multicultural environments. Substantial theoretical research on ELF has called for a paradigm shift from emphasizing the over-simplistic correlation between language and Anglophone cultures to recognizing the legitimacy of non-native English learners’ home culture in English teaching pedagogy. Nonetheless, little empirical research has been conducted to examine how ELF speakers understand their home culture in ELF communications. Relatively fewer studies have investigated to what extent ELF users’ perceptions of home culture influence their IC practices. To address these gaps, this study aims to explore Chinese international students in a liberal arts university in the United Kingdom and their understanding of Chinese culture in authentic ELF interactions. In addition, the perceived effects of Chinese culture on students’ IC were explored in great depth. This study adopts a mixed-method approach, including a student questionnaire (N = 200) and follow-up semi-structured interviews (N = 10). Following descriptive statistics and thematic analysis of the obtained data, the findings revealed that most participants lacked a thorough understanding of their home culture, while they considered home culture playing a significant role in ELF communications. The contribution of this study builds on work in English users’ awareness of home culture in IC to identify the significance of enabling the presence of English learners’ home culture in English language teaching (ELT) classrooms.
Predicting implementation of the PAX Good Behavior Game + MyTeachingPartner interventions
Authors: Braun Summer S. , Bradshaw Catherine P. , Beahm Lydia A. , Budavari Alexa C. , Downer Jason , Ialongo Nicholas S. , Tolan Patrick H.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Effective classroom management is critical to creating a classroom environment in which social, emotional, and academic learning can take place. The present study investigated the association between early career, early elementary teachers’ occupational health (job stress, burnout, and perceived teaching ability) and perceptions of program feasibility in relation to their implementation dosage and quality of two evidence-based classroom management programs implemented together: the PAX Good Behavior Game (GBG) and MyTeachingPartner (MTP) intervention.

Methods

Teachers provided information on their occupational health at the start of the school year and were then randomized to the PAX GBG + MTP condition or control condition. Teachers’ perceptions of the feasibility of the program, implementation dosage, and implementation quality of the intervention were measured at the end of the school year for the 94 intervention teachers.

Results

Teachers participated in more MTP coaching cycles when they reported that the combined PAX GBG + MTP program was feasible. Although there were no main effects of occupational health on implementation, the associations between job stress and implementation quality were moderated by perceptions of feasibility.

Discussion

Findings highlight the complexity of factors influencing the implementation of evidence-based programs in school settings.
Is the dark triad always detrimental to firm performance? Testing different performance outcomes and the moderating effects of competitive rivalry
Authors: Haar Jarrod , de Jong Kirsty
Published: March 2023

There is growing evidence that CEOs who have the ‘dark triad’ of personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) detrimentally influence firm performance. However, there is still much we do not know. The present study suggests that the CEO dark triad might directly influence typical performance indicators in different ways: positively affecting external performance indicators (breakthrough sales), but negatively affecting internal performance indicators (organizational performance). We argue that the CEO dark triad can be interpreted differently by those external to the firm versus internally, where managers are much closer to the CEO’s dark personality. Our model includes managerial capital as a mediator and competitive rivalry as a moderator, and ultimately tests a moderated mediation model. Using data from 840 New Zealand firms, we find that the dark triad links to outcomes, as expected. While the CEO dark triad is negatively related to managerial capital, managerial capital does positively predict both performance indicators, and partially mediates the CEO dark triad effect. Overall, moderating effects highlight that the CEO dark triad is less detrimental in fiercely competitive business environments, acting as a consistent boundary condition across models. As competitive rivalry increases, the indirect effect of the CEO dark triad on performance decreases. We discuss the implications for understanding the role that the CEO dark triad can play in firms.
Visual and haptic cues in processing occlusion
Authors: Takeichi Hiroshige , Taniguchi Keito , Shigemasu Hiroaki
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Although shape is effective in processing occlusion, ambiguities in segmentation can also be addressed using depth discontinuity given visually and haptically. This study elucidates the contribution of visual and haptic cues to depth discontinuity in processing occlusion.

Methods

A virtual reality experiment was conducted with 15 students as participants. Word stimuli were presented on a head-mounted display for recognition. The central part of the words was masked with a virtual ribbon placed at different depths so that the ribbon appeared as an occlusion. The visual depth cue was either present with binocular stereopsis or absent with monocular presentation. The haptic cue was either missing, provided consecutively, or concurrently, by actively tracing a real off-screen bar edge that was positionally aligned with the ribbon in the virtual space. Recognition performance was compared between depth cue conditions.

Results

We found that word recognition was better with the stereoscopic cue but not with the haptic cue, although both cues contributed to greater confidence in depth estimation. The performance was better when the ribbon was at the farther depth plane to appear as a hollow, rather than when it was at the nearer depth plane to cover the word.

Discussion

The results indicate that occlusion is processed in the human brain by visual input only despite the apparent effectiveness of haptic space perception, reflecting a complex set of natural constraints.
Effect size measure for mediation analysis with a multicategorical predictor
Authors: Cao Zihuan , Cham Heining , Stiver Jordan , Rivera Mindt Monica
Published: March 2023

Many currently available effect size measures for mediation have limitations when the predictor is nominal with three or more categories. The mediation effect size measure υ was adopted for this situation. A simulation study was conducted to investigate the performance of its estimators. We manipulated several factors in data generation (number of groups, sample size per group, and effect sizes of paths) and effect size estimation [differentR-squared (R2) shrinkage estimators]. Results showed that the Olkin–Pratt extended adjustedR2estimator had the least bias and the smallest MSE in estimating υ across conditions. We also applied different estimators of υ in a real data example. Recommendations and guidelines were provided about the use of this estimator.
How do contract performance rates affect entrepreneurs’ risk-averse attitudes? Evidence from China
Authors: Sun Zenan , Lu Shen , Huang Man , Zhuang Jincai , Vaca Lucero Andrea Maria , Osei Charles Dwumfour
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Entrepreneurs’ attitudes toward risk is one of the most critical factors influencing business growth and economic development. Therefore, addressing the influencing factors and formation mechanisms of entrepreneurs’ risk attitudes has become a crucial research endeavor. In this paper, we examine how contract performance rates affect entrepreneurs’ risk attitudes through the mediating effect of subjective well-being as well as assess the moderating effect of the regional business environment on this relationship.

Methods

The ordered probit regression technique was employed to analyze the data obtained from 3,660 sampled respondents from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey. All analysis was performed using Stata 15.0.

Results

The empirical results show that contract performance rates have a substantial positive indirect effect on entrepreneurs’ degree of risk aversion through improved subjective well-being. The regional business environment plays a negative regulatory role in the relationship between contract performance rates and entrepreneurs’ risk aversion. Furthermore, urban–rural heterogeneity appears to consistently determine the extent of the influence of contract performance rates on entrepreneurs’ risk attitudes.

Conclusion

To reduce entrepreneurs’ risk aversion and enhance social and economic activity, the government should improve regional business environments by taking specific measures. Our study contributes to the empirical understanding of entrepreneurs’ investment decisions in the context of urban and rural environments.
Attention bias modification for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xia Hai-sha , Li Yu-xi , Zhang Qing-yun , Zhong Dong-ling , Liu Xiao-bo , Gou Xin-yun , Fan Jin , Zhao Jing , Zhang Yue , Ai Shuang-chun , Huang Jia-xi , Li Juan , Jin Rong-jiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by affective, somatic, and cognitive symptoms. Attention bias modification (ABM) has been widely used to treat depression. However, the results seem inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of ABM for depression and to explore the optimal protocol of ABM.

Methods

Seven databases were systematically searched from their inceptions to 5 October 2022 to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ABM for depression. Two independent reviewers selected the eligible articles, extracted data, and evaluated the risk of bias using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2.0) for randomized trials. The primary outcome was the evaluation of depressive symptoms using widely accepted and validated scales. The secondary outcomes included rumination and attentional control. Meta-analysis was conducted by using RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 12.0). Subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

A total of 19 trials involving 20 datasets (1,262 participants) were included. The overall risk of bias in one study was rated as low risk of bias, three studies were considered as high, and the remaining studies were some concerns. Compared with attention control training (ACT), ABM had a greater effect in the improvement of depression (SMD = −0.48, 95% CI −0.80 to −0.17, I2 = 82%) and rumination (MD = −3.46, 95% CI −6.06 to −0.87, I2 = 0%). No significant differences were observed in the attentional control outcome between ABM and ACT (MD = 3.07, 95% CI −0.52 to 6.65, I2 = 0%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that adults exhibited a greater decrease in depression scores than adolescents. ABM using the dot-probe task, training target stimulus presented by face, and training directions by left–right were associated with better antidepressant effects. ABM training delivered in the laboratory tended to yield a better effect than those conducted at home. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results were robust. The certainty of the evidence for all outcomes was low or very low, and publication bias may exist.

Conclusion

Due to high heterogeneity and limited studies, not enough current evidence supported that ABM could be an effective intervention to relieve depressive symptoms. More rigorous RCTs are required to verify the benefits and to explore the optimal protocol of ABM training for depression.

Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [No. CRD42021279163].
Risk factors for poor sleep quality in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in China: A multicenter study
Authors: Zeng Suqi , Liu Chuan , Zhang Jixiang , An Ping , Liu Zhongchun , Jiang Changqing , Shi Jie , Wu Kaichun , Dong Weiguo
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for poor sleep quality in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients.

Methods

2,478 IBD patients were enrolled to investigate their sleep quality using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). Clinical and psychological characteristics were collected to explore the risk factors for poor sleep quality. A hurdle model was conducted to predict poor sleep quality based on the risk factors. Among this hurdle model, the logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors of the presence of poor sleep quality, and the zero-inflated negative binomial model was employed to identify risk factors of the severity of poor sleep quality.

Results

In this study, 1,491 (60.17%) IBD patients had poor sleep quality, and the proportion in the older group was higher than younger group (64.89% vs. 58.27%, p = 0.003). According to multivariable logistic regression, age (OR, 1.011; 95% CI [1.002,1.020]; p = 0.014), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score (OR, 1.263; 95% CI [1.228,1.300]; p < 0.001), systemic (OR, 0.906; 95% CI [0.867,0.946]; p < 0.001) and emotional performance (OR, 1.023; 95% CI [1.005,1.043]; p = 0.015) were risk factors of the presence of poor sleep quality. The area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction model was 0.808. According to zero-truncated negative binomial regression, age (RR, 1.004; 95% CI [1.002,1.005]; p < 0.001) and PHQ-9 score (RR, 1.027; 95% CI [1.021,1.032]; p < 0.001) were risk factors of the severity of poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

The prevalence of poor sleep quality among the older group in IBD patients was relatively high. Old age and depressive mood are risk factors for both the presence and severity of poor sleep quality.
Altruistic responses to the most vulnerable involve sensorimotor processes
Authors: Vickers Brian D. , Seidler Rachael D. , Stansfield R. Brent , Weissman Daniel H. , Preston Stephanie D.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Why do people help strangers? Prior research suggests that empathy motivates bystanders to respond to victims in distress. However, this work has revealed relatively little about the role of the motor system in human altruism, even though altruism is thought to have originated as an active, physical response to close others in immediate need. We therefore investigated whether a motor preparatory response contributes to costly helping.

Methods

To accomplish this objective, we contrasted three charity conditions that were more versus less likely to elicit an active motor response, based on the Altruistic Response Model. These conditions described charities that (1) aided neonates versus adults, (2) aided victims requiring immediate versus preparatory support, and (3) provided heroic versus nurturant aid. We hypothesized that observing neonates in immediate need would elicit stronger brain activation in motor-preparatory regions.

Results

Consistent with an evolutionary, caregiving-based theory of altruism, participants donated the most to charities that provided neonates with immediate, nurturant aid. Critically, this three-way donation interaction was associated with increased BOLD signal and gray matter volume in motor-preparatory regions, which we identified in an independent motor retrieval task.

Discussion

These findings advance the field of altruism by shifting the spotlight from passive emotional states toward action processes that evolved to protect the most vulnerable members of our group.
Blockchain-enabled cross-chain collaboration model for elderly health information from a whole process perspective
Authors: Hu Mo , Sheng Fan
Published: March 2023

Due to people having less children and the aging population, the demand for elderly health services is increasing, which leads to an increase in demand for elderly health information. However, there is a gap between elderly medical health information and elderly care information due to different storage institutions and storage methods, which makes it difficult for the medical service industry and the elderly service industry to fully grasp and utilize the health information of the elderly. Therefore, it is difficult to provide whole process services that combine elderly medical health and elderly care. To solve the problem of the poor collaborative utilization of elderly healthcare information, this paper, based on blockchain cross-chain technology and the literature and field research, studies the specific contexts that are needed to realize elderly health information collaboration. Based on the system theory viewpoint, the component-based modular design concept is used to identify the attributes and types of current health information of the elderly from health information related to the five modules of prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation in the process of elderly healthcare. This paper explores the structure, elements, and interactions between the medical health information chains and the elderly care information chains. We build a blockchain-enabled cross-chain collaboration model of elderly health information from the perspective of the whole process with the help of the underlying logic of virtual chain, and to realize the applicability and flexibility of cross-chain collaboration for health information for the elderly in the whole process. The research results show that the proposed cross-chain collaboration model can realize the cross-chain collaboration of health information for the elderly with easy implementation, high throughput, and strong privacy protection.
App-based oral health promotion interventions on modifiable risk factors associated with early childhood caries: A systematic review
Authors: Ajay Kamalapriya , Azevedo Liane B. , Haste Anna , Morris Alexander John , Giles Emma , Gopu Banu Preethi , Subramanian Murali Perumbakkam , Zohoori Fatemeh Vida
Published: March 2023

Background

Early childhood caries (ECC) is a preventable chronic disease. Parents’ knowledge and attitudes toward oral healthcare have been associated with higher caries experience in their children. Mobile apps within the context of mHealth interventions are a potential tool for raising awareness and informing parents about their children's oral health.

Objectives

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of mobile health apps, targeted at parents and caregivers, for the prevention of ECC.

Data sources

A systematic search was carried out in five scientific databases; Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

Study selection and data extraction

Original studies, delivering oral health interventions to parents of children <6 years via smartphones, were included. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from the included studies were extracted.

Synthesis

A convergent segregated approach was used to integrate the quantitative and qualitative evidence, followed by side-by-side display and narrative synthesis.

Results

Out of 5,953 retrieved articles, five met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Three articles reported quantitative findings, while two reported both quantitative and qualitative findings. Four studies reported that a mobile app can be an effective tool to improve the oral health knowledge of parents/caregivers, aiding them in incorporating good oral health habits into their children's daily routines.

Conclusion

This review demonstrated that oral health promotion programs delivered through mobile apps to parents could be effective in improving child oral health awareness among parents. There is a need for more high-quality studies with a large number of participants to find out which features of mHealth interventions with parents could effectively be employed to reduce the prevalence of ECC. Further studies and apps should be developed based on evidence-based behaviour change techniques and incorporate features such as gamification to increase the effectiveness and engagement of the target population.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?], identifier [CRD42021268331].
Dendritic Spines: How Memory Is Stored in the Brain
Authors: Segal Menahem
Published: March 2023

Over 100 years ago, Nobel Prize winner Ramon y Cajal first described structures called dendritic spines, located on the surface of brain cells. Since then, scientists have been trying to understand what dendritic spines are and how they function in the brain. Even with the latest technology, it is very difficult to research dendritic spines because they are so tiny—one dendritic spine is about 1/1,000 of a millimeter, and there are thousands of them on the surface of most nerve cells in the brain. Since dendritic spines can change shape and size quickly, some researchers have suggested that they are the structures in the brain where memories are created and stored. This hypothesis is based on hundreds of studies showing that forming a memory causes dendritic spines to undergo major changes in number, size, and shape. Likewise, preventing dendritic spines from changing may stop memories from forming. However, there is still a long way to go before we can identify exactly where memories are kept in the brain. Future studies may help us answer this fascinating riddle.
The comparison and use of tools for quantification of antimicrobial use in Indonesian broiler farms
Authors: Anwar Sani Rianna , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Dinar Tagrid E. H. A. , Sunandar Sunandar , Nurbiyanti Nofita , Suandy Imron , Pertela Gian , Jahja Elvina J. , Purwanto Budi ,   CORNERSTONE group, Geijlswijk Ingeborg M. van , Speksnijder David C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Indonesia has a large broiler industry with extensive antimicrobial use (AMU) according to empirical evidence. However, there are no quantitative data of on-farm AMU. Quantification of AMU at farm level is crucial to guide interventions on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). The objective of this study was to compare on-farm AMU monitoring methods, to assess which monitoring method is best suited to gain insight in the quantitative AMU at farm level in medium-scale Indonesian broiler farms.

Method

AMU was calculated using four different indicators—mg/PCU (mass-based), TFUDDindo (Treatment Frequency of Used Daily Dose, dose-based), TFDDDvet (Treatment Frequency of Defined Daily Dose, dose-based), and TFcount − based (count-based)—for the total AMU of 98 production cycles with an average length of 30 days.

Results

Broilers were exposed to an average of 10 days of antimicrobial treatments per production cycle, whereas 60.8% of the antimicrobials belonged to the Highest Priority Critically Important Antimicrobials (HPCIAs). For each pair of indicators, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was calculated to assess if the production cycles were ranked consistently in increasing AMU across the different indicators. The correlation varied between 0.4 and 0.8.

Discussion

This study illustrates the considerable difference in the ranking of AMU between the different indicators. In a setting comparable to medium-scale broiler farms in Indonesia, where resources are scarce and there is no professional oversight, the TFcount − based method is best suitable. Before implementing an AMU monitoring method, careful consideration of the use-indicators is paramount to achieve fair benchmarking.
Metabolomic analysis of seminal plasma to identify goat semen freezability markers
Authors: Xu Bingbing , Bai Xue , Zhang Jian , Li Boyuan , Zhang Yanjun , Su Rui , Wang Ruijun , Wang Zhiying , Lv Qi , Zhang Jiaxin , Li Jinquan
Published: March 2023

Factors affecting sperm freezability in goat seminal plasma were investigated. Based on the total motility of thawed sperm, goats were divided into a high-freezability (HF) group with >60% total motility (n = 8) and a low-freezability (LF) group with <45% total motility (n = 8). Sperm and seminal plasma from the HF and LF groups were separated, HF seminal plasma was mixed with LF spermatozoa, LF seminal plasma was mixed with HF sperm, and the products were subjected to a freeze-thaw procedure. Semen from individual goats exhibited differences in freezability. HF semen had higher sperm motility parameters and plasma membrane and acrosome integrity after thawing; this difference could be related to the composition of seminal plasma. Seminal plasma from the HF and LF groups was evaluated using metabolomic analysis, and multivariate statistical analysis revealed a clear separation of metabolic patterns in the seminal plasma of goats with different freezability classifications. Forty-one differential metabolites were identified using the following screening conditions: variable importance in the projection > 1 and 0.05 < P-value < 0.1. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment of central carbon metabolism in cancer, protein digestion and absorption, aminoacyl-tRNA, and other pathways and significant differences in the abundance of seven differential metabolites, including L-glutamine, L-aspartate, L-arginine, phenylpyruvate, benzoic acid, ketoisocaproic acid, and choline between seminal plasma from the HF and LF groups (P-value < 0.05). These significantly differentially-expressed metabolites may be potential biomarkers for sperm freezability. L-glutamine, L-aspartate, and L-arginine may directly affect sperm freezability. Benzoic acid, ketoisocaproic acid, and choline may regulate sperm freezability by participating in anabolic processes involving phenylalanine, leucine, and phosphatidylcholine in sperm.
An Umbrella Review of the Best and Most Up-to-Date Evidence on the Built Environment and Physical Activity in Older Adults ≥60 Years
Authors: Stearns Jodie A. , Avedzi Hayford M , Yim Desmond , Spence John C. , Labbaf Farshad , Lamboglia Carminda G. , Ko Fiona , Farmer Ciara , Lytvyak Ellina , Kennedy Megan , Kim Yeong-Bae , Ren Hui , Lee Karen K.
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To present the best and most up-to-date evidence on associations between built environment (BE) attributes and overall and specific domains of physical activity (PA) (i.e., leisure, transport, walking, and cycling) in older adults (≥60 years).

Methods: An umbrella review was undertaken to compile evidence from systematic reviews using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A comprehensive search (updated 16 August 2022), inclusion/exclusion of articles via title/abstract and full-text reviews, data extraction, and critical appraisal were completed. Only reviews with a good critical appraisal score were included.

Results: Across three included systematic reviews, each BE attribute category was positively associated with ≥1 PA outcome. A larger number of significant associations with BE attributes were reported for transport walking (13/26), total walking (10/25), and total PA (9/26), compared to leisure walking (4/34) and transport cycling (3/12). Fewer associations have been examined for leisure cycling (1/2).

Conclusion: Although the causality of findings cannot be concluded due to most primary studies being cross-sectional, these best and most up-to-date findings can guide necessary future longitudinal and experimental studies for the (re)design of age-friendly communities.
Measuring Short Food Supply Chain Sustainability: A Selection of Attributes and Indicators through a Qualitative Approach
Authors: Borsotto Patrizia , Cagliero Roberto , Giarè Francesca , Giordani Giorgia , Iacono Rita , Manetti Ilenia , Sardone Roberta
Published: March 2023

Short food supply chains (SFSCs) are one of the most direct approaches to more directly connecting consumers with producers. The scaling-up of SFSCs is often challenged by critical issues which can be overcome with identification of the most sustainable, replicable schemes. This paper presents the results of a participatory analysis conducted within the agroBRIDGES H2020 project, with the aim of defining a list of economic, social, and environmental attributes and indicators to assess the sustainability of SFSCs and set up a decision-making tool to support producers in self-assessing their sustainability level and choosing the most appropriate business model (BM) from those identified within the project. The proposed framework was based on a literature review and validated using co-creation exercises (Delphi rounds and focus groups) with relevant European stakeholders. A final set of 47 indicators was identified, and their potential for use in assessing the sustainability level of various BMs was also validated. Early results highlighted three main issues: indicator calculation feasibility, business model categorization, and the simplicity of the framework for sustainability self-assessment. Some recommendations are made, including the importance of using a participatory process in building an evaluation framework on SFSC sustainability and the necessity of its adaptation to territorial contexts and needs.
Calibration Parameter of Soil Discrete Element Based on Area Difference Method
Authors: Zeng Yi , Chen Chaopeng , Quan Wei , Xie Shuangpeng , Shi Fanggang , Ma Zitao , Wu Mingliang
Published: March 2023

Existing calibration methods for contact parameters of soil discrete elements are primarily based on a single physical property of soil (e.g., natural accumulation angle and shear characteristics). To solve this limitation, a calibration method based on the area difference method was proposed in accordance with the actual operation effect of ridge and furrow opener. The typical clay loam in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (moisture content of 20.66% ± 1%) was used as the research object. The Hertz–Mindlin with JKR Cohesion contact model was selected, and the static friction factor and rolling friction factor between soil and 65Mn steel were determined by inclined plane mechanics method. Soil tank ridge and furrow opening experiments and quadratic orthogonal rotation combined tests were carried out. MATLAB software was used to carry out polynomial fitting and the constant integral solution to the ridge and the cross-sectional contour data of the furrow obtained from the measured and simulated ridge and furrow opening experiments to establish the regression model of area difference. The optimization function in Design-Expert software was adopted. The optimal parameter combination was obtained by optimizing the regression model with the minimum area difference as the target. Based on the above parameter combination, the relative error of cross-sectional area of the furrow that was obtained by simulation test and soil tank test was 9.15%. Finally, the comparison of the traction resistance of the simulation and the soil tank test at the stable working stage indicated that the relative error between the simulated value and the measured value was 10.4%, which is less than the acceptable error of 15% in general statistics and within a reasonable range. The results showed that the particle movement and mechanical properties of the soil simulation model were basically consistent with the actual soil after parameter optimization and calibration. In this study, a precise discrete element simulation model of the typical clay loam in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River based on the area difference method was constructed, which lays a theoretical basis for later exploration of the interaction mechanism between the typical clay loam and the soil contact components in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.