bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of acute myeloid leukemia cells to ferroptosis and evasion strategies
Authors: Zhang Hanyun , Sun Chunjie , Sun Qi , Li Ye , Zhou Chao , Sun Changgang
Published: September 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. Continuous updating of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies has not been effective in improving the clinical benefit of AML. AML cells are prone to iron metabolism imbalance due to their unique pathological characteristics, and ferroptosis is a novel cell death mode that is dominated by three cellular biological processes: iron metabolism, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. An in-depth exploration of the unique ferroptosis mechanism in AML can provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. This study summarizes recent studies on ferroptosis in AML cells and suggests that the metabolic characteristics, gene mutation patterns, and dependence on mitochondria of AML cells greatly increase their susceptibility to ferroptosis. In addition, this study suggests that AML cells can establish a variety of strategies to evade ferroptosis to maintain their survival during the process of occurrence and development, and summarizes the related drugs targeting ferroptosis pathway in AML treatment, which provides development directions for the subsequent mechanism research and clinical treatment of AML.
Monocular catadioptric panoramic depth estimation via improved end-to-end neural network model
Authors: Yan Fei , Liu Lan , Ding Xupeng , Zhang Qiong , Liu Yunqing
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a monocular catadioptric panoramic depth estimation algorithm based on an improved end-to-end neural network model. First, we use an enhanced concentric circle approximation unfolding algorithm to unfold the panoramic images captured by the catadioptric panoramic camera and then extract the effective regions. In addition, the integration of the Non-local attention mechanism is exploited to improve image understanding. Finally, a depth smoothness loss strategy is implemented to further enhance the reliability and precision of the estimated depths. Experimental results confirm that this refined algorithm is capable of providing highly accurate estimates of object depth.
Recovery kinetics of short-term depression of GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses at layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in the mouse barrel cortex
Authors: Lombardi Aniello , Wang Qiang , Stüttgen Maik C. , Mittmann Thomas , Luhmann Heiko J. , Kilb Werner
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) is a widespread mechanism underlying activity-dependent modifications of cortical networks.

Methods

To investigate how STP influences excitatory and inhibitory synapses in layer 2/3 of mouse barrel cortex, we combined whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from visually identified pyramidal neurons (PyrN) and parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV-IN) of cortical layer 2/3 in acute slices with electrical stimulation of afferent fibers in layer 4 and optogenetic activation of PV-IN.

Results

These experiments revealed that electrical burst stimulation (10 pulses at 10 Hz) of layer 4 afferents to layer 2/3 neurons induced comparable short-term depression (STD) of glutamatergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in PyrN and in PV-IN, while disynaptic GABAergic PSCs in PyrN showed a stronger depression. Burst-induced depression of glutamatergic PSCs decayed within <4 s, while the decay of GABAergic PSCs required >11 s. Optogenetically-induced GABAergic PSCs in PyrN also demonstrated STD after burst stimulation, with a decay of >11 s. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in PyrN were unaffected after electrical burst stimulation, while a selective optogenetic STD of GABAergic synapses caused a transient increase of electrically evoked EPSPs in PyrN.

Discussion

In summary, these results demonstrate substantial short-term plasticity at all synapses investigated and suggest that the prominent STD observed in GABAergic synapses can moderate the functional efficacy of glutamatergic STD after repetitive synaptic stimulations. This mechanism may contribute to a reliable information flow toward the integrative layer 2/3 for complex time-varying sensory stimuli.
Altered neural intrinsic oscillations in patients with multiple sclerosis: effects of cortical thickness
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Lei , Zhu Yanyan , Wang Yao , He Ting , Wu Lin , Huang Muhua , Zhou Fuqing
Published: September 2023

Objective

To investigate the effects of cortical thickness on the identification accuracy of fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 31 remitting MS, 20 acute MS, and 42 healthy controls (HCs). After preprocessing, we first calculated two-dimensional fALFF (2d-fALFF) maps using the DPABISurf toolkit, and 2d-fALFF per unit thickness was obtained by dividing 2d-fALFF by cortical thickness. Then, between-group comparison, clinical correlation, and classification analyses were performed in 2d-fALFF and 2d-fALFF per unit thickness maps. Finally, we also examined whether the effect of cortical thickness on 2d-fALFF maps was affected by the subfrequency band.

Results

In contrast with 2d-fALFF, more changed regions in 2d-fALFF per unit thickness maps were detected in MS patients, such as increased region of the right inferior frontal cortex and faded regions of the right paracentral lobule, middle cingulate cortex, and right medial temporal cortex. There was a significant positive correlation between the disease duration and the 2d-fALFF values in the left early visual cortex in remitting MS patients (r = 0.517, Bonferroni-corrected, p = 0.008 × 4 < 0.05). In contrast with 2d-fALFF, we detected a positive correlation between the 2d-fALFF per unit thickness of the right ventral stream visual cortex and the modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) scores (r = 0.555, Bonferroni-corrected, p = 0.017 × 4 > 0.05). For detecting MS patients, 2d-fALFF and 2d- fALFF per unit thickness both performed remarkably well in support vector machine (SVM) analysis, especially in the remitting phase (AUC = 86, 83%). Compared with 2d-fALFF, the SVM model of 2d-fALFF per unit thickness had significantly higher classification performance in distinguishing between remitting and acute MS. More changed regions and more clinically relevant 2d-fALFF per unit thickness maps in the subfrequency band were also detected in MS patients.

Conclusion

By dividing the functional value by the cortical thickness, the identification accuracy of fALFF in MS patients was detected to be potentially influenced by cortical thickness. Additionally, 2d-fALFF per unit thickness is a potential diagnostic marker that can be utilized to distinguish between acute and remitting MS patients. Notably, we observed similar variations in the subfrequency band.
Impaired post-stroke collateral circulation in sickle cell anemia mice
Authors: Bian Emily J. , Chen Ching-Wen , Cheng Chih-Mei , Kuan Chia-Yi , Sun Yu-Yo
Published: September 2023

Patients with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have a high incidence of ischemic stroke, but are usually excluded from thrombolytic therapy due to concerns for cerebral hemorrhage. Maladaptation to cerebral ischemia may also contribute to the stroke propensity in SCA. Here we compared post-stroke cortical collateral circulation in transgenic sickle (SS) mice, bone marrow grafting-derived SS-chimera, and wildtype (AA) controls, because collateral circulation is a critical factor for cell survival within the ischemic penumbra. Further, it has been shown that SS mice develop poorer neo-collateral perfusion after limb ischemia. We used the middle cerebral artery (MCA)-targeted photothrombosis model in this study, since it is better tolerated by SS mice and creates a clear infarct core versus peri-infarct area. Compared to AA mice, SS mice showed enlarged infarction and lesser endothelial proliferation after photothrombosis. SS-chimera showed anemia, hypoxia-induced erythrocyte sickling, and attenuated recovery of blood flow in the ipsilateral cortex after photothrombosis. In AA chimera, cerebral blood flow in the border area between MCA and the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and posterior cerebral artery (PCA) trees improved from 44% of contralateral level after stroke to 78% at 7 d recovery. In contrast, blood flow in the MCA-ACA and MCA-PCA border areas only increased from 35 to 43% at 7 d post-stroke in SS chimera. These findings suggest deficits of post-stroke collateral circulation in SCA. Better understanding of the underpinnings may suggest novel stroke therapies for SCA patients.
Epidemiology and outcome predictors in 450 patients with hanging-induced cardiac arrest: a retrospective study
Authors: Salvetti Marie , Schnell Guillaume , Pichon Nicolas , Schenck Maleka , Cronier Pierrick , Perbet Sebastien , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Guitton Christophe , Lesieur Olivier , Argaud Laurent , Colin Gwenhael , Cholley Bernard , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Merdji Hamid , Geeraerts Thomas , Piagnerelli Michael , Jacq Gwenaelle , Paul Marine , Chelly Jonathan , de Charentenay Louise , Deye Nicolas , Danguy des Déserts Marc , Thiery Guillaume , Simon Marc , Das Vincent , Jacobs Frederic , Cerf Charles , Mayaux Julien , Beuret Pascal , Ouchenir Abdelkader , Lafarge Antoine , Sauneuf Bertrand , Daubin Cedric , Cariou Alain , Silva Stein , Legriel Stephane
Published: September 2023

Background

Cardiac arrest is the most life-threatening complication of attempted suicide by hanging. However, data are scarce on its characteristics and outcome predictors.

Methods

This retrospective observational multicentre study in 31 hospitals included consecutive adults admitted after cardiac arrest induced by suicidal hanging. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality were identified by multivariate logistic regression with multiple imputations for missing data and adjusted to the temporal trends over the study period.

Results

Of 450 patients (350 men, median age, 43 [34–52] years), 305 (68%) had a psychiatric history, and 31 (6.9%) attempted hanging while hospitalized. The median time from unhanging to cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 0 [0–5] min, and the median time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 20 [10–30] min. Seventy-nine (18%) patients survived to hospital discharge. Three variables were independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality: time from collapse or unhanging to ROSC>20 min (odds ratio [OR], 4.71; 95% confidence intervals [95%CIs], 2.02–10.96; p = 0.0004); glycaemia >1.4 g/L at admission (OR, 6.38; 95%CI, 2.60–15.66; p < 0.0001); and lactate >3.5 mmol/L at admission (OR, 6.08; 95%CI, 1.71–21.06; p = 0.005). A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of >5 at admission was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.009; 95%CI, 0.02–0.37; p = 0.0009).

Conclusion

In patients with hanging-induced cardiac arrest, time from collapse or unhanging to return of spontaneous circulation, glycaemia, arterial lactate, and coma depth at admission were independently associated with survival to hospital discharge. Knowledge of these risk factors may help guide treatment decisions in these patients at high risk of hospital mortality.
Effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides on the physicochemical properties of catfish surimi and myofibrillar protein oxidation during frozen storage
Authors: Ling Liang , Liu Ying , Zhang Xin , Aziz Tariq , Shahzad Muhammad , Sameeh Manal Y. , Wang Ying , Cai Chunbo , Zhu Yingchun
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the effect of Flammulina velutipes polysaccharides (FVPs) on the myofibrillar protein (MP) oxidation protein and physicochemical properties of catfish surimi during 75 days of frozen storage at −18°C. FVP was added to surimi at 1%, 1.5%, and 2%, respectively; the degree of MP oxidation and the physicochemical properties of the surimi were investigated, and the microstructure of the surimi was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the carbonyl content and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the FVP groups were lower than those in the CK group (the blank surimi). In comparison, the total sulfhydryl content, solubility, and Ca2+-ATPase activity were higher than those in the CK group after 75 days of storage. The addition of FVP significantly increased the water-holding capacity (WHC), gel strength, elastic modulus (G'), and loss modulus (G“) of surimi, and made the gel of surimi have stronger continuity and a denser structure. Therefore, FVP has a better cryoprotective effect on surimi. It improves the quality of surimi, decreases MP oxidation, and reduces lipid and water loss during frozen storage. The anti-freezing effect of FVP added at 2% was similar to that of commercial protectants (4% sucrose and 4% sorbitol).
Pre-clinical lung squamous cell carcinoma mouse models to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Sahu Priyanka , Donovan Chantal , Paudel Keshav Raj , Pickles Sophie , Chimankar Vrushali , Kim Richard Y. , Horvart Jay C. , Dua Kamal , Ieni Antonio , Nucera Francesco , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Mazilli Sarah , Caramori Gaetano , Lyons J. Guy , Hansbro Philip M.
Published: September 2023

Primary lung carcinoma or lung cancer (LC) is classified into small-cell or non-small-cell (NSCLC) lung carcinoma. Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the second most common subtype of NSCLC responsible for 30% of all LCs, and its survival remains low with only 24% of patients living for five years or longer post-diagnosis primarily due to the advanced stage of tumors at the time of diagnosis. The pathogenesis of LSCC is still poorly understood and has hampered the development of effective diagnostics and therapies. This review highlights the known risk factors, genetic and epigenetic alterations, miRNA biomarkers linked to the development and diagnosis of LSCC and the lack of therapeutic strategies to target specifically LSCC. We will also discuss existing animal models of LSCC including carcinogen induced, transgenic and xenograft mouse models, and their advantages and limitations along with the chemopreventive studies and molecular studies conducted using them. The importance of developing new and improved mouse models will also be discussed that will provide further insights into the initiation and progression of LSCC, and enable the identification of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Adjuvant therapy with Jianpi Huayu decoction improves overall and recurrence-free survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective propensity score-matching study
Authors: Luo Rui , Fang Chongkai , Chen Chuyao , Zhang Ying , Yao Ruiwei , Wang Jinan , Shi Hanqian , Feng Kunliang , Hu Mingli , Zhong Chong
Published: September 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients experience high rates of recurrence following hepatectomy. Many herbal preparations used in traditional Chinese medicine have been shown to improve the postoperative condition of cancer patients. This retrospective study examined the efficacy and safety of Jianpi Huayu decoction (JPHYD) as adjuvant therapy for HCC following hepatectomy. HCC patients received postoperative management according to Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations, either alone (Control group) or in addition to daily JPHYD (1 week in hospital and 3 months after release). To reduce selection bias, we performed 1:1 propensity score matching between the Control and JPHYD groups. The main endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS), and secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS) and adverse event frequency. A total of 207 patients meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled, 127 in the Control group and 80 in the JPHYD group. Patients were then propensity score-matched, yielding each group of 80. Recurrence-free survival rate was significantly higher in the JPHYD group than in the Control group at 1 year (67.9% vs. 38.1%), 2 years (39.1% vs. 26.2%), and 3 years (31.3% vs. 26.2%) following hepatectomy (HR 0.5666 [95%CI, 0.3655 to 0.8784]; p = 0.0066). Additionally, OS was significantly higher in the JPHYD group than the Control group at 1 year (94.3% vs. 81.9%), 2 years (76.4% vs. 58.8%), and 3 years (66.3% vs. 51.4%) following hepatectomy (HR 0.5199 [95%CI, 0.2849 to 0.9490]; p = 0.027). Adverse events frequencies did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, JPHYD can safely improve RFS and OS following hepatectomy for HCC.
Updating the therapeutic role of ginsenosides in breast cancer: a bibliometrics study to an in-depth review
Authors: Deng Xianguang , Wang Juan , Lu Chenyi , Zhou Yao , Shen Lele , Ge Anqi , Fan Hongqiao , Liu Lifang
Published: September 2023

Graphical Abstract
A national examination of discrimination, resilience, and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Cook Stephanie H. , Wood Erica P. , Risner Emma , Weng Chenziheng Allen , Xin Yao
Published: September 2023

Objective

To examine the impact of resilience on the association between discrimination and trajectories of depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic across racial and ethnic groups.

Methods

Data were drawn from 5 waves of the All of Us Research Program’s survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the lives of American adults. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted to assess the association between discrimination exposure throughout the pandemic and depressive symptoms over time. An interaction term was introduced between resilience and discrimination exposure to assess if resilience buffered the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms over time. Race-stratified linear mixed-effects models examined racial/ethnic differences in the association between resilience, discrimination, and depressive symptoms over time.

Results

Fifty-one thousand nine hundred fifty-eight participants completed surveys between May and December of 2020. Results indicated that exposure to more discrimination was associated with increasing trajectories of depressive symptoms over time (b = 0.48, p < 0.001). However, resilience moderated the association between discrimination and well-being over time such that higher resilience mitigated the detrimental effect of experiencing discrimination on depressive symptoms across time (b = −0.02, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Identifying protective features such as resilience can promote the development of culturally tailored interventions to address mental health in the context of discrimination.
Chedoke-McMaster attitudes towards children with handicaps scale for traditional sporting games (CATCH-TSG): initial validation in 7 different languages in adult and young populations
Authors: March-Llanes Jaume , Mas-Ruiz Lluis , Moya-Higueras Jorge , Rius-Torrentó Josep , Estrada-Plana Veronica , Bañeres Judit , Lavega-Burgués Pere ,   The Opportunity Team,   Spanish Opportunity Team Portuguese Opportunity Team Tunisian Opportunity Team Italian Opportunity Team Croatian Opportunity Team Polish Opportunity Team Russian Opportunity Team
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Measuring attitudes towards disability is meant to assess which interventions are most likely to create changes in population attitudes. Physical activities, such as Traditional Sports Games, are an excellent methodology to fight against the stigma of disabled people. Thus, the main aim of this study was to validate the Chedoke-McMaster Attitudes towards Children with Handicaps Scale (CATCH) adapted to a physical activity environment.

Methods

Additionally, we implemented this process in a combined way, 7 languages and 2 versions (adult and youth) at the same time.

Results

The results showed that the CATCH-TSG scale provides the scientific community with a valid and reliable tool for professionals who want to assess the change in attitudes towards people with disabilities after receiving a psychoeducational intervention that includes physical activity (TSG).

Discussion

Researchers will compare respective results from different countries and ages using different versions of the scale, jointly validated.
Disturbed body schema, perceptual body image, and attitudinal body image in patients with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Szily Dorottya , Kelemen Rebeka , Nagy Zita S. , Szabó Dominik , Unoka Zsolt Szabolcs
Published: September 2023

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental disorder that affects attitudes toward the body. However, whether this condition also affects body schema and perceptual body image remains unclear. Previous questionnaire-based studies found dissatisfaction with one's body in patients with BPD. In addition to attitudinal body image, our study investigates whether body schema and perceptual body image are disturbed in patients with BPD.

Method

Our study included 31 patients diagnosed with BPD (25 women) and 30 healthy individuals (19 women) (Mage = 29 for both groups). The SCID-5-PD interview was used to determine personality disorder. Attitudinal body image was measured using the Body Attitude Test (BAT) factors. Body schema and perceptual body image were measured by two conditions of a body representation task, the body portraying method (BPM).

Results

BPD patients achieved higher scores in all three BAT factors and were more susceptible to misinformation in both conditions of BPM. Based on the results, BPD patients appear to have more negative attitudes toward their bodies and worse perceptual body image and body schema.

Conclusion

The novel finding of our study is that, besides the previously found attitudinal dissatisfaction with the body, individuals with BPD also show disturbances at the levels of body schema and perceptual body image. Our findings concerning disturbances in body schema and perceptual body need further research into their etiological factors and provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of BPD.
The status of e-learning, personality traits, and coping styles among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wei Junfan , Yun Zhengcheng , Zhang Yang , Mei Xiaoxiao , Ba Li , Peng Huan , Li Na , Li Meng , Liu Zhu , Liu Hanjiao
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the learning preferences and habits of medical students during the pandemic home e-learning, and to investigate the incidence of adverse emotions, optimistic character level and coping style. To explore the influencing factors of adverse emotions.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in China from March to June 2022. Medical students were recruited from three universities in China, and a questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaires consisted of a “e-learning preferences and habits questionnaire”, life orientation test questionnaire (LOT-R), and simple coping style questionnaire (SCSQ). Finally, a total of 492 medical students who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria became the research subjects and completed the survey.

Results

A total of 57.7% believed they experienced no adverse emotions during home e-learning. ① During the COVID-19 pandemic, the score of optimistic personality of medical students was (7.25 ± 1.933), and the score of pessimistic personality was (5.82 ± 2.240). The score of positive coping was (21.75 ± 5.379), and the score of negative coping was (11.75 ± 3.611). ② The occurrence of medical students' adverse emotions during e-learning was influenced by “Whether there is a private, quiet space to study”, “Degree of knowledge mastery”, “Physical discomfort or not”, “Keep a regular schedule or not”, “Optimistic personality tendency”.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the during home e-learning, most medical students have their own learning equipment and can meet their learning needs. Their favorite mobile device to use is a mobile phone, and their favorite method of teaching is to provide course playback. More than half of medical students believe that they have some inconvenience in conducting research during home e-learning. With regard to teacher's real-time screen, the largest number of medical students support teachers turning on live screens so that they feel like they are interacting with the teacher. The preference for blended teaching is highest among medical students. In general, medical students were highly adaptive of the newest e-learning approach. Based on the statistic analysis, the factors that “Whether there is a private, quiet space to study”, “Degree of knowledge mastery”, “Physical discomfort or not”, “Keep a regular schedule or not”, and “Optimistic personality tendency” may be the influencing factors for the occurrence of adverse emotions.
Understanding how behaviour therapists use autism spectrum disorder diagnostic information for intervention planning
Authors: Caven Isabelle , Nguyen Claire , Wiegelmann Justine , Laframboise Erica , Penner Melanie
Published: September 2023

Understanding how behaviour therapists incorporate diagnostic assessments into their intervention planning can help to streamline assessment procedures and facilitate communication. The objectives are to identify what information from the diagnostic assessment is received by behaviour therapists and which assessment elements are most important and relevant for treatment planning. Behaviour therapists, identified through Ontario registries, were surveyed about their use of diagnostic information in treatment planning. Seventy-one behaviour therapists completed the survey (response rate = 35.5%). The diagnostic information most frequently received by respondents included brief (69%) and detailed (49.2%) physician/psychologist report, speech/language assessment report (52.1%) and individualised education plan (50.7%). Most respondents indicated that information from the physician/psychologist report is often out-dated (74.6% Agree/Strongly Agree). There was variable agreement that the information in the diagnostic package influences the type and quantity of treatment. These findings demonstrate that while diagnostic assessments received by behaviour therapists are important to their planning, other independently obtained sources of information, such as client interviews, are relatively more important to this process. The diagnostic assessment is one tool to inform treatment planning; however, up-to-date information about the child’s needs is likely to be more informative.
Psychometric testing of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale to measure exclusive breastfeeding in African American women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aderibigbe Tumilara , Walsh Stephen , Henderson Wendy A. , Lucas Ruth F.
Published: September 2023

Background

In United States, African American women are the least likely group to breastfeed exclusively compared with Hispanic and non-Hispanic White women. It is crucial to examine the perceived confidence of African American women towards practicing exclusive breastfeeding. Previous studies have examined breastfeeding self-efficacy and other factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding. However, there is no research on exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy of this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale to measure exclusive breastfeeding, and the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy and general self-efficacy and demographic variables in African American women.

Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 53 pregnant African American women completed an online survey. Construct and criterion-related validity were assessed and reliability of the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale to measure exclusive breastfeeding (BSES-EBF) was examined using Cronbach’s reliability. The general self-efficacy scale measured general self-efficacy. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation and non-parametric analyses were performed using statistical package for social sciences (v.28).

Results

The breastfeeding self-efficacy to measure exclusive breastfeeding scale had a Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.907. One principal component was extracted from the BSES-EBF scale, with an Eigenvalue of 5.271 and which explained 58.57% of the variance in the instrument. The mean prenatal exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy of participants was 35.15 (±7.41) from a range of 9 to 45. Exclusive breastfeeding was significantly associated with general self-efficacy (r = 0.503,p ≤ 0.001) and exclusive breastfeeding intention (p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Breastfeeding self-efficacy scale to measure exclusive breastfeeding is a valid and reliable tool to measure exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy in African American women. African American women had high exclusive breastfeeding self-efficacy (internal motivation). Hence, there is a need to address breastfeeding barriers and provide access to culturally sensitive support (external motivation) to increase exclusive breastfeeding in African American women.
Study on the regional risk classification method for the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases based on directed graph theory
Authors: Liu Yong , Wang Xiao , Zhang Chongqi
Published: September 2023

Background

Emerging infectious diseases are a class of diseases that are spreading rapidly and are highly contagious. It seriously affects social stability and poses a significant threat to human health, requiring urgent measures to deal with them. Its outbreak will very easily lead to the large-scale spread of the virus, causing social problems such as work stoppages and traffic control, thereby causing social panic and psychological unrest, affecting human activities and social stability, and even endangering lives. It is essential to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases effectively.

Purpose

We aim to propose an effective method to classify the risk level of a new epidemic region by using graph theory and risk classification methods to provide a theoretical reference for the comprehensive evaluation and determination of epidemic prevention and control, as well as risk level classification.

Methods

Using the graph theory method, we first define the network structure of social groups and construct the risk transmission network of the new epidemic region. Then, combined with the risk classification method, the classification of high, medium, and low risk levels of the new epidemic region is discussed from two cases with common and looped graph nodes, respectively. Finally, the reasonableness of the classification method is verified by simulation data.

Results

The directed weighted scale-free network can better describe the transmission law of an epidemic. Moreover, the proposed method of classifying the risk level of a region by using the correlation function between two regions and the risk value of the regional nodes can effectively evaluate the risk level of different regions in the new epidemic region. The experiments show that the number of medium and high risk nodes shows no increasing trend. The number of high-risk regions is relatively small compared to medium-risk regions, and the number of low-risk regions is the largest.

Conclusions

It is necessary to distinguish scientifically between the risk level of the epidemic area and the neighboring regions so that the constructed social network model of the epidemic region's spread risk can better describe the spread of the epidemic risk in the social network relations.
Reflective structured dialogue as a tool for addressing wicked public health problems
Authors: Weaver Cassidy , Brown Janaya , Brady Lexi , Carlquist Parker , Dotson Seth , Faldmo M. Dru , Hall P. Cougar , Glenn Jeffrey
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Attempts to address wicked public health problems can benefit from collaborative approaches to problem-solving, such as dialogue through structured conversations, that engage a wide range of stakeholders in deliberate inquiry to build trust and mutual understanding. This study seeks to assess the effects of participation in Reflective Structured Dialogue (RSD) on university students’ polarization-related attitudes.

Methods

The BYU Campus Conversations project held 27 structured conversations with 139 participants on three divisive public health topics: COVID-19, mental health, and racism. The conversation structure encouraged students to share their personal experiences and learn from others in an environment that promoted vulnerability and confidentiality.

Results

Pre- and post-conversation surveys measured participant outcomes and found that participation in conversations was strongly associated with improved attitudes related to openness, tribal identity, and moral disdain. Over 95% of participants reported that they enjoyed taking part in the conversations and that it helped them better understand the experiences of others.

Discussion

The results of this project indicate similar conversations could be an effective tool in helping build understanding around divisive public health issues in university and community settings.
Analysis of grip specificity on force production in grapplers and its effect on bilateral deficit grip specificity and bilateral deficit in force production among grapplers
Authors: Escobar-Molina Raquel , Cuevas-Laguna Miguel , Chirosa-Ríos Ignacio J. , Merino-Fernández María , Chirosa-Ríos Luis J. , Franchini Emerson
Published: September 2023

The use of strength training is important for athletes in combat sports such as judo and jiu-jitsu. Specificity is key when prescribing strength training programs for athletes, considering maximal strength, muscular power and strength-endurance. Grappling combat sports require grip control, which is necessary to execute throwing techniques and groundwork. The aim of this study was to verify the bilateral strength deficit in general and in grappling combat sport-specific action in the control group and grapplers. A sample of 73 subjects, divided into 2 groups, was used: the Student Group (15 females and 16 males) and the Grappler Group (29 males and 13 females). The male and female participants attended four laboratory sessions over a 48-hour interval, the first two to familiarize themselves with the Electromechanical Functional Dynamometer (EMFD), and the last two to collect maximal isometric strength data, using a standard grip and a judo/jiujitsu specific grip. Significant differences in mean and peak forces (p < 0.001) were found, with high performance combat sport athletes having greater maximal isometric strength compared to students both bilaterally and unilaterally (p < 0.001). All comparisons also indicated higher values for males compared to females (p < 0.001). The results suggest that specific training in combat sports as well as sex differences play a significant role in maximal isometric strength performance. The type of grip used affects the application of force in the upper limb isometric strength tests, finding a main effect of grip type (p < 0.001), with the standard grip obtaining higher levels. However, the dominance between hands remains constant. More research is needed on specific judogi/jiu-jitsu-gi grips and their impact on maximal isometric strength with the EMFD.
Deciphering Genomic Regions and Putative Candidate Genes for Grain Size and Shape Traits in Durum Wheat through GWAS
Authors: Sesiz Uğur
Published: September 2023

Durum wheat is an economically and nutritionally important cereal. The increase in durum wheat yield is mostly associated with improving grain traits, and the grain size- and shape-related traits are directly related to wheat yield. In addition, grain size influences the seed germination rate and seedling vigor, which play key roles in stand establishment and yield. Thus, it is important to investigate grain traits both agro-morphologically and genetically. In this study, a panel of durum wheat, consisting of 146 genotypes, was evaluated for grain traits agro-morphologically and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to dissect the genomic regions associated with these traits. As a result of the GWAS, a total of 41 marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified on different chromosomes of durum wheat. Of these MTAs, only 11 were stable across environments. A BLAST search for the flanking sequences of every stable MTA in the Svevo genome identified 18 putative candidate genes directly associated with the seed traits of different plants, particularly wheat seeds. In conclusion, the annotation results and literature information provide strong evidence that the identified stable MTAs and their candidate genes may have important functions in the formation of wheat grain traits. After the validation of these MTAs with different fine-mapping and functional characterization studies, these loci may provide valuable information for geneticists and breeders to improve wheat yield.
Reclassifying the Spring Maize Drought Index on the Loess Plateau under a Changing Climate
Authors: Yuan Shujie , Jiang Nan , Wang Jinsong , Xue Liang , Han Lin
Published: September 2023

Drought is the main meteorological disaster that affects the yield and quality of spring maize on the Loess Plateau. This study used data of the spring maize growth period, relative soil humidity, and yield at 18 agricultural meteorological observation stations on the Loess Plateau from 1997 to 2013 to determine the drought category based on the yield reduction rate. Through the drought index according to the conformity rate of category standard and individual case verification, a refined suitability drought index of spring maize on the Loess Plateau was constructed, and the spatial distribution characteristics of drought in different growth stages of spring maize were analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) The number of days in the whole growth period of spring maize in all regions of the Loess Plateau has been extended. The average sowing date of spring maize in the northwest region of the Loess Plateau was 9 April, and that in the east and central regions was 26 April. In terms of spatial distribution, each growth period was gradually delayed from west to east. (2) The correlation between relative soil humidity and yield of spring maize at the jointing stage and heading stage was the best, followed by the milky stage and mature stage, and the relative soil humidity at the sowing stage and emergence stage had little effect on the yield. (3) According to the national drought category standard “Drought Category of Spring Maize in the North”, based on the data of yield reduction rate, the drought index of spring maize on the Loess Plateau was refined by region and growth stage. The drought category index values of spring maize in different growth stages and regions changed according to the revised drought category standard, with 71.4% of the sites in the sowing seedling stage and 85.7% of the sites in the seedling jointing stage, and the revised drought category was more severe than the national drought category standard, while at 57.1% of the sites in the jointing and tasseling stages and 71.4% in the tasseling and milking stages, the revised drought category was less severe than the national drought category standard. (4) Based on the revised refined drought index for spring maize on the Loess Plateau, the spatial distribution of drought occurrence frequency across different growth stages of spring maize on the Loess Plateau was analyzed. The frequency of drought occurrence during the seeding and emergence stages was 25–75%. With the change in growth stages, the high-value area of drought occurrence frequency gradually moved northward, and the overall frequency of drought occurrence decreased. For the milky mature stage, the frequency of drought occurrence in a few regions was around 42%, and the drought frequency in most regions was between 8% and 33%.
Primary Graviceptive System and Astasia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Chen Ko-Ting , Huang Sheng-Yao , Chen Yi-Jye , Chen Ying-Yun
Published: September 2023

Astasia refers to the inability to maintain upright posture during standing, despite having full motor strength. Impairment of the vestibulocerebellar pathway, graviceptive system, and cingulate motor area have been proposed to be related to astasia. However, the responsible neural pathways remain unclear. We hypothesize that there is a common neural network behind astasia. To test the hypothesis, we reviewed all reported cases with astasia, including ours, and focused on the correlation between anatomical destruction and symptom presentation. A total of 26, including ours, non-psychogenic astasia patients were identified in the English literature. Seventy-three percent of them were associated with other neurologic symptoms and sixty-two percent of reported lesions were on the right side. Contralateral lateropulsion was very common, followed by retropulsion, when describing astasia. Infarction (54%) was the most reported cause. The thalamus (65%) was the most reported location. Infarctions were the fastest to recover (mean: 10.6 days), while lesions at the brainstem needed a longer time (mean: 61.6 days). By combining the character of lateropulsion in astasia and the presentation of an interrupted graviceptive system, we concluded that the primary graviceptive system may be the common neural network behind astasia. Future studies on astasia should focus on the pathological changes in the perception of verticality in the visual world and the body.
Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Big Data in China: Recent Application and Future Perspective
Authors: Xia Wenfeng , Zheng Yuhong , Huang Lele , Liu Zhen
Published: September 2023

The integrated application of building information modeling (BIM) and big data (BD) has received widespread attention, and has been involved in smart construction sites, construction project management, and construction project budgeting. Nevertheless, research on the integrated implementation of BIM and BD in China mainly concentrates on a project stage or profession, the exploration of technology integration mostly focuses on the theoretical level, and the research distribution is scattered. As such, the intention of this paper is to reveal the research history of BIM and BD in China, as well as to study the research methodologies and research fields for a more thorough knowledge of the BIM and BD research and development status in the Chinese construction sector, which adopts a mixed research method that uses a quantitative research via two analytical software tools, i.e., CiteSpace version of 6.1.R6 and the Statistical Analysis Toolkit on line edition for Informetrics software packages, to conduct a macro bibliometric analysis on BIM and BD research in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, and provides a follow-up micro qualitative research with content analysis. To ensure the comprehensiveness of the research, the core articles of the topic in the web of science database have been sorted out and analyzed for fully understanding the development of BIM and BD in the field of Chinese construction, resulting in identifying the current research hotspots and trends in China. The results suggest that the popular research keywords on BIM and BD in China since the year 2015 have mainly been focused on informatization, the internet of things, and rail transportation. Three fruitful research themes in BIM and BD research in China have been identified, including smart construction, smart operation, and bridge informatization.
Mental Health Causation in the Construction Industry: A Systematic Review Employing a Psychological Safety Climate Model
Authors: Golzad Hamed , Teimoory Atefeh , Mousavi Seyed Javid , Bayramova Aya , Edwards David J.
Published: September 2023

The construction industry has a lamentable reputation for having a high prevalence of suicides and mental health (MH) problems. Several government and academic reports have identified that construction workers are at a far higher risk of MH disorders than workers in other industrial sectors. While studies on construction workers’ MH have significantly increased in recent years, a systematic review of the potential causes of MH problems in the industry has hitherto eluded construction researchers. This study fills this ominous knowledge gap by conducting a realist systematic review of the literature published since 2003. The review conducted adopts the psychological safety climate model of PSC-12 to create a comprehensive list of MH causation (sourced from a rich literature synthesis) as a precursor to developing a theoretical model that identifies MH causations affecting distinct psychological safety climates within the industry. Emergent findings identify 43 MH causation factors with high job demand as the most significant contributor, followed by interpersonal relationships, low job control, low job support and physical status. In addition, it is found that organisation participation factors have been the major areas of focus, while management commitment and management priority are under-researched areas. Moreover, research gaps within the four dimensions of the PCS-12 model were explored to distinguish new potential research areas to address the knowledge gaps observed. In practical terms, the study collates and presents a comprehensive theoretical model of MH causations, providing a concise source of practical knowledge for practitioners.
Thermal Behaviour and Microstructure of Self-Cured High-Strength Plain and Fibrous Geopolymer Concrete Exposed to Various Fire Scenarios
Authors: Ali Hayder Khalid , Abid Sallal R. , Tayşi Nildem
Published: September 2023

The fire resistance of construction materials is an essential part of safety requirements in the construction industry. In this work, experimental investigations were conducted to understand the thermal behaviour, spalling, transfer characteristics, strength, and microstructures of self-cured high-strength plain (HSGC) and steel-fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (S–HSGC) under severe fire scenarios with peak temperatures of 275, 560, and 825 °C; the peak was maintained for a period of 120 min after reaching it. Forty-eight standard cylindrical specimens for each mixture were prepared to test and analyse their time–heat response, gradients, visual appearance, spalling, density change, water absorption, and compressive strength before and after fire exposure. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) were utilised to analyse the internal structures and phase transformations. The thermal analysis showed that no cases of explosive spalling were recorded during sample exposure to various fires, while the used hook-end steel fibres had an influence on the considered test variables. The sample cores almost reached the target heat, and the thermal saturation degree at the peak ranged from 55 to 97%. The experimental findings also revealed slight surface cracking after exposure to 560 °C fires, while the surface cracking was more obvious for specimens exposed to 825 °C. Moreover, the residual compressive strength of the S–HSGC at various fires was noticeably 10.20% higher than that of the HSGC. Also, state-of-the-art research data were used to discuss the prediction model’s performance. The SEM and EDX results showed that the self-cured geopolymerization process was effective and successful in producing gels, in addition to the significant phase transformations in microstructures at different fires. This study presented sophisticated data on the behaviour of HSGC and S–HSGC exposed to fires up to 825 °C.