bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gut-derived metabolites influence neurodevelopmental gene expression and Wnt signaling events in a germ-free zebrafish model
Authors: Rea Victoria , Bell Ian , Ball Taylor , Van Raay Terence
Published: August 2022

Background

Small molecule metabolites produced by the microbiome are known to be neuroactive and are capable of directly impacting the brain and central nervous system, yet there is little data on the contribution of these metabolites to the earliest stages of neural development and neural gene expression. Here, we explore the impact of deriving zebrafish embryos in the absence of microbes on early neural development as well as investigate whether any potential changes can be rescued with treatment of metabolites derived from the zebrafish gut microbiota.

Results

Overall, we did not observe any gross morphological changes between treatments but did observe a significant decrease in neural gene expression in embryos raised germ-free, which was rescued with the addition of zebrafish metabolites. Specifically, we identified 354 genes significantly downregulated in germ-free embryos compared to conventionally raised embryos via RNA-Seq analysis. Of these, 42 were rescued with a single treatment of zebrafish gut-derived metabolites to germ-free embryos. Gene ontology analysis revealed that these genes are involved in prominent neurodevelopmental pathways including transcriptional regulation and Wnt signaling. Consistent with the ontology analysis, we found alterations in the development of Wnt dependent events which was rescued in the germ-free embryos treated with metabolites.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that gut-derived metabolites are in part responsible for regulating critical signaling pathways in the brain, especially during neural development.
Effect of real-time high temperature and loading rate on mode I fracture toughness of granite
Authors: Yang Ke , Zhang Fan , Meng Fan-zhen , Hu Da-wei , Tan Xian-feng
Published: August 2022

An in-depth understanding of the effect of real-time high temperature and loading rate on the fracture toughness of rocks is highly important for understanding the fracture mechanism of Hot Dry Rock (HDR). Three-point bending tests on notched semi-circular bending (NSCB) samples at the real-time temperatures (25, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 ℃) and different loading rates (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mm/min) were performed to characterize the temperature and rate dependence of the mode I fracture toughness. Besides, the characteristic of the fracture surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and crack deviation distance analysis. Results show that the temperature has a significant effect on the development of intergranular and transgranular cracks. The fracture toughness and peak load are similarly influenced by temperature (i.e., they both decrease with increasing temperature). At the loading rates of 0.1 mm/min and 0.01 mm/min, from 25 to 400 °C, the fracture toughness decreases slightly with decreasing loading rates. However, at a loading rate of 0.001 mm/min, the fracture toughness values above 200 °C are very similar, and the fracture toughness does not strictly follow the law of decreasing with decreasing loading rate. Especially at 500 °C, fracture toughness and loading rate are negatively correlated. Our study also indicates that the effect of loading rate on macroscopic crack propagation path at real-time high temperature is not obvious. This study could provide an important basis for evaluating the safety and stability of geothermal engineering.
Single shot adductor canal block combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia can be effective as continuous adductor canal block in reducing opioid consumption and breakthrough pain after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Han Hyuk-Soo , Lee Myung Chul , Ro Du Hyun
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the following three analgesic methods after Total knee arthroplasty (TKA): intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA), continuous adductor canal block (C-ACB), and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia combined with single shot adductor canal block (PCA + sACB).

Methods

Records of 482 patients undergoing primary TKA from September 2019 to September 2020 were analyzed. Patients were divided into three pain control groups: IV-PCA (n = 180), C-ACB (n = 173) and PCA + sACB (n = 129). Single shot adductor canal block was performed 24 h after surgery in the PCA + sACB group. Rescue opioid consumption, breakthrough pain, pain numerical rating scale (NRS), and anti-emetics administration were measured from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD 5.

Results

Rescue opioid consumption was less in C-ACB or PCA + sACB group than in the IV-PCA group at POD1 (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). Patients in C-ACB and PCA + sACB groups had less breakthrough pain (NRS > 5) than the IV-PCA group at POD1 (p = 0.007). On POD2, C-ACB was statistically superior to IV-PCA (p = 0.011) in terms of breakthrough pain. Postoperative pain NRS was lower in the C-ACB and PCA + sACB groups than in the IV-PCA group (p = 0.025 and p = 0.019, respectively). The total number of anti-emetics consumption was lower in C-ACB and PCA + sACB groups than in the IV-PCA group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively).

Conclusion

PCA + sACB not only reduced patients’ need for rescue opioids, but also decreased the number of breakthrough pain and anti-emetics compared to IV-PCA in early postoperative days after TKA. However, C-ACB and PCA + sACB did not differ significantly in analgesic efficacy or opioid-related side effects. PCA + sACB can be as effective as C-ACB for patients undergoing TKA.

Level of evidence

Retrospective cohort study, level III.
Propionate and butyrate attenuate macrophage pyroptosis and osteoclastogenesis induced by CoCrMo alloy particles
Authors: Wu Yang-Lin , Zhang Chen-Hui , Teng Yun , Pan Ying , Liu Nai-Cheng , Liu Pei-Xin , Zhu Xu , Su Xin-Lin , Lin Jun
Published: August 2022

Background

Wear particles-induced osteolysis is a major long-term complication after total joint arthroplasty. Up to now, there is no effective treatment for wear particles-induced osteolysis except for the revision surgery, which is a heavy psychological and economic burden to patients. A metabolite of gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), has been reported to be beneficial for many chronic inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of SCFAs on osteolysis.

Methods

A model of inflammatory osteolysis was established by applying CoCrMo alloy particles to mouse calvarium. After two weeks of intervention, the anti-inflammatory effects of SCFAs on wear particle-induced osteolysis were evaluated by Micro-CT analysis and immunohistochemistry staining. In vitro study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) primed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and Tohoku Hospital Pediatrics-1 (THP-1) macrophages were stimulated with CoCrMo particles to activate inflammasome in the presence of acetate (C2), propionate (C3), and butyrate (C4). Western blotting, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. The effects of SCFAs on osteoclasts were evaluate by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Additionally, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, agonists of GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109A were applied to confirm the underlying mechanism of SCFAs on the inflammasome activation of macrophages and osteoclastogenesis.

Results

C3 and C4 but not C2 could alleviate wear particles-induced osteolysis with fewer bone erosion pits (P < 0.001), higher level of bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV, P < 0.001), bone mineral density (BMD, P < 0.001), and a lower total porosity (P < 0.001). C3 and C4 prevented CoCrMo alloy particles-induced ASC speck formation and nucleation-induced oligomerization, suppressing the cleavage of caspase-1 (P < 0.05) and IL-1β (P < 0.05) stimulated by CoCrMo alloy particles. C3 and C4 also inhibited the generation of Gasdermin D-N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT) to regulate pyroptosis. Besides, C3 and C4 have a negative impact on osteoclast differentiation (P < 0.05) and its function (P < 0.05), affecting the podosome arrangement and morphologically normal podosome belts formation.

Conclusion

Our work showed that C3 and C4 are qualified candidates for the treatment of wear particle-induced osteolysis.
Wild common crossbills produce redder body feathers when their wings are clipped
Authors: Fernández-Eslava Blanca , Cantarero Alejandro , Alonso Daniel , Alonso-Alvarez Carlos
Published: August 2022

Background

The animal signaling theory posits that conspicuous colorations exhibited by many animals have evolved as reliable signals of individual quality. Red carotenoid-based ornaments may depend on enzymatic transformations (oxidation) of dietary yellow carotenoids, which could occur in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Thus, carotenoid ketolation and cell respiration could share the same biochemical pathways. Accordingly, the level of trait expression (redness) would directly reveal the efficiency of individuals’ metabolism and, hence, the bearer quality in an unfalsifiable way. Different avian studies have described that the flying effort may induce oxidative stress. A redox metabolism modified during the flight could thus influence the carotenoid conversion rate and, ultimately, animal coloration. Here, we aimed to infer the link between red carotenoid-based ornament expression and flight metabolism by increasing flying effort in wild male common crossbills Loxia curvirostra (Linnaeus). In this order, 295 adult males were captured with mist nets in an Iberian population during winter. Approximately half of the birds were experimentally handicapped through wing feather clipping to increase their flying effort, the other half being used as a control group. To stimulate the plumage regrown of a small surface during a short time-lapse, we also plucked the rump feathers from all the birds.

Results

A fraction of the birds with fully grown rump feathers (34 individuals) could be recaptured during the subsequent weeks. We did not detect any significant bias in recovery rates and morphological variables in this reduced subsample. However, among recaptured birds, individuals with experimentally impaired flying capacity showed body mass loss, whereas controls showed a trend to increase their weight. Moreover, clipped males showed redder feathers in the newly regrown rump area compared to controls.

Conclusions

The results suggest that wing-clipped individuals could have endured higher energy expenditure as they lost body mass. Despite the small sample size, the difference in plumage redness between the two experimental groups would support the hypothesis that the flying metabolism may influence the redox enzymatic reactions required for converting yellow dietary carotenoids to red ketocarotenoids.
Speculative bubbles and herding in cryptocurrencies
Authors: Haykir Ozkan , Yagli Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

This study investigates speculative bubbles in the cryptocurrency market and factors affecting bubbles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results indicate that each cryptocurrency covered in the study presented bubbles. Moreover, we found that explosive behavior in one currency leads to explosivity in other cryptocurrencies. During the pandemic, herd behavior was evident among investors; however, this diminishes during bubbles, indicating that bubbles are not explained by herd behavior. Regarding cryptocurrency and market-specific factors, we found that Google Trends and volume are positively associated with predicting speculative bubbles in time-series and panel probit regressions. Hence, investors should exercise caution when investing in cryptocurrencies and follow both crypto currency and market-related factors to estimate bubbles. Alternative liquidity, volatility, and Google Trends measures are used for robustness analysis and yield similar results. Overall, our results suggest that bubble behavior is common in the cryptocurrency market, contradicting the efficient market hypothesis.
First report of entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema affine (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) in Syria and its virulence against Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Ali Mai , Allouf Nada , Ahmad Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Background

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have a great potential as a biocontrol agent for a wide range of insect pests. EPNs have attracted much interest around the world to study their distribution, virulence, and usage in the IPM programs. This research was conducted to identify the steinernematids M.22 and M.313, which were isolated during the survey of EPNs in different agricultural and ecological systems, in the Syrian coastal region between 2017 and 2020. Additionally, to evaluate the virulence of these isolates against the last instar larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), three bioassays were carried out at 18 °C. The exposure time assay was performed by applying different times (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) using a specified concentration (400 IJs/Larva). The concentration–response and one-on-one assays were conducted by using different concentrations of the infective juveniles (IJs) (5, 15, 25, and 40 IJs/L) and an individual juvenile, respectively, for 72 h of exposure. LC50 and LT50 values were calculated.

Results

The steinernematids M.22 and M.313 were isolated from 2 of 821 soil samples (0.24%). The positive isolates were identified as Steinernema affine (Bovien, 1937), based on morphological, morphometric, and molecular characterization. Steinernema affine was recovered in the walnut orchard and grassland in AL-Kadmous area of Tartus governorate, Syria. The soil type was silty loamy and silty, PH was slightly acidic, and organic matter content was 6 and 4.1%. In the exposure time assay, the mortality ratio increased gradually by increasing time, M.22 and M.313 achieved the highest mortality ratios at 60 min, which were 90.16 and 91.49%, respectively. In the concentration–response assay, complete mortality was achieved at the concentration of 40 IJs/L for both isolates. Low mortality ratios were observed in the assay of one-on-one, 20 and 23.6%, respectively. The LC50 and LT50 values were calculated and resulted in (11.7 IJs/L, 33.47 min) and (11.5 IJs/L, 32.43 min), respectively. Nonsignificant difference between both isolates was recorded.

Conclusions

The results showed that the isolates were identical and identified as Steinernema affine. This is the first report of S. affine in Syria. It could be an effective biological control agent.
The role of shear wave elastography in differentiation between benign and malignant portal vein thrombosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Aboelezz Ahmad Ahmad Fikry , Elsawy Abdallah Ahmed , Omar Hazem Metwally , Abofrekha Mohamed Hussein , Gabr Moustafa Taha
Published: August 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) most commonly complicate liver cirrhosis and it may coexist with malignant portal vein invasion (PVI) that minimizes its possible treatment opportunities and negatively affects its prognosis. However, liver cirrhosis may also be associated with non-tumoral portal vein thrombosis (PVT) particularly in decompensated cirrhosis. Thus, discrimination between tumoral and non-tumoral PVT most preferably by non-invasive imaging techniques is mandatory before treatment decision. Based on the concept of changing tissue elasticity according to tissue pathological changes, Shear wave elastography (SWE) could quantitatively assess tissue stiffness in malignant PVI. We aimed in this work to evaluate the performance of SWE as a novel fast non-invasive diagnostic modality for malignant PVI in cirrhotic patients with HCC.

Results

Seventy-eight HCC patients with PVT included in this prospective cross-sectional study, tumoral and non-tumoral PVT were differentiated using triphasic CT and/or dynamic MRI, then SWE was blindly and independently done for all included patients. non-tumoral PVT was present in 21.8% of our HCC patients mostly in decompensated cirrhosis. All of our evaluated predictor factors were evaluated by univariate logistic regression analysis to identify the significant factors in prediction of malignant PVI (SWE, AFP, HCC size, HCC multi-focality, and PVD). By using the multivariate logistic regression we identified that the most independent significant factors were SWE and PVD (sig.: 0.012 and 0.045 respectively). SWE was evaluated versus the criteria of PVT and we found that malignant PVI has significant higher SWE values than benign non-tumoral PVT (sig: 0.012). Two cutoff values were calculated for SWE using ROC curve; the 1st cutoff point was selected to rule in malignant PVI for values ≥ 13 kps, while the 2nd cutoff point was selected to rule out malignant PVI for values ≤ 9 kps with a significant discriminatory performance (AUC: 0.984; sig: 0.000).

Conclusions

SWE could be used as a novel fast and non-invasive indicator of malignant portal vein invasion in cirrhotic patients with HCC especially for values ≥ 13 kps and particularly if coexists with larger values of PVD and AFP.
Developmental Trajectories of Student Self-Perception over a Yearlong Introductory Biology Sequence
Authors: Cole Megan F. , Beck Christopher W.
Published: August 2022

In a study of student self-perception over the course of a two-semester introductory biology sequence, students showed similar rates of increase in self-efficacy and science identity for all demographic groups. However, female and persons excluded due to ethnicity or race (PEER) students had lower initial scores that failed to “catch up” to male and non-PEER scores by the end of the year.
Correlates of Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Among Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional-Study
Authors: Ogunsina Kemi , Koru-Sengul Tulay , Rodriguez Valentina , Caban-Martinez Alberto J , Schaefer-Solle Natasha , Ahn Soyeon , Kobetz-Kerman Erin N , Lee David J
Published: August 2022

Context

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are associated with underactive thyroid glands, and possibly autoimmunity. Firefighters are exposed to EDCs from flame retardants; however, the prevalence and risk factor associations of thyroid antibodies among firefighters are unknown.

Context

We aimed to determine the prevalence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) and associated sociodemographic and occupational risk factors among firefighters.

Methods

Firefighters attending professional health and safety conferences between November 2018 and January 2020, and with no prior diagnosis of thyroid disease were invited (n = 278) to submit a health survey, blood samples, and complete a thyroid ultrasound. The survey assessed for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, including a history of familial thyroid disease, smoking, firefighter tenure, and job rank, radiation exposure, and mitigation practices of occupational exposures. Serum thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) was also assessed.

Results

Approximately 39.9% of firefighters evaluated had a positive TPOAb test. The mean age for those TPOAb positive was lower than those who tested negative (41.4 ± 7.9 vs 43.1 ± 7.9 years, P = 0.07) but this difference was not significant. Firefighters with a family history of thyroid disease had a statistically significant higher prevalence of TPOAb compared with those without a family history (60.0% vs 37.5%, P = 0.02); this association remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational factors (odds ratio 2.99; CI, 1.31-6.85).

Conclusion

The prevalence of TPOAb is high among firefighters in our study, and family history is a significant determinant of testing positive for TPOAb. Firefighters may benefit from TPOAb and thyroid stimulating hormone tests, and screening for family history of thyroid disease at baseline employee medical check-ups. This finding suggests the need for further studies.
PHLPP1 regulates CFTR activity and lumen expansion through AMPK
Authors: Lobert Viola H. , Skardal Maren L. , Malerød Lene , Simensen Julia E. , Algra Hermine A. , Andersen Aram N. , Fleischer Thomas , Enserink Hilde A. , Liestøl Knut , Heath Joan K. , Rusten Tor Erik , Stenmark Harald A.
Published: August 2022

Complex organ development depends on single lumen formation and its expansion during tubulogenesis. This can be achieved by correct mitotic spindle orientation during cell division, combined with luminal fluid filling that generates hydrostatic pressure. Using a human 3D cell culture model, we have identified two regulators of these processes. We find that pleckstrin homology leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP) 2 regulates mitotic spindle orientation, and thereby midbody positioning and maintenance of a single lumen. Silencing the sole PHLPP family phosphatase in Drosophila melanogaster, phlpp, resulted in defective spindle orientation in Drosophila neuroblasts. Importantly, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the main channel regulating fluid transport in this system, stimulated by phosphorylation by protein kinase A and inhibited by the AMP-activated protein kinase AMPK. During lumen expansion, CFTR remains open through the action of PHLPP1, which stops activated AMPK from inhibiting ion transport through CFTR. In the absence of PHLPP1, the restraint on AMPK activity is lost and this tips the balance in the favour of channel closing, resulting in the lack of lumen expansion and accumulation of mucus.
Recent Progress in the Synthesis of Deuterated Aldehyde
Authors: Shinada Tetsuro , Nakayama Atsushi , Okamura Hironori , Yasuno Yoko
Published: August 2022

Deuterium-labeled organic compounds have become indispensable research tools in scientific research. This review focuses on the synthesis of deuterated aldehydes (RCDO) in which the hydrogen at the formyl group is replaced with deuterium. Aldehydes are useful starting materials for organic synthesis. A variety of transformations and derivatizations involving carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions and heteroatom manipulations are possible at the formyl group. Consequently, RCDOs are expected to be a powerful starting material for the synthesis of deuterium-labeled compounds. Many efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of RCDO. The classical and advanced methods are described in this review.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the 5C scale to identify factors associated with COVID-19 and influenza vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers in Cape Town, South Africa – a protocol
Authors: Alobwede Samuel Muabe , Katoto Patrick DMC , Cooper Sara , Lumngwena Evelyn N , Kidzeru Elvis B , Goliath Rene , Jackson Amanda , Wiysonge Charles S , Shey Muki S
Published: August 2022

Background: Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases and are known to be reliable sources of information for the patients and their relatives. Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers about vaccines are thus important determinants of their own vaccination uptake and their intention to recommend vaccinations to their patients. However, culturally adapted tools and studies to address vaccine uptake and hesitancy as well as related behaviors among healthcare workers in the Global South are limited.

Methods: We propose a mixed methods project to understand the extent and determinants of vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers and construct a validated scale to measure this complex and context-specific phenomenon in Cape Town. We will summarize responses as counts and percentages for categorical variables and means with standard deviations (or medians with inter quartile ranges) for continuous variables. We will run the Shapiro-Wilks test to assess the normality. Analysis of the variance, chi-square tests, and equivalents will be conducted as appropriate for group comparisons. Logistic regression models will also be performed to assess association between variables.

We will focus on the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. We will use an existing tool developed and validated in Germany and the United States of America to measure five psychological determinants of vaccination (referred to as the 5C scale), as the basis to develop and validate a scale to measure the scope and determinants of vaccine hesitancy and acceptance among healthcare workers in Cape Town.

Discussion and conclusion: Through this study, we hope to expand the scientific evidence base on vaccination acceptance and demand among healthcare workers in South Africa and build resources to enable better understanding of, detection, and response to vaccination hesitancy in Cape Town.
CONTENT OF THE REPUTATION OF A REGIONAL POWER IN THE CONTEXT OF A NORMATIVE ASSESSMENT OF ITS PERFORMANCE
Authors: ROZANOVA N
Published: August 2022

The article reflects the results of the research of the information component of the concept “the reputation of the regional (executive) power” on the basis of the normative approach. The interrelation between the evaluation indicators of the regional executive power activity efficiency and the power reputation content is shown, based on the mass questionnaire survey of the population of 6 regions of the Central Federal District (sample of 1,500 people). The conclusion about rather low potential of influence of existing at the moment normative system of evaluation of efficiency of regional executive authorities on the process of formation of its reputation among the population is made.
TECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS' COMPETENCIES IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Authors: SEMKO I , ALTUKHOVA L
Published: August 2022

The article contains a description of the developed technology for developing the competence of education workers, aimed at ensuring the growth of the level of formation of professional competence of teachers and containing content-target, organizational-procedural and monitoring-evaluation blocks.
ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF BUSINESS FUNCTIONING IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Authors: DAVYDOVA T
Published: August 2022

This article discusses the main business problems that arose during the coronavirus pandemic. The research methodology includes public analysis and analysis of data provided by the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation. The article also identifies the main business sectors that are experiencing the greatest difficulties during the pandemic, draws conclusions and formulates directions for resolving the current situation.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE DYNAMICS OF BUSINESS PROBLEMS DURING THE PANDEMIC PERIOD
Authors: NIKITENKOVA O
Published: August 2022

The topic discussed in the article is very relevant at the present stage of economic development due to the fact that the overwhelming majority of industries, almost all, suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carrying out a comparative analysis, albeit for several, but the most important indicators is significant material at the present stage.
LEXICAL AND STYLISTIC MEANS OF GENDER REPRESENTATIONS IN J.M. LESSING'S NOVEL "THE GOLDEN NOTEBOOK"
Authors: TURLOVA E , ELIZAROVA E , ROZHNOVA A
Published: August 2022

The article deals with the identification of lexical and stylistic means of gender representation in the novel “The Golden Notebook” by the English writer J.M. Lessing. The paper considers the definition of “gender” and distinguishes between the concepts of “gender” and “sex”. A short description of lexical and stylistic means is given and their role in an artistic text is pointed out. D.M. Lessing's novel “The Golden Notebook” is investigated in order to identify lexical and stylistic means of gender representation.
DIAGNOSTICS OF THE FORMATION OF MILITARY PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY
Authors: KORSAKOV A
Published: August 2022

Diagnostics of the components of professional mobility is presented in the form of a set of methods aimed at measuring individual qualities of the personality of cadets of a military university. The selection of diagnostics was made in accordance with the structure of professional mobility, which includes the personal and social components of professional mobility. Each component is measured by an individual number of criteria, indicators and diagnostics. The aggregate indicator for each diagnosis makes it possible to assess the state of each component of military-professional mobility as a whole. The group of respondents included 1st and 4th year students of three military universities in Russia. The number of cadets surveyed was more than 600 people. The complex of the proposed methodological techniques and diagnostics makes it possible to make a qualitative analysis of the level of formation of military-professional mobility of cadets of a military higher educational institution.
EXPERIENCE OF APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENT “LECTURE” IN THE MEDIUM OF MOODLE FOR DISCIPLINE ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Authors: URANOVA V , ISYAKAEVA R , MAZHITOVA M , BLIZNYAK O
Published: August 2022

In the structure of training, there are many different ways of receiving and transmitting information. The question of the role of lecture presentation of material in the presence of many other sources of information is relevant in the development of pedagogy and education. That is why the article presents the experience of using the element “Lecture” in the Moodle environment on the example of the discipline Analytical Chemistry. In the developed course, the “Lecture” element allows you to demonstrate educational material in a flexible, accessible and interesting form. Lectures are stored in pdf format. with open access to the search, which allows you to quickly find the information of interest, thereby improving the quality of preparation for laboratory and practical exercises.
RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF TELEMEDICINE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE PREVENTION, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION
Authors: FEDOTKINA S.A. , MUZALEVA O.V. , KHUGAEVA E.V.
Published: August 2022

Introduction. The economic losses associated with disability due to diseases of the circulatory system, as well as the costs of providing medical care to patients suffering from heart and vascular diseases, are increasing annually. The state preventive measures currently being carried out are of a delayed nature. The results of the medical examination of the population of the Russian Federation in recent years (2015-2019) indicate that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, is at a fairly high level. In the middle of the last century, the Concept of risk factors for the development of chronic non-communicable diseases were formulated, in the structure of which cardiovascular diseases, including arterial hypertension, occupies one of the primary positions. The concept is based on the results of promising epidemiological studies, and, at present, is a methodological basis for planning and organizing primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the study. Based on the analysis of literary sources (including foreign ones) containing experience in the use of telemedicine technologies, to assess their significance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, as well as forecasting improvements in the quality of medical care when adapting to the use of clinical recommendations. Materials and methods. The article provides an analytical review of the use of modern telemedicine technologies in the prevention of hypertension. The results of the study and their discussion. The analysis of literary sources has shown that in the context of the progress of information and telecommunication technologies in the healthcare system, a fundamentally new direction has appeared in the organization and provision of medical care to the population - telemedicine, which will ensure the modern level of prevention, detection and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases, and also determines positive medical, social and economic performance indicators. To date, updates in the legislative framework of the Russian Federation are aimed at ensuring that medical care with the use of telemedicine technologies is more widespread, taking into account the standards of medical care and clinical recommendations. Conclusion. Based on a review of literature sources, it has been established that the modern solution to the problem of improving the quality of medical care for patients, including those with hypertension, diseases is medical care using telemedicine technologies that prove their medical, social and economic effectiveness.
Optimal Incentives for Salespeople with Learning Potential
Authors: Gao Long
Published: August 2022

We study a compensation problem for salespeople with learning potential. In our model, both the firm and sales agent are risk neutral and forward-looking; the agent can privately observe his skill, exert effort, and learn from experience; the firm can learn from the agent’s choice and revise sales targets over time. The problem entails a dynamic tradeoff between exploiting learning, screening information, and maximizing efficiency. We find the optimal compensation plan differs substantially from the existing ones: it sets aggressive targets for expediting skill development, and pays the information rent for neutralizing the agent’s misbehaving temptation over the entire relationship. We find learning drives the long-run outcomes; ignoring it can mislead compensation design and inflict substantial losses. Our results shed light on when and why firms distort sales, favor incumbents, and prefer long-term plans. By highlighting the critical role of learning in long-run performance, this study advances our understanding of salesforce theory and practice.

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.

Supplemental Material: The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4509 .
Family focused practice for maternal mental health problems
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: August 2022

Researchers have examined the influences on health visitors of family focused practice, recognising health visitors play a key role supporting mothers with mental health problems. Dave Hancock highlights the key findings
The role of individual factors in the mental health of NHS ambulance personnel
Authors: Hutchinson Lucy Catherine , Forshaw Mark J , Poole Helen
Published: August 2022

Background:

An estimated 27% of ambulance personnel experience general psychological distress. The relationship between work and mental health is complex.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent individual factors affect the mental health of ambulance personnel.

Methods:

Four UK NHS ambulance trusts facilitated recruitment of ambulance personnel (n=160). Well-validated measures were used to collect data on the predictor variables: the Perceived Stress Scale; the Satisfaction with Life Scale; and the Brief Resilience Scale. Mental health, assessed according to response to trauma measured by the Impact of Events Scale Revised (IES-r), and anxiety and depression, measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were the outcome measures.

Findings:

Regression models demonstrated that all predictor variables accounted for nearly half of the variance in each outcome (P<0.01).

Conclusions:

A significant proportion of variance was accounted for by individual factors. This assists in understanding the impact and role of individual factors in the mental health of this occupational group. Future research could inform intervention development.
Ultra-broad edge filter based on a periodically twisted graded-index fiber and its application to a power-interrogated temperature sensor
Authors: Zhu Chengliang , Piao Qingxia , Zhao Yong , Li Hongpu
Published: August 2022

A novel and reliable method enabling to produce an ultra-broad edge-filter (UBEF) is firstly proposed and demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally, which is realized by using a periodically-twisted graded-index few-mode fiber (GI-FMF). By using the proposed method, an UBEF with a dynamic wavelength-range up to ∼380 nm is numerically obtained. Furthermore, an UBEF with a linear dynamic range larger than ∼300 nm in wavelength and ∼12.7 dB in power was successfully demonstrated in experiment, which represent the highest performances among all those achieved from the fiber-based optical edge-filters (OEFs) reported to date. The proposed UBEF can be used as an ultra-broadband power interrogation component to well demodulate the wavelength-dependent signal, meanwhile it can be used as a highly-sensitive power-interrogated sensor as well. As typical application example of the proposed UBEF, a power-interrogated temperature sensor has been successfully demonstrated. The temperature responsivities with respect to the power change and the spectral shift are 0.0179 dB/°C and ∼0.49 nm/°C, respectively. The UBEF-based power-interrogated sensing system has the advantages of fast response, low cost, small size and high reliability.
Multifunctional and tunable metastructure based on VO2 for polarization conversion and absorption
Authors: Li Yupeng , Zeng Li , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Dan , Xia Ke , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2022

The design of tunable and multifunctional metastructures (MSs) is currently a trend in the terahertz (THz) field. Based on the characteristic that thermal excitation can cause the phase transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2), a MS that concentrates both cross-polarization conversion and absorption functions is proposed in this paper, and switching two functions can be achieved by controlling the temperature. At high temperatures (68°C), the proposed MS exhibits a narrow-band absorption function in the range of 0.67 THz-0.95 THz. When the temperature drops below 68°C, VO2 is in the insulated state, and the structure can be considered as a polarization converter. Simulation results indicate that the broadband cross-polarization conversion can be realized in 0.69 THz-1.38 THz with a polarization conversion ratio above 90% and a relative bandwidth of 66.7%. This paper analyzes the amplitude, phase, and surface current distributions under the polarization conversion function, as well as the impedance, power loss distributions, and equivalent circuits under the absorption function. In addition, the angular stability and the influences of the structural parameters on performance are also discussed. The proposed MS is suitable for complex applications due to its tunability and dual functionality.
Mid-infrared reconfigurable all-dielectric metasurface based on Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 phase-change material
Authors: He Jinglin , Shi Zhuolin , Ye Sheng , Li Minhua , Dong Jianfeng
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a reconfigurable all-dielectric metasurface based on Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST) phase-change material is proposed. By changing GSST from amorphous state to crystalline state, the metasurface can achieve high circular dichroism (CD) and wideband polarization conversion for circularly polarized waves in the mid-infrared (MIR) band. The maximum CD value reaches 0.95 at 74 THz, and circular polarization conversion efficiency is more than 90% in the wideband range of 41 THz - 48 THz. In addition, based on Pancharatnam-Berry phase, three kinds of wavefront manipulation of light have been realized: abnormal refraction, orbital angular momentum vortex beam and orbital angular momentum vortex beam splitting. This work has potential applications in the future MIR optical integrated system.
Photoswitching the injected energy flux via core-sensitized energy migration upconversion for emission-varying STED microscopy
Authors: Pu Rui , Liu Siying , Wang Baoju , Zhan Qiuqiang
Published: August 2022

Stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy achieved with lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) exhibits many outstanding advantages such as low-power illumination, near-infrared (NIR) excitation, and high photostability. However, the available types of UCNP-STED probes are very limited and rely greatly on the specific depletion mechanism. Here, by combining the STED and the energy migration upconversion processes, emissions of Tb3+, Eu3+, Dy3+, and Sm3+ distributed in the shell can all be depleted by interrupting the injected energy flux from the Tm3+-doped core nanoparticles. With the merit of the proposed strategy, new types of UCNP-STED probes are demonstrated to perform emission-varying STED imaging with one single, fixed pair of low-power NIR continuous wave lasers.
Realization of maximum optical intrinsic chirality with bilayer polyatomic metasurfaces
Authors: Zhao Xi , Li Zhancheng , Cheng Jiaqi , Liu Wenwei , Yu Shiwang , Zhang Yuebian , Cheng Hua , Tian Jianguo , Chen Shuqi
Published: August 2022

Optical chirality plays a key role in optical biosensing and spin-selective optical field manipulation. However, the maximum optical intrinsic chirality, which is represented by near-unity circular dichroism (CD), is yet to be achieved in a wide bandwidth range based on nanostructures. Here, we utilize dielectric bilayer polyatomic metasurfaces to realize the maximum optical intrinsic chirality over a wide bandwidth range. The CD efficiency of the two designed metasurfaces with opposite chirality is 99.9% at 1350 nm and over 98% from 1340 nm to 1361 nm. Our work provides a straightforward and powerful method for the realization of maximum optical intrinsic chirality, which has great potential in spin-selective optical wave manipulation.
Phase regimes of parity-time-symmetric coupled-ring systems at exceptional points
Authors: Ma Zhuang , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhang Lin
Published: August 2022

The optical coupled resonant system consisting of an integrated resonator with gain and a resonator with loss provides an excellent platform to create exceptional points (EPs) in non-Hermitian systems. Most previous studies have focused on the striking intensity feature of EPs, but its phase response is seldom investigated. In this work, we present a thorough study on the phase response of an EP system. Intriguingly, the phase response exhibits distinct behavior depending on the ordering of the ring resonators: when the input light in a bus waveguide is coupled directly or indirectly to the ring with a gain, the phase response is featured by nonmonotonic transition and

2
π

monotonic transition, respectively. We also prove that the newly identified phase features are theoretically guaranteed. These phase responses produce unique group delays that have never been found in other coupled resonant systems. The results deepen our understanding on EPs in non-Hermitian systems and are potentially useful for practical applications exploiting phase features.
Individuality and ethnicity eclipse a short-term dietary intervention in shaping microbiomes and viromes
Authors: Li Junhui , George Markowitz Robert H. , Brooks Andrew W. , Mallott Elizabeth K. , Leigh Brittany A. , Olszewski Timothy , Zare Hamid , Bagheri Minoo , Smith Holly M. , Friese Katie A. , Habibi Ismail , Lawrence William M. , Rost Charlie L. , Lédeczi Ákos , Eeds Angela M. , Ferguson Jane F. , Silver Heidi J. , Bordenstein Seth R.
Published: August 2022

Many diseases linked with ethnic health disparities associate with changes in microbial communities in the United States, but the causes and persistence of ethnicity-associated microbiome variation are not understood. For instance, microbiome studies that strictly control for diet across ethnically diverse populations are lacking. Here, we performed multiomic profiling over a 9-day period that included a 4-day controlled vegetarian diet intervention in a defined geographic location across 36 healthy Black and White females of similar age, weight, habitual diets, and health status. We demonstrate that individuality and ethnicity account for roughly 70% to 88% and 2% to 10% of taxonomic variation, respectively, eclipsing the effects a short-term diet intervention in shaping gut and oral microbiomes and gut viromes. Persistent variation between ethnicities occurs for microbial and viral taxa and various metagenomic functions, including several gut KEGG orthologs, oral carbohydrate active enzyme categories, cluster of orthologous groups of proteins, and antibiotic-resistant gene categories. In contrast to the gut and oral microbiome data, the urine and plasma metabolites tend to decouple from ethnicity and more strongly associate with diet. These longitudinal, multiomic profiles paired with a dietary intervention illuminate previously unrecognized associations of ethnicity with metagenomic and viromic features across body sites and cohorts within a single geographic location, highlighting the importance of accounting for human microbiome variation in research, health determinants, and eventual therapies.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03314194.
Beliefs, barriers and hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine among Bangladeshi residents: Findings from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hossain Md. Sharif , Islam Md. Saiful , Pardhan Shahina , Banik Rajon , Ahmed Ayesha , Islam Md. Zohurul , Mahabub Md. Saif , Sikder Md. Tajuddin
Published: August 2022

Background

COVID‐19 vaccination acceptance is important, and combating hesitancy which is generally based on the individuals’ beliefs and perceptions is essential in the present pandemic. This study assesses COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy and associated factors, beliefs and barriers associated with COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 492 Bangladeshi residents (76% male; mean age = 24.21 ± 4.91 years; age range = 18–50 years) prior to the nationwide mass COVID-19 vaccination campaign (September 28, 2021). A semi-structured e-questionnaire included three sections (demographic variables, beliefs around the vaccination, and perceived barriers regarding COVID-19 vaccination).

Results

More than a quarter of participants (26.42%) were hesitant, 70.33% reported to accept the vaccine, and 3.25% refused to be vaccinated. While (54%) believed that mass vaccination would be the most effective method to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns regarding the side effects of the vaccine (58%), inadequate vaccine trials before human administration (43%), commercial profiteering (42%), and mistrust of the benefits of the vaccine (20%) were also reported. In addition, other barriers including a short supply of vaccines, unknown future adverse effects (55%), low confidence in the health system (51%), doubts regarding its effectiveness (50%) and safety (45%), and insufficient information regarding potential adverse effects (44.7%) were reported. In bivariate analysis, variables such as current political affiliation, previous vaccination history, and health status were significantly associated with the COVID-19 vaccine uptake variable (acceptance, hesitancy, refusal). Regression analysis showed that participants who identified with the opposing current political parties, and not having been vaccinated since the age of 18 years were significantly more likely to report vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions

The current findings relating to COVID-19 vaccination demonstrate that government and policy makers need to take all necessary measures to ensure the effectiveness of the vaccination program among the Bangladeshi people.