bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Efficacy and Safety of Anlotinib in Pediatric Patients With Refractory or Recurrent Solid Tumors
Authors: Lu Suying , Hong Ye , Chen Huimou , Wu Liuhong , Sun Feifei , Wang Juan , Zhu Jia , Que Yi , Zhang Lian , Zhen Zijun , Sun Xiaofei , Huang Junting , Zhang Yizhuo
Published: March 2022

Objective: Refractory or recurrent pediatric solid tumors lack effective treatments, and are associated with dismal outcomes. Hence, there is an urgent need for a novel therapeutic strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib, a novel oral multi-kinase angiogenesis inhibitor, in pediatric patients with refractory or recurrent solid tumors.

Methods: This single-institutional, observational retrospective study was conducted in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, China. Refractory or recurrent pediatric solid tumor patients treated with anlotinib between 2018 and 2020 were evaluated.

Results: Forty-one and 30 patients were enrolled to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib, respectively. There was partial response in five patients, stable disease in 22 patients, no patient with complete response, with an objective response ratio of 12.2% (5/41; 95% CI 1.7-22.7). The disease control rate was 65.9% (27/41; 95% CI 50.7-81) and the median progression-free survival was 2.87 months (95% CI 0.86-4.88). The incidence rates of any grade and grade 3–4 adverse events were 80% (24/30) and 23.3% (7/30), respectively. Bleeding (20%, 6/30), hand-foot syndrome (16.7%, 5/30), and diarrhea (13.3%, 4/30) were the most common adverse events. Grade 3–4 adverse events included hypertension, hand-foot syndrome, diarrhea, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. There were no adverse events-related deaths.

Conclusion: For heavily pretreated pediatric solid tumors, anlotinib monotherapy and its combination with chemotherapy may be an effective treatment option with tolerable adverse events. It is necessary to monitor blood pressure when using anlotinib in children.
Stimulation of C-Kit+ Retinal Progenitor Cells by Stem Cell Factor Confers Protection Against Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Shanshan , Liu Xiaoli , Zhao Jingjie , Wu Lanting , You Ran , Wang Yanling
Published: March 2022

C-kit/CD117, expressed in a series of tissue-specific progenitor cells, plays an important role in tissue regeneration and tissue homeostasis. We previously demonstrated that organoid-derived c-kit+ retinal progenitor cells can facilitate the restoration of degenerated retina. Meanwhile, we have identified a population of endogenous c-kit+ cells in retinas of adult mouse. However, the exact role of these cells in retinal degeneration remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that stimulation of endogenous c-kit+ cells by stem cell factor (SCF) conferred protection against retinal degeneration. Retinal degeneration was induced by intravitreal injection of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). NMDA challenge increased the total number of c-kit+ cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL), while deregulated the protein level of SCF, which was mainly expressed in Müller cells. Both flash electroretinogram (fERG) and light/dark transition tests showed that intravitreal injection of SCF effectively improved the visual function of NMDA-treated mice. Mechanistically, SCF administration not only prevented the loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but also maintained the function of RGCs as quantified by fERG. Further, we performed transcriptome sequencing analysis of the retinal cells isolated from SCF-treated mice and the parallel control. Gene Ontology analysis showed that SCF-induced transcriptome changes were closely correlated with eye development-related pathways. Crystallins and several protective factors such as Pitx3 were significantly upregulated by SCF treatment. Our results revealed the role of SCF stimulated c-kit+ cells in the protection of RGCs in NMDA-treated mice, via inhibiting the loss of RGCs. Administration of SCF can act as a potent strategy for treating retinal degeneration-related diseases.
Qinggan Huoxue Recipe Alleviates Alcoholic Liver Injury by Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Through LXR-LPCAT3
Authors: Lu Yifei , Shao Mingmei , Xiang Hongjiao , Wang Junmin , Ji Guang , Wu Tao
Published: March 2022

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) plays a key role in alcohol liver injury (ALI). Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3) is a potential modifier of ERS. It was examined whether the protective effect of Qinggan Huoxue Recipe (QGHXR) against ALI was associated with LPCAT3 by suppressing ERS from in vivo and in vitro experiment. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10, each) and treated for 8 weeks as follows: the control diet-fed group (pair-fed), ethanol diet-fed group (EtOH-fed), QGHXR group (EtOH-fed + QGHXR), Qinggan recipe group (EtOH-fed + QGR), and Huoxue recipe group (EtOH-fed + HXR). QGHXR, QGR, and HXR groups attenuated liver injury mainly manifested in reducing serum ALT, AST, and liver TG and reducing the severity of liver cell necrosis and steatosis in ALI mouse models. QGHXR mainly inhibited the mRNA levels of Lxrα, Perk, Eif2α, and Atf4 and activated the mRNA levels of Lpcat3 and Ire1α, while inhibiting the protein levels of LPCAT3, eIF2α, IRE1α, and XBP1u and activating the protein levels of GRP78 to improve ALI. QGR was more inclined to improve ALI by inhibiting the mRNA levels of Lxrα, Perk, Eif2α, Atif4, and Chop and activating the mRNA levels of Lpcat3 and Ire1α while inhibiting the protein levels of LPCAT3, PERK, eIF2α, IRE1α, and XBP1u. HXR was more inclined to improve ALI by inhibiting the mRNA levels of Perk, Eif2α, Atf4, and Chop mRNA while inhibiting the protein levels of LPCAT3, PERK, eIF2α, IRE1α, and XBP1u and activating the protein levels of GRP78. Ethanol (100 mM) was used to intervene HepG2 and AML12 to establish an ALI cell model and treated by QGHXR-, QGR-, and HXR-medicated serum (100 mg/L). QGHXR, QGR, and HXR groups mainly reduced the serum TG level and the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α in the liver induced by ethanol. In AML12 cells, QGHXR and its disassembly mainly activated Grp78 mRNA expression together with inhibiting Lxrα, Lpcat3, Eif2α, Atf4, and Xbp1 mRNA expression. The protein expression of eIF2α and XBP1u was inhibited, and the expression of PERK and GRP78 was activated to alleviate ALI. In HepG2 cells, QGHXR mainly alleviated ALI by inhibiting the mRNA expression of LPCAT3, CHOP, IRE1α, XBP1, eIF2α, CHOP, and IRE1α protein. QGR was more inclined to inhibit the protein expression of PERK, and HXR was more likely to inhibit the protein expression of ATF4.
Plasma Menthol Glucuronide as a Biomarker for the Behavioral Effects of Menthol and Nicotine in Humans
Authors: Gueorguieva Ralitza , Schwartz Elizabeth K. C. , MacLean R. Ross , DeVito Elise E. , Eid Tore , Wu Ran , O’Malley Stephanie S. , Sofuoglu Mehmet
Published: March 2022

This secondary analysis sought to determine if plasma menthol glucuronide (MG) concentrations predict changes in three outcomes, subjective drug effects, urges to smoke, and heart rate, following concurrent inhaled menthol and intravenous nicotine. A total of 45 menthol and non-menthol cigarettes smokers (36 male, nine female, 20 Black, and 23 White) were included in this double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Across three test sessions, participants were assigned to a different flavor condition for each session: 0% (no menthol), 0.5%, or 3.2% menthol. In each test session, participants received in a random order one intravenous delivery of saline and two intravenous deliveries of nicotine (0.25 mg/70 kg and 0.5 mg/70 kg), each 1 h apart, concurrent with menthol delivery by e-cigarettes. The main outcomes were subjective drug effects, urges to smoke, and heart rate. The results showed that following e-cigarette inhalation, changes in plasma MG concentrations or “menthol boost” increased proportionally to the menthol concentration in the e-liquids. While changes in plasma MG concentrations were not predictive of increases in heart rate or subjective drug effects that are reflective of acute effects from nicotine (i.e., feel good effects, stimulated, aversive effects), they were predictive of cooling effect, a typical effect of menthol, but only in menthol smokers in the absence of concurrent active nicotine infusion. These findings demonstrate the utility of plasma MG as a biomarker both for acute menthol exposure by e-cigarette inhalation and for the examination of the concentration-dependent behavioral and physiological effects of menthol in humans.
Prevalence and Load of Cervical Ureaplasma Species With Respect to Intra-amniotic Complications in Women With Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes Before 34 weeks
Authors: Kacerovsky Marian , Kukla Rudolf , Bolehovska Radka , Bostik Pavel , Matulova Jana , Mls Jan , Stranik Jaroslav , Jacobsson Bo , Musilova Ivana
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid of women with singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) with respect to intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, and colonization of the amniotic fluid.

Methods: A total of 217 women with PPROM between gestational ages 24 + 0 and 33 + 6 weeks were included in this study. Paired amniotic and cervical fluid samples were collected at the time of admission via transabdominal amniocentesis and using a Dacron polyester swab, respectively. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity was diagnosed using a combination of culture and molecular biology methods. Intra-amniotic inflammation was determined based on the concentration of interleukin-6 in the amniotic fluid. Based on the presence or absence of these conditions, the women were stratified into the following subgroups: intra-amniotic infection (with both), sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (with inflammation only), colonization (with microorganisms only), and negative amniotic fluid (without either). The Ureaplasma spp. DNA load in the cervical fluid was assessed using PCR.

Results:Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid was found in 61% (133/217) of the women. Women with negative amniotic had similar prevalence of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in cervical fluid (55%) to those with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (54%) but lower than those with intra-amniotic infection (73%) and colonization (86%; p < 0.0001). Women with negative amniotic fluid had a lower load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in their cervical fluid (median: 4.7 × 103 copies of DNA/ml) than those with intra-amniotic infection (median: 2.8 × 105 copies DNA/ml), sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (median: 5.3 × 104 copies DNA/ml), and colonization (median: 1.2 × 105 copies DNA/mL; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, in PPROM at <34 weeks, the presence of intra-amniotic infection, sterile intra-amniotic inflammation, or colonization of the amniotic fluid was associated with a higher prevalence and/or load of Ureaplasma spp. DNA in the cervical fluid than the absence of intra-amniotic complications.
Screening of Bioactive Fraction of Radix Paeoniae Alba and Enhancing Anti-Allergic Asthma by Stir-Frying Through Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sang Xia’nan , Ying Jialiang , Wan Xuedong , Han Xin , Shan Qiyuan , Lyu Qiang , Yang Qiao , Wang Kuilong , Hao Min , Liu Erlong , Cao Gang
Published: March 2022

Allergic asthma is a common respiratory inflammation disease. The crude Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) and its processed products have been used frequently as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents in traditional medicine. To evaluate the effect of honey and bran processing, different fractions of RPA were used for treating anti-allergic asthma in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mice model, and then, the most effective fraction of RPA and stir-frying Radix Paeoniae Alba with honey and bran (FRPA) for treating anti-allergic asthma were compared mutually for pharmacological effects. The results showed that the treatment of the dichloromethane fraction of RPA significantly improved the pathological condition of lung tissues, decreased the number of eosinophils and other cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the increased the expression of various inflammatory factors. Furthermore, the study discovered that the lung pathological conditions, compared with the high dose of dichloromethane RPA fraction, could be ameliorated by high dose of dichloromethane FRPA fraction treatment. Moreover, the expression of inflammatory factors and the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway could be diminished by FRPA. Finally, the contents of compounds with a significant difference in the FRPA dichloromethane fraction were paeoniflorin, ethyl gallate, pentagalloylglucose, galloylpaeoniflorin, and others by UPLC/Q-TOF-MS analysis. These findings suggest that the dichloromethane fraction of FRPA has an enhancement effect on anti-allergic asthma and provide the experimental basis for exploring the processed mechanism of RPA.
Related Markers for the Precision Diagnosis of Complex Appendicitis in Children
Authors: Zhou Jialin , Xu Wenjing , Wang Jitao , Fan Zhe
Published: March 2022

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in children. Despite the high incidence rate of appendicitis, it is sometimes misdiagnosed or missed. Complex appendicitis (CA) in children is characterized by a critical condition, several complications, and high mortality. Precision distinguishing between simple appendicitis and CA correctly is key to choosing appropriate treatment. A safe, cheap, rapid, extensive and accurate diagnostic marker of appendicitis will be of great significance for emergency general surgeons to treat suspected CA. Many studies have investigated possible diagnostic markers for the diagnosis of CA in children. In this study, studies related to CA in children in recent years are summarized, and the related markers and scoring system for the diagnosis of CA in children are summarized.
Introduction of the Hezar International Gravity Formula
Authors: Hassanpour Mehdi , Rezaie Mohammad Reza , Khezripour Saeedeh , Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin
Published: March 2022

The National Cartographic Center of Iran measured the differences in gravity between the Hezar summit and peak of Mount Damavand using a CG-5 gravity meter. The gravity recorded at the Hezar summit (4,499.416 m) was 213 mGal (0.00213 m/s2) lower than the reading recorded at the peak of Mount Damavand (5,605.730 m). Recently, the exact value of gravity at the Hezar summit and peak of Damavand mount have been measured. This study attempts to modify the conventional version of Hezar International Gravity Formula (HIGF) to calculate the experimental gravity in the Earth’s summits and land surfaces. Apart from describing the 213 mGal difference in gravity between Hezar summit and peak of Mount Damavand, HIGF is also in agreement with practical gravity with distance from sea level and latitude (93% confidence level). The results indicated that the experimental HIGF asg =978,031.85(1 + 0.0053024 sin2θ−0.000032309786 sin22θ)−0.27 hwas in agreement with the practical gravity compared to the 1984 International Gravitational Formula (IGF84).
Endothelial Transcytosis in Acute Lung Injury: Emerging Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Jones Joshua H. , Minshall Richard D.
Published: March 2022

Acute Lung Injury (ALI) is characterized by widespread inflammation which in its severe form, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), leads to compromise in respiration causing hypoxemia and death in a substantial number of affected individuals. Loss of endothelial barrier integrity, pneumocyte necrosis, and circulating leukocyte recruitment into the injured lung are recognized mechanisms that contribute to the progression of ALI/ARDS. Additionally, damage to the pulmonary microvasculature by Gram-negative and positive bacteria or viruses (e.g., Escherichia coli, SARS-Cov-2) leads to increased protein and fluid permeability and interstitial edema, further impairing lung function. While most of the vascular leakage is attributed to loss of inter-endothelial junctional integrity, studies in animal models suggest that transendothelial transport of protein through caveolar vesicles, known as transcytosis, occurs in the early phase of ALI/ARDS. Here, we discuss the role of transcytosis in healthy and injured endothelium and highlight recent studies that have contributed to our understanding of the process during ALI/ARDS. We also cover potential approaches that utilize caveolar transport to deliver therapeutics to the lungs which may prevent further injury or improve recovery.
Cooling to Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest by Immersion vs. Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB): Worse Outcome After Rewarming in Immersion Cooled Pigs
Authors: Filseth Ole Magnus , Hermansen Stig Eggen , Kondratiev Timofei , Sieck Gary C. , Tveita Torkjel
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Cooling by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to deep hypothermic cardiac arrest (HCA) for cardiac surgical interventions, followed by CPB-rewarming is performed on a routine basis with relatively low mortality. In contrast, victims of deep accidental hypothermia rewarmed with CPB generally have a much worse prognosis. Thus, we have developed an intact pig model to compare effects on perfusion pressures and global oxygen delivery (DO2) during immersion cooling versus cooling by CPB. Further, we compared the effects of CPB-rewarming between groups, to restitute cardiovascular function, brain blood flow, and brain metabolism.

Materials and Methods

Total sixteen healthy, anesthetized juvenile (2–3 months) castrated male pigs were randomized in a prospective, open placebo-controlled experimental study to immersion cooling (IMMc, n = 8), or cooling by CPB (CPBc, n = 8). After 75 minutes of deep HCA in both groups, pigs were rewarmed by CPB. After weaning from CPB surviving animals were observed for 2 h before euthanasia.

Results

Survival rates at 2 h after completed rewarming were 4 out of 8 in the IMMc group, and 8 out of 8 in the CPBc group. Compared with the CPBc-group, IMMc animals showed significant reduction in DO2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), cerebral perfusion pressure, and blood flow during cooling below 25°C as well as after weaning from CPB after rewarming. After rewarming, brain blood flow returned to control in CPBc animals only, and brain micro dialysate-data showed a significantly increase in the lactate/pyruvate ratio in IMMc vs. CPBc animals.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that, although global O2 consumption was independent of DO2, regional ischemic damage may have taken place during cooling in the brain of IMMc animals below 25°C. The need for prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) should be considered in all victims of accidental hypothermic arrest that cannot be weaned from CPB immediately after rewarming.
Closeness to God, Spiritual Struggles, and Wellbeing in the First Year of College
Authors: Gilbertson Madison Kawakami , Brady Shannon T. , Ablorh Tsotso , Logel Christine , Schnitker Sarah A.
Published: March 2022

Spirituality is an important, but oft-overlooked, aspect of the self that may affect college students’ wellbeing and belonging. Few studies have systematically examined closeness to God and spiritual struggles as predictors of college student wellbeing during early college, which is a critical window for identity development. Moreover, research exploring interactions between spiritual struggles and closeness to God in predicting wellbeing outcomes is scarce. We address these gaps in the literature with an analytic sample comprised of 839 first-year college participants who identify as religious. The results of correlational analyses and linear mixed effect models are presented. Closeness to God was associated with greater wellbeing and belonging, and spiritual struggles were associated with lower wellbeing and belonging. In exploratory analyses, a moderating effect of closeness to God on the relation between spiritual struggles and negative outcomes was observed. Implications for higher education and college student development are discussed.
Anticipated Regret, Entrepreneurial Cognition, and Entrepreneurial Persistence
Authors: Huang Mei-jiao , Li Zhong-bin , Su Xiao-feng
Published: March 2022

Based on the regret regulation theory and entrepreneurial cognition theory, this study aims to investigate the relationship between entrepreneurs’ anticipated regret and entrepreneurial persistence through the mediator of entrepreneurial cognition. To that end, we distributed surveys to entrepreneurs who were supported by the “Xing Chuang Tian Di” project and used 248 questionnaire data to examine the hypotheses. The results show that entrepreneurs’ anticipated regret has a significant and direct impact on entrepreneurial persistence. Also, entrepreneurship cognition plays a mediating role between anticipated regret and entrepreneurial persistence. In addition, the entrepreneurial environment plays a positive role in moderating the relationship between anticipated regret and entrepreneurial persistence.
Flourishing Scale: Adaptation and Evidence of Validity in a Chilean High School Context
Authors: Carmona-Halty Marcos , Marín-Gutierrez Mauricio , Mena-Chamorro Patricio , Sepulveda-Páez Geraldy , Ferrer-Urbina Rodrigo
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to adapt the Flourishing Scale to a Chilean high school context and provide evidence of its validity. Data were collected from 1,348 students (52% girls) from three different Chilean schools. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a one–factor solution, multiple–group CFA supported gender invariance, and structural equation model indicated that the FS is related to positive and negative academic feelings. Overall, the evidence indicates that the Flourishing Scale adapted to the high school context is an instrument that produces valid and reliable scores in our high school Chilean sample.
Tourism Competitiveness Evaluation: Evidence From Mountain Tourism in China
Authors: Cao Qian , Sarker Md Nazirul Islam , Zhang Dian , Sun Jiangyan , Xiong Teng , Ding Jieying
Published: March 2022

The evaluation of tourism competitiveness is an important tool for analyzing the potential of tourism in a specific context. Enshi Autonomous Prefecture (EAP) in China is selected as a case through which to explore the potential of mountain tourism and its competitiveness in the tourism industry. This study develops EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness model focusing on three criteria: core competitiveness of mountain tourism, the economic environment’s competitiveness, and infrastructure competitiveness. Context-specific customized evaluation index has been applied to data collected from EAP Statistical Yearbook for 2005–2014. The study reveals that the value of EAP’s mountain tourism core competitiveness, economic and environmental competitiveness, and infrastructure competitiveness are 84.292, 13.4, and 2.308%, respectively. When tourism core competitiveness is increased by one unit, EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness will increase by 0.84292 units. Similarly, when economic environment competitiveness is increased by one unit, EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness will increase by 0.134 units. EAP’s mountain tourism competitiveness increases by 0.02308 units when infrastructure competitiveness increases by one unit. The major reasons for low levels of competitiveness were lack of awareness of the county authority, a low level of cooperation, and weak infrastructure. The recommendations from the study’s findings are as follows. Firstly, the county authority should appropriately improve the relationship between competition and cooperation, maintaining cooperation in competition, and competition in cooperation. Secondly, the county authority should strengthen communication by establishing an effective coordinated mechanism. Thirdly, the county authority should improve the sense of cooperation and jointly develop the mountain tourism market. Fourthly, the county authority should improve the construction of tourism infrastructure and break down the barriers to tourism cooperation. The study’s findings help develop a “win-win” cooperation mechanism within the competition and support the sustainable development of the mountain tourism industry while reducing poverty and promoting the revitalization of the mountains of China.
Association of Excessive Sleepiness, Pathological Fatigue, Depression, and Anxiety With Different Severity Levels of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Mjelle Karin Elisabeth Sundt , Lehmann Sverre , Saxvig Ingvild West , Gulati Shashi , Bjorvatn Bjørn
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations between obstructive sleep apnea and fatigue. This naturally led to considering the association between OSA and excessive sleepiness, depression, and anxiety.

Background

OSA is a highly prevalent sleep disorder, associated with a risk of hypertension, cardiovascular events, daytime sleepiness, poor cognitive function, and sudden death during sleep. Both excessive sleepiness, fatigue, and symptoms of depression are frequently reported.

Method

5,464 patients referred to a university hospital for obstructive sleep apnea underwent standard respiratory polygraphy. The severity of OSA was defined as either mild, moderate, or severe, using the apnea–hypopnea index. Validated questionnaires were used to assess excessive sleepiness, pathological fatigue, depression, and anxiety.

Results

Nearly 70% of the patients were men, and median age was 50 (range: 16–89) years. One in three had moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI ≥ 15). Excessive sleepiness and pathological fatigue were present in 43 and 39%, respectively. The prevalence of possible depression and anxiety was 19 and 28%, respectively. The proportion of patients with male sex, obesity, and excessive sleepiness increased with the severity of OSA. In contrast, the proportion of patients with pathological fatigue did not increase with OSA severity, and there was a decrease in depression and anxiety with increasing OSA severity.

Conclusion

Our study reports that pathological fatigue, as well as anxiety and depression, did not increase with OSA severity, whereas excessive sleepiness did. Knowledge concerning conditions related to OSA severity may be indicative of pretest probability of OSA and thus change the priority for polygraphy. Furthermore, the high prevalence rates of fatigue, anxiety, and depression among these patients warrant further investigations.
Antecedents of Viewers’ Live Streaming Watching: A Perspective of Social Presence Theory
Authors: Chen Jiada , Liao Junyun
Published: March 2022

Live streaming commerce as a popular marketing method has attracted wide attention, but little is known about why consumers continue to watch live streaming. To fill this research gap, this study draws on social presence theory to examine the impact of sense of community, emotional support, and interactivity on viewers’ social presence, which, in turn, influences their live streaming watching. Furthermore, the moderating role of streamer attractiveness is also investigated. The authors collected survey data from 386 live streaming viewers and used the structural equation model to test the research model. The results reveal that sense of community, interactivity, and emotional support positively affects viewers’ social presence, leading to viewers’ watching live streaming. Furthermore, streamer attractiveness plays a significant moderating role between social presence and live streaming watching. This study provides a unified theoretical framework to explain the intention to watch live streaming based on social presence theory.
The Psychometric Properties of the French–Canadian Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 Scale for Measuring the Viral Anxiety of the General Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Park C. Hyung Keun , Ahmed Oli , Lee Sangha , Suh Sooyeon , Chung Seockhoon , Gouin Jean-Philippe
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study examined the psychometric properties of the French–Canadian version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scale for assessing the anxiety response to the viral epidemic among the general population in Quebec, Canada.

Methods

A total of 590 participants responded to a confidential online survey between September 28 and October 18, 2020. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to explore the factor structure of the scale. Psychometric properties were assessed using the Item Response Theory (IRT) approach. To explore the convergent validity, a Pearson correlation analysis between the SAVE-6 scale and the depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2, PHQ-2) or anxiety subscale (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, GAD-2) of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 items scale was conducted.

Findings

The French–Canadian version of the SAVE-6 scale was clustered into a single factor. The CFA of the SAVE-6 scale showed a good model fit (CFI = 0.985, TLI = 0.976, RMSEA = 0.051, RSMR = 0.048), and the multi-group CFA revealed that the SAVE-6 scale can measure anxiety response in the same way across gender or the presence of elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms. It showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.76, McDonald's Omega = 0.77) and significant correlation with the PHQ-2 score and GAD-2 score. The IRT model suggested the efficiency in discrimination among individuals in this latent trait.

Conclusion

The French–Canadian version of the SAVE-6 scale is a valid and reliable rating scale, which can measure the general population's anxiety response to the viral epidemic.
Addiction of High Dose of Benzodiazepine: Verona Detox Approach With Flumazenil
Authors: Casari Rebecca , Metastasio Antonio , Zamboni Lorenzo , Biasioli Martino , Campagnari Simone , Lugoboni Fabio
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Since the 1990s there has been evidence of the significant role Flumazenil (FLU) has in benzodiazepines (BZD) detoxes. The Verona Detox approach has been developed for high dose BZD and Z-drug detoxification via continuous subcutaneous infusion of FLU, a selective BZD receptor antagonist acting on the BZD subunit of the GABA-A receptor. Flumazenil is licensed in the United Kingdom and other countries to treat only BZD overdose although numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in rapidly resetting GABA-A receptors, quickly reducing tolerance and dependence from BZD, and providing a safe and rapid detox from benzodiazepines.

Objective

The aim of this article is to provide all healthcare professional who are interested in BZD detoxification with an approach and clear practical information on how to administer FLU.

Method

In this article we outline the approach in detail, describing all medical and nursing procedures day by day. This detox treatment is indicated for patients abusing from at least 5 Defined Daily Dose (DDD) of BZDs or Z-drugs. The process lasts 7 days, and is conducted under medical supervision (daily reviews) and continuous nursing (24/7). During this period, 7mg of FLU is administered (1 mg/24) through an elastomeric pump, via continuous subcutaneous infusion.

Conclusion

To this day, the largest database of FLU detoxification was published by our group, showing how this treatment is safe, with very little side effects even in patients with significant medical comorbidities.
The Impact of Armed Conflict on the Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of HIV Infection in Libya
Authors: Daw Mohamed Ali , El-Bouzedi Abdallah Hussean , Ahmed Mohamed Omar
Published: March 2022

The interrelationships between HIV/AIDS and armed conflict are a complex phenomenon, and studies are rarely devoted to this area of research. Libya is the second-largest country in Africa that has been evoked with war since the NATO intervention in 2011. The country has also experienced one of the largest HIV outbreaks associated with the Bulgarian nurse's saga. The effect of the armed conflict on the dynamic spread of HIV is not yet well-known. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of armed conflict on the epidemiological situation of HIV infection in Libya and to analyze the transmission dynamics of HIV strains during the conflict. We investigated the movement of people with HIV during the Libyan armed conflict, analyzed the HIV subtypes reported from 2011 to 2020, and followed up the infected cases all over the country. The patterns of HIV spread within the Libyan regions were traced, and the risk factors were determined during the conflict period. A total of 4,539 patients with HIV/AIDS were studied from the four regions during the Libyan conflict. Our data analysis indicated that Benghazi, the biggest city in the Eastern region, was the significant exporter of the virus to the rest of the country. The viral dissemination changes were observed within the country, particularly after 2015. A major virus flows from the Eastern region during the armed conflict associated with internally displaced people. This resulted in the dissemination of new HIV strains and accumulations of HIV cases in western and middle regions. Although, there were no significant changes in the national prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Our data highlight the factors that complicated the spread and dissemination of HIV during the armed conflict, which provide a better understanding of the interaction between them. This could be used to plan for effective preventive measures in tackling the spread of HIV in conflict and post-conflict settings.
A Review of the Components of Problematic Exercise in Psychometric Assessment Instruments
Authors: Sicilia Álvaro , Alcaraz-Ibáñez Manuel , Paterna Adrian , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: March 2022

Backgrounds

The range of theoretical conceptualizations of problematic exercise in psychometric assessment instruments makes it difficult to identify the components that define this phenomenon. A better understanding of the underlying components of problematic exercise may contribute to progress toward providing scientific evidence that allows for deciding whether problematic exercise should be considered a substantive mental health disorder. The objective of the present review was to examine and compare, through a content analysis of their items, the components of problematic exercise in psychometric assessment instruments identified in a recent systematic review.

Methods

A total of 33 components of problematic exercise were identified in the 17 assessment instruments included in the present review.

Results

The results show that, despite the lack of consensus in the operational definition of their factors and the variety of ways of wording their items, the instruments reflect some common components that might indicate core criteria (i.e., salience, withdrawal, and mood modification) or candidate components (i.e., conflict, and continuance despite problems) of problematic exercise. However, other components of different nature were shown to be specific to some of the problematic exercise conceptualizations on which the assessment instruments are based.

Conclusion

In the interest of reaching a consensus that allows to advance in this research field, further studies are needed to resolve which components are inherently problematic.
HTLV-1 Is Also a Sexually Transmitted Infection
Authors: Martel Mariana , Gotuzzo Eduardo
Published: March 2022

HTLV-1 is a retrovirus which causes diverse diseases in 10% of its infected population, significantly worsening their quality of life and mortality rate. Even though it is globally distributed and is endemic in many countries (including Peru), it is still highly neglected. It spreads through vertical, sexual and parenteral transmission. As no effective treatment against this virus exist, prevention is required to contain it. The World Health Organization published a technical report on the matter in 2021, with the collaboration of international HTLV-1 experts. However, neither the impact of sexual transmission (cause of the majority of adult cases and infection in non-endemic areas) nor its prevention were considered. Evidence is presented, which shows the magnitude of sexual transmission, its risk factors and preventive measures; hoping it will encourage health workers to help eradicate this infection.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security and Food Diversity of Iranian Rural Households
Authors: Ghanbari Movahed Rezvan , Maleki Fard Fatemeh , Gholamrezai Saeed , Pakravan-Charvadeh Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2022

With the onset of the coronavirus crisis, disruption of the domestic food supply chain, loss of revenue, and payments that affect food production have led to severe tensions and food security risks in many developing countries. The rural communities are more at risk of food insecurity due to less access to healthcare and social inequality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security and food diversity of rural households. The sample included 375 household heads living in the rural areas of Khorramabad county, which was determined using a three-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using standard Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) questionnaires. The results showed that the food security situation of rural households has deteriorated, and consumption of some food groups changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the multinomial regression model showed that gender, level of education, monthly income, number of employed members, nutrition knowledge, employment status, livestock ownership, and access to credit were significantly associated with the food security of households during the COVID-19 pandemic. The household head's gender, level of education, monthly income, nutrition knowledge, employment status, livestock ownership, and access to credit were significantly associated with dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, providing emergency food assistance and cash payments to food-insecure households can reduce the risk of food insecurity in rural households. It is suggested that government policies focus on identifying vulnerable households in rural areas, especially female-headed households, low-income households, and households without a wage income.
Don't Look Down: The Limits of Meroscopic Measurement
Authors: Swenson Sue
Published: March 2022

The essay examines some problems and opportunities of outcomes measures from a philosophical, political, and human rights perspective. Two suggestions for further effort are included: establish a person-centered outcomes research entity to help make outcomes measures more useful in decision-making and use a human rights framework to understand the impact toward which projects and programs aim.
Effect of Long-Term Agricultural Management on the Soil Microbiota Influenced by the Time of Soil Sampling
Authors: Fernandez-Gnecco Gabriela , Covacevich Fernanda , Consolo Veronica F. , Behr Jan H. , Sommermann Loreen , Moradtalab Narges , Maccario Lorrie , Sørensen Søren J. , Deubel Annette , Schellenberg Ingo , Geistlinger Joerg , Neumann Günter , Grosch Rita , Smalla Kornelia , Babin Doreen
Published: March 2022

Application of agrochemicals and mechanization enabled increasing agricultural productivity yet caused various environmental and soil health-related problems. Agricultural practices affect soil microorganisms, which are the key players of many ecosystem processes. However, less is known about whether this effect differs between time points. Therefore, soil was sampled in winter (without crop) and in summer (in the presence of maize) from a long-term field experiment (LTE) in Bernburg (Germany) managed either under cultivator tillage (CT) or moldboard plow (MP) in combination with either intensive nitrogen (N)-fertilization and pesticides (Int) or extensive reduced N-fertilization without fungicides (Ext), respectively. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene and fungal ITS2 amplicons showed that changes in the microbial community composition were correlated to differences in soil chemical properties caused by tillage practice. Microbial communities of soils sampled in winter differed only depending on the tillage practice while, in summer, also a strong effect of the fertilization intensity was observed. A small proportion of microbial taxa was shared between soils from the two sampling times, suggesting the existence of a stable core microbiota at the LTE. In general, taxa associated with organic matter decomposition (such as Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Rhizopus, and Exophiala) had a higher relative abundance under CT. Among the taxa with significant changes in relative abundances due to different long-term agricultural practices were putative pathogenic (e.g., Gibellulopsis and Gibberella) and beneficial microbial genera (e.g., Chitinophagaceae, Ferruginibacter, and Minimedusa). In summary, this study suggests that the effects of long-term agricultural management practices on the soil microbiota are influenced by the soil sampling time, and this needs to be kept in mind in future studies for the interpretation of field data.
Team Ownership and Philanthropy in Professional Sport: A Perspective on Organizational Generosity
Authors: Babiak Kathy , Yang Daniel
Published: March 2022

Corporate philanthropy (CP) is a vehicle for businesses to create a social impact in communities where their operations are located. An overlooked aspect of this phenomenon is the role and function played by CP influencers within firms—particularly organizational principals/owners. Using an upper echelons perspective, this study explores the relationship between team ownership and the level of CP in the professional sport context. To this end, longitudinal data of philanthropic giving of 94 U.S. professional sport teams in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL were collected. We also collected team owner characteristics such as individual/family ownership, age, tenure as team owner, other charitable work, educational background, and connection to community from a variety of publicly available sources. The findings revealed that team owner age, ownership tenure, and previous philanthropic involvement contributed to increased charitable giving in professional sport team corporate foundations. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in the paper.
Seasonality and Landscape Composition Drive the Diversity of Pollen Collected by Managed Honey Bees
Authors: Malagnini Valeria , Cappellari Andree , Marini Lorenzo , Zanotelli Livia , Zorer Roberto , Angeli Gino , Ioriatti Claudio , Fontana Paolo
Published: March 2022

The western honey bee, Apis mellifera, is the most important and widespread managed pollinator species. Honey bee diet is based on nectar and pollen, and pollen diversity and composition, in particular, affect colony health and fitness. As landscape composition is strongly linked to floral resource heterogeneity, it could influence the resource intake of honey bees. This work aimed to explore how the composition of pollen collected by honey bees was modulated by seasonality and landscape composition heterogeneity in a mountainous cultivated area of Northern Italy. We selected 13 locations, and at each location, we placed two honey bee colonies from which we collected pollen samples every month during the whole flowering season for two consecutive years. We then analyzed pollen samples in the laboratory and determined the Shannon diversity index of each pollen sample and the temporal pollen taxon replacement. We extracted the cover of the main habitat types at three spatial scales and tested the effect of landscape diversity and composition using Principal Component Analysis. Honey bees foraged on a high number of floral resources, however, they mostly collected pollen from a small number of taxa, with pollen type composition changing throughout the flowering season. In early spring and late summer, most pollen grains were collected from a few plant species, while from May to August the number of collected pollen types was significantly higher. Landscape composition affected pollen diversity only at the end of the flowering season. While honey bees were able to collect highly diverse pollen throughout spring and summer regardless of landscape composition, in late summer, when pollen collected is fundamental for the overwintering of the colony and its development in the following season, semi-natural areas became crucial for honey bee foraging activities, with pollen diversity increasing with increasing percentages of semi-natural areas. Our research highlighted the importance for honey bees of certain seasonal resources and of semi-natural habitats at the end of the flowering season, which ensure the subsistence of their colonies throughout the year.
Higher Pathological Complete Response Rate of Less than 10 Total Axillary Lymph Nodes After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Jeeyeon , Park Nora Jee-Young , Kang Byeongju , Jung Jin Hyang , Kim Wan Wook , Chae Yee Soo , Lee Soo Jung , Kim Hye Jung , Park Ji-Young , Park Ho Yong
Published: March 2022

Background

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guideline recommends the evaluation of ≥10 axillary lymph nodes (ALN) in patients with breast cancer to assess the N stage. However, the total ALN count in ALN dissection (ALND) often decreases after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. The authors compared clinicopathological factors and oncological outcomes between <10 vs. ≥10 ALNs after ALND following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

Methods

Data of 159 patients with breast cancer, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and ALND, were reviewed, and the cases were classified into two groups (<10 vs. ≥10 ALN count). The treatment response was determined based on the RECIST 1.1 criteria, and histopathological regression of the tumor was assessed based on the Miller-Payne grading scales.

Results

Most of the clinical and pathological factors did not demonstrate any significant differences between the two groups. However, the pathological complete response (pCR) rate in breast lesion and ALNs were the higher trend in the group with <10 ALNs. During the 88-month follow-up period, there was no significant difference in locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, or overall survival.

Conclusions

Although there was a limitation due to different sample sizes, additional axillary surgery may not be necessary even in cases with <10 total ALNs after ALND, following neoadjuvant chemotherapy because the lymph nodes are more likely to have been regressed themselves due to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and the residual lymph nodes may be absent.
Recovery of Two Replication-Competent Canine Distemper Viruses That Separately Express Dabie Bandavirus Gn and Gc
Authors: Lin Jiahui , Li Yuehua , Lyu Liangpeng , Wang Qianqian , Zhang Hui , Ni Bo , Liu Fuxiao
Published: March 2022

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne zoonosis with a high mortality rate in humans. Additionally, dogs are frequently reported to be infected with this disease. There has been no commercially available vaccine for humans and animals as yet. The SFTS is caused by Dabie bandavirus (DBV), formerly known as SFTS virus. The DBV is now classified into the genus Bandavirus in the family Phenuiviridae. DBV Gn and Gc can induce specific immune responses in vivo. In this study, we used reverse genetics technique to construct two recombinant canine distemper viruses (rCDVs), rCDV-Gn and -Gc, which could express Gn and Gc in vitro, respectively. Both of the recombinants, derived from a common parental CDV, were independently subjected to twenty serial passages in cells for Sanger sequencing. Neither point mutation nor fragment deletion was found in the Gn open reading frame (ORF), whereas the rCDV-Gc showed a nonsynonymous mutation (A157C) in the Gc ORF, correspondingly resulting in a mutation of amino acid (T53P) in the Gc. Growth curve of the rCDV-Gc almost coincided with that of a wild-type CDV, but exhibited a significant difference from that of the rCDV-Gn. Much research remains to be performed to demonstrate whether both recombinants are able of inducing specific immune responses in vivo.