bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Anti-neural Autoantibodies in a Psychiatric Patient Cohort-Paradigmatic Application of Criteria for Autoimmune-Based Psychiatric Syndromes
Authors: Hansen Niels , Juhl Aaron Levin , Grenzer Insa Maria , Rentzsch Kristin , Wiltfang Jens , Fitzner Dirk
Published: June 2022

Background

Anti-neural autoantibodies associated with psychiatric syndromes is an increasing phenomenon in psychiatry. Our investigation aimed to assess the frequency and type of neural autoantibodies associated with distinct psychiatric syndromes in a mixed cohort of psychiatric patients.

Methods

We recruited 167 patients retrospectively from the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen for this study. Clinical features including the assessment of psychopathology via the Manual for Assessment and Documentation of Psychopathology in Psychiatry (AMDP), neurological examination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) analysis were done in patients. Serum and or CSF anti- neural autoantibodies were measured in all patients for differential diagnostic reasons.

Results

We divided patients in three different groups: (1) psychiatric patients with CSF and/or serum autoantibodies [PSYCH-AB+, n = 25 (14.9%)], (2) psychiatric patients with CSF autoantibodies [PSYCH-AB CSF+, n = 13 (7.8%)] and (3) those psychiatric patients without autoantibodies in serum and/or CSF [PSYCH-AB-, n = 131]. The prevalence of serum neural autoantibodies was 14.9% (PSYCH-AB+), whereas 7.2% had CSF autoantibodies (PSYCH-AB CSF+) in our psychiatric cohort. The most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses were neurocognitive disorders (61–67%) and mood disorders (25–36%) in the patients presenting neural autoantibodies (PSYCH-AB+ and PSYCH-AB CSF+). However, psychiatric diagnoses, neurological deficits, and laboratory results from CSF, EEG or MRI did not differ between the three groups. To evaluate the relevance of neural autoantibody findings, we applied recent criteria for possible, probable, or definitive autoimmune based psychiatric syndromes in an paradigmatic patient with delirium and in the PSYCH-AB+ cohort. Applying criteria for any autoimmune-based psychiatric syndromes, we detected a probable autoimmune-based psychiatric syndrome in 13 of 167 patients (7.8%) and a definitive autoimmune-based psychiatric syndrome in 11 of 167 patients (6.6%).

Conclusions

Neural autoantibodies were detected mainly in patients presenting neurocognitive and mood disorders in our psychiatric cohort. The phenotypical appearance of psychiatric syndromes in conjunction with neural autoantibodies did not differ from those without neural autoantibodies. More research is therefore warranted to optimize biomarker research to help clinicians differentiate patients with potential neural autoantibodies when a rapid clinical response is required as in delirium states.
Schizophrenia Patients With Prevotella-Enterotype Have a Higher Risk of Obesity
Authors: Liang Ying , Shen Yang , Li Gaofei , Yuan Ye , Zhang Meng , Gao Jiayu
Published: June 2022

Recent studies have indicated the critical influence of gut microbiota on the occurrence of obesity. There is a significant risk of obesity in people with schizophrenia. This work proposed that the disorder of gut microbiota in patients with schizophrenia was based on microbial enterotypes. Ninety-seven patients with schizophrenia and 69 matched health controls were eligible. The fresh feces of all the subjects were collected and used to complete 16S rRNA sequence. Statistical analysis was performed to identify the intestinal type of gut microbiota and analyze their potential effects on metabolic function. The patients with enterotype-P had a higher BMI than that of the others. Several differences in the gut microbes of enterotype-P were found between the patients and the controls. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes had significantly higher abundance in the patients’ group with enterotype-P. The Bacteroidetes had higher abundance in health controls with enterotype-P. Different metabolic pathways of the microbiota with the enterotype-P were identified in the subjects categorized in different BMI intervals. The schizophrenia patients had a significantly higher BMI than that of health controls. The patients with enterotype-P had a higher BMI. Therefore, the enterotype-P might have a critical influence on a variety of metabolic pathways to disturb the metabolism of glucose and lipid in human body.
The Anti-social Brain in Schizophrenia: A Role of CaMKII?
Authors: El Rawas Rana , Amaral Inês M. , Hofer Alex
Published: June 2022

Current pharmacological therapy has limited effects on the cognitive impairments and negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Therefore, understanding the molecular underpinnings of this disorder is essential for the development of effective treatments. It appears that a reduction in calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (α-CaMKII) activity is a common mechanism underlying the abnormal social behavior and cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. In addition, in a previous study social interaction with a partner of the same sex and weight increased the activity of α-CaMKII in rats. Here, we propose that boosting of CaMKII signaling, in a manner that counteracts this neuropsychiatric disease without disrupting the normal brain function, might ameliorate the abnormalities in social cognition and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Space and Well-Being in High Security Environments
Authors: Ross Thomas , Bulla Jan , Fontao María Isabel
Published: June 2022

Research into the spatial dimensions of deprivation of liberty and psychiatric hospitalization has a long and complex tradition. In this context, the increasing numbers of prisoners and patients in forensic hospitals have impressively shown how difficult it is to ensure security, therapy and rehabilitation when space is scarce or not well-suited. In this narrative review, we present the main findings of recent lines of research on spaces in prisons and forensic psychiatric wards, with particular attention to the links between overcrowding in prisons and secure forensic psychiatric hospitals and violence, the foundations of prison and hospital architecture, and on how the design of spaces in prisons and hospitals can influence well-being. We assess and discuss these findings in the context of the current debate on how well-being in secure spaces can support the achievement of rehabilitation goals even in overcrowded institutions.
Sex Specific Sleep Parameters Among People With Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Martin Caitlin E. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Keyser-Marcus Lori , Donovan Emily K. , Ramey Tatiana , Svikis Dace S. , Moeller F. Gerard
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Sleep can have substantial impacts in substance use disorder (SUD) pathogenesis, treatment, and recovery. Sex differences exist in both sleep and SUD, but how sleep is uniquely associated with SUD by sex is not known. The study objective was to compare, within sex, sleep parameters between individuals with SUD and non-substance misusing controls.

Methods

Secondary analyses of a parent cross-sectional study examining the feasibility and acceptability of a novel neurocognitive phenotyping assessment battery were completed. SUD and control subjects were recruited through local advertising and an established research registry. Subjects with SUD were also recruited through a university-based outpatient SUD treatment clinic. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Sex-stratified t-tests compared sleep between SUD and control subjects while Crosstab analyses explored group differences in the proportion of individuals reporting poor sleep (defined as PSQI ≥ 5).

Results

Data from 162 males (44 controls, 118 SUD) and 146 females (64 controls, 82 SUD) were included in the present study. For females only, a significantly lower proportion of controls reported PSQI-defined poor sleep than individuals with any SUD or specifically with opioid use disorder. Male, but not female, controls reported shorter sleep latency, longer sleep duration, and less sleep disturbance than males with each SUD type.

Discussion/Implications

Sleep holds promise as an avenue to address SUD within a biopsychosocial model. Future work at the intersection of SUD and sleep should prioritize investigations of their interplay with sex to identify targets for tailored SUD interventions.
Dissociative Symptoms and Disorders in Patients With Bipolar Disorders: A Scoping Review
Authors: Rajkumar Ravi Philip
Published: June 2022

Dissociative disorders are an important group of trauma-related disorders associated with significant disability. The co-occurrence of dissociative disorders (DD) and symptoms (DS) in bipolar disorder has been relatively understudied, but there is some evidence that this comorbidity may have significant mechanistic and clinical implications. This paper presents the results of a scoping review of the frequency and correlates of DS and DD in bipolar disorder. Based on the available evidence, DS/DD are more common in bipolar disorder than in healthy controls or in unipolar depression, are related to childhood trauma, and are associated with psychotic symptoms, suicide attempts, and a poorer response to treatment in patients with bipolar disorder. The implications of these findings, and possible mechanistic pathways underlying them, are discussed based on the current literature. Clinicians should be aware of the frequent occurrence of significant DS or DD when treating patients with bipolar disorder. A tentative future research agenda for this field, based on clinical, risk factor-related and neurobiological considerations, is outlined.
Compliance With Tobacco Control Policy and Visibility of Cigarette Retailers Around Educational Facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlJishi Hala , Kusuma Dian , AlQurashi Alaa , AlFaiz Ali , AlSaad Abdulaziz , Aljishi Maha
Published: June 2022

Background

In Saudi Arabia, cardiovascular diseases are among the top causes of death and disability, and smoking is one of the leading risk factors, particularly among males.

Objective

Our study aims to evaluate the compliance with the anti-smoking law among cigarette retailers and examine the visibility of cigarette retailers around educational facilities in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We conducted a mapping survey and geospatial analysis of cigarette retailers around educational facilities from February to March 2020 (before the COVID-19 restriction) in Al-Olaya municipality in Riyadh city as a pilot study. We found 249 retailers, of which 152 sold cigarettes. Data analyses in ArcMap 10.6 compared the visibility within 250 and 500 meters from educational facilities.

Results

We found many retailers were not compliant with the tobacco control regulation: 57.1% of minimarkets sell cigarettes, 15.8% of cigarette retailers display the products openly, and 12.5% of cigarette retailers sold cigarettes by the stick. Moreover, 71% of the total cigarette retailers were within 500 m from schools, and 62% of all schools had at least one cigarette retailer within 500 m buffer (5-min walking or 2–3-min driving distance).

Conclusion

There is non-compliance with the anti-smoking law among cigarette retailers and high visibility of cigarette retailers around educational facilities in Saudi Arabia. Monitoring is needed for the effective implementation of tobacco control policies.
Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccine Engagement in Algeria: A Population-Based Study With Systematic Review of Studies From Arab Countries of the MENA Region
Authors: Kacimi Salah Eddine Oussama , Klouche-Djedid Selma Nihel , Riffi Omar , Belaouni Hadj Ahmed , Yasmin Farah , Essar Mohammad Yasir , Taouza Fatma Asma , Belakhdar Yasmine , Fellah Saliha Chiboub , Benmelouka Amira Yasmine , Ahmed Shoaib , Aloulou Mohammad , Bendelhoum Abdellah , Merzouk Hafida , Ghozy Sherief , Shah Jaffer , Haireche Mohamed Amine
Published: June 2022

Background

The Algerian COVID-19 vaccination campaign, which started at the end of January 2021, is marked by a slowly ascending curve despite the deployed resources. To tackle the issue, we assessed the levels and explored determinants of engagement toward the COVID-19 vaccine among the Algerian population.

Methods

A nationwide, online-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March 27 and April 30, 2021. A two-stage stratified snowball sampling method was used to include an equivalent number of participants from the four cardinal regions of the country. A vaccine engagement scale was developed, defining vaccine engagement as a multidimensional parameter (5 items) that combined self-stated acceptance and willingness with perceived safety and efficacy of the vaccine. An Engagement score was calculated and the median was used to define engagement vs. non-engagement. Sociodemographic and clinical data, perceptions about COVID-19, and levels of adherence to preventive measures were analyzed as predictors for non-engagement.

Results

We included 1,019 participants, 54% were female and 64% were aged 18–29 years. Overall, there were low rates of self-declared acceptance (26%) and willingness (21%) to take the vaccine, as well as low levels of agreement regarding vaccine safety (21%) and efficacy (30%). Thus, the vaccine engagement rate was estimated at 33.5%, and ranged between 29.6-38.5% depending on the region (p > 0.05). Non-engagement was independently associated with female gender (OR = 2.31, p < 0.001), low adherence level to preventive measures (OR = 6.93, p < 0.001), private-sector jobs (OR = 0.53, p = 0.038), perceived COVID-19 severity (OR = 0.66, p = 0.014), and fear from contracting the disease (OR = 0.56, p = 0.018). Concern about vaccine side effects (72.0%) and exigence for more efficacy and safety studies (48.3%) were the most commonly reported barrier and enabler for vaccine acceptance respectively; whereas beliefs in the conspiracy theory were reported by 23.4%.

Conclusions

The very low rates of vaccine engagement among the Algerian population probably explain the slow ascension of the vaccination curve in the country. Vaccine awareness campaigns should be implemented to address the multiple misconceptions and enhance the levels of knowledge and perception both about the disease and the vaccine, by prioritizing target populations and engaging both healthcare workers and the general population.
Cannabis Use Increases the Risk of Sickness Absence: Longitudinal Analyses From the CONSTANCES Cohort
Authors: Déguilhem Amélia , Leclerc Annette , Goldberg Marcel , Lemogne Cédric , Roquelaure Yves , Zins Marie , Airagnes Guillaume
Published: June 2022

Aims

To examine the longitudinal associations between cannabis use and risks of short (<7 days), medium (7-28 days), and long (>28 days) sickness absences at one-year follow-up.

Methods

87,273 participants aged 18-65 years from the French CONSTANCES cohort reported their frequency of cannabis use at inclusion between 2012 and 2018. Sickness absences occurring during one year of follow-up were collected from national medico-administrative registries. Multivariable generalized linear regressions were used to compute the Odds Ratios (OR) with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) of having at least one sickness absence at follow-up compared to no sickness absence, while controlling for sociodemographic factors, chronic conditions and occupational factors.

Results

Cannabis use more than once a month was associated with an increased risk of short (OR, [95% CI]: 1.56 [1.32–1.83]) and medium (1.29 [1.07–1.54]) sickness absences at one-year follow-up, with dose-dependent relationships for short sickness absences (1.13 [1.08–1.18], p-for-trend <0.001). In stratified analyses, cannabis use was associated with an increased risk of sickness absences in older individuals, men, participants with good self-rated health, living or having lived as a couple, and having an open-ended contract.

Conclusions

Cannabis use prospectively increased the risk of short and medium sickness absences, even from once a month and with a dose-dependent relationship for short sickness absences. These findings should be considered in information and prevention public health campaigns to alert the general population and workers to this increased risk.
Infectious Disease Control and Management in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Cholera
Authors: Park Se Eun , Jeon Yeonji , Kang Sunjoo , Gedefaw Abel , Hailu Dejene , Yeshitela Biruk , Edosa Moti , Getaneh Mesfin Wossen , Teferi Mekonnen
Published: June 2022

Cholera remains a significant public health problem among the vulnerable populations living in many resource-limited settings with poor access to safe and clean water and hygiene practice. Around 2.86 million cholera cases and 95,000 deaths are estimated to occur in endemic countries. In Ethiopia, cholera has been one of the major epidemic diseases since 1634 when the first cholera outbreak was recorded in-country. Several cholera epidemics occurred with recent outbreaks in 2019–2021. Cholera has been often reported as acute watery diarrhea due to limited diagnostic capacity in remote areas in Ethiopia and sensitivities around cholera outbreaks. The government of Ethiopia has been executing several phases of multi-year health sector development plan in the past decades and has recently developed a national cholera control plan. Here, we aim to present the existing cholera control guidelines and health system in Ethiopia, including case detection and reporting, outbreak declaration, case management, and transmission control. Challenges and way forward on further research and public health interventions are also discussed to address the knowledge and health service gaps related to cholera control in Ethiopia.
Salivary miRNA Expression in Children With Persistent Post-concussive Symptoms
Authors: Miller Katherine E. , MacDonald James P. , Sullivan Lindsay , Venkata Lakshmi Prakruthi Rao , Shi Junxin , Yeates Keith Owen , Chen Su , Alshaikh Enas , Taylor H. Gerry , Hautmann Amanda , Asa Nicole , Cohen Daniel M. , Pommering Thomas L. , Mardis Elaine R. , Yang Jingzhen ,   the NCH Concussion Research Group
Published: June 2022

Background

Up to one-third of concussed children develop persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS). The identification of biomarkers such as salivary miRNAs that detect concussed children at increased risk of PPCS has received growing attention in recent years. However, whether and how salivary miRNA expression levels differ over time between concussed children with and without PPCS is unknown.

Aim

To identify salivary MicroRNAs (miRNAs) whose expression levels differ over time post-concussion in children with vs. without PPCS.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study with saliva collection at up to three timepoints: (1) within one week of injury; (2) one to two weeks post-injury; and (3) 4-weeks post-injury. Participants were children (ages 11 to 17 years) with a physician-diagnosed concussion from a single hospital center. We collected participants' daily post-concussion symptom ratings throughout their enrollment using the Post-concussion Symptom Scale, and defined PPCS as a total symptom score of ≥ 5 at 28 days post-concussion. We extracted salivary RNA from the saliva samples and measured expression levels of 827 salivary miRNAs. We then compared the longitudinal expression levels of salivary miRNAs in children with vs. without PPCS using linear models with repeated measures.

Results

A total of 135 saliva samples were collected from 60 children. Of the 827 miRNAs analyzed, 91 had expression levels above the calculated background threshold and were included in the differential gene expression analyses. Of these 91 miRNAs, 13 had expression levels that differed significantly across the three timepoints post-concussion between children with and without PPCS (i.e., hsa-miR-95-3p, hsa-miR-301a-5p, hsa-miR-626, hsa-miR-548y, hsa-miR-203a-5p, hsa-miR-548e-5p, hsa-miR-585-3p, hsa-miR-378h, hsa-miR-1323, hsa-miR-183-5p, hsa-miR-200a-3p, hsa-miR-888-5p, hsa-miR-199a-3p+hsa-miR-199b-3p). Among these 13 miRNAs, one (i.e., hsa-miR-203a-5p) was also identified in a prior study, with significantly different expression levels between children with and without PPCS.

Conclusion

Our results from the longitudinal assessment of miRNAs indicate that the expression levels of 13 salivary miRNAs differ over time post-injury in concussed children with vs. without PPCS. Salivary miRNAs may be a promising biomarker for PPCS in children, although replication studies are needed.
Convolutional Neural Network Based Real Time Arabic Speech Recognition to Arabic Braille for Hearing and Visually Impaired
Authors: Bhatia Surbhi , Devi Ajantha , Alsuwailem Razan Ibrahim , Mashat Arwa
Published: June 2022

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a group of theoretically inspired computer structures for analyzing and modeling clearly going on texts at one or extra degrees of linguistic evaluation to acquire human-like language processing for quite a few activities and applications. Hearing and visually impaired people are unable to see entirely or have very low vision, as well as being unable to hear completely or having a hard time hearing. It is difficult to get information since both hearing and vision, which are crucial organs for receiving information, are harmed. Hearing and visually impaired people are considered to have a substantial information deficit, as opposed to people who just have one handicap, such as blindness or deafness. Visually and hearing-impaired people who are unable to communicate with the outside world may experience emotional loneliness, which can lead to stress and, in extreme cases, serious mental illness. As a result, overcoming information handicap is a critical issue for visually and hearing-impaired people who want to live active, independent lives in society. The major objective of this study is to recognize Arabic speech in real time and convert it to Arabic text using Convolutional Neural Network-based algorithms before saving it to an SD card. The Arabic text is then translated into Arabic Braille characters, which are then used to control the Braille pattern via a Braille display with a solenoid drive. The Braille lettering triggered on the finger was deciphered by visually and hearing challenged participants who were proficient in Braille reading. The CNN, in combination with the ReLU model learning parameters, is fine-tuned for optimization, resulting in a model training accuracy of 90%. The tuned parameters model's testing results show that adding the ReLU activation function to the CNN model improves recognition accuracy by 84 % when speaking Arabic digits.
Possible Relationship Between the Oral and Gut Microbiome, Caries Development, and Obesity in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Reis Ranam Moreira , Carlo Hugo Lemes , Santos Rogério Lacerda dos , Sabella Fernanda Maria , Parisotto Thaís Manzano , Carvalho Fabíola Galbiatti de
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought health damage and socioeconomic disruptions, together with lifestyle disorders around the world. Children are one of the most commonly affected, mainly due to social isolation and changes in eating habits and physical activities. This way, the risk of weight gain and obesity is possibly enhanced, as well as poor oral hygiene conditions and early childhood caries (ECC) development during the lockdown. In children under 6 years of age, ECC is defined as carious lesions in one or more primary teeth, with or without cavitation. Importantly, alterations in the oral microbiome caused by changes in children lifestyles have much more than a local impact on oral tissues, interplaying with the gut microbiome and influencing systemic environments. Recent studies have been exploring the oral health conditions, eating habits, and weight gain in the childhood population during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, there is a lack of information concerning the association among oral and gut microbiome, dental caries, and obesity in the COVID-19 era. In this context, this review aimed at analyzing a possible relationship between the oral and gut microbiome, caries, and obesity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Risk Assessment of Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals, and Stimulants in Mgeni and Msunduzi Rivers, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Gumbi Bhekumuzi P. , Moodley Brenda , Birungi Grace , Ndungu Patrick G.
Published: June 2022

In this work, environmental occurrence and risk assessment of pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), and stimulants are presented. A quantitative technique is described for ultrasonic-assisted solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by GC-MS after derivatization of PPCPs; propylparaben, triclosan, carbamazepine, chloramphenicol, and stimulant caffeine. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction together with centrifugation were used to extract sediment samples collected from the Mgeni and Msunduzi rivers. An SPE procedure was used for cleanup and to concentrate selected compounds from diluted aqueous extracts. The final extracts were derivatized and analyzed with GC-MS in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The recoveries of the analytes ranged from 66 to 108%. The method detection limits were (0.08–1.82 ng g−1 for solid and 0.08–10 μg L−1 for liquid) and quantification limits (0.42–5.51 ng g−1 for solid and 0.25–25 μg L−1 for liquid). The optimized method was applied in the evaluation of two rivers over 3 months in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. All targeted compounds were present in the environment at concentration levels between not detected to 174 ng g−1 and not detected to 30 μg L−1 for solids and aqueous environmental samples, respectively. A comparison of predicted no environmental effect concentration (PNECs) with measured environmental concentration (MECs) showed that these PPCPs present a high ecological risk to the receiving environment (agricultural lands and households). Our work is close to reality because we used MECs as opposed to using predicted environmental concentration (PECs) values, which are normally calculated from consumption, production of compound per year, and various estimated factors.
Harnessing Sunlight to Purify Water and Generate Fuel
Authors: Nord Makenzie T. , Wolff Samuel K. , Rookard Tanner , Stylianou Kyriakos C.
Published: June 2022

Burning fossil fuels for energy produces greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases cause climate change, which harms the environment and all living things. Hydrogen fuel can be used as an energy source instead of fossil fuels. We can produce hydrogen using two natural resources: sunlight and water. Hydrogen fuel is renewable, meaning it will not run out, and environmentally friendly because no greenhouse gases are produced. Materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can speed up the reaction that produces hydrogen gas. With the help of sunlight, MOFs can break apart water molecules to produce hydrogen gas. We can also break down pollutants if we use dirty water in this reaction. Using MOFs, we can purify water and produce hydrogen gas at the same time! Combining MOFs with sunlight can help solve two global problems: climate change and water pollution.
What Promotes the Happiness of Vacationers? A Focus on Vacation Experiences for Japanese People During Winter Vacation
Authors: Kawakubo Atsushi , Oguchi Takashi
Published: June 2022

Several studies on tourism have examined the effects of vacation and travel on individuals' wellbeing. However, relatively little is known about the underlying psychological factors and mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a winter vacation on individuals' wellbeing. A total of 507 participants (255 men and 252 women) completed three questionnaires at three different time points. The questionnaires comprised psychological scales and items to seek demographic information so that the changes in their wellbeing could be assessed. The results revealed that people who traveled had higher subjective wellbeing than those who did not. Moreover, out of the four elements of the recovery experience, mastery was the only one influenced subsequent subjective wellbeing. The findings suggest that it is crucial to take vacations and to savor recovery experiences while off work. In particular, experiencing new and challenging events during a vacation was the most significant predictor of vacationers' subsequent wellbeing. Our results clarify what type of vacation is most effective for wellbeing. The results can help tourism practitioners manage their customers' experiences better during their vacations, and these efforts will arguably contribute not only to the wellbeing of vacationers but also to future company growth.
Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Low Back Pain among Operating Room Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study in South of Iran
Authors: Fayzi Reza , Karimi Ashkan , Fereidouni Armin , Salavatian Armin , Imani Behzad , Tavakkol Reza
Published: June 2022

Background

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and the most common cause of activity restriction in people younger than 45 years. Nurses have a high incidence and prevalence of low back pain in terms of physical and emotional factors among healthcare workers. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of low back pain.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 385 operating room personnel of the hospitals affiliated with Shiraz (the largest city in southern Iran) University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected via a research-made developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, including the demographic information and prevalence and dimensions of low back pain.

Results

The results showed that the prevalence of low back pain was 74% among operating room personnel. There was a significant relationship among low back pain, education level, and marital status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Hospital managers should reduce the prevalence of this disorder among operating room staff by teaching preventative patient handling techniques via training courses.
Clinical Efficacy of Modified Small Incision Thyroidectomy and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Postoperative Hypocalcemia
Authors: Zhou Jian , Ju Hongqing , Ma Hongyan , Diao Qixian
Published: June 2022

Objective

Analyze the clinical effect of modified small incision thyroidectomy and evaluate the influencing factors of hypocalcemia (EH) in patients after operation.

Methods

A total of 220 patients with thyroid cancer in our hospital from October 2019 to October 2021 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 110 patients in each group. The control group were treated with traditional thyroidectomy, while the observation group were treated with modified small incision surgery. The perioperative indicators of the two groups were compared. The thyroid hormone indexes of the two groups were meansured before operation and 7 days after operation, and the incidence of complications was compared between the two groups. Serum calcium was detected 7 days after operation in both groups. According to the level of blood calcium, patients were divided into EH group and normal group. The data of two groups were compared, and the related factors affecting the occurrence of EH after operation were analyzed.

Results

The operation time, incision length and intraoperative bleeding volume of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those of patients in the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in drainage time and postoperative drainage volume between the two groups (p > 0.05). The postoperative PTH level of patients in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in FT3, FT4 and TSH levels (p > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the observation group (11.82%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (34.55%). Logistic regression analysis showed that bilateral lymph node dissection, parathyroidectomy and decreased PTH were the independent risk factors for EH in our patient after operation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The modified small incision operation can effectively reduce the occurrence of surgical trauma and related complications. Bilateral lymph node dissection, parathyroidectomy and PTH decrease are the risk factors for postoperative EH in patients with thyroid cancer. Taking corresponding measures to improve the metabolic function of patients during perioperative period will help to reduce the incidence of postoperative EH in patients with thyroid cancer.
Monitoring Maize Growth and Calculating Plant Heights with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Optical Satellite Images
Authors: Arslan İbrahim , Topakcı Mehmet , Demir Nusret
Published: June 2022

The decrease in water resources due to climate change is expected to have a significant impact on agriculture. On the other hand, as the world population increases so does the demand for food. It is necessary to better manage environmental resources and maintain an adequate level of crop production in a world where the population is constantly increasing. Therefore, agricultural activities must be closely monitored, especially in maize fields since maize is of great importance to both humans and animals. Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Sentinel-2 optical satellite images were used to monitor maize growth in this study. Backscatter and interferometric coherence values derived from Sentinel-1 images, as well as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and values related to biophysical variables (such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), Fraction of Vegetation Cover (fCover or FVC), and Canopy Water Content (CW)) derived from Sentinel-2 images were investigated. Sentinel-1 images were also used to calculate plant heights. The Interferometric SAR (InSAR) technique was applied to calculate interferometric coherence values and plant heights. For the plant height calculation, two image pairs with the largest possible perpendicular baseline were selected. Backscatter, NDVI, LAI, fCover, and CW values were low before planting, while the interferometric coherence values were generally high. Backscatter, NDVI, LAI, fCover, and CW values increased as the maize grew, while the interferometric coherence values decreased. Among all Sentinel-derived values, fCover had the best correlation with maize height until maize height exceeded 260 cm (R2 = 0.97). After harvest, a decrease in backscatter, NDVI, LAI, fCover, and CW values and an increase in interferometric coherence values were observed. NDVI, LAI, fCover, and CW values remained insensitive to tillage practices, whereas backscatter and interferometric coherence values were found to be sensitive to planting operations. In addition, backscatter values were also sensitive to irrigation operations, even when the average maize height was about 235 cm. Cloud cover and/or fog near the study area were found to affect NDVI, LAI, fCover, and CW values, while precipitation events had a significant impact on backscatter and interferometric coherence values. Furthermore, using Sentinel-1 images, the average plant height was calculated with an error of about 50 cm.
Effects on Net Irrigation Water Requirement of Joint Distribution of Precipitation and Reference Evapotranspiration
Authors: Jie Feilong , Fei Liangjun , Li Shan , Hao Kun , Liu Lihua , Peng Youliang
Published: June 2022

To establish the uncertain influence that the joint distribution of precipitation and reference evapotranspiration has on net irrigation water requirement, a Copula function–Monte Carlo method (CFMC) was proposed to calculate the probability of irrigation water requirement. Taking the Jingdian Irrigation District in Northwest China as an example, the distribution laws of precipitation and reference evapotranspiration were studied. Furthermore, five typical years under different crop planting structure conditions were selected, and the variation characteristics of net irrigation water requirement in each typical year under the conditions of climate uncertainty were analyzed. The results revealed the optimal distribution functions of precipitation and reference evapotranspiration to be gamma distribution and lognormal distribution. The probability density map of the joint distribution of precipitation and reference evapotranspiration has a “saddle” shape; that is, irrigation water requirement and reference evapotranspiration are usually inversely related. As the probability of the irrigation water requirement increases, the net irrigation water requirement in the irrigation area also increases. The CFMC method can determine the design value of the net irrigation water requirement under a specific probability for typical years under different crop planting structure conditions, which can provide a reference for agricultural water resource allocation in irrigation areas.
Sex Identification of Feather Color in Geese and the Expression of Melanin in Embryonic Dorsal Skin Feather Follicles
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Wang Sihui , Feng Ziqiang , Song Yupu , Zhou Yuxuan , Mabrouk Ichraf , Cao Heng , Hu Xiangman , Li Haojia , Sun Yongfeng
Published: June 2022

In production practice, we have found that the gray and black down on the backs of the Holdobaggy goslings is usually darker in females than in males. Melanin is the key pigment affecting the color of poultry plumage. Therefore, to determine whether the darkness of the dorsal plumage of the Holdobaggy goslings is related to sex, we study the melanin in the feather follicles of the dorsal skin during the embryonic period. The feather follicle structure and melanin distribution on the dorsal surface of the goose embryo is observed by HE staining and melanin-specific staining. The melanin content in the feather follicles of the dorsal skin of goslings is determined by ELISA. The results showed that the melanin content is higher in female geese than in males (p < 0.05). In addition, we also analyze the mRNA and protein expression levels of melanin-related genes (TYRP1 and ASIP) by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis. The results show that the mRNA expression level of TYRP1 is significantly higher in the females’ dorsal skin feather follicles (p < 0.05), while the mRNA expression level of ASIP is significantly higher in the dorsal skin feather follicles of male geese (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the difference between males and females in the color of the black feathers on the dorsal track of the Holdobaggy goslings is verified, and it is feasible to identify the sex by the initial plumage color.
Phylogenetic Analysis of the Complete Mitochondrial Genomes in the Ten Rupicapra Subspecies and Implications for the Existence of Multiple Glacial Refugia in Europe
Authors: Pérez Trinidad , Fernández Margarita , Palacios Borja , Domínguez Ana
Published: June 2022

The current distribution of populations in Europe is marked by the effects of glaciations that occurred during the Pleistocene. Temperate species were isolated in glacial refugia that were the sources of postglacial recolonization. The traditional glacial refuge areas were the Iberian, the Italian and the Balkan peninsulas. Here we revisit the evolutionary history of chamois (Rupicapra genus) to evaluate other sites in continental Europe and Anatolia that have been suggested as potential refuges. We have obtained the complete mitochondrial sequence of seven chamois, including the subspecies parva, carpatica, caucasica, and asiatica whose mitochondrial genome had not been yet reported. These, together with the other fourteen sequences already in the GenBank, represent the different geographical populations of the Rupicapra genus. The phylogenetic analysis showed the three old clades, dating from the early Pleistocene, already reported: mtW in the Iberian Peninsula, mtC in the Appenines and the Massif of Chartreuse, and mtE comprising all the population from the Alps to the east. The genomes within each of the clades mtW and mtE, showed divergence times larger than 300 thousand years. From here, it can be argued that the present-day lineages across Europe are very old and their split dates back to the middle Pleistocene.
Shape Memory Polymer Foams with Phenolic Acid-Based Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Du Changling , Fikhman David Anthony , Monroe Mary Beth Browning
Published: June 2022

Phenolic acids (PAs) are natural antioxidant agents in the plant kingdom that are part of the human diet. The introduction of naturally occurring PAs into the network of synthetic shape memory polymer (SMP) polyurethane (PU) foams during foam fabrication can impart antioxidant properties to the resulting scaffolds. In previous work, PA-containing SMP foams were synthesized to provide materials that retained the desirable shape memory properties of SMP PU foams with additional antimicrobial properties that were derived from PAs. Here, we explore the impact of PA incorporation on SMP foam antioxidant properties. We investigated the antioxidant effects of PA-containing SMP foams in terms of in vitro oxidative degradation resistance and cellular antioxidant activity. The PA foams showed surprising variability; p-coumaric acid (PCA)-based SMP foams exhibited the most potent antioxidant properties in terms of slowing oxidative degradation in H2O2. However, PCA foams did not effectively reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in short-term cellular assays. Vanillic acid (VA)- and ferulic acid (FA)-based SMP foams slowed oxidative degradation in H2O2 to lesser extents than the PCA foams, but they demonstrated higher capabilities for scavenging ROS to alter cellular activity. All PA foams exhibited a continuous release of PAs over two weeks. Based on these results, we hypothesize that PAs must be released from SMP foams to provide adequate antioxidant properties; slower release may enable higher resistance to long-term oxidative degradation, and faster release may result in higher cellular antioxidant effects. Overall, PCA, VA, and FA foams provide a new tool for tuning oxidative degradation rates and extending potential foam lifetime in the wound. VA and FA foams induced cellular antioxidant activity that could help promote wound healing by scavenging ROS and protecting cells. This work could contribute a wound dressing material that safely releases antimicrobial and antioxidant PAs into the wound at a continuous rate to ideally improve healing outcomes. Furthermore, this methodology could be applied to other oxidatively degradable biomaterial systems to enhance control over degradation rates and to provide multifunctional scaffolds for healing.
Technology Behavior Model—Impact of Extended Reality on Patient Surgery
Authors: JosephNg Poh Soon , Gong Xiaoxue
Published: June 2022

Smart surgery is a new way to utilize smart devices to change existing surgeries. Smart glasses can enhance the surgical procedure so that the patient can understand the procedure more intuitively. Surgery is for patients, and patient acceptance of extended reality surgery is the purpose of this study. This study uses the technology behavior model, which is more in line with the user’s assessment of the acceptance behavior of the new technology. A triangulated research approach was used, which applies to this study for a specific patient population. Primary data were collected from hospitals through questionnaires and were statistically analyzed by CB&PLS-SEM multimodel using SmartPLS software. It was concluded that patients were influenced by operational emotional factors in undergoing extended reality surgery. The study provides a basis for future research related to the practical application of smart surgery from the patient’s perspective in viewing and accepting surgery.
Active Noise Control for Aircraft Cabin Seats
Authors: Dimino Ignazio , Colangeli Claudio , Cuenca Jacques , Vitiello Pasquale , Barbarino Mattia
Published: June 2022

In turboprop aircraft, the low-frequency noise field created by the propellers is the major contributor to the interior vibro-acoustic field, which determines a passenger’s discomfort. This paper deals with the experimental assessment of an active noise control (ANC) system for cabin seat headrests using two loudspeakers placed on both sides of the passenger’s head to create a local zone of quiet around the passenger’s ears. To deal with time-varying disturbances, the developed ANC system utilized a two-input-two-output filtered-X LMS algorithm developed in MATLAB/Simulink and implemented on a DSPACE control board to drive the secondary speakers and cancel the unwanted low-frequency noise components. The performance of the active headrest was investigated through real-time experimentation involving sensors, actuators, and electronic devices. The test results showed that up to approximatively 20 dB of sound attenuation could be realized in the passenger’s ears over a narrowband sound field replicated under laboratory conditions. Such achievements represent an excellent starting point toward practical applications in the design of more comfortable and acoustically efficient aircraft cabin seats.
Design of a Low-Resolution Gamma-ray Spectrometer for Monitoring Radioactive Levels of Wastewater
Authors: Kim Sangrok , Kim Taeyoon , Yang Hyungjin
Published: June 2022

Wastewater containing radioactive materials is stored in decay tanks, which are typically installed in basements to restrict public access. Specific activity is measured by a gamma spectroscopy system or a gamma counter for several hours per sample before discharge. To simplify the sample collection and measurement procedures before draining, the specific activity conversion coefficient for converting a measured value from a 1.5″ NaI (Tl) detector installed on a tank into specific activity was calculated. The experimental calibration was performed in a test water tank with a volume of 14 L filled with diluted reference source 18F, which is most commonly used in hospitals. The specific activity of the test water was measured with a gamma spectroscopy system using a high-purity germanium detector calibrated with certified reference materials. The change in the conversion coefficient according to the change in the volume of the water tank was corrected based on a Monte Carlo calculation. Finally, it was determined whether the minimum detectable activity (MDA) of this system was lower than that of the draining standard. The counts for the specific activity conversion factor and MDA were evaluated as 5.5389 × 1010 and 2.09 × 105 for 18F and for the one-hour count, respectively. The MDA was lower than the standard value. Thus, this system can be used for discharge determination.
A Novel Framework for Extracting Knowledge Management from Business Intelligence Log Files in Hospitals
Authors: Turkeli Serkan , Ozaydin Fatih
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a framework to extract knowledge-management elements from business systems in healthcare organizations. According to results of in-depth interviews with experts in the field, a framework is defined, and software was developed to generate log files. Following the application of the Bag of Words (BoW) method on log files of 455 days for feature extraction, the k-means algorithm was used to cluster the feature vectors. The framework was tested with queries for confirmation. The developed framework successfully clustered the generated reports at operational, tactical, and strategic levels to extract knowledge-management elements. This study provides evidence for the knowledge-management pyramid by finding that the generated reports are reviewed mostly at the operational level, then tactical, and then the least at the strategic level. Our framework has the potential to be used not only in the health sector, but also in banking, insurance, and other businesses using business intelligence, especially in accordance with the organization’s goals at operational, tactical, and strategic levels of the knowledge-management pyramid.