bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive effects of prolonged continuous human-machine interaction: The case for mental state-based adaptive interfaces
Authors: Hinss Marcel F. , Brock Anke M. , Roy Raphaëlle N.
Published: August 2022

Operators of complex systems across multiple domains (e.g., aviation, automotive, and nuclear power industry) are required to perform their tasks over prolonged and continuous periods of time. Mental fatigue as well as reduced cognitive flexibility, attention, and situational awareness all result from prolonged continuous use, putting at risk the safety and efficiency of complex operations. Mental state-based adaptive systems may be a solution to this problem. These systems infer the current mental state of an operator based on a selection of metrics ranging from operator independent measures (e.g., weather and time of day), to behavioral (e.g., reaction time and lane deviation) as well as physiological markers (e.g., electroencephalography and cardiac activity). The interaction between operator and system may then be adapted in one of many ways to mitigate any detected degraded cognitive state, thereby ensuring continued safety and efficiency. Depending on the task at hand and its specific problems, possible adaptations -usually based on machine learning estimations- e.g., include modifications of information, presentation modality or stimuli salience, as well as task scheduling. Research on adaptive systems is at the interface of several domains, including neuroergonomics, human factors, and human-computer interaction in an applied and ecological context, necessitating careful consideration of each of the aforementioned aspects. This article provides an overview of some of the key questions and aspects to be considered by researchers for the design of mental state-based adaptive systems, while also promoting their application during prolonged continuous use to pave the way toward safer and more efficient human-machine interaction.
Neural Decoders Using Reinforcement Learning in Brain Machine Interfaces: A Technical Review
Authors: Girdler Benton , Caldbeck William , Bae Jihye
Published: August 2022

Creating flexible and robust brain machine interfaces (BMIs) is currently a popular topic of research that has been explored for decades in medicine, engineering, commercial, and machine-learning communities. In particular, the use of techniques using reinforcement learning (RL) has demonstrated impressive results but is under-represented in the BMI community. To shine more light on this promising relationship, this article aims to provide an exhaustive review of RL’s applications to BMIs. Our primary focus in this review is to provide a technical summary of various algorithms used in RL-based BMIs to decode neural intention, without emphasizing preprocessing techniques on the neural signals and reward modeling for RL. We first organize the literature based on the type of RL methods used for neural decoding, and then each algorithm’s learning strategy is explained along with its application in BMIs. A comparative analysis highlighting the similarities and uniqueness among neural decoders is provided. Finally, we end this review with a discussion about the current stage of RLBMIs including their limitations and promising directions for future research.
Ultrasound-based radiomics XGBoost model to assess the risk of central cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: Individual application of SHAP
Authors: Shi Yan , Zou Ying , Liu Jihua , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Yingbin , Sun Fang , Yang Zhi , Cui Guanghe , Zhu Xijun , Cui Xu , Liu Feifei
Published: August 2022

Objectives

A radiomics-based explainable eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model was developed to predict central cervical lymph node metastasis (CCLNM) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), including positive and negative effects.

Methods

A total of 587 PTC patients admitted at Binzhou Medical University Hospital from 2017 to 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were randomized into the training and test cohorts with an 8:2 ratio. Radiomics features were extracted from ultrasound images of the primary PTC lesions. The minimum redundancy maximum relevance algorithm and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to select CCLNM positively-related features and radiomics scores were constructed. Clinical features, ultrasound features, and radiomics score were screened out by the Boruta algorithm, and the XGBoost model was constructed from these characteristics. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) was used for individualized and visualized interpretation. SHAP addressed the cognitive opacity of machine learning models.

Results

Eleven radiomics features were used to calculate the radiomics score. Five critical elements were used to build the XGBoost model: capsular invasion, radiomics score, diameter, age, and calcification. The area under the curve was 91.53% and 90.88% in the training and test cohorts, respectively. SHAP plots showed the influence of each parameter on the XGBoost model, including positive (i.e., capsular invasion, radiomics score, diameter, and calcification) and negative (i.e., age) impacts. The XGBoost model outperformed the radiologist, increasing the AUC by 44%.

Conclusions

The radiomics-based XGBoost model predicted CCLNM in PTC patients. Visual interpretation using SHAP made the model an effective tool for preoperative guidance of clinical procedures, including positive and negative impacts.
Pediatric glioblastoma cells are sensitive to drugs that inhibit eIF2α dephosphorylation and its phosphomimetic S51D variant
Authors: Eytan Karin , Versano Ziv , Oren Roni , Jacob-Hirsch Jasmine , Leitner Moshe , Harmelin Alon , Rechavi Gideon , Toren Amos , Paglin Shoshana , Yalon Michal
Published: August 2022

We found that pediatric glioblastoma (PED-GBM) cell lines from diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) carrying the H3K27M mutation or from diffuse hemispheric glioma expressing the H3G34R mutation are sensitive to the combination of vorinostat (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) and PARP-1 inhibitors. The combined treatment increased the phosphorylation of eIF2α (P-eIF2α) relative to each drug alone and enhanced the decrease in cell survival. To explore the role played by increased P-eIF2α in modulating PED-GBM survival and response to treatments, we employed brain-penetrating inhibitors of P-eIF2α dephosphorylation: salubrinal and raphin-1. These drugs increased P-eIF2α, DNA damage, and cell death, similarly affecting the sensitivity of DIPG cells and derived neurospheres to PARP-1 inhibitors. Interestingly, these drugs also decreased the level of eIF2Bϵ (the catalytic subunit of eIF2B) and increased its phosphorylation, thereby enhancing the effect of increased P-eIF2α. Transient transfection with the S51D phosphomimetic eIF2α variant recapitulated the effect of salubrinal and raphin-1 on PED-GBM survival and sensitivity to PARP-1 inhibitors. Importantly, either salubrinal or raphin-1 dramatically increased the sensitivity of DIPG cells to radiation, the main treatment modality of PED-GBM. Finally, PED-GBM was more sensitive than normal human astrocytes to salubrinal, raphin-1, and the treatment combinations described herein. Our results indicate that combinations of histone deacetylase inhibitors and PARP-1 inhibitors should be evaluated for their toxicity and efficacy in PED-GBM patients and point to drugs that increase P-eIF2α or modulate its downstream effectors as a novel means of treating PED-GBM.
Prevalence and associated factors of diarrhea among under-five children in the Jawi district, Awi Zone Ethiopia, 2019. Community based comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Gessesse Dereje Nibret , Tarekegn Abebe Aynalem
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Although most deaths are preventable with simple and inexpensive measures, death from diarrhea accounts for one out of nine deaths in children worldwide which makes it the disease with the highest mortality rate in children under the age of five. Therefore, this study is aims to investigate diarrhea prevalence and risk factors among children under the age of five in Jawi district, Awi Zone, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was done among 440 study participants from March to June 2019. Data were collected with a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data was entered into EPI Info version 7 software and cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Binary logistic regression was done to assess independent factors associated with the dependent variable. A significant association was determined using an adjusted odds ratio at a confidence level of 95% and a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05.

Results

In the current study, the overall under-five children diarrheal disease was found to be 15.5%. Diarrheal disease prevalence in model and non-model households was 10.9 and 20%, respectively. Shallow water [AOR: 6.12, 95%CI; (1.52, 24.58)], and maternal diarrhea [AOR: 4.11, 95%CI; (1.75, 9.61)] were determinants of childhood diarrhea. Place of birth [OR: 2.52, 95%CI (1.16, 5.49)] and maternal diarrhea [AOR: 3.50; 95%CI (1.28, 9.56)] in non-model households were also determinants of childhood diarrhea.

Conclusion

Under-five children diarrheal disease was found to be high in the Jawi District. Thus, to decrease the disease prevalence in the study area, the health extension workers aim to better educate the mothers on how to handle diarrheal diseases. It is also better for concerned stakeholders to promote institutional delivery and to give access to safe water for the community.
Whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of a case of non-alpha-fetoprotein-elevated lung hepatoid adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yao Yao , Guan Xiaojiao , Bao Guangyao , Liang Jie , Li Tian , Zhong Xinwen
Published: August 2022

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the lung (HAL) is an exceptionally rare malignant tumor with prominent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-like characteristics in organs or tissues outside the liver, while there is no tumor in the liver. Most HAL cases have various degrees of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and exhibit a similar origin and clonal evolution process to HCC. We studied a case of HAL without elevating the AFP level by performing whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analyses after surgical resection. Our results showed mutations in two driver genes, NLRP3 and PBX1, and we identified HNRNPR, TP73, CFAP57, COL11A1, RUSC1, SLC6A9, DISC1, NBPF26, and OR10K1 as potential driver mutation genes in HAL. In addition, 76 significantly mutated genes (SMG) were identified after the statistical test of each mutation type on genes.
Effect of iodoacetic acid on the reproductive system of male mice
Authors: Liang Yun , Huang Xinshuang , Fang Li , Wang Mingjie , Yu Chunxiao , Guan Qingbo
Published: August 2022

Iodoacetic acid (IAA) is one of the most common water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Humans and animals are widely and continuously exposed to it. Many species of water DBPs are harmful to the reproductive system of organisms. Nevertheless, the potential effects of IAA exposure on testosterone and spermatogenesis in vivo remain ambiguous. Spermatogenous cells are the site of spermatogenesis, Leydig cells are the site of testosterone synthesis, and Sertoli cells build the blood–testis barrier (BTB), providing a stable environment for the aforementioned important physiological functions in testicular tissue. Therefore, we observed the effects of IAA on spermatogenic cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells in the testis. In this study, we found that oral administration of IAA (35 mg/kg body weight per day for 28 days) in male mice increased serum LH levels and reduced sperm motility, affecting average path velocity and straight line velocity of sperm. In addition, IAA promoted the expression of γH2AX, a marker for DNA double-strand breaks. Moreover, IAA downregulated the protein expression of the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SRB1), and decreased lipid droplet transport into Leydig cells, which reduced the storage of testosterone synthesis raw materials and might cause a drop in testosterone production. Furthermore, IAA did not affect the function of BTB. Thus, our results indicated that IAA exposure affected spermatogenesis and testosterone synthesis by inducing DNA damage and reducing lipid droplet transport.
Gut microbiota: A new therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yuan Suxin , Cai Zhengyao , Luan Xingzhao , Wang Haibo , Zhong Yi , Deng Li , Feng Jian
Published: August 2022

Diabetic cardiomyopathy seriously affects quality of life and even threatens life safety of patients. The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is complex and multifactorial, and it is widely accepted that its mechanisms include oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, apoptosis, and autophagy. Some studies have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. Gut microbiota and its metabolites can affect the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, apoptosis, and autophagy. Here, the mechanisms of gut microbiota and its metabolites resulting in diabetic cardiomyopathy are reviewed. Gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic target for diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Immune-related adverse events of biological immunotherapies used in COVID-19
Authors: Baracaldo-Santamaría Daniela , Barros-Arias Giovanna María , Hernández-Guerrero Felipe , De-La-Torre Alejandra , Calderon-Ospina Carlos-Alberto
Published: August 2022

The use of biological immunotherapeutic drugs is one of the options currently being evaluated and employed to manage COVID-19, specifically monoclonal antibodies, which have shown benefit by regulating the excessive immune response seen in patients with severe infection, known as a cytokine storm. Tocilizumab has received particular importance for this clinical application, as has sarilumab. Both drugs share a substantial similarity in terms of pharmacodynamics, being inhibitors of the interleukin six receptor (IL-6Rα). Furthermore, sotrovimab, a neutralizing anti-SARS CoV-2 antibody, has gained the attention of the scientific community since it has recently been authorized under certain circumstances, positioning itself as a new therapeutic alternative in development. However, despite their clinical benefit, biological immunotherapies have the potential to generate life-threatening immune-related adverse events. Therefore it is essential to review their incidence, mechanism, and risk factors. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the safety of the biological immunotherapeutic drugs currently recommended for the treatment of COVID-19, provide a review of the known immune-mediated adverse events and explore the potential immune-related mechanisms of other adverse reactions.
Epigenetic mechanisms involved in methamphetamine addiction
Authors: Wang Hang , Dong Xianghuan , Awan Maher Un Nisa , Bai Jie
Published: August 2022

Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit psychostimulant that is widely abused. The molecular mechanism of METH addiction is complicated and still unknown. METH causes the release of the neurotransmitters including dopamine, glutamate, norepinephrine and serotonin, which activate various brain areas in the central nervous system. METH also induces synaptic plasticity and pathological memory enhancement. Epigenetics plays the important roles in regulating METH addiction. This review will briefly summarize the studies on epigenetics involved in METH addiction.
Fast prediction of blood flow in stenosed arteries using machine learning and immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Wang Li , Dong Daoyi , Tian Fang-Bao
Published: August 2022

A fast prediction of blood flow in stenosed arteries with a hybrid framework of machine learning and immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB–LBM) is presented. The integrated framework incorporates the immersed boundary method for its excellent capability in handling complex boundaries, the multi-relaxation-time LBM for its efficient modelling for unsteady flows and the deep neural network (DNN) for its high efficiency in artificial learning. Specifically, the stenosed artery is modelled by a channel for two-dimensional (2D) cases or a tube for three-dimensional (3D) cases with a stenosis approximated by a fifth-order polynomial. An IB–LBM is adopted to obtain the training data for the DNN which is constructed to generate an approximate model for the fast flow prediction. In the DNN, the inputs are the characteristic parameters of the stenosis and fluid node coordinates, and the outputs are the mean velocity and pressure at each node. To characterise complex stenosis, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is built to extract the stenosis properties by using the data generated by the aforementioned polynomial. Both 2D and 3D cases (including 3D asymmetrical case) are constructed and examined to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Once the DNN model is trained, the prediction efficiency of blood flow in stenosed arteries is much higher compared with the direct computational fluid dynamics simulations. The proposed method has a potential for applications in clinical diagnosis and treatment where the real-time modelling results are desired.
The role of exercise-induced myokines in promoting angiogenesis
Authors: Qi Chao , Song Xianjing , Wang He , Yan Youyou , Liu Bin
Published: August 2022

Ischemic diseases are a major cause of mortality or disability in the clinic. Surgical or medical treatment often has poor effect on patients with tissue and organ ischemia caused by diffuse stenoses. Promoting angiogenesis is undoubtedly an effective method to improve perfusion in ischemic tissues and organs. Although many animal or clinical studies tried to use stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, or cytokines to promote angiogenesis, these methods could not be widely applied in the clinic due to their inconsistent experimental results. However, exercise rehabilitation has been written into many authoritative guidelines in the treatment of ischemic diseases. The function of exercise in promoting angiogenesis relies on the regulation of blood glucose and lipids, as well as cytokines that secreted by skeletal muscle, which are termed as myokines, during exercise. Myokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand (CXCL) family proteins, irisin, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), have been found to be closely related to the expression and function of angiogenesis-related factors and angiogenesis in both animal and clinical experiments, suggesting that myokines may become a new molecular target to promote angiogenesis and treat ischemic diseases. The aim of this review is to show current research progress regarding the mechanism how exercise and exercise-induced myokines promote angiogenesis. In addition, the limitation and prospect of researches on the roles of exercise-induced myokines in angiogenesis are also discussed. We hope this review could provide theoretical basis for the future mechanism studies and the development of new strategies for treating ischemic diseases.
Effects of light intensity on the growth of Polygala fallax Hemsl. (Polygalaceae)
Authors: Liang Huiling , Liu Baoyu , Wu Chao , Zhang Xiujiao , Wang Manlian , Huang Xiyang , Wan Li , Tang Hui
Published: August 2022

Polygala fallax Hemsl. (Polygalaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal species, requires optimal growth conditions for artificial cultivation. Irradiance is one of the primary environmental factors that affects the growth and survival of P. fallax Hemsl. plants, which seemingly grow better under weak irradiance conditions. However, the optimum light intensity for growing P. fallax Hemsl. is not clear. To determine the optimum light intensity for cultivating this medicinal plant species, P. fallax Hemsl. plants from two different habitats were grown and exposed to three shade treatments (50% shade, 70% shade and 90% shade, which resulted in photosynthetically active radiation amounts equal to 662 μmol m−2 s−1, 401 μmol m−2 s−1, and 131 μmol m−2 s−1, respectively) to evaluate survival, growth, leaf photosynthesis, and the main pharmacological active ingredients (saponins) in response to shade. Our results revealed that the P. fallax Hemsl. plants in the different habitats consistently exhibited relatively high photosynthesis rates, biomass, survival rates and saponins under 662 μmol m−2 s−1 created by the 50% shade treatment. We concluded that photosynthetically active radiation of approximately 662 μmol m−2 s−1 is suitable for the cultivation of P. fallax Hemsl. plants.
The chloroplast genome of Salix floderusii and characterization of chloroplast regulatory elements
Authors: Ren Weichao , Jiang Zhehui , Zhang Meiqi , Kong Lingyang , Zhang Houliang , Liu Yunwei , Fu Qifeng , Ma Wei
Published: August 2022

Salix floderusii is a rare alpine tree species in the Salix genus. Unfortunately, no extensive germplasm identification, molecular phylogeny, and chloroplast genomics of this plant have been conducted. We sequenced the chloroplast (cp) genome of S. floderusii for the first time using second-generation sequencing technology. The cp genome was 155,540 bp long, including a large single-copy region (LSC, 84,401 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC, 16,221 bp), and inverted repeat regions (IR, 54,918 bp). A total of 131 genes were identified, including 86 protein genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The S. floderusii cp genome contains 1 complement repeat, 24 forward repeats, 17 palindromic repeats, and 7 reverse repeats. Analysis of the IR borders showed that the IRa and IRb regions of S. floderusii and Salix caprea were shorter than those of Salix cinerea, which may affect plastome evolution. Furthermore, four highly variable regions were found, including the rpl22 coding region, psbM/trnD-GUC non-coding region, petA/psbJ non-coding region, and ycf1 coding region. These high variable regions can be used as candidate molecular markers and as a reference for identifying future Salix species. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicated that the cp genome of S. floderusii is sister to Salix cupularis and belongs to the Subgenus Vetrix. Genes (Sf-trnI, Sf-PpsbA, aadA, Sf-TpsbA, Sf-trnA) obtained via cloning were inserted into the pBluescript II SK (+) to yield the cp expression vectors, which harbored the selectable marker gene aadA. The results of a spectinomycin resistance test indicated that the cp expression vector had been successfully constructed. Moreover, the aadA gene was efficiently expressed under the regulation of predicted regulatory elements. The present study provides a solid foundation for establishing subsequent S. floderusii cp transformation systems and developing strategies for the genetic improvement of S. floderusii.
Flexible societies excelled in saving lives in the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Jianghong , Akaliyski Plamen , Heisig Jan Paul , Löbl Simon , Minkov Michael
Published: August 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown that national cultural traits, such as collectivism–individualism and tightness–looseness, are associated with COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. However, although East Asian countries have outperformed other countries in containing COVID-19 infections and lowering mortality in the first pandemic waves, no studies to date have examined flexibility-monumentalism, a cultural trait that uniquely distinguishes East Asia from the rest of the world. Moreover, none of the previous studies have explored mechanisms underpinning the association between national culture and COVID-19 mortality.

Aims

Our study fills in these gaps by examining the association between flexibility-monumentalism and COVID-19 mortality, adjusting for important covariates and by analyzing mask wearing and fear of COVID-19 during the first weeks of the pandemic as plausible mechanisms underpinning this association.

Methods

We constructed and analyzed a dataset including 37 countries that have valid information on flexibility-monumentalism, COVID-19 deaths as of 31 October 2020 (before the start of vaccination campaigns), and relevant covariates including two other national cultural traits (individualism–collectivism and tightness–looseness) and other national characteristics (economic, political, demographic and health). Multiple linear regression with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors was used to assess the independent effect of flexibility-monumentalism on COVID-19 mortality. Mediation was assessed by examining the indirect effects of flexibility through mask wearing and fear of COVID-19 and determining the statistical significance through bootstrapping. Graphical and delete-one analysis was used to assess the robustness of the results.

Results

We found that flexibility was associated with a significant reduction in COVID-19 mortality as of 31 October 2020, independent of level of democracy, per capita GDP, urbanization, population density, supply of hospital beds, and median age of the population. This association with mortality is stronger and more robust than for two other prominent national cultural traits (individualism–collectivism and tightness–looseness). We also found tentative evidence that the effect of flexibility on COVID-19 mortality may be partially mediated through mask wearing in the first weeks of the pandemic.
Transcend socioeconomic status constraints to mathematics and science achievement by collaborative problem-solving: The female people-smartness hypothesis
Authors: Chiu Mei-Shiu
Published: August 2022

This study examines the female people-smartness (FPS) hypothesis, which addresses the reasons why females are more responsive to socioeconomic status (SES) and posits that using females’ strengths of people-smartness can assist females to overcome SES constraints. This study used data from the student surveys of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2015, including 519,334 students from 72 participating countries and economies. The results of the general linear model analysis revealed that females are better at collaborative problem-solving (CPS) and reading, while males are better at mathematics and science. Structural equation modeling revealed that the effect of SES on (mathematics and science) achievement is higher for females than for males. CPS can reduce the effect of SES on achievement. The findings generally support the FPS hypothesis and suggest that CPS-related competences should be emphasized and exercised to transcend SES constraints, especially for females in STEM curricula, studies and careers.
The effects of health insurance and physical exercise participation on life satisfaction of older people in China—Based on CHNS panel data from 2006 to 2015
Authors: Luo Lin , Zeng Xiaojin , Wang Xiangfei
Published: August 2022

Background

In China, the problem of aging population has become more and more serious. The factors influencing life satisfaction of older people are becoming a significant issue. This study explores the effects of health insurance and physical exercise on life satisfaction of older people in China.

Method

This study used an unbalanced panel dataset (n = 6,393, T = 4) of older adults aged 60–80 years from the 2006 to 2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). A panel ordered logistic regression model was developed to examine the effects of health insurance and physical exercise on older people' life satisfaction. Mediation tests were used to examine the mediating role of physical exercise in the effect of health insurance on life satisfaction of older people.

Result

Life satisfaction of older people was positively associated with participation in health insurance (OR = 1.439) and physical exercise (OR = 1.033). Participation in government health insurance, urban employee health insurance (UEBMI), new rural cooperative health insurance (NRCMI), and other commercial health insurance all have positive effects on life satisfaction of older people. Physical exercise plays a masking role in the effect of health insurance on life satisfaction of older people.

Conclusion

Participation in health insurance and physical exercise are important means to promote life satisfaction among older people. Physical exercise affects the impact of health insurance on older people's life satisfaction.
Prevalence of hyperuricemia in patients with severe obesity and the relationship between serum uric acid and severe obesity: A decade retrospective cross-section study in Chinese adults
Authors: Cheang Chonin , Law Saikam , Ren Jieru , Chan Wengtong , Wang Cunchuan , Dong Zhiyong
Published: August 2022

Objective

Undoubtedly, the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and obesity is less data for Chinese patients with obesity. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of hyperuricemia (HUA) and the association between SUA and patients with obesity.

Methods

All participants were categorized as overweight, obesity I, obesity II, and obesity III. In addition, based on SUA concentration, the participants were stratified into four quartiles. The authors used descriptive analysis, independent t-test, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression models to verify the SUA level and obesity among Chinese adults.

Results

Overall, the estimated prevalence of HUA was 69.8%. In the BMI categories, the prevalence of HUA was 5.1% in overweight, 15.2% in obesity I, 16.9% in obesity II, and 32.5% in obesity III. Correlation analysis shows that SUA is strongly correlated with BMI, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC). Multiple linear regression analysis shows that high density–lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a protective predictor of serum uric acid levels in patients with obesity. Compared with the overweight, obesity I, obesity II, and obesity III were more likely to have higher levels in the SUA levels.

Conclusion

We mainly showed that the serum uric acid levels in Chinese patients with severe obesity declined slightly as age increased.
Assessment of hospitals' websites in Portugal
Authors: Sarantis Demetrios , Soares Delfina Sa , Carvalho Joana
Published: August 2022

Technological advances have highly facilitated the accession of health-related information. As the public search on hospital websites for information and services is increasing, hospitals need to upgrade their websites to meet the high standards and demands of health-care consumers. Today, many hospital websites use a patient-centric approach to promote engagement and encourage interaction for better health-related decision making. However, little is known about the current state of hospital websites in Portugal. This study aims to assess hospital websites in Portugal and offer improvement insights. In this paper, the websites of 132 selected hospitals were thoroughly examined and assessed according to a predefined list of indicators and sub indicators, based on four criteria: technology, content, services and community interaction, defined in the Health Sector Website Assessment Index (HSWAI) instrument. Most of the websites scored satisfactorily in the technology criterion, performed fairly well in providing fundamental content, but showed shortcomings in quality metrics data and online patient services, and most of them fell short in community interaction elements. Overall, the results show that each hospital website must be improved in specific features in order to become effective and efficient. Several of the identified assessment elements (indicators/sub indicators) fall under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, United Nations health-focused goal, and could be used by governments to assess their progress toward achieving that specific goal. Therefore, this study not only provides a comprehensive and systematic approach that quantitatively measures hospital websites' overall performance, but also contributes to practical applications in terms of worthwhile recommendations for a website that meets patient's demands and hospital's operational needs.
Quality assessment, inclusive community development, and collective learning: An institutional perspective from Germany
Authors: Rohrmann Albrecht , Schaedler Johannes
Published: August 2022

This article reviews the German discourse on quality of life, quality assurance, and outcome measurement in services for persons with intellectual disabilities. Following institutional assumptions of path dependencies in organizational development, it is argued that concepts such as quality assurance must be understood in the context of the national support system development. For the Federal Republic of Germany, it can be noted that previous approaches to quality assurance of services based on measurement and evaluation tools have not been the drivers of innovation for inclusion. The driving forces behind reforms in the field of disability originated from the three angles of the social service structure (people with disabilities, statutory welfare agencies, and service providers). Policies of key actors were not part of a consistent reform strategy. However, the main elements of the inclusive philosophies of the disability rights movement became hegemonial and led to national legislation that prioritizes person-centered support arrangements in inclusive settings. With regard to governance arrangements in Germany and the idiosyncrasies of local disability fields, it is suggested that there should be a conceptualization of quality assurance in a multilevel approach as “local quality dialogues for collective learning.”
Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis polysaccharide in Lohmann Brown chickens
Authors: Zhou Hui , Dai Chen , Cui Xuejie , Zhang Tao , Che Yanyun , Duan Kun , Yi Lei , Nguyen Audrey D. , Li Nannan , De Souza Cristabelle , Wan Xin , Wu Yu , Li Kun , Liu Yuhong , Wu Yi
Published: August 2022

Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide extract 1 (GPS-1) is a bioactive component isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, also known as Chinese licorice. It appears to be pharmacologically active as an antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-tumor agent. GPS-1 has also been shown to buffer liver health and regulate the immune system. Moreover, GPS-1 is low cost and easy to extract. More study was needed to elucidate the biochemical pathways underlying the immunomodulatory and antioxidant benefits observed in Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide extract 1 (GPS-1). in vitro experiments on chicken lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) show that GPS-1 significantly promotes the proliferation of immune cells and is linked to lymphocytes' secretion of IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α by. DC secretion of NO, IL-2, IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-12p70 was also increased significantly. Additionally, GPS-1 also displayed a significant antioxidant effect in vitro, able to scavenge DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS, and other free radicals like superoxide anions. Separately, GPS-1 was tested in vivo in combination with the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) – attenuated vaccine. 120 Lohmann Brown chickens were vaccinated, while another 30 became the unvaccinated blank control (BC) group. For three consecutive days 1 mL of GPS-1 was administered at doses of 19.53 μg/mL, 9.77 μg/mL, or 4.88 μg/mL to the ND-vaccinated birds, except for the vaccine control (VC), where n = 30 per group. In vivo results show that GPS-1 combined with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine had the best efficacy at significantly increasing chickens' body weight and ND serum antibody titer, enhancing their secretion of IL-2 and IFN- γ, and promoting the development of immune organs. The results also indicate that GPS-1 was able increase the proliferation of in vitro immune cells and elevate their cytokine secretion, which enhances the body's immune response. GPS-1 also clearly has the potential to be used as an immune adjuvant alongside ND vaccination.
Are Kenyans Likely to Use COVID-19 Self-Testing Kits? Results From a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Manguro Griffins , Shilton Sonjelle , Omenda Sharon , Owira Patrica , Batheja Deepshikha , Banerji Abhik , Chabeda Sophie Vusha , Temmerman Marleen , Jako Walter , Ndungu Joseph , Luchters Stanley , Ivanova Reipold Elena , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z.
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To understand the public’s perceptions around rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-testing in Kenya, including the drivers of acceptability, willingness to pay, and adherence to hygiene and prevention recommendations following a positive self-test.

Methods: A household-based, cross-sectional survey, using a 35-item questionnaire, was conducted in Mombasa and Taita–Taveta counties, Kenya, during August 2021. Individuals aged ≥18 years were enrolled using a stratified sampling approach.

Results: There were 419 participants (mean age 35.7 years). A minority (10.5%) had ever tested for SARS-CoV-2. If SARS-CoV-2 self-testing were available, 39.9% and 41.5% would be likely and very likely, respectively, to use it. If unavailable free-of-charge, 63.01% would pay for it. Multivariate analyses suggested that people in rural areas (Coefficient 0.30, 95%CI: 0.11–0.48, p = 0.002), aged 36–55 (Coefficient 0.21, 95%CI: 0.03–0.40, p = 0.023), and employed full time (Coefficient 0.32, 95%CI: 0.06–0.58, p = 0.016) would have more odds to adhere to recommended hygiene and prevention actions.

Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 self-testing was considered acceptable. Availability of self-testing could expand access to COVID-19 testing in Kenya, particularly among rural communities who have limited access to testing, and among mildly symptomatic individuals.
BDREA Betta and Dolphin Pods Routing via Energy Scarcity Aware Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Wireless Sensor Networks (UAWSNs)
Authors: Zradgui Hamza , Ibrahimi Khalil
Published: August 2022

There exist numerous applications for deploying Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs), including submarine detection, disaster prevention, oil and gas monitoring, off-shore exploration, and military target tracking. The acoustic sensor nodes are deployed to monitor the underwater environment, considering the area under observation. This research work proposes an energy scarcity-aware routing protocol for energy efficient UWSNs. Moreover, it aims to find the feasible region on the basis of the objective function, in order to minimize the energy tax and extend the network life. There are three different sensors nodes in the network environment, i.e., anchor nodes, relay nodes, and the centralized station. Anchor nodes originate data packets, while relay nodes process them and broadcast between each other until the packets reach the centralized station. The underline base scheme Weighting Depth and Forwarding Area Division Depth-Based Routing (WDFAD-DBR) for routing is based on the depth differences of the first- and second-hop nodes of the source node. The propose work, Betta and Dolphin Pods Routing via Energy Scarcity Aware protocol (BDREA) for packet forwarding from the forwarding nodes considers the first and second hops of the source node, i.e., the packet advancement, the network traffic, the distance to the centralized station, and the inverse normalized energy of the forwarding zone. It is observed that the proposed work improves the performance parameters by approximately 50% in terms of energy efficiency, and prolongs the network life compared to Dolphin and Whale Pod (DOW-PR) protocols. Furthermore, the energy efficiency directly relates to the other parameters, and its enhancement can be seen in terms of an 18.02% reduction in end-to-end delay when compared with the Weighting Depth and Forwarding Area Division Depth-Based Routing (WDFAD-DBR) protocol. Furthermore, BDREA improves the Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) by approximately 8.71%, compared to DOW-PR, and by 10% compared with the benchmark, WDFAD-DBR, the energy tax by 50% in comparison to DOW-PR, the end-to-end delay by 18%, and the APD by 5% in comparison to WDFAD-DBR.
Research on Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Activities in Residential Areas in Subtropical China
Authors: Deng Yuwan , Gan Dexin , Tang Na , Cai Zhengwu , Li Xinyi , Chen Simin , Li Xiaoma
Published: August 2022

Public spaces in residential areas are the main places for the daily activities of residents, and thermally comfortable activity space is particularly important for promoting the activities and public health of residents. Previous studies have mostly focused on tropical regions, with less research on outdoor thermal comfort in subtropical regions. In this study, we aimed to investigate outdoor thermal benchmarks and outdoor activities in summer subtropical residential areas. Through physical measurements, questionnaires, and field observations, four residential areas in Changsha city were studied. The outdoor thermal comfort and activity of residents were studied with the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) as a model. The results showed that: (1) the neutral PET and neutral PET ranges for residents were 26.2 °C and 24.7–27.8 °C, respectively, and the range of 90% acceptable PET was lower than 28.5 °C; (2) globe temperature and air temperature were the primary factors influencing the thermal sensation of the residents; and (3) residents adapted to the thermal environment by adjusting their activity time and space in summer. These results help us to better understand the outdoor thermal comfort and activities of people living in subtropical regions and can provide guidance for the design of future residential open spaces.
On the Molecular Driving Force of Protein–Protein Association
Authors: Rapuano Roberta , Graziano Giuseppe
Published: August 2022

The amount of water-accessible-surface-area, WASA, buried upon protein–protein association is a good measure of the non-covalent complex stability in water; however, the dependence of the binding Gibbs free energy change upon buried WASA proves to be not trivial. We assign a precise physicochemical role to buried WASA in the thermodynamics of non-covalent association and perform close scrutiny of the contributions favoring and those contrasting protein–protein association. The analysis indicates that the decrease in solvent-excluded volume, an entropic effect, described by means of buried WASA, is the molecular driving force of non-covalent association in water.
The Struggle to Entertain Yourself: Consequences of the Internal Stimulation Factor of Boredom Proneness during Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Dang Van , Lench Heather C.
Published: August 2022

Boredom is a ubiquitous human experience that most people try to avoid feeling. People who are prone to boredom experience negative consequences. This study examined the impact of individual differences in the ability to entertain the self (the internal stimulation factor) on boredom experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United States. The internal and external stimulation factors predicted greater boredom frequency, boredom duration, and boredom intensity, each of which reflected a different aspect of emotional experience. The relationship among these factors was complex. A serial mediation analysis indicated the internal stimulation factor predicted the frequency of boredom, which in turn predicted the duration of boredom, which predicted boredom intensity. This pattern of relationships is potentially unique to boredom among emotional experiences. These findings provide insight into how boredom functions during a period in which daily activities and coping resources that would normally be available became severely limited.
Online Crowdfunding for Urologic Cancer Care
Authors: Rajwa Pawel , Hopen Philip , Wojnarowicz Jakub , Kaletka Julia , Paszkiewicz Iga , Lach-Wojnarowicz Olga , Mostafaei Hadi , Krajewski Wojciech , D’Andrea David , Małkiewicz Bartosz , Paradysz Andrzej , Ploussard Guillaume , Moschini Marco , Breyer Benjamin N. , Pradere Benjamin , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Leapman Michael S.
Published: August 2022

Background: we aimed to characterize the financial needs expressed through online crowdfunding for urologic cancers. Methods: the data used in this study came from the online crowdfunding platform GoFundMe.com. Using an automated software method, we extracted data for campaigns related to urologic cancers. Subsequently, four independent investigators reviewed all extracted data on prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancer. We analyzed campaigns’ basic characteristics, goals, fundraising, type of treatment and factors associated with successful campaigns. Results: in total, we identified 2126 individual campaigns, which were related to direct treatment costs (34%), living expenses (17%) or both (48%). Median fundraising amounts were greatest for testicular cancer. Campaigns for both complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) (median $11,000) or CAM alone (median $8527) achieved higher fundraising totals compared with those for conventional treatments alone (median $5362) (p < 0.01). The number of social media shares was independently associated with campaign success and highest quartile of fundraising. Conclusions: using an automated web-based approach, we identified and characterized online crowdfunding for urologic cancer care. These findings indicated a diverse range of patient needs related to urologic care and factors related to campaigns’ success.
Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome or Its Components: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Park Jae Hyun , Cho Hyun Seok , Yoon Jong Ho
Published: August 2022

The rapidly increasing coincidence of thyroid cancer and metabolic syndrome (MS) in recent decades suggests an association between the two disorders. To investigate this association, we conducted a nationwide study of a large-scale patient cohort. Between 2009 and 2011, data were collected by the Korean National Health Insurance Service for 4,658,473 persons aged 40–70 years without thyroid cancer. During the six-year follow-up period, participants were monitored for the development of thyroid cancer. The relative risks and incidences of thyroid cancer were calculated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses after adjusting for age and body mass index. The risk of thyroid cancer was significantly elevated in men and women with MS or MS components, except for hyperglycaemia (p = 0.723) or hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.211) in men. The incidence of thyroid cancer per 10,000 person-years in individuals with MS was significantly higher in men (6.2, p < 0.001) and women (21.3, p < 0.001) compared to those without MS. Additionally, the risk of thyroid cancer increased significantly with an increasing number of MS components even in individuals with only one or two MS components. MS and its components were significantly associated with increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.