bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Research on Technology-Supported Language Learning and 21st Century Skills
Authors: Shadiev Rustam , Wang Xun
Published: July 2022

Modern society needs people to be equipped with 21st century skills (e.g., critical thinking, creativity, communication, digital literacy, or collaboration skills). For this reason, teaching and learning nowadays should promote not only students' knowledge acquisition in various learning contexts but also their 21st century skills, and language learning context is no exception. This study reviewed research on technology-supported language learning and 21st century skills. The reason is that earlier studies reviewed only articles related to language learning supported by technology and mostly focused on languages, language skills and technologies used. That is to say, 21st century skills were not considered in earlier review studies. The present study selected and reviewed 34 articles published between 2011 and 2022 (February) and focused on the following dimensions: (1) research focus such as language skills and 21st century skills; (2) theoretical foundations; (3) technologies; (4) learning activities; (5) methodology; and (6) findings. The present research found that reviewed studies had focused most frequently on such language skills as speaking and writing and on such 21st century skills as communication and collaboration. The social constructivism theory was often used by scholars to base their studies on. Facebook, Google Docs, and Moodle were popular technologies in reviewed studies to facilitate language and 21st century skills. Scholars in reviewed studies reported that technology-supported language learning activities provided learners with good learning experiences and enhanced their learning motivation, engagement, and confidence. However, some challenges that learners faced during learning activities were also reported. Based on the results of the review, this study made several recommendations for stakeholders such as educators and researchers in the field.
Parenting in a 24/7 Economy: Mothers’ Non-standard Work Schedules and Involvement in Children’s Education
Authors: Kim Minseop , Jung Nahri , Wulandari Larasati
Published: July 2022

Evidence suggests that parental involvement in children’s education has a positive impact on children’s educational achievements and wellbeing outcomes. The trend toward 24/7 economies has obliged many mothers to work non-standard schedules (i.e., schedules outside traditional daytime, Monday–Friday work schedules). This has raised concerns over how non-standard work schedules affect parenting behaviors, including paternal involvement in children’s education. Using data from mothers of young children (age 5–6) in Hong Kong (N = 433), this study examined the association between maternal work schedules and involvement in children’s home and school activities. The results of structural equation modeling found that weekend work was associated with lower levels of home-based involvement. By contrast, working non-standard hours was linked with higher levels of school-based involvement. This pattern suggested that non-standard work schedules could make it either easier or harder for mothers to balance work and family responsibilities, depending on the circumstances (i.e., whether they work non-standard hours or weekends). These findings, indicating that the effects of non-standard work schedules are not uniformly negative or positive, warrant sophisticated policy efforts to address the potential adverse effects of non-standard work schedules and avoid undermining their potential to be used as a family-friendly option.
The (Gami)fictional Ego-Center: Projecting the Location of the Self Into an Avatar
Authors: Friehs Maximilian A. , Schäfer Sarah , Frings Christian
Published: July 2022

A rich body of research suggests that self-associated stimuli are preferentially processed and therefore responses to such stimuli are typically faster and more accurate. In addition, people have an understanding of what they consider their “Self” and where it is located, namely near the head and upper torso—further boosting the processing of self-related stimuli if they are presented near the felt location of the self. We were interested in whether the same mechanism can be found when people transfer their “Self” into a static avatar. We investigated this in two studies with N = 33 and N = 39 young, healthy adults, respectively. Taken together, the results showed that (i) people indeed show enhanced processing for self-avatar-related stimuli and (ii) that self-associations are stronger if the to-be-associated stimuli are closer to the avatar’s upper torso—suggesting some kind of a projected location of the self in the avatar. This implies that attention is not equally distributed across the avatar. Beyond a theoretical level, this also has implications for practical use. For example, digital games opting for a non-traditional user interface where information is displayed on or in the direct vicinity of the character should take this effect into account when choosing which information to present where (i.e., present the most crucial piece of information close to the self-center of the avatar).
Trivialization of Aggression Against Women in India: An Exploration of Life Writings and Societal Perception
Authors: Arya S. , George Allen Joshua
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Aggression, or an action that intend to harm, encompasses different forms with varying intensity, impact, and salient features. Globally and in Indian context specifically, aggression against women is often normalized if there is no physical aggression involved as the hurt caused tends to be invisible. The current study explored the perceived intensity of physical, verbal, and sexual aggression among south Indian adults.

Method

Aggressive instances from the life writings of two south Indian women were chosen and were rated by five independent coders to check inter-coder reliability. The select narratives disclose instances of domestic aggression. Ten instances with highest ratings were chosen as the material for data collection. Adults (N = 145) from two southern states had reported the perceived intensity of aggression in each context. Textual analysis and ANOVA were the analytic techniques adopted.

Results

The results indicate trivialization of verbal aggression compared to physical and sexual aggression. Further, the instances of verbal or more subtle aggression were perceived as even more trivial when the respondents got exposed to the instances of explicit physical and sexual aggressions first.

Conclusions

The findings indicate trivialization of verbal and implicit forms of aggression, particularly when exposed along with physical and explicit forms of aggression. Consequences of different forms of aggression were not considered significant by the respondents. Suggestions for further studies, changes in policy-making, and law-enforcement were made based on the current results.
Conceptualizing Leader–Member Exchange as a Second-Order Construct
Authors: Manata Brian , Grubb Siri
Published: July 2022

To date, scholars have focused a considerable amount of effort on developing valid measures of leader–member exchange (LMX). Although useful, it is unclear whether this proliferation in measurement is warranted. Specifically, although perhaps meaningful conceptual distinctions are made when developing new LMX measures, it is unclear whether these measures differ sufficiently from previously established measures. This manuscript explores this possibility. We begin by providing a brief review of the current state of LMX measurement, and then proceed by describing three different studies through which this research question is explored. Results suggest that virtually all measures of LMX included in this investigation are indicators of the same underlying second-order factor, i.e., they are all measuring the same construct.
A Rapid Systematic Review of Worldwide Alcohol Use Disorders and Brief Alcohol Interventions in the Criminal Justice System
Authors: Newbury-Birch Dorothy , Ferguson Jennifer , Connor Natalie , Divers Andrew , Waller Gillian
Published: July 2022

Although the relationship is complex, there is an association between alcohol use and offending behavior with an interplay between the amount drank, the pattern of drinking and individual and contextual factors. Alcohol brief interventions have been shown to be effective in primary healthcare, however there is currently a lack of compelling evidence in the criminal justice system. We carried out a rapid systematic review of the literature, which updated our review conducted in 2016. Following systematic searches, we included 36 papers on prevalence and 13 papers on effectiveness. Between 26 and 88% of individuals in the policy custody setting scored positive for an alcohol use disorder. In the magistrates court this was 95%; 31–86% in the probation setting and between 19 and 86% in the prison system. In relation to probable dependence, between 21 and 38% of individuals were shown to have probable alcohol dependence in the police custody suite setting; 39 per cent in the magistrate court system; 17–36% in the probation setting and between 18 and 48% in the prison system. This compares to 6% in the general population. We included 13 studies of effectiveness with differing outcome measures and outcomes. We conclude more studies are needed in the field to develop the current evidence base.
A Review Study on the Trends of Psychological Challenges, Coping Ways, and Public Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Vulnerable Populations in the United States
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Singh Anand , Mishra Rahul , Saraswati Ushasi , Bhalla Jaideep , Pagali Sandeep
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant mortality and morbidity in the United States. The mental health impact during the pandemic was huge and affected all age groups and population types. We reviewed the existing literature to understand the present trends of psychological challenges and different coping strategies documented across different vulnerable sections of the United States population. This rapid review was carried out to investigate the trends in psychological impacts, coping ways, and public support during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in the United States.

Materials and Methods

We undertook a rapid review of the literature following the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. We searched PubMed as it is a widely available database for observational and experimental studies that reported the psychological effects, coping ways, and public support on different age groups and healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

We included thirty-five studies in our review and reported data predominantly from the vulnerable United States population. Our review findings indicate that COVID-19 has a considerable impact on the psychological wellbeing of various age groups differently, especially in the elderly population and HCWs. Review findings suggest that factors like children, elderly population, female gender, overconcern about family, fear of getting an infection, personality, low spirituality, and lower resilience levels were at a higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes during this pandemic. Systemic support, higher resilience levels, and adequate knowledge were identified as protecting and preventing factors. There is a paucity of similar studies among the general population, and we restricted our review specifically to vulnerable subgroups of the population. All the included studies in our review investigated and surveyed the psychological impacts, coping skills, and public support system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The evidence to date suggests that female gender, child and elderly population, and racial factors have been affected by a lack of support for psychological wellbeing. Further, research using our hypothesized framework might help any population group to deal with a pandemic-associated mental health crisis, and in that regard, analysis of wider societal structural factors is recommended.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Anxiety, Depression and Nursing Burden of Caregivers in Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia With Lewy Bodies and Mild Cognitive Impairment in China: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Bao Xinran , Xu Junying , Meng Qingbo , Gan Jinghuan , Wang Xiao-Dan , Wu Hao , Liu Shuai , Ji Yong
Published: July 2022

Background

Many countries have adopted lockdown strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of the pandemic on anxiety, depression and care burden in caregivers of nursing patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), over a one-year period.

Methods

We collected data on consecutive patients and their caregivers recruited at T0 (from 30 September to 31 December 2019) before the pandemic of COVID-19 at the memory clinic of Tianjin Huanhu Hospital. The patients and caregivers were followed up on face-to-face at T1 (from 30 September to 31 December 2020) during the pandemic to assess changes in physical activity, social contact, sleep quality, caregiver burden, anxiety and depression.

Results

A total of 105 AD, 22 DLB and 50 MCI patients and caregivers were enrolled. A total of 36.6 % of the AD, 81.6% of the DLB, 38% of the MCI caregivers had worsening ZBI, whereas 31.7 % of the AD, 54.4% of the DLB, 26 % of the MCI caregivers had worsening GAD-7, and 29.6 % of the AD, 54.4% of the DLB, and 32 % of the MCI caregivers had worsening PHQ-9. DLB caregivers exhibited a rapid deterioration of ZBI (by 4.27 ± 5.43, P < 0.001), GAD-7 (by 2.23 ± 3.26, P = 0.003) and PHQ-9 (by 1.32 ± 2.25, P = 0.003) compared to AD and MCI caregivers.

Conclusion

Social isolation, physical inactivity and sleep disturbance after lockdown for at least 12 months were significantly related to increased caregiver burden and worsened psychological states of caregivers of AD, DLB and MCI sufferers, especially among DLB caregivers.
Intention to Engage in Mountain Sport During the Summer Season in Climate Change Affected Environments
Authors: Niedermeier Martin , Frühauf Anika , Kopp Martin
Published: July 2022

Natural environments can make it easier to engage in regular physical activity, including mountain sport activities. However, global warming is expected to change natural environments, especially in mountainous regions with potential impacts on physical activity behavior. While there is some evidence of a reduced intention to engage in winter sport in climate change affected environments, little is known on the impact of climate change in mountain sports conducted in the summer season. Therefore, the present study aimed at comparing the effect of being exposed to a climate change affected scenario (CCA) to being exposed to a climate change unaffected scenario (CCU) on the intention to engage in summer mountain sport activities. Furthermore, we aimed to analyze the role of anticipated affective responses in the context of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Using a web-based experimental cross-sectional study design, participants were randomly allocated to scenarios of either CCA or CCU pictures. Participants were asked to complete questions about TPB variables and about affective responses referring to the displayed scenarios. Statistical analyses included tests on group differences and hierarchical linear regression analyses. TPB variables (intention to engage in summer mountain sport, attitude, and perceived behavioral control) did not show significant group differences between CCA (n = 155) and CCU (n = 156), p > 0.131; r < −0.10. Significantly lower anticipated affective valence was found in CCA compared to CCU, p < 0.001, r = −0.43. Affective valence did not significantly improve the TPB model, change in R2 = 0.7%, p = 0.096. However, a higher affective valence was significantly associated with a higher attitude toward summer mountain sport, beta = 0.19, p < 0.001. Intention to engage in summer mountain sport was similar in the groups. Therefore, an immediate reduced engagement in mountain sport activities due to climate change seems unlikely in the summer season, although differentiated findings across various activities of summer mountain sport cannot be excluded. A reduced affective valence during summer mountain sport activities might occur in the presence of signs of climate change in the environment, which may lead to longer-term behavior changes in climate change affected scenarios also in the summer by repeated experiences of reduced valence.
Tobacco Control Measures' Role in Improving Employees' Health Under the Impact of Health Education and Media Campaign
Authors: Wu Yu
Published: July 2022

The overarching purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of health education, media campaigns, and peer counselor training on employees' health. This study also attempted to evaluate the function of tobacco control as a mediator in the relationship between employees' health and health education, media campaigns, and peer counselor training. Data were collected from 440 tobacco industry workers in China using a questionnaire technique. Smart-PLS software and a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique were used to evaluate the data. Employees' health was found to be significantly improved by health education, media campaigns, and peer counselor training. Furthermore, tobacco control was discovered to moderate the association between employee health and health education, media campaigns, and peer counselor training. By analyzing the impact of health education, media campaigns, and peer counselor training on employees' health, this research provided an important theoretical contribution. In terms of practical applications, this study would help employees consuming tobacco to maintain a healthy and safe atmosphere that encourages them to be engaged and perform well. Furthermore, this study could prove effective in resolving difficulties linked to controlling employee tobacco addiction and improving their performance. The tiny sample size of this study, which included solely employees working in the Chinese tobacco sector, was one of its limitations. In addition, future studies can incorporate other constructs to acquire a deeper knowledge of the factors that influence employees' health.
Practice-Based Evidence to Support Return to Work in Cancer Patients
Authors: Désiron Huget , Simons Berthold , Spooren Annemie , Camut Stéphane , Van de Velde Dominique , Otte Thomas , Brunois Théo , Van Kelst Kirsten , Godderis Lode
Published: July 2022

Background

International research emphasizes the importance of providing early, hospital-based support in return to work (RTW) for cancer patients. Even though oncology health professionals are aware of the scientific evidence, it remains unclear whether they implement this knowledge in current practice. This paper presents the knowledge and viewpoints of health care professionals (HCPs) on their potential role in their patients' RTW process.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with oncology HCPs were used to describe current practice. Results of these interviews served as input for focus group discussions with managers in oncology hospitals, which led to an agreement on of best practice.

Results

This research had the participation of 75% of Belgian institutions involved in oncology health care services. Five themes were identified that influence care providers and staff to implement scientific evidence on RTW in cancer patients: (1) Opinions on the role that care institutions can take in RTW support; (2) Current content of RTW support during oncology care; (3) Scientific bases; (4) Barriers and success factors; and (5) Legislation and regulations. The key elements of the best practice included a generic approach adapted to the needs of the cancer patient supported by a RTW coordinator.

Conclusions

Health care providers include RTW support in their current care, but in very varied ways. They follow a process that starts with setting the indication (meaning the identification of patients for whom the provision of work-related care would be useful) and ends with a clear objective agreed upon by HCPs and the patient. We recommend that specific points of interest be included in regulation at both the patient and hospital levels.
Post-traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain: Factors Affecting Surgical Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Neal Timothy W. , Zuniga John R.
Published: July 2022

Post-traumatic trigeminal neuropathic pain (PTTNp) is a painful condition that may result from injury to the sensory division of the trigeminal nerve. Treatment of this condition is challenging and consensus on treatment to resolve neuropathic pain has yet to be standardized. Equally as challenging is the identification of surgical outcome variables to guide surgical treatment of PTTNp. This is partly due to the variability in pain characteristics, severity of nerve injury, location, and duration from injury to surgery. In those with neuropathic pain prior to microsurgical intervention, the incidence of neuropathic pain after microsurgical intervention is 67%. It is unclear why nerve repair surgery is effective in resolving or decreasing neuropathic pain in some patients, whereas it has no effect on pain relief in others. Psychological, medical, and age-related factors have been identified as risk factors for developing chronic post-surgical pain due to post-traumatic neuropathic pain. Two factors: injury to surgery time and preoperative visual analog scale score have recently been identified as variables that influence surgical outcomes in the treatment of PTTNp.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based Optimization for RIS-Based UAV-NOMA Downlink Networks (Invited Paper)
Authors: Jiao Shiyu , Xie Ximing , Ding Zhiguo
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the application of deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) to reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-based unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) downlink networks. The deployment of UAV equipped with a RIS is important, as the UAV increases the flexibility of the RIS significantly, especially for the case of users who have no line-of-sight (LoS) path to the base station (BS). Therefore, the aim of this study is to maximize the sum-rate by jointly optimizing the power allocation of the BS, the phase shifting of the RIS, and the horizontal position of the UAV. The formulated problem is non-convex, the DDPG algorithm is utilized to solve it. The computer simulation results are provided to show the superior performance of the proposed DDPG-based algorithm.
A Systematic Literature Review of Water-Migration-Gender Nexus Toward Integrated Governance Strategies for (Non) Migrants
Authors: Irbık Dilare Ecenur
Published: July 2022

Water access and environmental migration are crucial global development issues to be examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Although climate change and water-related dimensions of migration have been widely studied, a gendered lens on this topic is scarce in the current academic literature. To address this gap, I use insights from feminist political ecology and a water-migration-gender nexus to analyze the gender aspects in women's experiences, challenges, and opportunities due to climate change and water stressors. After conducting a systematic literature review, 67 articles were appraised for quality and included in the synthesis to review existing policies. In the discussion section, based on these existing policies, I propose integrated governance strategies that could synergically mitigate water-related problems and (non) migration challenges with a neglected gender focus so that women and girls can prepare to be more resilient to the social, economic, and environmental changes in everyday life. This paper engages with vulnerability, tolerance, and adaptation of women and girls to socio-ecological changes around the water discourse, and it proposes a conceptual framework for the integrated governance strategies to understand better the connection between water-related security risks and development problems resulting from climate change, (non) migration, and gender.
Prediction of Propulsion Kinematics and Performance in Wheelchair Rugby
Authors: Haydon David S. , Pinder Ross A. , Grimshaw Paul N. , Robertson William S. P. , Holdback Connor J. M.
Published: July 2022

Prediction of propulsion kinematics and performance in wheelchair sports has the potential to improve capabilities of individual wheelchair prescription while minimizing testing requirements. While propulsion predictions have been developed for daily propulsion, these have not been extended for maximal effort in wheelchair sports. A two step-approach to predicting the effects of changing set-up in wheelchair rugby was developed, consisting of: (One) predicting propulsion kinematics during a 5 m sprint by adapting an existing linkage model; and (Two) applying partial least-squares regression to wheelchair set-up, propulsion kinematics, and performance. Eight elite wheelchair rugby players completed 5 m sprints in nine wheelchair set-ups while varying seat height, seat depth, seat angle, and tire pressure. Propulsion kinematics (contact and release angles) and performance (sprint time) were measured during each sprint and used for training and assessment for both models. Results were assessed through comparison of predicted and experimental propulsion kinematics (degree differences) for Step One and performance times (seconds differences) for Step Two. Kinematic measures, in particular contact angles, were identified with mean prediction errors less than 5 degrees for 43 of 48 predictions. Performance predictions were found to reflect on-court trends for some players, while others showed weaker prediction accuracy. More detailed modeling approaches that can account for individual athlete activity limitations would likely result in improved accuracy in propulsion and performance predictions across a range of wheelchair sports. Although this would come at an increased cost, developments would provide opportunities for more suitable set-ups earlier in an athlete's career, increasing performance and reducing injury risk.
High Genetic Diversity of Porcine Sapovirus From Diarrheic Piglets in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Xiao , Song Chunlian , Liu Yinghua , Qu Kaixing , Bi Junyu , Bi Junlong , Wang Yunhua , Yang Ying , Sun Junhua , Guo Zhigang , Li Ganwu , Liu Jianping , Yin Gefen
Published: July 2022

As one of the most important enteric viruses, sapovirus (SaV) can infect humans and a variety of animals. Until now, 19 SaV genogroups have been identified, among which 4 from human (GI, GII, GIV, and GV) and 8 from swine (GIII, GV–GXI). Porcine sapovirus (PoSaV) GIII has been prevalent in China; however, the status of PoSaV infection in Yunnan province remains unknown. In this study, 202 fecal samples were collected from piglets associated with outbreaks of acute diarrhea in Yunnan between January and May 2020. PoSaV detection revealed that the total PoSaV infection rate in Yunnan was 35.2%, with 21 PoSaV strains determined and phylogenetically analyzed. The phylogenetic tree analyses demonstrated that twenty PoSaV strains belonged to GIII and fell into five genotypes, whereas one PoSaV strain (YNQB) belonged to GV. Sequence alignments revealed deletions in VP2 region in 10 of the 20 GIII strains, as well as deletions and insertions in VP1 region of the GV strain (YNQB). Furthermore, genomic recombination analyses showed that two GIII strains (YNAN and YNJD) were recombinants, closely related to reference sequences MK965898 and LC215880, MK965898 and FJ387164, respectively. In summary, PoSaV-GIII strains were identified in Yunnan in 2020, and for the first time, a PoSaV-GV strain was identified from China, whereas the comprehensive analyses illustrated high genetic diversity of Yunnan PoSaV strains. This study may shed new light on the current PoSaV infections in Yunnan and pave the way toward further control of the PoSaV infections in China.
The Chasm in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and In-Hospital Mortality Rates Among Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients in Rural and Urban Hospitals in China: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Cai Miao , Liu Echu , Bai Peng , Zhang Nan , Wang Siyu , Li Wei , Lin Hualiang , Lin Xiaojun
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To determine to what extent the inequality in the ability to provide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) translates into outcomes for AMI patients in China.

Methods: We identified 82,677 patients who had primary diagnoses of AMI and were hospitalized in Shanxi Province, China, between 2013 and 2017. We applied logistic regressions with inverse probability weighting based on propensity scores and mediation analyses to examine the association of hospital rurality with in-hospital mortality and the potential mediating effects of PCI.

Results: In multivariate models where PCI was not adjusted for, rural hospitals were associated with a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.37). However, this association was nullified (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.81–1.08) when PCI was included as a covariate. Mediation analyses revealed that PCI significantly mediated 132.3% (95% CI: 104.1–256.6%) of the effect of hospital rurality on in-hospital mortality. The direct effect of hospital rurality on in-hospital mortality was insignificant.

Conclusion: The results highlight the need to improve rural hospitals’ infrastructure and address the inequalities of treatments and outcomes in rural and urban hospitals.
Research Updates of Plasmid-Mediated Aminoglycoside Resistance 16S rRNA Methyltransferase
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Hu Fupin
Published: July 2022

With the wide spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, a variety of aminoglycosides have been used in clinical practice as one of the effective options for antimicrobial combinations. However, in recent years, the emergence of high-level resistance against pan-aminoglycosides has worsened the status of antimicrobial resistance, so the production of 16S rRNA methyltransferase (16S-RMTase) should not be ignored as one of the most important resistance mechanisms. What is more, on account of transferable plasmids, the horizontal transfer of resistance genes between pathogens becomes easier and more widespread, which brings challenges to the treatment of infectious diseases and infection control of drug-resistant bacteria. In this review, we will make a presentation on the prevalence and genetic environment of 16S-RMTase encoding genes that lead to high-level resistance to aminoglycosides.
A Comprehensive Evaluation Model for Local Summer Climate Suitability under Global Warming: A Case Study in Zhejiang Province
Authors: Wang Kuo , Xu Zhihang , Fan Gaofeng , Gao Dawei , Liu Changjie , Yu Zhenyan , Yao Xia , Li Zhengquan
Published: July 2022

In the context of global warming, how to measure summer climate suitability at a local scale is important for meteorological services. Considering meteorological and ecological conditions, body comfort, and the atmospheric environment, an assessment method for summer climate suitability for Zhejiang Province is proposed. In this paper, a summer suitable index (SSI) for Zhejiang is calculated, including four secondary indices: a summer cool index (SCI), a comfort days index (CDI), a good air days index (GADI) and a vegetation cover index (VCI). Using a local evaluation criterion, summer climate suitable areas are distinguished objectively according to the SSI. The results show that especially suitable regions account for 4.97% of Zhejiang Province, very suitable regions account for 22.2%, suitable regions account for 39.58%, and general regions account for 33.25%. The summer climate suitable areas are located mainly in high mountains and hills and coastal island areas while plain areas cannot be considered a suitable destination for summer tourism. By comparison and discussion, the SSI is demonstrated to capture summer climate suitability well. In contrast to a fixed evaluation index, benchmark values obtained for the SSI depend on the local climate and the index is straightforward to apply.
A Simplified Murine Model to Imitate Flexor Tendon Adhesion Formation without Suture
Authors: Bao Rong , Cheng Shi , Zhu Jianyu , Hai Feng , Mi Wenli , Liu Shen
Published: July 2022

Peritendinous adhesion (PA) around tendons are daunting challenges for hand surgeons. Tenotomy with various sutures are considered classical tendon repair models (TRM) of tendon adhesion as well as tendon healing. However, potential biomimetic therapies such as anti-adhesion barriers and artificial tendon sheaths to avoid recurrence of PA are sometimes tested in these models without considering tendon healing. Thus, our aim is to create a simplified model without sutures in this study by using three 6 mm longitudinal and parallel incisions called the longitudinal incision model (LCM) in the murine flexor tendon. We found that the adhesion score of LCM has no significant difference to that in TRM. The range of motion (ROM) reveals similar adhesion formation in both TRM and LCM groups. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of collagen I and III in LCM shows no significant difference to that in TRM. The breaking force and stiffness of LCM were significantly higher than that of TRM. Therefore, LCM can imitate flexor tendon adhesion formation without sutures compared to TRM, without significant side effects on biomechanics with an easy operation.
The Education Pipeline of Biomimetics and Its Challenges
Authors: Jacobs Shoshanah , Eggermont Marjan , Helms Michael , Wanieck Kristina
Published: July 2022

Biomimetics must be taught to the next generation of designers in the interest of delivering solutions for current problems. Teaching biomimetics involves teachers and students from and in various disciplines at different stages of the educational system. There is no common understanding of how and what to teach in the different phases of the educational pipeline. This manuscript describes different perspectives, expectations, needs, and challenges of users from various backgrounds. It focuses on how biomimetics is taught at the various stages of education and career: from K-12 to higher education to continuing education. By constructing the biomimetics education pipeline, we find that some industry challenges are addressed and provide opportunities to transfer the lessons to application. We also identify existing gaps in the biomimetics education pipeline that could further advance industry application if a curriculum is developed.
The Neuromodulatory Role of the Noradrenergic and Cholinergic Systems and Their Interplay in Cognitive Functions: A Focused Review
Authors: Slater Cody , Liu Yuxiang , Weiss Evan , Yu Kunpeng , Wang Qi
Published: July 2022

The noradrenergic and cholinergic modulation of functionally distinct regions of the brain has become one of the primary organizational principles behind understanding the contribution of each system to the diversity of neural computation in the central nervous system. Decades of work has shown that a diverse family of receptors, stratified across different brain regions, and circuit-specific afferent and efferent projections play a critical role in helping such widespread neuromodulatory systems obtain substantial heterogeneity in neural information processing. This review briefly discusses the anatomical layout of both the noradrenergic and cholinergic systems, as well as the types and distributions of relevant receptors for each system. Previous work characterizing the direct and indirect interaction between these two systems is discussed, especially in the context of higher order cognitive functions such as attention, learning, and the decision-making process. Though a substantial amount of work has been done to characterize the role of each neuromodulator, a cohesive understanding of the region-specific cooperation of these two systems is not yet fully realized. For the field to progress, new experiments will need to be conducted that capitalize on the modular subdivisions of the brain and systematically explore the role of norepinephrine and acetylcholine in each of these subunits and across the full range of receptors expressed in different cell types in these regions.
Targeted Therapeutic Options and Future Perspectives for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Ferrando-Díez Angelica , Felip Eudald , Pous Anna , Bergamino Sirven Milana , Margelí Mireia
Published: July 2022

Despite the improvement achieved by the introduction of HER2-targeted therapy, up to 25% of early human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer (BC) patients will relapse. Beyond trastuzumab, other agents approved for early HER2+ BC include the monoclonal antibody pertuzumab, the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) and the reversible HER2 inhibitor lapatinib. New agents, such as trastuzumab-deruxtecan or tucatinib in combination with capecitabine and trastuzumab, have also shown a significant improvement in the metastatic setting. Other therapeutic strategies to overcome treatment resistance have been explored in HER2+ BC, mainly in HER2+ that also overexpress estrogen receptors (ER+). In ER+ HER2+ patients, target therapies such as phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway inhibition or cyclin-dependent kinases 4/6 blocking may be effective in controlling downstream of HER2 and many of the cellular pathways associated with resistance to HER2-targeted therapies. Multiple trials have explored these strategies with some promising results, and probably, in the next years conclusive results will succeed. In addition, HER2+ BC is known to be more immunogenic than other BC subgroups, with high variability between tumors. Different immunotherapeutic agents such as HER-2 therapy plus checkpoint inhibitors, or new vaccines approaches have been investigated in this setting, with promising but controversial results obtained to date.
Non-Canonical Programmed Cell Death in Colon Cancer
Authors: Pan Bingchen , Zheng Bowen , Xing Chengzhong , Liu Jingwei
Published: July 2022

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an evolutionarily conserved process of cell suicide that is regulated by various genes and the interaction of multiple signal pathways. Non-canonical programmed cell death (PCD) represents different signaling excluding apoptosis. Colon cancer is the third most incident and the fourth most mortal worldwide. Multiple factors such as alcohol, obesity, and genetic and epigenetic alternations contribute to the carcinogenesis of colon cancer. In recent years, emerging evidence has suggested that diverse types of non-canonical programmed cell death are involved in the initiation and development of colon cancer, including mitotic catastrophe, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, parthanatos, oxeiptosis, NETosis, PANoptosis, and entosis. In this review, we summarized the association of different types of non-canonical PCD with tumorigenesis, progression, prevention, treatments, and prognosis of colon cancer. In addition, the prospect of drug-resistant colon cancer therapy related to non-canonical PCD, and the interaction between different types of non-canonical PCD, was systemically reviewed.
In Vitro Differentiation of Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells into Hepatocyte-like Cells
Authors: Michalik Marcin , Wieczorek Patrycja , Czekaj Piotr
Published: July 2022

Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) represent an interesting clinical alternative to human embryonic (hESCs) and induced pluripotent (hiPSCs) stem cells in regenerative medicine. The potential of hAECs can be enhanced ex vivo by their partial pre-differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 18-day differentiation of hAECs into endodermal cells, hepatic precursor cells, and cells showing functional features of hepatocytes using culture media supplemented with high (100 ng/mL) concentrations of EGF or HGF. The cells obtained after differentiation showed changes in morphology and increased expression of AFP, ALB, CYP3A4, CYP3A7, and GSTP1 genes. HGF was more effective than EGF in increasing the expression of liver-specific genes in hAECs. However, EGF stimulated the differentiation process more efficiently and yielded more hepatocyte-like cells capable of synthesizing α-fetoprotein during differentiation. Additionally, after 18 days, GST transferases, albumin, and CYP P450s, which proved their partial functionality, were expressed. In summary, HGF and EGF at a dose of 100 ng/mL can be successfully used to obtain hepatocyte-like cells between days 7 and 18 of hAEC differentiation. However, the effectiveness of this process is lower compared with hiPSC differentiation; therefore, optimization of the composition of the medium requires further research.
Highly Water-Repellent and Anti-Reflective Glass Based on a Hierarchical Nanoporous Layer
Authors: Minegishi Shuntaro , Ueda Nanako , Saito Mizuki , Lee Junhwan , Fujima Takuya
Published: July 2022

Optically anti-reflective and water-repellent glass is required for solar cell covers to improve power-generation efficiency due to transparency improvement and dirt removal. Research has been conducted in recent years on technologies that do not use fluorine materials. In this study, we focused on the anti-reflective properties and microstructure of hierarchical nanoporous layer (HNL) glass and used it as a substrate. As a result, we have achieved both strong anti-reflectivity and high water repellency on HNL glass by coating polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using baking and thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The surfaces showed a significantly higher sliding velocity of water droplets than the PDMS-treated material on the flat glass plate. They also showed such water repellency that the droplets bounced off the surface.
Transmission Pathways and Genomic Epidemiology of Emerging Variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the Environment
Authors: Islam Ariful , Sayeed Md. Abu , Kalam Md. Abul , Fedous Jinnat , Shano Shahanaj , Abedin Josefina , Islam Shariful , Choudhury Shusmita Dutta , Saha Otun , Hassan Mohammad Mahmudul
Published: July 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can spread to the environment through several routes and persist for a more extended period. Therefore, we reviewed pertinent literature to understand the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and genomic epidemiology of emerging variants of concern (VOCs) in the environment, their inactivation strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on the ecosystem. The fallouts of the reviewed studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 transmits through air and fomite, contaminated surfaces, biomedical wastes, and stool, which contaminates the environment through wastewater. As a result, multiple VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 were circulating in the environment. Genomic epidemiology revealed that the most prevalent VOC was Delta (B.1.617.2; 44.24%), followed by Omicron (B.1.1.529; 43.33%), in the environment. Phylogenetic analysis showed that environmental strains are clustered with a likeness of the human strains of the same or nearby countries, emphasizing the significance of continued environmental surveillance to track the emergence of the new variant. Thus, we should reduce viral dispersion in the environment through rapid and appropriate disinfection strategies. Moreover, the increased production and use of macro and microfiber plastic products should be brought under strict legislation with integrated waste management to control the unrelenting propagation of viral RNA. Finally, a comprehensive understanding of the environmental transmission pathways of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for forecasting outbreak severity in the community, allowing us to prepare with the correct tools to control any impending pandemic. We recommend wastewater-based SARS-CoV-2 surveillance and air particulates to track the emerging VOCs of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the environment.
Validation of a Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Moist Desquamation among Breast Radiotherapy Patients
Authors: Duzenli Cheryl , Chan Elisa K. , Koulis Theodora , Grahame Sheri , Singer Joel , Morris David , Spence Josslynn , Lee Terry , Burns Levi , Olson Robert A.
Published: July 2022

There has been an increasing interest in patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in both the clinical and research settings to improve the quality of life among patients and to identify when clinical intervention may be needed. The primary purpose of this prospective study was to validate an acute breast skin toxicity PRO measure across a broad sample of patient body types undergoing radiation therapy. Between August 2018 and September 2019, 134 women undergoing adjuvant breast radiotherapy (RT) consented to completing serial PRO measures both during and post-RT treatment and to having their skin assessed by trained trial radiation therapists. There was high patient compliance, with 124 patients (92.5%) returning to the clinic post-RT for at least one staff skin assessment. Rates of moist desquamation (MD) in the infra-mammary fold (IMF) by PRO were compared with skin assessments completed by trial radiation therapists. There was high sensitivity (86.5%) and good specificity (79.4%) between PRO and staff-reported presence of MD in the IMF, and there was a moderate correlation between the peak severity of the MD reported by PRO and assessed by staff (rho = 0.61, p < 0.001). This prospective study validates a new PRO measure to monitor the presence of MD in the IMF among women receiving breast RT.
Current and New Novel Combination Treatments for Metastatic Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Pauls Mehrnoosh , Chia Stephen , LeVasseur Nathalie
Published: July 2022

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a worse prognosis and remains the most challenging breast cancer subtype to treat. This is largely related to the heterogeneity of this disease and the lack of reliable oncological targets. In this review, we discuss the current standard-of-care treatment options for metastatic TNBC, including recent advances with the use of immunotherapy, PARP inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates. This review also explores new agents and novel combinations arising in the field for the treatment of advanced TNBC.
First Onset of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris following SARS-CoV-2 Booster Vaccination: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Scheel Christina H. , Arafat Yousef , Heinzer Ekaterina , Noldes Kathrin , Bulic Zenaida , Boms Stefanie
Published: July 2022

There is increasing evidence of adverse events associated with the use of COVID-19 vaccines. Here, we report a case of the SARS-CoV-2-vaccination-related onset of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) and provide an analysis of previously reported cases in the medical literature. A 67-year-old male presented with a 1-year history of histopathologically proven PRP that first developed 14 days after receiving a COVID-19 booster vaccination. Skin symptoms improved under ustekinumab medication after unsuccessful previous treatment approaches using systemic corticosteroids, brodalumab, and risankizumab. Among the published cases of post-COVID vaccination PRP, 12 (75%) males and 4 (25%) females were reported. The median age of the reported patients was 59 years. In 10 out of 16 patients (62.5%), PRP was diagnosed after the first vaccine dose, in 4 (25%) after the second dose, and in 2 of 15 patients (12.5%) after the third dose. The median time between COVID-19 vaccination and the onset of PRP was 9.5 days (range: 3–60 days). The majority of patients required systemic treatment, including systemic retinoids and methotrexate. PRP might be a rare adverse event after COVID-19 vaccination, particularly affecting older males. Even though most reported patients with COVID-19-vaccination-related PRP could be successfully treated with PRP standard medications, therapy refractory cases may also occur. Thus, clinicians must be aware of this rare but potentially severe complication.