bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurodevelopment at seven years and parents' feelings of prematurely born children
Authors: Mercier Clémentine , Deforge Hélène , Hascoët Jean-Michel
Published: December 2022

Background

The evolution of knowledge and technical advances in neonatal resuscitation have improved the survival of very premature babies. However, the long-term neurodevelopmental prognosis and cognitive and learning abilities are still uncertain.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the neurodevelopment and learning abilities of 7-year-old children born prematurely, and their parents' feelings at 8 years of age.

Patients and methods

Data from children born before 33 weeks gestation in a level III maternity hospital and involved in a regional follow-up network were analyzed at 7 years of age. Neurodevelopmental abnormalities were defined as cerebral palsy, hearing or visual impairment, and/or behavioral abnormalities. School performance was evaluated by the EDA test. A parents' questionnaire assessed their feelings about the child's and family's quality of life at 8 years of age.

Results

At 7 years of age, 51% of the 238 children presented neurodevelopmental abnormalities: 3.3% with cerebral palsy, 6.2% with hearing impairments, 50.7% with visual impairments, and 11.3% with behavioral disorders. The children with neurodevelopmental abnormalities had lower gestational age (29.0 ± 2.0 vs. 30.0 ± 2.1 weeks, p = 0.003) and more EEG abnormalities during the neonatal period (31.1% vs. 19.8%, p = 0.048) than the children without abnormalities. Ninety-four percent of the children with abnormalities were enrolled in normal schools, 33% with special support. In the overall cohort, 31% of the children had all academic performance scores in the normal range of the reference population. At 8 years old, 39% of the parents of children with neurodevelopmental abnormalities felt that their child's situation significantly impacted their quality of life compared to 14% of parents of children without neurodevelopmental abnormality (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Half of children born very prematurely present with long-term neurodevelopmental abnormalities, which their parents feel significantly impacts their quality of life.
Pharmacokinetics, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the MEK inhibitor zapnometinib in rats
Authors: Füll Yvonne , Wallasch Christian , Hilton Ashley , Planz Oliver
Published: December 2022

Zapnometinib is a MEK inhibitor currently under clinical development for the treatment of COVID-19 and influenza. Zapnometinib has both antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. Information concerning the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the compound following single oral doses of 30 mg/kg [14C]-zapnometinib to rats was required to support pharmacology and toxicology studies in animals and clinical studies in man. As part of the development and safety assessment of this substance, zapnometinib was radioactively labeled and used for the investigation of time-dependent plasma concentrations, the rates and routes of excretion, the extent and time-course of compound distribution in body tissues, the metabolite profiles in plasma, urine and feces and the chemical nature of its metabolites. The present study reveals a rapid but low absorption of zapnometinib from the gastrointestinal tract, with more than 90% of the compound being excreted within 48 h, mainly via feces. Whole body autoradiography confirms that zapnometinib was rapidly and widely distributed, with greatest concentrations in the circulatory and visceral tissues. Maximum plasma and tissue concentrations occurred between two and 8 h post dose. Penetration into the brain was low, and elimination from most tissues almost complete after 168 h. Metabolic profiles showed that the main clearance routes were metabolism via oxidative reactions and glucuronidation. These results further strengthen the knowledge of zapnometinib with respect to the clinical development of the drug.
A critical evaluation on nuclear safety properties of novel cadmium oxide-rich glass containers for transportation and waste management: Benchmarking with a reinforced concrete container
Authors: ALMisned Ghada , Baykal Duygu Sen , Kilic G. , Ilik E. , Zakaly Hesham M.H. , Ene Antoaneta , Tekin H. O.
Published: December 2022

We examine the nuclear safety properties of a newly designed cadmium oxide-rich glass container for nuclear material to a bitumen-reinforced concrete container. Individual transmission factors, detector modelling, and energy deposition (MeV/g) in the air are calculated using MCNPX (version 2.7.0) general purpose Monte Carlo code. Two container configurations are designed with the material properties of cadmium dioxide-rich glass and Concrete + Bitument in consideration. First, individual transmission factors for 60Co and 137Cs radioisotopes are calculated. To evaluate potential environmental consequences, energy deposition amounts in the air for 60Co and 137Cs are also determined. The minimum gamma-ray transmission rates for two container types are reported for a cadmium dioxide-rich glass container. In addition, the quantity of energy deposition is varied depending on the container type, with a lower value for cadmium dioxide-rich glass container. The 40% cadmium dioxide-doped glass container provides more effective safety than the Cement + Bitumen container, according to the overall findings. In conclusion, the utilization of cadmium dioxide-doped glass material along with its high transparency and advanced material properties may be a significant and effective option in areas where concrete is required to assure the safety of nuclear materials.
Effects of short-chain fatty acids on intestinal function in an enteroid model of hypoxia
Authors: Pearce Sarah C. , Karl J. Philip , Weber Gregory J.
Published: December 2022

The healthy GI tract is physiologically hypoxic, but this may be perturbed by certain acute and chronic stressors that reduce oxygen availability systemically. Short-chain fatty acids have been shown to have beneficial effects on intestinal barrier function and inflammation. Therefore, our objective was to see whether short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) would improve GI barrier function, reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increase the expression of genes regulating GI barrier function in enteroids exposed to hypoxia. Human duodenal enteroid monolayers were placed under hypoxia (1.0% O2) for 72 h with either 24, or 48 h pre-treatment with a high acetate ratio of SCFA’s or high butyrate ratio or placed under hypoxia concurrently. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) increased with SCFA pre-treatment, especially 48 h of pre-treatment and this was maintained through the first 48 h of hypoxia while cells saw barrier function dramatically decrease by 72 h of hypoxia exposure. Inflammatory protein secretion largely decreased with exposure to hypoxia, regardless of SCFA pre-treatment. Gene expression of several genes related to barrier function were decreased with exposure to hypoxia, and with concurrent and 24 h SCFA pre-treatment. However, 48 h SCFA pre-treatment with a high butyrate ratio increased expression of several metabolic and differentiation related genes. Overall, pre-treatment or concurrent treatment with SCFA mixtures were not able to overcome the negative impacts of hypoxia on intestinal function and cells ultimately still cannot be sustained under hypoxia for 72 h. However, 48 h pre-treatment maintains TEER for up to 48 h of hypoxia while upregulating several metabolic genes.
Edible marijuana and cycle ergometer exercise
Authors: Ewell Taylor Russell , Bomar Matthew Charles , Abbotts Kieran Shay Struebin , Butterklee Hannah Michelle , Dooley Gregory P. , Bell Christopher
Published: December 2022

Purpose: There is extensive public and scientific interest in the influence of cannabis and the psychoactive cannabinoid, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), on exercise performance. Unfortunately, recent, up-to-date studies are lacking. The aim of the current study was to address the hypothesis that ingestion of edible marijuana, prior to exercise, would have unfavorable effects on the physiological response to exercise and on exercise performance.

Methods: 17 Healthy adult male and female habitual exercisers, who were regular users of cannabis products, were screened for study participation. 10 were enrolled, and data from 9 [8 males, 1 female, aged 25±3 years, with peak oxygen uptake of 56.5±11.7 ml/kg/min (mean ± SD)] were retained. Participation included two exercise sessions, each preceded by self-administration and ingestion of either edible marijuana (containing 10 mg THC) or placebo. Cardio-respiratory responses (via indirect calorimetry) to stationary cycle ergometer exercise (8 min at 50, 100 and 150 W) were recorded before completion of a 20-min Functional Threshold Power test (FTP20) and a sprint test involving maximal effort until volitional fatigue.

Results: Edible marijuana increased the concentration of circulating THC and THC metabolites, and evoked sensations of intoxication and altered psychoactive state. Cardio-respiratory responses to staged cycle ergometer exercise were normal and were unaffected by edible marijuana. Compared with placebo, edible marijuana did not influence FTP20 (Placebo 253±75 vs THC: 251±72 W (mean±SD); p > 0.45) or peak power output during the sprint test (Placebo: 710±201 vs. THC: 732±136 W; p = 0.864).

Conclusion: 10 mg of THC, when ingested prior to exercise by regular exercisers and habitual users of cannabis, had little effect on the physiological response to standardized cycle ergometer exercise, and was neither ergogenic nor ergolytic.
A robust multiple heartbeats classification with weight-based loss based on convolutional neural network and bidirectional long short-term memory
Authors: Yang Mengting , Liu Weichao , Zhang Henggui
Published: December 2022

Background: Analysis of electrocardiogram (ECG) provides a straightforward and non-invasive approach for cardiologists to diagnose and classify the nature and severity of variant cardiac diseases including cardiac arrhythmia. However, the interpretation and analysis of ECG are highly working-load demanding, and the subjective may lead to false diagnoses and heartbeats classification. In recent years, many deep learning works showed an excellent role in accurate heartbeats classification. However, the imbalance of heartbeat classes is universal in most of the available ECG databases since abnormal heartbeats are always relatively rare in real life scenarios. In addition, many existing approaches achieved prominent results by removing noise and extracting features in data preprocessing, which relies heavily on powerful computers. It is a pressing need to develop efficient and automatic light weighted algorithms for accurate heartbeats classification that can be used in portable ECG sensors.

Objective: This study aims at developing a robust and efficient deep learning method, which can be embedded into wearable or portable ECG monitors for classifying heartbeats.

Methods: We proposed a novel and light weighted deep learning architecture with weight-based loss based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) and bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) that can automatically identify five types of ECG heartbeats according to the AAMI EC57 standard. It was also true that the raw ECG signals were simply segmented without noise removal and other feature extraction processing. Moreover, to tackle the challenge of classification bias due to imbalanced ECG datasets for different types of arrhythmias, we introduced a weight-based loss function to reduce the influence of over-weighted categories in the ECG dataset. For avoiding the influence of the division of validation dataset, k-fold method was adopted to improve the reliability of the model.

Results: The proposed algorithm is trained and tested on MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, and achieves an average of 99.33% accuracy, 93.67% sensitivity, 99.18% specificity, 89.85% positive prediction, and 91.65% F1 score.
Impacts of huanglongbing on fruit yield and quality and on flushing dynamics of Sicilian lemon trees
Authors: Cifuentes-Arenas Juan Camilo , de Oliveira Hermes Teixeira , Raiol-Júnior Laudecir Lemos , de Carvalho Everton Vieira , Kharfan Daniela , Creste André Luís , Gastaminza Gerardo , Salas Hernán , Bassanezi Renato Beozzo , Ayres Antônio Juliano , Lopes Silvio Aparecido
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The severe Asian form of huanglongbing (HLB), a vascular disease associated with the phloem-limited bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’, is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri. Disease impacts are known for sweet oranges and acid limes but not lemons.

Methods

In a five-year study (2017–2021) we compared yield and fruit quality between naturally-infected and healthy 5-yr-old trees of Sicilian lemon ‘Femminello’, and shoot phenology on both lemon and ‘Valencia’ orange, both grafted onto ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, grown in southeastern São Paulo State, Brazil. HLB severity (percentage of tree canopy area with HLB symptoms) was assessed every 3–4 months, fruit yield and quality in May (2017 to 2019) or June/July (2020-2021), and vegetative and reproductive shoots fortnightly on 50-cm-long branches. The development of ACP on one-year-old seedlings of five lemon varieties, ‘Tahiti’ acid lime, ‘Valencia’ orange, and orange jasmine was evaluated.

Results

Symptoms increased from 11% in 2017 to 64% in 2021, and a monomolecular model estimated 10 years for symptoms to occupy >90% of the tree canopy. On average, production of trees with symptom on 20%, 50% or 80% of the canopy respectively dropped by 18%, 38%, and 53% compared to healthy trees. Fruits of symptomatic branches of lemons were 4.22% lighter and the number of dropped fruits did not correlate with symptom severity. Flushing on symptomatic branches started earlier by 15 to 55 days as compared to the healthy branches of lemon and orange. On diseased trees, vegetative and reproductive shoots respectively increased by 24.5% and 17.5% on lemon and by 67.2% and 70.6% on sweet orange, but fruit set was reduced by 12.9% and 19.7% on lemon and orange trees, respectively. ACP reproduced similarly on all tested plants.

Discussion

The fast symptom progress, significant yield reduction, and earlier flushing on diseased trees, providing conditions highly favorable for the pathogen to spread, reinforce the need of prompt diseased tree removal and frequent ACP preventive control to manage HLB in lemons as in any other citrus crop.
Interrater reliability and experiences of Assessment, Intervention, and Moving-on 3 Assessment Model in a multidisciplinary Norwegian sample
Authors: Jensen Monica , Askeland Ingunn Rangul , Bjørknes Ragnhild
Published: December 2022

Background

Assessing minors with harmful sexual behavior (HSB) is a complex and sensitive task. The AIM3 Assessment Model was developed to assist practitioners with information collection and HSB evaluations.

Objective

In this study, we explore the interrater reliability and the practitioners’ experience with the AIM3.

Participants and setting

The multidisciplinary sample (n = 56) was recruited in Norway. The participants’ mean age is 43.2 years (SD 9.5). The sample is 79% female and 21% male. Mean years of experience is 17.6 years (SD 9.5).

Methods

The participants used the Norwegian version of the AIM3 to score three case vignettes. A survey containing questions about competence and experience was filled out. We used the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) to estimate interrater reliability as well as descriptive statistics to show experience.

Results

The estimated ICC for overall AIM3 factors is 0.547 (95% CI = 0.471, 0.634); for domain scores, the estimated ICC is 0.697 (95% CI = 0.548, 0.852). Both are in the moderate range. The majority of the participants reported that they will probably use the AIM3 in the future and that their experience with the AIM3 was highly useful with, for example, empirically informed decision-making and for intervention and safety planning.

Conclusion

The moderate ICC results and the sample’s generally positive experience with the AIM3 may indicate further usefulness in a Norwegian multidisciplinary setting. We provide recommendations on how the AIM3 and similar HSB assessments can be further evaluated and developed.
The effect of mindfulness on online self-presentation, pressure, and addiction on social media
Authors: You Chunhui , Liu Yang
Published: December 2022

As social media has become more imperative in daily life, people pay more attention to self-presentation and impression management on social media, and some have even become psychologically dependent. There is a large group of socially addicted users who continuously strive to improve their online self-presentation. Due to stress and burnout arising from social media addiction, people change their social media behavior. The influence of mindfulness on social behavior cannot be ignored. This study aims to explore coping behaviors and the role of mindfulness for people under social media pressure and social media addiction in China’s special political environment. We found significant differences in self-presentation, social media pressure, and social media addiction among different circles in the Chinese context. Experiments have shown that people’s socially addictive behaviors and abilities to withstand social media pressure are affected by their mindfulness. In addition, the more social media pressure people perceive on social media, the more likely they are to stop using social media and shift to offline interpersonal interactions. However, when there are more offline interpersonal interactions, people’s willingness to return to social media platforms increases.
ResNet for recognition of Qi-deficiency constitution and balanced constitution based on voice
Authors: Lai Tong , Guan Yutong , Men Shaoyang , Shang Hongcai , Zhang Honglai
Published: December 2022

Background

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, a Qi-deficiency constitution is characterized by a lower voice frequency, shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, an introverted personality, emotional instability, and timidity. People with Qi-deficiency constitution are prone to repeated colds and have a higher probability of chronic diseases and depression. However, a person with a Balanced constitution is relatively healthy in all physical and psychological aspects. At present, the determination of whether one has a Qi-deficiency constitution or a Balanced constitution are mostly based on a scale, which is easily affected by subjective factors. As an objective method of diagnosis, the human voice is worthy of research. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to improve the objectivity of determining Qi-deficiency constitution and Balanced constitution through one’s voice and to explore the feasibility of deep learning in TCM constitution recognition.

Methods

The voices of 48 subjects were collected, and the constitution classification results were obtained from the classification and determination of TCM constitutions. Then, the constitution was classified according to the ResNet residual neural network model.

Results

A total of 720 voice data points were collected from 48 subjects. The classification accuracy rate of the Qi-deficiency constitution and Balanced constitution was 81.5% according to ResNet. The loss values of the model training and test sets gradually decreased to 0, while the ACC values of the training and test sets tended to increase, and the ACC values of the training set approached 1. The ROC curve shows an AUC value of 0.85.

Conclusion

The Qi-deficiency constitution and Balanced constitution determination method based on the ResNet residual neural network model proposed in this study can improve the efficiency of constitution recognition and provide decision support for clinical practice.
The war next-door—A pilot study on Romanian adolescents’ psychological reactions to potentially traumatic experiences generated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Maftei Alexandra , Dănilă Oana , Măirean Cornelia
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Romania shares the longest UE border with Ukraine, and since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, many have been involved in helping the refugees. Consequently, children and adolescents might be directly and indirectly exposed to war-related trauma. In the present exploratory research, we investigated Romanian adolescents’ potential risk and protective factors related to the psychological outcomes of war exposure. Our cross-sectional study was conducted shortly after February 24th (i.e., the first invasion day).

Methods

The sample included 90 Romanian adolescents aged 11 to 15 (M = 12.90, SD = 1.17), residents in Iași, Romania (i.e., 205,7 km from the Ukrainian border). Participants completed self-reported measures of peritraumatic dissociative experiences, knowledge about the conflict in Ukraine, personal, school, and family implications in volunteering/helping behavior, discussions about the conflict, threat perception (self and perceived parental threat), anxiety, social media engagement, resilience, and moral elevation.

Results

The main findings suggested that participants involved in helping behaviors toward Ukrainian refugees present higher peritraumatic dissociative experiences, anxiety symptoms, and higher moral elevation than boys and participants not involved in these behaviors. Moreover, anxiety symptoms were positively associated with threat perception, peritraumatic dissociation, and social media engagement and negatively related to resilience.

Discussions

Finally, we discuss the implications of our findings concerning their practical utility in managing peritraumatic exposure to war by using interventions designed to increase adolescents’ resilience during difficult times.
Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the functional assessment of chronic illness therapy spiritual well-being scale among Chinese childhood cancer patients in China
Authors: Liu Qi , Ho Ka-Yan , Lam Katherine-Ka-Wai , Lam Winsome , Cheng Eileen-Hui-Lin , Ching Shirley-Siu-Yin , Belay Getaneh Mulualem , Wong Frances-Kam-Yuet
Published: December 2022

Background

Spiritual well-being is a strength for childhood cancer patients to cope with cancer. The availability of a valid and reliable instrument for assessing spiritual well-being is crucial. This study translated and adapted the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-being scale (FACIT-Sp) for Chinese childhood cancer patients and examined the psychometric properties and factor structure in this population.

Methods

This was a methodological study. The FACIT-Sp was translated into Chinese. Adaptation was based on our qualitative study. For psychometric evaluation, a convenience sample of 412 were recruited based on the suggested sample size for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Childhood cancer patients were included if they aged 8–17 years, with parental consent to participate, able to communicate that they were being treated for cancer, and able to communicate and read Chinese. Participants answered the Chinese version of the adapted FACIT-Sp, the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Cancer Module (PedsQL). Content validity, convergent validity, internal consistency and test–retest reliability were examined. Both EFA and CFA assessed the structural validity of the adapted FACIT-Sp.

Results

The content validity index values for items ranged 0.8–1.0 and that for the scale was 0.84, indicating appropriate content validity. The scale had good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.815. The FACIT-Sp scores positively correlated with the CES-DC scores, and negatively correlated with PedsQL scores, suggesting that the Chinese version of the adapted FACIT-Sp had reasonable convergent validity. EFA yielded a four-factor (meaning, peace, faith, and connection with others) model. The CFA results revealed that the four-factor model achieved a better fit than the original three-factor model (Chi-Square Mean/Degree of Freedom = 2.240 vs. 3.557, Comparative Fit Index = 0.953 vs. 0.916, Goodness of Fit Index = 0.909 vs. 0.884, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.078 vs. 0.112).

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the adapted FACIT-Sp is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing spiritual well-being among Chinese childhood cancer patients. This instrument can be applied in clinical settings for routine assessment.
The impact of flipped teaching on EFL students’ academic resilience, self-directed learning, and learners’ autonomy
Authors: Izadpanah Siros
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study attempted to investigate the impact of flipped teaching (FT) on EFL (English Foreign Language) students’ academic resilience (AR), self-directed learning (SDL), and learners’ autonomy (LA).

Method

To do this, the researcher selected 354 participants by the two-stage cluster sampling method. This research was quasi-experimental based on the pretest, and post-test, with experimental and control groups. Three questionnaires were administered to collect data. The questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS 24 software and inferred analysis of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

The covariance study showed that FT significantly affected AR, SDL, and LA in learning with the help of the pre-test covariate variable (p<00.5). Also, the mean scores of students in the pre-test and post-test in the experimental group were significantly different. The mean scores of EFL students’ AR, SDL, and LA were higher through FT. It is suggested that school principals provide the ground for teachers’ participation in workshops on new teaching strategies so that teachers can benefit from new teaching approaches, including FT in the classroom.

Discussion

The study results showed that the mean AR of students in the experimental group’s post-test compared to the pre-test in both groups has significantly increased. The research findings indicate a positive effect of the flipped class on the levels of SDL. Based on the results, the flipped lesson class approach significantly affected the LA of English language learners as a foreign language. The findings of this study confirm previous relevant studies on the impact of flipped course classes on the LA of English language learners as a foreign language.
Connecting the past and the future: Academic geographical (im)mobility of Chinese women academics throughout doctoral education
Authors: Bao Li
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Academic geographical mobility is considered to be critical to academic excellence, but it is a gendered terrain. This study seeks to examine the career progression of Chinese women academics, as shaped by gender norms, regarding academic geographical (im)mobility throughout their doctoral education, in retrospect.

Methods

To address this issue, driven by the Butlerian theoretical concept of “a stylized repetition of acts,” the present study analyzed the qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with seven Chinese women academics to investigate their academic geographical mobility decisions throughout their doctoral education based on contested discourses of traditional Chinese culture and the advantages of academic geographical mobility for their career advancement.

Results and discussion

This study determined that, shaped by gender norms, stylized geographical academic (im)mobility for these Chinese female doctoral students operate in the condition of gender- norms maintenance to make them recognizable and understandable in social and institutional culture. However, it may have a negative impact on their future academic career progression.
Case report: Advice for schools on managing functional tic-like behaviours
Authors: Owen Tamsin , Silva Juliana , Grose Claire , Bailey Alice , Robinson Sally , Anderson Seonaid , Ludlow Amanda , Sharp Sarah , Toghill Lucy , Hedderly Tammy
Published: December 2022

There has been an increase in the occurrence of sudden onset functional tic-like behaviours in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a significant impact on the affected individual’s ability to engage with education. The aim of this article is to generate discussion and inform practice within schools with regard to the management of functional tic-like behaviours. An advice sheet for schools has been produced based on clinical expertise and experience of consulting with schools around the management within education settings. Case examples are presented highlighting the importance and impact of these strategies. We also highlight the need for further evaluation of the effectiveness of the advice sheet in collaboration with schools and families.
Mapping white matter structural and network alterations in betel quid-dependent chewers using high angular resolution diffusion imaging
Authors: Huang Weiyuan , Liu Tao , Chen Huijuan , Fu Qingqing , Fu Lili , Xu Xiaolin , Liu Liting , Guo Yihao , Balasubramanian Priya S. , Chen Feng
Published: December 2022

Background

To evaluate brain white matter diffusion characteristics and anatomical network alterations in betel quid dependence (BQD) chewers using high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI).

Methods

The current study recruited 53 BQD chewers and 37 healthy controls (HC) in two groups. We explored regional diffusion metrics alternations in the BQD group compared with the HC group using automated fiber quantification (AFQ). We further employed the white matter (WM) anatomical network of HARDI to explore connectivity alterations in BQD chewers using graph theory.

Results

BQD chewers presented significantly lower FA values in the left and right cingulum cingulate, the left and right thalamic radiation, and the right uncinate. The BQD has a significantly higher RD value in the right uncinate fasciculus than the HC group. At the global WM anatomical network level, global network efficiency (p = 0.008) was poorer and Lp (p = 0.016) was greater in the BQD group. At the nodal WM anatomical network level, nodal efficiency (p < 0.05) was lower in the BQD group.

Conclusion

Our findings provide novel morphometric evidence that brain structural changes in BQD are characterized by white matter diffusivity and anatomical network connectivity among regions of the brain, potentially leading to the enhanced reward system and impaired inhibitory control.
Feeling Unsafe at School Among Adolescents in 13 Asian and European Countries: Occurrence and Associated Factors
Authors: Mori Yuko , Tiiri Elina , Lempinen Lotta , Klomek Anat Brunstein , Kolaitis Gerasimos , Slobodskaya Helena R. , Kaneko Hitoshi , Srabstein Jorge C. , Li Liping , Huong Mai Nguyen , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Ong Say How , Lesinskiene Sigita , Kyrrestad Henriette , Wiguna Tjhin , Zamani Zahra , Sillanmäki Lauri , Sourander Andre ,   the EACMHS Study Group
Published: December 2022

Background

Research on perceived school safety has been largely limited to studies conducted in Western countries and there has been a lack of large-scale cross-national studies on the topic.

Methods

The present study examined the occurrence of adolescents who felt unsafe at school and the associated factors of perceived school safety in 13 Asian and European countries. The data were based on 21,688 adolescents aged 13-15 (11,028 girls, 10,660 boys) who completed self-administered surveys between 2011 and 2017. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Findings

The number of adolescents who felt unsafe at school varied widely across countries, with a mean occurrence of 31.4% for the total sample: 31.3% for girls, and 31.1% for boys. The findings revealed strong independent associations between feeling unsafe and individual and school-related factors, such as being bullied, emotional and behavioral problems and feeling that teachers did not care. The study also found large variations in perceived school safety between schools in many countries.

Conclusion

The findings emphasize the need to create safe educational environments for all students, based on positive relationships with teachers and peers. School-based interventions to prevent bullying and promote mental health should be a natural part of school safety promotion.
Gender differences in income among psychiatrists in China: Findings from a national survey
Authors: Han Xinxin , Shen Lijun , Tong Jiayu , Jiang Feng , Liu Huanzhong , Zhu Jiming
Published: December 2022

Background

Gender income disparity in healthcare settings is a longstanding issue around the globe, but such evidence among Chinese psychiatrists is scarce. This study investigated whether gender income differences exist among physicians in China.

Methods

Data came from the 2019 national survey data of 4,520 psychiatrists in major public psychiatric hospitals across China. Self-reported monthly income after tax (in Chinese Yuan, CNY) by participants at all professional ranks was assessed. Average monthly income by gender was reported. Adjusted income differences between male and female psychiatrists were examined using multivariable regression models, adjusting with inverse probability of treatment weights and controlling for psychiatrist demographics (e.g., gender, professional rank, marital status, educational level, and work hours) and hospital fixed effects.

Results

The unadjusted mean difference in monthly income after tax by gender was 555 CNY (about $86; 95% CI, −825 to −284; mean [SD] for men: 8,652 [4,783] CNY and for women: 8,097 [4,350] CNY) in all psychiatrists. After regression adjustments, the income difference by gender among all psychiatrists reduced substantially and became insignificant. However, gender income difference was still observed among senior-level psychiatrists, where female psychiatrists earned 453 CNY (about $70; 95% CI, −810 to −95) significantly less than male psychiatrists.

Conclusion

China achieved gender equity in income for psychiatrists overall, the observed income differences among senior level psychiatrists, however, reveal the persistence of gender inequity at the highest level of professional hierarchy. These findings call for policy attention to the issue of gender income disparity among psychiatrists in China's healthcare system.
Thyroid dose assessments due to inhalation of 131I for nuclear medicine workers
Authors: Liu Gang , Li Ye , Zhang HanYu , Zhang Xue , Liu Yin Yin , Wu Xiao Qin , Niu Li Mei , Zhang Rong
Published: December 2022

Background

In general, medical staff who work in nuclear medicine should be entirely safe in their professional environment. Nevertheless, we already know that the working environment of the nuclear medicine staff is not completely safe due to the handling of high amounts of radionuclides for diagnostic and therapy applications, which is especially relevant for 131I (as a non-sealed source).

Purpose

The goal of this study was to assess the inhaled 131I thyroid dose in nuclear medicine workers and to introduce a simple method for internal exposure monitoring.

Methods

Using 2-IN*2-in NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its supporting software (InSpector Maintenance Utility and Genie 2000), from 2019 to 2021, internal thyroid irradiation monitoring, an internal thyroid irradiation monitoring investi A NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its sugation was carried out for 3 consecutive years, between 2019 and 2021, in staff members of nuclear medicine departments engaged with iodine therapy.

Results

131I activity was found highest in the thyroid of nuclear medicine workers involved with the manual packaging and delivery of the radioisotope, while it was not detected in staff members involved with the automatic packaging and drug delivery. The activity range was found to be 30.00 ± 6.60–6070.00 ± 1335.40 Bq for the exposed personnel, and the estimated dose was 0.05–6.77 mSv. In 2021, three workers had an annual equivalent dose above 5 mSv.

Conclusion

By monitoring the thyroid 131I in staff members of the nuclear medicine department, it was found that there are 131I internal occupational exposure risks. The best solution is automatic packaging and drug delivery.
Effects of dietary diversification during pregnancy on birth outcomes in east Gojjam, northwest Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wondemagegn Amsalu Taye , Tsehay Binalfew , Mebiratie Akiloge Lake , Negesse Ayenew
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy is an important key factor affecting fetal growth and birth outcomes, as well as maternal health, as demonstrated by experimental animal studies. However, the few human studies available, especially those conducted in the least developed countries (LDCs), are much less consistent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between dietary diversification during pregnancy and birth outcomes in Gojjam, Ethiopia.

Methodology

A facility-based prospective cohort study was conducted on 416 pregnant mothers (exposed and non-exposed) from December 2019 to January 2020. Information about the Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS) was collected using the Food and Agricultural Organization's guidelines. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and measurements. Log-binomial regression analysis was performed to estimate the relative risk of adverse birth outcomes. Energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient amounts were calculated using the nutrition survey software version 2007. The differences between groups were noticed using analysis of variance. Eta squared was estimated in the current study.

Results

The overall magnitude of low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth in the study area, respectively, was 41%, 38%, and 4%. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, this study revealed that pregnant women in the inadequate WDDS group were at increased risk of LBW (ARR = 6.4; 95% CI: 3.4, 12) and PTD (ARR = 6.3; 95% CI: 3.3, 11.95) as compared with their counterparts but no difference in the occurrence of stillbirth (ARR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.20, 5.79).

Conclusion

Overall, this study found a large magnitude of low birth weight and preterm birth. Inadequate intake of dietary diversity during pregnancy significantly increased the rate of low birth weight and preterm birth. Thus, we recommend the concerned body to work on improving the feeding practices of pregnant mothers in the study area.
A bibliometric and visualization analysis on the association between chronic exposure to fine particulate matter and cancer risk
Authors: Luo Xuman , Yang Qiuping , Zheng Daitian , Tian Huiting , Chen Lingzhi , Wu Jinyao , Ji Zeqi , Chen Yexi , Li Zhiyang
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

As one of the major pollutants in ambient air pollution, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has attracted public attention. A large body of laboratory and epidemiological research has shown that PM2.5 exposure is harmful to human health.

Methods

To investigate its association with the commonly observed PM-related cancer, a bibliometric study was performed on related publications from 2012 to 2021 from a macroscopic perspective with the help of the Web of Science database and scientometric software VOSviewer, CiteSpace V, HistCite, and Biblioshiny.

Results

The results indicated that of the 1,948 enrolled documents, scientific productions increased steadily and peaked in 2020 with 348 publications. The most prolific authors, journals, organizations, and countries were Raaschou-Nielsen O, Science of the Total Environment, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and China, respectively. The top five keywords in frequency order were “air pollution,” “particulate matter,” “lung cancer,” “exposure,” and “mortality.”

Discussion

The toxic mechanism of carcinogenicity was explained and is worthy of further investigation. China and the US collaborated most closely, and it is hoped the two countries can strengthen their collaboration to combat air pollution. There is also a need to identify the components of PM2.5 and refine the models to assess the global burden of disease attributed to PM2.5 exposure.
A statistical look at the COVID-19 vaccine development and vaccine policies
Authors: Apio Catherine , Han Kyulhee , Heo Gyujin , Park Taesung
Published: December 2022

The global outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus elicited immense global interest in the development and distribution of safe COVID-19 vaccines by various governments and researchers, capable of stopping the spread of COVID-19 disease. After COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, several vaccines have been developed for emergency use authorization. The accelerated development of the vaccines was attributed to many factors but mainly by capitalizing on years of research and technology development. Although several countries tried to develop COVID-19 vaccines only a few countries succeeded. Therefore, we applied statistical methods to find factors that have contributed to the fast development of COVID-19 vaccines. All 11 countries that developed vaccines were considered and chose other 24 countries for comparison purposes according to different criteria of their R&D. Fourteen R&D indicator variables that are a measure of the R&D for all countries [World Development Indicators (WDI)] were obtained from the World Bank DataBank and data on the COVID-19 vaccine R&D were obtained from The Knowledge Portal of the Graduate Institute Geneva and Global Health Center. The World Bank records WDI yearly, and 2019 was chosen because of a few missing values. Also, different vaccine policies were adopted by different countries during the COVID-19 vaccination period, producing different impacts of vaccinations on the population. So, we applied the generalized estimating equations (GEE) approach to find policies that contributed greatly to decreasing the spread of COVID-19 using data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) and age-specific vaccination data from the European Center for Disease and Prevention and Control. Logistic regression, two-sample t-test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum test found scientific and technical journals, liability, and COVID-19 Vaccine R&D Funding (investment in pharmaceutical industry US$) are significantly associated with fast COVID-19 vaccine development. Vaccine prioritization and government vaccine financial support were significantly associated with COVID-19 daily cases. The impact of vaccination on lowering the rate of new cases is greatly observed among the mid-aged populations (25–64 years) and lower or non-significant among the younger (<25 years) and (>65 years) older populations. Therefore, these age-groups especially > 79 can be prioritized during vaccine roll-out.
Usefulness of a new DUV-LED device for the control of infection by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, mycobacteria and spore-forming bacteria
Authors: Inagaki Hiroko , Goto Yoshitaka , Sugiyama Hironobu , Saito Akatsuki , Okabayashi Tamaki , Watanabe Kyosuke , Fujimoto Shouichi
Published: December 2022

Reliable disinfection and sterilization technologies are needed to deal with the various infectious diseases spreading around the world. Furthermore, bacteria that are difficult to eliminate by ordinary disinfection are also a problem in the medical environment. We examined the germicidal effect of a newly developed deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) prototype device (wavelength of 280 ± 5 nm; power of 0.9 to 1.4 mW/cm2) for floor sterilization against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Mycobacterium gordonae (M. gordonae), and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). This prototype device is equipped with highly practical DUV-LEDs with a high output efficiency and a long life, and was designed with consideration of the irradiation distance and the angle of the DUV-LEDs to provide a uniform irradiation rate. We found a statistically significant reduction of ≥90% in the infectious titers of both E. coli and S. aureus after irradiation for 2 s. Although acid-fast bacilli and spore-type bacilli are generally thought to be resistant to UV light irradiation compared to general bacteria, the acid-fast bacillus M. gordonae was inactivated after irradiation for 10 s, and spore-type cells of the bacillus B. subtilis were inactivated by ≥90% after irradiation for 30 s. We also found that the effects were cumulative when irradiation was performed at intervals. In the future, the usefulness of this device as an infection control measure will be evaluated in daily medical practice.
R2Play development: Fostering user-driven technology that supports return-to-play decision-making following pediatric concussion
Authors: DuPlessis Danielle , Lam Emily , Hotze Fanny , Khan Ajmal , Al-Hakeem Hiba , McFarland Stephanie , Hickling Andrea , Hutchison Michael , Wright F. Virginia , Reed Nick , Biddiss Elaine , Scratch Shannon E.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To design a multi-domain return-to-play assessment system (R2Play) for youth athletes with concussion.

Methods

The R2Play system was developed using an overarching user-centered approach, the Design Thinking Framework, and research activities included: 1) structured brainstorming within our research team, 2) interviews with clinician and youth sports coaches, 3) building a testable prototype, and 4) interface testing through cognitive walkthroughs with clinician partners.

Results

Clinician and coach participants provided feedback on the R2Play concept, which was integrated into the design process and provided future directions for research. Examples of feedback-driven design choices included reducing assessment time, increasing ecological validity by adding in background noise, and developing youth-friendly graphical results screens. Following refinement based on stakeholder feedback, the R2Play system was outlined in detail and a testable prototype was developed. It is made up of two parts: a clinician tablet, and a series of tablet “buttons” that display numbers and letters. Youth athletes run between the buttons to connect a “trail” in ascending alphanumeric order, 1-A-2-B, etc. Their performance across a series of levels of increasing difficulty is logged on the clinician tablet. Initial testing with five clinicians showed the system's interface to have excellent usability with a score of 81% (SD = 8.02) on the System Usability Scale.

Conclusion

Through this research, a prototype of the R2Play system was innovated and evaluated by clinician and coach stakeholders. Initial usability was excellent and directions for future iterations were highlighted. Outcomes suggest the potential benefits of using technologies to assist in complex clinical assessment, as well as utilizing a user-centered approach to design.