bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Diversity in Training Resources on Self-Confidence in Diagnosing Skin Conditions Across a Range of Skin Tones: An International Survey
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Liu Jo-Fen , Shanmugavadivel Dhurgshaarna , Davis Tessa , Roland Damian
Published: February 2022

Background

Medical images are invaluable in facilitating recognition of clinical signs. Recent studies highlight a lack of diversity of skin tone images used within medical education. However, there is a paucity of data on the impact of this on patient care.

Aims

To investigate diversity in training resources used by users of an International online teaching platform and self-confidence in diagnosing skin conditions in all skin tones.

Methods

Users of an online teaching platform (www.dftbskindeep.com) were invited to participate in a survey evaluating key points including geographical location, ethnicity, profession, specialty, years of experience, training resources and confidence in diagnosing skin conditions. Data analyses were performed using SPSS. Categorical variables were presented as proportions. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the distribution between groups as appropriate.

Results

Of 600 participants, 74% reported training resources featuring predominantly white skin. Participants were “generally uncertain” in 43% cases, “sometimes uncertain but clinically safe” (52%), and “confident across a range of skin tones” in a minority (5%). Self-confidence was associated with location [higher in Africa (29%) and Latin America (11%), (p < 0.001)]; diversity of training resources [higher with a mix (10%) or darker tones (20%) (p < 0.001)]; clinical experience [6–10 (5%) or >10 years of practice (11%) (p < 0.001)] and specialty [highest in dermatologists (53%, p < 0.001)]. Self-confidence was lowest among pediatricians, emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine specialists (<5%).

Conclusions

These data provide preliminary evidence that training resources used by healthcare professionals on a global scale may lack enough diversity on representation of skin images, and a lack of self-confidence in diagnosing pediatric skin conditions. Further work is needed to understand the impact on knowledge and patient care to ensure equitable healthcare for all.
Pantao Pill Improves the Learning and Memory Abilities of APP/PS1 Mice by Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Xin Qiqi , Shi Weili , Wang Yan , Yuan Rong , Miao Yu , Chen Keji , Cong Weihong
Published: February 2022

Background: To explore the effect and mechanisms of Pantao Pill (PTP) on cognitive impairment.

Methods: Network pharmacology was performed to analyze the mechanism of PTP treating cognitive impairment. The targets of PTP and cognitive impairment were predicted and used to construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. The intersection network was selected, and the core network was obtained through topological analysis. Enrichment analysis was conducted to obtain the GOBP terms and KEGG pathways. We then performed experiments to validate the results of the network pharmacology by using an APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. The APP/PS1 mice were divided into four groups: the model group, the high-dose PTP (3.6 g/kg·d) group, the low-dose PTP (1.8 g/kg·d) group, and the positive control group (donepezil hydrochloride, 2 mg/kg·d). Wild-type (WT) C57 mice served as a normal control group. PTP and donepezil were administered by gavage for 8 weeks.

Results: Network pharmacology showed that PTP might improve cognitive impairment by regulating autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. For the Morris water maze test, a significant difference was shown in the total swimming distance among groups (p < 0.05) in the positioning navigation experiment, and with training time extension, the swimming speed increased (p < 0.01). In the space probe test, PTP administration significantly reduced the swimming path length and the escape latency of APP/PS1 mice (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), whereas it had no effect on the swimming speed (p > 0.05). PTP (3.6 g/kg/d) rescued the reduction of norepinephrine and acetylcholine levels (p < 0.05), and increased the acetylcholinesterase concentration (p < 0.05) in the brain tissue. PTP (1.8 g/kg/d) increased the norepinephrine level (p < 0.01). PTP rescued the activity reduction of superoxide dismutase in the brain tissue (p < 0.01) and the neuron cell pyknosis in the hippocampal CA region (p < 0.05). PTP reduced ATG12 and PS1 expression (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and increased Bcl-2 expression in the brain tissue (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: PTP can significantly improve the learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice, and the mechanism may be related to the increase of neurotransmitter acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels, the reduction of the excessive autophagic activation, and the suppression of oxidative stress and excessive apoptotic activity.
Drug-Related Deaths in China: An Analysis of a Spontaneous Reporting System
Authors: Li Haona , Deng Jianxiong , Yu Peiming , Ren Xuequn
Published: February 2022

Background: Adverse drug reactions with an outcome of death represent the most serious consequences and are inherently important for pharmacovigilance. The nature and characteristics of drug-related deaths are to a large extent unknown in the Chinese population. This study aims to characterize drug-related deaths by analysis of individual case safety reports (ICSRs) with an outcome of death in China.

Methods: The characteristics of death ICSRs were analyzed by descriptive statistics of a large multi-provincial pharmacovigilance database in China.

Results: There were 1,731 ICSRs with an outcome of death, representing 0.95% of all serious cases and 0.05% of all reported ICSRs. Most death ICSRs (78.57%) were reported by medical institutions. Only 16.00% of death ICSRs were reported by manufacturers or distributors. The reporting rate of death ICSRs in the age group of 0–4 years was significantly higher than patients aged 5–64 years. Patients aged over 64 years had the highest reporting rate of death ICSRs. Male patients generally had a higher reporting rate of death ICSRs than female patients. However, the reporting rate of female patients exceeded that of male patients in the age group of 20–34 years. Among 3,861 drugs implicated, ceftriaxone sodium with 146 (3.78%) records of death ranked first. Dexamethasone with 131 (3.39%) records of death ranked second. Qingkailing, an injectable traditional Chinese medicine with 75 (1.94%) records of death, ranked the fifth most frequently implicated medicine.

Conclusion: Young children and elderly patients have a higher risk of drug-related deaths than patients aged 5–64 years. Female patients generally have a lower risk of drug-related deaths than male patients. However, female patients of reproductive age (aged 20–34 years) have a higher risk of drug-related deaths than male patients, hinting that physiological changes and drug uses for child bearing, giving birth, or birth control may significantly increase the risk of death for female patients aged 20–34 years. This paper suggests more research on the safe use of drugs for young children, elderly patients, and female patients of reproductive ages. Pharmacovigilance databases can be valuable resources for comprehensive understanding of drug-related problems.
Recent Advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treatment of Podocyte Injury
Authors: Yao Tianwen , Su Wenxiang , Han Shisheng , Lu Yan , Xu Yanqiu , Chen Min , Wang Yi
Published: February 2022

Podocyte is also called glomerular epithelial cell, which has been considered as the final gatekeeper of glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). As a major contributor to proteinuria, podocyte injury underlies a variety of glomerular diseases and becomes the challenge to patients and their families in general. At present, the therapeutic methods of podocyte injury mainly include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, steroid and immunosuppressive medications. Nevertheless, the higher cost and side effects seriously disturb patients with podocyte injury. Promisingly, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has received an increasing amount of attention from different countries in the treatment of podocyte injury by invigorating spleen and kidney, clearing heat and eliminating dampness, as well enriching qi and activating blood. Therefore, we searched articles published in peer-reviewed English-language journals through Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct. The protective effects of active ingredients, herbs, compound prescriptions, acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of podocyte injury were further summarized and analyzed. Meanwhile, we discussed feasible directions for future development, and analyzed existing deficiencies and shortcomings of TCM in the treatment of podocyte injury. In conclusion, this paper shows that TCM treatments can serve as promising auxiliary therapeutic methods for the treatment of podocyte injury.
Human N-Acetyltransferase 1 and 2 Differ in Affinity Towards Acetyl-Coenzyme A Cofactor and N-Hydroxy-Arylamine Carcinogens
Authors: Hein David W. , Doll Mark A. , Habil Mariam R.
Published: February 2022

Arylamine N-acetyltransferases catalyze the transfer of acetyl groups from the endogenous cofactor acetyl coenzyme A (AcCoA) to arylamine (N-acetylation) and N-hydroxy-arylamine (O-acetylation) acceptors. Humans express two arylamine N-acetyltransferase isozymes (NAT1 and NAT2) which catalyze both N- and O-acetylation but differ in genetic regulation, substrate selectivity, and expression in human tissues. We investigated recombinant human NAT1 and NAT2 expressed in an Escherichia coli JM105 and Schizosaccharomyces pombe expression systems as well as in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells to assess the relative affinity of AcCoA for human NAT1 and NAT2. NAT1 and NAT2 affinity for AcCoA was higher for recombinant human NAT1 than NAT2 when catalyzing N-acetylation of aromatic amine carcinogens 2-aminofluroene (AF), 4-aminobiphenyl (ABP), and β-naphthylamine (BNA) and the metabolic activation of N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene (N-OH-AF) and N-hydroxy-4-aminobiphenyl (N-OH-ABP) via O-acetylation. These results suggest that AcCoA level may influence differential rates of arylamine carcinogen metabolism catalyzed by NAT1 and NAT2 in human tissues. Affinity was higher for NAT2 than for NAT1 using N-OH-AF and N-OH-ABP as substrate consistent with a larger active site for NAT2. In conclusion, following recombinant expression in bacteria, yeast, and CHO cells, we report significant differences in affinity between human NAT1 and NAT2 for its required co-factor AcCoA, as well as for N-hydroxy-arylamines activated via O-acetylation. The findings provide important information to understand the relative contribution of human NAT1 vs NAT2 towards N-acetylation and O-acetylation reactions in human hepatic and extrahepatic tissues.
Increasing Aspartoacylase in the Central Amygdala: The Common Mechanism of Gastroprotective Effects of Monoamine-Based Antidepressants Against Stress
Authors: Yao Kaiyun , Cao Linyu , Ding Hongwan , Gao Yinge , Li Tiegang , Wang Guibin , Zhang Jianjun
Published: February 2022

Monoamine-based antidepressants can prophylactically protect against stress-induced gastric ulcers. Although the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) has been shown to modulate the severity of stress ulcers, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the gastroprotective effect of this kind of drugs. Here, we first used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a non-invasive tool, to explore the change of neurometabolites of the CeA of rats pretreated with the duloxetine of selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors during 6 h of water-immersion restraint stress (WIRS). Duloxetine decreased N-acetyl-aspartate/creatine ratio (NAA/creatine) in CeA after WIRS, which was paralleled by the amelioration of gastric lesions. Meanwhile, the gastric ulcer index was negatively correlated with reduced NAA/creatine. Furthermore, the intra-CeA infusion of NAA aggravated WIRS-induced gastric mucosa damage, which suggested the crucial role of reduced NAA. Western blotting was performed to identify the specific enzymes responsible for the change of the contents of NAA at 0.5 h/3 h/6 h after WIRS, considering the preventative gastric protection of duloxetine. The NAA-catabolizing enzyme aspartoacylase (ASPA) was the only enzyme downregulated by 0.5 h WIRS and upregulated by duloxetine. Moreover, overexpressing ASPA in CeA alleviated stress ulcers. Additionally, all of the other three monoamine-based antidepressants, the fluoxetine of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the amitriptyline of tricyclic agents, and the moclobemide of MAOs, increased ASPA expression in CeA. Together, these results indicate that increasing ASPA to hydrolyze NAA in CeA is a common mechanism of gastroprotective effects against stress exerted by monoamine-based antidepressants, and ASPA is a shared target more than monoamine regulation for this kind of drugs.
New Insights of CCR7 Signaling in Dendritic Cell Migration and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Hong Wenxiang , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Wang Jiajia , Weng Qinjie
Published: February 2022

CCR7, collaborated with its ligands CCL19 and CCL21, controls extensive migratory events in the immune system. CCR7-bearing dendritic cells can swarm into T-cell zones in lymph nodes, initiating the antigen presentation and T-cell response. Abnormal expression of CCR7 in dendritic cells will cause a series of inflammatory diseases due to the chaotic dendritic cell trafficking. In this review, we take an in-depth look at the structural–functional domains of CCR7 and CCR7-bearing dendritic cell trajectory to lymph nodes. Then, we summarize the regulatory network of CCR7, including transcriptional regulation, translational and posttranslational regulation, internalization, desensitization, and recycling. Furthermore, the potential strategies of targeting the CCR7 network to regulate dendritic cell migration and to deal with inflammatory diseases are integrated, which not only emphasizes the possibility of CCR7 to be a potential target of immunotherapy but also has an implication on the homing of dendritic cells to benefit inflammatory diseases.
The Vascular-Dependent and -Independent Actions of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Argunhan Fulye , Brain Susan D.
Published: February 2022

The treatment of hypertension and heart failure remains a major challenge to healthcare providers. Despite therapeutic advances, heart failure affects more than 26 million people worldwide and is increasing in prevalence due to an ageing population. Similarly, despite an improvement in blood pressure management, largely due to pharmacological interventions, hypertension remains a silent killer. This is in part due to its ability to contribute to heart failure. Development of novel therapies will likely be at the forefront of future cardiovascular studies to address these unmet needs. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37 amino acid potent vasodilator with positive-ionotropic and -chronotropic effects. It has been reported to have beneficial effects in hypertensive and heart failure patients. Interestingly, changes in plasma CGRP concentration in patients after myocardial infarction, heart failure, and in some forms of hypertension, also support a role for CGRP on hemodynamic functions. Rodent studies have played an important role thus far in delineating mechanisms involved in CGRP-induced cardioprotection. However, due to the short plasma half-life of CGRP, these well documented beneficial effects have often proven to be acute and transient. Recent development of longer lasting CGRP agonists may therefore offer a practical solution to investigating CGRP further in cardiovascular disease in vivo. Furthermore, pre-clinical murine studies have hinted at the prospect of cardioprotective mechanisms of CGRP which is independent of its hypotensive effect. Here, we discuss past and present evidence of vascular-dependent and -independent processes by which CGRP could protect the vasculature and myocardium against cardiovascular dysfunction.
The Calcium Sensor Calcineurin B-Like Proteins -Calcineurin B-Like Interacting Protein Kinases Is Involved in Leaf Development and Stress Responses Related to Latex Flow in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Xiao Xiaohu , Mo Chunyan , Sui Jinlei , Lin Xianzu , Long Xiangyu , Qin Yunxia , Fang Yongjun , Tang Chaorong
Published: February 2022

Latex flow in Hevea brasiliensis (the Para rubber tree), the sole commercial source of natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene, NR), renders it uniquely suited for the study of plant stress responses. Calcineurin B-like interacting protein kinases (CIPK) serving as calcium-sensor protein kinases react with calcineurin B-like proteins (CBL) to play crucial roles in hormone signaling transduction and response to abiotic stress in plant developmental processes. However, little is known about their functions in Hevea. In this study, a total of twelve CBL (HbCBL) and thirty CIPK (HbCIPK) genes were identified from the Hevea genome. Structure and phylogenetic analysis assigned these CIPKs to five groups and CBLs to four groups, and mapped onto fourteen of the eighteen Hevea chromosomes. RNA-seq and qPCR analysis showed that the expressions of HbCBL and HbCIPK genes varied in the seven Hevea tissues examined, i.e., latex (cytoplasm of rubber-producing laticifers), bark, leaf, root, seed, female flower, and male flower. The expressions of two HbCBL and sixteen HbCIPK genes showed upward trends during leaf development. Following ethylene yield stimulation and the latex tapping treatment, both practices invoking stress, the expression levels of most latex-expressed genes were significantly altered. Yeast two-hybrid test revealed interactions for multiple combinations of HbCBLs and HbCIPKs with substantial gene expression in latex or other Hevea tissues. However, all the HbCBL-HbCIPK complexes examined did not recruit HbSOS1 or AtSOS1 to form functional salt tolerance SOS pathway in yeast cells. Taken together, the results suggested a role of the Hevea CBL-CIPK network as a point of convergence for several different signaling pathways in growth, development, and stress responses in relation to latex production.
Contiguous Governance of Synchronic and Diachronic Changes for the Use of Genome Editing Technologies
Authors: Minari Jusaku , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Takashima Kayo , Yoshizawa Go
Published: February 2022

Genome editing technologies are increasingly coming under scrutiny, based on various social value judgments in biomedical research, clinical care, and public health. A central cause of this sociotechnical tension is that these technologies are capable of precisely and easily creating genome-modified organisms and human cells and tissues. To exemplify a general framework for a national governance system of genome editing technologies, we first look at the regulatory dynamics in Japan. Second, we expose the potential tension between national and international debates and directions for the global harmonization of genome editing technologies. Third, underpinning these two perspectives, we propose contiguous governance as a novel model of the governance of emerging biotechnologies from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. These perspectives, derived from genome editing technologies, can contribute to a better understanding and consideration of future regulations and governance systems.
Gender Differences in Perceived Stress and Its Relationship to Telomere Length in Costa Rican Adults
Authors: Méndez-Chacón Ericka
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Stress is associated with disease and reduced leukocyte telomere length (LTL). The objective of this research is to determine if self-perceived stress is associated with telomere length in Costa Rican adults and the gender differences in this association. Findings may help explain how some populations in apparent socioeconomic disadvantage and with limited access to specialized medical services have a remarkably high life expectancy.

Methodology

Data come from the pre-retirement cohort of the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES), a population based survey conducted in the households to 2,327 adults aged 53 to 66 years. The DNA to measure LTL was extracted from blood cells in laboratories of the University of Costa Rica whereas the Blackburn laboratory at the University of California performed the telomere length measurement applying the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). The relationship between telomere length and perceived stress was measured using least-squares multiple regression. Perceived stress was measured by a set of questions about family, job, finances and, health reasons to be stressed. Models included the control variables: (1) age and sex of the participant, (2) whether he or she resides in the Nicoya area, a “blue zone” known for its high longevity, and (3) the aforementioned sociodemographic, health and lifestyles characteristics.

Results

Stress perception and LTL are significantly different by sex. Women perceived higher stress levels than men in almost all aspects studied, except work. Women have significantly longer telomeres. Shorter telomeres are significantly associated with caregiving stress in men and with parental health concerns in women. Counter-intuitive telomere lengthenings were observed among women who feel stressed about caring for family members; and among men who feel stressed due to their family relationships as well as concerns about their own health.

Discussion

Results confirm that people with self-perceived stress due to caregiving or health issues have shorter telomeres. The relationship between stress and telomere length differs between men and women. Gender relations exert a strong modifier effect on the relationship between stress and LTL: gender is related to perceived stress, telomere length, and apparently also to the way stress and LTL are related.
How Do Mobile Social Apps Matter for College Students’ Satisfaction in Group-Based Learning? The Mediation of Collaborative Learning
Authors: Wang Xuyan , Zhang Renyu , Wang Xiaojiong , Xu Dongming , Tian Fangqing
Published: February 2022

Recently, many universities apply mobile tools to teaching practices. For instance, some teachers may set up groups on mobile social apps and assign course tasks and advise college students to submit papers online. Nevertheless, how these mobile social apps affect teaching practices, especially the process of students’ satisfaction needs to be further explored. To fill this research gap, we build a theoretical model of how mobile social apps’ functions affect course satisfaction from the perspective of Media Richness theory and the Uses and Gratifications (U and G) theory. A total of 186 valid questionnaires from college students in China were collected, and a structural equation model was built to test our research model. The results show that as: (1) only the communication function has positive impacts on knowledge sharing, while the impact of the information storing function and information distribution function on knowledge sharing is not significant; (2) knowledge sharing does not affect course satisfaction in a direct way, but it can act indirectly through promoting collaborative learning, which shows the mediating role of collaborative learning. The theoretical implications and practical implications of the study are discussed.
Does Whipping Tournament Incentives Spur CSR Performance? An Empirical Evidence From Chinese Sub-national Institutional Contingencies
Authors: Khan Muhammad Kaleem , Ali Shahid , Zahid R. M. Ammar , Huo Chunhui , Nazir Mian Sajid
Published: February 2022

The current study investigates whether tournament incentives motivate chief executive officer(s) (CEOs) to be socially responsible. Furthermore, it explores the role of sub-national institutional contingencies [i.e., state-owned enterprises (SOE) vs. non-SOEs, foreign-owned entities (FOE) vs. non-FOEs, cross-listed vs. non-cross-listed, developed region] in CEO tournament incentives and the corporate social responsibility performance (CSRP) relationship. Data were collected from all A-shared companies listed in the stock exchanges of China from 2014 to 2019. The study uses the baseline methodology of ordinary least squares (OLS) and cluster OLS regression. Moreover, firm-fixed effects regression, two-stage least squares regression, and propensity score matching deal with the endogeneity problem and check the robustness of the results. The results provide reliable evidence that tournament incentives motivate CEOs to be more socially responsible. On the other hand, sub-national institutional contingencies positively affect the association between CEO tournament incentives and CSRP. The findings have important implications for companies and regulators who wish to enhance CSP by providing incentives to top managers.
Predictors of Suicide Ideation and Attempt Planning in a Large Sample of New Zealand Help-Seekers
Authors: Shepherd Daniel , Taylor Stephen , Csako Rita , Liao An-Tse , Duncan Renee
Published: February 2022

Aim

Suicide is a major public health concern worldwide. The present study explores the risk factors for suicide ideation and suicide attempt planning by analyzing anonymized data collected by a New Zealand telephone helpline.

Method

A nation-wide helpline, Lifeline Aoteroa, provided data from distressed callers obtained from May 2017 to April 2018. The analyzed sample consisted of 32,889 counseling calls of clients with a wide range of presenting issues. Frequency analysis and multivariable logistic regression were adopted to determine risk and protective factors associated with two types of suicide behaviors: suicide ideation and suicide planning.

Results

Risk factors for suicide ideation and suicide planning included: hopelessness, sadness, fear, not coping with symptoms of mental health issues, mild/moderate severity self-harm, severe self-harm, urge to self-harm, alcohol and/or drug addiction, suicide in family, sexual domestic abuse. The adjusted odds rations for these risk factors ranging from 1.31 to 16.42. Protective factors included feelings of hope or joy, the opportunity to talk and, unexpectedly, feeling anxious or stuck. The adjusted odds ratios for protective factors ranged from 0.15 to 0.75.

Conclusion

Risk factors were identified for both suicide ideation and for suicide attempt planning. While some of these risk factors have been reported in existing literature, there are also risk factors unique to the present study that could inform and improve suicide-screening procedures administered by clinicians or helplines.
Canadian 24-h Movement Guidelines, Life Stress, and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Lien Amanda , Hamilton Hayley A. , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2022

Background

Adolescence is often considered a period of heightened stress, and healthy active living behaviors may help those experiencing it to better cope with life stressors and increase their self-esteem. The 24-h movement guidelines for children and adolescents recommend ≥60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, ≤ 2-h per day of recreational screen time, and 9–11-h of sleep per night for school-aged children or 8–10-h per night for adolescents. The objective of this study was to examine the association of meeting the 24-h movement guidelines with life stress and self-esteem among students in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

Self-reported data on movement behaviors, life stress and self-esteem were derived from the 2019 cycle of the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, a cross-sectional and province-wide survey of students in grades 7–12 aged 11 to 20 years (N = 6,932). Multivariable ordered logistic regression analyses were adjusted for the complex sample design of the survey and for important covariates.

Results

Overall, meeting all combinations of movement behavior recommendations were associated with lower life stress and better self-esteem compared with meeting none of the recommendations, except meeting the physical activity only or screen time only recommendations that were not associated with lower life stress. Meeting all 3 recommendations was associated with lower life stress (OR: 0.40; 95 CI: 0.30–0.53) and better self-esteem (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.21–0.40). There was a dose-response gradient between the number of recommendations met (3 > 2 > 1) and lower life stress (p < 0.001) and higher self-esteem (p < 0.001), with meeting all 3 recommendations being the best combination.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that meeting the recommendations of the 24-h movement guidelines is associated with lower life stress and better self-esteem among adolescents.
A Decade of College Student Hunger: What We Know and Where We Need to Go
Authors: Hagedorn-Hatfield Rebecca L. , Hood Lanae B. , Hege Adam
Published: February 2022

The first article on college food insecurity, published in 2009, sparked conversation on the dark secret many students face while seeking a college degree; they do not have secure access to food. Over 10 years later, numerous investigators around the globe have reported on the heightened prevalence of college food insecurity, the correlates that increase risk, and the detrimental outcomes associated with not having a secure source of food. In this manuscript, we describe the decade of research devoted to college food insecurity and provide direction for research, programs, and policies moving forward. Replicable and valid data collection methods must be utilized, campus-based program evaluation implemented and disseminated, and evidence-based policies supported to achieve realistic goals of warding off hunger and food insecurity on college campuses as well as improve the lives of individuals after post-secondary education. Collectively, stakeholders on college campuses as well as off-campus advocates can be the catalyst to creating a nutritionally secure environment and it is imperative that food insecurity be prevented on college campuses to ensure college students are able to achieve degree attainment.
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Version of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale in Primary Care
Authors: Sayed Ahmed Hazem A. , Mohamed Samar Farag , Elotla Sally Fawzy , Mostafa Mona , Shah Jaffer , Fouad Ahmed Mahmoud
Published: February 2022

Background

The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale is a reliable and valid tool that is widely used for diabetes-distress screening, but the Arabic version of the scale lacks validity and reliability analysis in primary healthcare (PHC) patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the PAID (AR-PAID) scale among Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in PHC settings.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on a convenience sample of 200 patients from six rural PHC settings in the Ismailia governorate. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test the goodness-of-fit to the predefined models of the PAID. Convergent construct was evaluated through correlations with the Arabic versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), additionally glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Discriminant validity was evaluated through associations with patients' sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and test-retest reliability analysis (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC).

Results

The CFA demonstrated the best fit for a four-factor model. The AR-PAID was significantly correlated with the following measures: PHQ-9 (rho = 0.71, p < 0.001), GAD-7 (rho = 0.50, p < 0.001), WHO-5 (rho = −0.69, p < 0.001), and HbA1c (rho = 0.36, p < 0.001), supporting sound convergent validity. Discriminant validity was satisfactory demonstrated. Internal consistency was excellent (α = 0.96) and test-retest reliability was stable (ICC = 0.97).

Conclusions

The AR-PAID scale is a valid and reliable instrument for diabetes-distress screening in primary care patients with T2DM that can be used in clinical settings and research. Further research is needed to validate short forms of the AR-PAID scale.
The Impact of Cognition on Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition Using a Robot Intervention in Infants With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Chandrashekhar Raghuveer , Wang Hongwu , Rippetoe Josiah , James Shirley A. , Fagg Andrew H. , Kolobe Thubi H. A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses multiple neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and persist through the lifespan of the individual. Early interventions for infants with CP utilizing assisted-motion robotic devices have shown promising effects in rehabilitation of the motor function skills. The impact of cognitive function during motor learning and skill acquisition in infants using robotic technologies is unclear.

Purpose: To assess the impact of cognitive function of infants with and without CP on their motor learning using the Self-Initiated Prone Progression Crawler (SIPPC) robot.

Methods: Statistical analysis was conducted on the data obtained from a randomized control trial in which the movement learning strategies in infants with or at risk for CP was assessed during a 16-week SIPPC robot intervention. Cognitive function was measured by the Bayley scales of Infant and Toddler Development–Third edition (Bayley-III) and motor function was measured by the Movement Observation Coding Scheme (MOCS). The infants were categorized into three distinct groups based on their cognitive scores at baseline: “above average” (n1 = 11), “below average” (n2 = 10), and “average” (n3 = 26). Tri-weekly averages of the MOCS scores (observations at five time points) were used for the analyses. This study involved computing descriptive statistics, data visualization, repeated measures analysis of variances (rmANOVA), and survival analyses.

Results: The descriptive statistics were calculated for the MOCS and Bayley III scores. The repeated measures ANOVAs revealed that there was a statistically significant effect of time (p < 0.0001) on scores of all subscales of the MOCS. A statistically significant effect of interaction between group and time (p < 0.05) was found in MOCS scores of subscales 1 and 2. The survival analyses indicated that infants in different cognition groups significantly differed (p < 0.0001) in their ability to achieve the crawling milestone within the 16-week intervention period.

Conclusion: The findings in this study reveal the key movement strategies required to move the SIPPC robot, assessed by the MOCS, vary depending on the infants’ cognition. The SIPPC robot is well-matched to cognitive ability of infants with CP. However, lower cognitive ability was related to delayed improvement in their motor skills.
BIMFlexi-VR: A Virtual Reality Framework for Early-Stage Collaboration in Flexible Industrial Building Design
Authors: Podkosova Iana , Reisinger Julia , Kaufmann Hannes , Kovacic Iva
Published: February 2022

Integrated industrial building design is an interdisciplinary task, in which planning of flexible building structures requires effective communication and collaboration between all stakeholders already in early design stage. This paper presents BIMFlexi-VR, a collaborative framework which implements a real-time bidirectional link between a parametric modelling component created in Grasshopper for Rhinoceros that performs optimized structural calculations of an industrial building, and an immersive Virtual Reality environment in which the automatically calculated building is visualized. Users of BIMFlexi-VR are able to change parameters defining the outcome of the structural calculation directly inside the virtual environment and see the modified building design together with the associated fitness metrics in a matter of seconds. Providing an efficient and intuitive platform for early exploration of industrial building designs, BIMFlexi-VR enables collaborative decision making and facilitates the creation of more efficient and sustainable industrial constructions.
Match-Related Statistics Differentiating Winning and Losing Teams at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Soccer Championship
Authors: Kubayi Alliance , Larkin Paul
Published: February 2022

This study investigated game-related statistics differentiating the winning and losings teams of matches during the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer tournament. The sample consisted of 38 games, with the data obtained from the InStat Scout platform. Data were analyzed using mean (M), SD, effect size (ES), structure coefficients (SCs), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that the winning teams performed significantly better than the losing teams in terms of shots (M = 12.13, SD = 4.67, Z = −2.26, ES = 0.62), shots on target (M = 5.05, SD = 2.54, Z = −4.22, ES = 1.13), and shots from counter-attacks (M = 2.24, SD = 1.42, Z = −2.48, ES = 0.57). Shots on target (SC = 1.22), shots (SC = −0.73), fouls (SC = 0.60), total passes (SC = 0.44), and yellow cards (SC = −0.32) presented the highest discriminatory power. These findings highlight the key match performance variables which influence the game results and may assist coaches in developing and implementing team strategies to improve the likelihood of winning the AFCON championship.
The Correlation Between Intra-Abdominal Pressure and Tolerance to Postoperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Authors: Yu Junye , Yu Lifei , Su Lin , Shi Ying
Published: February 2022

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between pain intensity and comfort level in patients with pseudomyxoma peritoneum (PMP) before and after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods

From June 2018 to June 2019, patients who underwent HIPEC for PMP after surgical treatment in our institute were selected. The intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and pain intensity (PI) before and after HIPEC were recorded, and the correlation between them was analyzed.

Results

Seventy-four patients received HIPEC 253 times. IAP and PI were significantly higher after perfusion than before perfusion (P < 0.05). When IAP < 12 cmH2O, the change of PI was not correlated to the increase of IAP, and the patient tolerated the treatment. However, when IAP > 12 cmH2O, the increase of PI was significantly associated with IAP and cause significant discomfort during the treatment.

Conclusion

IAP may be a monitoring index for the comfort of PMP patients during the postoperative HIPEC treatment.
Transabdominal Laparoscopic Ureteroureterostomy With the Intraoperative Retrograde Ureteroscopy-Assisted Technique for Multiple Ureteral Polyps: A Single-Center 10 Years Experiences
Authors: Xia Weiping , Chen Xiang , Li Bingsheng , Chen Hequn , Zhu Zewu , He Yao , Gan Yu , Zhang Bo , Wang Kangning , Li Yang , Jiang Zexiang , Long Jin , Chen Zhi
Published: February 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to report our experience in treating multiple ureteral polyps with transabdominal laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy (LAP-UU) with intraoperative retrograde ureteroscopy (RU)-assisted technique.

Methods

The data of 32 patients who underwent transabdominal LAP-UU with the intraoperative RU-assisted technique due to multiple ureteral polyps between January 2011 and March 2021 were reviewed at our institute. After administration of anesthesia, patients were placed in a passive position and underwent a three-port transabdominal laparoscopy with RU. Detailed data were reviewed, such as demographic characteristics, intraoperative outcomes, postoperative data, complications, and pathology reports.

Results

Thirty-two patients were diagnosed with multiple ureteral polyps underwent this surgery method at our institution. The mean duration of symptoms at the time of diagnosis was approximately 7.1 months. The mean age of patients was 42.4 years, with men accounting for 68.8% (22/32), lesion of left for 56.3% (18/32), and the upper ureter for 62.5% (20/32). Furthermore, the median length of the polyps was 3.6 cm, the mean operative time was 174.6 min, and the estimated blood loss (EBL) was about 86.8 ml. The mean time to begin a liquid diet and to be out of bed were 1.7 and 2.3 days, respectively. The average length of hospital stay was 6.3 days. The ureteral stent was removed by cystoscope 2–3 months after surgery. Follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 112 months and none of the patients required another surgery for recurrence.

Conclusion

Transabdominal LAP-UU combined with the intraoperative RU-assisted technique is an effective, safe, and reliable surgical option for patients with multiple ureteral polyps. Further long-term follow-up is recommended.
Roadbumps at the Crossroads of Integrating Behavioral and In Vitro Approaches for Neurotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Harry G. Jean , McBride Sandra , Witchey Shannah K. , Mhaouty-Kodja Sakina , Trembleau Alain , Bridge Matthew , Bencsik Anna
Published: February 2022

With the appreciation that behavior represents the integration and complexity of the nervous system, neurobehavioral phenotyping and assessment has seen a renaissance over the last couple of decades, resulting in a robust database on rodent performance within various testing paradigms, possible associations with human disorders, and therapeutic interventions. The interchange of data across behavior and other test modalities and multiple model systems has advanced our understanding of fundamental biology and mechanisms associated with normal functions and alterations in the nervous system. While there is a demonstrated value and power of neurobehavioral assessments for examining alterations due to genetic manipulations, maternal factors, early development environment, the applied use of behavior to assess environmental neurotoxicity continues to come under question as to whether behavior represents a sensitive endpoint for assessment. Why is rodent behavior a sensitive tool to the neuroscientist and yet, not when used in pre-clinical or chemical neurotoxicity studies? Applying new paradigms and evidence on the biological basis of behavior to neurobehavioral testing requires expertise and refinement of how such experiments are conducted to minimize variability and maximize information. This review presents relevant issues of methods used to conduct such test, sources of variability, experimental design, data analysis, interpretation, and reporting. It presents beneficial and critical limitations as they translate to the in vivo environment and considers the need to integrate across disciplines for the best value. It proposes that a refinement of behavioral assessments and understanding of subtle pronounced differences will facilitate the integration of data obtained across multiple approaches and to address issues of translation.
The Economic Cost of Burnout in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Neill Clinton L. , Hansen Charlotte R. , Salois Matthew
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to estimate the economic cost of burnout in the veterinary profession and highlight the financial reasons why the industry should address the burnout crisis from an organizational perspective. Using data from 5,786 associate veterinarians in private practice, information was obtained using employment information related to compensation, work hours, hour preferences, and job turnover. Burnout was measured using the Professional Quality of Life Scale and used to calculate conditional probabilities on turnover and reduced working hours due to burnout. Lost revenue from each outcome (turnover and reduced working hours) was then used to calculate the economic costs to the veterinary services industry. The attributable cost of burnout of veterinarians to the US industry is between $1 and 2 billion annually in lost revenue, though there is a large amount of uncertainty. The cost is dependent on whether veterinary technicians are included in the analysis. The highest economic cost per veterinarian is among food animal practitioners, while the lowest is among equine. This study demonstrates that there are significant economic costs due to burnout among veterinarians and veterinary technicians. We suggest pursuing organizational interventions as these have shown the most impact in decreasing burnout and increasing satisfaction among human health physicians.
Fiber Protein Produced in Escherichia coli as a Subunit Vaccine Candidate Against Egg-Drop Syndrome 76
Authors: Wang Linguo , Zhang Pantao , Huang Baicheng , Wang Mengyue , Tian Hui , Liu Peng , Liu Wujie , Tian Kegong
Published: February 2022

The egg-drop syndrome ‘76 (EDS ‘76) caused by duck atadenovirus A (DAdV-1) infection in laying hens leads to the decrease in egg production, causing heavy economic losses in the poultry industry; thus, vaccines with high safety and immunogenicity are needed. In this study, the DAdV-1 fiber protein expressed in Escherichia coli with codon optimization showed the hemagglutination (HA) titer of 13 log2 after purification (0.6 mg/mL). Compared with inactivated EDS ‘76 vaccine, the specific pathogen-free chickens immunized with 0.4 mL fiber protein (HA titer of 11 log2) induced an equal level of HA inhibition (HI) titer and neutralizing antibodies. Meanwhile, after immunization with fiber protein, the lowest HI titer that could provide the effect to reduce egg production rate in laying hens after the challenge was 7 log2. Moreover, fiber protein with an HA titer of 7 log2 could induce an HI titer no <7 log2 in laying hens, which was equal to or higher than the lowest HI titer (7 log2) that could reduce egg production against DAdV-1 infection significantly, indicating that it is economically feasible for vaccine development. Importantly, the HI antibodies maintained at a high level up to 180 days postimmunization contribute to the clinical application of the vaccine candidate. Overall, the fiber protein produced in E. coli is an effective subunit vaccine candidate in EDS ‘76 control for its high immunogenicity and protection in chickens.
Morphological Characterization of Two Light Italian Turkey Breeds
Authors: Marelli Stefano Paolo , Zaniboni Luisa , Strillacci Maria Giuseppina , Madeddu Manuela , Cerolini Silvia
Published: February 2022

We aimed to investigate the variability within turkeys’ phenotypical traits in two Italian heritage breeds: Brianzolo (BRZ) and Nero d’Italia (NIT), as analyzed through morphometry, morphometrical indexes, linear scoring, and colorimetric indexes. A total of 92 birds were measured, weighed, and scored (46 NIT: M/F = 19/27; 46 BRZ: M/F = 19/27). Live weight (LW), total body length (BL, excluding feathers), keel length (KL), chest circumference (BC), wingspan (WS), shank length (SL), shank diameter (SD), and shank circumference (SC). Massiveness (MASS), stockiness (STOCK), and long-leggedness (LLEG) indexes were also calculated. The body condition score (BCS) applied a linear evaluation to nutritional status and muscular development. Colorimetric indexes (L*, a*, b*) were recorded, sampling skin and shank. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures and PCA. NIT was the heaviest breed (4.89 vs. 4.07 kg; p ≤ 0.05). In both breeds, sexual dimorphism was visible in the LW trait with males (M) weighing significantly heavier than females (F) (p ≤ 0.05). NIT birds recorded the highest BL values: 58.44 vs. 57.15 cm (p ≤ 0.05). MASS was higher in NIT (8.26 vs. 7.0; p ≤ 0.05), and STOCK was higher in BRZ (82.62 vs. 85.37; p ≤ 0.05). Colorimetric indexes revealed significant differences in skin lightness (L*) and redness (a*). For shank color, the breed significantly affected differences in the indexes. This study characterizes these breeds at high risk of genetic erosion and extinction, which will help the morphological standardization of birds and the enhancement of genetic variability.