bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing bacterial communities in Phragmites australis rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere sediments under pressure of antibiotics in a shallow lake
Authors: Zhang Ling , Bai Junhong , Zhang Kegang , Wei Zhuoqun , Wang Yaqi , Liu Haizhu , Xiao Rong , Jorquera Milko A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Antibiotics are ubiquitous pollutants and widely found in aquatic ecosystems, which of rhizosphere sediment and rhizosphere bacterial communities had certain correlation. However, the response of bacterial communities in Phragmites australis rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere sediments to antibiotics stress is still poorly understood.

Methods

To address this knowledge gap, the samples of rhizosphere (R) and non-rhizosphere (NR) sediments of P. australis were collected to investigate the differences of bacterial communities under the influence of antibiotics and key bacterial species and dominate environmental factors in Baiyangdian (BYD) Lake.

Results

The results showed that the contents of norfloxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and total antibiotics in rhizosphere sediments were significantly higher than that in non-rhizosphere sediments, meanwhile, bacterial communities in non-rhizosphere sediments had significantly higher diversity (Sobs, Shannon, Simpsoneven and PD) than those in rhizosphere sediments. Furthermore, total antibiotics and CIP were found to be the most important factors in bacterial diversity. The majority of the phyla in rhizosphere sediments were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Campilobacterota, while Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi was the most abundant phyla followed by Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota in non-rhizosphere sediments. The dominate factors of shaping the bacterial communities in rhizosphere were total antibiotics, pH, sediment organic matter (SOM), and NH4-N, while dissolved organic carbon (DOC), NO3-N, pH, and water contents (WC) in non-rhizosphere sediments.

Discussion

It is suggested that antibiotics may have a substantial effect on bacterial communities in P. australis rhizosphere sediment, which showed potential risk for ARGs selection pressure and dissemination in shallow lake ecosystems.
Differences in meat quality between Angus cattle and Xinjiang brown cattle in association with gut microbiota and its lipid metabolism
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Sun Yawei , Chen Lijing , Zhang Yang , Wang Jinquan , Li Hongbo , Yan Xiangming , Xia Lining , Yao Gang
Published: December 2022

Gut microbiota plays important roles in mediating fat metabolic events in humans and animals. However, the differences of meat quality traits related to the lipid metabolism (MQT-LM) in association with gut microbiota involving in lipid metabolism have not been well explored between Angus cattle (AG) and Xinjiang brown cattle (BC). Ten heads of 18-month-old uncastrated male AG and BC (5 in each group) raised under the identical conditions were selected to test MQT-LM, i.e., the backfat thickness (BFT), the intramuscular fat (IMF) content, the intramuscular adipocyte areas (IAA), the eye muscle area (EMA), the muscle fiber sectional area (MFSA) and the muscle shear force after sacrifice. The gut microbiota composition and structure with its metabolic function were analyzed by means of metagenomics and metabolomics with rectal feces. The correlation of MQT-LM with the gut microbiota and its metabolites was analyzed. In comparison with AG, BC had significant lower EMA, IMF content and IAA but higher BFT and MFSA. Chao1 and ACE indexes of α-diversity were lower. β-diversity between AG and BC were significantly different. The relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotella and Blautia and Prevotella copri, Blautia wexlerae, and Ruminococcus gnavus was lower. The lipid metabolism related metabolites, i.e., succinate, oxoglutaric acid, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid were lower, while GABA, L-asparagine and fumaric acid were higher. IMF was positively correlated with Prevotella copri, Blautia wexlerae and Ruminococcus gnavus, and the metabolites succinate, oxoglutaric acid, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid, while negatively with GABA, L-asparagine and fumaric acid. BFT was negatively correlated with Blautia wexlerae and the metabolites succinate, L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid, while positively with GABA, L-asparagine and fumaric acid. Prevotella Copri, Blautia wexlerae, and Ruminococcus gnavus was all positively correlated with succinate, oxoglutaric acid, while negatively with L-asparagine and fumaric acid. In conclusion, Prevotella copri, Prevotella intermedia, Blautia wexlerae, and Ruminococcus gnavus may serve as the potential differentiated bacterial species in association with MQT-LM via their metabolites of oxoglutaric acid, succinate, fumaric acid, L-aspartic acid, L-asparagine, L-glutamic acid and GABA between BC and AG.
A predictive model using risk factor categories for hospital-acquired pneumonia in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Hu Sheng-Qi , Hu Jian-Nan , Chen Ru-Dong , Yu Jia-Sheng
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To identify risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and establish a predictive model to aid evaluation.

Methods

The cohorts of 253 aSAH patients were divided into the HAP group (n = 64) and the non-HAP group (n = 189). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify risk factors. A logistic model (Model-Logit) was established based on the independent risk factors. We used risk factor categories to develop a model (Model-Cat). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the cutoff values. Areas under the curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess the accuracy of models and single factors. The Delong test was performed to compare the AUCs.

Results

The multivariate logistic analysis showed that the age [p = 0.012, odds ratio (OR) = 1.059, confidence interval (CI) = 1.013–1.107], blood glucose (BG; >7.22 mmol/L; p = 0.011, OR = 2.781, CI = 1.263–6.119), red blood distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD; p = 0.024, OR = 1.118, CI = 1.015–1.231), and Glasgow coma scale (GCS; p < 0.001, OR = 0.710, CI = 0.633–0.798) were independent risk factors. The Model-Logit was as follows: Logit(P) = −5.467 + 0.057 * Age + 1.023 * BG (>7.22 mmol/L, yes = 1, no = 0) + 0.111 * RDW-SD−0.342 * GCS. The AUCs values of the Model-Logit, GCS, age, BG (>7.22 mmol/L), and RDW-SD were 0.865, 0.819, 0.634, 0.698, and 0.625, respectively. For clinical use, the Model-Cat was established. In the Model-Cat, the AUCs for GCS, age, BG, and RDW-SD were 0.850, 0.760, 0.700, 0.641, and 0.564, respectively. The AUCs of the Model-Logit were insignificantly higher than the Model-Cat (Delong test, p = 0.157). The total points from −3 to 4 and 5 to 14 were classified as low- and high-risk levels, respectively.

Conclusions

Age, BG (> 7.22 mmol/L), GCS, and RDW-SD were independent risk factors for HAP in aSAH patients. The Model-Cat was convenient for practical evaluation. The aSAH patients with total points from 5 to 14 had a high risk for HAP, suggesting the need for more attention during treatment.
Convolutional autoencoder joint boundary and mask adversarial learning for fundus image segmentation
Authors: Zhang Xu , Song Jiaqi , Wang Chengrui , Zhou Zhen
Published: December 2022

The precise segmentation of the optic cup (OC) and the optic disc (OD) is important for glaucoma screening. In recent years, medical image segmentation based on convolutional neural networks (CNN) has achieved remarkable results. However, many traditional CNN methods do not consider the cross-domain problem, i.e., generalization on datasets of different domains. In this paper, we propose a novel unsupervised domain-adaptive segmentation architecture called CAE-BMAL. Firstly, we enhance the source domain with a convolutional autoencoder to improve the generalization ability of the model. Then, we introduce an adversarial learning-based boundary discrimination branch to reduce the impact of the complex environment during segmentation. Finally, we evaluate the proposed method on three datasets, Drishti-GS, RIM-ONE-r3, and REFUGE. The experimental evaluations outperform most state-of-the-art methods in accuracy and generalization. We further evaluate the cup-to-disk ratio performance in OD and OC segmentation, which indicates the effectiveness of glaucoma discrimination.
Acute impact of light at night and exogenous melatonin on subjective appetite and plasma leptin
Authors: Albreiki Mohammed S. , Shamlan Ghalia H. , BaHammam Ahmed S. , Alruwaili Nawaf W. , Middleton Benita , Hampton Shelagh M.
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the possible effect of exogenous melatonin on appetite control by investigating plasma leptin and subjective appetite parameters. Nine healthy male participants [26 ± 1.3 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.8 ± 0.8 kg/m2] (mean ± SD) were recruited. The study was designed as a randomized three-way cross-over design; light (>500 lux) (LS), dark (<5 lux) + exogenous melatonin (DSC), and light (>500 lux) + exogenous melatonin (LSC), with an interval of at least 7 days between each session. Each session started at 18:00 h and ended at 06:00 h the following day. Participants were awake and in a semi-recumbent position during each clinical session. The meal times were individualized according to melatonin onset from 48 h sequential urine collection, whereas melatonin intake was given 90 min before the evening meal. Subjective appetite parameters were collected at 30 min intervals during each session. Plasma leptin was collected at specific time points to analyze pre-prandial and postprandial leptin. Subjective hunger and desire to eat were reported higher in LS than DSC and LSC (P = 0.03, and P = 0.001). Plasma leptin showed a significant increase in LSC and DSC (p = 0.007). This study suggested a positive impact of exogenous melatonin on subjective appetite and plasma leptin.
The regulatory role of N6-methyladenosine RNA modification in gastric cancer: Molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Li Gaofeng , Fu Qiru , Liu Cong , Peng Yuxi , Gong Jun , Li Shilan , Huang Yan , Zhang Haiyuan
Published: December 2022

N6-methyladenosinen (m6A) methylation is a frequent RNA methylation modification that is regulated by three proteins: “writers”, “erasers”, and “readers”. The m6A modification regulates RNA stability and other mechanisms, including translation, cleavage, and degradation. Interestingly, recent research has linked m6A RNA modification to the occurrence and development of cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer. This review summarizes the regulatory role of m6A RNA modification in gastric cancer (GC), including targets, the mechanisms of action, and the potential signaling pathways. Our present findings can facilitate our understanding of the significance of m6A RNA modification in GC.
RETRACTED: A study on expression level and nutritional status of IGFBP-2 after left neck anastomosis combined with placement of feeding nutritional applicators carrying ^(125)I particles in the treatment of esophageal cancer
Authors: Zhan Zhiqiang , Mei Jiaqi , Zhou Xiangwu , Jiang Sicong , Li Daojing , Wang Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

Background

To explore the changes and significance of the expression level and nutritional status of human insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP2) after the treatment of esophageal cancer with left neck anastomosis combined with placement of feeding nutritional applicators carrying ^(125)I particles.

Methods

A total of 110 patients with esophageal cancer (observation group: left neck anastomosis combined with placement of feeding nutritional applicators carrying ^(125)I particles) and 100 healthy people (control group) were enrolled at the same period. Then enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to detect level of IGFBP-2. Lymphocyte count and serum albumin were measured by immune analyzer and automatic protein analyzer to evaluate nutritional status. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between serum IGFBP-2, nutritional status and prognosis of esophageal cancer after combined treatment.

Results

The albumin, lymphocyte absolute value and PNI detection value of the control group were lower than those of the observation group 1 month after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the control group. The detection value of IGFBP-2 in early patients before and after treatment was lower than that in middle and late patients, and the detection values of albumin, lymphocyte absolute value and PNI were higher than those in middle and late patients, the differences were statistically significant. Serum IGFBP-2 level was negatively correlated with PNI, and albumin and lymphocyte absolute value were positively correlated with PNI. The detection value of IGFBP-2 in patients with good prognosis was significantly lower than that in patients with poor prognosis, and the detection values of albumin, lymphocyte absolute value and PNI were significantly higher than those in patients with poor prognosis. The AUC (0.887,95% CI: 0.799-0.975) of IGFBP-2, albumin, lymphocyte absolute value and PNI in predicting poor prognosis of esophageal cancer was the largest, and the sensitivity and specificity were 94.12% and 92.47%, respectively.

Conclusions

Left neck anastomosis combined with ^(125)I particle application nutritional tube is helpful for the decrease of serum IGFBP-2 and the increase of various nutritional status indicators, which is beneficial for the improvement of the patient’s condition.
Communication and access to healthcare: Experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people managing pain in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Bernardes Christina Maresch , Houkamau Kushla , Lin Ivan , Taylor Marayah , Birch Stephen , Claus Andrew , Bryant Matthew , Meuter Renata , Isua Jermaine , Gray Paul , Kluver Joseph P , Jones Corey , Ekberg Stuart , Pratt Gregory
Published: December 2022

Background

Pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach and a collaborative relationship between patient-provider in which communication is crucial. This study examines the communication experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hospital Liaison Officers (ATSIHLOs), to improve understanding of how pain is managed in and through patient-health professional communication.

Methods

This qualitative study involved a purposive sample of patients attending three persistent pain clinics and ATSIHLOs working in two hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Focus groups and in-depth interviews explored the communication experiences of patients managing pain and ATSIHLOs supporting patients with pain. This study adopted a descriptive phenomenological methodology, as described by Colaizzi (1978). Relevant statements (patient and ATSIHLOs quotes) about the phenomenon were extracted from the transcripts to formulate meanings. The formulated meanings were subsequently sorted into thematic clusters and then integrated into themes. The themes were then incorporated into a concise description of the phenomenon of communication within pain management. Findings were validated by participants.

Results

A total of 21 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants were involved in this study. Exploration of the communication experiences of patients and ATSIHLOs revealed overlapping themes of important barriers to and enablers of communication that affected access to care while managing pain. Acknowledging historical and cultural factors were particularly important to build trust between patients and health professionals. Some patients reported feeling stigmatized for identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, while others were reluctant to disclose their background for fear of not having the same opportunity for treatment. Differences in the expression of pain and the difficulty to use standard pain measurement scales were identified. Communication was described as more than the content delivered, it is visual and emotional expressed through body language, voice intonation, language and the speed of the conversation.

Conclusion

Communication can significantly affect access to pain management services. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients highlighted the burden of emotional pain caused by historical factors, negative stereotypes and the fear of discrimination. Pain management services and their health professionals need to acknowledge how these factors impact patients trust and care.
Successful use of adalimumab as a conservative treatment for bilateral knee lipoma arborescens in patient with psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – case report and review of literature
Authors: Frkovic Marijan , Kujundzic Magdalena , Cavka Mislav , Jelusic Marija
Published: December 2022

Lipoma arborescens (LA) is a chronic, slowly progressive intra-articular mass associated with the proliferation of synovial villi. It can affect one or several joints and has been commonly described in adults with degenerative joint disease. Most patients have been diagnosed with MRI and/or biopsy findings and are usually treated with partial or total synovectomy. Case reports of LA in children, particularly with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are scarce. We present a 16-year-old girl with a prolonged course of psoriatic JIA (initial bilateral knee affection and subsequent involvement of wrists and elbows combined with psoriatic scalp lesions) and LA of both knees. Psoriatic JIA has been diagnosed at the age of 13, with immediate start of methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Several weeks later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right knee, performed with the aim of the most swollen joint additional evaluation, revealed synovial changes consistent with LA; arthroscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. After two years of MTX treatment, despite the successful maintenance of minimal JIA activity except for repetitive bilateral knee swelling, control MRI revealed bilateral knee lesions identical to those described two years earlier in the right knee. Following the step-up approach in JIA treatment, the TNF inhibitor adalimumab was added in therapy. Finally, six months later, clinical reduction of both knees swelling was noticed with almost complete LA regression in the right, and partial regression in the left knee, confirmed by final MRI control. A conservative approach, including TNF inhibitors, instead of usually performing synovectomy, seems like a reasonable option in cases of LA with underlying JIA.
Establishment of a cell senescence related prognostic model for predicting prognosis in glioblastoma
Authors: Li Hongbin , Wang Zhuozhou , Sun Chengde , Li Shuangjia
Published: December 2022

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is highly malignant and has a worse prognosis with age, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides us with a huge amount of information about GBM.

Materials and Methods: Through the enrichment scores of cell senescence-related pathways, we constructed a consensus matrix and mined molecular subtypes and explored the differences in pathological, immune/pathway and prognostic. Also we identified key genes related to cell senescence characteristics using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression and univariate COX regression analysis models. The use of risk factor formats to construct clinical prognostic models also explored the differences in immunotherapy/chemotherapy within the senescence-related signatures score (SRS.score) subgroups. Decision trees built with machine learning to identify the main factors affecting prognosis have further improved the prognosis model and survival prediction.

Results: We obtained seven prognostic-related pathways related to cell senescence. We constructed four different molecular subtypes and found patients with subtype C1 had the worst prognosis. C4 had the highest proportion of patients with IDH mutations. 1005 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed, and finally 194 Risk genes and 38 Protective genes were obtained. Eight key genes responsible for cell senescence were finally identified. The clinical prognosis model was established based on SRS.score, and the prognosis of patients with high SRS.score was worse. SRS.score and age were the vital risk factors for GBM patients through decision tree model mining.

Conclusion: We constructed a clinical prognosis model that could provide high prediction accuracy and survival prediction ability for adjuvant treatment of patients with GBM.
The application of the nnU-Net-based automatic segmentation model in assisting carotid artery stenosis and carotid atherosclerotic plaque evaluation
Authors: Zhu Ying , Chen Liwei , Lu Wenjie , Gong Yongjun , Wang Ximing
Published: December 2022

Objective: No new U-net (nnU-Net) is a newly-developed deep learning neural network, whose advantages in medical image segmentation have been noticed recently. This study aimed to investigate the value of the nnU-Net-based model for computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging in assisting the evaluation of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and atherosclerotic plaque.

Methods: This study retrospectively enrolled 93 CAS-suspected patients who underwent head and neck CTA examination, then randomly divided them into the training set (N = 70) and the validation set (N = 23) in a 3:1 ratio. The radiologist-marked images in the training set were used for the development of the nnU-Net model, which was subsequently tested in the validation set.

Results: In the training set, the nnU-Net had already displayed a good performance for CAS diagnosis and atherosclerotic plaque segmentation. Then, its utility was further confirmed in the validation set: the Dice similarity coefficient value of the nnU-Net model in segmenting background, blood vessels, calcification plaques, and dark spots reached 0.975, 0.974 0.795, and 0.498, accordingly. Besides, the nnU-Net model displayed a good consistency with physicians in assessing CAS (Kappa = 0.893), stenosis degree (Kappa = 0.930), the number of calcification plaque (Kappa = 0.922), non-calcification (Kappa = 0.768) and mixed plaque (Kappa = 0.793), as well as the max thickness of calcification plaque (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.972). Additionally, the evaluation time of the nnU-Net model was shortened compared with the physicians (27.3 ± 4.4 s vs. 296.8 ± 81.1 s, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The automatic segmentation model based on nnU-Net shows good accuracy, reliability, and efficiency in assisting CTA to evaluate CAS and carotid atherosclerotic plaques.
Metabolomics of plant root exudates: From sample preparation to data analysis
Authors: Salem Mohamed A. , Wang Jian You , Al-Babili Salim
Published: December 2022

Plants release a set of chemical compounds, called exudates, into the rhizosphere, under normal conditions and in response to environmental stimuli and surrounding soil organisms. Plant root exudates play indispensable roles in inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms, while also promoting the growth of beneficial microbes and attracting symbiotic partners. Root exudates contain a complex array of primary and specialized metabolites. Some of these chemicals are only found in certain plant species for shaping the microbial community in the rhizosphere. Comprehensive understanding of plant root exudates has numerous applications from basic sciences to enhancing crop yield, production of stress-tolerant crops, and phytoremediation. This review summarizes the metabolomics workflow for determining the composition of root exudates, from sample preparation to data acquisition and analysis. We also discuss recent advances in the existing analytical methods and future perspectives of metabolite analysis.
Educational performance between the human resource's theoretical paradigm and the practical mentality. Analysis at the European level
Authors: Ionescu Romeo Victor , Zlati Monica Laura , Antohi Valentin Marian , Cristache Nicoleta , Raducan Monica
Published: December 2022

The issue of performance in education is always topical because it plays an important role in creating the most valuable resource: labor. It has been treated both from a scientific and practical point of view through numerous strategies and optimization techniques, being integrated with the strategies for educational development as a training system at a global level. This research aimed to identify the need for performance and assessed the theoretical and practical dimensions of the European gap in performance in education, given the impact of the global crisis. The analysis was based on a structured questionnaire that is part of a pilot research in which 130 teachers and school managers from Romania and 97 teachers and school managers from five other European countries participated. The results of the study will allow the identification of the human resource's theoretical paradigm and the practical mentality in the education system to improve performance, which the authors propose to use to identify concrete applicable measures in the short term.
Social prescribing of nature therapy for adults with mental illness living in the community: A scoping review of peer-reviewed international evidence
Authors: Thomas Tamsin , Aggar Christina , Baker James , Massey Debbie , Thomas Megan , D’Appio Daniel , Brymer Eric
Published: December 2022

Social prescribing of nature therapy “green social prescribing” facilitates access to local nature-based activities that improve biopsychosocial wellbeing outcomes, are affordable, accessible, and can be adapted to context. These are becoming increasingly popular and gray literature is emerging, however, peer-reviewed scientific evidence is exiguous. This scoping review aimed to identify and critique peer-reviewed evidence for green social prescribing interventions and develop recommendations for research and clinical practice. Included studies were published in peer-reviewed journals in English on/after 1 January 2000. Participants were community-living adults with mental illness; Intervention was any green social prescribing program; Comparator was not restricted/required; Outcomes were any biopsychosocial measures; and any/all Study Designs were included. Twelve databases were searched on 15 October 2022; these were Academic Search Premier, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess quality. Seven publications describing 6 unique studies (5 UK, 1 Australia) were identified including 3 mixed-methods, 2 qualitative, and 1 RCT. Participants included 334 adults (45% female, aged 35–70 years); sample sizes ranged from 9 to 164. All studies showed improvements in biopsychosocial wellbeing, and participants from most studies (n = 5) reported increased connection to the earth and intention to further access nature. Participant demographics and diagnoses were poorly reported, and intervention activities and assessments varied considerably. However, MMAT scores were good overall suggesting these studies may reliably demonstrate intervention outcomes. We conclude that socially prescribed nature therapy can improve biopsychosocial wellbeing and is a potentially important intervention for mental illness. Recommendations for research and clinical practice are provided.
Measuring self-as-context in Chinese college students: Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of self-as-context scale (C-SACS)
Authors: Fang Shuanghu , Huang Mingjie , Wang Yiyi
Published: December 2022

Objective

To examine the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the Self-as-Context Scale (SACS) in college students.

Method

We used convenience sampling to recruit 708 Chinese college students. All participants completed the SACS and 343 of them were asked to complete the validation questionnaires (Satisfaction with Life Scale, Peace of Mind Scale, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire-Fusion, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21) at the same time. We conducted items analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), measurement invariance test, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and internal consistency reliability analysis. After 3 weeks, 217 participants filled out the SACS again to assess the test–retest reliability.

Results

The exploratory factor analysis showed that the SACS consisted of two factors (Centering and Transcending), with a total of 9 items. The confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the two-factor structure fit well (χ2 = 55.40,df = 22, CFI = 0.977, TLI = 0.963, RMSEA = 0.065, SRMR = 0.032). According to the results of the measurement invariance tests, configural invariance, metric invariance, scalar invariance, and strict invariance of the 2-factor model, the C-SACS scores were comparable across genders. Additionally, the C-SACS total score and its subscale scores were significantly positively correlated with positive indicators of mental health (life satisfaction, affective well-being), significantly negatively correlated with negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress), significantly negatively correlated with experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion (except for the Transcending factor), and significantly positively correlated with mindful attention and awareness. Regression analysis results revealed that the C-SACS surpasses the incremental effectiveness of AAQ-II and CFQ-F in predicting different psychological health indicators. The Cronbach’sαcoefficients of the C-SACS and two subscales were 0.88 [0.71, 0.90], 0.80 [0.87, 0.90] and 0.85 [0.83, 0.88] and McDonald’sω = 0.88 [0.87, 0.90],ω = 0.80 [0.78, 0.83],ω = 0.85[0.83, 0.88]. The test–retest reliability (ICC) was 0.73 and 0.72, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that the Chinese version of SACS has good reliability and validity in Chinese college students.
Suffering, authenticity, and meaning in life: Toward an integrated conceptualization of well-being
Authors: Kaftanski Wojciech , Hanson Jeffrey
Published: December 2022

Most conceptions of well-being either ignore suffering or assume an ideal version of human life in which suffering would be eliminated. This trend is especially emblematic of positive psychology. Recent research on well-being indicates a mediating function of meaning in life between suffering and well-being demonstrating that making sense of past experiences is significantly correlated with high presence of meaning in life. Hence, meaning-making serves the role of an active coping mechanism that alleviates suffering. This and related strategies of defining, measuring, and augmenting well-being however overlook a form of suffering that is ineliminable and in fact essential to personal growth. In this paper the insights of the existentialist philosopher Søren Kierkegaard are developed to formulate an integrated conceptualization of well-being that regards “negative” affects as crucial for a rich and complete life. The complexity of the relationship between meaning in life, suffering, and authenticity concerning well-being are discussed. A synthetic perspective on the subjective dimension of the experience of suffering and on the objective nature of human limitations that often cause suffering is discussed in relation to the notions of meaning in life and authenticity. Finally, an integrated conceptualization of well-being is posited. It entails suffering as constitutive of meaning in life and authenticity, which are key components of a well-lived life.
Negative symptom dimensions and social functioning in Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Gao Tianqi , Huang Zetao , Huang Bingjie , Zhou Tianhang , Shi Chuan , Yu Xin , Pu Chengcheng
Published: December 2022

Objective

Negative symptoms can seriously affect social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. However, the role of various components of negative symptoms in social functioning remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the associations among three different dimensions of negative symptoms (i.e., communication, emotion, and motivation) and social functioning to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 202 Chinese participants with schizophrenia. Negative symptoms were evaluated using the Negative Symptom Assessment (NSA). Social functioning was represented by the Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) total score and employment status. Correlation analysis was conducted to clarify the relationship between negative symptoms and the PSP total score. Regression analysis was performed to explore the determinants of the PSP total score and employment status, considering negative symptoms and possible confounders, such as demographic features, positive symptoms, cognitive symptoms, depressive symptoms, and extrapyramidal side effects.

Results

The PSP total score was correlated with all three dimensions of negative symptoms (i.e., emotion, motivation, and communication; rs = –0.509, –0.662, and –0.657, respectively). Motivation, instead of emotion or communication, predicted both low PSP total scores and unemployment.

Conclusion

Social functioning in patients with schizophrenia was significantly related to motivation. Further studies should focus on motivation and consider it as a therapeutic target to improve patients’ social functioning.
Leadership for systems change: Researcher practices for enhancing research impact in the prevention of chronic disease
Authors: Pescud Melanie , Rychetnik Lucie , Allender Steven , Irving Michelle J. , Howse Eloise , Rutter Harry , Ison Ray , Riley Therese , Friel Sharon , Finegood Diane T.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Strengthening systems for chronic disease prevention is essential. Leadership for systems change is an important key to strengthening systems. Leadership in prevention research for supporting systems change remains a relatively abstract concept and there is limited empirical information about the leadership practices of prevention research teams when viewed through a complexity lens. In this paper we examine and describe some systems leadership practices for creating change through prevention research, as identified in a series of six case studies.

Methods

A qualitative approach incorporating semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document review was used to facilitate an in-depth investigation of the research topic.

Results

Several researcher practices for enhancing research impact in the prevention of chronic disease were distilled from the data pertaining to how they sought to create change. These included persuasive communication, compassion and deep listening, reflective practice, and embedding themselves within the systems they sought to change.

Discussion

The findings provide insights that may assist prevention researchers and other practitioners dedicated to creating change in chronic disease prevention.
Discontinuation of long acting reversible contraceptive use and its determinants among women in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Tegegne Kirubel Dagnaw , Biset Gebyaw , Sewuyew Dagne Addisu , Alemu Biresaw Wassihun , Yitayew Alemker Mola
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Contraception discontinuation is a major public health issue that leads to unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate discontinuation of contraceptives and its determinants in Ethiopia.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, and Addis Ababa University online library were searched. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA statistical software (v. 14). Publication bias was checked by forest plot, Begg's rank test, and Egger's regression test. To look for heterogeneity, I2 was computed, and an overall estimated analysis was carried out. Subgroup analysis was done by region, study setting, and publication. The pooled odds ratio for associated factors was also computed.

Results

Out of 654 studies assessed, 20 met our criteria and were included in the study. The total number of study participants was 8,780. The pooled prevalence of discontinuation of long acting reversible contraceptive use was 36.94% (95% CI: 28.547–45.326). According to sub-group analysis, Amhara region (45%) and institution-based studies (47.9%) had the highest prevalence. The most common reason for contraceptive discontinuation was negative side effect (42.3%).

Women experienced side effects (AOR = 2.833:95% CI:2.005–4.003), didn't receive counseling on side effects (AOR = 2.417; 95% CI: 1.591–3.672), didn't appoint follow up (AOR = 2.820; 95% CI: 2.048–3.881), dissatisfied with the given service (AOR = 5.156; 95% CI: 3.644–7.296), and a desire to be pregnant (AOR = 2.366; 95% CI: 1.760–3.182) were predictors of discontinuation of contraceptives.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, the pooled prevalence of long acting contraceptive discontinuation was high. Side effects, not being informed about side effects, dissatisfaction with the provided service, no insertion follow-up, and a desire to become pregnant were all associated factors. Healthcare professionals should focus on the client's reproductive goals, proper management of side effects, counseling, and post-insertion visits.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022347860, identifier CRD42022347860.
Higher education personnel’s perceptions about telepresence robots
Authors: Leoste Janika , Virkus Sirje , Talisainen Aleksei , Tammemäe Kalle , Kangur Katrin , Petriashvili Izabella
Published: December 2022

The interest towards using telepresence robots in a variety of educational contexts is growing, as they have a great potential to enhance the educational experience of remote learners and provide support for teachers. This paper describes a study, examining the perception of Georgian university personnel about the use of telepresence robots in education. This exploratory research aimed to obtain evidence-based information on how the personnel (16 persons) from eight Georgian universities perceived the telepresence robots’ role in enhancing learning and teaching, and what challenges, benefits, opportunities, weaknesses and threats would characterise these robots. The results of the study revealed that the university personnel perceived telepresence robots to have a great potential to enhance educational activities. In addition, the participants indicated the major challenges, benefits, opportunities, weaknesses and threats, regarding integrating telepresence robotics into the teaching and learning in Georgia. Recommendations for future research are also presented.
Vacuum assisted closure for defects of the abdominal wall after intestinal transplantation
Authors: Pinheiro Rafael S. , Andraus Wellington , Fortunato Allana C. , Galvão Flavio H. F. , Nacif Lucas S. , Waisberg Daniel R. , Arantes Rubens M. , Lee Andre D. , Rocha-Santos Vinicius , Martino Rodrigo B. , Ducatti Liliana , Haddad Luciana Bertocco de Paiva , Bezerra Regis O. F. , Carneiro-D'Albuquerque Luiz Augusto
Published: December 2022

Background

Isolated intestinal transplantation (IT) is indicated in cases of intestinal failure (IF) in the absence of severe liver dysfunction. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the most frequent IF etiology, and due to the absence or considerable reduction of intestinal loops in the abdominal cavity in these patients, there is atrophy and muscle retraction of the abdominal wall, leading to loss of the abdominal domain and elasticity and preventing the primary closure of the abdominal wall. This study aimed to describe a technique for the closure of the abdominal wall after IT without using prostheses.

Methods

Four patients underwent IT with the impossibility of primary closure of the abdominal wall. We describe a novel technique, associating a series of vacuum-assisted closure dressings, components separation, and relaxation incisions.

Results

All patients presented a successful closure of the abdominal wall with the described technique, with no complications related to the abdominal wall.

Conclusion

The technique proved to be safe, effective, and reproducible as an option for abdominal wall closure after IT. Employing this technique in a greater number of cases is necessary to confirm these results.
An optimal dietary sodium chloride supplemental level of broiler chicks fed a corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age
Authors: Zhang Weiyun , Wu Bingxin , Wu Wei , Cui Xiaoyan , Li Ding , Gao Feiyu , Li Tingting , Zhu Ling , Geng Yanqiang , Zhang Liyang , Hu Yun , Luo Xugang
Published: December 2022

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is usually added to diets to meet the Na and Cl requirements of broilers in the Chinese poultry industry, but the optimal dietary NaCl supplemental level was not well-established. The present study was conducted to estimate the optimal dietary NaCl supplemental level of broilers fed a corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 490, 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were fed a NaCl-unsupplemented corn-soybean meal basal diet (control) and the basal diet supplemented with 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50 or 0.60% NaCl for 21 days. Regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the optimal dietary NaCl level using the best fitted broken-line or asymptotic models. As dietary supplemental NaCl levels increased, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), blood partial pressure of CO2, total CO2, base excess and anion gap, blood concentrations of HCO3, Na and Cl, serum Na concentration, jejunal villus height (VH) and tibia ash content increased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05), while feed/gain ratio, relative weights of heart, liver and kidney, blood K concentration, serum concentrations of K, uric acid and glucose, and osmotic pressure decreased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05). The estimates of optimal dietary NaCl levels were 0.20−0.22% based on the best fitted broken-line or asymptotic models (P < 0.0001) of ADG, ADFI and feed/gain ratio, and 0.08−0.24% based on the best fitted broken-line or asymptotic models (P < 0.0001) of blood gas indices, serum parameters, jejunal VH, tibia ash content and organ indices. These results suggested that the optimal dietary NaCl supplemental level would be 0.24% for broilers fed the corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21 days of age, which is lower than the current dietary NaCl supplemental level (0.30%) in the Chinese broiler production.
A Portrait of Cord Blood Units Distributed for Transplantation from Canadian Blood Services’ Cord Blood Bank: First Analysis
Authors: Parmar Gaganvir , Green Meagan , Mostert Karen , Lawless Tiffany , Dibdin Nicholas , Weiss Jason , Ganz Kathy , Petraszko Tanya , Seftel Matthew D. , Allan David S.
Published: December 2022

Background: The Canadian Blood Services Cord Blood Bank (CBS CBB) was created to improve access to stem cell products for transplantation for patients across ethnic groups. An analysis of distributed units is needed to assess the effectiveness of the bank to meet the needs of patients from different ethnic groups. Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed on all cord blood units distributed from the CBS’ CBB as of 30 June 2022. Results: Distribution of the first 60 units based on CBS’ CBB inventory has been linear over time. A similar proportion of cord blood unit (CBU) recipients were pediatric or adult. More than half of the cord blood units (56.7%) were distributed to recipients outside of Canada, and CBUs were used to treat a broad range of hematologic and immune disorders. 43.3% of distributed CBUs were of non-Caucasian ethnicity and 18% were from donors self-reporting as multi-ethnic. The mean total nucleated cell counts and total CD34+ cell counts were 1.9 ± 0.1 × 109 cells and 5.3 ± 0.5 × 106 CD34+ cells, respectively. CD34+ cells per kg (recipient weight) varied significantly between pediatric (age 0–4), adolescent (age 5–17) and adult recipients (age 18 and older) (3.1 ± 0.5, 1.4 ± 0.5 and 0.9 ± 0.07 × 105 CD34+ cells/kg, respectively). HLA matching was 6/6 (15%), 5/6 (47%) or 4/6 (38%). Conclusions: The CBS’ CBB has facilitated the utilization of banked units for patients across a broad range of ages, geographic distribution, ethnicity, and diseases. Distributed units were well matched for HLA alleles and contained robust cell counts, reflecting a high-quality inventory with significant utility.
Heart Failure Evolution Model Based on Anomalous Diffusion Theory
Authors: Walczak Andrzej Augustyn
Published: December 2022

The unexpectable variations of the diagnosed disease symptoms are quite often observed during medical diagnosis. In stochastics, such behavior is called “grey swan” or “black swan” as synonyms of sudden, unpredictable change. Evolution of the disease’s symptoms is usually described by means of Markov processes, where dependency on process history is neglected. The common expectation is that such processes are Gaussian. It is demonstrated here that medical observation can be described as a Markov process and is non-Gaussian. Presented non-Gaussian processes have “fat tail” probability density distribution (pdf). “Fat tail” permits a slight change of probability density distribution and triggers an unexpectable big variation of the diagnosed parameter. Such “fat tail” solution is delivered by the anomalous diffusion model applied here to describe disease evolution and to explain the possible presence of “swans” mentioned above. The proposed model has been obtained as solution of the Fractal Fokker–Planck equation (FFPE). The paper shows a comparison of the results of the theoretical model of anomalous diffusion with experimental results of clinical studies using bioimpedance measurements in cardiology. This allows us to consider the practical usefulness of the proposed solutions.
Electric Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Pickup and Delivery: Mathematical Modeling and Adaptive Large Neighborhood Search Heuristic Method
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Chenghao , Cheng Ming , Huang Yucheng
Published: December 2022

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a promising option to reduce air pollution and shipping costs, especially in urban areas. To provide scientific guidance for the growing number of logistics companies using EVs, we investigated an electric-vehicle-routing problem with simultaneous pickup and delivery that also considers non-linear charging and load-dependent discharging (EVRPSPD-NL-LD). The objective was to minimize the total number of EVs and the total working time, including travel time, charging time, waiting time, and service time. We formulated the problem as a mixed integer linear program (MILP), and small-size problems could be solved to optimality in an acceptable amount of time using the commercial solver IBM ILOG CPLEX Optimization Studio (CPLEX). In view of the fact that the problem is NP-hard, an adaptive large neighborhood search (ALNS) metaheuristic method was proposed to solve large-size problems. Meanwhile, new operators and a time priority approach were developed to provide options for different scenarios. The results of our computational investigation and sensitivity analysis showed that the proposed methods are effective and efficient for modified benchmark instances.