bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features of Cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and efficacy of the current therapy
Authors: Zhao Qing , Li Ning-ning , Chen You-xin , Zhao Xin-yu
Published: May 2023

Background

Cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) is the most common and sight-threatening opportunistic retinal infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and several controversies remain to be settled. We aimed to summarize the current evidence and clarify the clinical features and prognosis of CMVR in AIDS patients.

Methods

The databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid from inception to April 2022 were searched to identify the relevant studies. R software version 3.6.3 was used to perform the statistical analyses. Results in proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the Freeman-Tukey variant of arcsine square transformation.

Results

We finally included 236 studies comprising 20,214 patients. CMVR in AIDS was male-dominated (88%, 95%CI 86%-89%), with 57% (95%CI 55%-60%) aged <41 years and 44% (95%CI 41%-47%) being bilaterally involved. CMVR was preponderant in AIDS patients with the following characteristics: white and non-Hispanic, homosexual, HIV RNA load ≥ 400 copies/mL, and CD4+ T-cells <50 cells/μL. The positivity of CMV-DNA in blood, aqueous humor, and vitreous humor was 66% (95%CI 52%-79%), 87% (95%CI 76%-96%), and 95% (95%CI 85%-100%), respectively. The most common symptoms were blurred vision (55%, 95%CI 46%-65%), followed by asymptomatic, visual field defect, and floaters. CMVR was first diagnosed and regarded as the clue to AIDS diagnosis in 9% (95%CI 6%-13%) of CMVR patients. Approximately 85% (95%CI 76%-93%) of the CMVR patients have received cART. CMVR remission was observed in 72%-92% of patients depending on the specific category of anti-CMV therapy. The general incidence of CMVR-related RD in the entire course was 24% (95%CI 18%-29%), of which most patients received PPV with SO or gas tamponade and the rate of anatomic success was 89% (95%CI 85%-93%).

Conclusion

CMVR is a common opportunistic infection with diverse clinical features in AIDS patients, preponderant in those who are male, homosexual, or with CD4+ T-cells <50 cells/μL. Current therapies for CMVR and CMVR-related RD were shown to be effective. Early detection and routine ophthalmic screening should be promoted in AIDS patients.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022363105.
Artificial intelligence for health message generation: an empirical study using a large language model (LLM) and prompt engineering
Authors: Lim Sue , Schmälzle Ralf
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study introduces and examines the potential of an AI system to generate health awareness messages. The topic of folic acid, a vitamin that is critical during pregnancy, served as a test case.

Method

We used prompt engineering to generate awareness messages about folic acid and compared them to the most retweeted human-generated messages via human evaluation with an university sample and another sample comprising of young adult women. We also conducted computational text analysis to examine the similarities between the AI-generated messages and human generated tweets in terms of content and semantic structure.

Results

The results showed that AI-generated messages ranked higher in message quality and clarity across both samples. The computational analyses revealed that the AI generated messages were on par with human-generated ones in terms of sentiment, reading ease, and semantic content.

Discussion

Overall, these results demonstrate the potential of large language models for message generation. Theoretical, practical, and ethical implications are discussed.
Tricuspid regurgitation in the setting of LVAD support
Authors: Mitra Ananya , Siddique Aleem
Published: May 2023

Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) is a common complication of end-stage heart failure. Increased pulmonary venous pressures caused by left ventricular (LV) dysfunction can result in a progressive dilation of the right ventricle and tricuspid valve annulus, resulting in functional TR. Here, we review what is known about TR in the setting of severe LV dysfunction necessitating long-term mechanical support with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including the occurrence of significant TR, its pathophysiology, and natural history. We examine the impact of uncorrected TR on LVAD outcomes and the impact of tricuspid valve interventions at the time of LVAD placement, revealing that TR frequently improves after LVAD placement with or without concomitant tricuspid valve intervention such that the benefit of concomitant intervention remains controversial. We summarize the current evidence on which to base medical decisions and provide recommendations for future directions of study to address outstanding questions in the field.
The sine transform is the sine qua non of the pulmonary and systemic pressure relationship
Authors: Doyle Mark , Rayarao Geetha , Biederman Robert W. W.
Published: May 2023

Assessment of therapeutic interventions in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) suffers from several commonly encountered limitations: (1) patient studies are often too small and short-term to provide definitive conclusions, (2) there is a lack of a universal set of metrics to adequately assess therapy and (3) while clinical treatments focus on management of symptoms, there remain many cases of early loss of life in a seemingly arbitrary distribution. Here we provide a unified approach to assess right and left pressure relationships in PAH and pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients by developing linear models informed by the observation of Suga and Sugawa that pressure generation in the ventricle (right or left) approximately follows a single lobe of a sinusoid. We sought to identify a set of cardiovascular variables that either linearly or via a sine transformation related to systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAPs) and systemic systolic blood pressure (SBP). Importantly, both right and left cardiovascular variables are included in each linear model. Using non-invasively obtained cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) image metrics the approach was successfully applied to model PAPs in PAH patients with an r2 of 0.89 (p < 0.05) and SBP with an r2 of 0.74 (p < 0.05). Further, the approach clarified the relationships that exist between PAPs and SBP separately for PAH and PH patients, and these relationships were used to distinguish PAH vs. PH patients with good accuracy (68%, p < 0.05). An important feature of the linear models is that they demonstrate that right and left ventricular conditions interact to generate PAPs and SBP in PAH patients, even in the absence of left-sided disease. The models predicted a theoretical right ventricular pulsatile reserve that in PAH patients was shown to be predictive of the 6 min walk distance (r2 = 0.45, p < 0.05). The linear models indicate a physically plausible mode of interaction between right and left ventricles and provides a means of assessing right and left cardiac status as they relate to PAPs and SBP. The linear models have potential to allow assessment of the detailed physiologic effects of therapy in PAH and PH patients and may thus permit cross-over of knowledge between PH and PAH clinical trials.
Identification of mitophagy-related genes with potential clinical utility in myocardial infarction at transcriptional level
Authors: Yang Zhikai , Sun Liang , Wang Hua
Published: May 2023

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) ranks among the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases. Insufficient blood flow to the coronary arteries always leads to ischemic necrosis of the cardiac muscle. However, the mechanism of myocardial injury after MI remains unclear. This article aims to explore the potential common genes between mitophagy and MI and to construct a suitable prediction model.

Methods

Two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE62646 and GSE59867) were used to screen the differential expression genes in peripheral blood. SVM, RF, and LASSO algorithm were employed to find MI and mitophagy-related genes. Moreover, DT, KNN, RF, SVM and LR were conducted to build the binary models, and screened the best model to further external validation (GSE61144) and internal validation (10-fold cross validation and Bootstrap), respectively. The performance of various machine learning models was compared. In addition, immune cell infiltration correlation analysis was conducted with MCP-Counter and CIBERSORT.

Results

We finally identified ATG5, TOMM20, MFN2 transcriptionally differed between MI and stable coronary artery diseases. Both internal and external validation supported that these three genes could accurately predict MI withAUC = 0.914 and 0.930 by logistic regression, respectively. Additionally, functional analysis suggested that monocytes and neutrophils might be involved in mitochondrial autophagy after myocardial infarction.

Conclusion

The data showed that the transcritional levels of ATG5, TOMM20 and MFN2 in patients with MI were significantly different from the control group, which might be helpful to further accurately diagnose diseases and have potential application value in clinical practice.
Grounding and improving assessment in higher education: a way of promoting quality education
Authors: Fialho Isabel , Cid Marília , Coppi Marcelo
Published: May 2023

Assessment continues to be one of the topics that most concern teachers and most dissatisfies students. In this paper we describe and evaluate the impact of the training course “Grounding and Improving Pedagogical Assessment in Higher Education,” based on a descriptive survey questionnaire, applied in a convenience-selected sample of 31 teachers from a public university in Portugal, who participated in the pedagogical training course. The questionnaire was applied before the beginning of the course (pre-test) and after its completion (post-test). Data were analyzed using statistical procedures that consisted of frequency analysis and non-parametric analysis, using the Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. The results revealed several changes in teachers’ conceptions of assessment and demonstrated the positive impact of the course, since the comparison of the pre and post-test results showed that relevant changes occurred towards the most current theories of pedagogical assessment, being more significant in the group of teachers without pedagogical training.
Primary hyperaldosteronism is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in patients with hypertension and diabetes
Authors: Pillai Krishnadev , Fares Ahmed , Dargham Soha , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Jayyousi Amin , Abi Khalil Charbel
Published: May 2023

Aims

Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of hypertension. It is more prevalent in patients with diabetes. We assessed the cardiovascular impact of PA in patients with established hypertension and diabetes.

Methods

Data from the National Inpatient Sample (2008-2016) was used to identify adults with PA with hypertension and diabetes comorbidities and then compared to non-PA patients. The primary outcome was in-hospital death. Secondary outcomes included ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, acute renal failure, atrial fibrillation, and acute heart failure.

Results

A total of 48,434,503 patients with hypertension and diabetes were included in the analysis, of whom 12,850 (0.03%) were diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism (PA). Compared to patients with hypertension and diabetes but no PA, those with PA were more likely to be younger [63(13) vs. 67 (14), male (57.1% vs. 48.3%), and African-Americans (32% vs. 18.5%) (p<0.001 for all). PA was associated with a higher risk of mortality (adjusted OR 1.076 [1.076-1.077]), ischemic stroke [adjusted OR 1.049 (1.049-1.05)], hemorrhagic stroke [adjusted OR 1.05 (1.05-1.051)], acute renal failure [adjusted OR 1.058 (1.058-1.058)], acute heart failure [OR 1.104 (1.104-1.104)], and atrial fibrillation [adjusted OR 1.034 (1.033-1.034)]. As expected, older age and underlying cardiovascular disease were the strongest predictors of mortality. However, the female gender conferred protection [OR 0.889 (0.886-0.892].

Conclusion

Primary hyperaldosteronism in patients with hypertension and diabetes is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.
Comparison of the adjuvant effect of conbercept intravitreal injection at different times before vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Yang Zhikun , Di Yu , Ye Junjie , Yu Weihong , Guo Zijian
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To assess the optimal time of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) treatment prior to pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in patients with severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Method

This study was exploratory in nature. Forty-eight consecutive patients (48 eyes) with PDR were divided into four groups according to different IVC times (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) before PPV: group A (3 days), group B (7 days), group C (14 days), and group D (non-IVC). Intraoperative and postoperative effectiveness were assessed, and vitreous VEGF concentrations were detected.

Result

For intraoperative effectiveness, groups A and D had a higher incidence of intraoperative bleeding than groups B and C (P = 0.041). Furthermore, groups A-C required less surgical time than group D (P < 0.05). For postoperative effectiveness, group B had a significantly higher proportion of visual acuity that improved or remained unchanged than group D (P = 0.014), and groups A-C had lower proportions of postoperative bleeding than group D. The vitreous VEGF concentration of group B (67.04 ± 47.24 pg/mL) was significantly lower than that of group D (178.29 ± 110.50 pg/mL) (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

IVC treatment that was administered 7 days preoperatively was associated with better effectiveness and a lower vitreous VEGF concentration than its administration at other time points.
Effect of surgical treatment on patients with stage T3 or T4 triple-negative breast cancer: a SEER-based retrospective observational study
Authors: Hu Jie , Dai Changling , Zhang Yang , Chen Weijun , Sun Lihua , Zhang Xu , Duan Minjie , Fu Hao , Long Teng , Kang Wei , Yin Chengliang , Liu Xiaozhu , Yu Jie
Published: May 2023

Background

The use of surgery is controversial in patients with stage T3 or T4 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We aimed to explore the effect of surgical treatment on overall survival (OS) of these patients.

Methods

A total of 2,041 patients were selected and divided into the surgical and non-surgical groups based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2010 to 2018. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were applied to balance covariates between different groups. The OS of the two groups were assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

A total of 2,041 patients were included in the study. After PSM and IPTW, baseline characteristics of the matched variables were fully balanced. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the median survival time and OS of TNBC patients with stage T3 or T4 in the surgical group were significantly improved compared with those in the non-surgical group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that surgery was a protective factor for prognosis.

Conclusion

Our study found that surgery prolonged the median survival and improved OS compared with the non-surgical group of TNBC patients with stage T3 or T4.
Systematic analysis between inflammation-related index and sex hormones in American adults: cross-sectional research based NHANES 2013-2016
Authors: Wei Chengcheng , Zhang Wenting , Chen Jiabi , He Qingliu , Cao Li , Zhang Pu , Deng Changqi , Xiong Ming , Huang Yu , Guo Haixin , Wang Miao , Chen Zhaohui
Published: May 2023

Background

A series of novel inflammation-related indexes has been confirmed to be efficient indicators of human immune and inflammatory status, with great potential as predictors for a variety of diseases. However, the association between inflammation-related indexes and sex hormones in the general population remained uncertain.

Methods

We incorporated data from the NHANES 2013-2016 survey of American adults. On the basis of distribution and comparison analysis, we chose to undertake separate analyses of men and women (including premenopausal and postmenopausal groups). Multivariable weighted linear regression models, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models, generalized linear analysis, stratified models, logistic regression models and sensitivity analysis were utilized to assess the relationships between inflammation-related indexes and sex hormones.

Results

Total 9372 participants out of 20146 were fitted into our research. We conducted separate gender analysis due to different distribution. Multivariable weighted linear regression indicated every component of the inflammation-related index was negatively correlated with at least one component of the male hormone indexes. However, SII, NLR, PPN, and NC were associated positively with female estradiol. XGBoost identify SII, PLR and NLR were the critical indexes on sex hormones. Inflammation-related indexes was associated with Testosterone deficiency in male and postmenstrual group and associated with Excessive Estradiol in premenstrual group. Finally, the subgroup analysis revealed that the association between sex hormones and inflammatory indicators was prominent in American adults over the age of 60 or those with BMI (>28 kg/m2).

Conclusion

In all, inflammation-related indexes act as independent risks associated with sex hormone alterations and metabolic disorder in both genders. Using multiple models, we revealed the relative importance of inflammation-related indexes. Subgroup analysis also identified the high-risk population. More prospective and experimental research should be conducted to validate the results.
Antimicrobial resistance and machine learning: past, present, and future
Authors: Farhat Faiza , Athar Md Tanwir , Ahmad Sultan , Madsen Dag Øivind , Sohail Shahab Saquib
Published: May 2023

Machine learning has become ubiquitous across all industries, including the relatively new application of predicting antimicrobial resistance. As the first bibliometric review in this field, we expect it to inspire further research in this area. The review employs standard bibliometric indicators such as article count, citation count, and the Hirsch index (H-index) to evaluate the relevance and impact of the leading countries, organizations, journals, and authors in this field. VOSviewer and Biblioshiny programs are utilized to analyze citation and co-citation networks, collaboration networks, keyword co-occurrence, and trend analysis. The United States has the highest contribution with 254 articles, accounting for over 37.57% of the total corpus, followed by China (103) and the United Kingdom (78). Among 58 publishers, the top four publishers account for 45% of the publications, with Elsevier leading with 15% of the publications, followed by Springer Nature (12%), MDPI, and Frontiers Media SA with 9% each. Frontiers in Microbiology is the most frequent publication source (33 articles), followed by Scientific Reports (29 articles), PLoS One (17 articles), and Antibiotics (16 articles). The study reveals a substantial increase in research and publications on the use of machine learning to predict antibiotic resistance. Recent research has focused on developing advanced machine learning algorithms that can accurately forecast antibiotic resistance, and a range of algorithms are now being used to address this issue.
Subjective cognitive decline in patients with Parkinson’s disease: an updated review
Authors: Huang Juan , Yuan Xingxing , Chen Lin , Hu Binbin , Jiang Lijuan , Shi Ting , Wang Hui , Huang Wei
Published: May 2023

Cognitive impairment in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) worsens the prognosis of PD and increases caregivers’ burden and economic consequences. Recently, subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which refers to self-reported cognitive decline without detectable objective cognitive dysfunction, has been regarded as an at-risk state of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and a prodromal stage for dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, studies on PD-SCD have thus far been scarce, and at present there is no consensus regarding the definition of SCD nor a gold standard as an evaluation tool. The present review aimed to look for an association between PD-SCD and objective cognitive function and found that PD with SCD occurred with brain metabolic changes, which were consistent with early aberrant pathological changes in PD. Moreover, PD patients with SCD were likely to progress to future cognitive impairment. It is necessary to establish a guideline for the definition and evaluation of SCD in PD. A larger sample size and more longitudinal investigations are needed to verify the predictive effectiveness of PD-SCD and to detect earlier subtle cognitive decline before MCI.
Cluster and network analysis of non-headache symptoms in migraine patients reveals distinct subgroups based on onset age and vestibular-cochlear symptom interconnection
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Xiaonuo , Zhou Jiying , Dong Liang
Published: May 2023

Objective

The present study endeavors to identify natural subgroups of migraine patients based on the patterns of non-headache symptoms, utilizing cluster analysis. Subsequently, network analysis was performed to estimate the structure of symptoms and explore the potential pathophysiology of these findings.

Method

A total of 475 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for migraine were surveyed face-to-face during the period of 2019 to 2022. The survey included collecting demographic and symptom data. Four different solutions were generated by the K-means for mixed large data (KAMILA) clustering algorithm, from which the final cluster solutions were selected based on a series of cluster metrics. Subsequently, we performed network analysis using Bayesian Gaussian graphical models (BGGM) to estimate the symptom structure across subgroups and conducted global and pairwise comparisons between structures.

Result

Cluster analysis identified two distinct patient groups, and the onset age of migraine proved to be an effective characteristic differentiating the two patient groups. Participants assigned to late-onset group showed a longer course of migraine, higher frequency of monthly headache attacks, and greater tendency toward medication overuse. In contrast, patients in early-onset group exhibited a higher frequency of nausea, vomiting, and phonophobia compared to their counterparts in the other group. The network analysis revealed a different symptom structure between the two groups globally, while the pairwise differences indicated an increasing connection between tinnitus and dizziness, and a decreasing connection between tinnitus and hearing loss in the early-onset group.

Conclusion

Utilizing clustering and network analysis, we have identified two distinct non-headache symptom structures of migraine patients with early-onset age and late-onset age. Our findings suggest that the vestibular-cochlear symptoms may differ in the context of different onset ages of migraine patients, which may contribute to a better understanding of the pathology of vestibular-cochlear symptoms in migraine.
The relationship between processing speed and remodeling spatial patterns of intrinsic brain activity in the elderly with different sleep duration
Authors: Pu Li , Zou Yao , Wang Yan , Lei Jia-Ling , Zhao Xiao-Nan , Zeng Xia , Yan Guo-Jian
Published: May 2023

Objective

Brain neuroplasticity in which sleep affects the speed of information processing in the elderly population has not been reported. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the effects of sleep on information processing speed and its central plasticity mechanism in the elderly.

Methods

A total of 50 individuals aged 60 and older were enrolled in this case control study. All subjects were divided into two groups according to the sleep time: short sleep duration (< 360 min) (6 men and 19 women; mean age: 66.96 ± 4.28 years old), and non-short sleep duration (> 360 min) (13 men and 12 women). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were collected, and the amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and degree centrality (DC) were calculated for each participant. Two-sample t-tests were performed to compare the ALFF, ReHo, and DC maps between the two groups. Then, the relationships among clinical features, fMRI and cognitive function were analyzed using general linear model.

Results

Short sleep duration group showed significantly increased ALFF value in the bilateral middle frontal gyrus and right insula; significantly increased ReHo value in the left superior parietal gyrus, and decreased ReHo value in the right crebellum; significantly decreased DC value in the left inferior occipital gyrus, left superior parietal gyrus and right cerebellum (p < 0.05, AlphaSim correction). The ALFF value of right insula is significantly associated with symbol digit modalities test (SDMT) score (β = −0.363, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Short sleep duration and processing speed are significantly associated with remodeling spatial patterns of intrinsic brain activity in the elderly.
Case Report: The ultrasound features of acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma: a case series
Authors: Yang Yanrong , Chen Hongyan , Li Yongzhong , Zhou Jiaojiao
Published: May 2023

Background

Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma (ACD-RCC) is a new subtype listed by the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification, which occurred in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. This study will present the imaging characteristics of the four cases diagnosed with ACD-RCC. Ultrasound is expected to help detect abnormalities early in the follow-up of patients on regular dialysis, allowing patients to receive early treatment.

Case presentation

We searched the pathology database of our hospital for all inpatients diagnosed with ACD-RCC between January 2016 and May 2022. Pathology, ultrasound, and radiology readings are performed by experienced physicians with the title of attending physician or higher. Four cases were included in this study, all of whom were male, aged from 17 to 59. Two cases suffered from ACD-RCC in both kidneys, and kidney nephrectomies were performed. One case underwent renal transplantation, whose creatinine was back to normal, and the rest were on hemodialysis. On the pathological images, heteromorphic cells and oxalate crystals can be seen. Both ultrasound and enhanced CT showed an enhancement of the solid component of the occupancy. We followed up with outpatient and telephone visits.

Conclusion

In clinical work, ACD-RCC should be considered when the mass appears in the background of multiple cysts in the kidney in patients with ESRD. A timely diagnosis will help with treatment and prognosis.
The plausibility transition model for sensemaking
Authors: Klein Gary , Jalaeian Mohammadreza , Hoffman Robert R. , Mueller Shane T.
Published: May 2023

When people make plausibility judgments about an assertion, an event, or a piece of evidence, they are gauging whether it makes sense that the event could transpire as it did. Therefore, we can treat plausibility judgments as a part of sensemaking. In this paper, we review the research literature, presenting the different ways that plausibility has been defined and measured. Then we describe the naturalistic research that allowed us to model how plausibility judgments are engaged during the sensemaking process. The model is based on an analysis of 23 cases in which people tried to make sense of complex situations. The model describes the user’s attempts to construct a narrative as a state transition string, relying on plausibility judgments for each transition point. The model has implications for measurement and for training.
Mid-term Psychiatric Outcomes of Patients Recovered From COVID-19 From an Italian Cohort of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Gramaglia Carla , Gambaro Eleonora , Bellan Mattia , Balbo Piero Emilio , Baricich Alessio , Sainaghi Pier Paolo , Pirisi Mario , Baldon Giulia , Battistini Sofia , Binda Valeria , Feggi Alessandro , Gai Martina , Gattoni Eleonora , Jona Amalia , Lorenzini Luca , Marangon Debora , Martelli Maria , Prosperini Pierluigi , Zeppegno Patrizia ,   The NO-MORE COVID Group
Published: May 2023

Background: Although the usual primary clinical manifestation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is respiratory, several non-respiratory symptoms have been described, including neuropsychiatric ones. The aim of this study was to investigate the mid-term mental health outcomes in patients recovered from COVID-19, 3–4 months after discharge from the University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy. Furthermore, we investigated the possible association of the mid-term mental health consequences of the COVID-19 infection with patients' clinical current status, persistent physical impairment and severity of acute phase of the disease.

Methods: Prospective study involving 238 individuals recovered from COVID-19. In the context of a multi-disciplinary approach, patients' assessment included both a clinical interview performed by an experienced psychiatrist, trained in the use of the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview to assess the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and self-administered questionnaires: Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), Impact of Event Scale (IES).

Results: At the psychiatric assessment 32.9 and 29.5% of participants showed anxiety and depressive symptoms, respectively. Changes in appetite and sleep patterns emerged for 15.6 and 31.2% of patients. According to the self-administered questionnaires, 7.1% of participants had moderate-severe anxiety levels (BAI), while 10.5% had mild to severe depression (BDI-II). Twenty-six (11%) participants were referred to further psychiatric consultation. Psychiatric symptoms showed no correlation with acute COVID-19 severity; in our sample patients with depressive symptoms at the clinical interview, as well as those with mild to severe levels of depression according to BDI-II scores, had lower forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) values than those without and greater odds for persistent, poor tolerance for physical efforts.

Conclusions: As could be expected, an approach including both a psychiatric interview and the use of self-administered questionnaires is likely to capture the psychiatric outcome of patients recovered from COVID-19 better than questionnaires alone. Anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up had no correlation with the severity of COVID acute manifestations, but rather with ongoing and persistent physical symptoms. Further studies and longer follow-up duration will allow a better understanding of the complex relationship between residual physical symptoms, quality of life and psychological health.
An online survey on clinical characteristics of otologic symptoms linked to COVID-19 infection
Authors: Wu Linsui , Peng Hongyi , He Yufeng , Pu Ling , Zhong Shixun
Published: May 2023

Objective

To report the otologic symptoms that present in patients with COVID-19 infection and investigate the pathogenic characteristics during the period of the pandemic.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional descriptive study included participants with COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 infection was verified in these patients by nucleic acid test or antigen test. An online questionnaire was developed to analyze the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and the characteristics of otologic symptoms.

Results

This study included 2,247 participants, of which nearly half had one or more otologic symptoms. The presents of otologic symptoms were associated with gender (OR = 1.575, p < 0.0001), age (OR = 0.972, p < 0.0001), and occupation (healthcare worker: p < 0.0001; personnel of enterprises or institutions: OR = 1.792, p < 0.0001; student: OR = 0.712, p < 0.044). The otologic symptoms following COVID-19 infection in order were vertigo (25.95%), tinnitus (19.05%), otalgia (19.00%), aural fullness (17.18%), hearing loss (11.62%), otorrhea (1.25%), and facial paralysis (0.27%).

Conclusion

The present study shows that otologic symptoms are common among the COVID-19 infected participants and that these symptoms mostly recover spontaneously. During the corona-virus pandemic, the involvement of the cochleovestibular system and facial nerve should not be overlooked while treating the COVID-19 infected individuals.
Not just political parties: Robert Michels as a critic of mainstream economics
Authors: Susca Emanuela
Published: May 2023

Best known for his contribution to elite theory through the formulation of the principle of oligarchy, Robert Michels pursued a critique of economic reductionism for decades. In this paper, I examine some significant passages from Michels' writings to clarify the significance of his criticism of the dominant economics of his time. This provides an overview of an author partly conditioned by his adherence to Italian fascism but still able to distance himself progressively from productivist ideology while anticipating current lines of research focusing on the relationship between the market and society, such as civil economy. Moreover, by investigating how goods may provide happiness, Michels expressed a sophisticated and contemporary view of consumption, already bringing into focus the logic of distinction that Pierre Bourdieu examined in the second half of the twentieth century. By also attempting to do all this in an interdisciplinary way, Michels represents a scholar whom the social sciences and sociology should rediscover in the face of the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Analysis of the different physical mechanisms in the atypical sporadic E (Es) layer occurrence over a low latitude region in the Brazilian sector
Authors: Resende L. C. A. , Zhu Y. , Denardini C. M. , Chagas R. A. J. , Da Silva L. A. , Andrioli V. F. , Figueiredo C. A. O. , Marchezi J. P. , Chen S. S. , Moro J. , Silva R. P. , Li H. , Wang C. , Liu Z.
Published: May 2023

We present a study about the atypical and spreading Sporadic E-layers (Es) observed in Digisonde data. We analyzed a set of days around space weather events from 2016 to 2018 over Cachoeira Paulista (CXP, 22.41°S, 45°W, dip ∼35°), a low-latitude Brazilian station. The inhomogeneous Es layer is associated with the auroral-type Es layer (Esa) occurrence in this region due to the presence of South American Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA). However, we also observe that the spreading Es layers occurred days before the magnetic storms or quiet times. Also, this specific type of Es layer has some different characteristics concerning the Esa layer. We used data from the imager, satellite, and meteor radar to understand the dynamic processes acting in this Es layer formation. Our results lead us to believe that other mechanisms affect the Es layer development. We show evidence that the instabilities added to the wind shear mechanism can cause the atypical Es layers, such as Kelvin-Helmholtz instability (KHI). Finally, an important discovery of this work is that the spreading Es layer, mainly during quiet times, is not necessarily due to the particle precipitation due to the SAMA. We found that the wind shear can be turbulent, influencing the Es layer development. Lastly, our analysis better understood the Es layer behavior during quiet and disturbed times.
(Re)conceptualizing movement behavior in sport as a problem-solving activity
Authors: Myszka Shawn , Yearby Tyler , Davids Keith
Published: May 2023

The use of the term problem-solving in relation to movement behavior is an often-broached topic within kinesiology. Here we present a clear rationale for the concept of problem-solving, specifically pertaining to the skilled organization of movement behaviors in sport performance, and the respective processes that underpin it, conceptualized within an ecological dynamics framework. The movement behavior that emerges in sport can be viewed as a problem-solving activity for the athlete, where integrated movement solutions are underpinned by intertwined processes of perception, cognition, and action. This movement problem-solving process becomes functionally aligned with sport performance challenges through a tight coupling to relevant information sources in the environment, which specify affordances offered to the athlete. This ecological perspective can shape our lens on how movements are coordinated and controlled in the context of sport, influencing practical approaches utilized towards facilitating dexterity of athletes. These ideas imply how coaches could set alive movement problems for athletes to solve within practice environments, where they would be required to continuously (re)organize movement system degrees of freedom in relation to dynamic and emergent opportunities, across diverse, complex problems. Through these experiences, athletes could become attuned, intentional, and adaptable, capable of (re)organizing a behavioral fit to performance problems in context—essentially allowing them to become one with the movement problem.
Case report: Identification of the tropical rat mite (Ornithonyssus bacoti) on a domestic donkey in France
Authors: Dumitrache Mirabela Oana , Györke Adriana , Julien Florie , Kondratjeva Jevgenija , Cadiergues Marie-Christine
Published: May 2023

A 25-year-old donkey was referred for a generalized, pruritic and severe exfoliative dermatitis that had been evolving for several years, with deterioration in the last few months. Close examination of the skin surface revealed numerous small, dark, mobile elements identified as Ornithonyssus bacoti confirmed by DNA sequencing. The severity, type and topography of the lesions called for complementary examinations, leading to a second diagnosis of cutaneous epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma. The lack of clinical improvement after antiparasitic therapy despite parasite clearance, suggests opportunistic behavior of Ornithonyssus bacoti. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of a tropical rat mite on a donkey, thus expanding the known host spectrum of this zoonotic parasite. Further potential questions concern the implication of this new host as a possible source of human contamination.
Ion channel function in translational bovine gallbladder cholangiocyte organoids: establishment and characterization of a novel model system
Authors: Nagao Itsuma , Ambrosini Yoko M.
Published: May 2023

The study of biliary physiology and pathophysiology has long been hindered by the lack of in vitro models that accurately reflect the complex functions of the biliary system. Recent advancements in 3D organoid technology may offer a promising solution to this issue. Bovine gallbladder models have recently gained attention in the investigation of human diseases due to their remarkable similarities in physiology and pathophysiology with the human gallbladder. In this study, we have successfully established and characterized bovine gallbladder cholangiocyte organoids (GCOs) that retain key characteristics of the gallbladder in vivo, including stem cell properties and proliferative capacity. Notably, our findings demonstrate that these organoids exhibit specific and functional CFTR activity. We believe that these bovine GCOs represent a valuable tool for studying the physiology and pathophysiology of the gallbladder with human significance.
Asynchronous Anti-Bias Track-to-Track Association Algorithm Based on Nearest Neighbor Interval Average Distance for Multi-Sensor Tracking Systems
Authors: Chen Shuangyou , Ma Juntao , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Yinlong
Published: May 2023

Due to sensor characteristics, geographical environment, electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic silence, information countermeasures, and other reasons, there may be significant system errors in sensors in multi-sensor tracking systems, resulting in poor track-to-track association (TTTA) effect of the system. In order to solve the problem of TTTA under large system errors, this paper proposes an asynchronous anti-bias TTTA algorithm that utilizes the average distance between the nearest neighbor intervals between tracks. This algorithm proposes a systematic error interval processing method to track coordinates, and then defines the nearest neighbor interval average distance between interval coordinate datasets and interval coordinate points, and then uses grey theory to calculate the correlation degree between tracks. Finally, the Jonker–Volgenant algorithm is combined to use the canonical allocation method for TTTA judgment. The algorithm requires less prior information and does not require error registration. The simulation results show that the algorithm can ensure a high average correct association rate (over 98%) of asynchronous unequal rate tracks under large system errors, and achieve stable association, with good association and anti-bias performance. Compared with other algorithms, the algorithm maintains good performance for different target numbers and processing cycles, and has good superiority and robustness.
Design and Analysis of a Large Mode Field Area and Low Bending Loss Multi-Cladding Fiber with Comb-Index Core and Gradient-Refractive Index Ring
Authors: Zhang Yining , Lian Yudong
Published: May 2023

The large mode field area fiber can raise the tolerance of power, and high requirements for the bending characteristics of optical fibers are needed. In this paper, a fiber composed of a comb-index core, gradient-refractive index ring, and multi-cladding is proposed. The performance of the proposed fiber is investigated by using a finite element method at a 1550 nm wavelength. When the bending radius is 20 cm, the mode field area of the fundamental mode can achieve 2010 μm2, and the bending loss is reduced to 8.452 × 10−4 dB/m. Additionally, when the bending radius is smaller than 30 cm, there are two variations with low BL and leakage; one is a bending radius of 17 cm to 21 cm, and the other is from 24 cm to 28 cm (except for 27 cm). When the bending radius is between 17 cm and 38 cm, the highest bending loss is 1.131 × 10−1 dB/m and the lowest mode field area is 1925 μm2. It has a very important application prospect in the field of high-power fiber lasers and telecom applications.
Knowledge relevant for the implementation of sustainable tourism development – attitudes of local inhabitants and students
Authors: Dora Smolčić Jurdana  , Agbaba Romina
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and level of knowledge towards sustainable tourism development among the locals and the students. The research was conducted in Primorsko-Goranska County in Croatia. The results between the two groups were compared in order to get a clearer picture on possible similarities or differences in attitudes and knowledge levels because both of them are very important stakeholders for sustainable tourism development and need to be involved in this process. The methodology used in the paper consists of two levels of analysis. The theoretical part is based on secondary sources in the field of sustainable tourism development while the research one is presented through results from quantitative research through a questionnaire among local inhabitants and students of tourism in the Primorsko-Goranska County. A survey was distributed online, with questions related to sustainable development in tourism, its relevant elements and the knowledge connected to it. The data was then collected and analysed using independent-samples t-test, correlation analysis and other methods relevant for this research. The stakeholders assessed elements and perception of knowledge related to sustainable development in tourism. The paper emphasizes potential differences in the level of knowledge and attitude between the students and the local population. The attitudes of the stakeholders towards the topic are mostly positive, but they also underline the need for further education in the field of sustainable development, both in theoretical terms and in terms of acquiring skills and habits needed to thrive in the era of sustainability. The contribution of the paper is in identifying the necessary knowledge for the implementation of sustainable development of tourism among the local population and students of tourism. In addition, the self-evaluation of the current level of knowledge was examined. This should be the basis for the further development of educational programs and other programs for the whole local population in the field of sustainable tourism development.
Chi nese Middle-class Travelers’ Characteristics and Their Perceptions of Japan's National Image
Authors: Zhou Abigail Qian
Published: May 2023

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the largest source country in Japan’s inbound tourism market. The middle class, with its high consumption desire, was the main contributor of Chinese tourists to Japan, an important force driving the Japanese economy and influencing the spread of Japan’s national image in China through the Internet. For this study, I collected 4,785 text data from Japan travelogues on two major Chinese travel websites between January 2016 and March 2022, conducted data mining and content analysis, and combined the texts to reveal the basic characteristics of Chinese middle-class tourists to Japan, as well as their perceptions and evaluations of Japan’s national image. The results show a change in the travel needs of the Chinese middle class from shopping, etc., to diverse, specific, and individual travel experiences and an obvious willingness to revisit. Regarding their perceptions and evaluations of Japan's macro national image, Japan’s national capacity is mainly reflected in its culture and economic technology, while its national characteristics are mainly reflected in hospitability. Although most impressed with Japan’s environmental management, mainly its infrastructure and natural resources, the macro sentiment of the tourists is influenced by historical Sino-Japanese relations and reveals reservations about Japan. Japan’s micro national image, as perceived by the tourists through tourist attractions, mainly relates to activities, while their perceptions of the tourist environment are the richest, focusing on popular attractions and landscapes. Their perceptions of tourism facilities cover various aspects such as catering, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and services. Furthermore, their micro-emotions are mainly reflected in their satisfaction and praise of the destination environment. These results have several implications for tourism marketing and national image promotion in the post-pandemic era, when outbound tourism has fully recovered.