bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health and Related Factors Among Undergraduate Students During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Valdés José Miguel , Díaz Francisco Javier , Christiansen Pascale Marie , Lorca Gabriel Arturo , Solorza Francisco Javier , Alvear Matías , Ramírez Saray , Nuñez Daniel , Araya Ricardo , Gaete Jorge
Published: May 2022

Background

Mental health problems among undergraduates are a significant public health concern. Most studies exploring mental health in this population during the pandemic have been conducted in high-income countries. Fewer studies come from Latin American countries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, and suicide risk, and explore the association with several relevant variables in personal, family, university, and SARS-CoV-2 pandemic domains.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chile in a medium-size private University. Outcome variables were explored with valid instruments: Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Independent variables from personal (e.g., sex, age, sexual orientation, history of mental health problems, substance use), family (e.g., parental educational background, family history of mental health problems, family functioning), university (e.g., course year, financial support, psychological sense of university belonging, history of failing subjects) and SARS-CoV-2 domains (e.g., history of personal and family contagion, fear of contracting SARS-CoV-2, frequency of physical activity, keeping routines and social contact). Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted for each outcome, after univariable and domain-specific multivariable models. The significant variable at each step was selected if the p-value was ≤ 0.05.

Results

A total of 5,037 students answered the survey—the global response rate of 63.5%. Most of the students were females (70.4%) and freshmen students (25.2%). The prevalence of mental health problems was high: depression (37.1%), anxiety (37.9%), and stress (54.6%). Insomnia was reported in 32.5% of students, and suicide risk in 20.4% of students. The associated variables at personal domain were history of mental health problems, substance use, and sexual orientation; at family domain, family functioning and family history of mental health problems; at university domain, violence victimization and sense of belonging; and in SARS-CoV-2 domain, having a daily routine and fear to contracting SARS-CoV-2 by students themselves or others.

Conclusions

The prevalence of mental health problems is high among undergraduate students and some of the associated factors, such as victimization and a sense of belonging can be used in preventive interventions.
Efficacy of a Workplace Intervention Program With Web-Based Online and Offline Modalities for Improving Workers' Mental Health
Authors: Lam Lawrence T. , Lam Mary K. , Reddy Prasuna , Wong Prudence
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aims to examine the efficacy of the Workplace Web-based blended psychoeducation mental health intervention program. Of particular interest is the short-term effect of the intervention on workplace burnout, stress, quality of life, and the mental health literacy of workers.

Methods and Materials

The study focused on employees (n = 456) in specific industries with high levels of work-related stress, adopting a phase III wait-listed cluster randomized controlled trial. Work-related burnout was assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and stress was measured using the stress subscale of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS). Quality of Life was evaluated by the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) and Mental Health Literacy was assessed using the Australian National Mental Health Literacy and Stigma Survey. Data were analyzed as a trial with intention-to-treat analysis and adjustment for the clustering effect of work sites.

Results

Significant differences between intervention and control groups were found on all outcome measures except the self-rated quality of life. The intervention group displayed a significant reduction in the weighted mean score of about 1.0 units (s.e. = 0.4) on the stress scale (p = 0.015) and an increase in the weighted mean score of 1.9 units (s.e. = 0.9) in the professional accomplishment domain of the MBI (p = 0.035). Significant increases were found in the weighted mean scores in the intervention group for correct recognition of the mental problems, help-seeking, and stigmatization, in comparison to the control group who scored 0.2 (s.e. = 0.1), 0.9 (s.e. = 0.2), 1.8 (s.e. = 0.4), respectively.

Conclusions

The results obtained from a comparison of the outcome measures between the intervention and control groups were statistically significant, indicating that the intervention group performed better on most measures. The study demonstrates that, in the short term. the on-and-offline modalities of the Web-based blended psychoeducation intervention program is efficacious in reducing workplace burnout and stress and promoting mental health literacy at the workplace.
COVID-19 Isolation Control Proposal via UAV and UGV for Crowded Indoor Environments: Assistive Robots in the Shopping Malls
Authors: Aslan Muhammet Fatih , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Yusefi Abdullah , Durdu Akif , Sabanci Kadir , Azizan Muhammad Mokhzaini
Published: May 2022

Artificial intelligence researchers conducted different studies to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Unlike other studies, this paper isn't for early infection diagnosis, but for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in social environments. Among the studies on this is regarding social distancing, as this method is proven to prevent COVID-19 to be transmitted from one to another. In the study, Robot Operating System (ROS) simulates a shopping mall using Gazebo, and customers are monitored by Turtlebot and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV, DJI Tello). Through frames analysis captured by Turtlebot, a particular person is identified and followed at the shopping mall. Turtlebot is a wheeled robot that follows people without contact and is used as a shopping cart. Therefore, a customer doesn't touch the shopping cart that someone else comes into contact with, and also makes his/her shopping easier. The UAV detects people from above and determines the distance between people. In this way, a warning system can be created by detecting places where social distance is neglected. Histogram of Oriented-Gradients (HOG)-Support Vector Machine (SVM) is applied by Turtlebot to detect humans, and Kalman-Filter is used for human tracking. SegNet is performed for semantically detecting people and measuring distance via UAV. This paper proposes a new robotic study to prevent the infection and proved that this system is feasible.
Utilizing Causal Loop Diagramming to Explore a Research and Evaluation Capacity Building Partnership
Authors: Tobin Rochelle , Crawford Gemma , Hallett Jonathan , Maycock Bruce , Lobo Roanna
Published: May 2022

The capacity to engage in research, evaluation and evidence-informed decision-making supports effective public health policy and practice. Little is known about partnership-based approaches that aim to build capacity across a system or how to evaluate them. This study examines the impacts of a research and evaluation capacity building partnership called the Western Australian Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network (hereafter, SiREN). SiREN aims to strengthen capacity across a system of clinical and medical services and government and non-government organizations. These organizations are connected through their shared aim of preventing and managing sexually transmissible infections and blood-borne viruses. To examine SiREN, systems concepts and methods were used. Data were collected from SiREN organizational documents (n= 42), a survey tool (n= 104), in-depth interviews (n= 17), a workshop and three meetings with SiREN stakeholders and used to develop two causal loop diagrams. Findings show engagement with SiREN was influenced by a complex interplay of contextual (e.g., organizational capacity) and process (e.g., presence of trusting relationships) factors. SiREN contributed to system level changes, including increased resources for research and evaluation, the development of networks and partnerships that led to more efficient responses to emerging health issues, evidence sharing, and sustainable research and evaluation practice. The use of causal loop diagrams enabled the identification of key leverage points that SiREN can use for continuous improvement or evaluation. The focus on how contextual factors influenced SiREN's ability to create change provides valuable information for researchers, policymakers or practitioners seeking to develop a similar partnership.
Evaluation of the Community-Based Hypertension Management Programs in China
Authors: Hao Guang , Chen Zuo , Wang Xin , Zhang Linfeng , Kang Yuting , Zheng Congyi , Chen Lu , Wang Zengwu , Gao Runlin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

The National Essential Public Health Services Package (NEPHSP), a set of community-based hypertension management programs, was launched by the Chinese government in 2009. However, the data are limited for the comprehensive evaluation of NEPHSP on hypertension management. This study was to estimate the effect of NEPHSP on hypertension control nationwide in China.

Methods

Data were from China Hypertension Survey (CHS). The participants (n = 119,412) aged ≥35 years with hypertension were included in the analysis. Further, a subset of 64,188 diagnosed hypertensive patients were analyzed to evaluate the effect of NEPHSP by comparing the ones covered and not covered by NEPHSP. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by trained staff using a validated digital portable monitor in local communities or clinics.

Results

Among adults aged ≥35 years with hypertension, the coverage of NEPHSP was 25.6% and increased with age. The coverage was significantly higher in women than in men (P < 0.001). Among the 64, 188 diagnosed hypertensive patients, compared to the control group (not covered by NEPHSP), the mean systolic and diastolic BPs were 2 mmHg and 1.6 mmHg lower in NEPHSP group, respectively. The rate of treatment for hypertension was significantly higher in NEPHSP group than the control group (93.0% vs. 81.4%, P < 0.001), and the rate of BP control was also significantly higher in NEPHSP group than the control group (35.9% vs. 29.6%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, similar trends were found in rural and urban, as well as in men and women.

Conclusions

Our results showed that NEPHSP is effective in improving hypertension treatment and control in hypertensive patients in China. However, the coverage of NEPHSP was still low.
HCV Self-Testing to Expand Testing: A Pilot Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in China
Authors: Xu Wenqian , Reipold Elena Ivanova , Zhao Peizhen , Tang Weiming , Tucker Joseph D. , Ong Jason J. , Wang Jinshen , Easterbrook Philippa , Johnson Cheryl Case , Jamil Muhammad S. , Wang Cheng
Published: May 2022

Background

Hepatitis C virus self-testing (HCVST) may increase test uptake especially among marginalized key populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted an observational study to assess the usability, acceptability and feasibility of HCVST among MSM in China.

Methods

An observational study with convenience sampling was performed among MSM in Guangzhou, China in 2019. The OraQuick® HCV Rapid Antibody Test kits were used in this study. Participants performed all 12 HCVST steps and interpreted the results in the presence of a trained observer. Usability was defined as the number and percentage of participants who completed all testing steps correctly without assistance and interpreted the results correctly. Inter-reader concordance was calculated as the percentage agreement between the results interpreted by the participant and those interpreted by a trained staff member. The same process was used to estimate inter-operator agreement between the self-testing and professional use test results. Acceptability was assessed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire.

Results

Among 100 participants with median age 27 (interquartile range 23–30) years, 4% reported prior history of HCV testing, 41% reported using blood-based HIV self-testing in the past, 54% (95%CI: 43.7–64.0%) completed all self-testing steps correctly without assistance and interpreted the results correctly. Both the inter-reader and inter-operator concordance were excellent at 97% (95%CI: 91.5–99.4%) and 98% (95%CI: 93.0–99.8%), respectively. The majority rated the HCVST process as very easy (52%, 95%CI: 41.8–62.1%) or easy (41%, 95%CI: 31.3–51.3%), 76% (95%CI: 66.4–84.0%) were willing to use HCVST again, and 75% (95%CI: 65.3–83.1%) would recommend it to their family and friends.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that oral fluid HCVST has high usability and acceptability among Chinese MSM. More implementation research is needed to plan how best to position and scale-up HCVST alongside other facility-and community-based testing approaches and ensure data linkage into health systems.
A Study on the Effect of the Pre-Go-Live Training in Anxiety and Depression of Medical Staff Based on the Data of Wuhan Fangcang Shelter Hospital During COVID-19 in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Feng Qiang , Zhou Huizhi , Wang Lu , Kang Chuanyuan
Published: May 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) broke out in 2019. In the past 4 years, China has adopted many measures to control the epidemic, including building Fangcang shelter hospitals to isolate confirmed positive cases. Therefore, we aim to explore the mental health status of medical staff in the Wuhan Fangcang shelter hospital and discuss the relevant factors that affect the medical staff's mental status. The subjects of the research were staff from several Fangcang shelter hospitals in Wuhan during the epidemic of COVID-19. Patient Health Questionnaire−9 items Scale (PHQ-9) was used to assess the severity of the participants' depressive symptoms, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder−7 items Scale (GAD-7) was used to evaluate the severity of the participants' anxiety symptoms. The demographic information and health adjustment methods were collected in a self-made questionnaire, and regression analysis on related factors that affect mental health was performed. The three most frequently used methods of psychological adjustment for the staff in the Fangcang shelter hospital are common recreational activities, such as reading, streaming videos, listening to music, and playing games. (93.8%), communicating with colleagues in the Fangcang shelter hospital (92.5%), and communicating with family members and friends (78.3%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that developing depression symptoms has relation to 2 factors, which are having not participated in medical emergency rescue missions (odds ratio = 2.610; 95% confidence interval 1.398–4.872, P = 0.003) and inadequate training before entering the shelter hospital (odds ratio = 2.804, 95% confidence interval 1.293–6.08, P = 0.009). Compared with adequate pre-job training, insufficient training increases the risk of anxiety symptoms (odds ratio = 2.692; 95% confidence interval 1.3–5.575, P = 0.008). Lack of experience and inadequate training in medical emergency rescue missions exposed the medical staff to a higher risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Psychological adjustment methods that are helpful to adjust their mental state are most commonly used.
What Makes Human Hearing Special?
Authors: Sumner Christian J. , Bergevin Christopher , Oxenham Andrew J. , Shera Christopher A.
Published: May 2022

Humans and many other animals can hear a wide range of sounds. We can hear low and high notes and both quiet and loud sounds. We are also very good at telling the difference between sounds that are similar, like the speech sounds “argh” and “ah,” and picking apart sounds that are mixed together, like when an orchestra is playing. But how do human hearing abilities compare to those of other animals? In this article, we discover how the inner ear determines hearing abilities. Many other mammals can hear very high notes that we cannot, and some can hear quiet sounds that we cannot. However, humans may be better than any other species at distinguishing similar sounds. We know this because, milliseconds after the sounds around us go into our ears, other sounds come out: sounds that are actually produced by those same ears!
Sensing Soluble Immune Checkpoint Molecules and Disease-Relevant Cytokines in Cancer: A Novel Paradigm in Disease Diagnosis and Monitoring
Authors: Pandey Nidhi , Biswas Debarati , Dutta Nirmita , Hansda Anita , Dutta Gorachand , Mukherjee Gayatri
Published: May 2022

Conventional detection of cancer involves highly invasive and expensive diagnostic procedures, often leading to non-compliance from patients. Therefore, there is a strong requirement for the development of non-invasive techniques that can facilitate rapid and timely diagnosis of the disease. The tumor-immune interaction often leads to anomalous expression of different soluble immune signaling molecules like cytokines and chemokines, thus making them promising candidates for sensing disease development and progression. Furthermore, differential expression of soluble isoforms of several immune-checkpoint molecules like PD-L1, CTLA-4 etc., has been found to have strong correlation with tissue-specific tumor development, disease progression and in many cases, disease prognosis. Therefore, development of biosensors, to rapidly detect and analyze the levels of these soluble immune molecules in different body fluids, requiring minimal sample volume, has the potential to be a game-changer in the field of cancer diagnosis. In addition, real time monitoring of these soluble immune checkpoint molecules in patient-derived biofluids may serve as decision support tools for patient selection for immunotherapeutic interventions. Majority of the biosensors designed to detect the soluble immune biomarkers, have used a two-antibody based sandwich system to capture the target analyte. However, new technologies using bioreceptors like the aptamers or nano-yeast scFv antibody fragments have made possible multiplexed detection of several analytes simultaneously. The use of gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes on the electrode surface serves to increase the sensitivity of detection, due to their high electrical conductivity. Further, fabrication of the biosensors on microfluidic platforms enable the detection of these analytes at ultra-low levels. This review discusses the recent advances made in the development of biosensors for specific and selective detection of these immune-markers that can be successfully translated to the clinics as a new paradigm in disease diagnosis and monitoring.
Bilateral Lung Transplantation for Congenital Pulmonary Arteriovenous Fistula with Intraoperative Venovenous ECMO Support: The First Case Report in China
Authors: Liang Jialong , Chen Yuan , Zhou Jintao , Zheng Mingfeng , Liu Feng , Ye Shugao , Chen Jingyu , Ji Yong
Published: May 2022

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare pulmonary vascular lesion, more than 80% of which is caused by congenital abnormal development of pulmonary capillaries. The incidence of PAVF ranges from 2/100,000 to 3/100,000, with no difference in the male and female ratio. Congenital PAVF is often associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). In this article, we report a patient with only congenital PAVF that was successfully treated by bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) with intraoperative venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support because both lungs have been affected by PAVF and secondary pulmonary hypertension. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BLT for PAVF in China and the second report that explains the clinical course of a patient to receive BLT for congenital PAVF without HHT. Some investigators have proposed lung transplantation as a definitive treatment, but the results are controversial. On the basis of the current condition of this patient, we believe lung transplantation is a viable option for certain patients, but the long-term effect remains to be studied.
Development and Validation of a Web-Based Dynamic Nomogram to Improve the Diagnostic Performance of Subscapularis Tendon Tear
Authors: Xu Wennan , Zheng Zitian , Xue Qingyun
Published: May 2022

Background

There are still some challenges in diagnosing subscapularis (SSC) tendon tears as accurately as posterosuperior rotator cuff tears on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The omission of SSC tendon tears can lead to muscle atrophy, fatty infiltration and increased tear accompanied by aggravated shoulder pain and loss of function. An effective noninvasive evaluation tool will be beneficial to early identification and intervention. The study aims to identify sensitive predictors associated with SSC tendon tears and develop a dynamic nomogram to improve diagnostic performance.

Methods

From July 2016 to October 2021, 528 consecutive cases of patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery with preoperative shoulder MRI were retrospectively analyzed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to identify the sensitive factors associated with SSC tendon tears, which were then incorporated into the nomogram. The prediction performance of the nomogram was evaluated by concordance index (C index) and calibrated with 1,000 bootstrap samples combined with external validation of another cohort.

Results

The LASSO method showed that six items including coracohumeral distance (oblique sagittal plane), effusion (Y-face), effusion (subcoracoid), malposition of the long head tendon of the biceps, multiple posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, and considering SSC tendon tears on MRI (based on direct signs) were determined as sensitive predictors. The nomogram achieved a good C index of 0.878 (95% CI, 0.839–0.918) with a good agreement on the risk estimation of calibration plots. The areas under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves of the two methods showed that dynamic nomograms had better prediction performance than MRI diagnosis based on direct signs (training set 0.878 vs. 0.707, validation set 0.890 vs. 0.704).

Conclusion

The study identified sensitive predictors associated with SSC tendon tears and first developed a web-based dynamic nomogram as a good supplementary evaluation tool for imaging diagnosis that could provide an individualized risk estimate with superior prediction performance, even in patients with small or partial tears.
Case Report: Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to Posterior Mediastinal Parathyroid Adenoma With One-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Shao Yi , Zeng Qingdong , Lv Bin , Chen Xu , Sheng Lei
Published: May 2022

Ectopic parathyroid adenoma, though rare, is one of the causes of persistent hyperparathyroidism and recurrence of hyperparathyroidism. Ectopic parathyroid glands can be seen in thymus, thyroid, and mediastinum. However, ectopic parathyroid adenoma occurred in the posterior superior mediastinum is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of primary hyperparathyroidism caused by ectopic parathyroid adenoma located in the posterior superior mediastinum. Serum parathyroid hormone, calcium, and vitamin D levels of the patient was followed up for one year.
Effects of Bromocriptine on Glucose and Insulin Dynamics in Normal and Insulin Dysregulated Horses
Authors: Loos Caroline M. M. , Urschel Kristine L. , Vanzant Eric S. , Oberhaus Erin L. , Bohannan Adam D. , Klotz James L. , McLeod Kyle R.
Published: May 2022

The objectives of the study were to study the effects of the synthetic ergot alkaloid (EA), bromocriptine, on glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin dysregulated (ID, n = 7) and non-ID (n = 8) mares. Horses were individually housed and fed timothy grass hay and two daily concentrate meals so that the total diet provided 120% of daily DE requirements for maintenance. All horses were given intramuscular bromocriptine injections (0.1 mg/kg BW) every 3 days for 14 days. Before and after 14 days of treatment horses underwent a combined glucose-insulin tolerance test (CGIT) to assess insulin sensitivity and a feed challenge (1 g starch/kg BW from whole oats) to evaluate postprandial glycemic and insulinemic responses. ID horses had higher basal plasma concentrations of insulin (P = 0.01) and triglycerides (P = 0.02), and lower concentrations of adiponectin (P = 0.05) compared with non-ID horses. The CGIT response curve showed that ID horses had slower glucose clearance rates (P = 0.02) resulting in a longer time in positive phase (P = 0.03) and had higher insulin concentrations at 75 min (P = 0.0002) compared with non-ID horses. Glucose (P = 0.02) and insulin (P = 0.04) responses to the feeding challenge were lower in non-ID compared to ID horses. Regardless of insulin status, bromocriptine administration increased hay intake (P = 0.03) and decreased grain (P < 0.0001) and total DE (P = 0.0002) intake. Bromocriptine treatment decreased plasma prolactin (P = 0.0002) and cholesterol (P = 0.10) and increased (P = 0.02) adiponectin concentrations in all horses. Moreover, in both groups of horses, bromocriptine decreased glucose clearance rates (P = 0.02), increased time in positive phase (P = 0.04) of the CGIT and increased insulin concentrations at 75 min (P = 0.001). The postprandial glycemic (P = 0.01) and insulinemic (P = 0.001) response following the oats meal was lower after bromocriptine treatment in all horses. In conclusion, in contrast to data in humans and rodents, bromocriptine treatment reduced insulin sensitivity in all horses, regardless of their insulin status. These results indicate that the physiological effects of EA might be different in horses compared to other species. Moreover, because bromocriptine shares a high degree of homology with natural EA, further investigation is warranted in horses grazing endophyte-infected grasses.
Genome-Wide Association Studies, Runs of Homozygosity Analysis, and Copy Number Variation Detection to Identify Reproduction-Related Genes in Bama Xiang Pigs
Authors: Mo Jiayuan , Lu Yujie , Zhu Siran , Feng Lingli , Qi Wenjing , Chen Xingfa , Xie Bingkun , Chen Baojian , Lan Ganqiu , Liang Jing
Published: May 2022

Litter size and teat number are economically important traits in the porcine industry. However, the genetic mechanisms influencing these traits remain unknown. In this study, we analyzed the genetic basis of litter size and teat number in Bama Xiang pigs and evaluated the genomic inbreeding coefficients of this breed. We conducted a genome-wide association study to identify runs of homozygosity (ROH), and copy number variation (CNV) using the novel Illumina PorcineSNP50 BeadChip array in Bama Xiang pigs and annotated the related genes in significant single nucleotide polymorphisms and common copy number variation region (CCNVR). We calculated the ROH-based genomic inbreeding coefficients (FROH) and the Spearman coefficient between FROH and reproduction traits. We completed a mixed linear model association analysis to identify the effect of high-frequency copy number variation (HCNVR; over 5%) on Bama Xiang pig reproductive traits using TASSEL software. Across eight chromosomes, we identified 29 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 12 genes were considered important candidates for litter-size traits based on their vital roles in sperm structure, spermatogenesis, sperm function, ovarian or follicular function, and male/female infertility. We identified 9,322 ROHs; the litter-size traits had a significant negative correlation to FROH. A total of 3,317 CNVs, 24 CCNVR, and 50 HCNVR were identified using cnvPartition and PennCNV. Eleven genes related to reproduction were identified in CCNVRs, including seven genes related to the testis and sperm function in CCNVR1 (chr1 from 311585283 to 315307620). Two candidate genes (NEURL1 and SH3PXD2A) related to reproduction traits were identified in HCNVR34. The result suggests that these genes may improve the litter size of Bama Xiang by marker-assisted selection. However, attention should be paid to deter inbreeding in Bama Xiang pigs to conserve their genetic diversity.
Normothermic Machine Perfusion—Improving the Supply of Transplantable Livers for High-Risk Recipients
Authors: Hann Angus , Nutu Anisa , Clarke George , Patel Ishaan , Sneiders Dimitri , Oo Ye H. , Hartog Hermien , Perera M. Thamara P. R.
Published: May 2022

The effectiveness of liver transplantation to cure numerous diseases, alleviate suffering, and improve patient survival has led to an ever increasing demand. Improvements in preoperative management, surgical technique, and postoperative care have allowed increasingly complicated and high-risk patients to be safely transplanted. As a result, many patients are safely transplanted in the modern era that would have been considered untransplantable in times gone by. Despite this, more gains are possible as the science behind transplantation is increasingly understood. Normothermic machine perfusion of liver grafts builds on these gains further by increasing the safe use of grafts with suboptimal features, through objective assessment of both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte function. This technology can minimize cold ischemia, but prolong total preservation time, with particular benefits for suboptimal grafts and surgically challenging recipients. In addition to more physiological and favorable preservation conditions for grafts with risk factors for poor outcome, the extended preservation time benefits operative logistics by allowing a careful explant and complicated vascular reconstruction when presented with challenging surgical scenarios. This technology represents a significant advancement in graft preservation techniques and the transplant community must continue to incorporate this technology to ensure the benefits of liver transplant are maximized.
Cognitive Dysfunction among U.S. High School Students and Its Association with Time Spent on Digital Devices: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Desai Saral , Satnarine Travis , Singla Puneet , Mistry Ayushi , Gadiwala Salika , Patel Sejal , Das Bibhuti , Sharma Prerna , Telsem Muna , Stuart Robert , Chahal Meher , Bakarr Abdul , Hsieh Ya-Ching , Pathrose Rana , Patel Urvish , Parikh Tapan , Patel Saurabhkumar
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Cognitive dysfunction is a hallmark feature of many psychiatric disorders. We aimed to study the prevalence and predictors of cognitive dysfunction (CD) among U.S. high school students and its association with time spent on digital devices. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey study using YRBSS 2019 data of U.S. high school students in grades 9–12. Cognitive dysfunction was defined by difficulties with remembering, concentrating, and making decisions due to emotional, physical, or mental problems. Digital screen time was described by daily time spent on TV, computers, tablets, and phone. We performed univariate and multivariable survey logistic regression analysis to identify the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction and its association with time spent on digital devices. Results: Out of 10,317 total participants, 3914 (37.9%) reported CD. The prevalence of CD was higher in females compared to males (46.0% vs. 29.9%). Compared to participants with no CD, participants with CD reported substance abuse, such as alcohol (35.8% vs. 26.6%), marijuana (28.3% vs. 17.6%), cigarette (8.1% vs. 4.7%), and illicit drugs (18.9% vs. 9.0%) and they reported a higher prevalence (p < 0.0001 for all substances). Participants who felt sad and hopeless (62.8 vs. 22.1%) reported a high prevalence of CD, whereas participants with adequate sleep reported low prevalence (15.7% vs. 25.6%). In a regression, daily video game/internet use for non-work-related activities for 4 h (aOR:1.27; p = 0.03) and ≥5 h (aOR:1.70; p < 0.0001) demonstrated higher odds of CD, compared to participants with no daily use. Female sex, substance use, and depressed mood were additional predictors of CD. Conclusion: The prevalence of CD is high in U.S. high-school students. Female sex, substance abuse, depressed mood, and excessive VG/PC use is associated with high odds of cognitive dysfunction. Further research is needed to explore the complex relationship between screen time and cognitive dysfunction.
Growth Characteristics of Dracocephalum moldavica L. in Relation to Density for Sustainable Cropping Technology Development
Authors: Moldovan Cristina , Nițu (Năstase) Sorina , Hermeziu Manuela , Vidican Roxana , Sandor Mignon , Gâdea Ștefania , David Adriana , Stoian Valentina Ancuța , Vâtcă Sorin Daniel , Stoian Vlad
Published: May 2022

Medicinal and aromatic plants hold a high share of interest in Romania. To offset the harvesting of spontaneous flora and ensure the sustainable conservation of natural resources, the cropping of highly valuable plants of interest represents a priority for the current agricultural system. This study was conducted due to the need for more balance in species exploitation. Therefore, it assessed the emergence dynamics, leaf appearance, growth and development of the plants depending on row spacing and plant distance. The research was conducted at the INCDCSZ Brașov, within the Technology Department, Laboratory of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The density of planting is the most important factor. Plants sown in continuous rows showed the highest yields of fresh and dry herbs, especially when the distance between the rows was set to 25 cm. Row-by-row distances of 50 cm ensure average values for all growth and development parameters. An increase in the row-by-row distance up to 70 cm drastically reduced the dry biomass up to 7.89 t ha−1 in continuous rows, followed by a 2 and 2.5 t ha−1 decrease for 15 cm and 25 cm plant-by-plant distances, respectively. Continuous row planting and a 25 cm row-by-row distance negligibly reduce the climate impact on growth and development. Greater spaces between plants leads to an average increase in individual development, but with a decrease in the total potential yield.
Carbonated Irrigation Assessment of Grapevine Growth, Nutrient Absorption, and Sugar Accumulation in a Tempranillo (Vitis vinifera L.) Vineyard
Authors: Lampreave Miriam , Mateos Assumpta , Valls Josep , Nadal Montserrat , Sánchez-Ortiz Antoni
Published: May 2022

Iron chlorosis is common in vineyards grown on calcareous soils, and consists of a chlorophyll deficiency caused by a disorder in iron nutrition. It is manifested by interveinal yellowing of the youngest leaves and decreased growth and production. Most of the vineyards in Spain are planted on calcareous soils, so iron chlorosis is frequent, even in tolerant rootstocks. In the case of Spain, Tempranillo accounts for 20.8% of the total Spanish wine area, with this red variety being the most planted. The study of iron chlorosis and the availability of nutrients is essential for improving the qualitative balance of the wine, as it is one of the most representative in our country. The aim of this work was to evaluate how carbonated irrigation modifies soil pH and increases the absorption of nutrients, as well as to assess the impact of chlorosis on the physiology of the variety and the composition of the grape. In the first instance, a test was carried out on bare soil of calcareous composition, evaluating three different levels of carbonated water, and seeing what response it gave to the pH level. The result showed that the dose of 400 ppm of CO2 provided the optimal pH. Subsequently, in a potted soil, the dose of 400 ppm of CO2 was evaluated on the variety cv. Tempranillo, in three different compositions of calcareous soil. Results showed that carbonated irrigation increased the levels of chlorophyll impacting on primary metabolism (acids and sugar), plant growth, and higher crop yield, improving the optimal grape ripeness. Given that irrigation with 400 ppm CO2 increased the ability to control ferric chlorosis, this strategy could be an easy-to-use alternative to iron-based chelates for preventing Fe deficiency in the grapevine as well as moderating the different levels of iron chlorosis. This strategy could be an alternative to the use of synthetic Fe chelates as EDTA or o,o-EDDHA for preventing Fe chlorosis in susceptible Tempranillo (Vitis vinifera L.) vineyard in calcareous soils, with less of a risk to the environment.
Simulating the Impacts of Climate Change on Maize Yields Using EPIC: A Case Study in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
Authors: Choruma Dennis Junior , Akamagwuna Frank Chukwuzuoke , Odume Nelson Oghenekaro
Published: May 2022

Climate change has been projected to impact negatively on African agricultural systems. However, there is still an insufficient understanding of the possible effects of climate change on crop yields in Africa. In this study, a previously calibrated Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was used to assess the effects of future climate change on maize (Zea mays L.) yield in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study aimed to compare maize yields obtained from EPIC simulations using baseline (1980–2010) weather data with maize yields obtained from EPIC using statistically downscaled future climate data sets for two future periods (mid-century (2040–2069) and late century (2070–2099)). We used three general circulation models (GCMs): BCC-CSM1.1, GFDL-ESM2M and MIROC-ES under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, to drive the future maize yield simulations. Simulation results showed that for all three GCMs and for both future periods, a decrease in maize production was projected. Maize yield was projected to decrease by as much as 23.8% for MIROC, RCP 8.5, (2070–2099). The temperature was projected to rise by over 50% in winter under RCP 8.5 for both future periods. For both future scenarios, rainfall was projected to decrease in the summer months while increasing in the winter months. Overall, this study provides preliminary evidence that local farmers and the Eastern Cape government can utilise to develop local climate change adaptation strategies.
Design and Experiment of Dry-Farming Cantaloupe Transplanter under Water
Authors: Liu Dejiang , Gong Yan , Zhang Xuejun , Chen Xiao , Wang Guo , Zhang Xiao
Published: May 2022

To solve the problems of high temperature and drought in the Xinjiang Turpan area and the low survival rate of melon seedlings transplanted into dry soil, existing transplanters for large plant type young melon seedlings can be mechanized. For non-destructive planting for small plant types, such as Hami melon seedlings, there are still poor transplanting effects, planting point precise pile-soil, and other problems. In this study, a water transplanter for laying pipe and film for Hami melons was designed to mechanize the operation of rotating tillage, laying film and covering soil, transplanting potted seedlings on film, and water injection of the seedling root and planting hole, and soil piling and suppression. In this study, a transplanter was designed by coupling the motion of an earth-covering roller and a duck’s mouth planter and realized the precise mound of soil in the planting hole, solved the difficult problem of the precise mound of soil on the membrane, and at the same time carried out water injection on the root of the melon seedlings, which effectively solved the problem of low survival rate of transplanted seedlings in the arid region of Turpan, Xinjiang, China. Field experiments showed that the survival rate of melon seedlings under drip irrigation for 8 h after transplanting into dry soil exceeded 97%. The efficiency of mechanized operation can reach 1 mu/person/hour, which is more than 8 times higher than manual operation. The operation speed of the machine is 1~1.2 m/s, and the qualified transplanting rate is 93.26%, which meets the requirements of cantaloupe transplanting agronomy. This study provides a new method for dry soil cantaloupe transplanting. This article can also provide a design reference for Hami melon transplanting mechanization in arid areas.
Modulation of Growth Duration, Grain Yield and Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency by EMS Mutagenesis under OsNRT2.3b Overexpression Background in Rice
Authors: Chen Jingguang , Wang Fan , Lei Biqi , Qian Kaiyun , Wei Jia , Fan Xiaorong
Published: May 2022

Growth duration is an important agronomic trait that determines the season and area of crop growth. Previous experiments showed that overexpression of nitrate transporter OsNRT2.3b significantly increased rice yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and growth duration. Through screening, we obtained four ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized mutants with shorter growth duration compared with O8 of OsNRT2.3b overexpression line. The nitrogen translocation efficiency and physiological nitrogen use efficiency of the mutants were not significantly different from O8, which were increased by 24.4% and 14.2%, respectively compared with WT, but the growth duration of the mutant was significantly lower than O8. Analysis of O8 and mutants showed that the growth duration positively correlated with grain weight per panicle, grain yield, and nitrogen recovery efficiency. In conclusion, our results provide a new idea for balancing rice yield and growth duration.
Genetic Divergence and Spatial Configuration Influence the Weed Spectrum, Herbage Yield and Nutritive Quality of Temperate Cowpea
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Aamir , Ahmed Arslan , Imran Muhammad , Ahmed Hanaa E. , Hafez Rehab M. , Hamad Asmaa A.
Published: May 2022

Under a changing climate, the biologically viable management of weeds and the exploration of the genetic divergence of spreading and towering cultivars of forage cowpea in different row configuration systems hold the potential to boost sustainable feed supply for dairy animals. A field study was undertaken to sort out the most nutritive and high-biomass-producing cultivar (Cowpea−,2007 and Rawan−,2010) of cowpea and optimize the row configuration (R × R of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm) to manage the weed spectrum. The results revealed that Rawan-2010 remained superior in the 15 cm row configuration by recording 39% lesser weed density (WD) than the corresponding value recorded by the same cultivar sown in the 60 cm row configuration. The same treatment combination recorded a 20% lesser fresh weed weight than Cowpea−,2007 sown in the same row configuration, while it exhibited a 5.6 g m−2 lesser corresponding value of dry weed weight. In contrast, Cowpea-2010 sown in the 45 cm row configuration recorded the maximum yield attributes (stem girth, leaf and branch numbers, leaf area, fresh and dry weights per plant), except plant height (PH), which resulted in 7% and 13% higher green herbage yield (GH) and dry matter biomass (DM), respectively, than the same cultivar sown in the 30 cm row configuration. Pertaining to nutritional value, Rawan-2010 in the 45 cm row configuration yielded the maximum crude protein and minimum crude fiber content, while the same cultivar gave the greatest ash content in the wider row spacing. With GH, the correlation analyses indicated an antagonistic association for PH, a moderately linear relationship between stem girth and branch numbers and a strong direct association between leaf area and fresh plant weight.
Assessing the Contribution of ECa and NDVI in the Delineation of Management Zones in a Vineyard
Authors: Esteves Catarina , Fangueiro David , Braga Ricardo P. , Martins Miguel , Botelho Manuel , Ribeiro Henrique
Published: May 2022

Precision fertilization implies the need to identify the variability of soil fertility, which is costly and time-consuming. Remotely measured data can be a solution. Using this strategy, a study was conducted, in a vineyard, to delineate different management zones using two indicators: apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). To understand the contribution of each indicator, three scenarios were used for zone definition: (1) using only NDVI, (2) only ECa, or (3) using a combination of the two. Then the differences in soil fertility between these zones were assessed using simple statistical methods. The results indicate that the most beneficial strategy is the combined use of the two indicators, as it allowed the definition of three distinct zones regarding important soil variables and crop nutrients, such as soil total nitrogen, Mg2+ cation, exchange acidity, and effective cation exchange capacity, and some relevant cation ratios. This strategy also allowed the identification of an ionic unbalance in the soil chemistry, due to an excess of Mg2+, that was harming crop health, as reported by NDVI. This also impacted ECa and NDVI relationship, which was negative in this study. Overall, the results demonstrate the advantages of using remotely sensed data, mainly more than one type of sensing data, and suggest a high potential for differential crop fertilization and soil management in the study area.
Digital Mapping of Soil Organic Matter and Cation Exchange Capacity in a Low Relief Landscape Using LiDAR Data
Authors: Rahmani Shams R. , Ackerson Jason P. , Schulze Darrell , Adhikari Kabindra , Libohova Zamir
Published: May 2022

Soil organic matter content (SOM) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) are important agronomic soil properties. Accurate, high-resolution spatial information of SOM and CEC are needed for precision farm management. The objectives of this study were to: (1) map SOM and CEC in a low relief area using only lidar elevation-based terrain attributes, and (2) compare the prediction accuracy of SOM and CEC maps created by universal kriging, Cubist, and random forest with Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) database. For this study, 174 soil samples were collected from a depth from 0 to 10 cm. The topographic wetness index, topographic position index, multi resolution valley bottom flatness, and multi resolution ridge top flatness indices generated from the lidar data were used as covariates in model predictions. No major differences were found in the prediction performance of all selected models. For SOM, the predictive models provided results with coefficient of determination (R2) (0.44–0.45), root mean square error (RMSE) (0.8–0.83%), bias (0–0.22%), and concordance correlation coefficient (ρc) (0.56–0.58). For CEC, the R2 ranged from 0.39 to 0.44, RMSE ranged from 3.62 to 3.74 cmolc kg−1, bias ranged from 0–0.17 cmolc kg−1, and ρc ranged from 0.55 to 0.57. We also compared the results to the USDA Soil Survey Geographic (SSURGO) data. For both SOM and CEC, SSURGO was comparable with our predictive models, except for few map units where both SOM and CEC were either under or over predicted.