bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fecal HBD-2 and Claudin-3 may be potential biomarkers to predict the deterioration of necrotizing enterocolitis: A prospective study
Authors: Liu Xiao-Chen , Li Lu-Quan , Ling Ke-Ran , Guo Lu , Hu Xiao-Yu , Li Chun
Published: December 2022

Background and purpose

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal disease. We aim to explore the value of fecal human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2), Claudin-3, high-mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1), and resistin-like molecule β (Relmβ) as well as some laboratory metrics to predict the deterioration of NEC.

Methods

Infants diagnosed with NEC at Stage II were enrolled in our study. Those who progressed to Stage III were included in the Stage III group and the rest were included in the Stage II group. Clinical data and laboratory metrics of the infants were collected. Fecal samples of HBD2, HMGB-1, Claudin-3, and Relmβ collected during their enrollment were determined by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Student's t-test, the Mann–Whitney U test, the chi-square test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results

Sixty infants diagnosed with NEC at Stage II were enrolled in our study, with 27 in the Stage III group (n = 27) and 33 in the Stage II group (n = 33). Although many of these NEC cases were late preterm and term infants, the infants in the Stage III group had a lower gestational age (P < 0.05). The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, peritonitis, intestinal adhesion, and sepsis was higher and more infants in the Stage III group underwent surgeries (P < 0.05). The levels of HBD-2 and Claudin-3 were higher and neutrophil count was lower in the Stage III group than in the Stage II Group, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.754, 0,755, and 0.666, respectively (P < 0.05). HBD-2 ≥ 1649.02 ng/g and Claudin-3 ≥ 2488.71 pg/g were included in the multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis (P < 0.05), and the AUC of the model was 0.805 (95% CI: 0.688–0.922).

Conclusion

Fecal HBD-2 and Claudin-3 may be potential biomarkers to predict the deterioration of NEC from Stage II to Stage III.
The mechanisms underlying the actions of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment against neurological deficits after ischemic stroke in mice: The mediation of glymphatic function by aquaporin-4 and its anchoring proteins
Authors: Yi Ting , Gao Ping , Hou Meng , Lv Huan , Huang Mengyuan , Gao Shanshan , He Jinrong , Yang Dongdong , Chen Weiyin , Zhu Tianmin , Yu Chang , Liu Fuyou , Yin Haiyan , Jin Shuoguo
Published: December 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS) has been associated with an impairment in glymphatic function. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XFZYD) is widely used in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke. We hypothesized that Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment could attenuate early neurological deficits after ischemic stroke by enhancing the function of the glymphatic system. To prove our hypothesis, we carried out temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion surgery on C57BL/6 mice and then measured neurological score, infarct size and performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to assess stroke outcomes after 24 h of reperfusion. Subsequently, we injected fluorescent tracers in to the cisterna magna and evaluated tracer distribution in coronal brain sections. The polarization of aquaporin-4 (AQP4), colocalization of aquaporin-4, α-dystroglycan, β-dystroglycan and agrin were determined by immunofluorescence. Our research showed that pretreatment with Xuefu Zhuyu decoction significantly alleviated neurological scores, neurological deficits and pathological abnormalities in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Importantly, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment enhanced cerebrospinal fluid influx, protected aquaporin-4 depolarization and promoted the colocalization of aquaporin-4 with its anchoring proteins in the brain. Our findings highlight novel mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment on ischemic stroke-induced brain damage through the glymphatic system. Xuefu Zhuyu decoction pretreatment may offer a promising approach to slow the onset and progression of ischemic stroke.
Elucidating type 2 diabetes mellitus risk factor by promoting lipid metabolism with gymnemagenin: An in vitro and in silico approach
Authors: DasNandy Anusree , Patil Vishal S. , Hegde Harsha V. , Harish Darasaguppe R. , Roy Subarna
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Adipose tissue functions as a key endocrine organ which releases multiple bioactive substances and regulate obesity-linked complications. Dysregulation of adipocyte differentiation, triglyceride metabolism, adipokines production and lipid transport contributes to impaired lipid metabolism resulting in obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre plant is frequently used in Ayurveda for treatment of diabetes and obesity. Gymnemagenin is a major bioactive compound of Gymnema sylvestre. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the role of gymnemagenin in lipid metabolism by in vitro and computational approaches.

Methods: A panel of twelve genes viz., Fasn, Lipe, Lpl, Pparg, Plin2, Cidea, Scd1, Adipoq, Lep, Ccl2, Fabp4, and Slc2a4, essential in lipid metabolism were selected and gene expression pattern and triglyceride content were checked in adipocytes (3T3L1 cells) with/without treatment of gymnemagenin by Real time PCR and colorimetric estimation, respectively. Mode of action of gymnemagenin on Pparg and Fabp4 was accomplished by computational studies. Gene set enrichment and network pharmacology were performed by STRING and Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed by AutoDock vina by POAP pipeline. Molecular dynamics, MM-PBSA were done by Gromacs tool.

Results:In vitro study showed that gymnemagenin improved triglyceride metabolism by up regulating the expression of lipase genes viz., Lipe and Lpl which hydrolyse triglyceride. Gymnemagenin also up regulated the expression of anti-inflammatory gene Adipoq. Importantly, gymnemagenin treatment up regulated the expression of Pparg gene and the downstream target genes (Plin2, Cidea, and Scd1) which are associated with adipogenesis. However, gymnemagenin has no effect on expression of Fabp4, codes for a lipid transport protein. In silico study revealed that gymnemagenin targeted 12 genes were modulating 6 molecular pathways involved in diabetes and obesity. Molecular docking and dynamics revealed that gymnemagenin stably bind to active site residue of Pparg and failed to bind to Fabp4 active site compared to its standard molecules throughout 100 ns MD production run. Gymnemagenin scored binding free energy of −177.94 and −25.406 kJ/mol with Pparg and Fabp4, respectively.

Conclusion: Gymnemagenin improved lipid metabolism by increasing triglyceride hydrolysis (lipolysis), up regulating the crucial gene of adipogenesis and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine proving its therapeutic importance as anti-obesity and anti-diabetic phytocompound.
Weak association between arterial hypertension and overactive bladder baseline symptoms and treatment responses
Authors: Michel Martin C. , Heemann Uwe , de la Rosette Jean J. M. C. H.
Published: December 2022

While animal studies have suggested an association between the presence of hypertension and the presence and/or severity of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) symptoms, little clinical data is available. We have conducted a pre-specified secondary analysis of a non-interventional study involving 4450 OAB patients being treated with solifenacin to explore the existence of an association between OAB and hypertension using three parallel and overlapping definitions of hypertension to enhance robustness of analysis. Regardless of definition, patients with hypertension were older and had greater OAB symptom severity in univariate analyses. In multiple regression models including age as explanatory covariate, most relationships held up but effect sizes of concomitant hypertension on OAB severity were small (odds ratios <1.35 in all cases) and were deemed to be unlikely of clinical relevance. % Changes in symptom severity were somewhat smaller in univariate analysis, but effect sizes were small. We conclude that OAB and arterial hypertension are associated but effect sizes are too small to justify adaptation of clinical practice for OAB patients with concomitant hypertension.
Bring the life stages into the domain of basic and clinical pharmacology
Authors: Yao Lan , Graff J. Carolyn , Aleya Lotfi , Jiao Yan , Gu Weikuan , Tian Geng
Published: December 2022

Completely distinct physiological conditions and immune responses exist among different human life stages. Age is not always consistent with the life stage. We proposed to incorporate the concept of the life stages into basic and clinical pharmacology, including clinical trials, drug labels, and drug usage in clinical practice. Life-stage-based medical treatment is the application of medicine according to life stages such as prepuberty, reproductive, and aging. A large number of diseases are life-stage-dependent. Many medications and therapy have shown various age effects but not been recognized as life-stage-dependent. The same dosage and drug applications used in different life stages lead to divergent outcomes. Incorporating life stages in medicine and drug usage will enhance the efficacy and precision of the medication in disease treatment.
Crack identification of automobile steering knuckle fluorescent penetrant inspection based on deep convolutional generative adversarial networks data enhancement
Authors: Yang Yun , Min Zhou , Zuo Jinzhao , Han Baohu , Li Long
Published: December 2022

As a key safety component of automobiles, automobile steering knuckles must be subjected to strict quality control. Currently, the identification of cracks in finished products primarily relies on manual identification of fluorescent penetrant detection. Owing to the complex shape of the workpiece, the interference of the displayed image and the small sample size, the accuracy of the automatic discrimination result of the fluorescent penetrant detection image is directly reduced. Therefore, this study proposed a data augmentation method based on deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DCGAN) for crack identification in automotive steering knuckle fluorescent penetration inspection images. An image acquisition platform was built for fluorescence penetration detection of automobile steering knuckles, and fluorescence display images of various parts of the workpiece were collected. Based on the feature analysis of the displayed image, the image was preprocessed to suppress relevant interference and extract crack candidate regions. Further, using the original crack image to train DCGAN, several crack image samples were generated, the ResNet network was trained with the expanded dataset, and the extracted candidate regions were identified. Finally, the experimental results show that the recall rate of the crack recognition method used in this paper is 95.1%, and the accuracy rate is 90.8%, which can better identify the crack defects in the fluorescent penetrant inspection image, compared with the non-generative data enhancement method.
Role of surgical hyoid bone repositioning in modifying upper airway collapsibility
Authors: Samaha Corine J. , Tannous Hiba J. , Salman Diane , Ghafari Joseph G. , Amatoury Jason
Published: December 2022

Background: Surgical hyoid bone repositioning procedures are being performed to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), though outcomes are highly variable. This is likely due to lack of knowledge regarding the precise influence of hyoid bone position on upper airway patency. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of surgical hyoid bone repositioning on upper airway collapsibility.

Methods: Seven anaesthetized, male, New Zealand White rabbits were positioned supine with head/neck position controlled. The rabbit’s upper airway was surgically isolated and hyoid bone exposed to allow manipulation of its position using a custom-made device. A sealed facemask was fitted over the rabbit’s snout, and mask/upper airway pressures were monitored. Collapsibility was quantified using upper airway closing pressure (Pclose). The hyoid bone was repositioned within the mid-sagittal plane from 0 to 5 mm (1 mm increments) in anterior, cranial, caudal, anterior-cranial (45°) and anterior-caudal (45°) directions.

Results: Anterior displacement of the hyoid bone resulted in the greatest decrease in Pclose amongst all directions (p = 0.002). Pclose decreased progressively with each increment of anterior hyoid bone displacement, and down by −4.0 ± 1.3 cmH2O at 5 mm. Cranial and caudal hyoid bone displacement did not alter Pclose (p > 0.35). Anterior-cranial and anterior-caudal hyoid bone displacements decreased Pclose significantly (p < 0.004) and at similar magnitudes to the anterior direction (p > 0.68).

Conclusion: Changes in upper airway collapsibility following hyoid bone repositioning are both direction and magnitude dependent. Anterior-based repositioning directions have the greatest impact on reducing upper airway collapsibility, with no effect on collapsibility by cranial and caudal directions. Findings may have implications for guiding and improving the outcomes of surgical hyoid interventions for the treatment of OSA.
Oestrogen-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometriosis: Aetiology of vaginal agenesis in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome
Authors: Lih Yuan Too , Sulaiman Nadiah , Nur Azurah Abdul Ghani , Maarof Manira , Rabiatul Adawiyah Razali  , Yazid Muhammad Dain
Published: December 2022

Endometriosis occurs when endometrial-like tissue forms and grows outside the uterus due to oestrogen-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the female reproductive tract. Factors that suppress this event could become potential therapeutic agents against disease occurrence and progression. However, an overview of these studies is still lacking. This review assessed the impact of a number factors on oestrogen-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the emergence of several diseases in the female reproductive tract, primarily endometriosis. The association between epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome was also investigated. Oestrogen, Wnt4 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were chosen as keywords in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science searches performed on 28th June 2021. Study selection was refined to cancer-irrelevant, English, original articles published between years 2011–2021. The full-text assessment was carried out for topic-related articles after title and abstract screening. Included studies were summarised and assessed for their risk of bias using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation tool. In this review, 10 articles investigating oestrogen and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the female reproductive tract were summarised and classified into two groups: seven studies under ‘factor’-modulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and three studies under ‘factor’-manipulated oestrogen-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The current evidence proposes that epithelial-mesenchymal transition is one of the prime causes of reproductive-related disease. This event could be mediated by distinct stimuli, specifically oestrogen and Wnt4 aberration. The results of this review suggest that oestrogen and Wnt4 participate in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vaginal epithelial cells in MRKH syndrome, adopting from the theories of endometriosis development, which could therefore serve as a foundation for novel target treatment, specifically related to vaginal epithelialisation, to ensure better surgical outcomes.
A dual sgRNA-directed CRISPR/Cas9 construct for editing the fruit-specific β-cyclase 2 gene in pigmented citrus fruits
Authors: Salonia Fabrizio , Ciacciulli Angelo , Pappalardo Helena Domenica , Poles Lara , Pindo Massimo , Larger Simone , Caruso Paola , Caruso Marco , Licciardello Concetta
Published: December 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is a modern biotechnological approach used to improve plant varieties, modifying only one or a few traits of a specific variety. However, this technology cannot be easily used to improve fruit quality traits in citrus, due to the lack of knowledge of key genes, long juvenile stage, and the difficulty regenerating whole plants of specific varieties. Here, we introduce a genome editing approach with the aim of producing citrus plantlets whose fruits contain both lycopene and anthocyanins. Our method employs a dual single guide RNA (sgRNA)-directed genome editing approach to knockout the fruit-specific β-cyclase 2 gene, responsible for the conversion of lycopene to beta-carotene. The gene is targeted by two sgRNAs simultaneously to create a large deletion, as well as to induce point mutations in both sgRNA targets. The EHA105 strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens was used to transform five different anthocyanin-pigmented sweet oranges, belonging to the Tarocco and Sanguigno varietal groups, and ‘Carrizo’ citrange, a citrus rootstock as a model for citrus transformation. Among 58 plantlets sequenced in the target region, 86% of them were successfully edited. The most frequent mutations were deletions (from -1 to -74 nucleotides) and insertions (+1 nucleotide). Moreover, a novel event was identified in six plantlets, consisting of the inversion of the region between the two sgRNAs. For 20 plantlets in which a single mutation occurred, we excluded chimeric events. Plantlets did not show an altered phenotype in vegetative tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first example of the use of a genome editing approach to potentially improve qualitative traits of citrus fruit.
A critique of using the labels confirmatory and exploratory in modern psychological research
Authors: Jacobucci Ross
Published: December 2022

Psychological science is experiencing a rise in the application of complex statistical models and, simultaneously, a renewed focus on applying research in a confirmatory manner. This presents a fundamental conflict for psychological researchers as more complex forms of modeling necessarily eschew as stringent of theoretical constraints. In this paper, I argue that this is less of a conflict, and more a result of a continued adherence to applying the overly simplistic labels of exploratory and confirmatory. These terms mask a distinction between exploratory/confirmatory research practices and modeling. Further, while many researchers recognize that this dichotomous distinction is better represented as a continuum, this only creates additional problems. Finally, I argue that while a focus on preregistration helps clarify the distinction, psychological research would be better off replacing the terms exploratory and confirmatory with additional levels of detail regarding the goals of the study, modeling details, and scientific method.
Physical exercise interventions for perinatal depression symptoms in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xueyan , Wang Guangpeng , Cao Yingjuan
Published: December 2022

Background

The previous meta-analysis indicated that physical exercise could play a crucially therapeutic role in reducing perinatal depression symptoms in women. However, the efficacy varies across different exercise types, forms, intensities, and duration.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to review and evaluate the effects of different types, forms, intensities, and duration of exercise for improving perinatal depressive symptoms.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials until December 2021 were searched from seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO. The risk of bias in eligible trials was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. When high heterogeneity was tested, we used random-effects models. A funnel plot was used to assess the publication bias. This review was performed under the PRISMA guidelines, Consensus on Exercise Reporting (CERT) checklist and Cochrane Handbook. The certainty of the body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE method.

Results

Of 1,573 records, 20 trials were identified in this study. The results of this review revealed that women with perinatal depression symptoms gained benefits from physical exercise [OR = 0.62, 95% CI (0.45, 0.86), P = 0.004; MD = −0.57, 95% CI (−0.83, −0.30), P < 0.0001]. Type of walking [SMD = −1.06, 95% CI (−1.92, −0.19), P < 0.00001], form of “Individual + group-based”exercise [SMD = −0.91, 95% CI (−0.80, −0.03), P = 0.04], intensity of ≥150 min per week [SMD = −0.84, 95% CI (−1.53, −0.15), P = 0.02], and ≥12 weeks duration [SMD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.75, −0.31), P < 0.00001] seemed to generate more prominent improvement on perinatal depression symptoms.

Conclusion

Physical exercise showed a significant effect on reducing perinatal depressive symptoms. This meta-analysis provides an important update on exercise’s efficacy in treating perinatal depression. Further higher quality and large-scale trials are needed to substantiate our findings.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022296230].
Tears and cheers: A narrative inquiry of a doctoral student’s resilience in study abroad
Authors: Wu Xinxin
Published: December 2022

The existing literature has revealed many issues related to Ph.D. students’ wellbeing, such as anxiety and stress, which are likely to cause Ph.D. student attrition or dropout. As one of the key coping strategies against psychological burnout, resilience has received increasing attention among various teacher groups. However, it still lacks a systematic understanding of students, in particular overseas Ph.D. students. This article explores doctoral students’ resilience through a narrative inquiry into the resilience-building process of a Ph.D. student in language and linguistics, Hongxia, in the United Kingdom. Drawing on the research methods and results of resilience from teachers, this study examines Hongxia’s lived experience as a Ph.D. student throughout her 3 years of learning and research and uncovers the dynamic and multifaceted process of resilience building as the interplay between Ph.D. students’ agency, peers, supervisors, academics, families, and friends. The current research supports the value of narrative inquiry, in particular critical story analysis, as a tool for studying the resilience-building processes in Ph.D. students during their candidature. It also hopes to provide insight for administrators, supervisors, and other related stakeholders on their intervention to support and facilitate the research journey of doctoral students.
The effect of social networks on academic self-handicapping with the mediating role of self-regulatory learning strategies and academic achievement among EFL students
Authors: Izadpanah Siros , Charmi Mahdis
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In the academic context, social networking sites (SNSs) have reshaped the way university students connect and communicate with each other and the way they learn, thus influencing their identities and dimensions. This research investigates the effect of social networks on academic self-handicapping with the mediating role of self-regulatory and academic achievement.

Method

The current study is considered to be quantitative research in terms of its nature, applied research in terms of its purpose, and correlational descriptive one in terms of its method. The statistical population of the present study includes all language students of Tabriz University, whose number was 540 people. Sampling was done by the random sampling method. Using Morgan’s table, the sample size was estimated to be 225 people in 2022. Due to the possibility of falling, 10% was added to this number, and 250 questionnaires were distributed among 250 participants; 17 questionnaires were incomplete, and a total of 233 valid questionnaires were examined. Four questionnaires were administered to collect data. SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 software were used to analyze the collected data from questionnaires. Descriptive, inferential, and Structural Covariance Matrix (SEM) statistics were conducted to explore the effect of social networks on these variables.

Results

Findings showed that social networks significantly impact self-handicapping in language students of Tabriz University. 2- Social networks have a significant impact on self- self-handicapping with a mediating role of self-regulation learning strategies in language students of Tabriz University. 3- Social networks significantly affect self-handicapping, mediating role in language students’ academic progress at Tabriz University.

Discussion

Further investigation and experimentation into social networks are strongly recommended. In addition, studies show that self-handicapping is successful in helping individuals divert the assessments of others from attributing weak abilities to failure. Because self-handicapping behavior undermines achievement and can lead to long-term withdrawal from activities (such as school and college), parents and teachers must discourage self-handicapping and avoid behavior that may encourage it.
Trends and characteristics of multiple births in Baoan Shenzhen: A retrospective study over a decade
Authors: Tang Wenyi , Zou Lingyun
Published: December 2022

Background

Shenzhen has the largest and youngest foreign population among all cities in China. The reproductive health of pregnant women from different backgrounds is a social issue that deserves attention. In the past decade, China has liberalized its population policies to stimulate population growth, and the proportion of multiple births has continued to increase.

Method

This retrospective cohort included 526,654 newborns born in Baoan, Shenzhen, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2019, including 515,016 singletons and 11,638 twins or triplets. Univariate regression models were used to analyze the effects of maternal sociodemographic characteristics, physiological characteristics, medical history, antenatal care and other factors associated with single vs. multiple births and to elucidate the changing trends of different factors affecting multiple births in the past 11 years. Additionally, fetal development in multiple births was analyzed by generalized linear mixed models.

Results

The rates of pregnancy complications, preterm birth, and advanced-age pregnancy were significantly higher in the multiple birth mothers than in single birth mothers, and more multiple pregnancies were achieved through assisted reproductive technologies. The rates of adverse outcomes such as stillbirth, malformation, hypoxia, and ultralow body weight in multiple fetuses were significantly higher than that in singleton fetuses. The trend analysis from 2009 to 2019 showed that the socioeconomic status and health level of mothers with multiple births improved over time, and the risk during pregnancy generally decreased. Simultaneously, the development indicators of multiple fetuses have improved year by year, and the proportion of adverse outcomes has also decreased significantly. A low pre-natal care utilization rate was shown to be detrimental to the development of multiple fetuses. Independent risk factors for hypoxia and very low birth weight were also identified. The differences in secular trends between two birth groups were further revealed by time series models.

Conclusion

This study presented a comprehensive survey of multiple pregnancies in the area with the largest population inflow in China. This study identified the factors that affect the health of multiple birth mothers and their fetuses, particularly suggesting that preterm birth rates and the use of assisted reproduction remain high. The findings provide a basis for the formulation of individualized pre-natal care, assisted reproductive guidance and healthcare policies for multiple births.
The Irie Classroom Toolbox: Mixed method assessment to inform future implementation and scale-up of an early childhood, teacher-training, violence-prevention programme
Authors: Bowers Marsha , Francis Taja , Baker-Henningham Helen
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Violence against children (VAC) is a violation of child rights, has high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, is associated with long-term negative effects on child functioning, and with high economic and social costs. Ending VAC at home and at school is thus a global public health priority.

Methods

In Jamaica, we evaluated an early childhood, teacher-training, violence-prevention programme, (the Irie Classroom Toolbox), in a cluster-randomised trial in 76 preschools. The programme led to large reductions to teachers' use of VAC, although the majority of teachers continued to use VAC at times. In this paper, we describe a mixed-method evaluation of the Irie Classroom Toolbox in the 38 Jamaican preschools that were assigned to the wait-list control group of the trial. In a quantitative evaluation, 108 preschool teachers in 38 preschools were evaluated at pre-test and 91 teachers from 37 preschools were evaluated at post-test. One preschool teacher from each of these 37 preschools were randomly selected to participate in an in-depth interview as part of the qualitative evaluation.

Results

Preschool teachers were observed to use 83% fewer instances of VAC across one school day after participating in the programme, although 68% were observed to use VAC at least once across two days. The qualitative evaluation confirmed these findings with all teachers reporting reduced use of violence, but 70% reporting continued use of VAC at times. Teachers reported that the behaviour change techniques used to deliver the intervention increased their motivation, knowledge and skills which in turn led to improved child behaviour, improved relationships and improved professional well-being. Direct pathways to reduced use of VAC by teachers were through improved child behaviour and teacher well-being. The main reasons for continued use of VAC were due to barriers teachers faced using positive discipline techniques, teachers' negative affect, and child behaviours that teachers perceived to be severe.

Discussion

We describe how we used the results from the mixed-method evaluation to inform revisions to the programme to further reduce teachers' use of VAC and to inform the processes of training, supervision and ongoing monitoring as the programme is scaled-up through government services.
Association of psychological symptoms with job burnout and occupational stress among coal miners in Xinjiang, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Fu Ailing , Zhao Ting , Gao Xiaoyan , Li Xinze , Liu Xin , Liu Jiwen
Published: December 2022

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of psychological symptoms in relation to job burnout and occupational stress among coal miners in Xinjiang, so as to provide data support for enterprises in an effort to help them identify internal psychological risk factors and improve the mental health of coal miners.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 12 coal mines were selected using the stratified cluster random sampling method and 4,109 coal miners were investigated by means of online electronic questionnaires. The Symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90), Chinese Maslach Burnout Inventory (CMBI), and Job Demand-Control (JDC) model were respectively used to measure the status of psychological symptoms, job burnout, and occupational stress among coal miners. The mediation analysis was performed through structural equation modeling (SEM) by using Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS).

Results

The prevalence of psychological symptoms was higher in the occupational stress group than in the non-occupational stress group, and increased with job burnout (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that mild (OR = 1.401, 95% CL: 1.165, 1.685), moderate (OR = 2.190, 95% CL: 1.795, 2.672), or severe levels of burnout (OR = 6.102, 95% CL: 3.481, 10.694) and occupational stress (OR = 1.462, 95% CL: 1.272, 1.679) were risk factors for psychological symptoms in coal miners. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that occupational stress (β = 0.11, P = 0.002) and job burnout (β = 0.46, P = 0.002) had significant positive direct effects on psychological symptoms, and job burnout was an intermediate variable between occupational stress and psychological symptoms.

Conclusion

High levels of job burnout and occupational stress were risk factors for psychological symptoms. Both occupational stress and job burnout had direct effects on psychological symptoms, and occupational stress could also have an indirect effect on coal miners' psychological symptoms through the intermediate variable of job burnout.
A roadmap toward implementing health technology assessment in Egypt
Authors: Fasseeh Ahmad Nader , Elezbawy Baher , Gamal Mary , Seyam Ahmed , Abourawash Asmaa , George Mohsen , Anwar Mohamed , Amin Magdy , Khalifa Ahmed Yehia , Elshalakani Amr , Hatem Ashraf , Abdelhamid Sohir , Elsamouly Hossam , Fasseeh Nader , Adel Randa , Dawood Hatem , Abaza Sherif , Kaló Zoltán
Published: December 2022

Background

The Egyptian healthcare system is currently in the early phase of health technology assessment (HTA) implementation. The aim of this study is to propose an implementation roadmap based on the national healthcare system status.

Methods

A survey was conducted among Egyptian healthcare sector decision-makers to assess the current and future (preferred) HTA implementation status in Egypt based on a widely used international scorecard methodology. Subsequently, interviews were conducted with experts representing middle- and top-tier management in the Egyptian healthcare system to interpret the survey results and recommend specific actions.

Results

Experts recommended more capacity-building programs for HTA and health economics. Additionally, they proposed establishing HTA units in separate healthcare authorities and merging them into a single central HTA unit in the long term. Regarding the scope of implementation, experts recommended commencing with the assessment of innovative pharmaceuticals, and thereafter, expanding the scope to cover all health technologies in the long term. Additionally, they recommended using innovative tools such as “multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)” for tendering, and “managed entry agreements” for reimbursement decisions. Local burden of diseases and costing studies were also recommended to facilitate the implementation of HTA.

Conclusion

Experts agreed that several actions are required for successful HTA implementation in Egypt, including coordination between HTA bodies, application of an explicit MCDA framework, and strengthening of local evidence generation. To implement these actions, investment in technical capacity-building is indispensable. Most experts favored using multiple and soft cost-effectiveness thresholds. Efforts should be made to publish HTA submission guidelines and timelines of the processes.
Ethical allocation of scarce vaccine doses: The Priority-Equality protocol
Authors: Alós-Ferrer Carlos , García-Segarra Jaume , Ginés-Vilar Miguel
Published: December 2022

Background

Whenever vaccines for a new pandemic or widespread epidemic are developed, demand greatly exceeds the available supply of vaccine doses in the crucial, initial phases of vaccination. Rationing protocols must then fulfill a number of ethical principles balancing equal treatment of individuals and prioritization of at-risk and instrumental subpopulations. For COVID-19, actual rationing methods used a territory-based first allocation stage based on proportionality to population size, followed by locally-implemented prioritization rules. The results of this procedure have been argued to be ethically problematic.

Methods

We use a formal-analytical approach arising from the mathematical social sciences which allows to investigate whether any allocation methods (known or unknown) fulfill a combination of (ethical) desiderata and, if so, how they are formulated algorithmically.

Results

Strikingly, we find that there exists one and only one method that allows to treat people equally while giving priority to those who are worse off. We identify this method down to the algorithmic level and show that it is easily implementable and it exhibits additional, desirable properties. In contrast, we show that the procedures used during the COVID-19 pandemic violate both principles.

Conclusions

Our research delivers an actual algorithm that is readily applicable and improves upon previous ones. Since our axiomatic approach shows that any other algorithm would either fail to treat people equally or fail to prioritize those who are worse off, we conclude that ethical principles dictate the adoption of this algorithm as a standard for the COVID-19 or any other comparable vaccination campaigns.
Policy pathways for perennial agriculture
Authors: Scott Emma I. , Toensmeier Eric , Iutzi Fred , Rosenberg Nathan A. , Lovell Sarah Taylor , Jordan Nicholas R. , Peters Tessa E. , Akwii Esther , Broad Leib Emily M.
Published: December 2022

Perennial agriculture refers to agricultural systems in which perennial crops are a central strategy for producing farm products and ecosystem services. Perennial agriculture offers a range of ecosystem services, including improved soil health and biodiversity, high carbon sequestration rates, agroecosystems better adapted to climate change, improved water quality, and economically viable products. Shifting U.S. agriculture to be perennial-focused will require a range of support structures, including federal policy changes. Federal policymakers should support perennial agriculture by establishing safety nets like those available for annual crops, centering perennial practices in cost-sharing conservation programs, facilitating market opportunities, and investing in perennial agriculture research and development.
Investigation of respiratory disease outbreaks of poultry in Bangladesh using two real-time PCR-based simultaneous detection assays
Authors: Parvin Rokshana , Kabiraj Congriev Kumar , Hossain Ismail , Hassan Alamgir , Begum Jahan Ara , Nooruzzaman Mohammed , Islam Md. Taohidul , Chowdhury Emdadul Haque
Published: December 2022

For rapid and sensitive pathogen screening from field outbreaks, molecular techniques such as qPCR-based simultaneous detections are efficient. Respiratory diseases are the most detrimental diseases to the poultry industry and need to be addressed because of their major economic losses. In the current study, we have applied two different detection assays: one for simultaneous detection of avian influenza virus (AIV; M gene) and subtyping (H5, N1, H9, N2) using TaqMan probe chemistry (TaqMan multitarget) and another for simultaneous detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), and infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) using SYBR Green chemistry (SYBR Green multitarget). Two individual qPCRs were conducted for the detection of four pathogens. Surveillance of tissue (n = 158) and oropharyngeal swab (206) samples from multiple poultry flocks during the years April 2020–July 2022 applying the TaqMan and SYBR Green multitarget qPCRs revealed that 48.9% of samples were positive for respiratory infections, of which 17.2% were positive for NDV, 25.5% were positive for AIV, 9.9% were positive for IBV, and only a single positive (0.3%) for ILTV. Among the AIV, 35% were highly pathogenic subtype H5N1 and 65% were low pathogenic subtype H9N2. Co-infections of 2–3 respiratory viruses were also accurately detected. Respiratory viral pathogens are quite common in Bangladeshi poultry and can be successfully detected using multitarget simultaneous real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays like those adopted in the current study. Increased mass surveillance, along with the molecular characterization of the circulating respiratory viruses, is crucial to control the epidemic and subsequently save the Bangladeshi poultry industry.
Case report: Block recession calcaneoplasty of the calcaneal tuber for treating lateral superficial digital flexor tendon luxation in a dog
Authors: Nam Sanghyun , Lee Haebeom , Roh Yoonho , Kang AhRan , Kim Daehyun , Jeong Seongmok , Jeong Jaemin
Published: December 2022

A 4-year-old, intact, female, Collie was presented with 5 month history of right hindlimb lameness. Lateral luxation of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic finding. Intraoperatively, shallow right calcaneal tuber was observed. Block recession calcaneoplasty with retinaculum repair using anchor screw were performed to manage SDFT luxation. Additionally, temporary restraining pin was placed on lateral aspect of the calcaneal tuber. The patient demonstrated mild lameness at 2 weeks postoperatively and improved to normal limb function at 12 weeks postoperatively. As the gold standard of surgical techniques for SDFT luxation has not yet been reported, block recession calcaneooplasty may be an alternative surgical option for patients with calcaneal morphologic abnormalities causing SDFT luxation.
Pose-Based Gait Analysis for Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Connie Tee , Aderinola Timilehin B. , Ong Thian Song , Goh Michael Kah Ong , Erfianto Bayu , Purnama Bedy
Published: December 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is more common in elderly people and affects motor control, flexibility, and how easily patients adapt to their walking environments. PD is progressive in nature, and if undetected and untreated, the symptoms grow worse over time. Fortunately, PD can be detected early using gait features since the loss of motor control results in gait impairment. In general, techniques for capturing gait can be categorized as computer-vision-based or sensor-based. Sensor-based techniques are mostly used in clinical gait analysis and are regarded as the gold standard for PD detection. The main limitation of using sensor-based gait capture is the associated high cost and the technical expertise required for setup. In addition, the subjects’ consciousness of worn sensors and being actively monitored may further impact their motor function. Recent advances in computer vision have enabled the tracking of body parts in videos in a markerless motion capture scenario via human pose estimation (HPE). Although markerless motion capture has been studied in comparison with gold-standard motion-capture techniques, it is yet to be evaluated in the prediction of neurological conditions such as PD. Hence, in this study, we extract PD-discriminative gait features from raw videos of subjects and demonstrate the potential of markerless motion capture for PD prediction. First, we perform HPE on the subjects using AlphaPose. Then, we extract and analyse eight features, from which five features are systematically selected, achieving up to 93% accuracy, 96% precision, and 92% recall in arbitrary views.
Tacit Contributions and Roles of Senior Researchers: Experiences of a Multinational Company
Authors: Pérez Villa Walter , Pérez-Ezcurdia Amaya , Vigil Berrocal Miguel Angel
Published: December 2022

One of the concerns of innovation-dependent organisations is that the gradual increase in the average age of their employees might affect their creativity and innovation rates, leading to losses in competitiveness. The purpose of this paper was to deepen the identification and understanding of the contributions done by senior researchers within a private organisation. This study was based on field qualitative research on a multinational company. Interviews were performed were senior researchers and the transcripts were analysed with a qualitative data analysis (QDA) software to organise, analyse and find insights in unstructured or qualitative data. Analysis was performed using axial coding, which relates data together to reveal codes and categories from participants’ voices within the collected data. The points of view of senior researchers were explicitly sought and the findings indicated that these veteran professionals can be more valuable for their contributions as experienced workers than for their scientific productivity at the individual level, without disregarding it. Senior researchers have acquired tacit skills linked to their experience, such as a holistic view of the issues and efficient work methodologies. Therefore, they develop formal or informal roles over time related to advice and knowledge transfer. Consequently, it was found that their tacit contributions and roles increase the intellectual capital of the organisation. This paper helps in understanding the contributions made by senior researchers within a private organisation. No other reviews have sought to obtain such information on this specific sector.
Stealthy Configuration Optimization Design and RCS Characteristics Study of Microsatellite
Authors: Sun Hanqing , Qin Yuantian
Published: December 2022

Firstly, the radar cross section (RCS) test results of the stealthy microsatellite of TianXun-1(TX-1) in the anechoic chamber are compared with the RCS numerically simulated by the physical optics method, and the accuracy of the physical optical method is verified. On this basis, in order to improve the radar stealth performance of the microsatellite, a satellite stealth configuration optimization design method is proposed with the multi-prismatic stealth configuration of TX-1 as the initial configuration, and two olive stealth satellite configurations are obtained. By comparing the RCS simulation and radar detection probability of the optimized Olive-A and Olive-B satellite stealth configurations in multiple directions, it is demonstrated that the stealth performance of the Olive-B configuration is better. Finally, the anechoic chamber test is conducted on the metallic Olive-B model, and the test results show that the test results and simulation results of Olive-B are in good agreement, which again verifies that the stealth performance of Olive-B is better than that of TX-1 and Olive-A.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Drag and Lift Forces on a Bullet Head
Authors: Khan Abdullah , Shah Imran , Aziz Shahid , Waqas Muhammad , Zaman Uzair Khaleeq uz , Jung Dong-Won
Published: December 2022

The bullet head plays a principal role in the modern enlargement of an efficient bullet. A bullet’s main design parameters depend upon the lift and drag forces acting on the head. The factors in a bullet’s shape design that affect bullets’ lift and drag forces are essential in aerodynamics, especially in ballistics. Therefore, the effect of wind on the lift and drag forces acting on the bullet, and the role of the bullet head to allow the bullet to travel efficiently through the wind, need to be investigated. This work discusses the parameters that affect the lift and drag force on the bullet. Simulations are performed in Ansys Fluent by varying the key parameters of the bullet head, i.e., the length and angle of attack, while keeping the air velocity at 5.2 m/s. The simulation outcome shows that the size of the bullet and the angle of attack are important factors related to the drag force. Therefore, this work predicts the inspection of a bullet under distinct wind conditions. An evaluation is performed to scrutinize the effect of design factors on the system execution of the bullet and its constructive flight path. It is concluded that when increasing the length of the bullet and its angle of attack (AOA), the drag force and lift forces increase drastically, contributing to the inefficiency of the bullet’s accuracy and penetrating power. A new design is also proposed in which the drag forces are reduced to the minimum.