bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
God in body and space: Investigating the sensorimotor grounding of abstract concepts
Authors: MacRae Suesan , Duffels Brian , Duchesne Annie , Siakaluk Paul D. , Matheson Heath E.
Published: November 2022

Abstract concepts are defined as concepts that cannot be experienced directly through the sensorimotor modalities. Explaining our understanding of such concepts poses a challenge to neurocognitive models of knowledge. One account of how these concepts come to be represented is that sensorimotor representations of grounded experiences are reactivated in a way that is constitutive of the abstract concept. In the present experiment, we investigated how sensorimotor information might constitute GOD-related concepts, and whether a person’s self-reported religiosity modulated this grounding. To do so, we manipulated both the state of the body (i.e., kneeling vs. sitting) and the state of stimuli (i.e., spatial position on the screen) in two tasks that required conceptual categorization of abstract words. Linear Mixed Effects model fitting procedures were used to determine which manipulated factors best predicted response latency and accuracy in both tasks. We successfully replicated previous research demonstrating faster categorization of GOD-related words when they were presented at the top of the screen. Importantly, results demonstrated that the kneeling posture manipulation enhanced this effect, as did religiosity, as participants who scored higher in religiosity showed a greater effect of the posture manipulation on the speed with which word categorization occurred when those words were presented in the higher visuospatial presentation condition. Overall, we interpreted our findings to suggest that directly manipulating sensorimotor information can facilitate the categorization of abstract concepts, supporting the notion that this information in part constitutes the representation of abstract concepts.
The blind spot of online creative idea generation studies: A perspective of media materiality
Authors: Liu Siyu , Ji Feng , Zeng Cen
Published: November 2022

Online creative idea generation is often considered an extension of traditional creative idea activities on the Internet platform, in which digital technology plays an important role. Consistent with the studies on traditional creative idea activities, the studies on online creative idea generation take the creativity of mass psychology as the core, and believe that digital technology can stimulate people’s creative output. This study challenges the past research paradigm from the perspective of media materiality, redefines the processes and activities of online creative idea generation, and further suggests that it may affect people’s psychology by reducing their creativity without real awareness. The study is innovative in both theory and practice. We also discuss the limitations and future directions of the study.
Preservice mathematics teachers’ perceptions of mathematical problem solving and its teaching: A case from China
Authors: Jiang Peijie , Zhang Yong , Jiang Yanyun , Xiong Bin
Published: November 2022

Preservice mathematics teachers’ accurate understanding of mathematical problem solving and its teaching is key to the performance of their professional quality. This study aims to investigate preservice mathematics teachers’ understanding of problem solving and its teaching and compares it with the understanding of in-service mathematics teachers. After surveying 326 in-service mathematics teachers, this study constructs a reliable and valid tool for the cognition of mathematical problem solving and its teaching and conducts a questionnaire survey on 26 preservice mathematics teachers. Survey results reveal that preservice mathematics teachers have a good understanding of mathematical problem solving and its teaching and are more confident in the transfer value of problem solving ability. By contrast, in-service teachers are more optimistic that problem solving requires exploration, continuous thinking, and the participation of metacognition. This article concludes that preservice mathematics teachers should focus more on the initiative and creativity of students and put students at the center of education. In addition, teacher educators should provide more teaching practice opportunities for preservice teachers. The findings also show that in-service teachers’ understanding of problem solving and its teaching is inferior to that of preservice teachers on some indicators, implying the importance of post-service training for in-service teachers.
How immersive virtual reality can become a key tool to advance research and psychotherapy of eating and weight disorders
Authors: Behrens Simone C. , Streuber Stephan , Keizer Anouk , Giel Katrin E.
Published: November 2022

Immersive virtual reality technology (VR) still waits for its wide dissemination in research and psychotherapy of eating and weight disorders. Given the comparably high efforts in producing a VR setup, we outline that the technology’s breakthrough needs tailored exploitation of specific features of VR and user-centered design of setups. In this paper, we introduce VR hardware and review the specific properties of immersive VR versus real-world setups providing examples how they improved existing setups. We then summarize current approaches to make VR a tool for psychotherapy of eating and weight disorders and introduce user-centered design of VR environments as a solution to support their further development. Overall, we argue that exploitation of the specific properties of VR can substantially improve existing approaches for research and therapy of eating and weight disorders. To produce more than pilot setups, iterative development of VR setups within a user-centered design approach is needed.
MDMA-assisted therapy is associated with a reduction in chronic pain among people with post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Christie Devon , Yazar-Klosinski Berra , Nosova Ekaterina , Kryskow Pam , Siu Will , Lessor Danielle , Argento Elena
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Increasing evidence demonstrates 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) may be a safe and effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is growing interest in MDMA-AT to address a range of other health challenges. Chronic pain and PTSD are frequently comorbid, reciprocally interdependent conditions, though the possible role of MDMA-AT in treating chronic pain remains under-investigated. The present analysis examined the impact of manualized MDMA-AT on chronic pain severity among participants with PTSD who were enrolled in a Phase 2 clinical trial investigating MDMA-AT for PTSD (NCT03282123).

Materials and methods

Exploratory data from a subset of participants who completed chronic pain measures (n = 32) were drawn from a Phase 2 open-label study sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). Multivariable analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to compare pre- vs. post-treatment Chronic Pain Grade Scale (CPGS) values, adjusting for demographics (age, sex, and ethnicity). K-means clustering was then used to group the sample into three clusters to denote high (n = 9), medium (n = 11), and low (n = 12) baseline pain severity, and the same analysis was repeated for each cluster.

Results

Among the 32 participants included in this analysis, 59% (n = 19) were women, 72% (n = 23) were white, and median age was 38 years [interquartile range (IQR) = 31–47]. Overall, 84% (n = 27) reported having pain, and 75% (n = 24) reported disability associated with their pain. Significant reductions in CPGS subscales for pain intensity and disability score, and overall CPGS severity grade were observed among participants in the highest pain cluster (n = 9, p < 0.05), and for pain intensity in the medium pain cluster (n = 11, p < 0.05) post- vs. pre-treatment.

Discussion

Findings demonstrate a high prevalence of chronic pain in this sample of people with severe PTSD and that chronic pain scores among medium and high pain subgroups were significantly lower following MDMA-AT. While these data are preliminary, when considered alongside the frequency of comorbid chronic pain and PTSD and promising efficacy of MDMA-AT for treating PTSD, these findings encourage further research exploring the role of MDMA-AT for chronic pain.
Therapeutic setting as an essential component of psychedelic research methodology: Reporting recommendations emerging from clinical trials of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine for post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Okano Lauren , Jones Gregory , Deyo Bri , Brandenburg Alida , Hale Wesley
Published: November 2022

Research of psychedelic assisted therapies is at an all-time high, though few studies highlight extra-pharmacological factors that may affect treatment efficacy. One critical set of attributes includes the therapeutic setting itself, which describe the physical and socio-cultural environments in which the drug-assisted session occurs. Despite enduring consensus of the influence of setting, recommendations for establishing and reporting key setting variables remain sparse across clinical trial protocols and published research methodologies. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) present what is known of the influence and implications of setting to psychedelic-assisted therapies, with a particular focus on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA); and (2) propose a set of reporting guidelines for operationalizing and reporting key setting variables in clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies, based on recommendations emerging from clinical trials of MDMA for PTSD. In fact, recommendations should be expanded to “set” - the subject's mood, expectations, and broader psychological condition - once this is more fully developed in the field. The proposed reporting guidelines offer a means of increasing the volume and variability of data necessary for future empirical examination of key setting attributes influencing treatment efficacy, while preserving practitioner and patient autonomy to co-construct adaptive therapy settings according to their respective needs and expertise.
The impact of public health education on people's demand for commercial health insurance: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Gao Lifei , Nie Ying , Wang Guojun , Li Fei
Published: November 2022

Public health education is gaining significance globally, and it is important for managing health risks. This study empirically analyzed the effect of public health education on people's demand for commercial health insurance. And we used the fixed effects and the mediating effect models, and instrumental variables regression in our research based on panel data of 31 provinces (including municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from year 2009 to 2019. The findings show that public health education significantly increases people's demand for commercial health insurance, and this effect remains significant when considering endogeneity and robustness. We further analyzed and found that the increased demand for commercial health insurance is caused by health literacy, health risk perceptions and health risk attitudes. Through heterogeneity analysis, we found that there were significant differences in the effects of public health education in regions with different demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. We found that the effect of health education on promoting people's demand for commercial health insurance is more obvious in regions with high levels of urbanization, proportion of men, education, economic development, medical resources, and social medical insurance coverage. Governments are supposed to take further measures to enhance the effectiveness of public health education, develop high-quality commercial health insurance, and continuously improve health risk coverage.
Retirement and elderly health in China: Based on propensity score matching
Authors: Peng Xin , Yin Jin , Wang Yi , Chen Xinrui , Qing Liyuan , Wang Yunna , Yang Tong , Deng Dan
Published: November 2022

Background

The relationship between retirement and health is important to the formulation of retirement related policies but is a controversial topic, perhaps because selection bias has not been well-addressed in previous studies through traditional analysis methods. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), this study explored the potential impact of retirement on the health of elderly Chinese individuals, adjusting for selection bias.

Methods

We balanced the baseline differences between retirement groups and working groups based on nearest neighbor matching and genetic matching with a generalized boosted model (GBM), and regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of retirement on the health of elderly individuals.

Results

No significant difference was found in any of the covariates between the two groups after matching. Genetic matching performed better than nearest neighbor matching in balancing the covariates. Compared to the working group, the retirement group had a 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65–0.94, P = 0.026) times higher probability of self-reported physical pain, a 0.76 (95% CI: 0.62–0.93, P = 0.023) times higher probability of depression, and a 0.57-point (95% CI: 0.37–0.78, P < 0.001) improvement in cognitive status score. Among male, the retirement group had a 0.89-point (95% CI: 0.45–1.33, P < 0.001) improvement in cognitive status score for low education, a 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46–0.92, P = 0.042) times higher probability of self-reported physical pain for middle education. For female with low education, the cognitive status of the retirement group was significantly higher by 0.99 points (95% CI: 0.42–1.55, P = 0.004), the probability of depression was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.36–0.87, P = 0.031) times higher in the retirement group than in the working group. There was no difference for the middle and high education.

Conclusion

Retirement can exert a beneficial effect on the health of elderly individuals. Therefore, the government and relevant departments should consider this potential effect when instituting policies that delay retirement.
Automatic modeling of student characteristics with interaction and physiological data using machine learning: A review
Authors: Orji Fidelia A. , Vassileva Julita
Published: November 2022

Student characteristics affect their willingness and ability to acquire new knowledge. Assessing and identifying the effects of student characteristics is important for online educational systems. Machine learning (ML) is becoming significant in utilizing learning data for student modeling, decision support systems, adaptive systems, and evaluation systems. The growing need for dynamic assessment of student characteristics in online educational systems has led to application of machine learning methods in modeling the characteristics. Being able to automatically model student characteristics during learning processes is essential for dynamic and continuous adaptation of teaching and learning to each student's needs. This paper provides a review of 8 years (from 2015 to 2022) of literature on the application of machine learning methods for automatic modeling of various student characteristics. The review found six student characteristics that can be modeled automatically and highlighted the data types, collection methods, and machine learning techniques used to model them. Researchers, educators, and online educational systems designers will benefit from this study as it could be used as a guide for decision-making when creating student models for adaptive educational systems. Such systems can detect students' needs during the learning process and adapt the learning interventions based on the detected needs. Moreover, the study revealed the progress made in the application of machine learning for automatic modeling of student characteristics and suggested new future research directions for the field. Therefore, machine learning researchers could benefit from this study as they can further advance this area by investigating new, unexplored techniques and find new ways to improve the accuracy of the created student models.
Recovery from cold-induced mitochondrial fission in endothelial cells requires reconditioning temperatures of ≥ 25◦C
Authors: Quiring Leonard , Caponi Luisa , Schwan Dhanusha , Rech Anja , Rauen Ursula
Published: November 2022

Mitochondrial integrity and function constitute a prerequisite for cellular function and repair processes. We have previously shown that mitochondria of different cell types exhibit pronounced fragmentation under hypothermic conditions. This fission, accompanied by a decline of cellular ATP content, showed reversibility at 37◦C. However, it is unclear whether other temperatures as currently discussed for reconditioning of organs allow this reconstitution of mitochondria. Therefore, we here study in a model of cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells how different rewarming temperatures affect mitochondrial re-fusion and function. After 48 h cold incubation of endothelial cells in Krebs-Henseleit buffer with glucose (5 mM) and deferoxamine (1 mM) at 4◦C pronounced mitochondrial fission was observed. Following 2 h rewarming in cell culture medium, marked fission was still present after rewarming at 10◦ or 15◦C. At 21◦C some re-fusion was visible, which became more marked at 25◦C. Networks of tubular mitochondria similar to control cells only re-appeared at 37◦C. ATP content decreased at 4◦C from 3.6 ± 0.4 to 1.6 ± 0.4 nmol/106 cells and decreased even further when rewarming cells to 10◦ and 15◦C. Values after rewarming at 21◦C were similar to the values before rewarming while ATP gradually increased at higher rewarming temperatures. Metabolic activity dropped to 5 ± 11% of control values during 4◦C incubation and recovered with increasing temperatures to 36 ± 10% at 25◦C and 78 ± 17% at 37◦C. Integrity of monolayers, largely disturbed at 4◦C (large gaps between endothelial cells; cell injury ≤ 1%), showed partial recovery from 15◦C upwards, complete recovery at 37◦C. Endothelial repair processes (scratch assay) at 25◦C were clearly inferior to those at 37◦C. These data suggest that reconditioning temperatures below 21◦C are not optimal with regard to reconstitution of mitochondrial integrity and function. For this goal, temperatures of at least 25◦C appear required, with 30◦C being superior and 37◦C yielding the best results.
Salt and Sugars May Help Overheating Corals
Authors: Gegner Hagen M. , Costa Rúben M.
Published: November 2022

You may have heard that coral reefs are overheating and are vanishing from our planet. Although this is certainly the case, the news is not all grim and gloomy! Every so often, surprising experiments show us that there is still hope for corals and much more to learn from them. Working along the Red Sea coast, we were surprised to find that corals living in very salty water seemed to be stronger during overheating periods. Moreover, we also found a link between the saltiness of water and the ability of anemones (the close cousins of corals) to deal with heat. In this article, we will explore this relationship by zooming into anemone cells to measure molecules invisible to the naked eye—all with the aim of figuring out how salt can make anemones and corals stronger in the face of increasing temperatures.
Multipoint radio probe of the solar corona: The trans-coronal radio array fleet
Authors: Kooi Jason E. , Wexler David B. , Jensen Elizabeth A. , Wood Brian E.
Published: November 2022

The Trans-Coronal Radio Array Fleet (T-CRAF) is a mission concept designed to continuously probe the magnetic field and plasma density structure of the corona at heliocentric distances of ≈ 2 − 10 R⊙ (solar radius, R⊙ = 695, 700 km). T-CRAF consists of thirty small satellites orbiting the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L3 in order to provide thirty lines of sight (LOS) for ground- or space-based radio propagation studies. T-CRAF is divided into three sets of orbits, each with ten satellites: the first group provides LOS at a solar offset, SO (i.e. closest solar approach) of heliocentric distances 2–4 R⊙ to provide continuous coverage in the middle corona, including initial slow solar wind acceleration; the second group of spacecraft probes the corona at SO = 4–7 R⊙ to cover the region including transition to a supersonic slow solar wind; the outer T-CRAF group is positioned to afford coverage for SO > 7 R⊙ as the winds continue to accelerate towards the Alfvén speed threshold. Each satellite is equipped with a multi-frequency (S-band, C-band, and X-band) linearly polarized transmitter. T-CRAF provides the capability to simultaneously measure the mean values and fluctuations of the magnetic field and plasma density within the solar wind, stream interaction regions, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). Multiple downlink frequencies provide opportunities to use radio ranging (measurement of group time delay) and apparent-Doppler tracking (measurement of frequency shifts) to infer the plasma density and density gradient along each LOS. Linearly polarized signals provide the ability to detect Faraday rotation (FR) and FR fluctuations, used to infer the magnetic field and field fluctuations along each LOS.
Treatment of postoperative non-union with internal fixation loosening of Garden IV femoral neck fracture with teriparatide in a young adult: A case report
Authors: Lai Lili , Li Yifan , Shen Miaoda , Wang Xuanwei , Zhong Cheng , Xu Sanzhong
Published: November 2022

Background

Postoperative non-union of femoral neck fracture often needs secondary operation. We report a case of a postoperative non-union of femoral neck fracture treated with teriparatide.

Case presentation

A young male patient with Garden IV femoral neck fracture who showed no obvious signs of healing 3 months after percutaneous hollow nail fixation in which the fracture line was enlarged and the hollow nail was withdrawn. Bone non-union healed after 6 months of continuous subcutaneous injection of teriparatide at a dosage of 20 mg/day after the patient refused a secondary surgery. As far as we know, there have been no relevant reports on this type of fracture yet.

Conclusions

Teriparatide is expected to be beneficial in treating young patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture who have difficulty in healing from non-union and who are keen on avoiding secondary surgery.
Development of a TaqMan-based multiplex real-time PCR for simultaneous detection of four feline diarrhea-associated viruses
Authors: Zou Junwei , Yu Ju , Mu Yuanyuan , Xie Xiangyu , Wang Run , Wu Haiqiang , Liu Xuan , Xu Fazhi , Wang Juhua , Wang Yong
Published: November 2022

Since their recent discovery, the prevalence of novel feline enteric viruses, including feline bocavirus 1 (FBoV-1), feline astrovirus (FeAstV), and feline kobuvirus (FeKoV), has been reported in China. Co-infections of these viruses with feline parvovirus (FPV) are common causes of diarrhea in cats. Viral co-infections are difficult to identify because of their non-specific clinical signs. To detect and identify these viruses, a quick and specific pathogen-testing approach is required. Here, we establish a real-time PCR (qPCR) based on multiple TaqMan probes for the simultaneous detection of FBoV-1, FeAstV, FeKoV, and FPV. Specific primers and TaqMan fluorescent probes were designed to ensure specificity. The results showed that the detection limit of single qPCR was up to 10 copies, and the detection limit of multiplex qPCR was up to 100 copies, with correlation coefficients >0.995 in all cases. Clinical sample detection revealed a 25.19% (34/135) total rate of co-infection among the viruses and a 1.48% (2/135) quadruple infection rate. Thus, this multiplex qPCR approach can serve as a quick, sensitive, and specific diagnostic tool for FBoV-1, FeAstV, FeKoV, and FPV identification, and it may be utilized for routine surveillance of these emerging and reemerging feline enteric viruses.
Different genotype and a liquid whey-supplemented diet influence the resilience of pigs through immune-modulation and anti-inflammatory response
Authors: D'Alessandro Enrico , Arfuso Francesca , Floridia Viviana , Tardiolo Giuseppe , Fazio Francesco , Giannetto Claudia , Piccione Giuseppe , Zumbo Alessandro
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated (i) whether weight gain and levels of inflammatory and immune markers including white blood cells (WBC), serum haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin, and globulin fractions change between the Nero Siciliano pig breed and the crossbreed Landrace x Large White (LxLW) reared under the same environmental and farming conditions; and (ii) whether a liquid whey diet supplementation affects the investigated parameters in both genotypes. In this study, 10 crossbreed LxLW and 10 Nero Siciliano pigs were given control feed, representing the control groups (CTRC and CTRNS), whereas 10 crossbreed LxLW and 10 Nero Siciliano pigs were given control feed supplemented with liquid whey for 2 months, representing the experimental groups (WC and WNS). From each pig, body weight and blood were collected before experimental diet supplementation (T0), and one (T1) and two (T2) months after the start of the diet supplemented with whey. The white blood cell count (WBC), serum haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, total proteins, albumin and globulin fraction concentration were assessed. Two-way analysis of variance showed an increasing trend of body weight both in the control and experimental groups of the two pig genotypes throughout the monitoring period (p< 0.01) without a significant effect of genotype and diet (p> 0.05). The concentration of haptoglobin, β1- and β2-globulins was affected by pig genotype, diet supplementation, and time (p< 0.01). The values of WBC, C-reactive protein, albumin, α-globulins, and A/G ratio were affected by diet supplementation (p< 0.01) and time (p< 0.01) without an influence of genotype (p> 0.05). Nero Siciliano pigs showed lower levels of haptoglobin, β1-globulin, and β2-globulin compared to crossbreed LxLW. Nero Siciliano pigs and crossbred LxLW fed with liquid whey showed lower levels of WBC, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, α-, β1-, and β2-globulins and higher values of albumin compared to control groups. The results reinforced the hypothesis that autochthonous breeds possess higher resilience to farming conditions when compared to allochthonous breeds. Moreover, an immune-modulatory and an anti-inflammatory power of liquid whey dietary supplementation is suggested probably thanks to its content in natural bioactive substances including anti-inflammatory cytokines and anti-oxidative factors.
Nebulized glycosylated caffeic acid phenylether ester attenuation of environmental particulate-induced airway inflammation in horses
Authors: Rutledge Jessica J. , Paegelow Jillian , Ritchey Jerry , Singh Anuradha , Rizzi Theresa , Murray Cynthia , Gilliam Lyndi , Crisman Evan , Williams Natasha J. , Holbrook Todd C.
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the extent that nebulized glycosylated caffeic acid phenylether ester-4-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside (G-CAPE) attenuates particulate-induced airway inflammation in healthy horses. Our hypothesis was that nebulization with G-CAPE would result in improved respiratory scores, higher arterial oxygen partial pressure, and less inflammatory airway infiltrates in horses with induced airway inflammation, compared with untreated controls. Five healthy adult horses were housed inside a climate controlled, closed barn on straw bedding and fedad libmoldy grass hay for 16 days to induce airway inflammation. An experimental crossover study was performed in which animals were treated with 200 mg G-CAPE dissolved in 45 mL of 10% triethanolamine (G-CAPE group) or 45 mL of 10% triethanolamine (CONTROL group), and clinical respiratory scoring, arterial blood gases, and bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) were collected at predetermined time points up to 24 h post nebulization. While the mean neutrophil percentage decreased in treated horses compared to controls (9.3 ± 2.0 and 16.9 ± 2.4, respectively) at 6 hours post treatment (t= 6 h), the difference did not achieve statistical significance (p= 0.1154). Blood gas analysis did not differ significantly between groups. There was a significant difference in the mean respiratory scores of G-CAPE-treated horses between baseline and at 1-h post treatment (from 3.2 ± 0.7 to 1.6 ± 0.7,p= 0.0013). This study demonstrates that a single nebulized dose of G-CAPE decreased clinical respiratory scores 1 h post administration and decreased BAL percentage of neutrophils 6 h post administration in horses with particulate induced airway inflammation. This compound shows promise as an anti-inflammatory and warrants further investigation.
Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Kebede Aynshet Nega , Sahile Addisu Tadesse , Kelile Bethlehem Chala
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to assess the dietary diversity and its associated factors among pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods: An institution-based Cross-sectional was conducted among 320 participants from four health facilities in Addis Ababa selected based on a simple random sampling method from 01 September to 30 December 2021. An Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used, following informed consent. Binary (Bivariate and multivariate) logistics regression was applied for the identification factors associated with dietary diversity with their respective 95% confidence interval and less than 5% p-value.

Results: The prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy was 51.6% (95% CI: 46.1%–57.0%). Being illiterate (AOR: 0.591; 95% CI: 1.88–1.901; p < 0.05) and primary education (AOR: 0.347; 95% CI: 0.166–0.728; p < 0.05), having poor knowledge (AOR: 0.437; 95% CI: 0.252–0.757; p < 0.05) and lower monthly income (AOR: 0.395; 95% CI: 0.184–0.845; p < 0.05) were factors associated with inadequate dietary diversity.

Conclusion: A higher level of inadequate dietary diversity was reported. Being illiterate, having primary education, having poor knowledge, and having lower monthly income were associated with inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy. Concerned bodies were suggested to work on the identified factors.
Crop Species Production Diversity Enhances Revenue Stability in Low-Income Farm Regions of Mexico
Authors: LaFevor Matthew C.
Published: November 2022

Stabilizing farm revenues is a goal of agricultural policies around the world, especially in vulnerable regions with limited access to crop insurance. One potential pathway to revenue stability follows the agricultural “insurance hypothesis”, which holds that crop diversification has stabilizing effects on productivity that mitigate risks from environmental stressors and market shocks, thereby producing a form of natural insurance against crop loss. While substantial support for the hypothesis exists, most studies testing the hypothesis have occurred at the farm or landscape levels and have controlled for a limited range of socioeconomic and environmental factors. This study tests the insurance hypothesis by examining the effects of crop species production diversity on revenue stability in low-income regions of southern Mexico. Here, rural farms experience chronic vulnerability to climatic shocks and market forces. Using parametric and non-parametric approaches, three groups of models are used to examine the effects of socio-environmental factors and farm structural and functional characteristics on the crop diversity-revenue stability relationship. Additionally factored in the relationship are the effects of cropping portfolios: statistical groupings of different crop species (n = 304) that characterize distinct farming areas (1340 municipalities). Findings support the insurance hypothesis and underscore the importance of crop diversification in the region. However, findings also show that irrigation plays an even stronger role than crop diversification in stabilizing farm revenues. Furthermore, some crop portfolios negatively impact revenue stability, including some portfolios with high crop diversity. In sum, a better understanding of farm contexts—contributing factors and cropping portfolios—is key to designing policies that help stabilize farm revenues through crop diversification.
Sugarcane Productivity as a Function of Zinc Dose and Application Method
Authors: Silva Marcelo de Almeida , Germino Gabriel Henrique , de Holanda Lucas Almeida , Oliveira Laura Costa , Santos Hariane Luiz , Sartori Maria Márcia Pereira
Published: November 2022

Sugarcane is one of the main crops in Brazilian agriculture. It has high economic and productive potential, but its current productivity is still lacking due to poor nutritional management in both the soil and the plant. Zinc (Zn) directly affects tillering and plant growth, which are critical factors to sugarcane productivity and ratoon longevity. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the effects of Zn chelate doses (185, 260, and 330 g ha−1) and two application methods (furrow and foliar applications) on the tillering, yield, and quality of sugarcane. The Zn chelate fertilization via furrow at a dose of 330 kg ha−1 provided increases of 13.59%, 17.6%, and 17.0% in stalk height (SH), stalk (TSH) productivity, and sugar (TPH) productivity, respectively. In contrast, Zn foliar application at a dose of 260 g ha−1 provided increases of 3.71%, 20.7%, and 17.0% in SH, TSH, and TPH, respectively. The optimal Zn chelate fertilization in sugarcane cultivation can be performed at a dose of 330 g ha−1 via furrow application at planting or at a dose of 260 g ha−1 via foliar application 145 days after planting.
Impact of the 2007–2008 United States Economic Crisis on Pet Ownership
Authors: Crespo Pablo , Faytong-Haro Marco
Published: November 2022

Limited literature explores the relationship between economic impacts and pet ownership. Do people have more pets as a result of economic crises? In the current study, we answer this question by looking at the time series of pet ownership and children present in U.S. households from 2003 to 2018. We utilize a causal inference technique to compare the estimated real trend of pet ownership in American households against the scenario in which the 2007–2008 financial crisis would not have occurred. Our findings suggest that the financial crisis triggered households to own more pets, specifically dogs and cats.
Testis Size Variation and Its Environmental Correlates in Andrew’s Toad (Bufo andrewsi)
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhao Li , Luan Xiaofeng , Liao Wenbo
Published: November 2022

Reproductive investments influenced by environmental conditions vary extensively among geographically distinct populations. However, investigations of patterns of intraspecific variation in male reproductive investments and the mechanisms shaping this variation in anurans remain scarce. Here, we focused on the variation in testis size in 14 populations of the Andrew’s toad Bufo andrewsi, a species with weak dispersal ability but wide distribution in southwestern China, to establish whether male reproductive investment varies on an environmental gradient. Our analysis revealed a significant variation in relative testis size across populations, and a positive correlation between testis size and body condition. We, however, found no geographic trends explaining the variability in the testis size. The relative testis size did not increase with increasing latitude or altitude. We also found no relationship between relative testis size and rainfall, but a negative correlation with the coefficient of variation of temperature, with larger testes under stable environments. These findings suggest that the decreased male reproductive investment of this species may be a consequence of harsher or fluctuating environmental conditions.
Dietary Strategies to Modulate the Health Condition and Immune Responses in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles Following Intestinal Inflammation
Authors: Teixeira Carla , Peixoto Diogo , Hinzmann Mariana , Santos Paulo , Ferreira Inês , Pereira Gabriella V. , Dias Jorge , Costas Benjamín
Published: November 2022

Several feed additives have proved to be beneficial in eliciting fish health. Β-glucans and curcumin are compounds with immunomodulatory capacities known to increase growth performance, stimulate immunity, improve general health, and enhance disease resistance in fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Phaeodactylum tricornutum extracts rich in β-glucans and curcumin on gilthead seabream health status prior to and following an intestinal inflammatory stimulus. Three experimental diets were formulated: a practical commercial-type diet (CTRL), a CTRL diet supplemented with 1% microalgae-derived β-glucans extract (BG), and a CTRL diet supplemented with 0.2% of curcumin (CUR). After 30 days of the feeding trial, fish were sampled and subjected to an oral administration of 1% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce intestinal inflammation. Four groups were considered: a group of fish continued to be fed on the CTRL diet while the remaining groups were exposed to DSS, including CTRL-D (CTRL + DSS), BG-D (BG + DSS), and CUR-D (CUR + DSS), for 6 days. Growth, plasma and gut humoral immunity, liver and gut oxidative stress biomarkers, and intestinal gene expression were evaluated. No significant differences were found in growth after 30 days of feeding; however, seabream fed BG had decreased anti-protease activity and nitric oxide concentration in plasma while those fed CUR had increased mRNA levels of the tnfα, csf1r, and hep genes compared to those fed CTRL. After the inflammatory stimulus, hematocrit was enhanced in fish fed BG-D and CUR-D while red blood cell counts increased in those fed CTRL-D. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased in the intestine of all DSS groups while lipid peroxidation increased in the gut of fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of csfr1 and sod decreased in fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL, respectively. Despite the mild intestinal inflammatory condition induced by DSS, CUR was able to partially ameliorate its effects, improving the hematological profile and assisting against the oxidative stress.
Predicting Deleterious Non-Synonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of HRAS Gene and In Silico Evaluation of Their Structural and Functional Consequences towards Diagnosis and Prognosis of Cancer
Authors: Chai Chuan-Yu , Maran Sathiya , Thew Hin-Yee , Tan Yong-Chiang , Rahman Nik Mohd Afizan Nik Abd , Cheng Wan-Hee , Lai Kok-Song , Loh Jiun-Yan , Yap Wai-Sum
Published: November 2022

The Harvey rat sarcoma (HRAS) proto-oncogene belongs to the RAS family and is one of the pathogenic genes that cause cancer. Deleterious nsSNPs might have adverse consequences at the protein level. This study aimed to investigate deleterious nsSNPs in the HRAS gene in predicting structural alterations associated with mutants that disrupt normal protein–protein interactions. Functional and structural analysis was employed in analyzing the HRAS nsSNPs. Putative post-translational modification sites and the changes in protein–protein interactions, which included a variety of signal cascades, were also investigated. Five different bioinformatics tools predicted 33 nsSNPs as “pathogenic” or “harmful”. Stability analysis predicted rs1554885139, rs770492627, rs1589792804, rs730880460, rs104894227, rs104894227, and rs121917759 as unstable. Protein–protein interaction analysis revealed that HRAS has a hub connecting three clusters consisting of 11 proteins, and changes in HRAS might cause signal cascades to dissociate. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier bioinformatics analyses indicated that the HRAS gene deregulation affected the overall survival rate of patients with breast cancer, leading to prognostic significance. Thus, based on these analyses, our study suggests that the reported nsSNPs of HRAS may serve as potential targets for different proteomic studies, diagnoses, and therapeutic interventions focusing on cancer.
TIM3 Expression in Anaplastic-Thyroid-Cancer-Infiltrating Macrophages: An Emerging Immunotherapeutic Target
Authors: Palacios Luz Maria , Peyret Victoria , Viano María Estefania , Geysels Romina Celeste , Chocobar Yair Aron , Volpini Ximena , Pellizas Claudia Gabriela , Nicola Juan Pablo , Motran Claudia Cristina , Rodriguez-Galan María Cecilia , Fozzatti Laura
Published: November 2022

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a clinically aggressive form of undifferentiated thyroid cancer with limited treatment options. Immunotherapy for patients with ATC remains challenging. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute over 50% of ATC-infiltrating cells, and their presence is associated with a poor prognosis. Consequently, the development of new therapies targeting immune checkpoints in TAMs is considered a promising therapeutic approach for ATC. We have previously shown that soluble factors secreted by ATC cells induced pro-tumor M2-like polarization of human monocytes by upregulating the levels of the inhibitory receptor TIM3. Here, we extended our observations on ATC-cell-induced xenograft tumors. We observed a large number of immune cells infiltrating the ATC xenograft tumors. Significantly, 24–28% of CD45+ immune cells were macrophages (CD11b+ F4/80+). We further showed that 40% of macrophages were polarized toward a M2-like phenotype, as assessed by CD206 expression and by a significant increase in the Arg1/iNOS (M2/M1) ratio. Additionally, we found that ATC xenograft tumors had levels of TIM3 expression when determined by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence assays. Interestingly, we detected the expression of TIM3 in macrophages in ATC tumors by flow cytometry assays. Furthermore, TIM3 expression correlated with macrophage marker expression in human ATC. Our studies show that TIM3 is a newly identified immune checkpoint in macrophages. Since TIM3 is known as a negative immune regulator, it should be considered as a promising immunotherapeutic target for ATC.
A Holistic Approach to Strategic Sustainable Development of Urban Voids as Historic Urban Landscapes from the Perspective of Urban Resilience
Authors: Mrak Iva , Ambruš Denis , Marović Ivan
Published: November 2022

Since complex urban systems are a combination of different spatial typologies and may have various complex characteristics (human, environmental, social, economic, political, and cultural), decision-making cannot be done without a holistic approach and complex analysis and evaluation of the possible development scenarios. This is especially true in today’s world, where spatial and urban planning must consider various objectives such as sustainable development, accessibility, landscape characteristics, and public interests on a strategic level. This results in the need to use appropriate decision support and decision-making tools in the strategic urban planning process of complex urban environments with Historic Urban Landscapes (HUL) characteristics to improve urban development and resilience. The proposed evaluation model, “Strategic Planning for Urban Resilience—SPUR model,” is based on a holistic approach to spatial planning with an emphasis on the strategic sustainable development of urban voids as HULs and was tested on the case study of the Delta area in the City of Rijeka, Croatia. The proposed holistic approach can help in scenario building, evaluation, and selection of planning alternatives, as well as decision-making processes in urban management, by enabling the evaluation and control of complex scenarios from a sustainable development perspective.
Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates SERCA2a Ubiquitylation via Muscle RING Finger-1 S-Sulfhydration to Affect Cardiac Contractility in db/db Mice
Authors: Peng Shuo , Zhao Dechao , Li Qianzhu , Wang Mengyi , Zhang Shiwu , Pang Kemiao , Huang Jiayi , Lu Fanghao , Chen He , Zhang Weihua
Published: November 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a gasotransmitter, is involved in various pathophysiological processes. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which leads to structural and functional abnormalities of the myocardium and eventually causes heart failure (HF). Systolic and diastolic dysfunction are fundamental features of heart failure. SERCA2a, as a key enzyme for calcium transport in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), affects the process of myocardial relaxation and contraction. H2S can protect the cardiac function against diabetic hearts, however, its mechanisms are unclear. This study found that exogenous H2S affects cellular calcium transport by regulating the H2S/MuRF1/SERCA2a/cardiac contractile pathway. Our results showed that, compared with the db/db mice, exogenous H2S restored the protein expression levels of CSE and SERCA2a, and the activity of SERCA2a, while reducing cytosolic calcium concentrations and MuRF1 expression. We demonstrated that MuRF1 could interact with SERCA2a via co-immunoprecipitation. Using LC-MS/MS protein ubiquitylation analysis, we identified 147 proteins with increased ubiquitination levels, including SERCA2a, in the cardiac tissues of the db/db mice compared with NaHS-treated db/db mice. Our studies further revealed that NaHS administration modified MuRF1 S-sulfhydration and enhanced the activity and expression of SERCA2a. Under hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia, overexpression of the MuRF1-Cys44 mutant plasmid reduced the S-sulfhydration level of MuRF1 and decreased the ubiquitination level of SERCA2a and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. These findings suggested that H2S modulates SERCA2a ubiquitination through MuRF1 S-sulfhydration of Cys44 to prevent decreased myocardial contractility due to increased cytosolic calcium.
The Potential Role of PPARs in the Fetal Origins of Adult Disease
Authors: Guo Jun , Wu Jue , He Qinyuan , Zhang Mengshu , Li Hong , Liu Yanping
Published: November 2022

The fetal origins of adult disease (FOAD) hypothesis holds that events during early development have a profound impact on one’s risk for the development of future adult disease. Studies from humans and animals have demonstrated that many diseases can begin in childhood and are caused by a variety of early life traumas, including maternal malnutrition, maternal disease conditions, lifestyle changes, exposure to toxins/chemicals, improper medication during pregnancy, and so on. Recently, the roles of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in FOAD have been increasingly appreciated due to their wide variety of biological actions. PPARs are members of the nuclear hormone receptor subfamily, consisting of three distinct subtypes: PPARα, β/δ, and γ, highly expressed in the reproductive tissues. By controlling the maturation of the oocyte, ovulation, implantation of the embryo, development of the placenta, and male fertility, the PPARs play a crucial role in the transition from embryo to fetus in developing mammals. Exposure to adverse events in early life exerts a profound influence on the methylation pattern of PPARs in offspring organs, which can affect development and health throughout the life course, and even across generations. In this review, we summarize the latest research on PPARs in the area of FOAD, highlight the important role of PPARs in FOAD, and provide a potential strategy for early prevention of FOAD.
Cutting-Edge Methods for Better Understanding Cells
Authors: Xue Yu
Published: November 2022

Cells are microscopic yet fundamental elements of life [...]