bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Leader Member Exchange (LMX) Terhadap Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) Dengan Dimediasi Motivasi Kerja Karyawan
Authors: Purnamarini Tri Ratna , Kurniawan Ignatius Soni
Published: November 2023

This research aims to analyze the influence of LMX on OCB with work motivation as mediation for employees of PT Adi Satria Abadi. This quantitative research has a population of 80 employees from PT Adi Satria Abadi. The sampling technique uses a saturated sample where all employees are used as samples. Data was processed using the SPSS 23 software application and the Sobel test. The research result stated that LMX had an insignificant effect on OCB, with a calculated t-value of -0.103 and a significance value of 0.918. LMX significantly impacts work motivation with an estimated t value of 4.007 and a significance value 0.000. Work motivation had an insignificant effect on OCB, with a calculated t-value of 0.329 and a significance value of 0.007. LMX on OCB is mediated by the variable work motivation, which is proven to have an effect with a one-tailed probability value of 0.0111.

Keywords: Leader-Member Exchange; Work Motivation; Organizational Citizenship Behavior

Abstrak

Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis pengaruh LMX terhadap OCB dengan motivasi kerja sebagai mediasi pada karyawan PT Adi Satria Abadi. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan populasi karyawan dari PT Adi Satria Abadi sebanyak 80 responden. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan sampel jenuh dimana semua karyawan dijadikan sebagai sampel. Data diolah menggunakan aplikasi software SPSS 23 dan Sobel test. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa LMX ada pengaruh tidak signifikan terhadap OCB dengan nilai t hitung -0.103 dan nilai signifikansi 0.918. LMX ada pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap motivasi kerja dengan nilai t hitung 4.007 dan nilai signifikansi 0.000. Motivasi kerja ada pengaruh tidak signifikan terhadap OCB dengan nilai t hitung sebesar 0.329 dan nilai signifikansi 0.007. LMX terhadap OCB dimediasi variabel motivasi kerja terbukti ada pengaruh dengan nilai one-tailed probability sebesar 0.0111.

Kata kunci: Leader Member Exchange; Motivasi Kerja; Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Predicting the Hardness of Al-Sc-X Alloys with Machine Learning Models, Explainable Artificial Intelligence Analysis and Inverse Design
Authors: Park Jiwon , Kim Su-Hyeon , Kim Jisu , Kim Byung-joo , Cheon Hyun-seok , Oh Chang-Seok
Published: November 2023

In this study, the Vickers hardness of precipitation-strengthened Al-Sc-X (X = Zr, Si, and Fe) alloys were predicted using machine learning models, depending on the alloys’ compositions, solid-solution treatment and aging conditions. The data used for machine learning were collected from the literature. Among the models, tree-based ensemble models such as extreme gradient boosting and random forest performed well. Then the feature impact on the model output was analyzed with SHarpely Additive eXplanation (SHAP). Based on the SHAP analysis and prior domain knowledge, the process conditions were restricted to narrow down the inverse design search space. Candidate alloys suggested by the optimization using a genetic algorithm showed improved hardness values. The hardness prediction model and the inverse designsuggested candidates were then experimentally validated. The accuracy of the hardness prediction model was 0.994, when the predicted hardness was 85.4 Hv, and the experimentally measured hardness was 84.9 Hv. A specimen whose composition was close to the inverse-designed alloy was cast and heat treated according to the suggested conditions. The inverse design showed an accuracy of 0.965. Exploring the entire combination of possible feature space requires vast effort and time. An efficient search for materials with improved properties can be achieved using an appropriate configuration of well-performing machine learning models and explainable AI techniques guided by domain knowledge.
Assessing short-term economic consequences of cow-calf contact systems in dairy production using a stochastic partial budgeting approach
Authors: Alvåsen Karin , Haskell Marie J. , Ivemeyer Silvia , Eriksson Hanna , Bicknell Kathryn , Fall Nils , Ahmed Haseeb
Published: November 2023

Introduction

While early separation of dairy calves after birth has been debated from an ethical and animal welfare lens, the economic evidence surrounding alternative cow-calf contact (CCC) systems is scarce.

Methods

To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the economic consequences of CCC systems using data from the Agriwise database as well as parameters from published literature in a stochastic partial budget model. The implementation of CCC is very diverse between farms, so in our study we therefore selected a limited number of CCC systems to assess. The examined CCC systems were: (i) dam rearing with limited contact at milking (15 minutes twice a day for 115 days) with no manual milk feeding; (ii) dam rearing with 21-day full contact, after which calves are manually fed 8 kg of whole milk for 94 days; and (iii) mixed calf rearing with using both dams and foster cows with full contact; calves are initially kept with their dams and then moved to foster cows at 9 days of age.

Results

We found that adoption of CCC systems was associated with decreases in contribution margins in the range of 1 to 5.4%, as compared to a rearing system where the calves were separated from their dams after one day and were manually fed 8 kg of milk for 12 weeks. These results illustrated that the costs associated with CCC systems may be fairly high under certain circumstances and may prohibit farmers from adopting this practice. Sensitivity analysis suggested that differences in milk sales, assumptions on changes in labor requirements, and changes in daily calf weight gain depending on CCC system were the main variables that governed the net impact on the contribution margins.

Discussion

We did not include building costs in the analyses assuming that barn structures may not change in the short-term. The study focused only on short-term pecuniary associations between changes in CCC systems and contribution margins. To strengthen the economic decision-making around CCC systems, future research should consider non-monetary impacts of different CCC systems, as well as long-term economic impacts of these production strategies.
Being overweight and obese increases suicide risk, the severity of depression, and the inflammatory response in adolescents with major depressive disorders
Authors: Ninla-aesong Putrada , Puangsri Pavarud , Kietdumrongwong Pongtorn , Jongkrijak Haruthai , Noipha Kusumarn
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a bidirectional relationship between obesity and depression. We investigated whether the coexistence of obesity and depression increases the risk of having severe depression and a high suicide risk in adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Additionally, we explored the potential mechanisms linking the coexistence of obesity and depression to worse outcomes in these patients.

Methods

The odds of high suicide risk and severe depression were compared among MDD patients based on different body mass index (BMI) groups. Complete blood count (CBC) parameters, inflammatory ratios (neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio [NLR], monocyte-lymphocyte ratio [MLR], and platelet-lymphocyte ratio [PLR]), and cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TNF-α, and TGF-β1) were evaluated across BMI groups. Additionally, Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were assessed to understand the relationships between the 8Q and 9Q scores, CBC parameters, inflammatory ratios, cytokine levels, and BMI.

Results

A total of 135 antidepressant-naive adolescents with MDD were included. Overweight and obese MDD patients had higher odds of having high suicide risk and severe depression than lean individuals. Furthermore, they exhibited significantly higher white blood cell (WBC), and neutrophil counts. The NLR tended to be higher in obese MDD patients than in leans. Overweight and obese MDD patients had elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 compared to lean individuals, while TGF-β1 levels appeared to decline as body weight increased. BMI showed weak positive correlations with 8Q score, WBC count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, platelet count, neutrophil percentage, and NLR, and a weak negative correlation with lymphocyte percentage. The 8Q score displayed weak positive correlations with BMI, neutrophil percentage, monocyte percentages, NLR, and MLR, and a weak negative correlation with lymphocyte percentage.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that coexistence of overweight or obesity with depression heightened inflammatory responses, leading to worse outcomes and increased suicide risk in adolescents MDD patients.
The SYSCID map: a graphical and computational resource of molecular mechanisms across rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Acencio Marcio Luis , Ostaszewski Marek , Mazein Alexander , Rosenstiel Philip , Aden Konrad , Mishra Neha , Andersen Vibeke , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Banos Aggelos , Filia Anastasia , Rahmouni Souad , Finckh Axel , Gu Wei , Schneider Reinhard , Satagopam Venkata
Published: November 2023

Chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs), including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are thought to emerge from an impaired complex network of inter- and intracellular biochemical interactions among several proteins and small chemical compounds under strong influence of genetic and environmental factors. CIDs are characterised by shared and disease-specific processes, which is reflected by partially overlapping genetic risk maps and pathogenic cells (e.g., T cells). Their pathogenesis involves a plethora of intracellular pathways. The translation of the research findings on CIDs molecular mechanisms into effective treatments is challenging and may explain the low remission rates despite modern targeted therapies. Modelling CID-related causal interactions as networks allows us to tackle the complexity at a systems level and improve our understanding of the interplay of key pathways. Here we report the construction, description, and initial applications of the SYSCID map (https://syscid.elixir-luxembourg.org/), a mechanistic causal interaction network covering the molecular crosstalk between IBD, RA and SLE. We demonstrate that the map serves as an interactive, graphical review of IBD, RA and SLE molecular mechanisms, and helps to understand the complexity of omics data. Examples of such application are illustrated using transcriptome data from time-series gene expression profiles following anti-TNF treatment and data from genome-wide associations studies that enable us to suggest potential effects to altered pathways and propose possible mechanistic biomarkers of treatment response.
Opioids exacerbate inflammation in people with well-controlled HIV
Authors: Dang Christine M. , Nelson C. Mindy , Feaster Daniel J. , Kizhner Alexander , Forrest David W. , Nakamura Nobuyo , Iyer Akshay , Ghanta Priya P. , Jayaweera Dushyantha T. , Rodriguez Allan E. , Pahwa Rajendra N. , Tookes Hansel E. , Pallikkuth Suresh , Pahwa Savita G.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

People with HIV (PWH) are known to have underlying inflammation and immune activation despite virologic control. Substance use including opioid dependence is common in this population and is associated with increased morbidity and reduced lifespan. The primary objective of the present study termed opioid immunity study (OPIS), was to investigate the impact of chronic opioids in PWH.

Methods

The study recruited people with and without HIV who had opioid use disorder (OUD). Study participants (n=221) were categorized into four groups: HIV+OP+, n=34; HIV-OP+, n=66; HIV+OP-, n=55 and HIV-OP-, n=62 as controls. PWH were virally suppressed on ART and those with OUD were followed in a syringe exchange program with confirmation of OP use by urine drug screening. A composite cytokine score was developed for 20 plasma cytokines that are linked to inflammation. Cellular markers of immune activation (IA), exhaustion, and senescence were determined in CD4 and CD8 T cells. Regression models were constructed to examine the relationships of HIV status and opioid use, controlling for other confounding factors.

Results

HIV+OP+ participants exhibited highest inflammatory cytokines and cellular IA, followed by HIV-OP+ for inflammation and HIV+OP- for IA. Inflammation was found to be driven more by opioid use than HIV positivity while IA was driven more by HIV than opioid use. In people with OUD, expression of CD38 on CD28-CD57+ senescent-like T cells was elevated and correlated positively with inflammation.

Discussion

Given the association of inflammation with a multitude of adverse health outcomes, our findings merit further investigations to understand the mechanistic pathways involved.
The influence of lifestyle interventions and overweight on infertility: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sustarsic Ana , Hadzic Vedran , Meulenberg Cécil J. W. , Abazovic Ensar , Videmsek Mateja , Burnik Papler Tanja , Paravlic Armin H.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effect of lifestyle intervention (LSI) on diagnosed infertility in overweight and obese women. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. A literature search was performed on the following databases from September 2022 to December 2022: PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus. The inclusion criteria were the following: women between 18 and 45 years of age, BMI over 25.0 kg/m2, diagnosed with infertility, a weight loss intervention, and control group part of RCTs. In total, 15 studies were identified and included. The meta-analysis shows a beneficial effect of LSI on reducing weight, waist circumference, and BMI and increasing infertility. A significantly beneficial effect of lifestyle intervention on weight reduction was observed for participants who initially had a higher BMI, while a non-significant effect was observed for individuals with a BMI above 35 kg/m2. The meta-analysis showed a beneficial effect of lifestyle intervention on ovulation incidence and sex hormone-binding globulin. The lifestyle intervention group had 11.23 times more ovulatory incidence than the control group, which in turn increased the ability to conceive. As robust evidence for the effect of lifestyle interventions on infertility in obese and overweight women was found, it is advised to integrate similar interventions into future infertility treatment processes.
Secretagogin as a marker to distinguish between different neuron types in human frontal and temporal cortex
Authors: Tapia-González Silvia , DeFelipe Javier
Published: November 2023

The principal aim of the present work was to chemically characterize the population of neurons labeled for the calcium binding protein secretagogin (SCGN) in the human frontal and temporal cortices (Brodmann’s area 10 and 21, respectively). Both cortical regions are involved in many high cognitive functions that are especially well developed (or unique) in humans, but with different functional roles. The pattern of SCGN immunostaining was rather similar in BA10 and BA21, with all the labeled neurons displaying a non-pyramidal morphology (interneurons). Although SCGN cells were present throughout all layers, they were more frequently observed in layers II, III and IV, whereas in layer I they were found only occasionally. We examined the degree of colocalization of SCGN with parvalbumin (PV) and calretinin (CR), as well as with nitric oxide synthase (nNOS; the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of nitric oxide by neurons) by triple immunostaining. We looked for possible similarities or differences in the coexpression patterns of SCGN with PV, CR and nNOS between BA10 and BA21 throughout the different cortical layers (I–VI). The percentage of colocalization was estimated by counting the number of all labeled cells through columns (1,100–1,400 μm wide) across the entire thickness of the cortex (from the pial surface to the white matter) in 50 μm-thick sections. Several hundred neurons were examined in both cortical regions. We found that SCGN cells include multiple neurochemical subtypes, whose abundance varies according to the cortical area and layer. The present results further highlight the regional specialization of cortical neurons and underline the importance of performing additional experiments to characterize the subpopulation of SCGN cells in the human cerebral cortex in greater detail.
The geometry of synchronization: quantifying the coupling direction of physiological signals of stress between individuals using inter-system recurrence networks
Authors: Hasselman Fred , den Uil Luciënne , Koordeman Renske , de Looff Peter , Otten Roy
Published: November 2023

In the study of synchronization dynamics between interacting systems, several techniques are available to estimate coupling strength and coupling direction. Currently, there is no general ‘best’ method that will perform well in most contexts. Inter-system recurrence networks (IRN) combine auto-recurrence and cross-recurrence matrices to create a graph that represents interacting networks. The method is appealing because it is based on cross-recurrence quantification analysis, a well-developed method for studying synchronization between 2 systems, which can be expanded in the IRN framework to include N > 2 interacting networks. In this study we examine whether IRN can be used to analyze coupling dynamics between physiological variables (acceleration, blood volume pressure, electrodermal activity, heart rate and skin temperature) observed in a client in residential care with severe to profound intellectual disabilities (SPID) and their professional caregiver. Based on the cross-clustering coefficients of the IRN conclusions about the coupling direction (client or caregiver drives the interaction) can be drawn, however, deciding between bi-directional coupling or no coupling remains a challenge. Constructing the full IRN, based on the multivariate time series of five coupled processes, reveals the existence of potential feedback loops. Further study is needed to be able to determine dynamics of coupling between the different layers.
Early detection of stroke at the sudden sensorineural hearing loss stage
Authors: Zhong Yao , Li Hongyan , Liu Gaifen , Liu Jia , Mo Jia-Jie , Zhao Xingquan , Ju Yi
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) can be a prodromal symptom of ischemic stroke, especially posterior circulation strokes in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) area. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment for vascular SSNHL provide an opportunity to prevent more extensive area infarction. The objective of our research was to find clues that suggest stroke at the stage of isolated sudden hearing loss.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients who received an initial diagnosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss upon admission from January 2017 to December 2022 at Capital Medical University Affiliated Beijing Tiantan Hospital. Among these patients, 30 individuals who developed acute ischemic stroke during their hospital stay were enrolled as the case group. To create a control group, we matched individuals from the nonstroke idiopathic SSNHL patients to the case group in terms of age (±3 years old) at a ratio of 1:4. We collected the clinical characteristics, pure tone hearing threshold test results, and imaging information for all patients included in the study.

Results

Three models were constructed to simulate different clinical situations and to identify vascular sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The results revealed that patients with SSNHL who had three or more stroke risk factors, bilateral hearing loss, moderately severe to total hearing loss, and any intracranial large artery stenosis and occlusion (≥50%) were at a higher risk of developing ischemic stroke during hospitalization. Consistent with previous studies, the presence of vertigo at onset also played a significant role in the early detection of upcoming stroke.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be alert to SSNHL patients with bilateral hearing loss, moderately severe to total hearing loss and other aforementioned features. Early pure tone audiometric hearing assessment and vascular assessment are necessary for high-risk patients with SSNHL.
A comprehensive review for machine learning on neuroimaging in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Li Xuanyi , Kang Qiang , Gu Hanxing
Published: November 2023

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental disease, which can exist as a separate disease or become one of the symptoms of other mental diseases. With the development of society, statistically, the incidence rate of obsessive-compulsive disorder has been increasing year by year. At present, in the diagnosis and treatment of OCD, The clinical performance of patients measured by scales is no longer the only quantitative indicator. Clinical workers and researchers are committed to using neuroimaging to explore the relationship between changes in patient neurological function and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Through machine learning and artificial learning, medical information in neuroimaging can be better displayed. In this article, we discuss recent advancements in artificial intelligence related to neuroimaging in the context of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Modulation of visceral pain by brain nuclei and brain circuits and the role of acupuncture: a narrative review
Authors: Dou Zhiqiang , Su Na , Zhou Ziyang , Mi Aoyue , Xu Luyao , Zhou Jiazheng , Sun Sizhe , Liu Yanyi , Hao Mingyao , Li Zhaofeng
Published: November 2023

Visceral pain is a complex and heterogeneous pain condition that is often associated with pain-related negative emotional states, including anxiety and depression, and can exert serious effects on a patient’s physical and mental health. According to modeling stimulation protocols, the current animal models of visceral pain mainly include the mechanical dilatation model, the ischemic model, and the inflammatory model. Acupuncture can exert analgesic effects by integrating and interacting input signals from acupuncture points and the sites of pain in the central nervous system. The brain nuclei involved in regulating visceral pain mainly include the nucleus of the solitary tract, parabrachial nucleus (PBN), locus coeruleus (LC), rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and the amygdala. The neural circuits involved are PBN-amygdala, LC-RVM, amygdala-insula, ACC-amygdala, claustrum-ACC, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-PVN and the PVN-ventral lateral septum circuit. Signals generated by acupuncture can modulate the central structures and interconnected neural circuits of multiple brain regions, including the medulla oblongata, cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus. This analgesic process also involves the participation of various neurotransmitters and/or receptors, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and enkephalin. In addition, acupuncture can regulate visceral pain by influencing functional connections between different brain regions and regulating glucose metabolism. However, there are still some limitations in the research efforts focusing on the specific brain mechanisms associated with the effects of acupuncture on the alleviation of visceral pain. Further animal experiments and clinical studies are now needed to improve our understanding of this area.
An adolescent with primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Niu Wen-Yan , Yan Xue-Shen , Qiao Han , Sun Yu-Jiao , Gu Hai-Yan , Li Guang-Lun , Cui Zhong-Guang , Du Juan
Published: November 2023

Primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma (PCFCL) differs from follicular lymphoma in biological behavior and molecular profile and is treated as a distinct entity, according to the 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors. It is an uncommon cutaneous B-cell lymphoma that is considerably rare in children and adolescents. To date, only 13 cases of individuals younger than 20 years of age have been reported in the literature. The lack of relevant clinical epidemiological data in this population has hampered the investigation of its clinical and diagnostic aspects. Here we report the case of a 17-year-old male with PCFCL, who may be the first PCFCL patient under 20 years of age reported in China. He was admitted to the hospital with a solitary nodule on his face. After complete surgical excision, the patient’s facial mass was histologically identified as PCFCL. The patient’s prognosis was favorable, with no recurrence at 17 months of follow-up after the surgical resection. We present a case of an adolescent PCFCL patient and systematically review the literature with a view to increase the awareness of the disease and inform the diagnosis and treatment of this age group.
Application of radiomics in diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer
Authors: Pan Feng , Feng Li , Liu Baocai , Hu Yue , Wang Qian
Published: November 2023

Radiomics has become a research field that involves the process of converting standard nursing images into quantitative image data, which can be combined with other data sources and subsequently analyzed using traditional biostatistics or artificial intelligence (Al) methods. Due to the capture of biological and pathophysiological information by radiomics features, these quantitative radiomics features have been proven to provide fast and accurate non-invasive biomarkers for lung cancer risk prediction, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment response monitoring, and tumor biology. In this review, radiomics has been emphasized and discussed in lung cancer research, including advantages, challenges, and drawbacks.
TED—trazodone effectiveness in depression: a naturalistic study of the effeciveness of trazodone in extended release formulation compared to SSRIs in patients with a major depressive disorder
Authors: Dudek Dominika , Chrobak Adrian Andrzej , Krupa Anna Julia , Gorostowicz Aleksandra , Gerlich Adrian , Juryk Andrzej , Siwek Marcin
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most often used medications to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite their effectiveness in reducing depressive symptoms, several issues are associated with their use in MDD, such as limited improvement of anhedonia, emergence of emotional blunting, induction or exacerbation of insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Due to its also devoid of the issues related to treatment noted with SSRIs. The aim of this 12-week non-inferiority naturalistic observation was to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of SSRIs and trazodone in extended release (XR) in MDD.

Methods: A total of 186 subjects were recruited, of which 92 received trazodone XR and 94 received SSRIs. Patients were allocated to trazodone XR or SSRIs, according to the attending physician based on clinical evaluation. Assessments at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 were conducted to evaluate the severity of depression (Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, clinician- and patient-rated Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—the primary endpoints of the study), anhedonia (the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale), anxiety (the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale), insomnia (the Athens Insomnia Scale), and therapeutic effectiveness (the Clinical Global Impression Scale).

Results: After 12 weeks, trazodone XR was more effective than SSRIs in reducing the severity of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. There was a trend for higher effectiveness of in reduction of anhedonia, which became insignificant after controlling the results for the duration of previous psychiatric treatment as a covariate. The proportion of treatment-responsive subjects in the trazodone XR group compared to SSRIs was comparable or higher. The proportion of patients achieving remission was higher in the trazodone XR arm vs. the SSRI arm.

Discussion: In summary, the results indicate that trazodone XR is effective in MDD in the “real-world” setting. Its potential superiority over SSRIs in addressing particular symptomatic dimensions should be verified in future studies.
Ratchet recruitment in the acute respiratory distress syndrome: lessons from the newborn cry
Authors: Nieman Gary F. , Herrmann Jacob , Satalin Joshua , Kollisch-Singule Michaela , Andrews Penny L. , Habashi Nader M. , Tingay David G. , Gaver Donald P. , Bates Jason H. T. , Kaczka David W.
Published: November 2023

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have few treatment options other than supportive mechanical ventilation. The mortality associated with ARDS remains unacceptably high, and mechanical ventilation itself has the potential to increase mortality further by unintended ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Thus, there is motivation to improve management of ventilation in patients with ARDS. The immediate goal of mechanical ventilation in ARDS should be to prevent atelectrauma resulting from repetitive alveolar collapse and reopening. However, a long-term goal should be to re-open collapsed and edematous regions of the lung and reduce regions of high mechanical stress that lead to regional volutrauma. In this paper, we consider the proposed strategy used by the full-term newborn to open the fluid-filled lung during the initial breaths of life, by ratcheting tissues opened over a series of initial breaths with brief expirations. The newborn’s cry after birth shares key similarities with the Airway Pressure Release Ventilation (APRV) modality, in which the expiratory duration is sufficiently short to minimize end-expiratory derecruitment. Using a simple computational model of the injured lung, we demonstrate that APRV can slowly open even the most recalcitrant alveoli with extended periods of high inspiratory pressure, while reducing alveolar re-collapse with brief expirations. These processes together comprise a ratchet mechanism by which the lung is progressively recruited, similar to the manner in which the newborn lung is aerated during a series of cries, albeit over longer time scales.
Experiences of counselors participating in an innovative project to develop a training program for specialized foster parents of youth (13–18 years)
Authors: Israel Pravin , Raae Jan F. , Bjørnestad Jone Ravndal
Published: November 2023

Background

Children placed in foster care represent a vulnerable and distressed group that requires a high level of care. However, good training programs designed to address specific problems presented in specialized foster care are not easily accessible due to logistical, economic and structural barriers. The lack of easy access and a strong desire to provide high-quality services inspired counselors from a specialized foster care center on the frontline to initiate an innovative, developmentally relevant and locally grounded training program.

Aims

This study focuses on counselors’ experiences with the development of the training program and its impact on their work life.

Method

A qualitative research design within a participatory approach framework was used to understand the experiences of the counselors. All the counselors employed in the department and the leaders (n = 14) participated in the study. Data were gathered from participants, including the lead and second authors, using a semi-structured interview, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The analyses yielded three main categories: (i) Psychological Factors, (ii) Social Dynamics, and (iii) Leadership Style and Support. Each of the first two categories consisted of three subcategories. At the psychological level, the employees’ experiences reflected the psychological states and traits required to fuel the tasks required by the project. The social dynamics of working in a team influenced the work process and, in turn, were impacted by it. Lastly, leadership style and support provided the foundation for innovation to germinate and grow.

Conclusion

Engaging in a locally created training program was associated with a strong sense of collaboration and team spirit. Counselors reported high intrinsic motivation and a strong sense of personal pride and drive for their jobs. They were proactive in seeking colleagues with particular expertise and collaborated on project tasks despite differences. The leadership style reflected the presence of transformational leadership behaviors, signaling an organizational culture conducive to innovation. The study provides an example of how aligning employees’ personal aspirations with workplace goals and professional development can create a workplace in which employees feel it is enjoyable to go to work.
Examining the capability for rhythmic synchronization and music production in vocal learning parrot species
Authors: Seki Yoshimasa
Published: November 2023

Vocal production learning and beat perception and synchronization (BPS) share some common characteristics, which makes the vocal learning and rhythmic synchronization hypothesis (VLH) a reasonable explanation for the evolution of the capability for rhythmic synchronization. However, even in vocal learners, it is rare to see non-human animals demonstrate BPS to human music. Therefore, the first objective of this article is to propose some possible reasons why we do not see BPS in budgerigars, an excellent vocal learning species, while presenting some of my own findings. The second objective of this article is to propose a seamless bridge to connect the capability for vocal learning and BPS in locomotion. For this purpose, I present my own findings, wherein cockatiels spontaneously sang in synchrony with a melody of human music. This behavior can be considered a vocal version of BPS. Therefore, it can establish a connection between these two capabilities. This article agrees with the possibility that some mechanisms other than the vocal learning system may enable BPS, contrary to the original idea of VLH. Nevertheless, it is still reasonable to connect the capability for vocal learning and that for BPS. At the very least, the capability for vocal learning may contribute to the evolution of BPS. From these arguments, this article also proposes a scenario which includes vocalizing in synchrony as a driving force for the evolution of BPS and the capability for music production.
Prevalence and incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders in post hospitalized COVID-19 patients in South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Perea-Flórez Francisco , Javier-Murillo Nair , Lapeyre-Rivera André , Gamonal Bryan , Cabanillas-Lazo Miguel , Velásquez-Rimachi Victor , Alva-Diaz Carlos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

There are multiple reports of neuropsychiatric disorders (NDs) such as stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety, in patients who have survived the acute phase of COVID-19, being even more frequent in people who were hospitalized with moderate or severe disease. South America (SA) was one of the most affected continents during this time due to its health, social, political and economic context. We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of NDs in patients following hospitalization for COVID-19 in SA.

Materials and methods

We searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases up to October 2022. We performed proportion meta-analysis with a random-effect model and Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine transformation using the STATA 16.1 program. Finally, we evaluated heterogeneity by subgroup analysis and certainty of evidence with the GRADE approach.

Results

We included eight studies from four countries. We only pooled six studies with prevalence measures. The estimated prevalence of all NDs was 31.48% (two-studies, 95%CI: 25.82–37.43). Depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and memory alterations had a pooled prevalence of 16.23% (three-studies, 95%CI: 7.18–27.93, I2: 94.22), 18.72% (three-studies, 95%CI: 11.65–26.97, I2: 87.56), 43.07% (three-studies, 95%CI: 32.77–53.37, I2: 92.61), 31.78% (three-studies, 95%CI: 14.33–52.40, I2: 97.96), and 38.24% (two-studies, 95%CI: 35.5–40.97), respectively. The evidence included was deemed as moderate to high certainty.

Conclusion

We suggest that NDs should be prioritized in research and care in South America with public policies that can support their identification and prompt management to improve the quality of life of patients. More studies are needed to adequately study the prevalence of NDs in South America, their associated factors, and evaluate the causes of heterogeneity.

Systematic review registration

https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21901041.v1.
Some Comments about Zero and Non-Zero Eigenvalues from Connected Undirected Planar Graph Adjacency Matrices
Authors: Griffith Daniel A.
Published: November 2023

Two linear algebra problems implore a solution to them, creating the themes pursued in this paper. The first problem interfaces with graph theory via binary 0-1 adjacency matrices and their Laplacian counterparts. More contemporary spatial statistics/econometrics applications motivate the second problem, which embodies approximating the eigenvalues of massively large versions of these two aforementioned matrices. The proposed solutions outlined in this paper essentially are a reformulated multiple linear regression analysis for the first problem and a matrix inertia refinement adapted to existing work for the second problem.
Real-Time PCR Detection of Candida Species in Biopsy Samples from Non-Smokers with Oral Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Cancer: A Retrospective Archive Study
Authors: İlhan Betül , Vural Caner , Gürhan Ceyda , Vural Cansu , Veral Ali , Wilder-Smith Petra , Özdemir Güven , Güneri Pelin
Published: November 2023

The impact of Candida sp. in the development of oral cancer remains uncertain and requires sensitive analytical approaches for clarification. Given the invasive capabilities of these microorganisms in penetrating and invading host tissues through hyphal invasion, this study sought to detect the presence of five Candida sp. in oral biopsy tissue samples from non-smoker patients. Samples were obtained from patients at varying stages of oral carcinogenesis, including dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, OSCC, and histologically benign lesions, and analyzed using Real-Time PCR. Oral tissue samples from 80 patients (46 males and 34 females) were included. Significantly higher C. albicans presence was detected in the mild/moderate dysplasia group compared to the healthy (p = 0.001), carcinoma in situ (p = 0.031) and OSCC groups (p = 0.000). Similarly, C. tropicalis carriage was higher in tissues with mild/moderate dysplasia compared to healthy (p = 0.004) and carcinoma in situ (p = 0.019). Our results showed a significant increase in the presence of C. albicans and C. tropicalis within the mild/moderate dysplasia group compared to other cohorts. Coexistence of these two microorganisms was observed, suggesting a potential transition from a commensal state to an opportunistic pathogen, which could be particularly linked to the onset of oral neoplasia.
Effect of Composite Addition of Antibacterial/Photochromic/Self-Repairing Microcapsules on the Performance of Coatings for Medium-Density Fiberboard
Authors: Deng Jinzhe , Huang Nan , Yan Xiaoxing
Published: November 2023

In order to expand the research on a combination of functional microcapsules and water-based coatings, antibacterial microcapsules using 3.0% sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate as an emulsifier, self-repairing microcapsules, and photochromic microcapsules were added to water-based coatings separately or in combination and coated on medium-density fiberboard to analyze the various properties of the coating. From the perspective of the antibacterial effect, the photochromic microcapsules have little negative impact on antibacterial properties and can be used in combination with antibacterial microcapsules. When the photochromic microcapsules and antibacterial microcapsules were combined, their antibacterial rates against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 51.9% and 55.6%, respectively. The self-repairing microcapsules in combination with antibacterial microcapsules lead to a significant decrease in the antibacterial rate and are not suitable for use in combination with antibacterial microcapsules. From the perspective of the photochromic effect, the addition of self-repairing microcapsules can accelerate the photochromic speed of the coating, improving the photochromic effect. The addition of antibacterial microcapsules made the photochromic rate slower. Both the antibacterial microcapsules and photochromic microcapsules have weakened the self-repairing ability of self-repairing microcapsules. The width change rate in coating scratches has decreased from 21.9% to 14.7% and 17.6%, respectively. However, compared with the coating without microcapsules, the self-repairing ability still improved. The results have broad prospects in the application of antibacterial microcapsules, self-repairing microcapsules, and photochromic microcapsules for coatings on medium-density fiberboards.
pLDDT Values in AlphaFold2 Protein Models Are Unrelated to Globular Protein Local Flexibility
Authors: Carugo Oliviero
Published: November 2023

Two non-redundant, high-quality sets of protein X-ray crystal structures from the Protein Data Bank (room temperature, 288–298 K, and low temperature, 95–105 K) were compared to structural predictions conducted using ColabFold/AlphaFold2. In particular, the relationship between B-factors and pLDDT values, which estimate the degree of prediction confidence, was investigated. It was observed that there is basically no correlation between these two quantities and, consequently, that the level of confidence in predictions does not provide information about the degree of local structural flexibility of globular proteins.
Adoption of Pedagogical Innovations: Social Networks of Engineering Education Guilds
Authors: Riley Darby , Mallouk Kaitlin , Faber Courtney , Coso Strong Alexandra
Published: November 2023

This work investigates how innovations propagate through two professional networks (guilds): the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) and the Consortium to Promote Reflection in Engineering Education (CPREE). Previous research has demonstrated that the adoption of pedagogical innovations is supported by the socialization of the innovation among potential adopters. In this work, we use social network analysis to explore the impact of professional connections on innovation adoption. Our research questions are: (1) How does overall social structure differ between guilds? (2) How do measures of social network structures relate to innovation adoption? A survey was distributed to members of KEEN and CPREE to capture the interactions respondents had while adopting the guild’s innovation. Social networks were generated for each guild and each respondent. These networks were analyzed to identify relationships between social network measures and the frequency of use of the innovation. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic coding. The guilds’ overall structures impacted the formation and structure of distinct clusters/cliques, but these differing structures did not appear to affect sustained adoption. Individuals’ ego networks demonstrated a weak negative correlation between the frequency of adoption and the individual’s ego network density. Our results imply that having a diverse network exposes instructors to more ideas or allows them to see one idea from many perspectives leading to a higher likelihood of adoption.
First-Line Systemic Therapy Outcomes in Western Population with Locally Advanced and Metastatic Gastric Cancer—A Systematic Review
Authors: Marupuru Srujitha , Arku Daniel , Axon David R. , Villa-Zapata Lorenzo , Yaghoubi Mohsen , Slack Marion K. , Warholak Terri
Published: November 2023

Globally, gastric cancer is a major cause of cancer mortality, with a 5-year survival rate of 32% for locally advanced and metastatic gastric cancer (A/MCG). This systematic literature review summarized the clinical, safety, and humanistic outcomes associated with systemic regimens administered as a first-line therapy for A/MGC. The search included articles published in English in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting library, from inception to April 2022. Phase II and III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted among western populations diagnosed with stage III and IV A/MGC were included. Two investigators independently reviewed the studies, conducted data extraction, and assessed risk of bias in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-four randomized controlled trials totaling 8705 patients were included. Median overall survival ranged from 5.0 to 13.1 months, median progression-free survival ranged from 2.0 to 7.7 months, and objective response ranged from 13.0 to 64.1%. Two studies reported high quality-of-life outcomes. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were reported in most studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of first-line systemic therapy outcomes in western populations with A/MGC. With the evolving treatment landscape of A/MGC, an improvement in clinical outcomes can be seen in recently published RCTs with immunotherapies. The potential of new targeted treatments and immunotherapies may present more favorable forthcoming options for treating A/MGC.
CK2 Chemical Probes: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Ong Han Wee , Drewry David H. , Axtman Alison D.
Published: November 2023

Protein kinase casein kinase 2 (CK2/CSNK2) is a pleiotropic kinase involved in many cellular processes and, accordingly, has been identified as a potential target for therapeutic intervention for multiple indications. Significant research effort has been invested into identifying CK2 inhibitors as potential drug candidates and potent and selective CK2 chemical probes to interrogate CK2 function. Here, we review the small molecule inhibitors reported for CK2 and discuss various orthosteric, allosteric, and bivalent inhibitors of CK2. We focus on the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and naphthyridines, two chemotypes that have been extensively explored for chemical probe development. We highlight the uptake and demonstrated utility of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine chemical probe SGC-CK2-1 by the scientific community in cellular studies. Finally, we propose criteria for an ideal in vivo chemical probe for investigating CK2 function in a living organism. While no compound currently meets these metrics, we discuss ongoing and future directions in the development of in vivo chemical probes for CK2.
Methane Removal from Air: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Wang Jin , He Qinghua Peter
Published: November 2023

Driven by increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere, extreme weather events have become more frequent and their impacts on human lives have become more severe. Therefore, the need for short-term GHG mitigations is urgent. Recently, methane has been recognized as an important mitigation target due to its high global warming potential (GWP). However, methane’s low concentration in the atmosphere and stable molecular structure make its removal from the air highly challenging. This review first discusses the fundamental aspects of the challenges in atmospheric methane removal and then briefly reviews the existing research strategies following the mechanisms of natural methane sinks. Although still in its infancy, recent research on methane removal from the air holds great potential for slowing down global warming. At the same time, it is important to carefully examine the energy consumption of these methane removal strategies and whether they will be able to achieve net GHG reduction. In addition, due to the scale of methane removal from the air, any potential solution’s environmental impacts must be carefully evaluated before it can be implemented in practice.