bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney diseases and long non-coding RNAs in the limelight
Authors: Liu Chenxin , Ma Kuai , Zhang Yunchao , He Xing , Song Linjiang , Chi Mingxuan , Han Zhongyu , Li Guanhua , Zhang Qinxiu , Liu Chi
Published: October 2022

The most extensively and well-investigated sequences in the human genome are protein-coding genes, while large numbers of non-coding sequences exist in the human body and are even more diverse with more potential roles than coding sequences. With the unveiling of non-coding RNA research, long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts >200 nucleotides in length primarily expressed in the nucleus and rarely in the cytoplasm, have drawn our attention. LncRNAs are involved in various levels of gene regulatory processes, including but not limited to promoter activity, epigenetics, translation and transcription efficiency, and intracellular transport. They are also dysregulated in various pathophysiological processes, especially in diseases and cancers involving genomic imprinting. In recent years, numerous studies have linked lncRNAs to the pathophysiology of various kidney diseases. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in lncRNAs, their impact on kidney diseases, and associated complications, as well as the value of lncRNAs as emerging biomarkers for the prevention and prognosis of kidney diseases, suggesting their potential as new therapeutic tools.
Potential of mineral-solubilizing bacteria for physiology and growth promotion of Chenopodium quinoa Willd
Authors: Rafique Ejaz , Mumtaz Muhammad Zahid , Ullah Inam , Rehman Aneela , Qureshi Kamal Ahmad , Kamran Muhammad , Rehman Mujaddad Ur , Jaremko Mariusz , Alenezi Muneefah Abdullah
Published: October 2022

Nutrient deficiency in wild plant species, including quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd), can be overcome by applying mineral-solubilizing bacteria. Quinoa is a gluten-free, nutritious food crop with unique protein content. The present study aimed to characterize mineral-solubilizing rhizobacterial strains and to evaluate their plant growth-promoting potential in quinoa seedlings. More than sixty rhizobacterial strains were isolated from the quinoa rhizosphere and found eighteen strains to be strong phosphate solubilizers. Most of these bacterial strains showed zinc solubilization, and more than 80% of strains could solubilize manganese. The selected strains were identified as Bacillus altitudinis Cq-3, Pseudomonas flexibilis Cq-32, Bacillus pumilus Cq-35, Pseudomonas furukawaii Cq-40, Pontibacter lucknowensis Cq-48, and Ensifer sp. Cq-51 through 16S rRNA partial gene sequencing. Mainly, these strains showed the production of organic acids, including malic, gluconic, tartaric, ascorbic, lactic, and oxalic acids in insoluble phosphorus amended broth. All strains showed production of gluconic acids, while half of the strains could produce malic, ascorbic, lactic, and oxalic acids. These strains demonstrated the production of indole-3-acetic acid in the presence as well as in the absence of L-tryptophan. The bacterial strains also demonstrated their ability to promote growth and yield attributes, including shoot length, root length, leave numbers, root and shoot dry biomass, spike length, and spikes numbers of quinoa in pots and field trials. Increased physiological attributes, including relative humidity, quantum flux, diffusive resistance, and transpiration rate, were observed due to inoculation with mineral solubilizing bacterial strains under field conditions. P. lucknowensis Cq-48, followed by P. flexibilis Cq-32, and P. furukawaii Cq-40 showed promising results to promote growth, yield, and physiological attributes. The multi-traits characteristics and plant growth-promoting ability in the tested bacterial strains could provide an opportunity for formulating biofertilizers that could promote wild quinoa growth and physiology.
Molecular and cytogenetic dissection of stripe rust resistance gene Yr83 from rye 6R and generation of resistant germplasm in wheat breeding
Authors: Li Guangrong , Li Jianbo , Zhang Yao , Ma Qiang , Yang Ennian , Zhang Peng , Dundas Ian , Yang Zujun
Published: October 2022

Rye 6R-derived stripe rust resistance gene Yr83 in wheat background was physically mapped to fraction length (FL) 0.87-1.00 on the long arm by non-denaturing-fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH), Oligo-FISH painting and 6R-specific PCR markers.Stripe rust resistance gene Yr83 derived from chromosome 6R of rye (Secale cereale) “Merced” has displayed high resistance to both Australian and Chinese wheat stripe rust isolates. With the aim to physically map Yr83 to a more precise region, new wheat- 6R deletion and translocation lines were produced from derived progenies of the 6R(6D) substitution line. The non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) patterns of 6R were established to precisely characterize the variations of 6R in different wheat backgrounds. Comparative ND-FISH analysis localized the breakpoints of 6RL chromosomes relative to Oligo-pSc200 and Oligo-pSc119.2 rich sites in deletion lines. Molecular marker and resistance analyses confirmed that Yr83 is physically located at the fraction length (FL) 0.87-1.00 of 6RL and covers the corresponding region of 806-881 Mb in the reference genome of Lo7. Oligo-FISH painting demonstrated that the region carrying Yr83 is syntenic to the distal end of long arm of homoeologous group 7 of the Triticeae genome. The developed wheat-6R lines carrying the Yr83 gene will be useful for breeding for rust resistance.
Study on path planning of mechanized harvesting of ratoon rice in the first season based on the capacitated arc routing problem model
Authors: Zhang Guozhong , Ji Chao , Wu Qing , Liu Haopeng , Zhou Yong , Fu Jianwei
Published: October 2022

The stubble crushing caused by the harvester during the first season of ratoon rice harvesting will directly affect the grain yield of the ratoon season. In this work, a harvester path planning method for quadrilateral fields to address the harvester driving path problem of the first season of ratoon rice mechanized harvesting is proposed. This research first analyzes the operational characteristics and requirements of ratoon rice first-season mechanized harvesting, and then models the mechanized harvesting process of ratoon rice in the first season as a capacitated arc routing problem (CARP) considering the fact that the harvester cannot complete the full-coverage harvesting operation at one time due to the limitation of grain bin volume. The genetic algorithm (GA) with strong global search capability is used to solve it, and the selection and variation links of the algorithm are improved. The path planning method proposed in this article can dynamically find the optimal harvester travel route according to the specific conditions of the field and the parameters of harvester implements. The simulation test shows that the CARP method performs better in terms of harvesting path length and crushed area compared to the conventional rectangular detour and foldback reciprocating harvesting paths. The degree of optimization of this method is influenced by various factors such as the width of the cutting table, the turning radius of the harvester, and the size of the grain bin capacity. This research provides a more efficient and flexible path planning method to improve the efficiency of ratoon rice first-season mechanized harvesting operations and optimize the harvester’s operating path, which can well meet the operational requirements.
Silicon-nanoparticles doped biochar is more effective than biochar for mitigation of arsenic and salinity stress in Quinoa: Insight to human health risk assessment
Authors: Alsamadany Hameed , Alharby Hesham F. , Al-Zahrani Hassan S. , Alzahrani Yahya M. , Almaghamsi Afaf A. , Abbas Ghulam , Farooq Muhammad Ansar
Published: October 2022

The increasing contamination of soil with arsenic (As), and salinity has become a menace to food security and human health. The current study investigates the comparative efficacy of plain biochar (BC), and silicon-nanoparticles doped biochar (SBC) for ameliorating the As and salinity-induced phytotoxicity in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and associated human health risks. Quinoa was grown on normal and saline soils (ECe 12.4 dS m−1) contaminated with As (0, 20 mg kg−1) and supplemented with 1% of BC or SBC. The results demonstrated that plant growth, grain yield, chlorophyll contents, and stomatal conductance of quinoa were decreased by 62, 44, 48, and 66%, respectively under the blended stress of As and salinity as compared to control. Contrary to this, the addition of BC to As-contaminated saline soil caused a 31 and 25% increase in plant biomass and grain yield. However, these attributes were increased by 45 and 38% with the addition of SBC. The H2O2 and TBARS contents were enhanced by 5 and 10-fold, respectively under the combined stress of As and salinity. The SBC proved to be more efficient than BC in decreasing oxidative stress through overexpressing of antioxidant enzymes. The activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase were enhanced by 5.4, 4.6, and 11-fold with the addition of SBC in As-contaminated saline soil. Contamination of grains by As revealed both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to human health, however, these effects were minimized with the addition of SBC. As accumulation in grains was decreased by 65-fold and 25-fold, respectively for BC and SBC in addition to As-contaminated saline soil. The addition of SBC to saline soils contaminated with As for quinoa cultivation is an effective approach for decreasing the food chain contamination and improving food security. However, more research is warranted for the field evaluation of the effectiveness of SBC in abating As uptake in other food crops cultivated on As polluted normal and salt-affected soils.
Recognition of terminal buds of densely-planted Chinese fir seedlings using improved YOLOv5 by integrating attention mechanism
Authors: Ye Zhangxi , Guo Qian , Wei Jiahao , Zhang Jian , Zhang Houxi , Bian Liming , Guo Shijie , Zheng Xueyan , Cao Shijiang
Published: October 2022

Accurate and timely information on the number of densely-planted Chinese fir seedlings is essential for their scientific cultivation and intelligent management. However, in the later stage of cultivation, the overlapping of lateral branches among individuals is too severe to identify the entire individual in the UAV image. At the same time, in the high-density planting nursery, the terminal bud of each seedling has a distinctive characteristic of growing upward, which can be used as an identification feature. Still, due to the small size and dense distribution of the terminal buds, the existing recognition algorithm will have a significant error. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a model based on the improved network structure of the latest YOLOv5 algorithm for identifying the terminal bud of Chinese fir seedlings. Firstly, the micro-scale prediction head was added to the original prediction head to enhance the model’s ability to perceive small-sized terminal buds. Secondly, a multi-attention mechanism module composed of Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) was integrated into the neck of the network to enhance further the model’s ability to focus on key target objects in complex backgrounds. Finally, the methods including data augmentation, Test Time Augmentation (TTA) and Weighted Boxes Fusion (WBF) were used to improve the robustness and generalization of the model for the identification of terminal buds in different growth states. The results showed that, compared with the standard version of YOLOv5, the recognition accuracy of the improved YOLOv5 was significantly increased, with a precision of 95.55%, a recall of 95.84%, an F1-Score of 96.54%, and an mAP of 94.63%. Under the same experimental conditions, compared with other current mainstream algorithms (YOLOv3, Faster R-CNN, and PP-YOLO), the average precision and F1-Score of the improved YOLOv5 also increased by 9.51-28.19 percentage points and 15.92-32.94 percentage points, respectively. Overall, The improved YOLOv5 algorithm integrated with the attention network can accurately identify the terminal buds of densely-planted Chinese fir seedlings in UAV images and provide technical support for large-scale and automated counting and precision cultivation of Chinese fir seedlings.
Temporal regulation of cold transcriptional response in switchgrass
Authors: Ranaweera Thilanka , Brown Brianna N.I. , Wang Peipei , Shiu Shin-Han
Published: October 2022

Switchgrass low-land ecotypes have significantly higher biomass but lower cold tolerance compared to up-land ecotypes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cold response, including the ones at transcriptional level, can contribute to improving tolerance of high-yield switchgrass under chilling and freezing environmental conditions. Here, by analyzing an existing switchgrass transcriptome dataset, the temporal cis-regulatory basis of switchgrass transcriptional response to cold is dissected computationally. We found that the number of cold-responsive genes and enriched Gene Ontology terms increased as duration of cold treatment increased from 30 min to 24 hours, suggesting an amplified response/cascading effect in cold-responsive gene expression. To identify genomic sequences likely important for regulating cold response, machine learning models predictive of cold response were established using k-mer sequences enriched in the genic and flanking regions of cold-responsive genes but not non-responsive genes. These k-mers, referred to as putative cis-regulatory elements (pCREs) are likely regulatory sequences of cold response in switchgrass. There are in total 655 pCREs where 54 are important in all cold treatment time points. Consistent with this, eight of 35 known cold-responsive CREs were similar to top-ranked pCREs in the models and only these eight were important for predicting temporal cold response. More importantly, most of the top-ranked pCREs were novel sequences in cold regulation. Our findings suggest additional sequence elements important for cold-responsive regulation previously not known that warrant further studies.
The relationship between social class and subjective well-being: A serial mediation model
Authors: Hong Youjuan , Wang Xuemei , Liu Liting , Su Yankui , Chen Lijun , Lian Rong , Liao Meiling
Published: October 2022

Despite recent research associating social class with subjective well-being (SWB), the relationship between the two, manifested through victim justice sensitivity and envy, has not been properly investigated. Guided by social comparison and social cognitive tendency theories, we explored the direct and indirect relationships between social class and SWB among Chinese undergraduate students. This study employed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based research design. 1,405 undergraduate students completed questionnaires regarding subjective social class, victim justice sensitivity, envy, and SWB. The results showed that social class was positively related to SWB and negatively associated with victim justice sensitivity and envy. Victim justice sensitivity was negatively related to SWB, victim justice sensitivity was positively related to envy, and envy was negatively associated with SWB. Social class correlated with SWB through three paths: the mediating role of victim justice sensitivity, the mediating role of envy, and the serial mediating roles of victim justice sensitivity and envy. The results indicate that social class could contribute to college students’ SWB through the mechanisms of victim justice sensitivity and envy. This study advances the understanding of how the relationship between social class and college students’ SWB operates. Furthermore, the findings will facilitate the promotion of college students’ SWB.
Changes in posttraumatic growth, core belief disruption, and social support over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dominick Whitney
Published: October 2022

Post-traumatic Growth (PTG) is the positive psychological change that may occur after a highly stressful situation that shakes a person's core beliefs about the world. During 2020, the United States experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and a highly contentious political election, both of which have the potential to disrupt core beliefs and evoke perceptions of PTG. Post-traumatic growth, core belief disruption, perceived social support from humans and pets, coping strategies, and stressful events were assessed in 201 participants from the United States (Mage: 35.39, SD: 14.60) at four time points from April 2020 (T1) until April 2021 (T4). While total PTG did not significantly change from Time 1 to Time 4, perceptions of personal strength and new possibilities increased, as did core belief disruption, and the use of coping strategies decreased. Higher PTG was reported by those who owned pets, those who knew someone who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19, and those who knew someone who had died of COVID-19. While rating COVID-19 or politics as the most stressful event at Time 4 did not correspond to differences in PTG, those who perceived the event to be resolved had higher PTG than those who perceived the event to be ongoing. Having COVID-19 personally and vaccination status was not associated with differences in Post-traumatic Growth. PTG at Time 4 was predicted by core belief disruption and social support in the full sample and in the pet owners only sample, and by support from video conferencing for the full sample only. Time 4 PTG was also predicted by core belief disruption, problem-focused coping, and avoidance coping. Results are discussed in terms of the PTG theoretical model. Additionally, implications for interventions aimed at fostering psychological growth, including through non-traditional forms of social support (i.e., remote communication and perceived support from pets) are addressed.
A three wave longitudinal study of school innovation climate and entrepreneurship teachers’ acceptance to technology: Moderating role of knowledge sharing and knowledge hiding
Authors: Kaewsaeng-on Rudsada , AL-Takhayneh Suhaib Khaled , Jam Farooq Ahmed , Chang Bang-Lee , Pradana Mahir , Mahmood Saqib
Published: October 2022

Entrepreneurship and business school teachers must extensively use technological and innovative tools to increase the efficacy of their instructional methods. This research aimed to investigate the teachers’ acceptance of technology in the school innovation climate, to enhance the use and effectiveness of educational technology in Thai entrepreneurship and business schools. Furthermore, the conditional influence of knowledge hiding and sharing on the link between school innovation climate and educational technology has been investigated and reported. Using a longitudinal study design data were gathered from the 204 entrepreneurship teachers of six different universities in Pattani, Bangkok, and Songkla Provinces, Thailand. Based on SamrtPLS 3.3.3 analysis, results revealed that the “school innovation climate” positively impacts educational technology use. Additionally, knowledge hiding and sharing moderated the relationship between “school innovation climate” and acceptance of educational technology (actual use of educational technology, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of educational technology). Current research attempted to bridge the gap between knowledge management and innovation theories application in entrepreneurship education. The study brings key policy implications for school leaders and practitioners and suggests several directions for future research.
The commission of crime from the perspective of decision-making differences
Authors: Peng Jiaxi , Zhang Jiaxi , Yuan Weizhuo , Zhou Xuan , Tian Jianquan , Fang Peng
Published: October 2022

A criminal act can be regarded as an irrational decision-making process. Therefore, understanding differences in the criminal decision-making process would shed light on criminal behavior. We utilized dual processing theory to propose that offenders’ differences in decision-making may cause them to adopt non-adaptive behaviors, such as high reference point setting, abnormal reward–punishment sensitivity, delayed discounting rate, and decision-making style. Our study compares differences in these indicators between offenders (n= 518) and non-offenders (n= 636) in a diverse sample of Chinese adults. The results showed that compared with non-offenders, offenders had higher relative deprivation, reward sensitivity, and delayed discounting rates but lower punishment sensitivity and vigilance in decision-making. A logistic regression analysis also shows that the above factors were significant predictive indicators for the commission of crimes.
The public information needs of COVID-19 vaccine: A study based on online Q&A communities and portals in China
Authors: Wang Lin , Xian Zuquan , Du Tianyu
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This study analyzes the topic and distribution features of public information needs for the COVID-19 vaccine from Chinese online Q&A communities and portals. It aims to identify the features and differences in public COVID-19 vaccine information needs at different periods.

Design/Methodology

A total of 14,296 questions about the COVID-19 vaccine from four Chinese mainstream online communities and portals were studied following five procedures: data collection, data processing, K-means clustering, LDA topic model analysis, and needs identification.

Findings

The study identified the topical features of public information needs for the COVID-19 vaccine during the first pandemic outbreak, pre-listing period, and post-listing period. It constructed a framework of public vaccine information needs. The information needs can be classified into 8 main categories and 16 subcategories. The eight main categories are vaccination (53.72%), evaluation and impact of other social events (17.90%), vaccine R&D and listing (9.49%), vaccine side effects and countermeasures (5.63%), vaccination necessity (4.98%), vaccine patent exemption (3.26%), vaccination effectiveness (2.94%), and essential knowledge of vaccine (2.08%), where percentage refers to the distribution of information needs data under various categories.

Implications

Online communities and portals should provide dynamic and tailored information services according to changing public vaccine information needs. The public information needs regarding vaccination is prominent and should be addressed first. In the follow-up booster vaccination efforts, government health departments should prioritize susceptible groups, such as overseas students, airport workers, and healthcare workers.

Originality/Value

We built a conceptual framework using data mining techniques and analyzed the COVID-19 vaccine information needs distribution at different time points and among different social groups, focusing on the theme of public information needs for the COVID-19 vaccine. It makes recommendations for government health departments and online platforms to improve the quality of COVID-19 vaccine information services for the public and provide a reference for the vaccination of COVID-19 booster shots.
Play hard, study hard? The influence of gamification on students’ study engagement
Authors: Chen Jun , Liang Mo
Published: October 2022

In recent years, gamification is widely used in the education. In this article, we build one theoretical model to illustrate how gamification influences students’ study engagement. To examine our hypotheses, we distributed our questionnaire surveys to 187 students from one university of China. Correlational analyzes, regression analyzes and confirmatory factor analyzes were used to test our hypotheses. The results show that gamification influences students’ study engagement through the indirect effects of enjoyment and self-efficacy. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Clinical symptoms and their relationship with cognitive impairment in elderly patients with depressive disorder
Authors: Wu Zhenguo , Su Guanli , Lu Wenting , Liu Lin , Zhou Zixuan , Xie Bingchuan
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the correlation between clinical symptoms and cognitive impairment in elderly patients with depressive disorder.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 123 elderly patients with depressive disorder admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to February 2021 were included. Patients' cognitive function was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). According to the combination of cognitive impairment or not, patients were divided into the combined group (64 cases) and the depressive disorder group (59 cases). In addition, 70 healthy people who came to our hospital for physical examination during the same period were randomly selected as the healthy group.

Results

The incidence of severe cognitive impairment in the combined group (33, 51.56%) was significantly higher than that in the depression group (19, 32.20%), the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.003). The incidence of somatization symptoms, suicidal tendency, retardation of thinking, diminution of energy, anxiety and sleep disorder in the combined group were higher than that in the depressive disorder group with significant difference [30 (56.88%) vs. 16 (27.12%), P = 0.024; 12 (18.75%) vs. 3 (5.08%), P = 0.021; 33 (51.56%) vs. 14 (23.73%), P = 0.002; 37 (57.81%) vs. 23 (38.98%), P = 0.029; 42 (65.63) vs. 25 (42.37), P = 0.011; 50 (78.13) vs. 42 (71.19), P = 0.031, respectively]. Spearman rank correlation analysis suggested that somatic symptom, mood change, suicidal tendency, retardation of thinking, diminution of energy, anxiety, and sleep disorder were negatively correlated with cognitive impairment, respectively (r =-0.161, −0.672, −0.262, −0.871, −0.421, −0.571, −0.512, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The clinical symptoms of depressive disorder were negatively correlated with cognitive impairment. Somatic symptoms, suicidal tendency, retardation of thinking, diminution of energy, anxiety, and sleep disorder were the risk factors for cognitive impairment.
Talk-based approaches to support people who are distressed by their experience of hearing voices: A scoping review
Authors: Burr Christian , Schnackenberg Joachim K. , Weidner Frank
Published: October 2022

Background

The positive effects of both antipsychotic medication and cognitive behavioral therapy in psychosis (CBTp) for people who are distressed by their experience of hearing voices remain limited. As a result, there has been a recent surge in talk-based individual approaches. Many of these continue not to be very well known nor implemented in practice. Some of the approaches may focus more on understanding and dealing constructively with voices, an element that has been identified as potentially helpful by voice hearers. Existing barriers to a wider implementation include both the widespread pathologization of hearing voices and a lack of mental health professionals who have been trained and trusted to carry out these new interventions.

Methods

This scoping review aimed to identify and describe a current synthesis of talk-based individual approaches for people who hear voices, including studies independently of method of study or approach, diagnosis of voice hearers nor of the professional background of interventionists.

Results

Nine different talk-based approaches were identified. These included: (1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp); (2) AVATAR therapy; (3) Making Sense of Voices (MsV) aka Experience Focused Counselling (EFC); (4) Relating Therapy; (5) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; (6) Smartphone-based Coping-focused Intervention; (7) Prolonged and Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy; (8) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and (9) Individual Mindfulness-based Program for Voice Hearing. The different approaches differed greatly in relation to the number of sessions, length of time offered and the scientific evidence on efficacy. Psychologists represented the main professional group of interventionists. CBTp and the MsV/EFC approach also included health professionals, like nurses, as implementers. Most of the approaches showed positive outcomes in relation to voice related distress levels. None identified overall or voice specific deteriorations.

Conclusion

There appears to be a strong case for the implementation of a broader heterogeneity of approaches in practice. This would also be in line with recommendations for recovery focused services and requirements of voice hearers. A greater emphasis on whole systems implementation and thus the involvement of frontline staff, like nurses, in the delivery of these approaches would likely reduce the research-practice implementation gap.
Rapid investigation of BA.4/BA.5 cases in France
Authors: Kouamen Alain-Claude , Da Cruz Helena , Hamidouche Mohamed , Lamy Anais , Lloyd Anna , Castro Alvarez Javier , Roussel Mathilde , Josset Laurence , Enouf Vincent , Felici Charlotte , Dos Santos Georges , Schaeffer Justine , Maisa Anna ,   Regional COVID-19 Investigation Group,   Laboratory Group
Published: October 2022

Aim

We aimed to describe the characteristics of individuals infected by BA.4 or BA.5 in France in comparison to BA.1, and analyze the factors associated with hospitalization among BA.4 and BA.5 cases.

Methods

A standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on confirmed and probable Omicron cases. Hospitalization risk factors among BA.4/BA.5 cases were analyzed using Poisson regression. Variables with a p-value below 0.2 in the univariate analysis and a priori confounders were included in the multivariable regression model.

Results

The median age of the 301 cases investigated was 47 years and 97% of cases were symptomatic. The most common clinical signs were asthenia/fatigue (75.7%), cough (58.3%), fever (58.3%), headache (52.1%) and rhinorrhea (50.7%). Twelve cases were hospitalized, and 27.1% reported risk factors. No admissions to intensive care and no deaths were reported. Vaccination status was available for 292 cases, 20.9% were unvaccinated, 1.4% had received one dose, 38.3% two doses and 39.4% three doses. Cases presenting at least one risk factor were almost seventeen times more likely to be hospitalized than those with no risk factors (aRR = 16.72 [95% CI2.59–326.86]).

Conclusion

Despite the longer duration of and the differences in symptoms and their possible immune escape, BA.4/BA.5 Omicron sub-lineages globally showed no severe clinical presentation. The presence of at least one risk factor for severe disease significantly increased the risk of hospitalization for those infected with BA.4 or BA.5.
Night shifts in interns: Effects of daytime napping on autonomic activity and cognitive function
Authors: Fan Jieyi , Wang Liang , Yang Xiaotian , Zhang Xiangbo , Song Ziyao , Wu Sifan , Zou Linru , Li Xi , Zhao Xingcheng , Li Chenfei , Pan Yikai , Tie Yateng , Wang Yongchun , Luo Zhengxue , Sun Xiqing
Published: October 2022

Objective

Night shifts have adverse cognitive outcomes that might be attenuated by daytime napping. The neurovisceral integration model suggests that resting vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is linked with cognitive function. This study investigated the relationship between resting vmHRV and cognitive function after different nap durations in interns after shift work.

Methods

A total of 105 interns were randomly allocated to one of three groups (non-nap, n = 35; 15-min nap, n = 35; 45-min nap, n = 35) to perform cognitive tests and resting vmHRV at 12:00, 15:00 and 18:00. Information processing (digit symbol substitution test; DSST), motor speed (finger tapping test; FTT), response selection (choice reaction time; CRT), and attention shifts (shifting attention test; SAT) were assessed. Resting vmHRV was assessed at baseline and during each cognitive task across groups.

Results

Compared with the non-nap control, the 15-min and 45-min naps improved all outcome measures (including subjective sleepiness and cognitive performance) at 15:00, with some benefits maintained at 18:00. The 15-min nap produced significantly greater benefits on the FTT at 15:00 after napping than did the 45-min nap. Resting vmHRV was significantly correlated with DSST and SAT performance. In addition, FTT performance was the only significant predictor of DSST performance across different nap durations.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate links between daytime napping (in particular, a 15-min nap) and improved cognitive control in relation to autonomic activity after shift work in interns. These results indicated that autonomic activity when awake plays a crucial role in DSST and SAT performance and facilitated the understanding of differences in neurocognitive mechanisms underlying information processing after different nap durations.
Knowledge, attitude, and acceptance regarding COVID-19 vaccines in Sudan
Authors: Mohmmed Hazeem A. , Alawad Ragda Abdalmonem , Awad Ahmed K. , Alobied Abdalaziz Awad
Published: October 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus discovered in December 2019 in China. COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of viral flu but may be more severe, these symptoms can be defended by vaccines, the most distributed 6 candidate vaccines are Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac. In Sudan, the virus has rapidly spread in the country, causing a total of 37,138 confirmed cases with 2,776 deaths till July 21, 2021. We are targeting health workers, medical students, and the general public to assess their behavior regarding COVID-19 vaccines in Sudan, recognize the determinants of their behavior, and identify the factors increasing vaccine acceptance among them.

Methods

We conducted a pretested cross-sectional online survey involving healthcare workers, medical students, and the general population in Sudan in July and August. We collected the data by sending the survey to social media platforms (e.g., Facebook and WhatsApp). The survey was conducted anonymously without identity-related data. We used both convenience sampling and snowball sampling methods as the participants were asked to forward the survey link to their contacts. The sample size was calculated using Slovin's formula and we estimated the sample size to be 400.

Results

Of our 400 participants, 36.8% (n = 147) were males and 63.2% (n = 253) were females, the mean age of the participants was 24.17 ± 8.07. The overall vaccine acceptance rate was 48.2% (n = 193) and “Occupation” was the only sociodemographic domain significantly associated with vaccine acceptance, showing a higher acceptance rate among health care workers (p = 0.009). “Afraid of unknown side effects” was the most commonly reported barrier to vaccination (p = 0.33).

Conclusion

The vaccine acceptance rate is low, and public health authorities and the government in Sudan have a heavy mission for implementing successful vaccination programs with high coverage.
Twitter sentiment analysis: An Arabic text mining approach based on COVID-19
Authors: Albahli Saleh
Published: October 2022

The 21st century has seen a lot of innovations, among which included the advancement of social media platforms. These platforms brought about interactions between people and changed how news is transmitted, with people now able to voice their opinion as opposed to before where only the reporters were speaking. Social media has become the most influential source of speech freedom and emotions on their platforms. Anyone can express emotions using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The raw data is increasing daily for every culture and field of life, so there is a need to process this raw data to get meaningful information. If any nation or country wants to know their people's needs, there should be mined data showing the actual meaning of the people's emotions. The COVID-19 pandemic came with many problems going beyond the virus itself, as there was mass hysteria and the spread of wrong information on social media. This problem put the whole world into turmoil and research was done to find a way to mitigate the spread of incorrect news. In this research study, we have proposed a model of detecting genuine news related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Arabic Text using sentiment-based data from Twitter for Gulf countries. The proposed sentiment analysis model uses Machine Learning and SMOTE for imbalanced dataset handling. The result showed the people in Gulf countries had a negative sentiment during COVID-19 pandemic. This work was done so government authorities can easily learn directly from people all across the world about the spread of COVID-19 and take appropriate actions in efforts to control it.
Improving health and social care services for slum-dwelling older adults: Perspectives of health professionals
Authors: Attafuah Priscilla Yeye Adumoah , Everink Irma H. J. , Lohrmann Christa , Abuosi Aaron Asibi , Schols Jos M. G. A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Besides confronting the challenges of a growing older population, developing countries are dealing with limited resources and infrastructure, to ensure good health and social care services. One of these developing countries facing these challenges is Ghana. The healthcare system in Ghana currently does not have specialized geriatric services and is funded through the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), private insurance companies and an out-of-pocket expenditure system. Social care services are important in improving Quality of Life (QoL) as it helps in building and strengthening relationships while also keeping slum-dwelling older adults active. There are various challenges with the health and social care of older adults in slums and practical ways to improve these have not been explored among the providers of this care.

Aims

This study, therefore, aimed to explore (1) the views of health professionals on older slum-dwelling adults' health and social care needs, access, and use, and (2) recommendations for improving access to health and social care services among slum-dwelling older adults.

Method

A qualitative exploratory descriptive approach was used among health professionals by conducting a focus group discussion (FGD) and interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from each participant.

Results

A total of 27 participants took part in the study. In the analysis of transcripts, 3 themes and 14 subthemes were conceptualized. Financial difficulties, queueing issues, distance to health facilities, health illiteracy and negative attitude of health professionals were identified as some barriers to the utilization of formal healthcare services. Social care services were described as non-existent, not structured, and having limited resources to cater for attendants. The health professionals also provided recommendations for improvement.

Conclusion

Health professionals in this study discussed barriers to access and use of health and social care services. Addressing these barriers is essential to improve the use of formal health and social care services and diminish health inequity among older adults.
The promotion of active aging through older adult education in the context of population aging
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Kan Chengxia , Luo Youhong , Song Hongwei , Tian Zhenghui , Ding Wenli , Xu Linfei , Han Fang , Hou Ningning
Published: October 2022

We have entered an era of population aging, and many public health problems associated with aging are becoming more serious. Older adults have earlier onset of chronic diseases and suffer more disability. Therefore, it is extremely important to promote active aging and enhance health literacy. These involves full consideration of the need for education and the provision of solutions to problems associated with aging. The development of OAE is an important measure for implementing the strategy of active aging, and curriculum construction is a fundamental component of achieving OAE. Various subjective and objective factors have limited the development of OAE. To overcome these difficulties and ensure both active and healthy aging, the requirements for active aging should be implemented, the limitations of current OAE should be addressed, system integration should be increased, and the curriculum system should be improved. These approaches will help to achieve the goal of active aging. This paper discusses OAE from the perspective of active aging, based on the promotion of health literacy and provides suggestions to protect physical and mental health among older adults, while promoting their social participation. The provision of various social guarantees for normal life in older adults is a new educational concept.
Case Report: Unique patterns of lymphocyte recovery post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A case series
Authors: Elsayed Marwa , Abdelhakim Haitham , Shune Leyla , Abhyankar Sunil , Singh Anurag , Zhang Da , McGuirk Joseph , Aljitawi Omar
Published: October 2022

The utilization of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been rapidly growing due to multiple factors, including better availability of donors and improved supportive care. Hyperbaric oxygen has been associated with the improvement of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) homing at the time of transplant through lowering erythropoietin levels in preclinical studies. We studied the role of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in the enhancement of engraftment of HSC when utilized prior to umbilical cord HSCT and autologous HSCT in two pilot clinical trials with excellent safety profiles. In these two pilot studies, we observed an uncommon phenomenon post-transplant, particularly a significant peripheral blood lymphocytosis and lymphocyte infiltration of different tissues in 3/34 of HBO-treated patients. This peripheral blood lymphocyte expansion was associated with various clinical manifestations that can be confused with infections, inflammatory conditions, or disease relapse. We hypothesize that this observation is related to different immune reconstitution dynamics related to the use of HBO. While the incidence is ~9%, this may have implications as HBO is being investigated in larger clinical trials. This case series highlights the clinical presentation, course, outcome, and potential implications of this significant rise in lymphocytes when utilizing HBO before HSCT.
The wellbeing economy: Possibilities and limits in bringing sufficiency from the margins into the mainstream
Authors: Hayden Anders , Dasilva Clay
Published: October 2022

The idea of sufficiency faces great obstacles in contemporary political economies in which production and consumption growth has long been considered imperative. Despite evidence supporting calls for a sufficiency-oriented, post-growth approach to environmental challenges, only pro-growth environmental perspectives have found significant mainstream political support until now. However, one recent formulation that has a strong affinity with a sufficiency approach—a wellbeing economy—has found growing support among mainstream political actors including governments and international organizations. Does the growing support for a wellbeing economy represent the long-sought breakthrough for a sufficiency-oriented, post-growth environmental approach? To help answer this question, we conduct case studies of New Zealand, Scotland, and Iceland—the three founders of the Wellbeing Economy Governments (WEGo). These nations have (to varying degrees) taken steps to downplay the centrality of economic growth and instead highlight wellbeing as the ultimate goal. They have also moved “beyond GDP” by introducing new wellbeing measurements and using them in policymaking. However, movement in a post-growth direction is limited by continuing dependence on economic growth to achieve intermediate goals, such as employment creation and provision of welfare state services, that are closely associated with the goal of wellbeing. We therefore characterize the emerging practice of the wellbeing economy as a “weak post-growth” approach. To become a “strong post-growth” perspective, it needs to be linked to a much more challenging project of disentangling contemporary societies' dependence on economic growth. The article includes a discussion of ways that WEGo nations could contribute to addressing that considerable challenge and build on the sufficiency-oriented elements evident in the wellbeing economy.
Masquelet technique with radical debridement and alternative fixation in treatment of infected bone nonunion
Authors: Liu Xuanzhe , Min Hong Sung , Chai Yimin , Yu Xiaowei , Wen Gen
Published: October 2022

Background

Infected bone nonunion is the toughest problem in fracture-related infection, leading to high disability and recurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Masquelet technique with radical debridement and alternative fixation in the management of infected bone nonunion.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective study of prospectively collected data in two trauma centers was performed from 2016 to 2020. Patients diagnosed as infected bone nonunion were included in this study. The initial implant was removed and all patients received a two-stage Masquelet procedure with radical debridement and alternative fixation. The disappearance of inflammatory manifestations and regression of infection indicators (such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein, white blood cell count) to the normal range were regarded as radical debridement. The alternative fixation depended on local soft tissue conditions. Results were evaluated according to clinical and radiographic assessment and patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 23 patients were included in our study. Six of them received internal fixation, while the other 17 received external fixation. Of the 23 cases, 21 were successfully reconstructed without infection recurrence, except 2 reinfected cases. Mean full weight bearing time was 6.6 months follow-up post last surgery. Out of the 23, 20 cases had satisfactory functional outcomes without additional bone or soft tissue comorbidities. Discrepancies in leg length and joint stiffness were observed in three cases and marked as unsatisfied results.

Conclusions

Infected bone nonunion can be successfully managed using the Masquelet technique under radical debridement combined with an alternative fixation method.
Assessment of videos related to lung nodules in China
Authors: Han Jiajun , Shi Yifan , Ma Haitao
Published: October 2022

Background

With the popularization of mobile phones and the development of the Internet, many patients use social media platforms to seek health information. Currently, TikTok, iQiyi, Bilibili, and Weibo are the most popular video platforms in China. Therefore, based on the above facts, this study estimated the quality of lung nodule videos taken in China using these platforms.

Methods

The term “lung nodule” was searched on these platforms. Then, the first 30 videos were selected. Subsequently, some videos were excluded after they had been reviewed and analyzed, after which information on the features and sources of these videos was finally assessed using DISCERN, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Benchmark Criteria, and the Hexagonal Radar Schema. Analysis was performed according to different groups.

Results

101 videos were included in this study. According to the different sources, although most videos were from physicians (71.3%), comprising those with shorter durations; faster updates; and more likes, comments, and shares; no significant difference in the scores were obtained. Moreover, regarding the different platforms, while Weibo had the highest update, TikTok had more likes, comments, and shares. Investigations also revealed that while score differences were recorded, most videos were rated “very poor” and “poor.” Besides, hexagonal radar charts showed a severe deficiency of video information.

Conclusions

Although the quality of most videos on the understudied social media platforms was poor, these platforms have huge potential. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using the platforms as information sources about lung nodules, and a better review and push system is needed.