bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (CBT-ACT) vs. Standard Care After Critical Illness Due to COVID-19: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Håkansson Anders , Cronhjort Maria , Lidin-Darlington Pernilla , Lilja Gisela , Nilsson Anna , Schandl Anna , Friberg Hans
Published: July 2022

Background

Post-covid syndrome is an emerging condition involving a wide range of symptoms, including high rates of poor mental health. The diagnostic relevance and clinical severity of these symptoms are largely unknown, and evidence for treatment of post-covid mental health symptoms is lacking. This protocol describes a pilot randomized clinical trial, primarily aiming to assess feasibility, participant adherence and satisfaction in a novel phycho-therapeutic intervention on post-covid anxiety and depression symptoms ≥1 year after critically ill COVID-19. Whether the intervention may generate improvements in post-covid depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) will be addressed in a following larger trial.

Methods

A multicenter, investigator-initiated randomized controlled trial (Clinical Trial Identifier number NCT05119608) including Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-treated COVID-19 survivors, who display symptoms of anxiety and/or depression at follow-up 12 months after hospitalization (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ≥8 for depression or anxiety). Eligible individuals are referred to a psychiatrist for structured diagnostic assessment and inclusion in the trial. Participants will be randomized to either a 10-week cognitive behavioral therapy intervention with added acceptance and commitment therapy (CBT-ACT) or standard care (primary care referral). Primary study outcome measure is feasibility and patient adherence, defined as the proportion of participants who consent to randomization and remain in the study including follow-up. Secondary outcome measures include reduced symptoms in the HADS depression/anxiety subscales, post-traumatic symptoms, HRQoL and user satisfaction at 3 months after the intervention.

Discussion

This protocol describes a pilot trial to assess feasibility and preliminary effects of a structured psycho-therapeutic intervention to ameliorate mental health in a population severely affected by COVID-19, where evidence for structured psycho-therapy is lacking.
Effects of a virtual reality serious game training program on the cognitive function of people diagnosed with schizophrenia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xu , Kou Xiaomin , Meng Xiandong , Yu Jianying
Published: July 2022

Background

Cognitive impairment persists through the course of schizophrenia and affects patients’ activities of daily living.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the effects of a virtual reality (VR) serious game training program on the cognitive function of people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Materials and Methods

Sixty-four eligible people diagnosed with schizophrenia were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 31) and the control group (n = 33). The control group received standard psychiatric care. The intervention group was trained with an additional VR game twice a day for at least 10 days during hospitalization. Cognitive function was measured at enrollment and before discharge using the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia.

Results

Compared with those of the control group, the results of the working memory (t = 3.463, Cohen’s d = 0.87, p = 0.001) and executive function (TMTA: Z = -2.272, Cohen’s d = 0.59, p = 0.023; TMTB:Z = -2.365, Cohen’s d = 0.62, p = 0.018) of the intervention group after intervention were significantly better. However, there was no significant difference in the results of social cognition (Z = -1.394, Cohen’s d = 0.35, p = 0.163) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Intensive active virtual reality serious game training in addition to standard psychiatric care can significantly improve working memory and executive function in people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Implications for Practice

When helping improve the cognitive function of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, mental health professionals should identify cognitive domains to be enhanced and develop corresponding serious game training strategies.
Rivastigmine for ECT-induced cognitive adverse effects in late life depression (RECALL study): A multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial in patients with depression aged 55 years or older: Rationale, objectives and methods
Authors: Henstra Marieke J. , Feenstra Thomas C. , Kok Rob M. , Spaans Harm-Pieter , van Exel Eric , Dols Annemiek , Oudega Mardien , Vergouwen Anton C. M. , van der Loo Adriano , Bet Pierre M. , Loer Stephan A. , Eikelenboom Merijn , Sienaert Pascal , Lambrichts Simon , Bouckaert Filip , Bosmans Judith E. , van der Velde Nathalie , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Stek Max L. , Rhebergen Didi
Published: July 2022

Background

Cognitive side-effects are an important reason for the limited use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Cognitive side-effects are heterogeneous and occur frequently in older persons. To date, insight into these side-effects is hampered due to inconsistencies in study designs and small sample sizes. Among all cognitive side-effects, confusion and delirious states are especially troublesome for patients, relatives and clinicians. In particular inter-ictal delirium-like states are worrisome, since they may lead to premature treatment discontinuation. Besides a need for further insight into determinants of cognitive side-effects of ECT, there is a great need for treatment options.

Methods and design

The Rivastigmine for ECT-induced Cognitive Adverse effects in Late Life depression (RECALL) study combines a multicenter, prospective cohort study on older patients with depression, treated with ECT, with an embedded randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial to examine the effect of rivastigmine on inter-ictal delirium. Patients are recruited in four centers across the Netherlands and Belgium. We aim to include 150 patients into the cohort study, in order to be able to subsequently include 30 patients into the trial. Patients are included in the trial when inter-ictal delirium, assessed by the Confusion Assessment method (CAM), or a drop in Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of ≥4 during ECT, develops. In the cohort study, comprehensive measurements of ECT-related cognitive side-effects—and their putative determinants—are done at baseline and during the ECT-course. The primary outcome of the clinical trial is the effectiveness of rivastigmine on inter-ictal delirium-severity, assessed with a change in the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98. Secondary outcomes of the clinical trial are several ECT-characteristics and side-effects of rivastigmine.

Discussion

This study is the first clinical trial with a focus on ECT-induced, inter-ictal delirium. The cohort provides the basis for recruitment of patients for the cross-over trial and additionally provides an excellent opportunity to unravel cognitive side-effects of ECT and identify putative determinants. This paper describes the rationale and study protocol.

Clinical trial registration

EudraCT 2014-003385-24.
Sleep Quality Impairment Is Associated With Pandemic Attitudes During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Circuit Breaker Lockdown in England: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kantor Jonathan , Kantor Bella Nichole , Fortgang Rebecca G. , Pace-Schott Edward F.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with sleep quality impairment and psychological distress, and the general public has responded to the pandemic and quarantine requirements in a variety of ways. We aimed to investigate whether sleep quality is low during a short-term (circuit break) quarantine restriction, and whether sleep quality is associated with respondents' overall attitudes to the pandemic using a validated scale.

Design and Setting

Online cross-sectional study in England in November 2020.

Participants

The study included 502 respondents over the age of 18.

Measurements

Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and pandemic attitudes were assessed using the Oxford Pandemic Attitudes Scale–COVID-19 (OPAS-C), a validated 20-item, 7-domain scale that assesses pandemic-related stress, fear, loneliness, sense of community, sense of exaggerated concern, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and vaccine hesitancy. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression odds ratios of association were assessed between the dependent variable of poor sleep quality (PSQI>5) and risk factors, including OPAS-C score, age, sex, educational status, and income.

Results

The mean (SD) PSQI score was 7.62 (3.49). Overall, 68.9% of respondents met criteria for poor sleep quality using the PSQI cutoff of >5. The mean (SD) OPAS-C score was 60.3 (9.1). There was a significantly increased odds of poor sleep quality in the highest vs. lowest OPAS-C quartiles (OR 4.94, 95% CI [2.67, 9.13], p < 0.0001). Age, sex, income, political leaning, employment status, and education attainment were not associated with poor sleep quality.

Conclusions

More than two-thirds of respondents met criteria for poor sleep quality. The odds of poor sleep quality increased in a dose-response relationship with pandemic attitudes (such as higher levels of pandemic-related stress, fear, or loneliness). The association between poor sleep quality and pandemic attitudes suggests opportunities for public health and sleep medicine interventions, and highlights the need for further research.
Incentives Promoting Contracted Family Doctor Service Policy to Improve Continuity and Coordination in Diabetes Patient Management Care in China
Authors: Jin Yinzi , Tian Wenya , Yu Yahang , Pan Wen , Yuan Beibei
Published: July 2022

Background

As the first step toward building a gatekeeping system in China, the governments have introduced a contracted family doctor service (CFDS) policy in primary healthcare (PHC) facilities. This study was to examine the association between apply of incentive to improve the implementation of CFDS and the performance on diabetes management care.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 72 PHC facilities in 6 cities that piloted the CFDS. Multivariate regression models were applied, based on a sample of 827 PHC providers and 420 diabetic patients.

Results

PHC providers who reported the performance being linked with increased income were 168.1 and 78.0% more likely to have good continuity and coordination of diabetes patient management care, respectively. Additional one-point percentage of PHC providers whose performance on CFDS was assessed was associated with 7.192 times higher probability of patients with control of blood glucose.

Discussion

Inclusion of incentives rewarding better performance on CFDS were associated with better delivery process and outcome performance on diabetes management care.

Conclusion

Design and implementation of the incentive should be accompanied with the policy of CFDS, in order to increase the proportion of performance-related income of PHC providers, thereby improving the quality of diabetes management care.
Politics, Pandemics, and Trauma: Understanding and Addressing Latino Health Needs Through a Culturally-Informed Lens
Authors: Held Mary Lehman , Villarreal-Otálora Tatiana , McPherson Jane , Jennings-McGarity Porter
Published: July 2022

Latino communities in the United States (U.S.) have long endured trauma due to multiple intersecting social and political forces. New restrictive immigration policies since 2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic have each created novel stressors for Latino communities, while escalating the risk of mental health disorders and highlighting the communities' vulnerabilities. The effects of these stressors have been particularly pronounced in southeastern states, such as Tennessee and Georgia, due to their state-level anti-immigrant legislation. Yet, we lack sufficient data to understand how these factors present among Latinos seeking services. To focus attention on the specific experiences of Latino communities living in the U.S. Southeast, the authors analyzed the perspectives of 44 service providers working with these communities in the region using qualitative data collected in an online survey administered during the COVID-19 pandemic and while President Trump's exclusionary immigration policies were in force. Four themes were identified: (1) Latino communities' strengths; (2) impact of the Trump administration on Latino communities; (3) impact of COVID-19's on Latino communities; and (4) strategies to enhance service delivery in Latino communities. Results provide meaningful data to inform micro- and macro-level service delivery in two exclusionary policy states and beyond. Findings suggest future research should include other new immigrant destinations and explore perceptions of Latino community members.
COVID-19 related stressors and mental health outcomes of expatriates in international construction
Authors: Gao Lili , Deng Xiaopeng , Yang Weimin , Fang Jie
Published: July 2022

The construction industry is labor-intensive, and employees' mental health has a significant impact on occupational health and job performance. In particular, expatriates in international projects under the normalization of the epidemic are under greater pressure than domestic project employees. This paper aims to explore the association of stressors and mental health in international constructions during COVID-19. Furthermore, test the mediation effect of psychological resilience and moderating effort of international experience in this relationship. A survey of 3,091 expatriates in international construction projects was conducted. A moderating mediation model was employed to test the effect of psychological resilience and international experience. Then, statistical analysis with a bootstrap sample was used to test the mediation effect of the model, and a simple slope was used to test the moderating effect. Moderated by experience, the slope of the effect of stressors on psychological resilience changed from −1.851 to −1.323. And the slope of the effect of psychological resilience on mental health outcomes reduced by about 0.1. This suggests that experience is one of the buffering factors for individual psychological resilience of expatriates to regulate stress. Theoretically, this study verifies the mediation effect of psychological resilience between COVID-19 related stressors and mental health outcomes and importance of an expatriate's experience in an international assignment. Practically, this study provides guidelines for international construction enterprises and managers to make an assistant plan for expatriates during this pandemic time and pay more attention to their psychological status. The research also suggests that the best choice for challenging assignments is choosing a more experienced employee.
Developing and Implementing ICF-Based Tools for Occupational Rehabilitation Supporting the Communication and Return to Work Process Between Sickness Absentees, Clinical Team and Jobcentre Contacts
Authors: Johansen Thomas , Kvaal Astrid Marie , Konráðsdóttir Ása Dóra
Published: July 2022

Background

The ICF model is applied as a conceptual framework in occupational rehabilitation in Norway.

Objective

To systematically apply the ICF model in rehabilitation this study had the following aims: (1) apply an ICF subset by merging an ICF core set and an ICF set to assess functioning in rehabilitation patients related to work; (2) develop a patient-reported ICF questionnaire and a clinician-friendly ICF report complementing the clinician-rated ICF subset and (3) evaluate whether ICF-based tools (subset, questionnaire, report) support the communication between a clinical team, patient and jobcentre contacts during return to work (RTW) follow up.

Methods

Forty-one patients completing four weeks rehabilitation were recruited. The patients were referred from general practitioners and jobcentres. The ICF subset was a combination of the EUMASS core set for disability evaluation and suggested ICF categories by experts in vocational rehabilitation from Iceland. A clinical rehabilitation team interviewed the patients using the ICF subset and problems were quantified on a generic qualifier scale for body functions, activities and participation and environmental factors. The research team and clinical team developed an ICF questionnaire, by cross-culturally adapting the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire to Norwegian. The same teams also developed an ICF report. The rehabilitation clinic forwarded the report and questionnaire to the patients' jobcentre contact, which was responsible for the RTW follow up. To evaluate the benefits of ICF-based tools, the clinical team, user representative and jobcentre contacts together participated in four workshops. They were asked the degree to which and in what way the tools supported the communication between them.

Results

The ICF subset captured RTW challenges but was found to be time consuming. The jobcentres experienced the ICF report and questionnaire beneficial in the follow up as it strengthened their RTW decision-making basis and communication with the rehabilitation clinic and the patients about follow-up interventions.

Conclusion

The development and implementation of ICF-based tools for clinical practice was a preliminary success in supporting the communication between three stakeholders during RTW follow up. Future applications of ICF-based tools ought to integrate personal factors to capture both facilitators and barriers related to functioning and work, thus, getting closer to a holistic assessment.
Responsible robotics design–A systems approach to developing design guides for robotics in pasture-grazed dairy farming
Authors: Eastwood C. R. , Dela Rue B. , Edwards J. P. , Jago J.
Published: July 2022

Application of robotics and automation in pasture-grazed agriculture is in an emergent phase. Technology developers face significant challenges due to aspects such as the complex and dynamic nature of biological systems, relative cost of technology versus farm labor costs, and specific market characteristics in agriculture. Overlaying this are socio-ethical issues around technology development, and aspects of responsible research and innovation. There are numerous examples of technology being developed but not adopted in pasture-grazed farming, despite the potential benefits to farmers and/or society, highlighting a disconnect in the innovation system. In this perspective paper, we propose a “responsibility by design” approach to robotics and automation innovation, using development of batch robotic milking in pasture-grazed dairy farming as a case study. The framework we develop is used to highlight the wider considerations that technology developers and policy makers need to consider when envisaging future innovation trajectories for robotics in smart farming. These considerations include the impact on work design, worker well-being and safety, changes to farming systems, and the influences of market and regulatory constraints.
Proton Spectra for the Interplanetary Space Derived From Different Environmental Models
Authors: Klein E. M. , Sznajder M. , Seefeldt P.
Published: July 2022

Knowledge about the space radiation environment is crucial for the design and selection of materials and components used for space applications. This environment is characterized not only by the Sun’s electromagnetic radiation but also by charged particles categorized into solar wind, solar energetic particles (SEP) and galactic cosmic rays (GCR). Especially for material engineering and qualification testing, differential and integral spectra for particle energies ranging from keVs to GeVs are required. Up to now, a wide variety of models is available, whereas it is difficult to keep the overview. Although, e.g., the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) standard includes instructions on how to investigate particle radiation, it does not provide an overall view. This paper shall support those in need of a comprehensive overview and provide comprehensive information about proton radiation spectra that can potentially be of use for space engineering tasks ranging from mission analysis to material and component design as well as qualification testing. The publicly accessible platforms OLTARIS, SPENVIS, and OMERE were examined for available proton spectra to be used. Exemplary, the particle radiation of solar cycle 23 is considered, which comprehends the years 1996–2008. A common drawback of the available models is their restriction to the MeV-range. Particularly when materials are directly exposed to the space environment, low energetic particles, specifically, the keV-range, are of high interest, since these particle transfer all their energy to the material. Therefore, additional data sources were used in order to include the usually neglected low energy protons into the derived spectrum. The data was transferred to common set of units and eventually could be compared and merged together. This includes a comparison of the most common models, incorporating data foundation, applicability, and accessibility. As a result, extensive and continues spectra are fitted that take all different models with its different energies and fluxes into account. Each covered year is represented by a fitted spectrum including confidence level as applicable. For solar active and quite times spectra are provided.
Education for Sustainable Development as the Catalyst for Local Transitions Toward the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Kioupi Vasiliki , Voulvoulis Nikolaos
Published: July 2022

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is hypothesized to enable the transition to a sustainable future as envisioned by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To demonstrate the potential of ESD to facilitate such a transition, research was carried out between 2018 and 2020, using a systems thinking approach to enable educational communities develop their own visions around the SDGs through a participatory process of localization of sustainability goals and targets and an alignment with formal educational outcomes. Three case studies implemented in a university and two schools in the UK were evaluated as to their capacity to facilitate these transitions through the development of sustainability competences in their learners. Findings from the application of the systemic framework for transitions toward the SDGs through ESD and assessment tools for sustainability competence attainment in learners are discussed in depth. Important barriers and enablers of the process are identified, as well as leverage points to increase the effectiveness of interventions. This work aims to inform education practitioners and community stakeholders about the potential of ESD and practices they can adapt to their own needs and circumstances.
Research on the Impact of Social Propaganda and Guidance Policies on Public Green Travel Intention: Evidence From China
Authors: Yang Dafei , Sun Shouheng
Published: July 2022

Social propaganda and guidance policies have important practical significance for promoting public green travel. In recent years, the rapid development of digital technology, network, and mobile communication technology has promoted a revolutionary change in the dissemination of information and services. However, in the era of new media communication driven by emerging technologies, there is still a lack of research on the impact of social propaganda and guidance policies on public willingness to travel green. Based on the theory of planned behavior and the survey research of China's urban residents, this study investigates the impact of social propaganda and guidance policies on public willingness to travel green. Regression analysis is used to identify the influencing factors of public green travel willingness, and to reveal the internal impact mechanism of social propaganda and guidance policies on public green travel willingness. The mediating role of public green travel attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control in social propaganda and guidance policy and travel willingness are also empirically analyzed. The results show that social propaganda and guidance policies have a significant positive impact on green travel attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, and green travel intentions. Green travel attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control play a mediating role in the relationship between social propaganda and guiding policies and green travel willingness, but the mediating effect of the subjective norm is relatively weak.
Weight illusion by presenting vibration to the fingertip
Authors: Kim Giryeon , Okamoto Shogo , Akiyama Yasuhiro , Yamada Youji
Published: July 2022

It is difficult for humans to perceive weight accurately, because the perception of weight is produced by the process of multisensory integration. This implies that, by manipulating certain factors, the weight of an object could be perceived differently from the actual weight. Here, the effects of vibration on weight perception were investigated using behavioral tests and questionnaires. As a behavioral test, from a number of identically appearing non-vibrating boxes of different weights, participants had to select a box that they perceived to be of the same weight as a vibrating box. They were also asked whether vibration affected the perceived weight of the box. Even though they reported that vibration created an illusion of weight, the results of the behavioral test did not show a statistically significant effect of vibration on perceived weight. Furthermore, we investigated how the frequency of vibration affected the illusion and found that the weight illusion requires smaller acceleration of vibration at lower frequencies, such as 30 Hz. The illusion was more intense at lower frequencies than at higher frequencies, such as 200 and 300 Hz. Thus, this study demonstrated that vibrotactile stimuli presented to the fingertips produce a weight illusion: vibrating objects are perceived to feel heavier. Even though the principles of this illusion are still unknown, the effect is concrete, and our approach allows easy implementation in virtual reality applications.
The convergence of AI, IoT, and big data for advancing flood analytics research
Authors: Samadi S.
Published: July 2022

Floods are among the most destructive natural hazards that affect millions of people across the world leading to severe loss of life and damage to properties, critical infrastructure, and the environment. The combination of artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things (IoTs), has the potential to more accurately predict these extreme events and accelerate the convergence of advanced techniques for flood analytics research. This convergence—so called the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT)—is transformational for both technologies and science-based decision making since AI adds value to IoT through interpretable machine learning (ML) while IoT leverages the power of AI via connectivity and data intelligence. The aim of this research is to discuss the workflow of a Flood Analytics Information System (FAIS; version 4.00) as an example of AIoT prototype to advance and drive the next generation of flood informatics systems. FAIS integrates crowd intelligence, ML, and natural language processing (NLP) to provide flood warning with the aim of improving flood situational awareness and risk assessments. Various image processing algorithms, i.e., Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), were also integrated with the FAIS prototype for image label detection, and floodwater level and inundation areas calculation. The prototype successfully identifies a dynamic set of at-risk locations/communities using the USGS river gauge height readings and geotagged tweets intersected with watershed boundary. The list of prioritized locations can be updated, as the river monitoring system and condition change over time (typically every 15 min). The prototype also performs flood frequency analysis (FFA) by fitting multiple probability distributions to the annual flood peak rates and calculates the uncertainty associated with the model. FAIS was operationally tested (beta-tested) during multiple hurricane driven floods in the US and was recently released as a national-scale flood data analytics pipeline.
Temporal Variability in Heterotrophic Carbon Dioxide Emissions From A Drained Tropical Peatland in Uganda
Authors: Farmer Jenny , Langan Charlie , Smith Jo U.
Published: July 2022

Our study measured heterotrophic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in a drained peatland under potato cultivation in south-western Uganda. Soil carbon losses have not previously been reported for this land use, and our study set out to capture the range and temporal variation in emissions, as well as investigate relationships with key environmental variables. Soil chamber-based emission measurements were taken over five days at four points in time over the year to capture daily and monthly variability, including day and night sampling to capture any diurnal variations in temperatures and soil flux. Differences in soil microtopography from mounding of soils for potato beds and drainage trenches had a significant effect on the rate of soil flux. Diurnal sampling showed no significant difference in emissions or soil temperatures in the raised potato beds between day and night. More significant effects on soil flux from environmental drivers, such as water table depth, were observed between months, rather than hours and days. There were significant differences in the relationships between environmental variables and soil flux, depending on if soils had been recently disturbed or not. Area-weighted emissions based on microtopography gave a mean annual emissions factor of 98.79 ± 1.7 t CO2 ha-1 y-1 (± standard error) from this peatland use.
Incidence and risk factors of delayed postoperative hyponatremia after endoscopic endonasal surgery for Rathke’s cleft cyst: A single-center study
Authors: Qian Ao , Zhou Jing , Yu Jiaojiao , Huo Gang , Wang Xiaoshu
Published: July 2022

Backgroud

Delayed postoperative hyponatremia (DPH) is common for sellar lesions. However, the true prevalence and associated factors of DPH after endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) have not been studied in a large patient cohort.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted over 6 years at our institution, and patients with RCC treated by EES were enrolled according to our inclusion criteria. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, images, and surgical procedures were documented. Serum sodium was routinely measured before surgery, on postoperative day 1, and every 2 days thereafter until discharge. For patients with DPH, electrolyte, hematocrit, serum protein levels, and plasma and urinary osmolality were daily measured to explore potential etiology.

Results

Of the 149 eligible patients, 25 (16.8%) developed DPH, which was similar to other sellar lesions, except craniopharyngioma, in the same period in our institution. Significant risk factors suggested by univariate analysis were cyst location, requirement of postoperative hydrocortisone therapy, postoperative meningitis, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and subtotal resection (STR) of the cyst wall (all p < 0.05). In addition, other supplementary 11 cases of suprasellar RCC with different surgical strategies (aggressive resection) and relevant factors were enrolled into multivariate analysis. Suprasellar location [odds ratio (OR) 8.387, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.014–69.365, p = 0.049], requirement of postoperative hydrocortisone therapy (OR 4.208, 95%CI 1.246–14.209, p = 0.021), and intraoperative CSF leakage (OR 6.631, 95%CI 1.728–25.440, p = 0.006) were found to be the independent predictors of DPH.

Conclusion

DPH is a common complication after EES for RCC. Suprasellar location, requirement of postoperative hydrocortisone therapy, and intraoperative CSF leakage are the most reliable risk factors. Cortisol deficiency and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) are considered as the main etiologies of DPH in RCC. Conservative excision of the cyst wall may reduce DPH occurrence.
Effects of dietary L-leucine supplementation on testicular development and semen quality in boars
Authors: Lin Yan , Li Jiayi , Wang Ke , Fang Zhengfeng , Che Lianqiang , Xu Shengyu , Feng Bin , Zhuo Yong , Li Jian , Wu De
Published: July 2022

Sperm and seminal plasma are rich in leucine, and leucine can promote the protein synthesis. This property makes it an interesting amino acid to increase sperm quality of human and livestock spermatogenesis. The goal of this study was to explore the effects of dietary leucine supplementation on testicular development and semen quality in boars from weaning to 10 months of age. 30 pure-bred, weaned Duroc boars (8.0 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CON; fed the basal diet) and leucine group (LEU; fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.2% leucine); then, their body weight and testicular volume were recorded every 4 weeks. Testes were collected for histological and genes expression analysis from 150-day-old boars. Semen was collected and analyzed. Amino acids contents of blood plasma, seminal plasma, sperm, and testes were determined. Dietary supplementation with leucine increased the testicular volume and weight of boars, compared with CON. Sperm viability, sperm count per ejaculation, and average curve speed of sperm in leucine-supplemented boars were increased. Furthermore, leucine supplementation increased the blood plasma and seminal plasma leucine concentrations, and enhanced the gene expressions of branch chain amino acid transaminase, protein kinase B, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and cyclinb1 in the testes. Interestingly, the expressions of the p-mTOR and mTOR proteins in the testes were also upregulated. Thus, dietary leucine supplementation increased leucine absorption and utilization in the testes, promoted testicular development, and improved semen quality of boars, partly through the mTOR signaling pathway.
Protective Effect on Pancreatic Acinar Cell by Maintaining Cardiac Output in Canine Heart Failure Model With Decreased Pancreatic Blood Flow
Authors: Yoshimura Aritada , Ohmori Takahiro , Hirao Daiki , Kishimoto Miori , Iwanaga Tomoko , Miura Naoki , Suzuki Kazuhiko , Fukushima Ryuji
Published: July 2022

Heart failure cause hypoperfusion-induced damage to abdominal organs due to decreased cardiac output (CO). Using a model dog with heart failure caused by rapid ventricular pacing (RVP), we have previously demonstrated that a decrease in CO reduces pancreatic blood flow (PBF). Furthermore, we have revealed that pancreatic acinar cell atrophy, which is a change in the pre-stage of pancreatitis was caused. However, the mechanism by which pancreatic acinar cell atrophy was caused in RVP dogs remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify the association between cardiac function, PBF, and histopathological changes in pancreatic acinar cells by administrating pimobendan, which increase CO, to RVP dogs. RVP dogs were divided into the control group (no medication, n = 5) and the pimobendan group (pimobendan at 0.25 mg/kg BID, n = 5). Non-invasive blood pressure measurement, echocardiography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for PBF measurement were performed before initiating RVP and at 4 weeks after initiating RVP (4 weeks). At 4 weeks, the decreases in CO, mean blood pressure and PBF due to RVP were suppressed in pimobendan group. Furthermore, histopathological examination showed no changes in pancreatic acinar cells in the pimobendan group. Overall, it was clarified that the decrease in PBF due to cardiac dysfunction was a direct cause of pancreatic acinar cell atrophy. This suggests that maintaining PBF is clinically important for treating dogs with heart failure. In addition, these findings offer a reliable basis for developing new therapeutic strategies for heart failure in dogs, that is, pancreatic protection.
New Roles for EVs, miRNA and lncRNA in Bovine Embryo Implantation
Authors: Imakawa Kazuhiko , Matsuno Yuta , Fujiwara Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

The sine qua non of new life is fertilization. However, approximately 50% of fertilized eggs/blastocysts in cattle and up to 75% of those from human assisted reproductive procedures fail during the first 3 to 4 weeks of pregnancy, including peri-implantation periods. In these periods, blastocyst hatching and implantation to the maternal endometrium proceeds, during which physiological events such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and trophoblast cell fusion occur. Quite recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) with micro RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to play a pivotal role for the establishment of the proper uterine environment required for peri-implantation processes to proceed. New findings of EVs, miRNA, and lncRNAs will be described and discussed to elucidate their connections with conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium.
Dairy Slurry Application to Stubble-Covered Soil: A Study on Sustainable Alternatives to Minimize Gaseous Emissions
Authors: Silva Arejacy Antonio , Carvalho Mário , Coutinho João , Vasconcelos Ernesto , Fangueiro David
Published: July 2022

The development of sustainable application practices, which do not demand incorporation into the soil, is necessary to encourage slurry use in conservation agriculture (CA). Incorporation is the most common practice to reduce nitrogen losses from the applied slurry. However, in CA, soil disturbance must be avoided. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate strategies to reduce gaseous emissions from dairy slurry applied to stubble-covered soil without incorporation. We evaluated (1) effects on ammonia (NH3) emissions of pretreatment by acidification (ADS), irrigation (IR) and placement under the stubble (US); and (2) effects of ADS, IR, US and delayed fertilization (RDS T16) on greenhouse gases (GHG). The results of the evaluated strategies were compared to raw slurry (RDS) and ammonium sulphate (MS). Additionally, in experiment 2, the results were compared to ammonium sulphate (MB) and slurry injection (IN), both in bare soil. ADS, US and IR decreased NH3 emissions by 66%, 60% and 32.5%, respectively, with total N emissions NH3 emissions accounting for more than 79% of N losses in slurry-based treatments. Late application reduced N2O emissions by 48%. GHG emissions from ADS, US and IR were similar to those from MS, MB and IN. ADS, US and IR are the most suitable strategies for slurry application in CA.
Visually Explaining Uncertain Price Predictions in Agrifood: A User-Centred Case-Study
Authors: Ooge Jeroen , Verbert Katrien
Published: July 2022

The rise of ‘big data’ in agrifood has increased the need for decision support systems that harvest the power of artificial intelligence. While many such systems have been proposed, their uptake is limited, for example because they often lack uncertainty representations and are rarely designed in a user-centred way. We present a prototypical visual decision support system that incorporates price prediction, uncertainty, and visual analytics techniques. We evaluated our prototype with 10 participants who are active in different parts of agrifood. Through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, we collected quantitative and qualitative data about four metrics: usability, usefulness and needs, model understanding, and trust. Our results reveal that the first three metrics can directly and indirectly affect appropriate trust, and that perception differences exist between people with diverging experience levels in predictive modelling. Overall, this suggests that user-centred approaches are key for increasing uptake of visual decision support systems in agrifood.
Effects of Slow Pyrolysis Biochar on CO2 Emissions from Two Soils under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Balashov Eugene , Buchkina Natalya , Šimanský Vladimír , Horák Ján
Published: July 2022

The amendment of sandy Haplic Arenosol and clayey loam Gleyic Fluvisol with two rates of biochar derived from the slow pyrolysis of wood feedstock was evaluated under anaerobic conditions in a 63-day laboratory experiment. The rates of biochar were 15 and 30 t ha−1. Both rates of biochar were applied either with or without 90 kg ha−1 of nitrogen fertilizer (NH4NO3). Soils with no amendments were used as control treatments. Our results showed that only the incorporation of 15 t ha−1 of biochar, compared with the control treatment, led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in volumetric water content of the sandy soil and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the parameters of the clayey loam soil. Increasing the biochar rate from 15 to 30 t ha−1 did not result in significant changes in volumetric water content in either type of soil. In the sandy soil, CO2 emissions were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the treatments of 15 and 30 t ha−1 with N fertilizer compared with the control and N fertilizer treatment. In the clayey loam soil, the combined application of both rates of biochar with N fertilizer caused no significant increase in CO2 emissions compared with the control and N fertilizer treatment. The incorporation of 30 t ha−1 of biochar into the sandy soil contributed to a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the cumulative CO2 flux compared with the control treatment. Application of 15 and 30 t ha−1 of biochar into the clayey loam soil led, respectively, to a significant (p < 0.05) and a nonsignificant increase in the cumulative CO2 fluxes compared with the control treatment.
A Comparison of Sediment Metal Concentrations as Potential Stressors to Resident Benthic Communities in an Agricultural Waterbody
Authors: Hall Lenwood W. , Anderson Ronald D.
Published: July 2022

This study was designed to (1) determine the relationship between the sediment concentrations of eight total metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Zn) and five simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) with 11 benthic metrics based on a three-year data set including two seasons per year for an agricultural water body (Cache Slough, California), and (2) rank the importance of individual metals within a metal mixture as potential stressors to resident benthic communities. The total arsenic, lead, and cadmium showed the highest number of statistically significant and ecologically meaningful relationships with benthic metrics. The total copper, nickel, zinc, chromium, and mercury were not reported to show any statistically significant and ecologically meaningful relationships with any of the benthic metrics. There were also no statistically significant and ecologically meaningful relationships between the benthic metrics and the simultaneously extracted (bioavailable) metals. Both stress tolerant and stress sensitive benthic metrics were reported to have the best discriminatory power for detecting the adverse effects from metals. Mixed agreement results were reported when comparing statistically significant and ecologically meaningful benthic metric relationships with the threshold effect level (TEL) exceedances for the various metals.
Modification of Gene Expression, DNA Methylation and Small RNAs Expression in Rice Plants under In Vitro Culture
Authors: Wang Ningning , Yu Yanan , Zhang Di , Zhang Zhibin , Wang Zhenhui , Xun Hongwei , Li Guo , Liu Bao , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2022

Tissue culture is an important experimental technique widely used for plant transformation and can induce somaclonal variation that is shown to be associated with genetic and epigenetic changes. However, the molecular basis of somaclonal variation and plant cell response to tissue culture has yet to be fully understood. In this study, we investigated gene expression, DNA methylation, and small RNA changes in regenerated lines (RL) compared with the wild-type progenitor plants (WT) of rice cv. Hitomebore. Using microarray, we identified many genes that were differentially expressed in the shoot-tip tissue and showed that TEs were generally activated in RL. Methylation Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism (MSAP) analysis of 5′CCGG sites combined with bisulfite sequencing detected a generally reduced DNA methylation in the RL lines. Small RNA sequencing analysis detected widespread changes in small RNA accumulation between RL and WT. In particular, repeat and TE-associated 24-nt size class of small RNAs, the inducer of RNA-directed DNA methylation, was in general down-regulated in RL, consistent with reduced CHG and CHH methylation at some of the differentially methylated TE loci. A large number of differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in RL and WT lines, including known and novel miRNAs. The expression of some of these miRNAs exhibited inverse correlation with the predicted target genes, suggesting a regulatory function. The RL plants looked similar to WT plants under normal conditions but showed significant phenotypic alterations under abiotic stress conditions. The widespread changes in DNA methylation, small RNA accumulation and gene expression in regenerated plants supports the role of epigenetic changes in tissue culture-induced somaclonal variation.
Retrograde Flushing Followed by Slicing Float-Up as an Approach to Optimize Epididymal Sperm Recovery for the Purpose of Cryopreservation in Equids
Authors: Podico Giorgia , Canisso Igor F.
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to assess the parameters of epididymal sperm harvested by retrograde flushing (RF) followed by slicing float-up (SF). Epididymides from donkeys (n = 18) and horses (n = 28) were subjected to RF with a freezing extender and then SF technique. The retrieved sperm after RF and SF was evaluated for volume, concentration, and total sperm and then cryopreserved separately. Post-thaw total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) were evaluated with CASA. Sperm membrane integrity (SMI) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed with flow cytometry. Sperm concentration was greater in donkeys than horses (684 ± 62.9 vs. 494 ± 50.9 million sperm/mL) (p = 0.02). The total sperm harvested was lower in SF (3.6 ± 0.7 billion) than RF (10.4 ± 1.5 billion) and in horses (4.6 ± 0.8 billion) than in donkeys (10.7 ± 1.8 billion) (p < 0.05). RF followed by SF resulted in 57% and 31% more sperm per harvest in donkeys and horses. Results of TM and PM before freezing were not affected by technique or species (p > 0.05). Post-thawing SMI and MMP did not vary with technique or species (p > 0.05); TM and PM were not influenced by the technique or the species (p > 0.05) but by their interaction (p = 0.005). In conclusion, using RF followed by SF enhances sperm recovery without affecting cryopreservation in equids.
Grafted Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid (CS-g-poly (MA-co-AN) HA) Complex Inhibits Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Biofilm Formation
Authors: Raorane Chaitany Jayprakash , Shastri Divya , Parveen Asrafali Shakila , Haldhar Rajesh , Raj Vinit , Kim Seong-Cheol
Published: July 2022

Fungal resistance that leads to the failure of drug therapy due to biofilm development is a major clinical challenge. Various polysaccharides have been used to control biofilm formation by drug-resistant fungi, and this study was undertaken to develop chitosan (CS)-modified materials and evaluate their abilities to inhibit Candida biofilm growth. CS was grafted with methacrylamide (MA) and acrylonitrile (AN) and, to improve its application characteristics further, was grafted with hyaluronic acid to produce CS-g-poly (MA-co-AN) HA complex. Grafting and complex formation were confirmed using spectroscopic techniques. CS-g-poly (MA-co-AN) HA was tested to investigate its ability to inhibit Candida albicans biofilm formation and showed significant antibiofilm activity at 200 µg/mL. Additionally, CS-g-poly (MA-co-AN) HA did not have any toxic effect on Caenorhabditis elegans. Thus, this study provides an innovative means of preventing microorganism-associated biofilm formation.