bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of sex- and genotype-specific behavioral phenotypes in a Shank3 mouse model for neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Bauer Helen Friedericke , Delling Jan Philipp , Bockmann Jürgen , Boeckers Tobias M. , Schön Michael
Published: January 2023

Individuals with a SHANK3-related neurodevelopmental disorder, also termed Phelan-McDermid syndrome or abbreviated as PMS, exhibit significant global developmental delay, language impairment, and muscular hypotonia. Also common are repetitive behaviors and altered social interactions, in line with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. This study investigated the developmental aspect of autism-related behaviors and other phenotypes in a Shank3-transgenic mouse model. The animals underwent two sets of identical behavioral experiments, spanning motor skills, social and repetitive behavior, and cognition: baseline began at 5 weeks of age, corresponding to human adolescence, and the follow-up was initiated when aged 13 weeks, resembling early adulthood in humans. Interestingly, the animals displayed relatively stable phenotypes. Moreover, motor coordination and endurance were impaired, while muscle strength was unchanged. Surprisingly, the animals displayed only minor impairments in social behavior, but pronounced stereotypic and repetitive behaviors. Some behavioral tests indicated increased avoidance and anxiety. While spatial learning and memory were unchanged, knockout animals displayed slightly impaired cognitive flexibility. Female animals had similar abnormalities as males in the paradigms testing avoidance, anxiety, and cognition, but were less pathological in motor function and repetitive behavior. In all test paradigms, heterozygous Shank3 knockout animals had either no abnormal or a milder phenotype. Accurate characterization of animal models for genetic diseases is a prerequisite for understanding the pathophysiology. This is subsequently the basis for finding suitable and, ideally, translational biomarkers for therapeutic approaches and, thereby reducing the number of animals needed for preclinical trials.
Actuation delay compensation of robots in semi-physical test
Authors: Zhang Xiao , He Yun , Xu Zhigang , Jiang Zainan , Liu Yong , Feng Wenbo , Wu Junwu
Published: January 2023

In general, the traditional spacecraft semi-physical docking tests include the evaluation of docking and separation performance. However, these tests often rely on “specific” equipment, such as specially designed actuators and fast-response hydraulic systems, to meet the stringent dynamic response requirements of semi-physical testing. In this paper, a novel docking test platform is designed based on a general-purpose industrial manipulator using 3-D force and 3-D torque sensors. Different from the traditional solution, this novel platform is well-assembled and cost-effective. Furthermore, an actuation delay compensation method is introduced to improve the performance. Finally, the proposed method is evaluated using simulations. The results show that the novel method is with promising performance in terms of actuation delay compensation.
Mechanical thrombectomy for acute multivessel occlusions with duplicated middle cerebral artery: A case report
Authors: Han Hai-Ji , Sang Qiang , Wang Xi-Ming , Wu Yan-Feng
Published: January 2023

Acute multivessel occlusions generally have multisite clot burden with lower successful reperfusion rates, and cerebrovascular anatomical variants increase the challenge of endovascular clot retrieval. We report a case of acute anterior multivessel occlusions patient with duplicated middle cerebral artery. Combined balloon guide catheter with stent retriever and aspiration approach has gained complete revascularization and good functional outcomes at 3 months follow-up.
Dynamic postural balance indices can help discriminate between patients with multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bao Wei , Li Puyu , Yang Ying , Chen Kai , Liu Jun
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and those with multiple system atrophy (MSA) show similar symptoms but have different clinical treatments. It will be helpful to discriminate between these two kinds of patients at an early or middle stage. The purpose of this study is to highlight the differences in posturographic characterization between patients with PD and those with MSA during quiet standing and perturbed standing.

Methods

A total of clinically diagnosed 42 patients with PD and 32 patients with MSA participated in the experiment. Patients were asked to first stand on a static balance force platform and then on a dynamic balance (medial-lateral rocker) force platform to measure the center of pressure (COP) trajectory during an eyes-open (EO) state. The posturographic parameters were obtained under the two standing conditions for statistical analysis.

Results

Four posturographic variables were calculated and analyzed, namely, the standard deviation of COP position (SD), sway path of COP position (SP), an elliptical area covering the 95% COP position trajectory (EA), sway path of COP position (SP), and integral area of the power spectral density at 0–0.5 Hz frequency band (PSD). Except for variable EA, the other three variables are all in the medial-lateral (ML) direction. In the static balance experiment, there were no significant differences between the four variables between patients with PD and those with MSA. However, in the dynamic balance experiment, the obtained four variables all presented significant differences between patients with PD and those with MSA.

Conclusion

The dynamic posturographic variables with significant differences between patients with PD and those with MSA imply that patients with MSA have worse postural control ability in the medial-lateral (ML) direction compared to patients with PD. The obtained dynamic indices may help supplemental clinical evaluation to discriminate between patients with MSA and those with PD.
Sleep state of the elderly population in Korea: Nationwide cross-sectional population-based study
Authors: Hwang Heewon , Kim Kyung Min , Yun Chang-Ho , Yang Kwang Ik , Chu Min Kyung , Kim Won-Joo
Published: January 2023

Objective

Interest in sleep disorders among the elderly, especially those in Korea, has increased. We aimed to describe the overall sleep status of the elderly population in Korea using survey data and to determine the risk factors concerning different aspects of sleep status.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey on 271 respondents aged 65–86 years old. We performed multistage clustered random sampling according to the population and socioeconomic distribution of all Korean territories. The survey questionnaire was used to perform a structural assessment of sociodemographic characteristics; medical comorbidities; psychiatric comorbidities; and sleep status, including sleep duration, sleep quality, presence of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome.

Results

Approximately 12.5, 22.%, and 51.3% of the elderly population had poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia, respectively. Hypertension, dyslipidemia, insomnia, anxiety, and depression predicted poor sleep quality. Female sex, insomnia, and sleep apnea predicted excessive daytime sleepiness. Poor sleep quality and depression predicted insomnia.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of the elderly Korean population have sleep problems, including poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and insomnia. Sleep status is influenced by various factors, including age, sex, and metabolic and psychiatric comorbidities.
Clinical-functional characteristics of children with asthma and obstructive sleep apnea overlap associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nguyen-Ngoc-Quynh Le , Nguyen-Thi-Thanh Mai , Nguyen-Thi-Phuong Mai , Le-Quynh Chi , Le-Thi-Minh Huong , Duong-Quy Sy
Published: January 2023

Background

Asthma and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are common chronic respiratory disorders in children. The relationship between asthma and OSA is bidirectional; these conditions share multiple epidemiological risk factors. Untreated OSA may cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ADHD in asthmatic children with OSA and the link between asthma control and lung function of children with asthma and OSA.

Methods

A total of 96 children aged 6–15 years diagnosed with asthma, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2020, were enrolled in this study. All demographic data, including age, gender, body mass index, asthma control status, therapy, the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale, lung function, and exhaled nitric oxide, were collected. In addition, home respiratory polygraphy was used to identify OSA in study subjects.

Results

A total of 96 patients (8.4 ± 2.4 years) were included in the present study. OSA was identified in 60.4% of asthmatic children with a mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 3.5 ± 3.0 event/h. The inattentive ADHD subtype was significantly lower in the non-OSA asthmatic group than in the OSA asthmatic group (7.9 vs. 34.5%, p < 0.05). ADHD had a higher probability of presence (OR: 3.355; 95% CI: 1.271–8.859; p < 0.05) in the OSA group (AHI >1 event/h). Children with poorly controlled asthma had a significantly high risk of OSA (83.0 vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001) than children with well-controlled asthma. Allergic rhinitis increased the odds of having OSA in patients with asthma [OR: 8.217 (95% CI: 3.216–20.996); p < 0.05].

Conclusion

The prevalence of OSA is increased among poorly controlled asthma. ADHD may have a higher prevalence in children with OSA. Therefore, prompt diagnosis of OSA will lead to an accurate asthma control strategy in patients with asthma.
Evaluation of altered brain activity in type 2 diabetes using various indices of brain function: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Zhang Ge , Liu Taiyuan , Wei Wei , Zhang Rui , Wang Huilin , Wang Meiyun
Published: January 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been identified as a risk factor that increases the rate of cognitive decline. Previous studies showed that patients with T2DM had brain function alterations based on a single index of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The present study aimed to explore spontaneous brain activity in patients with T2DM by comparing various rs-fMRI indices, and to determine the relationship between these changes and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

A total of 52 patients with T2DM and age- and sex-matched control participants were included in this study. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) values were calculated to represent the status of spontaneous neural activity. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used for the rapid evaluation of cognition in all subjects. Pearson correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to investigate the relationship between rs-fMRI indices and clinical parameters such as fasting glucose, disease duration, and MoCA.

Results

Patients with T2DM had alterations of concordant spontaneous brain activity in brain areas including the bilateral cerebellum posterior lobe, the left inferior temporal gyrus (ITG.L), the parahippocampal gyrus, and the left supplementary motor area (SMA.L). The indices were significantly correlated to each other in most of the detected brain areas. Positive correlations were observed between fasting glucose and neural activity in the surrounding areas of the left insula and the inferior frontal gyrus. MoCA scores were negatively correlated with the ReHo values extracted from the left anterior occipital lobe and the superior cerebellar cortex and were positively correlated with VMHC values extracted from the left caudate and the precentral gyrus (PreCG). No significant mediation effect of abnormal brain activity was found in the relationship between clinical parameters and MoCA scores.

Conclusion

The current study demonstrated the functional concordance of abnormal brain activities in patients with T2DM by comparing ALFF, ReHo, and VMHC measurements. Widespread abnormalities mainly involved in motor and sensory processing functions may provide insight into examining T2DM-related neurological pathophysiology.
Accelerated fission rate irradiation design, pre-irradiation characterization, and adaptation of conventional PIE methods for U-10Mo and U-17Mo
Authors: Doyle Peter , Massey Caleb , Richardson Dylan , Greenquist Ian , Seibert Rachel , Helmreich Grant , Ulrich Tash , Gallagher Ryan , Godsey Kara , Fielding Randall , Nelson Andrew T. , Harp Jason
Published: January 2023

Metallic U alloys have high U density and thermal conductivity and thus have been explored since the beginning of nuclear power research. Alloys of U with modest amounts of Mo, such as U-10 wt % Mo (U-10Mo), are of particular interest because the γ-U crystal structure in this alloying addition shows prolonged stability in reactor service. Historically, radiation data on U-10Mo fuels were collected in Na fast reactors or lower temperature research reactor conditions, but little is known about irradiation behavior, particularly swelling and creep, at irradiation temperatures between 250 and 500°C. This work discusses the methodology and pre-irradiation characterization results from a U-Mo irradiation campaign performed in the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. U-10Mo and U-17Mo samples irradiations are being completed at temperatures ranging from 250 to 500°C to three targeted fission densities between 2 × 1020 and 1.5 × 1021 fissions per cubic centimeter. Swelling measurement of the specimen sizes studied here required development and assessment of new methods for volume determination before and after irradiation. Laser profilometry and X-ray computation tomography (XCT) were used to provide preirradiation characterization of samples to determine the error and applicability of each to determine swelling following irradiation. These outcomes are contextualized through use of BISON simulations performed to assess the predicted expansion of U-Mo fuels subjected to the irradiation conditions of this work. Use of existing BISON fuel performance models predicted a maximum of 7% swelling under the irradiation conditions of this study. Pre-irradiation characterization revealed the as-cast U-Mo fuel samples were uniformly large-grained fully cubic U crystals with small U-C/N bearing precipitates and pores distributed throughout. Samples were found to contain a bulk porosity between .4 and 3% because of the casting process. Local porosity in areas far from large, interconnected pores was found by Slice-and-View to be under .2%. Nanometer-sized precipitates rich in C and N were identified in all samples, likely because of impurities during the fabrication process. Dendritic bands were also observed throughout the samples. These bands were characterized by variable Mo content that deviated from the overall Mo content by 2–3 wt %. No other microstructural features were correlated to these bands. Mechanical properties were found to be slightly strengthened compared to literature reports of bulk U-Mo fuels due to the nano-scale precipitates throughout the sample.
The association between vitamin D status and inflammatory bowel disease among children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fatahi Somaye , Alyahyawi Naseem , Albadawi Naryman , Mardali Farzaneh , Dara Naghi , Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Prabahar Kousalya , Rohani Pejman , Koushki Nazanin , Sayyari Aliakbar , Hosseini Amir Hossein , Abu-Zaid Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Aim

Vitamin D deficiency is very common among children with IBD. Since there are conflicting results regarding the association of vitamin D with IBD, we conducted this systematic review to confirm the association of vitamin D with IBD.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search in Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar to find relevant studies. Articles with cross-sectional and case-control designs that reported the association between vitamin D and IBD among children were included.

Results

Eventually, 9 studies (with 16 effect sizes) reported the mean and SD or the median and the interquartile range of serum vitamin D levels in both subjects with IBD and control subjects. The random effects meta-analysis revealed that subjects with IBD had −1.159 ng/ml (95% CI: −2.783, 0.464) lower serum vitamin D concentrations compared with their healthy counterparts, but this difference was not significant. A total of 14 studies (with 18 effect sizes) with 2,602 participants provided information for the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in patients with IBD as 44% (95% CI: 0.34–0.54) with significant heterogeneity noted among studies (p< 0.001; I2= 97.31%).

Conclusion

This systematic and meta-analysis study revealed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with IBD. Longitudinal studies should be conducted in the future to confirm our findings. Large randomized controlled trials assessing the doses of supplementation of vitamin D would provide a better understanding of the association between vitamin D and IBD.
Effect of school feeding program on body mass index of primary school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Mohammed Bekri , Belachew Tefera , Kedir Shemsu , Abate Kalkidan Hassen
Published: January 2023

Background

Governments and developmental organizations are encouraged to devote adequate resources to the establishment of free school meals to low-income children in developing countries. In Ethiopia, the school feeding program (SFP) is implemented in a few regions including the capital, Addis Ababa. However, the nutritional benefit of the program was not monitored and reported thus far. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the SFP on the body mass index (BMI) of primary school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia.

Method

A prospective cohort study was employed to collect data from 644 SFP-beneficiary adolescents (n = 322) and non-SFP (n = 322). Nutritional outcomes were measured following 6 months of follow-up. WHO Anthroplus were used to convert anthropometric data into body-mass-index-for-age Z scores. The independent effect of school feeding is analyzed through a multivariable linear regression model.

Result

In linear regression, unadjusted model (Model 1), compared with the non-school-fed adolescents, the mean difference in difference of BAZ-score of school-fed adolescent was higher by 0.36 (β 0.36, 95% CI 0.17, 0.55). The beta coefficient remained positive after adjusted for age and sex (Model 2: β 0.35, 95% CI 0.16, 0.54) and sociodemographic variable (Model 3: β 0.35, 95% CI 0.16, 0.54). In the final model, adjusted for model four, lifestyle and health status there was a significant difference in favor of school-fed adolescents on BAZ-score indices (Model 4: β 0.4, 95% CI 0.18–0.62). On the contrary, for a unit increase in family size, the BAZ score will decrease by 0.06 (β 0.06, 95% CI −0.12–−0.01). Similarly, adolescents with a middle tertile wealth index decreased their BAZ score by 0.30 (β 0.30, 95% CI −0.55–−0.05) as compared to the higher tertile wealth index.

Conclusion

School feeding was positively associated with a change in BAZ score whereas family size and middle tertile wealth index were negatively associated. This implies that school feeding can serve as an optimal strategy for addressing the nutrition needs of adolescents.
Application of a multispecies probiotic reduces gastro-intestinal discomfort and induces microbial changes after colonoscopy
Authors: Labenz Joachim , Borkenstein Daniela-Patricia , Heil Franz Josef , Madisch Ahmed , Tappe Ulrich , Schmidt Harald , Terjung Birgit , Klymiuk Ingeborg , Horvath Angela , Gross Manfred , Stadlbauer Vanessa
Published: January 2023

Even after decades of research and pharmaceutical development, cancer is still one of the most common causes of death in the western population and the management of cancer will remain a major challenge of medical research. One of the most common types of cancer is colorectal cancer (CRC). Prevention by detection of early-stage precursors is the most reliable method to prevent CRC development. In dependence of age, familial predisposition, and other risk factors the preventative routine screening for CRC by colonoscopy should be performed at least twice in intervals of about ten years. Although colonoscopy is a life-saving clinical examination reducing both incidence and mortality of CRC significantly, it has still a bad reputation in the population as an uncomfortable procedure with unpleasant side effects lasting sometimes over days to weeks. These effects are most likely caused by the bowel preparation before colonoscopy, which is crucial for a successful colonoscopy with high quality. Beside pain, bleeding and other rare but severe complications of colonoscopy, cleaning of the intestinal mucosa alters the gut microbiome significantly and consistently. Abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, and constipation are common adverse events which can continue to affect patients for days or even weeks after the procedure. In this multicenter, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial, we investigated the effect of an intervention with a multispecies probiotic formulation for 30 days on the adverse events due to bowel preparation. We show that the treatment of participants with the multispecies probiotic formulation decreases the number of days with constipation significantly, and reduced pain, bloating, diarrhea, and general discomfort. 16S based amplicon analyses reveal recovery of administered probiotic strains from stool samples and differences in alpha diversity dynamics with higher variability in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, the probiotic ameliorates the side effects after colonoscopy and might be an important supplement to increase acceptance of this life-saving preventative examination. Further, we present here for the first time that probiotic intervention of only 30 days affects alpha diversity parameters in stool samples.
Clinical effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate therapy on mortality for septic patients with acute moderate lactic acidosis
Authors: Huang Sai , Yang Bo , Peng Yaojun , Xing Qinrui , Wang Lili , Wang Jing , Zhou Xuan , Yao Yuan , Chen Li , Feng Cong
Published: January 2023

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate (SB) administration on mortality in septic patients with acute moderate lactic acidosis (MLA).

Methods: The large ICU database (MIMIC-IV) was retrospectively analyzed. Patients with sepsis and acute MLA were identified. Propensity score analysis (PSA) was performed to explain baseline differences in the probability of accepting or not accepting SB. The edge structured cox model (MSCM) was used to adjust for baseline and time-varying confounding variables. The primary outcome was the ICU and hospital mortality. The subgroup of septic shock was also investigated.

Results: A total of 512 septic patients with acute MLA were identified in this study, including 160 in the SB group and 352 in the non-SB group. In the PSA, SB administration was associated with reduced ICU (HR .58, 95% CI 0.38–.89; p <.05) and hospital (HR .67, 95% CI 0.47–.95; p <.05) mortality in septic patients with acute MLA. In the subgroup, the results were similar with septic patients. In the MSCM, SB administration could also improve the ICU (HR .35, 95% CI 0.16–.75; p <.01) and (HR .50, 95% CI 0.28–.88; p <.05) mortality on septic patients. However, In the subgroup, SB administration could only be found associated with improved hospital (HR .44, 95% CI 0.20–.97; p <.05) survival in septic shock.

Conclusion: SB administration treatment could reduce ICU and hospital mortality of septic patients with acute MLA. Meanwhile, it could also improve hospital survival in the subgroup of septic shock patients with acute MLA.
Adding of apatinib and camrelizumab to overcome de novo trastuzumab resistance of HER2-positive gastric cancer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lv Huifang , He Yunduan , Nie Caiyun , Du Feng , Chen Xiaobing
Published: January 2023

Background: Studies confirmed that trastuzumab plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy improves the survival to more than 1 year in human with human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer. However, there are still a small proportion of patients who do not benefit from trastuzumab treatment.

Case summary: Here, we described a case report of de novo trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive gastric cancer. Concomitant cyclin-E1 (CCNE1) and HER2 amplification are associated with de novo trastuzumab resistance. Genomic analysis demonstrated CCNE1 amplification and TP53 mutation in a HER2-positive gastric cancer patient. This patient achieved significant survival benefit and good safety when the patient received triple regimens consisting of trastuzumab, apatinib, and camrelizumab.

Conclusion: Trastuzumab plus camrelizumab plus apatinib has the potential efficacy in HER2-positive gastric cancer patients who were previously treated with trastuzumab plus chemotherapy. This may lead to a new solution to trastuzumab resistance.
Effects of electroacupuncture on bladder dysfunction and the expression of PACAP38 in a diabetic rat model
Authors: Han Xuke , Chen Yiding , Ha Lue , Yang Jiao , Wang Fangzhou , Chen Huizhen , Zhou Qian , Long Cong , Qiu Xianliang , Chen Qiu
Published: January 2023

Objective: To explore the effects and the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) in streptozotocin-high fat diet (STZ-HFD) induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats.

Methods: The experiment was divided into Control, diabetic bladder dysfunction, electroacupuncture, and Sham electroacupuncture group. After 8 weeks of electroacupuncture intervention, the body mass, 24 h urine volume, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), and urodynamics were detected. After the wet weight of the bladder was detected, the hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson’s trichrome, and TUNEL were used to analyze histological changes. The PACAP38 expressions in the bladder were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot.

Results: Compared to the Control group, the bladder wet weight, 24 h urine volume, blood glucose, maximum bladder capacity, bladder compliance, bladder wall thickness, the smooth muscle/collagen ratio, and apoptosis rate of the diabetic bladder dysfunction group were significantly increased. Moreover, the body mass and leak point pressure were significantly reduced. Compared with the Sham electroacupuncture group, the bladder wet weight, maximum bladder capacity, bladder compliance, bladder wall thickness, and apoptosis rate of the electroacupuncture group were significantly reduced. In contrast, the leak point pressure was increased. The PACAP38 mRNA and PACAP38 protein expression of the diabetic bladder dysfunction group were significantly lower than the Control group, while electroacupuncture treatment could upregulate PACAP38 mRNA levels and PACAP38 protein expression of diabetic bladder dysfunction model rats.

Conclusion: electroacupuncture could ameliorate bladder dysfunction in the diabetic bladder dysfunction model rats by reversing bladder remodeling, which might be mainly mediated by regulating the PACAP38 level.
Isokinetic leg muscle strength relationship to dynamic balance reflects gymnast-specific differences in adolescent females
Authors: Kyselovičová Oľga , Zemková Erika , Péliová Katarína , Matejová Lenka
Published: January 2023

Balance, together with other motor qualities, plays an important role in the successful execution of specific gymnastic skills. However, it is also not clear whether different demands on dynamic balance and power produced by lower limb can be observed in sport-specific differences among gymnasts of various modalities. The question also is as to what extent isokinetic leg muscle strength contributes to anterior and posterior postural stability in gymnasts. Therefore, the aim of the study was i) to compare variables of dynamic balance and isokinetic leg muscle strength in rhythmic, artistic, and aerobic gymnasts, and ii) to investigate the relationship of reach distances in anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions, as well as the composite score in the Y-balance test with an isokinetic muscle strength during knee extension and flexion at different velocities in female gymnasts of various disciplines. Altogether seven aerobic, five artistic, and six rhythmic gymnasts performed the Y-balance test and isokinetic leg muscle strength test at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 300°/s. Results showed significant between-group differences in the composite score in the Y-balance test of the dominant (F = 3.536, p = .041) and non-dominant symmetry (F = 4.804, p = .015). Similarly, average power produced during knee extension and knee flexion at 60°/s, 180°/s and 300°/s differed significantly among these groups (all at p˂0.05). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the composite score of the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength at 60°/s (r = .54), 180°/s (r = .87), and 300°/s (r = .84) in aerobic gymnasts. The composite score of the dominant limb symmetry was also associated with isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, albeit only at 60°/s in both artistic (r = .60) and rhythmic gymnasts (r = .55). Such between-group differences may be ascribed to their different demands on maintenance of balance under dynamic conditions and leg muscle power within their sport specializations. Taking into account significant association between the dominant limb symmetry and isokinetic dominant limb extension strength, it may be concluded that both muscle strength and fast speeds contribute to dynamic balance in adolescent gymnasts.
Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome data reveals insights for molecular mechanisms in overwintering Tibetan frogs, Nanorana parkeri
Authors: Niu Yonggang , Zhang Xuejing , Men Shengkang , Storey Kenneth B. , Chen Qiang
Published: January 2023

Nanorana parkeri (Anura, Dicroglossidae) is a unique frog living at high altitude on the Tibetan plateau where they must endure a long winter dormancy at low temperatures without feeding. Here, we presented a comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of liver tissue from summer-active versus overwintering N. parkeri, providing the first broad analysis of altered energy metabolism and gene expression in this frog species. We discovered that significantly up-regulated genes (2,397) in overwintering frogs mainly participated in signal transduction and immune responses, phagosome, endocytosis, lysosome, and autophagy, whereas 2,169 down-regulated genes were mainly involved in metabolic processes, such as oxidation-reduction process, amino acid metabolic process, fatty acid metabolic process, and TCA cycle. Moreover, 35 metabolites were shown to be differentially expressed, including 22 down-regulated and 13 up-regulated in winter. These included particularly notable reductions in the concentrations of most amino acids. These differentially expressed metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism. To sum up, these findings suggest that gene expression and metabolic processes show adaptive regulation in overwintering N. parkeri, that contributes to maintaining homeostasis and enhancing protection in the hypometabolic state. This study has greatly expanded our understanding of the winter survival mechanisms in amphibians.
Establishment and application value of a novel prescription medication abuse monitoring model for psychiatric hospitals
Authors: Du Zhiqiang , Jiang Ying , Lu Rongrong , Shen Yuan , Ou Mengmeng , Wang Zhe , Cao Lina , Zhou Qin , Zhu Haohao
Published: January 2023

Objective

To construct a prescription medication abuse (PMA) monitoring model for psychiatric hospitals and to assess its applicability.

Methods

A PMA monitoring working group was established to guide the formulation of a PMA monitoring system, which included three active real-time monitoring modes and one retrospective analysis monitoring mode. The effect of the established system was analyzed.

Results

In 2021, 35 cases of effective PMA were reported, which was a significant increase compared to two cases identified through passive monitoring mode in the preceding year. Most of the reported cases were based on active real-time monitoring mode. Among them, 21 cases (60.00%) were identified during the diagnosis and treatment of medicine and nursing; 3 cases (8.57%) were reported based on drug concentration detection technology; and 5 cases (14.29%) were reported by the laboratory department during PMA screening. Besides, 6 cases (17.14%) were reported according to the retrospective analysis of the hospital information system. The majority of prescription medication abusers were adolescents under the age of 18 (12 cases, 34.29%). Overall, there were 27 cases of class II psychotropic prescription medications, accounting for 77.14%.

Conclusion

The combined PMA monitoring model can effectively improve the quality of PMA monitoring and provide a basis for the supervision of higher-level regulatory authorities.
The perspective of staff members of two forensic psychiatric clinics in German-speaking Switzerland on the introduction of recovery orientation: An explorative study
Authors: Schoppmann Susanne , Balensiefen Joachim , Nienaber André , Rogge Stefan , Hachtel Henning
Published: January 2023

Recovery orientation (RO) is directed at living a worthwhile life despite being impaired by the constraints of mental illness. Although being quite common in general psychiatry in Switzerland, the dual mission of forensic psychiatry—safeguarding and therapy—challenges the idea of establishing RO as a work philosophy in this context. This explorative study qualitatively investigates baseline expectations and professional perspectives of forensic staff members concerning the idea of establishing RO in Swiss forensic psychiatric wards. Thereby, three central themes were worked out, namely “challenges associated with recovery,” “expected barriers,” and “possible recovery-oriented interventions.” From a general point of view, the staff members were uncertain whether RO interventions could be introduced at all, and if so, to what extent. This, on the one hand, had to do with structural obstacles such as security requirements; however, personal obstacles in the form of different, sometimes contradictory attitudesand ideals and fearful anticipations—such as the loss of authority and power—also played a central role. As forensic psychiatric wards are non-existent in Latin-speaking Switzerland, the study does only refer to the German-speaking language region.
Longitudinal study of mental health changes in residents affected by an initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Du Na , Xiao Yu , Ouyang Yingjie , Li Yunge , Geng Ting , Li Chunya , Yu Chan , Hu Yalan , Liu Fengyu , Zhang Li , Zhu Min , Luo Lishi , Huang Juan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, and the world continues to work to defeat it. We designed this study to understand the longitudinal change in the mental health of residents who experienced the initial disease outbreak in China and to explore the long-term influencing factors.

Methods

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were administered to the same sample four times: during the initial outbreak (T1), 1 month later (T2), 18 months later (T3), and 26 months later (T4).

Results

A total of 397 participants completed all of the follow ups. The mean PSS scores among the four time points showed significant differences (F = 183.98, P < 0.001), with the highest score at T1 (15.35 ± 7.14), a sharp decline at T2 (11.27 ± 6.27), an obvious rebound at T3 (15.17 ± 7.46), and finally a slight decrease at T4 (14.41 ± 7.99). Among the four mean GAD-7 scores, significant differences were also found (F = 242.0, P < 0.001), with the trend that from T1 (7.42 ± 6.03) to T2 (7.35 ± 5.88), the scores remained steady, while they showed an apparent decline at T3 (5.00 ± 5.30) and no obvious change at T4 (4.91 ± 4.81). There were no significant differences among the mean PHQ-9 scores (F = 1.256, P < 0.284). The long-term influencing factors differed for stress, anxiety and depression, but all three were influenced by a history of psychosis at T4, quarantine status and whether the participants' family members were infected during the initial outbreak.

Discussion

The survey revealed that repeated outbreaks in other areas also had an impact on those who experienced the initial outbreak, with a return of stress, a decline in anxiety, and no change in depression, which provides direction for interventions in the future.
Community advisory committee as a facilitator of health and wellbeing: A qualitative study in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Chumo Ivy , Kabaria Caroline , Oduor Clement , Amondi Christine , Njeri Ann , Mberu Blessing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

A range of community engagement initiatives to advance health and wellbeing are currently taking place in informal settlements in low and middle income countries (LMICs), including community and stakeholder meetings, use of radio, film, TV programs and other information, education and communication materials (IECs) organized by different stakeholders. While these initiatives tend to focus on unidirectional flow of information to communities, the need to incorporate initiatives focusing on bi or multi-directional flow of information have been identified. Despite the extensive body of literature on community engagement, the role of Community Advisory Committees (CACs) in advancing health and wellbeing in informal settlements is still a puzzle, occasioned by considerable ambiguity. A community advisory committee is a dedicated group of volunteers to support health and wellbeing needs of their community using a community approach. Researchers and project implementers work in partnership with CACs to successfully implement their activities within the target community.

Methods

In this paper, using in-depth interviews, we document the roles of CACs in advancing health and wellbeing in Korogocho and Viwandani informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.

Results

Study participants described the role of CAC in advancing health and wellbeing through education and awareness creation, advisory roles in research and implementation goals, protecting community interests and acting as gatekeepers and collaborators to community partners. Identified barriers to achieving CAC roles include lack of finance and other field resources, being labeled as organization staff and low involvement by some upcoming and emerging local leaders on issues which involve the CAC constituents. Enablers of CACs in their roles include possession of appropriate skills and values by members; involvement of the community in the selection of members, regular consultative and advisory meetings, representativeness in the composition of CAC membership and knowledge about the community.

Conclusion

We conclude that CACs play key roles in advancing health and wellbeing in informal settlements and that existing CACs mechanisms and operations need to be given due consideration by researchers, project implementers and local authorities right from project conceptualization. CACs need recognition beyond consultations and placations during research and project implementation to a veritable social structure for community's social viability and survival as well as partners in development for inclusive urbanization process. While CACs have contributed in advancing health and wellbeing in informal settlements, there is need for a long-term strategy to optimize their impact and reduce puzzles around their roles.
Assessment of changes in environmental factors in a tourism-oriented Island
Authors: Shi Zhipeng , Jiang Yipeng , Zhai Xiaotong , Zhang Yuqing , Xiao Xiangming , Xia Jianhong
Published: January 2023

Tourism development has influenced industrial structure changes and has become a major driving force for China's new urbanization. However, the development will negatively impact natural resources and the ecological environment and will become an essential driving factor for land use change. Therefore, understanding the impact of tourism urbanization is crucial for sustainable local development. This study selected the Dachangshan Island in the Changhai County, Dalian, China, as the study area, because it is the only coastal island-type border county in China. During the study period, changes in local environmental factors were analyzed based on land use data, Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 data of 2009, 2014, and 2019. The results showed that: (1) the overall land surface temperature (LST) in the research region shows an increasing trend; the LST in 2014 and 2019 increased by 6.10 and 5.94 °C, respectively, compared with 2009. With respect to specific land types, impervious surfaces maintained a high land surface temperature (25.44, 32.38, and 31.86); however, surface temperatures for cropland, forest, grassland, and water bodies remained stable. (2) The land use land cover (LULC) change analysis from 2009–2019 indicates that impervious surfaces and cropland increased by 0.5653 km2 and 0.9941 km2, while the areas of forest, grassland, and water bodies decreased. The results also showed that forests (−1.3703 km2) are most affected by urbanization. (3) The results of the landscape index calculation showed that the variation at the patch scale is different for different LULC types. The patch density of impervious surfaces decreased, but the aggregation index increased over time, while the patch density of the forest increased continuously. At the landscape scale, overall patch type and distribution remained stable. The purpose of this study is to explore the environmental changes of islands and provide a reference for the sustainable development of islands.
Sociodemographic, economic, physical, and mental health status of previously hospitalised patients with COVID-19 symptoms in Bangladesh: Protocol for a mixed-method study
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir , Pooja Shangjucta Das , Nandonik Ahmed Jojan , Mostafa Shamira , Kabir Zarina Nahar
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Not much is known about the long-term consequences of COVID-19, popularly known as long COVID. This is particularly so in terms of patterns and clusters of symptoms over time, sociodemographic and economic characteristics of patients, and related clinical history. This is crucial for resource-constrained health systems such as Bangladesh to address long COVID as a forthcoming challenge. This protocol aims to investigate the consequences of COVID-19 over time for physical and mental health and how these are associated with demographic and socio-economic factors.

Methods and analysis

This mixed-method study collected information on all patients with symptoms of COVID-19 admitted to and discharged after recovery from a COVID-19-dedicated hospital in Bangladesh (N = 942), from April to December 2020. The sources of data were admission records and discharge certificates from the hospital for clinical history, cross-sectional survey on physical and mental health (assessed by DASS21 scale)-related symptoms and socioeconomic changes after recovery, and qualitative in-depth interviews on experiences of COVID-19. Interviews were conducted over the phone. Quantitative analysis was done to estimate the prevalence of physical and mental health consequences of COVID-19 after recovery and the association with socio-economic and demographic information. The qualitative analysis was performed using a thematic analysis approach.

Discussion

It is imperative to understand the post-COVID consequences and related health and non-health aspects to inform evidence-based policymaking, especially for resource-poor contexts such as Bangladesh. Given the dearth of evidence in this regard, the proposed study will contribute to bridging this knowledge gap. It is important to note that this study is one of the few which presents information on post-COVID-19 consequences in the context of low- and middle-income countries and the first in Bangladesh.
Image based deep learning in 12-lead ECG diagnosis
Authors: Ao Raymond , He George
Published: January 2023

Background

The electrocardiogram is an integral tool in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Most studies on machine learning classification of electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnoses focus on processing raw signal data rather than ECG images. This presents a challenge for models in many areas of clinical practice where ECGs are printed on paper or only digital images are accessible, especially in remote and regional settings. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of image based deep learning algorithms on 12-lead ECG diagnosis.

Methods

Deep learning models using VGG architecture were trained on various 12-lead ECG datasets and evaluated for accuracy by testing on holdout test data as well as data from datasets not seen in training. Grad-CAM was utilized to depict heatmaps of diagnosis.

Results

The results demonstrated excellent AUROC, AUPRC, sensitivity and specificity on holdout test data from datasets used in training comparable to the best signal and image-based models. Detection of hidden characteristics such as gender were achieved at a high rate while Grad-CAM successfully highlight pertinent features on ECGs traditionally used by human interpreters.

Discussion

This study demonstrates feasibility of image based deep learning algorithms in ECG diagnosis and identifies directions for future research in order to develop clinically applicable image based deep-learning models in ECG diagnosis.