bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Metabolism in Melanoma
Authors: Huang Christina , Radi Rakan H. , Arbiser Jack L.
Published: November 2021

Melanoma and its associated alterations in cellular pathways have been growing areas of interest in research, especially as specific biological pathways are being elucidated. Some of these alterations include changes in the mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma. Many mitochondrial metabolic changes lead to differences in the survivability of cancer cells and confer resistance to targeted therapies. While extensive work has gone into characterizing mechanisms of resistance, the role of mitochondrial adaptation as a mode of resistance is not completely understood. In this review, we wish to explore mitochondrial metabolism in melanoma and how it impacts modes of resistance. There are several genes that play a major role in melanoma mitochondrial metabolism which require a full understanding to optimally target melanoma. These include BRAF, CRAF, SOX2, MCL1, TRAP1, RHOA, SRF, SIRT3, PTEN, and AKT1. We will be discussing the role of these genes in melanoma in greater detail. An enhanced understanding of mitochondrial metabolism and these modes of resistance may result in novel combinatorial and sequential therapies that may lead to greater therapeutic benefit.
An Update on the Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Pathogenesis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Filip Rafał
Published: November 2021

Some of the most fundamental influences of microorganisms inhabiting the human intestinal tract are exerted during infant development and impact the maturation of intestinal mucosa and gut immune system. The impact of bacteria on the host gut immune system is partially mediated via released extracellular vesicles (EVs). The heterogeneity in EV content, size, and bacterial species origin can have an impact on intestinal cells, resulting in inflammation and an immune response, or facilitate pathogen entry into the gut wall. In mammals, maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier might also be an evolutionary function of maternal milk EVs. Recently, the usage of EVs has been explored as a novel therapeutic approach in several pathological conditions, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this review, we attempt to summarize the current knowledge of EV biology, followed by a discussion of the role that EVs play in gut maturation and the pathogenesis of NEC and IBD.
Arrhythmogenic Remodeling in the Failing Heart
Authors: Husti Zoltán , Varró András , Baczkó István
Published: November 2021

Chronic heart failure is a clinical syndrome with multiple etiologies, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachyarrhythmias and atrial fibrillation, are common in heart failure. A number of cardiac diseases including heart failure alter the expression and regulation of ion channels and transporters leading to arrhythmogenic electrical remodeling. Myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and scar formation are key elements of arrhythmogenic structural remodeling in heart failure. In this article, the mechanisms responsible for increased arrhythmia susceptibility as well as the underlying changes in ion channel, transporter expression and function as well as alterations in calcium handling in heart failure are discussed. Understanding the mechanisms of arrhythmogenic remodeling is key to improving arrhythmia management and the prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure.
Calcium Signaling Mediates Cell Death and Crosstalk with Autophagy in Kidney Disease
Authors: Ning Bo , Guo Chuanzhi , Kong Anqi , Li Kongdong , Xie Yimin , Shi Haifeng , Gu Jie
Published: November 2021

The kidney is an important organ for the maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis in the body. However, disruption of Ca2+ homeostasis will cause a series of kidney diseases, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), podocytopathy, and diabetic nephropathy. During the progression of kidney disease, Ca2+ signaling plays key roles in various cell activities such as necrosis, apoptosis, eryptosis and autophagy. Importantly, there are complex Ca2+ flux networks between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria and lysosomes which regulate intracellular Ca2+ signaling in renal cells and contribute to kidney disease. In addition, Ca2+ signaling also links the crosstalk between various cell deaths and autophagy under the stress of heavy metals or high glucose. In this regard, we present a review of Ca2+ signaling in cell death and crosstalk with autophagy and its potential as a therapeutic target for the development of new and efficient drugs against kidney diseases.
Psychosexual Care of Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Survivors
Authors: Reinman Laura , Coons Helen L. , Sopfe Jenna , Casey Robert
Published: November 2021

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors of cancer have diverse psychosocial and medical needs, including those related to fertility and sexual health. Much of the focus of care around issues such as fertility and sexual health tends to be filtered through a biomedical lens. However, it is essential that health care providers assess and support AYA survivors using a biopsychosocial and contextual framework to ensure the most comprehensive and accurate understanding of AYA survivor needs, especially those related to psychosexual health. A trusting relationship between the multi-disciplinary medical team and the AYA survivor that allows for open discussion about the physical and psychosocial components of sexual health is key to providing best care and outcomes.
Effects of Additives Containing Cyanopyridine on Electrodeposition of Bright Al Coatings from AlCl3-EMIC Ionic Liquids
Authors: Zhang Min , Peng Dong , Peng Feifei , Huang Anwei , Song Kaiqiang , He Qingbing , Yin Changqing , Rao Jinsong , Zhang Yuxin , Chen Haitao , Cong Dalong , Li Zhongsheng
Published: November 2021

The Al coatings were electrodeposited on the Cu substrate from AlCl3-EMIC ionic liquid (AlCl3:EMIC = 2:1 molar ratio) containing three cyanopyridine additives with different positions of the substituent group on the pyridine ring, which were 2-cyanopyridine, 3-cyanopyridine, and 4-cyanopyridine. The effects of cyanopyridine additives on the deposition potential, morphology, brightness, and corrosion properties of Al coatings were investigated. It was considered that the deposition potential of Al shifted to more negative overpotentials, the quality of Al coatings was promoted, and the corrosion property was improved by the cyanopyridine additives to a varying degree. Especially in the presence of 4-cyanopyridine, the flattest mirror bright Al coating was obtained, which had the smallest homogeneous nanocrystal grain size and strongest Al (200) crystallographic orientation. The average roughness Ra value was as low as 31 nm compared to that in the absence of cyanopyridine additives, which was 417 nm. Furthermore, the corrosion current density of the bright Al coating was three orders of magnitude lower than the rough Al coating, which resulted from the dense nanocrystal structure.
Prediction of Sites with a High Probability of Wild Mammal Roadkill Using a Favourability Function
Authors: Coitiño Hugo Ignacio , Achkar Marcel , Guerrero José Carlos
Published: November 2021

Roads are one of the main causes of loss of biodiversity, with roadkill one of the main causes of mortality. The aim of this research was to identify sites with a high probability of roadkill of medium and large mammals, and the environmental variables that would explain it. We used the favourability function (F) to build the predictive models. There were 57 explanatory variables, and we collected 685 records of 10 species of medium and large native wild mammals from the ECOBIO Uruguay databases. They were grouped into native forest and grassland species, according to the main habitat. Two models were developed, one with all the variables and one with the anthropogenic variables. For both groups, the model obtained with all the variables was the most significant according to the evaluation indices used. This made it possible to identify the hot spots of roadkill (F > 0.6) for each of the groups. The anthropic variables were the ones that best explained these hot spots. This allowed the identification of sites where the probability of roadkill is high and requires a monitoring plan to implement mitigation measures in the future.
The Solvability of the Discrete Boundary Value Problem on the Half-Line
Authors: Nockowska-Rosiak Magdalena
Published: November 2021

This paper provides conditions for the existence of a solution to the second-order nonlinear boundary value problem on the half-line of the form Δa(n)Δx(n)=f(n+1,x(n+1),Δx(n+1)),n∈N∪{0}, with αx(0)+βa(0)Δx(0)=0,x(∞)=d, where d,α,β∈R, α2+β2>0. To achieve our goal, we use Schauder’s fixed-point theorem and the perturbation technique for a Fredholm operator of index 0. Moreover, we construct the necessary condition for the existence of a solution to the considered problem.
Lockit: A Logic Locking Automation Software
Authors: Kajtez Nemanja , Zhang Yue , Halak Basel
Published: November 2021

The significant rise in the cost of manufacturing nanoscale integrated circuits (ICs) has led the majority of IC design companies to outsource the fabrication of their products to other companies, often located in different countries. The multinational nature of the hardware supply chain has led to a host of security threats, including IP piracy, IC overproduction, and Trojan insertion. To combat these, researchers have proposed logic locking techniques to protect the intellectual properties of the design and increase the difficulty of malicious modification of its functionality. However, the adoption of logic locking approaches has been rather slow due to the lack of integration with the IC production process and the lack of efficacy of existing algorithms. This work automates the logic locking process by developing software using Python that performs the locking on a gate-level netlist, which can be integrated with the existing digital synthesis tools. Analysis of the latest logic locking algorithms has demonstrated that the SFLL-HD algorithm is one of the most secure and versatile when trading-off levels of protection against different types of attacks and was thus selected for implementation. The presented tool can also be expanded to incorporate the latest locking mechanisms to keep up with the fast-paced development in this field. The paper also presents a case study to demonstrate the functionality of the tool and how it could be used to explore the design space and compare different locking solutions.
The Economics of Coking Coal Mining: A Fossil Fuel Still Needed for Steel Production
Authors: Duda Adam , Fidalgo Valverde Gregorio
Published: November 2021

Coking coal has been on the European list of critical raw materials since 2014 due to its high economic importance and high supply risk. In 2017, coking coal narrowly missed passing the threshold of economic importance. However, out of caution, it remained on the list of critical raw materials, as the steel industry still needs it. It is likely to be phased out of the list below when it does not fully meet the required criteria. As there are no significant alternatives for this energy intensive industry and neither electrification nor material or energy efficiency improvements are yet available at a sufficient level of technological readiness, the European Union remains dependent on coking coal imports. Therefore, any coking coal mining project in Europe is of great importance and an important alternative to solving the problems of providing this raw material. In this study, the Dębieńsko coking coal project in Poland is analyzed using a scientifically proven methodology based on world-class analysis of coking coal projects submitted for financing to financial institutions.
A Review on Synchronous Microalgal Lipid Enhancement and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Barua Visva Bharati , Munir Mariya
Published: November 2021

Microalgae are unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes that can treat wastewater and provide us with biofuel. Microalgae cultivation utilizing wastewater is a promising approach for synchronous wastewater treatment and biofuel production. However, previous studies suggest that high microalgae biomass production reduces lipid production and vice versa. For cost-effective biofuel production from microalgae, synchronous lipid and biomass enhancement utilizing wastewater is necessary. Therefore, this study brings forth a comprehensive review of synchronous microalgal lipid and biomass enhancement strategies for biofuel production and wastewater treatment. The review emphasizes the appropriate synergy of the microalgae species, culture media, and synchronous lipid and biomass enhancement conditions as a sustainable, efficient solution.
A Novel Approach to Transverse Flux Machine Construction
Authors: Drabek Tomasz , Kapustka Piotr , Lerch Tomasz , Skwarczyński Jerzy
Published: November 2021

The article presents a concept for a new design of the well-known Transverse Flux Machine (TFM) made with the use of a flat core used in classical electrical machines. The proposed design was first analytically verified and was subsequently verified using the finite element method, which fully corroborated the results. The simulations show that a set of three single-phase TFM machines with slotted flat rotor yokes generates a torque over three times greater than that of an induction motor and twice as large as Fractional Slot Concentrated Winding—Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (FSCW-PMSM). The performed comparative calculations confirmed that the torque generated by machines operating on principles similar to TFM can generate a torque much greater than those currently in common use.
Economic Analysis of Replacing HPS Lamp with LED Lamp and Cost Estimation to Set Up PV/Battery System for Street Lighting in Oman
Authors: George Allwyn Rona , Al Abri Rashid , Malik Arif , Al-Hinai Amer
Published: November 2021

In this paper, two aspects related to streetlight systems are considered. In the first part, the economic analysis of replacing existing HPS lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) and discrete LED lamps for street lighting is performed using actual data from Oman. The street lighting system inside Sultan Qaboos University is considered for the case study. The discounted payback period, which is calculated to study the practicability of implementing the system, is found to be 1.01 years, making the system financially appealing. Moreover, the estimated reduction of a carbon footprint shows that tonnes of CO2 emissions are reduced, which makes it environmentally attractive. The second part of the paper considers optimal sizing of PV/battery system for a new streetlight system with LED lamps. The life cycle cost analysis was performed and the related cost of energy generated per kWh is estimated as 0.097 $/kWh which proves the economic viability of the system to be implemented in Oman besides minimizing the CO2 emissions to zero.
Testing Forestry Digital Twinning Workflow Based on Mobile LiDAR Scanner and AI Platform
Authors: Niță Mihai Daniel
Published: November 2021

Climate-smart forestry is a sustainable forest management approach for increasing positive climate impacts on society. As climate-smart forestry is focusing on more sustainable solutions that are resource-efficient and circular, digitalization plays an important role in its implementation. The article aimed to validate an automatic workflow of processing 3D pointclouds to produce digital twins for every tree on large 1-ha sample plots using a GeoSLAM mobile LiDAR scanner and VirtSilv AI platform. Specific objectives were to test the efficiency of segmentation technique developed in the platform for individual trees from an initial cloud of 3D points observed in the field and to quantify the efficiency of digital twinning by comparing the automatically generated results of (DBH, H, and Volume) with traditional measurements. A number of 1399 trees were scanned with LiDAR to create digital twins and, for validation, were measured with traditional tools such as forest tape and vertex. The segmentation algorithm developed in the platform to extract individual 3D trees recorded an accuracy varying between 95 and 98%. This result was higher in accuracy than reported by other solutions. When compared to traditional measurements the bias for diameter at breast height (DBH) and height was not significant. Digital twinning offers a blockchain solution for digitalization, and AI platforms are able to provide technological advantage in preserving and restoring biodiversity with sustainable forest management.
The Threat of Pests and Pathogens and the Potential for Biological Control in Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Balla Amel , Silini Allaoua , Cherif-Silini Hafsa , Chenari Bouket Ali , Moser Warren Keith , Nowakowska Justyna Anna , Oszako Tomasz , Benia Farida , Belbahri Lassaad
Published: November 2021

Forests are an essential component of the natural environment, as they support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles—in addition to producing organic matter that is necessary for the function of terrestrial organisms. Forests today are subject to threats ranging from natural occurrences, such as lightning-ignited fires, storms, and some forms of pollution, to those caused by human beings, such as land-use conversion (deforestation or intensive agriculture). In recent years, threats from pests and pathogens, particularly non-native species, have intensified in forests. The damage, decline, and mortality caused by insects, fungi, pathogens, and combinations of pests can lead to sizable ecological, economic, and social losses. To combat forest pests and pathogens, biocontrol may be an effective alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This review of forest pests and potential adversaries in the natural world highlights microbial inoculants, as well as research efforts to further develop biological control agents against forest pests and pathogens. Recent studies have shown promising results for the application of microbial inoculants as preventive measures. Other studies suggest that these species have potential as fertilizers.
Deepfake-Image Anti-Forensics with Adversarial Examples Attacks
Authors: Fan Li , Li Wei , Cui Xiaohui
Published: November 2021

Many deepfake-image forensic detectors have been proposed and improved due to the development of synthetic techniques. However, recent studies show that most of these detectors are not immune to adversarial example attacks. Therefore, understanding the impact of adversarial examples on their performance is an important step towards improving deepfake-image detectors. This study developed an anti-forensics case study of two popular general deepfake detectors based on their accuracy and generalization. Herein, we propose the Poisson noise DeepFool (PNDF), an improved iterative adversarial examples generation method. This method can simply and effectively attack forensics detectors by adding perturbations to images in different directions. Our attacks can reduce its AUC from 0.9999 to 0.0331, and the detection accuracy of deepfake images from 0.9997 to 0.0731. Compared with state-of-the-art studies, our work provides an important defense direction for future research on deepfake-image detectors, by focusing on the generalization performance of detectors and their resistance to adversarial example attacks.
The Aftermath of the COVID-19 Crisis in Saudi Arabia: Respiratory Rehabilitation Recommendations by Physical Therapists
Authors: Reddy Ravi Shankar , Gautam Ajay Prashad , Tedla Jaya Shanker , Ferreira Arthur Sá , Reis Luis Felipe Fonseca , Bairapareddy Kalyana Chakravarthy , Kakaraparthi Venkata Nagaraj , Gular Kumar
Published: November 2021

Since late 2019, the number of COVID-19 patients has gradually increased in certain regions as consecutive waves of infections hit countries. Whenever this wave hits the corresponding areas, the entire healthcare system must respond quickly to curb the diseases, morbidities, and mortalities in intensive care settings. The healthcare team involved in COVID-19 patients’ care must work tirelessly without having breaks. Our understanding of COVID-19 is limited as new challenges emerge with new COVID-19 variants appearing in different world regions. Though medical therapies are finding solutions to deal with the disease, there are few recommendations for respiratory rehabilitation therapies. A group of respiratory rehabilitation care professionals in Saudi Arabia and international experts have agreed with the World Health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) on the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19. Professionals participating in COVID-19 patient treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery formulated respiratory rehabilitation guidelines based on the DELPHI Method, combining scientific research and personal practical experience. As a result, it is envisaged that the number of individuals in the region suffering from respiratory ailments due to post-COVID-19 will decrease. This narrative review and clinical expertise guidelines may give physiotherapists acceptable and standard clinical guideline protocols for treating COVID-19 patients.
Novel Adiposity and Biochemical–Anthropometric Indices to Identify Cardiometabolic Risk and Metabolic Syndrome in Mexican Adults
Authors: Rodríguez-Carrillo Patricia Lizett , Aguirre-Tostado Priscila Irene , Macías-Cervantes Maciste H. , Alegría-Torres Jorge Alejandro , Luevano-Contreras Claudia
Published: November 2021

Although several indices used in clinical practice identify cardiometabolic risk (CR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), it is imperative to develop indices for specific populations. Therefore, we proposed and validated sex-specific indices to identify CR associated with visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation or MetS in Mexican adults. Additionally, a cut-off value for the visceral fat area (VFA) to identify CR was proposed. Clinical, anthropometric, biochemical, and body composition variables were evaluated in 904 subjects (25–45 years old) (84.4% men). Multiple and logistic regressions were used to model the indices and ROC curve analysis to determine predictive performance. An additional cohort (n = 186) was used for indices validation, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient was employed for agreement analysis. The proposed sex-specific indices, called Mexican adiposity indices (MAIs) and biochemical–anthropometric indices (BAIs), were good predictors for CR and MetS. The kappa coefficients showed a moderate agreement level. The VFA cut-off value chosen to identify CR was 100.3 cm2 because it had the best combination of sensitivity (66.8%) and specificity (64.4%). MAIs and BAIs could be clinical tools to identify either CR associated to VAT accumulation or MetS, respectively. A VFA cut-off value of 100.3 cm2 could identify CR in Mexican men.
Isolation Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic in People Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease and Activity, Self-Assessment of Physical Fitness and the Level of Affective Disorders
Authors: Knapik Andrzej , Szefler-Derela Justyna , Wasiuk-Zowada Dagmara , Siuda Joanna , Krzystanek Ewa , Brzęk Anna
Published: November 2021

Background: Staying at home for long periods and limiting various types of activities and social contacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have negative consequences for health. This is especially true for people suffering from chronic diseases, in whom an appropriate level of activity and social contacts delay the progress of the disease. This group includes people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease—PD. Aim: It was decided to investigate the effect of COVID-19 isolation related to self-assessment of physical fitness, physical activity, and the level of anxiety and depression in people with PD. Methods: The study included 30 patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. We compared the results of the pre-pandemic questionnaire and the telephone interview with the same questions—after the period of isolation due to COVID-19. The questionnaire included questions about physical activity and fitness self-assessment. The level of affective disorders was tested using HADS. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the physical activity of the respondents after isolation related to COVID-19 (p < 0.05). Self-assessment of physical fitness also decreased, but the differences were not statistically significant. In the post-isolation study, only 50% of the respondents had normative values for anxiety and only 40% for depression. The analysis showed that the level of physical activity—the independent variable, explains anxiety in 30% and depression in 27%. Conclusions: Pandemic isolation has significantly reduced physical activity in PD patients. There was a certain drop in the self-esteem of physical fitness in these people. Physical fitness is an important predictor of preventing the affective disorders of anxiety and depression. The effects of isolation due to COVID-19 require further research.
Burnout in French General Practitioners: A Nationwide Prospective Study
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Parreira Lenise M. , Eismann Julia , Lesage François-Xavier , Balayssac David , Lambert Céline , Clinchamps Maëlys , Pezet Denis , Pereira Bruno , Le Roy Bertrand
Published: November 2021

Background: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of burnout among French general practitioners in private practice and to study the risk and protective factors of burnout. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted with French GPs working in a private practice in France who were asked to fulfil an internet questionnaire. We used the secure internet application REDCap®. Exclusion criteria were only working in a hospital, substitute doctors, and internship students. There was a putative sample size of 88,886 GPs. We retrieved the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), occupational characteristics (type of installation, emergency regulated shifts, night shifts, university supervisor, weekly hours worked, seniority), and personal characteristics such as age, gender, marital status, and number of children. Results: We included 1926 GPs among the 2602 retrieved questionnaires. A total of 44.8% of French liberal GPs were experiencing burnout, with 4.8% (95%CI 3.9–5.9%) experiencing severe burnout. The risk factors of severe burnout were male gender (RR = 1.91, 95%CI 1.15–3.16), working in a suburban area (5.23, 2.18–12.58), and having more than 28 appointments per day (1.95, 1.19–3.19). Working more than 50 h weekly showed a tendency to increase the risk of severe burnout (1.55, 0.93–2.59, p = 0.095), with a significant increase in the risk of low and moderate burnout (1.31, 1.02–1.67 and 1.86, 1.34–2.57, respectively). Protective factors were mainly resident training, which decreased the risk of both low, moderate, and severe burnout (0.65, 0.51–0.83; 0.66, 0.48–0.92; and 0.42, 95%CI 0.23–0.76, respectively). Performing home visits decreased the risk of severe burnout (0.25, 0.13–0.47), as did group practice for intermediate level of burnout (0.71, 0.51–0.96). Conclusion: GPs are at a high risk of burnout, with nearly half of them in burnout, with burnout predominantly affecting males and those between the ages of 50 and 60 years old. The main risk factors were a high workload with more than 28 appointments per day or 50 h of work per week, and the main protective factors were related to social cohesion such having a teaching role and working in a group practice with back-office support.
Nutritional Management in Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Deledda Andrea , Pintus Stefano , Loviselli Andrea , Fosci Michele , Fantola Giovanni , Velluzzi Fernanda
Published: November 2021

The obesity epidemic, mainly due to lifestyle changes in recent decades, leads to serious comorbidities that reduce life expectancy. This situation is affecting the health policies of many nations around the world. Traditional measures such as diet, physical activity, and drugs are often not enough to achieve weight loss goals and to maintain the results over time. Bariatric surgery (BS) includes various techniques, which favor rapid and sustained weight loss. BS is a useful and, in most cases, the best treatment in severe and complicated obesity. In addition, it has a greater benefit/risk ratio than non-surgical traditional therapies. BS can allow the obese patient to lose weight quickly compared with traditional lifestyle changes, and with a greater probability of maintaining the results. Moreover, BS promotes improvements in metabolic parameters, even diabetes remission, and in the quality of life. These changes can lead to an increase of life expectancy by over 6 years on average. The nutrition of people before and after BS must be the subject of indications from a trained staff, and patients must be followed in the subsequent years to reduce the risk of malnutrition and the associated problems. In particular, it is still debated whether it is necessary to lose weight prior to surgery, a procedure that can facilitate the surgeon’s work reducing the surgical risk, but at the same time, lengthens preparation times increasing the risks associated with concomitant pathologies. Furthermore, preventing nutritional deficiencies prior to the intervention can improve the results and reduce short- and long-term mortality.
The Impact of Coronavirus Information-Seeking Behavior on Dental Care Access: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Gallegati Silvia , Aquilanti Luca , Temperini Valerio , Polinesi Gloria , Rappelli Giorgio
Published: November 2021

Health information-seeking behavior provides a variety of benefits, such as reducing knowledge gaps and educating individuals outside the medical office. This study aimed at evaluating if different sources used to gather information on COVID-19 could affect the willingness to undergo dental appointments. An anonymous survey was posted on social media. The 1003 respondents used several channels of communication, clearly distinguishing reliable from unreliable ones. Multiple logistic regression estimated the effect of different information channels on the probability of being strongly influenced by COVID-19 in accessing upcoming dental appointments. Newspapers were the most-used channel of information (61.2%), blogs and forums the least used (11.2%). Overall, the more an individual was informed, the higher was the risk of missing upcoming dental care appointments (OR 2.05, CI 1.45–2.90, p < 0.001). The two most reliable channels of communication were identified in journals/websites of medicine and healthcare professionals. Women proved to be more active in gathering information and relying on less secure but more personal channels, such as social media and friends and family, thus having an increased risk of being influenced by COVID-19 information regarding upcoming dental care appointments (OR 3.62, CI 0.85–15.52, p < 0.1 and OR 1.60, CI 1.00–2.58, p < 0.1, respectively). Social media should have a greater presence on the side of medical service providers to avoid distortions of information and fake news that ultimately cause fear among citizens and compromise their health. Healthcare professionals and institutions should adapt their communication channels based on the audience they want to address to optimize the education and information of the final users.
Drivers’ Intentions to Use Different Functionalities of Conditionally Automated Cars: A Survey Study of 18,631 Drivers from 17 Countries
Authors: Louw Tyron , Madigan Ruth , Lee Yee Mun , Nordhoff Sina , Lehtonen Esko , Innamaa Satu , Malin Fanny , Bjorvatn Afsane , Merat Natasha
Published: November 2021

A number of studies have investigated the acceptance of conditionally automated cars (CACs). However, in the future, CACs will comprise of several separate Automated Driving Functions (ADFs), which will allow the vehicle to operate in different Operational Design Domains (ODDs). Driving in different environments places differing demands on drivers. Yet, little research has focused on drivers’ intention to use different functions, and how this may vary by their age, gender, country of residence, and previous experience with Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS). Data from an online survey of 18,631 car drivers from 17 countries (8 European) was used in this study to investigate intention to use an ADF in one of four different ODDs: Motorways, Traffic Jams, Urban Roads, and Parking. Intention to use was high across all ADFs, but significantly higher for Parking than all others. Overall, intention to use was highest amongst respondents who were younger (<39), male, and had previous experience with ADAS. However, these trends varied widely across countries, and for the different ADFs. Respondents from countries with the lowest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and highest road death rates had the highest intention to use all ADFs, while the opposite was found for countries with high GDP and low road death rates. These results suggest that development and deployment strategies for CACs may need to be tailored to different markets, to ensure uptake and safe use.
Do Social Timing and Gender Matter to Parental Depression Aroused by Traumatic Experience of Child Bereavement? Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Dan , Tong Yuying
Published: November 2021

Child loss is a rare but traumatic life event that often has a detrimental effect on parental wellbeing. However, parents’ resources and strategies in coping with the stressful child bereavement event may depend on timing of the event. This study intends to examine how parental depression could be aroused by the occurrence and timing of child bereavement, and how the influences vary by child gender. Drawing on the theoretical framework of the stress and life course, and using three waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we find that both the occurrence and timing of child bereavement are significantly associated with parental depression in later life. Bereaved parents are more likely to report depression than non-bereaved parents. Child bereavement in children’s young adulthood is more likely to spark off parental depression than that occurring in children’s midlife or later. Further analysis confirms that the timing effect of child bereavement differs by child gender. Parents whose son died during young adulthood are more likely to report depression than their counterparts whose daughter died. Future studies need to address how to build up a specific social welfare program targeting child bereavement groups in different life stages.
Internet-Based Medical Service Use and Eudaimonic Well-Being of Urban Older Adults: A Peer Support and Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Li Wenjia , Shen Shengwei , Yang Jidong , Tang Qinghe
Published: November 2021

Currently, internet services are developing rapidly, and the relationship between specific types of internet services and the well-being of older adults is still unclear. This study took a total of 353 urban older adults aged 60 years and above as research objects to explore the impact of the use behavior toward internet-based medical services (IBMS) on their well-being through an online questionnaire. This study integrated well-being theory and peer support theory, constructed an extended structural equation model of technology acceptance based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), and analyzed the variable path relationship. The results confirm the proposed model: older adults improved their eudaimonic well-being through using IBMS; perceived usefulness significantly affected the older adults’ attitudes towards IBMS; perceived ease of use significantly affected the use of IBMS through mediation; peer support significantly affected older adults’ attitudes, willingness, actual use, and well-being in the process. This study proposes that facilitating IBMS use for older adults in the development and design of internet technology programs should be considered in order to provide them with benefits. Moreover, paying attention to peer support among older adults plays an important role in the acceptance of new technologies and improving their well-being. The “peer support” of this study expanded and contributed to the research on the impact on older adults’ well-being and the construction of a technology acceptance model. The peer support in this study extended the influence factor of eudaimonic well-being and contributed to the further development of the TAM.
Psychiatric Comorbidities in 1p36 Deletion Syndrome and Their Treatment—A Case Report
Authors: Briegel Wolfgang
Published: November 2021

1p36 deletion syndrome represents the most common terminal deletion observed in humans. Major clinical findings comprise developmental delay/intellectual disability, poor or absent expressive language, congenital central muscular hypotonia, brain anomalies, brachydactyly/camptodactyly, short feet, and characteristic facial features like straight eyebrows, deep-set eyes, and midface hypoplasia. So far, there is very limited knowledge about comorbid psychiatric disorders and their effective treatment in this special population. To fill this gap, this case report presents an initially four-year-old girl with 1p36.33–1p36.32 deletion, moderate intellectual disability, insomnia, oppositional-defiant disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder covering a period of time of about 1.5 years comprising initial psychological/psychiatric assessment, subsequent day clinic/outpatient treatment (amongst others including off-label use of melatonin and methylphenidate as well as parent-child interaction therapy) and follow-up assessment. Follow-up results indicated good efficacy of melatonin and methylphenidate medication without any adverse effects. Multidisciplinarity in diagnosis and treatment are mandatory to meet needs of patients with complex genetic disorders like 1p36 deletion syndrome. Off-label use of melatonin (for insomnia) and methylphenidate (for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) should be considered in young children with 1p36 deletion syndrome if behavioral interventions are not sufficient.
What Explains Successful or Unsuccessful Postural Adaptations to Repeated Surface Perturbations among Older Adults?
Authors: Falk Jimmy , Strandkvist Viktor , Vikman Irene , Pauelsen Mascha , Röijezon Ulrik
Published: November 2021

As we age there are natural physiological deteriorations that decrease the accuracy and flexibility of the postural control system, which increases the risk of falling. Studies have found that there are individual differences in the ability to learn to manage repeated postural threats. The aim of this study was to investigate which factors explain why some individuals are less proficient at adapting to recurrent postural perturbations. Thirty-five community dwelling older adults performed substantial sensory and motor testing and answered surveys regarding fall-related concerns and cognitive function. They were also subjected to three identical surface perturbations where both kinematics and electromyography was captured. Those that were able to adapt to the third perturbation were assigned to the group “Non-fallers” whereas those that fell during all perturbations were assigned to the group “Fallers”. The group designation dichotomized the sample in a hierarchical orthogonal projection of latent structures— the discriminant analysis model. We found that those who fell were older, had poorer physical performance, poorer strength and longer reaction times. The Fallers’ postural control strategies were more reliant on the stiffening strategy along with a more extended posture and they were less skillful at making appropriate feedforward adaptations prior to the third perturbation.
Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Loneliness amongst Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dobarrio-Sanz Iria , Ruiz-González Crístofer , Fernández-Sola Cayetano , Roman Pablo , Granero-Molina José , Hernández-Padilla Jose Manuel
Published: November 2021

Background: Loneliness amongst older adults is linked to poor health outcomes and constitutes a public health issue worldwide. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions could influence the strategies they implement in order to prevent, detect and manage loneliness amongst older adults. The aim of this study was to describe and understand healthcare professionals’ perceptions of loneliness amongst older adults. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study. Twenty-six Spanish healthcare professionals with experience caring for older adults participated in the study. Data were collected between November 2019 and September 2020 using focus groups and in-depth interviews. Data were analysed following a content analysis method using ATLAS.ti software. Results: Healthcare professionals’ perceptions of loneliness amongst older adults is represented by three themes: (1) “when one’s personal life and social context lead to loneliness”; (2) “from abandonment to personal growth: the two faces of loneliness”; and (3) “loneliness as a health issue that needs to be addressed”. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals perceive loneliness as a multifactorial, subjective experience that can trigger different coping mechanisms and negatively affect older people’s health. Healthcare professionals consider that a greater involvement of the whole society is needed in order to fight loneliness amongst older adults as a public health issue.
Identity Leadership, Employee Burnout and the Mediating Role of Team Identification: Evidence from the Global Identity Leadership Development Project
Authors: van Dick Rolf , Cordes Berrit L. , Lemoine Jérémy E. , Steffens Niklas K. , Haslam S. Alexander , Akfirat Serap Arslan , Ballada Christine Joy A. , Bazarov Tahir , Aruta John Jamir Benzon R. , Avanzi Lorenzo , Bodla Ali Ahmad , Bunjak Aldijana , Černe Matej , Dumont Kitty B. , Edelmann Charlotte M. , Epitropaki Olga , Fransen Katrien , García-Ael Cristina , Giessner Steffen , Gleibs Ilka H. , Godlewska-Werner Dorota , González Roberto , Kark Ronit , Laguia Gonzalez Ana , Lam Hodar , Lipponen Jukka , Lupina-Wegener Anna , Markovits Yannis , Maskor Mazlan , Molero Fernando , Monzani Lucas , Moriano Leon Juan A. , Neves Pedro , Orosz Gábor , Pandey Diwakar , Retowski Sylwiusz , Roland-Lévy Christine , Samekin Adil , Schuh Sebastian , Sekiguchi Tomoki , Song Lynda Jiwen , Story Joana , Stouten Jeroen , Sultanova Lilia , Tatachari Srinivasan , Valdenegro Daniel , van Bunderen Lisanne , Van Dijk Dina , Wong Sut I. , Youssef Farida , Zhang Xin-an , Kerschreiter Rudolf
Published: November 2021

Do leaders who build a sense of shared social identity in their teams thereby protect them from the adverse effects of workplace stress? This is a question that the present paper explores by testing the hypothesis that identity leadership contributes to stronger team identification among employees and, through this, is associated with reduced burnout. We tested this model with unique datasets from the Global Identity Leadership Development (GILD) project with participants from all inhabited continents. We compared two datasets from 2016/2017 (n = 5290; 20 countries) and 2020/2021 (n = 7294; 28 countries) and found very similar levels of identity leadership, team identification and burnout across the five years. An inspection of the 2020/2021 data at the onset of and later in the COVID-19 pandemic showed stable identity leadership levels and slightly higher levels of both burnout and team identification. Supporting our hypotheses, we found almost identical indirect effects (2016/2017, b = −0.132; 2020/2021, b = −0.133) across the five-year span in both datasets. Using a subset of n = 111 German participants surveyed over two waves, we found the indirect effect confirmed over time with identity leadership (at T1) predicting team identification and, in turn, burnout, three months later. Finally, we explored whether there could be a “too-much-of-a-good-thing” effect for identity leadership. Speaking against this, we found a u-shaped quadratic effect whereby ratings of identity leadership at the upper end of the distribution were related to even stronger team identification and a stronger indirect effect on reduced burnout.
Alleles of the GRF3-2A Gene in Wheat and Their Agronomic Value
Authors: Bazhenov Mikhail , Chernook Anastasiya , Bespalova Ludmila , Gritsay Tatiana , Polevikova Nadezhda , Karlov Gennady , Nazarova Lubov , Divashuk Mikhail
Published: November 2021

The Growth-regulating factors (GRF) are a family of plant-specific transcription factors that have roles in plant growth, development and stress response. In this study the diversity of the TaGRF3-2A (TraesCS2A02G435100) gene was investigated in Russian bread wheat germplasm by means of next generation sequencing and molecular markers, and the results compared with those from multiple wheat genome and exome sequencing projects. The results showed that an allele possessing c.495G>T polymorphism found in Bezostaya 1 and designated as TaGRF3-2Ab, is connected with earlier heading and better grain filling under conditions of the Krasnodar Krai. TaGRF3-2Ab is more frequent among Russian winter wheat cultivars than in other germplasms found in the world, implying that it is adaptive for the Chernozem region. A new rare mutation of the TaGRF3-2A was found in the spring wheat cultivar Novosibirskaya 67. The molecular markers developed will facilitate utilization of TaGRF3-2A mutations in future agronomic studies and wheat improvement. Albeit GRF3-2Ab may be good at maintaining high milling quality of the grain, it should be used with caution in breeding of winter wheat cultivars in the perspective of climate change.
Comprehensive Simulation of Ca2+ Transients in the Continuum of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fiber Types
Authors: Rincón Oscar A. , Milán Andrés F. , Calderón Juan C. , Giraldo Marco A.
Published: November 2021

Mag-Fluo-4 has revealed differences in the kinetics of the Ca2+ transients of mammalian fiber types (I, IIA, IIX, and IIB). We simulated the changes in [Ca2+] through the sarcomere of these four fiber types, considering classical (troponin –Tn–, parvalbumin –Pv–, adenosine triphosphate –ATP–, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump –SERCA–, and dye) and new (mitochondria –MITO–, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger –NCX–, and store-operated calcium entry –SOCE–) Ca2+ binding sites, during single and tetanic stimulation. We found that during a single twitch, the sarcoplasmic peak [Ca2+] for fibers type IIB and IIX was around 16 µM, and for fibers type I and IIA reached 10–13 µM. The release rate in fibers type I, IIA, IIX, and IIB was 64.8, 153.6, 238.8, and 244.5 µM ms−1, respectively. Both the pattern of change and the peak concentrations of the Ca2+-bound species in the sarcoplasm (Tn, PV, ATP, and dye), the sarcolemma (NCX, SOCE), and the SR (SERCA) showed the order IIB ≥ IIX > IIA > I. The capacity of the NCX was 2.5, 1.3, 0.9, and 0.8% of the capacity of SERCA, for fibers type I, IIA, IIX, and IIB, respectively. MITO peak [Ca2+] ranged from 0.93 to 0.23 µM, in fibers type I and IIB, respectively, while intermediate values were obtained in fibers IIA and IIX. The latter numbers doubled during tetanic stimulation. In conclusion, we presented a comprehensive mathematical model of the excitation–contraction coupling that integrated most classical and novel Ca2+ handling mechanisms, overcoming the limitations of the fast- vs. slow-fibers dichotomy and the use of slow dyes.