bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albiflorin Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation and Healing of Rat Femoral Fractures Through Enhancing BMP-2/Smad and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Kim Jae-Hyun , Kim Minsun , Hong SooYeon , Kim Eun-Young , Lee Hyangsook , Jung Hyuk-Sang , Sohn Youngjoo
Published: July 2021

Fracture healing is related to osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. Recently, due to the unwanted side effects and clinical limitations of existing treatments, various natural product-based chemical studies have been actively conducted. Albiflorin is a major ingredient in Paeonia lactiflora, and this study investigated its ability to promote osteogenic differentiation and fracture healing. To demonstrate the effects of albiflorin on osteoblast differentiation and calcified nodules, alizarin red S staining and von Kossa staining were used in MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, BMP-2/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin mechanisms known as osteoblast differentiation mechanisms were analyzed through RT-PCR and western blot. To investigate the effects of albiflorin on fracture healing, fractures were induced using a chainsaw in the femur of Sprague Dawley rats, and then albiflorin was intraperitoneally administered. After 1, 2, and 3 weeks, bone microstructure was analyzed using micro-CT. In addition, histological analysis was performed by staining the fractured tissue, and the expression of osteogenic markers in serum was measured. The results demonstrated that albiflorin promoted osteoblastogenesis and the expression of RUNX2 by activating BMP-2/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, albiflorin upregulated the expression of various osteogenic genes, such as alkaline phosphatase, OCN, bone sialoprotein, OPN, and OSN. In the femur fracture model, micro-CT analysis showed that albiflorin played a positive role in the formation of callus in the early stage of fracture recovery, and histological examination proved to induce the expression of osteogenic genes in femur tissue. In addition, the expression of bone-related genes in serum was also increased. This suggests that albiflorin promotes osteogenesis, bone calcification and bone formation, thereby promoting the healing of fractures in rats.
Canagliflozin for Prevention of Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in type2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tian Lei , Cai Yuzi , Zheng Huijuan , Ai Sinan , Zhou Mengqi , Luo Qian , Tang Jingyi , Liu Weijing , Wang Yaoxian
Published: July 2021

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of canagliflozin for the treatment of specific cardiovascular and renal outcomes in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: We performed comprehensive searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase for randomized, placebo-controlled trials of the treatment of T2DM with canagliflozin that were published to 28 September 2020. The cardiovascular outcomes recorded were cardiovascular mortality, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke. The renal composite outcomes recorded were end-stage renal disease (ESRD), renal death. The data for the principal cardiovascular outcomes, ESRD, and renal death were pooled and expressed as Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Two reviewers independently selected the trials and extracted the data.

Results: We identified a total of 1,741 publications, leaving 96 for their titles, abstracts and full-text review. Of these, 10 trials met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in our meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that canagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of heart failure in T2DM by 36% (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.77, p = 0.000). The effects of canagliflozin on non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke (HR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.93, p = 0.001), cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.97, p = 0.021), and myocardial infarction (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.00, p = 0.045) in patients with T2DM were relatively small, reducing the risks by 16%. In addition, canagliflozin reduced the risk of stroke in T2DM patients by 13% (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.06, p = 0.166). Moreover, canagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of the composite renal event of ESRD or renal death by 36% (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.75, p = 0.000).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that canagliflozin protects against cardiovascular and renal outcomes in patients with T2DM.

Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42020210315]
Identification of Multi-Target Anti-AD Chemical Constituents From Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae by Integrating Virtual Screening and In Vitro Validation
Authors: Zhang Baoyue , Zhao Jun , Wang Zhe , Guo Pengfei , Liu Ailin , Du Guanhua
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that seriously threatens the health of the elderly. At present, no drugs have been proven to cure or delay the progression of the disease. Due to the multifactorial aetiology of this disease, the multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) approach provides an innovative and promising idea in search for new drugs against AD. In order to find potential multi-target anti-AD drugs from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulae, a compound database derived from anti-AD Chinese herbal formulae was constructed and predicted by the anti-AD multi-target drug prediction platform established in our laboratory. By analyzing the results of virtual screening, 226 chemical constituents with 3 or more potential AD-related targets were collected, from which 16 compounds that were predicted to combat AD through various mechanisms were chosen for biological validation. Several cell models were established to validate the anti-AD effects of these compounds, including KCl, Aβ, okadaic acid (OA), SNP and H2O2 induced SH-SY5Y cell model and LPS induced BV2 microglia model. The experimental results showed that 12 compounds including Nonivamide, Bavachromene and 3,4-Dimethoxycinnamic acid could protect model cells from AD-related damages and showed potential anti-AD activity. Furthermore, the potential targets of Nonivamide were investigated by molecular docking study and analysis with CDOCKER revealed the possible binding mode of Nonivamide with its predicted targets. In summary, 12 potential multi-target anti-AD compounds have been found from anti-AD TCM formulae by comprehensive application of computational prediction, molecular docking method and biological validation, which laid a theoretical and experimental foundation for in-depth study, also providing important information and new research ideas for the discovery of anti-AD compounds from traditional Chinese medicine.
Simulating Subject Communities in Case Law Citation Networks
Authors: Soh Tsin Howe Jerrold
Published: July 2021

We propose and evaluate generative models for case law citation networks that account for legal authority, subject relevance, and time decay. Since Common Law systems rely heavily on citations to precedent, case law citation networks present a special type of citation graph which existing models do not adequately reproduce. We describe a general framework for simulating node and edge generation processes in such networks, including a procedure for simulating case subjects, and experiment with four methods of modelling subject relevance: using subject similarity as linear features, as fitness coefficients, constraining the citable graph by subject, and computing subject-sensitive PageRank scores. Model properties are studied by simulation and compared against existing baselines. Promising approaches are then benchmarked against empirical networks from the United States and Singapore Supreme Courts. Our models better approximate the structural properties of both benchmarks, particularly in terms of subject structure. We show that differences in the approach for modelling subject relevance, as well as for normalizing attachment probabilities, produce significantly different network structures. Overall, using subject similarities as fitness coefficients in a sum-normalized attachment model provides the best approximation to both benchmarks. Our results shed light on the mechanics of legal citations as well as the community structure of case law citation networks. Researchers may use our models to simulate case law networks for other inquiries in legal network science.
Distinct Mitochondrial Pathologies Caused by Mutations of the Proximal Tubular Enzymes EHHADH and GATM
Authors: Forst Anna-Lena , Reichold Markus , Kleta Robert , Warth Richard
Published: July 2021

The mitochondria of the proximal tubule are essential for providing energy in this nephron segment, whose ATP generation is almost exclusively oxygen dependent. In addition, mitochondria are involved in a variety of metabolic processes and complex signaling networks. Proximal tubular mitochondrial dysfunction can therefore affect renal function in very different ways. Two autosomal dominantly inherited forms of renal Fanconi syndrome illustrate how multifaceted mitochondrial pathology can be: Mutation of EHHADH, an enzyme in fatty acid metabolism, results in decreased ATP synthesis and a consecutive transport defect. In contrast, mutations of GATM, an enzyme in the creatine biosynthetic pathway, leave ATP synthesis unaffected but do lead to mitochondrial protein aggregates, inflammasome activation, and renal fibrosis with progressive renal failure. In this review article, the distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of these two diseases are presented, which are examples of the spectrum of proximal tubular mitochondrial diseases.
Regulation of Flowering Time by Improving Leaf Health Markers and Expansion by Salicylic Acid Treatment: A New Approach to Induce Flowering in Malus domestica
Authors: Shah Kamran , An Na , Kamanova Svetlana , Chen Lijuan , Jia Peng , Zhang Chenguang , Mobeen Tahir Muhammad , Han Mingyu , Ding Yuduan , Ren Xiaolin , Xing Libo
Published: July 2021

In the external coincidence model, internal and external molecular signals, provided by the circadian clock and sunlight, respectively, are required to induce flowering. Salicylic acid (SA) applications during floral induction have multiple effects. In the current study, Malus × domestica plants were exposed to SA during the flower-induction stage to analyze the effect on various health markers and flowering. A total of 56 equal-sized Fuji/M9 trees that were about 7 years old were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (SA-treated) was sprayed with 4 mM SA solution, while the second group was sprayed with distilled water which served as control (CK). The SA applications increased various leaf pigments. Abiotic stress markers were increased in CK during the flower-induction stage. In the SA-treated group, non-enzymatic antioxidants increased, whereas in the control group, enzymatic antioxidants increased during the flower-induction stage. Histo-morphometric properties of leaves were significantly improved in the SA-treated group. The relative expression of the mRNA levels of MdMED80, −81, −3, and −41 were significantly increased in SA-treated leaves, leading to an early and increased flowering phenotype. Thus, SA increased leaf expansion and health-related marker levels, which lead to early induction of flowering in M. domestica. Overall, our work established a role for leaf health assessments in the regulation of flowering in M. domestica.
A Dance Movement Psychotherapy Intervention for the Wellbeing of Children With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Aithal Supritha , Karkou Vicky , Makris Stergios , Karaminis Themis , Powell Joanne
Published: July 2021

Background

Sustaining the wellbeing for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be highly demanding. Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP), a form of psychotherapy with a non-verbal character, may present as a relevant intervention option for this group of children.

Methods

A protocol-based group DMP intervention was developed and implemented in two special educational needs schools in the North West of England. We aimed to investigate the effects of DMP on children with ASD using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Twenty-six children aged between 8 and 13 years (mean age = 10.65 years) with ASD were randomly allocated to DMP and a control group with standard care, following a crossover research design.

Results

Results showed no significant carryover or period effects for either the SCQ or SDQ (p > 0.05). A significant intervention effect was found only for SCQ (p = 0.005) but not for SDQ (p > 0.05). ANCOVAs were performed on the data before the crossover to test for differences in SCQ and SDQ scores between the DMP intervention and control groups while controlling for pre-intervention scores. Those in the DMP intervention group presented significantly lower SCQ scores following the intervention period than those in the control group (p = 0.001). No significant differences in post-intervention SDQ scores were found between DMP intervention and control groups (p = 0.2). However, minimal clinically important differences (MCID) were reached for both SCQ and SDQ measures before crossover for those in the DMP intervention group. Moreover, repeated measures ANOVAs performed on SCQ and SDQ measures following crossover were significant, with the change in both SCQ (p = 0.001) and SDQ (p = 0.009) pre-and post-intervention being significantly greater for those in the DMP intervention than the control group.

Conclusion

The pilot DMP intervention has shown promising results on the social and emotional wellbeing of children with ASD irrespective of whether they preferred verbal or non-verbal mode of communication. Limitations and appropriateness of the research methods implemented in this study for their use in a large RCT are discussed in detail. Overall, our findings highlight the value of creative therapies for improving the lives of young vulnerable groups.
Resilient Parents… Resilient Communities: A Pilot Study Trialing the Bounce Back and Thrive! Resilience-Training Program With Military Families
Authors: Mikolas Cynthia , Pike Ashley , Jones Chelsea , Smith-MacDonald Lorraine , Lee Melina , Winfield Hope , Griffiths Jennifer , Perry Ryan , Olson David M. , Heber Alexandra , Olson Joanne , Sevigny Phillip R. , Brémault-Philips Suzette
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The resilience of Canadian military families (CMFs) – the main support of the Canadian Armed Forces service members (SMs) – is imperative. The Canadian Armed Forces aims to ensure that SMs and their families are resilient and SMs ready to respond when called upon for combat, peacekeeping or pandemic/disaster-response. Family concerns, however, can realistically distract SMs from the mission, potentially compromising themselves, their unit and the mission. Resilience-training programs such as Bounce Back and Thrive! (BBT) can help families manage the realities of military life.

Objective

This pilot study aimed to evaluate suitability of BBT implementation by Military Family Resource Centers (MFRCs), including whether BBT: (1) fosters resilience-building among parents, (2) facilitates CMF resilience-building, (3) can be contextualized for CMFs, and (4) supports MFRCs in cultivating a culture of resilience.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative design was used. BBT was offered to parents face-to-face. Participants completed focus groups after the first 6 sessions, final 4 sessions, and one-year post-intervention. Data was thematically analyzed.

Results

Nine military parents participated. Four major themes resulted: (1) military parent resilience-building, (2) CMF resilience-building, (3) BBT program feedback and contextualization, and (4) MFRCs as community resilience hubs.

Discussion

BBT enabled parents to gain a new perspective on resilience, engage in dialogue and intentionally role model resilience skills. Military-specific BBT contextualization and online-delivery formats would increase suitability and access for CMFs. Access to resilience programs delivered through MFRCs would support CMFs. Further research is warranted.
Assessment of Testifying Ability in Preschool Children: CAPALIST
Authors: Contreras María José , Prieto Gerardo , Silva Eva A. , González José L. , Manzanero Antonio L.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Interviews to obtain statements in judicial procedures need to be adapted to the witnesses’ abilities to testify. Moreover, knowing the cognitive abilities involved in testifying provides relevant criteria to assess statement credibility. As age or intelligence quotient is not enough to estimate these capabilities, an instrument to evaluate witnesses’ specific abilities to testify is needed. The present paper validates CAPALIST, a procedure that considers relevant capabilities when assessing the testimony given by children.

Methods: This study analyzed, by means of an invariant measurement approach (Rasch model), four scales included in CAPALIST: language, memory, contextual information, and social thinking. In addition, gender and age differences were analyzed in 83 children [45 males and 38 females; Mage = 4.3 years, SD = 0.74, range (3.06–5.11)] from three courses in early childhood education.

Results: The four scales do not severely violate the requirements of the model. The principal component analysis of the residuals indicates that the four scales are one dimensional and that the assumption of local independence was not violated. Differential item functioning of the scales associated with gender was not detected. A significant effect of the school year was obtained, with an increase in ability in successive courses. The percentage of children who presented severe misfit responses with the model was low. In addition, the number of items with a severe misfit was also low.

Conclusion: An acceptable performance of CAPALIST is demonstrated for most of the scales, although items with a severe misfit must be replaced, and more difficult items have to be included in some scales of the revised version of the instrument. CAPALIST is a promising procedure to assess the abilities of children to testify in order to adapt interviews and to evaluate their statements correctly.
How Do Different Types of Entrepreneurial Networks and Decision-Making Influence the Identification of Entrepreneurial Opportunities?
Authors: Yu Weizhen , Choi Myeongcheol , Zheng Jianzhuang
Published: July 2021

Entrepreneurial networks are important for the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities and development in the context of social media. This exploratory research investigates the relationships in entrepreneurial networks, by considering decision-making, and entrepreneurial opportunities, and focusing on the role of decision-making in the relationship between entrepreneurial networks and entrepreneurial opportunities. Using data from 512 Chinese entrepreneurial firms, hierarchical regression analyses and structural equation modeling are employed to create a mediation model that links entrepreneurial networks to entrepreneurial opportunities through decision-making. Our findings are as follows: (1) heterogeneous networks are positively related to innovative opportunities, and homogeneous networks are positively related to imitative opportunities; (2) heterogeneous networks positively affect non-linear decision-making (non-linear DM) while homogeneous networks positively influence linear decision-making (linear DM); (3) positive relationships exist between non-linear DM and innovative opportunities and between linear DM and imitative opportunities; and (4) non-linear DM fully mediates between heterogeneous networks and innovative opportunities, and linear DM partially mediates between homogeneous networks and imitative opportunities. This paper contributes to literature on entrepreneurship by broadening understanding of the mechanisms of entrepreneurial opportunity formation in emerging markets and provides important insights for entrepreneurs and policymakers.
Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Functions as Pathways to Future Self-Harm Repetition and Suicide Attempts
Authors: Gardner Kathryn Jane , Paul Elise , Selby Edward A. , Klonsky E. David , Mars Becky
Published: July 2021

Background: Research has identified functions of non-suicidal self-harm/self-injury (NSSH) but whether functions change over time, from adolescence to early adulthood, or predict the continuation of the behavior prospectively remains unclear. This study aimed to prospectively explore whether intrapersonal and interpersonal NSSH functions in adolescence predict repetition of self-harm (regardless of suicidal intent) and incident suicide attempts in early adulthood.

Methods: Participants were 528 individuals with NSSH at age 16 years from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population-based birth cohort in the UK. Descriptive statistics were used to explore changes in functions over time from age 16 to 21, and logistic regression used to examine associations between NSSH functions and repeat self-harm and suicide attempts at age 21, 24, and 25 years.

Findings: The majority of 16-year-olds with NSSH endorsed intrapersonal (e.g., affect regulatory) functions only (73% at 16 years and 64% at 21 years). Just under half of adolescents (42%) and three quarters of 21 years olds reported more than one function simultaneously. A greater number of intrapersonal functions at 16 years independently predicted future repetition of self-harm at ages 21–25 years, over and above interpersonal functions (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.06–2.01). Interpersonal functions during adolescence did not predict repeat self-harm or suicide attempts in adulthood.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that intrapersonal but not interpersonal NSSH functions are a prospective risk factor for future self-harm and might also predict incident suicide attempts. The results highlight the central role of underlying affective difficulties and motivations in self-harm maintenance.
Auricular Acupressure for Insomnia in Patients With Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pei Ming , Chen Junli , Dong Shuo , Yang Bo , Yang Kang , Wei Lijuan , Zhai Jingbo , Yang Hongtao
Published: July 2021

Background: Insomnia is one of the common problems in patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Previous studies have reported the beneficial effects of auricular acupressure (AA) for insomnia in patients with MHD. This study aimed to critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of AA for insomnia in patients with MHD.

Methods: Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang Data, Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were systematically searched from inception to April 30, 2020, to identify any eligible randomized controlled trials. MHD patients with insomnia were included regardless of age, gender, nationality, or race. The experimental interventions included AA alone or AA combined with other therapies. The control interventions included placebo, no treatment, or other therapies. The primary outcome was sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Eight studies involving 618 participants were included for statistical analysis. A meta-analysis showed no significant difference of PSQI global score after 8 weeks of AA treatment compared with estazolam (p = 0.70). Other narrative analyses revealed that PSQI global score was significantly attenuated after AA treatment in comparison with mental health education (p = 0.03, duration of 4 weeks; p = 0.02, duration of 8 weeks), AA plus routine nursing care compared with routine nursing care alone (p < 0.0001), and AA plus footbath compared with footbath alone (p = 0.01), respectively. A meta-analysis showed that AA could significantly increase the response rate (reduction of PSQI global score by 25% and more) in comparison with estazolam (p = 0.01). Other narrative analyses reported that the response rate was significantly increased after AA treatment compared with sham AA (p = 0.02), AA compared with mental health education (p = 0.04), and AA plus routine nursing care compared with routine nursing care alone (p = 0.0003), respectively.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that AA may be an alternative treatment for insomnia in patients with MHD. However, more large-scale, high-quality trials are still warranted to confirm these outcomes.
Treatment Response Distinguishes Persistent Type of Methamphetamine Psychosis From Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder Among Inmates at Japanese Medical Prison
Authors: Sekiguchi Yosuke , Okada Takayuki , Okumura Yusuke
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Persistent methamphetamine-associated psychosis (pMAP) is a disorder similar to schizophrenia, so much so that the differences in clinical symptoms and treatment response between the two remain unknown. In this study, we compared the features of pMAP with those of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD).

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective quasi-experimental case-control study of inmates in a medical prison. The behavioral problems, clinical symptoms, and chlorpromazine (CP)-equivalent doses of 24 patients with pMAP and 27 with SSD were compared.

Results: Patients in the pMAP group were hospitalized for fewer days than those in the SSD group (281.5 vs. 509.5; p = 0.012), but there were no other significant group differences in behavioral problems or clinical symptoms. The pMAP group received fewer antipsychotics in CP-equivalent doses than the SSD group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after admission and at the time of discharge (p = 0.018, 0.001, 0.007, and 0.023, respectively). The number of CP-equivalent doses in the SSD group tended to increase after admission, but not in the pMAP group.

Discussion: These findings suggest that differentiation between pMAP and SSD based on behavior and symptoms alone may be difficult, and that patients with pMAP may respond better to treatment with a lower dose of antipsychotic medication than those with SSD. Further confirmatory studies are warranted.
Longitudinal Trends and Risk Factors for Depressed Mood Among Canadian Adults During the First Wave of COVID-19
Authors: Betini Gustavo S. , Hirdes John P. , Adekpedjou Rhéda , Perlman Christopher M. , Huculak Nathan , Hébert Paul
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised serious concerns about the mental health impact of people directed and indirectly affected by the virus. Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, our goal was to explore potential risk factors and trends in feelings of anxiety and depression among the general population in Canada over the first 5 months of the pandemic.

Methods: We completed on-line surveys of 3,127 unique individuals representative of the Canadian general population at 4 discreet periods every 6 weeks from April 15th to July 28th 2020. We assessed feelings of anxiety, depression and loss of interest with the interRAI self-reported mood scale using a multivariable generalized estimating equation model to examine factors associated with having a 5+ score on the scale (indicating potentially depressed mood). We also investigated potential longitudinal trends to examine temporal variation in mood scores.

Results: More than 30% of participants felt highly anxious, depressed, and disinterested in everyday activities in the first survey (April), but this number decreased to about 20% over 4 months. Feeling lonely, younger age, feeling overwhelmed by one's health needs, having financial concerns, and living outside of Québec were significantly associated with depressed mood.

Interpretation: The prevalence of depressed mood during the pandemic was between 2 and 3 times the pre-pandemic rate (especially among young people), but it can change rapidly in response to social changes. Thus, monitoring of psychological distress among vulnerable groups that may benefit from additional supports should be a priority.
Factors Associated With Preference of Psychological Intervention and Mental Status Among Chinese Teachers During Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Lizhi Xu , Peng Cheng , Wanhong Zheng , Shengmei Xu , Lingjiang Li , Li Zhang , Xiaoping Wang , Weihui Li
Published: July 2021

Aims: The authors sought to explore the psychological distress of teachers during COVID-19 pandemic and their preference for psychological intervention. The overarching goal was to gain insight on how to build an effective psychological support system for teachers during and after the pandemic.

Methods: The mental health condition of teachers (N = 18,521) was assessed online by using a questionnaire consisting of standard instruments PHQ-15, GAD-7, PHQ-2, PC-PTSD, and additional questions about sleep disturbance, suicidality and preference of psychological intervention methods.

Results: 35.5% of Chinese teachers reported sleep disturbance, 25.3% complained somatic discomfort, 17.7% had anxiety symptoms, 4.0% had depression, 2.8% had self-injury or suicidal thoughts. Women are more likely to have somatic symptoms, sleep disturbance and depression. There were age differences for anxiety, somatic symptoms and suicidal thoughts. High percentages of university teachers reported moderate to severe anxiety, somatic symptoms, depression and sleep disturbance. The most preferred psychological intervention is the self-practice of stress management skills (N = 11,477, 62.0%). Teachers with moderate and severe symptoms are more likely in need of hotline and online counseling and those with serious suicidal thoughts are three times more likely to use a telephone hotline.

Conclusions: During the COVID-19 outbreak, the major reported psychological distresses among Chinese teachers are anxiety, sleep disturbance and somatic symptoms. There were gender, age and school setting differences. Females, teachers over 45 years old and those who work at universities tend to be more vulnerable. Different teachers chose different interventions, mostly based on the severity of their symptoms.
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Attitudes as Expressed in U.S. FDA Public Commentary: Need for a Public-Private Partnership in a Learning Immunization System
Authors: Weitzman Elissa R. , Sherman Amy C. , Levy Ofer
Published: July 2021

As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration COVID-19 vaccine review process, public commentary was solicited offering an opportunity to reflect on vaccine attitudes that may impact the uptake of coronavirus vaccines. We identified themes in the commentary that highlighted the safety, efficacy, ethics, and trustworthiness and transparency regarding the novel mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. A “Learning Immunization System” model is proposed to optimize public, private, and academic partnerships relating to vaccine development and implementation.
Robotic Manipulation and Capture in Space: A Survey
Authors: Papadopoulos Evangelos , Aghili Farhad , Ma Ou , Lampariello Roberto
Published: July 2021

Space exploration and exploitation depend on the development of on-orbit robotic capabilities for tasks such as servicing of satellites, removing of orbital debris, or construction and maintenance of orbital assets. Manipulation and capture of objects on-orbit are key enablers for these capabilities. This survey addresses fundamental aspects of manipulation and capture, such as the dynamics of space manipulator systems (SMS), i.e., satellites equipped with manipulators, the contact dynamics between manipulator grippers/payloads and targets, and the methods for identifying properties of SMSs and their targets. Also, it presents recent work of sensing pose and system states, of motion planning for capturing a target, and of feedback control methods for SMS during motion or interaction tasks. Finally, the paper reviews major ground testing testbeds for capture operations, and several notable missions and technologies developed for capture of targets on-orbit.
The (Un)Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions in Jordan
Authors: Hassan Sumaya bint El , Cordova Kyle E. , Rabadi Ghaith , Abu Elhaija Wejdan
Published: July 2021

Higher education in Jordan has been tied closely to the state-building process in the century since the modern Hashemite state's foundation in 1921, with its explicit purpose being to educate and train high volumes of students who are competent and capable to serve as contributors to the state's development. Though this purpose has largely been successful to date, it is becoming increasingly clear that more is needed than simply issuing degrees. In an increasingly globalized world, it is necessary to educate those who can contribute to future research arenas and labor markets over which a single state has limited control. Within this perspective, we detail the evolved societal position that higher education institutions in Jordan occupy and how that position has made such institutions a liability in the nation's continued sustainable development. It is important to emphasize that we do not address here classical sustainability issues, but rather focus on more fundamental and culturally-relevant issues pertaining to the survivability of universities in Jordan upon which more global sustainability views and solutions can be predicated. Specifically, we outline the unsustainability of impersonal, inefficient and ineffective infrastructure, centralization of policies and academic practices, lack of autonomy and/or self-governance, considerable financial dependence on the state, and a general hesitation for higher education institutions to seek boldly societal and economic impact beyond the simple production of graduates. To counter this unsustainability, we propose a three-pronged approach that can help catalyze the re-imagining of Jordan's higher education institutions so that they become maximally effective contributors to the state's future sustainable development. Our proposed approach is based on (i) internally decentralizing higher education institutions to enable greater autonomy and academic freedom, (ii) re-purposing these institutions to become more student-centric, and (iii) embracing diversity and academic community recognition. Finally, it is the intention of this perspective to highlight not only those challenges facing higher education institutions in Jordan, but also to present clearly the necessary and practical steps that institutions themselves may take immediately to ensure their relevance in, and impact on, modern society.
Hydroeconomic Analysis to Guide Climate Adaptation Plans
Authors: Ward Frank A.
Published: July 2021

Successful climate adaptation needs to sustain food, water, and energy security in the face of elevated carbon emissions. Hydroeconomic analysis (HEA) offers considerable potential to inform climate adaptation plans where water is an important element of economic activity. This paper's contribution is to identify how HEA can inform climate adaptation plans by minimizing economic costs of responding to climate induced changes in water supplies. It describes what HEA is, why it is important, how researchers implement it, who has made significant contributions, and places where it has informed policy debates. It also describes future directions for the use of HEA to guide climate adaptation.
The Effect of 42-Day Exposure to a Low Deoxynivalenol Dose on the Immunohistochemical Expression of Intestinal ERs and the Activation of CYP1A1 and GSTP1 Genes in the Large Intestine of Pre-pubertal Gilts
Authors: Gajęcka Magdalena , Brzuzan Paweł , Otrocka-Domagała Iwona , Zielonka Łukasz , Lisieska-Żołnierczyk Sylwia , Gajęcki Maciej T.
Published: July 2021

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that contaminates various plant materials. Exposure to DON can disrupt hormonal homeostasis, decrease body weight gains and modulate the immune system in pigs. It can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, leukocytosis, hemorrhaging or even death. Prolonged exposure to low doses of DON can have serious health implications in mammals. This is the first in vivo study to show that per os administration of low DON doses probably contributes to specific dysfunctions in steroidogenesis processes by inducing the immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) in the entire gastrointestinal tract in strongly stained cells (3 points) and estrogen receptors beta (ERβ), but only in both investigated segments of the duodenum in pre-pubertal gilts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether a NOAEL dose of DON (12 μg DON/kg BW) administered per os over a period of 42 days induces changes in the immunohistochemical expression of ER in different intestinal segments and the transcriptional activation of CYP1A1 and GSTP1 genes in the large intestine of pre-pubertal gilts. This is the first report to demonstrate the expression of ER, in particular ERβ, with the associated consequences. The expression of ER was accompanied by considerable variations in the activation of CYP1A1 and GSTP1 genes, but it supported the maintenance of a stable consensus between the degree of mycotoxin exposure and the detoxifying effect in pre-pubertal gilts.
Detecting Dairy Cow Behavior Using Vision Technology
Authors: McDonagh John , Tzimiropoulos Georgios , Slinger Kimberley R. , Huggett Zoë J. , Down Peter M. , Bell Matt J.
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate using existing image recognition techniques to predict the behavior of dairy cows. A total of 46 individual dairy cows were monitored continuously under 24 h video surveillance prior to calving. The video was annotated for the behaviors of standing, lying, walking, shuffling, eating, drinking and contractions for each cow from 10 h prior to calving. A total of 19,191 behavior records were obtained and a non-local neural network was trained and validated on video clips of each behavior. This study showed that the non-local network used correctly classified the seven behaviors 80% or more of the time in the validated dataset. In particular, the detection of birth contractions was correctly predicted 83% of the time, which in itself can be an early warning calving alert, as all cows start contractions several hours prior to giving birth. This approach to behavior recognition using video cameras can assist livestock management.
Rhizobium Inoculation and Chemical Fertilisation Improve Faba Bean Yield and Yield Components in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Genetu Getenesh , Yli-Halla Markku , Asrat Mekonnen , Alemayehu Mihiret
Published: July 2021

The productivity of the faba bean has declined in Ethiopia, owing to poor management practices, such as blanket fertilisation. In 2018, a field experiment was conducted in a Nitisol soil during the main cropping season in Northwestern Ethiopia, to determine the amount of chemical fertiliser and Rhizobium inoculant to be used for the optimum yield within economic feasibility. The experiment consisted of a factorial combination of five rates of blended NPSZnB fertiliser (0, 60, 121, 180 and 240 kg ha−1) and three rates of inoculant (0, 500 and 750 g ha−1). Sole chemical fertilisation, as well as inoculation, individually produced a seed yield of 2.3–2.5 t ha−1, about 1.0–1.2 t ha−1 more than the control. However, the maximum seed yield (3.3 t ha−1) was recorded from the combined application of both the chemical fertiliser and the inoculant. The seed yield correlated closely with the number of active nodules (R2 = 0.78 **), suggesting a substantial contribution of symbiotic N2 fixation. Inoculation increased the N content of the seed yield by at least 30 kg ha−1. Chemical fertilisation, containing at least 44 kg ha−1 of mineral N does not appear to have an adverse effect on N2 fixation. The combined use of 180 kg ha−1 blended fertiliser with 750 g ha−1 inoculant, producing a maximum net profit of 72,918 birr ha−1 (EUR 2232), is recommended for the study area. This study emphasises that (1) inoculation alone can produce as much seed as the maximum rate of chemical fertilisation, but (2) the maximum yield was produced with a combined use of inoculant and chemical fertiliser, by promoting the vigour of the nodules and N2 fixation.
Dietary Cinnamon Successfully Enhanced the Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antibacterial Capacity, and Immunity of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Habiba Mahmoud M. , Hussein Ebtehal E. , Ashry Ahmed M. , El-Zayat Ahmed M. , Hassan Aziza M. , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Sewilam Hani , Van Doan Hien , Dawood Mahmoud A.O.
Published: July 2021

Dietary cinnamon has several bioactive compounds with growth-promoting and immunomodulation potential and is suggested for finfish species. This study evaluated the inclusion of cinnamon at 0, 10, 15, and 20 g/kg in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) diets. After 90 days, the highest final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and the lowest feed conversion ratio were seen in fish treated with 10 g/kg (p < 0.05). Further, the measured growth hormone in the blood indicated that fish treated with 10 g/kg had a higher level than fish 0 and 20 g/kg. After the feeding trial, fish treated with cinnamon at varying levels had higher lipid content than fish before the feeding trial (p < 0.05). Lower Vibrio spp. and Faecal Coliform counts were observed in fish treated with cinnamon than fish fed a cinnamon-free diet (p < 0.05). The hematocrit level was markedly (p < 0.05) increased in fish fed cinnamon at 10 g/kg compared to the control without significant differences with fish fed 15 and 20 g/kg. Hemoglobin was significantly increased in fish treated with cinnamon at 10, 15, and 20 g/kg compared to fish fed a cinnamon-free diet (p < 0.05). Red and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) were meaningfully (p < 0.05) increased in fish treated with cinnamon compared with the control. Markedly, fish treated with cinnamon had higher serum total lipids than the control with the highest value in fish treated with 15 g/kg (p < 0.05). The lysozyme activity was markedly higher in fish treated with 15 g cinnamon/kg than fish fed 0, 10, and 20 g/kg (p < 0.05). Moreover, phagocytic activity was significantly higher in fish treated with cinnamon at 10, and 15 g/kg than fish fed 0 and 20 g/kg (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary cinnamon is suggested at 10–15 g/kg for achieving the high production and wellbeing of European sea bass.
Fighting Like Cats and Dogs: Challenges in Domestic Carnivore Oocyte Development and Promises of Innovative Culture Systems
Authors: Colombo Martina , Alkali Isa Mohammed , Prochowska Sylwia , Luvoni Gaia Cecilia
Published: July 2021

In vitro embryo production in cats and dogs still presents some challenges, and it needs to be optimized to transfer efficient protocols to related wild, endangered species. While the chemical composition of culture media has been the focus of several studies, the importance of culture substrates for oocyte and embryo culture has often been neglected. Traditional in vitro systems, i.e., two-dimensional cultures, do not resemble the physiological environments where cells develop, and they may cause morphological and functional alterations to oocytes and embryos. More modern three-dimensional and microfluidic culture system better mimic the structure and the stimuli found in in vivo conditions, and they could better support the development of oocytes and embryos in vitro, as well as the maintenance of more physiological behaviors. This review describes the different culture systems tested for domestic carnivore reproductive cells along the years, and it summarizes their effects on cultured cells with the purpose of analyzing innovative options to improve in vitro embryo production outcomes.
Push/Pull Parts Production Policy Optimization in the ATO Environment
Authors: Bortolini Marco , Faccio Maurizio , Galizia Francesco Gabriele , Gamberi Mauro
Published: July 2021

Within the Assembly to Order (ATO) production strategy, the common approach is to produce the parts to assemble with a Push-Make to Stock policy.In recent decades, the effects of the modern Just in Time (JIT) moved to a Pull-Make to Order policy. Assembled parts characterized by wide variety and huge storage space utilization are critical, and a proper Push/Pull production policy definition is required. An appropriate balance of storage space utilization and setup times leads to the optimization of the production policy. The aim of this paper is to define a bi-objective mathematical optimization model to assign the most suitable production policy to the parts within the production mix in an ATO industrial context. A numerical simulation and an operative case study showcases the model application, proving the industrial relevance of this research.
Spatiotemporal Properties of Seismicity and Variations of Shear-Wave Splitting Parameters in the Western Gulf of Corinth (Greece)
Authors: Kapetanidis Vasilis , Michas Georgios , Kaviris George , Vallianatos Filippos
Published: July 2021

The Western Gulf of Corinth (WGoC) exhibits significant seismicity patterns, combining intense microseismic background activity with both seismic swarms and short-lived aftershock sequences. Herein, we present a catalogue of ~9000 events, derived by manual analysis and double-difference relocation, for the seismicity of the WGoC during 2013–2014. The high spatial resolution of the hypocentral distribution permitted the delineation of the activated structures and their relation to major mapped faults on the surface. The spatiotemporal analysis of seismicity revealed a 32-km-long earthquake migration pattern, related to pore-pressure diffusion, triggering moderate mainshock-aftershock sequences, as fluids propagated eastwards in the course of ~15 months. The anisotropic properties of the upper crust were examined through automatic shear-wave splitting (SWS) analysis, with over 2000 SWS measurements at local stations. An average fast shear-wave polarization direction of N98.8°E ± 2.8° was determined, consistent with the direction of the maximum horizontal regional stress. Temporal variations of normalized time-delays between fast and slow shear-waves imply alterations in the level of stress or microcrack fluid saturation during the long-lasting pore-pressure diffusion episode, particularly before major events. The present study provides novel insights regarding seismicity patterns, active fault structures, anisotropic properties of the upper crust and triggering mechanisms of seismicity in the WGoC.
Microstructural Characterization of TiC-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites Fabricated by Laser Cladding Using FeCrCoNiAlTiC High Entropy Alloy Powder
Authors: Nam Sangwoo , Lee Hyung Won , Jung In-Ho , Kim Young-Min
Published: July 2021

TiC-reinforced metal matrix composites were fabricated by laser cladding and FeCrCoNiAlTiC high entropy alloy powder. The heat of the laser formed a TiC phase, which was consistent with the thermodynamic calculation, and produced a coating layer without interfacial defects. TiC reinforcing particles exhibited various morphologies, such as spherical, blocky, and dendritic particles, depending on the heat input and coating depth. A dendritic morphology is observed in the lower part of the coating layer near the AISI 304 substrate, where heat is rapidly transferred. Low heat input leads to an inhomogeneous microstructure and coating depth due to the poor fluidity of molten pool. On the other hand, high heat input dissolved reinforcing particles by dilution with the substrate. The coating layer under the effective heat input of 50 J/mm2 had relatively homogeneous blocky particles of several micrometers in size. The micro-hardness value of the coating layer is over 900 HV, and the nano-hardness of the reinforcing particles and the matrix were 17 GPa and 10 GPa, respectively.