bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term clinical outcome of atrial fibrillation ablation in patients with history of mitral valve surgery
Authors: Almorad Alexandre , O'Neill Louisa , Wielandts Jean-Yves , Gillis Kris , De Becker Benjamin , Nakatani Yosuke , De Asmundis Carlo , Iacopino Saverio , Pambrun Thomas , Marc La Meir , Jaïs Pierre , Haïssaguerre Michel , Duytschaever Mattias , Chierchia Jean-Baptista , Derval Nicolas , Knecht Sébastien
Published: December 2022

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) occurs frequently after mitral valve (MV) surgery. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and long-term clinical outcomes after the first AF ablation in patients with prior MV surgery.

Methods

Sixty consecutive patients with a history of MV surgery without MAZE referred to three European centers for a first AF ablation between 2007 and 2017 (group 1) were retrospectively enrolled. They were matched (propensity score match) with 60 patients referred for AF ablation without prior MV surgery (group 2).

Results

After the index ablation, 19 patients (31.7%) from group 1 and 24 (40%) from group 2 had no recurrence of atrial arrhythmias (ATa) (p = 0.3). After 62 (48–84) months of follow-up and 2 (2–2) procedures, 90.0% of group 1 and 95.0% of group 2 patients were in sinus rhythm (p = 0.49). In group 1, 19 (31.7%) patients had mitral stenosis, and 41 (68.3%) had mitral regurgitation. Twenty-seven (45.0%) patients underwent mechanical valve replacement and 33 (55.0%) MV annuloplasty. At the final follow-up, 28 (46.7%) and 33 (55.0%) patients were off antiarrhythmic drugs (p = 0.46). ATa recurrence was seen more commonly in patients with prior MV surgery (54 vs. 22%, respectively, p < 0.05). No major complication occurred.

Conclusion

Long-term freedom of atrial arrhythmias after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is achievable and safe in patients with a history of mitral valve surgery. In AF patients without a history of mitral valve surgery, repeated procedures are needed to maintain sinus rhythm.
Bibliometric analysis and systematic literature review of the intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: Cuéllar-Rojas Oscar-Andrés , Hincapié-Montoya Mauricio , Contero Manuel , Güemes-Castorena David
Published: December 2022

This study is a literature review with educational evaluation mediated by intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) as its central axis seeking to establish state of the art on implementations executed in the last 20 years and their impact on the evaluation process. The PRISMA methodology was applied for the literature review; the studies were included using the R software and bibliometric techniques with a general search equation that allowed access to all ITS production in Scopus. Subsequently, with the help of artificial intelligence, text mining was used to identify topics of interest in the scientific community, followed by further filtering. Finally, the selected full texts were analyzed using the NVivo software to extract emerging challenges in the field, obtaining 163 full texts for analysis. Among the main findings, the primary purpose of evaluation in ITS was summative, peer and self-evaluation did not have the same level of importance as hetero evaluation, and ITS focus was quantitative. All of this allowed us to conclude that the analyzed texts did not implement a holistic perspective and therefore evidenced the need to establish a framework for constructing an ITS using current technologies that integrate the mentioned variables.
Positive SARS-CoV-2 detection on intraoperative nasopharyngeal viral testing is not associated with worse outcomes for asymptomatic elective surgical patients
Authors: Clancy Paul W. , Knio Ziyad O. , Zuo Zhiyi
Published: December 2022

Background

It has been demonstrated that surgical patients with COVID-19 are at increased risk for postoperative complications. However, this association has not been tested in asymptomatic elective surgical patients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study among elective gynecological and spine surgery patients at a single tertiary medical center from July 2020 through April 2022 (n = 1,130) was performed. The primary endpoint was prolonged (>75th percentile for the corresponding surgical service) length of stay. Secondary endpoints included postoperative respiratory complications, duration of supplemental oxygen therapy, and other major adverse events. The association between SARS-CoV-2 detection and the above outcomes was investigated with univariate and multivariable analyses.

Findings

Of 1,130 patients who met inclusion criteria, 30 (2.7%) experienced intraoperative detection of SARS-CoV-2. Those with intraoperative viral detection did not experience an increased incidence of prolonged length of stay [16.7% vs. 23.2%; RR, 0.72 (95% CI, 0.32–1.61); P = 0.531] nor did they have a longer mean length of stay (4.1 vs. 3.9 days; P = 0.441). Rates of respiratory complications [3.3% vs. 2.9%; RR, 1.15 (95% CI, 0.16–8.11); P = 0.594] and mean duration of supplemental oxygen therapy (9.7 vs. 9.3 h; P = 0.552) were similar as well. All other outcomes were similar in those with and without intraoperative detection of SARS-CoV-2 (all P > 0.05).

Interpretation

Asymptomatic patients with incidental detection of SARS-CoV-2 on intraoperative testing do not experience disproportionately worse outcomes in the elective spine and gynecologic surgical population.
Genetic characterization and molecular epidemiology of Coxsackievirus A12 from mainland China during 2010–2019
Authors: Guo Qin , Zhao Hehe , Zhang Yong , Wang Xianjun , Yu Qiuli , Tan Zhaolin , Lu Huanhuan , Xiao Jinbo , Ji Tianjiao , Zhu Shuangli , Wang Dongyan , Yang Qian , Han Zhenzhi , Xu Wenbo , Yan Dongmei
Published: December 2022

Coxsackievirus A12 (CVA12) is an enterovirus that has been isolated in many countries in recent years. However, studies on CVA12 are limited, and its effective population size, evolutionary dynamics and recombination patterns have not been clarified now. In this study, we described the phylogenetic characteristics of 16 CVA12 strains isolated from pediatric HFMD patients in mainland China from 2010 to 2019. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences and amino acid sequences with the CVA12 prototype strain revealed that the 16 CVA12 strains are identical in 78.8–79% and 94–94.2%, respectively. A phylodynamic analysis based on the 16 full-length VP1 sequences from this study and 21 sequences obtained from GenBank revealed a mean substitution rate of 6.61 × 10−3 substitutions/site/year (95% HPD: 5.16–8.20 × 10−3), dating the time to most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) of CVA12 back to 1946 (95% HPD: 1942–1947). The Bayesian skyline plot showed that the effective population size has experienced twice dynamic fluctuations since 2007. Phylogeographic analysis identified two significant migration pathways, indicating the existence of cross-provincial transmission of CVA12 in mainland China. Recombination analysis revealed two recombination patterns between 16 CVA12 strains and other EV-A, suggesting that there may be extensive genetic exchange between CVA12 and other enteroviruses. In summary, a total of 16 full-length CVA12 strains were reported in this study, providing valuable references for further studies of CVA12 worldwide.
On the similarities of representations in artificial and brain neural networks for speech recognition
Authors: Wingfield Cai , Zhang Chao , Devereux Barry , Fonteneau Elisabeth , Thwaites Andrew , Liu Xunying , Woodland Phil , Marslen-Wilson William , Su Li
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In recent years, machines powered by deep learning have achieved near-human levels of performance in speech recognition. The fields of artificial intelligence and cognitive neuroscience have finally reached a similar level of performance, despite their huge differences in implementation, and so deep learning models can—in principle—serve as candidates for mechanistic models of the human auditory system.

Methods

Utilizing high-performance automatic speech recognition systems, and advanced non-invasive human neuroimaging technology such as magnetoencephalography and multivariate pattern-information analysis, the current study aimed to relate machine-learned representations of speech to recorded human brain representations of the same speech.

Results

In one direction, we found a quasi-hierarchical functional organization in human auditory cortex qualitatively matched with the hidden layers of deep artificial neural networks trained as part of an automatic speech recognizer. In the reverse direction, we modified the hidden layer organization of the artificial neural network based on neural activation patterns in human brains. The result was a substantial improvement in word recognition accuracy and learned speech representations.

Discussion

We have demonstrated that artificial and brain neural networks can be mutually informative in the domain of speech recognition.
Importance of prefrontal meta control in human-like reinforcement learning
Authors: Lee Jee Hang , Leibo Joel Z. , An Su Jin , Lee Sang Wan
Published: December 2022

Recent investigation on reinforcement learning (RL) has demonstrated considerable flexibility in dealing with various problems. However, such models often experience difficulty learning seemingly easy tasks for humans. To reconcile the discrepancy, our paper is focused on the computational benefits of the brain's RL. We examine the brain's ability to combine complementary learning strategies to resolve the trade-off between prediction performance, computational costs, and time constraints. The complex need for task performance created by a volatile and/or multi-agent environment motivates the brain to continually explore an ideal combination of multiple strategies, called meta-control. Understanding these functions would allow us to build human-aligned RL models.
Clinical and genetic analyses of premature mitochondrial encephalopathy with epilepsia partialis continua caused by novel biallelic NARS2 mutations
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Fang Hongjun , Peng Yu , Li Li , Guo Danni , Tang Jingwen , Yi Jurong , Liu Qingqing , Qin Wei , Wu Liwen , Ning Zeshu
Published: December 2022

Biallelic NARS2 mutations can cause various neurodegenerative diseases, leading to growth retardation, intractable epilepsy, and hearing loss in early infancy and further progressing to spastic paraplegia, neurodegeneration, and even death. NARS2 mutations are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and cause combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 24 (COXPD24). Relatively few cases have been reported worldwide; therefore, the pathogenesis of COXPD24 is poorly understood. We studied two unrelated patients with COXPD24 with similar phenotypes who presented with intractable refractory epilepsia partialis continua, hearing loss, and growth retardation. One patient died from epilepsy. Three novel NARS2 variants (case 1: c.185T > C and c.251 + 2T > G; case 2: c.185T > C and c.509T > G) were detected with whole-exome sequencing. c.251 + 2T > G is located at the donor splicing site in the non-coding sequence of the gene. The minigene experiment further verified that c.251 + 2T > G caused variable splicing abnormalities and produced truncated proteins. Molecular dynamics studies showed that c.185T > C and c.509T > G reduced the binding free energy of the NARS2 protein dimer. The literature review revealed fewer than 30 NARS2 variants. These findings improved our understanding of the disease phenotype and the variation spectrum and revealed the potential pathogenic mechanism of non-coding sequence mutations in COXPD24.
The oxytocin receptor represents a key hub in the GPCR heteroreceptor network: potential relevance for brain and behavior
Authors: Borroto-Escuela Dasiel O. , Cuesta-Marti Cristina , Lopez-Salas Alexander , Chruścicka-Smaga Barbara , Crespo-Ramírez Minerva , Tesoro-Cruz Emiliano , Palacios-Lagunas Daniel A. , Perez de la Mora Miguel , Schellekens Harriët , Fuxe Kjell
Published: December 2022

In the last 10 years, it has become increasingly clear that large numbers of axon collaterals extend from the oxytocin (OXT) hypothalamic axons, especially the parvocellular components, to other brain regions. Consequently, the OXT signaling system forms, like other monoamine axons, a rich functional network across several brain regions. In this manuscript, we review the recently indicated higher order G-protein coupled heteroreceptor complexes of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and how these, via allosteric receptor-receptor interactions modulate the recognition, signaling, and trafficking of the participating receptor protomers and their potential impact for brain and behavior. The major focus will be on complexes of the OXTR protomer with the dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) protomer and the serotonin 2A (5-HT2AR) and 2C (5-HT2CR) receptor protomers. Specifically, the existence of D2R-OXTR heterocomplexes in the nucleus accumbens and the caudate putamen of rats has led to a postulated function for this heteromer in social behavior. Next, a physical interaction between OXTRs and the growth hormone secretagogue or ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) was demonstrated, which consequently was able to attenuate OXTR-mediated Gαq signaling. This highlights the potential of ghrelin-targeted therapies to modulate oxytocinergic signaling with relevance for appetite regulation, anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Similarly, evidence for 5-HT2AR-OXTR heteromerization in the pyramidal cell layer of CA2 and CA3 in the dorsal hippocampus and in the nucleus accumbens shell was demonstrated. This complex may offer new strategies for the treatment of both mental disease and social behavior. Finally, the 5-HT2CR-OXTR heterocomplexes were demonstrated in the CA1, CA2, and CA3 regions of the dorsal hippocampus. Future work should be done to investigate the precise functional consequence of region-specific OXTR heteromerization in the brain, as well across the periphery, and whether the integration of neuronal signals in the brain may also involve higher order OXTR-GHS-R1a heteroreceptor complexes including the dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA) or serotonin (5-HT) receptor protomers or other types of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Predictive value of EEG-derived pain threshold index for acute postoperative pain in children
Authors: Lv Jingjing , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Kan , Zheng Jijian
Published: December 2022

Background

Electroencephalogram (EEG)-derived pain threshold index (PTI) has been developed as a novel pain recognition indicator and has been proved to be useful in the prediction of acute postoperative pain in adults. Evidence of its usability in children is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prediction value of this novel pain indicator PTI for acute postoperative pain in children.

Methods

A total of 80 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. Blood pressure, heart rate (HR), surgical pleth index (SPI), PTI, and EEG-derived sedative index-wavelet index (WLI) data were recorded at the end of the surgery. The postoperative pain scores Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) were obtained in the emergence room 5 min after the children wake up. Receiver-operating characteristic curve was performed to analyze the predictive value of PTI, SPI, HR, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). The consistency between SPI and PTI was also evaluated.

Results

Results showed that the areas under curves (95%CI) of PTI and SPI were 0.796 (95% CI: 0.694–0.895) and 0.753 (95% CI: 0.632–0.874), respectively, with the best cut-off value of 58 and 45 to discriminate between mild and moderate to severe pain.

Conclusion

This study suggested that PTI obtained at the end of the surgery could predict acute postoperative pain in children with an acceptable accuracy. It will help with early recognition and treatment of postoperative pain, thus reducing the pain in children. In addition, PTI had a good consistency with SPI in predicting acute postoperative pain in children.
Syringa oblata genome provides new insights into molecular mechanism of flower color differences among individuals and biosynthesis of its flower volatiles
Authors: Chen Lifei , Xia Bin , Li Ziwei , Liu Xiaowei , Bai Yun , Yang Yujia , Gao Wenjie , Meng Qingran , Xu Ning , Sun Ying , Li Qiang , Yue Liran , He Miao , Zhou Yunwei
Published: December 2022

Syringa oblata is a high ornamental value tree owing to its elegant colors, unique aromas and wide adaptability, however, studies on the molecular mechanism underlying the formation of its ornamental traits are still lacking. Here, we presented a chromosome-scale genome assembly of S. oblata and the final genome size was 1.11 Gb with a contig N50 of 4.75 Mb, anchored on 23 chromosomes and was a better reference for S. oblata transcriptome assembly. Further by integrating transcriptomic and metabolic data, it was concluded that F3H, F3’H, 4CL and PAL, especially the F3’H, were important candidates involved in the formation of floral color differences among S. oblata individuals. Genome-wide identification and analysis revealed that the TPS-b subfamily was the most abundant subfamily of TPS family in S. oblata, which together with the CYP76 family genes determined the formation of the major floral volatiles of S. oblata. Overall, our results provide an important reference for mechanistic studies on the main ornamental traits and molecular breeding in S. oblata.
Effects of high-performance human resource practices in the education sector: The mediational model
Authors: Yang Cunbo , Yasmin Fakhra
Published: December 2022

In order to better understand the link between High-Performance Human Resource Practices (HPHRPs) and outcomes, this study examines the mediating roles of person–job fit (PJ fit) and person–organization fit (PO fit) using congruence theory. Through a survey questionnaire, data were gathered from 296 people who work at educational institutions in China. The results demonstrated that the association between HPHRPs and outcomes is mediated by both PJ fit and PO fit. We observed theoretical implications and discovered that HPHRPs are an important antecedent that builds congruence among employees' values and goals and organizational values and goals, as well as their job goals, which in turn prevents employees from experiencing stress and developing intentions to leave their workplace. The current study adds to extant literature on education and HPHRPs by identifying PJ fit and PO fit as mechanisms through which HPHRPs demonstrate their authority on employee outcomes. The managerial implications, limitations, and directions for future studies are included in detail at the end.
A questionnaire-based validation of metacognitive strategies in writing and their predictive effects on the writing performance of English as foreign language student writers
Authors: Qin Chenghai , Zhang Ruru , Xiao Yanling
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study—drawing upon data from a questionnaire—examined 503 Chinese university students’ metacognitive strategies in writing (MSW). The focus was on Chinese student writers who are learning English as a foreign language (EFL).

Methods

The examination was conducted through a survey on MSW and a writing test administered at the end of the semester. We employed exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for data analysis. Multiple regression analysis was also adopted for understanding the predictive effects of strategies on writing performance.

Results

The findings provided validity to MSW, including person, task, strategies, planning, monitoring, and evaluating. The different components of MSW were reported to significantly affect the participants’ writing performance. The findings highlight that EFL student writers were aware of metacognitive writing strategies. The MSW survey could be used to assess EFL students’ metacognitive writing strategies and develop curricula in writing strategy training.

Conclusion

Writing instruction can direct learners’ ability to acquire metacognitive writing strategies, particularly those of planning, monitoring, and evaluating, to build their awareness as agents in EFL writing. Relevant pedagogical implications are discussed.
What underlies emotion regulation abilities? An innovative programme based on an integrative developmental approach to improve emotional competencies: Promising results in children with Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Famelart Nawelle , Diene Gwenaelle , Çabal-Berthoumieu Sophie , Glattard Mélanie , Molinas Catherine , Tauber Maithe , Guidetti Michèle
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to test the effect of a new training programme on emotional competencies, named EMO-T, and to show the value of an integrative developmental approach. This approach postulates that the emotion regulation disturbances commonly observed in neurodevelopmental disorders are the consequence of potential disruptions in the prerequisite emotion skills. This integrative approach is particularly suitable in the case of complex and multidimensional disorders such as Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic disease.

Methods

We examined the emotion expression, recognition, comprehension, and regulation skills in 25 PWS children aged 5–10 and 50 typically developing children (TD) aged 3–10. After a pre-test session, half of the PWS children participated in the EMO-T programme with their regular therapist for 6 weeks, while the other half continued their usual rehabilitation programme. Two post-test sessions were conducted, one at the end of the programme and one 3 months later.

Results

At pre-test, PWS children displayed a deficit in the four emotional competencies (EC). PWS children who participated in the EMO-T programme showed a significant and sustainable post-test improvement regarding voluntary expression and emotion recognition abilities, such that the level reached was no longer different from the baseline level of TD children. They also tended to improve in their emotion regulation, although they received no specific training in this skill.

Discussion

These results support that emotion regulation abilities require prerequisite emotion skills, which should be more fully considered in current training programmes. Because emotion regulation disorders strongly impact all areas of life, an integrative developmental approach appears crucial especially in the case of neurodevelopmental disorders. Further studies should be conducted to explore this perspective.
“Leadership in Rehabilitation Teamwork: Challenges for Developing Countries”
Authors: Uddin Taslim
Published: December 2022

Physical rehabilitation medicine is a diverse specialty; its main objective is to provide comprehensive rehabilitation involving multiple health care professionals to optimize function and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. There is an increase in the number of people with disabilities, and people with disabilities in lower income countries do not receive the required rehabilitation. Rehabilitation intervention includes functional assessment, rehabilitation goal setting, composition of the focused team and coordination of the team works, all of which require a highly skilled team leader. No single professional is likely to have all the necessary skills to achieve optimal results alone. There is a knowledge gap between the theory, existing situation, and practice in rehabilitation team functioning. In this short communication challenges for quality rehabilitation services were highlighted, including the importance of the leadership role of team functioning.
Effects of jump height on forelimb landing forces in border collies
Authors: Pogue Joanna , Zink Chris , Kieves Nina R.
Published: December 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of jump height on the landing forces of dogs.

Animals

Client-owned Border Collies experienced in agility competition,n= 9.

Procedures

The study involved client owned border collies with the same AKC standard jump height of 20 inches and preferred height of 16 inches. Standard height is based upon the height of the dog at the withers, with preferred height referred to as reduction in jump height by one level due to injury or age. An AKC regulation bar jump was placed over a previously validated pressure sensitive walkway (PSW). The peak force (%BW) and peak contact pressure (kPa) of the leading and trailing forelimbs were evaluated for all dogs.

Results

There was no significant difference in landing force between the two jump heights for either peak force as a percentage of body weight or peak contact pressure when evaluated in both leading and trailing forelimbs.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Our findings demonstrated no significant difference in active landing forces of peak contact pressure and peak force on the forelimbs of dogs when jumping at a standard jump height vs. a preferred jump height when controlling for velocity in dogs performing a single running bar jump. These results suggest that the recommendation of decreasing jump height for older animals or injured animals may not provide a significant decrease in the impact on the forelimbs. It is likely that other factors contribute to the total forelimb kinematics picture during competition. Veterinarians and trainers should consider additional ways to decrease impact for canine athletes as they recover from injury.
The use of filamentous hemagglutinin adhesin to detect immune responses to Campylobacter hepaticus infections in layer hens
Authors: Muralidharan Chithralekha , Quinteros José A. , Anwar Arif , Wilson Timothy B. , Scott Peter C. , Moore Robert J. , Van Thi Thu Hao
Published: December 2022

Campylobacter hepaticus is the aetiological agent of Spotty Liver Disease (SLD). SLD can cause significant production loss and mortalities among layer hens at and around peak of lay. We previously developed an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), SLD-ELISA1, to detect C. hepaticus specific antibodies from bird sera using C. hepaticus total proteins and sera pre-absorbed with Campylobacter jejuni proteins. The high specificity achieved with SLD-ELISA1 indicated the presence of C. hepaticus specific antibodies in sera of infected birds. However, some of the reagents used in SLD-ELISA1 are time consuming to prepare and difficult to quality control. This understanding led to the search for C. hepaticus specific immunogenic proteins that could be used in recombinant forms as antibody capture antigens in immunoassay design. In this study, an immunoproteomic approach that combined bioinformatics analysis, western blotting, and LC MS/MS protein profiling was used, and a fragment of filamentous hemagglutinin adhesin (FHA), FHA1,628−1,899 with C. hepaticus specific antigenicity was identified. Recombinant FHA1,628−1,899 was used as antigen coating on ELISA plates to capture FHA1,628−1,899 specific antibodies in sera of infected birds. SLD-ELISA2, based on the purified recombinant FHA fragment, is more user-friendly and standardizable than SLD-ELISA1 for screening antibody responses to C. hepaticus exposure in hens. This study is the first report of the use of FHA from a Campylobacter species in immunoassays, and it also opens future research directions to investigate the role of FHA in C. hepaticus pathogenesis and its effectiveness as a vaccine candidate.
Indoor Solid Fuel Use and Non-Neoplastic Digestive System Diseases: A Population-Based Cohort Study Among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population
Authors: Liu Yahang , Zeng Silu , Huang Chen , Wang Ce , Zhu Jingjing , Peng Jiahuan , Ding Fengfei , Li Jiong , Qin Guoyou , Chen Jiaohua
Published: December 2022

Objectives: We tended to explore the association of indoor air pollution (IAP) and non-neoplastic digestive system diseases (NNDSD) among the Chinese middle-aged and older population.

Methods: From 2011 to 2018, we included 7884 NNDSD-free adults from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Physician-diagnosed NNDSD was obtained by self-reported information at baseline and updated across follow-up surveys. We investigated the associations between baseline exposure of solid fuel use for cooking and/or heating and NNDSD diagnosed during follow-up through Cox proportional hazard models. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between cooking fuel switching and NNDSD diagnosed during follow-up.

Results: Solid fuel use for cooking and/or heating was positively associated with NNDSD after adjusting for potential confounders. The risk of NNDSD among subjects who always use solid fuel for cooking (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09, 1.84) was higher than those with always clean fuels. Moreover, we found a lower NNDSD risk among participants who switched from solid to clean cooking fuel (aHR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.87) than those with always solid fuels.

Conclusion: Our present study shows that indoor solid fuel use is a dependent risk factor for NNDSD. Moreover, switching to clean fuel may contribute to the prevention of digestive system illnesses.
Artificial Intelligence and Computational Issues in Engineering Applications
Authors: Grabowska Karolina , Krzywanski Jaroslaw , Sosnowski Marcin , Skrobek Dorian
Published: December 2022

High-performance supercomputers and emerging computing clusters created in research and development centres are rapidly increasing available computing power, which scientists are eager to use to implement increasingly advanced computing methods [...]
Measuring the Level of Urban–Rural Integration Development and Analyzing the Spatial Pattern Based on the New Development Concept: Evidence from Cities in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Wei Leiru , Zhao Xiaojie , Lu Jianxin
Published: December 2022

Urban–rural integration development (URID) is the solution to the excessive urban–rural gap, unequal and insufficient development in urban–rural areas, along with the process of dynamic and balanced urban–rural growth. The promotion of high-quality development and sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) depends heavily on the scientific development of an evaluation index for urban–rural integration (URI), the quantitative measurement of the level of URI, and the accurate identification of the spatial layout of URI. The URI indicator system is built using the new development philosophy, and 94 cities in the YRB are used as samples. The spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of the URID in the YRB were studied from 2010 to 2020 using the entropy value method and coupled coordination model. The study shows that from 2010 to 2020, along the YRB, both urban and rural development (URD) levels generally increased. However, regional differences increased and development levels varied, showing a trend of uneven development between provinces. Overall, the degree of URID was increasing and still low, but there are three main types of urban–rural coupling and coordination (URCC) that are relatively stable: barely coordinated, primary coordination, and on the verge of disorder. Primary coordination replaced barely coordinated as the dominant type over time. Finally, it is suggested that urban and rural regions should not be “managed separately” but rather should be viewed as a cohesive organic whole; to drive urban cluster construction and spur rural development, to further close the urban–rural divide, reliance on the city centre is necessary. Concurrently, this encourages the transfer of farm labour and supports the coordinated growth of urban–rural industries; investment in advantageous industries is strengthened; the construction of URIs should be promoted at a more microscopic city and county level; and strong support is provided to achieve high-quality sustainable development of the YRB. It is important to put into practice the new development philosophy, investigate the fundamental causes of the growing urban–rural divide, change the development strategy, and optimize this new development path.
The Relationship between Fluoride Exposure and Cognitive Outcomes from Gestation to Adulthood—A Systematic Review
Authors: Gopu Banu Preethi , Azevedo Liane B. , Duckworth Ralph M. , Subramanian Murali K. P. , John Sherley , Zohoori Fatemeh Vida
Published: December 2022

Chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride may cause health concerns, including in cognitive function. This study reviewed the evidence on the association between fluoride exposure and cognitive outcomes in children from gestation up to 18 years old. A literature search was conducted for studies on pregnant women and children below 18, exposed to any source of fluoride, and assessed with a validated cognitive tool. The data were analyzed using a systematic narrative synthesis approach and by subgroup: study design, age of participants, levels of fluoride exposure and methodological quality. Our search retrieved 15,072 articles, of which 46 met the inclusion criteria. Only 6 of the studies had a longitudinal design; the remainder were cross-sectional. The levels of fluoride exposure were ≥2 mg/L in 27 studies and <2 mg/L in 13 studies; 6 studies did not report levels of fluoride exposure. Only 1 of 5 studies graded as excellent quality showed a negative association between fluoride exposure and cognitive outcomes, whereas 30 of 34 poor and fair quality studies reported a negative association. The overall evidence from this review suggests that high fluoride exposure might be associated with negative cognitive outcomes in children. However, more longitudinal studies with high methodological quality are needed on this topic.
Health Literacy and Critical Lecture as Key Elements to Detect and Reply to Nutrition Misinformation on Social Media: Analysis between Spanish Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Segado-Fernández Sergio , Lozano-Estevan María del Carmen , Jiménez-Gómez Beatriz , Ruiz-Núñez Carlos , Jiménez Hidalgo Pedro Jesús , Fernández-Quijano Invención , González-Rodríguez Liliana , Santillán-García Azucena , Herrera-Peco Ivan
Published: December 2022

Health misinformation about nutrition and other health aspects on social media is a current public health concern. Healthcare professionals play an essential role in efforts to detect and correct it. The present study focuses on analyzing the use of competencies associated with training in methodology, health literacy, and critical lecture in order to detect sources of health misinformation that use scientific articles to support their false information. A qualitative study was conducted between 15 and 30 January 2022, wherein the participants were recruited from active users from a nutrition conversation on Twitter, diets, and cancer and defined themselves as healthcare professionals. This study demonstrates that health literacy and critical lecture competencies allow for the detection of more misinformation messages and are associated with a high rate of responses to users that spread the misinformation messages. Finally, this study proposes the necessity of developing actions to improve health literacy and critical lecture competencies between healthcare professionals. However, in order to achieve this, health authorities must develop strategies to psychologically support those healthcare professionals faced with bullying as a result of their activity on social media debunking health hoaxes.
Characteristics and DGT Based Bioavailability of Cadmium in the Soil–Crop Systems from the East Edge of the Dongting Lake, China
Authors: Guo Jun , Wei Zhiying , Zhang Chao , Li Cong , Dai Liangliang , Lu Xin , Xiao Kaiqi , Mao Xiong , Yang Xiuwen , Jing Yiming , Zhang Jiaquan , Chen Wei , Qi Shihua
Published: December 2022

Contamination of heavy metals (including the cadmium, Cd) in agricultural soils has become an increased issue, posing a threat to the crop safety and human health. In order to evaluate the contamination characteristics and bioavailability of Cd in the soil–crop systems from the East edge of the Dongting Lake, four kinds of agricultural products for typical crops (rice, peanut, sweet potato, and corn) and corresponding rhizosphere soils were collected and analyzed for the Cd concentrations. The technique of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) was applied to evaluate the Cd bioavailability in the rhizosphere soils. Concentrations of Cd ranged from 0.04 to 2.95 mg/kg (average 0.24 mg/kg) with 73.9% sites above the background levels, especially for paddy soils. Cd concentrations in the agricultural products ranged from 0.01 to 2.19 mg/kg (average 0.18 mg/kg), with Cd enrichment observed in the peanut samples. No obvious correlations (R2 < 0.25) were observed between the Cd concentrations in the agricultural products and total Cd concentrations in the rhizosphere soils, this indicated that the total Cd concentrations in the soils cannot predict the concentrations in the agricultural products of crops. While the DGT measured Cd concentrations showed good correlations (R2 = 0.64–0.90) with the concentrations in the most agricultural products of crops, which may be used to evaluate the safety of the soil and further safety of the agricultural products of crops. Overall, DGT showed a good potential for prediction of heavy metal bioavailability in soil since the DGT technique can simulate the sustained supply of heavy metals from solid to liquid in the soils.
Maternal Well-Being and Stage of Behaviour Change during Pregnancy: A Secondary Analysis of the PEARS Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Roche Doireann , Rafferty Anthony , Holden Sinead , Killeen Sarah Louise , Kennelly Maria , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: December 2022

We aimed to determine whether early pregnancy well-being was associated with the stage of behaviour change during an antenatal lifestyle intervention using a secondary analysis of data from the Pregnancy Exercise and Nutrition Research Study (PEARS). Pregnant women (n = 277) with well-being data in early pregnancy were included. Maternal well-being was measured using the World Health Organisation Five-Item Well-Being Index. The intervention consisted of a mobile health (mHealth) phone application, supported by antenatal education and exercise, to prevent gestational diabetes in a population with overweight. Stage of behaviour change was measured in late pregnancy using a five-stage classification. Ordinal logistic regression was used to examine if well-being, the study group, or their interaction, were related to behaviour change. Maternal well-being (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01, 1.04, p < 0.01) and the study group (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.44, 3.51, p < 0.01) both significantly influenced the positive stage of behaviour change. The probability of being at stage 5 increased from 43 to 92% as well-being increased from 0 to 100% and was higher in the intervention (53%) compared to the control (34%) group (p ≤ 0.01 (8.65, 29.27). This study demonstrates the potential importance of well-being in enabling women to engage with a healthy lifestyle, and the role that mHealth technology has in facilitating beneficial behaviour change.
Evaluation of Community-Based, Mobile HIV-Care, Peer-Delivered Linkage Case Management in Manzini Region, Eswatini
Authors: Suraratdecha Chutima , MacKellar Duncan , Hlophe Thabo , Dlamini Makhosazana , Ujamaa Dawud , Pals Sherri , Dube Lenhle , Williams Daniel , Byrd Johnita , Mndzebele Phumzile , Behel Stephanie , Pathmanathan Ishani , Mazibuko Sikhathele , Tilahun Endale , Ryan Caroline
Published: December 2022

The success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) requires continuous engagement in care and optimal levels of adherence to achieve sustained HIV viral suppression. We evaluated HIV-care cascade costs and outcomes of a community-based, mobile HIV-care, peer-delivered linkage case-management program (CommLink) implemented in Manzini region, Eswatini. Abstraction teams visited referral facilities during July 2019–April 2020 to locate, match, and abstract the clinical data of CommLink clients diagnosed between March 2016 and March 2018. An ingredients-based costing approach was used to assess economic costs associated with CommLink. The estimated total CommLink costs were $2 million. Personnel costs were the dominant component, followed by travel, commodities and supplies, and training. Costs per client tested positive were $499. Costs per client initiated on ART within 7, 30, and 90 days of diagnosis were $2114, $1634, and $1480, respectively. Costs per client initiated and retained on ART 6, 12, and 18 months after diagnosis were $2343, $2378, and $2462, respectively. CommLink outcomes and costs can help inform community-based HIV testing, linkage, and retention programs in other settings to strengthen effectiveness and improve efficiency.
Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Gender Minority Communities: Focus Group Discussions
Authors: Pharr Jennifer R. , Terry Emylia , Wade André , Haboush-Deloye Amanda , Marquez Erika ,   Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition
Published: December 2022

Background: People who identify as sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experienced disproportionate economic and mental health issues related to COVID-19 when compared to the general population. The purpose of this study was to better understand how COVID-19 has impacted the SGM community and ways to address vaccine hesitancy. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with 21 members of the SGM community between 5 November and 10 December 2020. A thematic analysis using the reflexive approach was applied to the transcripts of the focus groups. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) Impact of COVID-19 on the Community, (2) Perceptions of Contact Tracing and Testing, (3) Perceptions of a Potential COVID-19 Vaccine, and (4) Decreasing Vaccine Hesitancy. The most relevant subthemes were that social isolation led to anxiety, stress, and fear in the SGM community during COVID-19; resilience and adaptation were positive outcomes of the pandemic; histories of medical racism contributed to hesitancy to get tested; and specific messaging from trusted messengers may be needed to encourage SGM communities to get vaccinated. These findings support other COVID-19 research on the SGM community during the start of the pandemic. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the impact of the early stages of COVID-19 on the SGM community, highlighting the unique hurdles faced by SGM individuals with regard to contact tracing and vaccine hesitancy.
How Does Perceived Organizational Support Reduce the Effect of Working Environmental Risk on Occupational Strain? A Study of Chinese Geological Investigators
Authors: Tao Su , Hao Jinmiao , Yu Jicong
Published: December 2022

Background: Sensitivity to working environmental risks is essential to ensure the safety of geological investigators, but persistent perceived risks may lead to occupational strain, with negative effects on physical and mental health. This study aimed to find ways to reduce the negative consequences of working environmental risk perception without losing situational awareness. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 268 participants from geological survey organizations, measuring their perception of working environmental risk, occupational strain, perceived organizational support, and other stressors. Results: (1) The perception of working environmental risk and occupational strain of geological investigators was significantly higher than that of administrative staff, managers, and scientific researchers. (2) Working environmental risk is an important predictor of occupational strain in geological investigators even after controlling for other stressors. (3) Different dimensions of perceived organizational support play different roles in stress management; socio-emotional support negatively predicts occupational strain, and instrumental support moderates the relationship between working environmental risk perception and occupational strain. Conclusions: Our findings identify working environmental risk as one of the most prominent stressors for geological investigators. Socio-emotional support directly reduces occupational strain, while instrumental support buffers the effect of risk perception on occupational strain.
Post-Traumatic Growth of Nurses in COVID-19 Designated Hospitals in Korea
Authors: Han Suk-Jung , Chun Ji-Young , Bae Hye-Jin
Published: December 2022

Background: This descriptive survey aimed to identify the factors affecting the post-traumatic growth (PTG) of nurses in COVID-19 designated hospitals on the basis of a PTG model. Methods: A survey of 250 nurses working at three COVID-19 hospitals in Seoul, South Korea, was conducted from May to July 2021. The collected data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The participants in this study were mostly women (92.7%), and the average age and career duration were 32.08 and 7.88 years, respectively. The factors that significantly influenced the participants’ PTG were identified as marriage, religion, self-disclosure, deliberate rumination, meaning in life, and resilience. Conclusions: As new infectious diseases emerge, it is necessary to develop a program that can encourage self-disclosure and deliberate rumination, help nurses discover and pursue meaning in life, and enhance their ability to overcome trauma and promote PTG.
Effects of Safety Harnesses Protecting against Falls from a Height on the User’s Body in Suspension
Authors: Baszczyński Krzysztof
Published: December 2022

The present work concerns the impact of safety harnesses on the human body in the context of suspension trauma. Phenomena at the man/harness interface were studied on a group of men professionally working at a height and using personal protective equipment (PPE). In the study, subjects wearing a safety harness were suspended for 3 min in controlled conditions. Three types of safety harnesses of different design were used. The harnesses were evaluated on the basis of the subjects’ opinions expressed in a questionnaire administered following trials. The most important phenomena observed were the compression exerted by textile straps, inconvenient body position, as well as straps tightening around the neck and torso. The results of trials involving human subjects were convergent and complementary with tests using an anthropomorphic dummy, enabling an evaluation of the basic designs of safety harnesses.
Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States
Authors: Gruenwald Talor , Seals Brady A. , Knibbs Luke D. , Hosgood H. Dean
Published: December 2022

Indoor gas stove use for cooking is associated with an increased risk of current asthma among children and is prevalent in 35% of households in the United States (US). The population-level implications of gas cooking are largely unrecognized. We quantified the population attributable fraction (PAF) for gas stove use and current childhood asthma in the US. Effect sizes previously reported by meta-analyses for current asthma (Odds Ratio = 1.34, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.12–1.57) were utilized in the PAF estimations. The proportion of children (<18 years old) exposed to gas stoves was obtained from the American Housing Survey for the US, and states with available data (n = 9). We found that 12.7% (95% CI = 6.3–19.3%) of current childhood asthma in the US is attributable to gas stove use. The proportion of childhood asthma that could be theoretically prevented if gas stove use was not present (e.g., state-specific PAFs) varied by state (Illinois = 21.1%; California = 20.1%; New York = 18.8%; Massachusetts = 15.4%; Pennsylvania = 13.5%). Our results quantify the US public health burden attributed to gas stove use and childhood asthma. Further research is needed to quantify the burden experienced at the county levels, as well as the impacts of implementing mitigation strategies through intervention studies.