bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Parents’ Preferences While School Selection in Indian Cities Using Cluster Analysis and Logit Model
Authors: Roy Swechcha , Paul Saikat Kumar , Kumar Amarjeet , Agnihotri Vivek
Published: July 2022

Location of schools is one of the most important factors for encouraging active school transportation. The study identifies a gap that children lose a considerable amount of time in their school trips. The reason behind this is also identified: the ignorance of the population’s preferences while planning for this infrastructure. Location of schools in Kharagpur city is evaluated in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Global Moran’s I test and hot spot cluster analysis provided the existing spatial distribution of schools. Desire line maps are prepared to note the distances children are traveling for schools. Parents’ preference patterns are comprehended in the SERVQUAL framework. Cluster analysis is performed to identify the different categories of parents with respect to their preference patterns. These categories are profiled with their demographic characteristics using logit model. Next, multinomial logit model is used to ascertain the type of schools selected by the parents of each identified category. The framework developed to assess the expectations and perceptions of parents from schools will help the school providers understand the satisfaction level of their users. Schools of different categories will be able to customize their serviceability. If preference is included in the location planning of schools, it will encourage children for active school transportation.
The “Michelangelo Code”: The Quest for Universal Truth
Authors: Savastano Luis E. , Morreale Robert F. , Eliasoph Philip I. , Forcht- Dagi Teo , Nijensohn Daniel E.
Published: July 2022

Michelangelo’s unparalleled frescoes in the Sistine Chapel have been traditionally construed to represent the traditional, Roman Catholic interpretation of the Seven Days of Creation in the Book of Genesis and the Last Judgement. Indeed, in September 2018, Pope Francis I offered a benediction for the Vatican’s art treasures and for “those who contributed to the Church’s history through art.” A number of studies have suggested that Michelangelo concealed anatomic information about the human brain in his renderings of God and biblical prophets and saints. Was the anatomic content of these images purposeful or coincidental? Was the anatomy intentionally concealed? Is there a common pattern with symbolic connotations in the anatomic representations? Was Michelangelo sending an encoded message? In this study, we analyze the imagery in the Sistine frescoes in light of the literature surrounding Michelangelo’s artistry with a particular interest in the relationship between the certain purported anatomic depictions and details demonstrable using scientific and anatomic techniques available during the High Renaissance.
Constructing strategic organization: A field whose time has come
Authors: Baum Joel AC , Greenwood Royston , Jennings P Devereaux
Published: July 2022

As Strategic Organization—SO!—turns 20, we reflect on the inspirations and aspirations behind the journal’s creation, contemplate its accomplishments, and share some themes it might amplify in the future. We find much to celebrate, as well as things to contemplate. The journal has accomplished a great deal during its adolescent and teen years. Our original inspirations and aspirations, updated by our successors, have positioned the journal as the forum for integrative research on strategy and organizations that is pursued rigorously and in an open-minded way. While we think our original vision for Strategic Organization has largely been realized—both for the journal and the field—we see interesting and important openings for new strategic organization research initiatives in areas including novel designs, emerging socio-political processes, and widening societal effects; initiatives we believe will benefit from research approaches that emphasize template eclecticism and careful detective work.
Strategic organization, dynamic capabilities, and the external environment
Authors: Helfat Constance E
Published: July 2022

A large stream of theoretical and empirical research has developed on the topic of dynamic capabilities. However, research on the mechanisms through which dynamic capabilities affect outcomes for firms has often focused on alterations to firms’ resource bases (their resources and capabilities), with less attention to the effects of dynamic capabilities on the external environment. I introduce the concept of external-facing dynamic capabilities and explain how these capabilities may have direct effects on the external environment, in addition to helping firms alter their resource bases. These effects in turn can help firms adapt to and even shape their external environments.
Management Strategies for Descending Thoracic Aortic Thrombus: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Nguyen Quynh , Ma Xiya , Vervoort Dominique , Luc Jessica G. Y.
Published: July 2022

Descending thoracic aortic thrombus (DTAT) is an under-recognized source of systemic emboli with potential catastrophic consequences. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography can help identify and characterize the extent of embolic events. Established guidelines regarding the management of DTAT are currently lacking. Multiple treatment modalities are available; however, the effectiveness of each approach remains to be determined. In this study, we performed a review to examine the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods and findings, and outcomes of various treatment options for patients with DTAT. Medical management is the least invasive and most frequently chosen initial approach, offering a high reported success rate, whereas endovascular therapy can have a role in thrombus exclusion should conservative management fail.
The Efficacy and Safety of HoLEP for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia With Large Volume: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sun Fengze , Yao Huibao , Bao Xingjun , Wang Xiaofeng , Wang Di , Zhang Dongxu , Zhou Zhongbao , Wu Jitao
Published: July 2022

This meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with large volume. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases (until March 2022) were used to search related randomized controlled trials. A total of 11 studies including 1,258 patients were involved. HoLEP could significantly decrease the length of hospital stay and accelerate recovery. In subanalysis, HoLEP had better perioperative outcomes than bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (B-TURP) and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate (BPEP). The improvement in operative time and enucleation time was better in thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) than HoLEP. In the follow-up period, the HoLEP decreased post-void residual urine (PVR) in short-term intervals and improved patients’ maximum flow rate (Qmax) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in mid- and long-term intervals. In subanalysis, HoLEP presented significant improvements in Qmax, PSA, and quality of life (QoL) than B-TURP, and HoLEP could also improve Qmax than ThuLEP after 6 months of surgery. The HoLEP reduced the risk of postoperative bleeding compared with other surgeries in safety. In our study, we confirmed the advantages of HoLEP in treating BPH when the prostate size was larger than 80 mL, which indicated that HoLEP could be the best choice for treatment of large volume of prostate.
Cloth manipulation based on category classification and landmark detection
Authors: Gustavsson Oscar , Ziegler Thomas , Welle Michael C , Bütepage Judith , Varava Anastasiia , Kragic Danica
Published: July 2022

Cloth manipulation remains a challenging problem for the robotic community. Recently, there has been an increased interest in applying deep learning techniques to problems in the fashion industry. As a result, large annotated data sets for cloth category classification and landmark detection were created. In this work, we leverage these advances in deep learning to perform cloth manipulation. We propose a full cloth manipulation framework that, performs category classification and landmark detection based on an image of a garment, followed by a manipulation strategy. The process is performed iteratively to achieve a stretching task where the goal is to bring a crumbled cloth into a stretched out position. We extensively evaluate our learning pipeline and show a detailed evaluation of our framework on different types of garments in a total of 140 recorded and available experiments. Finally, we demonstrate the benefits of training a network on augmented fashion data over using a small robotic-specific data set.
Redundancy and Reducibility in the Formats of Spatial Representations
Authors: Yousif Sami R.
Published: July 2022

Mental representations are the essence of cognition. Yet to understand how the mind works, one must understand not just the content of mental representations (i.e., what information is stored) but also the format of those representations (i.e., how that information is stored). But what does it mean for representations to be formatted? How many formats are there? Is it possible that the mind represents some pieces of information in multiple formats at once? To address these questions, I discuss a “case study” of representational format: the representation of spatial location. I review work (a) across species and across development, (b) across spatial scales, and (c) across levels of analysis (e.g., high-level cognitive format vs. low-level neural format). Along the way, I discuss the possibility that the same information may be organized in multiple formats simultaneously (e.g., that locations may be represented in both Cartesian and polar coordinates). Ultimately, I argue that seemingly “redundant” formats may support the flexible spatial behavior observed in humans and that researchers should approach the study of all mental representations with this possibility in mind.
Toward Precision Characterization and Treatment of Psychopathology: A Path Forward and Integrative Framework of the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology and the Research Domain Criteria
Authors: Hagerty Sarah L.
Published: July 2022

A critical mission of psychological science is to conduct research that ultimately improves the lives of individuals who experience psychopathology. One important aspect of accomplishing this mission is increasing the likelihood that treatments will work for each person. I contend that treatment prognosis can be improved by moving toward a precision-medicine model. I advance a principle-driven framework for working toward these objectives. First, I synthesize the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology and the Research Domain Criteria and demonstrate how integrating these models facilitates precision characterization of psychopathology. Second, I outline and demonstrate a systematic process for approaching treatment selection by leveraging precisely characterized representations of psychopathology. Finally, I advocate the research and clinical applications of this framework. Although clinical and psychological scientists are conducting exciting, multidisciplinary, and methodologically rigorous research in their respective domains, the impact of these pursuits will be maximized in the context of a unifying theoretical framework that supports a clear guiding mission.
Sex/Gender Differences in Verbal Fluency and Verbal-Episodic Memory: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hirnstein Marco , Stuebs Josephine , Moè Angelica , Hausmann Markus
Published: July 2022

Women are thought to fare better in verbal abilities, especially in verbal-fluency and verbal-memory tasks. However, the last meta-analysis on sex/gender differences in verbal fluency dates from 1988. Although verbal memory has only recently been investigated meta-analytically, a comprehensive meta-analysis is lacking that focuses on verbal memory as it is typically assessed, for example, in neuropsychological settings. On the basis of 496 effect sizes and 355,173 participants, in the current meta-analysis, we found that women/girls outperformed men/boys in phonemic fluency ( ds = 0.12–0.13) but not in semantic fluency ( ds = 0.01–0.02), for which the sex/gender difference appeared to be category-dependent. Women/girls also outperformed men/boys in recall ( d = 0.28) and recognition ( ds = 0.12–0.17). Although effect sizes are small, the female advantage was relatively stable over the past 50 years and across lifetime. Published articles reported stronger female advantages than unpublished studies, and first authors reported better performance for members of their own sex/gender. We conclude that a small female advantage in phonemic fluency, recall, and recognition exists and is partly subject to publication bias. Considerable variance suggests further contributing factors, such as participants’ language and country/region.
Olfactory habituation to food and nonfood odours
Authors: Fontana Lara , Albayay Javier , Fernández-Prieto Irune , Zampini Massimiliano
Published: July 2022

Olfactory perception can be modulated by the repeated exposure to odours. Olfactory habituation is a reduced behavioural response to repetitive stimulation. Edibility is considered an important top-down feature that can affect olfactory perception, but whether it could modulate olfactory habituation when food or nonfood odours are repeatedly smelled remains unclear. Indeed, due to their ecological salience, food odours attract attention automatically which might slow down habituation. This registered report aimed to determine whether olfactory habituation shows a different pattern when participants are presented with food or nonfood odours. In a within-subject design, 50 participants were tested under satiated and fasted states in separated experimental sessions. In each session, participants were exposed to the same food and nonfood odour in different blocks of 20 trials each. Participants rated the perceived odour intensity and pleasantness after each trial. We used an intermittent odour presentation to reduce olfactory fatigue while capitalising on the effect of cognitive states on habituation. Linear mixed-effects models showed that the perceived odour intensity decreased over time only for nonfood odours. Conversely, the perceived odour pleasantness decreased significantly more across trials for food odours. These effects were retrieved regardless of the participant’s hunger state. Our results are in line with the olfactory-specific satiety theory which posits a specific decrease in the perceived pleasantness of food odours, without changes in the perceived odour intensity. In short, our findings indicate that perceived odour edibility modulates olfactory habituation, extending the previous literature on the impact of top-down factors on olfactory perception.
COVID-19-induced latent relapsing hypercoagulable state in the absence of persistent viral infection
Authors: Hajra Adrija , Torrado Juan , Alviar Carlos L , Bangalore Sripal , Keller Norma , Faillace Robert , Sokol Seth
Published: July 2022

Hypercoagulability in coronavirus disease 2019 infection is already a known fact. But in this article, we have discussed a unique case where the patient had suffered from relapsing thrombus formation. This report describes the case of a patient who presented with chronic coronavirus disease 2019-induced recurrent thrombi refractory to multiple antithrombotic regimens because of multiple recurrent inflammatory flares without any evidence of chronic persistent viral infection. The patient was treated with anticoagulation and anti-inflammatory medications. Still, he had repeated episodes of right ventricular thrombus. Coronavirus disease 2019 can provoke a severe relapsing hypercoagulable state without evidence of persisting viral infection. Rebound inflammatory flares rather than viral recurrence may play a trigger.
Strengthening urban primary healthcare service delivery using electronic health technologies: A qualitative study in urban Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Prayog , Shrestha Abha , Xiong Shangzhi , Peoples Nicholas , Ramakrishnan Chandrika , Shrestha Shrinkhala , Yin Ruoyu , Karmacharya Biraj , Yan Lijing L. , Jafar Tazeen H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Nepal is a South Asian country with a high burden of non-communicable diseases. Electronic health technologies are a promising strategy to mitigate the rising burden of non-communicable diseases by strengthening primary healthcare center service delivery. However, electronic health implementation in Nepal is limited. Furthermore, electronic health use at the primary healthcare center level is chronically understudied. This qualitative study seeks to understand the perceived awareness, benefits, and determinants of electronic health uptake in Nepal, focusing on primary healthcare center-level non-communicable disease management.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with 27 participants including policymakers, health experts, facility administrators, providers, and non-communicable diseases patients in 2019. We selected six urban primary healthcare center facilities via cluster convenience sampling for recruiting facility administrators, providers, and patients, and used convenience sampling to recruit policymakers and experts. We conducted thematic data analysis inductively and deductively using the electronic health readiness assessment framework to understand perceived barriers and facilitators of electronic health implementation.

Results

While there was general awareness and acceptance of electronic health, multiple barriers impede readiness for implementation. These include policy making gaps, language barriers, low user technical literacy, concerns of overreliance on technology, and inadequate training for administrators and providers. Stakeholder suggestions include creating electronic health interfaces that meet the needs of end users (providers and patients), providing training to enable end users to effectively use electronic health technologies, and strong policy support at the national level.

Conclusion

We identify several determinants for effectively promoting the use of electronic health for non-communicable diseases service delivery at the primary healthcare center level in Nepal.
Gendering Web2.0 Sociotechnical Affordances of Far-Right Metapolitics
Authors: Norocel Ov Cristian
Published: July 2022

This study examines the ways in which Web2.0 sociotechnical affordances of far-right metapolitics are gendered. Specifically, I focus on a key Swedish far-right entity that is not only an extensive publisher of far-right intellectual output, but also organizes a political salon that unites various actors from the European transnational far-right ecosystem. My explicit interests are in the performances of far-right masculinity at work in this metapolitical project. Consequently, the article makes both empirical and theoretical contributions to the field. Empirically, the study provides a digital ethnography of the manner in which far-right performances of masculinity consolidate digital fraternities around a shared transnational far-right ethos of the underdog “us.” In so doing, they exploit Web2.0 sociotechnical affordances, presenting their capability of skillfully weaponizing the digital landscape for their metapolitical project. These performances of masculinity aim to re-naturalize the domination, hierarchy, and privilege of White cis heterosexual masculinities across such intersectional axes of inequality as gender, sexuality, race, and social class. This is underpinned by a syncretic theoretical construct, at the heart of which lies the concept of masculinity of crises, buttressed by a superordinate intersectionality perspective. This combination enables a more sophisticated analysis of Web2.0 sociotechnical affordances, highlighting the intersectional underpinnings of the co-constitutive dynamic between far-right performances of masculinity and crises.
Fathers, Daughters, and Domesticity in the Early Novels of George Eliot
Authors: Jabeen Tahira , Kumar Tribhuwan , Yunus Mehrunnisa M.
Published: July 2022

This article explores how George Eliot shows fathers in domestic life in her fiction by focusing on the core components of Victorian fatherhood named by Claudia Nelson, that is, “authority, guidance and financial support.” In the 19th century Britain, fathers were having privileges of ownership and authority while mothers were confined to nurturing and comforting in domestic life. Most of the researchers on fathers in Eliot’s novels have tried to analyze the father-daughter conflicted relationship from a psychological, or Freudian, perspective. Alternatively, this study by drawing upon the theories of Lucian Goldmann and Alan Swingwood, focuses on the representation of fatherhood by Eliot with the help of comprehensive and interdisciplinary supporting literary, social, and historical resources from the Victorian age. The article argues that Eliot brings up the problems of patriarchy and authority of fathers of the transitional period of the 19th century. Eliot emphasizes that fathers are actually aware of their responsibilities even if they are not always able to carry them out completely. In middle class families, the failure or success of the father as head of the family has a deep impact on the other members of the home. The article concludes that by showing weaknesses, Eliot actually yearns and desires for the perfect father and admires the “intimacy” of “rare manly fathers” of the 19th century. Thus, Eliot idealizes future where individuals recognize and fulfill their duties and avow social and familial bonds.
Multidimensional Determinants of Well-Being Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults During the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Jia-Jen , Liu Li-Fan , Lin Chung-I , Lin Heng-Chun
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Due to the insufficient and inadequate policies on the psychological well-being of the aged population, we aimed to examine the multidimensional determinants of well-being during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Data were collected from face-to-face interviews with1,232 participants aged 50 and older living in Southern Taiwan. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the associations between demographics, the physical health, mental health, social ties domains, and well-being. Results: We found that (i) in physical health, no dental problems and exercise were related to better well-being; (ii) in mental health, stress and depression decreased well-being, but laughing every day, and a positive attitude toward aging had adverse effects; and (iii) in social ties, subjective social status, family support, and place attachment to the community were positively associated with well-being. Discussion: Our findings highlight the multidimensional needs at the individual and community levels for the Chinese population.
Understanding Redeployment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis of Nurse Reported Experiences
Authors: Kennedy Erin , Kennedy Patrick , Hernandez Joanna , Shakoor Kelly , Munyan Kristen
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare working conditions causing the redeployment of nurses. Redeployment refers to assigning healthcare workers to units or specialty areas where they do not regularly work.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of redeployed nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic from April 27, 2020 to May 7, 2020.

Methods

Data collection occurred through a cross-sectional survey with demographic items and a single open-ended item. This open-ended item was part of a larger study regarding work conditions during the initial COVID-19 surge in the spring of 2020 in the Midwest United States (US). This analysis was performed separately due to the volume of qualitative responses and details provided. The survey was posted in private social media groups, and 298 nurses participated, 117 shared open-ended responses. Participants were asked what type of unit they worked on before COVID-19 and what unit they were deployed to.

Findings

Twenty-three (19.7%) reported deployment to COVID-designated units. Twenty-eight (23.9%) participants reported deployment to a unit outside of their specialty. Sixteen (13.7%) reported deployment from a non-critical care unit to an intensive care unit. Three major themes developed from the open-ended responses: (1) challenges related to their scope of practice and specialization, (2) challenges with interpersonal dynamics, and (3) challenges related to the environment.

Conclusion

The described challenges caused some nurses to report primarily negative experiences regarding redeployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings add to the existing literature regarding redeployment and the vulnerability hospitals and their staff face during a disaster or pandemic-related events, such as COVID-19. Ultimately, aiding in the development of new policies to facilitate effective pandemic response in the future that would support nurses to participate in redeployment in a safe and nontraumatic way, is necessary.
The promising therapeutic effects of metformin on metabolic reprogramming of cancer-associated fibroblasts in solid tumors
Authors: Mostafavi Samaneh , Zalpoor Hamidreza , Hassan Zuhair Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes are exposed to many toxic metabolites and molecules in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that suppress their anti-tumor activity. Toxic metabolites, such as lactate and ketone bodies, are produced mainly by catabolic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to feed anabolic cancer cells. These catabolic and anabolic cells make a metabolic compartment through which high-energy metabolites like lactate can be transferred via the monocarboxylate transporter channel 4. Moreover, a decrease in molecules, including caveolin-1, has been reported to cause deep metabolic changes in normal fibroblasts toward myofibroblast differentiation. In this context, metformin is a promising drug in cancer therapy due to its effect on oncogenic signal transduction pathways, leading to the inhibition of tumor proliferation and downregulation of key oncometabolites like lactate and succinate. The cross-feeding and metabolic coupling of CAFs and tumor cells are also affected by metformin. Therefore, the importance of metabolic reprogramming of stromal cells and also the pivotal effects of metformin on TME and oncometabolites signaling pathways have been reviewed in this study.
Effects of planting of two common crops, Allium fistulosum and Brassica napus, on soil properties and microbial communities of ginseng cultivation in northeast China
Authors: Bian Xingbo , Yang Xiaohang , Li Qiong , Sun Xin
Published: July 2022

Background

Long-term cultivation of ginseng can cause severe crop disorders and soil sickness. Crop rotation is an effective agricultural management measure to improve soil sustainability and decrease pathogens. However, the suitable ginseng rotation system and the changes in soil microbial community and soil characteristics under the rotation system need to be further explored.

Methods

To explore suitable ginseng crop rotation systems and improve soil utilization,Allium fistulosumandBrassica napuswere planted on ginseng cultivation soil for one year. The effects of the two crops on the chemical properties and enzyme activities of the ginseng cultivation soil were evaluated by chemical analysis. In addition, amplicon sequencing targeting 16 s rDNA genes of bacteria and ITS of fungi has been used to characterize the functional and compositional diversity of microbial communities.

Results

The results elucidated that the levels of available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) in the soil increased significantly after one year of cultivation for both crops andAllium fistulosumcultivation may also have reduced soil salinity. In addition, the effects of the two crops on the activities of key soil enzymes were different. Catalase (CAT), urease (URE), and acid phosphatase (A-PHO) activities were significantly reduced and sucrase (SUC), and laccase (LAC) activities were significantly increased afterAllium fistulosumplanting. While A-PHO activity was significantly increased and LAC activity was significantly decreased afterBrassica napusplanting.Allium fistulosumsignificantly reduced the abundance of soil fungal communities. The cultivation ofAllium fistulosumandBrassica napussignificantly altered the composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities, where changes in the abundance of dominant microorganisms, such asAscomycota, andMortierellomycota, etc., were closely related to soil chemistry and enzyme activity. Moreover, both significantly reduced the abundance of the pathogenic fungusIlyonectria.

Conclusions

Our study clarified the effects ofAllium fistulosumandBrassica napuson the microbial community and physicochemical properties of ginseng cultivated soil and provides a basis for the sustainable application of ginseng cultivation soil and the development of ginseng crop rotation systems.
Chitosan nanoparticles improve physiological and biochemical responses of Salvia abrotanoides (Kar.) under drought stress
Authors: Attaran Dowom Samaneh , Karimian Zahra , Mostafaei Dehnavi Mahboubeh , Samiei Leila
Published: July 2022

Background

The use of organic nanoparticles to improve drought resistance and water demand characteristics in plants seems to be a promising eco-friendly strategy for water resource management in arid and semi-arid areas. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) (0, 30, 60 and 90 ppm) on some physiological, biochemical, and anatomical responses of Salvia abrotanoides under multiple irrigation regimes (30% (severe), 50% (medium) and 100% (control) field capacity).

Results

The results showed that drought stress decreases almost all biochemical parameters. However, foliar application of CNPs mitigated the effects caused by drought stress. This elicitor decreased electrolyte conductivity (35%), but improved relative water content (12.65%), total chlorophyll (63%), carotenoids (68%), phenol (23.1%), flavonoid (36.4%), soluble sugar (58%), proline (49%), protein (45.2%) in S. abrotanoides plants compared to the control (CNPs = 0). Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (86%), polyphenol oxidase (72.8%), and guaiacol peroxidase (75.7%) were enhanced after CNPs treatment to reduce the effects of water deficit. Also, the CNPs led to an increase in stomatal density (5.2 and 6.6%) while decreasing stomatal aperture size (50 and 25%) and semi-closed stomata (26 and 53%) in leaves.

Conclusion

The findings show that CNPs not only can considerably reduce water requirement of S. abrotanoides but also are able to enhance the drought tolerance ability of this plant particularly in drought-prone areas.

Graphical abstract
Changes in mean systemic filling pressure as an estimate of hemodynamic response to anesthesia induction using propofol
Authors: Zucker Maayan , Kagan Gregory , Adi Nimrod , Ronel Ilai , Matot Idit , Zac Lilach , Goren Or
Published: July 2022

Background

Even a small change in the pressure gradient between the venous system and the right atrium can have significant hemodynamic effects. Mean systemic filling pressure (MSFP) is the driving force of the venous system. As a result, MSFP has a significant effect on cardiac output. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the hemodynamic instability during induction of general anesthesia by intravenous propofol administration is caused by changes in MSFP.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from 15 patients undergoing major surgery requiring invasive hemodynamic monitoring. Hemodynamic parameters, including MSFP, were measured before and after propofol administration and following intubation, using venous return curves at a no-flow state induced by a pneumatic tourniquet.

Results

A significant decrease in MSFP was observed in all study patients after propofol administration (median (IQR) pressure 17 (9) mmHg compared with 25 (7) before propofol administration, p = 0.001). The pressure gradient for venous return (MSFP – central venous pressure; CVP) also decreased following propofol administration from 19 (8) to 12 (6) mmHg, p = 0.001. Central venous pressure did not change.

Conclusions

These results support the hypothesis that induction of anesthesia with propofol causes a marked reduction in MSFP. A possible mechanism of propofol-induced hypotension is reduction in preload due to a decrease in the venous vasomotor tone.
SAFARI: shape analysis for AI-segmented images
Authors: Fernández Esteban , Yang Shengjie , Chiou Sy Han , Moon Chul , Zhang Cong , Yao Bo , Xiao Guanghua , Li Qiwei
Published: July 2022

Background

Recent developments to segment and characterize the regions of interest (ROI) within medical images have led to promising shape analysis studies. However, the procedures to analyze the ROI are arbitrary and vary by study. A tool to translate the ROI to analyzable shape representations and features is greatly needed.

Results

We developed SAFARI (shape analysis for AI-segmented images), an open-source package with a user-friendly online tool kit for ROI labelling and shape feature extraction of segmented maps, provided by AI-algorithms or manual segmentation. We demonstrated that half of the shape features extracted by SAFARI were significantly associated with survival outcomes in a case study on 143 consecutive patients with stage I–IV lung cancer and another case study on 61 glioblastoma patients.

Conclusions

SAFARI is an efficient and easy-to-use toolkit for segmenting and analyzing ROI in medical images. It can be downloaded from the comprehensive R archive network (CRAN) and accessed athttps://lce.biohpc.swmed.edu/safari/.
Reproductive outcomes of dual trigger with combination GnRH agonist and hCG versus trigger with hCG alone in women undergoing IVF/ICSI cycles: a retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching
Authors: Dong Li , Lian Fang , Wu Haicui , Xiang Shan , Li Yuan , Wei Chaofeng , Yu Xiaona , Xin Xin
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite a large number of studies on the selection of trigger drugs, it remains unclear whether the dual trigger with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, compared to the trigger with hCG alone, can improve the reproductive outcome of patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the laboratory and clinical outcomes of dual trigger versus single trigger.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 520 in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles between July 2014 and September 2020 at the Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrative Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. All patients underwent IVF/ICSI treatment with fresh embryo transfer using the GnRH antagonist protocol. We used propensity score matching to control for confounding variables and binary logistic regression analysis to determine the correlations between trigger methods and pregnancy outcomes. After propensity score matching, 57 cycles from each group were evaluated and compared for laboratory or clinical outcomes in this retrospective cohort study.

Results

There was no significant difference in the number of oocytes retrieved, embryos available, top-quality embryos, or the rate of normal fertilization between the dual-trigger and single-trigger protocols, respectively. The incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, and live birth rate were also similar between the two groups, while the miscarriage rate (37.0% vs. 12.5%,p = 0.045) was higher in the dual-trigger than the single-trigger group. Subsequent binary logistic regression analysis showed that age was a remarkably significant independent predictor of both clinical pregnancy rate (odds ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.84–0.97,p = 0.006) and live birth rate (odds ratio = 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.97,p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Therefore, dual-trigger for final oocyte maturation might increase miscarriage rate, but in terms of the laboratory and other pregnancy outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate or live birth rate, there was no evidence to show that dual trigger was superior to an hCG-trigger alone for patients undergoing GnRH-antagonist cycles with fresh embryo transfer.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.
Associations of IFT20 and GM130 protein expressions with clinicopathological features and survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Lianfeng , Chen Yaobing , Liao Wei , Yu Qimei , Lin Hui , Shi Yuqin , Zhang Ling , Fu Guoqing , Wang Zhenyu , Li Xi , Kong Xianrong , Zhou Ting , Qin Lingzhi
Published: July 2022

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of malignancy-related mortality and lung adenocarcinoma accounts for about 40% of lung malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of intraflagellar transport protein 20 (IFT20) and Golgi matrix protein 130 (GM130) expression with clinicopathological features and survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods

The expressions of IFT20 and GM130 protein in cancerous and matched adjacent lung tissues of 235 patients with lung adenocarcinoma were assessed by tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry, which were indicated by the mean optical density (IOD/area), the rate of positive staining cells and staining intensity score. The correlation between IFT20 and GM130 protein was assessed by Spearman’s rank correlation. Associations of IFT20 and GM130 protein expression with clinicopathological features of patients were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression models. The survival analysis of patients was performed by Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

With adjustment for multiple potential confounders, each one-point increase in IFT20 protein staining intensity score was significantly associated with 32% and 29% reduced risk for TNM stage in II ~ IV and lymphatic metastasis of patients, respectively (P < 0.05). And each one-point increase in GM130 protein staining intensity score was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of poor differentiation and tumors size > 7 cm by 29% and 38% for lung adenocarcinoma patients, respectively (P < 0.05). In stratified Cox model analysis, enhanced IFT20 staining intensity score was significantly decreased the risk of death by 16% for patients without distant metastasis. And elevated the IOD/area of GM130 expression significantly decreased the death risk of lung adenocarcinoma patients with tumor size > 7 cm or distant metastasis by 54% and 65%, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

IFT20 and GM130 protein expressions were negatively associated with tumor differentiated types, size, TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma. Both IFT20 and GM130 proteins have some protective effects on the survival of lung adenocarcinoma patients with specific clinicopathological features.
Effects of smoking on the retina of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration by optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Yang Weizhou , Song Chunyuan , Gao Meng , Wang Shuna , Yu Haonan , Li Yan
Published: July 2022

Background

The macula of the retina is analysed using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to provide clinical basis and explain the mechanism of smoking as a risk factor in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 49 normal control nonsmokers, 12 normal control smokers, 38 dry AMD nonsmokers and 35 dry AMD smokers. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), foveal density (FD) in a 300 μm region around FAZ, vessel densities of the superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) capillary plexuses and central fovea retinal thickness (FRT) were compared using OCTA. The bivariate correlation analysis was used to evaluate the effect of pack–year history on retina-related indices.

Results

The vessel densities of whole, foveal and parafoveal of SCP and whole and parafoveal of DCP in the control nonsmoking group were all significantly higher than those in the dry AMD nonsmoking group (allP < 0.05), whereas the whole vessel density of SCP in the normal smoking group was higher than that in the dry AMD smoking group (P = 0.04). The thickness values of the inner and full-layer FRT in the normal nonsmoking group were significantly thicker than those in the dry AMD nonsmoking group (allP < 0.01). The pack–year history was negatively correlated with the parafoveal vessel density of DCP (r =  − 0.224,P < 0.01).

Conclusions

FD, SCP, DCP and FRT are sensitive indices for the detection of early and intermediate dry AMD. DCP is a sensitive indicator that reflects the effects of smoking on the retina. Considerable changes are observed in retinal vessels, suggesting that dry AMD may affect the retinal tissue to a certain extent.
Metabolomic biomarkers related to non-suicidal self-injury in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Guo Xiangjie , Jia Jiao , Zhang Zhiyong , Miao Yuting , Wu Peng , Bai Yaqin , Ren Yan
Published: July 2022

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an important symptom of bipolar disorder (BD) and other mental disorders and has attracted the attention of researchers lately. It is of great significance to study the characteristic markers of NSSI. Metabolomics is a relatively new field that can provide complementary insights into data obtained from genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolic pathways associated with BD with NSSI and assess important diagnostic and predictive indices of NSSI in BD.

Method

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry was performed to evaluate the serum metabolic profiles of patients with BD with NSSI (n = 31), patients with BD without NSSI (n = 46), and healthy controls (n = 10). Data were analyzed using an Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis and a t-test. Differential metabolites were identified (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05), and further analyzed using Metabo Analyst 3.0 to identify associated metabolic pathways.

Results

Eight metabolites in the serum and two important metabolic pathways, the urea and glutamate metabolism cycles, were found to distinguish patients with BD with NSSI from healthy controls. Eight metabolites in the serum, glycine and serine metabolism pathway, and the glucose-alanine cycle were found to distinguish patients with BD without NSSI from healthy controls. Five metabolites in the serum and the purine metabolism pathway were found to distinguish patients with BD with NSSI from those with BD without NSSI.

Conclusions

Abnormalities in the urea cycle, glutamate metabolism, and purine metabolism played important roles in the pathogenesis of BD with NSSI.
Does COVID-19 lockdowns have impacted on global dengue burden? A special focus to India
Authors: Sharma Hemlata , Ilyas Ashal , Chowdhury Abhiroop , Poddar Nitesh Kumar , Chaudhary Anis Ahmad , Shilbayeh Sireen Abdul Rahim , Ibrahim Alnada Abdalla , Khan Shahanavaj
Published: July 2022

Background

The world has been battling several vector-borne diseases since time immemorial. Socio-economic marginality, precipitation variations and human behavioral attributes play a major role in the proliferation of these diseases. Lockdown and social distancing have affected social behavioral aspects of human life and somehow impact on the spread of vector borne diseases. This article sheds light into the relationship between COVID-19 lockdown and global dengue burden with special focus on India. It also focuses on the interconnection of the COVID-19 pandemic (waves 1 and 2) and the alteration of human behavioral patterns in dengue cases.

Methods

We performed a systematic search using various resources from different platforms and websites, such as Medline; Pubmed; PAHO; WHO; CDC; ECDC; Epidemiology Unit Ministry of Health (Sri Lanka Government); NASA; NVBDCP from 2015 until 2021. We have included many factors, such as different geographical conditions (tropical climate, semitropic and arid conditions); GDP rate (developed nations, developing nations, and underdeveloped nations). We also categorized our data in order to conform to COVID-19 duration from 2019 to 2021. Data was extracted for the complete duration of 10 years (2012 to 2021) from various countries with different geographical region (arid region, semitropic/semiarid region and tropical region).

Results

There was a noticeable reduction in dengue cases in underdeveloped (70–85%), developing (50–90%), and developed nations (75%) in the years 2019 and 2021. The dengue cases drastically reduced by 55–65% with the advent of COVID-19 s wave in the year 2021 across the globe.

Conclusions

At present, we can conclude that COVID-19 and dengue show an inverse relationship. These preliminary, data-based observations should guide clinical practice until more data are made public and basis for further medical research.
Perception of strong social norms during the COVID-19 pandemic is linked to positive psychological outcomes
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhu Jiajia , Liu Yutong , Wilbanks Danica , Jackson Joshua Conrad , Mu Yan
Published: July 2022

Social norms can coordinate individuals and groups during collective threats. Pandemic-related social norms (e.g., wearing masks, social distancing) emerged to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, little is known about the psychological consequences of the emerging norms. We conducted three experiments cross-culturally, during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic in China (Study 1), the recovery period in China (Study 2), and the severe period in the United States and Canada (Study 3). Across the three studies, we first distinguished the opposite effects of social norms and risk perception on individuals’ psychological characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic and further revealed that individuals who perceived stronger pandemic norms reported a lower level of COVID-19 risk perception, which in turn would be associated with fewer negative emotions, lower pressure, more positive emotions, higher levels of trusts, and more confidence in fighting against COVID-19. Our findings show that perceived tighter social norms are linked to beneficial psychological outcomes. This research helps governments, institutions, and individuals understand the mechanism and benefits of social norms during the pandemic, thereby facilitating policy formulation and better responses to social crises.