bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution study of the air-sea CO2 flux and net community oxygen production in the Ligurian Sea by a fleet of gliders
Authors: Coppola Laurent , Fourrier Marine , Pasqueron de Fommervault Orens , Poteau Antoine , Riquier Emilie Diamond , Béguery Laurent
Published: September 2023

Intense glider monitoring was conducted in the Ligurian Sea for five months to capture the Net Community Production (NCP) variability in one of the most dynamic and productive regions of the Mediterranean Sea. Using the SeaExplorer glider technology, we were able to observe continuously from January to the end of May 2018 the physical and biogeochemical variables during the last period of intense convection observed in this region. High-frequency measurements from these gliders provided valuable information for determining dissolved O2 (DO) concentrations between coastal and open sea waters. Our DO balance approach provided an estimate of NCP fluxes complemented by the prediction of air-sea CO2 fluxes based on a neural network adapted to the Mediterranean Sea (CANYON-MED). Based on our NCP calculation method, our results show that the air-sea O2 flux and DO inventory have contributed largely to the NCP variability. The NCP values also suggest that heterotrophic conditions were predominant in winter and became autotrophic in spring, with strong variability in coastal waters due to the occurrence of sub-mesoscale structures. Finally, CO2 fluxes at the air-sea interface reveal that during the convection period, the central zone of the Ligurian Sea acted as a CO2 sink from January to March with little impact on NCP fluxes counterbalanced by a thermal effect of seawater.
Plasma pentosidine as a useful biomarker of sarcopenia, low gait speed, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Saeki Chisato , Saito Mitsuru , Tsubota Akihito
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is associated with various diseases and age-related impairments, including loss of muscle mass and function. We investigated the association between plasma pentosidine, which is one of the AGEs, and sarcopenia, low gait speed, and mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

This retrospective study divided 128 patients with cirrhosis into three groups by 25th and 75th quartiles of baseline plasma pentosidine levels: low (L)-, intermediate (I)-, and high (H)-pentosidine (Pen) groups. Sarcopenia was diagnosed following the Japan Society of Hepatology criteria. Low gait speed was defined as <0.8 m/s. The cumulative survival rates were compared between the three groups. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with mortality.

Results

Of the 128 patients, 40 (31.3%) and 34 (26.6%) had sarcopenia and low gait speed, respectively. The prevalence of sarcopenia and low gait speed significantly increased stepwise with increasing plasma pentosidine levels, with the highest in the H-Pen group (59.4% [19/32] and 56.3% [18/32], respectively) and lowest in the L-Pen group (18.8% [6/32] and 6.3% [2/32], respectively). Multivariate analysis identified plasma pentosidine levels as a significant and independent factor associated with sarcopenia (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; p = 0.036) and low gait speed (OR, 1.06; p = 0.036), with the cutoff levels of 0.0792 μg/mL (sensitivity/specificity, 0.600/0.773) and 0.0745 μg/mL (sensitivity/specificity, 0.735/0.691), respectively. The cumulative survival rates were significantly lower in the H-Pen group than in the L-Pen (hazard ratio [HR], 11.7; p = 0.001) and I-Pen (HR, 4.03; p < 0.001) groups. Plasma pentosidine levels were identified as a significant and independent prognostic factor (HR, 1.07; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Plasma pentosidine levels are associated with sarcopenia, low gait speed, and mortality and may serve as a useful surrogate biomarker for these clinical events in patients with cirrhosis.
Comparison of lipooligosaccharides from human challenge strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: John Constance M. , Phillips Nancy J. , Cardenas Amaris J. , Criss Alison K. , Jarvis Gary A.
Published: September 2023

The alarming rise of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of new vaccine technologies have increased the focus on vaccination to control gonorrhea. Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains FA1090 and MS11 have been used in challenge studies in human males. We used negative-ion MALDI-TOF MS to profile intact lipooligosaccharide (LOS) from strains MS11mkA, MS11mkC, FA1090 A23a, and FA1090 1-81-S2. The MS11mkC and 1-81-S2 variants were isolated from male volunteers infected with MS11mkA and A23a, respectively. LOS profiles were obtained after purification using the classical phenol water extraction method and by microwave-enhanced enzymatic digestion, which is more amenable for small-scale work. Despite detecting some differences in the LOS profiles, the same major species were observed, indicating that microwave-enhanced enzymatic digestion is appropriate for MS studies. The compositions determined for MS11mkA and mkC LOS were consistent with previous reports. FA1090 is strongly recognized by mAb 2C7, an antibody-binding LOS with both α- and β-chains if the latter is a lactosyl group. The spectra of the A23a and 1-81-S2 FA1090 LOS were similar to each other and consistent with the expression of α-chain lacto-N-neotetraose and β-chain lactosyl moieties that can both be acceptor sites for sialic acid substitution. 1-81-S2 LOS was analyzed after culture with and without media supplemented with cytidine-5'-monophosphate N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac), which N. gonorrhoeae needs to sialylate its LOS. LOS sialylation reduces the infectivity of gonococci in men, although it induces serum resistance in serum-sensitive strains and reduces killing by neutrophils and antimicrobial peptides. The infectivity of FA1090 in men is much lower than that of MS11mkC, but the reason for this difference is unclear. Interestingly, some peaks in the spectra of 1-81-S2 LOS after bacterial culture with CMP-Neu5Ac were consistent with disialylation of the LOS, which could be relevant to the reduced infectivity of FA1090 in men and could have implications regarding the phase variation of the LOS and the natural history of infection.
p21-activated kinase is involved in the sporulation, pathogenicity, and stress response of Arthrobotrys oligospora under the indirect regulation of Rho GTPase-activating protein
Authors: Zhu Meichen , Liu Yankun , Yang Xuewei , Zhu Lirong , Shen Yanmei , Duan Shipeng , Yang Jinkui
Published: September 2023

The p21-GTPase-activated protein kinases (PAKs) participate in signal transduction downstream of Rho GTPases, which are regulated by Rho GTPase-activating proteins (Rho-GAP). Herein, we characterized two orthologous Rho-GAPs (AoRga1 and AoRga2) and two PAKs (AoPak1 and AoPak2) through bioinformatics analysis and reverse genetics in Arthrobotrys oligospora, a typical nematode-trapping (NT) fungus. The transcription analyses performed at different development stages suggested that Aopaks and Aorga1 play a crucial role during sporulation and trap formation, respectively. In addition, we successfully deleted Aopak1 and Aorga1 via the homologous recombination method. The disruption of Aopak1 and Aorga1 caused a remarkable reduction in spore yield and the number of nuclei per cell, but did not affect mycelial growth. In ∆Aopak1 mutants, the trap number was decreased at 48 h after the introduction of nematodes, but nematode predatory efficiency was not affected because the extracellular proteolytic activity was increased. On the contrary, the number of traps in ∆Aorga1 mutants was significantly increased at 36 h and 48 h. In addition, Aopak1 and Aorga1 had different effects on the sensitivity to cell-wall-disturbing reagent and oxidant. A yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that AoPak1 and AoRga1 both interacted with AoRac, and AoPak1 also interacted with AoCdc42. Furthermore, the Aopaks were up-regulated in ∆Aorga1 mutants, and Aorga1 was down-regulated in ∆Aopak1 mutants. These results reveal that AoRga1 indirectly regulated AoPAKs by regulating small GTPases.
The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions
Authors: Cieśla Julia , Skrobisz Julia , Niciński Bartosz , Kloc Magdalena , Mazur Katarzyna , Pałasz Artur , Javan Gulnaz T. , Tomsia Marcin
Published: September 2023

The decomposition of a body is inseparably associated with the release of several types of odors. This phenomenon has been used in the training of sniffer dogs for decades. The odor profile associated with decomposition consists of a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical composition of which varies over time, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms, and insects colonizing the carcass. Mercaptans are responsible for the bad smell associated with corpses; however, there are no unified recommendations for conducting forensic analysis based on the detectable odor of revealed corpses and previous research on VOCs shows differing results. The aim of this review is to systematize the current knowledge on the type of volatile organic compounds related to the decomposition process, depending on a few variables. This knowledge will improve the methods of VOCs detection and analysis to be used in modern forensic diagnostics and improve the methods of training dogs for forensic applications.
The effect of acute high-intensity interval training and Tabata training on inhibitory control and cortical activation in young adults
Authors: Shao Xueyun , He Longfei , Liu Yangyang , Fu Yang
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Physical exercise not only benefits peoples’ health, but also improves their cognitive function. Although growing evidence suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient exercise regime that can improve inhibitory control performance by enhancing cortical activation in the prefrontal cortex, less is known about how Tabata training, a subset of HIIT that requires no equipment or facilities to perform, affects inhibitory control and cortical activation in young adults. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the effect of an acute bout of HIIT and Tabata training on inhibitory control and attempted to identify its potential neural substrates.

Methods

Forty-two young adults (mean age: 19.36 ± 1.36 years; 21 females) performed the Stroop task and Simon task before and after acute HIIT, Tabata training, or a control session, and cortical hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal area were monitored by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during the tasks. Both HIIT and Tabata interventions lasted for a total of 12 min. The HIIT participants performed ergometer cycling at their 80% maximal aerobic power at 90–100 rpm, and the Tabata participants performed a total of 8 intense activities, such as jumping jacks, high knees, and butt kickers, without using equipment or facilities, keeping the heart rate at 80–95% of their maximum heart rate. Participants in the control group watched a sport video while sedentary. Cognitive tasks data and fNIRS data were analyzed by repeated-measures three-way ANOVA.

Results and discussion

Our results indicated that both the HIIT and Tabata groups exhibited reduced reaction times after the intervention, and there were alterations in activation patterns in the dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices.
Clinical predictors of NEDA-3 one year after diagnosis of pediatric multiple sclerosis: an exploratory single-center study
Authors: Palavra Filipe , Silva Diogo , Fernandes Catarina , Faustino Ricardo , Vasconcelos Mónica , Pereira Cristina , Costa Carmen , Ribeiro Joana Afonso , Amaral Joana , Robalo Conceição
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disorder of central nervous system that can be diagnosed in pediatric age (<18 years) in 3–5% of the cases. This early onset is associated with higher relapse rates and earlier progression to neurological disability. By using NEDA-3 (No Evidence of Disease Activity-3) criteria, we aimed to identify clinical predictors associated with absence of disease activity and control of disease progression 12 months after the diagnosis, in a cohort of pediatric-onset MS (POMS) patients regularly followed-up in our center.

Methods

We analyzed demographic, clinical, laboratorial and imaging variables of patients with POMS identified in our center, between 2010 and 2021, in two moments: at the diagnosis and 12 months after it. Statistical tests were applied to compare the distribution of those variables between groups defined by NEDA-3 status and by each one of its three variable components.

Results

We included 27 patients in the study (18 female), with a mean age of 14.8 years (± 2.8), being all diagnosed with relapsing–remitting MS and with a median score of 1.5 at the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The use of natalizumab (p = 0.017) and the negativity for anti-EBV IgG antibodies (p = 0.018) at diagnosis were associated with a higher achievement of NEDA-3 status 12 months after, in our cohort. Prescribed treatment was also associated with statistically significant differences in the “absence of MRI activity” component of NEDA-3 (p = 0.006): patients under treatment with natalizumab had a higher probability of achieving this status, and the opposite was observed in glatiramer acetate-treated children.

Discussion and conclusion

Our exploratory results underline the pivotal importance that an early and more effective therapeutical approach may have in the control of disease activity, in POMS. Additionally, they also seem to suggest that the presence of anti-EBV antibodies is not innocent, as it can be related to a less favorable evolution of the disease, even at a very early stage. Further studies are needed to confirm the applicability of these variables as prognostic and personalized tools in this clinical setting.
Role of micronutrients in the modulation of immune system and platelet activating factor in patients with COVID-19; a narrative review
Authors: Doaei Saeid , Mardi Afrouz , Zare Maryam
Published: September 2023

Background

Dietary micronutrients may play important roles in the improvement of the immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to assess the effect of micronutrients on platelet activating factor (PAF) and immunity with a special focus on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

All paper published in English on the effects of micronutrients including fat soluble vitamins, water soluble vitamins, and minerals on PAF, immunity, and COVID-19 were collected from online valid databases.

Results

Vitamin A may modulate the expression of PAF-receptor gene in patients with COVID-19. Vitamin D may modulate inflammatory response through influencing PAF pathway. Vitamin E may improve COVID-19 related heart injuries by exert anti-PAF activities. Vitamin C status may have PAF related anti-inflammatory and micro-thrombotic effects in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Furthermore, some trace elements such as copper, selenium, and iron may have key roles in strengthens immunity by inactivate PAF acetyl hydrolase.

Conclusion

This narrative review study highlighted the importance of micronutrients in the improvement of immune function through modulation of PAF in patients with COVID-19. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.
Evaluation of right ventricular longitudinal strain in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography
Authors: Liu Qianjun , Hu Yuan , Chen Wenjuan , Yao Taoyue , Li Wenfeng , Xiao Zhenghui , Liu Jinqiao , Xiao Yunbin
Published: September 2023

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association between right ventricular longitudinal strain measured by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) and right heart catheterization data in pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods

Two groups were evaluated, each consisting of 58 patients. Group 1, patients with PH; Group 2, normal matched controls. Data were collected from 58 patients with PH who underwent invasive hemodynamic evaluation. Standard transthoracic echocardiographic assessment was performed in all patients under the same circumstances. All patients underwent 2D-STE, and off-line analysis generated right ventricle longitudinal strain (RVLS) and right ventricular free wall strain (RVFW) and collected echocardiographic conventional parameters of right ventricular function, including the control group. The relationship between invasive characteristics and right ventricular function parameters was analyzed.

Results

In all, 58 PH patients were included in our study. The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were strongly correlated with right ventricular free wall strain (RVFW) and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS), moderately correlated with the right ventricle myocardial performance index (Tei index), weakly correlated with the transverse diameter of the right ventricle (RV) and the transverse diameter of the right atrium (RA), and moderately negatively correlated with right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC). In terms of segments of the right ventricular free wall, the basal segment had the highest correlation coefficient with mPAP and PVR (r = 0.413, 0.523, 0.578, r = 0.421, 0.533, 0.575, p < 0.05, respectively). Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), main pulmonary artery diameter (MPA), peak systolic velocity of the right ventricle (RV-S’), and RA area parameters were not associated with mPAP and PVR (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Right ventricular longitudinal strain is a reliable indicator to evaluate right ventricular function in pediatric patients with PH. It can provide valuable reference information for the clinical judgment of the status and severity of the disease in children.
Endophytic fungus Colletotrichum sp. AP12 promotes growth physiology and andrographolide biosynthesis in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees
Authors: Xu Dan , Li Na , Gu Yuan-Qin , Huang Jin , Hu Bin-Sheng , Zheng Jian-Yun , Hu Jing-Wen , Du Qin
Published: September 2023

Endophytic fungi can promote host plant growth, enhance antioxidant defense enzyme activity, and induce the biosynthesis and accumulation of secondarymetabolites. Therefore, using endophytic fungi to improve the quality and yield of medicinal plants or important crops is an effective means of regulation. Colletotrichum sp. AP12 has been reported to produce andrographolide compounds (ADCs). This study aimed to investigate the effects of AP12 and its elicitors on the growth, defense enzyme activity, accumulation, and transcription levels of key genes in Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (A. paniculata). Using fermentation method to prepare AP12 into the inactivated fermentation solution (IFS), fermentation solution (FS), inactivated mycelium solution (IMS), and mycelium solution (MS), and the results showed that all four fungal elicitor components (ECs) could promote A. paniculata growth, enhance antioxidant defense enzymes, and increase ADC content and yield, especially the IMS group that had the highest leaf area, whole plant dry weight, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzyme activities, total lactone contents, and yields, which were 2.37-, 1.60-, 2.20-, 3.27-, 1.59-, and 2.65-fold of the control, respectively. The 14-deoxyandrographolide (NAD) in the host irrigated with MS was 3.35-fold that of the control. In addition, AP12-infected A. paniculata sterile seedlings could significantly increase ADC content and expression levels of key enzyme genes, especially on day 12, when the total lactone content of the host reached 88.881± 5.793 mg/g DW, while on day 6, CPS gene expression level reached 10.79-fold that of the control, in turn promoting the biosynthesis and accumulation of andrographolide. In conclusion, the endophytic fungus AP12 is beneficial to the growth and secondary metabolism of A. paniculata, which is helpful for the cultivation and application of the biological bacterial fertilizer in A. paniculata, providing a theoretical and research basis for the use of endophytic fungi as a microbial resource to improve the quality and yield of medicinal plants.
Analysis of the effect of different withering methods on tea quality based on transcriptomics and metabolomics
Authors: Jia Xiaoli , Zhang Qi , Chen Meihui , Wang Yuhua , Lin Shaoxiong , Pan Yibin , Cheng Pengyuan , Li Mingzhe , Zhang Ying , Ye Jianghua , Wang Haibin
Published: September 2023

Withering is very important to the quality of Wuyi rock tea. In this study, transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to analyze the effects of different withering methods on tea quality formation. The results showed that sunlight withering (SW) was most beneficial in increasing the gene expression of ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis (ko00130), pyruvate metabolism (ko00620), starch and sucrose metabolism (ko00500), and tryptophan metabolism (ko00380) pathways, and increasing the content of nucleotides and derivatives, terpenoids, organic acids and lipids, thus enhancing the mellowness, fresh and brisk taste and aroma of tea. Withering trough withering (WW) was most beneficial in increasing the gene expression of glutathione metabolism (ko00480), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (ko00940) pathways, increasing the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids, thus enhancing tea bitterness. A comprehensive evaluation of the metabolite content and taste characteristics of tea leaves showed SW to be the best quality and charcoal fire withering (FW) to be the worst quality. This study provided an important basis for guiding the processing of Wuyi rock tea with different flavors.
Evaluation of misinformation among pro-Ukrainian Latvians – the role of prior attitude, analytical thinking, and emotions
Authors: Priedols Martins , Dimdins Girts
Published: September 2023

In this exploratory study with a community sample (N = 115), we look at the perception of pro-Russia and pro-Ukraine misinformation, mimicking content shared by naive Facebook users, and the factors related to it among pro-Ukraine Latvians. Our results support the integrative model in the perception of misinformation—we found strong evidence of myside bias, as pro-Russia misinformation was judged to be significantly less accurate than pro-Ukraine misinformation. Analytical thinking, measured with the seven-item cognitive reflection test, was associated with lower levels of pro-Ukraine misinformation accuracy judgments and lower overall misinformation accuracy judgments; however, there was no correlation between analytical thinking and pro-Russian misinformation accuracy judgments. Pro-Ukrainian misinformation accuracy judgments were positively related to positive emotions elicited by misinformation, the level of support for Ukraine, and the participant's age. In addition, participants indicated a higher likelihood of engaging with misinformation if they came across it online, trusted the information, and if it elicited positive emotions. Thus, our findings emphasize the role of one's attitude, analytical thinking, and emotions in one's perception, evaluation, and engagement with congruent and incongruent misinformation.
A systematic review of the role of teachers’ support in promoting socially shared regulatory strategies for learning
Authors: Sulla Francesco , Monacis Domenico , Limone Pierpaolo
Published: September 2023

Interpersonal physiological synchrony and collaboration in educational contexts have been identified as key aspects of the learning environment to foster critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and shared knowledge construction and learning of students. In addition to this, teachers’ support and interaction with students result in a protective factor for students’ well-being and academic outcomes. The main aim of this systematic review was to explore if and how teachers’ support and relationship with students can affect their use of Socially Shared Regulatory Strategies for Learning (SSRL). Studies were identified in six electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL and ERIC) following PRISMA guidelines. The initial search yielded a total of 110 records. Fifty-nine studies were fully reviewed, and 16 studies met all inclusion criteria and formed the basis for the review. Studies were analyzed and teachers’ support strategies to enhance SSRL were identified and recorded. This review identifies a range of teachers’ strategies that may foster students’ SSRL, such as prompting and moving from one group to another, helping and checking the groups’ progress, especially in primary and secondary school; flipped classrooms at university level. The results of this systematic review may inform teachers, educational practitioners, the general public and the design of individualized educational interventions aimed at improving teacher-child relationships, their well-being and academic performance.
Toward a new conceptualization of resilience at work as a meta-construct?
Authors: Galy Anaïs , Chênevert Denis , Fouquereau Evelyne , Groulx Patrick
Published: September 2023

Organizations of all kinds are faced with multiple demands for adaptation of increasing frequency and amplitude due to such factors as reorganizations, climate change, pandemics, and labor shortages. This new reality requires our organizations to anticipate, adjust, and demonstrate resilience. The study of resilience at work relies on the comprehension of how organizational systems, as well as their work collectives and members, manage to overcome adversity without suffering from irreversible damage. However, the study of this phenomenon of interest contains grey areas concerning both its definition, its conceptualization, and the dynamic processes that underlie it. This theoretical paper addresses these different issues by providing first, a conceptual content analysis of the most frequently used definitions and second, a new conceptualization of resilience at work as a resource, either individual or collective. Moreover, we suggest a multilevel, dynamic, and virtuous conceptual approach to resilience at work, relying on both bottom-up and top–down flows. Accordingly, we formulate different theoretical propositions upon which future empirical research can draw to analyze the relationships between individual, team, and organizational resilience. Building on a conservation of resources lens, we offer a novel contribution to the resilience in the workplace literature, by providing an integrative and multilevel theory of resilience at work that highlights both the processual and interpersonal nature of its emergence, and the organizational levers that can foster it.
Resting-state electroencephalographic characteristics related to mild cognitive impairments
Authors: Kim Seong-Eun , Shin Chanwoo , Yim Junyeop , Seo Kyoungwon , Ryu Hokyoung , Choi Hojin , Park Jinseok , Min Byoung-Kyong
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes a rapid deterioration in cognitive and physical functions, including problem-solving, memory, language, and daily activities. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a risk factor for AD, and early diagnosis and treatment of MCI may help slow the progression of AD. Electroencephalography (EEG) analysis has become an increasingly popular tool for developing biomarkers for MCI and AD diagnosis. Compared with healthy elderly, patients with AD showed very clear differences in EEG patterns, but it is inconclusive for MCI. This study aimed to investigate the resting-state EEG features of individuals with MCI (n= 12) and cognitively healthy controls (HC) (n= 13) with their eyes closed. EEG data were analyzed using spectral power, complexity, functional connectivity, and graph analysis. The results revealed no significant difference in EEG spectral power between the HC and MCI groups. However, we observed significant changes in brain complexity and networks in individuals with MCI compared with HC. Patients with MCI exhibited lower complexity in the middle temporal lobe, lower global efficiency in theta and alpha bands, higher local efficiency in the beta band, lower nodal efficiency in the frontal theta band, and less small-world network topology compared to the HC group. These observed differences may be related to underlying neuropathological alterations associated with MCI progression. The findings highlight the potential of network analysis as a promising tool for the diagnosis of MCI.
Videoconferencing psychotherapy from a psychodynamic point of view. A qualitative analysis
Authors: Laczkovics Clarissa , Blüml Victor , Kapusta Nestor , Hoffmann-Lamplmair Doris , Casini Erica , Bazan Maria , Torres Miguel Angel Gonzalez , Lendvay Judit , Normandin Lina , Nowacki Henryk , Snigur Vladimir , Doering Stephan , Yeomans Frank , Clarkin John , Preti Emanuele
Published: September 2023

There is a growing interest in delivering videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) due to the enormous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our lives since the beginning of severe restrictions worldwide in March 2020. Scientific literature has provided interesting results about the transition to remote sessions and its implications, considering different psychotherapy orientations. Less is known about whether and how VCP affects psychodynamic psychotherapeutic approaches and reports on remote work with severe and complex mental health problems such as severe personality disorders are still scarce. The aim of the study was to examine the experiences of psychodynamic psychotherapists, mainly delivering Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), with the transition and delivery of VCP during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Four hundred seventy-nine licensed psychotherapists completed an online survey during the peak of the pandemic. Survey data were analyzed using qualitative analysis. Results are presented and discussed concerning advantages and disadvantages regarding the access to psychotherapy, the specificity of the online video setting, bodily aspects, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the therapeutic process including technical aspects and therapist’s experience. Furthermore, we analyzed and discussed the statements concerning transference and countertransference reactions differentiating between high-level borderline and neurotic patients and low-level borderline patients. Our results support the importance to identify patients who potentially benefit from VCP. Further research including more prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the therapeutic implications of the findings.
Patient reported preferences for sleep interventions among women receiving buprenorphine for opioid use disorder
Authors: Eglovitch Michelle , Parlier-Ahmad Anna Beth , Legge Catherine , Chithranjan Sajanee , Kolli Saisriya , Violante Stephanie , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Huhn Andrew Stephen , Wilkerson Allison , Martin Caitlin Eileen
Published: September 2023

Aim

Among individuals receiving medication for OUD (MOUD), insomnia is highly prevalent and increases the risk for negative OUD outcomes. However, little is known about MOUD patient-reported preferences for insomnia treatments among women with OUD. This mixed-methods study explored acceptability of and patient preferences for sleep interventions among women in OUD treatment.

Methods

This is an analysis from an ongoing cross-sectional survey and interview study investigating the relationship between sleep and OUD recovery. The parent study is actively enrolling non-pregnant women between 18–45 years stabilized on buprenorphine from an outpatient program. Participants complete measures including the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), with scores of ≥10 identifying clinically significant insomnia symptoms. A sub-sample who met this threshold completed semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated for survey responses, and applied thematic analysis was used for interview data.

Results

Participants selected for the qualitative interview (n = 11) highlighted prior positive and negative experiences with sleep treatments, challenges with employing non-pharmacological sleep strategies, and preferences for both medical and behavioral sleep interventions while in recovery. Women emphasized the need for flexibility of sleep therapy sessions to align with ongoing social determinants (e.g., caregiving responsibilities) as well as for sleep medications without sedating effects nor risk of dependency.

Conclusions

Many women receiving MOUD have concomitant insomnia symptoms, and desire availability of both pharmacologic and behavioral sleep interventions within the OUD treatment setting. Qualitative findings underscore the need for evidence-based sleep interventions that account for the unique socioenvironmental factors that may impact strategy implementation in this population.
Influence of job satisfaction on SRH and happiness among Korean disabled workers: findings from the panel survey of employment for the disabled 2016–2018
Authors: Lee Young Lim , Yang Jeong Min , Kim Jae-Hyun
Published: September 2023

Background

An understanding of the economic life activities of persons with disabilities (PWD) is important. Their ability to perform tasks and an increase in their income are more likely to yield an improvement in their Self-Rated Health (SRH) and happiness. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the specific associations among PWD in South Korea. Thus, this study conducted a longitudinal analysis of the association between job satisfaction and SRH, happiness among the Korean PWD.

Methods

After excluding missing values, data on 1,637 participants at baseline (1st wave) were analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and generalized estimating equation (GEE) model for data from 1st to 3rd Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED). All analyses were conducted using the SAS statistical software package, version 9.4.

Results

Compared to very high job satisfaction group, low job satisfaction group was more likely to experience negative SRH [odds ratio (OR): 3.497, value of p: <0.0001] and experience low happiness (B: −0.291, value of p: <0.0001). Furthermore, in terms of the overall satisfaction with current job among the PWD, compared to the ‘very satisfied’ group, ‘very unsatisfied’ group had higher negative SRH (OR: 5.158, value of p: 0.003) and lower happiness (B: −0.327, value of p: <0.0001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that increasing job satisfaction of PWD possibly leads to decreased negative SRH and to increased happiness, resulting in better SRH and happiness. Furthermore, it suggests the establishment of systemic, policy-oriented measures to enhance the employment opportunities for disabled individuals in Korea and create an inclusive working environment that aligns with their respective job responsibilities.
Using participatory action research to empower district hospital staff to deliver quality-assured essential surgery to rural populations in Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania
Authors: Pittalis Chiara , Drury Grace , Mwapasa Gerald , Borgstein Eric , Cheelo Mweene , Kachimba John , Juma Adinan , Chilonga Kondo , Cahill Niamh , Brugha Ruairi , Lavy Chris , Gajewski Jakub
Published: September 2023

Background

In 2017 the SURG-Africa project set out to institute a surgical, obstetric, trauma and anesthesia (SOTA) care capacity-building intervention focused on non-specialist providers at district hospitals in Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. The aim was to scale up quality-assured SOTA care for rural populations. This paper reports the process of developing the intervention and our experience of initial implementation, using a participatory approach.

Methods

Participatory Action Research workshops were held in the 3 countries in July–October 2017 and in October 2018–July 2019, involving representatives of key local stakeholder groups: district hospital (DH) surgical teams and administrators, referral hospital SOTA specialists, professional associations and local authorities. Through semi-structured discussions, qualitative data were collected on participants’ perceptions and experiences of barriers to the provision of SOTA care at district level, and on the training and supervision needs of district surgical teams. Data were compared for themes across countries and across surgical team cadres.

Results

All groups reported a lack of in-service training to develop essential skills to manage common SOTA cases; use and care of equipment; essential anesthesia care including resuscitation skills; and infection prevention and control. Very few district surgical teams had access to supervision. SOTA providers at DHs reported a demand for more feedback on referrals. Participants prioritized training needs that could be addressed through regular in-service training and supervision visits from referral hospital specialists to DHs. These data were used by participants in an action-planning cycle to develop site-specific training plans for each research site.

Conclusion

The inclusive, participatory approach to stakeholder involvement in SOTA system strengthening employed by this study supported the design of a locally relevant and contextualized intervention. This study provides lessons on how to rebalance power dynamics in Global Surgery, through giving a voice to district surgical teams.
Proposals of guidance values for surface contamination by antineoplastic drugs based on long term monitoring in Czech and Slovak hospitals and pharmacies
Authors: Bláhová Lucie , Bláha Luěek , Doležalová Lenka , Kuta Jan , Hojdarová Tereza
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The exposures to hazardous antineoplastic drugs (AD) represent serious risks for health care personnel but the exposure limits are not commonly established because of the no-threshold effects (genotoxic action, carcinogenicity) of many ADs. In this study, we discussed and derived practically applicable technical guidance values (TGV) suitable for management of AD risks.

Methods

The long-term monitoring of surface contamination by eight ADs was performed in pharmacies and hospitals in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic in 2008–2021; in total 2,223 unique samples were collected repeatedly in 48 facilities. AD contamination was studied by LC-MS/MS for cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, methotrexate, irinotecan, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine and by ICP-MS for total Pt as a marker of platinum-based ADs.

Results

The study highlighted importance of exposure biomarkers like 5-fluorouracil and especially carcinogenic and persistent cyclophosphamide, which should be by default included in monitoring along with other ADs. Highly contaminated spots like interiors of laminar biological safety cabinets represent a specific issue, where monitoring of contamination does not bring much added value, and prevention of staff and separated cleaning procedures should be priority. Rooms and surfaces in health care facilities that should be virtually free of ADs (e.g., offices, kitchenettes, daily rooms) were contaminated with lower frequency and concentrations but any contamination in these areas should be carefully examined.

Discussion and conclusions

For all other working places, i.e., majority of areas in pharmacies and hospitals, where ADs are being prepared, packaged, stored, transported, or administered to patients, the study proposes a generic TGV of 100 pg/cm2. The analysis of long-term monitoring data of multiple ADs showed that the exceedance of one TGV can serve as an indicator and trigger for improvement of working practices contributing thus to minimizing of unintended exposures and creating a safe work environment.
Maia variables and other anomalies among pulsating stars
Authors: Balona L. A.
Published: September 2023

High-precision photometry from TESS has revealed over 500 stars, located between the δ Scuti and β Cephei instability strips, which pulsate with high frequencies. Models do not predict high pulsation frequencies in these stars. These anomalous variables may be identified with the historical “Maia” variables. From the projected rotational velocities, it is shown that the rotation rates of Maia variables are no different from main sequence or SPB stars in the same effective temperature range. Some Maia stars pulsate at frequencies typical of roAp stars. It is shown that Maia stars should be considered an extension of δ Scuti variables to effective temperatures as high as 18,000 K, rather than as a separate class. The TESS data show a continuous sequence of low-frequency pulsating stars linking the γ Doradus and SPB variables, which is not predicted by the models. There are, in fact, no well-defined instability strips at all among upper main sequence stars, which means that arbitrary choices of effective temperature and frequency ranges need to be made in order to assign a particular variability class. It seems that a mixture of driving mechanisms is present in which convection may play a very important role.
Bibliometric study on artistic swimming
Authors: Rincón Ane Begoñe , Trinidad Alfonso , López-Valenciano Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The objective of this paper is to study the research trends in the sport modality of artistic swimming and to analyse the scientific production regarding this sport.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty articles related to the theme were selected after a search in the PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases and some additional records, using the theme “synchronised swimming OR artistic swimming” up to December 2022. The variables scrutinized were the following: (1) title, (2) discipline, (3) type, (4) sample size and (5) sporting level.

Results

The results indicate that (1) 53.6% of the artistic swimming articles were case studies, (2) 23.2% talked about physiology, (3) 32.7% had a sample of 11–50 participants, and (4) 30.9% of the sample was elite/international swimmers.

Discussion

Over the years there has been a considerable increase in studies on artistic swimming; the topics of greatest interest in artistic swimming have been physiology, sports performance and injuries. Even so, it seems that for the moment artistic swimming has little impact, probably due to its status as a minority sport and it having limited social and economic impact.
The role of iGeneration and Silver generation in shaping sustainable food markets: a cross-generational analysis in Slovakia
Authors: Horská Elena , Janšto Erik , Šedík Peter
Published: September 2023

The rising global phenomenon of sustainable consumption in the food market is progressively influencing a significant number of consumers on a worldwide scale. The main goal of this study was to analyze consumer attitudes toward selected sustainability issues (organic aspects, animal welfare, waste management, etc.) as well as marketing communication in the food market among two generations. Primary data were acquired by implementing an online questionnaire. In total, 950 respondents participated in the survey. The results showed that the iGeneration (iGen; 18–25 years) has a higher tendency than the Silver generation (58–76 years) to support sustainability issues such as recyclable packaging, organic production, and animal welfare, as well as to read the information regarding the product nutrition and composition. The Silver generation is more inclined toward Slovak origin and traditional Slovak dishes, and they consider television and the press as the main source of information. The results provide valuable insights for agrifood companies in developing consumer-driven marketing strategies. The main limitation is related to the application of self-reported measures. Future research may include cross-cultural studies and could be extended by incorporating other sustainable and environmental aspects.
Impact of Calcineurin Inhibitor-Based Immunosuppression Maintenance During the Dialysis Period After Kidney Transplant Failure on the Next Kidney Graft Outcome: A Retrospective Multicenter Study With Propensity Score Analysis
Authors: Noelle Juliette , Mayet Valentin , Lambert Céline , Couzi Lionel , Chauveau Bertrand , Thierry Antoine , Ecotière Laure , Bertrand Dominique , Laurent Charlotte , Lemal Richard , Grèze Clarisse , Freist Marine , Heng Anne-Elisabeth , Rouzaire Paul-Olivier , Garrouste Cyril
Published: September 2023

The impact of immunosuppressive therapy (IS) strategies after kidney transplant failure (KTF) on potential future new grafts is poorly established. We assessed the potential benefit of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based IS maintenance throughout the dialysis period on the outcome of the second kidney transplant (KT). We identified 407 patients who underwent a second KT between January 2008 and December 2018 at four French KT centers. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to control for potential confounding. We included 205 patients with similar baseline characteristics at KTF: a total of 53 received at least CNIs on the retransplant day (G-CNI), and 152 did not receive any IS (G-STOP). On the retransplant date, G-STOP patients experienced a longer pretransplant dialysis time, were more often hyperimmunized, and underwent more expanded-criteria donor KTs than G-CNI patients. During the second KT follow-up period, rejection episodes were similar in both groups. The 10-year survival rates without death and dialysis were 98.7% and 59.5% in G-CNI and G-STOP patients, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, CNI-based IS maintenance was associated with better survival (hazard ratio: 0.08; 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.58, p = 0.01). CNI-based IS maintenance throughout the dialysis period after KTF may improve retransplantation outcomes.
For Telework, Please Dial 7—Qualitative Study on the Impacts of Telework on the Well-Being of Contact Center Employees during the COVID19 Pandemic in Portugal
Authors: Santos Reinaldo Sousa , Pereira Sílvia dos Santos
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has made teleworking a widespread form of work for contact center workers in Portugal, who are already used to work processes supported by technological platforms and digital workflows, but with little adherence to remote work. Deepening knowledge about the impact of teleworking on well-being at work is a relevant issue in the context of organizational literature. We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with contact center workers who work in a large Portuguese company that provides fixed and mobile communication services, as well as customer service platforms. The interviews took place in April and May 2022. All participants had already carried out their functions in person and telework, and they were able to assess how telework added or took away their well-being at work. With the application of thematic analysis, seven themes (the basis for the title “For Telework, Please Dial 7”) emerged that characterize teleworking as being capable of reinforcing well-being at work: performance, relationship, money, workplace, technology, time, and family. These results contribute to the reinforcement of the growing literature on what contributes to increasing well-being at work, and alert leadership and organizational management are needed to properly configure telework to generate a positive dynamic that fulfils employees’ expectations and reinforces the organization’s sustainability.