bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Autism research is in crisis”: A mixed method study of researcher’s constructions of autistic people and autism research
Authors: Botha Monique , Cage Eilidh
Published: November 2022

Introduction

While not all autism research is ableism, autism researchers can be ableist, including by talking about autistic people in sub-human terms (dehumanization), treating autistic people like objects (objectification), and making othering statements which set autistic people apart from non-autistic people,andbelow in status (stigmatization).

Method

This mixed-method study aimed to investigate how autism researchers construct autistic people and autism research, and to investigate whether including autistic people more in research relates to lower ableism in narratives about autistic people. We used a survey with autism researchers (N= 195) asking five open-ended questions about autism and autism research, as well as demographics, career length, contact with autistic people (familial and non-familial) and degree to which researchers involve autistic people in their research. We used content analysis to categorize narratives used by autism researchers and cues for ableism (dehumanization, objectification, and stigmatization). We then used binary-logistic regression to identify whether narrative or higher inclusion of autistic people predicted fewer ableist cues, controlling for career length and connections to autistic people.

Results and discussion

Using medicalized narratives of autism predicted higher odds of ableist cues compared to employing social model or neutral embodiment narratives. Greater inclusion of autistic people in research predicted significantly lower odds of ableist cues, while controlling for other contact with autistic people and career length. Next, we used reflexive thematic analysis to analyze researcher’s perceptions of autistic people and autism research. Narratives reflected core ideological disagreements of the field, such as whether researchers consider autism to be an intrinsic barrier to a good life, and whether researchers prioritize research which tackles “autism” versus barriers to societal inclusion for autistic people. Instrumentality (a form of objectification) was key to whether researchers considered a person to have social value with emphasis revolving around intellectual ability and independence. Lastly, language seemed to act as a tool of normalization of violence. Researchers relied on an amorphous idea of “autism” when talking about prevention or eradication, potentially because it sounds more palatable than talking about preventing “autistic people,” despite autism only existing within the context of autistic people.
Reminiscence therapy care program as a potential nursing intervention to relieve anxiety, depression, and quality of life in older papillary thyroid carcinoma patients: A randomized, controlled study
Authors: Chen Li , Yang Xianguang , Ren Xiukun , Lin Yufeng
Published: November 2022

Objective

Reminiscence therapy (RT) ameliorates psychological problems and quality of life in cancer patients. However, no study reports its effect on older papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. This study intended to investigate the effect of the RT-care program (CP) on anxiety, depression, quality of life, and survival in older PTC patients.

Methods

Eighty-six postoperative older PTC patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to RT-CP group (N = 44) and usual (U)-CP group (N = 42) as a 1:1 ratio for a 6-month intervention. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) scores were assessed at baseline, month (M)1, M2, M4, and M6.

Results

HADS and QLQ-C30 scores at baseline were not different between two groups. Additionally, HADS-anxiety score at M6 (p = 0.029), and HADS-depression score at M2 (p = 0.030), M4 (p = 0.029), M6 (p = 0.012) were reduced in RT-CP group versus U-CP group. Meanwhile, anxiety and depression rates from M1 to M6 were slightly decreased in RT-CP group versus U-CP group but did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, depression severity at M6 was reduced in RT-CP group versus U-CP group (p = 0.049). Besides, QLQ-C30 global health status was increased at M2 (p = 0.023) and M6 (p = 0.033), QLQ-C30 function score was elevated at M2 (p = 0.040) and M4 (p = 0.035), while QLQ-C30 symptom score was decreased at M2 (p = 0.046) in RT-CP group versus U-CP group. Moreover, disease-free survival and overall survival were not different between two groups.

Conclusion

RT-CP may be a potential intervention for ameliorating anxiety, depression, and quality of life in older PTC patients.
Threat induction biases processing of emotional expressions
Authors: Flechsenhar Aleya , Levine Seth , Bertsch Katja
Published: November 2022

Threats can derive from our physical or social surroundings and bias the way we perceive and interpret a given situation. They can be signaled by peers through facial expressions, as expressed anger or fear can represent the source of perceived threat. The current study seeks to investigate enhanced attentional state and defensive reflexes associated with contextual threat induced through aversive sounds presented in an emotion recognition paradigm. In a sample of 120 healthy participants, response and gaze behavior revealed differences in perceiving emotional facial expressions between threat and safety conditions: Responses were slower under threat and less accurate. Happy and neutral facial expressions were classified correctly more often in a safety context and misclassified more often as fearful under threat. This unidirectional misclassification suggests that threat applies a negative filter to the perception of neutral and positive information. Eye movements were initiated later under threat, but fixation changes were more frequent and dwell times shorter compared to a safety context. These findings demonstrate that such experimental paradigms are capable of providing insight into how context alters emotion processing at cognitive, physiological, and behavioral levels. Such alterations may derive from evolutionary adaptations necessary for biasing cognitive processing to survive disadvantageous situations. This perspective sets up new testable hypotheses regarding how such levels of explanation may be dysfunctional in patient populations.
Prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders among US children and adolescents in 2019 and 2020
Authors: Yang Yiwei , Zhao Shi , Zhang Meihui , Xiang Mi , Zhao Jian , Chen Shucheng , Wang Hui , Han Lefei , Ran Jinjun
Published: November 2022

Background

Concerning the changes in the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), we estimate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disorder (ID), and learning disability (LD) among US children and adolescents aged 3–17 years in 2019 and 2020.

Methods

The study includes 14,983 US children and adolescents aged 3–17 years in 2019 and 2020 from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Parents were interviewed about whether their children ever and/or currently had NDDs diagnosed. Prevalence estimates of NDDs were calculated with a survey-based weighting scheme. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between NDDs prevalence and subgroups.

Results

The weighted prevalence of ADHD, ASD, ID, and LD was 8.5% (95% CI: 7.9–9.2%), 2.9% (95% CI: 2.6–3.4%), 1.4% (95% CI: 1.2–1.7%), and 6.4% (95% CI: 5.8–7.0%), respectively. A higher prevalence of ADHD, ASD, ID, and LD was observed in boys, those who ever had anxiety or depression symptoms, those with lower family income, those living in a rented house, ever been bullied, and ever lived with anyone mentally ill.

Conclusion

The study found the prevalence of ADHD, ASD, ID, and LD was different by demographics, comorbidity/mental problems, household/parental characteristics, and stressful life events.
How public health agencies communicate with the public on TikTok under the normalization of COVID-19: A case of 2022 Shanghai's outbreak
Authors: Che ShaoPeng , Zhang Shunan , Kim Jang Hyun
Published: November 2022

Objective

As life with COVID-19 became a norm in 2022, the public's demand for and perception of COVID-19-related information has changed. This study analyzed the performance and responses of Healthy China and the public at various stages of COVID-19 normalization using the crisis and emergency risk communication (CERC) theory.

Methods

This study was based on the 2022 Shanghai COVID-19 outbreak and data from “Healthy China,” the official TikTok account of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHCC). First, we divided the Shanghai lockdown into five stages in accordance with the CERC. Second, the videos released by Healthy China were open-coded. Third, to understand the distribution of strategies across the stages, we used counts and percentages to summarize the categorical variables. Fourth, we investigated the distribution of public participation indicators using descriptive statistical analysis. Finally, the relationship between stage and communication strategy was examined using the chi-square test and negative binomial regression.

Results

(1) Healthy China adopted a more flexible approach to communication strategies; (2) new cases per day was the commonly used substrategy for uncertainty reduction; (3) there was a significant difference in the strategies used by Healthy China at different stages; (4) public participation was highest in the pre-crisis period; and (5) the stage had a significant positive impact on the number of views, favorites, likes, and shares.

Conclusions

This research provides insight into effective communication strategies for the government or public health agencies to employ during COVID-19 normalization.
The prevalence of obesity-related hypertension among middle-aged and older adults in China
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Wen-Qiang , Tang Wei-Wei , Zhang Wen-Yong , Liu Jian-Xiong , Xu Rong-Hua , Wang Tzung-Dau , Huang Xiao-Bo
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence and geographic variation of obesity-related hypertension in China among adults aged 45 years or older.

Methods

Data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted in 2015. Stratified sample households covered 150 counties/districts and 450 villages/urban communities from 28 provinces by using household questionnaires, clinical measurements, and blood-based bioassays. A multivariable non-conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors correlated with obesity-related hypertension.

Results

The prevalence of obesity-related hypertension was 22.7%, ~120 million people, among adults aged 45 years or older in China. For people in the age ranges of 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, and ≥75 years, the prevalence of obesity-related hypertension was 16.7, 24.3, 27, and 26.7%, respectively, and the prevalence of obesity-related hypertension among hypertensive participants was 66.0, 60.9, 54.2, and 47.3%, respectively. Compared with non-obesity-related hypertension, the obesity-related hypertensive patients had a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia (all P < 0.0001). The prevalence of obesity-related hypertension showed a decreasing gradient from north to south and from east to west. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, living in urban areas, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia were positively correlated with obesity-related hypertension.

Conclusion

The prevalence of obesity-related hypertension among adults aged 45 years or older was high in China. Among hypertensive participants, older age was negatively correlated with obesity-related hypertension. Obesity-related hypertensive participants are more prone to aggregation of risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
On the dynamics and control of a squirrel locking its head/eyes toward a fixed spot for safe landing while its body is tumbling in air
Authors: Ma Tianqi , Zhang Tao , Ma Ou
Published: November 2022

An arboreal mammal such as a squirrel can amazingly lock its head (and thus eyes) toward a fixed spot for safe landing while its body is tumbling in air after unexpectedly being thrown into air. Such an impressive ability of body motion control of squirrels has been shown in a recent YouTube video, which has amazed public with over 100 million views. In the video, a squirrel attracted to food crawled onto an ejection device and was unknowingly ejected into air by the device. During the resulting projectile flight, the squirrel managed to quickly turn its head (eyes) toward and then keeps staring at the landing spot until it safely landed on feet. Understanding the underline dynamics and how the squirrel does this behavior can inspire robotics researchers to develop bio-inspired control strategies for challenging robotic operations such as hopping/jumping robots operating in an unstructured environment. To study this problem, we implemented a 2D multibody dynamics model, which simulated the dynamic motion behavior of the main body segments of a squirrel in a vertical motion plane. The inevitable physical contact between the body segments is also modeled and simulated. Then, we introduced two motion control methods aiming at locking the body representing the head of the squirrel toward a globally fixed spot while the other body segments of the squirrel were undergoing a general 2D rotation and translation. One of the control methods is a conventional proportional-derivative (PD) controller, and the other is a reinforcement learning (RL)-based controller. Our simulation-based experiment shows that both controllers can achieve the intended control goal, quickly turning and then locking the head toward a globally fixed spot under any feasible initial motion conditions. In comparison, the RL-based method is more robust against random noise in sensor data and also more robust under unexpected initial conditions.
Millions of Monarch Butterflies and the Quest to Count Them
Authors: Phillips Sophie , Merson Martha , Allen Louise C. , Hristov Nickolay I.
Published: November 2022

Monarchs are capable of amazing feats! They transition from caterpillars to beautiful butterflies. During migration, they fly for thousands of miles—from the northern part of the United States and southern Canada to Mexico. But monarch butterflies are in trouble. In the past 25 years, citizens and scientists have reported fewer and fewer of them. There were less than half as many monarchs in 2020 as in 2019. Parks across the United States, like Rocky Mountain and Indiana Dunes National Parks, host the monarchs along their migration paths. The park rangers are helping scientists track monarchs through “capture, tag, and release.” With this method, anyone who sees a tagged butterfly can report when and where they saw it. By tracking monarchs along their migration paths, we expect to learn where they run into problems. Scientists are also using new technology to count monarchs in their winter habitats.
Coronal spectral diagnostics: The coronal solar magnetism observatory (COSMO)
Authors: Landi Enrico , Gibson Sarah E. , Tomczyk Steven , Burkepile Joan , de Toma Giuliana , Zhang Jie , Schad Tom , Kucera Therese A. , Reeves Katharine K. , Cremades Hebe
Published: November 2022

The Need: Understanding and predicting the major phenomena taking place in the solar corona, such as flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), the heating and evolution of the solar atmosphere, and the acceleration of the solar wind, are fundamental challenges to predict our own star. These challenges are related to the solar magnetism and to the physical properties of solar plasmas: meeting them requires two types of measurements: (A) Spectrally resolved, simultaneous observations of the entire corona in multiple spectral lines emitted by chromospheric to hot coronal plasmas at high spatial resolution and cadence for long periods of time; and (B) Coronal magnetic field measurements.

The Problem: The current fleet of space instruments suffers from three main limitations: (A) EUV narrow-band imagers provide simultaneous 2D images of the corona, but lack adequate plasma diagnostic capabilities; (B) High-resolution EUV spectrometers have the required diagnostic potential, but their narrow field of view prevents a continuous and simultaneous coverage of the entire corona. (C) No current instrument can measure the global coronal magnetic field.

The Solution: Visible to near-IR coronagraphs coupled to tunable filters combine the strengths of both EUV high resolution spectrometers and EUV imagers in one single instrument by 1) providing 2D images of the whole field of view at a single wavelength; 2) spectrally resolving individual lines near-simultaneously across the entire field of view, and 3) measuring the magnetic field through polarimetry. The proposed Coronal Solar Magnetism Observatory (COSMO) visible to near-IR coronagraph would allow the measurement of: (A) simultaneous plasma thermal structure of the whole solar corona and CMEs; (B) plasma velocity vector; and (C) coronal magnetic field. The technology behind visible/near-IR coronagraphs coupled to tunable filters is mature; ground-based implementation of such instruments would provide long-term, easily-upgradable data sets.
Effects of dietary intake behavior, food supply, nutrition, and health during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Roy Pantu Kumar , Song Min Gyu , Jeon Eun Bi , Kim So Hee , Park Shin Young
Published: November 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which began in 2019, has far-reaching ramifications, including economic losses and health challenges that still affect various parts of the world. During our review, we learned that the entire world is working to stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. We explore ways that may lower the danger of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and useful strategies to avoid the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 spreading through food. While hygienic protocols are required in the food supply sector, cleaning, disinfection, and the avoidance of cross-contamination across food categories and other related goods at different stages of the manufacturing process remain especially important because the virus can survive for long periods of time on inert materials such as food packaging. Furthermore, personal hygiene (regular washing and disinfection), wearing gloves and using masks, garments, and footwear dedicated to maintaining hygiene provide on-site safety for food sector personnel, supply chain intermediaries, and consumers. Restrictions imposed in response to the pandemic (e.g., closure of physical workplaces, canteens, cafes, restaurants, schools, and childcare institutions), changes in household grocery shopping frequency, individuals' perceived risk of COVID-19, income losses due to the pandemic, and sociodemographic factors are among the factors. The conclusions drawn from this study consider the implications of healthy diets, food system resilience, behavior change, and nutritional imbalance for policymakers and food supply chain participants, as well as the antimicrobial effects of vitamins and nutrients. During a public health crisis, people should eat less, necessitating preventive policies and nutritional advice to deal with this.
Traditional ecological knowledge to traditional foods: The path to maintaining food sovereignty in Hutsulshchyna
Authors: Fontana Nina M. , Pasailiuk Mariia V. , Pohribnyi Oleh
Published: November 2022

The various ecosystems of the Carpathian Mountains spanning Europe, are a rich refuge for culturally important, endemic plant species as well as large carnivores. These biologically diverse landscapes are a principal source of subsistence to 16 million people, including various ethnographic groups. This paper focuses on a case study involving Hutsul communities, an ethnographic group of traditional pastoral highlanders, in the Southeastern Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. Given ecosystem, climatic, and cultural challenges, especially the rise of illegal logging, commercial harvesting, increased frequencies of flooding, and now a war, Hutsul communities face extensive threats to maintaining socio-ecological resilience in the region. A contributing factor to the region's centuries-long resilience is traditional ecological knowledge upholding food sovereignty as seen through traditional foods derived from Carpathian Mountain ecosystems. Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is as a dynamic, generationally-held knowledge base, where language, gathering practices, landscape and culture inform livelihoods. In this article, we seek to answer the following series of questions within Hutsul communities: (1) What does TEK look like in the region? (2) What are the regional environmental challenges? (3) Given these challenges, what are coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies grounded in TEK, ensuring a resilient food sovereign system? Mixed methodologies guided by community-based participatory action research methods (CBPAR) between 2017 and 2019 provide a rich, context-driven perspective on regional TEK. Radiating out from the historical, cultural Hutsul capital, Verkhovyna, 40 experts (including knowledge holders, elders, foresters, and community members) were interviewed in 8 neighboring villages. We, along with Hutsul experts, explore the presence of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in Hutsulshchyna by identifying 108 culturally important species including wild plants (74 species), cultivated plants (23 species), fungi (9 species) and lichens (2 species); these species are gathered in 10 habitats with varying degrees of human interaction. We analyze species' presence in traditional foods in the past and present day, as well as contextualize regional environmental challenges impacting TEK practices, and responses to these challenges (coping mechanisms and adaptive strategies). Despite various regional challenges, we conclude that TEK provides a resilient foundation for supporting food sovereignty as seen through the presence of traditional foods.
Understanding the determinants and impact of the adoption of technologies for sustainable farming systems in water-scarce areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Sunny Faruque As , Karimanzira Taonarufaro Tinaye Pemberai , Peng Wenhuan , Rahman Md Sadique , Zuhui Huang
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Bangladesh's quest to achieve sustainable development goals has highlighted the need to enhance resilience against the challenges that interconnected food, energy, and water (FEW) nexus systems faces to support human well-being. The government has decided to promote the adoption of competent and cutting-edge technologies that can significantly contribute to balancing energy and water resource utilization in achieving a more sustainable and climate-smart food production system. Hence, scaled-up adoption of solar-powered irrigation systems and recommended fertilizer dose (SIRFD) applications were proposed. This study, to provide practical policy implications, attempts to identify the determinants and impact of SIRFD adoption in water-scarce areas of Bangladesh.

Methods

Determinants of adoption were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, and the adoption impact was analyzed using treatment effect models.

Results

The results revealed that land typology, soil fertility perception, soil water retention, knowledge, environmental awareness, secondary income, close acquaintance adoption, and cash availability significantly influenced adoption decisions. The treatment effect model result indicated that farmers who adopted both technologies could reduce production costs by 1.36% and obtain an 8.92% higher ROI than non-adopters.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that policy interventions on scaling up SIRFD adoption require focusing on knowledge development village-based demonstration activities, group farming models backed by micro-finance, and avoiding launching conflicting schemes.
Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and type 3 (PCV3) in the Southwest of China during 2020–2022
Authors: Yang Yanting , Xu Tong , Wen Jianhua , Yang Luyu , Lai Siyuan , Sun Xiangang , Xu Zhiwen , Zhu Ling
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is considered one of the viruses with substantial economic impact on swine industry in the word. Recently, porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) has been found to be associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS)-like disease. And the two viruses were prone to co-infect clinically.

Methods

To further investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of the two viruses, 257 pig samples from 23 different pig farms in southwest China with suspected PCVAD at different growth stages were analyzed by real-time PCR between 2020 and 2022 to determine the presence of PCV2 and PCV3.

Results

Results showed high prevalence of PCV2 and PCV3: 26.46% samples were PCV2 positive and 33.46% samples were PCV3 positive. The coinfection rate was doubled from 2020 (5.75%) to 2022 (10.45%). Subsequently, the whole genome sequences of 13 PCV2 and 18 PCV3 strains were obtained in this study. Of these, 1 strain was PCV2a, 5 strains were PCV2b and 7 strains were PCV2d, indicating that PCV2d was the predominant PCV2 genotype prevalent in the Southwest of China.

Discussion

In addition, the phylogenetic analysis of PCV3 showed high nucleotide homology (>98%) between the sequences obtained in this study and reference sequences. And 3 mutations (A24V, R27K and E128D) were found in PCV3 antibody recognition domains, which might be related to the mechanism of viral immune escape. Thus, this study will enhance our understanding of the molecular epidemiology and evolution of PCV2 and PCV3, which are conducive to the further study of the genotyping, immunogenicity and immune evasion of PCVs.
Aerodynamic Shape Optimisation Using Parametric CAD and Discrete Adjoint
Authors: Agarwal Dheeraj , Marques Simão , Robinson Trevor T.
Published: November 2022

This paper presents an optimisation framework based on an open-source CAD system and CFD solver. In this work, the high-fidelity flow solutions and surface sensitivities are obtained using the primal and discrete adjoint formulations of SU2. This paper shows the direct use of CAD models for optimisation by developing a CAD system application programming interface and creating a link between the CAD-MESH-CFD analysis. A methodology to obtain geometric sensitivities is introduced, enabling the calculation of accurate gradients with respect to CAD variables and the deformation of the analysis mesh during the optimisation process. This methodology guarantees that the new surface mesh lies exactly on the CAD geometry. The optimisation framework is applied to a rectangular wing and a three section high-lift aerofoil configuration derived from the NASA CRM-HL configuration. Both geometries are created using FreeCAD. The performance objectives are to decrease the drag while constraining the lift to be above a desired value. The twist distribution of the wing was parameterised within the CAD system, allowing the minimisation of the induced drag by obtaining a nearly elliptical lift distribution. For the high-lift configuration, the position and rotation of the flap and slat were parameterised with respect to the original section; the final optimised positions yield a drag reduction of approximately 16.5%. These results show that the CAD parameterisation can be reliably used to obtain efficient optimums while operating directly on the CAD geometries.
A Methodological Framework for the Risk Assessment of Drone Intrusions in Airports
Authors: Pascarella Domenico , Gigante Gabriella , Vozella Angela , Bieber Pierre , Dubot Thomas , Martinavarro Edgar , Barraco Giovanni , Li Calzi Greta
Published: November 2022

Drone expansion needs to be considered as a menace in cases of negligent, illicit, or non-cooperative use. In the case of airports, a complete protection against drone intrusion should rely on an intrusion management system, aiming at avoiding the closure of the airport. This system requires the setting of proper risk assessment methodologies for airport operations, to explicitly consider the features of drone intrusion, possibly from a quantitative point of view. This work proposes a methodological framework for the risk assessment of drone intrusions in airports, tailored on drone-intrusion features, airport features, and current operations, and considering both safety-related and security-related causes. The framework is based on the combination of model-based and data-driven approaches in order to: (i) estimate an airport vulnerability index, to measure the susceptibility of the airport to drone intrusions, based on reference datasets; (ii) specify a set of event trees to evaluate the risks of the different threat scenarios related to drone intrusions. The proposed methodological framework is applied to a concrete case study, related to Milan Malpensa airport. The achieved results show the effectiveness of the approach and elicit further requirements for counter-drone systems in airports based on the assessed risks.
Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Potential of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) and Impact on Gut Microbiota
Authors: Kiani Hafiza Sehrish , Ali Akhtar , Zahra Shama , Hassan Zain Ul , Kubra Khadija Tul , Azam Muhammad , Zahid Hafza Fasiha
Published: November 2022

Phytochemicals are versatile plant secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties. In this review, we explore lemongrass’s phytochemistry and pharmacological potential (Cymbopogon) as well as its impact on gut microbiota. Lemongrass is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-mutagenicity, anxiolytic properties, and for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Therefore, it is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, feed, and the cosmetics industry. Lemongrass contains phenolic metabolites (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans), terpenoids, and alkaloids, which are potent bioactive ingredients. Lemongrass is a precious medicinal plant. Furthermore, lemongrass phytochemicals are considered potential agents to improve health by establishing a balanced gut ecosystem. Lemongrass is considered a quintessential food and feed additive at the industrial level, since there are no issues with residue or toxins. Lemongrass powder and essential oils are used to modulate the gut ecosystem by generating anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant responses, increasing the optimum nutrient absorption in the gut system. This review will further explore lemongrass’s phytochemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic potential.
Using a Fibrinolysis Delivery Catheter in Pulmonary Embolism Treatment for Measurement of Pulmonary Artery Hemodynamics
Authors: Elhakim Abdelrahman , Knauth Martin , Elhakim Mohamed , Böhmer Ulrich , Patzelt Johannes , Radke Peter
Published: November 2022

Background: Ultrasound-facilitated and catheter-directed low-dose fibrinolysis (EKOS) has shown favorable hemodynamic and safety outcomes in intermediate- to high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) cases. Objectives: This prospective single-arm monocentric study assessed the effects of using a delivery catheter for fibrinolysis as a novel approach for acute intermediate- to high-risk patients on pulmonary artery hemodynamics PE. Methods: Forty-five patients (41 intermediate–high and 4 high risk) with computer tomography (CT)-confirmed PE underwent EKOS therapy. By protocol, a total of 6 mg of tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) was administered over 6 h in the pulmonary artery (unilateral 6 mg or bilateral 12 mg). Unfractionated heparin was provided periprocedurally. The primary safety outcome was death, as well as major and minor bleeding within 48 of procedure initiation and at 90 days. The primary effectiveness outcomes were: 1. to assess the difference in pulmonary artery pressure from baseline to 6 h post-treatment as a primary precise surrogate marker, and 2. to determine the echocardiographic RV/LV ratio from baseline to 48 h and at 90 days post-delivery. Results: Pulmonary artery pressure decreased by 15/6/10 mmHg (p < 0.001). The mean RV/LV ratio decreased from 1.2 ± 0.85 at baseline to 0.85 ± 0.12 at 48 and to 0.76 ± 0.13 at 90 days (p < 0.001). Five patients (11%) died within 90 days of therapy. Conclusions and Highlights: Pulmonary artery hemodynamics were assessed using a delivery catheter for fibrinolysis, which is reproducible for identifying PE at risk of adverse outcomes. The results matched the right heart catheter results in EKOS and Heparin arm of Ultima trial, thereby confirming the validity of this potential diagnostic tool to assess therapy effectiveness and thereby reduce additional procedure-related complications, hospital residency, and economics. These results stress the importance of having an interdisciplinary team involved in the management of PE to evaluate the quality of life of these patients and this protocol shortens ICU admission to 6 h.
PIP2 Interacts Electrostatically with MARCKS-like Protein-1 and ENaC in Renal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Yue Qiang , Al-Khalili Otor , Moseley Auriel , Yoshigi Masaaki , Wynne Brandi Michele , Ma Heping , Eaton Douglas C.
Published: November 2022

We examined the interaction of a membrane-associated protein, MARCKS-like Protein-1 (MLP-1), and an ion channel, Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC), with the anionic lipid, phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We found that PIP2 strongly activates ENaC in excised, inside-out patches with a half-activating concentration of 21 ± 1.17 µM. We have identified 2 PIP2 binding sites in the N-terminus of ENaC β and γ with a high concentration of basic residues. Normal channel activity requires MLP-1’s strongly positively charged effector domain to electrostatically sequester most of the membrane PIP2 and increase the local concentration of PIP2. Our previous data showed that ENaC covalently binds MLP-1 so PIP2 bound to MLP-1 would be near PIP2 binding sites on the cytosolic N terminal regions of ENaC. We have modified the charge structure of the PIP2 –binding domains of MLP-1 and ENaC and showed that the changes affect membrane localization and ENaC activity in a way consistent with electrostatic theory.
Brain-Derived Estrogen and Neurological Disorders
Authors: Brann Darrell W. , Lu Yujiao , Wang Jing , Sareddy Gangadhara R. , Pratap Uday P. , Zhang Quanguang , Tekmal Rajeshwar R. , Vadlamudi Ratna K.
Published: November 2022

Astrocytes and neurons in the male and female brains produce the neurosteroid brain-derived 17β-estradiol (BDE2) from androgen precursors. In this review, we discuss evidence that suggest BDE2 has a role in a number of neurological conditions, such as focal and global cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, excitotoxicity, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Much of what we have learned about BDE2 in neurological disorders has come from use of aromatase inhibitors and global aromatase knockout mice. Recently, our group developed astrocyte- and neuron-specific aromatase knockout mice, which have helped to clarify the precise functions of astrocyte-derived 17β-estradiol (ADE2) and neuron-derived 17β-estradiol (NDE2) in the brain. The available evidence to date suggests a primarily beneficial role of BDE2 in facilitating neuroprotection, synaptic and cognitive preservation, regulation of reactive astrocyte and microglia activation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most of these beneficial effects appear to be due to ADE2, which is induced in most neurological disorders, but there is also recent evidence that NDE2 exerts similar beneficial effects. Furthermore, in certain situations, BDE2 may also have deleterious effects, as recent evidence suggests its overproduction in epilepsy contributes to seizure induction. In this review, we examine the current state of this quickly developing topic, as well as possible future studies that may be required to provide continuing growth in the field.
Entropy and Variability: A Second Opinion by Deep Learning
Authors: Rademaker Daniel T. , Xue Li C. , ‘t Hoen Peter A. C. , Vriend Gert
Published: November 2022

Background: Analysis of the distribution of amino acid types found at equivalent positions in multiple sequence alignments has found applications in human genetics, protein engineering, drug design, protein structure prediction, and many other fields. These analyses tend to revolve around measures of the distribution of the twenty amino acid types found at evolutionary equivalent positions: the columns in multiple sequence alignments. Commonly used measures are variability, average hydrophobicity, or Shannon entropy. One of these techniques, called entropy–variability analysis, as the name already suggests, reduces the distribution of observed residue types in one column to two numbers: the Shannon entropy and the variability as defined by the number of residue types observed. Results: We applied a deep learning, unsupervised feature extraction method to analyse the multiple sequence alignments of all human proteins. An auto-encoder neural architecture was trained on 27,835 multiple sequence alignments for human proteins to obtain the two features that best describe the seven million variability patterns. These two unsupervised learned features strongly resemble entropy and variability, indicating that these are the projections that retain most information when reducing the dimensionality of the information hidden in columns in multiple sequence alignments.
Adherent Moving of Polymers in Spherical Confined Binary Semiflexible Ring Polymer Mixtures
Authors: Zhou Xiaolin , Wei Wan
Published: November 2022

Based on the coarse-grained model, we used molecular dynamics methods to calculate and simulate a semiflexible long ring–semiflexible short ring blended polymer system confined in a hard sphere. We systematically studied the distribution and motion characteristics of the long ring chain. The results show that when the short ring is short enough (Lshort < 20), the long ring (Llong = 50) is separated from the blend system and then distributed against the inner wall. As the length of the short ring increases (Lshort ≥ 20), the long ring can no longer be separated from the blending system. Moreover, we found that the long ring demonstrates a random direction of adherent walking behavior on the inner surface of the hard sphere. The velocity of the long ring decreases with the increase in the short ring length Lshort. Specifically for Lshort ≥ 20, the system does not undergo phase separation and the speed of the long ring decreases sharply along with the long ring distributed inside the confined bulk. This is related to the inner wall layer moving faster than the inside bulk of the restricted system. Our simulation results can help us to understand the distribution of macromolecules in biological systems in confined systems, including the restricted chromosome partitioning distribution and packing structure of circular DNA molecules.
Impact of Changing Socioeconomic Conditions on Family Caregiving Norms: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Fukuda Sayaka , Lal Sumeet , Katauke Takuya , Khan Mostafa Saidur Rahim , Kadoya Yoshihiko
Published: November 2022

Eldercare is a major public health concern in many East Asian countries, including Japan, because of the ever-growing elderly population, and significant changes in family caregiving norms. The changes are due to global diffusion and the influence of socioeconomic and demographic shifts. Consequently, perceptions of the norm of family caregiving need investigation. We examined how demographic and socioeconomic factors influence the perception of family caregiving norms in Japan, using data from Osaka University’s preference parameter study. According to the results of the probit regression, age, education, full-time employment, marital status, the number of sons and daughters, interactions between females and age and females and full-time employment, and parents’ education are negatively related to the participants’ perceptions of family caregiving norms. Our results suggest that people traditionally perceived as caregivers are less likely to have a positive attitude towards family caregiving, despite the government’s efforts through Universal Long-Term Care Insurance, implemented in 2000. Therefore, authorities must reassess the role of families, explore alternative forms of community-based care, and provide more assistance to caregivers.
Insecure yet Resourceful: Psychological Capital Mitigates the Negative Effects of Employees’ Career Insecurity on Their Career Satisfaction
Authors: Zyberaj Jetmir , Bakaç Cafer
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased employee career concerns (i.e., insecurity), and many people face difficulties with their current jobs. In addition, employees have struggled with their health due to COVID-19. Based on the psychological capital (PsyCap) and the conservation of resource theories, we suggest that personal resources, such as resilience, can mitigate the adverse effects of employee career insecurity on their career-related outcomes, such as career satisfaction, as well as on their health. In a German-speaking sample (N = 185) and a two-wave design, we investigated the role of employees’ career insecurity on their career satisfaction. We employed PsyCap as a moderator in these relationships. Results showed a negative relationship between career insecurity and career satisfaction. In addition, moderation analyses revealed that PsyCap significantly moderates the effects of career insecurity on employee career satisfaction. Specifically, for high PsyCap the effect of career insecurity on employee career satisfaction does not hold significant, while it does for low PsyCap, showing that PsyCap can mitigate the negative effects of career insecurity on employee career satisfaction. With a robust personal construct in career research, our study contributes to this field by investigating the role of PsyCap for employee careers, especially in a crisis context (i.e., COVID-19). We discuss implications for employees and organizations.
Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire—Short: Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Invariance of the Italian Version
Authors: Cerolini Silvia , Zagaria Andrea , Vacca Mariacarolina , Spinhoven Philip , Violani Cristiano , Lombardo Caterina
Published: November 2022

Objective: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) is a widely used instrument to assess cognitive emotion regulation strategies. The study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Italian short version of the CERQ (CERQ-IS). Methods: Two separate samples of 442 young adults (Mage = 21.12; SD = 3.69) and 256 adolescents (Mage = 14.81; SD = 0.59) completed the CERQ, the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate the dimensionality of the CERQ-IS. Internal consistency was analysed by calculating model-based composite reliability coefficients. Criterion and discriminant validity were gathered through the correlations with the ERQ and the MPS, respectively. Factorial invariances tests across gender and age were computed by means of multiple-group CFA. Results: CFA confirmed the nine-factor structure showing an excellent fit to the data. Except for rumination which was minimally acceptable, all subscales had an acceptable to good reliability. Criterion validity was supported by significant correlations between CERQ-IS and ERQ subscales. Discriminant validity was confirmed by meaningless correlations with the MPS facets. Configural, metric and scalar invariance were established across both grouping variables. Conclusions: The brevity of this tool and its good psychometric properties suggest that CERQ-IS could be a useful screening tool in both clinical and research practice in adolescence and young adulthood.
Interferon-Gamma Primed Human Clonal Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Sheets Exhibit Enhanced Immunosuppressive Function
Authors: Dunn Celia M. , Kameishi Sumako , Cho Yun-Kyoung , Song Sun U. , Grainger David W. , Okano Teruo
Published: November 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising treatment for immune-related diseases due to their diverse immunomodulatory paracrine functions. However, progress of culture-expanded MSCs is hindered by inconsistent cell function, poor localization, and insufficient retention when administered as suspended cell injections, thus placing spatiotemporal dosing constraints on therapeutic functions. To address these limitations, we introduce the combination of in vitro interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) priming, a key stimulator of MSC immunosuppressive potency, and thermoresponsive cultureware to harvest cultured MSCs as directly transplantable scaffold-free immunosuppressive cell sheets. Here, we demonstrate that MSC sheets produced with IFN-γ priming upregulate expression of immunosuppressive factors indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1), interleukin-10 (IL-10), programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in both dose- and duration-dependent manners. In addition, IFN-γ primed MSC sheets showed increased ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation via indirect and direct contact, specifically related to increased IDO-1 and PGE2 concentrations. Furthermore, this study’s use of human clinical-grade single-cell-derived clonal bone marrow-derived MSCs, contributes to the future translatability and clinical relevancy of the produced sheets. Ultimately, these results present the combination of IFN-γ priming and MSC sheets as a new strategy to improve MSC-mediated treatment of localized inflammatory diseases.
LncRNA ENSMUST00000171502 Induced by HIF-1α Ameliorates Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury via Targeting the miR-130b-3p/Mybl-1 Axis
Authors: Xu Jinghong , Wang Bing , Zhang Dongshan
Published: November 2022

Background: Numerous studies have suggested that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) affects the progression of ischemic acute kidney injury (IAKI). However, little information is currently available concerning the mechanisms of lncRNA171502 involved in IAKI. Methods: We applied an RT-qPCR assay for the expression of lncRNA171502 and miRNA-130b-3p, immunoblotting for the detection of Mybl-1-myeloblastosis oncogene-like 1 (Mybl-1) and cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) expression, and flow cytometry (FCM) for the evaluation of apoptosis. Result: Initially, lncRNA171502 was induced by HIF-1α in the mouse proximal tubular (BUMPT) cell line and C57BL/6J mice during ischemic injury. Secondly, ischemic injury-induced BUMPT cell apoptosis was markedly relieved following the overexpression of lncRNA171502. However, this effect was enhanced by the knockdown of lncRNA171502. Mechanistically, lncRNA171502 could sponge miRNA-130b-3p and would subsequently upregulate the expression of Mybl-1 to drive the apoptotic process. Lastly, the overexpression of lncRNA171502 alleviated the development of IAKI by targeting miRNA-130b-3p/Mybl-1 pathways. Conclusions: In summary, the HIF-1α/lncRNA171502/miRNA-130b-3p/Mybl-1 axis prevented the progression of IAKI and might serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Liver Injury and Cell Survival in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Regulated by Sex-Based Difference through B Cell Lymphoma 6
Authors: Kamiya Akihide , Ida Kinuyo
Published: November 2022

The liver is a crucial organ for maintaining homeostasis in living organisms and is the center of various metabolic functions. Therefore, abnormal metabolic activity, as in metabolic syndrome, leads to pathological conditions, such as abnormal accumulation of lipids in the liver. Inflammation and cell death are induced by several stresses in the fatty liver, namely steatohepatitis. In recent years, an increase in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is not dependent on excessive alcohol intake, has become an issue as a major cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are several recent findings on functional sex-based differences, NASH, and cell stress and death in the liver. In particular, NASH-induced liver injury and tumorigeneses were suppressed by B cell lymphoma 6, the transcriptional factor regulating sex-based liver functional gene expression. In this review, we discuss cell response to stress and lipotoxicity in NASH and its regulatory mechanisms.