bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Therapy of Pharmacoresistant Epilepsies: The Role of Fenfluramine
Authors: Dini Gianluca , Tulli Eleonora , Dell’Isola Giovanni Battista , Mencaroni Elisabetta , Di Cara Giuseppe , Striano Pasquale , Verrotti Alberto
Published: May 2022

Epilepsy is among the most common neurological chronic disorders, with a prevalence of 0.5–1%. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs during recent years, about one third of the epileptic population remain drug-resistant. Hence, especially in the pediatric population limited by different pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and by ethical and regulatory issues it is needed to identify new therapeutic resources. New molecules initially used with other therapeutic indications, such as fenfluramine, are being considered for the treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies, including Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). Drug-refractory seizures are a hallmark of both these conditions and their treatment remains a major challenge. Fenfluramine is an amphetamine derivative that was previously approved as a weight loss drug and later withdrawn when major cardiac adverse events were reported. However, a new role of fenfluramine has emerged in recent years. Indeed, fenfluramine has proved to be a promising antiepileptic drug with a favorable risk–benefit profile for the treatment of DS, LGS and possibly other drug-resistant epileptic syndromes. The mechanism by which fenfluramine provide an antiepileptic action is not fully understood but it seems to go beyond its pro-serotoninergic activity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the literature, including ongoing trials, regarding the efficacy and safety of fenfluramine as adjunctive treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies.
Prescription Patterns of Asthma Preventers Among Children and Adolescents Between Australia and South Korea
Authors: Seo Min Sook , Hillen Jodie , Kang Dong Yoon , Pratt Nicole , Shin Ju-Young
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICSs) and oral Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists (LTRAs) are commonly prescribed asthma preventers, however, concerns have been raised as to whether montelukast (LTRA) is associated with an increase in occurrences of neuropsychiatric side effects in children. Our study was conducted to observe prescribing patterns of asthma preventers among paediatric patients specifically focusing on ICSs and LTRAs between Australia and South Korea to see intercountry differences in the use of these medicines.

Materials and Methods: The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Paediatric Patients Sample dataset for South Korea and data provided by Services Australia were used in the study. Paediatric patients aged between 3 and 19 with more than one dispensing of an asthma preventer and at least one reliever between 1 Jan 2018 and 31 December 2018 were selected. Prevalence per 1,00,000 persons and standardised prevalence were estimated.

Results: A total of 3,58,470 patients (2,04,270 from South Korea and 1,54,200 from Australia) were included in the study. A higher prevalence of ICS-based inhalers was seen in Australia with 80.1% compared to 13.5% in South Korea. In addition, Australia showed a stronger tendency of prescribing high dose ICS-based inhalers compared to South Korea with 22.9% vs. 4.9%. In contrast, use of LTRAs was more prevalent in South Korea with 57.6% while in Australia, montelukast was the only LTRA dispensed at a proportion of 18.9%. Moreover, 29.9% of xanthines which are orally available preventers, were prescribed more frequently in South Korea compared to Australia (0.1%).

Conclusion: Australia showed a tendency of prescribing ICS-based preventers whereas South Korea exhibited a preference towards the oral LTRAs. Given the potential risk of neuropsychiatric side effects among paediatric patients with montelukast, reasons for the high use of montelukast in South Korea should be investigated further.
Sciatic Nerve Intrafascicular Injection Induces Neuropathy by Activating the Matrix Modulators MMP-9 and TIMP-1
Authors: Tseng Kuang-Yi , Wang Hung-Chen , Cheng Kai-Feng , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Chang Lin-Li , Cheng Kuang-I
Published: May 2022

Background: Peripheral nerve block (PNB) under echo guidance may not prevent intrafascicular anesthetic injection-induced nerve injury. This study investigated whether unintended needle piercing alone, or the intrafascicular nerve injectant could induce neuropathy.

Methods: 120 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: 1) group S, only the left sciatic nerve was exposed; 2) group InF-P, the left sciatic nerve was exposed and pierced with a 30 G needle; 3) group InF-S, left sciatic nerve was exposed and injected with saline (0.9% NaCl 30 µL); 4) group InF-R, left sciatic nerve was exposed and injected with 0.5% (5 mg/mL, 30 µL) ropivacaine. Behaviors of thermal and mechanical stimuli responses from hindpaws, sciatic nerve vascular permeability and tight junction protein expression, and macrophage infiltration were assessed. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and TIMP-1 and MMP-9 activation at the injection site and the swollen, and distal sites of the sciatic nerve were measured by cytokine array, western blotting, and immunofluorescence of POh14 and POD3.

Results: Intrafascicular saline and ropivacaine into the sciatic nerve, but not needle piercing alone, significantly induced mechanical allodynia that lasted for seven days. In addition, the prior groups increased vascular permeability and macrophage infiltration, especially in the swollen site of the sciatic nerve. Thermal hypersensitivity was induced and lasted for only 3 days after intrafascicular saline injection. Obvious upregulation of TIMP-1 and MMP-9 on POh6 and POh14 occurred regardless of intrafascicular injection or needle piercing. Compared to the needle piercing group, the ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 was significantly higher in the intrafascicular injectant groups at the injected and swollen sites of the sciatic nerve. Although no gross changes in the expressions of tight junction proteins (TJPs) claudin-5 and ZO-1, the TJPs turned to apparent fragmentation and fenestration-like degenerative change in swollen endothelial cells and thickened microvessels.

Conclusion: Intrafascicular nerve injection is a distinct mechanism that induces neuropathy. It is likely that the InF nerve injection-induced neuropathy was largely due to dramatic, but transient, increases in enzymatic activities of MMP-9 and activating TIMP-1 in the operated nerves. The changes in enzymatic activities then contributed to certain levels of extracellular matrix degradation, which leads to increases in endoneurial vascular permeability.
The Prospective Application of Melatonin in Treating Epigenetic Dysfunctional Diseases
Authors: Monayo Seth Mikaye , Liu Xin
Published: May 2022

In the past, different human disorders were described by scientists from the perspective of either environmental factors or just by genetically related mechanisms. The rise in epigenetic studies and its modifications, i.e., heritable alterations in gene expression without changes in DNA sequences, have now been confirmed in diseases. Modifications namely, DNA methylation, posttranslational histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs have led to a better understanding of the coaction between epigenetic alterations and human pathologies. Melatonin is a widely-produced indoleamine regulator molecule that influences numerous biological functions within many cell types. Concerning its broad spectrum of actions, melatonin should be investigated much more for its contribution to the upstream and downstream mechanistic regulation of epigenetic modifications in diseases. It is, therefore, necessary to fill the existing gaps concerning corresponding processes associated with melatonin with the physiological abnormalities brought by epigenetic modifications. This review outlines the findings on melatonin’s action on epigenetic regulation in human diseases including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It summarizes the ability of melatonin to act on molecules such as proteins and RNAs which affect the development and progression of diseases.
Treatment With LAU-7b Complements CFTR Modulator Therapy by Improving Lung Physiology and Normalizing Lipid Imbalance Associated With CF Lung Disease
Authors: Centorame Amanda , Dumut Daciana Catalina , Youssef Mina , Ondra Martin , Kianicka Irenej , Shah Juhi , Paun Radu Alexandru , Ozdian Tomas , Hanrahan John W. , Gusev Ekaterina , Petrof Basil , Hajduch Marian , Pislariu Radu , De Sanctis Juan Bautista , Radzioch Danuta
Published: May 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common autosomal recessive genetic disease in Caucasians, affecting more than 100,000 individuals worldwide. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the gene encoding CFTR, an anion channel at the plasma membrane of epithelial and other cells. Many CF pathogenic variants disrupt the biosynthesis and trafficking of CFTR or reduce its ion channel function. The most frequent mutation, loss of a phenylalanine at position 508 (F508del), leads to misfolding, retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, and premature degradation of the protein. The therapeutics available for treating CF lung disease include antibiotics, mucolytics, bronchodilators, physiotherapy, and most recently CFTR modulators. To date, no cure for this life shortening disease has been found. Treatment with the Triple combination drug therapy, TRIKAFTA®, is composed of three drugs: Elexacaftor (VX-445), Tezacaftor (VX-661) and Ivacaftor (VX-770). This therapy, benefits persons with CF, improving their weight, lung function, energy levels (as defined by reduced fatigue), and overall quality of life. We examined the effect of combining LAU-7b oral treatment and Triple therapy combination on lung function in a F508deltm1EUR mouse model that displays lung abnormalities relevant to human CF. We assessed lung function, lung histopathology, protein oxidation, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid and lipid profiles in F508deltm1EUR mice.
Management of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Quality Assessment of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Variations in Recommendations on Drug Therapy for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Li Hong-Yan , Wang Hai-Shan , Wang Ying-Lin , Wang Jing , Huo Xue-Chen , Zhao Quan
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To assess the quality of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) related to drug therapy for prevention and control of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and compare the differences and similarities between recommendations.

Methods: Electronic databases (including PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, Web of Science), guideline development organizations, and professional societies were searched to identify CPGs for VAP from 20 January 2012 to 20 January 2022. The Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument was used to evaluate the quality of the guidelines. The recommendations on drug therapy for prevention and treatment for each guideline were extracted, and then a descriptive synthesis was performed to analyze the scope/topic, and consistency of the recommendations.

Results: Thirteen CPGs were included. The median score and interquartile range (IQR) in each domain are shown below: scope and purpose 72.22% (63.89%,83.33%); stakeholder involvement 44.44% (38.89%,52.78%); rigor of development 43.75% (31.25%,57.29%); clarity and presentation 94.44% (77.78%,94.44%); applicability 20.83 (8.34%,33.34%) and editorial independence 50% (33.33%,66.67%). We extracted 21 recommendations on drug therapy for prevention of VAP and 51 recommendations on drugs used for treatment. Some controversies remained among the included guidelines.

Conclusion: There is considerable variability in the development processes and reporting of VAP guidelines. Despite many similarities, the recommendations still had some inconsistencies in the details. For the prevention and treatment of VAP, local microbial epidemiology and antibiotic sensitivity must be considered, and recommendations should be regularly revised as new evidence emerges.
Characterization of Chromatin Remodeling Genes Involved in Thermal Tolerance of Biologically Invasive Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Ji Shun-Xia , Wang Xiao-Di , Lin Ze-Kai , Wan Fang-Hao , Lü Zhi-Chuang , Liu Wan-Xue
Published: May 2022

As an invasive species, Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) has notable potential to adapt to a wide range of environmental temperatures, which enables it to successfully spread after invasion and occupy habitats over a wide latitude range. It has been postulated that chromatin remodeling mechanisms are related to the rapid acquisition of adaptive traits and thermal resistance in invasive species; however, relevant experimental evidence is scarce. To identify the molecular characteristics and assess the role of chromatin remodelers in thermal stress within invasive MED and native Asia II 1 of the B. tabaci species complex, we identified 13 switching defective/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) and 10 imitation switch (ISWI) family members in the B. tabaci genome, analyzed their molecular characteristics and structures, and identified key mutation sites between MED and Asia II 1, then cloned the catalytic subunits, and revealed the difference in thermal tolerance function. The results showed that the expression levels of Bt-BRM-1 and Bt-BRM-2 were significantly higher in MED than in Asia II 1 during heat stress, and Bt-BRM-2 expression was significantly higher during cold stress. In addition, RNA interference results indicated that the two target genes had similar temperature tolerance function in the both two cryptic species. This study is the first to identify and analyze the molecular characteristics of SWI/SNF and ISWI family members and reveal their potential key roles in temperature tolerance in poikilothermic ectotherms. The results will assist in understanding the underlying temperature adaptation mechanism of invasive insects and will enrich stress adaptation research systems from an epigenetic perspective.
Human Cardiac Progenitor Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Exhibit Promising Potential for Supporting Cardiac Repair in Vitro
Authors: Romano Veronica , Belviso Immacolata , Sacco Anna Maria , Cozzolino Domenico , Nurzynska Daria , Amarelli Cristiano , Maiello Ciro , Sirico Felice , Di Meglio Franca , Castaldo Clotilde
Published: May 2022

Although human Cardiac Progenitor Cells (hCPCs) are not retained by host myocardium they still improve cardiac function when injected into ischemic heart. Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that hCPC beneficial effects are induced by paracrine action on resident cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are an intriguing mechanism of cell communication based on the transport and transfer of peptides, lipids, and nucleic acids that have the potential to modulate signaling pathways, cell growth, migration, and proliferation of recipient cells. We hypothesize that EVs are involved in the paracrine effects elicited by hCPCs and held accountable for the response of the infarcted myocardium to hCPC-based cell therapy. To test this theory, we collected EVs released by hCPCs isolated from healthy myocardium and evaluated the effects they elicited when administered to resident hCPC and cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from patients with post-ischemic end-stage heart failure. Evidence emerging from our study indicated that hCPC-derived EVs impacted upon proliferation and survival of hCPCs residing in the ischemic heart and regulated the synthesis and deposition of extracellular-matrix by CFs. These findings suggest that beneficial effects exerted by hCPC injection are, at least to some extent, ascribable to the delivery of signals conveyed by EVs.
Increasing Expression of PnGAP and PnEXPA4 Provides Insights Into the Enlargement of Panax notoginseng Root Size From Qing Dynasty to Cultivation Era
Authors: Yu Mu-Yao , Hua Zhong-Yi , Liao Pei-Ran , Zheng Han , Jin Yan , Peng Hua-Sheng , Cui Xiu-Ming , Huang Lu-Qi , Yuan Yuan
Published: May 2022

Root size is a key trait in plant cultivation and can be influenced by the cultivation environment. However, physical evidence of root size change in a secular context is scarce due to the difficulty in preserving ancient root samples, and how they were modified during the domestication and cultivation stays unclear. About 100 ancient root samples of Panax notoginseng, preserved as tribute in the Palace Museum (A.D. 1636 to 1912, Qing dynasty), provided an opportunity to investigate the root size changes during the last 100 years of cultivation. The dry weight of ancient root samples (~120 tou samples, tou represents number of roots per 500 g dry weight) is 0.22-fold of the modern samples with the biggest size (20 tou samples). Transcriptome analysis revealed that PnGAP and PnEXPA4 were highly expressed in 20 tou samples, compared with the 120 tou samples, which might contribute to the thicker cell wall and a higher content of lignin, cellulose, and callose in 20 tou samples. A relatively lower content of dencichine and higher content of ginsenoside Rb1 in 20 tou samples are also consistent with higher expression of ginsenoside biosynthesis-related genes. PnPHL8 was filtrated through transcriptome analysis, which could specifically bind the promoters of PnGAP, PnCYP716A47, and PnGGPPS3, respectively. The results in this study represent the first physical evidence of root size changes in P. notoginseng in the last 100 years of cultivation and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how the cultivation environment affected root size, chemical composition, and clinical application.
The Impact of Knowledge Management Process and Intellectual Capital on Entrepreneurial Orientation and Innovation
Authors: Yu Qi , Aslam Sumaira , Murad Majid , Jiatong Wang , Syed Nausheen
Published: May 2022

Innovation is considered to be a dominant cause for sustainable business success. Knowledge management and intellectual capital are powerful tools to promote innovation in the organization. Therefore, this study aims to explore the influence of knowledge management process and intellectual capital on innovation with the mediating effect of entrepreneurial orientation and moderating role of leader education level. Data were collected from a sample of 393 IT firms listed in the Pakistan Software Houses Association and applied a partial least squares structural educational modeling (SEM) technique. The results show that the knowledge management process and intellectual capital have a positive effect on innovation. Moreover, the study confirms that entrepreneurial orientation partially mediates the relationship between knowledge management and intellectual capital on innovation. Furthermore, the moderation effect of a leader’s education was confirmed for the knowledge management-innovation relationship whereas, the moderation effect of the leader’s education on intellectual capital and innovation relationship was insignificant. Recommendations for practitioners and future research directions were also discussed.
Talent Flow Network, the Life Cycle of Firms, and Their Innovations
Authors: Sun Bo , Ruan Ao , Peng Biyu , Lu Wenzhu
Published: May 2022

This paper explores how talent flow network and the firm life cycle affect the innovative performances of firms. We first established an interorganizational talent flow network with the occupational mobility data available from the public resumes on LinkedIn China. Thereafter, this information was combined with the financial data of China’s listed companies to develop a unique dataset for the time period between 2000 and 2015. The empirical results indicate the following: (1) The breadth and depth of firms’ embedding in the talent flow network positively impact their innovative performances; (2) Younger firms’ innovations are mostly promoted by the breadth of network embedding, but this positive effect weakens as firms increase in age; (3) Mature firms’ innovations are primarily driven by the depth of network embedding, and this positive effect strengthens as firms increase in age. This paper enriches and deepens the studies of talent flow networks, and it provides practical implications for innovation management based on talent flow for various types of firms at different development stages.
Effects of the “Active Communication Education” Program on Hearing-Related Quality of Life in a Group of Italian Older Adults Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Giallini Ilaria , Nicastri Maria , Inguscio Bianca M. S. , Portanova Ginevra , Magliulo Giuseppe , Greco Antonio , Mancini Patrizia
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Active Communication Education (ACE) program on the social/emotional impacts of hearing loss (HL) in a group of older adults with a cochlear implant (CI).

Design

Prospective cohort study design, with a “within-subject” control procedure.

Study Sample

Twenty adults over-65 post-lingually deafened CI users. All subjects were required to be native Italian speakers, to have normal cognitive level, have no significant psychiatric conditions and/or diagnosed incident dementia, and used CI for at least 9 months.

Materials and Methods

Twenty participants were assessed using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ) before, during, and after ACE program, with a one and 6-month follow up. The cognitive and audiological evaluation was carried out before commencing the ACE program.

Results

The ACE program had a positive impact by reducing HL’s social/emotional effects. Participants benefited from a rehabilitative approach by improving multilevel skills: comprehension of audiological and hearing dimensions, acquisition of communicative, pragmatic and problem-solving strategies, and interaction and sharing of experiences with peers.

Conclusion

Although targeting the older adults with moderate HL, the ACE program also seemed to benefit older adult CI users. An improvement in social and emotional adaptation to hearing difficulties can, in turn, significantly promote optimal use of CI in the older adults, thereby possibly reducing the risk of losing motivation and engagement in device use and in rehabilitation protocols.
Analysis of Equity Disputes in Listed Companies With Dispersed Ownership Structure and Protection of Small and Medium Shareholders’ Interests
Authors: He Chun Xi , Soh Wei Ni , Ong Tze San , Lau Wei Theng , Zhong Bin
Published: May 2022

This paper selected Vanke as the case to study the governance problems of Vanke and the protection of the interests of small and medium shareholders under the situation of equity disputes. At the same time, the study further explored the advantages and disadvantages of the dispersed ownership structure, the long-term impact on the company’s development and the choice of the involved corporate governance methods under the current Chinese capital market conditions. This paper adopted the event research method and selected the period from June 2015 to June 2017 (24 months) as the observation period to analyze the market performance impact of Vanke in the equity disputes. At the same time, this paper also measured Vanke’s individual stock rate of return (Rit) and market rate of return (Rmt), and calculated Vanke’s normal rate of return [E(Ri,t)], abnormal rate of return (ARi,t), and cumulative abnormal rate of return (CARi) during different event windows ([−3,10]). Vanke’s shareholding was too dispersed and the stock price had been sluggish for a long time, which had greatly reduced the acquisition difficulty and cost of Baoneng, thus triggering the “barbarian invasion” of Baoneng. In the struggle for control, whether it was Vanke’s anti-takeover measures or China Resources, Baoneng, and Evergrande’s competition for equity, their actions had harmed the interests of small and medium shareholders. The market supervision department was too lenient to supervise and punish the interests of small and medium shareholders, and opportunism made behaviors that infringe on the interests of others more reckless. However, small and medium shareholders cannot actively participate in the company’s management decision-making to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, which intensifies the violations of all parties in the equity disputes, thus forming a vicious circle. Therefore, the protection of the interests of small and medium shareholders required the joint efforts and consciousness of regulators, small and medium shareholders, and acquirers.
Curiosity as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Orientation and Perceived Probability of Starting a Business
Authors: Barrientos Oradini Nicolás Pablo , Rubio Andrés , Araya-Castillo Luis , Boada-Cuerva Maria , Vallejo-Velez Mauricio
Published: May 2022

Although the correlation between Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and concrete actions to set up a business or the Probability of Starting a Business (PSB) has been widely studied, the psychological factors that can affect this relationship have not yet been sufficiently addressed in the field of entrepreneurship. One of them is curiosity. Both at theoretical and empirical level, a distinction are usually made between two types of curiosity. I-type curiosity is associated with the anticipated pleasure of discovering something new, and D-type curiosity is associated with reducing uncertainty and eliminating unwanted states of ignorance. Consequently, this paper aims to analyze the moderating role that the types of curiosity play in the relationship between EO and PSB, considering their interaction with sociodemographic variables. The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 1,761 participants (convenience sampling of active workers; 49.8% men; mean age 38.88 years,SD = 12.53 years; 22.9% Colombian and 77.1% Spanish). The EO scale and a curiosity scale were applied. In addition, participants were asked, based on their perception, how likely they were to start their own business within the next 5 years. A simple moderation analysis was considered to test the moderating role of both types of curiosity in the relationship between EO and PSB. Next, a double moderation analysis was carried out in order to identify, which sociodemographic variables moderate the moderating effect of curiosity. The results show that only the D-type component moderates the relationship between EO and PSB: The higher the D-type curiosity, the stronger the association between EO and PSB. In terms of sociodemographic variables, neither culture nor gender showed a moderating effect on the moderation exerted by D-type curiosity. While, age did moderate the moderating effect of D-type curiosity on the relationship between EO and PSB. Results are discussed in terms of spirituality (attitudes, practices, and behaviors) and the resolution of problems associated with the entrepreneurial process, considering cognitive and psychological factors, particularly with an emphasis on explaining why only D-type curiosity shows a moderating effect. Finally, the limitations of the study and potential future lines of research are pointed out.
Positioning an Agenda on a Loving Pedagogy in Second Language Acquisition: Conceptualization, Practice, and Research
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Derakhshan Ali , Pan Ziwen
Published: May 2022

Second/foreign language teaching has been found as one of the most emotional professions worldwide. To generate optimal academic outcomes and run an effective education, teachers and students’ emotions and feelings must be positively cared for. Given the significance of emotions in L2 education, many studies have followed positive psychology (PP) and examined various positive constructs. Nevertheless, love, as a PP variable, has been ignored in education due to its cultural/religious sensitivities. Trying to dispel the myths, recently, a new trend called a “loving pedagogy” has started to find itself a place in second language acquisition (SLA) research and practice. Yet, proposing a model of its application and an agenda for its research has been overlooked by scholars in this domain. Motivated by this lacuna, this research article provided the conceptualization, definitions, research bases, practical models, and implications of a loving pedagogy for SLA practitioners and future researchers.
Public Social Media Discussions on Agricultural Product Safety Incidents: Chinese African Swine Fever Debate on Weibo
Authors: Jiang Qian , Xue Ya , Hu Yan , Li Yibin
Published: May 2022

Public concern over major agricultural product safety incidents, such as swine flu and avian flu, can intensify financial losses in the livestock and poultry industries. Crawler technology were applied to reviewed the Weibo social media discussions on the African Swine Fever (ASF) incident in China that was reported on 3 August 2018, and used content analysis and network analysis to specifically examine the online public opinion network dissemination characteristics of verified individual users, institutional users and ordinary users. It was found that: (1) attention paid to topics related to “epidemic,” “treatment,” “effect” and “prevent” decrease in turn, with the interest in “prevent” increasing significantly when human infections were possible; (2) verified individual users were most concerned about epidemic prevention and control and play a supervisory role, the greatest concern of institutional users and ordinary users were issues related to agricultural industry and agricultural products price fluctuations respectively; (3) among institutional users, media was the main opinion leader, and among non-institutional users, elites from all walks of life, especially the food safety personnel acted as opinion leaders. Based on these findings, some policy suggestions are given: determine the nature of the risk to human health of the safety incident, stabilizing prices of relevant agricultural products, and giving play to the role of information dissemination of relevant institutions.
The Puzzle of Argument Structure Mismatch in Gapping
Authors: Lu Jiayi , Kim Nayoun
Published: May 2022

Voice mismatch between conjuncts is impossible in the gapping construction. Some recent studies explained this effect by analyzing gapping as involving the ellipsis of a category at least as large as VoiceP. One prediction this analysis makes is that mismatch of any head structurally lower than Voice (e.g., little v) should not be possible in gapping. In this study, through a series of acceptability judgment experiments examining argument structure mismatches in gapping, we provide empirical observations that challenge this prediction.
Genetic Variants Associated With Resilience in Human and Animal Studies
Authors: Cahill Stephanie , Chandola Tarani , Hager Reinmar
Published: May 2022

Resilience is broadly defined as the ability to maintain or regain functioning in the face of adversity and is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. The identification of specific genetic factors and their biological pathways underpinning resilient functioning can help in the identification of common key factors, but heterogeneities in the operationalisation of resilience have hampered advances. We conducted a systematic review of genetic variants associated with resilience to enable the identification of general resilience mechanisms. We adopted broad inclusion criteria for the definition of resilience to capture both human and animal model studies, which use a wide range of resilience definitions and measure very different outcomes. Analyzing 158 studies, we found 71 candidate genes associated with resilience. OPRM1 (Opioid receptor mu 1), NPY (neuropeptide Y), CACNA1C (calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C), DCC (deleted in colorectal carcinoma), and FKBP5 (FKBP prolyl isomerase 5) had both animal and human variants associated with resilience, supporting the idea of shared biological pathways. Further, for OPRM1, OXTR (oxytocin receptor), CRHR1 (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1), COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), APOE (apolipoprotein E), and SLC6A4 (solute carrier family 6 member 4), the same allele was associated with resilience across divergent resilience definitions, which suggests these genes may therefore provide a starting point for further research examining commonality in resilience pathways.
Trends and Disparities in Adult Body Mass Index Across the 47 Prefectures of Japan, 1975–2018: A Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis of National Household Surveys
Authors: Ikeda Nayu , Nakaya Tomoki , Bennett James , Ezzati Majid , Nishi Nobuo
Published: May 2022

Background

Among high-income countries, Japan has a low prevalence of obesity, but little is understood about subnational trends and variations in body mass index (BMI), largely owing to the lack of data from representative samples of prefectures. We aimed to examine long-term trends and distributions of adult BMI at the prefecture level in Japan from the late 1970s using a spatiotemporal model.

Methods

We obtained cross-sectional data for 233,988 men and 261,086 women aged 20–79 years from the 44 annual National Health and Nutrition Surveys (NHNS) conducted during 1975–2018. We applied a Bayesian spatiotemporal model to estimate the annual time series of age-standardized and age-specific mean BMI by 20-year age group and sex for each of the 47 prefectures. We assessed socioeconomic inequalities in BMI across prefectures using the concentration index, according to population density.

Results

In men, the age-standardized prefectural mean BMI ranged from 21.7 kg/m2 (95% credible interval, 21.6–21.9) to 23.1 kg/m2 (22.9–23.4) in 1975 and from 23.5 kg/m2 (23.3–23.7) to 24.8 kg/m2 (24.6–25.1) in 2018. In women, the age-standardized prefectural mean BMI ranged from 22.0 kg/m2 (21.9–22.2) to 23.4 kg/m2 (23.2–23.6) in 1975 and from 21.7 kg/m2 (21.6–22.0) to 23.5 kg/m2 (23.2–23.8) in 2018. Mean BMI was highest in the southernmost prefecture for most of the study period, followed by northeast prefectures. The increase in mean BMI was largest in southwest prefectures, which caught up with northeast prefectures over time. The concentration index was negative, indicating higher BMI in less-populated prefectures. Absolute values of the concentration index were greater in women than in men and increased over time.

Conclusions

There were variations in adult mean BMI across prefectures, and geographic distributions changed over time. Further national and local efforts are needed to address the rising trend in mean BMI, particularly among men in rural prefectures, and socioeconomic inequalities among women. Bayesian hierarchical modeling is useful for reconstructing long-term spatiotemporal trends of mean BMI by integrating small-sized survey samples at the prefecture level in the NHNS.
Implementation Evaluation of HUGS/Abrazos During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Program to Foster Resiliency in Pregnancy and Early Childhood
Authors: Liu Meisui , Simione Meg , Perkins Meghan E. , Price Sarah N. , Luo Mandy , Lopez William , Catalan Viktoria M. , Chen Szu-Yu Tina , Torres Carlos , Kwete Gracia M. , Seigel Molly , Edlow Andrea G. , Parra Maria Yolanda , Hunter Mary Lyons , Boudreau Alexy Arauz , Taveras Elsie M.
Published: May 2022

Early life adversity can significantly impact child development and health outcomes throughout the life course. With the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating preexisting and introducing new sources of toxic stress, social programs that foster resilience are more necessary now than ever. The Helping Us Grow Stronger (HUGS/Abrazos) program fills a crucial need for protective buffers during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has escalated toxic stressors affecting pregnant women and families with young children. HUGS/Abrazos combines patient navigation, behavioral health support, and innovative tools to ameliorate these heightened toxic stressors. We used a mixed-methods approach, guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework, to evaluate the implementation of the HUGS/Abrazos program at Massachusetts General Hospital from 6/30/2020–8/31/2021. Results of the quality improvement evaluation revealed that the program was widely adopted across the hospital and 392 unique families were referred to the program. The referred patients were representative of the communities in Massachusetts disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, 79% of referred patients followed up with the initial referral, with sustained high participation rates throughout the program course; and they were provided with an average of four community resource referrals. Adoption and implementation of the key components in HUGS/Abrazos were found to be appropriate and acceptable. Furthermore, the implemented program remained consistent to the original design. Overall, HUGS/Abrazos was well adopted as an emergency relief program with strong post-COVID-19 applicability to ameliorate continuing toxic stressors while decreasing burden on the health system.
Analysis of Healthcare Workers' Knowledge About Vital Sign Zero and Identify-Isolate-Inform (3I) System in the Diagnosis and Prevention of Infectious Diseases in Chinese Tertiary Hospitals
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Sha Yongjie , Jing Fengshi , Tang Weiming , Tang Shixing
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the current knowledge and application of vital sign zero and the identify-isolate-inform (3I) system among healthcare workers in China in order to provide a reference for future improvement of healthcare workers' awareness of personal protection and prevention and control measures of infectious diseases.

Methods

The questionnaire was used to investigate the basic information of health care workers, their knowledge and application of Vital sign zero and the 3I system. A total of 602 forms of health care workers from tertiary hospitals were randomly collected and included for analysis.

Results

The survey showed that 45.30% and 57.30% of the healthcare workers from Chinese tertiary hospitals know about vital sign zero and 3I system while 51.80% and 57.30% of them applied these measures in their clinical practices. Logistics regression analysis results showed that healthcare workers aged 35 years old and below were less aware of vital sign zero than those above 50 years old (OR = 0.405, 95% CI: 0.174–0.942, P = 0.036). Compared with those in Northwest China, healthcare workers who worked in East China (OR = 0.147, 95% CI: 0.031–0.702, P = 0.016), Central China (OR = 0.085, 95% CI: 0.018–0.403, P = 0.002), Southwest China (OR = 0.083, 95% CI: 0.014–0.48, P = 0.006) and North China (OR = 0.201, 95% CI: 0.042–0.966, P = 0.045) were less aware of vital sign zero while the healthcare workers in Northeast China (OR=9.714, 95% CI: 1.091–86.521, P = 0.042), East China (OR = 18.049, 95% CI: 2.258–144.259, P = 0.006), Central China (OR = 25.560, 95% CI: 3.210–203.502, P = 0.002), South China (OR = 11.141, 95% CI: 1.395–88.947, P = 0.023), Southwest China (OR = 23.200, 95% CI: 2.524–213.286, P = 0.005) and North China (OR = 14.078, 95% CI: 1.756–112.895, P = 0.013) had a better understanding of the 3I system than those in Northwest China. Healthcare workers with more than 20 years of working experience showed less knowledge of the 3I system than those with less than 5 years of working experience (OR = 0.409, 95% CI: 0.215–0.77, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The current levels of knowledge and application of vital sign zero and the 3I system in the healthcare workers of Chinese tertiary hospitals need to be improved. The concept of vital sign zero should be incorporated into the prevention triage system of infectious diseases.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Associated With Diabetic Foot Prevention Among Rural Adults With Diabetes in North China
Authors: Jia Huimin , Wang Xiaocheng , Cheng Jingmin
Published: May 2022

Background

The diabetic foot is a global threat to public health because it can result in infection and amputation, as well as cause the patient to experience considerable pain and incur financial costs. The condition of patients with diabetic foot in North China is distinguished by more severe local ulcers, a worse prognosis, and a longer duration of disease than that of patients with diabetic foot in the south. Through appropriate preventive measures, the diabetic foot can be effectively avoided. This study assesses the existing knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with diabetic foot prevention among adults with diabetes living in rural areas of North China.

Method

This cross-sectional survey included 1,080 rural adults from North China, cluster sampled 12 villages and surveyed diabetic patients without diabetic foot who participated in community diabetes management. The self-administered knowledge and attitude questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Nottingham Assessment of Functional Foot-care Questionnaire were used.

Result

Of the 1,080 subjects, 51.6% received moderate knowledge scores, 63.9% had a positive attitude and 71.4% received poor practice scores. In terms of knowledge, parameters of knowledge about foot examinations and treatment of foot problems showed the lowest scores. In terms of practice, in line with the results of the low knowledge score, parameters of the pursuit of medical treatment for foot problems and routine foot examinations were associated with the lowest scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that participants who were current smokers (β: −0.049, 95% CI: −0.088 to −0.011) had lower knowledge scores than those who never smoke; participants who were current smokers (β: −0.818, 95% CI: −1.067 to −0.569) and past smokers (β: −0.299, 95% CI: −0.485 to −0.112) had lower attitude scores than those who had never smoked; participants who had higher knowledge scores (β: 1.964, 95% CI: 1.572–2.356) achieved higher scores on attitudes; women had better practice scores than men (β: 0.180, 95% CI: 0.122–0.239); patients with a long diabetes duration (6–10 years) had better practice scores than those who had a short diabetes duration (<2 years; β: 0.072, 95% CI: 0.012–0.131). Knowledge (β: 0.130, 95% CI: 0.001–0.258) and attitudes (β: 0.268, 95% CI: 0.249–0.287) were significantly associated with good practices.

Conclusions

Increasing knowledge regarding diabetic foot would help instill positive attitudes and cultivate better practices toward diabetic foot prevention. The results of this study may help guide future promotional resources to those groups most in need, which may help lower the incidence of diabetic foot among adults in North China.
Association Between ABCA1 Gene Polymorphisms and the Risk of Hypertension in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Ren Yanli , Tong Enyu , Di Chunhong , Zhang Yunheng , Xu Liangwen , Tan Xiaohua , Yang Lei
Published: May 2022

Background

Hypertension is rising as a major public health burden around the world. This study explored the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-Binding Cassette Subfamily A1 (ABCA1) gene and hypertension among Chinese Han adults.

Method

A total of 2,296 Han Chinese in southeast China were recruited for this study. We collected medical reports, lifestyle details, and blood samples from individuals. The polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) method was used to detect the genotypes of these SNPs in the ABCA1 gene.

Results

After adjusting some covariates, the additive and recessive models of the rs2472510 and rs2515614 were significantly associated with hypertension. The haplotypes TCTA (rs2297406-rs2472433-rs2472510-rs2515614) were associated with high SBP, and the haplotypes CCTA, TCTA, and TTTA were associated with high diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Conclusion

The results of the relationship between the polymorphisms of rs2297406, rs2472433, rs2472510, and rs2515614 in ABCA1 and hypertension in southeastern China would provide a theoretical basis for genetic screening and disease prevention.
Evaluation of a Novel Simulation Curriculum With the Segmented Model in Pediatric Cardiovascular Education
Authors: Yang Ying , Tang Lan-Fang , Hua Chun-Zhen , Mao Jian-Hua , Hong Yun-Xia
Published: May 2022

Objective

The need to develop the full range of knowledge, skills, and professionalism poses new challenges for pediatric cardiovascular education. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a novel simulation curriculum with the segmented model for pediatric cardiovascular residents.

Materials and Methods

First, the simulation course was designed according to a prior survey and based on a human patient simulator setting. Then, another 55 residents were randomly selected and assigned to participate in a simulation course (about acute fulminant myocarditis in children), either in the experimental group or the control group. Taking full advantage of the simulation education, the simulation case in the experimental group was divided into three segments and included a micro-debriefing at the end of each segment. The three segments were independent but together formed the whole case. It was designed through three cycles of running and debriefing, and more challenging tasks were gradually proposed to residents. The case in the control group was not split and included only one case running and debriefing. The assessments of the residents' knowledge, skills, professionalism performance, and satisfaction feedback from residents were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the course.

Results

In total, 44 residents completed the whole experimental period, including 23 participants in the experimental group and 21 participants in the control group. The pre-course knowledge assessment scores of the two groups were comparable, while the mean post-course score in the experimental group was 82.61 ± 17.38, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (50.48 ± 18.57, p < 0.01). The mean skills assessment score of residents in the experimental group was 84.17 ± 6.01, which was significantly higher than the control group (54.50 ± 5.72, p < 0.01). In terms of the professionalism assessment, the residents in the experimental group achieved better performance than those in the control group in all aspects (respect, privacy, communication, responsibility, and cooperation) (p < 0.05). Satisfaction feedback from residents showed that self-confidence regarding knowledge mastery in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in the evaluations of the teacher's performance (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The novel simulation curriculum with the segmented model helps residents achieve better performance in terms of knowledge, skills, and professionalism while improving self-confidence. It has some value in pediatric cardiovascular education and is worthy of further promotion.