bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follow-up study of depressive state on patients with atrial fibrillation 1 year after radio-frequency ablation
Authors: Ren Lei , Li Wenjun , Su Xin , Yang Yangyang , Zhang Yuanzhuo , Liu Xiaozhu , Hu Guangquan , Ning Bin
Published: December 2022

Objective

To analyze the effect of depression on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) 1 year after radio-frequency ablation.

Methods

A total of 91 patients with AF admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to July 2021 were studied. All patients were followed up 1 year after radio-frequency ablation. A total of 91 subjects were divided into recurrence group (n = 30) and no recurrence group (n = 61) according to the recurrence situation 1 year after radio-frequency ablation. Age, disease course, body mass index (BMI), gender, echocardiography (left atrial diameter), blood inflammatory indicators (neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and monocyte count), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores were compared between the two groups. Logistic multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of SDS score and other indexes on the recurrence of AF 1 year after radio-frequency ablation.

Results

The age of patients in relapse group was higher than that in no relapse group (P < 0.05) and the course of disease was longer than that of the no recurrence group (P < 0.05). The BMI was higher than that of the no recurrence group (P < 0.05) and the left atrial diameter was greater than that of the no recurrence group (P < 0.05). Neutrophil count and monocyte count were significantly higher than those in no recurrence group (P < 0.05) and the lymphocyte count was significantly lower than that in the no recurrence group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in SDS score composition between the two groups (P < 0.05) and the composition ratio of patients with moderate and major depression in the relapsing group was significantly higher than that in the non-relapsing group. The composition ratio of patients without depression in the relapsing group was significantly lower than that in the non-relapsing group. Multivariate analysis showed that age, disease course, BMI, left atrial diameter, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, and SDS score were all independent factors affecting the recurrence of AF patients 1 year after radio frequency ablation (P < 0.05). Compared with patients without depression, patients with mild, moderate and major depression had an increased risk of recurrence by 74.0, 98.2, and 151.2% 1 year after radio-frequency ablation, respectively (OR = 1.740, 1.982, and 2.512).

Conclusion

There is a high rate of depression in patients with AF. Depression is an important factor affecting the early recurrence of patients with AF after radio-frequency ablation.
The role of mind body interventions in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia
Authors: Islam Zarmina , D’Silva Adrijana , Raman Maitreyi , Nasser Yasmin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia share similar pathophysiologic mechanisms including sensitization of peripheral and central pain pathways, autonomic dysfunction and are often co-diagnosed. Co-diagnosed patients experience increased symptom severity, mental health comorbidities, and decreased quality of life. The role of mind-body interventions, which have significant effects on central pain syndromes and autonomic dysregulation, have not been well-described in co-diagnosed patients. The aim of this state-of-the art narrative review is to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia, and to evaluate the current evidence and mechanism of action of mind-body therapies in these two conditions.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched without date restrictions for articles published in English using the following keywords: fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, mind-body interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness based stress reduction, and yoga.

Results

Mind-body interventions resulted in improved patient-reported outcomes, and are effective for irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia individually. Specifically, cognitive behavioral therapy and yoga trials showed decreased symptom severity, improved mental health, sleep and quality of life for both conditions individually, while yoga trials demonstrated similar benefits with improvements in both physical outcomes (gastrointestinal symptoms, pain/tenderness scores, insomnia, and physical functioning), mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal-specific anxiety, and catastrophizing), and quality of life, possibly due to alterations in autonomic activity.

Conclusion

Mind-body interventions especially CBT and yoga improve patient-reported outcomes in both irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia individually. However, limited available data in co-diagnosed patients warrant high quality trials to better tailor programs to patient needs.
Healthcare system development in the Middle East and North Africa region: Challenges, endeavors and prospective opportunities
Authors: Katoue Maram Gamal , Cerda Arcadio A. , García Leidy Y. , Jakovljevic Mihajlo
Published: December 2022

Background

Countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have been investing in the development of their health systems through implementing reforms to improve health care delivery for their nations. However, these countries are still facing challenges in providing equitable, high quality healthcare services. There is limited published literature supporting the previous and ongoing attempts that have been made to improve health system performance in MENA countries.

Aims

This review aims to describe experiences of health system development efforts in the MENA region, highlight progress, identify challenges that need be addressed and future opportunities to achieve responsive and efficient health systems. It also aimed to provide recommendations to further support these health systems toward evolution and performance improvement.

Methods

A literature review was conducted by searching different databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and other electronic resources to identify articles and publications describing health systems development in the MENA region from 1975 to 2022. It also included grey literature, reports and policy and planning documents by international organizations. The identified references were reviewed to extract, analyze, organize and report the findings.

Results

The review revealed emerging evidence describing governmental initiatives to introduce health system reforms at different levels in the MENA countries. These include initiatives targeting the various elements controlling health system reform: financing, payment, organization, regulation and behavior of providers and consumers. There are several challenges facing the health systems of MENA countries including the rising burden of chronic diseases, inequitable access to health services, deficiency in health workforce, shortage in the use of effective health information systems and leadership challenges. The review identified several key areas that can benefit from further improvement to support health system reforms. These include improving the structure, organization and financing of health systems, health workforce development, effective data management and engagement of key stakeholders to achieve adequate health system reforms.

Conclusion

The MENA countries have made significant steps to improve the performance of their health systems; yet achieving a comprehensive health reform will require collaboration of various stakeholders including health policy makers, healthcare professionals, and central to the success of the reform, the patients.
Sociodemographic, occupational, and personal factors associated with sleep quality among Chinese medical staff: A web-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tian Yusheng , Yue Yuchen , Yang Jiaxin , Chen Hui , Wang Jizhi , Liu Junyu , Ding Hui , Lu Lulu , Zhou Jiansong , Li Yamin
Published: December 2022

Background

Sleep quality among medical staff affects not only their own health but also the health of their patients. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic, occupational, and personal factors associated with sleep quality among medical staff in mainland China.

Methods

An online survey was conducted from January 10 to February 5, 2019, involving 3,684 medical staff (female: 84.9%; mean age: 31.6 ± 7.7; age range: 18–72). Sleep quality was measured by the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (C-PSQI). Sociodemographic, occupational characteristics, and personal lifestyle factors were measured by standard questions. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with sleep quality.

Results

57.9% (95% CI: 56.3–59.5%) of the study population experienced poor sleep quality (C-PSQI > 5). Binary logistic regression showed that poor sleep quality were associated with lower level of education, higher level of hospital care, longer weekly working hours, more than 30 min of cell phone use at bedtime, shift work (OR 1.33, 95% CI[1.12–1.58], P = 0.001), lack of regular naps (OR 1.46, 95% CI[1.26–1.69], P < 0.001) and lack of routine exercise (OR 1.69, 95% CI[1.46–1.97], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Poor sleep quality is highly prevalent among medical staff in mainland China. The findings indicate that appropriate strategies, such as implementing regular breaks, regulating overtime work and vacation interruptions, as well as developing exercise programs, relaxation training, and stress-management programs could help improve the sleep quality of medical staff.
Structuring ontologies from natural language for collaborative scenario modeling in agri-food systems
Authors: Chaib Romy Lynn , Macombe Catherine , Thomopoulos Rallou
Published: December 2022

Prospective studies require discussing and collaborating with the stakeholders to create scenarios of the possible evolution of the studied value-chain. However, stakeholders do not always use the same words when referring to one idea. Constructing an ontology and homogenizing vocabularies is thus crucial to identify key variables, which serve in the construction of the needed scenarios. Nevertheless, it is a very complex and time-consuming task. In this paper we present the method we used to manually build ontologies adapted to the needs of two complementary system-analysis models (namely the “Godet” and the “MyChoice” models), starting from interviews of the agri-food system's stakeholders. The objective of the paper is to explore whether and how prospective studies may have to gain from complementing the methodologies used (here Godet) with formal approaches from other disciplines, such as knowledge engineering (here MyChoice), which is usually not the case currently.
Successful scaling of Edible City Solutions to promote food citizenship and sustainability in food system transitions
Authors: Plassnig Sara Noemie , Pettit Marisa , Reichborn-Kjennerud Kristin , Säumel Ina
Published: December 2022

Sustainable, productive and biodiversity-friendly urban landscapes are a strategic step in transitioning to future-proof, liveable and healthy cities Edible nature-based solutions, otherwise known as “Edible City Solutions”, comprise a wide range of different forms of sustainable urban food production, distribution and consumption which use innovative principles of ecological design combined with closed material and energy flows. Edible City Solutions contribute to a local green economy, reduce cities' overall ecological footprint, enhance social cohesion, human health and wellbeing and contribute to bridging the gap between “farm and fork”. These benefits have been tested and monitored in Living Labs where a wide portfolio of different solutions have been implemented and scaled in order to accelerate their uptake and use in urban landscapes. The study documents and analyses different scaling practices and activities of the co-created Living Labs – together with local actors within the “scaling community” in Andernach, Berlin, Havanna, Oslo and Rotterdam. We follow a mixed method approach and analyse data by applying the different scaling pathways of scaling up, scaling deep, scaling wide, scaling across and scaling soft previously identified through a systematic literature review. Results are presented as ongoing scaling stories, experiences and challenges in the Living Labs. The study also highlights examples of scaling practices beyond the Living Labs and suggests strategic plans for future scaling. Scaling processes, strategies and approaches are critically reviewed and discussed. Observations are condensed into eleven recommendations for scaling edible nature-based solutions.
The resurrection of sweet corn inbred SC11-2 using marker aided breeding for β-carotene
Authors: Saha Iman , Rathinavel Krishnakumar , Manoharan Bharani , Adhimoolam Karthikeyan , Sampathrajan Vellaikumar , Rajasekaran Ravikesavan , Muthurajan Raveendran , Natesan Senthil
Published: December 2022

Sweet corn has dominated the urban market due to its sweetness, tenderness, and ease of digestibility. It's import and export values have dramatically increased during the past 10 years as a fresh, processed, and preserved commodity. However, the commercially available sweet corns are deficient in β-carotene. In our study, we introgressed the favorable allele of crtRB1 (responsible for high β-carotene) into the recurrent sweet corn inbred SC11-2 from maize donor parent UMI1230β1+ to develop the β-carotene-rich sweet corn genotype by marker aided breeding. The crtRB1 3′TE InDel marker was utilized for foreground selection of favorable genotype. A total of 103 polymorphic SSR markers were employed for background selection, resulting in a 96% recovery of recurrent parent genome (RPG). We recorded high β-carotene content (9.878–10.645 μg/g) in the introgressed lines compared to the recurrent parent, SC11-2 (0.989 μg/g). The sugar content ranged from 18 to 19.10% and was on par with the recurrent parent (20.40%). These biofortified inbreds can be used as a donor in maize breeding programs to develop sweet corn genotypes with high β-carotene content.
How to improve agricultural value-added in the MENA region? Implementation of Diamond Porter's theory in agriculture
Authors: Nugroho Agus Dwi , Istvan Feher , Fekete-Farkas Maria , Lakner Zoltan
Published: December 2022

The global economy in recent decades has experienced frequent shocks. Many regions must improve their competitiveness and value-added to deal with this. One of them is in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where a rise in agricultural value-added (AVA) can produce more jobs than in other sectors. It is necessary to consider increasing AVA in the MENA region. Hence, the aim of this study is identifying the determinant factors of AVA in the MENA region. We employed 13 countries in the MENA region as samples in this study. The study's data spans 45 years, from 1975 to 2019. Static panel data regression analysis was employed in this study. AVA can growth by increasing the irrigated land, credit, and human capital. Meanwhile, growing inflation and economic globalization will reduce AVA. Therefore, we recommend that countries in the MENA region have to increase irrigation infrastructure, expand agricultural credit availability, encourage farmers to get a good education, improve research and development, control inflation, and find the best way to implement economic globalization.
Dynamic changes in the yak rumen eukaryotic community and metabolome characteristics in response to feed type
Authors: Cui Xiaojing , Liu Yue , Wu Hao , Meng Qingxiang , Liu Shujie , Chai Shatuo , Hao Lizhuang , Zhou Zhenming
Published: December 2022

With diversification of yak breeding, it is important to understand the effects of feed type on the rumen, especially microbiota and metabolites. Due to the unique characteristics of yak, research on rumen microbes and metabolites is limited. In this study, the effects of two diet types on rumen eukaryotic microflora and metabolites were evaluated using the Illumina MiSeq platform and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). All identified protozoa belonged to Trichostomatia. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Metadinium and Eudiplodinium were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the roughage group than that of concentrate group, while the concentrate group harbored more Isotricha. Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Neocallimastigomycota were the main fungal phyla, and the Wallemia, Chordomyces, Chrysosporium, Cladosporium, Scopulariopsis, and Acremonium genera were significantly (p < 0.05) more abundant in the roughage group than the concentrate group, while the concentrate group harbored more Aspergillus, Neocallimastix, Thermoascus, and Cystofilobasidium (p < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis showed that feed type significantly affected the metabolites of rumen protein digestion and absorption (L-proline, L-phenylalanine, L-tryosine, L-leucine, L-tryptophan, and β-alanine), purine metabolism (hypoxanthine, xanthine, guanine, guanosine, adenosine, and adenine), and other metabolic pathway. Correlation analysis revealed extensive associations between differential microorganisms and important metabolites. The results provide a basis for comprehensively understanding the effects of feed types on rumen microorganisms and metabolites of yaks. The findings also provide a reference and new directions for future research.
Levels and Pattern of Alcohol Consumption among Adolescents in Bolivia: A National Cross-Sectional Survey in 2018
Authors: Luwedde Esther , Peltzer Karl
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of four alcohol use indicators among male and female school adolescents in Bolivia. In total, 7931 participants (M = 15.5 years, SD = 1.6) responded to a questionnaire in a cross-sectional nationally representative school survey in Bolivia in 2018. The proportion of current alcohol use was 26.4%, heavy alcohol use 11.1%, ever having been drunk 24.1%, and trouble resulting from alcohol use 21.4%. Among boys, older age, current cannabis use, multiple sexual partners, being in a physical fight, school truancy, soft drink intake, injury and psychological distress increased the risk of current alcohol use and/or heavy drinking. Among girls, older age, multiple sexual partners, fast food intake, being in a physical fight, school truancy, sedentary behaviour and psychological distress increased the risk of current alcohol use and/or heavy drinking. Older age, multiple sexual partners, current cannabis use, low parental support and school truancy were associated with trouble from alcohol use and history of intoxication in both sexes. Among boys, ever having used amphetamines, fast food intake, injury, peer support, and being in a physical fight were associated with ever having been drunk; and among girls, sedentary behaviour and psychological distress increased the odds of ever having been drunk. The study found that more than one in ten adolescents engage in heavy alcohol use, and several sex specific factors are identified for four alcohol use indicators.
Use of Biostimulants Obtained from Sewage Sludge for the Restoration of Soils Polluted by Diuron: Effect on Soil Biochemical Properties
Authors: Tejada Manuel , Gómez Isidoro , Paneque Patricia , Toro Marina del , García-Quintanilla Albert , Parrado Juan
Published: December 2022

The use of biostimulants in the bioremediation of polluted soils in order to eliminate/reduce the toxic effects of pesticides on the soil is currently a very common environmental practice. In this study, we studied the bioremediation effect of three biostimulants obtained from sewage sludge by way of an enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation process in a diuron-contaminated soil for 55 days under laboratory conditions. During this period of time, the enzymatic activities, bacterial community and the evolution of diuron in the soil were analyzed. Compared with the unpolluted soil, the application of diuron decreased the dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and phosphatase activities by 60%, 40.7%, and 60.6%, respectively. The Gram-positive bacterial population was decreased by 48.5%, while the Gram-negative population was decreased by 57.7% and the fungal population was decreased by 54.3%. The application of the three biostimulants to the soil decreased the diuron concentration. However, this decrease was higher when the biostimulant obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis was applied. This may be due to the fact that this biostimulant contains a higher quality of low molecular weight proteins than the other two biostimulants obtained by fermentation processes.
A Review of the Vehicle Routing Problem and the Current Routing Services in Smart Cities
Authors: Boumpa Eleni , Tsoukas Vasileios , Chioktour Vasileios , Kalafati Maria , Spathoulas Georgios , Kakarountas Athanasios , Trivellas Panagiotis , Reklitis Panagiotis , Malindretos George
Published: December 2022

In this survey, the issues of urban routing are analyzed, and critical considerations for smart and cost-effective delivery services are highlighted. Smart cities require intelligent services and solutions to address their routing issues. This article gives a brief description of current services that either apply classical methods or services that employ machine learning approaches. Furthermore, a comparison of the most promising research options in regard to VRP is provided. Finally, an initial design of a holistic scheme that would optimally combine several tools and approaches to serve the needs of different users with regard to the VRP is presented.
Thoracic Wall Reconstruction with Dorsal Diaphragmatic Traction and Preservation of Diaphragmatic Attachments in a Dog with Resection of the 11–13th Ribs
Authors: Kanai Eiichi , Kudo Ayano , Sato Asaka , Yoshida Hiromitsu , Yamauchi Akinori , Oshita Ryo , Takagi Satoshi
Published: December 2022

A 9-year-old, 4.7 kg, spayed female Chihuahua presented with a 3.5 cm soft tissue sarcoma on the dorsal right thoracic wall. The tumor was resected, including the 11–13th ribs, resulting in a caudal dorsal thoracic wall defect. The defect was reconstructed with direct traction of part of the diaphragm dorsally, preserving the diaphragmatic attachments to the body wall, and the diaphragm was sutured to the surrounding ribs and muscles. Possible respiratory complications, including paradoxical respiration and exercise intolerance, were not observed during the perioperative or postoperative observation periods. This novel procedure is expected to be an option for caudal thoracic wall reconstruction when the diaphragmatic attachments remain intact even after the resection of the last rib. In addition, this procedure can be performed in dogs weighing <5 kg, with small pleural cavities and without respiratory disorders.
Sentience, Harmony and the Value of Nature
Authors: Yeates James William
Published: December 2022

Concern for nature and for animal sentience are important public and political moral concerns. Using frameworks such as Harmony for Nature and One Health and the recent IPBES report on the Diverse Values of Nature, this paper considers how the two issues interrelate, in terms of our concepts of sentience and nature, and sentience-based values’ importance in relation to nature-based values. Animals’ sentience is part of nature, and part of its diversity, harmony, health and value. Sentient animals’ feelings represent animals’ evaluations of nature that go beyond valuing nature for solely for market-based and anthropocentric interests. Sentience is therefore relevant for measurement, leveraging and embedding sentience-based values in environmental concerns, including in environmental impact assessments, science-based UN policy-making, interdisciplinary and interagency collaboration, and to strengthen transformative and system-based action for nature.
Immunogenic Effects of Dietary Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder in Labeo rohita, a Fish Model: Elucidated by an Integrated Biomarker Response Approach
Authors: Meena Dharmendra Kumar , Panda Soumya Prasad , Sahoo Amiya Kumar , Srivastava Prem Prakash , Sahu Narottam Prasad , Kumari Mala , Samantaray Smruti , Borah Simanku , Das Basanta Kumar
Published: December 2022

Utilizing agro-industrial waste and herbal products to create a circular bioeconomy is becoming increasingly popular. Terminalia arjuna is a significant ethnomedicinal plant that has not yet been exploited in animal feed. In the present study, nutritional Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based fish feed was created and supplied to a candidate fish species Labeo rohita at varied levels: 0% (0 g/kg), 0.5% (5 g/kg), 1% (10 g/kg), and 1.5% (15 g/kg). These treatment groups are denoted as CT, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Utilizing a contemporary comprehensive biomarker response strategy, the study clarified the genomic influence of dietary herb inclusion. In response to bacterial infection, the immunogenic genes, STAT 1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1), ISG 15 (interferon stimulating gene), and Mx “myxovirus resistance gene”, were shown to be elevated. The results of densitometry demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in STAT 1 and ISG 15, with Mx exhibiting maximal values at 1 g/kg TABP (Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based feed). This is the first study to identify TABP as an immunomodulator in fish and established the IBR (Integrated Bio-marker Response) as a reliable marker in evaluating the impact of multiple drivers in a holistic manner. Thus, the present study cleared the path for TABP to be utilized as an effective feed additive which enhances the specific adaptive immune system of the fish for the production of the Green fish product for a sustainable circular bioeconomy.
Thermo-Visco-Elastometry of RF-Wave-Heated and Ablated Flesh Tissues Containing Au Nanoparticles
Authors: Kurbanova Bayan , Ashikbayeva Zhannat , Amantayeva Aida , Sametova Akbota , Blanc Wilfried , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Tosi Daniele , Utegulov Zhandos
Published: December 2022

We report non-contact laser-based Brillouin light-scattering (BLS) spectroscopy measurements of the viscoelastic properties of hyperthermally radiofrequency (RF)-heated and ablated bovine liver and chicken flesh tissues with embedded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The spatial lateral profile of the local surface temperature in the flesh samples during their hyperthermia was measured through optical backscattering reflectometry (OBR) using Mg–silica-NP-doped sensing fibers distributed with an RF applicator and correlated with viscoelastic variations in heat-affected and ablated tissues. Substantial changes in the tissue stiffness after heating and ablation were directly related to their heat-induced structural modifications. The main proteins responsible for muscle elasticity were denatured and irreversibly aggregated during the RF ablation. At T > 100 °C, the proteins constituting the flesh further shrank and became disorganized, leading to substantial plastic deformation of biotissues. Their uniform destruction with larger thermal lesions and a more viscoelastic network was attained via AuNP-mediated RF hyperthermal ablation. The results demonstrated here pave the way for simultaneous real-time hybrid optical sensing of viscoelasticity and local temperature in biotissues during their denaturation and gelation during hyperthermia for future applications that involve mechanical- and thermal-property-controlled theranostics.
Research Hotspots and Frontiers of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Stroke: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Li Chong , Tu Shuting , Xu Shuo , Zhang Yongli , Yan Zhijie , Jia Jie , Tian Shiliu
Published: December 2022

Background: Over the past decade, many studies in the field of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in stroke have been published in scholarly journals. However, a scientometric analysis focusing on tDCS after stroke is still missing. The purpose of this study is to deliver a bibliometric analysis to investigate the global hotspots and frontiers in the domain of tDCS in stroke from 2012 to 2021. Methods: Articles and reviews related to tDCS in stroke were retrieved and obtained from the Web of Science core collection database from 2012 to 2021. Data visualization and analysis were conducted by using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel 2019. Results: Finally, 371 publications were included in the scientometric analysis, including 288 articles and 83 reviews. The results showed that the number of publications per year increased from 15 to 68 in the last 10 years. Neurosciences was the main research hotspot category (n = 201). Frontiers in Human Neuroscience was the most published journal with 14 papers. The most productive author, institution, and country were Fregni F (n = 13), the League of European Research Universities (n = 37), and the United States of America (n = 98), respectively. A burstness analysis of keywords and the literature indicated that current studies in the field of tDCS in stroke focused on poststroke aphasia, tDCS combined with robotic therapy, and anatomical parameters. Conclusion: The research of tDCS in stroke is predicted to remain a research hotspot in the future. We recommend investigating the curative effect of other different tDCS closed-loop rehabilitation methods for different stroke dysfunctions. In conclusion, this bibliometric study presented the hotspots and trends of tDCS in stroke over the last decade, which may help researchers manage their further studies.
Is Conspicuous Consumption Influenced by Cyber-Ostracism? A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xu Chonghuan , Yang Guoqiang , Wang Yajuan , Ding Austin Shijun
Published: December 2022

This study starts from the cyber-ostracism experience that often occurs during social media use. Based on compensatory control theory, we explore the mechanism by which cyber-ostracism affects consumers’ conspicuous consumption through the sense of control and also explore the moderating role of social media use intensity and implicit personality. This study used a sample of 407 social media users in China to verify the relationship between variables. The findings show that: there is a significant positive effect of cyber-ostracism on conspicuous consumption; sense of control plays a mediating role in the relationship between cyber-ostracism and conspicuous consumption; social media use intensity negatively moderates the relationship between cyber-ostracism and sense of control, and implicit personality moderates the relationship between sense of control and conspicuous consumption. The findings of the study help to reveal the formation mechanism of social media users’ conspicuous consumption, which has important theoretical significance and practical value for establishing correct consumption concepts in the social media context.
Optimizing Annual Daylighting Performance for Atrium-Based Classrooms of Primary and Secondary Schools in Nanjing, China
Authors: Ma Jin , Yang Qingxin
Published: December 2022

Influenced by educational policies and newly emerging educational philosophies, the proportion of public space is expanding in primary and secondary schools in China. Consequently, the atrium in school design is increasingly drawing attention due to the consideration of space efficiency and its accommodability for diverse activities. Although many studies have already explored the daylighting performance of atriums, the particularities of primary and secondary schools are rarely noticed, which leads to the lack of a reliable basis for a quick judgment in the early design stage. This study used the annual daylight metrics of Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA300,50%) and Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE1000,250 h) as the indicators, built a parametric model in Grasshopper, conducted the simulation using the Ladybug–Honeybee plug-in, and separately performed the linear regression analysis on the three groups of data from the different types of atriums. The results show that in Nanjing’s climate, the north and east sides of atriums are the most suitable orientations for classrooms, and a corridor width of 3 m ensures high-quality daylight for the bottom floors. The optimal design equations for atrium width and length are provided for the three types of atriums, respectively, hopefully, to ensure that classrooms surrounding the atrium can reach the requirement of sDA300,50% ≥ 0.75, and the design recommendations are offered based on the results.
Development of Building Energy Performance Benchmark for Hospitals
Authors: Kim Hye Gi , Jeong Da Woon , Kwon Soon Jung , Kim Sun Sook
Published: December 2022

The energy consumption of existing buildings depends on their physical features, climatic conditions, and business activities, such as operating hours and occupancy characteristics. It is necessary to perform a fair assessment of building energy performance considering the business activities. It has become especially necessary to collect and manage information on business activities in hospitals since hospitals operate continuously throughout the year, treating patients and using various medical equipment. This study aimed to develop a benchmark that considers business activities and to perform building energy performance assessments in hospitals using the developed benchmark. Initially, the necessary data from hospitals for assessing energy performance and developing an energy benchmark were identified. Then, survey items regarding the business activities and energy consumption of buildings were designed, and a survey was conducted at 48 general hospitals. Secondly, multiple linear regression was used to identify and normalize the major business activities affecting energy use and to develop a benchmark for energy performance assessment. Thereafter, the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), the result of comparing the actual energy consumption with the benchmark, was used as an index for the energy performance assessment. Thirdly, additional general hospitals were surveyed to validate the benchmark. The EER of the additional surveyed hospitals was calculated with the developed benchmark. The Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and EER of buildings were reviewed, and analysis was performed to identify why some buildings had a similar EUI but a different EER. Finally, a method to improve the benchmark is presented, and the improved benchmark model is compared with the existing model.
Influences of Co-Content on the Physico-Chemical and Catalytic Properties of Perovskite GdCoxFe1−xO3 in CO Hydrogenation
Authors: Borodina Elizaveta M. , Yafarova Liliya V. , Kryuchkova Tatiana A. , Sheshko Tatiana F. , Cherednichenko Alexander G. , Zvereva Irina A.
Published: December 2022

The effect of the substitution of cobalt into the GdFeO3 perovskite structure on the selective hydrogenation of CO was investigated. A series of GdCoxFe1−xO3 (x = 0; 0.2; 0.5; 0.8; 1) samples were synthesized by sol-gel technology and characterized by XRD, BET specific area, DSC, TG, EDX and XPS. The experimental data made it possible to reveal a correlation between the state of iron and cobalt atoms, the fractions of surface and lattice oxygen, and catalytic characteristics. It has been found that varying the composition of GdCoxFe1−xO3 complex oxides leads to a change in the oxygen-metal binding energy in Gd-O-Me, the ratio of metals in various oxidation states, and the amount of surface and lattice oxygen, which affects the adsorption and catalytic characteristics of complex oxides.
Astrocyte L-Lactate Signaling in the ACC Regulates Visceral Pain Aversive Memory in Rats
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Liu Shu , Lei Zhuogui , Ramkrishnan Aruna Surendran , Akter Mastura , Li Ying
Published: December 2022

Pain involves both sensory and affective elements. An aspect of the affective dimension of pain is its sustained unpleasantness, characterized by emotional feelings. Pain results from interactions between memory, attentional, and affective brain circuitry, and it has attracted enormous interest in pain research. However, the brain targets and signaling mechanism involved in pain remain elusive. Using a conditioned place avoidance (CPA) paradigm, we show that colorectal distention (CRD magnitude ≤ 35 mmHg, a subthreshold for pain) paired with a distinct environment can cause significant aversion to a location associated with pain-related insults in rats. We show a substantial increase in the L-lactate concentration in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) following CPA training. Local exogenous infusion of lactate into the ACC enhances aversive memory and induces the expression of the memory-related plasticity genes pCREB, CREB, and Erk1/2. The pharmacological experiments revealed that the glycogen phosphorylation inhibitor 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (DAB) impairs memory consolidation. Furthermore, short-term Gi pathway activation of ACC astrocytes before CPA training significantly decreases the lactate level and suppresses pain-related aversive learning. The effects were reversed by the local infusion of lactate into the ACC. Our study demonstrates that lactate is released from astrocytes in vivo following visceral pain-related aversive learning and memory retrieval and induces the expression of the plasticity-related immediate early genes CREB, pCREB, and Erk1/2 in the ACC. Chronic visceral pain is an important factor in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The current study provides evidence that astrocytic activity in the ACC is required for visceral pain-related aversive learning and memory.
The Intracellular Proteome as a Source for Novel Targets in CAR-T and T-Cell Engagers-Based Immunotherapy
Authors: Arman Inbar , Haus-Cohen Maya , Reiter Yoram
Published: December 2022

The impressive clinical success of cancer immunotherapy has motivated the continued search for new targets that may serve to guide potent effector functions in an attempt to efficiently kill malignant cells. The intracellular proteome is an interesting source for such new targets, such as neo-antigens and others, with growing interest in their application for cell-based immunotherapies. These intracellular-derived targets are peptides presented by MHC class I molecules on the cell surface of malignant cells. These disease-specific class I HLA–peptide complexes can be targeted by specific TCRs or by antibodies that mimic TCR-specificity, termed TCR-like (TCRL) antibodies. Adoptive cell transfer of TCR engineered T cells and T-cell-receptor-like based CAR-T cells, targeted against a peptide-MHC of interest, are currently tested as cancer therapeutic agents in pre-clinical and clinical trials, along with soluble TCR- and TCRL-based agents, such as immunotoxins and bi-specific T cell engagers. Targeting the intracellular proteome using TCRL- and TCR-based molecules shows promising results in cancer immunotherapy, as exemplified by the success of the anti-gp100/HLA-A2 TCR-based T cell engager, recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma. This review is focused on the selection and isolation processes of TCR- and TCRL-based targeting moieties, with a spotlight on pre-clinical and clinical studies, examining peptide-MHC targeting agents in cancer immunotherapy.
Palliative Care in the Delivery Room: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Garten Lars , von der Hude Kerstin
Published: December 2022

Palliative care in the delivery room is an interprofessional and interdisciplinary challenge addressing the dying newborn and parents as well as the caregivers. It differs in some significant aspects from palliative care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Clinical experience suggests that many details regarding this unique specialized palliative care environment are not well known, which may result in some degree of insecurity and emotional distress for health care providers. This article presents basic background information regarding the provision of palliative care to newborns within the delivery room. It offers orientation along with a preliminary set of practical recommendations regarding the following central issues: (i) the basic elements of perinatal palliative care, (ii) the range of non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions available for infant symptom control near the end of life, (iii) meeting the personal psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of the parents, and (iv) care and self-care for medical personnel.
Clinical Effectiveness of Vestibular Shields in Orthodontic Treatment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Simsuchin Chaypat , Chen Yong , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar
Published: December 2022

This systematic literature search was performed to determine the clinical effectiveness of vestibular shields (VSs) in children undergoing orthodontic treatment. A comprehensive electronic search was performed in May 2022 using three databases (Medline via PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid). The initial screening of articles was based on titles and abstracts. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved for the final quality assessment and the methodological qualities were assessed according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk of bias. The initial search identified 262 publications, of which 15 studies were potentially eligible, with excellent intra-examiner reliability (K = 0.88). A total of five studies were selected for the final analysis, including one randomized controlled trial, three clinical trials, and one cohort study. VS may have potential impacts on orthodontic treatment, lips and dental arches, but further high-quality studies are warranted
Prevalence of Common Alleles of Some Stress Resilience Genes among Adolescents Born in Different Periods Relative to the Socioeconomic Crisis of the 1990s in Russia
Authors: Mikhailova Svetlana V. , Ivanoshchuk Dinara E. , Yushkevich Evgeniy A. , Bairqdar Ahmad , Anisimenko Maksim S. , Shcherbakova Liliya V. , Denisova Diana V. , Orlov Pavel S.
Published: December 2022

Social stress is common among people and is considered one of the causes of the declining birth rate. Predisposition to stress and stress-induced disorders is largely determined genetically. We hypothesized that due to differences in stress resistance, carriers of different genetic variants of genes associated with stress resilience and stress-induced diseases may have dissimilar numbers of offspring under conditions of long-term social stress. To test this hypothesis, a comparative analysis of frequencies of seven common polymorphic regions [exon 3 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) of the DRD4 gene, rs4680 of COMT, STin2 VNTR and the 5-HTTLPR (rs774676466) insertion/deletion polymorphism of SLC6A4, rs4570625 of TPH2, rs6265 of BDNF, and rs258747 of NR3C1] was performed on standardized groups of randomly selected adolescents born before, during, and after severe socioeconomic deprivation (the crisis of the 1990s in Russia). There were significant differences in frequencies of “long” alleles of the DRD4 gene (p = 0.020, χ2 = 5.492) and rs4680 (p = 0.022, χ2 = 5.289) in the “crisis” group as compared to the combined “noncrisis” population. It is possible that the dopaminergic system had an impact on the successful adaptation of a person to social stress.
Study of Crack-Propagation Mechanism of Al0.1CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy by Molecular Dynamics Method
Authors: Liu Cuixia , Yao Yu
Published: December 2022

The crack propagation mechanism of Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was investigated with the molecular dynamics method. The pre-crack propagation and stretching processes of single-crystal Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA and Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA with grain boundaries were simulated. The effects of strain rates and different crystal structures on the crack propagation of the alloy therein at room temperature were studied. They both exhibited plastic deformation and ductile fracturing, and the crack tip involved dislocations at 45° and 135° under the tensile stress. The dislocations formed in the intrinsic-stacking fault and stacking fault based on hexagonal closely packed structures spread and then accumulated near the grain boundary. At the position where hexagonal closely packed structures were accumulated, the dent was obviously serious at the 1/3 position of the alloy where the fracturing finally occurred. The yield strength for Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA with grain boundaries was lower than that of the single-crystal Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA. However, Young’s moduli for Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA with grain boundaries were higher than those of the single-crystal Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA. The grain boundaries can be used as the emission source of dislocations, and it is easier to form dislocations in the-single crystal Al0.1CoCrFeNi HEA, but the existence of grain boundaries hinders the slippage of dislocations.
Observing the Structure Diversity of Historic Heirloom Apple Tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) Wood in Central Slovakia
Authors: Slováčková Barbora , Mišíková Oľga
Published: December 2022

There is a vast diversity of historic heirloom apple varieties around the world. Apples of various colors, sizes, tastes, uses, and ripening times can be found. In Slovakia, there has recently been a rising interest to preserve these apple varieties. The life of a tree is partially influenced by the growing conditions of the environment where the tree grows. In this paper, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of four selected heirloom apple trees growing in Slovakia’s Štiavnické vrchy were observed. Studying the microscopic structure of historical heirloom apple trees wood could reveal specific cell arrangements of tissues. This could help to specify the individual varieties.
Central Nervous System Involvement in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Narrative Review of MRI Findings
Authors: Módis László V. , Aradi Zsófia , Horváth Ildikó Fanny , Bencze János , Papp Tamás , Emri Miklós , Berényi Ervin , Bugán Antal , Szántó Antónia
Published: December 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is one of the numerous extraglandular manifestations of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Moreover, neurological complaints precede the sicca symptoms in 25–60% of the cases. We review the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions typical for pSS, involving the conventional examination, volumetric and morphometric studies, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and resting-state fMRI. The most common radiological lesions in pSS are white matter hyperintensities (WMH), scattered alterations hyperlucent on T2 and FLAIR sequences, typically located periventricularly and subcortically. Cortical atrophy and ventricular dilatation can also occur in pSS. Whilst these conditions are thought to be more common in pSS than healthy controls, DTI and resting-state fMRI alterations demonstrate evident microstructural changes in pSS. As pSS is often accompanied by cognitive symptoms, these MRI alterations are expectedly related to them. This relationship is not clearly delineated in conventional MRI studies, but DTI and resting-state fMRI examinations show more convincing correlations. In conclusion, the CNS manifestations of pSS do not follow a certain pattern. As the link between the MRI lesions and clinical manifestations is not well established, more studies involving larger populations should be performed to elucidate the correlations.