bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fractal Correlation Properties of Heart Rate Variability as a Biomarker for Intensity Distribution and Training Prescription in Endurance Exercise: An Update
Authors: Rogers Bruce , Gronwald Thomas
Published: May 2022

While established methods for determining physiologic exercise thresholds and intensity distribution such as gas exchange or lactate testing are appropriate for the laboratory setting, they are not easily obtainable for most participants. Data over the past two years has indicated that the short-term scaling exponent alpha1 of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA a1), a heart rate variability (HRV) index representing the degree of fractal correlation properties of the cardiac beat sequence, shows promise as an alternative for exercise load assessment. Unlike conventional HRV indexes, it possesses a dynamic range throughout all intensity zones and does not require prior calibration with an incremental exercise test. A DFA a1 value of 0.75, reflecting values midway between well correlated fractal patterns and uncorrelated behavior, has been shown to be associated with the aerobic threshold in elite, recreational and cardiac disease populations and termed the heart rate variability threshold (HRVT). Further loss of fractal correlation properties indicative of random beat patterns, signifying an autonomic state of unsustainability (DFA a1 of 0.5), may be associated with that of the anaerobic threshold. There is minimal bias in DFA a1 induced by common artifact correction methods at levels below 3% and negligible change in HRVT even at levels of 6%. DFA a1 has also shown value for exercise load management in situations where standard intensity targets can be skewed such as eccentric cycling. Currently, several web sites and smartphone apps have been developed to track DFA a1 in retrospect or in real-time, making field assessment of physiologic exercise thresholds and internal load assessment practical. Although of value when viewed in isolation, DFA a1 tracking in combination with non-autonomic markers such as power/pace, open intriguing possibilities regarding athlete durability, identification of endurance exercise fatigue and optimization of daily training guidance.
Omics Path to Increasing Productivity in Less-Studied Crops Under Changing Climate—Lentil a Case Study
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Singh Baljinder , Min Doohong , Jagadish S. V. Krishna
Published: May 2022

Conventional breeding techniques for crop improvement have reached their full potential, and hence, alternative routes are required to ensure a sustained genetic gain in lentils. Although high-throughput omics technologies have been effectively employed in major crops, less-studied crops such as lentils have primarily relied on conventional breeding. Application of genomics and transcriptomics in lentils has resulted in linkage maps and identification of QTLs and candidate genes related to agronomically relevant traits and biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) complemented with high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) technologies is shown to provide new opportunities to identify genomic regions and marker-trait associations to increase lentil breeding efficiency. Recent introduction of image-based phenotyping has facilitated to discern lentil responses undergoing biotic and abiotic stresses. In lentil, proteomics has been performed using conventional methods such as 2-D gel electrophoresis, leading to the identification of seed-specific proteome. Metabolomic studies have led to identifying key metabolites that help differentiate genotypic responses to drought and salinity stresses. Independent analysis of differentially expressed genes from publicly available transcriptomic studies in lentils identified 329 common transcripts between heat and biotic stresses. Similarly, 19 metabolites were common across legumes, while 31 were common in genotypes exposed to drought and salinity stress. These common but differentially expressed genes/proteins/metabolites provide the starting point for developing high-yielding multi-stress-tolerant lentils. Finally, the review summarizes the current findings from omic studies in lentils and provides directions for integrating these findings into a systems approach to increase lentil productivity and enhance resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses under changing climate.
The Upside of Negative Emotions: How Do Older Adults From Different Cultures Challenge Their Self-Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: von Humboldt Sofia , Mendoza-Ruvalcaba Neyda Ma. , Arias-Merino Elva Dolores , Ribeiro-Gonçalves José Alberto , Cabras Emilia , Low Gail , Leal Isabel
Published: May 2022

Background and Objective

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised increased challenges for older adults’ personal growth in diverse cultural settings. The aim of this study was to analyze negative emotions and their role on older adults’ self-growth in Mexico, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a cross-national qualitative research was carried out.

Methods

Data were collected from 338 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were asked about negative emotions that significantly contribute to their self-growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis was used to identify key themes.

Results

Seven main negative emotions (fear, sadness, anger, grief, boredom, loneliness, and shame) significantly contributed to seven themes of self-growth, across the samples: sharing difficult experiences with others, supportive partner, spiritual practices, engagement with life, generativity, volunteering activities, and intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Sharing difficult experiences with others was most pertinent to Mexican (13.9%) and to Italian (3.0%) participants, and a supportive partner to Portuguese (12.1%), and to Spanish participants (6.5%).

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to their older adults’ self-growth. This study highlighted the cultural diversity of experiences during the pandemics and underlined the upside of negative emotions and its relation to older adults’ self-growth during this period.
The Effect of Visual Mnemonics and the Presentation of Character Pairs on Learning Visually Similar Characters for Chinese-As-Second-Language Learners
Authors: Chang Li-Yun , Tang Yuan-Yuan , Lee Chia-Yun , Chen Hsueh-Chih
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the effects of visual mnemonics and the methods of presenting learning materials on learning visually similar characters for Chinese-as-second-language (CSL) learners. In supporting CSL learners to build robust orthographic representations in Chinese, addressing the challenges of visual similarity of characters (e.g., 理 and 埋) is an important issue. Based on prior research on perceptual learning, we tested three strategies that differ in the extent to which they promote interrelated attention to the form and meaning of characters: (1) Stroke Sequence, aform-emphasisstrategy, (2) Key-images, aform+meaningstrategy utilizing visual code, (3) Pithy Formulas with Key-images, aform+meaningstrategy combining visual and verbal codes. A pretest–posttest equivalent-group design was adopted. The independent variables were the learning strategy, the method of presenting character pairs (visually similar vs. dissimilar), and testing time. The dependent variables were learners’ proportions of accurate responses to reading and writing Chinese characters through a posttest (immediately performed after learning) and a delayed posttest (1 week after learning); a learner experience survey was also administered to investigate learners’ opinions on each strategy. Sixty-six non-beginning learners of Chinese participated; they were randomly assigned to one of the two groups in which participants learned ten charactersviathe three strategies, respectively, differing between whether the characters were presented in similar pairs or dissimilar pairs. Data were analyzedviathree-way ANCOVAs. The Pithy Formulas with Key-images and the Key-images generally yielded higher writing accuracy than Stroke Sequence immediately after learning. Notably, the advantage of the Pithy Formulas with Key-images (verbal and visual) over the Key-images (visual) on writing was specific to the participants that learned with visually similar pairs rather than those that learned with dissimilar pairs. All strategies were effective for reading, yet learners’ experience ratings favored the twoform+meaningstrategies over the strategy that focused primarily onform.Suggestions for future research and pedagogical implications on learning visually similar characters were offered.
Long-Term Promotive and Protective Effects of Early Childcare Quality on the Social–Emotional Development in Children
Authors: Wustmann Seiler Corina , Sticca Fabio , Gasser-Haas Olivia , Simoni Heidi
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to examine the longitudinal promotive and protective role of process quality in regular early childhood education and care (ECEC) centers in the context of early cumulative family risks on children’s social–emotional development from early to middle childhood. The sample consisted of 293 (T1;Mage = 2.81), 239 (T2;Mage = 3.76), and 189 (T3;Mage = 9.69) children from 25 childcare centers in Switzerland. Fourteen familial risk factors were subsumed to a family risk score at T1. Parents and teachers reported on children’s conduct problems (CP), emotional problems (EP), and prosocial behavior (PB) at T2 and T3. Childcare process quality was assessed at T2 using external observations of teaching and interaction, provisions for learning, and key professional tasks. Results showed that early family risks were positively associated with CP and EP and negatively associated with PB in the long term. High-quality teaching and interaction as well as caregivers’ professional behavior in terms of systematic observation, documentation, and planning of children’s individual learning processes and needs protected children from the undesirable long-term effects of early family risks on conduct problems, emotional problems, and prosocial behavior from early to middle childhood. The results indicate that a high process quality in ECEC might serve as an essential contextual protective factor in the development of resilience in children at risk.
Mental Time Travel and Time Reference Difficulties in Alzheimer’s Disease: Are They Related? A Systematic Review
Authors: Schaffner Evodie , Sandoz Mélanie , Grisot Cristina , Auclair-Ouellet Noémie , Fossard Marion
Published: May 2022

Mental time travel and language enable us to go back and forth in time and to organize and express our personal experiences through time reference. People with Alzheimer’s disease have both mental time travel and time reference impairments, which can greatly impact their daily communication. Currently, little is known about the potential relationship between time conceptualization (i.e., mental time travel) and time reference difficulties in this disease. A systematic review of the literature was performed to determine if this link had already been investigated. Only three articles integrated both time conceptualization and time reference measures. However, the link between the two was not systematically analyzed and interpreted. This review highlights the lack of research addressing the question of the influence of time conceptualization impairments in Alzheimer’s disease on other cognitive domains, and especially language.
Impact of Match Type and Match Halves on Referees’ Physical Performance and Decision-Making Distance in Chinese Football Super League
Authors: Jiang Jinying , Ge Huanmin , Du Lida , Gomez Miguel-Angel , Gong Bingnan , Cui Yixiong
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore how Chinese Football Super League (CSL) referees’ physical performance and decision-making distance varied according to match type and match halves. Data from 107 matches played by top-4 ranked and bottom-4 ranked teams during 2018–2019 CSL seasons were collected. Level of matches was classified into three groups: (a) upper-ranked (top-4) teams against top-4 teams, (b) top-4 teams against lower-ranked teams (bottom-4), and (c) bottom-4 teams against bottom-4 teams. Two-way ANOVA and Scheirer-Ray-Hare test were used to examine the statistical differences of referees’ physical and spatial related distance variables among different match levels and halves. The Euclidean distance to the ball at the following three variables were statistically different among three match types: clearance (p= 0.03,ER2= 0.03), running with the ball (p= 0.01,ER2= 0.04), and shot off target (p= 0.04,ER2= 0.03). In addition, referees’ distance to the ball at three events were statistically different between both match halves: pass (p< 0.001,r= 0.69), reception (p< 0.001,r= 0.76), and running with the ball (p< 0.001,r= 0.77). The total running distance was statistically different between both match halves (p= 0.001,d= 0.05). The findings indicated that although CSL referees showed little difference in physical performance when officiating matches of three competitive levels and two halves, distinct rhythms of competitions determined that they needed to adjust running strategies to maintain proper distance to the ball. This study implied that the CSL referees’ match performance was affected by the teams’ style of play and match status.
Side Effects of Endocrine Therapy Are Associated With Depression and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients Accepting Endocrine Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Zhao Rong , Liu Hulin , Gao Jinnan
Published: May 2022

Objective

Hormone positive breast cancer patients bear side effects of endocrine therapy and that may be related to depression and anxiety. We sought to find an association between mental health and side effects of endocrine therapy.

Methods

A total of 398 patients participated. Sociodemographic, disease profile, and side effects questionnaires were administered. We screened for depressive and anxiety disorders by using the SDS (Self-Rating Depression Scale) and SAS (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale).

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in our study were 33.4% (133) and 13.3% (53), respectively. Depression was linked to education level (≤8 years, OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 2.22–5.78), night sweats (yes, OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.17–3.09), vaginal dryness (yes, OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.19–4.16), and fatigue (yes, OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.21–3.11); anxiety was associated with education level (≤8 years, OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.62–6.08), time to diagnosis (≤ 3 years, OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.13–4.07), osteopenia (yes, OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.26–4.70), loss of hair (yes, OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.10–7.15), and fatigue (yes, OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.54–5.43). A stratified analysis according to age (≤45 years and > 45 years) was performed as an exploratory. None of factor-age interactions was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Side effects of endocrine therapy were significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Side effects deserve greater emphasis and clinical interventions are needed to reduce anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients accepting ET.
Changes of Serum Homocysteine and Vitamin B12, but Not Folate Are Correlated With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies
Authors: Yan Sirui , Liu Hailong , Yu Yaqiong , Han Nashu , Du Wenzhi
Published: May 2022

Background

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, is characterized by irresistible obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior. Folate is a member of water-soluble vitamins in the human body and sustains many normal daily activities (e.g., exercise, sleep, and memory). Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing non-essential amino acid, has been investigated in numerous psychiatric disorders (e.g., OCD). Vitamin B12 is a type of complex organic compound with cobalt contained. Moreover, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency and high levels of homocysteine were found to have an effect on brain functions and also lead to non-specific psychiatric symptoms.

Objectives

This study aimed to confirm the epidemiological evidence of OCD and investigate whether vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine have an effect on the etiology of OCD.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on eight databases (i.e., PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database), and the retrieval time was up to March 2021. The available articles involving patients with OCD with/without abnormal serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine were comprehensively reviewed and analyzed.

Results

A total of 5 studies involving 309 patients were included in this meta-analysis, including 172 cases in the experimental group and 137 in the control group. The content of folate in the OCD group was not significantly different from that in the control group (SMD = −0.089, 95%CI −0.755 to 0.577, p = 0.794). And serum homocysteine was significantly higher in the patients with OCD (SMD = 1.132, 95%CI 0.486 to 1.778, p = 0.001). Vitamin B12 was significantly lower in patients with OCD (SMD = −0.583, 95%CI −0.938 to −0.229, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows serum high levels of homocysteine, low levels of vitamin B12, and normal folate level are closely correlated with OCD. However, high-quality case-control studies should be further conducted to explore the correlation between serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and OCD.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021262161; PROSPERO (Number CRD#42021262161).
Identifying Age Based Maturation in the ERP Response to Faces in Children With Autism: Implications for Developing Biomarkers for Use in Clinical Trials
Authors: Webb Sara Jane , Emerman Iris , Sugar Catherine , Senturk Damla , Naples Adam J. , Faja Susan , Benton Jessica , Borland Heather , Carlos Carter , Levin April R. , McAllister Takumi , Santhosh Megha , Bernier Raphael A. , Chawarska Katarzyna , Dawson Geraldine , Dziura James , Jeste Shafali , Kleinhans Natalia , Murias Michael , Sabatos-DeVito Maura , Shic Frederick , McPartland James C. ,   the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials
Published: May 2022

Recent proposals have suggested the potential for neural biomarkers to improve clinical trial processes in neurodevelopmental conditions; however, few efforts have identified whether chronological age-based adjustments will be necessary (as used in standardized behavioral assessments). Event-related potentials (ERPs) demonstrate early differences in the processing of faces vs. objects in the visual processing system by 4 years of age and age-based improvement (decreases in latency) through adolescence. Additionally, face processing has been proposed to be related to social skills as well as autistic social-communication traits. While previous reports suggest delayed latency in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), extensive individual and age based heterogeneity exists. In this report, we utilize a sample of 252 children with ASD and 118 children with typical development (TD), to assess the N170 and P100 ERP component latencies (N170L and P100L, respectively), to upright faces, the face specificity effect (difference between face and object processing), and the inversion effect (difference between face upright and inverted processing) in relation to age. First, linear mixed models (LMMs) were fitted with fixed effect of age at testing and random effect of participant, using all available data points to characterize general age-based development in the TD and ASD groups. Second, LMM models using only the TD group were used to calculate age-based residuals in both groups. The purpose of residualization was to assess how much variation in ASD participants could be accounted for by chronological age-related changes. Our data demonstrate that the N170L and P100L responses to upright faces appeared to follow a roughly linear relationship with age. In the ASD group, the distribution of the age-adjusted residual values suggest that ASD participants were more likely to demonstrate slower latencies than would be expected for a TD child of the same age, similar to what has been identified using unadjusted values. Lastly, using age-adjusted values for stratification, we found that children who demonstrated slowed age-adjusted N170L had lower verbal and non-verbal IQ and worse face memory. These data suggest that age must be considered in assessing the N170L and P100L response to upright faces as well, and these adjusted values may be used to stratify children within the autism spectrum.
A Scoping Review of Citizen Science Approaches in Chronic Disease Prevention
Authors: Marks Leah , Laird Yvonne , Trevena Helen , Smith Ben J. , Rowbotham Samantha
Published: May 2022

Background

Citizen science approaches, which involve members of the public as active collaborators in scientific research, are increasingly being recognized for their potential benefits in chronic disease prevention. However, understanding the potential applicability, feasibility and impacts of these approaches is necessary if they are to be more widely used. This study aimed to synthesize research that has applied and evaluated citizen science approaches in chronic disease prevention and identify key questions, gaps, and opportunities to inform future work in this field.

Methods

We searched six databases (Scopus, Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, and CINAHL) in January 2022 to identify articles on the use of citizen science in prevention. We extracted and synthesized data on key characteristics of citizen science projects, including topics, aims and level of involvement of citizen scientists, as well as methods and findings of evaluations of these projects.

Results

Eighty-one articles reported on citizen science across a variety of health issues, predominantly physical activity and/or nutrition. Projects primarily aimed to identify problems from the perspective of community members; generate and prioritize solutions; develop, test or evaluate interventions; or build community capacity. Most projects were small-scale, and few were co-produced with policy or practice stakeholders. While around half of projects included an evaluation component, overall, there was a lack of robust, in-depth evaluations of the processes and impacts of citizen science projects.

Conclusions

Citizen science approaches are increasingly being used in chronic disease prevention to identify and prioritize community-focused solutions, mobilize support and advocacy, and empower communities to take action to support their health and wellbeing. However, to realize the potential of this approach more attention needs to be paid to demonstrating the feasibility of using citizen science approaches at scale, and to rigorous evaluation of impacts from using these approaches for the diverse stakeholders involved.
A Retrospective Global Assessment of Factors Associated With COVID-19 Policies and Health Outcomes
Authors: Choi Angela Jeong , Hean Andrew C. , Lee Julia K. , Tran Nguyen D. , Lin Tracy Kuo , Apollonio Dorie E.
Published: May 2022

Background

The 2019 Global Health Security (GHS) Index measured the capacities of countries to prepare for and respond to epidemics and pandemics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that GHS Index scores were poorly correlated with ability to respond to infectious disease threats. It is critical to understand how public health policies may reduce the negative impacts of pandemics.

Objective

To identify non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) that can minimize morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 and future pandemics, this study examined associations between country characteristics, NPI public health policies, and COVID-19 outcomes during the first year of the pandemic, prior to the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. This global analysis describes worldwide trends in policy implementation and generates a stronger understanding of how NPIs contributed to improved health outcomes.

Design

This cross-sectional, retrospective study relied on information drawn from publicly available datasets through December 31, 2020.

Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures

We conducted multivariate regressions to examine associations between country characteristics and policies, and policies and health outcomes.

Results

Countries with higher health service coverage prior to the pandemic implemented more policies and types of policies. Countries with more bordering countries implemented more border control policies (0.78**), and countries with denser populations implemented more masking policies (0.24*). Across all countries, fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths per million were associated with masking (−496.10*, −7.57), testing and tracing (−108.50**, −2.47**), and restriction of movement (−102.30*, −2.10*) policies, with stronger associations when these policies were mandatory rather than voluntary.

Conclusions

Country characteristics, including health service coverage, number of bordering countries, and population density, may predict the frequency and nature of public health interventions. Countries with higher health service coverage may have the infrastructure to react more efficiently to a pandemic, leading them to implement a greater number of policies. Mandatory masking, testing and tracing, and restriction of movement policies were associated with more favorable COVID-19 population health outcomes. While these results are consistent with existing COVID-19 mathematical models, policy effectiveness depends on how well they are implemented. Our results suggest that social distancing policies were less effective in reducing infectious disease risk, which may reflect difficulties with enforcement and monitoring.
Classifying Characteristics of Opioid Use Disorder From Hospital Discharge Summaries Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Poulsen Melissa N. , Freda Philip J. , Troiani Vanessa , Davoudi Anahita , Mowery Danielle L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is underdiagnosed in health system settings, limiting research on OUD using electronic health records (EHRs). Medical encounter notes can enrich structured EHR data with documented signs and symptoms of OUD and social risks and behaviors. To capture this information at scale, natural language processing (NLP) tools must be developed and evaluated. We developed and applied an annotation schema to deeply characterize OUD and related clinical, behavioral, and environmental factors, and automated the annotation schema using machine learning and deep learning-based approaches.

Methods

Using the MIMIC-III Critical Care Database, we queried hospital discharge summaries of patients with International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9) OUD diagnostic codes. We developed an annotation schema to characterize problematic opioid use, identify individuals with potential OUD, and provide psychosocial context. Two annotators reviewed discharge summaries from 100 patients. We randomly sampled patients with their associated annotated sentences and divided them into training (66 patients; 2,127 annotated sentences) and testing (29 patients; 1,149 annotated sentences) sets. We used the training set to generate features, employing three NLP algorithms/knowledge sources. We trained and tested prediction models for classification with a traditional machine learner (logistic regression) and deep learning approach (Autogluon based on ELECTRA's replaced token detection model). We applied a five-fold cross-validation approach to reduce bias in performance estimates.

Results

The resulting annotation schema contained 32 classes. We achieved moderate inter-annotator agreement, with F1-scores across all classes increasing from 48 to 66%. Five classes had a sufficient number of annotations for automation; of these, we observed consistently high performance (F1-scores) across training and testing sets for drug screening (training: 91–96; testing: 91–94) and opioid type (training: 86–96; testing: 86–99). Performance dropped from training and to testing sets for other drug use (training: 52–65; testing: 40–48), pain management (training: 72–78; testing: 61–78) and psychiatric (training: 73–80; testing: 72). Autogluon achieved the highest performance.

Conclusion

This pilot study demonstrated that rich information regarding problematic opioid use can be manually identified by annotators. However, more training samples and features would improve our ability to reliably identify less common classes from clinical text, including text from outpatient settings.
Neural Network Training With Asymmetric Crosspoint Elements
Authors: Onen Murat , Gokmen Tayfun , Todorov Teodor K. , Nowicki Tomasz , del Alamo Jesús A. , Rozen John , Haensch Wilfried , Kim Seyoung
Published: May 2022

Analog crossbar arrays comprising programmable non-volatile resistors are under intense investigation for acceleration of deep neural network training. However, the ubiquitous asymmetric conductance modulation of practical resistive devices critically degrades the classification performance of networks trained with conventional algorithms. Here we first describe the fundamental reasons behind this incompatibility. Then, we explain the theoretical underpinnings of a novel fully-parallel training algorithm that is compatible with asymmetric crosspoint elements. By establishing a powerful analogy with classical mechanics, we explain how device asymmetry can be exploited as a useful feature for analog deep learning processors. Instead of conventionally tuning weights in the direction of the error function gradient, network parameters can be programmed to successfully minimize the total energy (Hamiltonian) of the system that incorporates the effects of device asymmetry. Our technique enables immediate realization of analog deep learning accelerators based on readily available device technologies.
German Language Acquisition of Refugee Children—The Role of Preschools and Language Instruction
Authors: Seuring Julian , Will Gisela
Published: May 2022

Mastering the language of the destination country is key to immigrant and refugee children's educational success. Refugee children typically face the challenge of starting or continuing their educational carrier in a completely new context and in a completely new language. In this study, we examine the role of preschool attendance and formal language instruction in supporting young refugee children to acquire destination language competencies. We pursue three research objectives: First, we aim at identifying relevant conditions associated with German language acquisition in general. Second, we examine the (relative) importance of institutional learning support in preschool and language instruction. Third, we investigate whether the benefits of attending preschool are more pronounced for refugee children who have only limited exposure to the destination language outside of the institutional context, as compared to children who have more exposure to the language outside of preschool. Using data from the ReGES study, we analyze the early processes of destination language acquisition among a large population of refugee children of preschool age in Germany. Our findings indicate that conditions associated with motivation, exposure and efficiency of learning that were found in prior research to determine destination language competencies of children from other immigrant groups apply to refugee children in a similar manner. Additional conditions associated with the specific circumstances that refugees often experience, including possible consequences of insecure residence status, risk of post-traumatic stress disorders, and living in collective accommodation, do not significantly contribute to this outcome in our analysis. Furthermore, we find that there is a positive relationship between children's German language competency levels and both preschool attendance and formal language instruction. The findings indicate that the benefits of attending preschool are largely related to additional language instruction that refugee children receive within this context. Moreover, these benefits are particularly pronounced among refugee children who have only limited exposure to German at home and in their everyday lives. Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of preschool attendance and formal language instruction for refugee children's destination language acquisition.
A Case Report and Review of the Literature of Penile Metastasis From Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kaminskas Azuolas , Patasius Ausvydas , Kincius Marius , Sapoka Virginijus , Zilevicius Rytis , Garnelytė Aušra , Dulskas Audrius
Published: May 2022

Background

Metastatic involvement of the penis in cases of rectal cancer is exceptionally rare condition. Our clinical case report and review of the literature will contribute in complementing currently limited data on penile metastasis from rectal cancer.

Case report

We report a case of a 64-year-old male diagnosed with penile metastasis from rectal cancer. The patient was treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). However, penile metastasis developed 3 years later, clinically presenting as penile pain and solid formations along the entire length of the penis with visible tumor in the head of the penis. The amputation of penis was performed, and adjuvant chemotherapy was prescribed. The patient survived only 6 months.

Conclusion

Penile metastasis from rectal cancer in most cases is a lethal pathology that indicates wide dissemination of oncological disease and has a very poor prognosis. Aggressive surgical treatment is doubtful in metastatic disease as this will negatively affect the quality of life.
Whether Out-of-Bed Activity Restriction in the Early Postoperative Period of PELD Is Beneficial to Therapeutic Efficacy or Reduce Recurrence
Authors: Liang Xiao , Wang Yexin , Yue Yaosheng , Li Yanpeng , Meng Chunyang
Published: May 2022

Objective

To detect the influences of postoperative out-of-bed activity restriction on recurrence rate, low back and leg pain, functional rehabilitation after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD).

Methods

In this research, 213 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH) who underwent PELD were divided into the out-of-bed activity restriction group and out-of-bed activity non-restriction group. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were used to evaluate postoperative clinical efficacy at 1 and 3 months after the operation, and to count the recurrence rates. All of these operations were performed between August 2017 and July 2020, and they were followed in the outpatient department for 12 months at least.

Results

Both of the groups showed significantly lower VAS and higher ODI scores at 1 month and 3 months post-operation, respectively, when compared with pre-operation. At 1 month after the operation, the restriction group performed lower VAS scores of low back pain compared with the non-restriction group, but this advantage disappeared at 3months post-operation. However, there was no statistical difference in the VAS scores of leg pain and ODI scores between the two groups, neither at 1 nor 3 months after the surgery. The recurrence rate is significantly lower in the restriction group than in the non-restriction group at a 12-month follow-up after the surgery.

Conclusion

Out-of-bed activity restriction in the early postoperative period of PELD could reduce LDH recurrence effectively, and it may relieve the low back pain to some extent. It has no benefit in the recovery of leg pain and functional rehabilitation.
Top 50 Most Cited Articles on Thoracic Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament
Authors: Ding Xing , Yan Ming , Wu Jinze , Xu Chongqing , Yan Yinjie , Yu Zhixing , Yin Mengchen , Xu Jinhai , Ma Junming , Mo Wen
Published: May 2022

Study Design

Bibliometric analysis.

Objective

Over the last several decades, the field of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL) has evolved unprecedentedly, and the literature on T-OPLL has increased significantly. The purpose of this study is to identify and review the top 50 most cited publications related to T-OPLL.

Methods

The most frequently cited 50 articles in this field until 30 October 2021 were identified by searching Web of Science. We ranked the articles based on the citation number. Through the bibliometric method, we evaluated the following information: article title, first author, year of publication, journal of publication, total number of citations, country, and study topic.

Results

The number of citations of included studies ranged from 20 to 108, with a mean number of 45.4. The journal Spine published most articles (20), followed by Spinal Cord (5), and European Spine (5). All of these articles were contributed by 38 first authors, Yamazaki (4), Fujimura (3), and Aizawa (3) who published more than 2 articles. In the respect of productive countries, Japan (39) contributed most papers. Tomita contributed the most cited article in 1990 on Spine, which was the first-ever report of circumferential decompression for thoracic myelopathy due to T-OPLL.

Conclusion

The top 50 influential articles on T-OPLL were identified and analyzed in this study. It will undoubtedly provide a comprehensive and detailed basis for the orthopedic and neurosurgery physicians to make a clinical decision and assimilate the research focus of spine surgery.
Sentinel Node Biopsy for Endometrial Cancer by Retroperitoneal Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Huber Daniela , Hurni Yannick
Published: May 2022

Objective

The primary objective was to determine the intraoperative and postoperative surgical complications of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) by retroperitoneal transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES). The secondary objective was to assess the feasibility of this surgical technique.

Methods

This was a descriptive study realized in a non-university hospital in Switzerland. Seven patients with endometrial cancer or endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia underwent surgical staging with SLNB by retroperitoneal vNOTES using an indocyanine green-based near-infrared fluorescence imaging technique (October 2021–February 2022).

Results

The median operative time was 113 (81–211) minutes. The median estimated blood loss was 20 (20–400) mL. The overall bilateral detection rate was 100% (7/7). Upon histopathological examination, 5 patients presented an endometrial adenocarcinoma, and we found endometrial complex atypical hyperplasia in 2 cases. We successfully completed all procedures without significant intraoperative complications, but 1 case required conversion to conventional laparoscopy. The median postoperative stay was 2 (2–4) days, and we observed no postoperative complications during this period. We observed 1 case of postoperative deep vein thrombosis and an asymptomatic vaginal vault hematoma in the same patient.

Conclusions

Our preliminary study suggests that retroperitoneal vNOTES could be a feasible, safe, and valuable approach to perform SLNB in endometrial cancer. However, strong evidence of its feasibility, the effective benefits, and the long-term oncological outcomes is needed before expanding the use of vNOTES in endometrial cancer outside study settings.
Plasma and Whole Blood Taurine Concentrations in Dogs May Not Be Sensitive Indicators of Taurine Deficiency When Dietary Sulfur Amino Acid Content Is Reduced
Authors: Tôrres Cristina L. , Biourge Vincent C. , Backus Robert C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Taurine status is impacted by dietary supply of methionine and cysteine (SAA) and possibly intestinal microbial activity, where plasma and whole blood taurine concentrations are currently used to evaluate taurine status.

Objective

We determined effects of dietary SAA restriction on rate and extent of taurine depletion of blood and skeletal muscle in dogs of two body sizes, and whether oral antibiotic administration affected the taurine depletion and fecal bile acid excretion of the dogs.

Methods

Adult, male, Beagles (n= 6; 10.1–13.1 kg) and larger mixed-breed dogs (n= 6; 28.5–41.1 kg) were given four dry-expanded diets, whereby each successive diet contained lower protein and/or SAA concentration. After receiving the final diet for 44 weeks, all dogs were orally administered a mixture of ampicillin, neomycin sulfate, and metronidazole for 12 weeks. Taurine concentrations were determined every 2–4 weeks in venous blood and voided urine and every 4 to 16 weeks in biopsied semimembranosus muscle. Fecal bile acid excretion before and after antibiotics administration were quantified.

Results

When given for 36 weeks the lowest SAA diet, 3.4% methionine and 2.9% cystine, taurine concentrations in whole blood were not different between groups, while taurine in plasma declined (P< 0.05) in large but not in small dogs, and taurine in biopsied muscle decreased (P< 0.05) by 50% in large and by 37% in small dogs. Concentrations of taurine in muscle were lower (P< 0.01) and fecal bile acids greater (P= 0.001) in large than small dogs. Antibiotic administration restored plasma and muscle taurine to initial concentrations and halved fecal bile acid excretion by dogs of both groups.

Conclusions

Blood taurine concentration may not be a sensitive indictor of taurine depletion caused by low intake of bioavailable SAA in dogs, especially in large dogs. Taurine status and dietary SAA requirements of dogs may substantively depend on taurine loss mediated by intestinal microbiota.
Immune Functions Alterations Due to Racing Stress in Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Zandoná Meleiro Mônica Cristina , de Carvalho Hianka Jasmyne Costa , Ribeiro Rafaela Rodrigues , da Silva Mônica Duarte , Salles Gomes Cristina Massoco , Miglino Maria Angélica , de Santis Prada Irvênia Luiza
Published: May 2022

Racehorses are constantly exposed to stress. Aiming to verify the state of blood components and cortisol alterations during their routine and after races, phagocytosis and oxidative neutrophil burst assays, serum cortisol determination, erythrocytes apoptosis evaluation, lymphoproliferation assays, and blood count tests were performed in thirty Thoroughbred racehorses, which were divided in two groups. The samples were taken right after races (moment 0 d), during rest periods (−11 d, +1 d, +3 d), and after training (−8, +2, +5). In both groups, the phagocytosis showed a decrease in percentage and intensity immediately after the race when comparing samples collected during rest or training periods. In the mean values of oxidative burst on samples collected immediately after the race, group I animals demonstrated a decrease (524.2 ± 248.9) when compared with those samples collected in other moments. No significant differences were found between the results of different moments regarding the apoptotic cells and lymphoproliferation assays. The mean values of serum cortisol levels were increased immediately after racing. There was an increase in the percentage of neutrophils found immediately after the race. It was possible to conclude that, although a transient reduction was found in the number of neutrophils, the horses’ adaptive function was not affected.
Transcriptome Revealed Exposure to the Environmental Ammonia Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Injury in Spleen of Fattening Pigs
Authors: Chen Yongjie , Zhang Runxiang , Ding Susu , Nian Haoyang , Zeng Xiangyin , Liu Honggui , Xing Houjuan , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun , Li Xiang
Published: May 2022

Ammonia is one of the major environmental pollutants that seriously threaten human health. Although many studies have shown that ammonia causes oxidative stress and inflammation in spleen tissue, the mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, the ammonia poisoning model of fattening pigs was successfully established. We examined the morphological changes and antioxidant functions of fattening pig spleen after 30-day exposure to ammonia. Effects of ammonia in the fattening pig spleen were analyzed from the perspective of oxidative stress, inflammation, and histone methylation via transcriptome sequencing technology (RNA-seq) and real-time quantitative PCR validation (qRT-PCR). We obtained 340 differential expression genes (DEGs) by RNA-seq. Compared with the control group, 244 genes were significantly upregulated, and 96 genes were significantly downregulated in the ammonia gas group. Some genes in Gene Ontology (GO) terms were verified and showed significant differences by qRT-PCR. The KEGG pathway revealed significant changes in the MAPK signaling pathway, which is strongly associated with inflammatory injury. To sum up, the results indicated that ammonia induces oxidative stress in pig spleen, activates the MAPK signaling pathway, and causes spleen necrosis and injury. In addition, some differential genes encoding epigenetic factors were found, which may be involved in the response mechanism of spleen tissue oxidative damage. The present study provides a transcriptome database of ammonia-induced spleen poisoning, providing a reference for risk assessment and comparative medicine of ammonia.
Partial Substitution of Fishmeal with Mopane Worm Meal in Dusky Kob Fingerling (Argyrosomus japonicus) Diets: Feed Utilization, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Blood Parameters, and Growth Performance
Authors: Nyuliwe Tshegofatso C. , Mlambo Victor , Madibana Molatelo J. , Mwanza Mulunda , Wokadala Obiro C.
Published: May 2022

The use of protein-rich mopane worm meal (MPWM) in marine fish diets has the potential to reduce the overall demand for fishmeal (FM) and thus promote economically and ecologically sustainable dusky kob aquaculture. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of graded levels of MPWM on feed and nutrient utilization, digestive enzymes, blood parameters, and growth performance in dusky kob fingerlings (Argyrosomus japonicus, Temminck and Schlegel, 1843) over a 7-week feeding trial. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic commercial dusky kob diets were formulated by substituting 0 (MPWM0), 3 (MPWM3), 6 (MPWM6), 9 (MPWM9), and 18% (MPWM18) of FM with MPWM and offered at 2.8% of fish body weight. Two-thousand fingerlings (average weight 15.68 ± 0.25 g) were evenly distributed into 20 experimental tanks of a recirculating aquaculture system. Weight measurements were taken weekly, while blood and intestinal samples were taken at the end of the experiment. The inclusion of MPWM quadratically influenced (y = 39.25 (±1.27) + 0.89 (±0.36)x − 0.04 (0.02) x2; R2 = 0.23; p = 0.03) overall feed intake. Overall weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) linearly increased while overall feed conversion ratio (FCR) linearly declined with MPWM inclusion levels. Substituting FM with MPWM did not alter (p > 0.05) digestive enzyme activities and haematological parameters. Among the serum biochemical components measured, only urea increased linearly in response to MPWM levels, while no trends were observed for the other components. It was concluded that replacing 11.13% of FM with MPWM in commercial dusky kob diet formulations does not compromise feed intake, feed utilization efficiency, growth rate, and physiological status of juvenile dusky kob.