bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Insect- and Rain-Proof Net Raises the Production and Quality of Chinese Bayberry by Preventing Damage From Insects and Altering Bacterial Communities
Authors: Yu Haiyue , Tian Shengke , Huang Qianbin , Chen Jiuzhou , Wu Yuping , Wang Runze , Lu Lingli
Published: September 2021

Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) is a popular, nutrient- and antioxidant-rich fruit in Asia. However, it is susceptible to Drosophila during ripening, which disrupts production and causes economic loss. This study compared the effects of insecticides, insect-proof nets (IPNs), and insect- and rain-proof nets (IRPNs) on Chinese bayberry production and quality. Drosophila was absent in fruits from IPN- or IRPN-treated trees but only significantly reduced by insecticides. IPNs and IRPNs significantly increased fruit diameter, weight, edible rate and the Brix/acid ratio, and IRPNs had the strongest effect. Analysis of 16S rDNA showed that fruits collected from differently treated trees had unique bacterial communities. In IRPN fruits, Acetobacter and Gluconobacter were significantly decreased, reducing sugar consumption and disease; in addition, PICRUSt analysis predicted imputed functional profiles related to carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism and mineral transport for fruit growth and development. This study proposed the use of IRPNs for improving Chinese bayberry production and quality.
Environmental Concern Priming and Social Acceptance of Sustainable Technologies: The Case of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems
Authors: Gómez-Román Cristina , Sabucedo José-Manuel , Alzate Mónica , Medina Beatriz
Published: September 2021

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the water crisis is the fourth most serious global risk to society. The apparent limitations of the hydraulic paradigm to solving this crisis are leading to a change in water management approaches. Recently, decentralized wastewater treatment systems have re-emerged as a partial solution to this problem. However, to implement these systems successfully, it is necessary not only to design this technology but also to have social support and willingness among citizens to use it. Previous studies have shown that these technologies are often perceived as being too costly, and people often do not consider the need for adopting them. However, it has also been pointed out that thinking about these technologies as a sustainable endeavor to reduce human impact on the environment can help to overcome the barriers to usage. Thus, we test whether priming environmental concerns before presenting information about decentralized wastewater treatment plants will increase acceptance of those technologies. In this study, we test whether priming environmental concerns can enhance the acceptance of decentralized wastewater treatment plants even when presenting disadvantages of the technology. In order to do so, we designed an experimental study with a sample of 287 people (85.7% women, Mage=20, 28). The experimental design was 2 (priming the environmental concern vs. no priming)×2 (type of information: only advantages vs. advantages and disadvantages). The results showed that those in the environmental concern priming condition had more positive attitudes and behavioral intentions toward decentralized wastewater treatment plants than those in the control condition group. Participants who received only advantages information had a more positive perception toward the decentralized wastewater systems than in the condition, where disadvantages were present, but in the priming condition this difference was not significant. This implies that priming environmental concern helps to overcome the possible disadvantages that act as barriers to acceptance.
The Influence of Family Function on State Anxiety of Chinese College Students During the Epidemic of COVID-19
Authors: Yang Lingping , Wu Miao , Wang Yuqi , Peng Bin
Published: September 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect mental health. There is little research about the influence of family function on the state anxiety of college students in the context of the global pandemic. The study aimed to clarify that generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and trait anxiety had mediating effects in family function on the state anxiety of Chinese college students following the “stay-at-home” order during the outbreak of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study was conducted online with 1,039 respondents. We analyzed demographics, The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (ST-AI) and Chinese Family Function Scale (FAD-18), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and used path analysis to discuss the influence of family function on state and trait anxiety. The results showed that female students’ state and trait anxiety was higher than that of male students (P < 0.05). Medical students’ state and trait anxiety was lower than that of literature students (P < 0.05). The GAD of the male was lower compared with the female. The score of family function has significant differences in gender, age, education, and region (P < 0.05). Gender, family function, state anxiety, trait anxiety, and GAD relate to others (r = 0.07∼0.85, p < 0.05). The results of fit indices for measurement invariance models showed that the impact of family function among GAD, state and trait anxiety across gender is significantly different (each step p < 0.05). GAD and trait anxiety had a complete meditating effect between family function and state anxiety (the proportion of standard indirect mediating effect was 24.94% in females and 36.79% in males). A healthy family function may alleviate GAD and anxiety of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Urban Adolescence: The Role of Neighbourhood Greenspace in Mental Well-Being
Authors: Mueller Marie A. E. , Flouri Eirini
Published: September 2021

Mental health and well-being in adolescence are associated with many short- and long-term outcomes. The evidence suggests that greenspace may play a role in adolescents' mental well-being, but we do not know much about the specifics of this link. In this paper, we investigated the role of other factors in the association. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the role of neighbourhood greenspace in emotional and behavioural outcomes in 11-year-old urban adolescents participating in the UK Millennium Cohort Study (n = 4,534). We used linear regression models to test for an association of greenspace with self-esteem, happiness, positive mood, negative mood, and antisocial behaviour. We also investigated effect modification/moderation by garden access, physical activity, and perceived area safety. We did not find a main effect of greenspace, but we did find interaction effects. First, in adolescents without a garden, higher levels of greenspace were associated with lower levels of self-esteem and positive mood. Second, in adolescents who reported lower levels of physical activity, higher levels of greenspace were associated with lower levels of negative mood. Third, in adolescents who perceived their areas to be unsafe, higher levels of greenspace were associated with higher levels of antisocial behaviour. Our findings suggest that merely more greenspace in the neighbourhood may not be sufficient to promote the mental well-being of urban adolescents in the UK. However, greenspace does seem to have an influence under certain conditions which should be investigated further in future studies.
Dampening Effects of Perceived Teacher Enthusiasm on Class-Related Boredom in College Students: Longitudinal Mediation Effects of Perceived Task Value
Authors: Cui Guan-yu , Chen Jing-yi , Wang Chen , Zhang Chen , Zhang Xia , Hu Yun-jun
Published: September 2021

This study aims to explore the longitudinal mediation effects of college students’ perceived task value (PTV) between perceived teacher enthusiasm (PTE) and class-related boredom (CB). We conducted a longitudinal survey among college students from five colleges at the second (T1), sixth (T2), tenth (T3), and fourteenth week (T4) in a semester, and overall 1,371 students completed all the measurements. In the survey, a battery of questionnaires was used to measure the students’ PTE, perception of task difficulty, perception of task value, and CB. At T1, boredom proneness was measured as a control variable. Analysis of the longitudinal data showed that after controlling for the effects of boredom proneness and perceived task difficulty, students’ PTE was a significant predictor of CB, and students’ PTV played a significant mediating role in this causation relationship. The study supported the importance of the control-value theory in explaining the mitigating effect of students’ PTE on CB, especially highlighting the role of PTV.
The Interplay Between Affective Processing and Sense of Agency During Action Regulation: A Review
Authors: Kaiser Jakob , Buciuman Madalina , Gigl Sandra , Gentsch Antje , Schütz-Bosbach Simone
Published: September 2021

Sense of agency is the feeling of being in control of one's actions and their perceivable effects. Most previous research identified cognitive or sensory determinants of agency experience. However, it has been proposed that sense of agency is also bound to the processing of affective information. For example, during goal-directed actions or instrumental learning we often rely on positive feedback (e.g., rewards) or negative feedback (e.g., error messages) to determine our level of control over the current task. Nevertheless, we still lack a scientific model which adequately explains the relation between affective processing and sense of agency. In this article, we review current empirical findings on how affective information modulates agency experience, and, conversely, how sense of agency changes the processing of affective action outcomes. Furthermore, we discuss in how far agency-related changes in affective processing might influence the ability to enact cognitive control and action regulation during goal-directed behavior. A preliminary model is presented for describing the interplay between sense of agency, affective processing, and action regulation. We propose that affective processing could play a role in mediating the influence between subjective sense of agency and the objective ability to regulate one's behavior. Thus, determining the interrelation between affective processing and sense of agency will help us to understand the potential mechanistic basis of agency experience, as well as its functional significance for goal-directed behavior.
Psychological Balance Scale: Validation Studies of an Integrative Measure of Well-Being
Authors: Besika Anastasia , Horn Andrea B. , Martin Mike
Published: September 2021

Studies infer Psychological Balance from the absence of psychopathology. In this article, we investigated this construct as an antecedent of well-being. We present empirical evidence toward the validation of a new theoretical model regarding Psychological Balance, a dynamic state with relatively constant characteristics, comprising Consistency and Flexibility and influenced by a Self/Others Ratio. A battery of 31 items, as indicators of Consistency, Flexibility, and Self/Others Ratio, aided this empirical investigation. In an online study (N = 933), we collected cross-sectional data from the United Kingdom. Results of cross-validation analyses provided evidence toward the validity of the proposed model and the psychometric properties of its instrument. There were statistically significant associations between Consistency (i.e., degree of integration of a universal value structure as self-related characteristics that motivate personal goals and behavior), Flexibility (i.e., degree of ability to re-define meaningful and important goals in response to situational challenge), and five well-being variables (e.g., Meaning in Life). Self/Others Ratio (i.e., ratio of motivation to serve self-interest and the interest of others), operationalized as a binary variable (e.g., close and away from 1), moderated some of these associations. Altogether, this work may contribute toward a nuanced understanding of well-being and form the basis of interventions that aim to decrease emotional discomfort and increase meaning, happiness, and life satisfaction.
Autonomy-Supportive Faculty, Students' Self-System Processes, Positive Academic Emotions, and Agentic Engagement: Adding Emotions to Self-System Model of Motivational Development
Authors: Bordbar Maryam
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate mediating roles of students' self-system processes and positive academic emotions in a relationship between supporting autonomy and agentic engagement. In This research structural equation modeling was used to analyze a conceptual model. The sample consisted of 452 undergraduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The research instruments included the autonomy-supportive environment inventory, the self-system processes questionnaire, three questionnaires of academic emotions, and the agentic engagement scale. The findings showed that supporting autonomy had an indirect effect on students' achievement emotions, via self-system processes. Self-system processes had direct and indirect effects on agentic engagement, via positive academic emotions. Supporting autonomy had an indirect effect on agentic engagement by mediating role of self-system processes and positive academic emotions. Accordingly, emotions are proximal determinants of agentic engagement. Supporting autonomy and self-system processes affect agentic engagement from the pathway of academic emotions. Therefore, in addition to environmental factors and self-appraisals, it is necessary to consider students' emotional experiences to promote agentic engagement in learning settings.
Teachers' Knowledge and Use of Evidenced-Based Practices for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhossein Abdulkarim
Published: September 2021

The evidenced-based practices (EBPs) movement in the field of special education began ~20 years ago. This study contributes to that literature. It investigates the teachers' knowledge and use of EBPs to teach students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. The Teachers' Knowledge and Use of EBPs Survey was administered to 240 special education teachers. The participants generally reported a medium level of knowledge and use of EBPs for students with ASD. Female teachers' use of EBPs was greater than that of males, and teachers who attended more than five professional development programs reported greater use of EBPs than those that attended fewer programs. Knowledge and use of EBPs were related. Gender and professional development programs were predictors of teachers' use of EBPs for students with ASD. Teachers' knowledge of EBPs for students with ASD is a vital indicator of teachers' use of those practices, professional development programs can improve such knowledge and use, and teachers' use of EBPs for students with ASD could be improved by offering high-quality professional development programs.
Teachers’ Dispositions Toward Mindfulness in EFL/ESL Classrooms in Teacher-Student Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: Song Xiaochuan , He Xuan
Published: September 2021

The psychological factors of English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) teachers have significant roles in any language learning context. Previous studies in the related literature have shown that L2 learners’ learning, psychological factors, and emotional factors are closely related to teachers’ psychological factors. Mindfulness as one of the psychological attributes of L2 teachers and as a complex and multi-faceted construct influences l2 teachers’ professional development. Hence, this study aims to review the notion of mindfulness and its role in L2 teaching as a profession and pave a way for further research, highlighting its indispensable role in teacher-student relationships. To achieve this goal, this study has reviewed the theoretical perspectives of mindfulness, the construct of mindful L2 teaching education, and mindfulness as a closely related concept to teacher wellbeing. Based on the findings, some pedagogical implications for the policymakers, teacher trainers, materials developers, L2 teachers, and learners are provided. Finally, directions for future research are suggested to the interested L2 researchers.
Association Between Hyperactivity Symptoms and Somatic Complaints: Mediating and Moderating Mechanisms in Childhood Trauma and Life Events Among Chinese Male Adolescents
Authors: Wu Shuxian , Yang Tingyu , He Yuqiong , Cui Xilong , Luo Xuerong , Liu Jianbo
Published: September 2021

Background: Prior research has found that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – particularly hyperactivity symptoms – is associated with various somatic complaints. The present study further tests the relationship between hyperactivity symptoms and somatic complaints in Chinese male adolescents and explores the underlying moderating and mediating mechanisms.

Methods: Our sample included 1,586 males (age = 12–16) recruited as part of an epidemiological study of child and adolescent mental disorders from April to July, 2014. Hyperactivity symptoms and somatic complaints were assessed with Achenbach's Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF) and Adolescent Life Events Scale (ASLEC) were used to assess exposure to childhood trauma and recent life events.

Results: Adolescents with hyperactivity symptoms experienced more emotional abuse, physical abuse, life events, and reported more somatic complaints symptoms (p < 0.0083 or p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that hyperactivity, total childhood trauma score/emotional abuse and sexual abuse and ASLEC score significantly predicted somatic complaints (all p < 0.05). Emotional abuse and life events mediated the relationship between hyperactivity symptoms and somatic complaints. Furthermore, childhood trauma moderated the path between hyperactivity symptoms and ASLEC in the moderation mediation model for predicting somatic complaints (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Hyperactivity symptoms had a significant impact on somatic complaints among Chinese male adolescents. Furthermore, childhood trauma and life events affected the relationship between hyperactivity symptoms and somatic complaints. Interventions for somatic complaints in male adolescents with hyperactivity symptoms should thus consider history of childhood trauma and life events.
Prevalence of Internet Addiction Disorder and Its Correlates Among Clinically Stable Adolescents With Psychiatric Disorders in China During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Li Zong-Lei , Liu Rui , He Fan , Li Shu-Ying , Zhao Yan-Jie , Zhang Wu-Yang , Zhang Yao , Cheung Teris , Jackson Todd , Tang Yi-Lang , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: September 2021

Background:Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emerged, Internet usage has increased among adolescents. Due to this trend, the prevalence of Internet addiction disorder (IAD) may have increased within this group. This study examined the prevalence of IAD and its correlates among clinically stable adolescents with psychiatric disorders in China during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Method:A multi-center, cross-sectional study was carried out between April 29 and June 9, 2020 in three major tertiary mental health centers in China. IAD and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively.

Results:A total of 1,454 adolescent psychiatric patients were included in final analyses. The prevalence of IAD was 31.2% (95% CI: 28.8–33.6%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that poor relationships with parents (P< 0.001, OR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.49–3.68) and elevated total PHQ-9 scores (P< 0.001, OR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.16–1.21) were significantly associated with higher risk for IAD while longer daily physical exercise durations (P= 0.04, OR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.46–0.98) and rural residence (P= 0.003, OR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.46–0.85) were significant correlates of lower risk for IAD.

Conclusions:IAD was common among adolescent patients with clinically stable psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic; regular physical exercise, healthy relationships with parents and fewer symptoms of depression were associated with lower risk within this population.
The Long-Term Changes in Dynamic Risk and Protective Factors Over Time in a Nationwide Sample of Dutch Forensic Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Janković Marija , Boxtel Geert van , Masthoff Erik , Caluwé Elien De , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: September 2021

The long-term changes of dynamic risk and protective factors have rarely been studied in forensic psychiatric patients. We utilized a latent growth curve analysis to investigate trajectories of risk and protective factors over time in all 722 male forensic psychiatric patients who were unconditionally released between 2004 and 2014 from any of 12 Dutch forensic psychiatric centers (FPCs). The study covered the period from juridical observation until unconditional release. Moreover, we investigated whether these trajectories differ between patients depending on their psychiatric diagnosis namely substance use disorders (SUD), psychotic disorders, and cluster B personality disorders (PDs). In addition, we also investigated whether SUD may influence changes in risk and protective factors in a group of psychotic and cluster B PDs patients, respectively. Overall, findings suggest that all changes in dynamic risk and protective factors could be depicted by two phases of patients' stay in the FPCs. Specifically, most changes on dynamic risk and protective factors occurred at the beginning of treatment, that is, from the time of juridical assessment up to the time of unguided leave. Moreover, the moment of unguided leave could be considered the ‘turning point’ in the treatment of offenders. We also found that SUD and psychotic patients changed the most in the first phase of their stay, while cluster B PDs patients changed the most in the second phase. However, SUD did not modify changes in risk and protective factors in psychotic and cluster B PDs patients. These findings may help improve offender treatment and crime prevention strategies.
Your Physical Activity Is in Your Hand—Objective Activity Tracking Among University Students in Hungary, One of the Most Obese Countries in Europe
Authors: Ráthonyi Gergely , Takács Viktor , Szilágyi Róbert , Bácsné Bába Éva , Müller Anetta , Bács Zoltán , Harangi-Rákos Mónika , Balogh László , Ráthonyi-Odor Kinga
Published: September 2021

Inadequate physical activity is currently one of the leading risk factors for mortality worldwide. University students are a high-risk group in terms of rates of obesity and lack of physical activity. In recent years, activity trackers have become increasingly popular for measuring physical activity. The aim of the present study is to examine whether university students in Hungary meet the health recommendations (10,000 steps/day) for physical activity and investigate the impact of different variables (semester-exam period, days-weekdays, days, months, sex) on the level of physical activity in free-living conditions for 3 months period. In free-living conditions, 57 healthy university students (male: 25 female: 32 mean age: 19.50 SD = 1.58) wore MiBand 1S activity tracker for 3 months. Independent sample t-tests were used to explore differences between sexes. A One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore differences in measures among different grouping variables and step count. A Two-way ANOVA was conducted to test for differences in the number of steps by days of the week, months, seasons and for sex differences. Tukey HSD post-hoc tests were used to examine significant differences. Students in the study achieved 10,000 steps per day on 17% of days (minimum: 0%; maximum: 76.5%; median: 11.1%). Unfortunately, 70% of the participants did not comply the 10,000 steps at least 80% of the days studied. No statistical difference were found between sexes. However, significant differences were found between BMI categories (underweight <18.50 kg/m2; normal range 18.50–24.99 kg/m2; overweight: 25.00–29.99 kg/m2 obese > 30 kg/m2, the number of steps in the overweight category was significantly lower (F = 72.073, p < 0.001). The average daily steps were significantly higher in autumn (t = 11.457, p < 0.001) than in winter. During exam period average steps/day were significantly lower than during fall semester (t = 13.696, p < 0.001). On weekdays, steps were significantly higher than on weekends (F = 14.017, p < 0.001), and even within this, the greatest physical activity can be done by the middle of the week. Our data suggest that university students may be priority groups for future physical activity interventions. Commercial activity trackers provide huge amount of data for relatively low cost therefore it has the potential to objectively analyze physical activity and plan interventions.
Effect of Knowledge/Practice of COVID-19 Prevention Measures on Return-to-Work Concerns; Attitudes About the Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Survey on Supermarket Staff in Huanggang, China
Authors: Li Lingru , Meng Yue , Wang Ji , Zhang Ying , Zeng Yong , Xiao Huiqun , He Jiangming , Liu Zhenquan , Hou Shujuan , Li Tianxing , Qin Jingbo , Fang Yini , Guo Wenqian , Liu Li'an , Luo Hui , Li Yingshuai , Zheng Yanfei , Wang Qi
Published: September 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate how knowledge and practice of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention measures affected concerns about returning to work among supermarket staff. Attitudes about the ability of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to prevent COVID-19 were also assessed.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Huanggang, Hubei Province, China from April 23 to 25, 2020. Participants were invited to fill out an electronic questionnaire on their cell phones.

Results: The results showed that from 2,309 valid questionnaires, 61.5% of participants were concerned about resuming work. Major concerns included asymptomatic infection (85.01%) and employees gathering in the workplace (78.96%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the female gender, having school-aged children and pregnancy were risk factors for being concerned about resuming work, while good knowledge and practice of preventive measures were protective factors. Knowledge and practice of preventive measures were positively correlated. Among preventive measures, the highest percentage of participants knew about wearing masks and washing hands. Meanwhile, 65.8% of participants expressed confidence in the ability of TCM to prevent COVID-19, where 74 and 51.3% thought there was a need and a strong need, respectively, for preventive TCM-based products. Among them, 71.5% preferred oral granules. Regarding TCM as a COVID-19 preventative, most were interested in information about safety and efficacy.

Conclusion: These findings suggested that promoting knowledge and practices regarding COVID-19 prevention can help alleviate concerns about returning to work. Meanwhile, TCM can feasibly be accepted to diversify COVID-19 prevention methods.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier: ChiCTR2000031955.
Social Distancing, Health Concerns, and Digitally Empowered Consumption Behavior Under COVID-19: A Study on Livestream Shopping Technology
Authors: Pang Qiwei , Meng Haiyang , Fang Mingjie , Xing Jingjing , Yao Jinge
Published: September 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, livestream shopping has provided consumers with a way to maintain social distancing while offering an alternative to offline shopping. This study aims to understand the impact of COVID-19 and other public health crises on the behavioral intentions of consumers using livestream shopping technology. A theoretical model was designed that combines the health belief model, trust theory, and the theory of planned behavior. Empirical data were collected from 358 residents in China and then analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results showed that perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived obstacles had a significant impact on consumer trust. Consumer trust in turn had a direct impact on behavioral intention and an indirect impact on behavioral intention via attitude. These research results have practical implications for livestream shopping merchants, platform decision-makers, and service designers.
Influence of Commercial Insurance Purchase on the Health Status of Chinese Residents
Authors: Xu Bao-Chang , Li Xiu-Juan , Gao Meng-Yao
Published: September 2021

Under the context of rapid economic and social development, and growing demands for a better life, Chinese residents have been increasingly concerned with their health status and issues. In this study, the internal relations between the purchase of commercial insurance by residents and their health status are analyzed and studied with a polytomous logit model based on the data of Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) in 2015. According to the research result, purchase of commercial insurance significantly improved the health status of residents, with an improving effect for rural residents apparently better than that among urban residents. In addition, purchase of commercial insurance can promote the health status of residents by increasing their household income. This research will provide an effective reference for the innovative development and medical reform of the commercial insurance of China in the future, which is theoretically and practically significant to the implementation of the Healthy China Strategy.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Two Elastic Bandages for Forearm Hematoma After Transradial Coronary Intervention
Authors: An Lei , Du Wei-liang , Yang Xiao-Ning , Zhang Chun-Yan , Xue Zeng-Ming
Published: September 2021

Background: This study compares the efficacy of two elastic bandages in treating forearm hematoma after transradial coronary intervention.

Methods: A total of 60 patients with moderate or severe forearm hematoma following transradial coronary intervention were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups, as follows: an Idealast-haft elastic bandage group (the observation group) and a control group. The patients in the Idealast-haft elastic bandage group received compression bandaging with Idealast-haft elastic bandages and the patients in the control group received compression bandaging with Nylexorgrip elastic bandages. Observation indexes related to, for example, forearm pain, arterial pulsation, blistering, skin color, and hemostasis time were compared between the two groups.

Results: The results revealed that the times taken for pain disappearance, arterial pulse recovery, blister disappearance, skin color recovery, and compression hemostasis were significantly shorter in the Idealast-haft elastic bandage group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The hematoma range and the arm circumference at the severest part of the hematoma decreased faster in the observation group than in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The Idealast-haft elastic bandage is more effective than the Nylexorgrip elastic bandage in patients with forearm hematoma following transradial coronary intervention and should therefore be used in such cases.
Next-Generation Intestinal Toxicity Model of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Enterocyte-Like Cells
Authors: Ryu Bokyeong , Son Mi-Young , Jung Kwang Bo , Kim Ukjin , Kim Jin , Kwon Ohman , Son Ye Seul , Jung Cho-Rok , Park Jae-Hak , Kim C-Yoon
Published: September 2021

The gastrointestinal tract is the most common exposure route of xenobiotics, and intestinal toxicity can result in systemic toxicity in most cases. It is important to develop intestinal toxicity assays mimicking the human system; thus, stem cells are rapidly being developed as new paradigms of toxicity assessment. In this study, we established human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived enterocyte-like cells (ELCs) and compared them to existing in vivo and in vitro models. We found that hESC-ELCs and the in vivo model showed transcriptomically similar expression patterns of a total of 10,020 genes than the commercialized cell lines. Besides, we treated the hESC-ELCs, in vivo rats, Caco-2 cells, and Hutu-80 cells with quarter log units of lethal dose 50 or lethal concentration 50 of eight drugs—chloramphenicol, cycloheximide, cytarabine, diclofenac, fluorouracil, indomethacin, methotrexate, and oxytetracycline—and then subsequently analyzed the biomolecular markers and morphological changes. While the four models showed similar tendencies in general toxicological reaction, hESC-ELCs showed a stronger correlation with the in vivo model than the immortalized cell lines. These results indicate that hESC-ELCs can serve as a next-generation intestinal toxicity model.
Plasmatic Dimethylarginines in Dogs With Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Valente Carlotta , Guglielmini Carlo , Baron Toaldo Marco , Romito Giovanni , Artusi Carlo , Brugnolo Laura , Contiero Barbara , Poser Helen
Published: September 2021

Plasmatic dimethylarginines, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) are considered biomarkers of endothelial and renal dysfunction, respectively, in humans. We hypothesize that plasmatic concentration of dimethylarginines in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is influenced by heart disease stage. Eighty-five client-owned dogs with MMVD, including 39, 19, and 27 dogs in ACVIM stages B1, B2, and C+D, respectively, and a control group of 11 clinically healthy dogs were enrolled. A prospective, multicentric, case-control study was performed. Each dog underwent a complete clinical examination, arterial blood pressure measurement, thoracic radiography, six-lead standard electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography, CBC, biochemical profile, and urinalysis. Plasmatic concentration of dimethylarginines was determined through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Median ADMA was significantly increased in dogs of group C+D (2.5 μmol/L [2.1–3.0]) compared to those of group B1 (1.8 μmol/L [1.6–2.3];p< 0.001) and healthy dogs (1.9 μmol/L [1.7–2.3];p= 0.02). Median SDMA was significantly increased in dogs of group C+D (0.7 μmol/L [0.5–0.9]) compared to those of groups B1 (0.4 μmol/L [0.3–0.5];p< 0.001), B2 (0.4 μmol/L [0.3–0.6];p< 0.01), and the control group (0.4 μmol/L [0.35–0.45];p= 0.001). In the final multivariable analysis, ADMA and SDMA were significantly associated with left atrium to aorta ratio (p< 0.001), and creatinine (p< 0.001), respectively. Increased plasmatic concentrations of dimethylarginines suggest a possible role as biomarkers of disease severity in dogs with decompensated MMVD.
Early Life Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Neonatal Dairy Calves Promotes Growth Performance and Alleviates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress during Weaning
Authors: Rosa Fernanda , Michelotti Tainara Cristina , St-Pierre Benoit , Trevisi Erminio , Osorio Johan S.
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early life fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) on the health and performance of neonatal dairy calves. The donor was selected based on health and production records and fecal material testing negative for infectious pathogens. Sixteen healthy newborn Holstein calves were randomized to either a baseline nutritional program (CON) or 1×/d inoculations with 25 g of fecal donor material (FMT) mixed in the milk replacer (n = 8/TRT) from 8 to 12 days of age. Blood and fecal samples were collected weekly, and calves were weaned at 7 weeks of age. A TRT × Week interaction was observed in haptoglobin, which was reflected in a positive quadratic effect in FMT calves but not in CON. A trend for a TRT × Week interaction was observed in the liver function biomarker paraoxonase, which resulted in greater paraoxonase in FMT calves than CON at three weeks of age. Fecal microbial community analysis revealed a significant increase in the alpha-diversity between week 1 and week 5 for the FMT calves. These results suggest that early life FMT in neonatal calves has positive effects in mediating the inflammatory response and gut microbial maturation.
Management of Gingival Bleeding in Periodontal Patients with Domiciliary Use of Toothpastes Containing Hyaluronic Acid, Lactoferrin, or Paraprobiotics: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Butera Andrea , Gallo Simone , Maiorani Carolina , Preda Camilla , Chiesa Alessandro , Esposito Francesca , Pascadopoli Maurizio , Scribante Andrea
Published: September 2021

Periodontitis is an irreversible oral disease causing the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. In addition to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures, patients should achieve a correct domiciliary oral hygiene in order to maintain a healthy status. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of different toothpastes in reducing gingival bleeding in periodontal patients. In addition to a professional treatment of SRP, 80 patients were randomly divided into four groups according to the toothpaste assigned for the daily domiciliary use using an electric toothbrush: Group 1 (Biorepair Gum Protection), Group 2 (Biorepair Plus Parodontgel), Group 3 (Biorepair Peribioma PRO), and Group 4 (Meridol Gum Protection) (control group). After baseline (T0), patients were visited after 15 days (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3). At each appointment, the following periodontal indexes were assessed: bleeding on probing (BoP), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS), and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI). All the experimental toothpastes caused an immediate significant modification of the three clinical indexes measured, except for the control product. Biorepair Peribioma PRO, with its paraprobiotic content, was also the only toothpaste causing a prolonged effect, reducing BoP even at T3. Accordingly, both hyaluronic acid and lactoferrin appear as reliable supports for the domiciliary management of periodontal disease. In spite of this, paraprobiotics are likely to show the most important benefit thanks to their immunomodulating mechanism of action.
Bearing Capacity and Failure Mode of a Light-Steel Tubular K-joint Connected by a Novel U-shape Connector
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Yuan Xun , Zeng Hui , Li Tao , Liang Yang , Gao Xiaoming , Yu Yinquan
Published: September 2021

This study aims to investigate the ultimate bearing capacity of a novel tubular K-joint used for light-steel structures consisting of thin-walled square hollow section members, a U-shape connector and self-drilling screws, and the effect of three patterns of stamping indentation fabricated on the U-shape connector on the ultimate bearing capacity of the proposed K-joint. Firstly, a total of 12 K-joint specimens were tested to failure under monotonic brace axial compressive loading. Secondly, failure mode and the ultimate bearing capacity of each specimen were investigated and analyzed. Finally, finite element analyses were carried out to study the effect of three key parameters, including chord axial stress ratio, half width-to-thickness ratio of the chord and brace-to-chord wall thickness ratio, on the ultimate bearing capacity of the proposed K-joints using the recommended U-shape connector. It was found that failure mode of the proposed K-joint is governed by both the deformation of the U-shape connector and the chord local plastification. Besides, the K-joint specimen using a U-shape connector with the strip stamping grooves in the horizontal direction generally has a higher bearing capacity and a much smaller connector deformation. Similar to the welded tubular joints, chord axial stresses may also significantly reduce the ultimate bearing capacity of the proposed K-joint.
Immunotherapy for Esophageal Cancers: What Is Practice Changing in 2021?
Authors: Puhr Hannah Christina , Preusser Matthias , Ilhan-Mutlu Aysegül
Published: September 2021

The prognosis of advanced esophageal cancer is dismal, and treatment options are limited. Since the first promising data on second-line treatment with checkpoint inhibitors in esophageal cancer patients were published, immunotherapy was surmised to change the face of modern cancer treatment. Recently, several studies have found this to be true, as the checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab have achieved revolutionary response rates in advanced as well as resectable settings in esophageal cancer patients. Although the current results of large clinical trials promise high efficacy with tolerable toxicity, desirable survival rates, and sustained quality of life, some concerns remain. This review aims to summarize the novel clinical data on immunotherapeutic agents for esophageal cancer and provide a critical view of potential restrictions for the implementation of these therapies for unselected patient populations.
Divulging the Critical Role of HuR in Pancreatic Cancer as a Therapeutic Target and a Means to Overcome Chemoresistance
Authors: Goutas Dimitrios , Goutas Nikolaos , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic cancer is set to become the most lethal and common type of cancer worldwide. This is partly attributed to the mutational burden that affects core signaling pathways and the crosstalk of tumor cells with their surrounding microenvironment, but it is also due to modern eating habits. Hyperadiposity along with the constant rise in metabolic syndrome’s incidence contribute to a state of metaflammation that impacts immune cells and causes them to shift towards an immunosuppressive phenotype that, ultimately, allows tumor cells to evade immune control. Unfortunately, among the conventional therapeutic modalities and the novel therapeutic agents introduced, pancreatic cancer still holds one of the lowest response rates to therapy. Human antigen R (HuR), an RNA binding protein (RBP), has been repeatedly found to be implicated in pancreatic carcinogenesis and chemotherapy resistance through the posttranscriptional binding and regulation of mRNA target genes. Additionally, its overexpression has been linked to adverse clinical outcomes, in terms of tumor grade, stage, lymph node status and metastasis. These properties suggest the prospective role that HuR’s therapeutic targeting can play in facilitating pancreatic neoplasia and could provide the means to overcome chemoresistance.
The Potential Functions of Protein Domains during COVID Infection: An Analysis and a Review
Authors: Sobhy Haitham
Published: September 2021

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large viral family that can evolve rapidly emerging new strains that cause outbreaks and life-loss, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). CoVs encode a diverse number of proteins, ranging from 5 proteins in bat CoV, to 14 in SARS CoV, which could have implication on viral tropism and pathogenicity. Here, we highlight the functional protein motifs (domains) that could contribute in the coronavirus infection and severity, including SARS-CoV-2. For this role, we used the experimentally validated domain (motif) datasets that are known to be crucial for viral infection. Then, we highlight the potential molecular pathways and interactions of SARS-CoV-2 proteins within human cells. Interestingly, the C-terminal of SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein encodes MREL motif, which a signature motif of the tubulin superfamily, and regulate tubulin expression. The C-terminal region of nsp1 protein can bind to ribosome and regulation viral RNA translation.
Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Virtual Meeting of the Swiss Society of Neurosurgery, September 16–17, 2021
Authors: Guzman Raphael
Published: September 2021

On behalf of Swiss Society of Neurosurgery together with Association of neurosurgical nursing staff Switzerland, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Meeting, that was held virtually from 16–17 September 2021. Fifty-one (51) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations and forty (40) abstracts were selected as poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution
Mitigating Broadcasting Storm Using Multihead Nomination Clustering in Vehicular Content Centric Networks
Authors: Siddiqa Ayesha , Diyan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Toaha Raza , Saad Malik Muhammad , Kim Dongkyun
Published: September 2021

Vehicles are highly mobile nodes; therefore, they frequently change their topology. To maintain a stable connection with the server in high-speed vehicular networks, the handover process is restarted again to satisfy the content requests. To satisfy the requested content, a vehicular-content-centric network (VCCN) is proposed. The proposed scheme adopts in-network caching instead of destination-based routing to satisfy the requests. In this regard, various routing protocols have been proposed to increase the communication efficiency of VCCN. Despite disruptive communication links due to head vehicle mobility, the vehicles create a broadcasting storm that increases communication delay and packet drop fraction. To address the issues mentioned above in the VCCN, we proposed a multihead nomination clustering scheme. It extends the hello packet header to get the vehicle information from the cluster vehicles. The novel cluster information table (CIT) has been proposed to maintain several nominated head vehicles of a cluster on roadside units (RSUs). In disruptive communication links due to the head vehicle’s mobility, the RSU nominates the new head vehicle using CIT entries, resulting in the elimination of the broadcasting storm effect on disruptive communication links. Finally, the proposed scheme increases the successful communication rate, decreases the communication delay, and ensures a high cache success ratio on an increasing number of vehicles.
The Low-Energy Spectral Index of Gamma-ray Burst Prompt Emission from Internal Shocks
Authors: Wang Kai , Dai Zi-Gao
Published: September 2021

The prompt emission of most gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) typically exhibits a non-thermal Band component. The synchrotron radiation in the popular internal shock model is generally put forward to explain such a non-thermal component. However, the low-energy photon index α∼−1.5 predicted by the synchrotron radiation is inconsistent with the observed value α∼−1. Here, we investigate the evolution of a magnetic field during propagation of internal shocks within an ultrarelativistic outflow, and revisit the fast cooling of shock-accelerated electrons via synchrotron radiation for this evolutional magnetic field. We find that the magnetic field is first nearly constant and then decays as B′∝t−1, which leads to a reasonable range of the low-energy photon index, −3/2<α<−2/3. In addition, if a rising electron injection rate during a GRB is introduced, we find that α reaches −2/3 more easily. We thus fit the prompt emission spectra of GRB 080916c and GRB 080825c.
“Kill the Puppies!”: Cringe Comedy and Disability Humor in the Live Performances of Laurence Clark
Authors: Wegner Gesine
Published: September 2021

Firmly rooted in disability activism, the emergence of disability studies in the 1980s took place at a time that also witnessed several disabled comedians and activists climb the stage both in the US and the UK. Considering these coinciding developments, it seems perhaps little surprising that disability studies scholarship has been engaged in the complex relationship between disability and humor from its very beginnings. However, the interplay between cringe (as a cultural phenomenon closely related to comedy) and disability has not received much attention within the field. This paper takes a closer look at the functions that disability fulfils in cringe comedy. Reading Laurence Clark’s comedy live performances against a classic “disability scene” from The Office, I argue that while both shows humiliate the non-disabled for their reactions toward disabled people, the work they are doing differs on several accounts. While The Office does not give its disabled characters much of a voice and thus remains ambiguous in what it is doing, Clark’s performances use cringe humor as a tool to reclaim agency. It is through the act of talking back that Clark’s performances take on a didactic function, encouraging audiences to critically reflect their own reactions to disability.