bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral bone disorders and kidney disease in hospitalized children with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Batte Anthony , Kasirye Philip , Baluku Reagan , Kiguli Sarah , Kalyesubula Robert , John Chandy C. , Schwaderer Andrew L. , Imel Erik A. , Conroy Andrea L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Mineral bone disorders (MBD) are common in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Frequent vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) further impact MBD in children with SCA. We evaluated the prevalence of markers of SCA-related MBD (sMBD) in hospitalized children and assessed the relationship between sMBD and individual mineral abnormalities with kidney disease.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 185 children with SCA hospitalized with a VOC. Serum measures of mineral bone metabolism (calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, FGF23, osteopontin) were measured at enrollment. The primary outcome was markers of sMBD defined as a composite of hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism, or deficiency in 25-OH vitamin D. Secondary outcomes included individual abnormalities in mineral metabolism. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines were used to define SCA-associated acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI was further assessed using urine NGAL as a marker of tubular injury. Acute kidney disease (AKD) was defined as a composite of AKI, an eGFR < 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 using the Cystatin C GFR equation, or evidence of structural injury (positive biomarker test or albuminuria).

Results

The mean age of children was 8.9 years and 41.6% were female. The prevalence of sMBD was 47.6%, with hypocalcemia the most frequent abnormality (29.9%, 55/184) followed by hyperphosphatemia (20.7%, 38/184), hyperparathyroidism (8.7%, 16/185), and vitamin D deficiency (5.4%, 10/185). There was no association between sMBD and sKDIGO-defined AKI using serial changes in creatinine or when incorporating biomarkers to define AKI. However, the presence of AKD was associated with a 2.01-fold increased odds of sMBD (95% CI 1.05 to 3.83) and was driven by a decrease in eGFR (OR, 2.90 95% CI: 1.59 to 5.29). When evaluating individual mineral abnormalities, hypocalcemia was associated with AKD and low eGFR while hyperparathyroidism was associated with low eGFR, AKI and structural injury. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with structural kidney injury. Vitamin D deficiency, hyperparathryoidism, and increases in FGF23 and osteopontin predicted mortality (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

MBD is common among children with SCA hospitalized with VOC. Biomarkers of kidney injury and bone health may help risk stratify children at risk of sMBD. Routine evaluation of sMBD in children with SCA may improve long-term bone health.
Association between red blood cell distribution width and left ventricular hypertrophy in pediatric essential hypertension
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Liu Yang , Liu Yanyan , Wang Hui , Liu Bo , Shi Lin
Published: February 2023

Aim

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is one of the most common types of target organ damage in hypertension. The red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is closely related to many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the RDW level and LVH in pediatric essential hypertension.

Materials and methods

A total of 429 untreated children and adolescents with essential hypertension were recruited and divided into an LVH group (n = 114) and non-LVH group (n = 315) according to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT) by color Doppler ultrasound. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between RDW and LVMI, RWT. The effect of RDW on LVH was determined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. To assess the predictive value of RDW on LVH, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used.

Results

The level of RDW in children with hypertension in the LVH group was significantly higher than that in the non-LVH group (13.0 [12.0, 13.0] vs. 12.4 [12.0, 13.0] %, P = 0.001). The incidence of low and high quantiles of LVH was 21.0% and 32.0%, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis showed that RDW was positively correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP), LVMI, RWT, and red blood cell (RBC) count (P all < 0.05), and negatively correlated with hemoglobin (HGB) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P all < 0.05). After adjusting for various confounding factors, a multivariate logistic regression model revealed that RDW was an independent risk factor for LVH (OR = 1.946, 95% CI: 1.324–2.861, P = 0.001). The area under the ROC curve of RDW predicting centripetal hypertrophy was 0.700 (95% CI: 0.541–0.859, P < 0.05) in pediatric essential hypertension.

Conclusions

Increased RDW levels are an independent risk factor for LVH in pediatric essential hypertension, and RDW may be a predictor of LVH in untreated pediatric essential hypertension.
The role of antenatal corticosteroids in twin pregnancy
Authors: Zhu Jie , Li Shuyue , Zhao Ying , Xiong Yu
Published: February 2023

Twin pregnancy was associated with significantly higher rates of adverse neonatal and perinatal outcomes. One of the underlying causes is that twins are prone to preterm birth. Antenatal corticosteroids are widely used for reducing the incidence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome initially and other neonatal mortality and morbidities subsequently. As it is widely used as a prophylactic treatment for potential premature births, there remain controversies of issues relating to twin gestations, including window for opportunity, timing of use, repeat course, optimal administration-to-delivery intervals, dosage, and type of corticosteroid. Thus, we present a thorough review of antenatal corticosteroids usage in twin gestation, emphasizing the aforementioned issues and attempting to offer direction for future investigation and clinical practice.
LSD1 inhibitors for cancer treatment: Focus on multi-target agents and compounds in clinical trials
Authors: Noce Beatrice , Di Bello Elisabetta , Fioravanti Rossella , Mai Antonello
Published: February 2023

Histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) was first identified in 2004 as an epigenetic enzyme able to demethylate specific lysine residues of histone H3, namely H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2, using FAD as the cofactor. It is ubiquitously overexpressed in many types of cancers (breast, gastric, prostate, hepatocellular, and esophageal cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, and others) leading to block of differentiation and increase of proliferation, migration and invasiveness at cellular level. LSD1 inhibitors can be grouped in covalent and non-covalent agents. Each group includes some hybrid compounds, able to inhibit LSD1 in addition to other target(s) at the same time (dual or multitargeting compounds). To date, 9 LSD1 inhibitors have entered clinical trials, for hematological and/or solid cancers. Seven of them (tranylcypromine, iadademstat (ORY-1001), bomedemstat (IMG-7289), GSK-2879552, INCB059872, JBI-802, and Phenelzine) covalently bind the FAD cofactor, and two are non-covalent LSD1 inhibitors [pulrodemstat (CC-90011) and seclidemstat (SP-2577)]. Another TCP-based LSD1/MAO-B dual inhibitor, vafidemstat (ORY-2001), is in clinical trial for Alzheimer’s diseases and personality disorders. The present review summarizes the structure and functions of LSD1, its pathological implications in cancer and non-cancer diseases, and the identification of LSD1 covalent and non-covalent inhibitors with different chemical scaffolds, including those involved in clinical trials, highlighting their potential as potent and selective anticancer agents.
Anti-malarial artesunate ameliorates atherosclerosis by modulating arterial inflammatory responses via inhibiting the NF-κB–NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Cen Yanyan , Xiong Yalan , Qin Rongxin , Tao Hui , Yang Qunfang , Pan Xichun
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (AS), and involves a complex interplay between blood components, macrophages, and arterial wall. Therefore, it is valuable in the development of targeted therapies to treat AS.

Methods: AS rat model was induced by atherogenic diet plus with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then treated by anti-malarial artesunate (Art), a succinate derivative of artemisinin. The arterial morphology was observed after Oil red O, hematoxylin—eosin, and Masson’s staining. The arterial protein level was detected by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. The expression level of mRNA was determined by PCR array or real-time PCR.

Results: Herein, we showed that Art possessed a dose-dependently protective effect on AS rats. In detail, Art showed a comparable inhibitory effect on arterial plaque and serum lipids compared to those of rosuvastatin (RS), and further showed a better inhibition on arterial lipid deposition and arterial remodeling comprised of arterial wall thicken and vascular collagen deposition, than those of RS. The improvement of Art on AS rats was related to inhibit arterial macrophage recruitment, and inhibit nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-related excessive arterial inflammatory responses. Critically, Art showed significant inhibition on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both arterial wall and arterial macrophages, by down-regulating the expression of NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and apoptosis associated speckle-like protein containing CARD (ASC), leading to less production of the NLRP3 inflammasome—derived caspase-1, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-18, and subsequent transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in AS rats.

Conclusion: We propose that Art is an anti-AS agent acts through modulating the arterial inflammatory responses via inhibiting the NF-κB – NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
Finite difference schemes for MHD mixed convective Darcy–forchheimer flow of Non-Newtonian fluid over oscillatory sheet: A computational study
Authors: Nawaz Yasir , Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Abodayeh Kamaleldin , Mansoor Muavia
Published: February 2023

This contribution proposes two third-order numerical schemes for solving time-dependent linear and non-linear partial differential equations (PDEs). For spatial discretization, a compact fourth-order scheme is deliberated. The stability of the proposed scheme is set for scalar partial differential equation, whereas its convergence is specified for a system of parabolic equations. The scheme is applied to linear scalar partial differential equation and non-linear systems of time-dependent partial differential equations. The non-linear system comprises a set of governing equations for the heat and mass transfer of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) mixed convective Casson nanofluid flow across the oscillatory sheet with the Darcy–Forchheimer model, joule heating, viscous dissipation, and chemical reaction. It is noted that the concentration profile is escalated by mounting the thermophoresis parameter. Also, the proposed scheme converges faster than the existing Crank-Nicolson scheme. The findings that were provided in this study have the potential to serve as a helpful guide for investigations into fluid flow in closed-off industrial settings in the future.
Reorientation processes of tilted skyrmion and spiral states in a bulk cubic helimagnet Cu2OSeO3
Authors: Leonov Andrey O. , Pappas Catherine
Published: February 2023

We present a systematic study of tilted spiral states obtained theoretically within the classical Dzyaloshinskii model for magnetic states in cubic non-centrosymmetric ferromagnets. Such tilted spirals are shown to stabilize under the competing effect of cubic and exchange anisotropies inherent to cubic helimagnets. By focusing on the internal structure of these spirals and their field-driven behaviour for different aspect ratios of the anisotropy coefficients, we are able to capture the main features of the experimental findings in a bulk cubic helimagnet Cu2OSeO3and to make a step further towards a complete quantitative model of this chiral magnet. In particular, we show that for strong anisotropy values (which experimentally correspond to low temperatures near zero) there exist an angular separation between the conical and tilted spirals, i.e., the conical spiral flips into a tilted state and immediately composes some finite angle with respect to the field direction. As the anisotropy ratio decreases, such a transition between two spiral states becomes almost continuous and corresponds to higher temperatures at the experiments. In addition, we investigate the field-driven reorientation of metastable skyrmion lattices induced by the competing anisotropies, which may be responsible for some peculiarities at the experimental phase diagrams of Cu2OSeO3.
Numerical hemolysis performance evaluation of a rotary blood pump under different speed modulation profiles
Authors: Huang Feng , Lei Huan , Ying Shunv , Fu Yang , Li Qipeng , Ruan Xiaodong
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Speed modulation methods have been studied and even used clinically to create extra pulsation in the blood circulatory system with the assistance of a continuous flow rotary blood pump. However, fast speed variations may also increase the hemolysis potential inside the pump.

Methods: This study investigates the hemolysis performance of a ventricular assist rotary blood pump under sinusoidal, square, and triangular wave speed modulation profiles using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The CFD boundary pressure conditions of the blood pump were obtained by combining simulations with the pump’s mathematical model and a complete cardiovascular lumped parameter model. The hemolysis performance of the blood pump was quantified by the hemolysis index (HI) calculated from a Eulerian scalar transport equation.

Results: The HI results were obtained and compared with a constant speed condition when the blood pump was run under three speed profiles. The speed modulations were revealed to slightly affect the pump hemolysis, and the hemolysis differences between the different speed modulation profiles were insignificant.

Discussion: This study suggests that speed modulations could be a feasible way to improve the flow pulsatility of rotary blood pumps while not increasing the hemolysis performance.
Temperature sensing by the calcium-sensing receptor
Authors: Brennan Sarah C. , Mun Hee-chang , Delbridge Leigh , Kuchel Philip W. , Conigrave Arthur D.
Published: February 2023

Whether GPCRs support the sensing of temperature as well as other chemical and physical modalities is not well understood.

Introduction: Extracellular Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+o) modulates core body temperature and the firing rates of temperature-sensitive CNS neurons, and hypocalcemia provokes childhood seizures. However, it is not known whether these phenomena are mediated by Ca2+o-sensing GPCRs, including the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). In favor of the hypothesis, CaSRs are expressed in hypothalamic regions that support core temperature regulation, and autosomal dominant hypocalcemia, due to CaSR activating mutations, is associated with childhood seizures.

Methods: Herein, we tested whether CaSR-dependent signaling is temperature sensitive using an established model system, CaSR-expressing HEK-293 cells.

Results: We found that the frequency of Ca2+o-induced Ca2+i oscillations but not the integrated response was linearly dependent on temperature in a pathophysiologically relevant range. Chimeric receptor analysis showed that the receptor’s C-terminus is required for temperature-dependent modulation and experiments with the PKC inhibitor GF109203X and CaSR mutants T888A and T888M, which eliminate a key phosphorylation site, demonstrated the importance of repetitive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.

Discussion and Conclusion: CaSRs mediate temperature-sensing and the mechanism, dependent upon repetitive phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, suggests that GPCRs more generally contribute to temperature-sensing.
Recognition of spider mite infestations in jujube trees based on spectral-spatial clustering of hyperspectral images from UAVs
Authors: Wu Yue , Li Xican , Zhang Qing , Zhou Xiaozhen , Qiu Hongbin , Wang Panpan
Published: February 2023

Spider mite infestations are a serious hazard for jujube trees in China. The use of remote sensing technology to evaluate the health of jujube trees in large-scale intensive agricultural production is an effective means of agricultural control. Hyperspectral remote sensing has a higher spectral resolution and richer spectral information than conventional multispectral remote sensing, which improves the detection of crop pests and diseases. We used hyperspectral remote sensing data from jujube fields infested with spider mite in Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang to evaluate their use in monitoring this important pest. We fused spectral and spatial information from the hyperspectral images and propose a method of recognizing spider mite infestations of jujube trees. Our method is based on the construction of spectral features, the fusion of spatial information and clustering of these spectral–spatial features. We evaluated the effect of different spectral–spatial features and different clustering methods on the recognition of spider mite in jujube trees. The experimental results showed that the overall accuracy of the method for the recognition of spider mites was >93% and the overall accuracy of the band clustering–density peak clustering model for the recognition of spider mite reached 96.13%. This method can be applied to the control of jujube spider mites in agricultural production.
Comprehensive analysis of cucumber RAV family genes and functional characterization of CsRAV1 in salt and ABA tolerance in cucumber
Authors: Li Jialin , Song Chunying , Li Hongmei , Wang Siqi , Hu Linyue , Yin Yanlei , Wang Zenghui , He Wenxing
Published: February 2023

The RAV (related to ABI3 and VP1) transcription factors are specific and exist in plants, which contain a B3 DNA binding domain and/or an APETALA2 (AP2) DNA binding domain. RAVs have been extensively studied in plants, and more and more evidences show that RAVs are involved in various aspects of plant growth and development, stress resistance and hormone signal transduction. However, the systematic analysis of RAV family in cucumber is rarely reported. In this study, eight CsRAV genes were identified in cucumber genome and we further comprehensively analyzed their protein physicochemical properties, conserved domains, gene structure and phylogenetic relationships. The synteny analysis and gene duplications of CsRAV genes were also analysed. Cis-element analysis revealed that the CsRAVs promoter contained several elements related to plant hormones and abiotic stress. Expression analysis showed that NaCl and ABA could significantly induce CsRAV genes expression. Subcellular localization revealed that all CsRAVs were localized in the nucleus. In addition, 35S:CsRAV1 transgenic Arabidopsis and cucumber seedlings enhanced NaCl and ABA tolerance, revealing CsRAV1 may be an important regulator of abiotic stress response. In conclusion, comprehensive analysis of CsRAVs would provide certain reference for understanding the evolution and function of the CsRAV genes.
The Mediating Role of Academic Passion in Determining the Relationship Between Academic Self-Regulation and Goal Orientation With Academic Burnout Among English Foreign Language (EFL) Learners
Authors: Izadpanah Siros
Published: February 2023

One of the most significant current discussions in educational psychology is academic passion. This research aimed to investigate the mediating role of academic passion in the relationship between goal orientation and academic self-regulation with students’ academic burnout. However, so far, there has been little discussion about these variables together. The statistical population of the present study includes all undergraduate English students of Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, whose strength is equal to 598 people, and the sample size is determined by the convenience sampling method and Cochran’s formula (248 participants). Data collection methods in this study include four questionnaires of the academic passion; goal orientation; self-regulatory and academic burnout. The Pearson test results showed that the correlation coefficient of academic burnout with goal orientation, self-regulatory, and academic passion is statistically significant at 0.05%. These variables are inconsistent with academic burnout, and with increase in these variables, academic burnout significantly decreases. The correlation coefficient of goal orientation with self-regulatory variables and academic passion is statistically significant at the level of 0.05%. These variables are consistent with goal orientation, self-regulated learning, and academic passion, and with increase in the aforementioned variables, they significantly rise. Goal-oriented and self-regulated goal orientation can predict academic passion. Academic passion has a direct and significant relationship with academic self-regulation and goal orientation. Finally, the obtained fit indices of the general model have the desired fit with the collected data. The implication is that academic passion plays an important role in creating a positive learning environment that will lead to effective learning and teaching. It may influence student learning. Passion inspires and stimulates, and teaching with passion promotes learning.
Analysis of factors influencing the job satisfaction of medical staff in tertiary public hospitals, China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shi Xiang , Xiong Dekai , Zhang Xingmin , Han Miaomiao , Liu Liu , Wang Jinian
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), China has entered normalization phase of its epidemic prevention and control measures that emphasizes ‘precise prevention and control,’ ‘dynamic zeroing’, and ‘universal vaccination’. However, medical staff continue to face physical and mental stress. The present study aimed to investigate the job satisfaction of medical staff in China, as well as any associated factors.

Methods

2,258 medical staff completed a questionnaire specially designed for this study. Independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze associated factors.

Results

Overall, 48.4% of the participants expressed satisfaction with their job; the highest-scoring dimension was interpersonal relationships (3.83 ± 0.73), while the lowest scoring dimension was salary and benefits (3.13 ± 0.94). The logistic regression model indicated that job satisfaction among medical staff is associated with being aged 40–49 years [odds ratio (OR) = 2.416] or > 50 years (OR = 2.440), having an above-undergraduate education level (OR = 1.857), holding a position other than doctor [i.e., nurse (OR = 3.696) or ‘other’ (OR = 2.423)], having a higher income (OR = 1.369), and having fewer monthly overtime shifts (OR = 0.735–0.543). Less than half of the medical staff expressed satisfaction with their job, indicating that the overall level is not high.

Discussion

This research enriches the study of medical workers’ job satisfaction during periods when epidemic prevention and control has become familiar and routine. To improve medical workers’ job satisfaction, administrators should seek to enhance medical staff’s remuneration, reduce their work pressure, and meet their needs (where reasonable).
Learning motivations and effort beliefs in Confucian cultural context: A dual-mode theoretical framework of achievement goal
Authors: Chen Shun-Wen
Published: February 2023

For decades, results of international academic assessments have shown that students in the Confucian cultural circle performed outstandingly well. However, many studies also showed that East Asian students often experienced high pressure and had low interest in academic learning. The “high achievement but low interest” phenomenon has aroused great interest in psychologists and educators. From the emic perspective of cultural psychology, this theoretical article aims to propose (1) a dual-mode framework of achievement goals to conceptualize the motivation for academic learning and (2) two kinds of effort beliefs (obligation-oriented and improvement-oriented belief about effort) students may develop when pursuing academic achievement in societies influenced by Confucian heritage culture. Moreover, a series of empirical studies based on the framework are presented in this article to show that (1) Chinese students’ academic striving is motivated not only by their interest but also by role obligation or virtue of effort, (2) students’ effort beliefs could predict their learning emotion and behavioral tendency, and (3) students’ effort beliefs could be influenced by their parents’ and teachers’ effort beliefs. The theoretical and practical implications of the framework are discussed.
Examining the validity of the polish short form version of the self-regulated learning—sport practice survey among competitive athletes
Authors: Siekanska Malgorzata , Wilson Stuart G. , Blecharz Jan , Young Bradley W.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Self-regulated learning entails psychological processes that elite athletes employ to optimize their practice. Although self-regulated learning provides insights into athlete-led practice, research has been limited to few cultures, and the particularities of how SRL surveys perform in new cultural contexts require attention. Moreover, there exists no measure to assess SRL and its relationship to quality sport practice in Polish. Thus, we examined the Short Form of the Self-Regulated Learning—Sport Practice survey in Polish. Analyses addressed the factorial validity and reliability, the criterion validity (by assessing differences in scores between competition levels), and the concurrent validity (by correlating scores with conceptually related constructs) of a Polish Short Form survey.

Methods

Athletes (N = 324, Mage = 21.4, nfemales = 144, nmales = 180) from amateur, regional, national, and international-elite levels completed the survey, along with concurrent subscales (General Self-Efficacy Scale; GSES; Metacognitive-Self Scale; MS-24; Action Control Scale; ACS-90).

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a two-factor (metacognitive; motivational) model (RMSEA = 0.082, SRMR = 0.057, CFI = 0.89). Between-group tests showed international-elite scoring higher than all other groups on metacognitive and motivational subscales. On both subscales, significant trends indicated that more skilled levels consistently reported higher scores than lesser-skilled levels. The short form scores were associated with certain concurrent variables, including GSES (rmeta = 0.41, rmotiv = 0.48), MS-24 (rmeta = 0.39, rmotiv = 0.24), and ACS-90 (AOF subscale: rmotiv = 0.26).

Discussion

On the basis of strong criterion validity, and moderate evidence for concurrent validity, we conclude that the Polish Short Form of the Self-Regulated Learning—Sport Practice survey is a promising tool for use in Polish sport and we discuss future avenues of work to enhance its validation. Limitations that inform future research include our reliance on a mixed-sport sample, the lack of priming of obstacles/challenge ahead of self-report, and a lack of consideration of sport-specific practice variables in analyses.
What I missed from my online therapist: A survey-based qualitative investigation of patient experiences of therapist contact in guided internet interventions
Authors: Sayar Hanna , Vøllestad Jon , Nordgreen Tine
Published: February 2023

Background

The effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) in alleviating symptoms of psychological disorders has been demonstrated across qualitative and quantitative studies. Generally, guided ICBT is considered more effective than unguided ICBT. Yet, what therapist contact and guidance specifically add to the treatment is less clear. There is a need for more knowledge about how patients experience the relationship with their therapist in guided ICBT. The aim of the study was to explore what patients missed in the contact with their therapist in guided ICBT in routine care.

Methods

The study used a qualitative design to explore patients´ experiences of the therapist contact in guided ICBT for social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and major depressive disorder. Following treatment, 579 patients received a survey with the open-ended question “What did you miss in the contact with your therapist?” The responses were explored thematically using qualitative content analysis.

Results

A total of 608 unique responses were provided. Of these, 219 responses gave voice to some degree of perceived lack or limitation in their interaction with the therapist or the treatment in general. The analysis yielded three main categories: The first theme, Therapist-ascribed shortcomings, concerned experiences of something missing or lacking in the contact with the ICBT therapist. More specifically, the patients expressed a need for more emotionally attuned and tailored interaction. The second theme was Program obstacles, encompassing expressed wishes for increased therapist responsivity and more contact face-to-face. Self-attributed limitations, the third category, concerned patient experiences of barriers to treatment engagement as originating in themselves.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on what patients receiving guided ICBT in routine care missed in the contact with their therapist. The patients who expressed that something was missing in the contact with their therapist constituted a small part of the responses in the sample, even after being directly asked. The themes that emerged point to significant experiences of being inadequately related and responded to, both with potential adverse consequences for the treatment. These findings give new insights to the role of the guidance in ICBT and have implications for the training and supervision of guided ICBT therapists.
Accelerated theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation of the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder: Case report
Authors: Chang Chun-Hung , Liu Chieh-Yu , Chen Shaw-Ji , Tsai Hsin-Chi
Published: February 2023

Background

Theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation has demonstrated promising effectiveness as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. However, the effect of accelerated theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in comorbid with PTSD and depression remains unknown.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 25-year-old woman with PTSD and depression whose symptoms markedly improved after continuous TBS of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and intermittent TBS (iTBS) over the left DLPFC, and then with 20 min break before the 2nd iTBS session.

Conclusions

Accelerated TBS over the bilateral DLPFC may improve severe PTSD and depression. Accelerated TBS may have more improvement of depression symptoms than PTSD symptoms. Further trials are warranted to investigate the effect and safety for patients with complicated PTSD and depression.
Differences in pragmatic communication skills of adults with intellectual disabilities and dual diagnoses
Authors: Djordjevic Mirjana , Glumbić Nenad , Brojčin Branislav , Banković Slobodan , Žunić Pavlović Vesna
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Pragmatics includes a set of skills related to language structure and meaning that allow the speaker to use the language appropriately and in accordance with different communication situations. The aim of this research was to determine the differences in pragmatic communication skills of adults with intellectual disabilities, dual diagnoses, and typical development, and to determine the effects of gender, age, the level of intellectual functioning and speech comprehension on their achievements on two assessment instruments.

Methods

The sample included 180 adults (60 typically developing participants, 60 with intellectual disabilities, and 60 participants with dual diagnoses). We used two instruments to assess pragmatic communication skills – Communication Checklist – Adult, CC-A, and the Assessment Battery for Communication, ABaCo. In order to test the differences between the three groups of participants, we used canonical discriminant analysis.

Results

Discriminant analysis revealed two significant canonical functions. Function one (speech comprehension and the level of intellectual disability, social engagement, and paralinguistic scale) differentiates between typically developing participants and participants with dual diagnoses the most. The second canonical function (language structure, linguistic scale, paralinguistic scale, extralinguistic scale, and context scale) differentiates between participants with intellectual disabilities and participants with dual diagnoses the most. According to the results, age did not affect pragmatic achievements.

Discussion

Pragmatic skills are very complex, and different instruments measure different dimensions of these abilities. The results of this research lead to the conclusion that we can differentiate between the pragmatic abilities of typically developing people, people with intellectual disabilities, and those with dual diagnoses with the help of the ABaCo battery and the CC-A questionnaire.
Overview on brain function enhancement of Internet addicts through exercise intervention: Based on reward-execution-decision cycle
Authors: Chen Hao , Dong Guijun , Li Kefeng
Published: February 2023

Internet addiction (IA) has become an impulse control disorder included in the category of psychiatric disorders. The IA trend significantly increased after the outbreak of the new crown epidemic. IA damages some brain functions in humans. Emerging evidence suggests that exercise exerts beneficial effects on the brain function and cognitive level damaged by IA. This work reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of IA and describes the brain function impairment by IA from three systems: reward, execution, and decision-making. Furthermore, we sort out the research related to exercise intervention on IA and its effect on improving brain function. The internal and external factors that produce IA must be considered when summarizing movement interventions from a behavioral perspective. We can design exercise prescriptions based on exercise interests and achieve the goal of quitting IA. This work explores the possible mechanisms of exercise to improve IA through systematic analysis. Furthermore, this work provides research directions for the future targeted design of exercise prescriptions.
Evaluation of a medical education policy with compulsory rural service in China
Authors: Hu Dan , Zhang Baisong , Huang Mingyu , Liu Min , Xia Xiulong , Zuo Yanli , Liu Xiaoyun
Published: February 2023

Background

Since 2010, China has implemented a national programme to train general practitioners for rural areas. The programme enrolled medical students with a rural background who signed a contract for 6 years' compulsory rural service after graduation. China is transitioning its national COVID-19 strategies in view of the features of coronavirus Omicron variant, the vaccination coverage, and the need for socioeconomic development. Strengthening primary health care, especially the health workforce in rural areas, should be an important consideration during the policy transition. This study aims to evaluate the implementation process of enrolling medical students in the programme, their willingness to work in the rural settings and their actual job choice after graduation.

Methods

The study chose four medical universities in central and western China. A total of 2,041 medical graduates who have signed a contract for compulsory rural service and 1,576 medical graduates enrolled “as usual” (no compulsory rural service) were recruited in five campaigns–every June from 2015 to 2019. A survey was conducted 1 week before their graduation ceremony.

Results

The top three reasons for choosing this programme were: a recommendation of a family member or teacher, a guaranteed job after graduation and the waiver of the tuition fee. 23.0–29.7% of the study participants were not familiar with the policy details. 39.1% of the medical students signed a contract with a county other than that of their hometown. Medical graduates on the compulsory rural service programme had very low willingness (1.9%) to work in rural areas but 86.1% of them actually worked at township health centers. In contrast, the willingness to work at township health centers was 0.2% for the comparison group (medical graduates without the contract), and their actual job choice at township health centers was 0%.

Conclusions

Although the well-trained medical graduates on the compulsory rural service programme have low willingness to work in the township health centers, 86.1% of them choose to do so following their contract. This programme will strengthen the primary health workforce to deal with the increasing disease burden as China is transitioning its national COVID-19 strategies.
High prevalence of persistent symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life 6 months after COVID-19
Authors: Ahmad Irma , Edin Alicia , Granvik Christoffer , Kumm Persson Lowa , Tevell Staffan , Månsson Emeli , Magnuson Anders , Marklund Ingela , Persson Ida-Lisa , Kauppi Anna , Ahlm Clas , Forsell Mattias N. E. , Sundh Josefin , Lange Anna , Cajander Sara , Normark Johan
Published: February 2023

Background

The long-term sequelae after COVID-19 constitute a challenge to public health and increased knowledge is needed. We investigated the prevalence of self-reported persistent symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in relation to functional exercise capacity, 6 months after infection, and explored risk factors for COVID-19 sequalae.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, cohort study including 434 patients. At 6 months, physical exercise capacity was assessed by a 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTST) and persistent symptoms were reported and HRQoL was evaluated through the EuroQol 5-level 5-dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Patients with both persistent symptoms and reduced HRQoL were classified into a new definition of post-acute COVID syndrome, PACS+. Risk factors for developing persistent symptoms, reduced HRQoL and PACS+ were identified by multivariable Poisson regression.

Results

Persistent symptoms were experienced by 79% of hospitalized, and 59% of non-hospitalized patients at 6 months. Hospitalized patients had a higher prevalence of self-assessed reduced overall health (28 vs. 12%) and PACS+ (31 vs. 11%). PACS+ was associated with reduced exercise capacity but not with abnormal pulse/desaturation during 1MSTST. Hospitalization was the most important independent risk factor for developing persistent symptoms, reduced overall health and PACS+.

Conclusion

Persistent symptoms and reduced HRQoL are common among COVID-19 survivors, but abnormal pulse and peripheral saturation during exercise could not distinguish patients with PACS+. Patients with severe infection requiring hospitalization were more likely to develop PACS+, hence these patients should be prioritized for clinical follow-up after COVID-19.
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus trends and hotspots in clinical research: A bibliometric analysis of global research
Authors: Zhang Zhengyu , Tan Juntao , Jin Wen , Qian Hong , Wang Loulei , Zhou Hu , Yuan Yuan , Wu Xiaoxin
Published: February 2023

Background

Since severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) was first reported in 2009, a large number of relevant studies have been published. However, no bibliometrics analysis has been conducted on the literature focusing on SFTSV. This study aims to evaluate the research hotspots and future development trends of SFTSV research through bibliometric analysis, and to provide a new perspective and reference for future SFTSV research and the prevention of SFTSV.

Methods

We retrieved global publications on SFTSV from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and Scopus databases from inception of the database until 2022 using VOSviewer software and CiteSpace was used for bibliometric analysis.

Results

The number of SFTSV-related publications has increased rapidly since 2011, peaking in 2021. A total of 45 countries/regions have published relevant publications, with China topping the list with 359. The Viruses-Basel has published the most papers on SFTSV. In addition, Yu et al. have made the greatest contribution to SFTSV research, with their published paper being the most frequently cited. The most popular SFTSV study topics included: (1) pathogenesis and symptoms, (2) characteristics of the virus and infected patients, and (3) transmission mechanism and risk factors for SFTSV.

Conclusions

In this study, we provide a detailed description of the research developments in SFTSV since its discovery and summarize the SFTSV research trends. SFTSV research is in a phase of explosive development, and a large number of publications have been published in the past decade. There is a lack of collaboration between countries and institutions, and international collaboration and exchanges should be strengthened in the future. The current research hotpots of SFTSV is antiviral therapy, immunotherapy, virus transmission mechanism and immune response.
The impact of cefuroxime prophylaxis on human intestinal microbiota in surgical oncological patients
Authors: Văcărean-Trandafir Irina Cezara , Amărandi Roxana-Maria , Ivanov Iuliu Cristian , Iacob Ştefan , Muşină Ana-Maria , Bărgăoanu Elena-Roxana , Dimofte Mihail-Gabriel
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The intestinal microbiota is vital to human health, and has a profound influence on several biological processes including inflammation and pathogen resistance. Antibiotic intake greatly impacts bacterial diversity, can increase antibiotic resistance and impair the equilibrium between bacterial species. The key to grasping post-antibiotic effects on the gut microbiota rests on the implementation of a suitable procedure to isolate microbial DNA and a meticulous consideration of experimental sequencing artefacts.

Methods

We herein report the bacterial community dynamics of a cohort of 128 surgical oncology patients before and after the intravenous administration of cefuroxime, an antibiotic routinely used in surgical antibioprophylaxis with proven efficiency against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In our study, we analyzed patient fecal samples collected through rectal examination before and 7 days post cefuroxime treatment by employing a high-throughput sequencing assay which targets the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. A first challenge in applying the study design was to extract an appropriate amount of DNA characteristic to the sampled microbiota, which implied the use of both mechanical (ceramic beads) and chemical (proteinase K, lysozyme and lysostaphin) lysis.

Results

Gut microbiota richness and composition was significantly different between the two groups, but most differences were determined by additional perioperative procedures, rather than antibioprophylaxis. Intestinal microbiota composition was not significantly changed one week post cefuroxime treatment when compared to pre-treatment condition for patients without mechanical bowel preparation, but some loss in taxonomic variety could be observed.

Discussion

Taken together, cefuroxime does not promote short-term dysbiosis in surgical patients without any additional perioperative procedures.
A case study in support of closure of bow shock current through the ionosphere utilizing multi-point observations and simulation
Authors: Dredger Pauline M. , Lopez Ramon E. , Hamrin Maria
Published: February 2023

On the bow shock in front of Earth’s magnetosphere flows a current due to the curl of the interplanetary magnetic field across the shock. The closure of this current remains uncertain; it is unknown whether the bow shock current closes with the Chapman-Ferraro current system on the magnetopause, along magnetic field lines into the ionosphere, through the magnetosheath, or some combination thereof. We present simultaneous observations from Magnetosphere Multiscale (MMS), AMPERE, and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) during a period of strong By, weakly negative Bz, and very small Bx. This IMF orientation should lead to a bow shock current flowing mostly south to north on the shock. AMPERE shows a current poleward of the Region 1 and Region 2 Birkeland currents flowing into the northern polar cap and out of the south, the correct polarity for bow shock current to be closing along open field lines. A southern Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F18 flyover confirms that this current is poleward of the convection reversal boundary. Additionally, we investigate the bow shock current closure for the above-mentioned solar wind conditions using an MHD simulation of the event. We compare the magnitude of the modeled bow shock current due to the IMF By component to the magnitude of the modeled high-latitude current that corresponds to the real current observed in AMPERE and by Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. In the simulation, the current poleward of the Region 1 currents is about 37% as large as the bow shock Iz in the northern ionosphere and 60% in the south. We conclude that the evidence points to at least a partial closure of the bow shock current through the ionosphere.
The global evolution of talent promotion within Olympic sports: A focus on the national systems and contribution of the former German Democratic Republic, Australia, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Weissensteiner Juanita R.
Published: February 2023

In this chapter we chronicle and explore the global evolution of national level talent promotion through the lens and respective journeys of the former German Democratic Republic, Australia and the United Kingdom. Whilst ideologically vastly different, core elements of talent promotion were mirrored and extended within the next national iteration. Key learnings obtained from this historical and comparative exploration serve to provide excellent learnings for policy makers, strategists, practitioners and researchers to support the review and development of current and future national talent promotion systems.