bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreasing Trends of Chinstrap Penguin Breeding Colonies in a Region of Major and Ongoing Rapid Environmental Changes Suggest Population Level Vulnerability
Authors: Krüger Lucas
Published: February 2023

The bulk of the chinstrap penguin (Pygoscelis antarcticus) global population inhabits the Antarctic Peninsula and Scotia Sea, which is a region undergoing rapid environmental changes. Consequently, regional level decreases for this species are widespread. This study aimed to evaluate the level of breeding colony changes in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Orkney Islands, which, roughly, hold 60% of the global chinstrap penguin population. The results indicated that within a period of 40 to 50 years, 62% of colonies underwent decreases, and the majority of colonies experienced decreases over 50%, which is represented by numbers in the range of 2000 to 40,000 pairs. Within three generations’ time, the whole population for the area had experienced decreases of around 30%. These levels of decrease add to the fact that the suspected causes are not likely reversible in the short- to mid-term, calling for increased concern about the conservation of this species.
Evaluating Cardiac Lateralization by MRI to Simplify Estimation of Cardiopulmonary Impairment in Pectus Excavatum
Authors: Abu-Tair Tariq , Turial Salmai , Willershausen Ines , Alkassar Muhannad , Staatz Gundula , Kampmann Christoph
Published: February 2023

Background: The severity of pectus excavatum is classified by the Haller Index (HI) and/or Correction Index (CI). These indices measure only the depth of the defect and, therefore, impede a precise estimation of the actual cardiopulmonary impairment. We aimed to evaluate the MRI-derived cardiac lateralization to improve the estimation of cardiopulmonary impairment in Pectus excavatum in connection with the Haller and Correction Indices. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 113 patients (mean age = 19.03 ± 7.8) with pectus excavatum, whose diagnosis was verified on cross-sectional MRI images using the HI and CI. For the development of an improved HI and CI index, the patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing to assess the influence of the right ventricle’s position on cardiopulmonary impairment. The indexed lateral position of the pulmonary valve was utilized as a surrogate parameter for right ventricle localization. Results: In patients with PE, the heart’s lateralization significantly correlated with the severity of pectus excavatum (p ≤ 0.001). When modifying HI and CI for the individual’s pulmonary valve position, those indices are present with greater sensitivity and specificity regarding the maximum oxygen-pulse as a pathophysiological correlate of reduced cardiac function (χ2 10.986 and 15.862, respectively). Conclusion: The indexed lateral deviation of the pulmonary valve seems to be a valuable cofactor for HI and CI, allowing for an improved description of cardiopulmonary impairment in PE patients.
Comparison of MT-PCR with Quantitative PCR for Human Bocavirus in Respiratory Samples with Multiple Respiratory Viruses Detection
Authors: Mijač Maja , Ljubin-Sternak Sunčanica , Ivković-Jureković Irena , Vraneš Jasmina
Published: February 2023

Human bocavirus (HBoV) is an important respiratory pathogen, especially in children, but it is often found in co-detection with other respiratory viruses, which makes the diagnostic approach challenging. We compared multiplex PCR and quantitative PCR for HBoV with multiplex tandem PCR (MT-PCR) in 55 cases of co-detection of HBoV and other respiratory viruses. In addition, we investigated whether there is a connection between the severity of the disease, measured by the localization of the infection, and amount of virus detected in the respiratory secretions. No statistically significant difference was found, but children with large amount of HBoV and other respiratory virus had a longer stay in hospital.
Click-through Rate Prediction and Uncertainty Quantification Based on Bayesian Deep Learning
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Dong Hongbin
Published: February 2023

Click-through rate (CTR) prediction is a research point for measuring recommendation systems and calculating AD traffic. Existing studies have proved that deep learning performs very well in prediction tasks, but most of the existing studies are based on deterministic models, and there is a big gap in capturing uncertainty. Modeling uncertainty is a major challenge when using machine learning solutions to solve real-world problems in various domains. In order to quantify the uncertainty of the model and achieve accurate and reliable prediction results. This paper designs a CTR prediction framework combining feature selection and feature interaction. In this framework, a CTR prediction model based on Bayesian deep learning is proposed to quantify the uncertainty in the prediction model. On the squeeze network and DNN parallel prediction model framework, the approximate posterior parameter distribution of the model is obtained using the Monte Carlo dropout, and obtains the integrated prediction results. Epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty are defined and adopt information entropy to calculate the sum of the two kinds of uncertainties. Epistemic uncertainty could be measured by mutual information. Experimental results show that the model proposed is superior to other models in terms of prediction performance and has the ability to quantify uncertainty.
A Multidimensional Model of Analysis of Students’ Global Experience in Higher Education
Authors: Sá Maria José
Published: February 2023

In the current higher education context, higher education institutions need, more than ever before, to compete for students, attracting, retaining and, ultimately, graduating them. To this end, actions are increasingly developed, and conditions are created to promote student success. The literature demonstrates that there is a strong link between the students’ experience and success. However, students’ experience cannot be controlled by the higher education institution, given the existence of previous subjective experiences that students bring when they enroll in higher education, which act as filters of their current experiences. The central goal of this study is to unveil the factors that students perceive as influencers on their global experience in higher education, which are reflected in their path, performance and success. The methodology used is qualitative, with in-depth interviews with students and institutional leaders from four Portuguese higher education institutions, complemented with documentary analysis. The results reveal that individual and organizational factors, alongside the students’ global experience, clearly influence their definition of a successful higher education student. Students build their representations of success based on the multiplicity and complexity of their experiences in higher education, affected by the features of the higher education institution and mediated by their personal history and life project.
Understanding the Impact of a Learning Management System Using a Novel Modified DeLone and McLean Model
Authors: Elmunsyah Hakkun , Nafalski Andrew , Wibawa Aji Prasetya , Dwiyanto Felix Andika
Published: February 2023

Due to the evident importance of e-learning in education, the number of e-courses and systems delivering various services has exploded. Thus, evaluating e-learning systems is critical to ensuring their successful delivery, practical use, and beneficial effects on learners. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the success of learning management systems using the modified DeLone and McLean model. A survey involving 239 in-service vocational teachers evaluated the research model. Statistical analysis was used to examine the hypotheses, specifically linear regression analysis. The results of the nine proposed hypotheses indicate that two had an insignificant relationship: information quality on user satisfaction (H5) and system quality on use (H7). The finding shows that the proposed model may give an alternative point of view to the LMS evaluation.
Secure Modern Wireless Communication Network Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Chandan Radha Raman , Balobaid Awatef , Cherukupalli Naga Lakshmi Sowjanya , H L Gururaj , Flammini Francesco , Natarajan Rajesh
Published: February 2023

Sixth-generation (6G) wireless networking studies have begun with the global implementation of fifth-generation (5G) wireless systems. It is predicted that multiple heterogeneity applications and facilities may be supported by modern wireless communication networks (MWCNs) with improved effectiveness and protection. Nevertheless, a variety of trust-related problems that are commonly disregarded in network architectures prevent us from achieving this objective. In the current world, MWCN transmits a lot of sensitive information. It is essential to protect MWCN users from harmful attacks and offer them a secure transmission to meet their requirements. A malicious node causes a major attack on reliable data during transmission. Blockchain offers a potential answer for confidentiality and safety as an innovative transformative tool that has emerged in the last few years. Blockchain has been extensively investigated in several domains, including mobile networks and the Internet of Things, as a feasible option for system protection. Therefore, a blockchain-based modal, Transaction Verification Denied conflict with spurious node (TVDCSN) methodology, was presented in this study for wireless communication technologies to detect malicious nodes and prevent attacks. In the suggested mode, malicious nodes will be found and removed from the MWCN and intrusion will be prevented before the sensitive information is transferred to the precise recipient. Detection accuracy, attack prevention, security, network overhead, and computation time are the performance metrics used for evaluation. Various performance measures are used to assess the method’s efficacy, and it is compared with more traditional methods.
A Scientometric Research on Applications and Advances of Fire Safety Evacuation in Buildings
Authors: Yang Yang , Du Hongbo , Yao Gang
Published: February 2023

Fire safety evacuation has been used in numerous different kinds of buildings. This research conducts a scientometric review of fire safety evacuation applications and advances in the buildings to clarify the research trends of fire evacuation in the future and provide guidance for relevant research. A total of 3312 journals and conference proceedings were analyzed through different dimensions. The result proves that evacuation environments concentrate mainly on residential building, commercial building, school, and railway station. The characteristics of the evacuee have been gradually refined in recent years, including children, the elderly, patients, and vulnerable groups. The main experimental approaches of fire safety evacuation are evacuation drills, site records, and VR/AR experiments. The crowd behavior models mainly consist of six types: a cellular automata model, a social force model, a lattice gas model, a game-theoretic model, an animal agent-based model, and a computer agent-based model. The analysis results in the theoretical method are becoming gradually closer to the behavioral characteristics and movement data of the crowd during the actual evacuation with improvements of practical considerations. The study of evacuation drills, disaster rescue, emergencies, and other external environmental factors will become the forefront of future research, and subway stations, airports, high-rise building, and other personnel places will be the focus of the study of crowd evacuation.
A Representation for Many Player Generalized Divide the Dollar Games
Authors: Greenwood Garrison W. , Ashlock Daniel
Published: February 2023

Divide the dollar is a simplified version of a two player bargaining problem game devised by John Nash. The generalized divide the dollar game has n>2 players. Evolutionary algorithms can be used to evolve individual players for this generalized game but representation—i.e., a genome plus a move or search operator(s)—must be carefully chosen since it affects the search process. This paper proposes an entirely new representation called a demand matrix. Each individual in the evolving population now represents a collection of n players rather than just an individual player. Players use previous outcomes to decide their choices (bids) in the current round. The representation scales linearly with the number of players and the move operator is a variant of an evolution strategy. The results indicate that this proposed representation for the generalized divide the dollar game permits the efficient evolution of large player populations with high payoffs and fair demand sets.
Competing Endogenous RNA Regulatory Networks of hsa_circ_0126672 in Pathophysiology of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Rafiq Muhammad , Dandare Abdullahi , Javed Arham , Liaquat Afrose , Raja Afraz Ahmad , Awan Hassaan Mehboob , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Naeem Aisha
Published: February 2023

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a global health concern, and its molecular origin is not fully elucidated. Dysregulation of ncRNAs has been linked to many metabolic and infectious diseases. This study aimed to explore the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of CHD and predicted a candidate circRNA that could be targeted for therapeutic approaches to the disease. circRNAs associated with CHD were identified and CHD gene expression profiles were obtained, and analyzed with GEO2R. In addition, differentially expressed miRNA target genes (miR-DEGs) were identified and subjected to functional enrichment analysis. Networks of circRNA/miRNA/mRNA and the miRNA/affected pathways were constructed. Furthermore, a miRNA/mRNA homology study was performed. We identified that hsa_circ_0126672 was strongly associated with the CHD pathology by competing for endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanisms. hsa_circ_0126672 characteristically sponges miR-145-5p, miR-186-5p, miR-548c-3p, miR-7-5p, miR-495-3p, miR-203a-3p, and miR-21. Up-regulation of has_circ_0126672 affected various CHD-related cellular functions, such as atherosclerosis, JAK/STAT, and Apelin signaling pathways. Our results also revealed a perfect and stable interaction for the hybrid of miR-145-5p with NOS1 and RPS6KB1. Finally, miR-145-5p had the highest degree of interaction with the validated small molecules. Henchashsa_circ_0126672 and target miRNAs, notably miR-145-5p, could be good candidates for the diagnosis and therapeutic approaches to CHD.
Production and Characterization of K562 Cellular Clones Hyper-Expressing the Gene Encoding α-Globin: Preliminary Analysis of Biomarkers Associated with Autophagy
Authors: Zurlo Matteo , Gasparello Jessica , Cosenza Lucia Carmela , Breveglieri Giulia , Papi Chiara , Zuccato Cristina , Gambari Roberto , Finotti Alessia
Published: February 2023

One of the most relevant pathophysiological hallmarks of β-thalassemia is the accumulation of toxic α-globin chains inside erythroid cells, which is responsible for their premature death (hemolysis). In this context, the availability of an experimental model system mimicking the excess in α-globin chain production is still lacking. The objective of the present study was to produce and characterize K562 cellular clones forced to produce high amounts of α-globin, in order to develop an experimental model system suitable for studies aimed at the reduction of the accumulation of toxic α-globin aggregates. In the present study, we produced and characterized K562 cellular clones that, unlike the original K562 cell line, stably produced high levels of α-globin protein. As expected, the obtained clones had a tendency to undergo apoptosis that was proportional to the accumulation of α-globin, confirming the pivotal role of α-globin accumulation in damaging erythroid cells. Interestingly, the obtained clones seemed to trigger autophagy spontaneously, probably to overcome the accumulation/toxicity of the α-globin. We propose this new model system for the screening of pharmacological agents able to activate the full program of autophagy to reduce α-globin accumulation, but the model may be also suitable for new therapeutical approaches targeted at the reduction of the expression of the α-globin gene.
COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: A Cameo Role for Headache
Authors: Martelletti Paolo
Published: February 2023

Headache is a very frequent symptom in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Many studies have emphasized its clinical diagnostic and prognostic importance on the one hand, as in many cases these aspects have been completely ignored. It is therefore opportune to go back over these lines of research in order to gather what usefulness the headache symptom may or may not represent for the clinician dealing with COVID-19 or performing or following up on the clinical course following vaccination for SARS-CoV-2. The clinical evaluation of headache in COVID-19 is not fundamental in the diagnostic and prognostic process of the emergency departments; however, the risk of severe adverse events, although very rare, must be taken into account by the clinicians. For subjects presenting with severe, drug-resistant, and delayed-onset post-vaccination headache, it could represent a possible sign of central venous thrombosis or other thrombotic complications. Thus, a re-reading of the role of headache in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination seems clinically useful.
The Effect of a 12-Week Physical Functional Training-Based Physical Education Intervention on Students’ Physical Fitness—A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Li Hailing , Cheong Jadeera Phaik Geok , Hussain Bahar
Published: February 2023

Children have received much attention in recent years, as many studies have shown that their physical fitness level is on the decline. Physical education, as a compulsory curriculum, can play a monumental role in contributing to students’ participation in physical activities and the enhancement of their physical fitness. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of a 12-week physical functional training intervention program on students’ physical fitness. A total of 180 primary school students (7–12 years) were invited to participate in this study, 90 of whom participated in physical education classes that included 10 min of physical functional training, and the remaining 90 were in a control group that participated in traditional physical education classes. After 12 weeks, the 50-m sprint (F = 18.05, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.09), timed rope skipping (F = 27.87, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.14), agility T-test (F = 26.01, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.13), and standing long jump (F = 16.43, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.08) were all improved, but not the sit-and-reach (F = 0.70, p = 0.405). The results showed that physical education incorporating physical functional training can effectively promote some parameters of students’ physical fitness, while at the same time providing a new and alternative idea for improving students’ physical fitness in physical education.
Crop Straw Resource Utilization as Pilot Policy in China: An Event History Analysis
Authors: Bai Wuliyasu , Zhang Long , Yan Liang , Wang Xinyi , Zhou Zhiqiao
Published: February 2023

Massively generated crop straw can be utilized and valorized with great economic and environmental benefits. The Chinese government has adopted the pilot policy of crop straw resource utilization (CSRU) for disposing of the straw and practicing waste valorization. This work took 164 counties in the Hebei Province of China as a case study, mapped the temporal and spatial characteristics of the diffusion of the CSRU pilot policy in this province, and conducted an Event History Analysis by establishing a binary logistic regression model to identify the specific factors that determine the diffusion of the CSRU pilot policy in China from the aspects of resource availability, internal capacity, and external pressure. It indicates that: (1) the CSRU pilot policy diffuses rapidly in Hebei Province, although it is still at the early stage of this policy diffusion; (2) the model explains 95.2% of the variance in adopting a pilot county, indicating the effectiveness of this model; (3) straw resource density has a positive impact on CSRU pilot selections, and it can increase the possibility of one county being selected as a CSRU pilot by 23.2%, while population density has shown a negative effect; (3) policy support from local government is a major internal factor that determines CSRU performance, and it can increase the possibility of one county being selected as a CSRU pilot nearly tenfold; proximity pressure from neighboring counties has a positive effect on the diffusion of the CSRU policy, and it also greatly increases the possibility of being selected as a CSRU pilot.
COVID-19 Fear Impact on Israeli and Maltese Female “Help” Profession Students
Authors: Yehudai Mor , Clark Marilyn , Azzopardi Andrew , Romem Porat Shai-li , Dagan Adi , Reznik Alexander , Isralowitz Richard
Published: February 2023

Background: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 fear on the well-being of Israeli and Maltese female “help” profession (e.g., social work and psychology) undergraduate students. This cross-national comparison includes factors of depression, anxiety, anger, loneliness, nervousness, substance use, eating behavior, burnout, and resilience. The study hypothesis is that country status, even with different social–cultural characteristics including religiosity, is not a significant factor associated with COVID-19 fear impact on select behavioral characteristics of female university students. Methods: A total of 453 female “help” profession students completed an online survey from January to July 2021. Various statistical methods of analysis including regression were used for this study. Results: The mean COVID-19 fear scores were the same among Israeli and Maltese students. Resilience was found to be higher among Israeli females; burnout was found to be higher among those from Malta. Substance use (i.e., tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, or prescription drugs) in the last month was reported by 77.2% of the respondents. No significant differences were found for previous-month substance use based on country status. Regardless of country, respondents who reported more previous-month substance use had higher COVID-19 fear and burnout scores, as well as lower resilience. Due to COVID-19, most respondents (74.3%) reported deterioration of their psycho-emotional well-being in the last month; however, no significant differences were found based on country and religiosity statuses. Furthermore, no significant differences were found for eating behavior changes and weight increase based on country and religiosity statuses. Conclusion: Study findings showed the impact of COVID-19 fear on the well-being of Israeli and Maltese female “help” profession undergraduate students. This study examined only female students; however, additional research is needed to address male students and their experiences. Prevention and treatment intervention measures aimed to increase resilience and decrease burnout, including those that can be made available on campus, should be thought about by university administration personnel and student association leaders in consultation with mental health professionals.
The Longitudinal Association between Co-Residential Care Provision and Healthcare Use among the Portuguese Population Aged 50 and Over: A SHARE Study
Authors: Barbosa Fátima , Simões Dias Sara , Voss Gina , Delerue Matos Alice
Published: February 2023

Co-residential care is associated with poor caregiver health and a high burden. Although Portugal relies heavily on co-residential care by individuals aged 50 and over, studies on the impact of co-residential care provision on Portuguese caregivers’ healthcare use are lacking. This study aims to analyze the impact of co-residential care (spousal and non-spousal care) on healthcare use of the Portuguese population aged 50 plus. Data from waves 4 (n = 1697) and 6 (n = 1460) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) were used. Negative Binomial Generalized Linear Mixed Models with random (individual level) and fixed (covariates) effects were performed. The results show that the number of visits to the doctor decrease significantly over time for the co-residential spousal caregivers as compared to the non-co-residential caregivers. This result highlights the fact that the Portuguese co-residential spousal caregiver group is at a higher risk of not using healthcare, thus jeopardizing their own health and continuity of care. Promoting more accessible healthcare services and implementing public policies adjusted to the needs of informal caregivers are important to improve the health and healthcare use of Portuguese spousal co-residential caregivers.
Social and Health Determinants of Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Lim Shiang Cheng , Chan Yoke Mun , Gan Wan Ying
Published: February 2023

Quality of life (QOL) of older adults is a complex issue that requires an understanding of the intersection between socioeconomic and health factors. A poor quality of life (QOL) is frequently reported as sub-optimal among older adults whereby concerted and collective actions are required through an evidence-based approach. Hence, this cross-sectional study aims to determine the social and health predictors of the QOL of a community-dwelling older adult Malaysian population through a quantitative household survey using multi-stage sampling. A total of 698 respondents aged 60 years old and older were recruited and the majority of them had a good quality of life. Risk of depression, disability, living with stroke, low household income, and lack of social network were identified as the predictors of a poor QOL among the community-dwelling older Malaysians. The identified predictors for QOL provided a list of priorities for the development of policies, strategies, programmes, and interventions to enhance the QOL of the community-dwelling older Malaysians. Multisectoral approaches, especially collective efforts from both social and health sectors, are required to address the complexities of the ageing issues.
The Protective Effect of Bariatric Surgery on the Development of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pararas Nikolaos , Pikouli Anastasia , Dellaportas Dionysios , Nastos Constantinos , Charalampopoulos Anestis , Muqresh Mohamad Ayham , Bagias George , Pikoulis Emmanouil , Papaconstantinou Dimitrios
Published: February 2023

Background: Obesity is a known risk factor for developing colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with the formation of precancerous colonic adenomas. Bariatric surgery (BRS) is considered to reduce the cancer risk in morbidly obese patients. However, the currently available literature yields contradicting results regarding the impact of bariatric surgery on the incidence of CRC. Methods: A systematic literature search of the Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, and clinicaltrials.gov databases was undertaken following the PRISMA guidelines. A random effects model was selected. Results: Twelve retrospective cohort studies, incorporating a total of 6,279,722 patients, were eligible for inclusion in the final quantitative analysis. Eight studies originated from North America, while four reported on European patients. Patients in the Bariatric Surgery group exhibited a significantly reduced risk for developing colorectal cancer (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.4–0.8, p < 0.001), while sleeve gastrectomy was found to be significantly associated with a smaller incidence of CRC (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.83, p < 0.001), and gastric bypass and banding did not. Conclusions: A significant protective effect of BRS against the development of CRC is implied. In the present analysis, the incidence rate of colorectal cancer was approximately halved amongst the obese individuals that were operated on.
Factors Influencing Retention among Regional, Rural and Remote Undergraduate Nursing Students in Australia: A Systematic Review of Current Research Evidence
Authors: Liu Xian-Liang , Wang Tao , Bressington Daniel , Nic Giolla Easpaig Bróna , Wikander Lolita , Tan Jing-Yu (Benjamin)
Published: February 2023

Background: This systematic review aimed to explore the factors influencing retention among regional, rural, and remote undergraduate nursing students who were enrolled in Australian universities. Methods: Mixed-methods systematic review. A+ Education, CINAHL, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Education Research Complete, JBI EBP database, Journals@Ovid, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched from September 2017 to September 2022 to identify eligible English-language studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was critically assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal tools. Descriptive analysis with a convergent segregated approach was conducted to synthesize and integrate the results from the included studies. Results: Two quantitative and four qualitative studies were included in this systematic review. Both the quantitative and qualitative findings demonstrated that additional academic and personal support was essential for improving retention among undergraduate nursing students from regional, rural, and remote areas in Australia. The qualitative synthesis also highlighted many internal (e.g., personal qualities, stress, ability to engage with classes and institutions, time management, lack of confidence, cultural well-being, and Indigenous identity) and external factors (e.g., technical difficulties, casual tutors, different competing demands, study facilities, and financial and logistical barriers) that influenced retention among undergraduate nursing students from regional, rural, and remote areas in Australia. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrates that identifying potentially modifiable factors could be the focus of retention support programs for undergraduate nursing students. The findings of this systematic review provide a direction for the development of retention support strategies and programs for undergraduate nursing students from regional, rural and remote areas in Australia.
Qualitative Experience of Self-Exclusion Programs: A Scoping Review
Authors: Devault-Tousignant Cyril , Lavoie Nicolas , Côté Mélissa , Audette-Chapdelaine Sophie , Auger Anne-Marie , Håkansson Anders , Brodeur Magaly
Published: February 2023

Gambling disorder is a major public health issue in many countries. It has been defined as a persistent, recurrent pattern of gambling and is associated with substantial distress or impairment, lower quality of life, and living with a plurality of psychiatric problems. Many people suffering from gambling disorder seek help in ways other than formal treatment seeking, including self-management strategies. One example of responsible gambling tools that has gained popularity in recent years is self-exclusion programs. Self-exclusion entails individuals barring themselves from a gambling venue or a virtual platform. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the literature on this topic and to explore participants’ perceptions and experiences with self-exclusion. An electronic literature search was conducted on 16th May 2022 in the following databases: Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Education Source, ERIC, MEDLINE with Full Text, APA PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, APA PsychInfo, Social Work Abstracts, and SocINDEX. The search yielded a total of 236 articles, of which 109 remained after duplicates were removed. After full-text reading, six articles were included in this review. The available literature shows that although there are many barriers and limitations to the current self-exclusion programs, self-exclusion is generally viewed as an effective responsible gambling strategy. There is a clear need to improve the current programs by increasing awareness, publicity, availability, staff training, off-site venue exclusion, and technology-assisted monitoring, as well as by adopting more holistic management approaches to gambling disorders in general.
Physicians’ Distress Related to Moral Issues and Mental Health In-Between Two Late Waves of COVID-19 Contagions
Authors: Cooper-Bribiesca Davis , Rascón-Martínez Dulce María , Miguel-Puga José Adan , Juárez-Carreón María Karen , Sánchez-Hurtado Luis Alejandro , Colin-Martinez Tania , Anda-Garay Juan Carlos , Espinosa-Poblano Eliseo , Jáuregui-Renaud Kathrine
Published: February 2023

In addition to the sanitary constrains implemented due to the pandemic, frontline physicians have faced increased workloads with insufficient resources, and the responsibility to make extraordinary clinical decisions. In 108 physicians who were at the forefront of care of patients with COVID-19 during the first two years of the pandemic, mental health, moral distress, and moral injury were assessed twice, in between two late waves of COVID-19 contagions, according to their adverse psychological reactions, in-hospital experience, sick leave due to COVID-19, quality of sleep, moral sensitivity, clinical empathy, resilience, and sense of coherence. Three months after the wave of contagions, the adverse emotional reactions and moral distress decreased, while moral injury persisted. Moral distress was related to clinical empathy, with influence from burnout and sick leave due to COVID-19, and moral injury was related to the sense of coherence, while recovery from moral distress was related to resilience. The results suggest that measures to prevent physician infection, as well as strengthening resilience and a sense of coherence, may be helpful to prevent persistent mental damage after exposure to a sanitary crisis.
The Opinion of Polish Coeliac Patients on the Knowledge of Medical Professionals and Support Groups about Coeliac Disease—A Pilot Study
Authors: Majsiak Emilia , Choina Magdalena , Cukrowska Bożena
Published: February 2023

A high quality of knowledge and how it is communicated by healthcare professionals (HCPs) let the patient understand coeliac disease (CD) and result in better adherence to therapeutic recommendations. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the opinion of Polish respondents with CD on the comprehension of CD among Polish HCPs. The analysis was based on 796 responses from patients (the members of the Polish Coeliac Society) with confirmed CD diagnosis (224; 28.1% children and 572; 71.9% adults). The most frequently consulted HCPs regarding CD symptoms in the analysed group were gastroenterologists, and various support groups and associations for CD patients. Furthermore, their comprehension of CD was rated best, as 89.3% (n = 552) of the patients who had contact with support groups and associations classified their knowledge on CD as good. More than a half of the respondents (n = 310, 56.6%) who had contact with general practitioners (GPs) due to their symptoms, rated the doctor’s knowledge on CD as bad. Nurses’ comprehension on CD was classified as bad by 45 (52.3%) respondents who had contact with a nurse. Out of 294 Polish patients with CD who had contact with a dietician, 247 (84.0%) assessed that the dietician communicated their knowledge on CD well. The respondents rated that GPs and nurses communicated their knowledge on CD in the worst manner (60.4% and 58.1%, respectively). Out of 796 respondents, 792 (99.5%) provided information about the number of appointments with GPs due to symptoms that occurred prior to CD diagnosis. The respondents had contact with GPs 13 863 times before obtaining a CD diagnosis due to their symptoms. After the establishment of a CD diagnosis, the number of appointments with GPs decreased to 3850, and the average number of appointments decreased from 17.8 to 5.1. The respondents assessed that the knowledge on CD of HCPs is not satisfactory. The work of support groups and associations on CD, who promote reliable CD diagnosis and treatment methods, should be promoted. The cooperation between various HCPs needs to be encouraged, which may lead to better compliance.
Non-Invasive Classification of Blood Glucose Level Based on Photoplethysmography Using Time–Frequency Analysis
Authors: Susana Ernia , Ramli Kalamullah , Purnamasari Prima Dewi , Apriantoro Nursama Heru
Published: February 2023

Diabetes monitoring systems are crucial for avoiding potentially significant medical expenses. At this time, the only commercially viable monitoring methods that exist are invasive ones. Since patients are uncomfortable while blood samples are being taken, these techniques have significant disadvantages. The drawbacks of invasive treatments might be overcome by a painless, inexpensive, non-invasive approach to blood glucose level (BGL) monitoring. Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals obtained from sensor leads placed on specific organ tissues are collected using photodiodes and nearby infrared LEDs. Cardiovascular disease can be detected via photoplethysmography. These characteristics can be used to directly affect BGL monitoring in diabetic patients if PPG signals are used. The Guilin People’s Hospital’s open database was used to produce the data collection. The dataset was gathered from 219 adult respondents spanning an age range from 21 to 86 of which 48 percent were male. There were 2100 sampling points total for each PPG data segment. The methodology of feature extraction from data may assist in increasing the effectiveness of classifier training and testing. PPG data information is modified in the frequency domain by the instantaneous frequency (IF) and spectral entropy (SE) moments using the time–frequency (TF) analysis. Three different forms of raw data were used as inputs, and we investigated the original PPG signal, the PPG signal with instantaneous frequency, and the PPG signal with spectral entropy. According to the results of the model testing, the PPG signal with spectral entropy generated the best outcomes. Compared to decision trees, subspace k-nearest neighbor, and k-nearest neighbor, our suggested approach with the super vector machine obtains a greater level of accuracy. The super vector machine, with 91.3% accuracy and a training duration of 9 s, was the best classifier.
Paving Behavior in Ants and Its Potential Application in Monitoring Two Urban Pest Ants, Solenopsis invicta and Tapinoma melanocephalum
Authors: Shen Liming , Wen Chao , Chen Xuan , Hua Yan , Du Chengju , Cai Jiacheng , Wen Xiujun , Wang Lei , Wang Cai
Published: February 2023

Our previous study discovered that two urban pest ants, red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), and ghost ants, Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae), can pave viscose surfaces with particles to facilitate food search and transport. We hypothesize that this paving behavior can be applied to monitor S. invicta and T. melanocephalum. In the present study, 3998 adhesive tapes, each with a food source (sausage), were placed in 20 locations around Guangzhou, China (181–224 tapes per location), and their efficiency to detect S. invicta and T. melanocephalum was compared with two traditional ant-monitoring methods, baiting and pitfall trapping. Overall, S. invicta was detected by 45.6% and 46.4% of baits and adhesive tapes, respectively. In each location, the percentage of adhesive tapes detecting S. invicta and T. melanocephalum was similar when compared to baits and pitfall traps. However, significantly more non-target ant species showed up on bait and pitfall traps. Seven non-target ant species—Pheidole parva Mayr (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), Pheidole nodus Smith (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), Pheidole sinica Wu & Wang (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), Pheidole yeensis Forel (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), Carebara affinis (Jerdon) (Formicidae: Myrmicinae), Camponotus nicobarensis Mayr (Formicidae: Formicinae), and Odontoponera transversa (Smith) (Formicidae: Ponerinae)—also showed tape paving behavior, but they can be easily distinguished morphologically from S. invicta and T. melanocephalum. Our study showed that the paving behavior occurs in different subfamilies of ants (i.e., myrmicinae, dolichoderinae, formicinae, and ponerinae). In addition, paving behavior can potentially be used to develop more specific monitoring methods for S. invicta and T. melanocephalum in urban areas in southern China.
Prospective Comparative Study of Dysphagia after Subaxial Cervical Spine Surgery: Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Ossification
Authors: Sakaki Kyohei , Sakai Kenichiro , Arai Yoshiyasu , Torigoe Ichiro , Tomori Masaki , Hirai Takashi , Onuma Hiroaki , Kobayashi Yutaka , Okawa Atsushi , Yoshii Toshitaka
Published: February 2023

We prospectively investigated the postoperative dysphagia in cervical posterior longitudinal ligament ossification (C-OPLL) and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) to identify the risk factors of each disease and the incidence. A series of 55 cases with C-OPLL: 13 anterior decompression with fusion (ADF), 16 posterior decompression with fusion (PDF), and 26 laminoplasty (LAMP), and a series of 123 cases with CSM: 61 ADF, 5 PDF, and 57 LAMP, were included. Vertebral level, number of segments, approach, and with or without fusion, and pre and postoperative values of Bazaz dysphagia score, C2-7 lordotic angle (∠C2-7), cervical range of motion, O-C2 lordotic angle, cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association score, and visual analog scale for neck pain were investigated. New dysphagia was defined as an increase in the Bazaz dysphagia score by one grade or more than one year after surgery. New dysphagia occurred in 12 cases with C-OPLL; 6 with ADF (46.2%), 4 with PDF (25%), 2 with LAMP (7.7%), and in 19 cases with CSM; 15 with ADF (24.6%), 1 with PDF (20%), and 3 with LAMP (1.8%). There was no significant difference in the incidence between the two diseases. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that increased ∠C2-7 was a risk factor for both diseases.
Approaches to Improve EPR-Based Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy and Diagnosis
Authors: Subhan Md Abdus , Parveen Farzana , Filipczak Nina , Yalamarty Satya Siva Kishan , Torchilin Vladimir P.
Published: February 2023

The innovative development of nanomedicine has promised effective treatment options compared to the standard therapeutics for cancer therapy. However, the efficiency of EPR-targeted nanodrugs is not always pleasing as it is strongly prejudiced by the heterogeneity of the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). Targeting the dynamics of the EPR effect and improvement of the therapeutic effects of nanotherapeutics by using EPR enhancers is a vital approach to developing cancer therapy. Inadequate data on the efficacy of EPR in humans hampers the clinical translation of cancer drugs. Molecular targeting, physical amendment, or physiological renovation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are crucial approaches for improving the EPR effect. Advanced imaging technologies for the visualization of EPR-induced nanomedicine distribution in tumors, and the use of better animal models, are necessary to enhance the EPR effect. This review discusses strategies to enhance EPR effect-based drug delivery approaches for cancer therapy and imaging technologies for the diagnosis of EPR effects. The effort of studying the EPR effect is beneficial, as some of the advanced nanomedicine-based EPR-enhancing approaches are currently undergoing clinical trials, which may be helpful to improve EPR-induced drug delivery and translation to clinics.
OCTA and Doppler Ultrasound in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Lestak Jan , Fus Martin , Rybář Marain , Benda Antonin
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to determine whether the values of vessel density (VD) and perfusion parameters in the ophthalmic artery (OA) and central retinal artery (CRA) of the same eye differ in patients with hypertensive glaucoma (HTG) from patients with normotensive glaucoma (NTG). The first group consisted of 20 HTG patients (40 eyes). Patients with HTG were verified to have primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The second group consisted of 20 HTG patients (40 eyes). VD was used to determine the Avanti RTVue XR from Optovue (USA). Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) were measured in both the central retinal artery (CRA) and ophthalmic artery (OA) using Doppler sonography on the Affinity 70G from Philips (USA). The visual field (VF) was examined by a fast threshold glaucoma program using a Medmont M700 (Australia). We showed no differences in VF, VD, PSV-OA and EDV-CRA between the two groups. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed in PSV in CRA (p = 0.04), EDV in OA (p = 0.009) and in RI in both CRA and OA. Other values were without significant differences in both groups. In both HTG and NTG, we observed in PSV-CRA, EDV-OA, RI-CRA and RI-OA.
The Behavior of Rickettsia-Positive Dermacentor reticulatus Ticks under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Pipová Natália , Peňazziová Katarína , Baňas Miroslav , Majláth Igor , Majláthová Viktória
Published: February 2023

Considering that tick-borne diseases are on the rise, a full understanding of how pathogen–tick–host interactions can lead to vector behavioral modifications is of high value. Successful transmission of pathogens to their hosts depends on vector mobility and their ability to quest for prey and attack hosts. In our research, the behavior of Dermacentor reticulatus ticks (n = 88) that were positive or negative for Rickettsia spp. (prevalence—36.36%) were analyzed using novel behavioral apparatuses. Tick locomotion and their preference for light or darkness were studied utilizing a multirod arena (MA) and a light/dark test (LDT) optimized for ticks. Behavioral tasks were evaluated using a Smart video-tracking system (Panlab, Spain). The majority of ticks (p < 0.0001) explored in the center of MA during the first 15 min. Despite that, most of them (p < 0.01) chose the periphery for questing or resting postures. They also preferred the elevated parts of the rods (p < 0.001) for this behavior. Ticks significantly (p < 0.0001) preferred the light part of the LDT. Rickettsia-infected ticks had higher locomotor activity, manifesting as longer trajectories (p = 0.0221). Our results revealed the possible impact of pathogens on some behavioral patterns of ticks as their vectors, which may significantly increase the probability of pathogen transmission.
The Relationship between LRP6 and Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Colorectal and Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Shishido Akemi , Miyo Masaaki , Oishi Kazuki , Nishiyama Natsumi , Wu Meiqiao , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kouda Shihori , Wu Xin , Shibata Satoshi , Yokoyama Yuhki , Yamamoto Hirofumi
Published: February 2023

High expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), a key component of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, is reported to be associated with malignant potential in some solid tumors including breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. Few reports, however, have examined its function and clinical significance in colorectal cancers (CRC) demonstrating constitutive activation of Wnt signaling. Here, we compared the expression level and function of LRP6 in CRC with that of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) bearing few Wnt/β-catenin pathway mutations. On immunohistochemical staining, high LRP6 expression was noted in three of 68 cases (4.4%), and high β-catenin in 38 of 67 cases (56.7%) of CRC. High LRP6 expression was found in 21 of 82 cases (25.6%), and high β-catenin expression in 29 of 73 cases (39.7%) of ESCC. In our in vitro studies, LRP6 knockdown hardly changed Wnt signaling activity in CRC cell lines with mutations in Wnt signaling downstream genes. In contrast, in ESCC cell lines without Wnt signaling-related mutations, LRP6 knockdown significantly decreased Wnt signaling activity. LRP6 function may depend on constitutive activation of Wnt signaling.