bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Likeability Attributes Attract People to Watch Online Video Advertisements?
Authors: Yoon Sang-Hyeak , Lee So-Hyun
Published: June 2022

As online video viewing increases, so does the size of the online video advertising market. However, it is challenging to create an advertising creative suitable for online video services. Advertising likeability helps to provide the strategies necessary for producing video advertisements that can facilitate consumer responsiveness and generate persuasive effects. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the likeability attributes of online video advertising content that increase online video advertisement views and to validate them with actual user data. To achieve this objective, this study applied a mixed-methods approach using two studies. The first study was an exploratory study in which users’ reviews on recently popular online video advertisements were analyzed through text mining, after which we identified key likeability attributes. We then conducted a focus group discussion method to measure the degree of video ads in each attribute. The second study was a confirmatory study, in which the key likeability attributes identified in the first study were verified empirically through an econometric model. As a result, we derived six likeability attributes of online video advertisements. The findings also highlight the effects of music, storytelling, influential people, and novel ideas on the number of views. Altogether, our study offers practical insights into which factors and identified likeability attributes enable effective online video advertisements.
Electrodynamics of Power Losses in the Devices of Inter-Substation Zones of AC Electric Traction Systems
Authors: Nikitenko Anatolii , Kostin Mykola , Mishchenko Tetiana , Hoholyuk Oksana
Published: June 2022

This article presents a new method for the estimation of active power losses based on a “field” approach, i.e., on the theory of the electromagnetic field and the theory of propagation of electromagnetic waves in a dielectric medium. Electromagnetic waves are assumed to transmit energy from the traction substation to electric rolling stock through the airspace of the inter-substation zone (i.e., not through the wires of the traction network) and meet electrically conductive surfaces on their way. The waves are partially reflected from the surfaces and partially penetrate them, thus creating thermal losses, the determination of which is the main task of this article. The analytical expressions for specific losses of active power are obtained by solving the system of Maxwell’s equations. Calculations of specific power losses in the catenary, rails, roofs, and bottoms of carriages and electric locomotives are performed. Power losses in carriages and electric locomotives are found to be at least 7%. A comparative assessment of the magnitude of total power losses of different types obtained by the “field” and “circuit” approaches is provided, which has established that “conditional” losses correspond to losses in rails, train carriages, and electric locomotives.
Energy Efficiency, Low Carbon Resources and Renewable Technology
Authors: Gul Mehreen Saleem , Chaudhry Hassam Nasarullah
Published: June 2022

Low carbon and renewable energy technologies help reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which cause climate change [...]
Strategic Environmental Assessment as a Support in a Sustainable National Waste Management Program—European Experience in Serbia
Authors: Josimović Boško , Manić Božidar , Krunić Nikola
Published: June 2022

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is one of the most important instruments for directing the strategic planning process toward the sustainable development goals in various areas of human activity. This also applies to the field of waste management. By applying SEA in waste management planning, it is possible to see the benefits and consequences of the proposed changes in space that will occur during the implementation of strategic planning concepts and based on that make appropriate decisions respecting the capacity of the space where the planned activities are implemented. The paper presents the application of SEA for the National Waste Management Program with all its spatial, organizational, energy, environmental, and other solutions, and the way they are included in the specific method of multicriteria evaluation in SEA. The specificity of the methodological approach indicates the need for equal consideration of environmental and socio-economic aspects of development and a clear presentation of the results obtained in order to make optimal decisions in waste management planning at the national level. The National Waste Management Program in Serbia, which legislation in the field of environmental protection and waste management is harmonized with EU legislation and directives, was chosen for the case study. The obtained results indicate the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in the evaluation of strategic solutions in the field of waste management, which is achieved by specific choice of environmental and socio-economic SEA goals and indicators as a basis for valorization of the proposed concept of waste management.
Active Knowledge Extraction from Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Vaddi Kiran , Wodo Olga
Published: June 2022

Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) is an electro-chemical characterization technique used in an initial material screening for desired properties and to extract information about electro-chemical reactions. In some applications, to extract kinetic information of the associated reactions (e.g., rate constants and turn over frequencies), CV curve should have a specific shape (for example an S-shape). However, often the characterization settings to obtain such curve are not known a priori. In this paper, an active search framework is defined to accelerate identification of characterization settings that enable knowledge extraction from CV experiments. Towards this goal, a representation of CV responses is used in combination with Bayesian Model Selection (BMS) method to efficiently label the response to be either S-shape or not S-shape. Using an active search with BMS oracle, we report a linear target identification in a six-dimensional search space (comprised of thermodynamic, mass transfer, and solution variables as dimensions). Our framework has the potential to be a powerful virtual screening technique for molecular catalysts, bi-functional fuel cell catalysts, and other energy conversion and storage systems.
A Bibliographic Analysis of Primary Studies on Physical Activity and COVID-19 during 2020–2021
Authors: Ciuldim Melissa , Verlengia Rozangela , Crisp Alex Harley
Published: June 2022

Physical distancing and restrictions have been implemented to reduce the transmission rate of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In contrast, the impact of the pandemic on levels of physical activity has been the subject of studies worldwide. Since the first reported case in December 2019, the number of scientific studies on COVID-19 has grown in a way that has never been seen before. The current study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis of primary studies on physical activity and COVID-19 during the first two years of the pandemic. The search was carried out using the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Our analysis identified a total of 2023 published documents from 10,199 authors, with an annual growth rate of 330% between 2020 and 2021. Open-access scientific journals were the main sources of publication, and the level of collaboration among the most influential researchers contributed to productivity. A co-occurrence analysis of the authors’ keywords indicated a high prevalence of themes related to mental health, depression, anxiety, stress, sleep, and quality of life. In conclusion, the bibliometric analysis revealed a high volume of primary studies on physical activity and COVID-19 during the first two years of the pandemic, and mental health was a much discussed topic.
Recent Advances and Potential Applications of Atmospheric Pressure Cold Plasma Technology for Sustainable Food Processing
Authors: Yepez Ximena , Illera Alba E. , Baykara Haci , Keener Kevin
Published: June 2022

In a circular economy, products, waste, and resources are kept in the system as long as possible. This review aims to highlight the importance of cold plasma technology as an alternative solution to some challenges in the food chain, such as the extensive energy demand and the hazardous chemicals used. Atmospheric cold plasma can provide a rich source of reactive gas species such as radicals, excited neutrals, ions, free electrons, and UV light that can be efficiently used for sterilization and decontamination, degrading toxins, and pesticides. Atmospheric cold plasma can also improve the utilization of materials in agriculture and food processing, as well as convert waste into resources. The use of atmospheric cold plasma technology is not without challenges. The wide range of reactive gas species leads to many questions about their safety, active life, and environmental impact. Additionally, the associated regulatory approval process requires significant data demonstrating its efficacy. Cold plasma generation requires a specific reliable system, process control monitoring, scalability, and worker safety protections.
Extraction, Isolation and Identification of Low Molecular Weight Peptides in Human Milk
Authors: Xiao Hailong , Jiang He , Tu Haiyun , Jia Yanbo , Wang Hongqing , Lü Xin , Fang Ruosi , Xiao Gongnian
Published: June 2022

Human milk contains numerous free low molecular weight peptides (LMWPs), which may play an important role in infant health and growth. The bioactivities of LMWPs are determined by their structures, especially the amino acid sequences. In the present study, 81 human milk samples were collected and purified by cation-exchange solid-phase extraction (SPE). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was used for the separation and detection of free LMWPs in human milk. A total of 56 LMWPs were identified and quantified. These LMWPs were mainly derived from 3 regions of β-casein, which were the amino acid fragments of 16–40, 85–110, and 205–226. The predominant LMWPs were RETIESLSSSEESITEYK, RETIESLSSSEESITEYKQKVEKVK, ETIESLSSSEESITEYK, TQPLAPVHNPIS, and QPLAPVHNPISV with molecular weights of 2247.9573, 2860.2437, 2091.8591, 1372.7666, and 1271.7212, respectively. The results indicated that the technique based on SPE and UPLC-QTOF-MS might greatly facilitate the analysis of LMWPs in human milk.
Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Extracts and Protein Hydrolysates from Marine Worm Hechong (Tylorrhynchus heterochaeta)
Authors: Zhang Wenxia , Wang Zexiong , Ganesan Kumar , Yuan Yingzhi , Xu Baojun
Published: June 2022

Hechong (Tylorrhynchus heterochaeta) is an edible marine worm widely distributed in the estuary area. The objective of this study is to determine the antioxidant activities of extracts and protein hydrolysates from Hechong. Results showed that the aqueous extracts of steamed Hechong had the highest antioxidant values using the methods of DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP testing (76.29 μmol TE/g, 181.04 μmol TE/g, and 10.40 mmol Fe2+/100 g, respectively). Furthermore, protein hydrolysates of Hechong were observed significant antioxidant activities when compared to crude Hechong. The purification was carried out by DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. The microspatial structure of glycoprotein showed fibrous shapes and cracks with uniform distribution. The study has concluded that the extract and protein hydrolysates of Hechong have significant antioxidant activities, which is merited to be further investigated in the food and pharmaceutical fields.
Comparative Performance of NIR-Hyperspectral Imaging Systems
Authors: Ma Te , Schimleck Laurence , Dahlen Joseph , Yoon Seung-Chul , Inagaki Tetsuya , Tsuchikawa Satoru , Sandak Anna , Sandak Jakub
Published: June 2022

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows for the rapid estimation of a wide range of wood properties. Typically, NIRS studies on wood have utilized benchtop spectrometers, but efforts to utilize NIR hyperspectral imaging to examine wood and wood products have increased. Compared to benchtop NIR systems, hyperspectral imaging has several advantages (speed, visualization of spatial variability), but the data typically have a lower signal-to-noise ratio as well as fewer wavelengths saved; thus, hyperspectral imaging systems have a larger spectral sampling interval (SSI). Furthermore, the SSI and wavelength range varies considerably among different HSI cameras. NIR-HSI systems based on indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) detectors have a wavelength range typically from 900 to 1700 nm, while short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging (SWIR-HSI) systems based on mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detectors have the ‘full’ NIR wavelength range from 1000 to 2500 nm. These factors may influence the performance of wood property calibrations. We compared one NIR-HSI (900–1700 nm) and three SWIR-HSI (1000–2500 nm) commercially available cameras with an NIRS benchtop spectrometer (1100–2500 nm). The performance of specific gravity (SG) and stiffness (MOE) calibration models was compared with one-hundred Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) samples. The limited wavelength range of an NIR-HSI camera provided the best models for MOE, whereas the NIR-HSI and two SWIR-HSI cameras provided similar SG results. SWIR-HSI models heavily favored wavelengths greater than 1900 nm.
Mitochondrial Genome of Strophopteryx fasciata (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae), with a Phylogenetic Analysis of Nemouroidea
Authors: Guo Xuan , Guo Caiyue , Dong Xiaojiao , Zhang Heng , Murányi Dávid , Li Weihai , Wang Ying
Published: June 2022

Taeniopterygidae is a medium-sized family of stoneflies. The phylogeny of Taeniopterygidae was widely accepted based on the morphological analyses. However, there are different opinions based on molecular data. To date, only two taeniopterygid mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) were available, and more sampling is needed to obtain precise phylogenetic relationships. In this research, the Strophopteryx fasciata mitogenome was sequenced and analyzed. The complete mitogenome of S. fasciata was 15,527 bp in length and contained 37 genes and a non-coding control region. Among taeniopterygid mitogenomes, the length variation was minimal in protein-coding genes (PCGs), transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) and ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), but very different in the control region. Similar to mitogenomes of other taeniopterygid species, the S. fasciata mitogenome was consistently AT biased and displayed positive AT- and negative GC-skews of the whole mitogenome. Most PCGs used ATN as the start codon and TAA/TAG as the stop codon. The stop codons were far less variable than the start codons in taeniopterygid mitogenomes. All Ka/Ks ratios were less than 1, indicating the presence of purifying selection in these genes. The secondary structures of transfer and ribosomal RNA genes of S. fasciata mitogenome are highly conserved with other taeniopterygid species. In the control region of the S. fasciata mitogenome, some essential elements (tandem repeats, stem–loop structures, and poly−N stretch, etc.) were observed. Two phylogenetic trees were inferred from Bayesian inference (BI) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods generated the identical topology across the PCGR dataset. The relationships of five families in Nemouroidea were recovered as Leuctridae + ((Capniidae + Taeniopterygidae) + (Nemouridae + Notonemouridae)). These results will help us understand the mitogenome structure of taeniopterygid species and the evolutionary relationship within Plecoptera.
General Ward Nurses’ Self-Efficacy, Ethical Behavior, and Practice of Discharge Planning for End-Stage Cancer Patients: Path Analysis
Authors: Aoyanagi Michiko , Shindo Yukari , Takahashi Keita
Published: June 2022

General ward nurses play a key role in discharge planning for end-stage cancer patients. It is necessary to assess the factors regarding their practice to promote discharge planning in accordance with end-stage cancer patients’ wishes. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between general ward nurses’ practice of discharge planning for end-stage cancer patients, self-efficacy, ethical behavior, attitude, knowledge and experience, perceived skills, and perceived barriers. A total of 288 general ward nurses from nine hospitals in a city in Japan completed the questionnaire. Path analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. The results showed that nurses’ self-efficacy, ethical behavior (do-no-harm, do-good), knowledge (experience of attending home care seminars), and perceived skills (assertiveness) were positively and directly related to the practice of discharge planning. Nursing experience and perceived skills (assertiveness) were positively associated with discharge planning practice, while perceived barriers (death discussion) and attitude (degree of leaving it to discharge planning nurses (DPNs)) were negatively associated, with self-efficacy acting as a mediator. Thus, our findings show that it is important to enhance self-efficacy and nursing ethical behavior to improve the practice of discharge planning. Accordingly, education regarding home care, assertive communication skills, death discussion, and ethics is needed for general ward nurses.
Anxiety/Depression Predominance in Liaison-Psychiatry Users of a South-East Mexico Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Gómez-de-Regil Lizzette , Estrella-Castillo Damaris F. , Cicero-Ancona Miguel
Published: June 2022

Patients at tertiary hospitals may find themselves in need of mental health support due to the distress associated with the illness that may or not lead to a psychiatric condition. Here is an overview of the clinical cases treated by the liaison psychiatry service of a public tertiary hospital from Southeast Mexico during its first years of operation (2008–2018), with the purpose of gathering information about the status and needs of this population. A sample of 304 clinical records of patients treated for the first time by the psychiatry service was reviewed, and the distribution by demographic characteristics, diagnosis of mental illness and medical area of reference was analyzed. Anxiety and depression symptoms were the most frequent. Most patients were women, lived in Merida and returned after the first appointment. The neurology service referred most patients, yet most attended directly. General tertiary hospitals should prioritize integrating ad hoc mental and physical health care. Adult women with a profile of anxiety and/or depression would be the first target group. Some areas of opportunity for further research and improvement of mental health services are: preventive services for anxiety and depression, follow-up of patients, attention to relatives of patients at intensive care units, implementation of telehealth alternatives, training on mental health screening and inter- and intra-institutional collaboration.
Neurological Mechanisms of Diagnosis and Therapy in School Children with ADHD in Poland
Authors: Nermend Małgorzata , Flaga-Gieruszyńska Kinga , Kroplewski Zdzisław , Nermend Kesra
Published: June 2022

The paper aims to present a holistic view of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pedagogical, psychological, legal, and social dimensions in Polish schools. The authors present the benefits of neurofeedback therapy for elementary school pupils. In order to verify the validity, the paper compares the concordance of a medical diagnosis confirming ADHD syndrome with the occurrence of abnormal electrical brain function recording and abnormalities therein as well as the effectiveness of the neurofeedback therapy. The study confirms that the reported problems faced by pupils and affecting their emotional functioning are reflected in their EEG records. Conclusions from the study lead to the proposal that the neurofeedback assessment should be performed at schools, which should result in the implementation of effective therapy. Moreover, the neurofeedback method should be promoted in Polish schools as an alternative to pharmacological therapy, which, as the research proves, is not always effective. Neurofeedback therapy, similarly to behavioral therapy, is very much needed and useful because it provides optimal conditions for the child’s development and shapes their relations with the environment effectively and harmlessly.
Crossover of Work Engagement: The Moderating Role of Agreeableness
Authors: Chiotis Konstantinos , Michaelides George
Published: June 2022

Work engagement can cross over from one individual to another, and this process may depend on several factors, such as the work context or individual differences. With this study, we argue that agreeableness, one of the Big five personality measures that characterized empathetic, can be instrumental in the crossover process. Specifically, we hypothesize that agreeableness can facilitate this process so that engagement of an actor can more easily cross over to their partner when either of them or both have high agreeableness. To evaluate our hypotheses, we implemented an intervention to the working schedules of 74 participants for two weeks. The intervention involved pairing participants to work together so that to create dyads with varying levels of dissimilarity. The results from a multilevel regression model indicate that there is a crossover effect and partner’s work engagement can be transferred to actor after a two-week collaboration. This effect is further intensified if either one or both members in the dyad are characterized by high levels of agreeableness. These findings help to decode the mechanisms underlying the crossover process and illustrate how to ideally coordinate work dyads to take advantage of the crossover effect and maximize employee engagement.
Gait Speed and Sleep Duration Is Associated with Increased Risk of MCI in Older Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Yoon Eunju , Bae Seongryu , Park Hyuntae
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to examine the linear and nonlinear associations between sleep duration and gait speed and the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older adults. Participants were 233 older adults who met the study inclusion criteria. The MCI diagnosis was based on medical evaluations through a clinical interview conducted by a dementia specialist. Self-reported sleep duration was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The usual gait speed was calculated from the time taken to walk along a 4 m walkway. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of developing MCI in relation to sleep duration and gait speed. Generalized additive models were used to examine the dose–response relationships between sleep duration, gait speed, and the risk of developing MCI. Slower gait speed (OR: 1.84, 95%; CI: 1.00–3.13) and poor sleep duration (OR: 1.76, 95%; CI: 1.00–3.35) were associated with the risk of developing MCI, compared with their optimal status. In addition, the combination of poor sleep and slower gait was associated with a higher risk of developing MCI than optimal sleep duration and gait speed (OR: 3.13, 95%; CI: 1.93–5.14). Furthermore, gait speed and sleep duration were non-linearly associated with the risk of developing MCI. These results highlight the complex interplay and synergism between sleep duration and gait abilities on the risk of developing MCI in older adults. In addition, our results suggest that slower gait speed (<1.0 m/s) and short (<330 min) and long (>480 min) sleep duration may be linked to MCI risks through underlying pathways.
Greater Emotional Distress Due to Social Distancing and Greater Symptom Severity during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder: A Multicenter Study in Austria, Germany, and Denmark
Authors: Schönthaler Elena M. D. , Dalkner Nina , Ratzenhofer Michaela , Fleischmann Eva , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Bengesser Susanne A. , Birner Armin , Maget Alexander , Lenger Melanie , Platzer Martina , Queissner Robert , Tmava-Berisha Adelina , Berndt Christina , Martini Julia , Bauer Michael , Sperling Jon Dyg , Vinberg Maj , Reininghaus Eva Z.
Published: June 2022

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health of individuals with bipolar disorders (BD) is potentially more vulnerable, especially regarding COVID-19-related regulations and associated symptomatic changes. A multicentric online study was conducted in Austria, Germany, and Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, data from 494 participants were collected (203 individuals with BD, 291 healthy controls (HC)). Participants filled out questionnaires surveying emotional distress due to social distancing, fear of COVID-19, and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 to assess symptom severity at four points of measurement between 2020 and 2021. General linear mixed models were calculated to determine the difference between the groups in these pandemic specific factors. Individuals with BD reported higher distress due to social distancing than HC, independently of measurement times. Fear of COVID-19 did not differ between groups; however, it was elevated in times of higher infection and mortality due to COVID-19. Individuals with BD reported higher psychiatric symptom severity than HC; however, symptom severity decreased throughout the measured time in the pandemic. Overall, individuals with BD experienced more distress due to the COVID-19 situation than HC. A supportive mental health system is thus recommended to ensure enhanced care, especially in times of strict COVID-19-related regulations.
Emotional Competence in Primary School Children: Examining the Effect of a Psycho-Educational Group Intervention: A Pilot Prospective Study
Authors: La Grutta Sabina , Epifanio Maria Stella , Piombo Marco Andrea , Alfano Pietro , Maltese Agata , Marcantonio Salvatore , Ingoglia Sonia , Alesi Marianna , Lo Baido Rosa , Mancini Giacomo , Andrei Federica
Published: June 2022

Emotional competence (EC) is a key component of children’s psychological, cognitive, and social development, and it is a central element of learning. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing a psycho-educational group intervention aimed at improving children’s emotional competence (EC), quality of integration and scholastic skills. A total of 229 children (123 females; M Age = 7.22 years; SD = 0.97 years) completed the Pictures of Facial Affect (POFA), the Drawn Stories Technique, the Classroom Drawing, and the Colored Progressive Matrices. The total sample was randomly divided into an intervention group (N = 116) who took part in psycho-educational activities and a control (no-intervention) group (N = 84). Both groups were tested at baseline, before the intervention started, and at the end of the intervention (4 months from baseline). Results from mixed-model ANOVA revealed a significant main effect for POFA score over time (F = 6.24, p = 0.01) and an interaction effect between POFA and group (F = 4.82, p = 0.03). No significant main effect was found for classroom drawing over time (F = 0.81, p > 0.05) or for quality of integration and group intervention. These findings support the importance of developing psycho-educational programmes in school for promotion of emotional health for preventing not only the onset of problematic behaviours at school such as bullying but also the development of clinical conditions linked to difficulties in emotional recognition, expression, and regulation such as alexithymia.
Development of a Quantitative Instrument to Elicit Patient Preferences for Person-Centered Dementia Care Stage 1: A Formative Qualitative Study to Identify Patient Relevant Criteria for Experimental Design of an Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Mohr Wiebke , Rädke Anika , Afi Adel , Mühlichen Franka , Platen Moritz , Michalowsky Bernhard , Hoffmann Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Background: Person-centered care (PCC) requires knowledge about patient preferences. This formative qualitative study aimed to identify (sub)criteria of PCC for the design of a quantitative, choice-based instrument to elicit patient preferences for person-centered dementia care. Method: Interviews were conducted with n = 2 dementia care managers, n = 10 People living with Dementia (PlwD), and n = 3 caregivers (CGs), which followed a semi-structured interview guide including a card game with PCC criteria identified from the literature. Criteria cards were shown to explore the PlwD’s conception. PlwD were asked to rank the cards to identify patient-relevant criteria of PCC. Audios were verbatim-transcribed and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Card game results were coded on a 10-point-scale, and sums and means for criteria were calculated. Results: Six criteria with two sub-criteria emerged from the analysis; social relationships (indirect contact, direct contact), cognitive training (passive, active), organization of care (decentralized structures and no shared decision making, centralized structures and shared decision making), assistance with daily activities (professional, family member), characteristics of care professionals (empathy, education and work experience) and physical activities (alone, group). Dementia-sensitive wording and balance between comprehensibility vs. completeness of the (sub)criteria emerged as additional themes. Conclusions: Our formative study provides initial data about patient-relevant criteria of PCC to design a quantitative patient preference instrument. Future research may want to consider the balance between (sub)criteria comprehensibility vs. completeness.
Parental Support and Problematic Smartphone Use: A Serial Mediating Model of Self-Esteem and Fear of Missing Out
Authors: Kim Ji-Hye
Published: June 2022

Based on problem behavior theory and interpersonal acceptance–rejection theory, this study aimed to examine the mediating roles of self-esteem and fear of missing out (FoMO) on the influence of parental support on adolescents’ problematic smartphone use. This study is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. A total of 260 Korean adolescents from two public middle schools were selected through convenience sampling (female, 50.4%; mean age, 13.16 ± 0.84; range age, 12~15). Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, parental support, self-esteem, FoMO, and problematic smartphone use. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and mediation analysis. The findings show that self-esteem and FoMO play a serial mediating role in the relationship between parental support and adolescents’ problematic smartphone use. Specifically, parental support had a negative effect on adolescents’ problematic smartphone use by increasing self-esteem but decreasing FoMO. These results provide further guidance in the prevention of and intervention of adolescent problematic smartphone use.
Prediction of Strong Transversal s(TE) Exciton–Polaritons in C60 Thin Crystalline Films
Authors: Despoja Vito , Marušić Leonardo
Published: June 2022

If an exciton and a photon can change each other’s properties, indicating that the regime of their strong bond is achieved, it usually happens in standard microcavity devices, where the large overlap between the ’confined’ cavity photons and the 2D excitons enable the hybridization and the band gap opening in the parabolic photonic branch (as clear evidence of the strong exciton–photon coupling). Here, we show that the strong light–matter coupling can occur beyond the microcavity device setup, i.e., between the ’free’ s(TE) photons and excitons. The s(TE) exciton–polariton is a polarization mode, which (contrary to the p(TM) mode) appears only as a coexistence of a photon and an exciton, i.e., it vanishes in the non-retarded limit (c→∞). We show that a thin fullerene C60 crystalline film (consisting of N C60 single layers) deposited on an Al2O3 dielectric surface supports strong evanescent s(TE)-polarized exciton–polariton. The calculated Rabi splitting is more than Ω=500 meV for N=10, with a tendency to increase with N, indicating a very strong photonic character of the exciton–polariton.
Therapeutic Potential of Allicin and Aged Garlic Extract in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tedeschi Paola , Nigro Manuela , Travagli Alessia , Catani Martina , Cavazzini Alberto , Merighi Stefania , Gessi Stefania
Published: June 2022

Garlic, Allium sativum, has long been utilized for a number of medicinal purposes around the world, and its medical benefits have been well documented. The health benefits of garlic likely arise from a wide variety of components, possibly working synergistically. Garlic and garlic extracts, especially aged garlic extracts (AGEs), are rich in bioactive compounds, with potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. In light of these effects, garlic and its components have been examined in experimental models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common form of dementia without therapy, and a growing health concern in aging societies. With the aim of offering an updated overview, this paper reviews the chemical composition, metabolism and bioavailability of garlic bioactive compounds. In addition, it provides an overview of signaling mechanisms triggered by garlic derivatives, with a focus on allicin and AGE, to improve learning and memory.
Red Upconverter Nanocrystals Functionalized with Verteporfin for Photodynamic Therapy Triggered by Upconversion
Authors: Miletto Ivana , Gionco Chiara , Paganini Maria Cristina , Cerrato Erik , Marchese Leonardo , Gianotti Enrica
Published: June 2022

Upconversion (UC) nanoparticles characterized by red upconversion emission, particularly interesting for biological applications, have been prepared and subsequently modified by the covalent anchoring of Verteporfin (Ver), an FDA approved photosensitizer (PS) which usually exerts its photodynamic activity upon excitation with red light. ZrO2 was chosen as the platform where Yb3+ and Er3+ were inserted as the sensitizer and activator ions, respectively. Careful control of the doping ratio, along with a detailed physico-chemical characterization, was carried out. Upon functionalization with a silica shell to covalently anchor the photosensitizer, a theranostic nanoparticle was obtained whose architecture, thanks to a favorable energy level match and a uniform distribution of the PS, allowed us to trigger the photodynamic activity of Ver by upconversion, thus paving the way to the use of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in deep tissues, thanks to the higher penetrating power of NIR light.
Potential Suicide Prophylactic Activity by the Fish Oil Metabolite, 4-Hydroxyhexenal
Authors: Kalkman Hans O.
Published: June 2022

Low levels of n-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and high levels of n-6 PUFAs in the blood circulation are associated with an increased risk for suicide. Clinical studies indicate that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, a n-3 PUFA found in fish-oil) displays protective effects against suicide. It has recently been proposed that the activation of the transcription factor NRF2 might be the pharmacological activity that is common to current anti-suicidal medications. Oxidation products from fish oil, including those from DHA, are electrophiles that reversibly bind to a protein ‘KEAP1’, which acts as the molecular inhibitor of NRF2 and so indirectly promotes NRF2-transcriptional activity. In the majority of publications, the NRF2-stimulant effect of DHA is ascribed to the metabolite 4-hydroxyhexenal (4HHE). It is suggested to investigate whether 4HHE will display a therapeutically useful anti-suicidal efficacy.
Clinical Data, Chest Radiograph and Electrocardiography in the Screening for Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The CAR2E2 Score
Authors: Matusik Patrycja S. , Bryll Amira , Pac Agnieszka , Popiela Tadeusz J. , Matusik Paweł T.
Published: June 2022

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and implicates clinical decision-making. The aim of our study was to assess the importance of different approaches in the screening for LVH. We included patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and had available chest radiograph in medical documentation. Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), transverse cardiac diameter (TCD), clinical and selected electrocardiographic (ECG)-LVH data, including the Peguero-Lo Presti criterion, were assessed. CMR–LVH was defined based on indexed left ventricular mass-to-body surface area. Receiver operating characteristics analyses showed that both the CTR and TCD (CTR: area under the curve: [AUC] = 0.857, p < 0.001; TCD: AUC = 0.788, p = 0.001) were predictors for CMR–LVH. However, analyses have shown that diagnoses made with TCD, but not CTR, were consistent with CMR–LVH. From the analyzed ECG–LVH criteria, the Peguero-Lo Presti criterion was the best predictor of LVH. The best sensitivity for screening for LVH was observed when the presence of heart failure, ≥40 years in age (each is assigned 1 point), increased TCD and positive Peguero-Lo Presti criterion (each is assigned 2 points) were combined (CAR2E2 score ≥ 3 points). CAR2E2 score may improve prediction of LVH compared to other approaches. Therefore, it may be useful in the screening for LVH in everyday clinical practice in patients with prevalent cardiovascular diseases.
Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Gastric Cancer in Western Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes
Authors: Garbarino Giovanni Maria , Laracca Giovanni Guglielmo , Lucarini Alessio , Piccolino Gianmarco , Mercantini Paolo , Costa Alessandro , Tonini Giuseppe , Canali Giulia , Muttillo Edoardo Maria , Costa Gianluca
Published: June 2022

Background. The advantages of a laparoscopic approach for the treatment of gastric cancer have already been demonstrated in Eastern Countries. This review and meta-analysis aims to merge all the western studies comparing laparoscopic (LG) versus open gastrectomies (OG) to provide pooled results and higher levels of evidence. Methods. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE(PubMed), Embase, WebOfScience and Scopus for studies comparing laparoscopic versus open gastrectomy in western centers from 1980 to 2021. Results. After screening 355 articles, 34 articles with a total of 24,098 patients undergoing LG (5445) or OG (18,653) in western centers were included. Compared to open gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastrectomy has a significantly longer operation time (WMD = 47.46 min; 95% CI = 31.83–63.09; p < 0.001), lower blood loss (WMD = −129.32 mL; 95% CI = −188.11 to −70.53; p < 0.0001), lower analgesic requirement (WMD = −1.824 days; 95% CI = −2.314 to −1.334; p < 0.0001), faster time to first oral intake (WMD = −1.501 days; 95% CI = −2.571 to −0.431; p = 0.0060), shorter hospital stay (WMD = −2.335; 95% CI = −3.061 to −1.609; p < 0.0001), lower mortality (logOR = −0.261; 95% the −0.446 to −0.076; p = 0.0056) and a better 3-year overall survival (logHR 0.245; 95% CI = 0.016–0.474; p = 0.0360). A slight significant difference in favor of laparoscopic gastrectomy was noted for the incidence of postoperative complications (logOR = −0.202; 95% CI = −0.403 to −0.000 the = 0.0499). No statistical difference was noted based on the number of harvested lymph nodes, the rate of major postoperative complication and 5-year overall survival. Conclusions. In Western centers, laparoscopic gastrectomy has better short-term and equivalent long-term outcomes compared with the open approach, but more high-quality studies on long-term outcomes are required.
Microtia Ear Reconstruction with Patient-Specific 3D Models—A Segmentation Protocol
Authors: Rodríguez-Arias Juan , Gutiérrez Venturini Alessandro , Pampín Martínez Marta , Gómez García Elena , Muñoz Caro Jesús , San Basilio Maria , Martín Pérez Mercedes , Cebrián Carretero José
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) templates have replaced traditional two-dimensional (2D) templates as visual guides during intra-operative carving of the autogenous cartilage framework in microtia reconstruction. This study aims to introduce a protocol of the fabrication of patient-specific, 3D printed and sterilizable auricular models for autogenous auricular reconstruction. (2) Methods: The patient’s unaffected ear was captured with a high-resolution surface 3D scan (Artec Eva) and post-processed in order to obtain a clean surface model (STL format). In the next step, the ear was digitally mirrored, segmented and separated into its component auricle parts for reconstruction. It was disassembled into helix, antihelix, tragus and base and a physical model was 3D printed for each part. Following this segmentation, the cartilage was carved in the operating room, based on the models. (3) Results: This segmentation technique facilitates the modeling and carving of the scaffold, with adequate height, depth, width and thickness. This reduces both the surgical time and the amount of costal cartilage used. (4) Conclusions: This segmentation technique uses surface scanning and 3D printing to produce sterilizable and patient-specific 3D templates.
Real-World Analysis of the Therapeutic Management and Disease Burden in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Later Lines in Italy
Authors: Breccia Massimo , Chiodi Francesca , Nardozza Aurelio Pio , Valsecchi Diletta , Perrone Valentina , Sangiorgi Diego , Giacomini Elisa , Rendace Maria Chiara , Coco Paola , Premoli Eleonora , Degli Esposti Luca
Published: June 2022

Real world data are becoming a crucial tool to understand how cancer is treated in routine daily practice. This real-world analysis aims to describe the characteristics of patients with CML in 2nd or ≥3rd tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) lines of therapy, to evaluate their treatment sequence and utilization in settings of Italian clinical practice in Italy. A retrospective analysis was performed using an administrative databases covering around 15.3 million cases. All adult patients prescribed with TKI as 2nd or ≥3rd lines (L) of therapy for CML during January 2015–December 2018 were included. A total of 491 patients in 2nd and 144 in ≥3rd L was included. In both cohorts, hypertension was the most reported comorbidity, followed by metabolic and blood count alterations. In each calendar inclusion year, an increment of 97.6% was observed in the number of patients treated in ≥3rd L. In the 2nd L cohort, 18.7% had a switch to 3rd L, while 26.4% of ≥3rd L patients switched to a subsequent line. Around 40% in both lines discontinued their treatment after a median time of 5.5 (2nd L) and 4.3 (≥3rd L) years. The results provided insights into CML management clinical practice, indicating a heavy disease burden for patients in later lines that showed an increasing complex management, and suggest that a need for novel treatment strategies might exists.
Health-Related Quality of Life following Surgery for Native and Prosthetic Valve Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Saha Shekhar , Mladenova Ralitsa , Radner Caroline , Horke Konstanze Maria , Buech Joscha , Schnackenburg Philipp , Ali Ahmad , Peterss Sven , Juchem Gerd , Luehr Maximilian , Hagl Christian , Joskowiak Dominik
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients following surgery for infective native valve endocarditis (NVE) and prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE). Methods: We retrospectively identified 633 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for infective endocarditis at our center between January 2005 and October 2018. The patients were interviewed, and the SF-36 survey was used to assess the HRQOL of survivors. Propensity score matching (2:1) was performed with data from a German reference population. Multivariable analysis incorporated binary logistic regression using a forward stepwise (conditional) model. Results: The median age of the cohort was 67 (55–74) years, and 75.6% were male. Operative mortality was 13.7% in the NVE group and 21.6% in the PVE group (p = 0.010). The overall survival at 1 year was 88.0% and was comparable between the groups. The physical health summary scores were 49 (40–55) for the NVE patients and 45 (37–52) for the PVE patients (p = 0.043). The median mental health summary scores were 52 (35–57) and 49 (41–56), respectively (p = 0.961). On comparison of the HRQOL to the reference population, the physical health summary scores were comparable. However, significant differences were observed with regard to the mental health summary scores (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Our study shows that there are significant differences in the various domains of HRQOL, not only between NVE and PVE patients, but also in comparison to healthy individuals. In addition to preoperative health status, it is important to consider the patient’s expectations regarding surgery. Further prospective studies are required.
Greater In-Hospital Care and Early Rehabilitation Needs in People with COVID-19 Compared with Those without COVID-19
Authors: Grove Kristen , Edgar Dale W. , Chih HuiJun , Harrold Meg , Natarajan Varsha , Mohd Sheeraz , Hurn Elizabeth , Cavalheri Vinicius
Published: June 2022

↔This study aims to compare the characteristics, in-hospital data and rehabilitation needs between those who tested positive versus negative for COVID-19 during hospitalisation with suspected COVID-19. In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of adults admitted to Western Australian tertiary hospitals with suspected COVID-19 was recruited. Participants were grouped according to their polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result into COVID-19 positive (COVID+) and COVID-19 negative (COVID−) groups. Between-group comparisons of characteristics of the participants and hospital admission data were performed. Sixty-five participants were included (38 COVID+ and 27 COVID−; 36 females [55%]). Participants in the COVID+ group had greater acute hospital length of stay (LOS) (median [25–75th percentile] 10 [5–21] vs. 3 [2–5] days; p < 0.05] and only those with COVID+ required mechanical ventilation (8 [21%] participants). Twenty-one percent of the COVID+ participants were discharged to inpatient rehabilitation (7% of the COVID− participants). Of note, pre-existing pulmonary disease was more prevalent in the COVID− group (59% vs. 13%; p < 0.05). Within the COVID+ group, when compared to participants discharged home, those who required inpatient rehabilitation had worse peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) on admission (86 ± 5.7% vs. 93 ± 3.8%; p < 0.05) and longer median LOS (30 [23–37] vs. 7 [4–13] days; p < 0.05). Despite having less people with pre-existing pulmonary disease, the COVID+ group required more care and rehabilitation than the COVID− group. In the COVID+ group, SpO2 on hospital presentation was associated with LOS, critical care needs, mechanical ventilation duration and the need for inpatient rehabilitation.
The Role of Full-Thickness Skin Grafts in Patient’s Rehabilitation after Maxillectomy and Midface Defects
Authors: Niedzielska Iwona , Obszyński Łukasz , Bąk Michał , Niedzielski Damian
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Nowadays, microvascular grafts are the gold standard in the reconstruction of midface defects after maxillectomy, however, not all patients may qualify for this type of surgery. The purpose of present study is to evaluate the benefits of alternative reconstruction methods such as full-thickness skin grafts for these conditions. (2) Methods: The research group consisted of 37 patients who underwent maxillectomy due to cancer of the mid-face and had full-thickness skin graft reconstruction. The study covered the period from 2011 to 2020. (3) Results: Based on the clinical examination and the subjective assessment of patients, a positive effect of the use of free skin grafts on their convalescence and rehabilitation was found. In particular, they contributed to the reduction in postoperative pain and pain associated with prosthetic stages (VAS Scale). (4) Conclusion: Full-thickness skin grafts in combination with individual prosthetic restorations are a good alternative to rehabilitation in patients who do not qualify for microsurgical treatment.