bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triumeq Increases Excitability of Pyramidal Neurons in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex by Facilitating Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channel Function
Authors: Chen Lihua , Al-Harthi Lena , Hu Xiu-Ti 
Published: January 2021

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) suppresses HIV-1 replication, improves immune function, and prolongs the life of people living with HIV (PLWH). However, cART also induces neurotoxicity that could complicate HIV-induced neurodegeneration while reduce its therapeutic efficacy in treating HIV/AIDS. Triumeq is a first-line cART regimen, which is co-formulated by three antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), lamivudine (3TC), abcavir (ABC), and dolutegravir (DTG). Little is known about potential side effects of ARVs on the brain (including those co-formulating Triumeq), and their mechanisms impacting neuronal activity. We assessed acute (in vitro) and chronic (in vivo) effects of Triumeq and co-formulating ARVs on pyramidal neurons in rat brain slices containing the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using patch-clamp recording approaches. We found that acute Triumeq or 3TC in vitro significantly increased firing of mPFC neurons in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This neuronal hyperactivity was associated with enhanced Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Additionally, chronic treatment with Triumeq in vivo for 4 weeks (4 wks) also significantly increased firing and Ca2+ influx via VGCCs in mPFC neurons, which was not shown after 2 wks treatment. Such mPFC neuronal hyperexcitability was not found after 4 weeks treatments of individual ARVs. Further, chronic Triumeq exposure in vivo significantly enhanced mRNA expression of low voltage-activated (LVA) L-type Ca2+ channels (Cav1.3 L-channels), while changes in high voltage-activated (HVA) Cav1.2 L-channels were not observed. Collectively, these novel findings demonstrate that chronic cART induces hyperexcitability of mPFC pyramidal neurons by abnormally promoting VGCC overactivation/overexpression of VGCCs (including, but may not limited to, LVA-Cav1.3 L-channels), which could complicate HIV-induced neurotoxicity, and ultimately may contribute to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) in PLWH. Determining additional target(s) of cART in mPFC pyramidal neurons may help to improve the therapeutic strategies by minimizing the side effects of cART for treating HIV/AIDS.
Factors Associated With Psychological Distress in Health-Care Workers During an Infectious Disease Outbreak: A Rapid Systematic Review of the Evidence
Authors: Sirois Fuschia M. , Owens Janine 
Published: January 2021

Objective:Health-care workers (HCW) are at risk for psychological distress during an infectious disease outbreak, such as the coronavirus pandemic, due to the demands of dealing with a public health emergency. This rapid systematic review examined the factors associated with psychological distress among HCW during an outbreak.Method:We systematically reviewed literature on the factors associated with psychological distress (demographic characteristics, occupational, social, psychological, and infection-related factors) in HCW during an outbreak (COVID-19, SARS, MERS, H1N1, H7N9, and Ebola). Four electronic databases were searched (2000 to 15 November 2020) for relevant peer-reviewed research according to a pre-registered protocol. A narrative synthesis was conducted to identify fixed, modifiable, and infection-related factors linked to distress and psychiatric morbidity.Results:From the 4,621 records identified, 138 with data from 143,246 HCW in 139 studies were included. All but two studies were cross-sectional. The majority of the studies were conducted during COVID-19 (k= 107,N= 34,334) and SARS (k= 21,N= 18,096). Consistent evidence indicated that being female, a nurse, experiencing stigma, maladaptive coping, having contact or risk of contact with infected patients, and experiencing quarantine, were risk factors for psychological distress among HCW. Personal and organizational social support, perceiving control, positive work attitudes, sufficient information about the outbreak and proper protection, training, and resources, were associated with less psychological distress.Conclusions:This review highlights the key factors to the identify HCW who are most at risk for psychological distress during an outbreak and modifying factors to reduce distress and improve resilience. Recommendations are that HCW at risk for increased distress receive early interventions and ongoing monitoring because there is evidence that HCW distress can persist for up to 3 years after an outbreak. Further research needs to track the associations of risk and resilience factors with distress over time and the extent to which certain factors are inter-related and contribute to sustained or transient distress.
Problematic Smartphone Use—Comparison of Students With and Without Problematic Smartphone Use in Light of Personality
Authors: Eichenberg Christiane , Schott Markus , Schroiff Athina 
Published: January 2021

Background: As a device with multiple functions, a smartphone become more and more relevant in everyday life. However, this goes along with an increase in reports about smartphone addiction and its unwanted consequences. One of the most important variables in the etiopathogenesis of addictive smartphone use is personality.Objective: This study aimed to investigate predictors of problematic smartphone use. Clinically relevant differences in personality, psychopathology, and social support between students with and without problematic smartphone use were investigated.Method: All currently enrolled students at the Sigmund Freud University in Vienna (N = 1,836) were surveyed. Response rate was 27.07% (N = 497, age: M = 19.6, SD = 8.04). The Smartphone Addiction Scale (SPAS), the 10-Item Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), and a questionnaire on social support (F-SozU-K-14) were used.Results: A total of 75 students (15.1% of the total sample) showed problematic smartphone use. In terms of personality, respondents with problematic smartphone use showed significantly higher values for extraversion and neuroticism compared than non-addicted users. Students with problematic smartphone use showed significantly higher levels in terms of depression and anxiety. Contrary to expectations, individuals with problematic smartphone use showed significantly higher values for perceived social support than with individuals without problematic smartphone use.Discussion: Therapy for problematic smartphone use should be carried out taking into account discussed, important etiological factors, such as personality.
Mental Distress and Its Contributing Factors Among Young People During the First Wave of COVID-19: A Belgian Survey Study
Authors: Rens Eva , Smith Pierre , Nicaise Pablo , Lorant Vincent , Van den Broeck Kris 
Published: January 2021

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and its associated measures led to high levels of mental distress in the general population. Previous research indicated that young people are especially vulnerable for a wide range of mental health problems during the pandemic, but little is known about the mechanisms. This study examined mental distress and its contributing factors among young Belgian people.Methods: An online survey was widely distributed in Belgium during the first wave of COVID-19 in March, and 16–25-year-olds were selected as a subsample. Mental distress was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and a threshold of ≥4 was used to discriminate mental distress cases from non-cases. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate possible predictors of mental distress, including demographics, chronic condition, history of mental health problems, social support, exposure to COVID-19, and several changes in everyday activities.Results: A total of 2,008 respondents were included, of which the majority was female (78.09%) and student (66.82%). The results indicate that about two thirds (65.49%) experienced mental distress. In the multivariable regression model, significant (p &lt; 0.01) predictors of mental distress were female gender (OR = 1.78), low social support (OR = 2.17), loneliness (OR = 5.17), a small (OR = 1.63), or large (OR = 3.08) increase in social media use, a small (OR = 1.63) or large (OR = 2.17) decrease in going out for drinks or food, and a decrease in doing home activities (OR = 2.72).Conclusion: Young people experience high levels of mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate that mental distress was highest among women, those experiencing loneliness or low social support and those whose usual everyday life is most affected. The psychological needs of young people, such as the need for peer interaction, should be more recognized and supported.
Functional Connectivity of Nucleus Accumbens and Medial Prefrontal Cortex With Other Brain Regions During Early-Abstinence Is Associated With Alcohol Dependence and Relapse: A Resting-Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Yang Xia , Meng Ya-jing , Tao Yu-jie , Deng Ren-hao , Wang Hui-yao , Li Xiao-jing , Wei Wei , Hua Yu , Wang Qiang , Deng Wei , Zhao Lian-sheng , Ma Xiao-hong , Li Ming-li , Xu Jia-jun , Li Jing , Liu Yan-song , Tang Zhen , Du Xiang-dong , Coid Jeremy W. , Greenshaw Andrew J. , Li Tao , Guo Wan-jun 
Published: January 2021

Background: Alcohol dependence (AD) is a chronic recurrent brain disease that causes a heavy disease burden worldwide, partly due to high relapse rates after detoxification. Verified biomarkers are not available for AD and its relapse, although the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) may play important roles in the mechanism of addiction. This study investigated AD- and relapse-associated functional connectivity (FC) of the NAc and mPFC with other brain regions during early abstinence.Methods: Sixty-eight hospitalized early-abstinence AD male patients and 68 age- and education-matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent resting-functional magnetic resonance imaging (r-fMRI). Using the NAc and mPFC as seeds, we calculated changes in FC between the seeds and other brain regions. Over a follow-up period of 6 months, patients were measured with the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) scale to identify relapse outcomes (AUDIT ≥ 8).Results: Thirty-five (52.24%) of the AD patients relapsed during the follow-up period. AD displayed lower FC of the left fusiform, bilateral temporal superior and right postcentral regions with the NAc and lower FC of the right temporal inferior, bilateral temporal superior, and left cingulate anterior regions with the mPFC compared to controls. Among these FC changes, lower FC between the NAc and left fusiform, lower FC between the mPFC and left cingulate anterior cortex, and smoking status were independently associated with AD. Subjects in relapse exhibited lower FC of the right cingulate anterior cortex with NAc and of the left calcarine sulcus with mPFC compared to non-relapsed subjects; both of these reductions in FC independently predicted relapse. Additionally, FC between the mPFC and right frontal superior gyrus, as well as years of education, independently predicted relapse severity.Conclusion: This study found that values of FC between selected seeds (i.e., the NAc and the mPFC) and some other reward- and/or impulse-control-related brain regions were associated with AD and relapse; these FC values could be potential biomarkers of AD or for prediction of relapse. These findings may help to guide further research on the neurobiology of AD and other addictive disorders.
Impulsivity Mediates Associations Between Problematic Internet Use, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms in Students: A Cross-Sectional COVID-19 Study
Authors: Gecaite-Stonciene Julija , Saudargiene Ausra , Pranckeviciene Aiste , Liaugaudaite Vilma , Griskova-Bulanova Inga , Simkute Dovile , Naginiene Rima , Dainauskas Laurynas Linas , Ceidaite Gintare , Burkauskas Julius 
Published: January 2021

Background:Problematic internet use (PIU) is a serious global mental health issue that especially manifested during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Engagement in PIU as an impulsive coping with mental distress may pose a long-lasting threat to develop anxiety and depressive disorders. The first aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of PIU and mental distress symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among university students in Lithuania. The second aim was to test the hypothesis that PIU affects anxiety and depressive symptoms through the mediating role of impulsivity.Methods:The cross-sectional study was comprised of 619 university students (92.9% females and 7.1% males) with a mean age of 22 ± 3 years who participated in an online survey from May to November, 2020. Participants completed the following scales: the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11. K-means cluster analysis and one-way multivariate analysis of variance were used for group comparison in terms of internet use time and habit change during COVID-19 pandemic. Structural equation modeling was applied to examine the mediating effect of impulsivity in association between PIU and mental distress, while controlling for age.Results:In sum, 45.1% of the participants reported PIU and 38.1% had markedly expressed symptoms of anxiety while 43.6% of the students reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms. During the COVID-19 pandemic 76% of the students reported at least moderate increase in their internet use time. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly higher in the group of frequent internet users. The results of the structural equational modeling analysis showed a statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective anxiety symptoms and the statistically significant effect of PIU on subjective depression symptoms, both mediated via impulsivity.Conclusions:During COVID-19 pandemic, PIU, anxiety and depression symptoms are highly prevalent among students. Findings also suggest that relationships between PIU, anxiety and depressive symptoms are mediated via impulsivity. These results underscore the importance of the inclusion of impulsivity factor in the studies analyzing longitudinal effects of PIU on mental distress during COVID-19 pandemic.
Potential Impact of the Nonessential Energy-Dense Foods Tax on the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Children: A Modeling Study
Authors: Illescas-Zárate Daniel , Batis Carolina , Ramírez-Silva Ivonne , Torres-Álvarez Rossana , Rivera Juan A. , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Tonatiuh 
Published: January 2021

Background: Consumption of foods high in energy, sugar, fat, and salt contributes to the increase in body mass index and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children. Mexico implemented an 8% tax to non-essential energy-dense foods (NEDF) in 2014 as part of a national strategy to reduce obesity.Objective: We modeled the potential effect of the NEDF tax on body mass index and overweight and obesity in Mexican children (6–17 years).Materials and Methods: We used the Dynamic Childhood Growth and Obesity Model calibrated to Mexican children to simulate the potential 1-year effect of the NEDF tax on body weight. Inputs for the model included NEDF consumption, weight, and height, obtained from the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey. To project the potential impact of the tax, we ran a first simulation without intervention and another reducing the caloric intake from NEDF in the proportion observed in the Mexican population after the tax (−5.1%). The tax effect was defined as the absolute difference in body mass index and prevalence of overweight and obesity between both models.Results: The tax on NEDF should lead to a mean reduction of 4.1 g or 17.4 kcal/day of NEDF at the population level. One year after the tax, mean body weight and body mass index should decrease 0.40 kg and 0.19 kg/m2; this translates into −1.7 and −0.4% points in overweight and obesity, respectively.Conclusions: The use of fiscal instruments to discourage the consumption of NEDF could help to reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children.
An Alternative Site for Pin Placement in External Fixation of Pelvic Fractures: Lateral Posterior Pelvic External Fixator Surgical Technique
Authors: Russ Matthias K. , Navarre Pierre , Stevens Jarrad P. 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The application of an external fixator for unstable pelvic fractures is an important component of many resuscitation protocols. Moreover, certain pelvic fractures may be treated with an external fixator without requiring further internal fixation. We report our initial clinical results with an alternate pelvic external fixator site, the lateral posterior external fixator (LPEF), and describe the surgical technique.Methods and Materials: From 2010 to 2013, we identified 27 consecutive patients (mean age 44.6 years, range 18–80 years) treated by the same surgeon (MKR) with an LPEF in a level 1 trauma center. Retrospective data collection included mechanism of injury, surgical interventions, and complications.Results: The LPEF was used in 16 patients as acute pelvic stabilization and converted at a median of 2 days (interquartile range 1–3.5) to internal fixation, whereas in 10 patients, it was used as definitive treatment and removed at a median of 48 days (interquartile range 37–64). One patient died on day 14, secondary to his severe closed head injury. The only surgical complications were two wound infections (20%, 2/10 in the group of definitive LPEFs), which resolved without sequelae after the removal of the LPEF (at 36 and 50 days) and antibiotics, one case of loss of fixation leading to the removal of the LPEF at 71 days, and one patient who had hypergranulating external fixator sites and eventually healed without any cutaneous sequelae. All fractures consolidated in a good position.Discussion: The described techniques of pelvic external fixation include the anterosuperior (iliac wing), supra-acetabular (anteroinferior), and subcristal (anterior superior iliac spine) insertion sites. The reported infection rates in definitive pelvic fracture treatment range from 20 to 40%. Due to the localization of the insertion sites, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is potentially at risk with the last two techniques. On the other hand, the LPEF insertion site is quite safe, as it is anatomically far from any nerves and the inguinal region, and allows easy access for laparotomy. The results in this series suggest that the lateral posterior pelvic external fixator technique is an alternative to previous techniques with a low risk of complications.
Diseminasi Teknologi Perbenihan Kelapa dalam Melalui Produksi Benih Perkebunan di Mamuju
Authors: Indrayana Ketut , Ricky Muh. 
Published: January 2021

Sampai saat ini produktivitas kelapa dalam di Sulawesi Barat masih rendah sekitar, yaitu 0,9 ton/ha lebih rendah dari produktivitas kelapa dalam nasional yaitu 1,1 ton kopra/ha/tahun. Salah satu faktor yang menentukan tingginya produktivitas tanaman, termasuk kelapa adalah kualitas benih yang ditanam. Pemilihan benih kelapa dalam yang baik dan benar mutlak diperlukan untuk memperoleh benih unggul. Pada tahun 2019 BPTP Balitbangtan Sulawesi Barat menyediakan bibit kelapa dalam bermutu di tingkat lapangan sebanyak 3.000 bibit dalam polybag siap tanam. Hasil kegiatan yaitu Pembibitan kelapa dalam dilaksanakan di Kecamatan Mamuju, Kabupaten Mamuju, pada bulan Januari-Desember sebanyak 3.000 bibit Pelaksanaan kegiatan yang telah dilaksanan yaitu persiapan benih, persiapan lahan, penyemaian dan Pemelihraan, sertifikasi dan Penyaluran benih’Jumlah Bibit yang disemai sebanyak 3.000 dari target 3.000 batang. Jumlah bibit yang tumbuh baik dan lulus Sertfikasi sebayak 1.800 batang. bibit yang tidak dapat tumbuh dikarenaka serangan jamur dan mati pucuk akibat musim kemarau yang bekepanjangan.
Nilai Nutrisi Maggot Black Solder Fly (Hermetia Illucens) dengan Berbagai Media
Authors: Santi Santi , Astuti Andi Tenri Bau , Pasamboang Jimmy 
Published: January 2021

Maggot Lalat tentara hitam (Hermetia illucens) merupakan salah satu jenis insekta yang memiliki kandungan protein tinggi yang bagus digunakan sebagai pakan unggas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengoptimalkan produksi kandungan nutrisi maggot dengan penggunaan media feses ayam dengan ampas tahu. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di mini rancs petrenakan, Universitas AL-Asyariah Mandar dan akan dilanjutkan dengan analisis nutrisi di Laboratorium Kimia Pakan Fakultas Peternakan UNHAS. Penelitian ini dirancang dengan menggunakan metode RAL dengan 4 perlakuan 3 ulangan, sehingga jumlah unit percobaan yaitu 12. P1 = ampas tahu 100% P2 = ampas tahu 50% + feses ayam 50% P3 = ampas tahu 75% + feses ayam 25% P4 = ampas tahu 25% + feses ayam 75%. Kualitas produksi nutrisi paling tinggi pada perlakuan P3 dengan kadar bahan kering 30,47%, protein kasar 42,98%, lemak kasar 34,09%, dan serat kasar 10,40%.
COMPARACION DEL TIPO DE CIRUGIA BARIATRICA SOBRE LA REDUCCION DE PESO CORPORAL Y SU RELACION CON LA GRELINA.
Authors: Basurto Acevedo Norma Eleane , Ramírez Velásquez Jorge , Ornelas Oñate Luis , Ruelas Ayala Alondra , Manuel Apolinar Leticia , Basurto Lourdes , Robledo Ariadna , Hernández Cueto Ángeles 
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: La cirugía bariátrica es un procedimiento para disminuir de peso a largo plazo en pacientes con obesidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles de ghrelina y la reducción del peso de acuerdo al tipo de cirugía bariátrica, comparando el bypass de una sola anastomosis y la gastrectomía formadora de manga. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de cohorte que incluyó a 50 pacientes con obesidad, 22 mini-bypass y 28 mangas gástricas. Se evaluó el peso corporal y las concentraciones de ghrelina en la etapa prequirúrgica, en el día 7 y en los meses 1, 3 y 6 después de la cirugía. Resultados: Del total de pacientes, el 86% presentaron > 50% pérdida del exceso de peso (PEPP) a los 6 meses. La concentración de ghrelina disminuyó desde la primera semana en el grupo total de participantes. A los 6 meses, se observó mayor reducción de ghrelina en los pacientes con la manga gástrica (4.636 ± 2.535 vs 1.340 ± 1.001 pg/ mL, p < 0,0001). El PEPP en pacientes con mini-bypass fue superior, en comparación con manga gástrica. Conclusiones: La comparación entre las técnicas indicó que, a los 6 meses de evolución posquirúrgica, los pacientes con mini-bypass presentaron mayor reducción de peso corporal y del nivel de ghrelina, en comparación con el grupo de manga gástrica. La concentración de ghrelina es una variable que participa en el control de peso; sin embargo, el tipo de abordaje quirúrgico probablemente tiene mayor relación con la pérdida de peso en estos pacientes.