bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Loneliness and Internet Addiction: Testing of Serial Mediation and Moderated Mediation Models of Interpersonal Problems and Motivation for Internet Use
Authors: Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon , Pinyopornpanish Manee , Simcharoen Sutapat , Kuntawong Pimolpun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

In the era of high-speed internet, using the internet regardless of platform might be considered a part of everyone’s daily activities. A number of factors have been demonstrated to be associated with internet addiction, which is mostly concerned with psychological problems such as loneliness. This study aimed to examine how and in what way loneliness has influenced internet addiction. Specifically, we proposed and tested interpersonal problems and motivation for the internet as intervening variables of the relationship between loneliness and internet addiction.
Methods

Self-report measurement on loneliness, internet addiction test (IAT) and interpersonal problems consisting of domineering, vindictive, cold, socially inhibited, nonassertive, overly accommodating, self-sacrificing and intrusive, were administered to 318 medical students (57% females); mean age was 20.88 (SD, 1.8), to test whether interpersonal problems mediated the relationship between loneliness and internet addiction in the mediation model. In addition, motivation for internet use was added to the mediation model and tested whether it was the second mediator (serial mediation model) or a moderator (moderated mediation model).
Results

After controlling for sex and age, socially inhibited problems exhibited full mediation whereas the remainder had partial mediation effect, with the exception that intrusive and cold interpersonal problems had no mediating role. Negative motivation and motivation for being accepted had mediation effects for all styles of interpersonal problems. Motivation for working was found to be a significant mediator and moderator of the most interpersonal problems. Intrusive and cold styles became a mediator only when some motivation variables were added to the model, implying that not only psychological problems should be included when analysis internet addiction, but also other variables such motivation for internet use. The percent of variance explained, by IAT score, increased from 13% by the mediation model to 33% by the moderated mediation model, and 43% by the serial mediation model.
Conclusion

The study suggested the crucial role of loneliness and interpersonal problems on internet addiction, for which motivation for the internet use explained how each interpersonal problem would be associated. This may provide some insight regarding the pathological characteristics of those using the internet as a coping strategy. Intervention to help students experiencing loneliness to avoid excessive use of the internet is possible when their interpersonal problems and various types of motivation are identified.
Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric properties of Brazilian and Peruvian versions of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Short Form (BADS-SF)
Authors: Aschar Suzana Crismanis Almeida Lopes , Claro Heloísa Garcia , Fernandes Ivan Filipe de Almeida Lopes , Daley Kate , Castro Hellen Carolina Martins , Santos Daniela Vera Cruz dos , Rocha Thais Izabel Ugeda , Hungerbuehler Ines , Araya Ricardo , Menezes Paulo Rossi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Behavioral Activation (BA) is an evidence-based treatment that aims to help the individual to stay active and reduce avoidance behaviors, as a means to reduce depressive symptoms. This study aims to describe the adaptation process and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale Short Form (BADS-SF) in its Brazilian and Peruvian version.Methods: Data were collected as part of a randomized trial with 880 participants in Brazil and 432 in Peru. The content validity was assessed using the Content Validity Index (CVI). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was applied to evaluate the factorial distribution. Sampling adequacy was assessed by Bartlett’s test of Sphericity and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated to assess internal consistency.Results: CVI in Brazil was 0.92 and in Peru 0.87. The two-factor solution of the original scale is sustained (activation and avoidance), accounting for 50.6 and 54% of the total variance in Brazil and Peru, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha in Brazil was 0.55 and 0.66 in Peru for the overall scale. KMO was 0.769 and 0.790 for Brazil and Peru, respectively. Bartlett’s test of Sphericity had significance of 0.000 for both samples. Conclusion: Both studied versions of the BAD-SF showed coherent structure and internal consistency. We recommend different distribution of the items into the subscales.
An Italian individual-level data study investigating on the association between air pollution exposure and Covid-19 severity in primary-care setting
Authors: Pegoraro Valeria , Heiman Franca , Levante Antonella , Urbinati Duccio , Peduto Ilaria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several studies have been focusing on the potential role of atmospheric pollutants in the diffusion and impact on health of Covid-19. This study’s objective was to estimate the association between ≤10 micrometers diameter particulate matter (PM10) exposure and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia due to Covid-19 using individual-level data in Italy.METHODS: Information on Covid-19 patients was retrieved from the Italian IQVIA® Longitudinal Patient Database (LPD), a computerized network of general practitioners (GPs) including anonymous data on patients’ consultations and treatments. All patients with a Covid-19 diagnosis during March 18th, 2020 – June 30th, 2020 were included in the study. The date of first Covid-19 registration was the starting point of the 3-month follow-up (Index Date). Patients were classified based on Covid-19-related pneumonia registrations on the Index date and/or during follow-up presence/absence. Each patient was assigned individual exposure by calculating average PM10 during the 30-day period preceding the Index Date, and according to GP’s office province. A multiple generalized linear mixed model, mixed-effects logistic regression, was used to assess the association between PM10 exposure tertiles and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia.RESULTS: Among 6,483 Covid-19 patients included, 1,079 (16.6%) had a diagnosis of pneumonia. Pneumonia patients were older, more frequently men, more health-impaired, and had a higher individual-level exposure to PM10 during the month preceding Covid-19 diagnosis. The mixed-effects model showed that patients whose PM10 exposure level fell in the second tertile had a 30% higher likelihood of having pneumonia than that of first tertile patients, and the risk for those who were in the third tertile was almost doubled.CONCLUSION: The consistent findings toward a positive association between PM10 levels and the likelihood of experiencing pneumonia due to Covid-19 make the implementation of new strategies to reduce air pollution more and more urgent.
Discovery of a novel brown algal genus and species Setoutiphycus delamareoides (Phaeophyceae, Ectocarpales) from the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Authors: Kawai Hiroshi , Hanyuda Takeaki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A novel brown algal genus and species Setoutiphycus delamareoides (Ectocarpales sensu lato) is described from the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. The species is similar to Delamarea attenuata in gross morphology and anatomy, but distinctive in having longer thalli with rare branching, shorter cortical cells, and occurrence of branches at the tip of plurilocular zoidangia. Erect thalli were epilithic, solitary or caespitose, filiform, simple or rarely branched, attenuated towards the base, blunt at the tip, with uneven surface, yellowish brown in color, up to about 15 cm in height and 2 mm in diameter, parenchymatous, solid when young and later becoming hollow, composed of 1–2 layers of large colorless inner cells, subcortical cells, barrel-shaped large cortical cells of up to 100 µm in height and up to 60 µm in diameter, and phaeophycean hairs. Plurilocular and unilocular zoidangia developed on the same thallus, the former conical to lanceolate, sometimes branched at the tip and projected from the cortical cells, and the latter ovate. Each cell contained many discoidal chloroplasts with projected pyrenoids. In the molecular phylogeny using concatenated DNA sequences of mitochondrial cox1, cox3 and chloroplast atpB, psaA, psbA and rbcL genes, the novel alga nested in the clade composed of ectocarpalean genera of diffuse growth, with parenchymatous thalli with multiple chloroplasts, but was distinctive. Therefore, we propose the establishment of a new genus and species Setoutiphycus delamareoides gen. & sp. nov. for the novel alga, and provisionally place it in Chordariaceae, Ectocarpales sensu lato. As to the biogeography, the Seto Inland Sea repeatedly dried by sea level regression during the glacial periods and the present sea level has recovered after the LGM of ca. 10,000 years ago. Therefore, it is unlikely that the evolution of the genus and species occurred within this area, and its isolated distribution may be explained as a remnant population that survived in the refugia in southern Japan during LGM. It is possible that the species also has a broader distributional range, at least in Japan, such as northern Honshu, but if not, the species can be endangered due to the raise of seawater temperature in the area by global climate change, because the Seto Inland Sea is enclosed at its northern end, so the population cannot spread to colder more northern coasts.
Improvement of three-dimensional motion sickness using a virtual reality simulator for robot-assisted surgery in undergraduate medical students: a prospective observational study
Authors: Takata Ryo , Kanehira Mitsugu , Kato Yoichiro , Matsuura Tomohiko , Kato Renpei , Maekawa Shigekatsu , Obara Wataru 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

A virtual reality (VR) simulator is utilized as an inexpensive tool for gaining basic technical competence in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS). We evaluated operator 3D motion sickness while using a VR simulator and assessed whether it can be reduced by repeating the training.
Methods

This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Iwate Medical University, a tertiary level training hospital in an urban setting. A total of 30 undergraduate medical students participated in the study. We compared whether the VR simulator improved the students’ skills in operating the da Vinci robot. Fifteen students underwent training with a VR simulator for 4 hours a day for 5 days. Then, motion sickness was ascertained using the Visual Analog Scale and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) before and after the training.
Results

Manipulation time significantly improved after training compared to before training (293.9 ± 72.4 versus 143.6 ± 18.4 seconds, p < 0.001). Although motion sickness worsened after each training session, continuous practice with the VR simulator gradually reduced this. SSQ subscores showed that the VR simulator elicited nausea, disorientation, and oculomotor strain, and oculomotor strain was significantly improved with repeated training.
Conclusion

In undergraduate students, practice with the VR simulator improved the technique of RAS and operator 3D motion sickness caused by 3D manipulation of the da Vinci robot.
Physicochemical characterisation of kafirins extracted from sorghum grain and dried distillers grain with solubles related to their biomaterial functionality
Authors: Shah umar , Dwivedi Deepak , Hackett Mark , Al-Salami Hani , Utikar Ranjeet P. , Blanchard Chris , Gani Adil , Rowles Matthew R. , Johnson Stuart K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Kafirin, the hydrophobic prolamin storage protein in sorghum grain is enriched when the grain is used for bioethanol production to give dried distillers grain with solubles (DGGS) as a by-product. There is great interest in DDGS kafirin as a new source for biomaterials. There is however a lack of fundamental understanding of how the physicochemical properties of DDGS kafirin having been exposed to the high temperature conditions during ethanol production, compare to kafirin made directly form the grain. An understanding of these properties is required to catalyse the utilisation of DDGS kafirin for biomaterial applications. The aim of this study was to extract kafirin directly from sorghum grain and from DDGS derived from the same grain and, then perform a comparative investigation of the physicochemical properties of these kafirins in terms of: polypeptide profile by sodium-dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE); secondary structure by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD), self-assembly behaviour by small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface chemical properties by energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). DDGS kafirin was found to have very similar polypeptide profile as grain kafirin but contained altered secondary structure with increased levels of β-sheets. The structure morphology showed surface fractals and surface elemental composition suggests enhanced reactivity with possibility to endow interfacial wettability. These properties of DDGS kafirin may provide it with unique functionality and thus open up opportunities for it to be used as a novel food grade biomaterial.
Plasma Fatty Acids and Primary Open-angle Glaucoma in the Elderly: the Montrachet Population-based Study
Authors: Chemaly Alicia , Arnould Louis , Seydou Alassane , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Baudin Florian , Acar Niyazi , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: To compare plasma fatty acids (FAs) between participants with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and participants without neuropathy in an elderly population and to investigate specific FAs pattern in POAG.Methods: We conducted a population-based study in participants older than 75 years. Participants underwent a comprehensive eye examination with optic nerve photographs, visual field test and optic nerve OCT with RNFL thickness measurement. Glaucomatous status was defined according to the International Society for Epidemiologic and Geographical Ophthalmology classification. Lipids were extracted from plasma and FAs methylesters prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Among the 1153 participants of the Montrachet study 810 were retained for analysis and 68 had POAG. The mean age was 82.11 ± 3.67. In multivariable analysis FAs levels were not different between POAG participants and controls (P = 0.078). A FAs pattern characterized by high negative weight of gamma-linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), Cis-7 hexadecenoic acid monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) and high positive weight of eicosadienoic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, docosapentaenoic n-6, alpha linoleic acid PUFAs, eicosenoic acid MUFAs, margaric acid and behenic acid saturated FAs was positively associated with POAG. After adjustment for major confounders, individuals in the upper tertile of FAs pattern scores compared with those in the lower tertile were more likely to present POAG (OR = 3.09 [95% CI 1.29 - 7.40] P = 0.013).Conclusions: We found no significant difference regarding isolated plasma FAs between participants with POAG and participants without neuropathy in elderly but specific FAs pattern might be associated with POAG.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of a Quantitative Assessment of the Retinal Vascular Network Fractal Dimension Measured With Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Healthy Eyes
Authors: Haddad Déa , Arnould Louis , Baudin Florian , Gabrielle Pierre-Henry , Sarossy Marc , Bron Alain M. , Aliahmad Behzad , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of the retinal vascular network fractal dimension (FD) measured from swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) images of healthy eyes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken with young healthy volunteers who had no reported cardiac risk factors or ocular disease history. For each participant, three SS-OCTA images (12×12 mm) were acquired using the Cirrus Plex Elite 9000 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) by two ophthalmologists. The data from one eye per participant were retained for analysis. Automated segmentation was obtained from both the superficial and deep capillary plexuses. Fractal box-counting analyses were performed. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the coefficient of variation (CV) were used as measures for repeatability and reproducibility. Results: A total of 43 eyes of healthy volunteers were included. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 30 ± 6.2 years. The mean retinal vascular network FD was 1.693 in the superficial and 1.694 in the deep vascular layer in our healthy cohort. For repeatability, the ICC was 0.722 (95% CI, 0.541–0.839) in the superficial capillary plexus and 0.828 (95% CI, 0.705–0.903) in the deep capillary plexus. For reproducibility, the ICC was 0.651 (95% CI, 0.439–0.795) and 0.363 (95% CI, 0.073–0.596) at the superficial and deep capillary plexus, respectively. The CV for each observer was less than 5% in the two plexuses.Conclusions: In this study, the retinal vascular network FD provided new repeatability and reproducibility quantitative data using SS-OCTA with healthy participants.
Interplay of Transcription Factor 7-Like-2 Polymorphisms with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Ghanaian Population
Authors: Obirikorang Christian , Adu Evans Asamoah , Acheampong Emmanuel , Anto Enoch Odame , Quaye Lawrence , Amoah Brodrick Yeboah , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Kwakye Aaron Siaw , Fokuoh Foster , Appiah Michael , Nyarko Eric Nana Yaw , Aidoo Freeman , Adua Eric , Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Balmer Lois , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been strongly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCF7L2 gene. This study investigated the interplay between rs12255372 and rs7903146 with T2DM in a Ghanaian population.
Methods

A case-control design was used for this study. A total of 106 T2DM patients and 110 apparently healthy control participants were selected. Basic data collected included body mass index, blood pressure and socio-demographics. Fasting blood samples were collected and used for serum lipid analysis, HbA1c, glucose estimation and DNA extraction. Common and allele-specific primers were designed for genotyping using the Modified Tetra-Primer Amplification assay. Associations were evaluated using logistic regression models.
Results

The rs7903146 risk variant was significantly associated with 2.16 vs 4.06 increased odds for T2DM in patients < 60 years vs ≥ 60 years. Both rs7903146 and rs12255372 were significantly associated with increased odds of T2DM in women, overweight/obese; negative T2DM family history and low-HDL-C. In a multivariate model, rs7903146 but not rs12255372 was significantly associated with 2.18, 5.01 and 2.25 increased odds of T2DM, under the codominant, recessive and additive model, respectively (p < 0.05). Haplotype analysis showed that rs7903146 and rs12255372 SNPs are weakly associated (D’=0.021; r2 = 0.0001).
Conclusion

The association between rs7903146 and rs12255372 with T2DM looks to be more highly associated in a subgroup- women and those without T2DM family history, yet have cardiometabolic risk.
Identification of potential pathogenic genes causing occipitalization of the atlas
Authors: Jia Shanhang , Duan Wanru , Xin Zong , Zhang Boyan , Jian Qiang , Wei Chen , Chen Zan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Occipitalization of the atlas (AO) is among the most common congenital or environmental malformations of the craniovertebral region, the rate of incidence of which ranges from 0.08%-2.76% in the general population. The fundamental pathogenic mechanisms and molecular etiology remain largely unknown..
Results

Rare variants were detected in two genes (MEOX1 and MYO18B) with reported association with vertebral malformations, especially in AO. Through the use of a functional prediction tool, Meta-SVM, and genotype-phenotype analysis of 101 candidate genes related to vertebral segmentation abnormalities, TNS1 was identified as having the greatest probability of being associated with AO, followed by FGFR2, AGAP1, TBX2, LRP5, and TONSL. GO-BP and KEGG analyses were then performed on the candidate genes, the results indicating that Fanconi anemia-related genes may drive vertebral malformation in AO patients..
Conclusions

The present study analyzed the WES profile of a cohort of Chinese AO patients and identified 6 novel genes potentially associated with AO, extending the spectrum of known mutants contributing to this disorder. Furthermore, functional gene enrichment analysis provided fresh insight into the Fanconi anemia related pathway and etiology of AO.
Stage-differentiated modelling of DNA methylation landscapes uncovers salient biomarkers and prognostic signatures in colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Muthamilselvan Sangeetha , Raghavendran Abirami , Palaniappan Ashok 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Aberrant DNA methylation acts epigenetically to skew the gene transcription rate up or down, with causative roles in the etiology of cancers. However research on the role of DNA methylation in driving the progression of cancers is limited. In this study, we have developed a comprehensive computational framework for the stage-differentiated modelling of DNA methylation landscapes in colorectal cancer (CRC), and unravelled significant stagewise signposts of CRC progression. Methods: The methylation β - matrix was derived from the public-domain TCGA data, converted into M-value matrix, annotated with AJCC stages, and analysed for stage-salient genes using multiple approaches involving stage-differentiated linear modelling of methylation patterns and/or expression patterns. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified using a contrast against controls (adjusted p-value <0.001 and |log fold-change of M-value| >2). These results were filtered using a series of all possible pairwise stage contrasts (p-value <0.05) to obtain stage-salient DMGs. These were then subjected to a consensus analysis, followed by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis to evaluate the impact of methylation patterns of consensus stage-salient biomarkers on disease prognosis.Results: We found significant genome-wide changes in methylation patterns in cancer cases relative to controls agnostic of stage. Our stage-differentiated analysis yielded the following stage-salient genes: one stage-I gene (FBN1), one stage-II gene (FOXG1), one stage-III gene (HCN1) and four stage-IV genes (NELL1, ZNF135, FAM123A, LAMA1). All the biomarkers were hypermethylated, indicating down-regulation and signifying a CpG island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP) manifestation. A significant prognostic signature consisting of FBN1 and FOXG1 survived all the steps of our analysis pipeline, and represents a novel early-stage biomarker. Conclusions: We have designed a workflow for stage-differentiated consensus analysis, and identified stage-salient diagnostic biomarkers and an early-stage prognostic biomarker panel. Our studies further yield a novel CIMP-like signature of potential clinical import underlying CRC progression.