bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental characterization of diffuse speckle pulsatile flowmetry system
Authors: Choo Tristan Wen Jie , Zhang Ruochong , Bi Renzhe , Olivo Malini 
Published: September 2022

The recently developed Diffuse Speckle Pulsatile Flowmetry (DSPF) technique offers high measurement rates of around 300 Hz for non-invasive blood flow measurement of blood flow in deep tissue (up to a depth of approximately 15 mm), showing promising potential for the monitoring of various pathologies associated with abnormal blood flow. The effects of various parameters associated with this technique such as speckle size and exposure time on the measured flow readings, however, have yet to be studied. In this work, we examine these relationships experimentally, observing that the number of pixels per speckle (a measure of speckle size) and exposure time have a strong inverse relationship and a positive relationship respectively with the measured DSPF readings in no-flow setups using both static single light scattering and multiple light scattering mediums. We also studied how the sensitivity of DSPF readings to flow is affected by these parameters, finding that the number of pixels per speckle and exposure time have an inverse relationship and strong positive linear relationship respectively with the gradient of the regression line between the actual and measured flow rates in a dynamic setup using a tissue-mimicking flow phantom. It is hoped that these results would enable researchers using the DSPF technique to select and utilize the most optimized settings for their specific use applications.
Diet and exercise interventions reduce serum asprosin and the corresponding hypothalamic– pituitary–gonad-axis dysfunction in obese men
Authors: Yao Tingting , Song Chenglin , Yu Yajie , Cheng Yang , Lu Hongyan , Li Jing , Yang Yang , Tang Donghui , Yi Xuejie 
Published: September 2022

Background: Asprosin (ASP) is a recently discovered adipocyte factor that participates in glucose metabolism and inflammatory reactions. Recent findings suggest that it may be involved in the regulation of sex hormone secretion in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis, but no studies have been reported in related populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in serum ASP levels in healthy men and obese men, as well as before and after exercise weight loss, and to investigate male hypogonadism, insulin resistance, inflammatory response, and relationships induced by ASP and obesity.Methods: Thirty-eight young male volunteers were recruited and divided into a normal group (n = 20) and an obese group (n = 18) according to their body mass index. Fourteen of the obese men underwent a 14-week exercise and diet intervention (first 8 weeks of aerobic exercise at 60%–70% HRmax for 30–50 min/4 days a week). Beginning at week 9, the intensity was increased to 75% HRmax. Participants in the obese groups maintained a calorie-restricted diet throughout the study period.Results: Serum ASP levels in the obese group were significantly higher than those in the normal group, and serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRh), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T) levels were decreased. After 14 weeks of exercise and diet intervention, serum ASP decreased significantly, the levels of body weight, lean body weight, body fat rate, fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β decreased significantly, and the serum GnRH, LH, and T levels increased significantly. ASP was positively correlated with body weight, body fat percentage, FINS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β and negatively correlated with relative lean body weight and serum LH and T levels.Conclusion: The serum ASP levels were increased in obese men compared with those of normal weight individuals, resulting in a chronic inflammatory reaction, high serum insulin, and HPG axis injury. Fourteen weeks of exercise and diet intervention effectively alleviated this phenomenon. It has been speculated that ASP might regulate male reproductive function by regulating the inflammatory response and insulin sensitivity.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Mutations to mechanisms to therapies
Authors: Kawana Masataka , Spudich James A. , Ruppel Kathleen M. 
Published: September 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects more than 1 in 500 people in the general population with an extensive burden of morbidity in the form of arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden death. More than 25 years since the discovery of the genetic underpinnings of HCM, the field has unveiled significant insights into the primary effects of these genetic mutations, especially for the myosin heavy chain gene, which is one of the most commonly mutated genes. Our group has studied the molecular effects of HCM mutations on human β-cardiac myosin heavy chain using state-of-the-art biochemical and biophysical tools for the past 10 years, combining insights from clinical genetics and structural analyses of cardiac myosin. The overarching hypothesis is that HCM-causing mutations in sarcomere proteins cause hypercontractility at the sarcomere level, and we have shown that an increase in the number of myosin molecules available for interaction with actin is a primary driver. Recently, two pharmaceutical companies have developed small molecule inhibitors of human cardiac myosin to counteract the molecular consequences of HCM pathogenesis. One of these inhibitors (mavacamten) has recently been approved by the FDA after completing a successful phase III trial in HCM patients, and the other (aficamten) is currently being evaluated in a phase III trial. Myosin inhibitors will be the first class of medication used to treat HCM that has both robust clinical trial evidence of efficacy and that targets the fundamental mechanism of HCM pathogenesis. The success of myosin inhibitors in HCM opens the door to finding other new drugs that target the sarcomere directly, as we learn more about the genetics and fundamental mechanisms of this disease.
Prospective association between standing balance and cognitive function in middle-aged and older Chinese adults
Authors: Yan Jingzheng , Luan Fangyun , Wang Meijuan , Dong Wenshuo , Zhang Xinyue , Li Mengli , Cao Yingjuan 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of standing balance with cognitive functions and the rate of cognitive decline among middle-aged and older Chinese adults.MethodsParticipants were selected from China’s Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 8,499 subjects aged ≥45 years who participated in wave 1 to wave 3 surveys were included in the final analysis. Standing balance was measured using the tandem test, and participants were categorized into two groups according to their ability to maintain standing balance. Cognitive functions were assessed in three domains: episodic memory, mental status, and global cognition. The associations between standing balance scores, cognitive scores, and the rate of cognitive decline were evaluated using linear regression and linear mixed models.ResultsCompared with participants who successfully completed the standing balance test, those who were unable to complete the test had lower scores on episodic memory [β = −0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.24, −0.11], mental status (β = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.37, −0.19), and global cognition (β = −0.51; 95% CI: −0.65, −0.38) after 4 years of follow-up. In addition, the rate of decline in mental status and global cognition increased by 0.10 (β = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.13) and 0.08 (β = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.12) units, respectively, in participants who were unable to complete the test compared with their counterparts.ConclusionGood standing balance was significantly associated with higher cognitive function and a lower decline in mental status and global cognition in middle-aged and older Chinese adults.
Cyberchondria, but not preventive behavior, mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and somatic burden: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Zolotareva Alena 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundThere is extensive available research on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 pandemic and physical symptoms. This study was the first to examine the cyberchondria and COVID-19 preventive behavior as mediators of this relationship.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2021, during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Russia. The participants were 2,011 Russian-speaking volunteers aged 18 years and older. They completed questionnaires on somatic burden, cyberchondria, COVID-19 preventive behavior, and fear of COVID-19 pandemic. Mediation analysis was used to explore the mediating roles of cyberchondria and preventive behavior in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and somatic burden.ResultsFear of COVID-19 positively predicted somatic burden, cyberchondria, and COVID-19 preventive behavior. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between fear of COVID-19 pandemic and somatic burden was mediated by cyberchondria (effect = 0.08, bootstrapping SE = 0.01, bootstrapping 95% CI [0.08, 0.12]), but not COVID-19 preventive behavior (effect = 0.02, bootstrapping SE = 0.01, bootstrapping 95% CI [0.00, 0.05]).ConclusionThe findings suggest that cyberchondria had negative effects on somatic burden during the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge of the mediating role of cyberchondria may be used by health care workers when consulting persons with physical health complaints and psychosomatic disorders.
Association of social support with cognition among older adults in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Benchao , Guo Yan , Deng Yan , Zhao Siqi , Li Changfeng , Yang Jiajia , Li Qiuying , Yan Yaqiong , Li Fang , Li Xiaonuan , Rong Shuang 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the relationship between social support and its sub-domains and cognitive performance, and the association with cognitive impairment among older adults in China.DesignA cross-sectional study.Setting and participantsWe included 865 community-based individuals aged 65 and above from Hubei province, China.MethodsThe level of social support was evaluated using the social support rating scale (SSRC). The Mini-Mental State Examination was adopted to assess cognitive function, and its cut-offs were used to determine cognitive impairment among the participants. Multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models were used to estimate the β and odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs, respectively.ResultsThe participants were divided into quartiles 1–4 (Q1–Q4), according to the total scores of SSRC. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and history of diseases, for MMSE scores, compared to these in Q1, the β of Q2–Q4 were −0.22 (−0.88, 0.43), 0.29 (−0.35, 0.94), and 0.86 (0.19, 1.53), respectively; For cognitive impairment, the ORs of Q2–Q4 were 1.21 (0.80, 1.82), 0.62 (0.40, 0.94), and 0.50 (0.32, 0.80), respectively. Considering SSRC scores as the continuous variable, per 1-unit increase, the β was 0.05 (0.02, 0.09) for the cognitive score, and the OR was 0.95 (0.92, 0.98) for cognitive impairment. In addition, higher levels of both subjective support and support utilization were related to better MMSE performance and lower risks of cognitive impairment.Conclusion and implicationsAmong the older adults in China, as expected, there is a positive relationship between social support and cognitive performance, and high levels of social support, particularly in support utilization, were related to low risks of cognitive impairment. More social support should be provided in this population to improve cognitive function and reduce the risks of cognitive impairment.
Perception towards vaccine effectiveness in controlling COVID-19 spread in rural and urban communities: A global survey
Authors: Marzo Roy R. , Shrestha Rajeev , Sapkota Binaya , Acharya Swosti , Shrestha Nita , Pokharel Mandip , Ahmad Absar , Patalinghug Mark E. , Rahman Farzana , Salim Zahir R. , Bicer Burcu K. , Lotfizadeh Masoud , Wegdan Baniissa , Moura Villela Edlaine F. de , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak , Hamza Nouran A. , Saleeb Marina R. , Respati Titik , Fitriyana Susan , Bhattacharya Sudip , Heidler Petra , Qalati Sikandar A. , Aung Yadanar , Abid Khadijah , Abeje Tayachew A. , Pokhrel Ashmita , Roien Rohullah , King Isabel , Su Tin Tin 
Published: September 2022

IntroductionSeveral studies exhibited varying reports of perception toward vaccine effectiveness, vaccine hesitancy, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. As this fluctuated with evidence generation, this study explored the perception toward vaccine effectiveness in rural and urban communities among various countries.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted online from April to August 2021 using convenience sampling among people from different countries approved by the Asia Metropolitan University Medical Research and Ethics. We adapted the questionnaire from the World Health Organization's (WHO) survey tool and guidance on COVID-19. The logistic regression models were performed to show perception toward vaccine effectiveness.ResultsA total of 5,673 participants responded to the online survey. Overall, 64% of participants agreed that the vaccine effectively controlled viral spread, and 23% agreed that there was no need for vaccination if others were vaccinated. Males had 14% higher odds of believing that there was no need for vaccination. Less social media users had 39% higher odds of developing the belief that there is no need for vaccination than all other people vaccinated.ConclusionPeople's perceptions toward vaccine acceptance have fluctuated with the information flow in various social media and the severity of COVID-19 cases. Therefore, it is important that the current scenario of peoples' perception toward vaccine acceptance and determinants affecting the acceptance are explored to promote the vaccination approach against COVID-19 prevention and transmission effectively.
Scalp block for postoperative pain after craniotomy: A meta-analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Chen Yanting , Ni Jianqiang , Li Xiang , Zhou Jialei , Chen Gang 
Published: September 2022

BackgroundPostoperative pain after craniotomy is an important clinical concern because it might lead to brain hyperemia and elevated intracranial pressure. Considering the side effects of opioid, several studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of local anesthetics, especially the scalp block, on postoperative pain. However, the strength of evidence supporting this practice for postoperative pain after craniotomy was unclear and the best occasion of scalp block was also not identified. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and the best occasion of scalp block for postoperative pain after craniotomy.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases from database inception to October 10, 2021 were searched for all randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of scalp block on postoperative pain after craniotomy. Data were assessed by StataMP 16 software.ResultsA total of 12 studies were included. A random-effect model was used to analyze all data. Patients under scalp block earned fewer scores than the non-scalp block group in visual analogue scale at the very early period (MD = −1.97, 95% CI = −3.07 to −0.88), early period (MD = −1.84, 95% CI = −2.95 to −0.73) and intermediate period (MD = −1.16, 95% CI = −1.84 to −0.49). Scalp block could also significantly prolong the time of the first request of rescue analgesia and reduce the use of additional analgesics without a significant difference in the incidence of complications. Subgroup analysis showed there was no significant difference in analgesia effect between pre-incision scalp block and post-incision scalp block in all periods.ConclusionScalp block could lead to lower pain intensity scores, more time of the first request of rescue analgesia, and fewer analgesic drugs applied in the first 12 h after craniotomy. There was no significant difference between pre-incision and post-incision scalp block in the occurrence and severity of postoperative pain.
Removing the Graduate Record Examination as an Admissions Requirement Does Not Impact Student Success
Authors: Sullivan Lisa M. , Velez Amanda A. , Longe Nikki , Larese Ann Marie , Galea Sandro 
Published: September 2022

Background: The predictive validity of components of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) on student success is inconsistent, and the test itself has been shown to be a barrier for prospective students historically underrepresented in graduate programs.Policy Options and Recommendations: We analyzed three admissions cycles for the Master of Public Health degree at the Boston University School of Public Health before (2016, 2017, 2018) and after (2019, 2020, 2021) eliminating the GRE for diversity and quality of applications, student success, and employment outcomes. We observed increases in diversity (e.g., 7.1% and 7.0% self-identified as African American/Black and Hispanic before eliminating the GRE as compared to 8.5% and 8.2% after), but no loss of quality, as measured by undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs) (e.g., median undergraduate GPA before and after eliminating the GRE of 3.4). We also saw no difference in performance in required core courses (e.g., more than 93.5% of students earned passing grades in required courses before and 94.5% after eliminating the GRE) and graduate employment (i.e., 93.1% employed within 6 months of graduation before and 93.8% after eliminating the GRE). We recommend removing the GRE as an admission requirement for the MPH as a step toward diversifying the public health workforce. This change alone is necessary but insufficient. We also need to develop support programs, tailored specifically to the needs of our future students, to ensure their success.Conclusion: Eliminating the GRE as an admissions requirement for prospective students does not result in loss of student quality or worse program performance.
A Taxonomic Review of the Genus Telsimia Casey (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) from China, with Descriptions of Eight New Species
Authors: Bi Keke , Huo Lizhi , Wang Xingmin 
Published: September 2022

Twenty species of the genus Telsimia from China are reviewed herein. Among them, eight species are described as new to science: Telsimia chayuensis, T. forcipata, T. latus, T. lobatus, T. lunata, T. menglaensis, T. parascymnoides, and T. parvus spp. nov.; two species are reported from China for the first time: T. darjeelingensis Kapur, 1969 and T. elongate Hoàng, 1985. All species are provided with nomenclatural history, diagnoses, detailed descriptions (except for the 10 previously described species), colored illustrations, and distributions. The female genitalia of five described species are provided for the first time. A distribution map and a key to all the Chinese species are also provided.
Oxygen Isotopes in Carbonate and Phosphate of Modern Mammal Bioapatite: New Data and Critical Revision after about 25 Years from the First Recognitions
Authors: Iacumin Paola , Rossi Mattia , Selmo Enricomaria , Venturelli Giampiero 
Published: September 2022

Oxygen and carbon isotopes of well-preserved skeletal remains give relevant support to archaeological and environmental reconstructions. However, the preservation of the skeletal remains must be preliminarily checked. About twenty-five years ago, a diagnostic method based on the oxygen isotope ratio in the phosphate, δ(O18/O16)Ph, and carbonate, δ(O18/O16)Carb, of bioapatite of modern mammals was proposed: for well-preserved samples, the δ(O18/O16)Ph and δ(O18/O16)Carb should plot near the regression line δ(O18/O16)Ph on δ(O18/O16)Carb obtained for modern mammals. In the last twenty years, techniques of analysis have changed. In the past, BiPO4 or Ag3PO4 were precipitated from dissolved bioapatite and analysed with the fluorination technique, whereas at present, temperature reduction (HTR) in a glassy carbon reactor with CO release is commonly used. Taking into account the HTR technique, for some modern mammals, we report a new δ(O18/O16)Ph + 1 on δ(O18/O16)Carb + 1 regression line, and related dispersion of the data that, in addition to mineralogical and structural methods, may be used to select samples reliable for archaeological use. In the past, other similar regression lines on modern mammals were defined by several authors. However, statistical results indicate that data used for these regression lines cannot be pooled because the hypothesis of a similar elevation is rejected.
Method for studying the rheological properties of parotid saliva using controlled dynamic sialometry
Authors: Shchipskiy A. V. , Kalimatova M. M. , Mukhin P. N. 
Published: September 2022

Relevance. Sialometry may determine the nature of x erostomia, and the results should be representativ e. The study aimed to increase the information value of the parotid gland secretory function examination by determining saliva rheological properties during the c ontrolled dynamic sialometry.Materials and methods. Twenty-two patients with xerostomia had a controlled dynamic sialometry in two stages with simultaneous saliva sampling using a Lashley capsule and a catheter. At the first stage, the capsule was on the right, the catheter was on the left; at the second stage their places were swapped. In 44 comparison pairs, the capsule parameters were the control, the catheter parameters were studied. The method of stimulated ductal sialometry according to Andreeva T.B. formed a basis of the study. The study eliminated the technological error of sialometry, the rheological state of saliva was determined by subtracting the catheter index from the capsule index. The study was approved by the ethics committee (No. 02-21 dated February 18, 21), voluntary. Difference significance was statistically assessed using the Student 's t-test. The results were significant at p ≤ 0.05.Results. The analysis of 44 comparison pairs showed a priority (t = 7.317; p < 0.001) of the number of cases with large capsule scores (n = 34; 77.3%) compared catheter (n = 7; 15.9%). Therefore, capsule sialometry is more representative. Capsule sialometry (n = 44) showed hyposalivation in 11 cases (25.0%), secretion values were normal (t = 5.416; p < 0.001) in the remaining 33 cases (75.0%). Normal rheological condition of saliva was significantly more common in the hyposalivation group – objective xerostomia (t = 1.900; p < 0.05); rheological disorders were significantly more common in the group with normal secretion - subjective xerostomia (t = 7.729; p < 0.01).Conclusion. Controlled dynamic sialometry determines the technological error and objectifies sialometry parameters; explores saliva rheological condition, which affects the performance of sialometry when using a catheter. Objective xerostomia is characterized by hyposalivation with a secondary significance of saliva rheological condition. Subjective xerostomia can occur only due to a saliva rheological disorder .