bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Perceived Physical Literacy for Chinese Elderly Questionnaire
Authors: Wang Haocen , King Barbara , Yang Rumei 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Physical literacy refers to a holistic view of physical activity (PA), which proposes that a person needs to be motivationally, physically, strategically, mentally, socially, and knowledgeably prepared to be and stay physically active. It has been recently introduced in the field of older adults’ PA. Our study sought to develop the Perceived Physical Literacy for Chinese Elderly Questionnaire (PPLCEQ) and evaluate its psychometric properties.

Research Design and Methods
We conducted qualitative interviews and literature reviews to develop the item pool. Expert panel review and cognitive interviewing were used to evaluate the questionnaire’s content validity. A convenience sample of 388 Chinese older adults was recruited to assess the questionnaire’s validity and reliability.

Results
The developed PPLCEQ includes 47 items. Consistent with the conceptual definition of physical literacy, exploratory factor analysis showed that the PPLCEQ is composed of 6 subscales. Participants’ PPLCEQ scores were moderately correlated to their leisure-time PA (r = 0.38, p &lt; .001), PA maintenance (r = 0.44, ps &lt; .001), and perceived competence for exercising regularly scores (r = 0.58, p &lt; .001). Moreover, the Cronbach’s alpha and the test–retest reliability of the questionnaire were 0.88 and 0.70, respectively.

Discussion and Implications
Psychometric assessment results suggest that the PPLCEQ is a reliable and valid tool that can be used in future studies investigating Chinese older adults’ perceived physical literacy.
Comparing and integrating artificial intelligence and similarity search detection techniques: application to seismic sequences in Southern Italy
Authors: Scotto di Uccio Francesco , Scala Antonio , Festa Gaetano , Picozzi Matteo , Beroza Gregory C 
Published: December 2022

SUMMARYUnderstanding mechanical processes occurring on faults requires detailed information on the microseismicity that can be enhanced today by advanced techniques for earthquake detection. This problem is challenging when the seismicity rate is low and most of the earthquakes occur at depth. In this study, we compare three detection techniques, the autocorrelation FAST, the machine learning EQTransformer, and the template matching EQCorrScan, to assess their ability to improve catalogues associated with seismic sequences in the normal fault system of Southern Apennines (Italy) using data from the Irpinia Near Fault Observatory (INFO). We found that the integration of the machine learning and template matching detectors, the former providing templates for the cross-correlation, largely outperforms techniques based on autocorrelation and machine learning alone, featuring an enrichment of the automatic and manual catalogues of factors 21 and 7, respectively. Since output catalogues can be polluted by many false positives, we applied refined event selection based on the cumulative distribution of their similarity level. We can thus clean up the detection lists and analyse final subsets dominated by real events. The magnitude of completeness decreases by more than one unit compared to the reference value for the network. We report b-values associated with sequences smaller than the average, likely corresponding to larger differential stresses than for the background seismicity of the area. For all the analysed sequences, we found that main events are anticipated by foreshocks, indicating a possible preparation process for main shocks at subkilometric scales.
Catastrophic health care expenditure and impoverishment in Bhutan
Authors: Sharma Jayendra , Pavlova Milena , Groot Wim 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Monitoring financial hardship due to out-of-pocket spending on health care is a critical determinant of progress towards universal health coverage. This study investigates the occurrence, intensity and determinants of catastrophic health expenditure and impoverishment in Bhutan using three rounds of the cross-sectional Bhutan Living Standard Surveys carried out in 2007, 2012 and 2017. We use a composite financial hardship measure defined as households experiencing either catastrophic health expenditure or impoverished/further impoverished due to health spending or both. We calculated concentration indices to examine socio-economic inequalities. We used logistic regression to examine the factors associated with financial hardship. We find that, in the context of a significant increase in living standards, there is a sharp increase in the incidence of catastrophic health expenditure (using 40% of capacity to pay) and impoverishment (based on equivalized average food-share-based poverty line) between 2007 and 2017. In 2017, catastrophic health expenditure was estimated at 0.51%, impoverishment at 0.32% and further impoverishment at 1.93% of the population, cumulating to financial hardship affecting 2.55% of the population. Financial hardship particularly burdened rural dwellers and poorer households. Transportation costs almost doubled the risk of facing financial hardship. Households that were poor, had an unemployed head, were larger and had more elderly members had higher odds of financial hardship. This evidence should prompt policy and programmatic interventions to support Bhutan’s progress towards universal health coverage.
Exploring the impact of selection bias in observational studies of COVID-19: a simulation study
Authors: Millard Louise A C , Fernández-Sanlés Alba , Carter Alice R , Hughes Rachael A , Tilling Kate , Morris Tim P , Major-Smith Daniel , Griffith Gareth J , Clayton Gemma L , Kawabata Emily , Davey Smith George , Lawlor Deborah A , Borges Maria Carolina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Non-random selection of analytic subsamples could introduce selection bias in observational studies. We explored the potential presence and impact of selection in studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 prognosis.

Methods
We tested the association of a broad range of characteristics with selection into COVID-19 analytic subsamples in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) and UK Biobank (UKB). We then conducted empirical analyses and simulations to explore the potential presence, direction and magnitude of bias due to this selection (relative to our defined UK-based adult target populations) when estimating the association of body mass index (BMI) with SARS-CoV-2 infection and death-with-COVID-19.

Results
In both cohorts, a broad range of characteristics was related to selection, sometimes in opposite directions (e.g. more-educated people were more likely to have data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in ALSPAC, but less likely in UKB). Higher BMI was associated with higher odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection and death-with-COVID-19. We found non-negligible bias in many simulated scenarios.

Conclusions
Analyses using COVID-19 self-reported or national registry data may be biased due to selection. The magnitude and direction of this bias depend on the outcome definition, the true effect of the risk factor and the assumed selection mechanism; these are likely to differ between studies with different target populations. Bias due to sample selection is a key concern in COVID-19 research based on national registry data, especially as countries end free mass testing. The framework we have used can be applied by other researchers assessing the extent to which their results may be biased for their research question of interest.
Prevalence and Severity of Symptoms 3 Months After Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Compared to Test-Negative and Population Controls in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Maaden Tessa , Mutubuki Elizabeth N , de Bruijn Siméon , Leung Ka Yin , Knoop Hans , Slootweg Jaap , Tulen Anna D , Wong Albert , van Hoek Albert Jan , Franz Eelco , van den Wijngaard Cees C 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
This prospective study assesses symptoms 3 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection compared to test-negative and population controls, and the effect of vaccination prior to infection.

Methods
Participants enrolled after a positive (cases) or negative (test-negative controls) SARS-CoV-2 test, or after invitation from the general population (population controls). After 3 months, participants indicated presence of 41 symptoms and severity of 4 symptoms. Permutation tests were used to select symptoms significantly elevated in cases compared to controls and to compare symptoms between cases that were vaccinated or unvaccinated prior to infection.

Results
In total, 9166 cases, 1698 symptomatic but test-negative controls, and 3708 population controls enrolled. At 3 months, 13 symptoms, and severity of fatigue, cognitive impairment, and dyspnea were significantly elevated incases compared to controls. Of cases, 48.5% reported ≥1 significantly elevated symptom compared to 29.8% of test-negative controls and 26.0% of population controls. Effect of vaccination could be determined for cases aged &lt;65 years, and was significantly protective for loss of smell and taste but not for other symptoms.

Discussion
Three months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, almost half of cases report symptoms, which was higher than background prevalence and test-negative prevalence. Vaccination prior to infection was protective against loss of smell and taste in cases aged &lt;65 years.
Quinolinyl β-enaminone derivatives exhibit leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania donovani by impairing the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex and inducing ROS-mediated programmed cell death
Authors: Rani Ankita , Khanikar Shilpika , Dutta Mukul , Katiyar Shivani , Qamar Tooba , Seth Anuradha , Agnihotri P K , Guha Rajdeep , Vishwakarma Jai N , Kar Susanta 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Previously, a series of side chain-modified quinolinyl β-enaminones was identified to possess significant activity against chloroquine-sensitive or -resistant Plasmodium falciparum and Brugia malayi microfilariae. The present study evaluates in vitro and in vivo activity of the series against Leishmania donovani and reports their mode of action.

Methods
The in vitro activity of 15 quinolinyl β-enaminone derivatives against Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes was assessed by luciferase assay. The reduction of organ parasite burden was assessed by Giemsa staining in L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice and hamsters. Intracellular Ca2+ and ATP level in active derivative (3D)-treated promastigotes were determined by fluorescence and luminescence assays. Flow cytometry was performed to determine loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) using JC-1 dye, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) dye, phosphatidylserine externalization by Annexin V-FITC staining and cell-cycle arrest by propidium iodide (PI) staining.

Results
Compounds 3A, 3B and 3D showed significant in vitro efficacy against L. donovani with IC50 &lt; 6 µM and mild cytotoxicity (∼75% viability) at 25 µM on J774 macrophages. 3A and 3D at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg reduced parasite burden (&gt;84%) in infected mice and hamsters, respectively, whereas 3D-treated animals demonstrated maximum parasite burden reduction without organ toxicity. Mode-of-action analysis revealed that 3D induced apoptosis by inhibiting mitochondrial complex II, reducing MMP and ATP levels, increasing ROS and Ca2+ levels, ultimately triggering phosphatidylserine externalization and sub-G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest in promastigotes.

Conclusions
Compound 3D-mediated inhibition of L. donovani mitochondrial complex induces apoptosis, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for visceral leishmaniasis.
Effect of ceftazidime/avibactam plus fosfomycin combination on 30 day mortality in patients with bloodstream infections caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: results from a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Oliva A , Volpicelli L , Di Bari S , Curtolo A , Borrazzo C , Cogliati Dezza F , Cona A , Agrenzano S , Mularoni A , Trancassini M , Mengoni F , Stefani S , Raponi G , Venditti M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Introduction
The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate the effect on 30 day mortality of the combination ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin in the treatment of bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp).

Materials and methods
From October 2018 to March 2021, a retrospective, two-centre study was performed on patients with KPC-Kp BSI hospitalized at Sapienza University (Rome) and ISMETT-IRCCS (Palermo) and treated with ceftazidime/avibactam-containing regimens. A matched cohort (1:1) analysis was performed. Cases were patients receiving ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin and controls were patients receiving ceftazidime/avibactam alone or in combination with in vitro non-active drugs different from fosfomycin (ceftazidime/avibactam ± other). Patients were matched for age, Charlson comorbidity index, ward of isolation (ICU or non-ICU), source of infection and severity of BSI, expressed as INCREMENT carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) score.

Results
Overall, 221 patients were included in the study. Following the 1:1 match, 122 subjects were retrieved: 61 cases (ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin) and 61 controls (ceftazidime/avibactam ± other). No difference in overall mortality emerged between cases and controls, whereas controls had more non-BSI KPC-Kp infections and a higher number of deaths attributable to secondary infections. Almost half of ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin patients were prescribed fosfomycin without MIC fosfomycin availability. No difference in the outcome emerged after stratification for fosfomycin susceptibility availability and dosage. SARS-CoV-2 infection and ICS ≥ 8 independently predicted 30 day mortality, whereas an appropriate definitive therapy was protective.

Conclusions
Our data show that fosfomycin was used in the treatment of KPC-Kp BSI independently from having its susceptibility testing available. Although no difference was found in 30 day overall mortality, ceftazidime/avibactam + fosfomycin was associated with a lower rate of subsequent KPC-Kp infections and secondary infections than other ceftazidime/avibactam-based regimens.
Etizolam and Its Major Metabolites: A Short Review
Authors: Al Bahri Abdul Aziz , Hamnett Hilary J 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEtizolam is a benzodiazepine (BZD). Etizolam is structurally different from BZDs as a thiophene replaces the benzene ring and a triazole ring is fused to the diazepine ring, but etizolam’s pharmacological profile is similar. Etizolam has been used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, to reduce depressive and somatization symptoms and to induce muscle relaxation. Etizolam is used recreationally due to its reinforcing and sedative effects. Etizolam is available in tablet or powder form or administered on blotter paper that can be placed on the tongue for oral absorption. Etizolam metabolizes into two major metabolites: α-hydroxyetizolam and 8-hydroxyetizolam, and all three compounds can be detected in different biological specimens using various common analytical techniques such as immunoassay, chromatography and mass spectrometry. Etizolam is a controlled drug in many countries around the globe but is approved for medical use in some countries, such as Japan, South Korea and Italy. This work is a collation and review of available literature on etizolam to help improve the fundamental understanding of its toxicology, outline best analytical practice, and aid interpretation of toxicology results.
Vibration data feature extraction and deep learning-based preprocessing method for highly accurate motor fault diagnosis
Authors: Jang Jun-Gyo , Noh Chun-Myoung , Kim Sung-Soo , Shin Sung-Chul , Lee Soon-Sup , Lee Jae-Chul 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe environmental regulations on vessels being strengthened by the International Maritime Organization has led to a steady growth in the eco-friendly ship market. Related research is being actively conducted, including many studies on the maintenance and predictive maintenance of propulsion systems (including electric motors and rotating bodies) in electric propulsion vessels. The present study intends to enhance the artificial intelligence (AI)-based failure-diagnosis rate for electric propulsion vessel propulsion systems. To verify the proposed AI-based failure diagnosis algorithm for electric motors, this study utilized the vibration data of mechanical equipment (electric motors) in an urban railway station. Securing and preprocessing high-quality data is crucial for improving the failure-diagnosis rate, in addition to the performance of the diagnostic algorithm. However, the conventional wavelet transform method, which is generally used for machine signal processing, has a disadvantage of data loss when the data distribution is abnormal or skewed. This study, to overcome this shortcoming, proposes an AI-based denoising auto encoder (DAE) method that can remove noise while maintaining data characteristics for signal processing of mechanical equipment. This study preprocessed vibration data by using the DAE method, and extracted significant features from the data through the feature extraction method. The extracted features were utilized to train the one-class support vector machine model and to allow the model to diagnose the failure. Finally, the F-1 score was calculated by using the failure diagnosis results, and the most meaningful feature extraction method was determined for the vibration data. In addition, this study compared and evaluated the preprocessing performance based on the DAE and the wavelet transform methods.
Identification of MicroRNAs in the West Nile Virus Vector Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Asad Sultan , Mehdi Ahmed M , Pujhari Sujit , Rückert Claudia , Ebel Gregory D , Rasgon Jason L 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression during important biological processes including development and pathogen defense in most living organisms. Presently, no miRNAs have been identified in the mosquito Culex tarsalis (Diptera: Culicidae), one of the most important vectors of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America. We used small RNA sequencing data and in vitro and in vivo experiments to identify and validate a repertoire of miRNAs in Cx. tarsalis mosquitoes. Using bioinformatic approaches we analyzed small RNA sequences from the Cx. tarsalis CT embryonic cell line to discover orthologs for 86 miRNAs. Consistent with other mosquitoes such as Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, miR-184 was found to be the most abundant miRNA in Cx. tarsalis. We also identified 20 novel miRNAs from the recently sequenced Cx. tarsalis genome, for a total of 106 miRNAs identified in this study. The presence of selected miRNAs was biologically validated in both the CT cell line and in adult Cx. tarsalis mosquitoes using RT–qPCR and sequencing. These results will open new avenues of research into the role of miRNAs in Cx. tarsalis biology, including development, metabolism, immunity, and pathogen infection.
Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aune Dagfinn , Markozannes Georgios , Abar Leila , Balducci Katia , Cariolou Margarita , Nanu Neesha , Vieira Rita , Anifowoshe Yusuf O , Greenwood Darren C , Clinton Steven K , Giovannucci Edward L , Gunter Marc J , Jackson Alan , Kampman Ellen , Lund Vivien , McTiernan Anne , Riboli Elio , Allen Kate , Brockton Nigel T , Croker Helen , Katsikioti Daphne , McGinley-Gieser Deirdre , Mitrou Panagiota , Wiseman Martin , Velikova Galina , Demark-Wahnefried Wendy , Norat Teresa , Tsilidis Konstantinos K , Chan Doris S M 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is associated with improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among women with breast cancer; however, uncertainty remains regarding PA types and dose (frequency, duration, intensity) and various HRQoL measures. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to clarify whether specific types and doses of physical activity was related to global and specific domains of HRQoL, as part of the Global Cancer Update Programme, formerly known as the World Cancer Research Fund–American Institute for Cancer Research Continuous Update Project.MethodsPubMed and CENTRAL databases were searched up to August 31, 2019. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) in HRQoL scores were estimated using random effects models. An independent expert panel graded the evidence.ResultsA total of 79 randomized controlled trials (14 554 breast cancer patients) were included. PA interventions resulted in higher global HRQoL as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast (WMD = 5.94, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 2.64 to 9.24; I2 = 59%, n = 12), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (WMD = 4.53, 95% CI = 1.94 to 7.13; I2 = 72%, n = 18), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire–C30 (WMD = 6.78, 95% CI = 2.61 to 10.95; I2 = 76.3%, n = 17). The likelihood of causality was considered probable that PA improves HRQoL in breast cancer survivors. Effects were weaker for physical function and mental and emotional health. Evidence regarding dose and type of PA remains insufficient for firm conclusions.ConclusionPA results in improved global HRQoL in breast cancer survivors with weaker effects observed for physical function and mental and emotional health. Additional research is needed to define the impact of types and doses of activity on various domains of HRQoL.
Preventing the Perfect Storm of Forest Mortality in the United States Caused by Invasive Species
Authors: Loehle Craig , Hulcr Jiri , Smith Jason A , Munro Holly L , Fox Tom 
Published: December 2022

AbstractInvasive species are a growing global threat to forest ecosystems. In North America, previous invasions have functionally eliminated the American chestnut (Castanea dentata), a keystone and commercially important species in eastern North American forests, and currently threaten to eliminate other important species, such as ash (Fraxinus spp.), redbay (Persea borbonia), and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis). Invasive species, particularly invasive insects, pathogens, and plants, threaten forest ecosystem integrity and put commercial forestry at risk. However, as the threat from invasive species grows due to expanding international trade, the scientific workforce with specialized expertise and training to mitigate current threats and, more importantly, avoid future threats, has been declining over the past 40 years. Research funding and administrative capacity to respond have also not kept pace with increased frequency and risk of species introductions. Herein, we review the nature of this ongoing challenge by examining contributing factors, including documenting trends in expertise and funding. In addition, we make recommendations for resources needed and information gaps that should be addressed and justify the need for increased support for basic biological research and further exploration of techniques to identify and treat potential threats (e.g., sentinel studies).Study Implications: The US faces an invasive species crisis. Major tree species are already being decimated. The forest products industry relies primarily on a hand full of species. A new insect or disease could thus decimate the industry. We show that the pace of introductions has accelerated due to greater and faster shipping volume. Port screening and sanitation need considerable improvement, especially for live plants, which harbor insects and pathogens. Interior monitoring and overseas sentinal studies need enhancement for better detection of threats. More research and control staff are needed at government and university posts, especially to enable rapid response. Finally, research is needed on new detection and control technologies.