bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artifact characterization and mitigation techniques during concurrent sensing and stimulation using bidirectional deep brain stimulation platforms
Authors: Alarie Michaela E. , Provenza Nicole R. , Avendano-Ortega Michelle , McKay Sarah A. , Waite Ayan S. , Mathura Raissa K. , Herron Jeffrey A. , Sheth Sameer A. , Borton David A. , Goodman Wayne K.
Published: October 2022

Bidirectional deep brain stimulation (DBS) platforms have enabled a surge in hours of recordings in naturalistic environments, allowing further insight into neurological and psychiatric disease states. However, high amplitude, high frequency stimulation generates artifacts that contaminate neural signals and hinder our ability to interpret the data. This is especially true in psychiatric disorders, for which high amplitude stimulation is commonly applied to deep brain structures where the native neural activity is miniscule in comparison. Here, we characterized artifact sources in recordings from a bidirectional DBS platform, the Medtronic Summit RC + S, with the goal of optimizing recording configurations to improve signal to noise ratio (SNR). Data were collected from three subjects in a clinical trial of DBS for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Stimulation was provided bilaterally to the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) using two independent implantable neurostimulators. We first manipulated DBS amplitude within safe limits (2–5.3 mA) to characterize the impact of stimulation artifacts on neural recordings. We found that high amplitude stimulation produces slew overflow, defined as exceeding the rate of change that the analog to digital converter can accurately measure. Overflow led to expanded spectral distortion of the stimulation artifact, with a six fold increase in the bandwidth of the 150.6 Hz stimulation artifact from 147–153 to 140–180 Hz. By increasing sense blank values during high amplitude stimulation, we reduced overflow by as much as 30% and improved artifact distortion, reducing the bandwidth from 140–180 Hz artifact to 147–153 Hz. We also identified artifacts that shifted in frequency through modulation of telemetry parameters. We found that telemetry ratio changes led to predictable shifts in the center-frequencies of the associated artifacts, allowing us to proactively shift the artifacts outside of our frequency range of interest. Overall, the artifact characterization methods and results described here enable increased data interpretability and unconstrained biomarker exploration using data collected from bidirectional DBS devices.
Neurostimulation artifact removal for implantable sensors improves signal clarity and decoding of motor volition
Authors: Earley Eric J. , Berneving Anton , Zbinden Jan , Ortiz-Catalan Max
Published: October 2022

As the demand for prosthetic limbs with reliable and multi-functional control increases, recent advances in myoelectric pattern recognition and implanted sensors have proven considerably advantageous. Additionally, sensory feedback from the prosthesis can be achieved via stimulation of the residual nerves, enabling closed-loop control over the prosthesis. However, this stimulation can cause interfering artifacts in the electromyographic (EMG) signals which deteriorate the reliability and function of the prosthesis. Here, we implement two real-time stimulation artifact removal algorithms, Template Subtraction (TS) and ε-Normalized Least Mean Squares (ε-NLMS), and investigate their performance in offline and real-time myoelectric pattern recognition in two transhumeral amputees implanted with nerve cuff and EMG electrodes. We show that both algorithms are capable of significantly improving signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and offline pattern recognition accuracy of artifact-corrupted EMG signals. Furthermore, both algorithms improved real-time decoding of motor intention during active neurostimulation. Although these outcomes are dependent on the user-specific sensor locations and neurostimulation settings, they nonetheless represent progress toward bi-directional neuromusculoskeletal prostheses capable of multifunction control and simultaneous sensory feedback.
Recent-onset and persistent tinnitus: Uncovering the differences in brain activities using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging technologies
Authors: Du Haoliang , Feng Xu , Qian Xiaoyun , Zhang Jian , Liu Bin , Li Ao , Huang Zhichun , Gao Xia
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the differences in intra-regional brain activity and inter-regional functional connectivity between patients with recent-onset tinnitus (ROT) and persistent tinnitus (PT) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), including the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), and voxel-wise functional connectivity (FC).

Method

We acquired rs-fMRI scans from 82 patients (25 without recent-onset tinnitus, 28 with persistent tinnitus, and 29 healthy controls). Age, sex, and years of education were matched across the three groups. We performed ALFF, ReHo, and voxel-wise FC analyses for all patients.

Results

Compared with the control group, participants with ROT and PT manifested significantly reduced ALFF and ReHo activity within the left and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (SFG) and gyrus rectus (GR). Additional voxel-wise FC revealed decreased connectivity between the dorsolateral SFG (left and right) and the right superior parietal gyrus (SPG), right middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and left medial superior frontal gyrus (mSFG) within these two groups. Significant differences were observed between the ROT and PT groups, with the ROT group demonstrating reduced FC.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that patients with PT have more difficulty monitoring external stimuli and reorienting attention than patients with ROT. In addition, patients who perceive higher levels of disruption from tinnitus are more likely to develop persistent and debilitating tinnitus once the tinnitus lasts longer than six months. Therefore, we strongly recommend that clinicians implement effective tinnitus management strategies in patients with ROT as soon as possible.
Epitope-tagged and phosphomimetic mouse models for investigating natriuretic peptide-stimulated receptor guanylyl cyclases
Authors: Egbert Jeremy R. , Uliasz Tracy F. , Lowther Katie M. , Kaback Deborah , Wagner Brandon M. , Healy Chastity L. , O’Connell Timothy D. , Potter Lincoln R. , Jaffe Laurinda A. , Yee Siu-Pok
Published: October 2022

The natriuretic peptide receptors NPR1 and NPR2, also known as guanylyl cyclase A and guanylyl cyclase B, have critical functions in many signaling pathways, but much remains unknown about their localization and function in vivo. To facilitate studies of these proteins, we developed genetically modified mouse lines in which endogenous NPR1 and NPR2 were tagged with the HA epitope. To investigate the role of phosphorylation in regulating NPR1 and NPR2 guanylyl cyclase activity, we developed mouse lines in which regulatory serines and threonines were substituted with glutamates, to mimic the negative charge of the phosphorylated forms (NPR1-8E and NPR2-7E). Here we describe the generation and applications of these mice. We show that the HA-NPR1 and HA-NPR2 mice can be used to characterize the relative expression levels of these proteins in different tissues. We describe studies using the NPR2-7E mice that indicate that dephosphorylation of NPR2 transduces signaling pathways in ovary and bone, and studies using the NPR1-8E mice that indicate that the phosphorylation state of NPR1 is a regulator of heart, testis, and adrenal function.
Chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is an excellent model to study neuroaxonal degeneration in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Voskuhl Rhonda R. , MacKenzie-Graham Allan
Published: October 2022

Animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), have been used extensively to develop anti-inflammatory treatments. However, the similarity between MS and one particular EAE model does not end at inflammation. MS and chronic EAE induced in C57BL/6 mice using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) peptide 35–55 share many neuropathologies. Beyond both having white matter lesions in spinal cord, both also have widespread neuropathology in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, striatum, cerebellum, and retina/optic nerve. In this review, we compare neuropathologies in each of these structures in MS with chronic EAE in C57BL/6 mice, and find evidence that this EAE model is well suited to study neuroaxonal degeneration in MS.
Endogenous opioid systems alterations in pain and opioid use disorder
Authors: Higginbotham Jessica A. , Markovic Tamara , Massaly Nicolas , Morón Jose A.
Published: October 2022

Decades of research advances have established a central role for endogenous opioid systems in regulating reward processing, mood, motivation, learning and memory, gastrointestinal function, and pain relief. Endogenous opioid systems are present ubiquitously throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. They are composed of four families, namely the μ (MOPR), κ (KOPR), δ (DOPR), and nociceptin/orphanin FQ (NOPR) opioid receptors systems. These receptors signal through the action of their endogenous opioid peptides β-endorphins, dynorphins, enkephalins, and nociceptins, respectfully, to maintain homeostasis under normal physiological states. Due to their prominent role in pain regulation, exogenous opioids—primarily targeting the MOPR, have been historically used in medicine as analgesics, but their ability to produce euphoric effects also present high risks for abuse. The ability of pain and opioid use to perturb endogenous opioid system function, particularly within the central nervous system, may increase the likelihood of developing opioid use disorder (OUD). Today, the opioid crisis represents a major social, economic, and public health concern. In this review, we summarize the current state of the literature on the function, expression, pharmacology, and regulation of endogenous opioid systems in pain. Additionally, we discuss the adaptations in the endogenous opioid systems upon use of exogenous opioids which contribute to the development of OUD. Finally, we describe the intricate relationship between pain, endogenous opioid systems, and the proclivity for opioid misuse, as well as potential advances in generating safer and more efficient pain therapies.
Menstrual disturbances in British Servicewomen: A cross-sectional observational study of prevalence and risk factors
Authors: O'Leary Thomas J. , Perrett Caitlin , Coombs Charlotte V. , Double Rebecca L. , Keay Nicky , Wardle Sophie L. , Greeves Julie P.
Published: October 2022

Female athletes are at increased risk of menstrual disturbances. The prevalence of menstrual disturbances in British Servicewomen and the associated risk factors is unknown. All women under 45 years in the UK Armed Forces were invited to complete a survey about demographics, menstrual function, eating and exercise behaviors, and psychological well-being. 3,022 women participated; 18% had oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea in the last 12 months, 25% had a history of amenorrhoea, and 14% had delayed menarche. Women who sleep ≥ 8 h were at a lower risk of a history of amenorrhoea than women who sleep ≤ 5 h [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) = 0.65 (0.48, 0.89), p = 0.006]. Women who completed > 10 days of field exercise in the last 12 months were at higher risk of a history of amenorrhoea than women completing no field exercise [1.45 (1.13, 1.85), p = 0.004]. Women at high risk of an eating disorder (FAST score >94) were at higher risk of oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea [1.97 (1.26, 3.04), p = 0.002] and history of amenorrhoea [2.14 (1.63, 2.79), p < 0.001]. Women with symptoms of anxiety or depression were at higher risk of a history of amenorrhoea [1.46 (1.20, 1.77) and 1.48 (1.22, 1.79), p < 0.001]. British Servicewomen had a similar prevalence of menstrual disturbances to some endurance athletes. Eating disorders, sleep behaviors, and management of mental health, provide targets for protecting health of the reproductive axis.
Development of genomic instability-associated long non-coding RNA signature: A prognostic risk model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Dongfang , Wu Tiange , Shi Naipeng , Shan Yong , Wang Jinfeng , Jiang Hua , Wu Yuqing , Wang Mengxue , Li Jian , Liu Hui , Chen Ming
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Renal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most lethal of all pathological subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Genomic instability was recently reported to be related to the occurrence and development of kidney cancer. The biological roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis have been increasingly valued, and various lncRNAs were found to be oncogenes or cancer suppressors. Herein, we identified a novel genomic instability-associated lncRNA (GILncs) model for ccRCC patients to predict the overall survival (OS).

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to obtain full transcriptome data, somatic mutation profiles, and clinical characteristics. The differentially expressed lncRNAs between the genome-unstable-like group (GU) and the genome-stable-like group (GS) were defined as GILncs, with |logFC| > 1 and an adjusted p-value< 0.05 for a false discovery rate. All samples were allocated into GU-like or GS-like types based on the expression of GILncs observed using hierarchical cluster analyses. A genomic instability-associated lncRNA signature (GILncSig) was constructed using parameters of the included lncRNAs. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to detect the in vitro expression of the included lncRNAs. Validation of the risk model was performed by the log-rank test, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis, and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

Forty-six lncRNAs were identified as GILncs. LINC00460, AL139351.1, and AC156455.1 were employed for GILncSig calculation based on the results of Cox analysis. GILncSig was confirmed as an independent predictor for OS of ccRCC patients. Additionally, it presented a higher efficiency and accuracy than other RCC prognostic models reported before.

Conclusion

GILncSig score was qualified as a critical indicator, independent of other clinical factors, for prognostic prediction of ccRCC patients.
Cortex Mori extracts induce apoptosis and inhibit tumor invasion via blockage of the PI3K/AKT signaling in melanoma cells
Authors: Hu Xin , Zhang Kui , Pan Guangzhao , Wang Yinggang , Shen Yue , Peng Cheng , Deng Longfei , Cui Hongjuan
Published: October 2022

Melanoma, the most aggressive and deadliest form of skin cancer, has attracted increased attention due to its increasing incidence worldwide. The Cortex Mori (CM) has long been used as a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat various diseases, including cancer. The bioactive components and underlying mechanisms, however, remain largely unknown. The current study aims to investigate the anti-melanoma effects of CM and potential mechanisms through combined network pharmacology and bioinformatic analyses, and validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. We report here that CM has anti-melanoma activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, 25 bioactive compounds in CM were found to share 142 melanoma targets, and network pharmacology and enrichment analyses suggested that CM inhibits melanoma through multiple biological processes and signaling pathways, particularly the PI3K-AKT signaling inhibition and activation of apoptotic pathways, which were further confirmed by biochemical and histological examinations. Finally, partial CM-derived bioactive compounds were found to show anti-melanoma effects, validating the anti-melanoma potential of bioactive ingredients of CM. Taken together, these results reveal bioactive components and mechanisms of CM in inhibiting melanoma, providing them as potential anti-cancer natural products for the treatment of melanoma.
The effect of a traditional Chinese quadri-combination therapy and its component quercetin on recurrent spontaneous abortion: A clinical trial, network pharmacology and experiments-based study
Authors: Zhou Jing , Li Lisha , Pan Xinyao , Wang Jing , Qi Qing , Sun Hongmei , Li Chuyu , Wang Ling
Published: October 2022

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanisms of a traditional Chinese quadri-combination therapy [Bushen, Yiqi, Lixue and Yangtai (BYLY)] in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA).

Methods: A clinical trial was conducted to study the effect of BYLY on RSA. Pharmacological network analysis and UPLC-Q/TOF-mass spectrometry (MS) were applied to investigate the key active component in BYLY and potential targets. Cellular experiments based on former results were performed to examine the mechanism of BYLY in the treatment of RSA.

Results: Four hundred and eighty participants enrolled in the clinical trial. The results showed that, compared with the use of BYLY or duphaston alone, a combination of duphaston and BYLY could decrease the early abortion rate in RSA (p < 0.001). Network pharmacological analysis indicated that BYLY contained 132 active components and 146 core targets, and the quercetin maybe the key effective component. In vitro experiments found that pretreatment of quercetin at the correct concentration (2 μM) prevented hypoxia-induced viability and proliferation reduction, and apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, quercetin could modulate mitochondrial fission/fusion balance in trophoblasts, and specifically decrease the expression of Drp1 by regulating miR-34a-5p.

Conclusion: BYLY could improve pregnancy outcomes of RSA, based on multi-components and multi-targets. The protective effect of quercetin on trophoblasts, through decreasing Drp1 expression via regulating miR-34a-5p, might be one possible effective mechanism.
Cubic Ca3I3P with ideal charge-two triple point
Authors: Yang Ying
Published: October 2022

A recent study reported the enhancement of thermoelectric response due to the presence of triple point phonons [Phys. Rev. Mater 2, 114204 (2018)]. Because the topological triple point phonons field is still at its early stage, it is necessary to search for realistic materials with ideal triple point phonons. In this work, we show that cubic Ca3I3P is an excellent material to host the ideal charge-two triple points at high-symmetry points Γ and H. Because the charge-two triple points have a topological charge of |C| = 2, two arc-shaped surface states emanating from the projections of each charge-two triple nodal point can be found in cubic Ca3I3P. It is hoped that the ideal charge-two triple point phonons and the clean phononic arc-shaped surface states in Ca3I3P can be experimentally confirmed shortly.
Clinical photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-modal imaging: Current status and future trends
Authors: Wen Yanting , Guo Dan , Zhang Jing , Liu Xiaotian , Liu Ting , Li Lu , Jiang Shixie , Wu Dan , Jiang Huabei
Published: October 2022

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is an emerging biomedical imaging modality that combines optical and ultrasonic imaging, providing overlapping fields of view. This hybrid approach allows for a natural integration of PAT and ultrasound (US) imaging in a single platform. Due to the similarities in signal acquisition and processing, the combination of PAT and US imaging creates a new hybrid imaging for novel clinical applications. Over the recent years, particular attention is paid to the development of PAT/US dual-modal systems highlighting mutual benefits in clinical cases, with an aim of substantially improving the specificity and sensitivity for diagnosis of diseases. The demonstrated feasibility and accuracy in these efforts open an avenue of translating PAT/US imaging to practical clinical applications. In this review, the current PAT/US dual-modal imaging systems are discussed in detail, and their promising clinical applications are presented and compared systematically. Finally, this review describes the potential impacts of these combined systems in the coming future.
Selection and validation of reference genes for RT-qPCR-based analyses of Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Helicopteridae)
Authors: Liu Zixin , Xiao Junjiang , Xia Yue , Wu Qifeng , Zhao Can , Li Dunsong
Published: October 2022

RT-qPCR remains a vital approach for molecular biology studies aimed at quantifying gene expression in a range of physiological or pathological settings. However, the use of appropriate reference genes is essential to attain meaningful RT-qPCR results. Anastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Helicopteridae) is an important egg parasitoid wasp and natural enemy of fruit bugs and forest caterpillars. While recent transcriptomic studies have analyzed gene expression profiles in A. japonicus specimens, offering a robust foundation for functional research focused on this parasitoid, no validated A. japonicus reference genes have yet been established, hampering further research efforts. Accordingly, this study sought to address this issue by screening for the most stable internal reference genes in A. japonicus samples to permit reliable RT-qPCR analyses. The utility of eight candidate reference genes (ACTIN, TATA, GAPDH, TUB, RPL13, RPS6, EF1α, RPS3a) was assessed under four different conditions by comparing developmental stages (larvae, pupae, adults), tissues (abdomen, chest, head), sex (male or female adults), or diapause states (diapause induction for 25, 35, 45, or 55 days, or diapause termination). RefFinder was used to calculate gene stability based on the integration of four algorithms (BestKeeper, Normfinder, geNorm, and ΔCt method) to determine the optimal RT-qPCR reference gene. Based on this approach, RPS6 and RPL13 were found to be the most reliable reference genes when assessing different stages of development, while ACTIN and EF1α were optimal when comparing adults of different sexes, RPL13 and EF1α were optimal when analyzing different tissues, and TATA and ACTIN were optimal for different diapause states. These results provide a valuable foundation for future RT-qPCR analyses of A. japonicus gene expression and function under a range of experimental conditions.
Fusarium oxysporum effector clustering version 2: An updated pipeline to infer host range
Authors: Brenes Guallar Megan A. , Fokkens Like , Rep Martijn , Berke Lidija , van Dam Peter
Published: October 2022

The fungus Fusarium oxysporum is infamous for its devastating effects on economically important crops worldwide. F. oxysporum isolates are grouped into formae speciales based on their ability to cause disease on different hosts. Assigning F. oxysporum strains to formae speciales using non-experimental procedures has proven to be challenging due to their genetic heterogeneity and polyphyletic nature. However, genetically diverse isolates of the same forma specialis encode similar repertoires of effectors, proteins that are secreted by the fungus and contribute to the establishment of compatibility with the host. Based on this observation, we previously designed the F. oxysporum Effector Clustering (FoEC) pipeline which is able to classify F. oxysporum strains by forma specialis based on hierarchical clustering of the presence of predicted putative effector sequences, solely using genome assemblies as input. Here we present the updated FoEC2 pipeline which is more user friendly, customizable and, due to multithreading, has improved scalability. It is designed as a Snakemake pipeline and incorporates a new interactive visualization app. We showcase FoEC2 by clustering 537 publicly available F. oxysporum genomes and further analysis of putative effector families as multiple sequence alignments. We confirm classification of isolates into formae speciales and are able to further identify their subtypes. The pipeline is available on github: https://github.com/pvdam3/FoEC2.
Ozone and nitrogen dioxide regulate similar gene expression responses in Arabidopsis but natural variation in the extent of cell death is likely controlled by different genetic loci
Authors: Leppälä Johanna , Gaupels Frank , Xu Enjun , Morales Luis O. , Durner Jörg , Brosché Mikael
Published: October 2022

High doses of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) cause damage and cell death in plants. These two gases are among the most harmful air pollutants for ecosystems and therefore it is important to understand how plant resistance or sensitivity to these gases work at the molecular level and its genetic control. We compared transcriptome data from O3 and NO2 fumigations to other cell death related treatments, as well as individual marker gene transcript level in different Arabidopsis thaliana accessions. Our analysis revealed that O3 and NO2 trigger very similar gene expression responses that include genes involved in pathogen resistance, cell death and ethylene signaling. However, we also identified exceptions, for example RBOHF encoding a reactive oxygen species producing RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE PROTEIN F. This gene had increased transcript levels by O3 but decreased transcript levels by NO2, showing that plants can identify each of the gases separately and activate distinct signaling pathways. To understand the genetics, we conducted a genome wide association study (GWAS) on O3 and NO2 tolerance of natural Arabidopsis accessions. Sensitivity to both gases seem to be controlled by several independent small effect loci and we did not find an overlap in the significantly associated regions. Further characterization of the GWAS candidate loci identified new regulators of O3 and NO2 induced cell death including ABH1, a protein that functions in abscisic acid signaling, mRNA splicing and miRNA processing. The GWAS results will facilitate further characterization of the control of programmed cell death and differences between oxidative and nitrosative stress in plants.
The bright side of digitization: Assessing the impact of mobile phone domestication on left-behind children in China's rural migrant families
Authors: Tang Jiamei , Wang Ke , Luo Yuming
Published: October 2022

This study examines the mobile phone practices of rural left-behind children (LBC) whose one or both parents migrate to cities for better earnings and the impact of such practices on migrant families in China. The study has used ethnographic approach by conducting participant observations and interviews of 21 LBC, residing in Guangren village, south China's Guangxi Autonomous Region. The study uses domestication theory to analyze these LBC's adoption of mobile phones in their daily routines and spaces in and out of their households. The key findings are as follows: (a) the LBC used mobile phones primarily to engage with their distant parent(s); (b) through collaborative efforts, they tried to enhance familial connections; and (c) they overcome the separation issue by co-participating in ongoing events, thus making the domestication of mobile phone a distant solving of real-world problems faced by migrant parent(s) and their LBC. The study concludes that LBC's innovative uses of mobile phones empowered them by building shared virtual space with their migrant parent(s), via which they handled the separation issue. In such shared virtual spaces, LBC's families have developed rich expressions of familial connections in various forms based on the limited perpetuate connectedness.
A study on the correlation between seat selection and interaction preference in virtual-reality fusion simulation experiment
Authors: Chen Shihan , Luo Yuan , Zhang Hao , Liu Xiaohong
Published: October 2022

In order to explore the correlation between students’ seat choice and interaction preference in the open gamification scenario, an experiment has been carried out on the platform of provincial virtual simulation experiment teaching center of a university, and tested the relationship between absolute distance, seat type, workstation type, and students’ interaction preference. The results show that in the virtual-reality fusion gamification scenario where students can move freely: (1) The inner circle students can stimulate the outer circle students’ willingness to invest in learning. (2) The task attribute and the seat distribution of the group may lead to the difference of students’ interaction preference. (3) Students are more likely to learn knowledge and skills by interacting with “people” rather than “object.” (4) Gender and major influence students’ experience of participating in gamified teaching. The results confirm that the interactive engagement effect of location does exist in immersive virtual-reality fusion gamification teaching scenario, and suggestions are put forward to adjust the effect of location through instructional design and teacher intervention.
Solicitation matters: Cultural differences in solicited and unsolicited support provision
Authors: Hashimoto Hirofumi , Ohashi Takuma , Yamaguchi Susumu
Published: October 2022

Two studies aimed to examine cultural differences in social support provision, with or without solicitation, in Japan and the United States (US). In Study 1, we replicated a previous study with Japanese university students. We found that the Japanese participants did not provide social support when it was not solicited, as compared with when it was solicited. Furthermore, in Study 2, participants were asked to respond to a questionnaire regarding a hypothetical stressful situation experienced by a close other and to indicate their willingness to provide support. We confirmed our hypothesis that Japanese participants hesitate to provide unsolicited support to close others (such as family members or close friends), even when they recognize that the close others are in need, whereas the American participants do not hesitate to provide such support. Contrastingly, regarding solicited support, the Japanese and Americans were equally ready to provide support, as hypothesized. The cultural difference in social support resides in the provision of unsolicited support. These results suggest that differences in culturally appropriate responses to needy people are responsible for the difference in the provision of unsolicited vs. solicited social support.
The role of five big personality traits and entrepreneurial mindset on entrepreneurial intentions among university students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ghazali Basheer M. , Shah Syed Haider Ali , Sohail M. Sadiq
Published: October 2022

The big five personality traits and entrepreneurial mindset (EM) are crucial individual-level elements that determine entrepreneurial intention (EI). This study examines the impact of big five personality traits and EM, on EI using the theory of planned behavior. Besides, this study examined the role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and attitude toward entrepreneurship (ATE) influences EI. To achieve the research objectives, a quantitative approach was used. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis were conducted using SmartPLS software. Data were collected from 270 respondents through online questionnaires. Findings of the study revealed that big five personality traits influence ESE and ATE which led to EI. Finally, the moderating role of entrepreneurial passion was also found to have strong effect on influence ESE and ATE. This study offers evidence and insights that academics, educators, and others involved in the creation or expansion of entrepreneurial knowledge can use as a reference point.
The double-edged sword effect of performance pressure on public employees: The mediation role of mission valence
Authors: Sheng Zhonghua , Fan Bonai
Published: October 2022

Performance pressure is a unique stressor in the public sector. Prior studies revealed that it could be a challenge that stimulates functional behavior (i.e., vigor and dedication) or a threat that leads to dysfunctional consequences (i.e., exhaustion and depersonalization). But these articles failed to provide an integrated theoretical model to explain both phenomena simultaneously. We introduced the double-edged sword effect (also called the “too-much-of-good-thing” effect) of performance pressure to fill this theoretical gap. Furthermore, the mediation role of mission valence was examined to explore the buffet mechanism toward this nonlinear relationship. We collected 1,464 valid questionnaire data from snowball sampling to test the research model. Our results revealed that: (1) performance pressure had an inverted U-shaped relationship with dedication and mission valence; (2) performance pressure hurt vigor rather than the curvilinear relationship; (3) mission valence can mediate the inverted U-shaped relationship between performance pressure and dedication. These empirical findings give theoretical contributions and practical insights to public personnel management.
Theoretical conceptualization of online privacy-related decision making – Introducing the tripartite self-disclosure decision model
Authors: Ostendorf Sina , Brand Matthias
Published: October 2022

Self-disclosures on online social networks have received increased attention in the last two decades. Researchers from different disciplines investigated manifold influencing variables, and studies applied different theories to explain why many users share very sensitive and personal information despite potential risks and negative consequences, whereas others do not. Oftentimes, it is argued that self-disclosure decisions result from a kind of rational “calculus” of risks and benefits. However, such an assumption of rationality can and has been criticized. Nevertheless, fundamental cognitive and affective mechanisms that underlie self-disclosure decision making on social networks are still under-explored. By building upon previous self-disclosure theories and models, dual-and tripartite-system perspectives of decision making, and former empirical findings, we propose a Tripartite Self-Disclosure Decision (TSDD) model that conceptualizes inner processes of online self-disclosure decision making. Central to this model is the proposed interaction of three neural and cognitive/affective systems: a reflective, an impulsive, and an interoceptive system. We further highlight individual and environmental features, which can impact individuals’ online self-disclosure decisions by (interactively) influencing the proposed inner decision-making processes targeting the aforementioned three systems. Possible short- and long-term consequences are also discussed, which in turn can affect certain model components in subsequent self-disclosure decision situations. By taking such a neurocognitive perspective, we expand current research and models, which helps to better understand potentially risky information sharing on online social networks and can support attempts to prevent users from incautious self-disclosures.
Preliminary efficacy of a digital therapeutics smartphone application for methamphetamine use disorder: An experimental study
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Li Nan , Li Yuanhui , Zhang Tianjiao , Li Dai , Liu Yanru , Liu Xiang , Hao Wei
Published: October 2022

Methamphetamine is the most widely used illicit drug in China. Treating methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is challenging due to the lack of effective pharmacotherapies. This study is an experimental study to investigate the efficacy of smartphone-based digital therapeutics in treating MUD at the community level. One hundred participants were recruited and randomized into a digital therapeutics (DTx) group (n = 52) and a treatment as usual (TAU) group (n = 48). The DTx group used a smartphone application to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy, approach bias modification, cognitive training, and contingency management for 8 weeks. The TAU group received counseling from social workers and professional psychotherapists. Cue-induced craving, cognitive functions, PHQ9, and GAD7 were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Wilcoxon tests were performed with bootstrap and multiply imputation to estimate the treatment effect size. The DTx group showed a significant reduction in drug craving [Wilcoxon effect size = −0.267, 95% CI = (−0.435, −0.099), p = 0.002] and a significant improvement in cognitive function [Wilcoxon effect size = 0.220, 95% CI = (0.009, 0.432), p = 0.041]. The DTx group had overall 1, 8, and 24-week attritions of 8%, 11.5%, and 38.5%, respectively. The study shows that Digital therapeutics is feasible and potentially beneficial as a complement to community substance use treatment programs.
Exercise therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: Its effects depending on the type of physical exercise—A systematic review
Authors: Toutain Marc , Gauthier Antoine , Leconte Pascale
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

Clinical research focusing on the effectiveness of exercise therapy (ET) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) shows increasing interest in the last decade. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an overview of quantitative studies that have examined the impact of ET in AN patients and to examine its specific effects on physical and mental health according to the type of physical exercise (PE) practiced.

Methods

The review was carried out based on the PRISMA 2020. Electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Wiley were searched from inception to December 2021. Quantitative studies assessing the effects of ET interventions on AN patients were included and study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.

Results

A total of 27 studies were selected, including 13 randomized controlled trials. Regarding outcomes measured, results showed that aerobic and resistance exercise improved muscle strength, that mind-body PE decreased main symptoms of AN and mental health, and that combined PE reduced dysfunctional exercise and improved weight gain.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that ET intervention can induce benefits and has no deleterious effects on patients. In addition, specific effects on anorexia symptoms and physical and mental health have been observed according to the type of PE. However, this review reported several methodological weaknesses, including a lack of control group or randomization and statistical misconduct. Finally, ET intervention parameters were heterogeneous, and ET intervention generally lacked details, making reproducibility and comparability difficult. All these limitations underscore the need for a more rigorous methodology for further research.
Alexithymia increases effects of ego-depletion
Authors: Schnabel Konrad , Pollatos Olga
Published: October 2022

Alexithymia is associated with deficiencies to identify, describe and express emotions, paucity of fantasies and an externally oriented cognitive style. The current studies provide evidence that alexithymia is also related to self-regulation processes and exacerbates effects of ego-depletion, a state where self-regulation resources are reduced due to previous acts of self-regulation. In Study 1, ego-depletion effects of a handgrip task on pain tolerance were increased by alexithymia. In Study 2, an emotion suppression task showed stronger effects of ego-depletion on a Stroop task in participants high rather than low in alexithymia, but only after suppression of emotions induced by negative and not positive pictures. The results imply that alexithymia increases susceptibility to ego-depletion effects, that consumption of self-regulatory resources has stronger consequences for people high in alexithymia and that they should experience special support in ways to replenish self-regulation resources.
The co-occurrence of substance misuse, domestic abuse, and child maltreatment: Can Family Drug and Alcohol Courts play a part?
Authors: Harwin Judith , Barlow Charlotte
Published: October 2022

This review article focuses on the inter-relationship between substance misuse, domestic abuse, and child maltreatment, especially in the context of care (child protection) proceedings. It reviews what is known about the prevalence and impact of co-occurring domestic abuse and substance misuse on adult and child victims, and the response of criminal and family law and intervention programmes in supporting families to address these problems holistically. Special attention is paid to the role of Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDACs), a radical problem-solving approach to care proceedings, which provide integrated interventions to the range of co-occurring problems that trigger the proceedings. Despite clear evidence of the greater harm to children when exposed to these two parental difficulties, the review has found a lack of systematic information on the prevalence of co-occurrence and a lack of effective integrated interventions, including within care proceedings. It argues that the FDAC approach is well suited to respond to co-occurring substance misuse and domestic abuse in care proceedings and it has the potential to break down silos across sectors. However, in the absence of empirical evidence, this premise would need testing. A particular focus of the review has been on efforts to overcome silos in practice, law and policy. Promising initiatives are described in criminal and family law to improve the response to domestic abuse that build on the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the first dedicated domestic abuse legislation in England and Wales. All of them are based on problem-solving approaches used in other jurisdictions. Despite these initiatives, the review concludes that there remain significant barriers to effectively align law, policy and practice to ensure that domestic abuse strategy recognizes and responds to the overlaps with substance misuse.
Community voices on factors influencing COVID-19 concerns and health decisions among racial and ethnic minorities in the school setting
Authors: Kenworthy Tara , Harmon Sherelle L. , Delouche Agenia , Abugattas Nahel , Zwiebel Hannah , Martinez Jonathan , Sauvigné Katheryn C. , Nelson C. Mindy , Horigian Viviana E. , Gwynn Lisa , Pulgaron Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2022

Racial and ethnic minority communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, but the uptake of COVID-19 mitigation strategies like vaccination and testing have been slower in these populations. With the continued spread of COVID-19 while in-person learning is a priority, school-aged youth and their caregivers must make health-related decisions daily to ensure health at school. It is critical to understand factors associated with COVID-related health decisions such as vaccination, testing, and other health behaviors (e.g., wearing masks, hand washing). Community-engaged campaigns are necessary to overcome barriers to these health behaviors and promote health equity. The aim of this study was to examine COVID-19-related concerns and influences on health decisions in middle and high schools serving primarily racial and ethnic minority, low-income families. Seven focus groups were conducted with school staff, parents, and students (aged 16 years and older). Qualitative data were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Factors related to COVID-19 concerns and health decisions centered on (1) vaccine hesitancy, (2) testing hesitancy, (3) developmental stage (i.e., ability to engage in health behaviors based on developmental factors like age), (4) cultural and family traditions and beliefs, (5) compatibility of policies and places with recommended health behaviors, (6) reliability of information, and (7) perceived risk. We explore sub-themes in further detail. It is important to understand the community's level of concern and identify factors that influence COVID-19 medical decision making to better address disparities in COVID-19 testing and vaccination uptake.
Association between sedentary behavior, physical activity, and cardiovascular disease-related outcomes in adults—A meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Liang Zhi-de , Zhang Meng , Wang Chuan-zhi , Yuan Yang , Liang Jing-hong
Published: October 2022

Background

Sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) are modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, previous research on the effects of PA and SB on CVD has been relatively homogeneous. Our study investigated the association between PA, SB, and CVD-related outcomes.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from their inception to September 2022. We identified eligible studies according to PICOS: the populations comprised healthy adults, the interventions or exposures were PA or SB, the outcomes were CVD-related outcomes, and the study designs were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and longitudinal studies (LS). Outcomes were pooled using fixed or random effects models, and the quality of individual studies was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Instrument and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Results

A total of 148 RCTs and 36 LS were included, comprising a total of 75,075 participants. The study quality was rated as low to moderate. We found an increased hazard ratio (HR) for CVD in the population with SB (HR = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26 to 1.43; I2 = 52.3%; Pheterogeneity < 0.001, random model) and a decreased HR for CVD in those who performed long-term PA (HR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.66 to 0.77; I2 = 78.0%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001, random model). Long-term PA improved the lipid profiles in healthy adults; participants in this group exhibited increased high-density lipoprotein (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.00 to 3.76; I2 = 84.7%; Pheterogeneity < 0.001, random model), decreased triglycerides (WMD = −7.27; 95% CI: −9.68 to −4.87; I2 = 0%, Pheterogeneity = 0.670, fixed model), and lower total-cholesterol (WMD = −6.84; 95% CI: −9.15 to −4.52; I2 = 38.4%, Pheterogeneity < 0.001, random model).

Conclusions

Long-term SB increases the risk of CVD in healthy adults, whereas PA reduces the risk of CVD and improves indicators associated with CVD. However, the ability of PA to improve blood lipids appeared to be limited. The detailed association of SB and PA on CVD needs to be further investigated in the future.
Development and internal validation of a risk model for hyperuricemia in diabetic kidney disease patients
Authors: Huang Guoqing , Li Mingcai , Mao Yushan , Li Yan
Published: October 2022

Purpose

This research aimed to identify independent risk factors for hyperuricemia (HUA) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients and develop an HUA risk model based on a retrospective study in Ningbo, China.

Patients and methods

Six hundred and ten DKD patients attending the two hospitals between January 2019 and December 2020 were enrolled in this research and randomized to the training and validation cohorts based on the corresponding ratio (7:3). Independent risk factors associated with HUA were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The characteristic variables of the HUA risk prediction model were screened out by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) combined with 10-fold cross-validation, and the model was presented by nomogram. The C-index and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to evaluate the discriminatory power, degree of fitting, and clinical applicability of the risk model.

Results

Body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and hyperlipidemia were identified as independent risk factors for HUA in the DKD population. The characteristic variables (gender, family history of T2DM, drinking history, BMI, and hyperlipidemia) were screened out by LASSO combined with 10-fold cross-validation and included as predictors in the HUA risk prediction model. In the training cohort, the HUA risk model showed good discriminatory power with a C-index of 0.761 (95% CI: 0.712–0.810) and excellent degree of fit (Hosmer–Lemeshow test, P > 0.05), and the results of the DCA showed that the prediction model could be beneficial for patients when the threshold probability was 9–79%. Meanwhile, the risk model was also well validated in the validation cohort, where the C-index was 0.843 (95% CI: 0.780–0.906), the degree of fit was good, and the DCA risk threshold probability was 7–100%.

Conclusion

The development of risk models contributes to the early identification and prevention of HUA in the DKD population, which is vital for preventing and reducing adverse prognostic events in DKD.