bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Conservation Gap Analysis of the Solanaceae of Southern South America
Authors: Moreira-Muñoz Andrés , Palchetti María Virginia , Morales-Fierro Vanezza , Duval Valeria Soledad , Allesch-Villalobos Rudy , González-Orozco Carlos E.
Published: May 2022

There is a need to make substantial advances in the taxonomic, systematic, and distribution knowledge of plants, and find better ways of transmission of this information to society to surpass the general pattern described as “plant blindness.” The diversity of the plant family Solanaceae reaches its peak in South America; however, many of its species are threatened due to the expansion of the human footprint. Here, we examine the diversity patterns of the family in southern South America (Argentina and Chile) by means of species richness (SR), weighted endemism (WE), and corrected weighted endemism (CWE). We also evaluated conservation gaps in relation to protected areas and the human footprint as a proxy for potential impacts on this biodiversity. Results show two richness centers in NW and NE Argentina, with a high degree of overlap with protected areas, which, on the other side, show a relative high index of human footprint. Comparatively, coastal Atacama (Chile) shows lower richness values, but outstanding CWE and WE values. The coast of Atacama harbors high values due the presence of species of the genus Nolana with restricted distributions. Protected areas in this tight coastal strip are sparse, and the human footprint is also relatively high. The degree of protection based on these parameters is then unbalanced, highlighting the need for a geographically explicit strategy for the conservation of the family at subcontinental scale. In doing so, it is likely that other representatives of these unique centers of richness and endemism will benefit.
VvEPFL9-1 Knock-Out via CRISPR/Cas9 Reduces Stomatal Density in Grapevine
Authors: Clemens Molly , Faralli Michele , Lagreze Jorge , Bontempo Luana , Piazza Stefano , Varotto Claudio , Malnoy Mickael , Oechel Walter , Rizzoli Annapaola , Dalla Costa Lorenza
Published: May 2022

Epidermal Patterning Factor Like 9 (EPFL9), also known as STOMAGEN, is a cysteine-rich peptide that induces stomata formation in vascular plants, acting antagonistically to other epidermal patterning factors (EPF1, EPF2). In grapevine there are two EPFL9 genes, EPFL9-1 and EPFL9-2 sharing 82% identity at protein level in the mature functional C-terminal domain. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 system was applied to functionally characterize VvEPFL9-1 in ‘Sugraone’, a highly transformable genotype. A set of plants, regenerated after gene transfer in embryogenic calli via Agrobacterium tumefaciens, were selected for evaluation. For many lines, the editing profile in the target site displayed a range of mutations mainly causing frameshift in the coding sequence or affecting the second cysteine residue. The analysis of stomata density revealed that in edited plants the number of stomata was significantly reduced compared to control, demonstrating for the first time the role of EPFL9 in a perennial fruit crop. Three edited lines were then assessed for growth, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency in experiments carried out at different environmental conditions. Intrinsic water-use efficiency was improved in edited lines compared to control, indicating possible advantages in reducing stomatal density under future environmental drier scenarios. Our results show the potential of manipulating stomatal density for optimizing grapevine adaptation under changing climate conditions.
Examining the Relationship Between Product Market Competition and Chinese Firms Performance: The Mediating Impact of Capital Structure and Moderating Influence of Firm Size
Authors: Mubeen Riaqa , Han Dongping , Abbas Jaffar , Raza Saqlain , Bodian Wang
Published: May 2022

This study emphasized the relationship between the Chinese companies’ product market competition and organizational performance. This article explored the mediating effect of capital structure and the moderating impact of firm size in achieving better performance of Chinese companies. This study employed a sample of 2,502 Chinese firm observations and identified that market competition positively influenced firm performance. Additionally, capital structure partly mediated the relationship between product market competition and firm performance. Similarly, the present study also tested the moderating effect of firm size (both small and large) on the association between product market competition and firm performance. The results showed that moderating large businesses affects the nexus between product market competition and firm performance. Conversely, small firms’ moderating role revealed a substantial adverse impact on the association between product market competition and firm performance. These findings contribute to the literature on the complex implications of market competition on business firms’ performance. The results provide insightful and practical implications for future research directions.
The Propulsion Path of Synergy and Linkage Based on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy
Authors: Wu Yan , Zhu Yuqin , Zhao Jingfeng
Published: May 2022

From conception to birth, artificial intelligence inherited the power of human reproduction, such as creativity, self-improvement and language use, etc. These abilities cannot be exercised in other places. The purpose of this paper is to explore the path of collaborative promotion based on artificial intelligence and digital economy. First, it outlines the scattered use of data by individuals at the two application levels of the digital economy and the systematic use of data by enterprises on large organizations. In this study, artificial intelligence and digital economy are introduced into the ability of project information sharing in the field of the enterprise project, and then their important role in improving the performance of enterprise project management is analyzed. Secondly, try to use interviews, scale analysis and logical subtraction to formulate the measurement standards of the digital environment and project information publishing ability, and provide basic data for follow-up research. The experimental results show that 54% of middle-level personnel said that the synergy between enterprise artificial intelligence and digital economy is very good, and they have a positive attitude toward exploring new ways to promote digital economy integration in the field of artificial intelligence.
How Does Career Calling Influence Preservice Teachers' Learning Engagement? A Multiple Mediating Roles of Occupational Self-Efficacy and Vocational Outcome Expectation
Authors: Shang Weiwei , Yu Tianzuo , Liang Xianping , Wang Ji , Su Jiming
Published: May 2022

This study used social cognitive career theory (SCCT) to explore the relationships between career calling, occupational self-efficacy, vocational outcome expectation, and learning engagement among preservice teachers at a normal university in China. Data from 1,029 preservice teachers were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. The results revealed that career calling was found to be significantly and positively affected on learning engagement; occupational self-efficacy and vocational outcome expectation were identified as key mediators of this relationship. These findings advance our knowledge of how best to promote the learning engagement of preservice teachers and may inform the future design of teacher development programs.
The Role of EFL Teachers’ Emotioncy in Preventing Students’ Boredom and Pessimism
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshi
Published: May 2022

It is widely approved that emotions play a critical role in language education. This inspires EFL teachers to establish a classroom oriented toward students’ emotions and senses involved in the teaching/learning processes. Such an emotioncy-based pedagogy can bring about various positive outcomes in second/foreign language education. In tune with this, the present study briefly reviews the definitions, models, roots, and potentials of emotioncy in stopping student’ boredom and pessimism. Moreover, it makes some references to empirical inquiries in this line of research to strengthen its scientific basis. Finally, the study presents a number of implications for teachers, teacher educators, and researchers in language education urging them to focus on students’ emotions and senses more than before.
The Influence of Parental Educational Expectations on Children’s Higher Education Attainment: Re-estimation Based on Instrumental Variables
Authors: Lai Ting , Liu Fulan , Huang Yiheng
Published: May 2022

Studies show that parental educational expectations (PEEs) serve as an intermediary variable between family background and children’s educational attainment. This paper re-examines the relationship between PEEs and children’s higher educational attainment using data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) 2010–2018. To address potential endogenous problems in the previous papers, we use the average College Enrolment Opportunity Index (CEOI) when the children were 10–12 years old as an instrumental variable for PEEs. The results revealed that: (1) In addition to the indirect intermediary effects, the PEEs also had a direct impact on children’s higher educational attainment independent of family background; (2) the magnitude of the effect was much larger (almost three times) than previous estimates after solving endogenous problems; (3) there was no significant gender difference in the effect of PEEs. In addition, we also found that PEEs had a greater impact on middle- and low-income families. Therefore, we argue that against the background of the “Double Reduction” policy, parents should change their conception of education and raise their expectations for their children and encourage them to strive for higher educational achievements.
Longitudinal Investigations of Autoregressive Cross-Lagged Path Models Among Internet Use, Executive Function Problems, and Maternal Control in Young Korean Children
Authors: Song Hana
Published: May 2022

Excessive Internet use is related to behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions, but little is known about the relationship between them in young elementary school children. This study examined the longitudinal relationship between children's Internet use for entertainment purposes, executive function problems, and maternal control. Differences by children's Internet addiction status in their associations were also examined. Data from Wave 9 (2016) to Wave 11 (2018) of 1,463 children and mothers who participated in the Panel Study on Korean Children (PSKC) were used. The children's ages were 8 (grade 2), 9 (grade 3), and 10 years (grade 4) at Waves 9, 10, and 11, respectively. Associations between the variables were analyzed using autoregressive cross-lagged model estimations and multi-group analysis. The results showed the longitudinal stability of each of children's Internet use, executive function problems, and maternal control over the 3 years. Mutual associations between maternal control and children's Internet use were found especially in the low-risk group. In addition, children's executive function problems positively predicted Internet use, and negative associations from executive function problems to maternal control were significant over the years. However, some of these associations were significant only in the high-risk group. Discussions have focused on the protective role of maternal control and cognitive intervention, which could reduce children's excessive Internet use.
Self-Sacrifice in a Distressful and Threatening Environment: The Consequences of the COVID-19 Crisis in Intensifying Workplace Violence
Authors: Ebrahimi Rigi Zahra , Mangolian Shahrbabaki Parvin , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Ravari Ali
Published: May 2022

Background

The stress and mental pressure resulting from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis exacerbated occupational stressors such as workplace violence against nurses even though nurses were endangering their lives to provide high-quality care and reduce patients’ suffering. Therefore, the present study aimed to explain Iranian nurses’ experiences of workplace violence during the COVID-19 crisis.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted using a qualitative approach. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses who had experienced workplace violence at COVID-19 referral centers in Kerman during the COVID-19 crisis. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data, and the research was reported via the COREQ checklist.

Results

Analysis of the findings led to one main category, “nurses’ self-sacrifice in a distressful and threatening environment,” and four subcategories, which included “omitting entertainment and fun activities,” “having challenging duties in unsafe conditions,” “receiving insufficient support,” and “nurses’ toleration of disrespect.”

Conclusion

Crises can exacerbate workplace violence toward nurses. Thus, it is necessary to design educational programs and prevention strategies to manage the destructive psychological and occupational impact of the crises on nurses. Nurses should receive training in crisis management to cope with the intensified aggressive behavior of managers, colleagues, patients, and patient companions during the crisis. Policy-makers must be prepared to deal with crises, and they should take measures to improve nurses’ mental health and quality of care.
Being Praised for Prosocial Behaviors Longitudinally Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Early Adolescents: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Nagaoka Daiki , Tomoshige Nanami , Ando Shuntaro , Morita Masaya , Kiyono Tomoki , Kanata Sho , Fujikawa Shinya , Endo Kaori , Yamasaki Syudo , Fukuda Masato , Nishida Atsushi , Hiraiwa-Hasegawa Mariko , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: May 2022

Background

Depression is highly prevalent and causes a heavy burden in adolescent life. Being praised for prosocial behavior might be a preventive factor because both being praised and prosocial behavior are protective against depression. Here, we investigated the longitudinal relationship between being praised for prosocial behavior and depressive symptoms in adolescents.

Methods

In Tokyo Teen Cohort study (TTC), an ongoing prospective population-based cohort study, we collected 3,171 adolescents' data on self-reported experiences of being praised for prosocial behavior, depressive symptoms, and caregiver-evaluated prosocial behavior. Ten-year-old children were asked to freely describe answers to the question “What are you praised for?”. Only children who clearly answered that they were praised for their prosocial behavior were designated the “prosocial praise group.” The degree of depression at ages 10 and 12 was measured with the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), a self-report questionnaire about depression. Objective prosocial behavior of the 10 year-old children was assessed by the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the SMFQ score at age 12 as the objective variable and being praised for prosocial behavior as the main explanatory variable, and the SMFQ score at age 10 and the objective prosocial behavior at age 10 were included as confounders.

Results

Depressive symptoms (SMFQ scores) in the “prosocial praise group” were significantly lower than those in the other group both at age 10 (4.3 ± 4.4 vs. 4.9 ± 4.6, p < 0.001) and at age 12 (3.4 ± 4.2 vs. 4.0 ± 4.6, p < 0.01). In the single regression analysis, the children who reported being praised for prosocial behavior at age 10 had significantly lower depressive symptoms at age 12 (partial regression variable: −0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.96, −0.17]). This association remained significant after adjusting for confounders, including baseline depressive symptoms (partial regression variable: −0.44, 95% CI [−0.80, −0.08]). Prosocial behavior alone was not associated with depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Being praised for prosocial behavior rather than objective prosocial behavior at 10 years of age predicted lower depressive symptoms 2 years later. Praise for adolescents' prosocial behavior can be encouraged to prevent depression.
Abnormal Brain Network Interaction Associated With Positive Symptoms in Drug-Naive Patients With First-Episode Schizophrenia
Authors: Yuan Liu , Ma Xiaoqian , Li David , Li Zongchang , Ouyang Lijun , Fan Lejia , Yang Zihao , Zhang Zhenmei , Li Chunwang , He Ying , Chen Xiaogang
Published: May 2022

Positive symptoms are marked features of schizophrenia, and emerging evidence has suggested that abnormalities of the brain network underlying these symptoms may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of the disease. We constructed two brain functional networks based on the positive and negative correlations between positive symptom scores and brain connectivity in drug-naive patients with first-episode schizophrenia (FES, n = 45) by using a machine-learning approach (connectome-based predictive modeling, CPM). The accuracy of the model was r = 0.47 (p = 0.002). The positively and negatively associated network strengths were then compared among FES subjects, individuals at genetic high risk (GHR, n = 41) for schizophrenia, and healthy controls (HCs, n = 48). The results indicated that the positively associated network contained more cross-subnetwork connections (96.02% of 176 edges), with a focus on the default-mode network (DMN)-salience network (SN) and the DMN-frontoparietal task control (FPT) network. The negatively associated network had fewer cross-subnetwork connections (71.79% of 117 edges) and focused on the sensory/somatomotor hand (SMH)-Cingulo opercular task control (COTC) network, the DMN, and the visual network with significantly decreased connectivity in the COTC-SMH network in FES (FES < GHR, p = 0.01; FES < HC, p = 0.01). Additionally, the connectivity strengths of the right supplementary motor area (SMA) (p < 0.001) and the right precentral gyrus (p < 0.0001) were reduced in FES. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to generate two brain networks associated with positive symptoms by utilizing CPM in FES. Abnormal segregation, interactions of brain subnetworks, and impaired SMA might lead to salience attribution abnormalities and, thus, as a result, induce positive symptoms in schizophrenia.
Evaluating the Effects of Experiencing Virtual Reality Simulation of Psychosis on Mental Illness Stigma, Empathy, and Knowledge in Medical Students
Authors: Zare-Bidaki Majid , Ehteshampour Alireza , Reisaliakbarighomi Masoud , Mazinani Robabeh , Khodaie Ardakani Mohammad Reza , Mirabzadeh Arash , Alikhani Rosa , Noroozi Mehdi , Momeni Fereshteh , Samani Amir Dehghani , Mehrabi Tavana Mohammad Mahdi , Esmaeili Aliakbar , Mousavi S. Bentolhoda
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Applying technologies such as virtual reality (VR) in education has gained popularity especially in comprehending abstract and subjective phenomena. Previous studies have shown that applying a virtual reality simulation of psychosis (VRSP) is useful in increasing knowledge and empathy toward patients. Here, the efficacy of using VRSP in altering stigma, empathy and knowledge as well as side effects have been assessed in medical students in comparison with the routine education (visiting the patients).

Method

After attending one session of lecture about positive psychotic symptoms, medical students were allocated to two groups: experiencing one session of VRSP or visiting patients under supervision as routine practice in the ward. Before and after the first session and after the second one, questionnaires of knowledge, empathy and stigma were filled by students. Finally, the results were compared in two groups.

Results

Both interventions were effective in reducing stigma as well as increasing knowledge and empathy toward patients with psychotic experiences. VRSP could significantly reduce stigma and increase knowledge and empathy compared with the traditional visiting patients under supervision. The side effects were minimal and ameliorated right after the experience.

Conclusion

VRSP is an effective tool in decreasing stigma and increasing empathy and knowledge of the students and can be incorporated in psychiatric education with minimal side effects.
Improving University Students' Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence From an Online Counseling Intervention in Italy
Authors: Celia Giovanna , Tessitore Francesca , Cavicchiolo Elisa , Girelli Laura , Limone Pierpaolo , Cozzolino Mauro
Published: May 2022

Background

The mental health of university students is significantly affected when faced with public health emergencies and requires specific interventions to help support and prevent any long-lasting effects that the pandemic may have on their mental health status. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an online individual counseling intervention provided by the University of Foggia and carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health status of a sample of university students.

Methods

32 Italian undergraduate students took part in a one-group pretest-posttest research design. The data was gathered in two times: before the start of the counseling intervention (T1), positive and negative affect, satisfaction with life, global mental distress, anxiety, stress, and future time perspective were collected, at the end of the counseling intervention (T2), the same dimensions were measured. A one-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed, and single Bonferroni-corrected dependent t-tests were conducted on variables showing a significant change over time.

Results

The results showed that positive affect, subjective well-being, and future time perspective increased significantly after the intervention. In contrast, the participants reported significantly lower levels of negative affect, global mental distress, state and trait anxiety, as well as perceived stress over time.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the promising impact of online counseling intervention and its efficient contribution in promoting the well-being of university students. The results contribute to the ongoing debate concerning the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young adults, helping professionals develop more efficient clinical and psychological interventions.
Risk Factors Associated With Echinococcosis in the General Chinese Population: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Li Bin , Liu Yuying , Liu Shou
Published: May 2022

Background

Echinococcosis is a severe zoonotic disease that imposes a substantial burden on human life. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize available data on the prevalence of human echinococcosis and identify the key risk factors for echinococcosis in the Chinese general population.

Methods

Relevant studies were comprehensively searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Information (VIP), Wanfang and SinoMed databases until August 22, 2020. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The I2 and Q statistics were calculated to evaluate the heterogeneity, and potential sources of heterogeneity were identified using sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger's test.

Results

A total of 1026 studies were identified through the database search, of which 26 were eligible for this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of AE and CE were 2.88% and 5.66%, respectively. Ethnicity (OR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.81–4.75; I2 = 0), herdsman occupation (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 2.25–3.14; I2 = 8.0%), not washing hands before meals (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.34–4.28; I2 = 82.8%) and being female (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.26–1.66; I2 = 33.9%) were risk factors for AE. The top five risk factors for CE were ethnicity (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.55–6.52; I2 = 79.2%), nomadism (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.65–4.47; I2 = 55.8%), drinking nonboiled water (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.36–4.47; I2 = 85.7), feeding viscera to dogs (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.89–2.91; I2 = 21.5%), and herdsman occupation (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.67–2.86; I2 = 85.1%).

Conclusions

This study generalized articles that have contributed to our current understanding of the epidemic of human echinococcosis (AE and CE) in China over the years. The results support that the ethnicity and dog-related factors are major risk factors for both CE and AE. The identification of echinococcosis risk factors may aid researchers and policymakers in improving surveillance and preventive measures aimed at reducing Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis infection in humans.
Effects of Authoritarian Leadership on Employees' Safety Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Wang Dawei , Wang Li , Wei Shuangju , Yu Peng , Sun Haichao , Jiang Ximing , Hu Yixin
Published: May 2022

Safety behavior is one of the focal concerns to occupational health researchers and safety managers. This study examined the relationship between authoritarian leadership and safety behavior based on social exchange theory and locus of control theory, and further explored the mediating role of trust in leadership and the moderating role of locus of control. In this study, a total of 636 employees from petroleum enterprises were recruited, with random sampling used to collect data in two stages. The result showed that: (1) Authoritarian leadership is significantly and negatively related to employees' safety compliance behavior and safety participation behavior. (2) Trust in leadership plays a partially mediating role in the impact of authoritarian leadership on employees' safety compliance behavior and safety participation behavior. (3) Locus of control moderates the first half of the pathway through which authoritarian leadership affects employees' safety behavior through trust in leadership. For externals, the negative effect of authoritarian leadership on their trust in leadership is stronger, which in turn decreases their safety compliance behavior and safety participation behavior.
Smartphone Use Time and Total Screen Time Among Students Aged 10–19 and the Effects on Academic Stress: A Large Longitudinal Cohort Study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Shaojie , Lan Yukun , Chen Bo , He Gengsheng , Jia Yingnan
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess smartphone use time and total screen time among students aged 10–19 in Shanghai, China, and examine their effects on academic stress.

Methods

Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in December 2017 and December 2018, respectively, using a cohort study design with 1,771 participants. Questionnaire surveys and physical examinations of participants were conducted by trained investigators and professional school physicians, respectively. The self-administered questionnaire mainly covered demographic information, academic stress, smartphone use time, total screen time, and other lifestyle behaviors.

Results

The average smartphone use time of primary, middle, and high school students was 0.76 ± 0.90, 1.34 ± 1.29, and 2.39 ± 1.66 h/day, respectively; total screen time was 2.60 ± 2.63, 2.65 ± 3.39, and 3.52 ± 2.7 h/day, respectively (P < 0.001). The academic stress scores of primary, middle, and high school students were 9.25 ± 3.96, 11.97 ± 4.58, and 15.06 ± 5.10 (out of 30), respectively. The smartphone use time and total screen time were positively associated with academic stress score, with β values of 0.307 (95% CI: 0.164–0.450) and 0.171 (95% CI: 0.088–0.255), respectively. The longer the smartphone use time and total screen time, the higher the risk of abnormal academic stress, with OR values of 1.199 (95% CI: 1.103–1.303) and 1.104 (95% CI: 1.056–1.154), respectively. After stratifying by grade group, positive associations between smartphone use time or total screen time and abnormal academic stress were observed in primary and middle school students; for high school students; however, only smartphone use time had a positive association.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that the academic stress is widespread among students aged 10–19 in Shanghai, China. From a public health perspective, smartphone use time and total screen time should therefore be restricted for reducing academic stress and preventing related problems among adolescents in Shanghai, China, in school, family, and other environments.
Mental Health Conditions Among E-Learning Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rutkowska Anna , Cieślik Błazej , Tomaszczyk Agata , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: May 2022

Aim

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the education system to undergo changes, which have also affected universities. E-learning became the main form of education, reducing interpersonal contacts, which could affect the mental wellbeing of students. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the level of perceived stress during e-learning among Polish students and to identify the factors for predicting higher levels of depression symptoms.

Methods

The study included 753 participants with a mean age of 22.47 (±4.02) years. The Perception of Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were used to measure the severity of stress and level of depression. Furthermore, our own survey was used to assess the impact of e-learning on various aspects of life. To examine how much stress can explain a statistically significant amount of variance in depression, three-step hierarchical multiple regression was used. In addition, our own questionnaire was used to assess the impact of e-learning on education, social contacts and technical abilities.

Results

A total of 58% of the students characterized by an increased level of stress. 56% show symptoms of depression and 18% of the participants had suicidal thoughts. The most significant predictor of depression is high stress levels and factors related to e-learning: isolation from friends and acquaintances, negative impact on level of knowledge, reduced motivation to learn, and worsening grades. This predictors may explain about 66% of the variance of depression.

Conclusion

Universities should implement interventions and educational programmes, providing ad hoc assistance in the form of individual or group meetings with a psychologist (also in a remote form) and organizing workshops and webinars on strategies for managing stress.
Allergic Reactions After the Administration of COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Bian Sainan , Li Lisha , Wang Zixi , Cui Le , Xu Yingyang , Guan Kai , Zhao Bin
Published: May 2022

Background

Data on allergic reactions after the administration of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines are limited. Our aim is to analyze reports of allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccine administration.

Methods

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System database was searched for reported allergic reactions after the administration of any of the COVID-19 vaccines from December 2020 to June 2021. After data mapping, the demographic and clinical characteristics of the reported cases were analyzed. Potential factors associated with anaphylaxis were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

In total, 14,611 cases were reported. Most cases of allergic reactions comprised women (84.6%) and occurred after the first dose of the vaccine (63.6%). Patients who experienced anaphylaxis were younger (mean age 45.11 ± 5.6 vs. 47.01 ± 6.3 years, P < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of a history of allergies, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis than those who did not (P < 0.05). A history of allergies (odds ratio (OR) 1.632, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.467–1.816, P < 0.001), asthma (OR 1.908, 95%CI 1.677–2.172, P < 0.001), and anaphylaxis (OR 7.164, 95%CI 3.504–14.646, P < 0.001) were potential risk factors for anaphylaxis. Among the 8,232 patients with reported outcomes, 16 died.

Conclusions

Female predominance in allergic reaction cases after the receipt of COVID-19 vaccines was observed. Previous histories of allergies, asthma, or anaphylaxis were risk factors for anaphylaxis post-vaccination. People with these risk factors should be monitored more strictly after COVID-19 vaccination.
Symptom Recognition as a Mediator in the Self-Care of Chronic Illness
Authors: Riegel Barbara , De Maria Maddalena , Barbaranelli Claudio , Matarese Maria , Ausili Davide , Stromberg Anna , Vellone Ercole , Jaarsma Tiny
Published: May 2022

Background

The recognition of a symptom is needed to initiate a decision to engage in a behavior to ameliorate the symptom. Yet, a surprising number of individuals fail to detect symptoms and delay in addressing early warnings of a health problem.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that symptom recognition mediates the relationship between monitoring for and management of symptoms of a chronic illness.

Methods

A secondary analysis of existing cross-sectional data. A sample of 1,629 patients diagnosed with one or more chronic conditions was enrolled in the United States (US) (n = 407), Italy (n = 784) and Sweden (n = 438) between March 2015 and May 2019. Data on self-care monitoring, symptom recognition, and self-care management was assessed using the Self-Care of Chronic Illness Inventory. After confirming metric invariance in cultural assessment, we used structural equation modeling to test a mediation model where symptom recognition was conceptualized as the mediator linking self-care monitoring and self-care management with autonomous (e.g., Change your activity level) and consulting behaviors (e.g., Call your healthcare provider for guidance).

Results

Symptom recognition mediated the relation between self-care monitoring and autonomous self-care management behaviors (β = 0.098, β = 0.122, β = 0.081, p < 0.001 for US, Italy, and Sweden, respectively). No mediation effect was found for consulting self-care management behaviors.

Conclusion

Our findings suggests that symptom recognition promotes autonomous self-care behaviors in people with a chronic condition. Self-care monitoring directly affects consulting self-care management behaviors but not through symptom recognition. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of symptom recognition in the self-care process.
Anaerobic Contribution Determined in Free-Swimming: Sensitivity to Maturation Stages and Validity
Authors: Campos Eduardo Zapaterra , Kalva-Filho Carlos Augusto , Silva Maria Souza , Arruda Tarine Botta , Gobbi Ronaldo Bucken , Manchado-Gobatto Fúlvia Barros , Papoti Marcelo
Published: May 2022

Evaluation of anaerobic contribution is important under swimming settings (training and modification through ages), therefore, it is expected to change during maturation. The accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) method can be used to determine the contribution of nonoxidative energy during swimming; however, it requires several days of evaluation. An alternative method to estimate anaerobic contribution evaluation (ACALT), which can also be evaluated without snorkel (i.e., free-swimming, ACFS), has been proposed; however, these methods have never been compared. Thus, this study (i) analyzed the effect of maturation stage on ACFS during maximal 400 m swimming (Part I), and (ii) compared AOD with ACALT and ACFS, determined in a maximal 400 m effort (Part II). In Part I, 34 swimmers were divided into three groups, according to maturation stages (early-pubertal, middle-pubertal, and pubertal), and subjected to a maximal 400 m free-swimming to determine ACFS. In Part II, six swimmers were subjected to one 400 m maximal effort, and four submaximal constant efforts. The AOD was determined by the difference between the estimated demand and accumulated oxygen during the entire effort. The ACALT and ACFS (for Part I as well) was assumed as the sum of lactic and alactic anaerobic contributions. ACFS was higher in pubertal (3.8 ± 1.1 L) than early (2.1 ± 0.9 L) and middle pubertal group (2.4 ± 1.1 L). No difference was observed among absolute AOD (3.2 ± 1.3 L), ACALT (3.2 ± 1.5 L), and ACFS (4.0 ± 0.9 L) (F = 3.6; p = 0.06). Relative AOD (51.8 ± 12.2 mL·kg−1), ACALT (50.5 ± 14.3 mL·kg−1), and ACFS (65.2 ± 8.8 mL·kg−1) presented main effect (F = 4.49; p = 0.04), without posthoc difference. The bias of AOD vs. ACALT was 0.04 L, and AOD vs. ACFS was −0.74 L. The limits of agreement between AOD and ACALT were +0.9 L and −0.8 L, and between AOD and ACFS were +0.7 L and −2.7 L. It can be concluded that ACFS determination is a feasible tool to determine anaerobic contribution in young swimmers, and it changes during maturation stages. Also, ACFS might be useful to measure anaerobic contribution in swimmers, especially because it allows greater speeds.
Gemcitabine-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticle Exerts An Antitumor Effect on Gemcitabine-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer Cells Induced by MDR1 and MRP1 Overexpression in Vitro
Authors: Kong Lei , Du Jiali , Gu Jichun , Deng Junyuan , Guo Yujie , Tao Baian , Jin Chen , Fu Deliang , Li Ji
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Gemcitabine (GEM) is the first-line chemotherapeutic drug for pancreatic cancer treatment in clinical practice. However, many reasons can reduce the efficacy of GEM, among which the high expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters is a significant factor. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of gemcitabine-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticle (GEM-HSA-NP) on GEM-resistant pancreatic cancer cells induced by the high expression of ABC transporters, namely multidrug resistance protein 1/P-gp/ABCB1 (MDR1) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 1/ ABCC1 (MRP1).

Methods

MDR1 and MRP1 were stably overexpressed via lentiviral transduction in the pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC3 and PANC1. Proliferation inhibition assays, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis analyses were conducted to examine the antitumor effect of GEM-HSA-NP. In addition, intracellular ATP levels were determined to explore the potential mechanisms implicated preliminarily.

Results

When administered to GEM-resistant cancer cells, GEM-HSA-NP displayed its antitumor effect by promoting the inhibition of proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis induction. Intracellular ATP depletion, caused by the albumin component of GEM-HSA-NP was proposed to be potentially involved in the modulation of ABC transporter activity.

Conclusion

GEM-HSA-NP can effectively overcome GEM-resistance induced by MDR1 and MRP1 overexpression, which highlights its potential value in a clinical setting.
Low Protein Diet Improves Meat Quality and Modulates the Composition of Gut Microbiota in Finishing Pigs
Authors: Zhu Cui , Yang Jingsen , Wu Qiwen , Chen Jingping , Yang Xuefen , Wang Li , Jiang Zongyong
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the effect of a low protein (LP) diet on growth performance, nitrogen emission, carcass traits, meat quality, and gut microbiota in finishing pigs. Fifty-four barrows (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to three treatments with six replicates (pens) of three pigs each. The pigs were fed with either high protein (HP, 16% CP), medium protein (MP, 12% CP), and LP diets (10% CP), respectively. The LP diets did not influence the growth performance, but significantly decreased the plasma urea nitrogen contents and fecal nitrogen emission (P < 0.05). The LP diet significantly decreased the plasma contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the plasma glutathione (GSH) contents (P < 0.05). The LP diets significantly increased the backfat thickness at the first and last ribs, L* (lightness) value of meat color, and muscle fiber density in the longissimus dorsi (P < 0.05). The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of fatty acid synthetase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), leptin, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) was significantly downregulated, while that of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) and myosin heavy chain (MYHC) IIx in the longissimus Dorsi muscle was significantly upregulated by LP diets (P < 0.05). The 16S sequencing analysis showed that the abundance of unidentified Bacteria at the phylum level, and Halanaerobium and Butyricicoccusat at the genus level in the colonic digesta were significantly decreased by LP diet (P < 0.05). The LP diet significantly decreased the observed species of α-diversity in both ileal and colonic microbiota (P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis identified a significant positive correlation between the abundance of the ileal genera Streptococcus and L* value at 24 and 48 h, and a significant negative correlation between unidentified_Ruminococcasceae in both ileum and colon with L* value at 24 h (P < 0.05). Collectively, the LP diet supplemented with lysine, methionine, threonine, and tryptophan could reduce the fecal nitrogen emission without affecting growth performance and improve meat quality by regulating the antioxidant capacity and gene expression involved in fat metabolism as well as modulating the gut microbiota composition in finishing pigs.
Case Report: Novel Disseminated Paecilomyces formosus Infection in a Dog
Authors: Anderson Stephanie , Barrantes Murillo Daniel Felipe , Womble Mandy , Gibbs Nicole , Harrell Karyn , Negrão Watanabe Tatiane Terumi
Published: May 2022

A 2.5-year-old, 25.5 kg, spayed female Australian Shepherd dog had a 2-month history of shifting leg lameness in all limbs, tetraparesis, progressive lethargy, and severe pain. On the physical examination, fever (40.61°C), tachycardia, tachypnea, mild diffuse pelvic limb muscular atrophy, left prescapular and right popliteal lymphadenomegaly were observed. Due to the poor prognosis and difficult pain management, humane euthanasia was elected. Macroscopic and histological findings revealed multifocal to coalescing granulomas with central areas of lytic necrosis within the right femur, left humerus, left scapula, left biceps brachii, right semimembranosus muscle, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. The necrotic areas contained myriad intralesional, intracellular, and extracellular negatively stained, non-pigmented, septate acute angle branching hyphae with parallel walls measuring 3–6 μm in width with polar bulbous projections measuring 7–13 μm in width. Fresh samples of the liver were submitted for fungal culture. Panfungal PCR targeting the major conserved genes-ITS, TUB, CAL-confirmed Paecilomyces formosus. Paecilomyces spp. are members of anamorphic fungi classified under the phylum Ascomycota. Paecilomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by Paecilomyces spp with a disease reported in humans and animals ranging from superficial to systemic clinical forms affecting both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. In dogs, disseminated paecilomycosis has been reported, but the species of fungi are not always determined. To our knowledge, this is the first case of disseminated paecilomycosis caused by P. formosus infection in a dog.
Footpad Monitoring: Reliability of an Automated System to Assess Footpad Dermatitis in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) During Slaughter
Authors: Stracke Jenny , Andersson Robby , Volkmann Nina , Spindler Birgit , Schulte-Landwehr Jan , Günther Ronald , Kemper Nicole
Published: May 2022

Footpad dermatitis (FPD) is an indicator of animal welfare in turkeys, giving evidence of the animals' physical integrity and providing information on husbandry management. Automated systems for assessing FPD at slaughter can present a useful tool for objective data collection. However, using automated systems requires that they reliably assess the incidence. In this study, the feet of turkeys were scored for FPD by both an automated camera system and a human observer, using a five-scale score. The observer reliability between both was calculated (Krippendorff's alpha). The results were not acceptable, with an agreement coefficient of 0.44 in the initial situation. Therefore, pictures of 3,000 feet scored by the automated system were evaluated systematically to detect deficiencies. The reference area (metatarsal footpad) was not detected correctly in 55.0% of the feet, and false detections of the alteration on the footpad (FPD) were found in 32.9% of the feet. In 41.3% of the feet, the foot was not presented straight to the camera. According to these results, the algorithm of the automated system was modified, aiming to improve color detection and the distinction of the metatarsal footpad from the background. Pictures of the feet, now scored by the modified algorithm, were evaluated again. Observer reliability could be improved (Krippendorff's alpha = 0.61). However, detection of the metatarsal footpad (50.9% incorrect detections) and alterations (27.0% incorrect detections) remained a problem. We found that the performance of the camera system was affected by the angle at which the foot was presented to the camera (skew/straight; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the laterality of the foot (left/right) was found to have a significant effect (p < 0.001). We propose that the latter depends on the slaughter process. This study also highlights a high variability in observer reliability of human observers. Depending on the respective target parameter, the reliability coefficient (Krippendorff's alpha) ranged from 0.21 to 0.82. This stresses the importance of finding an objective alternative. Therefore, it was concluded that the automated detection system could be appropriate to reliably assess FPD at the slaughterhouse. However, there is still room to improve the existing method, especially when using FPD as a welfare indicator.
Quality of Cancer Care in Switzerland: Going Beyond Traditional Quality Indicators by Collecting Patient-Reported Experiences of Cancer Care
Authors: Arditi Chantal , Peytremann-Bridevaux Isabelle
Published: May 2022

Background: High-quality cancer care should be effective, safe, accessible, efficient, equitable, and responsive to patients’ needs. In Switzerland, information on the safety and effectiveness of cancer care is available, but not on responsiveness. Systematic and comprehensive reports from patients on cancer care are missing and needed to complete the assessment of the quality of cancer care.

Evidence: Patient-reported experiences of cancer care are key to evaluate responsiveness of care and drive quality improvement initiatives in oncology practice. Studies have found that responsive care leads to more positive experiences of care, which can lead to more effective treatments and health benefits.

Policy Options and Recommendations: Our first recommendation is to develop a position statement on the importance and value of patient-reported experiences of cancer care. Our second recommendation is to systematically collect patients’ experiences of cancer care at the national level, through a dedicated national cancer-specific measurement program or through the integration of patient-reported experiences measures in cancer registries.

Conclusion: The systematic collection of patient-reported experiences of cancer care provides essential information on what matters to patients in addition to traditional clinical information, including patients as partners of the overall assessment of healthcare performance.