bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Markers of Auditory Response and Habituation in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome
Authors: Isenstein Emily L. , Grosman Hannah E. , Guillory Sylvia B. , Zhang Yian , Barkley Sarah , McLaughlin Christopher S. , Levy Tess , Halpern Danielle , Siper Paige M. , Buxbaum Joseph D. , Kolevzon Alexander , Foss-Feig Jennifer H.
Published: May 2022

Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by deletion or sequence variation in theSHANK3gene at terminal chromosome 22 that confers high likelihood of comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whereas individuals with idiopathic ASD (iASD) can demonstrate diverse patterns of sensory differences, PMS is mainly characterized by sensory hyporesponsiveness. This study used electrophysiology and a passive auditory habituation paradigm to test for neural markers of hyporesponsiveness. EEG was recorded from 15 individuals with PMS, 15 with iASD, and 16 with neurotypical development (NT) while a series of four consecutive 1,000 Hz tones was repeatedly presented. We found intact N1, P2, and N2 event-related potentials (ERPs) and habituation to simple auditory stimuli, both in individuals with iASD and in those with PMS. Both iASD and PMS groups showed robust responses to the initial tone and decaying responses to each subsequent tone, at levels comparable to the NT control group. However, in PMS greater initial N1 amplitude and habituation were associated with auditory hypersensitivity, and P2 habituation correlated with ASD symptomatology. Additionally, further classification of the PMS cohort into genetic groupings revealed dissociation of initial P2 amplitude and habituation of N1 based on whether the deletions included additional genes beyond solelySHANK3and those not thought to contribute to phenotype. These results provide preliminary insight into early auditory processing in PMS and suggest that while neural response and habituation is generally preserved in PMS, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics may drive some variability. These initial findings provide early evidence that the robust pattern of behavioral hyporesponsiveness in PMS may be due, at least in audition, to higher order factors.
Neuropathological Aspects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Significance for Both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Silva Jaime , Patricio Felipe , Patricio-Martínez Aleidy , Santos-López Gerardo , Cedillo Lilia , Tizabi Yousef , Limón Ilhuicamina Daniel
Published: May 2022

Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 entry into the central nervous system can result in neurological and/or neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, routes of SARS-Cov-2 entry into the brain via neuroinvasive pathways such as transcribrial, ocular surface or hematogenous system are discussed. It is argued that SARS-Cov-2-induced cytokine storm, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Further studies on the effects of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants on protein aggregation, glia or microglia activation, and blood-brain barrier are warranted.
Memristive Izhikevich Spiking Neuron Model and Its Application in Oscillatory Associative Memory
Authors: Fang Xiaoyan , Duan Shukai , Wang Lidan
Published: May 2022

The Izhikevich (IZH) spiking neuron model can display spiking and bursting behaviors of neurons. Based on the switching property and bio-plausibility of the memristor, the memristive Izhikevich (MIZH) spiking neuron model is built. Firstly, the MIZH spiking model is introduced and used to generate 23 spiking patterns. We compare the 23 spiking patterns produced by the IZH and MIZH spiking models. Secondly, the MIZH spiking model actively reproduces various neuronal behaviors, including the excitatory cortical neurons, the inhibitory cortical neurons, and other cortical neurons. Finally, the collective dynamic activities of the MIZH neuronal network are performed, and the MIZH oscillatory network is constructed. Experimental results illustrate that the constructed MIZH spiking neuron model performs high firing frequency and good frequency adaptation. The model can easily simulate various spiking and bursting patterns of distinct neurons in the brain. The MIZH neuronal network realizes the synchronous and asynchronous collective behaviors. The MIZH oscillatory network can memorize and retrieve the information patterns correctly and efficiently with high retrieval accuracy.
The International Vocabulary of Tinnitus
Authors: Baguley David M. , Caimino Charlotte , Gilles Annick , Jacquemin Laure
Published: May 2022

Tinnitus is a common experience which can have a severe impact on ones quality of life. Whilst there have been reports of historical references to tinnitus, there has not been an international cross-sectional analysis of the vocabulary used for tinnitus. In this study, with 227 respondents (of which 53.3% experiencing tinnitus themselves), we report such an analysis of 252 words or phrases, from 42 languages and 48 countries. The results indicate that the majority of vocabulary used has a negative connotation (63%), though a small minority are positive (4%). Many words used for tinnitus in different languages are onomatopoeic—thus mimicking aspects of the percept experienced—or describe the sound (in total 42% of the vocabulary). The involvement of the ear is implied in some terminology, though other vocabulary expresses the impact. Participants experiencing tinnitus significantly differed on the codes for their proposed words or phrases (p < 0.001), with the code “internal suffering or irritation or intrusion” being more prevalent and the code “relate to ear” and “sound is phantom or not real or imagined” being less prevalent in this group. This research has implications not only for the vocabulary used for tinnitus in Patient Reported Outcome Measures but also, and importantly, for understanding the vocabulary and lived experiences of people with tinnitus by healthcare professionals.
Cerebellar Volumes and Sensorimotor Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McKinney Walker S. , Kelly Shannon E. , Unruh Kathryn E. , Shafer Robin L. , Sweeney John A. , Styner Martin , Mosconi Matthew W.
Published: May 2022

Background

Sensorimotor issues are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though their neural bases are not well understood. The cerebellum is vital to sensorimotor control and reduced cerebellar volumes in ASD have been documented. Our study examined the extent to which cerebellar volumes are associated with multiple sensorimotor behaviors in ASD.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-eight participants with ASD and 34 typically developing (TD) controls (8–30 years) completed a structural MRI scan and precision grip testing, oculomotor testing, or both. Force variability during precision gripping as well as absolute error and trial-to-trial error variability of visually guided saccades were examined. Volumes of cerebellar lobules, vermis, and white matter were quantified. The relationships between each cerebellar region of interest (ROI) and force variability, saccade error, and saccade error variability were examined.

Results

Relative to TD controls, individuals with ASD showed increased force variability. Individuals with ASD showed a reduced volume of cerebellar vermis VI-VII relative to TD controls. Relative to TD females, females with ASD showed a reduced volume of bilateral cerebellar Crus II/lobule VIIB. Increased volume of Crus I was associated with increased force variability. Increased volume of vermal lobules VI-VII was associated with reduced saccade error for TD controls but not individuals with ASD. Increased right lobule VIII and cerebellar white matter volumes as well as reduced right lobule VI and right lobule X volumes were associated with greater ASD symptom severity. Reduced volumes of right Crus II/lobule VIIB were associated with greater ASD symptom severity in only males, while reduced volumes of right Crus I were associated with more severe restricted and repetitive behaviors only in females.

Conclusion

Our finding that increased force variability in ASD is associated with greater cerebellar Crus I volumes indicates that disruption of sensory feedback processing supported by Crus I may contribute to skeletomotor differences in ASD. Results showing that volumes of vermal lobules VI-VII are associated with saccade precision in TD but not ASD implicates atypical organization of the brain systems supporting oculomotor control in ASD. Associations between volumes of cerebellar subregions and ASD symptom severity suggest cerebellar pathological processes may contribute to multiple developmental challenges in ASD.
Importin-Mediated Pathological Tau Nuclear Translocation Causes Disruption of the Nuclear Lamina, TDP-43 Mislocalization and Cell Death
Authors: Candia Robert F. , Cohen Leah S. , Morozova Viktoriya , Corbo Christopher , Alonso Alejandra D.
Published: May 2022

Tau is a cytosolic protein that has also been observed in the nucleus, where it has multiple proposed functions that are regulated by phosphorylation. However, the mechanism underlying the nuclear import of tau is unclear, as is the contribution of nuclear tau to the pathology of tauopathies. We have previously generated a pathological form of tau, PH-tau (pseudophosphorylation mutants S199E, T212E, T231E, and S262E) that mimics AD pathological behavior in cells, Drosophila, and a mouse model. Here, we demonstrated that PH-tau translocates into the nucleus of transiently transfected HEK-293 cells, but wildtype tau does not. We identified a putative importin binding site in the tau sequence, and showed that disruption of this site prevents tau from entering the nucleus. We further showed that this nuclear translocation is prevented by inhibitors of both importin-α and importin-β. In addition, expression of PH-tau resulted in an enlarged population of dying cells, which is prevented by blocking its entry into the nucleus. PH-tau-expressing cells also exhibited disruption of the nuclear lamina and mislocalization of TDP-43 to the cytoplasm. We found that PH-tau does not bundle microtubules, and this effect is independent of nuclear translocation. These results demonstrate that tau translocates into the nucleus through the importin-α/β pathway, and that PH-tau exhibits toxicity after its nuclear translocation. We propose a model where hyperphosphorylated tau not only disrupts the microtubule network, but also translocates into the nucleus and interferes with cellular functions, such as nucleocytoplasmic transport, inducing mislocalization of proteins like TDP-43 and, ultimately, cell death.
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Mortality Risk in Elderly Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Li Han-biao , Fu Bing-qi , Tan Tong , Li Xiao-hua , Wang Shou-hong , Wei Xue-biao , Wang Zhong-hua
Published: May 2022

Background

The prognostic value of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in elderly patients is controversial. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between the preoperative LDL-C and adverse outcomes in elderly patients undergoing valve replacement surgery (VRS).

Methods

A total of 2,552 aged patients (age ≥ 60 years) undergoing VRS were retrospectively recruited and divided into two groups according to LDL-C level on admission: low LDL-C (<70 mg/dL, n = 205) and high LDL-C groups (≥ 70 mg/dL, n = 2,347). The association between the preoperative LDL-C with in-hospital and one-year mortality was evaluated by propensity score matching analysis and multivariate analysis.

Results

The mean age was 65 ± 4 years and 1,263 (49.5%) were men. Patients in the low LDL-C group were significantly older (65.9 ± 4.6 vs. 64.9 ± 4.1, p = 0.002), with more male (65.4 vs. 48.1%, p < 0.001), higher alanine transaminase (ALT) (21 vs. 19, p = 0.001), lower serum albumin (35.3 ± 4.6 vs. 37.1 ± 4.1, p < 0.001), higher serum creatinine (92.2 ± 38.2 vs.84.6 ± 26.1, p = 0.006), lower lymphocyte count (1.7 ± 0.7 vs. 1.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.001), lower hemoglobin (121.9 ± 22.3 vs. 130.2 ± 16.5, p < 0.001), lower platelet count (171.3 ± 64.3 vs. 187.7 ± 58.7, p < 0.001), lower prognostic nutrition index (44 ± 6.2 vs. 46.7 ± 5.8, p < 0.001), and more severe tricuspid regurgitation (33.7 vs. 25.1%, p = 0.008). The rates of in-hospital death (11.2 vs. 3.7%, p < 0.001) and major adverse clinical events (17.6 vs. 9.6%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the low LDL-C group. The cumulative one-year death rate was significantly higher in the low LDL-C group (Log-Rank = 16.6, p < 0.001). After matching analysis and multivariate analysis, no association between LDL-C level and adverse outcomes was detected (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study did not support the negative relationship between LDL-C level and mortality risk in elderly patients undergoing VRS.
Selenium Biofortification of Soybean Sprouts: Effects of Selenium Enrichment on Proteins, Protein Structure, and Functional Properties
Authors: Huang Yatao , Fan Bei , Lei Ningyu , Xiong Yangyang , Liu Yanfang , Tong Litao , Wang Fengzhong , Maesen Philippe , Blecker Christophe
Published: May 2022

Selenium (Se) biofortification during germination is an efficient method for producing Se-enriched soybean sprouts; however, few studies have investigated Se distribution in different germinated soybean proteins and its effects on protein fractions. Herein, we examined Se distribution and speciation in the dominant proteins 7S and 11S of raw soybean (RS), germinated soybean (GS), and germinated soybean with Se biofortification (GS-Se). The effects of germination and Se treatment on protein structure, functional properties, and antioxidant capacity were also determined. The Se concentration in GS-Se was 79.8-fold higher than that in GS. Selenomethionine and methylselenocysteine were the dominant Se species in GS-Se, accounting for 41.5–80.5 and 19.5–21.2% of the total Se with different concentrations of Se treatment, respectively. Se treatment had no significant effects on amino acids but decreased methionine in 11S. In addition, the α-helix contents decreased as the Se concentration increased; the other structures showed no significant changes. The Se treatment also had no significant effects on the water and oil-holding capacities in protein but increased the foaming capacity and emulsion activity index (EAI) of 7S, but only the EAI of 11S. The Se treatment also significantly increased the antioxidant capacity in 7S but not in 11S. This study indicates that the dominant proteins 7S and 11S have different Se enrichment abilities, and the protein structures, functional properties, and antioxidant capacity of GS can be altered by Se biofortification.
Inspiration After Posterior Pharyngeal Flap Palatoplasty: A Preliminary Study Using Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Jiang , Li Huo , Chen Nan , Yin Xing , Shi Bing , Li Jingtao , Huang Hanyao
Published: May 2022

Posterior pharyngeal flap palatoplasty (PPF) is one of the most commonly used surgical procedures to correct speech, especially for patients suffering from velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). During PPF, surgeons use the catheter to control the lateral velopharyngeal port on each side. Airway obstruction and sleep apnea are common after PPF. To understand the air dynamics of the upper airway after PPF, we used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to demonstrate the airflow. In our previous study, we have revealed the expiration process of the upper airway after PPF and shown the features of how PPF successfully restores the oral pressure for speech. In this study, we focus on examining the inspiration process. Normal airway structures were included. For the normal velopharyngeal structure, one cylinder was applied to each model. For recapitulating the velopharyngeal structure after PPF, two cylinders were used in each model. The ports for borderline/inadequate closure, which can help the oral cavity get the required pressure, were chosen for this study. A real-time CFD simulation was used to capture the airflow through the ports. We found that the airflow dynamics of the upper airway’s inspiration were dependent on the velopharyngeal structure. Although the airflow patterns were similar, the velocities between one-port and two-port structures were different, which explained why patients after PPF breathed harder than before and suggested that the one-port structure might be a better choice for secondary VPI reconstruction based on the CFD analyses.
Advances in the Study of the Ubiquitin-Editing Enzyme A20
Authors: Bai Wenya , Huo Siying , Li Junjie , Shao Jianlin
Published: May 2022

Ubiquitin modification is a common post-translational protein modification and an important mechanism whereby the body regulates protein levels and functions. As a common enzyme associated with ubiquitin modification, the ubiquitin-editing enzyme A20 may be closely associated with the development of numerous pathological processes through its different structural domains. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the following: advances in ubiquitination research, the structure and function of A20, and the relationships between A20 and immune inflammatory response, apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy.
Medication Choices in Children With Tic Disorders in Mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong, and Taiwan: Perspectives of Guardians and Physicians
Authors: Yang Chunsong , Yang Yaya , Zhang Lingli , Zhao Li
Published: May 2022

Objective: Survey pediatricians and guardians of children with tic disorder on medication needs and choices.

Methods: We designed a cross-sectional survey for pediatricians in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as for the guardians of patients with tic disorder from West China Second University Hospital. We collected and analyzed information on clinicians’ medical behavior and medication choices and on guardians’ knowledge of tic disorder, medical treatment behaviors, and medication choices and needs.

Results: We collected responses from 242 physicians and 610 guardians. For patients with tic disorder and without comorbidities, the first-line drugs selected by physicians were tiapride (60.74%), clonidine (32.64%), haloperidol (25.62%), aripiprazole (16.53%), and sulpiride (12.4%). Physicians reported making medication choices by considerations such as clinical guidelines, clinical efficacy, a low incidence of adverse drug reactions, sufficient clinical research evidence, convenient dosage forms, and patient adherence. Guardians reported making medication choices by considerations such as a low incidence of adverse drug reactions, physician recommendations, clinical efficacy, dose, dosage forms, and the convenience and steadiness of obtaining the medication. However, guardians exhibited insufficient knowledge of tic disorder and treatment options.

Conclusions: Physicians and patient guardians differ in their considerations when selecting medications, highlighting a gap in optimizing treatment.
The Involvement of Caspases in Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Apoptosis in Chronic Pain and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Zhang Haoyue , Li Nan , Li Ziping , Li Yize , Yu Yonghao , Zhang Linlin
Published: May 2022

Chronic pain is a common, complex and unpleasant sensation following nerve injury, tissue trauma, inflammatory diseases, infection and cancer. It affects up to 25% of adults and is increasingly recognized as the leading cause of distress, disability and disease burden globally. Chronic pain is often refractory to most current analgesics, thus emphasizing the requirement for improved therapeutic medications. It is of great importance to elucidate the specific pathogenesis of chronic pain with different etiologies. Recent progress has advanced our understanding in the contribution of neuroinflammation and glial cells (microglia and astrocyte) activation in the plasticity of excitatory nociceptive synapses and the development of chronic pain phenotypes. Oxidative stress-associated neuronal apoptosis is also identified to be a pivotal step for central pain sensitization. The family of cysteine aspartate specific proteases (Caspases) has been well known to be key signaling molecules for inflammation and apoptosis in several neurological conditions. Recent studies have highlighted the unconventional and emerging role of caspases in microgliosis, astrocytes morphogenesis, chemokines release, cytokines secretion and neuronal apoptosis in initiating and maintaining synaptogenesis, synaptic strength and signal transduction in persistent pain hypersensitivity, suggesting the possibility of targeting caspases pathway for prevention and treatment of chronic pain. In this review, we will discuss and summarize the advances in the distinctive properties of caspases family in the pathophysiology of chronic pain, especially in neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, cancer pain and musculoskeletal pain, with the aim to find the promising therapeutic candidates for the resolution of chronic pain to better manage patients undergoing chronic pain in clinics.
Exosomal MiRNAs in Osteosarcoma: Biogenesis and Biological Functions
Authors: Tang Jinxin , He Jieyu , Feng Chengyao , Tu Chao
Published: May 2022

MiRNAs are a group of non-coding RNA molecules that function in mRNA translational inhibition via base-pairing with complementary sequences in target mRNA. In oncology, miRNAs have raised great attention due to their aberrant expression and pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of multiple malignancies including osteosarcoma. MiRNAs can be transported by exosome, the nano-extracellular vesicle with a diameter of 30–150 nm. Recently, a growing number of studies have demonstrated that exosomal miRNAs play a critical role in tumor initiation and progression, by exerting multiple biological functions including metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance and immunosuppression. In this review, we aim to depict the biogenesis of exosomal miRNAs and summarize the potential diagnostic and therapeutic functions of exosomal miRNAs in osteosarcoma.
Controllable Enhancement of Evanescent and Transmitted Waves by a Plasma Sphere
Authors: Shi Wenxuan , Yuan Bin , Mao Junfa
Published: May 2022

In this study, we present that the plasma sphere can focus and enhance the evanescent and transmitted waves. Electromagnetic waves propagating in a plasma sphere with a positive or negative permittivity, which leads to the enhancement of transmitted and evanescent waves, are analyzed. The intensity of the focused beam can be hundreds of times stronger than that of the incident wave. The enhancement effect is associated with plasma frequency, collision frequency, and incident wave frequency. The results illustrate that the electromagnetic wave can be focused, reflected, and oscillated by controlling the electromagnetic parameters of the plasma sphere. With a strong field enhancement available, it is possible to be used in microwave power amplifiers, plasma antennas, reflectors, etc.
GTPase-Dependent Mechanointegration of Shear-Mediated Cell Contractility Through Dynamic Binding of FLNa and FilGAP
Authors: Bergeron-Sandoval L. P. , Cai Alex , Clouvel Anna , Hitti Cynthia , Ehrlicher Allen
Published: May 2022

Cellular mechanotransduction is a common mechanism by which cells convert mechanical cues (or stimuli) from their environment into biochemical and cellular responses. In the case of shearing forces, such as when individual cells encounter interstitial shear stress and blood shear stress, mechanotransduction involves mechanical stretching and spatial reconfiguration of Filamin A (FLNa) binding sites and subsequent release of FilGAP molecules normally bound to FLNa. However, the connection and importance of downstream molecular effectors and cellular metrics involved in response to shear stress are not understood. Here we reveal mechano-sensitive GTPase-mediated changes in cell contractility. By varying expression of FilGAP, and expression of FLNa, we show that microfluidic shear stress results in cell contractile changes only when FilGAP and FLNa dynamically bind and dissociate. By using FRET sensors that quantify the Rho or Rac charge state, we demonstrate that only cells with dynamic FLNa and FilGAP convert shear stress into GTPase activity, and the resulting downstream contractile changes. Finally, we show that manipulation of Rho and Rac through pharmacological means rescues the contractile activity, in the absence of intact FLNa-FilGAP mechanosensing. This research clarifies a precise mechanomolecular pathway used for cellular force sensing and may play critical roles in human health challenges from cancer metastasis to cardiovascular disease.
Effects of X-Ray Irradiation on Biological Parameters and Induced Sterility of Ephestia elutella: Establishing the Optimum Irradiation Dose and Stage
Authors: Zhao Jun , Li Shujun , Xu Lu , Li Chengjun , Li Qi , Dewer Youssef , Wu Kongming
Published: May 2022

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is widely used for the inundative release of sterile mass-reared males to control lepidopteran pests. SIT based on X-ray irradiation is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical control. However, its use in Ephestia elutella, a stored tobacco pest currently controlled with insecticides, is poorly explored. This study aims to investigate the effects of X-ray irradiation on E. elutella to determine the optimal sterilizing dose and processing developmental stage for improving SIT application. The pupal stage was most suitable for irradiation that was more tolerant than the other insect stages including eggs, larvae, and adults. Subsequently, male pupae were irradiated with X-ray doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 Gy and mated with unirradiated females. Their emergence, longevity, egg number, egg hatch rate, developmental duration, survival rate, induced sterility, and male mating competitiveness were evaluated. The results suggest that a dose of 200 Gy can be applied to effectively induce sterility in male pupae, after which induced sterility and male mating competitiveness can be balanced by increasing the release ratio (sterile:normal). When the release ratio was 15:1, it was found that 71.91% of the wild population could be suppressed. The results of this study show that the SIT based on X-ray irradiation can be successfully used to manage E. elutella, improves our understanding of the biological effects of the SIT, and expands its future application to the control of other pests.
Comparative Analysis of the Morphological, Physiological, Proteomic, and Metabolic Mechanisms of the “Biloxi” Blueberry Response to Shade Stress
Authors: Wu Yaqiong , Huang Zhengjin , Zhang Chunhong , Shi Chong , Lyu Lianfei , Li Weilin , Wu Wenlong
Published: May 2022

Blueberry is an important small berry crop in economic forests. In hot summers, the top tip of blueberry often burns and withers due to water loss. Therefore, this study subjected blueberry to shading treatment in the summer to study the effects of different shading treatments on the growth, morphology, physiology and protein levels of the plant. The results showed that the 50% shading (T1) treatment yielded the highest average increases in plant height, crown width, and ground diameter of blueberry. Under the 80% shading (T2) treatment, the cells of the leaves dissolved, the morphology was incomplete, the vascular bundles disappeared, and no supporting skeleton was detected. As demonstrated by physiological and biochemical data and the proteome expression levels, the T1 shading treatment was beneficial to the growth of blueberry and significantly enriched the photosynthetic pathway and flavonoid biosynthesis. An analysis of the interaction network of differentially expressed proteins indicated that trans-cinnamate 4-monooxygenase (C4H, CYP73A), naringenin 3-dioxygenase (F3H) and bifunctional dihydroflavonol 4-reductase/flavanone 4-reductase (DFR) exhibited high connectivity and mutual regulation. In short, 50% shading can improve the growth index of blueberry and lead to an enrichment of flavonoid biosynthesis. This study provides a scientific basis for the breeding and summer protection of blueberry seedlings.
Examining the Predictive Validity of the Grit Scale-Short (Grit-S) Using Domain-General and Domain-Specific Approaches With Student-Athletes
Authors: Rumbold James L. , Dunn John G. H. , Olusoga Peter
Published: May 2022

This paper contributes to the debate as to whether grit is best conceptualized and measured as a domain-specific or domain-general construct. In the field of sport psychology, grit has traditionally been conceptualized and measured as a domain-general construct, with the majority of studies using the Grit Scale-Short (Grit-S:Duckworth and Quinn, 2009) to assess grit and its relationships with an array of personality-, performance-, and health-related outcomes. To date, no studies have compared the predictive validity of domain-general and domain-specific versions of the Grit-S with athletes who operate in different achievement settings. In a sample of United Kingdom student-athletes (N= 326, 214 males, 112 females;Mage = 19.55 years,SD= 1.48 years), we examined the degree to which a domain-general version and two domain-specific versions of the Grit-S accounted for variance in two criterion variables that were either situated in an academic context (i.e., emotional exhaustion) or a sport context (i.e., competitive level). Results obtained from a series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that an academic-version of the Grit-S explained unique variance in academic emotional exhaustion beyond the variance explained by the domain-general version of the scale, and a sport-version of the Grit-S explained unique variance in competitive level beyond the variance explained by the domain-general version. Results support the adoption of domain-specific approaches to measure grit in specific achievement contexts. Our findings highlight the need for researchers to carefully consider the measurement approaches they adopt when studying grit in individuals who operate across different achievement settings.
Psychometric Properties of the “Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness—Family Carer Version” (QOLLTI-F) in Persian-Speaking Carers of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Fereidouni Armin , Ebadi Abbas , Rassouli Maryam , Hosseini Seyed Morteza , Mollahadi Mohsen , Khorshidvand Ali , Javid Mohammad , Ansari Behnam , Rezaei Mohammad Saeid , Barasteh Salman
Published: May 2022

Background

Measuring family caregivers’ quality of life plays a significant role in improving the quality, efficiency, development, and provision of efficient services for patients with COVID-19. As a result, evaluating the quality of life requires the use of valid and reliable measures that are culturally appropriate. This study was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness–Family Carer Version (QOLLTI – F) in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

This methodological study was carried out in 2021 at Baqiyatallah Hospital in Tehran. After gaining approval from the tool creator, the translation was carried out utilizing the forward-backward approach. Cognitive interviews with 10 family caregivers of COVID-19 patients were used to demonstrate face validity. Moreover, construct validity was identified by performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n= 251), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n= 200), and convergent validation using Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) questionnaire. For scale reliability, internal consistency and stability were performed using Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient and test-retest, respectively.

Results

451 family caregivers of patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in this study. Three factors with a cumulative variance of 51.85% were extracted during EFA: (1) Caregiver’s physical-emotional status, (2) Satisfaction with the situation, and (3) Caregiver’s concerns. CFA showed that the model enjoyed a moderate to a good fit of information (RMSEA: 0.087; NFI: 0.98; CFI: 0.91; IFI: 0.91; GFI 0.89; standardized RMR: 0.070). A significant correlation was found between the Persian version of the ZBI and participants’ total scores of QOLLTI – F v3 (r= –0.196,P= 0.000). Cronbach’s Alpha Coefficient = 0.719 and ICC stability reliability = 0.71 of the questionnaire were confirmed.

Conclusion

The Persian version of the QOLLTI – F v3 is a valid and reliable scale that can measure family caregivers’ quality of life during a Life-Threatening illness in patients with COVID-19. This instrument may be utilized in clinical trials and research to enhance the quality of life for family carers in Iranian society.
Factors Influencing the Teaching Intention of Business College Teachers to Fulfill Digital Entrepreneurship Courses
Authors: Yu Tai-Kuei , Chao Cheng-Min , Wang YiJie
Published: May 2022

With the increasing promotion of entrepreneurship in Taiwan’s universities and the establishment of departments of innovation or entrepreneurship management, it has become an emerging trend to encourage college students to become entrepreneurs or participate in entrepreneurial competitions during their undergraduate years. The Internet has stimulated the development and widespread application of new business models and has created a large number of entrepreneurial opportunities. Universities engaged in digital entrepreneurship education over the past have hardly designed a curriculum to teach the content of digital entrepreneurship. This study integrated “task-technology fit,” “self-determination theory,” and “interactive participation,” into its investigation on the teaching intention of business college teachers to develop digital entrepreneurship courses. The sample size was 126 participants. Using partial least squares analysis, the research model represented high internal consistency and confirmed the good reliability of the scales. This study presented that three dimensions of the concept (teachers’ positive attitude emotions, task-technology fit, interactive participation) were highly prioritized in their intention to teach digital entrepreneurship courses. The coefficient of the endogenous variables was 0.503 for positive attitude emotions, 0.571 for task-technology fit, and 0.392 for teaching intention. Based on a quantitative survey on the teaching intention of business college teachers to fulfill digital entrepreneurship courses, this study demonstrated the implications of digital entrepreneurship education issues that are relevant to the role of teacher’s dimension from different viewpoints, and discussed the implications of teaching digital entrepreneurship courses for digital entrepreneurship practices and entrepreneurship education.
Rumination’s Role in Second Victim Nurses’ Recovery From Psychological Trauma: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Sun Lianrong , Deng Juan , Xu Jixin , Ye Xuchun
Published: May 2022

Background: Nurses can experience psychological trauma after adverse nursing events, making it likely for them to become second victims (SVs). This negatively impacts patient safety and nurses’ development. This study aims to understand the status of psychological trauma and recovery of nurses as SVs in domestic China and examine the influencing mechanism of cognitive rumination during their recovery from psychological damage.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey. An online questionnaire was completed by 233 nurses from across China. Data were collected using Chinese versions of the Second Victim Experience and Support Evaluation Scale, the Incident-related Rumination Meditation Questionnaire, and the post-traumatic growth (PTG) Rating Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression, as well as mediation analysis, were used for different analyses in this study.

Results: Participants experienced apparent psychological traumas (4.65 ± 0.5583) with a certain degree of PTG (76.18 ± 16.0040); they reported a strong need for psychological support (95.7%). Psychological trauma was positively and negatively correlated with rumination and PTG (r = 0.465, p < 0.001; r = −0.155, p < 0.05) respectively. Both psychologically impaired experience and rumination had significant predictive effects on participants’ PTG (both, p < 0.001). Nurses’ active rumination significantly mediated their psychological recovery from trauma to PTG (p < 0.05), but the effect of invasive rumination was not significant (p > 0.05).

Limitation: The specific manifestations of the mechanism of invasive rumination are not clarified in this study.

Conclusion: The present study investigated the psychological trauma of SV nurses as well as their support needs, and explored the role of cognitive rumination in the psychological repair and PTG of SV nurses. Results showed that SV nurses’ active rumination on adverse nursing events could promote their recovery from psychological trauma, but invasive rumination could not. This study provides a trauma-informed approach to care at the clinical level for nurses who experience psychological trauma caused by adverse events.
Social Wellbeing, Board-Gender Diversity, and Financial Performance: Evidence From Chinese Fintech Companies
Authors: Ghafoor Shahzad , Duffour Kwame Asare , Khan Uzair Farooq , Khan Muhammad Kaleem
Published: May 2022

The main goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between female representation on board of directors and financial performance, using evidence from Chinese fintech companies, which are providing financial services using cutting-edge technologies. This research used fintech firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzen Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2019 to test the research questions using regression analyses by SPSS v26. According to the data, the Blau index has a large and negative influence on Tobin's Q, which demonstrates that gender diversity harms the performance of Chinese enterprises. Furthermore, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is found to have a significant and positive moderating influence on Tobin's Q, implying that the adoption of CSR converts a negative to a positive effect. Diversified board members can improve the organization's control and monitoring operations, and female-represented board of directors can participate in the CSR activities that contribute to the organization's performance. The study contributes to the research of gender diversity by providing evidence that women on board of directors enhance firm performance, and the moderating function of CSR is examined with the link of female participation on the board of directors and financial performance.
New Qualitative Perspective in Human–Computer Interaction: Designing Mobile English for STEM
Authors: Rafiq Karmila Rafiqah M. , Hashim Harwati , Yunus Melor Md
Published: May 2022

The emerging field of human–computer interaction (HCI) opens up more opportunities for technology integration in language learning. Technology creates more workforces in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) field, yet the number of STEM pursuers is declining due to poor command of the English language. There is a gap in English vocabulary for STEM, which needs a novel solution from the perspective of HCI. This study aims to explore the needs of STEM learners in creating an English language competency mobile module. The methodology used is through a qualitative study. Seven STEM learners, 17 years old, participated in semi-structured interviews. The results from the interview are divided into four main themes: (1) the importance of learning English, (2) problems of learners, (3) strategies of English language learning, and (4) learners' readiness in using a mobile app. This study is significant for mobile app designers, English language teachers, and course designers as the input will provide an overview of the STEM learners' needs in the English language. Plus, designing a mobile app from the learners' perspectives gives more effectiveness to HCI, rendering success to second language acquisition. Future work can design and develop a mobile app to enhance STEM learners' English language competency based on the learners' perspectives.
Applicability of a Novel Attunement Instrument and Its Relationship to Parental Sensitivity in Infants With and Without Visual Impairments
Authors: Vacaru Victorita Stefania , Alfaro Andrea Urqueta , Hoffman Nadia , Wittich Walter , Stern Micky , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Sterkenburg Paula Sophia
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the applicability of a novel instrument to assess parent–child attunement in free play interactions, in dyads with an infant with and without visual impairments (VI). We here report the findings on the reliability and applicability of the newly developed Attune & Stimulate Mother–Infant 56-items Instrument (A&S M-I) in two separate samples: one with infants with VI (N = 20) and one with typically sighted infants (N = 24). In addition, we assessed the contribution of parental sensitivity to attunement in dyadic interactions. The A&S M-I is an observational comprehensive instrument of behaviors that captures different body parts and their motility (i.e., finger movements, arm waving, and foot kicking), and different senses (i.e., audio, tactile, and visual). The appropriate responding of a parent to the child’s signal (i.e., matching and containing) reflects the ability to attune in the dyad as well as parent’s ability to stimulate the child to become engaged in the contact or activity. Consistency assessments revealed good reliability for maternal and infant behaviors, acceptable internal consistency and good test–retest reliability. Furthermore, both samples scored significantly above chance level on attunement, suggesting that the instrument captures parent–infant behavioral coordination, and VI was not related to parent–infant attunement. Lastly, a relation between parental sensitivity and attunement was found only in the TS sample. Altogether, these findings provide promising initial evidence of the applicability of the A&S M-I instrument for assessing dyadic attunement across different populations and ages. Having assessed the applicability of this observational instrument, future work should corroborate these findings in larger samples.
Association of Different Restriction Levels With COVID-19-Related Distress and Mental Health in Somatic Inpatients: A Secondary Analysis of Swiss General Hospital Data
Authors: Aebi Nicola Julia , Fink Günther , Wyss Kaspar , Schwenkglenks Matthias , Baenteli Iris , Caviezel Seraina , Studer Anja , Trost Sarah , Tschudin Sibil , Schaefert Rainer , Meinlschmidt Gunther ,   the SomPsyNet Consortium
Published: May 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and related countermeasures hinder health care access and affect mental wellbeing of non-COVID-19 patients. There is lack of evidence on distress and mental health of patients hospitalized due to other reasons than COVID-19—a vulnerable population group in two ways: First, given their risk for physical diseases, they are at increased risk for severe courses and death related to COVID-19. Second, they may struggle particularly with COVID-19 restrictions due to their dependence on social support. Therefore, we investigated the association of intensity of COVID-19 restrictions with levels of COVID-19-related distress, mental health (depression, anxiety, somatic symptom disorder, and mental quality of life), and perceived social support among Swiss general hospital non-COVID-19 inpatients.

Methods

We analyzed distress of 873 hospital inpatients not admitted for COVID-19, recruited from internal medicine, gynecology, rheumatology, rehabilitation, acute geriatrics, and geriatric rehabilitation wards of three hospitals. We assessed distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and four indicators of mental health: depressive and anxiety symptom severity, psychological distress associated with somatic symptoms, and the mental component of health-related quality of life; additionally, we assessed social support. The data collection period was divided into modest (June 9 to October 18, 2020) and strong (October 19, 2020, to April 17, 2021) COVID-19 restrictions, based on the Oxford Stringency Index for Switzerland.

Results

An additional 13% (95%-Confidence Interval 4–21%) and 9% (1–16%) of hospital inpatients reported distress related to leisure time and loneliness, respectively, during strong COVID-19 restrictions compared to times of modest restrictions. There was no evidence for changes in mental health or social support.

Conclusions

Focusing on the vulnerable population of general hospital inpatients not admitted for COVID-19, our results suggest that tightening of COVID-19 restrictions in October 2020 was associated with increased COVID-19-related distress regarding leisure time and loneliness, with no evidence for a related decrease in mental health. If this association was causal, safe measures to increase social interaction (e.g., virtual encounters and outdoor activities) are highly warranted.

Trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04269005.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Among Women in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Authors: Xayyabouapha Amkha , Sychareun Vanphanom , Quyen Bui Thi Tu , Thikeo Manivone , Durham Jo
Published: May 2022

Postpartum depression (PPD), the onset of depressive episodes after childbirth, is the most common psychological condition following childbirth, and a global public health concern. If undiagnosed and/or untreated, postpartum depression can have negative effects on maternal and child health, however, there are few studies on the prevalence of postpartum depression in low- and middle-income countries. To contribute to filling this gap, this study examined the prevalence and risk factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms among women after delivery in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. The study was a cross-sectional design, with multistage sampling used to identify women between 4 and 24 weeks after giving birth (N = 521). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to identify women with postpartum depressive symptoms. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions identified risk factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. The prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms among participants was 21.3%. Associated factors were having at least 2–3 living children (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.0), experiencing mental health problems during pregnancy (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4–7.6), experiencing conflicts with family members (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5–4.0), the experience of intimate partner violence (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3–5.5), and receiving moderate social support (AOR: 5.6, 95% CI: 3.2–10.0). In contexts where access to mental health specialists has severely constrained maternal and child healthcare providers at primary health care must be supported to develop the necessary skills to identify risk factors and symptoms and offer basic essential services for postpartum depressive symptom (PDS). The study identified a high proportion of mothers with postnatal depressive symptoms, highlighting the need to screen and treat mothers who present with PDS, as not doing so exposes mother and their children to a range of negative health and social outcomes. Addressing the stigma associated with mental health illness and mental health illness and domestic violence that prevents women from seeking healthcare, must also be developed, implemented, and evaluated.