bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurial alertness and entrepreneurial orientation: Contributions to opportunity identification
Authors: Casanova Sophie , Bakkali Chaffik , Tang Jintong
Published: July 2023

The literature presents entrepreneurial alertness (EA)—a cognitive resource—as an antecedent of entrepreneurial opportunity identification, although empirical evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to test this relationship and explore the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), which provides a mobilizing vision for leveraging firm's resources, as a mediating mechanism for this relationship. Using data collected from 152 French entrepreneurs, our results empirically confirm the relationship between EA and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Furthermore, we find a positive relationship between EA and each of the three dimensions of EO (i.e. innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking propensity). However, only one dimension of EO—proactiveness—has a significant relationship with entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Our results highlight the mediating role of proactiveness in the relationship between EA and the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities and also confirm the interest in further research on this critical dimension of EO.
The when and how of psychological Capital’s upward contagion effect: Exploring through a cross-cultural lens
Authors: Venkatanagarajan V. , Roche Maree
Published: July 2023

The underlying mechanisms through which psychological capital (PsyCap) spreads upward (from followers to leaders) have largely gone unstudied. As such, the focus of this article is to develop some of the theoretical underpinnings of how followership influences leader PsyCap and importantly, highlighting the possible boundary conditions involved in this spread. Specifically, we draw from the resource theory to speculate followers' leader-specific relational models, positive behaviors and LMX as the mechanisms serially underlying PsyCap’s upward contagion effect. Research propositions derived from the conceptual framework are presented. Implications for cross-cultural leadership and future research agenda conclude the article.
Language Sample Analysis to Assess Communicative Competence of Children Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Mooney Mahan Aine M. , Bean Allison , Sonntag Amy Miller
Published: July 2023

Communicative competence for people who use augmentative and alternative communication consists of four interrelated domains: linguistic, strategic, social, and operational. Ongoing assessment and progress monitoring within these domains are crucial to (a) providing information to teach targeted skills in a manner contextualized within the curriculum, (b) determining measurable annual Individualized Education Program goals, and, ultimately, (c) ensuring maximal participation in the school environment. Currently, language sample analysis (LSA) is one of only three assessment techniques that provide information across each domain of communicative competence for children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). As such, LSA is a valuable tool for assessing communication competence in children who use AAC in the school setting. This clinical forum describes information that may be obtained from an LSA as it relates to each domain of communicative competence and educational standards.
Decision-making in the shadow of strategic competition costs
Authors: Albert Karen E
Published: July 2023

In today’s current climate of near-peer conflict, it is important to understand the dynamics of strategic competition. Understanding these dynamics will improve decision-making in this environment, which is often called the gray zone of conflict. I use a two-stage simultaneous move game to study the state of strategic competition. The simulation of this model reveals two dynamics through which strategic competition can be managed. The first is the probability of winning a confrontation. The second is the cost of actions. As the cost of more-aggressive actions increases relative to the cost of less-aggressive actions, then even with higher chances of winning a confrontation, players are incentivized to choose less-aggressive actions. Increasing costs of the most-aggressive actions, but not the less-aggressive ones, offers decision-makers a second avenue through which they can encourage less-aggressive competition, which is less likely to instigate a full crisis or lead to war.
Stuck on Intergroup Attitudes: The Need to Shift Gears to Change Intergroup Behaviors
Authors: Brauer Markus
Published: July 2023

Decades of research on how to improve intergroup relations have primarily examined ways to change prejudiced attitudes. However, this focus on negative intergroup attitudes has yielded few effective solutions. Because intergroup relations are shaped by behavior during intergroup interactions, it is necessary to identify constructs that have a strong causal impact on intergroup behavior change. In this article, I will discuss evidence showing that intergroup attitude change is neither a sufficient nor necessary cause for intergroup behavior change. Empirical research suggests that intergroup attitudes are difficult to change and have a limited effect on intergroup behavior. I also distinguish between constructs that primarily affect intergroup attitude change (e.g., counterstereotypical exemplars, evaluative conditioning) and constructs that primarily affect intergroup behavior change (e.g., social norms, self-efficacy). Further, suggestions for future research will also be provided to advance understanding of the various psychological constructs that influence intergroup behavior change, which will help us develop effective methods of improving intergroup relations.
The effectiveness of teriflunomide in patients with multiple sclerosis in China: a real-world comparison to no DMT treatment in the first year after diagnosis
Authors: Bu Bitao , Quan Chao , Li Wenyu , Zeng Qiuming , Shi Ziyan , Chen Bo , Zhou Lei , Jin Luya , Zhou Hongyu , Yang Huan
Published: July 2023

Background:

Teriflunomide is a first-line oral immunomodulatory agent approved in China for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Objective:

To compare the treatment outcomes of teriflunomide and no disease-modifying therapy (DMT) treatment (in first year) in multi-center real-world Chinese multiple sclerosis patients.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

This study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals in different geographical regions of China. We collected clinical data of patients treated with teriflunomide and no DMT treatment (in first year) between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2021. The effectiveness of teriflunomide was described. Potential factors influencing the effectiveness of teriflunomide were investigated.

Results:

A total of 372 patients treated with teriflunomide and 148 no DMT treatment patients were included. A total of 292 patients were treated with teriflunomide for at least 6 months, described as a stable teriflunomide cohort. The annualized relapse rate was significantly lower in the stable teriflunomide cohort than in the no DMT treatment cohort (0.23 ± 0.47 versus 0.87 ± 0.67, p < 0.001). The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of the stable teriflunomide cohort (1.77 ± 1.62) was slightly different from that of the no DMT treatment cohort (2.09 ± 2.00). A previous annualized relapse rate of ⩾1, a previous EDSS score of ⩾2, and a long disease duration of ⩾5 years were associated with better clinical effectiveness.

Conclusion:

Teriflunomide is associated with a lower relapse rate and less disability accumulation in Chinese patients with multiple sclerosis.
Framing Revolution: Multiframe News Themes in Lebanon’s October 2019 Uprising
Authors: Farhat Sally , Melki Jad
Published: July 2023

This study examines news framing of partisan media during uprisings. Through mixed methods, it studies the framing of Lebanon’s October 2019 protests, compares frames across political divides, and interprets story themes based on associations between multiple frames. First, the qualitative media framing analysis (MFA) inductively interprets issue-specific frames. Then, the quantitative content analysis deductively examines the developed issue-specific frames and the generic frames across five partisan news channels and tests the relationship between them and across the pro- and anti-protests media. Finally, multiple associated frames are grouped together into news story themes. Results from the MFA reveal six frames: solidarity, head-to-head, individualization, acknowledgment, disruption, and peace through violence frames. The study detected the frequent deployment of the solidarity, conflict, and acknowledgment frames and a significant framing difference between pro- and anti-protest channels. Pro-protest channels more often deployed the solidarity frame, while anti-protest channels more frequently used the conflict, acknowledgment, disruption, and economic consequence frames. Finally, the study developed four story themes based on associations between frames: Blame the protestors or the politicians; protestor violence begets government violence; divided they suffer; and politicians may not only be the culprits but also the solution. The resulting multiframe news themes offer nuanced meaning to generic frames that frequently appear with issue-specific frames and highlight the different roles a singular news frame can play when combined with other frames.
Complex interactive multimodal intervention to improve personalized stress management among healthcare workers in China: A knowledge translation protocol
Authors: Wang Quan , Collet Jean-Paul , Mei Junhua , Chen Guohua , Huang Sufang , Yang Yuan , Wang Wei , Ding Fengfei
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Numerous stress management interventions have been implemented in the workplace, but few are adapted to the healthcare setting. Due to the nature of their jobs, healthcare workers (HCWs) may find it difficult to adopt recommended stress management strategies. We present the protocol for a 12-week personalized stress management intervention among HCWs to change their behavior as well as improve physiological/psychological outcomes.

Methods

It is a pragmatic quasi-experimental study involving stressed HCWs from two general hospitals in Wuhan, China. The intervention group will receive a complex interactive multimodal intervention, including advanced education via mobile connection, participation in a web-based social network, tailored feedback, and the support of a nurse coach, while the control group will engage in self-guided stress management.

Results

The primary outcome is centered on behavioral measures, namely improvements in stress management practice frequency after a 12-week intervention. The secondary outcomes are the changes in stress-related physiological indices (i.e. high frequency variability and normalized unit assessed by Holter) and psychological indicators (scores on the Perceived Stress Scale and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale) following 12 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

The knowledge translation intervention builds on a body of work defining the role of individualized instruction and feedback intervention, as well as group intervention through WeChat social network and personalized coaching. We believe this novel intervention will help HCWs promote their stress management awareness and skills, and ultimately benefit their long-term health.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov., NCT05239065. Registered 14 February 2022—Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05239065 .
Curricular and Extracurricular Entrepreneurial Activities Supporting Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and Desirability of Rural Youth
Authors: Pukkinen Tommi , Hytti Ulla , Heinonen Jarna , Stenholm Pekka
Published: July 2023

Entrepreneurship may be the only viable solution for finding employment in rural areas because of their limited labor markets. However, how curricular and extracurricular entrepreneurial activities can support the entrepreneurial potential of rural youth remains a question. Using a mixed-methods approach, we investigate the impact of curricular and extracurricular entrepreneurial activities on rural adolescents’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and desirability. Our findings show that extracurricular entrepreneurial activities, especially inventive and commercial ones, enhance both ESE and entrepreneurial desirability, but formal curricular entrepreneurial activities do not. Our study highlights how extracurricular entrepreneurial activities can support young people’s perceptions of their entrepreneurial potential while allowing them to explore and exploit local entrepreneurial opportunities. These activities are vital for rural areas to enable rural youth to see opportunities in their local surroundings and consider entrepreneurship as a career option early in life. The implications suggest that rural entrepreneurship education could leverage naturally occurring opportunities for leisure-time entrepreneurial activities in rural areas.
Applications of Self-Determination Theory in the General Music Classroom
Authors: Sanguinetti Rachael D.
Published: July 2023

Student motivation is frequently an issue in general music classrooms, and many long-standing theories designed to increase motivation have the opposite effect. This article introduces Self-Determination Theory, first developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, as a theory of human motivation. A key element of Self-Determination Theory is the concept of three basic human psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This article details each need and provides suggestions for direct applications to the general music classroom. Through the fulfillment of these needs, teachers can encourage and support a students’ engagement in musical activities and personal growth.
Cultivating Composers: Games to Generate Musical Ideas
Authors: Hatch Emily
Published: July 2023

The ability to compose music must be taught and practiced. Students need purposeful opportunities to develop their musical thinking. This article presents a number of games and playful work that teachers can use to develop musical thought and lead toward intentional composition.
Cardiovascular risk assessment methods yield unequal risk predictions: a large cross-sectional study in psychiatric secondary care outpatients
Authors: Quadackers Davy , Liemburg Edith , Bos Fionneke , Doornbos Bennard , Risselada Arne ,   PHAMOUS investigators, Bartels-Velthuis Agna , Bruggeman Richard , Castelein Stynke , Jörg Frederike , Knegtering Henderikus , Pijnenborg Marieke , Berger Marjolein , Visser Ellen , Cath Danielle
Published: July 2023

Background

Patients with a mental illness are more likely to develop, and die from, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), necessitating optimal CVD-risk (CVR)-assessment to enable early detection and treatment. Whereas psychiatrists use the metabolic syndrome (MetS)-concept to estimate CVR, GPs use absolute risk-models. Additionally, two PRIMROSE-models have been specifically designed for patients with severe mental illness. We aimed to assess the agreement in risk-outcomes between these CVR-methods.

Methods

To compare risk-outcomes across the various CVR-methods, we used somatic information of psychiatric outpatients from the PHAMOUS-, and MOPHAR-database, aged 40–70 years, free of past or current CVD and diabetes. We investigated: (1) the degree-of-agreement between categorical assessments (i.e. MetS-status vs. binary risk-categories); (2) non-parametric correlations between the number of MetS-criteria and absolute risks; and (3) strength-of-agreement between absolute risks.

Results

Seven thousand twenty-nine measurements of 3509 PHAMOUS-patients, and 748 measurements of 748 MOPHAR-patients, were included. There was systematic disagreement between the categorical CVR-assessments (all p < 0.036). Only MetS-status versus binary Framingham-assessment had a fair strength-of-agreement (κ = 0.23–0.28). The number of MetS-criteria and Framingham-scores, as well as MetS-criteria and PRIMROSE lipid-scores, showed a moderate-strong correlation (τ = 0.25–0.34). Finally, only the continuous PRIMROSE desk and lipid-outcomes showed moderate strength-of-agreement (ρ = 0.91).

Conclusions

The varying methods for CVR-assessment yield unequal risk predictions, and, consequently, carry the risk of significant disparities regarding treatment initiation in psychiatric patients. Considering the significantly increased health-risks in psychiatric patients, CVR-models should be recalibrated to the psychiatric population from adolescence onwards, and uniformly implemented by health care providers.

Trial registration

The MOPHAR research has been prospectively registered with the Netherlands Trial Register on 19th of November 2014 (NL4779).
Impact of endodontic irrigants on surface roughness of various nickel-titanium rotary endodontic instruments
Authors: Hamdy Tamer M. , Alkabani Yasmine Mohsen , Ismail Amira Galal , Galal Manar M.
Published: July 2023

Background

The aim of the current study is to assess the surface roughness of several recent nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary endodontic instruments, namely: Protaper next (PTN); Hyflex CM (CM); Hyflex EDM (EDM); WaveOne gold (WOG); and trunatomy (TN), before and after application of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigant solution.

Methods

In this in vitro study, five recently introduced rotary endodontic instruments of different metallurgical properties and designs were subjected to Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis, and then each file was rotated in 5.25% NaOCl for 15 min., with speed and torque according to manufacturer’s instructions. The instruments were then subjected to AFM analysis again. The surface roughness average (Sa) parameter was calculated. Data were analyzed by Paired T test, One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in the surface roughness of all rotary endodontic instruments after immersion in irrigants (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

The new TN and PTN instruments showed the least surface roughness. All tested Ni-Ti rotary endodontic instruments after irrigants exposure showed a varying increase in surface roughness.
Implementation of a longitudinal, near-peer ECG didactic curriculum in an internal medicine residency program and impact on ECG interpretation skills
Authors: Kaye Matthew G. , Khan Hassan A. , Gudleski Gregory D. , Yatsynovich Yan , Graham Susan P. , Kwiatkowski Alysia V.
Published: July 2023

Background

To determine the impact of a longitudinal, near-peer, dedicated ECG didactic curriculum on internal medicine resident ability to accurately interpret ECGs.

Methods

This study employs a prospective cohort design. Internal medicine residents at University at Buffalo participated in monthly ECG didactic sessions over a 7-month period. Residents were invited to complete pre- and post-curriculum questionnaires. Responses were anonymous and participation voluntary. Data collected included basic demographics, career interest, exposure to clinical cardiology, and number of sessions attended. Residents were asked to interpret sixteen unique ECGs, divided evenly among eight common rhythms into both questionnaires. Pre- and post-curriculum cohorts were compared using t-tests and chi-square analyses. Associations between attendance, comfort level in interpretation, and number of correct interpretations were analyzed using Pearson correlations. Multivariate linear regression determined the strongest predictor of the number of correct ECG interpretations.

Results

The post-curriculum cohort correctly interpreted a significantly greater percentage of ECGs compared to pre-curriculum cohort (74.5% vs. 60.9%, p < .001). Didactic attendance was significantly associated with comfort level in interpreting ECGs (r = .328, p = .018) and trended towards an increased number of correct interpretations (r = .248, p = .077). Residents who attended three or more sessions demonstrated increased ECG interpretation skills compared to those who attended two or fewer sessions (80.0% vs. 71.1%, p = .048). Number of clinical cardiology rotations attended was significantly associated with correct interpretations (r = .310, p < .001) and was the strongest predictor of accurately interpreting ECGs (β = 0.29, p = .037).

Conclusions

Participation in a longitudinal, near-peer ECG didactic curriculum improved resident ability to interpret ECGs. A curriculum which contains both didactic sessions and clinical exposure may offer the greatest benefit in improving ECG interpretation skills.
Psychometric evaluation of Persian version of medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students
Authors: Rezazadeh Hossein , Ahmadipour Habibeh , Salajegheh Mahla
Published: July 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence’s advancement in medicine and its worldwide implementation will be one of the main elements of medical education in the coming years. This study aimed to translate and psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated according to a backward-forward translation procedure. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted on 302 medical students. Content validity was evaluated using the Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio.

Results

The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was found to be 0.94. The Content Validity Index was 0.92 and the Content Validity Ratio was 0.75. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a fair fit for four factors: cognition, ability, vision, and ethics.

Conclusion

The Persian version of the medical artificial intelligence readiness scale for medical students consisting of four factors including cognition, ability, vision, and ethics appears to be an almost valid and reliable instrument for the evaluation of medical artificial intelligence readiness.
Medical imaging consultation practices and challenges at public hospitals in the Amhara regional state, Northwest Ethiopia: a descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Nigatu Araya Mesfin , Yilma Tesfahun Melese , Gezie Lemma Derseh , Gebrewold Yonathan , Gullslett Monika Knudsen , Mengiste Shegaw Anagaw , Tilahun Binyam
Published: July 2023

Background

Medical imaging plays a vital role in the accurate diagnosis, treatment and outcome prediction of many diseases and injuries. However, in many African countries, deserving populations do not have access to the proper medical imaging specialists’ services. As a result, clinicians continue to struggle to provide medical imaging via consultation. However, little is known about conventional referral consultation practices and their challenges. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the practice and challenges of medical imaging service consultation among health professionals and patients in the context of the Ethiopian public healthcare delivery system.

Methods

Descriptive phenomenological study was employed to explore the practice of medical imaging service consultation among health professionals and patients in public hospitals of Amhara region from October 12, 2021 to December 29, 2021. Semi-structured interview guides were prepared separately for key-informant and in-depth interviews. A total of 21 participants (6 hospital managers, 4 medical directors, 4 department heads, 3 medical imaging coordinators and 4 patients) were selected using the maximum variation sampling technique. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to inductive thematic analysis using Open Code 4.02 software.

Results

Six major themes emerged following the thematic analysis: (1) medical image service delivery practices; (2) medical imaging consultation modalities; (3) benefits and drawbacks of the consultation modalities; (4) challenges; (5) challenge mitigation strategies; and (6) future recommendations. Image films, compact disks, and telegram apps were the consultation modalities used by the referring clinicians to send the medical images to radiologists. Frequent failure of imaging machines, delayed equipment maintenance, inadequate infrastructure, shortage of budget, lack of radiologists, and low-quality of printed image films were among the challenges influencing the medical imaging consultation service.

Conclusions

This research explored onsite and referral imaging consultation practices. However, there are many challenges encountered by the referring clinicians and the radiologists during the consultation process. These challenges could potentially affect clinicians’ ability to provide timely diagnosis and treatment services which would ultimately affects patient health status and service delivery. Virtual consultation via teleradiology and enhancing clinicians’ competence through long-term and short-term trainings are recommended to improve the referral consultation practice.
Financing surgical, obstetric, anaesthesia, and trauma care in the Asia–Pacific region: proceedings
Authors: Qin Rennie X. , Yoon Sangchul , Fowler Zachary G. , Jayaram Anusha , Stankey Makela , Samad Lubna , Maoate Kiki , Park Kee B.
Published: July 2023

Surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia care saves lives, prevents disability, promotes economic prosperity, and is a fundamental human right. Session two of the three-part virtual meeting series on Strategic Planning to Improve Surgical, Obstetric, Anaesthesia, and Trauma Care in the Asia–Pacific Region discussed financing strategies for surgical care. During this session, participants made a robust case for investing in surgical care given its cost-effectiveness, macroeconomic benefits, and contribution to health security and pandemic preparedness. Funding for surgical system strengthening could arise from both domestic and international sources. Numerous strategies are available for mobilising funding for surgical care, including conducive macroeconomic growth, reprioritisation of health within government budgets, sector-specific domestic revenue, international financing, improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health budgets, and innovative financing. A wide range of funders recognised the importance of investing in surgical care and shared their currently funded projects in surgical, obstetric, anaesthesia, and trauma care as well as their funding priorities. Advocacy efforts to mobilise funding for surgical care to align with the existing funder priorities, such as primary health care, maternal and child health, health security, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has constricted the fiscal space for surgical care, it has also brought unprecedented attention to health. Short-term investment in critical care, medical oxygen, and infection prevention and control as a part of the COVID-19 response must be leveraged to generate sustained strengthening of surgical systems beyond the pandemic.
Characteristics of retinal image associated with premature ovarian insufficiency: a case- control study
Authors: Wu Jiaman , Tan Liya , Ning Yan , Yuan Weiqu , Lee Zuowei , Ma Fei , Wang Erfeng , Zhuo Yuanyuan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To establish an early clinical diagnosis model based on the retinal vascular features associated with POI, supplying a non-invasive way for accurately and early predicted the risk of POI.

Methods

A total of 78 women with spontaneous POI and 48 healthy women were recruited from the Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital in the study. Retinal characteristics were analyzed using an automated retinal image analysis system. Binary logistic regression was used to identify POI cases and develop predictive models.

Results

Compared to the normal group, the POI group had larger central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) (P = 0.006), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) (P = 0.001), index of venules asymmetry (Vasym) (P = 0.000); larger bifurcation angles of arterioles (Aangle) (P = 0.001), bifurcation coefficient of venule (BCV) (P = 0.001) and more obvious arteriovenous nipping (Nipping) (P = 0.005), but lower arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) (P = 0.012). In the POI group, the odds ratio (OR) of Vasym was 6.72e-32 (95% C.I. 4.62e-49–9.79e-15, P = 0.000), the OR of BCV was 5.66e-20 (95% C.I. 1.93e-34–.0000, P = 5.66e-20) and the OR of Nipping was 6.65e-06 (95% C.I. 6.33e-10–.0698, P = 0.012). Moreover, the area under the ROC curve for the binary logistic regression with retinal characteristics was 0.8582, and the fitting degree of regression models was 60.48% (Prob > chi-square = 0.6048).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that retinal image analysis can provide useful information for POI identification and certain characteristics may help with early clinical diagnosis of POI.
Role of cellulose response transporter-like protein CRT2 in cellulase induction in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Yan Su , Xu Yan , Yu Xiao-Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

Induction of cellulase in cellulolytic fungi Trichoderma reesei is strongly activated by cellulosic carbon sources. The transport of cellulosic inducer and the perception of inducing signal is generally considered as the critical process for cellulase induction, that the inducing signal would be perceived by a sugar transporter/transceptor in T. reesei. Several sugar transporters are coexpressed during the induction stage, but which function they serve and how they work collaboratively are still difficult to elucidate.

Results

In this study, we found that the constitutive expression of the cellulose response transporter-like protein CRT2 (previously identified as putative lactose permease TRE77517) improves cellulase induction on a cellulose, cellobiose or lactose medium. Functional studies indicate that the membrane-bound CRT2 is not a transporter of cellobiose, lactose or glucose in a yeast system, and it also does not affect cellobiose and lactose utilization in T. reesei. Further study reveals that CRT2 has a slightly similar function to the cellobiose transporter CRT1 in cellulase induction. Overexpression of CRT2 led to upregulation of CRT1 and the key transcription factor XYR1. Moreover, overexpression of CRT2 could partially compensate for the function loss of CRT1 on cellulase induction.

Conclusions

Our study uncovers the novel function of CRT2 in cellulase induction collaborated with CRT1 and XYR1, possibly as a signal transductor. These results deepen the understanding of the influence of sugar transporters in cellulase production.
Prioritizing genes associated with brain disorders by leveraging enhancer-promoter interactions in diverse neural cells and tissues
Authors: Zhao Xingzhong , Song Liting , Yang Anyi , Zhang Zichao , Zhang Jinglong , Yang Yucheng T. , Zhao Xing-Ming
Published: July 2023

Background

Prioritizing genes that underlie complex brain disorders poses a considerable challenge. Despite previous studies have found that they shared symptoms and heterogeneity, it remained difficult to systematically identify the risk genes associated with them.

Methods

By using the CAGE (Cap Analysis of Gene Expression) read alignment files for 439 human cell and tissue types (including primary cells, tissues and cell lines) from FANTOM5 project, we predicted enhancer-promoter interactions (EPIs) of 439 cell and tissue types in human, and examined their reliability. Then we evaluated the genetic heritability of 17 diverse brain disorders and behavioral-cognitive phenotypes in each neural cell type, brain region, and developmental stage. Furthermore, we prioritized genes associated with brain disorders and phenotypes by leveraging the EPIs in each neural cell and tissue type, and analyzed their pleiotropy and functionality for different categories of disorders and phenotypes. Finally, we characterized the spatiotemporal expression dynamics of these associated genes in cells and tissues.

Results

We found that identified EPIs showed activity specificity and network aggregation in cell and tissue types, and enriched TF binding in neural cells played key roles in synaptic plasticity and nerve cell development, i.e., EGR1 and SOX family. We also discovered that most neurological disorders exhibit heritability enrichment in neural stem cells and astrocytes, while psychiatric disorders and behavioral-cognitive phenotypes exhibit enrichment in neurons. Furthermore, our identified genes recapitulated well-known risk genes, which exhibited widespread pleiotropy between psychiatric disorders and behavioral-cognitive phenotypes (i.e., FOXP2), and indicated expression specificity in neural cell types, brain regions, and developmental stages associated with disorders and phenotypes. Importantly, we showed the potential associations of brain disorders with brain regions and developmental stages that have not been well studied.

Conclusions

Overall, our study characterized the gene-enhancer regulatory networks and genetic mechanisms in the human neural cells and tissues, and illustrated the value of reanalysis of publicly available genomic datasets.
Variations in diversity, composition, and species interactions of soil microbial community in response to increased N deposition and precipitation intensity in a temperate grassland
Authors: Cui Shuyan , Xiao Yushan , Zhou Yu , Wu Pengfeng , Cui Liqiang , Zheng Guo
Published: July 2023

Background

Global climate change has resulted in precipitation regimes exhibiting an increasing trend in rainfall intensity but a reduction in frequency. In addition, nitrogen (N) deposition occurs simultaneously in arid and semi-arid regions. Microbial biomass, diversity, composition, and species interactions are key determinants of ecological functions. We examined the effects of changes in precipitation intensity and N addition on the soil bacterial and fungal communities in a semi-arid grassland in Inner Mongolia, China.

Methods

The microbial biomass (bacterial PLFAs and fungal PLFAs) was determined through phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, and microbial diversity (Shannon index and evenness index) was determined with high-throughput sequencing (16S and ITS). Species interactions were determined using a molecular ecological network analysis. The relationships between microbial community (bacterial community and fungal community) and environmental variables were examined by Mantel tests.

Results

We found that N addition decreased fungal PLFA under moderate, high, and extreme precipitation intensity treatments and increased fungal community complexity under the high precipitation intensity treatment. Furthermore, N addition increased bacterial diversity under moderate and high precipitation intensity treatments. N addition caused greater environmental stress to the fungal community, which was dominated by deterministic processes.

Conclusions

The effects of N deposition on soil bacterial and fungal communities were altered by precipitation intensity. The changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities were different, implying that composition and functional traits adapt differently to projected global changes at a regional scale.
Automatic diagnosis of keratitis using object localization combined with cost-sensitive deep attention convolutional neural network
Authors: Jiang Jiewei , Liu Wei , Pei Mengjie , Guo Liufei , Yang Jingshi , Wu Chengchao , Lu Jiaojiao , Gao Ruijie , Chen Wei , Gong Jiamin , Zhu Mingmin , Li Zhongwen
Published: July 2023

Keratitis is a major cause of corneal blindness worldwide. Early identification and timely treatment of keratitis can deter the disease progression, reaching a better prognosis. The diagnosis of keratitis often requires professional ophthalmologists. However, ophthalmologists are relatively scarce and unevenly distributed, especially in underserved and remote regions, making the early diagnosis of keratitis challenging. In this study, an object localization method combined with cost-sensitive deep attention convolutional neural network (OL-CDACNN) was proposed for the automated diagnosis of keratitis. First, the single shot multibox detector (SSD) algorithm was employed to automatically locate the region of conjunctiva and cornea (Conj_Cor) on the original slit-lamp image. Then, the region of Conj_Cor was classified using a cost-sensitive deep attention convolutional network (CDACNN) to identify keratitis, other cornea abnormalities, and normal cornea. A total of 12,407 slit-lamp images collected from four clinical institutions were used to develop and evaluate the OL-CDACNN. For detecting keratitis, other cornea abnormalities, and normal cornea, the OL-CDACNN model achieved area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of 0.998, 0.997, and 1.000, respectively, in an internal test dataset. The comparable performance (AUCs ranged from 0.981 to 0.998) was observed in three external test datasets, further verifying its effectiveness and generalizability. Due to reliable performance, our model has a high potential to provide an accurate diagnosis and prompt referral for a patient with keratitis in an automated fashion.
Backbone assignment and inhibitor binding studies of IL-33 mutants by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Kang Minhee , Kim Soyun , Heo Chan Haeng , Son Sang-Hyun , Byun Youngjoo , Jeon Young Ho
Published: July 2023

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is an IL-1 family protein that induces a type-2 immune response. IL-33 is constitutively expressed in epithelial cells and released in response to the cell damage or stimulation by an allergen. The secreted protein is activated when the N-terminal domain is cleaved by a protease, and the active form signals downstream immune cells, such as eosinophils, by binding to the heterodimeric ST2:IL-1RAcP receptor complex on the cell surface. The binding stimulates an inflammatory response, and the abnormal inflammatory response can cause allergic diseases such as atopic dermatitis and asthma. Inhibition of the interaction between IL-33 and ST2 is an attractive target to control the inflammatory disease at the upstream of the signaling. However, discovering the chemical moieties that bind to the protein–protein interaction interface is a challenging task due to the relatively wide and shallow binding pocket compared to the enzyme’s active site. For the IL-33-specific binder discovery, a series of IL-33 mutants were designed, and an electrophile chemical library was screened. Herein, we described the backbone 1H, 15N, and 13C resonance assignments of three IL-33 (117–270) mutants. Based on the assignments, the binding site of a selected compound by this approach was determined by 2D NMR. These results provide valuable information for further studies in drug discovery targeting the IL-33 and ST2 interaction.
Teachers’ prospective attitudes towards the adoption of extended reality technologies in the classroom: interests and concerns
Authors: Meccawy Maram
Published: July 2023

Recent international empirical studies have demonstrated positive results when applying extended reality (XR) technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, or mixed reality in teaching and learning. Thus, the preconditions and challenges of use must be investigated from teachers’ perspectives prior to implementing these technologies in Saudi schools and higher educational institutes. Therefore, this study examines the feasibility of applying XR tools and platforms in the classroom by understanding teachers’ opinions, especially regarding creating or acquiring XR educational content. A qualitative study is conducted using semi-structured interviews with ten educators in Saudi Arabia. As a result, several themes are identified: (1) an XR level of awareness among teachers, (2) an XR-learning content-acquiring approach, (3) teachers’ readiness for XR, (4) students’ readiness for XR, and (5) XR challenges for schools, including social aspects that are often overlooked. These themes highlight teachers’ interest in immersive technologies with their concerns about their possible use in the classroom. Hence, the study provides greater insights for exploration and application for future studies in this area. Moreover, it draws a realistic picture for policymakers and administrators, aiding them in creating an achievable adoption strategy for XR applications in the educational sector.
Genomic analysis and prediction of genomic values for distichiasis in Staffordshire bull terriers
Authors: Jørgensen Dina , Ropstad Ernst-Otto , Meuwissen Theodorus , Lingaas Frode
Published: July 2023

Background

Distichiasis is a condition characterized by aberrant hairs along the eyelid margins. The symptoms are usually mild but can lead to ulcerations and lesions of the cornea in severe cases. It is the most frequently noted ocular disorder in Norwegian Staffordshire bull terriers (SBT), with a prevalence above 18% in the adult population. A complex inheritance is assumed, but there is sparse knowledge about the genetic background of distichiasis in dogs. We have performed a genome-wide association study of distichiasis in SBT and used genomic data in an attempt to predict genomic values for the disorder.

Results

We identified four genetic regions on CFA1, CFA18, CFA32 and CFA34 using a mixed linear model association analysis and a Bayesian mixed model analysis. Genomic values were predicted using GBLUP and a Bayesian approach, BayesR. The genomic prediction showed that the 1/4 of dogs with predicted values most likely to acquire distichiasis had a 3.9 -4.0 times higher risk of developing distichiasis compared to the quarter (1/4) of dogs least likely to acquire the disease. There was no significant difference between the two methods used.

Conclusion

Four genomic regions associated with distichiasis were discovered in the association analysis, suggesting that distichiasis in SBT is a complex trait involving numerous loci. The four associated regions need to be confirmed in an independent sample. We also used all 95 K SNPs for genomic prediction and showed that genomic prediction can be a helpful tool in selective breeding schemes at breed level aiming at reducing the prevalence of distichiasis in SBTs in the future, even if the predictive value of single dogs may be low.
Impact of COVID-19 and effects of booster vaccination with BNT162b2 on six-month long COVID symptoms, quality of life, work productivity and activity impairment during Omicron
Authors: Di Fusco Manuela , Sun Xiaowu , Moran Mary M. , Coetzer Henriette , Zamparo Joann M. , Alvarez Mary B. , Puzniak Laura , Tabak Ying P. , Cappelleri Joseph C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Longitudinal estimates of long COVID burden during Omicron remain limited. This study characterized long-term impacts of COVID-19 and booster vaccination on symptoms, Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and Work Productivity Activity Impairment (WPAI).

Methods

Outpatients with ≥ 1 self-reported symptom and positive SARS-CoV-2 test at CVS Health United States test sites were recruited between 01/31 and 04/30/2022. Symptoms, EQ-5D and WPAI were collected via online surveys until 6 months following infection. Both observed and model-based estimates were analyzed. Effect sizes based on Cohen’s d quantified the magnitude of outcome changes over time, within and between vaccination groups. Mixed models for repeated measures were conducted for multivariable analyses, adjusting for covariates. Logistic regression assessed odds ratio (OR) of long COVID between vaccination groups.

Results

At long COVID start (Week 4), 328 participants included 87 (27%) Boosted with BNT162b2, 86 (26%) with a BNT162b2 primary series (Primed), and 155 (47%) Unvaccinated. Mean age was 42.0 years, 73.8% were female, 26.5% had ≥ 1 comorbidity, 36.9% prior infection, and 39.6% reported ≥ 3 symptoms (mean: 3.1 symptoms). At Month 6, among 260 participants, Boosted reported a mean of 1.1 symptoms versus 3.4 and 2.8 in Unvaccinated and Primed, respectively (p < 0.001). Boosted had reduced risks of ≥ 3 symptoms versus Unvaccinated (observed: OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.10–0.47, p < 0.001; model-based: OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.87, p = 0.019) and Primed (observed: OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.67, p = 0.003; model-based: OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.21–1.65, p = 0.459). Results were consistent using ≥ 2 symptoms. Regarding HRQoL, among those with long COVID, Boosted had higher EQ-5D Utility Index (UI) than Unvaccinated (observed: 0.922 vs. 0.731, p = 0.014; model-based: 0.910 vs. 0.758, p-value = 0.038) and Primed (0.922 vs. 0.648, p = 0.014; model-based: 0.910 vs. 0.708, p-value = 0.008). Observed and model-based estimates for EQ-VAS and UI among Boosted were comparable with pre-COVID since Month 3. Subjects vaccinated generally reported better WPAI scores.

Conclusions

Long COVID negatively impacted HRQoL and WPAI. The BNT162b2 booster could have a beneficial effect in reducing the risk and burden of long COVID. Boosted participants reported fewer and less durable symptoms, which contributed to improve HRQoL and maintain WPAI levels. Limitations included self-reported data and small sample size for WPAI.
Incidental MRI brain findings in children with sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Alam-Eldeen Mohamad Hasan , Awad Al Hussein , Ameen Hisham Abdelghany
Published: July 2023

Background

Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the leading causes for cognitive dysfunction. Incidental brain abnormalities are frequently seen in patient`s MRI. Our aim was to highlight the incidence of brain abnormalities in children with sensorineural hearing loss and to consider brain screening as a part of the standard cochlear implant MRI protocol.

Methods

This retrospective study included 385 prelingually deaf mute children who were referred for pre-cochlear implant imaging evaluation in the period from January 2020 to June 2022. We evaluated brain images for any structural or white matter abnormality.

Results

We detected brain abnormalities in 62 patients (16.11%), 27 (7.01%) with white matter lesions and 35 patients (9.1%) with other structural brain abnormalities. The commonest white matter lesions were bilateral focal lesions (5.71%). The commonest structural brain abnormality was arachnoid cyst (2.86%). Four patients had two coincidental brain abnormalities. No significant correlation was found between ear abnormalities and white matter lesions or structural brain abnormalities (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The incidence of brain abnormalities in children with sensorineural hearing loss is not uncommon. Pre-implant MRI screening of the brain helps to obtain best outcomes.