bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the incidence of acute bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and the implications of serotype replacement in children in Colombia after mass vaccination with PCV10
Authors: Farfán-Albarracín Juan David , Camacho-Moreno Germán , Leal Aura Lucia , Patiño Jaime , Coronell Wilfrido , Gutiérrez Iván Felipe , Beltrán Sandra , Álvarez-Olmos Martha I. , Mariño Cristina , Barrero Rocio , Rojas Juan Pablo , Espinosa Fabio , Arango-Ferreira Catalina , Suarez Maria Alejandra , Trujillo Monica , López-Medina Eduardo , López Pio , Pinzón Hernando , Ramos Nicolás , Moreno Vivian Marcela , Montañez Anita
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a public health problem. The disease has reemerged after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) due to an increase in serotypes that are not covered. The objective was to determine the changes in the disease incidence before and after the introduction of the 10-valent vaccine (PCV10) in Colombia.

Methods

This multicenter study was conducted in 17 hospitals in Colombia. Data were collected from January 2008 to December 2019 in 10 hospitals in Bogotá and from January 2017 to December 2019 in seven hospitals in Cali, Medellín and Cartagena. The data were grouped into three periods: 2008–2011, 2012–2015, and 2016-2019.

Results

Of the 706 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, 81 (11.4%) corresponded to meningitis. The relative incidence in Bogotá in the first period was 0.6 per 100,000 patients ≤ 5 years, decreased to 0.4 per 100,000 patients ≤ 5 years in the second period and increased in the third period to 0.7 per 100,000 patients ≤ 5 years. Serotypes covered by PCV10 decreased from 75 to 9.1%, with Spn19A (31.8%) and Spn34 (13.6%) emerging in the third period. Increased resistance to penicillin (13 to 37%) and to ceftriaxone (5.9 to 16%) was due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Spn19A. The total mortality rate was 23.5% and increased from 12 to 33%.

Conclusions

ABM due to pneumococcus has high morbidity and mortality rates. Reemergence of the disease has been observed due to the inclusion of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis and replacement of circulating serotypes after the introduction of PCV10, with an increase in Spn19A, which causes death and exhibits antimicrobial resistance. Continued surveillance is needed.
Congenital hyperinsulinism in clinical practice: From biochemical pathophysiology to new monitoring techniques
Authors: Martino Mariangela , Sartorelli Jacopo , Gragnaniello Vincenza , Burlina Alberto
Published: September 2022

Congenital hyperinsulinism comprises a group of diseases characterized by a persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, due to mutation in the genes involved in the regulation of insulin secretion. The severity and the duration of hypoglycemic episodes, primarily in the neonatal period, can lead to neurological impairment. Detecting blood sugar is relatively simple but, unfortunately, symptoms associated with hypoglycemia may be non-specific. Research in this field has led to novel insight in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment, leading to a better neurological outcome. Given the increased availability of continuous glucose monitoring systems that allow glucose level recognition in a minimally invasive way, monitoring the glycemic trend becomes easier and there are more possibilities of a better follow-up of patients. We aim to provide an overview of new available technologies and new discoveries and their potential impact on clinical practice, convinced that only with a better awareness of the disease and available tools we can have a better impact on CHI diagnosis, prevention and clinical sequelae.
Circulating circular RNA profiles associated with celiac disease seropositivity in children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Juan-juan , Wang Jun-qi , Xu Xu , Zhang Li-dan , Zhang Cai-ping , Lu Wen-li , Gu Wei-qiong , Dong Zhi-ya , Xiao Yuan , Xia Zhen-wei
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The frequency of celiac disease autoantibody (CDAb) positivity in type 1 diabetes (T1D) has increased due to unclear mechanisms, including autoimmune injury. Circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs) participate in autoimmune diseases, but the roles of circRNAs in T1D with CDAbs are currently unknown. This study aimed to determine the frequency of CDAbs in Chinese children with T1D and describe the relationship between CDAbs and circRNAs.

Materials and methods

Eighty patients diagnosed with T1D were screened for CDAbs and CD-predisposing genes, and circRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 47 patients. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was searched for candidate circRNAs in related studies on T1D PBMCs. Data on clinical characteristics (i.e., blood glucose control, residual islet function, and daily insulin dosage) and immunophenotypes (i.e., islet autoantibodies and immune cell subsets) were collected.

Results

In total, 35.0% of patients were positive for CDAbs. CD-predisposing genes accounted for 52.5% of the genes, and no significant difference in frequency was found between the CDAb-positive (CDAb+) and CDAb-negative (CDAb–) groups. In addition, among the differentially expressed circRNAs from the GEO database, five highly conserved circRNAs homologous to humans and mice were screened, and only the expression of hsa_circ_0004564 in the CDAb+ group significantly decreased (CDAb+ vs. CDAb–:1.72 ± 1.92 vs. 11.12 ± 8.59, p = 6.0 × 10–6), while the expression of hsa_circ_0004564 was upregulated in the general T1D population. Moreover, its parental gene RAPH1 was significantly upregulated (CDAb+ vs. CDAb–:1.26 ± 0.99 vs. 0.61 ± 0.46, p = 0.011). Importantly, the positive correlation between hsa_circ_0004564 and CD3+ cells was validated in children with T1D after adjustments for CDAbs (p = 0.029), while there were no correlations between hsa_circ_0004564 and clinical characteristics or other immune cell subsets (i.e., CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer cells).

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of screening for CD in Chinese children with T1D, considering the high prevalence of CDAb positivity and CD-predisposing genes. The profile of candidate circRNAs in children with T1D with CDAbs was different from that in previous reports on general T1D patients from the GEO database. Moreover, hsa_circ_0004564 and its parental gene RAPH1 may be new targets for studying immune mechanisms in children with T1D and CD.
The exploration of the potential mechanism of oxymatrine-mediated antipruritic effect based on network pharmacology and weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Luo Zhenhui , Zhao Tingting , Yi Mengqin , Wang Tingting , Zhang Zhenglang , Li Wenbin , Lin Na , Liang Shangdong , Verkhratsky Alexei , Nie Hong
Published: September 2022

The treatment of chronic itch is considered to be a challenge for its non-histamine dependence and the search for alternative medicine is still striving. The pathology of the chronic itch is closely related to immune system regulation and inflammatory response. Oxymatrine (OMT) is a traditional Chinese medicine ingredient extracted from the roots of Sophora flavescens Aiton with significant antitumor, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying mechanism of OMT on chronic itch is obscure, which limits clinical application. Hence, this study is aimed to clarify the pruritus alleviation mechanism of OMT by combining network pharmacology analysis, weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA), and molecular docking. We screened 125 common targets of OMT regulating inflammation and pruritus with pharmacology technology, the GO enrichment function analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis to demonstrate the close relation to the signaling pathways regulating inflammation such as MAPK signaling pathway and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. We adopted the most relevant templates for pruritus diseases, combined with network pharmacology to preliminarily screen out 3 OMT functions and regulatory targets, exerting a good connection and correlation with the target at the screened disease targets. Further experiments were conducted to explore the potential mechanism of OMT using the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model. The results showed that pretreatment with different concentrations of OMT (25 μM, 50 μM, and 100 μM) for 24 h, inhibited expression of IL-6, iNOS TLR4 and TGFR-1 as well as apoptosis of Raw264.7 cells induced by LPS. Moreover, OMT effectively inhibited LPS-induced MAPK pathway activation and the expression of related sites MAP2K1, MAPK8 MAP2K4, and MAPKAP-K2 in RAW 264.7 cells. The OMT also reduced the phosphorylation of p-38, associated with site in the activation of MAPK signaling pathway. These results could contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying how OMT alleviates inflammation to treat chronic pruritic diseases and provide a potential drug for the treatment of chronic itch.
Detection of pediatric drug-induced kidney injury signals using a hospital electronic medical record database
Authors: Yu Yuncui , Nie Xiaolu , Zhao Yiming , Cao Wang , Xie Yuefeng , Peng Xiaoxia , Wang Xiaoling
Published: September 2022

Background: Drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI) is one of the most common complications in clinical practice. Detection signals through post-marketing approaches are of great value in preventing DIKI in pediatric patients. This study aimed to propose a quantitative algorithm to detect DIKI signals in children using an electronic health record (EHR) database.

Methods: In this study, 12 years of medical data collected from a constructed data warehouse were analyzed, which contained 575,965 records of inpatients from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2020. Eligible participants included inpatients aged 28 days to 18 years old. A two-stage procedure was adopted to detect DIKI signals: 1) stage 1: the suspected drugs potentially associated with DIKI were screened by calculating the crude incidence of DIKI events; and 2) stage 2: the associations between suspected drugs and DIKI were identified in the propensity score-matched retrospective cohorts. Unconditional logistic regression was used to analyze the difference in the incidence of DIKI events and to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Potentially new signals were distinguished from already known associations concerning DIKI by manually reviewing the published literature and drug instructions.

Results: Nine suspected drugs were initially screened from a total of 652 drugs. Six drugs, including diazepam (OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.43–1.80), omeprazole (OR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.17–1.54), ondansetron (OR = 1.49, 95%CI: 1.36–1.63), methotrexate (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.25–1.47), creatine phosphate sodium (OR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.05–1.22), and cytarabine (OR = 1.17, 95%CI: 1.06–1.28), were demonstrated to be associated with DIKI as positive signals. The remaining three drugs, including vitamin K1 (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.89–1.27), cefamandole (OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 0.94–1.21), and ibuprofen (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.94–1.09), were found not to be associated with DIKI. Of these, creatine phosphate sodium was considered to be a possible new DIKI signal as it had not been reported in both adults and children previously. Moreover, three other drugs, namely, diazepam, omeprazole, and ondansetron, were shown to be new potential signals in pediatrics.

Conclusion: A two-step quantitative procedure to actively explore DIKI signals using real-world data (RWD) was developed. Our findings highlight the potential of EHRs to complement traditional spontaneous reporting systems (SRS) for drug safety signal detection in a pediatric setting.
Elucidation of the binding mechanism of astragaloside IV derivative with human serum albumin and its cardiotoxicity in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Wu You-Jiao , Li Zhan-Hua , Li Jiu-Yan , Zhou Yan , Wang Run-Yue , Chen Xiao-Yi , Qing Lin-Sen , Luo Pei
Published: September 2022

LS-102 is a new derivative of astragaloside IV (AGS IV) that has been shown to possess potentially significant cardioprotective effects. However, there are no reports concerning its interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) and toxicology in vertebrates. The present investigation was undertaken to characterize the interaction of AGS IV and LS-102 with HSA using equilibrium dialysis and UHPLC-MS/MS methods, along with computational methods. Notably, the effects of AGS IV and LS-102 were studied in vivo using the zebrafish embryo model. Markers related to embryonic cardiotoxicity and thrombosis were evaluated. We showed that the plasma protein binding rate of AGS IV (94.04%–97.42%) was significantly higher than that of LS-102 (66.90%–69.35%). Through site marker competitive experiments and molecular docking, we found that AGS IV and LS-102 were located at the interface of subdomains IIA and IIIA, but the site I might be the primary binding site. Molecular dynamics revealed that AGS IV showed a higher binding free energy mainly due to the stronger hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Moreover, the secondary structure implied no obvious effect on the protein structure and conformation during the binding of LS-102. LS-102 significantly ameliorated the astramizole-induced heart rate slowing, increased SV-BA spacing, and prevented arachidonic acid-induced thrombosis in zebrafish. To our knowledge, we are the first to reveal that LS-102 binds to HSA with reversible and moderate affinity, indicating its easy diffusion from the circulatory system to the target tissue, thereby providing significant insights into its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties when spread in the human body. Our results also provide a reference for the rational clinical application of LS-102 in the cardiovascular field.
The microtubule network enables Src kinase interaction with the Na,K-ATPase to generate Ca2+ flashes in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Rognant Salomé , Kravtsova Violetta V. , Bouzinova Elena V. , Melnikova Elizaveta V. , Krivoi Igor I. , Pierre Sandrine V. , Aalkjaer Christian , Jepps Thomas A. , Matchkov Vladimir V.
Published: September 2022

Background: Several local Ca2+ events are characterized in smooth muscle cells. We have previously shown that an inhibitor of the Na,K-ATPase, ouabain induces spatially restricted intracellular Ca2+ transients near the plasma membrane, and suggested the importance of this signaling for regulation of intercellular coupling and smooth muscle cell contraction. The mechanism behind these Na,K-ATPase-dependent “Ca2+ flashes” remains to be elucidated. In addition to its conventional ion transport function, the Na,K-ATPase is proposed to contribute to intracellular pathways, including Src kinase activation. The microtubule network is important for intracellular signaling, but its role in the Na,K-ATPase-Src kinase interaction is not known. We hypothesized the microtubule network was responsible for maintaining the Na,K-ATPase-Src kinase interaction, which enables Ca2+ flashes.

Methods: We characterized Ca2+ flashes in cultured smooth muscle cells, A7r5, and freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rat mesenteric artery. Cells were loaded with Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent dyes, Calcium Green-1/AM and Fura Red/AM, for ratiometric measurements of intracellular Ca2+. The Na,K-ATPase α2 isoform was knocked down with siRNA and the microtubule network was disrupted with nocodazole. An involvement of the Src signaling was tested pharmacologically and with Western blot. Protein interactions were validated with proximity ligation assays.

Results: The Ca2+ flashes were induced by micromolar concentrations of ouabain. Knockdown of the α2 isoform Na,K-ATPase abolished Ca2+ flashes, as did inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation with genistein and PP2, and the inhibitor of the Na,K-ATPase-dependent Src activation, pNaKtide. Ouabain-induced Ca2+ flashes were associated with Src kinase activation by phosphorylation. The α2 isoform Na,K-ATPase and Src kinase colocalized in the cells. Disruption of microtubule with nocodazole inhibited Ca2+ flashes, reduced Na,K-ATPase/Src interaction and Src activation.

Conclusion: We demonstrate that the Na,K-ATPase-dependent Ca2+ flashes in smooth muscle cells require an interaction between the α2 isoform Na, K-ATPase and Src kinase, which is maintained by the microtubule network.
Nucleic acids and proteins carried by exosomes from various sources: Potential role in liver diseases
Authors: Xie Danna , Qian Baolin , Li Xun
Published: September 2022

Exosomes are extracellular membrane-encapsulated vesicles that are released into the extracellular space or biological fluids by many cell types through exocytosis. As a newly identified form of intercellular signal communication, exosomes mediate various pathological and physiological processes by exchanging various active substances between cells. The incidence and mortality of liver diseases is increasing worldwide. Therefore, we reviewed recent studies evaluating the role of exosomes from various sources in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
Sex-specific differences in biomechanics among runners: A systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Ping-Ping , István Bíró , Liang Minjun
Published: September 2022

Patellofemoral disorders are more common in female runners compared to their male counterparts. Differences in biomechanical characteristics between groups of runners could provide insight into the causes of higher rates of injury in female versus male runners, which would be useful to physical therapists and athletic trainers in development of individualized injury prevention programs. This review compares the differences in biomechanical characteristics between female and male runners. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase were searched in December 2021 for studies evaluating sex-specific differences in lower limb mechanics of healthy participants during running. Two independent reviewers determined the inclusion and quality of each research paper. Meta-analyses were used where possible. A total of 13 studies were selected. Means and standard deviations of reported data were retrieved from each selected paper for comparison of results. Three biomechanical variables, including dynamics, muscle activation, and kinematics, were compared between female and male runners. However, no differences were found in kinetic variables or muscle activation between groups due to insufficient data available from the selected studies. Meta-analyses of kinematic variables revealed that female runners exhibited significantly greater hip flexion angle, hip adduction angle, and hip internal rotation angle, but smaller knee flexion angle compared to male runners during running. We found significant differences in kinematic variables between female and male runners, which could influence the training advice of physical therapists and athletic trainers who work with runners, and inform the development of injury prevention programs.
Two independent allohexaploidizations and genomic fractionation in Solanales
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Lan , Xiao Qimeng , Wu Chunyang , Zhang Jiaqi , Xu Qiang , Yu Zijian , Bao Shoutong , Wang Jianyu , Li Yu , Wang Li , Wang Jinpeng
Published: September 2022

Solanales, an order of flowering plants, contains the most economically important vegetables among all plant orders. To date, many Solanales genomes have been sequenced. However, the evolutionary processes of polyploidization events in Solanales and the impact of polyploidy on species diversity remain poorly understood. We compared two representative Solanales genomes (Solanum lycopersicum L. and Ipomoea triloba L.) and the Vitis vinifera L. genome and confirmed two independent polyploidization events. Solanaceae common hexaploidization (SCH) and Convolvulaceae common hexaploidization (CCH) occurred ∼43–49 and ∼40–46 million years ago (Mya), respectively. Moreover, we identified homologous genes related to polyploidization and speciation and constructed multiple genomic alignments with V. vinifera genome, providing a genomic homology framework for future Solanales research. Notably, the three polyploidization-produced subgenomes in both S. lycopersicum and I. triloba showed significant genomic fractionation bias, suggesting the allohexaploid nature of the SCH and CCH events. However, we found that the higher genomic fractionation bias of polyploidization-produced subgenomes in Solanaceae was likely responsible for their more abundant species diversity than that in Convolvulaceae. Furthermore, through genomic fractionation and chromosomal structural variation comparisons, we revealed the allohexaploid natures of SCH and CCH, both of which were formed by two-step duplications. In addition, we found that the second step of two paleohexaploidization events promoted the expansion and diversity of β-amylase (BMY) genes in Solanales. These current efforts provide a solid foundation for future genomic and functional exploration of Solanales.
Heat-shock and methyl-jasmonate: The cultivar-specific responses of pepper plants
Authors: Otálora Ginés , Piñero María Carmen , Collado-González Jacinta , Gálvez Amparo , López-Marín Josefa , del Amor Francisco M.
Published: September 2022

Frequency, intensity and duration heat-related events have profound implications for future food supply through effects on plant growth and development. This concern needs effective and urgent mitigation tools. However, the effectiveness of potential solutions may decrease according to the specific cultivar response rather consider at specie level. The metyl-jasmonates are essential cellular regulators which are involved in pivotal plant development processes and related to confer protection to heat shock. Thus, our aim was to study the response of three pepper cultivars, Agio (Hungarian type), Basque (Chilli type), and Loreto (Lamuyo type), subjected to heat shock (40°C/72 h) and foliarly-sprayed with methyl-jasmonate (MeJA; 100 µmol), and the effects on several physiological traits. Our results show that despite the important differential impact of heat shock caused on each cultivar, MeJA application did not affect gas exchange, chlorophyll A concentration or efficiency of the photosystem in these cultivars. However, P concentration was reduced when MeJA was applied to Basque chilli, and a significant effect on leaf carbohydrates concentration was observed for Agio and Loreto. Moreover, Agio was the only cultivar in which the amino-acid profile was affected by MeJA under heat shock. Under that condition, putrescine increased for all cultivars, whist the effect of MeJA was only observed for spermine and histamine for Agio and Loreto. Thus, the results indicated that the ameliorative impact of MeJA on this stressor was clearly influenced by cultivar, revealing specific traits. Thus, these results could be used as valuable tools for the characterization of this intraspecific tolerance to heat shock during the vegetative growth stage of pepper.
An integrated metabolome and transcriptome approach reveals the fruit flavor and regulatory network during jujube fruit development
Authors: Lu Dongye , Zhang Lei , Wu Yang , Pan Qinghua , Zhang Yuping , Liu Ping
Published: September 2022

The fruit flavor is a key economic value attribute of jujube. Here we compared metabolomes and transcriptomes of “Mazao” (ST) and “Ping’anhuluzao” (HK) with unique flavors during fruit development. We identified 437 differential metabolites, mainly sugars, acids, and lipids. Fructose, glucose, mannose and citric acid, and malic acid are the determinants of sugar and acid taste of jujube fruit. Based on the transcriptome, 16,245 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, which were involved in “glucosyltransferase activity,” “lipid binding,” and “anion transmembrane transporter activity” processes. Both transcriptome and metabolome showed that developmental stages 2 and 3 were important transition periods for jujube maturation. Based on WGCNA and gene-metabolite correlation analysis, modules, and transcription factors (ZjHAP3, ZjTCP14, and ZjMYB78) highly related to sugar and acid were identified. Our results provide new insights into the mechanism of sugar and acid accumulation in jujube fruit and provide clues for the development of jujube with a unique flavor.
Transcriptomic profiling revealed the role of 24-epibrassinolide in alleviating salt stress damage in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Authors: Chen Yao , Xiang Yuanhang , Hu Zhengrong , Gao Yang , Zhang Youxin , Chen Minghui , Khaldun A. B. M. , Yan Xuebing , Fan Jibiao
Published: September 2022

Soil salinization is a major problem all over the world. The accumulation of salt in soil reduces the root water uptake and directly affects plant growth and metabolic activities. Brassinosteroid is a plant hormone that plays an important role in regulation of plant growth and physiological process, including promotion of cell expansion and elongation, signal transduction and stress response. Exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) has been proved to alleviate various environmental stress in plants. However, the role that EBL plays in salt stress response is still unknown in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). In this study, the physiology and molecular mechanisms regulated by exogenous EBL of salt stress response in tall fescue was investigated. Tall fescue plants were divided into four groups, including control (CK), NaCl solution (SALT), 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), NaCl solution + 24-epibrassinolide (SE). During the growth period of tall fescue, we found that electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were decreased, chlorophyll (Chl) content and antioxidant enzyme activity were increased in leaves of tall fescue in SE group compared with SALT group, indicating that EBL improved the salt tolerance in grasses. Transcriptomic profiling analysis showed that after 12 h of treatments, 10,265, 13,830 and 10,537 differential genes were expressed in EBL, SALT, and SE groups compared with control, respectively. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mainly focused on binding, catalytic activity, cellular process, metabolic process, cellular anatomical entity. Moreover, most of the differential genes were expressed in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. These results helped us to better understand the mechanism of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide to improve the salt tolerance of tall fescue.
How does CEO power and overconfidence affect the systemic risk of China’s financial institutions?
Authors: Chen Yingying , Safi Adnan , Zeb Yasir
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, this study measures the contribution of banks and non-bank financial institutions toward the systemic risk of China. Second, the present study investigates the relationship between CEO power, CEO overconfidence, and systemic risk. This study uses the Delta Conditional Value-at-Risk (∆CoVaR) method to measure the systemic risk contribution of firms listed on the Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges over a period of 2006–2018. The results show that non-bank financial institutions are systemically more important compared to banks. We employed fixed-effect regression analysis to show that banks with overconfident CEOs increase the firm’s systemic risk. The results also confirm that powerful CEOs enhance the contribution of non-bank financial institutions to systemic risk, whereas CEO power’s impact was significant only for non-state-owned banks. The findings were further validated by the robustness test results obtained using the two-stage least squares approach. These findings are important for constructing regulations to reduce the contribution of firms to systemic risk.
Ordering motivation and Likert scale ratings: When a numeric scale is not necessarily better
Authors: Tyumeneva Yulia , Sudorgina Yulia , Kislyonkova Alexandra , Lebedeva Maria
Published: September 2022

Measuring psychological attributes, such as motivation, typically involves rating scales, assuming that an attribute can be ordered, and that ratings represent this order. Previously, only the first assumption had been tested, albeit limited. First, we checked the ordinal structure of motivation, looking at whether people can establish transitive relations between motivation levels in pairwise comparisons; and we found different ordering patterns: strict transitive, weak transitive, changing order, and intransitivity. The rate of intransitivity was similar to that found previously and was somewhat higher than we obtained when we asked participants to compare definitely quantitative attributes (such as weight). Second, we checked if specific ordering patterns were related to individual interpretations of the statements that deviated from expected motivation types. Indeed, about a third of participants miscategorized statements, and these deviant interpretations were related to intransitivity as well as weak transitivity. Third, we checked whether Likert ratings represent the order of motives obtained from pairwise comparisons. We found rather homomorphic representation: ratings correlated with the order, but they did not differentiate between different ordering patterns and hierarchies of motives. We conclude that the Likert rating scale provides less information about respondents than pairwise ordering. The findings question the mainstream practice of using rating scales without testing underlying assumptions.
Hometown attachment and corporate social responsibility: Evidence from overseas Chinese entrepreneurs
Authors: Xia Jiahui , Wu Zhanchi , Dang Zhaolan , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2022

The relationship between hometown attachment (HA) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a topic to be explored in depth. We measured the HA by the Chinese diaspora background and the immigrant culture of the ultimate controllers of the firm and employed the sample of Chinese non-financial private-listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2003 to 2019 to investigate the impact of the HA on overseas Chinese entrepreneurs on CSR. We found that the HA of the overseas Chinese ultimate controller significantly increases the level of CSR, and this promoting effect rises when the firm ultimately held by the overseas Chinese entrepreneur is registered in the expatriate hometown. Our further analysis found that the personal characteristics of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs and regional cultural differences have a moderating effect on the above relationship. In particular, we found that overseas Chinese entrepreneurs who are women or with lower academic qualifications have a stronger sense of CSR. Moreover, in areas with low marketization or a high level of social trust, HA of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs plays a more active role in CSR. The results remain robust after the robustness test and the endogenous test. The conclusion of this study not only highlights the impact of psychological factors on the level of CSR but also provides a reference for the study of the decision-making behavior of overseas Chinese entrepreneurs.
The influencing mechanism of big data analytics technology capability on enterprise's operational performance: The mediating role of data-tool fit
Authors: Huang Xiangmeng , Yang Shuai , Wang Junbin , Lin Fengli , Jiang Yunfei
Published: September 2022

With the development of network technology, enterprises face the explosive growth of data every day. Therefore, to fully mine the value of massive data, big data analysis (BDA) technology has become the key to developing the core competitiveness of enterprises. However, few empirical studies have investigated the influencing mechanism of the BDA capability of an enterprise on its operational performance. To fill this gap, this study explores how BDA technology capability influences enterprise operation performance, based on dynamic capabilities theory and resource-based theory. It proposes the key variables, including the connectivity, compatibility, and modularization of big data analysis technical capability, enterprise's operational performance, and the fit between data and tools, to establish a model and study the correlation between the variables. The results highlight the mediating role of data-tool fit in the relationships between BDA capability and the enterprise's operational performance, which is a major finding that has not been underlined in the extant literature. This study provides valuable insight for operational managers to help them in mobilizing BDA capability for enterprises' operational management and improving operational performance.
The relationship between farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior and macroeconomics based on the probit regression model and entrepreneurial psychological capital
Authors: Li Hao , Qi Na , Li Zheng , Ma Wanying
Published: September 2022

At present, the research on the influence mechanism of psychological capital on farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior is relatively mature. However, the relationship between farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior and macroeconomics by entrepreneurial psychological capital (PsyCap) is still unclear. Based on this, firstly, this work analyzes the entrepreneurial PsyCap in detail. Secondly, the research hypothesis is put forward and a conceptual model is implemented. A questionnaire is designed to analyze the current situation of farmers’ entrepreneurial PsyCap and entrepreneurial behavior. Finally, a structural equation model (SEM) is implemented to explore the relationship between farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior and macroeconomics. The path test of the SEM is utilized to obtain the following. Macroeconomic growth has a significant positive impact on entrepreneurial behavior. Macroeconomics can affect farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior to varying degrees by affecting the four entrepreneurial PsyCap of farmers’ subjective cognition, Tenacity, hope and open-mindedness. This indicates that entrepreneurial PsyCap plays an intermediary role between farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior and macroeconomics. The purpose of this work is to explore the relationship among farmers’ entrepreneurial behavior, macroeconomics, and the role of entrepreneurial PsyCap through empirical analysis, thereby providing a theoretical reference for the subsequent country’s optimization of farmers’ entrepreneurial strategies.
Deep learning course development and evaluation of artificial intelligence in vocational senior high schools
Authors: Tsai Chih-Cheng , Chung Chih-Chao , Cheng Yuh-Ming , Lou Shi-Jer
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to develop cross-domain deep learning courses of artificial intelligence in vocational senior high schools and explore its impact on students’ learning effects. It initially adopted a literature review to develop a cross-domain SPOC-AIoT Course with SPOC (small private online courses) and the Double Diamond 4D model in vocational senior high schools. Afterward, it adopted participatory action research (PAR) and a questionnaire survey and conducted analyses on the various aspects of the technology acceptance model by SmartPLS. Further, this study explored the impact on the effects of deep learning and knowledge-ability learning of artificial intelligence after 16 weeks of course teaching among 36 Grade I students from the electrical and electronic group of a vocational senior high school. This study revealed that (1) the four stages of the SPOC-AIoT Teaching Mode of the Double Diamond 4D model may effectively guide students to learn AIoT knowledge and skills. (2) Based on the technology acceptance model, the analysis of learning and participation in SmartPLS indicated that this model conformed to the academic fitness requirements of the overall model. (3) After learning with the SPOC-AIoT Teaching Mode, the learning effects of students in AIoT have been significantly improved to a positive aspect. Finally, some suggestions were put forward to promote the development of the SPOC-AIoT Teaching Mode Course in the future.
Executive functioning and spoken language skills in young children with hearing aids and cochlear implants: Longitudinal findings
Authors: Jamsek Izabela A. , Kronenberger William G. , Pisoni David B. , Holt Rachael Frush
Published: September 2022

Deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) children who use auditory-oral communication display considerable variability in spoken language and executive functioning outcomes. Furthermore, language and executive functioning skills are strongly associated with each other in DHH children, which may be relevant for explaining this variability in outcomes. However, longitudinal investigations of language and executive functioning during the important preschool period of development in DHH children are rare. This study examined the predictive, reciprocal associations between executive functioning and spoken language over a 1-year period in samples of 53 DHH and 59 typically hearing (TH) children between ages 3–8 years at baseline. Participants were assessed on measures of receptive spoken language (vocabulary, sentence comprehension, and following spoken directions) and caregiver-completed executive functioning child behavior checklists during two in-person home visits separated by 1 year. In the sample of DHH children, better executive functioning at baseline (Time 1) was associated with better performance on the higher-order language measures (sentence comprehension and following spoken directions) 1 year later (Time 2). In contrast, none of the Time 1 language measures were associated with better executive functioning in Time 2 in the DHH sample. TH children showed no significant language-executive functioning correlations over the 1-year study period. In regression analyses controlling for Time 1 language scores, Time 1 executive functioning predicted Time 2 language outcomes in the combined DHH and TH samples, and for vocabulary, that association was stronger in the DHH than in the TH sample. In contrast, after controlling for Time 1 executive functioning, none of the regression analyses predicting Time 2 executive functioning from Time 1 language were statistically significant. These results are the first findings to demonstrate that everyday parent-rated executive functioning behaviors predict basic (vocabulary) and higher-order (comprehension, following directions) spoken language development 1 year later in young (3–8 year old) DHH children, even after accounting for initial baseline language skills.
The Influence of Preoperative Mood and Treatment Expectations on Early Postsurgical Acute Pain After a Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Stuhlreyer Julia , Klinger Regine
Published: September 2022

Background

Reducing postoperative pain immediately after surgery is crucial because severe postoperative pain reduces quality of life and increases the likelihood that patients develop chronic pain. Even though postoperative pain has been widely studied and there are national guidelines for pain management, the postoperative course is differently from one patient to the next. Different postoperative courses could be explained by factors related to the treatment context and the patients. Preoperative emotional states and treatment expectations are significant predictors of postoperative pain. However, the interaction between emotional states and preoperative treatment expectations and their effect on postoperative pain have not yet been studied. The aim of our study was to identify the interaction between emotional states, treatment expectation and early postsurgical acute pain.

Methods

In this prospective clinical trial, we enrolled patients who had received a TKR at a German hospital between October 2015 and March 2019. Patients rated their preoperative pain on a numeric rating scale (NRS) 0–10 (0 = no pain and 10 = worst pain imaginable), their emotional states preoperatively on the Pain and State of Health Inventory (PHI), their preoperative treatment expectations on the Stanford Expectation of Treatment Scale (SETS), and their postoperative level of pain on a NRS 0–10.

Findings

The questionnaires were completed by 122 patients (57% female). Emotional states predict negative treatment expectation F(6, 108) = 8.32, p < 0.001, with an excellent goodness-of-fit, R2 = 0.31. Furthermore, a mediator analysis revealed that the indirect effects and therefore relationship between the emotional states sad (ab = 0.06, 95% CI[0.01, 0.14]), anxious (ab = 0.13, 95% CI[0.04, 0.22]), and irritable (ab = 0.09, 95% CI[0.03, 0.17]) and postoperative pain is fully mediated by negative treatment expectations. Whereas the emotional states tired (ab = 0.09, 95% CI[0.03, 0.17]), dizzy/numb (ab = 0.07, 95% CI[0.01, 0.20]), weak (ab = 0.08, 95% CI[0.03, 0.16] are partially mediated by negative treatment expectations.

Conclusion

The relationship between emotional states and postoperative pain is mediated by negative treatment expectations. Therefore, innovative treatment strategies to reduce postoperative pain should focus on eliminating negative treatment expectation through establishing a differentiated preoperative expectation management program that also focuses on emotional states.
Depression and anxiety prevalence and correlations among cancer patients at Tikur Anbesa Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2018: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Abraham Yacob , G/Tsadik Meseret , Gebeyehu Abebaw , Fanta Tolesa , Ashegu Tebeje
Published: September 2022

Background

People with cancer, as well as their family members and loved ones, frequently experience distress. Distress can sometimes escalate from a normal level to one that interferes with therapy, makes it difficult for you to function or cope, and has an impact on many aspects life. About 1 in 4 people with cancer experience major or clinical depression, and anxiety is also a common problem for cancer patients. Anxiety and depression are the most familiar mental illnesses among cancer patients.

Objectives

The objectives of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among cancer patients attending treatment at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital.

Methods

Hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 April to 15 May 2018. This study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital is in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. A pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data by trained psychiatry nurses. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to collect an outcome variable (the presence of anxiety and depression).

Result

According to the study, anxiety and depression were present in 54.6 percent and 40.4 percent of the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital's cancer patients, respectively. Factors that were strongly associated with depression were being a woman, having less education, bleeding right now, being younger (30 to 39 years old), and suffering discomfort. With AOR of 2.18 (1.38–3.44), 1.73 (1.10–2.85), 2.57 (1.61–4.11), 2.28 (1.12–4.63), 1.64 (1.00–2.69), respectively with 95% CI. On the other hand factors significantly associated with anxiety among cancer patients attending treatment at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital were marital status with AOR 2.10 (1.01–4.02), feeling discomfort 2.06 (1.00–3.03), and bleeding 3.52 (2.31–5.64.

Conclusion

Guidelines for screening and treating depression and anxiety in cancer patients should be developed by psychiatry departments in collaboration with oncology department. Oncology and psychiatry department better work and capacitate link to help for good of patients. To enhance and widen the current findings, additional research on depression and anxiety risk factors should be done.
Psychotic-like experiences among university female students in Qatar: A qualitative-phenomenological study
Authors: Yehya Arij , Khaled Salma M. , Sommer Iris E. C. , Woodruff Peter , Daher-Nashif Suhad
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are hallucinatory or delusional experiences that fall below the threshold of a diagnosable psychotic disorder. Although PLEs are common across the spectrum of psychiatric disorders, they also have been commonly reported in the general population. In this study, we aimed to describe the types of PLEs experienced by university students in Qatar. Furthermore, we aimed to examine how students frame, explain, and deal with these experiences as well as understand how culture and religion may shape the way students attribute and respond to these experiences.

Method

This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach. For collecting the data, we conducted semi-structured interviews using the Questionnaire for Psychotic Experiences (QPE). The QPE is a valid and reliable tool to assess the phenomenology of psychotic-like experiences. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and tested and validated in Qatar (a fast-developing Muslim country in the Arabian Peninsula). We conducted interviews in Arabic with 12 undergraduate female students at Qatar University (the only national university in Qatar). The interviewees were of different Arab nationalities. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and two authors conducted the content-thematic analysis separately, as a strategy to validate the findings. The study was part of a larger nationally funded project that was approved by the Qatar University Institutional Review Board. The approvals were granted before any interview was conducted.

Results

The PLEs were prevalent in our non-clinical sample. The content-thematic analysis revealed the following main themes about these experiences: type, impact on daily function, frequency, immediate reaction, attribution style, assumptions about the root cause of these experiences, other associations, and religious links to experiences. The results also highlighted that religion and culture play a role in shaping the types of hallucinations and some delusions.

Conclusion

Our findings support the importance of culture and religion in relation to the types and explanations that students provided when describing PLEs. Notably, it was common among those who reported having these experiences to normalize and link PLEs to real-life events. This may be a defense mechanism to protect the self against the stigma of mental illness and from being labeled as “abnormal”.
Novel in-home COVID-19 vaccination program for vulnerable populations using public-private collaboration
Authors: Zhou Megan S. , Attia Cyrus , Barnes Melynda , Chen Tina , Chlada Katie , Doukas Mel , John Julia , Kanter Julia , Kim Dayna , Qualliotine Kerry , Stein Jillian , Stern Kevin , Broffman Lauren
Published: September 2022

Background

The continued emergence of new COVID-19 variants highlights the importance of vaccination in the effort to reduce disease transmission and burden. The objective of this study is to evaluate the processes and outcomes associated with a novel in-home COVID-19 vaccination program aimed at vaccinating high-risk populations in New York, USA.

Methods

To evaluate program processes, we described the program itself and reflected on some key lessons learned. To evaluate program outcomes, we analyzed data reported by vaccine recipients. These outcomes included the percentage of vaccine recipients that successfully received the full course of vaccinations, and the demographic and health characteristics of vaccine recipients. We additionally assessed demographic differences in motivations for receiving in-home care, using chi-squared tests to assess statistical significance. Data were collected and reported via dynamic online intake forms.

Results

The median age of vaccine recipients was 79 ± SD 9.0 years. The oldest vaccine recipient was 107 years old. Of those with non-missing data, more than half of vaccine recipients were female (63%), identified as part of a racial/ethnic minority (66%), reported an annual income of < $25,000 (58%), and received a high school degree or less (68%). Most vaccine recipients reported having one or more health conditions associated with increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease (72%). Vaccine recipients were most likely to report receiving in-home vaccination because they were home-bound due to disability. Motivations for receiving in-home vaccination differed by demographic subgroup.

Conclusion

The population receiving vaccinations from this in-home care delivery program comprised seniors who were mostly female and non-white, indicated socioeconomic vulnerability, and reported one or more COVID-related health conditions; this signified that the program met its goal of vaccinating those most at risk for severe COVID-19 disease.