bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive brain stimulation and pain neuroscience education in the cognitive-affective treatment of chronic low back pain: Evidence and future directions
Authors: Alcon Cory A. , Wang-Price Sharon
Published: November 2022

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Beyond the physical and functional limitations, people's beliefs, cognitions, and perceptions of their pain can negatively influence their prognosis. Altered cognitive and affective behaviors, such as pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia, are correlated with changes in the brain and share a dynamic and bidirectional relationship. Similarly, in the presence of persistent pain, attentional control mechanisms, which serve to organize relevant task information are impaired. These deficits demonstrate that pain may be a predominant focus of attentional resources, leaving limited reserve for other cognitively demanding tasks. Cognitive dysfunction may limit one's capacity to evaluate, interpret, and revise the maladaptive thoughts and behaviors associated with catastrophizing and fear. As such, interventions targeting the brain and resultant behaviors are compelling. Pain neuroscience education (PNE), a cognitive intervention used to reconceptualize a person's pain experiences, has been shown to reduce the effects of pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia. However, cognitive deficits associated with chronic pain may impact the efficacy of such interventions. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and pain. In addition, as with the treatment of most physical and psychological diagnoses, an active multimodal approach is considered to be optimal. Therefore, combining the neuromodulatory effects of NIBS with a cognitive intervention such as PNE could be promising. This review highlights the cognitive-affective deficits associated with CLBP while focusing on current evidence for cognition-based therapies and NIBS.
A multifunctional oxidative stress nanoamplifier with ROS amplification and GSH exhaustion for enhanced chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Zhong Wenzhao , Guo Feng , Chen Fangman , Law Man-Kay , Lu Jun , Shao Dan , Yu Hua , Chan Ging , Chen Meiwan
Published: November 2022

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) eradicates tumors by intratumoral catalytic chemical reaction and subsequently disrupts redox homeostasis, which shows tumor specific reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated therapy. However, insufficient ROS generation and high levels of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells have limited the therapeutic efficacy of CDT. Herein, we constructed a multifunctional oxidative stress nanoamplifier with ROS amplification and GSH exhaustion for enhanced CDT. Such a sandwich-like nanoamplifier comprised layer-by-layer artesunate (AS) and calcium carbonate coatings on the surface of manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles. The nanoamplifier was disassembled under an acidic environment once accumulated into tumor sites, and subsequently released AS to replenish the intratumoral peroxide pool for ROS amplification. Besides being an AS carrier, MnO2 exhausted GSH to yield Mn2+ ions that catalyzed the overexpression of H2O2 in the tumor, further intensifying the oxidative stress and facilitating cancer cell death. Taken together, our findings not only provide a paradigm for fabricating intratumoral catalytic nanomaterials, but also present a new ROS enhancement strategy to improve anti-tumor efficacy. Our multifunctional oxidative stress nanoamplifier might broaden the future of CDT.
Potential safety signal of pregnancy loss with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor intraocular injection: A disproportionality analysis using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Sakai Takamasa , Mori Chiyo , Ohtsu Fumiko
Published: November 2022

Objectives: Intraocular administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors may be associated with pregnancy loss. However, little is known about intraocular anti-VEGF therapy during pregnancy. Here, we conducted a pharmacovigilance study using a spontaneous reporting database to evaluate the relationship between intraocular VEGF inhibitors and pregnancy loss.

Methods: We used the JAPIC AERS database which is composed of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) dataset preprocessed by the Japan Pharmaceutical Information Center (JAPIC) to investigate the VEGF inhibitors ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab. Disproportionality analyses were conducted for VEGF inhibitors and pregnancy loss. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the reporting odds ratio (ROR) > 1 and a minimum of three reported cases of pregnancy loss were the detection criteria used in the current study.

Results: In the FAERS, 19 pregnancy loss cases were reported for ranibizumab with an ROR of 4.44 (95% CI: 2.42–8.16), 6 for intraocular bevacizumab with an ROR of 32.25 (95% CI: 3.88–267.9), and 4 for intraocular aflibercept with an ROR of 5.37 (95% CI: 1.34–21.49). All these drugs met the detection criteria.

Conclusion: Potential safety signals of pregnancy loss were obtained from intraocular administration of VEGF inhibitors during pregnancy. These signals should be validated using a causal design study.
Acute effects of cardiac contractility modulation stimulation in conventional 2D and 3D human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte models
Authors: Feaster Tromondae K. , Feric Nicole , Pallotta Isabella , Narkar Akshay , Casciola Maura , Graziano Michael P. , Aschar-Sobbi Roozbeh , Blinova Ksenia
Published: November 2022

Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is a medical device therapy whereby non-excitatory electrical stimulations are delivered to the myocardium during the absolute refractory period to enhance cardiac function. We previously evaluated the effects of the standard CCM pulse parameters in isolated rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes and 2D human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hiPSC-CM) monolayers, on flexible substrate. In the present study, we sought to extend these results to human 3D microphysiological systems to develop a robust model to evaluate various clinical CCM pulse parameters in vitro. HiPSC-CMs were studied in conventional 2D monolayer format, on stiff substrate (i.e., glass), and as 3D human engineered cardiac tissues (ECTs). Cardiac contractile properties were evaluated by video (i.e., pixel) and force-based analysis. CCM pulses were assessed at varying electrical ‘doses’ using a commercial pulse generator. A robust CCM contractile response was observed for 3D ECTs. Under comparable conditions, conventional 2D monolayer hiPSC-CMs, on stiff substrate, displayed no contractile response. 3D ECTs displayed enhanced contractile properties including increased contraction amplitude (i.e., force), and accelerated contraction and relaxation slopes under standard acute CCM stimulation. Moreover, 3D ECTs displayed enhanced contractility in a CCM pulse parameter-dependent manner by adjustment of CCM pulse delay, duration, amplitude, and number relative to baseline. The observed acute effects subsided when the CCM stimulation was stopped and gradually returned to baseline. These data represent the first study of CCM in 3D hiPSC-CM models and provide a nonclinical tool to assess various CCM device signals in 3D human cardiac tissues prior to in vivo animal studies. Moreover, this work provides a foundation to evaluate the effects of additional cardiac medical devices in 3D ECTs.
GPER limits adverse changes to Ca2+ signalling and arrhythmogenic activity in ovariectomised guinea pig cardiomyocytes
Authors: Francis Alice J. , Firth Jahn M. , Sanchez-Alonso Jose L. , Gorelik Julia , MacLeod Kenneth T.
Published: November 2022

Background: The increased risk of post-menopausal women developing abnormalities of heart function emphasises the requirement to understand the effect of declining oestrogen levels on cardiac electrophysiology and structure, and investigate possible therapeutic targets, namely the G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER).

Methods: Female guinea pigs underwent sham or ovariectomy (OVx) surgeries. Cardiomyocytes were isolated 150-days post-operatively. Membrane structure was assessed using di-8-ANEPPs staining and scanning ion conductance microscopy. Imunnohistochemistry (IHC) determined the localisation of oestrogen receptors. The effect of GPER activation on excitation-contraction coupling mechanisms were assessed using electrophysiological and fluorescence techniques. Downstream signalling proteins were investigated by western blot.

Results: IHC staining confirmed the presence of nuclear oestrogen receptors and GPER, the latter prominently localised to the peri-nuclear region and having a clear striated pattern elsewhere in the cells. Following OVx, GPER expression increased and its activation reduced Ca2+ transient amplitude (by 40%) and sarcomere shortening (by 32%). In these cells, GPER activation reduced abnormal spontaneous Ca2+ activity, shortened action potential duration and limited drug-induced early after-depolarisation formation.

Conclusion: In an animal species with comparable steroidogenesis and cardiac physiology to humans, we show the expression and localisation of all three oestrogen receptors in cardiac myocytes. We found that following oestrogen withdrawal, GPER expression increased and its activation limited arrhythmogenic behaviours in this low oestrogen state, indicating a potential cardioprotective role of this receptor in post-menopausal women.
The mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels contribute to the arterial medial calcification
Authors: Szabó László , Balogh Norbert , Tóth Andrea , Angyal Ágnes , Gönczi Mónika , Csiki Dávid Máté , Tóth Csaba , Balatoni Ildikó , Jeney Viktória , Csernoch László , Dienes Beatrix
Published: November 2022

Vascular calcification (VC) is associated with a number of cardiovascular diseases, as well as chronic kidney disease. The role of smooth muscle cells (SMC) has already been widely explored in VC, as has the role of intracellular Ca2+ in regulating SMC function. Increased intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in vascular SMC has been proposed to stimulate VC. However, the contribution of the non-selective Piezo1 mechanosensitive cation channels to the elevation of [Ca2+]i, and consequently to the process of VC has never been examined. In this work the essential contribution of Piezo1 channels to arterial medial calcification is demonstrated. The presence of Piezo1 was proved on human aortic smooth muscle samples using immunohistochemistry. Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of the channel on the human aortic smooth muscle cell line (HAoSMC). Functional measurements were done on HAoSMC under control and calcifying condition. Calcification was induced by supplementing the growth medium with inorganic phosphate (1.5 mmol/L, pH 7.4) and calcium (CaCl2, 0.6 mmol/L) for 7 days. Measurement of [Ca2+]i using fluorescent Fura-2 dye upon stimulation of Piezo1 channels (either by hypoosmolarity, or Yoda1) demonstrated significantly higher calcium transients in calcified as compared to control HAoSMCs. The expression of mechanosensitive Piezo1 channel is augmented in calcified arterial SMCs leading to a higher calcium influx upon stimulation. Activation of the channel by Yoda1 (10 μmol/L) enhanced calcification of HAoSMCs, while Dooku1, which antagonizes the effect of Yoda1, reduced this amplification. Application of Dooku1 alone inhibited the calcification. Knockdown of Piezo1 by siRNA suppressed the calcification evoked by Yoda1 under calcifying conditions. Our results demonstrate the pivotal role of Piezo1 channels in arterial medial calcification.
Estrogen receptor α regulates phenotypic switching and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells through the NRF1-OMI-mitophagy signaling pathway under simulated microgravity
Authors: Jiang Min , Liu Zifan , Shao Junjie , Zhou Jingjing , Wang Haiming , Song Chao , Li Xin , Wang Lin , Xu Qiang , Liu Xiaojuan , Lin Lejian , Zhang Ran
Published: November 2022

Vascular remodeling during microgravity exposure results in postflight cardiovascular deconditioning and orthostatic intolerance in astronauts. To clarify the underlying mechanism, we investigated whether estrogen receptor α (ERα)-NRF1-OMI-mitophagy signaling was involved in the dedifferentiation and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under simulated microgravity. Phenotypic markers, mtDNA copy number and mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in rat thoracic artery smooth muscle cells were examined. Four-week hindlimb unweighting (HU) was used to simulate microgravity in rats and 10% serum was used to induce VSMCs dedifferentiation in vitro. The effects of ERα-NRF1-OMI signaling on mitophagy, phenotypic switching and proliferation of VSMCs, and cerebrovascular remodeling in HU rats were studied by genetic manipulation and chronic drug intervention. We found that ERα is positively associated with contractile phenotype switching but inversely correlated with synthetic phenotype switching and proliferation of VSMCs both in vivo and in vitro. During the dedifferentiation process of VSMCs, reduced mtDNA copy number, disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration, and perturbed fission-fusion-mitophagy signaling were detected, which were reversed by ERα overexpression. Mechanistically, the ERα downstream protein OMI preserved the mitochondrial Parkin level by increasing its protein stability, thereby protecting mitophagy. In line with this, we found that activating ERα signaling by propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) could alleviate the synthetic phenotype switching and proliferation of HU rat cerebral VSMCs by reestablishing fission-fusion-mitophagy hemostasis. The current study clarified a novel mechanism by which inhibited ERα-NRF1-OMI-mitophagy signaling resulted in synthetic phenotype switching and proliferation of VSMCs and cerebrovascular remodeling under simulated microgravity.
Effect of different waterlogging periods on biochemistry, growth, and chlorophyll a fluorescence of Arachis hypogaea L.
Authors: Sharma Shubhangani , Bhatt Upma , Sharma Jyotshana , Darkalt Ahmad , Mojski Jacek , Soni Vineet
Published: November 2022

Peanut is among the main oil crops in India with huge economic importance. The unpredictable rainy season during the growing time of peanuts causes waterlogging in peanut fields. Waterlogging triggers major environmental limitations that negatively affect the growth, physiology, and development of peanuts. Thus, the export and production of peanuts are severely affected by waterlogging. Therefore, the understanding of metabolic mechanisms under waterlogging is important to future water-stress tolerance breeding in peanuts. This study aimed to evaluate how peanuts responded to various waterlogging conditions in terms of their development, metabolic processes, and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics. The evaluations were carried out at different stages of peanut variety DH-86 treated with waterlogging. The peanut plants were subjected to different waterlogging periods of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 days. The growth parameters including total dry mass, total leaf area, and total leaves number were calculated in all treatments. The phenomenological and specific energy fluxes and maximum photosystem II efficiency (FV/Fm) were also determined. The measurements were done statistically using PCA, G-Means clustering, and correlation analysis to explore the interaction between different physiological parameters. The waterlogging for 100 days caused a significant reduction in the total number of leaves, dry mass, and total leaf area. The most sensitive parameters are specific and phenomenological energy fluxes and Fv/Fm, which notably decreased as waterlogging duration increased. The results indicated the growth and physiological performance of the peanut cv. DH-86 was affected significantly due to waterlogging and the interaction between all these parameters in waterlogging. This research focused on how peanuts respond to waterlogging stress and provides the basis for future plant breeding efforts to improve peanut waterlogging tolerance, especially in rainy regions. This will improve the sustainability of the entire peanut industry.
Novel candidate loci for morpho-agronomic and seed quality traits detected by targeted genotyping-by-sequencing in common bean
Authors: Ugwuanyi Samson , Udengwu Obi Sergius , Snowdon Rod J. , Obermeier Christian
Published: November 2022

Phaseolus vulgaris L., known as common bean, is one of the most important grain legumes cultivated around the world for its immature pods and dry seeds, which are rich in protein and micronutrients. Common bean offers a cheap food and protein sources to ameliorate food shortage and malnutrition around the world. However, the genetic basis of most important traits in common bean remains unknown. This study aimed at identifying QTL and candidate gene models underlying twenty-six agronomically important traits in common bean. For this, we assembled and phenotyped a diversity panel of 200 P. vulgaris genotypes in the greenhouse, comprising determinate bushy, determinate climbing and indeterminate climbing beans. The panel included dry beans and snap beans from different breeding programmes, elite lines and landraces from around the world with a major focus on accessions of African, European and South American origin. The panel was genotyped using a cost-conscious targeted genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) platform to take advantage of highly polymorphic SNPs detected in previous studies and in diverse germplasm. The detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were applied in marker-trait analysis and revealed sixty-two quantitative trait loci (QTL) significantly associated with sixteen traits. Gene model identification via a similarity-based approach implicated major candidate gene models underlying the QTL associated with ten traits including, flowering, yield, seed quality, pod and seed characteristics. Our study revealed six QTL for pod shattering including three new QTL potentially useful for breeding. However, the panel was evaluated in a single greenhouse environment and the findings should be corroborated by evaluations across different field environments. Some of the detected QTL and a number of candidate gene models only elucidate the understanding of the genetic nature of these traits and provide the basis for further studies. Finally, the study showed the possibility of using a limited number of SNPs in performing marker-trait association in common bean by applying a highly scalable targeted GBS approach. This targeted GBS approach is a cost-efficient strategy for assessment of the genetic basis of complex traits and can enable geneticists and breeders to identify novel loci and targets for marker-assisted breeding more efficiently.
Genome-wide identification of the KNOTTED HOMEOBOX gene family and their involvement in stalk development in flowering Chinese cabbage
Authors: Ou Xi , Wang Yudan , Li Jingyi , Zhang Jiewen , Xie Zhenbin , He Bing , Jiang Zhehao , Wang Yuting , Su Wei , Song Shiwei , Hao Yanwei , Chen Riyuan
Published: November 2022

Gibberellin and cytokinin synergistically regulate the stalk development in flowering Chinese cabbage. KNOX proteins were reported to function as important regulators of the shoot apex to promote meristem activity by synchronously inducing CTK and suppressing GA biosynthesis, while their regulatory mechanism in the bolting and flowering is unknown. In this study, 9 BcKNOX genes were identified and mapped unevenly on 6 out of 10 flowering Chinese cabbage chromosomes. The BcKNOXs were divided into three subfamilies on the basis of sequences and gene structure. The proteins contain four conserved domains except for BcKNATM. Three BcKNOX TFs (BcKNOX1, BcKNOX3, and BcKNOX5) displayed high transcription levels on tested tissues at various stages. The major part of BcKNOX genes showed preferential expression patterns in response to low-temperature, zeatin (ZT), and GA3 treatment, indicating that they were involved in bud differentiation and bolting. BcKNOX1 and BcKNOX5 showed high correlation level with gibberellins synthetase, and CTK metabolic genes. BcKONX1 also showed high correlation coefficients within BcRGA1 and BcRGL1 which are negative regulators of GA signaling. In addition, BcKNOX1 interacted with BcRGA1 and BcRGL1, as confirmed by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and biomolecular fluorescence complementation assay (BiFC). This analysis has provided useful foundation for the future functional roles’ analysis of flowering Chinese cabbage KNOX genes
Photosynthetic performance and nutrient uptake under salt stress: Differential responses of wheat plants to contrasting phosphorus forms and rates
Authors: Loudari Aicha , Mayane Asmae , Zeroual Youssef , Colinet Gilles , Oukarroum Abdallah
Published: November 2022

Salt stress impacts phosphorus (P) bioavailability, mobility, and its uptake by plants. Since P is involved in many key processes in plants, salinity and P deficiency could significantly cause serious damage to photosynthesis, the most essential physiological process for the growth and development of all green plants. Different approaches have been proposed and adopted to minimize the harmful effects of their combined effect. Optimising phosphorus nutrition seems to bring positive results to improve photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient uptake. The present work posed the question if soluble fertilizers allow wheat plants to counter the adverse effect of salt stress. A pot experiment was performed using a Moroccan cultivar of durum wheat: Karim. This study focused on different growth and physiological responses of wheat plants grown under the combined effect of salinity and P-availability. Two Orthophosphates (Ortho-A & Ortho-B) and one polyphosphate (Poly-B) were applied at different P levels (0, 30 and 45 ppm). Plant growth was analysed on some physiological parameters (stomatal conductance (SC), chlorophyll content index (CCI), chlorophyll a fluorescence, shoot and root biomass, and mineral uptake). Fertilized wheat plants showed a significant increase in photosynthetic performance and nutrient uptake. Compared to salt-stressed and unfertilized plants (C+), CCI increased by 93%, 81% and 71% at 30 ppm of P in plants fertilized by Poly-B, Ortho-B and Ortho-A, respectively. The highest significant SC was obtained at 45 ppm using Ortho-B fertilizer with an increase of 232% followed by 217% and 157% for both Poly-B and Ortho-A, respectively. The Photosynthetic performance index (PItot) was also increased by 128.5%, 90.2% and 38.8% for Ortho-B, Ortho-A and Poly B, respectively. In addition, Poly-B showed a significant enhancement in roots and shoots biomass (49.4% and 156.8%, respectively) compared to C+. Fertilized and salt-stressed plants absorbed more phosphorus. The P content significantly increased mainly at 45 ppm of P. Positive correlations were found between phosphorus uptake, biomass, and photosynthetic yield. The increased photochemical activity could be due to a significant enhancement in light energy absorbed by the enhanced Chl antenna. The positive effect of adequate P fertilization under salt stress was therefore evident in durum wheat plants.
Transcription level differences in Taxus wallichiana var. mairei elicited by Ce3+, Ce4+ and methyl jasmonate
Authors: Han Na , Geng Wen-ji , Li Jian , Liu Shu-ting , Zhang Jie , Wen Yi-jie , Xu Huai-hua , Li Meng-yuan , Li Yan-ru , Han Pei-pei
Published: November 2022

Taxol is a precious and effective anticancer drug. Cerium and methyl jasmonate (MJ) have been shown to increase the yield of taxol in taxus cells. However, the mechanisms of cerium-mediated and MJ-mediated taxol biosynthesis remain unknown. RNA-Seq was applied to study the overall regulation mechanism of cerium and MJ on taxol biosynthesis and analyze the differences among T. mairei cells elicited by Ce3+, Ce4+ and MJ on transcriptional level . Using sequence homology, 179 unigenes were identified as taxol synthesis genes. Under the condition of 100 μM MJ, taxol synthesis genes were up-regulated. Notably, taxol synthesis genes were down-regulated expression at 1 mM Ce3+ and 1 mM Ce4+. Differential expression genes involved in some related functions were analyzed, such as MAPK signaling pathway and plant-pathogen interaction. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis of nine differentially expressed WRKYs in our data were carried out.
Effects of agronomic traits and climatic factors on yield and yield stability of summer maize (Zea mays L) in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in China
Authors: Ren Hao , Liu Mingyu , Zhang Jibo , Liu Peng , Liu Cunhui
Published: November 2022

Zhengdan 958 (ZD958) is the summer maize variety with the widest planting area in Huang-Huai-Hai plain in the past 20 years. Understanding the agronomic characteristics of maize and its adaptability to climatic factors is of great significance for breeding maize varieties with high yield and stability. In this study, the experimental data of 33 experimental stations from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed to clarify the effects of different agronomic traits on yield and the correlation between agronomic traits, and to understand the effects of different climatic factors on summer maize yield and agronomic traits. The results showed that the average yield of ZD958 was 9.20 t ha-1, and the yield variation coefficient was 13.41%. There was a certainly negative correlation between high yield and high stability. Plant heights, ear heights, double ear rate, ear length, ear rows, line grain number, grain number per ear, ear diameter, cob diameter, and 1000 grains weight were significantly positive correlation with maize yield. Solar radiation before and after silking were significantly positive correlation with maize yield. Path analysis showed that changes in agronomic traits accounted for 54% of the yield variation, and changes in climate factors accounted for 26% of the yield variation. Our study showed that higher plant height, ear height, grain number per ear and 1000-grain weight, lower lodging rate, pour the discount rate and shorter bald tip long were the main reasons for high yield. Among the climatic factors, solar radiation and the lowest temperature have significant effects on the yield.
How does independent director affect tunneling?—Evidence from social networks
Authors: Cheng Hanxiu , Wang Jie , Xing Mu
Published: November 2022

Given the influence of controlling shareholders on the company, it is important to analyze how independent directors can protect minority shareholders’ interests using the information and resources obtained from social networks. This paper studies the impact of director networks on controlling shareholders’ tunneling behavior in China over the period 2002–2020. Using social network analysis, this paper finds that controlling shareholders’ appropriation to minority shareholders is mitigated in companies with well-connected independent directors. These results remain consistent after a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. This study also reveals that internal controls play a mediating role between director networks and tunneling behavior. In addition, the study indicates that the restraining effect of director networks on controlling shareholders’ tunneling behavior is more pronounced in companies with weaker audit monitoring and poorer transparency. In conclusion, the results reveal that well-connected independent directors play an important role in protecting minority shareholders’ interests.
Interaction between pedestrians and automated vehicles: Perceived safety of yielding behaviors and benefits of an external human–machine interface for elderly people
Authors: Bellet Thierry , Laurent Sébastien , Bornard Jean-Charles , Hoang Isabelle , Richard Bertrand
Published: November 2022

This study focuses on Automated Vehicles (AVs) interactions with pedestrians during road crossing situations. A dual-phase experiment was designed: one from the pedestrian’s perspective and the other one from the AV passenger’s point of view. Eight AV behaviors to yield were investigated. Participants’ task was to assess the safety of each one of these yielding behaviors. Moreover, an external HMI (eHMI) was designed to support them in these interactions. 40 participants were involved in this experiment (50% females, 20 young versus 20 elderly). Results obtained show significant differences between old and young participants: elderly people have not the same way to perceive and assess the safety of the yielding behaviors from “the inside” and from “the outside” of the car. Conversely, young participants assessed AV behaviors similarly whether as pedestrians or as AV passengers. When considering benefits introduced by the eHMI, it significantly reduces differences between old and young participants and tends to harmonize their safety assessments: with to the eHMI, elderly people are more able to adequately perceive and assess the safety/dangerousness of the AV braking manoeuvers, and their safety judgments become at last quite similar to those of young participants. Moreover, the eHMI increases participants’ Acceptance of AV and reduces their concerns about their future interactions with AV as a pedestrian, especially for elderly people.
An empirical study of college students’ reading engagement on academic achievement
Authors: Wang Xiao-Wu , Zhu Yu-Juan , Zhang Yi-Cheng
Published: November 2022

With the popularity of Internet technology, reading has developed in the direction of digitalization and mobileization. And entering the metaverse era, both the subject and object of reading may be redefined, presenting a new developmental pattern. This process brings a crisis to reading, such as the fragmentation of reading, the obstruction of reading needs, and the replacement of classical reading. However, reading is still an important way for college students to acquire new knowledge, broaden their horizons and improve their skills. The existence of reading crises inevitably affects the academic achievement of college students. Therefore, from the perspective of university management, this paper conducts regression analysis on 1,155 effective samples of colleges and universities in Anhui Province, extracts the factors that affect college students’ reading engagement, and further explores the relationship between college students’ reading engagement and academic achievement. The study concluded that: (1) in terms of family reading culture, students who grow up in families with good family reading culture perform better in reading engagement. The amount of family books, family reading education and family reading atmosphere all have significant positive effects on reading time and reflective reading strategies of college students. (2) In the cultivation of reading habits in colleges and universities, the course-driven mechanism and the atmosphere stimulating mechanism have a significant positive effect on students’ reading time. The course-driven mechanism, resource supporting mechanism and atmosphere stimulating mechanism have a significant positive effect on the critical reading strategy of college students. (3) In terms of reading time, it is only found that the reading time spent on paper books has a significant positive effect on college students’ academic achievement and professional quality. (4) In terms of reading strategies, the replicative reading strategy only has a significant positive effect on the improvement of college students’ academic achievement and professional quality. The critical reading strategy has a significant positive effect on the professional quality, general ability and career planning ability of college students.
Women in monitoring positions and market risk. Are the stocks of companies with gender diverse boards less volatile?
Authors: Valls Martínez María del Carmen , Soriano Román Rafael
Published: November 2022

Gender equality is included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and in the Global Jobs Pact of the International Labour Organization. Many countries, especially in Europe, are incorporating legal quotas into their legislation to oblige companies to increase the presence of women in the highest positions of responsibility. This measure has been controversial and widely debated, and so it is of great interest to analyze the economic effects that the incorporation of women brings. The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between the percentage of women on the board of directors and systematic market risk, measured using the beta of stocks in the S&P 500 and Euro Stoxx 300 indexes from 2015 to 2019. Applying OLS regressions with instrumental variables, fixed effects panel data, and a GMM estimation, the results show a negative and significant relationship for the U.S. market. However, this relationship was not confirmed for the European market.
Operationalizing undifferentiated affect: Validity and utility in clinical samples
Authors: Lane Sean P. , Trull Timothy J.
Published: November 2022

Emotion differentiation is conceptualized as the process of categorizing one’s general affective experiences into discrete emotions. The experience of undifferentiated affect or the inability to distinguish the particular emotion or combination of emotions that one is experiencing is often considered a hallmark of emotion dysregulation. Some past research has attempted to operationalize the general tendency to experience undifferentiated affect at the trait level using explicit questionnaire measures. More recently, indirect measures using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to estimate the consistency between simultaneous measures of different in-the-moment emotional experiences have become the favored method of quantifying undifferentiated affect. While the ICC method constitutes an advancement in estimating undifferentiated affect, which is theorized to be a dynamic process that occurs at a very granular level, prior investigations have used aggregate ICC measures or momentary ICC derivations that ignore multiple sources of dynamic variability to make inferences about in-the-moment experiences. We introduce a new, flexible method of calculating ICC measures of undifferentiated affect at different levels of experience that takes full advantage of time-intensive data measurement and more closely maps onto the theorized process. This method provides more refined estimates of undifferentiated affect and its associations with various behavioral outcomes, as well as uncovers more nuanced associations regarding the temporal process of emotional differentiation. It also elucidates potential conceptual issues in mapping empirical estimates of emotion undifferentiation onto their underlying theoretical interpretations.
The tendency to dehumanize, group malleability beliefs, and perceived threat from migrants in Hungary
Authors: Paskuj Benedek , Orosz Gábor
Published: November 2022

Examining the humanness attributed to several groups in a comprehensive Hungarian sample (N = 505) at the height of the “European refugee crisis of 2015,” we found that Hungarians dehumanize Eastern ethnic groups more and Western ethnic groups less than they do to their own ethnic ingroup. Interestingly, we also found that a general tendency of dehumanization is expressed across all national groups. This general tendency of dehumanization was strongly associated with threat perceived from migrants, but the relationship was mediated by group malleability—the belief that human groups can change and are not set in their ways irreversibly. Malleability beliefs were negatively linked to dehumanization tendencies and threat perceived from migrants. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the findings that point to the critical role of fixed mindsets about groups in the mechanisms linked to prejudice in a highly xenophobic Hungarian context.
Health-related quality of life of young academics: A cross-sectional survey of universities in Wuhan, China
Authors: Yao Qiang , Yang Fei , Li Hanxuan , Tang Kaiyue , Liu Chaojie
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of young academics in Wuhan, China, and its determinants.

Methods

A multistage stratified cluster sampling strategy was employed to recruit study participants (young academics <40 years old) from 12 universities in Wuhan. A total of 301 respondents returned a self-complete questionnaire that contained the EQ-5D-5L. Multivariate linear and Tobit regression models were established to determine the sociodemographic and job predictors of the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the EQ-5D utility index, respectively.

Results

The study participants reported a mean VAS value of 79.42 (SD = 10.51) and a mean EQ-5D utility index of 0.915 (SD = 0.090). Anxiety/depression was the most frequently reported problem (65.12%), followed by pain/discomfort (43.52%). Transitioning towards a full professorship in national key universities (p < 0.001), lower income (p < 0.05) and too much pressure for academic promotion (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of lower HRQoL; whereas, maintaining routines in physical activities (p < 0.001), sleep (p < 0.001) and meals (p < 0.001), a good relationship with colleagues and family members (p < 0.001), and social activities (p < 0.01) were significant predictors of higher HRQoL.

Conclusion

Low HRQoL of young academics in China is evident, as indicated by the 7.08 and 0.049 gap in VAS and utility index, respectively, compared to the general population at the same age. Work and career pressures are associated with the low HRQoL of young academics. The findings of this study highlight the importance of work-life balance in promoting HRQoL of young academics in universities in China.
Odor perception of aromatherapy essential oils with different chemical types: Influence of gender and two cultural characteristics
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Nan , Pei Shichun , Yao Lei
Published: November 2022

Olfactory perception, and especially affective responses of odors, is highly flexible, but some mechanisms involved in this flexibility remain to be elucidated. This study investigated the odor perceptions of several essential oils used in aromatherapy with emotion regulation functions among college students. The influences of people’s characteristics including gender, hometown region, and fragrance usage habit on odor perception were further discussed. Odor perception of nine essential oils, which can be divided into the ester-alcohol type (e.g., lavender oil) and terpene type (e.g., lemon oil) were evaluated under three odor concentrations. The results indicated that chemical type, but not concentration, significantly influenced the odor perception and there was no interaction between the two factors in this study. The arousal and emotional perception scores of odors with terpene-type oil were significantly higher than odors with ester-alcohol type. In terms of people’s characteristics, participants from the southern Yangtze river gave a higher familiarity rating to almost all of these odors. The habits of fragrance usage also significantly influenced some of the odors’ subjective intensity and emotional perception ratings. However, there were no significant gender differences in most of the odor perceptions. In addition, familiarity and pleasantness were positively correlated, and emotional perception and subjective intensity also showed a weak correlation. These results suggested that users’ cultural characteristics could be considered to be important factors that affect the essential oil’s odor perception in aromatherapy.
Gender differences in major depressive disorders: A resting state fMRI study
Authors: Tu Zhaoyuan , Wu Feng , Jiang Xiaowei , Kong Lingtao , Tang Yanqing
Published: November 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a high disability rate and brings a large disease burden to patients and the country. Significant sex differences exist in both the epidemiological and clinical features in MDD. The effect of sex on brain function in MDD is not clear now. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and ALFF are widely used research method in the study of brain function. This research aimed to use ReHo and ALFF to explore gender differences in brain function images in MDD.

Methods

Eighty first-episode drug-naive patients (47 women and 30 men) with MDD and 85 age, education matched healthy volunteers (47 women and 31 men) were recruited in our study and participated in resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. ReHo and ALFF were used to assess brain activity, two-way ANOVA and post hoc analysis was conducted to explore the sex difference in MDD. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between abnormal brain functioning and clinical symptoms.

Results

We observed sex-specific patterns and diagnostic differences in MDD Patients, further post hoc comparisons indicated that women with MDD showed decreased ALFF value in the right superior occipital gyrus and decreased ReHo value in the left calcarine and left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus compared with HC females and men with MDD. Men with MDD showed decreased ReHo value in the right median cingulate gyrus compared with HC males and increased ReHo value in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus compared with HC males, we also found that HC males showed higher ReHo value in the right median cingulate gyrus than HC females.

Conclusions

Men and women do have sex differences in brain function, the occipital lobe, calcarine, DLPFC, and DCG were the main different brain regions found between male and female in MDD, which may be the biomarker brain regions that can help diagnose and treat MDD in men and women.
Independent Supported Housing for non-homeless individuals with severe mental illness: Comparison of two effectiveness studies using a randomised controlled and an observational study design
Authors: Adamus Christine , Mötteli Sonja , Jäger Matthias , Richter Dirk
Published: November 2022

Background

No randomised controlled study (RCT) on the effectiveness of Independent Supported Housing (ISH) vs. housing as usual (HAU) settings for non-homeless individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) has been conducted to date because of limited feasibility. Alternative designs, such as observational studies, might be suitable for providing adequate evidence if well conducted. To test this hypothesis, this article reports on a prospective, direct comparison of the designs of two parallel studies in this field.

Methods

A two-centre, parallel-group non-inferiority effectiveness study was conducted at two locations in Switzerland using identical instruments and clinical hypotheses. One centre applied an RCT design and the other an observational study (OS) design with propensity score methods (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03815604). The comparability of the two study centres was investigated in terms of participants, procedures, and outcomes. The primary outcome was social inclusion and the secondary outcomes were quality of life and psychiatric symptoms.

Results

The study included 141 participants (RCT:n= 58; OS:n= 83). Within one year, 27% study dropouts occurred (RCT: 34%; OS: 22%). A similar balance of sample characteristics was achieved in the RCT and the OS using propensity score methods (inverse probability of treatment weighting). After one year, ISH was non-inferior to the control condition regarding social inclusion (mean differences [95% CI]) in the RCT (6.28 [–0.08 to 13.35]) and the OS (2.24 [–2.30 to 6.77]) and showed no significant differences in quality of life (RCT: 0.12 [–0.52 to 0.75]; OS: 0.16 [–0.26 to 0.58]) and symptoms (RCT: –0.18 [–0.75 to 0.40]; OS: 0.21 [–0.17 to 0.60]) in both study centres. However, strong and persistent preferences for ISH in the RCT control group reduced participants’ willingness to participate. Because of several limitations in the RCT, the results of the RCT and the OS are not comparable.

Conclusion

Participants were comparable in both study sites. However, there were significant problems in conducting the RCT because of strong preferences for ISH. The OS with propensity score methods provided results of more stable groups of participants and revealed balanced samples and valid outcome analysis. Our results do not support further investment in RCTs in this field.
Awareness and knowledge of autism spectrum disorder in Western China: Promoting early identification and intervention
Authors: Wei Hua , Li Yan , Zhang Yu , Luo Jinmei , Wang Shuang , Dong Qiujun , Tao Yuanyuan , Gong Ling , Feng Yang , Shi Mingmei , Cao Zhenghui , Liu Yongfang , Chen Li , Liu Xiao , Dai Ying , Qu Lingling , Song Zhao , Chen Jie , Li Tingyu , Cheng Qian
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Given the increasing prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the public health problems it creates; early identification and interventions are needed to improve the prognosis of ASD. Hence, this study surveyed different groups of people who are likely to have early contact with autistic children to provide an informed basis for early detection and effective diagnosis and interventions.

Methods

Three groups of people were recruited for the study from Changshou District and Wushan County of Chongqing, in Western China: 269 medical workers, 181 educators, and 188 community residents. Their understanding and knowledge of autism was measured using a self-made questionnaire.

Results

The positive finding was that the three groups had a certain level of understanding of autism, but they had some misunderstandings of the core problems, and there were significant differences in the understanding of autism among the three groups. Younger medical workers knew more about autism than older ones did. The ability of educators and community residents to identify autistic symptoms was positively related to their level of education and their experience with autistic children. Television and the internet were the main sources of information about autism for participants.

Conclusions

The medical workers, educators, and community residents in the investigated areas in western China may be able to identify early signs of autism but have an inadequate understanding of autism. In areas far from cities, it is necessary to strengthen the training of medical workers in primary health care to promote autism screening and referral in educational institutions and communities. Using internet technology to provide public education and professional training about autism in remote areas could be a very promising method in Western China.