bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multivariate Discrimination of Some Grapevine Cultivars under Drought Stress in Iran
Authors: Fahim Somayyeh , Ghanbari Alireza , Naji Amir Mohammad , Shokohian Ali Akbar , Maleki Lajayer Hasan Maleki , Gohari Gholamreza , Hano Christophe
Published: September 2022

Grapevine is one of the most important economic crops in horticulture, and drought stress is one of the most significant threatening factors in the world. Therefore, the identification and investigation of cultivars under drought stress are the basic steps and important goals in grapevine-breeding programs. In the present study, the 17 parameters of 14 grapevine cultivars under drought stress were first scaled. Based on the initial information, we divided the 14 grape cultivars according to their resistance to drought stress into four groups: tolerant, semi-tolerant, semi-sensitive, and sensitive. Then, the utilization of multivariate techniques comprising principal component analysis (PCA), along with quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), were utilized to choose the most substantial and accountable traits for the four groups’ discrimination. For the QDA, the 17 parameters were arranged into four sets. The discrimination for all parameters showed 96% correct classification. The first set includes shoot length (Shoot L), shoot number (Shoot N), leaf area (Leaf A), relative water content (RWC), and chlorophyll a (Chl a) parameters that showed 71.5% correct classification. The second set includes chlorophyll b (Chl b), chlorophyll total, peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (Sod) parameters that had 75% correct classification. Electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) parameters were in the third set and had 87% correct discrimination. The best discrimination was obtained by the combination of the first and third set, including the Shoot L, Shoot N, Leaf A, RWC, Chl a, EL, MDA, proline, CAT, and APX with 100% correct discrimination.
Associations between Self-Rated Health and Perinatal Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Latina Women
Authors: Juarez Padilla Janeth , Singleton Chelsea R. , Pedersen Cort A. , Lara-Cinisomo Sandraluz
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine whether decreases in or consistently low preconception to pregnancy self-rated health (SRH) were associated with perinatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Latinas. Methods: This is a secondary data analysis of 153 perinatal Latinas. Three groups were created to capture SRH from preconception to pregnancy: a decline in ratings, consistently low, and good+ (i.e., good, very good, or excellent). SRH was measured using two questions about their perceived physical health before and during pregnancy. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were assessed in the third trimester and six weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Life stressors were assessed in pregnancy using a modified version of the Life Experiences Survey. Linear regressions tested the associations. Results: Women with consistently low (i.e., fair or poor) SRH reported significantly more prenatal depressive symptoms than women who reported consistently good+ SRH. Women who reported a decline in SRH to fair or poor reported more prenatal anxiety symptoms but decreased postpartum anxiety symptoms than women who reported consistently good+ ratings. Life stressors were positively associated with prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Healthcare practitioners should assess changes in SRH ratings to identify risks for prenatal depressive and anxiety symptoms among Latinas, who have elevated rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to non-Hispanic White women. Policymakers should provide healthcare providers with mental health resources to support at-risk Latinas during the prenatal period.
Trans Expertise and the Revision and Translation of ICD-11: An Analysis of Available French Data from a Trans Perspective
Authors: Baleige Anna , Guernut Mathilde , Denis Frédéric
Published: September 2022

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals’ depsychopathologization in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) faces systemic discriminations built-in epistemic pipelines. Based on an analysis of unexploited data from ICD-11 and the French translation process, this article addresses power issues in participatory research and systemic discrimination within a socio-cultural context. We used a peer-driven participatory approach to conduct qualitative analyses of the French version of the ICD based on contributions from 72 TGD participants in the French study for ICD-11. The results highlight a major incongruence between participants’ propositions and the final official translation. Alternative terms were proposed and discussed by participants in regard to usage and concepts, but also encompassed participation and perceived futility of maintaining pathologization. We found discrepancies in the French publication and translation processes, respectively on gender categorization and back translation. These results question the relevance and implementation of ICD-11 for TGD communities and highlight failures at all three stages of the official French translation. Power issues have an impact on knowledge production and, while mechanisms vary, all relate to epistemic injustice. Involving TGD communities in all stages of medical knowledge production processes would reduce transphobic biases. Individuals with personal stakes involved in politicized research areas appear all the more necessary today.
Cost-Effectiveness of Positive Memory Training (PoMeT) for the Treatment of Depression in Schizophrenia
Authors: Simon Judit , Kiss Noemi , Korrelboom Kees , Kingdon David , Wykes Til , Phiri Peter , van der Gaag Mark , Baksh M. Fazil , Steel Craig
Published: September 2022

The Positive Memory Training (PoMeT) trial demonstrated reduced depression symptoms at 3 months for schizophrenia, but its longer-term outcome and cost impacts remain unknown. This study is a within-trial cost-utility analysis with quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) as outcome based on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement and secondary outcome analyses of capability well-being. The incremental cost-effectiveness of PoMeT was compared to Treatment As Usual only (TAU) over 9 months from the ‘health and social’ care and ‘societal’ perspectives. Uncertainty was explored using bootstrapping and sensitivity analyses for cost outliers and outcome methods. HRQoL improvement was observed for both PoMeT and TAU at 3 months, but reached statistical significance and was sustained only for TAU. There was no change in capability well-being and no significant group difference in QALYs gained over 9 months. Mean intervention cost was GBP 823. Compared to TAU, PoMeT had significantly higher mental health care costs (+GBP 1251, 95% CI GBP 185 to GBP 2316) during the trial, but ‘health and social care’ and ‘societal’ cost differences were non-significant. Compared to the before-trial period, psychiatric medication costs increased significantly in both groups. The probability of PoMeT being cost-effective in the given format over 9 months was <30% and decreased further in sensitivity analyses.. Generalizability remains limited since the before-after cost analysis revealed additional treatment effects also in the TAU group that likely diminished the incremental impacts and cost-effectiveness of PoMeT. It is not clear whether an active post-intervention follow-up could result in sustained longer-term effects and improved cost-effectiveness.
Review on Eco-Environment Research in the Yellow River Basin: A Bibliometric Perspective
Authors: Liu Lina , Zeng Jingjing , Wu Xinnian , Qu Jiansheng , Li Xuemei , Zhang Jing , Han Jinyu
Published: September 2022

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) is an important economic zone and ecological barrier in China. The analysis of its research characteristics and hotspots has been helpful to grasping the future research direction. This work carried out text mining and analysis on scientific papers related to eco-environment research in the YRB from English and Chinese publications. It showed that: there was a fluctuating upward trend over the past 30 years, which was closely related to major events in the YRB during the same period. Chinese research institutions have a closer cooperation with the USA, Australia and other developed countries. More articles were from high-quality journals in ecology, the environment, and others. Interestingly, research institutions with more Chinese articles were mainly located around Beijing or the YRB. Additionally, from a research object perspective, both the English and Chinese articles have mainly focused on large areas such as the lower Yellow River, the middle reaches of the Yellow River, and the upper reaches of the Yellow River, then turning to small areas such as the Yellow River estuary and the source area of the Yellow River. Eco-environment research in the YRB has involved multiple disciplines, and “water–soil–vegetation–ecological protection” has been widely concerned. From the evolution law of hot topics, it has shown a transformation from quantity to quality, from utilization to management, from macro to micro, from construction to high-quality development. It suggests that future research should focus on water, soil, the ecological environment and local high-quality development in small regions and small watersheds.
Effects of the Developing and Using a Model to Predict Dengue Risk Villages Based on Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Southern Thailand
Authors: Nontapet Orratai , Jaroenpool Jiraporn , Maneerattanasa Sarunya , Thongchan Supaporn , Ponprasert Chumpron , Khammaneechan Patthanasak , Le Cua Ngoc , Chutipattana Nirachon , Suwanbamrung Charuai
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of developing and using a model to predict dengue risk in villages and of a larval indices surveillance system for 2372 households in 10 Thai villages. A community participatory action research method was used in five steps: (1) community preparation covering all stakeholders, (2) assessment of the understanding of a dengue solution and a larval indices surveillance system, (3) development of a prediction and intervention model for dengue risk villages, (4) implementation of the model that responds to all stakeholders, and (5) evaluation of the effects of using the model. The questionnaires to assess and evaluate were validated and reliability tested. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to analyze the quantitative data collected by means of questionnaires. Thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data collected through interviews. The results found that the model consisted of six main activities, including (1) setting team leader responsibility, (2) situation assessment, (3) prediction of the dengue risk in villages, (4) the six steps of the larval indices surveillance system, (5) the understanding of the dengue solution and the understanding of the larval indices surveillance system training program, and (6) local wisdom innovation. The effects of using the model showed a statistically significant increase in correct understanding among 932 family leaders, 109 village health volunteers, and 59 student leaders regarding dengue prevention and control (p < 0.05). The larval indices and dengue morbidity were diminished and related to the nine themes present in the community leaders’ reflections and to the satisfaction of the community members. Hence, local administrative organizations should use community-based approaches as the subdistrict dengue solution innovation to reduce the dengue problem.
A Clinical Preventive Strategy Based on a Digital Tool to Improve Access to Endocrine Disruptors Exposure Prevention: The MEDPREVED Study
Authors: Albouy Marion , Parthenay Maud , Nogues Maeva , Leyris Agathe , Degorce Léa , Barthelemy Zacharie , Rafidison Diana , Gourgues Anne-Sophie , Migeot Virginie , Pylouster Jean , Dupuis Antoine
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The digitalized PREVED (PREgnancy, PreVention, Endocrine Disruptor) questionnaire was used in the clinical practices of health professionals (HP) who adhered to the MEDPREVED strategy. The objectives were to assess the strategy and to determine if it could improve access to endocrine disruptor (ED) exposure prevention. Methods: After having filled in the digital questionnaire in HP waiting rooms, patients were invited to talk about ED exposure during the consultation. HPs were previously trained in ED and had received a prevention kit for their patients. After the seven-month implementation phase, the evaluation phase consisted of five mixed assessments: interviews with: (i) patients who were young children’s parents; (ii) patients in the general population; (iii) paediatricians; (iv) midwives; and a quantitative study on GPs. Assessment concerned feasibility, accessibility, and usefulness of the strategy; we then used the Levesque model to evaluate how it could improve access to ED exposure prevention. Results: The study included 69 participants. The strategy appeared feasible for the filling-out step due to digital and environment access. However, it depended on patient and HP profiles. The strategy seemed useful insofar as it facilitated reflexive investment, an intention to healthy behaviour and, rather rarely, talk about ED exposure. The beginning of this discussion depended on time, prioritizing of the topic and HP profile. The strategy has confirmed the Levesque model’s limiting factors and levers to access ED prevention. Conclusions: The MEDPREVED strategy is feasible, accessible, and useful in clinical prevention practice. Further study is needed to measure the impact on knowledge, risk perception and behavior of beneficiaries of the MEDPREVED strategy in the medium and long term.
Effects of the Short-Foot Exercise on Foot Alignment and Muscle Hypertrophy in Flatfoot Individuals: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Ching , Chen Liang-Yu , Liao Yi-Hung , Masodsai Kunanya , Lin Yi-Yuan
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to examine the effects of the short-foot exercise (SFE) compared to foot orthosis or other types of interventions. Eligibility criteria involved participants with flatfoot engaging in the SFE compared to other forms of intervention or control groups without specific intervention. Relevant studies published before the end of June 2022 were identified from databases. A meta-analysis was performed by calculating the mean differences (MD) and standard MD (SMD) using the random effects model. Six trials with 201 patients (out of 609 records) that met selection criteria were reviewed. Five of the six trials implemented distinct interventions in the control group such as shoe insoles and muscle strengthening exercises, while in the remaining trial, controls received no intervention. The SFE group significantly reduced the navicular drop test (NDT) values (MD: −0.23; 95% confidence interval: −0.45 to −0.02; p = 0.04) and the foot posture index (FPI-6) score (MD: −0.67; 95% confidence interval: −0.98 to −0.36; p < 0.0001) when compared to the control group. The muscle hypertrophy did not differ significantly between the groups. The SFE may contribute more benefits than other intervention as it affects flatfoot individuals’ foot alignment. Hence, the SFE is recommended as a beneficial dynamic support when facing flatfoot problems.
Believing Processes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Tietz Sophie , Fleischmann Eva , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Bengesser Susanne A. , Lenger Melanie , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Mairinger Marco , Körner Christof , Pieh Christoph , Seitz Rüdiger J. , Hick Hannes , Angel Hans-Ferdinand , Dalkner Nina
Published: September 2022

Cognition, emotion, emotional regulation, and believing play a special role in psychosocial functioning, especially in times of crisis. So far, little is known about the process of believing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to examine the process of believing (using the Model of Credition) and the associated psychosocial strain/stress during the first lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey via LimeSurvey was conducted using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and a dedicated Believing Questionnaire, which assesses four parameters of credition (propositions, certainty, emotion, mightiness) between April and June, 2020, in Austria. In total, n = 156 mentally healthy participants completed all questionnaires. Negative credition parameters were associated with higher global symptom load (from BSI-18): narratives: r = 0.29, p < 0.001; emotions r = 0.39, p < 0.001. These findings underline the importance of credition as a link between cognition and emotion and their impact on psychosocial functioning and stress regulation in implementing novel strategies to promote mental health.
Worker Protection Scenarios for General Analytical Testing Facility under Several Infection Propagation Risks: Scoping Review, Epidemiological Model and ISO 31000
Authors: Park Jong-Myong , Cho Joong-Hee , Jun Nam-Soo , Bang Ki-In , Hong Ji-Won
Published: September 2022

Infectious disease is a risk threating industrial operations and worker health. In gastrointestinal disease cases, outbreak is sporadic, and propagation is often terminated within certain populations, although cases in industrial sites are continuously reported. The ISO 31000 international standard for risk management, an epidemiological triad model, and a scoping review were the methods used to establish response procedures (scenarios) to protect workers from the risk of the propagation of a gastrointestinal disease. First, human reservoirs and transmission routes were identified as controllable risk sources based on a scoping review and the use of a triad model. Second, the possibility of fomite- or surface-mediated transmission appeared to be higher based on environmental characterization. Thus, the propagation could be suppressed using epidemiological measures categorized by reservoirs (workers) or transmission routes during a primary case occurrence. Next, using results of a matrix, a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats analysis and a scoping review, the risk treatment option was determined as risk taking and sharing. According to epidemiology of gastrointestinal infections, systematic scenarios may ensure the efficacy of propagation control. Standardized procedures with practicality and applicability were established for categorized scenarios. This study converged ISO 31000 standards, an epidemiological model, and scoping review methods to construct a risk management scenario (non-pharmaceutical intervention) optimized for the unique characteristics of a specific occupational cluster.
Completeness and Consistency of Epidemiological Variables from Hospital-Based Cancer Registries in a Brazilian State
Authors: Lopes-Júnior Luís Carlos , Dell’Antonio Larissa Soares , Pessanha Raphael Manhaes , Dell’Antonio Cristiano Soares , da Silva Michelaine Isabel , de Souza Thayna Mamedi , Grassi Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Objective: To evaluate the completeness and consistency of data from hospital-based cancer registries (HCRs) in a Brazilian state. Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was based on secondary data from an HCR in the state of Espírito Santo (ES) between 2010 and 2017. The data were collected between August and November 2020 by the ES State Health Department (SESA/ES). Cancer data were obtained from the HCR of ES using the tumor registration form of the Brazilian Hospital Cancer Registry Integrator and complete databases within the SESA/ES. The incompleteness of the data was classified as excellent (<5%), good (between 5% and 10%), regular (between 10% and 20%), poor (between 20% and 50%), and very poor (>50%), according to the percentage of the absence of information. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS® Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) version 20.0. Results: Complete data were observed for the variables of sex, date of the first hospital visit, and histological type of the primary tumor; that is, there were no missing data. Most epidemiological variables, including age, origin, date of first tumor diagnosis, previous diagnosis and treatment, location of the primary tumor, first treatment received at the hospital, date of death of the patient, and probable location of the primary tumor, were classified as having excellent completeness throughout the study period. However, the variables schooling, smoking, alcohol consumption, occupation, family history of cancer, and clinical staging of the tumor were classified as poor. Conclusion: Most epidemiological variables from the HCR in the state of ES, Brazil, showed excellent completeness. It is essential to elucidate the sociodemographic and clinical variables of epidemiological importance for a better understanding of the health-disease process.
Women’s Respiratory Movements during Spontaneous Breathing and Physical Fitness: A Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study
Authors: Liang Wen-Ming , Bai Zhen-Min , Aihemaiti Maiwulamu , Yuan Lei , Hong Zhi-Min , Xiao Jing , Ren Fei-Fei , Rukšėnas Osvaldas
Published: September 2022

Background: Abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing exercises are popular worldwide and have been proven to be beneficial for physical performance. Is abdominal motion (AM) during spontaneous breathing correlated with physical fitness? The present study aimed to answer this question. Methods: 434 women (aged 20–59) were enrolled and participated in respiration tests using two respiration belts (one was tied at the height of the xiphoid and another at the navel) to detect AM and thoracic motion (TM). They also performed physical fitness tests to measure body size, muscular strength, muscular power, muscular endurance, balance, flexibility, reaction time, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Results: All the correlation coefficients between respiratory movements (AM, TM, AM + TM, AM/(AM + TM)) and physical fitness outcomes were less than 0.4/−0.4. Only AM and muscular power (countermovement jump height) had a weak correlation, with a correlation coefficient close to 0.4 in the 20−29-year age group (rs = 0.398, p = 0.011, n = 40). Conclusions: Women’s respiratory movements during spontaneous breathing were not correlated with physical fitness. Future studies may focus on the relationship between AM and countermovement jump height in young women with a larger sample size and using ultrasound to directly test the excursion of the diaphragm.
Effect of Age and Gender on the Efficacy of a 12-Month Body Weight Reduction Program Conducted Online—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Woźniak Jakub , Woźniak Katarzyna , Wojciechowska Olga , Wrzosek Michał , Włodarek Dariusz
Published: September 2022

Overweight and obesity are a cause of many non-communicable diseases leading to an increased risk of death. There are many programs aimed at weight reduction, but few publications have evaluated their effectiveness according to the gender and age of the subjects. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of age and gender on weight loss outcomes in subjects participating in a 12-month online weight loss program. 400 subjects, 190 men and 210 women, were included in the study. The online intervention consisted of a 15% energy deficit diet and training (RESPO method). Changes in body weight over 12 months were similar (p = 0.14) across age groups. Weight reductions by month were statistically significant (p = 0.0001) in both groups. We noted no differences in weight loss between men and women expressed in kilograms. However, women reduced their body weight to a greater extent, i.e., by 2.7 percentage points, than men. Gender is a factor that may influence the effectiveness of weight loss programs, while age demonstrates no such influence. Our study shows that significant weight reduction during weight loss therapy is achieved by both men and women, but women can expect better results.
Relationship between Pain, Fear of Falling and Physical Performance in Older People Residents in Long-Stay Institutions: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fernandes Sabrina , Sales Weslley , Tavares Diego , Pereira Dayanna , Nóbrega Patrícia , Holanda Cristina , Maciel Alvaro
Published: September 2022

Introduction: To analyze the relationship between pain, the fear of falling and functional performance in older people living in a long-stay institution (LSI) in the interior of northeastern Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 133 older residents in an LSI in the State of Paraíba. The instruments used for data collection were the Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Results: Pain was reported by 57.5% of those evaluated, 48% being classified as chronic pain and presenting an average of 25.2 in the GPM. As for physical performance, assessed using the SPPB, the 133 older residents showed moderate to poor performance, with an average of 6.43 (±2.96) on the scale. By correlating the adjusted GPM values with the FES-I, a weak and statistically significant positive correlation was obtained (ρ = 0.31: p < 0.001). Conclusions: It can be concluded that those who reported pain had a worse performance in the applied tests, in addition to having higher scores on the scale referring to a fear of falling.
Effects of a School-Based Physical Activity Intervention for Obesity, Health-Related Physical Fitness, and Blood Pressure in Children with Intellectual Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Aiwei , Bu Danran , Yu Siyue , Sun Yan , Wang Jingjing , Lee Tinky Chin Ting , Baker Julien S. , Gao Yang
Published: September 2022

Children with intellectual disability (ID) are more vulnerable to health conditions than their typically developing peers. Evidence of effective interventions is scarce. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 30 overweight and obese children with intellectual disability (ID) in China to evaluate a 12-week school-based physical activity intervention for obesity, health-related physical fitness (HRPF), and blood pressure. The intervention consisted of 24 physical activity (PA) sessions (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session), with exercise intensity progressively increasing from a moderate level to a vigorous level. All participants were followed up for 12 weeks after the intervention period to evaluate sustained effects. Outcomes were repeatedly measured at baseline, after the intervention, and after follow-up. The intervention was effective in reducing some obesity-related outcomes (including weight and body mass index) and improving some HRPF-related outcomes (including the 6 min walk test and the 30 s sit-to-stand test), with the significant effects being sustained after the 12-week follow-up. No effect was observed on blood pressure. The findings of this study contribute to the development and implementation of PA interventions to reduce obesity and improve HRPF in children with ID.
COVID-19 Mortality in Patients Aged 80 and over Residing in Nursing Homes—Six Pandemic Waves: OCTA-COVID Study
Authors: Ruiz-Huerta Claudia , Canto Marcelle V. , Ruiz Carmen , González Ildefonso , Lozano-Montoya Isabel , Quezada-Feijoo Maribel , Gómez-Pavón Francisco J.
Published: September 2022

During the first COVID-19 pandemic wave in Spain, 50% of deaths occurred in nursing homes, making it necessary for some hospitals to support these facilities with the care of infected patients. This study compares origin, characteristics, and mortality of patients admitted with COVID-19 during six pandemic waves in the Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja in Madrid. It is a retrospective observational study of patients ≥80 years old, admitted with an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a total of 546 patients included, whose final outcome was death or discharge. During the first wave, those from nursing homes had a higher risk of death than those from home; during the two successive waves, the risk was higher for those from home; and in the last two waves, the risk equalized and decreased exponentially in both groups. Men had 72% higher risk of death than women. For each year of age, the risk increased by 4% (p = 0.036). For each Charlson index point, the risk increased by 14% (p = 0.019). Individuals in nursing homes, despite being older with higher comorbidity, did not show a higher overall lethality. The mortality decreased progressively in each successive wave due to high vaccination rates and COVID-19 control measures in this population.
The Alchemy of Coaching: Psychological Capital as HERO within Coaches’ Selves
Authors: Burhanuddin Nur Aimi Nasuha , Ahmad Nor Aniza , Said Rozita Radhiah , Asimiran Soaib
Published: September 2022

The complex nature of coaching challenges instructional coaches (ICs) professionally as it requires them to deal with not only teachers’ resistance, acceptance and expectation but also adhere to the complex and multifaceted roles that they are bearing. Psychological capital (PsyCap) has been upheld as an effective construct for defending against stress, negative emotions and burnout among educators. This phenomenological study explores ways in which PsyCap was experienced by Malaysian instructional coaches (ICs). Data were gathered from face-to-face interviews with seven instructional coaches purposefully selected from six different District Education Offices (DEOs) throughout Malaysia. Extracted from participants’ own words and through the exploration performed, PsyCap was experienced by the participants through a sense of responsibility, positive resources and work commitment. This study highlights the importance of PsyCap as inner positive psychological resources that aided instructional coaches in their practice of coaching. In addition, this study suggests future research recommendations towards implementing PsyCap developmental training with another group of instructional coaches.
Scale of Adherence to Good Hospital Practices for COVID-19: Psychometric Properties
Authors: Meneguin Silmara , Pollo Camila Fernandes , Melchiades Ediana Preisler , Ramos Melissa Santiloni Montanha , de Morais José Fausto , de Oliveira Cesar
Published: September 2022

To avoid hospital transmission, all COVID-19 prevention measures should be followed. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a novel scale developed to assess adherence to good practices for COVID-19 in the hospital setting. A methodological cross-sectional study was conducted at a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, with 307 healthcare providers. Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic/occupational data and the Adherence to Standard Precautions for COVID-19 scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and the intraclass correlation coefficients were used to measure internal consistency and temporal stability (test-retest analysis), respectively. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the scores of the overall scale and its domains. Factorial structure was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis and goodness-of-fit of the model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the scale and its domains were higher than 0.7, except the psychosocial domain (0.61). All intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than 0.7. Strong correlations were found between the total score and the personal (0.84) and organizational (0.90) domains of the scale and a good correlation was found with the psychosocial domain (0.66). The fit of the multidimensional model was satisfactory for all parameters and the three-dimensional structure of the scale was confirmed by the fit of the factor loadings. The novel scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing adherence to good hospital practices for COVID-19.
In Vitro and In Vivo Validation of GATA-3 Suppression for Induction of Adipogenesis and Improving Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Al-Jaber Hend , Mohamed Nura A. , Govindharajan Vijay K. , Taha Samir , John Jomon , Halim Sharique , Alser Maha , Al-Muraikhy Shamma , Anwardeen Najeha Rizwana , Agouni Abdelali , Elhissi Abdelbary , Al-Naemi Hamda A. , Al-Mansoori Layla , Elrayess Mohamed A.
Published: September 2022

Impaired adipogenesis is associated with the development of insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). GATA Binding Protein 3 (GATA3) is implicated in impaired adipogenesis and the onset of insulin resistance. Therefore, we hypothesize that inhibition of GATA3 could promote adipogenesis, restore healthy fat distribution, and enhance insulin signaling. Primary human preadipocytes were treated with GATA3 inhibitor (DNAzyme hgd40). Cell proliferation, adipogenic capacity, gene expression, and insulin signaling were measured following well-established protocols. BALB/c mice were treated with DNAzyme hgd40 over a period of 2 weeks. Liposomes loaded with DNAzyme hgd40, pioglitazone (positive), or vehicle (negative) controls were administered subcutaneously every 2 days at the right thigh. At the end of the study, adipose tissues were collected and weighed from the site of injection, the opposite side, and the omental depot. Antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities were assessed in animals’ sera, and gene expression was measured using well-established protocols. In vitro GATA3 inhibition induced the adipogenesis of primary human preadipocytes and enhanced insulin signaling through the reduced expression of p70S6K. In vivo GATA3 inhibition promoted adipogenesis at the site of injection and reduced MCP-1 expression. GATA3 inhibition also reduced omental tissue size and PPARγ expression. These findings suggest that modulating GATA3 expression offers a potential therapeutic benefit by correcting impaired adipogenesis, promoting healthy fat distribution, improving insulin sensitivity, and potentially lowering the risk of T2D.
Heterogeneous Evolution of Sex Chromosomes in the Torrent Frog Genus Amolops
Authors: Ping Jun , Xia Yun , Ran Jianghong , Zeng Xiaomao
Published: September 2022

In sharp contrast to birds and mammals, in numerous cold-blooded vertebrates, sex chromosomes have been described as homomorphic. This sex chromosome homomorphy has been suggested to result from the high turnovers often observed across deeply diverged clades. However, little is known about the tempo and mode of sex chromosome evolution among the most closely related species. Here, we examined the evolution of sex chromosome among nine species of the torrent frog genus Amolops. We analyzed male and female GBS and RAD-seq from 182 individuals and performed PCR verification for 176 individuals. We identified signatures of sex chromosomes involving two pairs of chromosomes. We found that sex-chromosome homomorphy results from both turnover and X–Y recombination in the Amolops species, which simultaneously exhibits heterogeneous evolution on homologous and non-homologous sex chromosomes. A low turnover rate of non-homologous sex chromosomes exists in these torrent frogs. The ongoing X–Y recombination in homologous sex chromosomes will act as an indispensable force in preventing sex chromosomes from differentiating.
DRB2 Modulates Leaf Rolling by Regulating Accumulation of MicroRNAs Related to Leaf Development in Rice
Authors: Yuan Zhaodi , Pan Jihong , Chen Congping , Tang Yulin , Zhang Hongshan , Guo Jia , Yang Xiaorong , Chen Longfei , Li Chunyan , Zhao Ke , Wang Qian , Yang Bin , Sun Changhui , Deng Xiaojian , Wang Pingrong
Published: September 2022

As an important agronomic trait in rice (Oryza sativa), moderate leaf rolling helps to maintain the erectness of leaves and minimize shadowing between leaves, leading to improved photosynthetic efficiency and grain yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying rice leaf rolling still need to be elucidated. Here, we isolated a rice mutant, rl89, showing adaxially rolled leaf phenotype due to decreased number and size of bulliform cells. We confirmed that the rl89 phenotypes were caused by a single nucleotide substitution in OsDRB2 (LOC_Os10g33970) gene encoding DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA-BINDING2. This gene was constitutively expressed, and its encoded protein was localized to both nucleus and cytoplasm. Yeast two-hybrid assay showed that OsDRB2 could interact with DICER-LIKE1 (DCL1) and OsDRB1-2 respectively. qRT-PCR analysis of 29 related genes suggested that defects of the OsDRB2-miR166-OsHBs pathway could play an important role in formation of the rolled leaf phenotype of rl89, in which OsDRB2 mutation reduced miR166 accumulation, resulting in elevated expressions of the class III homeodomain-leucine zipper genes (such as OsHB1, 3 and 5) involved in leaf polarity and/or morphology development. Moreover, OsDRB2 mutation also reduced accumulation of miR160, miR319, miR390, and miR396, which could cause the abnormal leaf development in rl89 by regulating expressions of their target genes related to leaf development.
Metagenomic Sequencing for the Diagnosis of Plasmodium spp. with Different Levels of Parasitemia in EDTA Blood of Malaria Patients—A Proof-of-Principle Assessment
Authors: Frickmann Hagen , Weinreich Felix , Loderstädt Ulrike , Poppert Sven , Tannich Egbert , Bull Jana , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Barrantes Israel
Published: September 2022

Molecular diagnostic approaches are increasingly included in the diagnostic workup and even in the primary diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic settings, where it is difficult to maintain skillful microscopic malaria detection due to the rarity of the disease. Pathogen-specific nucleic acid amplification, however, bears the risk of overlooking other pathogens associated with febrile illness in returnees from the tropics. Here, we assessed the discriminatory potential of metagenomic sequencing for the identification of different Plasmodium species with various parasitemia in EDTA blood of malaria patients. Overall, the proportion of Plasmodium spp.-specific sequence reads in the assessed samples showed a robust positive correlation with parasitemia (Spearman r = 0.7307, p = 0.0001) and a robust negative correlation with cycle threshold (Ct) values of genus-specific real-time PCR (Spearman r = −0.8626, p ≤ 0.0001). Depending on the applied bioinformatic algorithm, discrimination on species level was successful in 50% (11/22) to 63.6% (14/22) instances. Limiting factors for the discrimination on species level were very low parasitemia, species-depending lacking availability of reliable reference genomes, and mixed infections with high variance of the proportion of the infecting species. In summary, metagenomic sequencing as performed in this study is suitable for the detection of malaria in human blood samples, but the diagnostic detection limit for a reliable discrimination on species level remains higher than for competing diagnostic approaches like microscopy and PCR.
Dendrimers with Tetraphenylmethane Moiety as a Central Core: Synthesis, a Pore Study and the Adsorption of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Gu Zi-Ting , Tzeng Chung-Hao , Chien Hung-Jui , Chen Chun-Chi , Lai Long-Li
Published: September 2022

Reasonable yields of two dendrimers with central tetraphenylmethane and peripheral 3,5-di-(tert-butanoylamino)benzoylpiperazine moieties are prepared. These dendrimers have a void space in the solid state so they adsorb guest molecules. Their BET values vary, depending on the H-bond interaction between the peripheral moiety and the gas molecules, and the dendritic framework that fabricates the void space is flexible. In the presence of polar gas molecules such as CO2, the BET increases significantly and is about 4–8 times the BET under N2. One dendrimer adsorbs cyanobenzene to a level of 436 mg/g, which, to the authors’ best knowledge, is almost equivalent to the highest reported value in the literature.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Climate-Resilient Smart-Crop Breeding
Authors: Khan Muhammad Hafeez Ullah , Wang Shoudong , Wang Jun , Ahmar Sunny , Saeed Sumbul , Khan Shahid Ullah , Xu Xiaogang , Chen Hongyang , Bhat Javaid Akhter , Feng Xianzhong
Published: September 2022

Recently, Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a revolutionary field, providing a great opportunity in shaping modern crop breeding, and is extensively used indoors for plant science. Advances in crop phenomics, enviromics, together with the other “omics” approaches are paving ways for elucidating the detailed complex biological mechanisms that motivate crop functions in response to environmental trepidations. These “omics” approaches have provided plant researchers with precise tools to evaluate the important agronomic traits for larger-sized germplasm at a reduced time interval in the early growth stages. However, the big data and the complex relationships within impede the understanding of the complex mechanisms behind genes driving the agronomic-trait formations. AI brings huge computational power and many new tools and strategies for future breeding. The present review will encompass how applications of AI technology, utilized for current breeding practice, assist to solve the problem in high-throughput phenotyping and gene functional analysis, and how advances in AI technologies bring new opportunities for future breeding, to make envirotyping data widely utilized in breeding. Furthermore, in the current breeding methods, linking genotype to phenotype remains a massive challenge and impedes the optimal application of high-throughput field phenotyping, genomics, and enviromics. In this review, we elaborate on how AI will be the preferred tool to increase the accuracy in high-throughput crop phenotyping, genotyping, and envirotyping data; moreover, we explore the developing approaches and challenges for multiomics big computing data integration. Therefore, the integration of AI with “omics” tools can allow rapid gene identification and eventually accelerate crop-improvement programs.
Zinc Fingers and Homeobox Family in Cancer: A Double-Edged Sword
Authors: Bao Yonghua , Zhang Haifeng , Han Zhixue , Guo Yongchen , Yang Wancai
Published: September 2022

The zinc fingers and homeobox (ZHX) family includes ZHX1, ZHX2, and ZHX3, and their proteins have similar unique structures, containing two C2H2-type zinc finger motifs and four or five HOX-like homeodomains. The members of the ZHX family can form homodimers or heterodimers with each other or with a subunit of nuclear factor Y. Previous studies have suggested that ZHXs can function as positive or negative transcriptional regulators. Recent studies have further revealed their biological functions and underlying mechanisms in cancers. This review summarized the advances of ZHX-mediated functions, including tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions in cancer formation and progression, the molecular mechanisms, and regulatory functions, such as cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Moreover, the differential expression levels and their association with good or poor outcomes in patients with various malignancies and differential responses to chemotherapy exert opposite functions of oncogene or tumor suppressors. Therefore, the ZHXs act as a double-edged sword in cancers.
Cardiac Alarmins as Residual Risk Markers of Atherosclerosis under Hypolipidemic Therapy
Authors: Suica Viorel I. , Uyy Elena , Ivan Luminita , Boteanu Raluca M. , Cerveanu-Hogas Aurel , Hansen Rune , Antohe Felicia
Published: September 2022

Increased levels of low-density lipoproteins are the main risk factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Although statin treatment can effectively lower these levels, there is still a residual risk of cardiovascular events. We hypothesize that a specific panel of stress-sensing molecules (alarmins) could indicate the persistence of silent atherosclerosis residual risk. New Zealand White rabbits were divided into: control group (C), a group that received a high-fat diet for twelve weeks (Au), and a treated hyperlipidemic group with a lipid diet for eight weeks followed by a standard diet and hypolipidemic treatment (atorvastatin and PCSK9 siRNA-inhibitor) for four weeks (Asi). Mass spectrometry experiments of left ventricle lysates were complemented by immunologic and genomic studies to corroborate the data. The hyperlipidemic diet determined a general alarmin up-regulation tendency over the C group. A significant spectral abundance increase was measured for specific heat shock proteins, S100 family members, HMGB1, and Annexin A1. The hypolipidemic treatment demonstrated a reversed regulation trend with non-significant spectral alteration over the C group for some of the identified alarmins. Our study highlights the discriminating potential of alarmins in hyperlipidemia or following hypolipidemic treatment. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD035692.
Disordered Glucose Levels Are Associated with Xanthine Oxidase Activity in Overweight Type 2 Diabetic Women
Authors: Hernandez-Hernandez Maria Elena , Torres-Rasgado Enrique , Pulido-Perez Patricia , Nicolás-Toledo Leticia , Martínez-Gómez Margarita , Rodríguez-Antolín Jorge , Pérez-Fuentes Ricardo , Romero Jose R.
Published: September 2022

Oxidative stress plays an important role in vascular complications observed in patients with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Xanthine oxidase (XO) breaks down purine nucleotides into uric acid and contributes to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the relationship between XO activity and glucose homeostasis in T2D subjects with obesity is unclear. We hypothesized that disordered glucose levels are associated with serum XO activity in overweight women and men with T2D and without hyperuricemia. We studied serum XO activity in women and men with and without T2D. Our results show that serum XO activity was greater in T2D patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 than in those with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (p < 0.0001). Sex-based comparative analyses of overweight T2D patients showed that serum XO activity correlated with homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and hemoglobin A1C in overweight T2D women but not in overweight T2D men. In addition, as compared to overweight T2D men, women had higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. However, overweight T2D men had higher XO activity and uric acid levels than women. Our results suggest that XO activity is higher in overweight T2D patients, especially in men, but is more sensitive to disordered glucose levels in overweight women with T2D.
Photosynthetic Reactions: From Molecules to Function, and from Simple Models to Complex Systems
Authors: Gieczewska Katarzyna B. , Myśliwa-Kurdziel Beata , Grzyb Joanna
Published: September 2022

Photosynthesis is the basic process for life on Earth—and the one that has changed life history most drastically [...]
TAO—The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory
Authors: Steiger Hans Theodor Josef
Published: September 2022

The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory (TAO or JUNO-TAO) is a satellite detector for the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). JUNO aims at simultaneously probing the two main frequencies of three-flavor neutrino oscillations, as well as their interference related to the mass ordering, at a distance of ~53 km from two powerful nuclear reactor complexes in China. Located near the Taishan-1 reactor, TAO independently measures the antineutrino energy spectrum of the reactor with unprecedented energy resolution. The TAO experiment will realize a neutrino detection rate of about 2000 per day. In order to achieve its goals, TAO is relying on cutting-edge technology, both in photosensor and liquid scintillator (LS) development which is expected to have an impact on future neutrino and Dark Matter detectors. In this paper, the design of the TAO detector with a special focus on calorimetry is discussed. In addition, an overview of the progress currently being made in the R&D for a photosensor and LS technology in the frame of the TAO project will be presented.