bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Lorentzian SU(1, n) Spacetime Symmetry In Various Dimensions
Authors: Lambert N. , Mouland R. , Orchard T.
Published: June 2022

We discuss non-Lorentzian Lagrangian field theories in 2n − 1 dimensions that admit an SU(1, n) spacetime symmetry which includes a scaling transformation. These can be obtained by a conformal compactification of a 2n-dimensional Minkowskian conformal field theory. We discuss the symmetry algebra, its representations including primary fields and unitarity bounds. We also give various examples of free theories in a variety of dimensions and a discussion of how to reconstruct the parent 2n-dimensional theory.
Assessing Rodent Cardiac Function in vivo Using Hemodynamic Pressure-Volume Loops
Authors: Miranda-Silva Daniela , Sequeira Vasco , Lourenço André P. , Falcão-Pires Inês
Published: June 2022

Heart failure (HF) triggered by cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diseases is a leading cause of death worldwide and translational research is urgently needed to better understand the mechanisms of the failing heart. For this purpose, rodent models of heart disease combined with in vivo cardiac functional assessment have provided valuable insights into the physiological significance of a given genetic or pharmacological modification. In small animals, cardiac function and structure can be evaluated by methods such as echocardiography, telemetry or hemodynamics using conductance catheters. Indeed, hemodynamic analysis of pressure-volume loops (PV-loops) has become the gold standard methodology to study in vivo cardiac function in detail. This method provides simultaneous measurement of both pressure and volume signals from rodents intact beating hearts. On the one hand, PV-loop analysis has deeply expanded the knowledge on molecular cardiac physiology by allowing establishing important functional correlations. On the other hand, these measurements allow dissecting the cardiovascular functional impact of certain therapeutic interventions or specific signaling pathways using transgenic models of disease. However, a detailed assessment of cardiac function and structure in vivo still warrants proper standardization and optimization to boost the progress of HF research. With increasing concerns over data accuracy and reproducibility, guidelines and best practices for cardiac physiology measurements in experimental settings are needed. This article aims to review the best practices for carrying out cardiac hemodynamic assessment using PV-loops in vivo in rodents intact beating hearts, also providing an overview of its advantages, disadvantages and applications in cardiovascular research.
Comparative Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of Hirudo nipponia in Different Growth Periods
Authors: Ma Xiaocong , Yan Xiuying , Ke Ren , Shan Huiquan , Rehman Saif ur , Feng Tong , Zheng Yalin , Chuang Chen , Zhou Weiguan , Liu Qingyou , Zheng Jinghui
Published: June 2022

Hirudo nipponia is the only blood-sucking leech included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia having distinct features of anticoagulation, exorcizing blood stasis, and promoting menstruation. Despite such significant characteristics, very little is known about its molecular genetics and related physiological mechanisms. In this study, the transcriptomes of H. nipponia at three developmental stages (larvae, young, and adults), revealed a total of 1,348 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 223 differentially expressed lncRNAs, and 88 novel mRNAs. A significant diverse gene expression patterns were observed at different developmental stages which were analyzed by differential gene expression trends, and the overall gene expression trends consist of three overall down-regulated trends, and two overall up-regulated trends. Furthermore, the GO and KEGG enrichment functional annotation analysis revealed that these DEGs were mainly associated with protein hydrolysis, signal transduction, energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism while growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction-related DEGs were also found. Additionally, real-time quantitative PCR results confirmed deep sequencing results based on the relative expression levels of nine randomly selected genes. This is the first transcriptome-based comprehensive study of H. irudo nipponia at different developmental stages which provided considerable deep understanding related to gene expression patterns and their relevant developmental pathways, neurodevelopmental and reproductive characteristics of the leech.
Annual Herbaceous Plants Exhibit Altered Morphological Traits in Response to Altered Precipitation and Drought Patterns in Semiarid Sandy Grassland, Northern China
Authors: Sun Shan-Shan , Liu Xin-Ping , Zhao Xue-Yong , Medina-Roldánd Eduardo , He Yu-Hui , Lv Peng , Hu Hong-Jiao
Published: June 2022

The frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events and severe drought are predicted to increase in semiarid areas due to global climate change. Plant morphological traits can reflect plant responses to a changing environment, such as altered precipitation or drought patterns. In this study, we examined the response of morphological traits of root, stem, leaf and reproduction meristems of annual herbaceous species to altered precipitation and drought patterns in a semiarid sandy grassland. The study involved a control treatment (100% of background precipitation) and the following six altered precipitation treatments: (1) P(+): precipitation increased by 30%, (2) P(++): precipitation increased by 60%, (3) P(-): precipitation decreased by 30%, (4) P(--): precipitation decreased by 60%, (5) drought 1 (D1): 46-day drought from May 1st to June 15th, and (6) drought 2 (D2): 46-day drought from July 1st to August 15th. P(++) significantly increased root length, flower length-to-width ratio, both P(+) and P(++) significantly increased stem length and flower number in the plant growing seasons, while all of them decreased under P(-) and P(--). The annual herbaceous plants marginally increased the number of second-level stem branches and stem diameter in order to better resist the severe drought stress under P(--). P(+) and P(++) increased the root, stem, leaf, and flower dry weight, with the flower dry weight accounting for a larger proportion than the other aboveground parts. Under D2, the plants used the limited water resources more efficiently by increasing the root-to-shoot ratio compared with P(-), P(--) and D1, which reflects biomass allocation to belowground increased. The linear mixed-effects models and redundancy analysis showed that the root-to-shoot ratio and the dry weight of various plant components were significantly affected by morphological traits and altered precipitation magnitude. Our results showed that the herbaceous species have evolved morphological trait responses that allow them to adapt to climate change. Such differences in morphological traits may ultimately affect the growing patterns of annual herbaceous species, enhancing their drought-tolerant capacity in semiarid sandy grassland during the ongoing climate change.
Seasonal and Inter-Annual Variations of Carbon Dioxide Fluxes and Their Determinants in an Alpine Meadow
Authors: Wang Song , Chen Weinan , Fu Zheng , Li Zhaolei , Wang Jinsong , Liao Jiaqiang , Niu Shuli
Published: June 2022

The alpine meadow is one of the most important ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) due to its huge carbon storage and wide distribution. Evaluating the carbon fluxes in alpine meadow ecosystems is crucial to understand the dynamics of carbon storage in high-altitude areas. Here, we investigated the carbon fluxes at seasonal and inter-annual timescales based on 5 years of observations of eddy covariance fluxes in the Zoige alpine meadow on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. We found that the Zoige alpine meadow acted as a faint carbon source of 94.69 ± 86.44 g C m−2 y−1 during the observation periods with large seasonal and inter-annual variations (IAVs). At the seasonal scale, gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Re) were positively correlated with photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), average daily temperature (Ta), and vapor pressure (VPD) and had negative relationships with volumetric water content (VWC). Seasonal variations of net ecosystem carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange (NEE) were mostly explained by Ta, followed by PPFD, VPD, and VWC. The IAVs of GPP and Re were mainly attributable to the IAV of the maximum GPP rate (GPPmax) and maximum Re rate (Remax), respectively, both of which increased with the percentage of Cyperaceae and decreased with the percentage of Polygonaceae changes across years. The IAV of NEE was well explained by the anomalies of the maximum CO2 release rate (MCR). These results indicated that the annual net CO2 exchange in the alpine meadow ecosystem was controlled mainly by the maximum C release rates. Therefore, a better understanding of physiological response to various environmental factors at peak C uptake and release seasons will largely improve the predictions of GPP, Re, and NEE in the context of global change.
The Metacaspase TaMCA-Id Negatively Regulates Salt-Induced Programmed Cell Death and Functionally Links With Autophagy in Wheat
Authors: Yue Jie-yu , Wang Ying-jie , Jiao Jin-lan , Wang Wen-wen , Wang Hua-zhong
Published: June 2022

Metacaspases (MCAs), a family of caspase-like proteins, are important regulators of programmed cell death (PCD) in plant defense response. Autophagy is an important regulator of PCD. This study explored the underlying mechanism of the interaction among PCD, MCAs, and autophagy and their impact on wheat response to salt stress. In this study, the wheat salt-responsive gene TaMCA-Id was identified. The open reading frame (ORF) of TaMCA-Id was 1,071 bp, coding 356 amino acids. The predicted molecular weight and isoelectric point were 38,337.03 Da and 8.45, respectively. TaMCA-Id had classic characteristics of type I MCAs domains, a typical N-terminal pro-domain rich in proline. TaMCA-Id was mainly localized in the chloroplast and exhibited nucleocytoplasmictrafficking under NaCl treatment. Increased expression of TaMCA-Id in wheat seedling roots and leaves was triggered by 150 mM NaCl treatment. Silencing of TaMCA-Id enhanced sensitivity of wheat seedlings to NaCl stress. Under NaCl stress, TaMCA-Id-silenced seedlings exhibited a reduction in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), higher accumulation of H2O2 and O2.−, more serious injury to photosystem II (PSII), increase in PCD level, and autophagy activity in leaves of wheat seedlings. These results indicated that TaMCA-Id functioned in PCD through interacting with autophagy under NaCl stress, which could be used to improve the salt tolerance of crop plants.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Hulless Barely Phenotypes in Drought Environment
Authors: Li Jie , Yao Xiaohua , Yao Youhua , An Likun , Feng Zongyun , Wu Kunlun
Published: June 2022

Drought stress is one of the main factors restricting hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.) yield. Genome-wide association study was performed using 269 lines of hulless barley to identify single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with drought-resistance traits. The plants were cultured under either normal or drought conditions, and various quantitative traits including shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, leaf fresh weight, leaf saturated fresh weight, leaf dry weight, ratio of root and shoot fresh weight, ratio of root and shoot dry weight, shoot water loss rate, root water loss rate, leaf water content and leaf relative water content, and field phenotypes including main spike length, grain number per plant, grain weight per plant, thousand grain weight (TGW), main spike number, plant height, and effective spike number of plants were collected. After genotyping the plants, a total of 8,936,130 highly consistent population SNP markers were obtained with integrity > 0.5 and minor allele frequency > 0.05. Eight candidate genes potentially contributed to the hulless barley drought resistance were obtained at loci near significant SNPs. For example, EMB506, DCR, and APD2 genes for effective spike number of plants, ABCG11 gene for main spike number (MEN), CLPR2 gene for main spike length, YIP4B gene for root and shoot dry weight (RSWD), and GLYK and BTS genes for TGW. The SNPs and candidate genes identified in this study will be useful in hulless barley breeding under drought resistance.
Genome-Wide Profiling of DNA Methylome and Transcriptome Reveals Epigenetic Regulation of Potato Response to DON Stress
Authors: Shi Yan , Qin Yuan , Li Fenglan , Wang Haifeng
Published: June 2022

Potato is an important food crop that occupies lesser area but has greater production than rice and wheat. However, potato production is affected by numerous biotic and abiotic stresses, among which Fusarium dry rot is a disease that has significant effect on potato production, storage, and processing. However, the role of DNA methylation in regulating potato response to Fusarium toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) stress is still not fully understood. In this study, we performed DNA methylome and transcriptome analyses of potato tubers treated with five concentrations of DON. The global DNA methylation levels in potato tubers treated with different concentrations of DON showed significant changes relative to those in the control. In particular, the 20 ng/ml treatment showed the largest decrease in all three contexts of methylation levels, especially CHH contexts in transposon regions. The differentially methylated region (DMR)-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in resistance-related metabolic pathways, indicating that DNA methylation plays an essential role in potato response to DON stress. Furthermore, we examined lesions on potato tubers infested with Fusarium after treatment. Furthermore, the potato tubers treated with 5 and 35 ng/ml DON had lesions of significantly smaller diameters than those of the control, indicating that DON stress may induce resistance. We speculate that this may be related to epigenetic memory created after DNA methylation changes. The detailed DNA methylome and transcriptome profiles suggest that DNA methylation plays a vital role in potato disease resistance and has great potential for enhancing potato dry rot resistance.
Genome-Wide Identification of PLATZ Transcription Factors in Ginkgo biloba L. and Their Expression Characteristics During Seed Development
Authors: Han Xin , Rong Hao , Tian Yating , Qu Yanshu , Xu Meng , Xu Li-an
Published: June 2022

Plant AT-rich protein and zinc-binding protein (PLATZ) is a class of plant-specific zinc-dependent DNA-binding protein that binds to A/T-rich DNA sequences. PLATZ plays an important role in seed development, water tolerance, and cell proliferation in early plant growth. In this study, 11 GbPLATZs were identified from the ginkgo genome with complete PLATZ-conserved domains, which represents a smaller number compared with angiosperms. Multi-species phylogenetic analysis showed that PLATZ genes were conserved in seed plants, and the 11 members were represented by four groups, among which groups I and II were closely related. Analysis of gene structures, sequence module characteristics, and expression patterns showed that GbPLATZs were similar within and differed between groups. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR results showed that GbPLATZs had distinct expression patterns. Most genes were associated with seed development, among which six genes were highly related. Subcellular localization experiments showed that six GbPLATZ proteins related to seed development were localized in the nucleus, suggesting that they might function as traditional transcription factors. This study provides a basis for understanding the structural differentiation, evolutionary characteristics, expression profile, and potential functions of PLATZ transcription factors in Ginkgo biloba.
What Drives Quality Physical Education? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Learning and Development Effects From Physical Education-Based Interventions
Authors: Dudley Dean , Mackenzie Erin , Van Bergen Penny , Cairney John , Barnett Lisa
Published: June 2022

Objective

To determine the effects of learning interventions aimed at optimizing the quality of physical education (PE) on psychomotor, cognitive, affective and social learning outcomes in children and adolescents.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources

After searching PsycInfo, ERIC, and SportDiscus electronic databases, we identified 135 eligible studies published between January 1, 1995 to May 1, 2021.

Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies

We included randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and controlled trials that assessed the effect of a PE-based intervention against one of the four identified learning domains in youth at school (aged 5–18 years).

Results

One hundred and thirty five (135) studies with over 42,500 participants and 193 calculated effect sizes were included in the study. The mean effect across all the learning and development outcomes was small to medium (Cohen's d = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] (0.27–0.37). When adjusted for publication bias using the Duval and Tweedie Trim and Fill Method, this mean effect size increased to d = 0.40 (CI = 0.34–0.46). Effect sizes varied significantly based on learning and development outcomes. Interventions that consistently report above or below the mean d = 0.40 effect are identified based on learning outcome. The greatest effects across interventions were witnessed in psychomotor learning outcomes (d = 0.52) followed by affective (d = 0.47), social (d = 0.32), and cognitive (d = 0.17) learning outcomes. A minority (<10%) of PE interventions captured by this systematic review and meta-analysis reported having a negative effect on student learning and development.

Conclusion

The interventions with the greatest effects on student learning and development were dependant on the learning domains. Some PE interventions with a pedagogical focus such as games-based approaches, TARGET/Mastery Teaching, and Sport Education were found to be strong investments across multiple domains. The evidence is limited however by consistency in intervention dosage, study design, and data collection instruments. The study received no internal or external funding and was not prospectively registered.
Psychometric Validation of the Persian Version of Short Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Motamed-Jahromi Mohadeseh , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Mohammadpour Amin , Asadollahi Abdolrahim
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Short Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) among Iranian community-dwelling older adults and to determine its optimal cutoff point. In Shiraz, Iran, a cross-sectional study of 500 older adults ≥ 60 years was conducted in two steps. The forward–backward method was used for translation. Psychometric properties, such as the face and content validity, based on the point of view of experts, construct validity based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity by assessing the relationship with the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE-10), and reliability based on Cronbach’s α were examined. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to confirm the cutoff point. Validity of both the face and the content was confirmed. The first stage of construct validity was performed using the kurtosis test and the EFA, and finally, only 20 items in four subscales were loaded with 76.34% of the total variance. The CFA indicated a good fit to the data (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.059; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.92; and goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.89). Cronbach’s α coefficient of the SSRQ-20 increased to 0.87. A significant positive correlation was found between the SSRQ-20 and the GSE-10 (r = 0.44), indicating acceptable convergent validity. The optimal cutoff score for differentiating older adults in terms of self-regulation was 71. This study demonstrates that the Persian version of the SSRQ, which contains 20 items, is a valid and reliable tool for assessing self-regulation in Iranian community-dwelling older adults.
The Effect of Claustrophobic Tendencies on Digital Spatial Preferences
Authors: Chung Sorim
Published: June 2022

In digital environments, the demand for larger devices (e.g., larger smartphones) has been growing continuously, indicating users’ spatial needs in digital interfaces. This study explores the need for space in digital interfaces in relation to claustrophobic tendencies. The findings from two studies consistently report that (1) stronger claustrophobic tendencies toward physical spatial constraints are positively associated with a stronger need for digital space. The results also demonstrate that (2) people with elevated claustrophobic tendencies and a stronger need for digital space perceive stronger spatial constraints on digital interfaces, and (3) claustrophobic tendencies and need for digital space have stronger effects on spatial constraints with a more complex grid design. Interestingly, the findings suggest that (4) claustrophobic tendencies are more closely associated with spatial needs from attentive tasks (e.g., reading a long document), than device-related spatial needs (e.g., large screen preferences), implying that such claustrophobic tendencies are more likely to influence cognitive tasks on digital devices. Overall, the findings indicate that claustrophobic tendencies may be utilized beyond medical purposes and may assist researchers and business practitioners understand users’ spatial needs in fast-changing digital environments.
Prevalence Models to Support Participation: Sensory Patterns as a Feature of All Children’s Humanity
Authors: Dean Evan E. , Little Lauren , Tomchek Scott , Wallisch Anna , Dunn Winnie
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Research about children tends to consider differences from expected patterns problematic, and associates differences with disabilities [e.g., Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)]. When we focus on disabilities and consider differences automatically problematic, we miss the natural variability in the general population. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF 11) acknowledges that the experience of disability results from interactions between “environmental” and “personal” factors which determine the person’s capacity to participate. The purpose of this study was to examine sensory patterns across a national sample of children in the general population and samples of children with disabilities to investigate the extent to which differences in sensory processing are representative of natural variability rather than automatically problematic or part of a disability.

Materials and Methods

We employed descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine sensory processing patterns in children in the general population and autistic children and children with ADHD. We used standardization and validity data from the Sensory Profile 2 to conduct analyses.

Results

Consistent sensory patterns exist across all groups. Children in all groups had different rates of certain patterns.

Conclusion

Since children in all groups have certain sensory patterns, we cannot associate differences with problematic behaviors. Children participating successfully with all sensory patterns might provide insights for universal design that supports participation of all children.
Toward a Clinical Consumer Psychology
Authors: Posavac Steven S. , Posavac Heidi D. , Gaffney Donald R. , Kardes Frank R.
Published: June 2022

This article promotes the development of clinical consumer psychology; the study of how dysfunctional and maladaptive cognitive and behavioral processes interact with individuals’ consumer experience and behaviors. The article is organized around three primary discussion points: (a) A definition of clinical consumer psychology, supported by illustrative examples of recent research. (b) The delineation of 10 broad priorities for future work that can be used to generate specific research possibilities. (c) How the field will benefit if researchers work within the clinical consumer psychology paradigm, and the bi-directional relationship whereby research in this vein would benefit both fields in which judgment and decision processes are focal (e.g., consumer psychology, marketing, and social cognition) as well as clinical psychology.
Does User Preference Matter? A Comparative Study on Influencing Factors of User Activity Between Government-Provided and Business-Provided Apps
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan
Published: June 2022

The competition between government-provided apps and business-provided apps for active users in China is becoming increasingly fierce. Apps with higher user activity will win this competition. To maintain active users, finding the user activity influencing factors is crucial. In this study, we selected a government-provided app—“Beijing One Card”- and a business-provided app—“Bus Code” (the Beijing area) -in the field of public transportation as the comparative research objects. Based on multiple regression analysis, we explored the factors influencing user activity. We found user preference plays a critical role in distinguishing the influencing factors of user activity between two kinds of apps. Distinct from the existing research, the service quality does not affect the user activity of public transportation apps. This paper argues that, whether it is a government-provided app or a business-provided app, to enhance the user activity of the app, in the short term, it is necessary to improve the app function according to the user’s needs, try to provide services which user like, cater to user’s preference, strengthen user experience; In the long run, it is essential to pay attention to mining the user’s data accumulated while operating the app to understand user behavior. So as to affect the user’s preference, enhance user’s trust, and improve user participation through public policy.
A Conceptual Analysis of the Semantic Use of Multiple Intelligences Theory and Implications for Teacher Education
Authors: Attwood Adam I.
Published: June 2022

Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI) has been at the center of a long-running debate in educational psychology in terms of its generalizable validity. In this article, MI theory is discussed for a review of why and how MI theory may be contextually discussed for preservice teachers to learn about in their teacher education program. The semantic conceptual basis of intelligence in MI theory is discussed in comparison to learning styles theory with implications for the importance of the teaching of Universal Design for Learning and related frameworks in teacher education curriculum.
Teen Advisory Council Survey's Factors Associated With Self-Harming Thoughts
Authors: McPherson Pamela , Alderman Laura Lane , Temple Jazzlynn , Lawrence Robert , Avila-Quintero Victor J. , Magner Johnette , Sagrera Caroline E. , Patterson James C. , Murnane Kevin S.
Published: June 2022

Background

The evaluation of teens with self-harming thoughts (SHT) is a high-stakes task for physicians in community and emergency department (ED) settings. The lived experience of adolescents with stress and SHT provides an important source of insight for mental health professionals who evaluate and treat teens A snapshot of the lived experience of teens in northwest Louisiana was captured by the Step Forward Teen Advisory Council (TAC) in 2019. The TAC surveyed peers with the goal of identifying common stressors experienced by local teens in order to inform policy and practices in the local school system. The identification of stressors is a critical step in addressing SHT as adolescents who experience life stressors are at increased risk for self-harming thoughts (SHT), a known precursor to self-harm and suicide. Assessing youth for life stressors is a critical element of suicide prevention.

Methods

Local teens queried 5,070 peers attending Caddo Parish schools to better understand the stressors faced by high school students in Northwest Louisiana using a student developed survey. Results were presented to peers at a virtual summit where teens developed action items to reduce stress and presented findings to local leaders. Their efforts ultimately lead to increased supports for students in local schools.

Results

Over half of the teens surveyed reported stressors that negatively impacted their physical or emotional well-being. Students endorsing self-harming thoughts reported an average of 7.82 stressors as compared to 3.47 in peers without SHT. Teens with stressors at both home and school were more likely to experience SHT than teens with stressors in a single location.

Conclusion

The Gen Z students who developed the TAC Survey identified stress as a major concern for teens in Northwest Louisiana. The TAC Survey data aligns local experience with established data regarding the association between stress, depression and SHT. Second, the results highlight the importance of diving deep to identify all stressors when assessing the risk of self-harm. Finally, the lived experience of local teens with SHT provides critical information for professionals to better understand risk for SHT and suicide in our region and beyond.
Case Report: Opioid Use Disorder Associated With Low/Moderate Dose of Loperamide in an Intellectual Disability Patient With CYP3A and P-Glycoprotein Reduced Activity
Authors: Guinchat Vincent , Ansermot Nicolas , Ing Lorenzini Kuntheavy , Politis Dimitri , Daali Youssef , Eap Chin B. , Crettol Séverine
Published: June 2022

Loperamide is an over-the-counter antidiarrheal for which increasing cases of abuse or misuse are described. We report the onset of opioid use disorder associated with low to moderate doses of loperamide in an intellectual disability patient without previous history of substance use disorder (SUD). Our patient presented strongly reduced activities of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein, which are mainly involved in loperamide metabolism and transport. We suggest that this led to an increase in bioavailability, systemic exposure, and brain penetration thus allowing loperamide to act on the central nervous system and contributing to the development of SUD. Slow release oral morphine (SROM) was chosen as opioid agonist treatment, which successfully contained loperamide use and globally improved her clinical condition. This situation highlights the need for caution and awareness when prescribing loperamide, particularly in vulnerable patients with few cognitive resources to understand the risks of self-medication and little insight into its effects.
Does Schizophrenia Itself Cause Obesity?
Authors: Liang Jiaquan , Cai Yanshan , Xue Xiongyan , Li Xiaoling , Li Zaifang , Xu Caixia , Xie Guojun , Yu Yang
Published: June 2022

Background

Schizophrenia (SC) is considered the most serious of all mental disorders. Some antipsychotics are associated with weight gain and metabolic abnormalities. Whether SC itself causes obesity remains uncertain.

Methods

We collected 185 first-episode drug-naive SC and 59 healthy controls (HCs) from the Third People’s Hospital of Foshan, Guangdong, China, and distinguished their course of disease in order to understand the body mass index (BMI) and body fat metabolism of SC.

Results

We found that excluding the drug factors, the longer the course of SC, the more obvious the increase of BMI and the higher the proportion of obesity. BMI was positively correlated with age, course of disease, fasting blood glucose (FBG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC), and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The results of regression analysis were further proof that age (B = 0.094, p < 0.001), duration (B = 0.081, p = 0.002), FBG (B = 0.987, p = 0.004), and TG (B = 0.918, p = 0.002) were the risk factors for the increase of BMI. HDL (B = –2.875, p < 0.001) was the protective factor.

Conclusion

SC itself can increase BMI and easily lead to obesity. We should pay more attention to the monitoring of blood metabolism indicators, so as to reduce the risk of obesity and improve the quality of life of patients.
Impact of the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Coverage of Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health Interventions in Ethiopia: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Carter Emily D. , Zimmerman Linnea , Qian Jiage , Roberton Tim , Seme Assefa , Shiferaw Solomon
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and response have the potential to disrupt access and use of reproductive, maternal, and newborn health (RMNH) services. Numerous initiatives aim to gauge the indirect impact of COVID-19 on RMNH.

Methods

We assessed the impact of COVID-19 on RMNH coverage in the early stages of the pandemic using panel survey data from PMA-Ethiopia. Enrolled pregnant women were surveyed 6-weeks post-birth. We compared the odds of service receipt, coverage of RMNCH service indicators, and health outcomes within the cohort of women who gave birth prior to the pandemic and the COVID-19 affected cohort. We calculated impacts nationally and by urbanicity.

Results

This dataset shows little disruption of RMNH services in Ethiopia in the initial months of the pandemic. There were no significant reductions in women seeking health services or the content of services they received for either preventative or curative interventions. In rural areas, a greater proportion of women in the COVID-19 affected cohort sought care for peripartum complications, ANC, PNC, and care for sick newborns. Significant reductions in coverage of BCG vaccination and chlorohexidine use in urban areas were observed in the COVID-19 affected cohort. An increased proportion of women in Addis Ababa reported postpartum family planning in the COVID-19 affected cohort. Despite the lack of evidence of reduced health services, the data suggest increased stillbirths in the COVID-19 affected cohort.

Discussion

The government of Ethiopia's response to control the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure continuity of essential health services appears to have successfully averted most negative impacts on maternal and neonatal care. This analysis cannot address the later effects of the pandemic and may not capture more acute or geographically isolated reductions in coverage. Continued efforts are needed to ensure that essential health services are maintained and even strengthened to prevent indirect loss of life.
Behavior Change Around an Online Health Awareness Campaign: A Causal Impact Study
Authors: Suarez-Lledo Victor , Mejova Yelena
Published: June 2022

National Eating Disorders Association conducts a NEDAwareness week every year, during which it publishes content on social media and news aimed to raise awareness of eating disorders. Measuring the impact of these actions is vital for maximizing the effectiveness of such interventions. This study is an effort to empirically measure the change in behavior of users who engage with NEDAwareness content, and compare the detected changes between campaigns in two different years. We analyze a total of 35,895 tweets generated during two campaigns of NEDAwareness campaigns in 2019 and 2020. In order to assess the reach of each campaign, we consider the users participating in the campaigns and their number of followers, as well as retweeting engagement. We use the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) text modeling and causal impact analysis in order to gauge the change in self-expression of users who have interacted with the NEDAwareness content, compared to a baseline group of users. We further enrich our understanding of the users by extracting gender information from their display names. We find that, despite large media corporations (such as MTV and Teen Vogue) participating in the campaign, it is governmental and nonprofit accounts who are among the accounts that attract the most retweets. Whereas the most influential accounts were well-connected in 2019, the 2020 campaign saw little retweeting between such accounts, negatively impacting the reach of the material. Both campaigns engaged women at around 40% and men 17%, supporting previous research showing women to be more likely to share their experiences with eating disorders. Further, women were more likely to mention other health topics within the 15 days of the intervention, including pregnancy and abortion, as well as depression and anxiety, and to discuss the developing COVID pandemic in 2020. Despite the positive message of the campaign, we find that the users who have engaged with this content were more likely to mention the linguistic categories concerning anxiety and risk. Thus, we illustrate the complex, gender-specific effects of NEDAwareness online health intervention campaign on the continued self-expression of its audience and provide actionable insights for potential improvement of such public health efforts.
Medical Students and Faculty Perceptions About Online Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: Alfaisal University Experience
Authors: Arain Shoukat Ali , Ali Mahnoor , Arbili Lana , Ikram Muhammad Faisal , Kashir Junaid , Omair Aamir , Meo Sultan Ayoub
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Off-campus online learning methods abruptly increased and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have highlighted the limitations of online learning mode; however, further studies on the experiences of medical students are needed. This study aimed to investigate the preclinical medical students and faculty members' experiences with online education and learning.

Subjects and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using convenience sampling. Two hundred nine students and 13 faculty members who participated in the online courses offered during the spring semester of 2019–2020 completed an online questionnaire. A 30-item questionnaire for the students and a 25-item questionnaire for the faculty were used in this cross-sectional study.

Results

Overall, 30% of the student sample was satisfied; importantly, high-achieving students (GPA > 3.5) were less satisfied (25 vs. 32%; p = 0.006). Satisfaction was also low (35%) for student-faculty interaction opportunities. About half of the student sample agreed that small-group interactive sessions would improve learning (53%). The most favored course format was the blended mode (43%), followed by traditional (40%) and online modes (17%). Six out of 13 (46%) faculty members were satisfied with their online experiences. Most of them found virtual teaching applications convenient (77%). Conversely, few faculty members agreed to interact effectively (54%), while 69% favored a blended format.

Conclusions

The level of satisfaction in fully online courses offered during the COVID-19 pandemic remained low, especially among high-achieving students. Both students and faculty favored the blended format for future purposes. Small group active-learning strategies and web-based interactive tools may facilitate engagement and student-faculty interactions.
A Prediction Model of the Incidence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With Visceral Fatty Obesity: A General Population-Based Study
Authors: Zhou Yang , Chai Xiangping , Guo Tuo , Pu Yuting , Zeng Mengping , Zhong Aifang , Yang Guifang , Cai Jiajia
Published: June 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to distinguish the risk variables of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to construct a prediction model of NAFLD in visceral fat obesity in Japanese adults.

Methods

This study is a historical cohort study that included 1,516 individuals with visceral obesity. All individuals were randomly divided into training group and validation group at 70% (n = 1,061) and 30% (n = 455), respectively. The LASSO method and multivariate regression analysis were performed for selecting risk factors in the training group. Then, overlapping features were selected to screen the effective and suitable risk variables for NAFLD with visceral fatty obesity, and a nomogram incorporating the selected risk factors in the training group was constructed. Then, we used the C-index, calibration plot, decision curve analysis, and cumulative hazard analysis to test the discrimination, calibration, and clinical meaning of the nomogram. At last, internal validation was used in the validation group.

Results

We contract a nomogram and validated it using easily available and cost-effective parameters to predict the incidence of NAFLD in participants with visceral fatty obesity, including ALT, HbA1c, body weight, FPG, and TG. In training cohort, the area under the ROC was 0.863, with 95% CI: 0.84–0.885. In validation cohort, C-index was 0.887, with 95%CI: 0.857–0.888. The decision curve analysis showed that the model's prediction is more effective. Decision curve analysis of the training cohort and validation cohort showed that the predictive model was more effective in predicting the risk of NAFLD in Japanese patients with visceral fatty obesity. To help researchers and clinicians better use the nomogram, our online version can be accessed at https://xy2yyjzyxk.shinyapps.io/NAFLD/.

Conclusions

Most patients with visceral fatty obesity have a risk of NALFD, but some will not develop into it. The presented nomogram can accurately identify these patients at high risk.
Dyslexia: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis
Authors: Wu Yanqi , Cheng Yanxia , Yang Xianlin , Yu Wenyan , Wan Yuehua
Published: June 2022

Dyslexia is a disorder characterized by an impaired ability to understand written and printed words or phrases. Epidemiological longitudinal data show that dyslexia is highly prevalent, affecting 10–20% of the population regardless of gender. This study aims to provide a detailed overview of research status and development characteristics of dyslexia from types of articles, years, countries, institutions, journals, authors, author keywords, and highly cited papers. A total of 9,166 publications have been retrieved from the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) from 2000 to 2021. The United States of America, United Kingdom, and Germany were the top three most productive countries in terms of the number of publications. China, Israel, and Japan led the Asia research on dyslexia. University of Oxford had the most publications and won first place in terms of h-index. Dyslexia was the most productive journal in this field and Psychology was the most used subject category. Keywords analysis indicated that “developmental dyslexia,” “phonological awareness,” children and fMRI were still the main research topics. “Literacy,” “rapid automatized naming (RAN),” “assessment,” “intervention,” “meta-analysis,” “Chinese,” “executive function,” “morphological awareness,” “decoding,” “dyscalculia,” “EEG,” “Eye tracking,” “rhythm,” “bilingualism,” and “functional connectivity” might become the new research hotspots.
Use of a Non-parametric Bayesian Method to Model Health State Preferences: An Application to Polish and Irish EQ-5D-5L Valuations
Authors: Kharroubi Samer A. , Kelleher Dan
Published: June 2022

Valuations of preference-based measures for health are conducted in different countries. There is scope to use results from existing countries' valuations to generate better valuation estimates than analyzing the data from each country separately. We analyse data from two smaller design EQ-5D-5L valuation studies where a sample of 119 Polish migrants and 123 native Irish valued 30 common health states using similar composite time trade-off protocols. We apply a non-parametric Bayesian method to provide better predictions of the Polish (Irish) population utility function when the existing Irish (Polish) results were used as informative priors. The resultant new estimates were then compared to those obtained by analyzing the data from each country by itselfviadifferent prediction criterions. The results suggest that existing countries' valuations could be used as potential informative priors to produce better valuation estimates under all prediction criterions used. The implications of these results will be hugely important in countries where valuation studies are expensive and hard to conduct. Future application to other countries and to other preference-based health measures are encouraged.
Networked Organizational Structure of Enterprise Information Security Management Based on Digital Transformation and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Di Zhenpeng , Liu Yun , Li Shimei
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of society and economy, enterprises have also started digital transformation in order to follow the pace. Now-a-days, the development of enterprises is also faced with the risk of improper management of enterprise information security, so it is very necessary to study the networked organizational structure of enterprise information security management. The purpose of this paper is to study how to analyze the network organization structure of enterprise information security management based on genetic algorithm. This paper puts forward the difficult problems faced by enterprise information security, and how to prevent and solve the risks encountered in information security. In the experimental part of this paper, it can be seen that with the increase of the number of experiments, the work efficiency of the traditional network organization structure has increased from about 4.6 to about 17%. The work efficiency of the network organization structure based on genetic algorithm has risen from about 10 to about 50%. It shows that the work efficiency of the network organization structure based on genetic algorithm is much higher than that of the traditional network organization structure. It can be seen that the advantage percentage of enterprise information security management networked organizational structure with strong room for growth is 79–84%, and the percentage of cost savings is 75–82%. It can be seen that there are still many advantages of the networked organizational structure of enterprise information security management. The network organization structure based on genetic algorithm can not only improve the work efficiency of enterprises, but also improve the information security. Therefore, the network organization structure based on genetic algorithm is of great significance to the enterprise information security.