bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of drug-related problems in patients hospitalized in chest disease wards: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bektay Muhammed Yunus , Sancar Mesut , Okyaltirik Fatmanur , Durdu Bulent , Izzettin Fikret Vehbi
Published: January 2023

Objective: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chest diseases are among the 10 diseases that cause the highest mortality worldwide. Drug-related problems (DRPs), readmission, and antimicrobial resistance are critical problems in chest disease wards. Active involvement of clinical pharmacists (CPs) who are focused on reducing the risks of potential problems is needed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of pharmaceutical care (PC) services on the pulmonology service.

Method: A randomized controlled trial at a university hospital in Istanbul was conducted between June 2020 and December 2021. The participants were randomized into the control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). In the CG, CPs identified and classified the DRPs according to Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe v9.0 (PCNE) and provided solutions to DRPs for the IG. The effect of PC services was evaluated by the number and classification of DRPs, and readmissions within 30 days were compared between the two groups.

Results: Out of 168 patients, 82 were assigned to the IG. The average number of medicines administered per patient in the CG and IG was 14.45 ± 7.59 and 15.5 ± 6.18, respectively. In the CG and IG, the numbers of patients with DRPs were 62 and 46, respectively. The total number of DRPs was 160 for CG and 76 for IG. A statistically significant difference was found in favor of the IG, in terms of the number of patients with DRPs, the total number of DRPs, and readmission within 30 days (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: In this study, CP recommendations were highly accepted by the healthcare team. Pharmaceutical care services provided by CPs would decrease possible DRPs and led to positive therapeutic outcomes. Cognitive clinical pharmacy services have beneficial effects on health care, and these services should be expanded in all settings where patients and pharmacists are present.
Differentiated HT22 cells as a novel model for in vitro screening of serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Authors: Lim Juhee , Bang Yeojin , Kim Kyeong-Man , Choi Hyun Jin
Published: January 2023

The mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 is frequently used as an in vitro model to investigate the role of hippocampal cholinergic neurons in cognitive functions. HT22 cells are derived from hippocampal neuronal HT4 cells. However, whether these cells exhibit the serotonergic neuronal phenotype observed in mature hippocampal neurons has not been determined yet. In this present study, we examined whether the differentiation of HT22 cells enhances the serotonergic neuronal phenotype, and if so, whether it can be used for antidepressant screening. Our results show that differentiation of HT22 cells promoted neurite outgrowth and upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and choline acetyltransferase, which is similar to that observed in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, proteins required for serotonergic neurotransmission, such as tryptophan hydroxylase 2, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)1a receptor, and serotonin transporter (SERT), were significantly upregulated in differentiated HT22 cells. The transcription factor Pet-1 was upregulated during HT22 differentiation and was responsible for the regulation of the serotonergic neuronal phenotype. Differentiation also enhanced the functional serotonergic properties of HT22 cells, as evidenced by increase in intracellular 5-HT levels, serotonin transporter SERT glycosylation, and 5-HT reuptake activity. The sensitivity of 5-HT reuptake inhibition by venlafaxine in differentiated HT22 cells (IC50, 27.21 nM) was comparable to that in HEK293 cells overexpressing serotonin transporter SERT (IC50, 30.65 nM). These findings suggest that the differentiation of HT22 cells enhances their functional serotonergic properties, and these cells could be a potential in vitro system for assessing the efficacy of antidepressant 5-HT reuptake inhibitors.
Arbitrary Ca2+ regulation for endothelial nitric oxide, NFAT and NF-κB activities by an optogenetic approach
Authors: Yamanaka Tomoyasu , Ueki Takatoshi , Mase Mitsuhito , Inoue Koichi
Published: January 2023

Modern western dietary habits and low physical activity cause metabolic abnormalities and abnormally elevated levels of metabolites such as low-density lipoprotein, which can lead to immune cell activation, and inflammatory reactions, and atherosclerosis. Appropriate stimulation of vascular endothelial cells can confer protective responses against inflammatory reactions and atherosclerotic conditions. This study aims to determine whether a designed optogenetic approach is capable of affecting functional changes in vascular endothelial cells and to evaluate its potential for therapeutic regulation of vascular inflammatory responses in vitro. We employed a genetically engineered, blue light-activated Ca2+ channel switch molecule that utilizes an endogenous store-operated calcium entry system and induces intracellular Ca2+ influx through blue light irradiation and observed an increase in intracellular Ca2+ in vascular endothelial cells. Ca2+-dependent activation of the nuclear factor of activated T cells and nitric oxide production were also detected. Microarray analysis of Ca2+-induced changes in vascular endothelial cells explored several genes involved in cellular contractility and inflammatory responses. Indeed, there was an increase in the gene expression of molecules related to anti-inflammatory and vasorelaxant effects. Thus, a combination of human blue light-activated Ca2+ channel switch 2 (hBACCS2) and blue light possibly attenuates TNFα-induced inflammatory NF-κB activity. We propose that extrinsic cellular Ca2+ regulation could be a novel approach against vascular inflammation.
The quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials of HuatuoZaizao pill for stroke
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Jie , Wang Yi-Jing , Lu Xiao , Ying Peng-Jie , Qian Shi-Yan , Liang Jie , Zheng Guo-Qing
Published: January 2023

Background: HuatuoZaizao pill (HZP), a Chinese patent medicine, is often used in the treatment of stroke. However, there is still a lack of enough evidence to recommend the routine use of HZP for stroke. This study is aimed at evaluating the quality of reporting of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on HZP for stroke.

Methods: RCTs on HuatuoZaizao pill for stroke were evaluated by using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines and CONSORT extension criteria on reporting herbal interventions (CONSORT-CHM) guidelines. Microsoft Excel 2007 and SPSS20.0 was used for statistics analyses.

Results: Seventeen studies involving 1801 stroke patients were identified. CONSORT-CHM has expanded 24.3% (9/37) items in CONSORT and added a small item. The average scores of CONSORT evaluation is 14.6, while the average scores of the CONSORT-CHM evaluation is 11.6. The central items in CONSORT as eligibility criterion, sample size calculation, primary outcome, method of randomization sequence generation, allocation concealment, implementation of randomization, description of blinding, and detailed statistical methods were reported in 77%, 6%, 100%, 47%, 6%, 6%, 6%, and 94% of trials, respectively. In terms of the CONSORT-CHM, none of the articles reported in detail the dosage form, origin, formula basis and so on of HZP, and only half of studies reported the outcome indicators related to Traditional Chinese Medicine syndromes.

Conclusion: The overall report quality of RCT related to HZP is low. HZP still needs to report higher quality RCTs to prove its effectiveness and safety.
Jointly multi-source information and local-global relations of heterogeneous network for rumor detection
Authors: Han Xiaohong , Zhao Mengfan , Zhang Yutao , Zhao Tingzhao
Published: January 2023

The widespread rumors on social media seriously disturb the social order, and we urgently need practical methods to detect rumors. Most existing deep learning methods focus on mining news text content, user information, and propagation features but ignore the rumor diffusion structural features. Rumors spread in a vertical chain and diffusion in a horizontal network. Both are essential features of rumors. In addition, existing models need more effective methods to extract higher-order features of multiple resource information. To address these problems, we propose a multi-source information heterogeneous graph model in this paper, called jointly Multi-Source information and Local-Global relationship of heterogeneous network model named MSLG. It extracts multi-source information such as rumors content, user information, propagation, and diffusion structure. Firstly, we extract the higher order semantic representation of rumors content by graph convolution network and integrate local relational attention to strengthen the critical semantic. At the same time, we construct the rumors and users as heterogeneous graphs to capture the propagation and diffusion structure of the rumors. We are finally fusing global relational attention to measure submodules’ importance. Experiments on two real-world datasets show that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art results in fake news detection.
A mechanics-based perspective on the pressure-cross-sectional area loop within the esophageal body
Authors: Elisha Guy , Halder Sourav , Carlson Dustin A. , Kahrilas Peter J. , Pandolfino John E. , Patankar Neelesh A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:Plotting the pressure-cross-sectional area (P-CSA) hysteresis loops within the esophagus during a contraction cycle can provide mechanistic insights into esophageal motor function. Pressure and cross-sectional area during secondary peristalsis can be obtained from the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP). The pressure-cross-sectional area plots at a location within the esophageal body (but away from the sphincter) reveal a horizontal loop shape. The horizontal loop shape has phases that appear similar to those in cardiovascular analyses, whichinclude isometric and isotonic contractions followed by isometric and isotonic relaxations. The aim of this study is to explain the various phases of the pressurecross-sectional area hysteresis loops within the esophageal body.

Materials and Methods:We simulate flow inside a FLIP device placed inside the esophagus lumen. We focus on three scenarios: long functional lumen imaging probe bag placed insidethe esophagus but not passing through the lower esophageal sphincter, long functional lumen imaging probe bag that crosses the lower esophageal sphincter, and a short functional lumen imaging probe bag placed in the esophagus body that does not pass through the lower esophageal sphincter.

Results and Discussion:Horizontal P-CSA area loop pattern is robust and is reproduced in all three cases with only small differences. The results indicate that the horizontal loop pattern is primarily a product of mechanical conditions rather than any inherently different function of the muscle itself. Thus, the distinct phases of the loop can be explained solely based on mechanics.
An orchestrating role of mitochondria in the origin and development of post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Lushchak Oleh , Strilbytska Olha , Koliada Alexander , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: January 2023

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most discussed and actively researched areas in medicine, psychiatry, neurophysiology, biochemistry and rehabilitation over the last decades. Multiple causes can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Humans subjected to violence, participants in hostilities, victims of terrorist attacks, physical or psychological persecution, witnessing scenes of cruelty, survival of natural disasters, and more, can strongly affect both children and adults. Pathological features of post-traumatic stress disorder that are manifested at molecular, cellular and whole-organism levels must be clearly understood for successful diagnosis, management, and minimizing of long-term outcomes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. This article summarizes existing data on different post-traumatic stress disorder causes and symptoms, as well as effects on homeostasis, genetic instability, behavior, neurohumoral balance, and personal psychic stability. In particular, we highlight a key role of mitochondria and oxidative stress development in the severity and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Excessive or prolonged exposure to traumatic factors can cause irreversible mitochondrial damage, leading to cell death. This review underlines the exceptional importance of data integration about the mechanisms and functions of the mitochondrial stress response to develop a three-dimensional picture of post-traumatic stress disorder pathophysiology and develop a comprehensive, universal, multifaceted, and effective strategy of managing or treatment post-traumatic stress disorder.
Changes in hemodynamic response function components reveal specific changes in neurovascular coupling in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Duarte João Valente , Guerra Catarina , Moreno Carolina , Gomes Leonor , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: January 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease that leads to multiple vascular complications with concomitant changes in human neurophysiology, which may lead to long-term cognitive impairment, and dementia. Early impairments of neurovascular coupling can be studied using event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) designs. Here, we aimed to characterize the changes in the hemodynamic response function (HRF) in T2DM to probe components from the initial dip to late undershoot. We investigated whether the HRF morphology is altered throughout the brain in T2DM, by extracting several parameters of the fMRI response profiles in 141 participants (64 patients with T2DM and 77 healthy controls) performing a visual motion discrimination task. Overall, the patients revealed significantly different HRFs, which extended to all brain regions, suggesting that this is a general phenomenon. The HRF in T2DM was found to be more sluggish, with a higher peak latency and lower peak amplitude, relative slope to peak, and area under the curve. It also showed a pronounced initial dip, suggesting that the initial avidity for oxygen is not compensated for, and an absent or less prominent but longer undershoot. Most HRF parameters showed a higher dispersion and variability in T2DM. In sum, we provide a definite demonstration of an impaired hemodynamic response function in the early stages of T2DM, following a previous suggestion of impaired neurovascular coupling. The quantitative demonstration of a significantly altered HRF morphology in separate response phases suggests an alteration of distinct physiological mechanisms related to neurovascular coupling, which should be considered in the future to potentially halt the deterioration of the brain function in T2DM.
A dual-flow RootChip enables quantification of bi-directional calcium signaling in primary roots
Authors: Allan Claudia , Tayagui Ayelen , Hornung Rainer , Nock Volker , Meisrimler Claudia-Nicole
Published: January 2023

One sentence summary: Bi-directional-dual-flow-RootChip to track calcium signatures in Arabidopsis primary roots responding to osmotic stress.

Plant growth and survival is fundamentally linked with the ability to detect and respond to abiotic and biotic factors. Cytosolic free calcium (Ca2+) is a key messenger in signal transduction pathways associated with a variety of stresses, including mechanical, osmotic stress and the plants’ innate immune system. These stresses trigger an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ and thus initiate a signal transduction cascade, contributing to plant stress adaptation. Here we combine fluorescent G-CaMP3 Arabidopsis thaliana sensor lines to visualise Ca2+ signals in the primary root of 9-day old plants with an optimised dual-flow RootChip (dfRC). The enhanced polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) bi-directional-dual-flow-RootChip (bi-dfRC) reported here adds two adjacent inlet channels at the base of the observation chamber, allowing independent or asymmetric chemical stimulation at either the root differentiation zone or tip. Observations confirm distinct early spatio-temporal patterns of salinity (sodium chloride, NaCl) and drought (polyethylene glycol, PEG)-induced Ca2+ signals throughout different cell types dependent on the first contact site. Furthermore, we show that the primary signal always dissociates away from initially stimulated cells. The observed early signaling events induced by NaCl and PEG are surprisingly complex and differ from long-term changes in cytosolic Ca2+ reported in roots. Bi-dfRC microfluidic devices will provide a novel approach to challenge plant roots with different conditions simultaneously, while observing bi-directionality of signals. Future applications include combining the bi-dfRC with H2O2 and redox sensor lines to test root systemic signaling responses to biotic and abiotic factors.
Distribution profile of iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds in two Barleria species and their correlation with antioxidant and antibacterial activity
Authors: Singh Shachi , Kumar Mukesh , Dwivedi Seema , Yadav Anjali , Sharma Sarika
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Barleria prionitis is known for its medicinal properties from ancient times. Bioactive iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds have been isolated from leaves of this plant. However, other parts of a medicinal plants are also important, especially roots. Therefore, it is important to screen all organs for complete chemical characterization.

Method

All parts of B. prionitis, including leaf, root, stem and inflorescence in search of bioactive compounds, with a rapid and effective metabolomic method. X500R QTOF system with information dependent acquisition (IDA) method was used to collect high resolution accurate mass data (HRMS) on both the parent (MS signal) and their fragment ions (MS/MS signal). ESI spectra was obtained in positive ion mode from all parts of the plant. A comparative analysis of antioxidant and antibacterial activity was done and their correlation study with the identified compounds was demonstrated. Principal component analysis was performed.

Result

Iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds were identified from all parts of the showing variability in presence and abundance. Many of the compounds are reported first time in B. prionitis. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity was revealed in all organs, root being the most effective one. Some of the iridoid glycoside and phenolic compounds found to be positively correlated with the tested biological activity. Principal component analysis of the chemical profiles showed variability in distribution of the compounds.

Conclusion

All parts of B. prionitis are rich source of bioactive iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds.
Optimization of highly efficient exogenous-DNA-free Cas9-ribonucleoprotein mediated gene editing in disease susceptibility loci in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Poddar Snigdha , Tanaka Jaclyn , Running Katherine L. D. , Kariyawasam Gayan K. , Faris Justin D. , Friesen Timothy L. , Cho Myeong-Je , Cate Jamie H. D. , Staskawicz Brian
Published: January 2023

The advancement of precision engineering for crop trait improvement is important in the face of rapid population growth, climate change, and disease. To this end, targeted double-stranded break technology using RNA-guided Cas9 has been adopted widely for genome editing in plants. Agrobacterium or particle bombardment-based delivery of plasmids encoding Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA) is common, but requires optimization of expression and often results in random integration of plasmid DNA into the plant genome. Recent advances have described gene editing by the delivery of Cas9 and gRNA as pre-assembled ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into various plant tissues, but with moderate efficiency in resulting regenerated plants. In this report we describe significant improvements to Cas9-RNP mediated gene editing in wheat. We demonstrate that Cas9-RNP assays in protoplasts are a fast and effective tool for rational selection of optimal gRNAs for gene editing in regenerable immature embryos (IEs), and that high temperature treatment enhances gene editing rates in both tissue types. We also show that Cas9-mediated editing persists for at least 14 days in gold particle bombarded wheat IEs. The regenerated edited wheat plants in this work are recovered at high rates in the absence of exogenous DNA and selection. With this method, we produce knockouts of a set of three homoeologous genes and two pathogenic effector susceptibility genes, engineering insensitivity to corresponding necrotrophic effectors produced by Parastagonospora nodorum. The establishment of highly efficient, exogenous DNA-free gene editing technology holds promise for accelerated trait diversity production in an expansive array of crops.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of the gene expression and underlying molecular mechanism of submergence stress response in orchardgrass roots
Authors: Qu Minghao , Zheng Yuqian , Bi Lei , Yang Xingyun , Shang Panpan , Zhou Xiaoli , Zeng Bing , Shen Bingna , Li Wenwen , Fan Yan , Zeng Bing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Submergence stress creates a hypoxic environment. Roots are the first plant organ to face these low-oxygen conditions, which causes damage and affects the plant growth and yield. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is one of the most important cold-season forage grasses globally. However, their submergence stress-induced gene expression and the underlying molecular mechanisms of orchardgrass roots are still unknown.

Methods

Using the submergence-tolerant ‘Dianbei’ and submergence-sensitive ‘Anba’, the transcriptomic analysis of orchardgrass roots at different time points of submergence stress (0 h, 8 h, and 24 h) was performed.

Results

We obtained 118.82Gb clean data by RNA-Seq. As compared with the control, a total of 6663 and 9857 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in Dianbei, while 7894 and 11215 DEGs were detected in Anba at 8 h and 24 h post-submergence-stress, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis obtained 986 terms, while Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis obtained 123 pathways. Among them, the DEGs in plant hormones, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Ca2+ signal transduction were significantly differentially expressed in Dianbei, but not in Anba.

Discussion

This study was the first to molecularly elucidate the submergence stress tolerance in the roots of two orchardgrass cultivars. These findings not only enhanced our understanding of the orchardgrass submergence tolerance, but also provided a theoretical basis 36 for the cultivation of submergence-tolerant forage varieties.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis disclose the pivotal PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOLAMINE BINDING PROTEIN members that may be utilized for yield improvement of Chenopodium quinoa
Authors: Wu Qi , Bai Xue , Nie Mengping , Li Li , Luo Yiming , Fan Yu , Liu Changying , Ye Xueling , Zou Liang
Published: January 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a prospective orphan crop that needs yield improvement. Previous studies indicate PHOSPHATIDYLETHANOLAMINE BINDING PROTEIN (PEBP) family genes are highly associated with the key agronomic traits of crops. Characterizing the pivotal PEBP genes will speed up the domestication and yield improvement of quinoa. Previous investigations on PEBP genes of Chenopodium species indicated that, the PEBP genes, despite in the same subclade, may have experienced functional diversification. Especially, the allotetraploidy (AABB) and numerous segmental duplications and chromosomal rearrangements in quinoa make it more difficult to understand the functions of PEBP genes. More recently, 6 quinoa FT subfamily genes were predicted to be related to flowering of quinoa. However, investigation on the whole PEBP family members is still lacking. In this study, we obtained 23 PEBP genes, including 5 MFT, 11 FTL and 7 TFL genes. We found 7 orthologous gene pairs, from sub-genome A and sub-genome B, respectively, showing collinearities with sugar beet. Evolution analysis on PEBP genes of two quinoa sub-genomes, sugar beet and relatives of diploid ancestors indicated that, the reasons for gene duplication events varied and 4 tandem duplications are the major reason for PEBP family expansion. Tissue-specific expression analysis suggested that expression patterns are mostly differing between orthologous gene pairs. Analysis on gene expressions at 6 stages suggested the possible positive roles of CqFTL1/CqFTL2, CqFTL5, CqFTL8, CqFTL6/CqFTL9 and CqTFL6/CqTFL7, and negative roles of CqTFL1/CqTFL2/CqTFL3, CqTFL4/CqTFL5 in inflorescence branching. Expression analysis in ABA-treated seed, in combination with the cis-acting element distribution analysis, indicated that CqMFT2, CqMFT3 and CqMFT4 may regulate seed germination via ABA signaling. Observations on responses to night break and photoperiod changes highlighted the roles of CqFTL5 and CqFTL8 under short day, and CqFTL6 under long day for quinoa flowering. Further, co-expression network analysis indicated that 64 transcription factors may act upstream of CqFTL5 and CqFTL8 to regulate flowering. Together, this study will help us identify the pivotal PEBP genes that may be utilized for quinoa breeding in future.
Introgression of the QTL qSB11-1TT conferring sheath blight resistance in rice (Oryza sativa) into an elite variety, UKMRC 2, and evaluation of its backcross-derived plants
Authors: Hossain Md. Kamal , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi , Bhuiyan Md. Atiqur Rahman , Wickneswari Ratnam
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Sheath blight (SB) is the most damaging fungal disease in rice caused by a soil-borne pathogenic fungus, Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn (R. solani). The disease resistance in rice is a complex quantitative trait controlled by a few major genes. UKMRC2 is a newly developed elite rice variety that possesses high yield potential but is susceptible to sheath blight disease indicating a huge risk of varietal promotion, mass cultivation, and large-scale adoption. The aim of our present study was the development of varietal resistance against R. solani in UKMRC2 to enhance its stability and durability in a wide range of environments and to validate the effects of an SB-resistance QTL on the new genetic background.

Methods

In our study, we developed 290 BC1F1 backcross progenies from a cross between UKMRC2 and Tetep to introgress the QTL qSBR11-1TT into the UKMRC2 genetic background. Validation of the introgressed QTL region was performed via QTL analysis based on QTL-linked SSR marker genotyping and phenotyping against R. solani artificial field inoculation techniques.

Results and Discussion

The QTL qSBR11-1TT was then authenticated with the results of LOD score (3.25) derived from composite interval mapping, percent phenotypic variance explained (14.6%), and additive effect (1.1) of the QTLs. The QTL region was accurately defined by a pair of flanking markers K39512 and RM7443 with a peak marker RM27360. We found that the presence of combination of alleles, RM224, RM27360 and K39512 demonstrate an improved resistance against the disease rather than any of the single allele. Thus, the presence of the QTL qSBR11-1TT has been validated and confirmed in the URMRC2 genetic background which reveals an opportunity to use the QTL linked with these resistance alleles opens an avenue to resume sheath blight resistance breeding in the future with marker-assisted selection program to boost up resistance in rice varieties.
Better forbearance, lower depression: Evidence based on heart rate variability
Authors: Su Tiehong , Guo Xinwen , Liu Manhua , Xiao Rong , Xiao Zhongju
Published: January 2023

Background

The relationship between forbearance, a psychological resource, and depression has to date remained inconclusive. The present study investigated heart rate variability (HRV) reactivity to acute stressor tasks in participants with different levels of forbearance to discover how forbearance influences depressive emotions when facing adversity.

Method

The study examined the relationship between forbearance and depression, comparing HRV reactivity to stressor tasks in participants with different levels of forbearance. The levels of reported forbearance were assessed by the Forbearance Scale (FS). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assessed depression severity. HRV reactivity was evaluated at five stages: baseline, the active stressor task, the period of recovery after the active stressor task, the passive stressor task, the period of recovery after the passive stressor task.

Results

FS scores had a significant negative correlation with PHQ-9 and a significant positive correlation with HRV; significant differences existed between the basal HRV in the higher and lower FS groups. In the passive stressor task and the period of recovery after the active stressor task, significantly different HRV responses were identified between the two groups.

Discussion

Forbearance was correlated with depression and HRV. The present research found differences in HRV among subjects with different levels of forbearance in the baseline as well as stressor and recovery periods, suggesting that self-regulation dysfunction may exist among persons with lower levels of forbearance. Because of the higher levels of forbearance, the negative emotions of individuals caused by adversity are mitigated.
Dense is not green: How visual density influences greenness evaluation on environmentally friendly products
Authors: Xiao Chunqu , Wang Haoyuan , Zhou Yayu , Li Qingyi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The visual design of environmentally friendly products has a strong influence on consumer decisions. The study offers a novel insight, suggesting that consumers' perceptions of environmentally friendly products may be affected by the visual density design.

Methods

Four experiments tested the effect of visual density on the perceived greenness of environmentally friendly products.

Results

Study 1 showed that perceived greenness was higher for environmentally friendly products with low visual density design. Study 2 repeatedly confirmed this impact and found that perceived production cost acted as a mediating factor. Study 3 and 4 found two boundary conditions for this effect. Study 3 showed that the effect of visual density design attenuated for consumers with weak holistic thinking. Study 4 further revealed that when emphasizing the use of environment-friendly materials, the effect of visual density design was also attenuated.

Discussion

The findings enrich the discussion on the visual design of green products, extend the effect of visual density on consumer attitudes, and provide practical implications for marketers to choose the appropriate appearance for environmentally friendly products.
Exploring user-generated content related to vegetarian customers in restaurants: An analysis of online reviews
Authors: Bai Shizhen , Zheng Xuezhen , Han Chunjia , Bi Xinrui
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to explore and evaluate factors that impact the dining experience of vegetarian consumers within a range of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. To explore the factors and understand consumer experience, this study analyzed a vast number of user-generated contents of vegetarian consumers, which have become vital sources of consumer experience information. This study utilized machine-learning techniques and traditional methods to examine 54,299 TripAdvisor reviews of approximately 1,008 vegetarian-friendly restaurants in London. The study identified 21 topics that represent a holistic opinion influencing the dining experience of vegetarian customers. The results suggested that “value” is the most popular topic and had the highest topic percentage. The results of regression analyses revealed that five topics had a significant impact on restaurant ratings, while 12 topics had negative impacts. Restaurant managers who pay close attention to vegetarian aspects may utilize the findings of this study to satisfy vegetarian consumer requirements better and enhance service operations.
Exploring the effect of wiki-based writing instruction on writing skills and writing self-efficacy of Chinese English-as-a-foreign language learners
Authors: Dai Jianchun , Wang Li , He Yongcheng
Published: January 2023

As a popular Web 2.0 technology, wikis have gained momentum in educational contexts. To give further empirical support to the use of wikis in foreign language education, this research probed the usefulness of a wiki-based writing instruction on the writing skill and self-efficacy of Chinese English-as-a-foreign language (EFL) learners. For this purpose, 53 EFL students in a foreign language school in China were selected as the participants. The two classes were assigned to an experimental group (N = 25) and a control group (N = 28). Over a period of 3 months, the experimental group was instructed based on wiki-based writing instruction while the control group was taught traditionally. The data were collected by administering IELTS writing tasks and a writing self-efficacy scale employed for pre- and post-tests. The results of data analysis indicated that both classes substantially enhanced their writing skill and writing self-efficacy. Nevertheless, the experimental group performed better than the control group in terms of both dependent variables, leading the researchers to conclude that the wiki-based writing instruction was significantly effective in boosting writing skill and self-efficacy of Chinese EFL learners. These outcomes can offer some worthwhile implications for EFL instructors.
Cross-border acquisition or greenfield investment? The role of investor sentiment
Authors: Dong Li , Chen Jinlong
Published: January 2023

When a firm invests in a foreign market, it has to choose between cross-border acquisition and greenfield investment. The impact of investor sentiment on the establishment mode of firm outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) has not been investigated by previous literature. Based on the data of Chinese listed companies between 2007 and 2019, this paper finds that firms prefer cross-border acquisition over greenfield investment when investor sentiment is high, and equity issuance and catering to sentiment are transmission channels. Cross-sectional test results show that the impact of investor sentiment on the establishment mode is concentrated in non-state-owned enterprises, and is stronger in non-eastern province firms and in technology-intensive OFDI. After various robustness tests, the main conclusion remains unchanged. This paper not only finds a new determinant that affects the establishment mode of OFDI but also enriches the research on the economic consequences of investor sentiment, which helps understand the role of investor sentiment in firms’ internationalization decisions.
CiteSpace-based global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education knowledge mapping analysis
Authors: Yang Duo , Wu Xiaopeng , Liu Jiali , Zhou Jincheng
Published: January 2023

To better understand the latest developments in global science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education research, this study collected STEM education research materials to sort out the development of STEM education as a whole, so as to get a clearer path and trend of STEM education development. This study conducted a visualization and quantitative analysis of the literature on STEM education research in Science Citation Index Extended (SCI-E) and Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) using the CiteSpace (5.8.R3) tool. First, the basic information of STEM education was analyzed in terms of annual publication volume, authors, countries, and research institutions. Secondly, the main fields, basic contents and research hotspots of this research were analyzed by keyword co-occurrence and keyword time zone mapping. Finally, the research frontiers and development trends are presented through co-citation clustering and high-frequency keyword bursts. The research hotspots are focused on engineering education, teachers’ professional development, and gender differences. The research frontiers are mainly related to teacher professional development, 21st century skills, early childhood creativity, and gender differences. This study systematically analyzes the latest developments in global STEM education research, which is beneficial for readers to understand the full picture of STEM education research so that researchers can conduct more in-depth studies and promote better development of STEM education. The number of analyzed literature is limited. We only analyzed articles from SSCI and SCI-E databases, and the articles were written in English. In addition, we only analyzed the literature and lacked empirical studies on the findings of the literature.
The sexual selection of creativity: A nomological approach
Authors: Novaes Felipe Carvalho , Natividade Jean Carlos
Published: January 2023

Cultural innovations, such as tools and other technical articles useful for survival, imply that creativity is an outcome of evolution. However, the existence of purely ornamental items obfuscates the functional value of creativity. What is the functional or adaptive value of aesthetic and intellectual ornaments? Recent evidence shows a connection between ornamental creativity, an individual’s attractiveness, and their reproductive success. However, this association is not sufficient for establishing that creativity in humans evolved by sexual selection. In this critical review, we synthesize findings from many disciplines about the mechanisms, ontogeny, phylogeny, and the function of creativity in sexual selection. Existing research indicates that creativity has the characteristics expected of a trait evolved by sexual selection: genetic basis, sexual dimorphism, wider variety in males, influence of sex hormones, dysfunctional expressions, an advantage in mating in humans and other animals, and psychological modules adapted to mating contexts. Future studies should investigate mixed findings in the existing literature, such as creativity not being found particularly attractive in a non-WEIRD society. Moreover, we identified remaining knowledge gaps and recommend that further research should be undertaken in the following areas: sexual and reproductive correlates of creativity in non-WEIRD societies, relationship between androgens, development, and creative expression, as well as the impact of ornamental, technical and everyday creativity on attractiveness. Evolutionary research should analyze whether being an evolved signal of genetic quality is the only way in which creativity becomes sexually selected and therefore passed on from generation to generation. This review has gone a long way toward integrating and enhancing our understanding of ornamental creativity as a possible sexual selected psychological trait.
Remotely delivered cognitive therapy for social anxiety disorder in adolescence: Preliminary efficacy evidence based on changes throughout treatment
Authors: Vagos Paula , Figueiredo Diana Vieira , Ganho-Ávila Ana , Mayr Andreas , Rijo Daniel
Published: January 2023

Cognitive therapy has been established as the frontline treatment for adults with social anxiety disorder (SAD); its efficacy with socially anxious adolescents is incipient but promising. This work investigated change in social anxiety symptoms reported by adolescents and their therapist as they go through remotely delivered 10-session cognitive therapy (i.e., CT@TeenSAD). Participants were 21 adolescents (81% females; Mage = 16.10) diagnosed with SAD. They reported on change on their social anxiety symptoms at the beginning of each session; their therapist reported on how their symptoms had improved at the end of each session. Results, though preliminary, show that sessions had a significant impact on self- and therapist reported change, with consistent and continuous improvement across intervention sessions. Gender did not impact on that change, but therapist did: though the same pattern of change emerged for both therapists, it was more evident for the therapist with the greatest previous clinical experience. Overall, current findings align with the cognitive therapy framework of progressive gains throughout therapy. They also add evidence on the applicability and usefulness of an online cognitive approach to adolescents diagnosed with SAD.
Struggle for recognition, rights, and redistribution: Understanding the identity of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in China
Authors: Liu Ying , Fisher Karen R.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) worldwide has increased rapidly in the past decade and China is no exception. Yet the identity development of Chinese parents of children with ASD is little understood. This study employed an ethics of care perspective to explore the identity of parents of children with ASD as shaped in their social–cultural context in mainland China.

Methods

Qualitatively driven mixed-method design was adopted. Qualitative data about their experiences were obtained from in-depth interviews with 20 parents from 17 families of children with ASD in Beijing and participant observation of 9 participants’ daily parenting experience.

Results

A complex and dynamic parenting identity was revealed. With limited recognition within and external to the family, parents experienced constant challenges toward their sense of self. The parents used strategies to assert their rights as carers and develop positive self-perceptions. Yet because of the unjust distribution of care work within families and with the state, the parents retained a sense of insecurity throughout the process of parenting. The parents’ sense of inferiority due to devaluing children with disabilities was accentuated by traditional Chinese cultural values about good parenting. They were intensely worried about the lack of policy for support as they and their children grew older.

Discussion

The findings reinforce the need for recognition of parents’ dignity, capacity, and efforts in caring.
At the heart of change: Differences in young offenders’ HRV patterns after the delivery of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program
Authors: Sousa Rúben , Ribeiro da Silva Diana , Petrocchi Nicola , Gilbert Paul , Rijo Daniel
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Literature has pointed the need for intervention programs specifically tailored to target the treatment needs of young offenders, as well as the need to test the efficacy of such programs through physiological indexes of emotion regulation (e.g., heart rate variability; HRV), complementing self-reports typically used as outcome measures. The PSYCHOPATHY.COMP is a 20-session individual intervention program based on Compassion Focused Therapy aiming to reduce psychopathic traits and disruptive behavior among young offenders through the development of a compassionate motivation, while stimulating the soothing system as a strategy to improve emotion regulation. Previous research with young offenders has shown decreases in vagally mediated HRV (vmHRV) when the soothing system is activated. This physiological pattern seems to mirror threat-like responses that contrast with relaxed states.

Methods

To test the efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, a clinical trial was implemented encompassing a treatment (n = 56) and a control group (n = 53). Treatment participants attended the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP, while controls received the Treatment As Usual (TAU) delivered in Portuguese juvenile detention facilities. HRV data was collected throughout a standardized procedure (encompassing resting, reactivity and recovery phases) specifically designed to trigger the soothing system. Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment and 6-months follow-up.

Results

Although treatment participants continued to process the soothing system as unpleasant (with decreased vmHRV), they seem to become able to adaptively recover from the stimuli without avoiding it or resorting to maladaptive coping strategies. The physiological pattern was in line with participants’ decreases in difficulties in emotion regulation across the assessment periods. In contrast, controls seemed to have actively employed coping strategies associated with increases in vmHRV not only when the soothing system was triggered, but also when recovering from the stimuli. Congruently, for controls, increases in difficulties in emotion regulation were found, with increases in the lack of emotional clarity across the assessment periods.

Discussion

Findings offer new evidence for the efficacy of the PSYCHOPATHY.COMP program in improving emotion regulation in young offenders, assessed through both self-report and physiological measures. Additionally, findings support the assessment of the autonomic balance as a treatment efficacy index in future research, targeting the rehabilitation of these youth.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03971682.
The abnormal implicit memory to positive and negative stimuli in patients with current and remitted major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Xingze , Wang Xiang , Liu Yao , Gao Feng , Xia Jie , Fan Jie , Zhu Xiongzhao
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In patients with current major depressive disorder (cMDD) a general abnormal implicit memory has been reported. However, the elaborate function of implicit memory when processing stimuli with different emotions (i.e., positive, neutral, and negative) in current and remitted (rMDD) patients is unclear. The present review examines implicit memory’s general and elaborate in cMDD and rMDD patients.

Methods

We conducted meta-analyses based on published studies meeting criteria in Web of Science, PubMed, and EMBASE databases between 1990 and July 2022. The full sample patients included cMDD = 601 and rMDD = 143.

Results

Initial analysis of cMDD patients revealed a general implicit memory deficit. Subsequent subgroup analyses showed that the implicit memory performance to neutral stimuli is poorer in cMDD patients than controls, but recovered in rMDD patients; the deficient implicit memory to positive stimuli existed in cMDD and rMDD patients; the implicit memory performance to negative stimuli in cMDD patients is similar to controls but poorer in rMDD patients.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that the negative bias in cMDD patients might compensate for the general implicit memory deficit. Together, the implicit memory to neutral stimuli could recover with remission, whereas still abnormal in processing positive and negative stimuli. These results suggested that the abnormal implicit memory to positive and negative information might be relevant to depression pathogenesis.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42020205003.