bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sarcopenia on the future liver remnant growth after portal vein embolization and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy in patients with liver cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Anrong , Li Zhen , Sparrelid Ernesto , Brismar Torkel B.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The impact of sarcopenia on the future liver remnant (FLR) growth after portal vein occlusion, including portal vein embolization (PVE) and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) has gained increasing interest. This systematic review aimed to explore whether sarcopenia was associated with insufficient FLR growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to 05 July 2022. Studies evaluating the influence of sarcopenia on FLR growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1 in patients with liver cancer were included. A predefined table was used to extract information including the study and patient characteristics, sarcopenia measurement, FLR growth, post-treatment complications and post-hepatectomy liver failure, resection rate. Research quality was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

Five studies consisting of 609 patients were included in this study, with a sample size ranging from 42 to 306 (median: 90) patients. Only one study was multicenter research. The incidence of sarcopenia differed from 40% to 67% (median: 63%). Skeletal muscle index based on pretreatment computed tomography was the commonly used parameter for sarcopenia evaluation. All included studies showed that sarcopenia impaired the FLR growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1. However, the association between sarcopenia and post-treatment complications, post-hepatectomy liver failure, and resection rate remains unclear. All studies showed moderate-to-high quality.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia seems to be prevalent in patients undergoing PVE/ALPPS and may be a risk factor for impaired liver growth after PVE/ALPPS stage-1 according to currently limited evidence.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/, identifier INPLASY202280038.
Selinexor, a selective inhibitor of nuclear export, inhibits human neutrophil extracellular trap formation in vitro
Authors: Baron Szilvia , Rashal Tami , Vaisman Dmitry , Elhasid Ronit , Shukrun Rachel
Published: November 2022

Neutrophils are central players in the innate immune system. To protect against invading pathogens, neutrophils can externalize chromatin to create neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). While NETs are critical to host defense, they also have deleterious effects, and dysregulation of NETs formation has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis and thrombotic conditions, cancer progression and dissemination, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Here, we report that selinexor, a first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export approved for the treatment of multiple myeloma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, markedly suppressed the release of NETs in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate a significant inhibitory effect of selinexor on NETs formation, but not on oxidative burst or enzymatic activities central to NETs release such as neutrophil elastase, myeloperoxidase or peptidyl arginine deiminase type IV. The inhibitory effect of selinexor was demonstrated in neutrophils activated by a variety of NETs-inducers, including PMA, TGF-β, TNF-α and IL-8. Maximal inhibition of NETs formation was observed using TGF-β, for which selinexor inhibited NETs release by 61.6%. These findings pave the way to the potential use of selinexor in an effort to reduce disease burden by inhibition of NETs.
The chemical components, action mechanisms, and clinical evidences of YiQiFuMai injection in the treatment of heart failure
Authors: Lv Shichao , Wang Yunjiao , Zhang Wanqin , Shang Hongcai
Published: November 2022

YiQiFuMai injection (YQFM), derived from Shengmai Powder, is wildly applied in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and chronic cardiac insufficiency. YiQiFuMai injection is mainly composed of Radix of Panax ginseng C.A. Mey. (Araliaceae), Radix of Ophiopogon japonicus (Thunb.) Ker Gawl (Liliaceae), and Fructus of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill (Schisandraceae), and Triterpene saponins, steroidal saponins, lignans, and flavonoids play the vital role in the potency and efficacy. Long-term clinical practice has confirmed the positive effect of YiQiFuMai injection in the treatment of heart failure, and few adverse events have been reported. In addition, the protective effect of YiQiFuMai injection is related to the regulation of mitochondrial function, anti-apoptosis, amelioration of oxidant stress, inhibiting the expression of inflammatory mediators, regulating the expression of miRNAs, maintaining the balance of matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (MMP/TIMP) and anti-hypoxia.
Appraisal of selected ethnomedicinal plants as alternative therapies against onychomycosis: Evaluation of synergy and time-kill kinetics
Authors: Mohsin Syeda Aroosa , Shaukat Shazia , Nawaz Marya , Ur-Rehman Tofeeq , Irshad Nadeem , Majid Muhammad , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Bungau Simona , Fatima Humaira
Published: November 2022

Introduction: This study aims at the biological profiling of Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Nigella sativa, Curcuma longa, Mentha piperita, Withania somnifera, Azadirachta indica, and Lawsonia inermis as alternatives against onychomycosis to combat the treatment challenges.

Methods: An extract library of aqueous (DW), ethyl acetate (EA), and methanol (M) extracts was subjected to phytochemical and antioxidant colorimetric assays to gauge the ameliorating role of extracts against oxidative stress. RP-HPLC quantified therapeutically significant polyphenols. Antifungal potential (disc diffusion and broth dilution) against filamentous (dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes) and non-filamentous fungi (yeasts; Candida albicans), synergistic interactions (checkerboard method) with terbinafine and amphotericin-B against resistant clinical isolates of dermatophytes (Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans) and non-dermatophytes (Aspergillus spp., Fusarium dimerum, and Rhizopus arrhizus), time-kill kinetics, and protein estimation (Bradford method) were performed to evaluate the potential of extracts against onychomycosis.

Results: The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content along with noteworthy antioxidant capacity, reducing power, and a substantial radical scavenging activity was recorded for the extracts of Z. officinale. Significant polyphenolics quantified by RP-HPLC included rutin (35.71 ± 0.23 µg/mgE), gallic acid (50.17 ± 0.22 µg/mgE), catechin (93.04 ± 0.43 µg/mgE), syringic acid (55.63 ± 0.35 µg/mgE), emodin (246.32 ± 0.44 µg/mgE), luteolin (78.43 ± 0.18 µg/mgE), myricetin (29.44 ± 0.13 µg/mgE), and quercetin (97.45 ± 0.22 µg/mgE). Extracts presented prominent antifungal activity against dermatophytes and non-dermatophytes (MIC-31.25 μg/ml). The checkerboard method showed synergism with 4- and 8-fold reductions in the MICs of A. sativum, Z. officinale, M. piperita, L. inermis, and C. longa extracts and doses of amphotericin-B (Amp-B) and terbinafine (against non-dermatophytes and dermatophytes, respectively). Furthermore, the synergistic therapy showed a time-dependent decrease in fungal growth even after 9 and 12 h of treatment. The inhibition of fungal proteins was also observed to be higher with the treatment of synergistic combinations than with the extracts alone, along with the cell membrane damage caused by terbinafine and amp-B, thus making the resistant fungi incapable of subsisting.

Conclusion: The extracts of A. sativum, Z. officinale, M. piperita, L. inermis, and C. longa have proven to be promising alternatives to combat oxidative stress, resistance, and other treatment challenges of onychomycosis.
Bioinformatics analysis and in vivo validation of ferroptosis-related genes in ischemic stroke
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Zhixi , Xi Hongjie
Published: November 2022

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a neurological condition associated with high mortality and disability rates. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying IS remain unclear, ferroptosis was shown to play an important role in its pathogenesis. Hence, we applied bioinformatics analysis to identify ferroptosis-related therapeutic targets in IS. IS-related microarray data from the GSE61616 dataset were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and intersected with the FerrDb database. In total, 33 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained and subjected to functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. Four candidate genes enriched in the HIF-1 signaling pathway (HMOX1, STAT3, CYBB, and TLR4) were selected based on the hierarchical clustering of the PPI dataset. We also downloaded the IR-related GSE35338 dataset and GSE58294 dataset from the GEO database to verify the expression levels of these four genes. ROC monofactor analysis demonstrated a good performance of HMOX1, STAT3, CYBB, and TLR4 in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Transcriptional levels of the above four genes, and translational level of GPX4, the central regulator of ferroptosis, were verified in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced IS by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Considering the regulation of the HIF-1 signaling pathway, dexmedetomidine was applied to the MCAO mice. We found that expression of these four genes and GPX4 in MCAO mice were significantly reduced, while dexmedetomidine reversed these changes. In addition, dexmedetomidine significantly reduced MCAO-induced cell death, improved neurobehavioral deficits, and reduced the serum and brain levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) and oxidative stress mediators (MDA and GSSG). Further, we constructed an mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network based on the four candidate genes and predicted possible transcription factors. In conclusion, we identified four ferroptosis-related candidate genes in IS and proposed, for the first time, a possible mechanism for dexmedetomidine-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis during IS. These findings may help design novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IS.
Charge-transfer states in photosynthesis and organic solar cells
Authors: Hustings Jeroen , Bonné Robin , Cornelissen Rob , Morini Filippo , Valcke Roland , Vandewal Koen , Manca Jean V.
Published: November 2022

Light-induced charge-transfer mechanisms are at the heart of both photosynthesis and photovoltaics. The underlying photophysical mechanisms occurring within photosynthesis and organic photovoltaics in particular show striking similarities. However, they are studied by distinct research communities, often using different terminology. This contribution aims to provide an introductory review and comparison of the light-induced charge-transfer mechanisms occurring in natural photosynthesis and synthetic organic photovoltaics, with a particular focus on the role of so-called charge-transfer complexes characterized by an excited state in which there is charge-transfer from an electron-donating to an electron-accepting molecular entity. From light absorption to fully separated charges, it is important to understand how a charge-transfer complex is excited, forming a charge-transfer state, which can decay to the ground state or provide free charge carries in the case of photovoltaics, or radicals for photochemistry in photosynthetic complexes. Our motivation originates from an ambiguity in the interpretation of charge-transfer states. This review attempts to standardize terminology between both research fields with the general aim of initiating a cross-fertilization between the insights and methodologies of these two worlds regarding the role of charge-transfer complexes, inspiring the cross-disciplinary development of next-generation solar cells. Likewise, we hope to encourage photosynthesis researchers to collaborate with the photovoltaics field, thereby gaining further knowledge of the charge-transfer process in natural light-harvesting systems.
Optimizing travel routes using temporal networks constructed from global positioning system data in kyoto tourism
Authors: Mukai Tatsuro , Ikeda Yuichi
Published: November 2022

Owing to the complexity of urban transportation networks and temporal changes in traffic conditions, the assessment of real-time traffic situations is a challenge. However, the development of mobile information devices using the global positioning system (GPS) has made it easier to obtain personal mobility information. In this study, we developed a method for evaluating the mobility of people in a city using GPS data. We applied two methods: evaluating human mobility using temporal networks constructed from GPS data, and searching for the shortest path by constructing and solving the time-dependent traveling salesman problem (TDTSP). The estimation is expected to be more realistic if transportation delays from congestion are considered. This study makes two major contributions. First, we propose a new method for estimating the time weights of edges in temporal networks using probability density functions for the travel time. Second, to apply ant colony optimization to the TDTSP, we propose a new method for estimating the congestion level from GPS data and calculating the transition probability using the estimated congestion level. As a case study, we conducted a human mobility analysis in Kyoto City.
Microdosimetry for hadron therapy: A state of the art of detection technology
Authors: Parisi Gabriele , Romano Francesco , Schettino Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

The interest in hadron therapy is growing fast thanks to the latest technological advances in accelerators and delivery technologies, to the development of more and more efficient and comprehensive treatment planning tools, and due to its increasing clinical adoption proving its efficacy. A precise and reliable beam quality assessment and an accurate and effective inclusion of the biological effectiveness of different radiation qualities are fundamental to exploit at best its advantages with respect to conventional radiotherapy. Currently, in clinical practice, the quality assurance (QA) is carried out by means of conventional dosimetry, while the biological effectiveness of the radiation is taken into account considering the Relative Biological Effectiveness (RBE). The RBE is considered a constant value for protons and it is estimated as a function of the absorbed dose in case of carbon ions. In this framework, microdosimetry could bring a significant improvement to both QA and RBE estimation. By measuring the energy deposited by the radiation into cellular or sub-cellular volumes, microdosimetry could provide a unique characterisation of the beam quality on one hand, and a direct link to radiobiology on the other. Different detectors have been developed for microdosimetry, from the more conventional tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC), silicon-based and diamond-based solid-state detectors, to ΔE-E telescope detectors, gas electrons multiplier (GEM), hybrid microdosimeters and a micro-bolometer based on Superconducting QUantum Interference Device (SQUID) technology. However, because of their different advantages and drawbacks, a standard device and an accredited experimental methodology have not been unequivocally identified yet. The establishment of accepted microdosimetry standard protocols and code of practice is needed before the technique could be employed in clinical practice. Hoping to help creating a solid ground on which future research, development and collaborations could be planned and inspired, a comprehensive state of the art of the detector technologies developed for microdosimetry is presented in this review, discussing their use in clinical hadron therapy conditions and considering their advantages and drawbacks.
Spatial-temporal evolution and proximity mechanism of urban networks in China from the multiplicity perspective
Authors: Tang Chenghui , Chai Jianan
Published: November 2022

As the important performance of intercity interaction, urban networks have a significant impact on the urban system and economic development of city-regions. However, previous studies have mainly analyzed the structure of a single urban network from a static perspective and lack in-depth analysis of the driving mechanism of network evolution. Based on the headquarters-branch data of companies and patent transaction data, this study uses spatial analysis, social network analysis, and negative binomial regression analysis to explore the structure evolution and proximity mechanism of the urban networks in China. The empirical results were as follows. First, different types of urban networks are characterized by stratification and geographical unevenness, and the evolution of urban networks shows priority linkage and path dependence. Second, the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomerations shape high-value agglomeration centers but show a differentiated development trend. Third, geographical proximity has a stronger effect on the urban innovation network evolution, but institutional and cultural proximity has a stronger effect on the urban economic network evolution. The comparative study of urban networks not only helps to clarify the structure and characteristics of an urban system but also contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and complexity of intercity interactions.
An increase in livestock density increases forage nutritional value but decreases net primary production and annual forage nutritional yield in the alpine grassland of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yao Xixi , Li Changhui , Ahmad Anum Ali , Tariq Akash , Degen A. Allan , Bai Yanfu
Published: November 2022

Pasture biomass and quality are dependent on herbivore grazing and precipitation, but the responses of vegetation to the interactive effects of climate and grazing regimes remain unclear. We conducted an eight-year sheep grazing experiment with 4 stocking rates (0, 3.5, 5.5, and 7.5 sheep/ha) in an alpine meadow of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) and forage nutritional value (FNV) of four dominant species (Poa annua, Kobresia humilis, Astragalus adsurgens and Potentilla fruticosa) were measured during a wet year (360 mm rainfall) and a drought year (216 mm rainfall). The FNV was used as indicator of forage quality and was calculated from the crude protein (CP) content, in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTD), metabolic energy (ME) yield, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of the plant. The stocking rate explained a minimum of 76% of the variations of ANPP, and the precipitation sub-additive effect for ANPP ranged from 5% to 12%. The interaction of sheep stocking rate and precipitation affected ANPP of the 4 species, except for P. fruticosa. The FNV of the pasture increased with increasing grazing pressure, but ANPP and forage nutritional yield (FNY) decreased. In calculating FNY, the increase in FNV did not compensate for the decrease in ANPP. In non-grazed plots, the CP yield declined sharply (18%-55%) in response to drought, but there was no effect on ME yield. The interaction between stocking rate and precipitation affected forage quality of the 4 plant species differently. The grassland ANPP and FNY could be maintained at a grazing intensity of 3.5 sheep/ha in wet and dry years. Our results highlight that stocking density affects pasture ANPP and FNV, and is contingent on rainfall.
AcBBX5, a B-box transcription factor from pineapple, regulates flowering time and floral organ development in plants
Authors: Ouyang Yanwei , Zhang Xiumei , Wei Yongzan , He Yukun , Zhang Xiaohan , Li Ziqiong , Wang Can , Zhang Hongna
Published: November 2022

Flowering is an important factor to ensure the success of plant reproduction, and reasonable flowering time is crucial to the crop yield. BBX transcription factors can regulate several growth and development processes. However, there is little research on whether BBX is involved in flower formation and floral organ development of pineapple. In this study, AcBBX5, a BBX family gene with two conserved B-box domains, was identified from pineapple. Subcellular localization analysis showed that AcBBX5 was located in the nucleus. Transactivation analysis indicated that AcBBX5 had no significant toxic effects on the yeast system and presented transcriptional activation activity in yeast. Overexpression of AcBBX5 delayed flowering time and enlarged flower morphology in Arabidopsis. Meanwhile, the expression levels of AtFT, AtSOC1, AtFUL and AtSEP3 were decreased, and the transcription levels of AtFLC and AtSVP were increased in AcBBX5-overexpressing Arabidopsis, which might lead to delayed flowering of transgenic plants. Furthermore, transcriptome data and QRT-PCR results showed that AcBBX5 was expressed in all floral organs, with the high expression levels in stamens, ovaries and petals. Yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assay results showed that AcBBX5 bound to AcFT promoter and inhibited AcFT gene expression. In conclusion, AcBBX5 was involved in flower bud differentiation and floral organ development, which provides an important reference for studying the functions of BBX and the molecular regulation of flower.
Mulching in lowland hay meadows drives an adaptive convergence of above- and below-ground traits reducing plasticity and improving biomass: A possible tool for enhancing phytoremediation
Authors: Dalle Fratte Michele , Montagnoli Antonio , Anelli Simone , Armiraglio Stefano , Beatrice Peter , Ceriani Alex , Lipreri Elia , Miali Alessio , Nastasio Paolo , Cerabolini Bruno Enrico Leone
Published: November 2022

We aimed to understand the effect of mulching (i.e., cutting and leaving the crushed biomass to decompose in situ) on above- and below-ground plant functional traits and whether this practice may be a potential tool for enhancing the phytoremediation of lowland hay meadows. To this aim, we evaluated at the community level seven years of mulching application in a PCBs and HMs soil-polluted Site of National Interest (SIN Brescia-Caffaro) through the analysis of the floristic composition and the above- and below-ground plant traits. We found that the abandonment of agricultural activities led to a marked increase in the soil organic carbon and pH, and the over-imposed mulching additionally induced a slight increase in soil nutrients. Mulching favored the establishment of a productive plant community characterized by a more conservative-resource strategy, a higher biomass development, and lower plasticity through an adaptative convergence between above- and below-ground organs. In particular, the analysis of the root depth distribution highlighted the key role of roots living in the upper soil layer (10 cm). Mulching did not show a significant effect on plant species known to be effective in terms of PCB phytoremediation. However, the mulching application appears to be a promising tool for enhancing the root web that functions as the backbone for the proliferation of microbes devoted to organic contaminants’ degradation and selects a two-fold number of plant species known to be metal-tolerant. However, besides these potential positive effects of the mulching application, favoring species with a higher biomass development, in the long term, may lead to a biodiversity reduction and thus to potential consequences also on the diversity of native species important for the phytoremediation.
Functional physiological phenotyping and transcriptome analysis provide new insight into strawberry growth and water consumption
Authors: Jiang Lili , Sun Ting , Wang Xiaofang , Zong Xiaojuan , Wu Chong
Published: November 2022

Global warming is expected to increase agricultural water scarcity; thus, optimized irrigation schedules are important and timely for sustainable crop production. Deficit irrigation, which balances crop growth and water consumption, has been proposed, but the critical threshold is not easily quantified. Here, we conducted experiments on strawberry plants subjecting progressive drought following various water recovery treatments on the high-throughput physiological phenotyping system “Plantarray”. The critical soil water contents (θcri), below which the plant transpiration significantly decreased, were calculated from the inflection point of the transpiration rate (Tr) - volumetric soil water content (VWC) curve fitted by a piecewise function. The physiological traits of water relations were compared between the well-watered plants (CK), plants subjecting the treatment of rewatering at the point of θcrifollowing progressive drought (WR_θcri), and the plants subjecting the treatment of rewatering at severe drought following progressive drought (WR_SD). The results showed that midday Tr, daily transpiration (E), and biomass gain of the plants under WR_θcritreatment were equivalent to CK during the whole course of the experiment, but those under WR_SD treatment were significantly lower than CK during the water stress phase that could not recover even after rehydration. To explore the gene regulatory mechanisms, transcriptome analysis of the samples collected 12 h before, 12 h post and 36 h post water recovery in the three treatments was conducted. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses for the differentially expressed genes indicated that genes involved in mineral absorption and flavonoid biosynthesis were among the most striking transcriptionally reversible genes under the WR_θcritreatment. Functional physiological phenotyping and transcriptome data provide new insight into a potential, quantitative, and balanceable water-saving strategy for strawberry irrigation and other agricultural crops.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of wheat in response to corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis F. infestation
Authors: Jasrotia Poonam , Sharma Samriti , Nagpal Mohini , Kamboj Disha , Kashyap Prem Lal , Kumar Satish , Mishra Chandra Nath , Kumar Sudheer , Singh Gyanendra Pratap
Published: November 2022

Aphids are one of the most important insect pests of wheat crop in all wheat growing regions of the world. Amongst various aphid species, the corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis F.) is considered one of the most destructive insect pests of wheat in the North Western Plains region of India. Transcriptome profiling of highly susceptible wheat Triticum durum genotype, A-9-30-1 and tolerant wheat Triticum aestivum genotype, HD2967 was performed to investigate aphid-host interactions. The results obtained from differential gene expression analysis of R. maidis on the highly susceptible genotype, A-9-30-1 plants, when compared with the tolerant genotype, HD2967, showed that 212 genes were significantly upregulated and 1009 genes were significantly downregulated. Our findings demonstrated that the genes associated with defense were significantly higher in response to R. maidis on HD2967 as compared to A-9-30-1. Additionally, various genes with physiological attributes were expressed during aphid attack. Based on gene ontology classification, three classifications, such as, cellular components (CC), molecular function (MF), and biological processes (BP) of sequences were identified. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that twenty-five pathway genes were differentially expressed during the infestation of wheat with R. maidis. Notable changes were observed in A-9-30-1 and HD2967 transcriptomic profiling after infestation. The results obtained in the present study will help to elucidate the mechanism governing host-pest interaction and may lead to the development of new methods for increasing the resistance level of wheat against R. maidis, including over-expression of defense-related genes.
Genome-wide identification of YABBY genes in three Cymbidium species and expression patterns in C. ensifolium (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Wang Qian-Qian , Li Yuan-Yuan , Chen Jiating , Zhu Meng-Jia , Liu Xuedie , Zhou Zhuang , Zhang Diyang , Liu Zhong-Jian , Lan Siren
Published: November 2022

Members of the YABBY gene family play significant roles in lamina development in cotyledons, floral organs, and other lateral organs. The Orchidaceae family is one of the largest angiosperm groups. Some YABBYs have been reported in Orchidaceae. However, the function of YABBY genes in Cymbidium is currently unknown. In this study, 24 YABBY genes were identified in Cymbidium ensifolium, C. goeringii, and C. sinense. We analyzed the conserved domains and motifs, the phylogenetic relationships, chromosome distribution, collinear correlation, and cis-elements of these three species. We also analyzed expression patterns of C. ensifolium and C. goeringii. Phylogenetic relationships analysis indicated that 24 YABBY genes were clustered in four groups, INO, CRC/DL, YAB2, and YAB3/FIL. For most YABBY genes, the zinc finger domain was located near the N-terminus and the helix-loop-helix domain (YABBY domain) near the C-terminus. Chromosomal location analysis results suggested that only C. goeringii YABBY has tandem repeat genes. Almost all the YABBY genes displayed corresponding one-to-one relationships in the syntenic relationships analysis. Cis-elements analysis indicated that most elements were clustered in light-responsive elements, followed by MeJA-responsive elements. Expression patterns showed that YAB2 genes have high expression in floral organs. RT-qPCR analysis showed high expression of CeYAB3 in lip, petal, and in the gynostemium. CeCRC and CeYAB2.2 were highly expressed in gynostemium. These findings provide valuable information of YABBY genes in Cymbidium species and the function in Orchidaceae.
Physical education teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion of students with disabilities in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhumaid Majed M. , Althikr Allah Bashaer A. , Alhuwail Abeer A. , Alobaid Maryam A. , Abu Hamad Naflah N. , Alsalman Zainab A. , Alqahtani Sarah S. , Alherz Ayat M. , Alwael Walla M. , Alhelal Aeshah K. , Alsubaie Sheikh A. , Alwarthan Maryam S. , Alnaeem Fay O. , Aleid Shamma H. , Almuhaisen Sara Y. , Alobaydullah Atheer A. , Alzamami Ameera R. , Alqadiri Shuaa A. , Alsubhi Shoug H. , Alshikh Abeer M. , Almazrui Khulud K. , Alamer Madhawi A. , Alfadhel Afrah M. , Al-Sari Areej R. , Alqatari Reamah S. , Almaghrabi Fatema A. , Alfahaid Sara M. , Alhashim Jailan A. , Alsalman Hawra A. , Almatar Amnah A. , Almutiri Najla M. , Bastos Tânia
Published: November 2022

The attitudes of physical education (PE) teachers toward inclusion are critical to the successful provision of inclusive teaching for students with disabilities. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Saudi Arabian PE teachers toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE classes and the effect of sociodemographic variables (e.g., gender and length of teaching experience) on their attitudes toward inclusion. A total of 1,314 PE teachers (Mage = 41.09, SD = 9.40, females = 42.8%) completed the Arabic version of the Sentiments, Attitudes, and Concerns about Inclusive Education-Revised Scale (SACIE-R). Analyses found that, in general, PE teachers had moderately positive attitudes toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in PE lessons. A significant difference was found between the two genders in their attitudes toward inclusion. Specifically, female PE teachers demonstrated more positive attitudes toward inclusion than males. Multiple linear regression analysis, meanwhile, showed that the length of teaching experience and the experience of teaching a student with a disability were significant predictors of participants’ attitudes toward inclusion. Our findings highlighted the importance of reconsidering the quality of PE teachers’ experiences and interactions with students with disabilities as a means to improving their attitudes, which in turn would translate into successful inclusion.
Representations of depression and schizophrenia in the community: The role of illness and risk perceptions on help-seeking intentions
Authors: Neto David Dias , Figueiras Maria João , Sebastião Rita
Published: November 2022

Objective

Illness perceptions (IPs) are important in understanding human reactions to illnesses, including mental health disorders. They influence risk perceptions and several variables relevant to the adjustment to a disorder, treatment seeking, and health outcomes. This study sought to compare IP, risk perception, and help-seeking intention for depression and schizophrenia in a community sample and to assess the mediating role of risk perception in the relationship between IP and help-seeking intention.

Materials and methods

A total of 380 adults participated in this study and filled out self-report measures of IPs, risk perceptions, and help-seeking intention. The previous diagnosis of depression was used to control the comparisons between the two disorders. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to test the mediation relationship.

Results

Perceived consequences, expected timeline, lack of personal control, and symptom identity were higher for schizophrenia, while lack of treatment control and concern were higher for depression. An interaction occurred with a previous diagnosis of depression for several dimensions of IP. Concerning the SEM, a valid model was obtained for depression, explaining 15.5% of help-seeking intentions, but not for schizophrenia.

Conclusion

The results show that the general population represents depression and schizophrenia differently. These representations are influenced by having experienced depression, and that illness and risk perceptions contribute to explaining the intention to seek help. Considering these illness representations makes it possible to understand the general population’s emotional and cognitive reactions to mental health disorders.
The influence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on organisational culture: An empirical investigation
Authors: Singaram Shwetha , Mayer Claude-Hélène
Published: November 2022

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is known to transform and create opportunities for the world of work. However, little is known about how the future workforce, such as university students, are being equipped and exposed to 4IR technologies and ways of thinking in a South African (SA) context. This study’s findings contribute to understanding the influence of organisational culture on the uptake of 4IR technology within higher education (HE) in SA during a pandemic. The study uses Edgar Schein’s theoretical framework to explore the organisational culture at a university in the Gauteng province. The article responds further to the questions on how 4IR technology and principles are understood and applied within the context, and how to investigate to what extent the 4IR is reflected upon or embedded in the university’s culture. A qualitative research design is used, and data are gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews from seven purposively selected academic and senior management staff members. Thematic analysis uncovered that the university’s ambitious and competitive culture contributed to a positive uptake of 4IR technology and principles, even pre-COVID-19. Furthermore, the specific influence of the university’s Vice-Chancellor to build 4IR thinking into the university helped shape more 4IR thinking and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, whilst still considering the existing disparities of SA, as a developing country.
Identifying the risk of dyslexia in bilingual children: The potential of language-dependent and language-independent tasks
Authors: Taha Juhayna , Carioti Desire , Stucchi Natale , Chailleux Mathilde , Granocchio Elisa , Sarti Daniela , De Salvatore Marinella , Guasti Maria Teresa
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the linguistic processing and non-linguistic cognitive abilities of monolingual and bilingual children with and without reading difficulties and examines the relationship between these skills and reading. There were 72 Italian-speaking children: 18 monolingual good readers (MONO-GR, Mage = 10;4), 19 monolingual poor readers (MONO-PR, Mage = 10;3), 21 bilingual good readers (BI-GR, Mage = 10;6), and 16 bilingual poor readers (BI-PR, Mage = 10;6). All bilingual children spoke Italian as their L2. Children completed a battery of standardized Italian reading tests, language-dependent tasks: nonword repetition (NWR), sentence repetition (SR), and phonological awareness (PA), and language-independent tasks: timing anticipation, beat synchronization, inhibition control, auditory reaction time, and rapid automatized naming (RAN). Poor readers scored below good readers on the language-dependent tasks, including NWR, PA, and SR. Beat synchronization was the only language-independent task sensitive to reading ability, with poor readers showing greater variability than good readers in tapping to fast rhythms. SR was the only task influenced by language experience as bilinguals underperformed monolinguals on the task. Moreover, there were weak to moderate correlations between performance on some language-dependent tasks (NWR, PA), language-independent tasks (inhibition control, RAN), and reading measures. Performance on the experimental tasks (except for RAN) was not associated with the length of exposure to Italian. The results highlight the potential of NWR, PA, SR, and beat synchronization tasks in identifying the risk of dyslexia in bilingual populations. Future research is needed to validate these findings and to establish the tasks’ diagnostic accuracy.
Educational interventions to improve detection and management of cognitive decline in primary care—An Italian multicenter pragmatic study
Authors: Lombardi Gemma , Chipi Elena , Arenella Domenico , Fiorani Ambra , Frisoni Giovanni Battista , Linarello Simona , Montanucci Chiara , Muscio Cristina , Pacifico Irene , Pelizzari Silvia , Perani Daniela , Piras Fabrizio , Rozzini Luca , Sorbi Sandro , Spalletta Gianfranco , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Tiraboschi Pietro , Parnetti Lucilla , Filippini Graziella
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Timely detection of cognitive decline in primary care is essential to promote an appropriate care pathway and enhance the benefits of interventions. We present the results of a study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention addressed to Italian family physicians (FPs) to improve timely detection and management of cognitive decline.

Materials and methods

We conducted a pre-post study in six Italian health authorities (HAs) involving 254 FPs and 3,736 patients. We measured process and outcome indicators before the intervention (1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016) and after the intervention (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019). One interactive face-to-face session workshop was delivered by local cognitive disorders and dementia specialists and FP advisors at each HA, in the period September 2017–December 2017. The session focused on key messages of the local Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Pathway (DTCP) or regional guidelines: (a) the role of the FP for a timely suspicion of cognitive decline is fundamental; (b) when cognitive decline is suspected, the role of the FP is active in the diagnostic work-up; (c) FP’s knowledge on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions is essential to improve the management of patients with cognitive decline.

Results

An overall improvement in diagnostic procedures and management of patients with cognitive decline by FPs after the intervention was observed. The number of visits per year performed by FPs increased, and the time interval between the first FP consultation and the diagnosis was optimized. Neuroleptic use significantly decreased, whereas the use of benzodiazepines remained steadily high. Non-pharmacological interventions, or use of support services, were underrepresented even in the post-intervention. Differences among the participating HAs were identified and discussed.

Discussion

Results from this study suggest the success of the educational intervention addressed to FPs in improving early detection and management of cognitive decline, highlighting the importance to continue medical education in this field. At the same time, further initiatives of care pathway dissemination and implementation should promote strategies to enhance interactions between primary and secondary care optimizing the collaboration between FPs and specialists.
Mental health in the Austrian general population during COVID-19: Cross-sectional study on the association with sociodemographic factors
Authors: Humer Elke , Schaffler Yvonne , Jesser Andrea , Probst Thomas , Pieh Christoph
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The impact of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the associated governmental restrictions on mental health have been reported in different countries. This cross-sectional study evaluated mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria and the association with sociodemographic factors (i.e., age, sex, education, income, employment status, partnership status, and migration background).

Methods

A representative sample (N = 1,031) of the Austrian general population was surveyed online end of April 2022. Indicators of mental health were depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), insomnia (ISI), alcohol abuse (CAGE), eating disorders (SCOFF), and stress (PSS-10).

Results

1,031 participants completed the online survey (50.3% women; mean age: 45.6 ± 17.23 years). Cut-offs for clinically relevant depression were exceeded by 28%. 16% scored above the cut-off for clinically relevant anxiety symptoms, 15% for clinical insomnia, 18% for alcohol abuse, 26% for eating disorders, and 65% for moderate to high stress. Comparisons with another cross-sectional representative Austrian sample recruited during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria (April 2020) revealed increases in depression (from 21 to 28%) but no significant changes in anxiety, insomnia, and moderate to high stress. Multivariable logistic regression showed the strongest associations of mental health indicators with age, income, and sex. Increasing age and income were associated with lower odds of mental health symptoms. Being female compared to male increased the odds of depressive symptoms while decreasing the odds of alcohol abuse.

Discussion

The COVID-19 crisis seems particularly stressful for younger adults (<35 years) and people with low income (<€2,000 net household income per month). Policymakers need to consider the high social and economic costs of lockdowns and think of optimal intervention methods for mental disorders among young and low-income individuals.
Excessive smartphone use and its correlations with social anxiety and quality of life among medical students in a public university in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohd Salleh Sahimi Hajar , Norzan Mohd Hafiz , Nik Jaafar Nik Ruzyanei , Sharip Shalisah , Ashraf Ammar , Shanmugam Kamaleshini , Bistamam Nur Shahirah , Mohammad Arrif Najat Emir , Kumar Saathish , Midin Marhani
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Smartphone usage has significantly increased in the last decade among young adults has significantly increased in the last decade. While its benefits are undeniable, its negative implications are increasingly emerging. Studies are needed to investigate the effects of excessive smartphone use on a young person's life. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of excessive smartphone use among medical students and its relations with social anxiety, self-esteem, and quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in UKM Medical Center. A total of 273 students have consented to participate and completed self-reported questionnaires encompassing sociodemographic information, the Short Version Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS), the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). Sociodemographic data, SIAS score, WHOQOL-BREF score and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale score were treated as independent variables. Smartphone addiction Scale score was treated as the dependent variable. Bivariate analysis was used to explore the relationship between independent and dependent variables using the Fisher exact test, Pearson Chi-Square and Pearson correlation coefficient. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to analyze the variables with ap-value of < 0.05 from the Pearson correlation coefficient test.

Results

The percentage of excessive smarphone use among UKM medical students is 48%. The bivariate analysis showed that excessive smartphone use has a small but significant positive correlation with social anxiety (r= 0.173,p= 0.004) and negative correlations with physical health (r= −0.133,p= 0.028), psychological wellbeing (r=−0.135,p= 0.026), social relationships (r= −0.232,p= 0.001), environment (r= −0.260,p= 0.001) and self-esteem (r= −0.128,p= 0.035). In the multiple regression analysis, a better environment predicted a reduced risk for smartphone addiction (β = −0.233,p= 0.013).

Conclusion

Almost half of the students were found to have smartphone overdependence. Excessive smartphone use has shown a significant relationship with an increased risk for social anxiety, reduction in self-esteem, and quality of life among medical students. A closer look into the possible intervention is needed in the future to curb the negative effects arising from excessive smartphone use.