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Navigating technological innovation and rising costs: Assessing economic performance in Chinese manufacturing
Economic performance is an important indicator of the efficiency and quality of a company’s production, which is closely related to the profitability of the company and is crucial for the development of the manufacturing industry.This paper aims to develop a theoretical framework for assessing economic performance within the Chinese manufacturing industry. It achieves this by incorporating inputs, outputs, and energy consumption costs into the production function. By analyzing manufacturing data from 2000 to 2021, it quantifies the impact of various factors, including labor costs and technological advancements, on economic performance. The findings highlight technological progress as the primary driver of economic growth within the Chinese manufacturing sector. Notably, there exists a U-shaped relationship between technical progress and economic performance, suggesting nuanced dynamics at play. Contrary to expectations, the rate of change in per capita wages shows no significant positive impact on economic performance. However, technical progress in the eastern and central regions exhibits a capital bias and positively influences economic performance. Similarly, a U-shaped relationship characterizes the relationship between the western region and manufacturing industry performance. These results underscore the crucial role of technological innovation in sustaining economic performance amid challenges such as rising labor and environmental costs. Emphasizing the reliance on scientific and technological progress emerges as imperative for enhancing the industry’s economic resilience and growth.
Exploring LGBTQ+ youth well-being: Utilizing a mixed-method approach to uncover insights, needs, and strategies of LGBTQ+ youth in Northwest Arkansas
Objective This study investigates the well-being and needs of LGBTQ+ youth in Northwest Arkansas, aiming to understand factors influencing their quality of life and inform supportive policies and practices. Methods This exploratory, descriptive evaluation used a sequential explanatory mixed methods design to explore LGBTQ+ youth well-being and needs in Northwest Arkansas. 218 online survey respondents and six interviewees under 21 who self-identified as LGBTQ+ participated. Adult stakeholders (n = 16) also completed complementary interviews providing their perceptions of the needs and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth in the area. Results The findings highlight the crucial need for confidantes (82.5% of respondents) and a sense of safety within homes (80.3%). Notably, 51.8% sought mental health care. The qualitative interviews uncovered five themes regarding LGBTQ+ youth’s perceived quality of life, echoed in additional perspectives from adult stakeholders. Conclusions While many of the participating youth felt safe and supported at the time of data collection, enhancing well-being for LGBTQ+ youth beyond the study’s context requires strategies such as promoting community acceptance, creating supportive spaces, and enhancing empathetic engagement among adults. Adult stakeholders were keenly aware of the roles that politics and education played along with the importance of access to resources and safe spaces. These findings support inclusive policies and programs to foster a more equitable environment in the state and beyond.
Prevalence and associations of anisometropia with spherical ametropia, cylindrical power, age, and sex, based on 134,603 refractive surgery candidates
Purpose To examine the prevalence and associations of anisometropia with spherical ametropia, cylindrical power, age, and sex. Methods Anisometropia was analyzed for subjective refraction. In total, 134,603 refractive surgery candidates were included in the period from 2010 to 2020 at the CARE Vision Refractive Centers in Germany. Our study was approved by the local ethics committee at the University in Duesseldorf (approval date: February 9, 2021) and conducted according to the tenets of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practices Guidelines. The treatment contract included explicit patient consent to use medical data for scientific purposes. Correlations between anisometropia and explanatory variables were analyzed using the chi-squared test (χ2 test), nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney U-tests, and binomial logistic regression. Power vector analysis was applied for further analysis of cylindrical power. Results The median level of anisometropia (Asubj) in the whole population was 0.38 D. The prevalence of Asubj was 17.9%. In hyperopes, all explanatory variables (spherical ametropia, cylindrical power, age, sex) were independently associated with anisometropia. Asubj decreased with increasing cylindrical ametropia: an increase in cylindrical power by 7.8 D reduced the chance of observing anisometropia by half. It was also associated with male sex. Asubj decreased by half with a 16.7 D increase in spherical power and an increase in age by 22.7 years. In myopes, cylindrical power was most strongly associated with anisometropia: an increase in (negative) cylindrical power by 2.15 D doubled the chances of observing anisometropia in myopes. In addition, advancing age (double chance with an increase of 38.3 years), increasing spherical power (double chance with an increase of 8.15 D), and female sex correlated positively with increasing anisometropia in myopes. Conclusions This retrospective analysis gives evidence for the independent association between anisometropia and spherical power, cylindrical power, age, and sex in myopic refractive surgery candidates. The relation of anisometropia with age was positive in myopes but negative in hyperopes. The analysis of sex revealed a positive relation of female sex and anisometropia in myopes and furthermore revealed a positive relation of male sex and anisometropia in hyperopes. Further clinical research into the underlying mechanisms behind our findings is indicated.
Molecular dynamics simulation based prediction of T-cell epitopes for the production of effector molecules for liver cancer immunotherapy
Liver cancer is the sixth most frequent malignancy and the fourth major cause of deaths worldwide. The current treatments are only effective in early stages of cancer. To overcome the therapeutic challenges and exploration of immunotherapeutic options, broad spectral therapeutic vaccines could have significant impact. Based on immunoinformatic and integrated machine learning tools, we predicted the potential therapeutic vaccine candidates of liver cancer. In this study, machine learning and MD simulation-based approach are effectively used to design T-cell epitopes that aid the immune system against liver cancer. Antigenicity, molecular weight, subcellular localization and expression site predictions were used to shortlist liver cancer associated proteins including AMBP, CFB, CDHR5, VTN, APOBR, AFP, SERPINA1 and APOE. We predicted CD8+ T-cell epitopes of these proteins containing LGEGATEAE, LLYIGKDRK, EDIGTEADV, QVDAAMAGR, HLEARKKSK, HLCIRHEMT, LKLSKAVHK, EQGRVRAAT and CD4+ T-cell epitopes of VLGEGATEA, WVTKQLNEI, VEEDTKVNS, FTRINCQGK, WGILGREEA, LQDGEKIMS, VKFNKPFVF, VRAATVGSL. We observed the substantial physicochemical properties of these epitopes with a significant binding affinity with MHC molecules. A polyvalent construct of these epitopes was designed using suitable linkers and adjuvant indicated significant binding energy (>-10.5 kcal/mol) with MHC class-I and II molecule. Based on in silico cloning, we found the considerable compatibility of this polyvalent construct with the E. coli expression system and the efficiency of its translation in host. The system-level and machine learning based cross validations showed the possible effect of these T-cell epitopes as potential vaccine candidates for the treatment of liver cancer.
Creating a culture, not just a space—A qualitative investigation into reflective practice groups in inpatient mental health settings from the perspectives of facilitators and attendees
Background Working in inpatient mental health settings is often characterised by highly emotive work and staff shortages. Despite the suggested benefits of reflective practice groups on staff well-being and clinical practice across healthcare settings, to date, there have been limited empirical studies on reflective practice groups in inpatient mental health settings, especially on group engagement and improvement. Methods We interviewed fifteen participants, including both facilitators and attendees of reflective practice groups. Participants were from eight inpatient mental health wards across two National Health Service settings in the UK. We analysed interview transcripts using thematic analysis. Result We deductively organised the data into themes and subthemes under three overarching domains–“Impact”, “Factors on Engagement”, and “Improvement”. Theme development was generated inductively from the data. For impacts, we found reflective practice groups may bolster staff reflective capacity and team cohesion. The groups may help attendees create appropriate distance from their emotions and overcome power hierarchies. We discovered that the availability of reflective practice, sense of containment in groups, and team composition may influence group facilitation and engagement. For improvements, different measures could be adopted to improve access and engagement of staff with difficulties attending. Facilitators may benefit from more support to establish a reflective culture and experiment with new ways of facilitating. Discussion Our findings add to the growing evidence base of the potential value of reflective practice groups in inpatient settings and elaborate on novel mechanisms of their potential impact. This study highlights changeable factors for engagement, concrete recommendations for improvements, and opportunities for further research.
Self-efficacy and career intention: Uncovering the underlying processes
This study aims to suggest and empirically evaluate a conceptual framework that investigates the association of career self-efficacy with career intentions, emphasizing on the specific and sequential mediating mechanisms of two psychological constructs: person-environment (P-E) fit and career attitudes. Relationships among the constructs were hypothesized based on the relevant literature and were examined with AMOS and SPSS Process Macro using survey data collected from a sample of 341 job seekers in Bangladesh. Results showed that P-E fit and career attitudes each partially mediated the relationship between career self-efficacy and career intentions. Noticeably, both the mediators, together in sequence, completely mediated the above relationship. In light of the ensuring chain mediating role of P-E fit and career attitudes, a thorough understanding of the effects of self-efficacy on career intentions not only contributes to the existing literature, but also provides notable implications for career counselors and HR managers in today’s competing firms.
Effectiveness of robot-assisted task-oriented training intervention for upper limb and daily living skills in stroke patients: A meta-analysis
Purpose Stroke is one of the leading causes of acquired disability in adults in high-income countries. This study aims to determine the intervention effects of robot-assisted task-oriented training on enhancing the upper limb function and daily living skills of stroke patients. Methods A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases through March 1, 2024. This process yielded 1,649 articles, from which 15 studies with 574 samples met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We performed meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, regression analyses, and sensitivity analyses using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17.0. Furthermore, publication bias was assessed using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. This study is registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42024513483). Results A random effects model was utilized. The results indicated that robot-assisted task-oriented training significantly improved Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity scores compared to the control group [SMD = 1.01, 95% CI (0.57, 1.45)]. Similarly, robot-assisted task-oriented training demonstrated a significant effect on the Modified Barthel Index scores [SMD = 0.61, 95% CI (0.41, 0.82)]. Subgroup and regression analyses revealed that the use of combined interventions, the geographical region of the first author, and the age of the subjects did not appear to be sources of high heterogeneity. Publication bias tests using the FMA-UE as an outcome measure yielded Begg’s test (p = 0.76) and Egger’s test (p = 0.93), suggesting no significant publication bias. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the study findings. Conclusions Robot-assisted task-oriented training significantly enhances the rehabilitation of upper limb function and the recovery of daily living skills in stroke patients.
Social media-based Health Education plus Exercise Program (SHEEP) to improve muscle function among young-old adults with possible sarcopenia in the community: A feasibility study protocol
Background Despite the comparatively high prevalence of possible sarcopenia among young-old adults in the community, there is currently no available and effective social media-based intervention to increase the awareness and change the behavior of the target population to prevent sarcopenia. Using co-design methodology, we developed a multicomponent intervention strategy of health education and exercise for sarcopenia prevention utilizing the TikTok platform. Objectives The primary purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the social media-based intervention to enhance muscle function in community-dwelling young-old adults with possible sarcopenia. Methods This protocol outlines the entire research procedure for a prospective single-arm pre-post feasibility study employing a mixed-method design, which will be conducted between May 2024 and September 2024. Thirty-five older adults aged 60–69 years with possible sarcopenia will be recruited from two communities in Changsha, China. Using the TikTok platform, participants will be required to view a total of seven health education videos in the first week, and each video lasts four to six minutes. Then, participants will receive six-week multi-component exercise through TikTok, with at least three sessions/week, 30 minutes/session, and moderate intensity. Data collection will be conducted in baseline, week 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13. The primary outcomes will include evaluating recruitment capability, data collection procedure, outcome measurement, intervention procedures’ acceptability, researchers’ ability to manage and implement the study, among others. The secondary outcome is to compare standard measures for muscle function (e.g. handgrip strength, skeletal muscle mass, physical performance), body composition (e.g. body fat, body mass index, bone mineral), and other measures (e.g. perceived knowledge, personal motivation, behavioral skills). Finally, all participants will be offered a semi-structured interview to assess their in-depth experiences with the intervention and research process. Discussion This study will be the first social-media based multicomponent intervention program for community young-old adults with possible sarcopenia to improve their muscle function, awareness and behavior of preventing sarcopenia. Findings will generate new evidence regarding the use of social media in health education for improving awareness of sarcopenia prevention, as well as the feasibility of using social media to influence participants’ behavioral changes through exercise. This may help researchers identify ways to optimize acceptability and efficacy of the SHEEP intervention for the targeted population. Trial registration ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN17269170, Registered 14 September 2023.
New-type urbanization and rural revitalization: A study on the coupled development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
The coupled development of new-type urbanization (NTU) and rural revitalization (RR) represents a critical proposition put forth by China for forging a novel paradigm of urban-rural relationship. Initially, this study employs the entropy method to quantify NTU and RR. Subsequently, it carries out a comprehensive analysis concerning their coupled relationship with the relative development degree model (RDDM), coupled coordination degree model (CCDM), Dagum Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation, and Tobit model. The findings drawn from the study indicate from 2011 to 2022, NTU and RR in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) have exhibited a consistent upward trajectory, but lagging NTU disorders are widely distributed and numerous. The coupled coordination degree (CCD) of NTU and RR constantly improves, transitioning from moderate imbalance to primary coordination, exhibiting a spatial distribution of a "high in the east and low in the west". The relative disparity between the coupled development of NTU and RR demonstrates a slowly narrowing trend, whereas the absolute disparity indicates an expanding trend. Among the influencing factors, the development of the agricultural industry exerts the most significant positive impact on the coupled development, whereas the level of financial support for agriculture exerts a dampening effect, which is heterogeneous in nature.
Sex differences in psychiatric comorbidities of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among children, adolescents, and adults: A nationwide population-based cohort study
This cross-sectional, nationwide, population-based study aimed to elucidate sex differences in psychiatric comorbidities of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across children, adolescents, and adults. We analyzed data from Taiwan’s comprehensive healthcare database, including 112,225 individuals diagnosed with ADHD, categorized by age (0–12, 13–18, ≥18 years) and sex. Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed using ICD-9-CM codes, focusing on age and sex-specific prevalence. Among the cohort, 83.50% were children (0–12 years) presenting primarily with learning disabilities and tics, while adolescents (13–18 years; 11.88%) had higher instances of oppositional defiant and conduct disorders. In adults (≥18 years; 4.62%), the prevalence of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance misuse was notably higher. Males under 18 predominantly had ADHD, whereas females exhibited increased vulnerability to emotional disorders. In adulthood, males showed greater susceptibility to most psychiatric comorbidities, except sleep disorders. The study highlights the evolving nature of ADHD-related psychiatric comorbidities across different life stages, with distinct sex-based patterns. The transition from childhood to adulthood sees an increased prevalence of various psychiatric conditions, particularly impacting adult males. These findings underscore the need for age- and sex-specific therapeutic approaches in ADHD management. The cultural context of the study necessitates further research in diverse populations for broader applicability of the findings.
Investigating the point prevalence, types, severity, causes and predictors of vaccines administration errors during COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan
Background There is a paucity of research regarding COVID-19 vaccines administration errors (VAEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, types, severity, causes and predictors of VAEs in Jordan during the recent pandemic. Method This was a 3-day (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday of the third week of November 2021) prospective, covert observational point prevalence study. It involved direct observation of vaccination administration practices by covert observers who recorded data on a standardized form, documenting the administration process, observed errors, and contextual factors, such as workload, distractions, and interruptions directly after each observation. Univariate and multivariable logistic models were constructed in order to identify predictors of VAEs. Results The point prevalence of VAEs was 2.4% (209 errors / 8743 vaccine doses). These VAEs were categorized into six types: timing (interval) error (69, 33.0%) dosing error (60, 28.7%), incorrect vaccine product (42, 20.1%), site/route error (17, 8.1%), documentation error (15, 7.2%), and other (6, 2.9%). Most errors were minor (133, 63.6%) and moderate (63, 30.1%). There were 174 (54.9%) healthcare provider-related contributing factors and 102 (32.2%) patient-related factors. Receiving the vaccine in the Southern region compared to Capital region (aOR: 1.92; 95% confidence intervals, 95%CI: 1.41–2.49; p = 0.001) and receiving the vaccine during peak hours compared to regular hours (aOR: 2.18; 95%CI: 1.58–3.86; p = 0.002) were significant predictors of VAEs. Conclusion Though infrequent, VAEs had prevalence higher than previously reported in the literature, posing serious public health challenges, which might have compromised immunization efficacy and patient safety. Identifying these errors’ causes and formulating strategies to reduce them is crucial for enhancing vaccination results.
Late-stage changes in the composition of cell walls of maize plants expressing an apoplast targeted, senescence enhanced fungal ferulic acid esterase, and the subsequent effects on tissue saccharification
Using maize plants expressing an apoplast targeted Aspergillus niger ferulic acid esterase (FAEA), with FAEA driven by a Lolium multiflorum senescence enhanced promoter (LmSee1), we extended measurements of FAEA activity to late-stage senescing plants and measured the stability of FAEA activity following stover storage. The impact of FAEA expression on cell wall hydroxycinnamic acid levels and arabinoxylan (AX) cross-links, and on the levels of cell wall sugars, acetyl bromide lignin and sugar release following saccharification by a cocktail of cellulases and xylanases, was assessed during plant development to full leaf senescence. These were determined in both individual internodes and in combined leaves and combined internodes of FAEA expressing and control partner plants. FAEA expression was found to increase with plant growth up to the reproductive stage (R) of development in both stems and leaves but decreased as the leaves entered full senescence at R+ (18–20 d after R) stage. Moreover, FAEA activity was shown to be relatively stable over a six-month period following stover storage at 4°C. This FAEA expression resulted in significantly reduced levels of cell wall ferulates and diferulates in internodes. The internodes of late stage and senescing FAEA-expressing plants exhibited significantly improved saccharification with a cocktail of cellulase and xylanase enzymes at both the R and R+ stages of development.
Lessons learned from cross-sectoral collaboration to protect migrant farmworkers during COVID-19 in Spain
In Spain, the agricultural sector relies heavily on migrant workers, especially during seasonal seasons. However, these workers face significant challenges related to precarious working conditions and structural vulnerability, which have become more acute since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive qualitative study was based on 87 personal interviews with health and social professionals from sectors such as NGOs, social services, trade unions, local institutions, and health services to promote compliance with these measures in four Spanish regions. It explored the difficulties faced by migrant agricultural workers in complying with prevention measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the measures taken by organizations and public institutions and the health consequences of the pandemic on this group. After a reflexive thematic analysis, the results show how to mitigate the pandemic’s impact, both local authorities and NGOs implemented extraordinary measures to care for migrant farm workers. Responses to the pandemic included temporary housing, mass testing, and stricter labor regulations. Working conditions, constant mobility, precarious housing, and language barriers contributed to the difficulty of implementing preventive measures. Covid-19 intensified inequalities and highlighted the lack of preparedness of institutions to deal with this group. The conclusions suggest that intercultural competence in health professional training and the creation of inclusive approaches to health and social care are critical to addressing health disparities and ensuring the well-being of all migrant farm workers, regardless of their migration status or mobility.
Oncologists’ views on ototoxicity monitoring in head and neck cancer patients: A South Indian qualitative study
Aim The perspectives and practices of healthcare professionals regarding ototoxicity in individuals with head and neck cancers are important for the implementation of ototoxicity monitoring. The current study aims to explore the oncologist’s awareness and perspectives of ototoxicity and ototoxicity monitoring for individuals with head and neck cancer in a South-Indian district, using qualitative semi-structured interviews. Method The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) Checklist was used to guide the method of the current qualitative study. A conceptual framework was developed for the formulation of the interview guides. Three medical oncologists and six radiation oncologists from cancer care centres participated in the study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was carried out using a hybrid inductive-deductive approach to present the findings under the respective overarching themes. Results All oncologists are aware of the ototoxic effects caused by radiation therapy and chemoradiotherapy. It was consistently reported that the severity of the hearing loss was not substantial enough to warrant significant concern. Ototoxicity is not emphasized during the counseling process. All participants reported having awareness and knowledge of ototoxicity monitoring programs and understood their importance. However, none of them reported the implementation of an ototoxicity monitoring program in their facility. Discussion It is imperative to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the ototoxic nature of cancer treatment modalities among oncologists. It is crucial to raise awareness regarding the significance of ototoxicity monitoring programs among all physicians involved in the treatment of patients with cancer for maximum impact. The barriers to implementing ototoxicity monitoring programs in high- and low-income countries are similar. The models implemented in high-income countries can be adapted for use in low-middle income countries with suitable restructuring. Conclusion The current study provides valuable insights into the status of ototoxicity monitoring in the South-Indian context. The findings align with the key components of the health belief model, including perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, and cues to action. Involving oncologists in the planning phase of the ototoxicity monitoring programs can help tailor future research questions and solutions to improve quality of life, foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, and produce actionable outcomes that may influence policy on ototoxicity monitoring.
Exploring chilling stress and recovery dynamics in C4 perennial grass of Miscanthus sinensis
The increasing cultivation of perennial C4 grass known as Miscanthus spp. for biomass production holds promise as a sustainable source of renewable energy. Unlike the sterile triploid hybrid of M. × giganteus, which cannot reproduce through seeds, M. sinensis possesses attributes that could potentially address these limitations by effectively establishing itself through seed propagation. This study aimed to investigate how 18 genotypes of M. sinensis respond to chilling stress and subsequent recovery. Various traits were measured, including growth and biomass yield, the rate of leaf elongation, and a variety of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, as well as chlorophyll content estimated using the SPAD method. Principal Component Analysis revealed unique genotype responses to chilling stress, with distinct clusters emerging during the recovery phase. Strong, positive correlations were identified between biomass content and yield-related traits, particularly leaf length. Leaf growth analysis delineated two subsets of genotypes: those maintaining growth and those exhibiting significant reductions under chilling conditions. The Comprehensive Total Chill Stress Response Index (SRI) pinpointed highly tolerant genotypes such as Ms16, Ms14, and Ms9, while Ms12 showed relatively lower tolerance.
Trophic ecology in an anchialine cave: A stable isotope study
The analysis of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) has been widely used in ecology since it allows to identify the circulation of energy in a trophic network. The anchialine ecosystem is one of the less explored aquatic ecosystems in the world and stable isotope analysis represents a useful tool to identify the routes through which energy flows and to define the trophic niches of species. Sampling and data recording was conducted in one anchialine cave, Cenote Vaca Ha, near the town of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, where seven stygobitic species endemic to the anchialine caves of the Yucatan Peninsula, plus sediment, water and vegetation samples were analyzed to determine what the main nutrient sources are. We compared our results with two previous studies, one conducted in the same cave and another one from a cave in the same area, both based on the same seven species which are widely distributed in the area. Our study revealed: a) that despite a certain amount of variation in the δ13C and δ15N values of the species through time, both seasonally and interannually, the anchialine isotopic niche is much conserved; b) through contribution models we propose what are the most probable food sources for the studied species and the results confirm previous trophic classifications; and c) that the shrimp Typhlatya pearsei presents very negative δ13C values, suggesting their consumption of bacterial sources consistent with a chemosynthetic origin of organic matter. The implications of the new findings show a very stable ecosystem with the shrimp Typhlatya pearsei, as the key species to link chemosynthetic microbial production of organic matter to the anchialine trophic web.
Digital inclusive finance, rural revitalization and rural consumption
With the rapid development of technology and the evolution of the global financial system, digital inclusive finance has become a new way to promote rural revitalization and rural residents’ consumption with the power of financial technology. This study explores the relationship between digitally inclusive finance, rural revitalization, and rural residents’ consumption. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces and cities in China from 2011 to 2021, this study empirically examines the impact of digitally inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption and the mediating and threshold effects of rural revitalization. The results reveal that digitally inclusive finance is conducive to the enhancement of rural residents’ consumption, and rural revitalization acts as a mediator. Meanwhile, there is a nonlinear positive correlation between the impact of digitally inclusive finance and rural revitalization on rural residents’ consumption, in which there is a double-threshold effect of digitally inclusive finance and rural revitalization in the lagged period. Based on the above findings, we believe that while promoting digitally inclusive finance, it is important to promote rural revitalization strategy in a timely manner, improve rural infrastructure, and continuously stimulate the impact of digitally inclusive finance on rural residents’ consumption.
Antiviral activity of an ACE2-Fc fusion protein against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants
SARS-CoV-2 has continued spreading around the world in recent years since the initial outbreak in 2019, frequently developing into new variants with greater human infectious capacity. SARS-CoV-2 and its mutants use the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a cellular entry receptor, which has triggered several therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 relying on the use of ACE2 recombinant proteins as decoy receptors. In this work, we propose an ACE2 silent Fc fusion protein (ACE2-hFcLALA) as a candidate therapy against COVID-19. This fusion protein was able to block the binding of SARS-CoV-2 RBD to ACE2 receptor as measured by ELISA and flow cytometry inhibition assays. Moreover, we used classical neutralization assays and a progeny neutralization assay to show that the ACE2-hFcLALA fusion protein is capable of neutralizing the authentic virus. Additionally, we found that this fusion protein was more effective in preventing in vitro infection with different variants of interest (alpha, beta, delta, and omicron) compared to the D614G strain. Our results suggest the potential of this molecule to be used in both therapeutic and preventive settings against current and emerging mutants that use ACE2 as a gateway to human cells.
Impact of offensive-reward rules on young basketball players’ performance during small-sided games
This study aimed to investigate the impact of different offensive-reward-related rules on the physical performance, perceived exertion and enjoyment of young basketball players during small-sided games (SSG). Eighteen youth male players (age: 13.3±0.9y; height: 167.0±13.1cm; weight: 50.6±11.5kg; years of practice: 3.1±1.2y) participated in three distinct 3x3 SSG (14x15m pitch) experimental conditions: i) 3x3NORMAL, regular 3x3 game; ii) 3x3POINT-POSS, where the team in possession was rewarded a new ball possession after scoring; iii) 3x3PASSES, where the score was determined by the number of passes made before converting a basket. Players’ performance was measured using global positioning systems, rating of perceived exertion and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. Players covered more distance for total (p< .001), low (p< .01) and moderate-speed distance (p< .05), and presented a higher game pace (p< .001) during the 3x3POINT-POSS than in the other conditions. A higher number of accelerations (1–1.99 m·s-2, p < .01) and decelerations (>2 m·s-2, p < .01) were also reported in the 3x3POINT-POSS. Despite the higher external load in the 3x3POINT-POSS, players reported higher perceived exertion during the 3x3PASSES (small to moderate effects). In addition, players reported the 3x3POINT-POSS as being more enjoyfull than the 3x3NORMAL. In conclusion, coaches may consider incorporating the 3x3POINT-POSS to enhance players’ external load while simultaneously increasing enjoyment and decreasing perceived exertion. Conversely, the 3x3PASSES condition may be useful for promoting adaptive behaviors under a higher perception of effort. Thus, coaches should carefully choose the type of rewards when designing training tasks for youth basketball players.
Relationship between oxidative balance indicators and Chronic Kidney Disease
Introduction Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing global health issue, affecting approximately 9.1% of the world’s population. Oxidative stress is believed to play a key role in CKD development, with indicators such as the Oxidative Balance Score (OBS), Pro-Oxidant-Antioxidant Balance (PAB), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) being of particular interest. However, their association with CKD remains unclear. Methods This study conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2018. A total of 18,951 participants were included after applying specific inclusion criteria. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression were employed to examine the associations between these oxidative balance indicators and CKD. Subgroup and interaction analyses were also conducted for further data analyses. Finally, ROC curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of these indicators for CKD risk. Results After adjusting for various confounding factors, higher levels of OBS and PAB were significantly associated with a reduced risk of CKD (OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.99, P < 0.001; OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, P < 0.001, respectively). The ORs for the highest quartiles of OBS and PAB were 0.60 (95% CI: 0.49–0.75, P < 0.001) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.63–0.94, P = 0.013), respectively. In contrast, TAC showed no significant association with CKD. ROC curve analysis further indicated that OBS had a superior predictive ability for CKD risk (AUC = 0.579) compared to PAB (AUC = 0.519) and TAC (AUC = 0.492). Conclusion The study suggests that oxidative balance indicators, particularly OBS and PAB, are inversely associated with CKD risk, while TAC showed no significant link. OBS demonstrated the strongest predictive ability among the indicators. These findings highlight the potential role of oxidative balance in CKD prevention. Further research is needed to confirm these associations in diverse populations and to explore the underlying mechanisms.