bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning in the workplace: a Bourdieusian study of trainee further education teachers
Authors:   , Boodt Sarah Elizabeth Jane
Published: August 2021

Trainee teachers in Further Education (FE) come from disparate social and professional backgrounds. These disparate backgrounds can influence how they conceptualise themselves as teachers, often resulting in significant cognitive and emotional disruption as they seek to adapt their previously held dispositions in light of their workplace experiences. With teacher retention rates currently low, it is important to reveal the lived experiences of FE trainees learning in the workplace so that they can be better supported to understand and manage the challenges of teaching in FE. This interpretivist inquiry builds theory by using the Bourdieusian theory of habitus as a multi-faceted concept to explore how trainees’ habituated dispositions influence their interactions with learning opportunities in the workplace, how they operationalise their capitals to develop their practical teaching skills, and the role mentors play in these processes. Data were generated using semi-structured interviews from six case studies comprising in-service trainees and their mentors. Analysis of the data shows that habituated dispositions play a significant role in trainees’ interactions with learning in the workplace, influencing their evolving teacher habitus and how they perceive and subsequently operationalise their capitals. Mentors are a key part of these processes as they support trainees to understand the culture, values and practices of the workplace field and in so doing, to become accepted and valued team members. This study adds knowledge about trainee habitus-field fit and how trainees operationalise their capitals in the field to enhance their learning. It points towards ways for mentors and teacher educators to better support FE trainees as they learn how to navigate and acculturate themselves to the education field and provides further evidence for policy-makers of the longstanding need to ensure the status of FE teachers reflects the pivotal role assigned to the sector. Finally, it identifies areas for future research, such as how FE teachers enact emotional practice and the importance of informal trainee learning.
Radiation damage effects on the structure and properties of radioactive waste glasses
Authors:   , Rautiyal Prince
Published: August 2021

The performance assessment of glass matrices currently being used in different nuclear energy producing countries to contain and immobilise high-level waste (HLW) waste is crucial for safe and economic disposal. During the first ~500 years of geological disposal fission products will me the main source or radiation and they decay by beta-gamma emission. We studied different borosilicate glasses used in different countries to immobilise HLW, such as Indian glass (NaBaBSi), UK glasses (LiNaBSi), also called MW- Mixture Windscale, UK-CaZn a modified version of MW, French glass (SON68) and a glass proposed by six collaborating nations, called the International Simple Glass (ISG), to see whether / how irradiation defects are dependent on glass composition. Glasses were externally irradiated using a 60Co gamma source to study the effects of beta-gamma radiation (a gamma emitter loses it energy to atomic electrons they then further interact via coulombic interactions); and by He2+ ion implantation to study the effects of alpha particles. A multi-spectroscopic approach was used to characterise glass specimens before and after irradiation. NaBaBSi and LiNaBSi glasses were irradiated using 60Co gamma photons and we found boron-oxygen hole centres (BOHC), electrons trapped at alkali cations or ET centres and peroxy-radicals (PORs) as common defect in these glasses. In addition, E- or polaron centres which may be related to formation of elemental / metallic sodium colloids formed in NaBaBSi glass. Time-dependent thermal annealing of the irradiated glasses revealed that POR’s are the most thermally stable of the defect centres. BOHC and ET centres were common to SON68, ISG and CaZn glasses. In NaBaBSi, LiNaBSi and SON68 glasses loaded with non-active simulated HLW no sharp and intense signals indicative of radiation-induced paramagnetic defect centres was observed. In the study of NaBaBSi and LiNaBSi glasses doped with 0.19. 0.99, and 4.76 mol% Fe2O3 prepared in an oxidising melting environment, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy showed that gamma irradiation induced sharp and intense signals exist for only the 0 and 0.19 mol% Fe2O3 doped samples and disappeared for samples containing higher molar concentrations of Fe2O3. It is postulated that, upon gamma irradiation, in LiNaBSi glass Fe2+ is oxidised to Fe3+ by the capture of holes, whereas in NaBaBSi glass Fe3+ is reduced to Fe2+ due to capture of electrons. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these different behaviours.
Work-Life Programs and Employment Continuity in a Single Organization: Understanding from Whole-Life Approach to Career Development
Authors: Usman Asna , Akbar Waqar , Mansoor Mehren , Imran Naila , Khan Saba
Published: August 2021

This study examines the effect of work-life programs on employment continuity with a mediating role of work-family enrichment in a single organization using a work-family enrichment model. Consistent with the leader–member exchange theory, this study also examines the moderating role of family-supportive supervisor behavior between work-life programs and work-family enrichment. Data was collected from 218 employees working in the financial sector of Pakistan. Using partial least square structural equation modeling, the study findings suggest that work-life programs have no direct effect on employment continuity; however, the results show an indirect effect of work-life programs on employment continuity through the mediating role of work-family enrichment. Although family-supportive supervisor behavior has a significant impact on work-family enrichment, the findings show that it does not moderate the relationship between work-life programs and work-family enrichment. This study indicates to organizations the various work and nonwork factors that an employee considers while making career decisions, thus encouraging organizations to engage in whole-life approach to career development to retain valuable employees.
Moderated-Mediation Roles: Relationship between Internet Addiction, Neuroticism, Perceived Stress, and Adaptive Coping Style among Indonesian Migrant Workers in Taiwan
Authors: Simanjutak Erni Julianti , Ko Huei-Chen
Published: August 2021

This study examined the relationship of neuroticism and internet addiction by investigating the mediating role of perceived stress and the moderating role of adaptive coping style among Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan. The study was conducted with a cross-sectional design on 466 migrant Indonesian workers collected in Indonesian working places and the leisure activity places in Taipei and Taichung area in Taiwan by purposive sampling. Participants completed a survey, including measures of neuroticism, internet addiction, perceived stress, and adaptive coping style. The results showed that perceived stress mediated the association of neuroticism with internet addiction. Furthermore, adaptive coping style moderated the strength of the mediation between neuroticism and internet addiction via perceived stress, such that the mediated relationship weakened under the higher levels of adaptive coping style than under the lower levels of adaptive coping style. These results supported the hypothesized model. However, the model needs further examination in a large-scale longitudinal study.
Determinants of Vaccine Hesitancy in Indonesia: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hanifah Nuril , Herdiana Ike , Ardi Rahkman
Published: August 2021

Complete children immunization coverage in Indonesia declined from 59.2% in 2013 to 57.9% in 2016. Therefore, a study on understanding the vaccination barrier is necessary to improve future coverage. This scoping review aims to identify the determinants of vaccine hesitancy using the model of the World Health Organization-Strategic Advisory Group of Expert (WHO-SAGE) working group and to map them on the basis of region, target population, and vaccine. This research used publications from seven databases (Science Direct, Wiley, Scopus, SAGE, PubMed, Springer, and Taylor & Francis) from 2015 to 2020. A total of 10,212 publications were identified and filtered by employing the PRISMA method, thereby leaving 24 publications that were featured in this review. The majority of these publications is quantitative research conducted in Aceh and Yogyakarta and investigates children complete immunization, with adults and parents being the target population. The vaccine hesitancy determinants that are mentioned the most are social-economy, religion/culture/ gender, the role of health-care professionals, cost, knowledge, and awareness about vaccine, and attitude toward preventive health behavior. However, additional evidence on the influence of contextual-focus factors in various regions in Indonesia is crucial for a further understanding of the antecedent of the relationship between determinant factors and vaccination behavior.
Adipocyte NR1D1 dictates adipose tissue expansion during obesity
Authors: Hunter Ann Louise , Pelekanou Charlotte E , Barron Nichola J , Northeast Rebecca C , Grudzien Magdalena , Adamson Antony D , Downton Polly , Cornfield Thomas , Cunningham Peter S , Billaud Jean-Noel , Hodson Leanne , Loudon Andrew SI , Unwin Richard D , Iqbal Mudassar , Ray David W , Bechtold David A
Published: August 2021

The circadian clock component NR1D1 (REVERBα) is considered a dominant regulator of lipid metabolism, with global Nr1d1 deletion driving dysregulation of white adipose tissue (WAT) lipogenesis and obesity. However, a similar phenotype is not observed under adipocyte-selective deletion (Nr1d1Flox2-6:AdipoqCre), and transcriptional profiling demonstrates that, under basal conditions, direct targets of NR1D1 regulation are limited, and include the circadian clock and collagen dynamics. Under high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, Nr1d1Flox2-6:AdipoqCre mice do manifest profound obesity, yet without the accompanying WAT inflammation and fibrosis exhibited by controls. Integration of the WAT NR1D1 cistrome with differential gene expression reveals broad control of metabolic processes by NR1D1 which is unmasked in the obese state. Adipocyte NR1D1 does not drive an anticipatory daily rhythm in WAT lipogenesis, but rather modulates WAT activity in response to alterations in metabolic state. Importantly, NR1D1 action in adipocytes is critical to the development of obesity-related WAT pathology and insulin resistance.
Toward IoT fog computing-enabled system energy consumption modeling and optimization by adaptive TCP/IP protocol
Authors: Masri Aladdin , Al-Jabi Muhannad
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, due to the fast-growing wireless technologies and delay-sensitive applications, Internet of things (IoT) and fog computing will assemble the paradigm Fog of IoT. Since the spread of fog computing, the optimum design of networking and computing resources over the wireless access network would play a vital role in the empower of computing-intensive and delay-sensitive applications under the extent of the energy-limited wireless Fog of IoT. Such applications consume considarable amount of energy when sending and receiving data. Although there many approaches to attain energy efficiency already exist, few of them address the TCP protocol or the MTU size. In this work, we present an effective model to reduce energy consumption. Initially, we measured the consumed energy based on the actual parameters and real traffic for different values of MTU. After that, the work is generalized to estimate the energy consumption for the whole network for different values of its parameters. The experiments were made on different devices and by using different techniques. The results show clearly an inverse proportional relationship between the MTU size and the amount of the consumed energy. The results are promising and can be merged with the existing work to get the optimal solution to reduce the energy consumption in IoT and wireless networks.
Signature identification of relapse-related overall survival of early lung adenocarcinoma after radical surgery
Authors: Han Peng , Yue Jiaqi , Kong Kangle , Hu Shan , Cao Peng , Deng Yu , Li Fan , Zhao Bo
Published: August 2021

Background

The widespread use of low-dose chest CT screening has improved the detection of early lung adenocarcinoma. Radical surgery is the best treatment strategy for patients with early lung adenocarcinoma; however, some patients present with postoperative recurrence and poor prognosis. Through this study, we hope to establish a model that can identify patients that are prone to recurrence and have poor prognosis after surgery for early lung adenocarcinoma.

Materials and Methods

We screened prognostic and relapse-related genes using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and the GSE50081 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GSE30219 dataset was used to further screen target genes and construct a risk prognosis signature. Time-dependent ROC analysis, calibration degree analysis, and DCA were used to evaluate the reliability of the model. We validated the TCGA dataset, GSE50081, and GSE30219 internally. External validation was conducted in the GSE31210 dataset.

Results

A novel four-gene signature (INPP5B, FOSL2, CDCA3, RASAL2) was established to predict relapse-related survival outcomes in patients with early lung adenocarcinoma after surgery. The discovery of these genes may reveal the molecular mechanism of recurrence and poor prognosis of early lung adenocarcinoma. In addition, ROC analysis, calibration analysis and DCA were used to verify the genetic signature internally and externally. Our results showed that our gene signature had a good predictive ability for recurrence and prognosis.

Conclusions

We established a four-gene signature and predictive model to predict the recurrence and corresponding survival rates in patients with early lung adenocarcinoma after surgery. These may be helpful for reforumulating post-operative consolidation treatment strategies.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activities of Co (III) and Fe (III) Complexes of Imino-N-heterocyclic Carbenes Ligands
Authors: Abubakar Samaila , Muktari Musa , Atiko Rejoice
Published: August 2021

The synthesis and antimicrobial application of Co (III) and Fe (III) complexes of imine functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene (Imino-NHC) ligands is reported. The ligand precursors 1-(2-[(hydroxyl-benzylidene)-amino]-ethyl)-3-R-3H-imidazol-1-ium bromide where R = pyridyl (1a) and benzyl (1b) have been reported in our previous work. The in-situ generated ligands of 1a and 1b have been successfully coordinated to CoBr2 and [FeI(Cp)(CO)2] leading to the isolation of air-stable N^C^N^O four coordinate Co(III)  complex 2 and a six-coordinate Fe(III) complex 3. The synthesised complexes were both found to be NMR inactive hence were characterize using FTIR and LRMS. The complexes were screened for antimicrobial activities against four gram-negative bacteria Escherichia Coli (E-coli), Shigella, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. Pneumoniae) and Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) and a gram positive bacteria Staphylocossus aureus (S. aureus). The antimicrobial test was conducted using disc diffusion methods and based on the concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 µg/ mL, significant activities were recorded for both cobalt and the iron complexes.
Culinary Consumption in Digital Era: Tourists’ Typology and their Characteristics
Authors: Wachyuni Suci Sandi , Priyambodo Tri Kuntoro , Widiyastuti Dyah , Sudarmadji .
Published: August 2021

Purpose of the Study: Technological transformation has changed the consumption behavior of tourists in the digital era. The ease of access and the emergence of various media also have a significant impact on culinary tourism. This research aims to know the typology of tourists and their characteristics in local culinary tourism in the digital era, especially in Indonesia. By knowing this, it is expected that culinary businesses can adjust the strategy so that local culinary can be more explored by tourists. Furthermore, local culinary tourism can be further developed in potential destinations.
Methodology: The method used is quantitative research, with data collection techniques through an online survey (google form) supported by literature studies. The sampling technique is non-probability sampling which is purposive sampling. The number of respondents in this study was 482 people who have culinary tour to Yogyakarta and Solo, Indonesia at least one time, and data analysis techniques using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA).
Main Findings: The results show there are three clusters of tourist typology when on culinary tour in the digital era of Non-Culinary Tourist (NCT), Culinary Tourist (CT), and Gastronomic Tourist (GT). There are characteristic differences in each type of tourist from the parameters of attitude, perception, and culinary information-seeking behavior. The average value of attitudes, perceptions, and information-seeking behavior is increased from NCT, CT, to GT. The main media used in information seeking is digital media. The most widely used information reference sources are Instagram, friends, search engines, and family.
Application of this Study: This study provides theoretical implications related to tourist typology and its characteristics in local culinary tourism in the digital era. Meanwhile, the practical implications, this research can be used as an advice in developing gastronomic tourism in the world and especially in Yogyakarta and Solo, Indonesia. The government and businesses can make this research the basis for formulating local culinary tourism marketing strategies.
Novelty/Originality of this Study: This research is original and new in terms of context and methodology. There are few research focuses on the behavior of tourists in local culinary tourism, especially in the digital era. This study also uses a new method of looking at the differences in tourist typology, using analysis of variance (ANOVA).
PENGARUH INTERAKSI VIRTUAL DAN EKUITAS MEREK NEX CARLOS TERHADAP MINAT BELI PENGIKUT DI INSTAGRAM
Authors: Wijaya Jeremiah Purna , Ongkosuwito Natasya Yemima , Jokom Regina
Published: August 2021

Nex Carlos adalah salah satu selebriti endorser yang populer di Indonesia yang terkenal dengan konten makanannya. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui seberapa besar tingkat pengaruh Interaksi Virtual dan Ekuitas Merek (kesadaran merek, citra merek, dan loyalitas merek) Nex Carlos terhadap minat beli pengikutnya di Instagram. Data penelitian didapat dengan melakukan survei kepada 218 pengikut akun Instagram Nex Carlos. Teknik Analisa data yang dugunakan adalah Partial Least Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa interaksi virtual dan ekuitas merek Nex Carlos berpengaruh secara positif dan signifikan terhadap minat beli pengikutnya di Instagram.
Design of Highly Durable Core−Shell Catalysts by Controlling Shell Distribution Guided by In‐Situ Corrosion Study
Authors: Shi Fenglei , Peng Jiaheng , Li Fan , Qian Ningkang , Shan Hao , Tao Peng , Song Chengyi , Shang Wen , Deng Tao , Zhang Hui , Wu Jianbo
Published: August 2021

Most degradations in electrocatalysis are caused by corrosion in operation, for example the corrosion of the core in a core−shell electrocatalyst during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, according to the in‐situ study on nanoscale corrosion kinetics via liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC‐TEM) in the authors’ previous work, they sequentially designed an optimized nanocube with the protection of more layers on the corners by adjusting the Pt atom distribution on corners and terraces. This modified nanocube (MNC) is much more corrosion resistant in the in‐situ observation. Furthermore, in the practical electrochemical stability testing, the MNC catalyst also showed the best stability performance with the 0.37% and 9.01% loss in specific and mass activity after 30 000 cycles accelerated durability test (ADT). This work also demonstrates that how an in‐situ study can guide the design of desired materials with improved properties and build a bridge between in‐situ study and practical application.
The authors’ reply: Indispensable discrepancy between predicted graft “volume” and actual graft “weight” in clinical practice in living‐donor liver transplantation
Authors: Toshima Takeo , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Harada Noboru
Published: August 2021

We would like to respond to the Letter to the Editor “‘GRWR’ or ‘GV/SLV’ in clinical practice in living donor liver transplantation” by Haruki et al, that is a comment on our original article “Which is better to use ‘body weight’ or ‘standard liver weight,’ for predicting small‐for‐size graft syndrome after living‐donor liver transplantation?” in Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery.
Community Greening, Fear of Crime, and Mental Health Outcomes
Authors: Burt Cassidy J. , Kondo Michelle C. , Hohl Bernadette C. , Gong Catherine H. , Bushman Gregory , Wixom Caroline , South Eugenia C. , Cunningham Rebecca M. , Carter Patrick M. , Branas Charles C. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: August 2021

Unmaintained vacant land in urban areas is associated with a number of negative outcomes for residents of urban areas, including mental and physical health, safety, and quality of life. Community programs which promote land parcel maintenance in urban neighborhoods have been found to reverse some of the effects that unmaintained land has on nearby residents. We explored how land parcel maintenance is associated with mental health outcomes using data collected in Flint, MI in 2017–2018. Trained observers assessed the maintenance of approximately 7200 land parcels and surveyed 691 residents (57% Female, 53% Black, M age = 51). We aggregated resident and parcel rating data to 463 street segments and compared three structural equation models (SEM) to estimate the mediating effects of fear of crime on the association of parcel qualities on mental distress for residents. We found that fear of crime mediated the association between parcel maintenance values and mental distress indicating that poor maintenance predicted more fear of crime which was associated with mental distress. Our findings add to our understanding about the mechanism by which vacant lot improvements may operate to enhance psychological well‐being of residents who live on streets with vacant and unkept lots.
MiRNA‐199a‐5p targets WNT2 to regulate depression through the CREB/BDNF signaling in hippocampal neuron
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yang Jianli , Fang Qing , Shao Hua , Yang Dalu , Sun Junfang , Gao Lizhi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

This study mainly investigated the role of miR‐199a‐5p in depression.

Methods

qRT‐PCR and western blotting were employed to detect the expressions of miR‐199a‐5p, CREB and BDNF. Sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test were performed to evaluate depression‐related symptoms. MTT assays and flow cytometry were used to examine the cell reproduction and apoptotic cells of hippocampal neuron.

Results

The data demonstrated that the expression levels of miR‐199a‐5p in the cerebrospinal fluids and serums of depression patient and the hippocampus of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse were significantly increased. However, the expressions of WNT2, p‐CREB, and BDNF were inhibited. In addition, miR‐199a‐5p‐inhibitor enhanced sucrose preferences of CUMS mouse and decreased immobile time in sucrose preference test and forced swimming test. Knockdown of WNT2 attenuated the effects of miR‐199a‐5p‐inhibitor on cell reproduction and apoptotic cells of hippocampal neuron and the expression of WNT2, p‐CREB, and BDNF.

Conclusion

MiR‐199a‐5p can target WNT2 to enhance the development of depression through regulation of the CREB/BDNF signaling. Trial registration: JNU‐Hos‐49284.
Acupuncture ameliorates neurological function in rats with cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion by regulating the opening of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels
Authors: Han Lin , Wang Yong , Wang Guanran , Chen Yingying , Lin Haiping , Zhang Yanan , Shen Yan
Published: August 2021

Acupuncture has a good effect on improving neurological function after cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion, but there are few studies on the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture from the perspective of ion channel cellular electrophysiology. Studies have shown that the over activation of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channel （BKCa） after cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion can reduce the excitability of neurons and induce apoptosis. This study intends to establish middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model, with acupuncture at GV26 as the intervention measure, using patch‐clamp technique to record the electrophysiological changes of BKCa channel. The results showed that the neurological function score of MCAO/R rats was significantly decreased, and the conductance, open dwell time and open probability of BKCa channel in hippocampal CA1 neurons of MCAO/R rats were significantly increased. Acupuncture at GV26 could significantly improve the neurological function scores of MCAO/R rats, and reduce the conductance, open dwell time, and open probability of BKCa channel. The effect of acupuncture at GV26 was significantly better than acupuncture at non‐acupuncture point. The neuroprotective effect of acupuncture at GV26 after cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion may be related to regulating the electrophysiological characteristics of BKCa channel opening.
Activities of daily living as a longitudinal moderator of the effect of autonomic dysfunction on anxiety and depression of Parkinson's patients
Authors: Cui Jing , Qin Yao , Tian Yuling , Ge Xiaoyan , Han Hongjuan , Yang Zongfang , Yu Hongmei
Published: August 2021

Background

There is no clear time point for the onset of depression and anxiety in Parkinson's disease (PD), and their atypical physical symptoms often overlap with other nonmotor symptoms. Autonomic dysfunction usually appears earlier than motor symptoms, seriously impairing activities of daily living (ADL), even quality of life. Whether autonomic dysfunction can affect depression and anxiety in PD patients through ADL is still unclear.

Methods

We conducted three progressive autoregressive mediation models to evaluate whether ADL may mediate the association between autonomic symptom burden, where the mediation chain with autonomic function as an independent variable, ADL as a mediating variable, and anxiety and depression as dependent variables. The ADL of PD patients were measured by the Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's disease‐Autonomic (SCOPA‐AUT) and Modified Schwab and England ADL scale, respectively, and the status of depression and anxiety were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Results

There were 338 PD patients, including 220 males and 118 females. Demographic information, including age, gender, and education level, were not correlated with the depression and anxiety. Model III had the smallest AIC (AIC = 12,669.89), and the cross‐lagged relations were not statistically significant, so we selected Model II as the optimal model. In Model II, longitudinal autoregressive mediated effect and longitudinal mediated effect of autonomic dysfunction affecting anxiety and depression through ADL were not statistically significant, suggesting longitudinal changes of autonomic dysfunction were independent of anxiety and depression through ADL. Contemporaneous mediated effects of autonomic dysfunction affecting anxiety and depression through ADL were statistically significant, suggesting contemporaneous autonomic dysfunction may contribute to anxiety and depression through ADL.

Conclusions

Targeted prevention and intervention measures for autonomic dysfunction and ADL should be taken to preserve and improve self‐perceived life satisfaction in the clinical practice and preventive health care of PD.
Amygdala subnuclei development in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Association with social communication and repetitive behaviors
Authors: Seguin Diane , Pac Sara , Wang Jianan , Nicolson Rob , Martinez‐Trujillo Julio , Duerden Emma G.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The amygdala subnuclei regulate emotional processing and are widely implicated in social cognitive impairments often seen in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dysregulated amygdala development has been reported in young children with ASD; less is known about amygdala maturation in later adolescence, a sensitive window for social skill development.

Methods

The macrostructural development of the amygdala subnuclei was assessed at two time points in a longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of adolescents with ASD (n = 23) and typically‐developing adolescents (n = 15) . In adolescents with ASD, amygdala subnuclei growth was assessed in relation to ASD symptomatology based on standardized diagnostic assessments. Participants were scanned with MRI at median age of 12 years and returned for a second scan at a median age of 15 years. The volumes of nine amygdala subnuclei were extracted using an automatic segmentation algorithm.

Results

When examining the longitudinal data acquired across two time points, adolescents with ASD had larger basolateral amygdala (BLA) nuclei volumes compared to typically developing adolescents (B = 46.8, p = 0.04). When examining ASD symptomatology in relation to the growth of the amygdala subnuclei, reciprocal social interaction scores on the ADI‐R were positively associated with increased growth of the BLA nuclei (B = 8.3, p < 0.001). Growth in the medial nucleus negatively predicted the communication (B = −46.9, p = 0.02) and social (B = −47.7, p < 0.001) domains on the ADOS‐G. Growth in the right cortical nucleus (B = 26.14, p = 0.02) positively predicted ADOS‐G social scores. Central nucleus maturation (B = 29.9, p = 0.02) was associated with the repetitive behaviors domain on the ADOS‐G.

Conclusions

Larger BLA volumes in adolescents with ASD may reflect underlying alterations in cellular density previously reported in post‐mortem studies. Furthermore, findings demonstrate an association between regional growth in amygdala subnuclei volumes and ASD symptomatology. Improved understanding of the developmental trajectories of the amygdala subnuclei may aid in identifying key windows for interventions, particularly for social communication, in adolescents with ASD.
Genistein acts as antidepressant agent against chronic mild stress‐induced depression model of rats through augmentation of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Chang Mingxiu , Zhang Li , Dai Huiyu , Sun Ling
Published: August 2021

In this study, the antidepression effects of genistein were investigated in rats induced with chronic mild stress. Animals were designated into the following groups: normal control, control, 10 mg, and 100 mg. The dose was given for 45 consecutive days via the oral route. Sucrose preference analysis, forced swim, and open field tests were performed, and serum cortisol and monoamine levels in brain tissue were determined. The mRNA and protein expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was also examined. Supplementation with genistein significantly increased the sucrose preference ratio, locomotor activity, and monoamines and decreased serum cortisol levels. The mRNA expression of BDNF in the brain tissue was substantially reduced by 0.73% in control rats. However, supplementation with genistein significantly increased BDNF mRNA expression (by 107% and 229.6% in groups 10 mg and 100 mg, respectively). Similarly, the protein expression of BDNF increased by 82.3% and 141.2% in groups 10 mg and 100 mg, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that supplementation with genistein may be effective against depression.
Assessing mental health status among Iranian healthcare workers in times of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A web‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Azizi Marzieh , Kamali Mahsa , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Aarabi Mohsen , Ghasemian Roya , Hasannezhad Reskati Maryam , Elyasi Forouzan
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The present study was conducted to assess 3(HCWs) during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A total number of 7626 HCWs were included in this web‐based cross‐sectional study, via the convenience sampling technique. To collect the required data, the sociodemographic characteristics information form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21), and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) were also employed. In addition, data analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics software (ver. 24), as well as descriptive statistics, Chi‐square test (χ2), and univariate/multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The CDAS results revealed that 47.9% and 70.5% of the HCWs had experienced moderate levels of physical and psychological anxiety, respectively. Based on the DASS results, 44.8%, 43%, and 34.8% of the HCWs had been subjected to depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms during the COVID‐19 pandemic, respectively. The logistic regression models correspondingly showed that depression among the HCWs was significantly correlated with risk factors, such as the age groups of 20–30 years (p = .001), 31–40 years (p = .006), female HCWs (p> .001), history of physical illnesses (p = .004), and history of psychiatric disorders (p> .001). Moreover, factors including the age groups of 20–30 years (p < .001), 31–40 years (p < .001), 41–50 years (p < .001), female HCWs (p> .001), history of physical illnesses (p < .001), and history of psychiatric disorders (p>.001) were assumed as significant predictors of anxiety in these individuals. Besides, factors such as the age groups of 20–30 years (p = .002), 31–40 years (p = .004), female HCWs (p>.001), occupation (p = .016), history of physical illnesses (p < .001), and history of psychiatric disorders (p> .001) could significantly predict the prevalence rate of stress in the HCWs in times of this crisis.

Conclusion

Given the importance of mental health status among HCWs during the COVID‐19 pandemic, health administrators and policymakers of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran are suggested to provide psychological screening and supportive care programs for HCWs with the aim of enhancing their mental health and successful coping with critical circumstances.
A cohort study of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion in children
Authors: Xue Jiao , Zhang Ying , Kang Jie , Duan Chongfeng , Yi Zhi , Yang Chengqing , Li Fei , Liu Kaixuan , Song Zhenfeng
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To investigate the clinical features, imaging features, and prognosis of mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with a reversible splenial lesion (MERS) in children

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of a cohort of 28 children diagnosed as MERS from January 2019 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed

Results

Of the 28 patients, 17 were males and 11 were females. The onset age ranged from 8 months to 12 years old, with an average age of 4 years and 2 months. All children developed normally before onset, and three of them had a history of febrile convulsion. More than half of the patients (62.9%) had preceding infections of gastrointestinal tract. All the cases developed seizures, and most (71.4%) had more than one time. Other neurological symptoms included dizziness/headache, consciousness disorder, limb weakness, blurred vision, and dysarthria. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed lesions in the splenium of the corpus callosum in all, extending to other areas of the corpus callosum, bilateral semi‐ovoid center, and adjacent periventricular in two cases. The clinical symptoms were relieved after steroids, intravenous immunogloblin, and symptomatic treatment, without abnormal neurodevelopment during the followed‐up (2 months–2 years). Complete resolution of the lesions was observed 8–60 days after the initial MRI examinations

Conclusion

MERS in children is related to prodromal infection mostly, with a wide spectrum of neurologic symptoms, characteristic MRI manifestations, and good prognosis.
The effects of working memory training in children revealed by behavioral responses and ERP
Authors: Xu Jie , Deng Meiqi , Nan Wenya , Cai Dan
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent studies have examined the effect of computerized cognitive training on working memory (WM), but the behavioral and neural effects were uncertain. Also, few studies have explored WM training effects on children using event‐related potentials. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of WM training in children, including the effects on behavioral performance and neurophysiological outcomes.

Methods

Forty‐four healthy children (mean age = 7.76 years, SD = 0.57 years, 18 females) were assigned to the training and control groups. Over 20 training sessions, the training group participated in the computation‐span and spatial N‐back tasks, whereas the control group joined in normal class activities. They all completed the pre‐ and post‐test evaluation of WM tasks (digit span backwards task and N‐back task).

Results

The results showed that WM training led to improved performance in the digit span backwards task and 2‐back task of post‐test evaluation, shortened P3a and P3b latencies in nontarget trials during the spatial 1‐back task, shortened P3a latency in target and nontarget trials, as well as increased P3b amplitude and shortened P3b latency in target trials during the spatial 2‐back task.

Conclusions

These results suggested that WM training might enhance children's behavioral performance on WM tasks and brought about neurophysiological changes. This study gives insights into the potential of WM training effects on children's behavioral performance and neurophysiological outcomes.
Drug use evaluation: A two‐year retrospective review of the effectiveness and tolerability of agomelatine versus mirtazapine in patients with depressive disorder
Authors: Leung Shek Ming
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the effectiveness and tolerability of agomelatine with mirtazapine in patients with depressive disorder. To illustrate the prescribing pattern of agomelatine and identify factors that affect the pattern of treatment result and therapeutic outcome of it.

Methods

The clinical data of patients using agomelatine or mirtazapine, 93 patients in each group, were included and reviewed in this retrospective study. Background characteristics, adverse events, therapeutic outcomes (discontinued or continued), reason of discontinuation, and the presence of positive pattern of treatment result were assessed. Positive pattern of treatment result was defined as either recovery or improvement of depressive disorder after therapy.

Results

Patients using agomelatine were associated with higher starting dose and higher dose titrated than mirtazapine. More patients started agomelatine due to intolerability, and less due to ineffectiveness of the previous antidepressant. More patients started agomelatine before the use of at least two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)/serotonin‐noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Patients using agomelatine were associated with less discontinuation due to intolerability, and less experience of adverse events within 90 days of initiation or dose increase, but more discontinuation due to ineffectiveness versus mirtazapine. The use of 50 mg resulted in less discontinuation. The use of at least two SSRI(s)/SNRI(s) before and more concomitant medications are independently associated with more discontinuation due to intolerability. The use of at least two SSRI(s)/SNRI(s) before was also associated with more adverse events. Using agomelatine as an augmentation to other antidepressant(s) and at a higher dose were independently associated with the experience of positive pattern of treatment result.

Conclusion

Agomelatine was more tolerable than mirtazapine, but could result in more discontinuation due to ineffectiveness. The use of higher dose and as an augmentation to other antidepressant(s) could improve the desired treatment result of agomelatine.
Genetic and clinical features of Chinese sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with TARDBP mutations
Authors: Feng Feng , Wang Hongfen , Liu Jiajin , Wang Zhanjun , Xu Baixuan , Zhao Kun , Tao Xiaoyong , He Zhengqing , Yang Fei , Huang Xusheng
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the genetic and clinical features of Chinese sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SALS) patients with TARDBP mutations, we carried out a genetic analysis in a cohort of 391 SALS patients and explored the clinical manifestations of patients with TARDBP variants.

Materials and methods

The coding region of all five coding exons of TARDBP, exons 2–6, were sequenced for mutations in 391 Chinese SALS patients. The clinical features of patients with TARDBP mutations were described and compared with cases in literatures.

Results

Two missense mutations in TARDBP gene, c.1132A > G (p.N378D) and c.1147A > G (p.I383V), were detected in three cases, showing a low frequency (0.77%, 3/391) of TARDBP missense mutations in Chinese SALS patients. Based on a retrospective analysis of literatures, p.N378D mutation mainly presents a phenotype of early onset, whereas p.I383V mutation presents pure ALS or ALS alongside semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), a type of frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that TARDBP mutation is a rare cause of Chinese SALS patients and expand the spectrum of phenotype. It is implied that genetic analysis of SALS patients plays a crucial role in uncovering the cause of disease, especially for cases developing early onset or alongside FTD.
Reliability and validity of clinically useful depression outcome scale identifying mixed features in patients with manic episode
Authors: Li Xujuan , Fei Yue , Yang Haichen , Li Wenfei , Yi Zhenghui , Yang Bixiu , Huang Leping , Wang Yu , Jiang Binxun , Wang Zuowei
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aims to explore the reliability, validity, and feasibility of Clinically Useful Depression Outcome Scale (CUDOS) in screening mixed features in patients diagnosed with mania.

Methods

A total of 109 patients with (hypo‐) manic episode were recruited. The reliability of Chinese version of CUDOS (CUDOS‐C) were analyzed with Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the validity by comparing the correlation between CUDOS‐C and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), 32‐item Hypomania Checklist (HCL‐32). The score of MINI (hypo‐) manic episode with mixed features—DSM‐5 Module—Chinese version(MINI‐M‐C) ≥ 2 was considered as the gold standard of mixed features, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate the optimal cut‐off values of CUDOS‐C score.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha value of CUDOS‐C was 0.898, and the ICC of CUDOS‐C test‐retest was 0.880 (95% CI: 0.812‐0.923, p < .05).The CUDOS‐C score was significantly correlated with PHQ‐9 score (r = 0.893, p = .000), but not with HCL‐32 score(r = 0.088, p = .364).The area under ROC curve was 0.909 (95% CI: 0.855 to 0.963, p < .001) for CUDOS‐C identifying mixed features in mania. The optimal cut‐off value was 11 with a sensitivity of 0.854 and a specificity of 0.868. The CUDOS‐C (score ≥ 12) identified 40.4% of the patients with mixed features, which was higher than those diagnosed by clinicians (18.3%) and screened using MINI‐M‐C (37.6%).

Conclusions

The results indicate the CUDOS‐C is a reliable and valid self‐administered questionnaire for assessing depressive symptoms and screening patients with mixed mania.
Dynamic functional connectivity changes in the triple networks and its association with cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Cao Jianghui , Liu Guangzhi , Li Xuekun , Yue Zheng , Ren Jipeng , Zhu Wei , Wu Baolin
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Cognitive impairment is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. The "triple‐network model" that consists of the salience network (SN), central executive network (CEN), and default mode network (DMN) has been suggested to play an important role in various cognitive functions. However, dynamic functional connectivity (FC) alterations within the triple networks have not been investigated in HD patients.

Methods

Sixty‐six HD patients and 66 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. The triple networks were identified using a group spatial independent component analysis, and dynamic FC was analyzed using a sliding window approach and k‐means clustering algorithm. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationships between altered dynamic FC parameters and clinical variables in HD patients.

Results

The intrinsic brain FC within the triple networks was clustered into four configuration states. Compared with HCs, HD patients spent more time in State 1, which was characterized by weak connections between the DMN and CEN and SN. HD patients showed lower number of transitions across different states than HCs. Moreover, the number of transitions and mean dwell time in State 1 were associated with cognitive performance in HD patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest abnormal dynamic FC properties within the triple networks in HD patients, which may provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of their cognitive deficits from the perspective of dynamic FC.
High risk of drug toxicity in social isolation stress due to liver dysfunction: Role of oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Zahir Maziar , Shariatzadeh Siavash , Khosravi Ayda , Alshaikh Fatima Ahmed , Moradi Parichehr , Ghaderi Milad , Farsinejad Parsa , Louyeh Parisa Afraz , Ilkhani Saba , Nakhaei Pooria , Taheri Amin , Fagheh Avid Farhang , Akhavan‐Sigari Reza
Published: August 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that social isolation stress (SIS) could associate with several systemic diseases; however, the role of SIS on liver dysfunction has yet to be established. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SIS on liver function and possible drug toxicity through liver inflammation and oxidative stress.

Methods: Male Naval Medical Research Institute mice in two groups of SIS and control were treated with typical anti‐depressant and anxiolytic agents including fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, desipramine, and imipramine in both groups. Then blood concentrations (or their active metabolites) of these drugs were assessed. Liver function test, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, and conjugated bilirubin), oxidative activity, inflammatory cytokines, and the gene expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes were assessed.

Results: We observed that the liver enzymes including AST and ALT was slightly higher in SIS animals. The blood concentrations of fluoxetine, norfluoxetine, desipramine, and imipramine were significantly higher in SIS animals. The gene expression of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2C9, CYP2C29, and CYP2D were significantly decreased in SIS animals. Our results showed that SIS animals had significantly higher level of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6. SIS could significantly decrease the activity of antioxidant agent (Glutathione).

Conclusion: We hypothesized that SIS could induce liver dysfunction and decrease the rate of drug clearance through liver inflammation and oxidative stress; therefore, the blood concentration of anti‐depressant/anxiolytic agents should closely monitor in SIS due to the high toxicity of these agents.