bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Protective Effect of Quercetin on Endothelial Cells Injured by Hypoxia and Reoxygenation
Authors: Li Meng-Ting , Ke Jia , Guo Shu-Fen , Wu Yang , Bian Yue-Feng , Shan Li-Li , Liu Qian-Yun , Huo Ya-Jing , Guo Cen , Liu Ming-Yuan , Liu Ya-Jie , Han Yan
Published: October 2021

Background: Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is a group of clinical syndromes covering all pathological processes of small vessels in the brain, which can cause stroke and serious dementia. However, as the pathogenesis of CSVD is not clear, so the treatment is limited. Endothelial cell dysfunction is earlier than clinical symptoms, such as hypertension and leukosis. Therefore, the treatment of endothelial cells is expected to be a new breakthrough. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in a variety of plants, has the function of anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of quercetin on endothelial cell injury and provide a basic theory for subsequent application in the clinic.

Methods: Human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were cultured in vitro, and the injury model of endothelial cells was established by hypoxia and reoxygenation (H/R). The protective effects of quercetin on HBMECs were studied from the perspectives of cell viability, cell migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. In order to further study the mechanism of quercetin, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress were analyzed. What’s more, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity was also studied.

Results: Quercetin can promote the viability, migration and angiogenesis of HBMECs, and inhibit the apoptosis. In addition, quercetin can also activate Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, reduce ATF6/GRP78 protein expression. Further study showed that quercetin could increase the expression of Claudin-5 and Zonula occludens-1.

Conclusions: Our experiments show that quercetin can protect HBMECs from H/R, which contains promoting cell proliferation, cell migration and angiogenesis, reducing mitochondrial membrane potential damage and inhibiting cell apoptosis. This may be related to its antioxidation and inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress. At the same time, quercetin can increase the level of BBB connexin, suggesting that quercetin can maintain BBB integrity.
Potentially Inappropriate Medications and Potential Prescribing Omissions in Elderly Patients Receiving Post-Acute and Long-Term Care: Application of Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment Criteria
Authors: Candeias Catarina , Gama Jorge , Rodrigues Márcio , Falcão Amílcar , Alves Gilberto
Published: October 2021

Background: Screening Tool of Older People’s Prescriptions (STOPP) and Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (START) criteria have been used to detect potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs). These criteria were applied to geriatric Portuguese patients receiving post-acute and long-term care to assess the prevalence and predictors of PIMs and PPOs.

Methods: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional and multicenter study was performed in 161 patients (aged ≥65 years) from eight Units for Integrated Continuous Care.

Results: In these studied patients (mean age: 81.6, 64% female, median number of medications: 9) PIMs were detected in 85.1% and PPOs in 81.4% of patients. While PIMs mainly involved the central nervous system and psychotropic drugs (66.5%), PPOs were mostly related to musculoskeletal system (55.3%) and cardiovascular (39.8%) system. A subsequent analysis with logistic regression found the female gender, the hospital provenience, and the number of medications as predictors of PIMs. Predictors of PPOs were the Charlson Comorbidity Index and history of recent fractures.

Conclusion: PIMs and PPOs were highly prevalent in the studied patients receiving post-acute and long-term care in Units for Integrated Continuous Care. Therefore, STOPP/START criteria might be an effective tool for improving prescribing quality and clinical outcomes in these frail elderly patients.
Emodin Interferes With Nitroglycerin-Induced Migraine in Rats Through CGMP-PKG Pathway
Authors: Sun Shuding , Zheng Guo , Zhou Decui , Zhu Lili , He Xin , Zhang Chunfeng , Wang Chongzhi , Yuan Chunsu
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this research was to explore the effect and mechanism of emodin in interfering with nitroglycerin-induced migraine rats. We carried out behavioral research within 2 h post-nitroglycerin (NTG) injection, and blood samples were collected through the abdominal aorta for measurements of nitric oxide (NO), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect the activation of c-Fos immunoreactive neurons in brain tissues. The number and integrated optical density (IOD) of c-Fos positive cells were measured using Image-Pro Plus. Western blotting was applied to detect the levels of PKG protein in rat brain tissues. The results showed that emodin can alleviate the pain response of migraine rats and significantly reduce the levels of NO, CGRP, SP, TNF-α and cGMP in migraine rats. In addition, emodin can significantly reduce the number of c-Fos positive cells and the IOD value. Moreover, the expression of PKG protein was significantly inhibited by emodin. Therefore, it is inferred that emodin can relieve migraine induced by NTG through the cGMP-PKG pathway, and can be used as a potential botanical medicine for the treatment of migraine.
Single Dose of SHR-1222, a Sclerostin Monoclonal Antibody, in Healthy Men and Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Escalation, Phase I Study
Authors: Dai Zhijie , Fang Pingfei , Yan Xiang , Zhu Ronghua , Feng Qiong , Yan Qiangyong , Yang Lingfeng , Fan Xiao , Xie Yuting , Zhuang Lihong , Feng Sheng , Liu Yantao , Zhong Sheng , Yang Zeyu , Sheng Zhifeng , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: October 2021

SHR-1222 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting sclerostin and has the potential to promote bone formation and reduce bone resorption. This study was aimed to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of SHR-1222 in healthy men and postmenopausal women with low bone mass (BMD). It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation, phase I study. Subjects received SHR-1222 at 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg sequentially or matching placebo subcutaneously. Totally, 50 subjects with low BMD were enrolled and randomly assigned; 10 received placebo and 40 received SHR-1222 (50 mg, n = 4; 100, 200, 300, or 400 mg, n = 9). The most common adverse events that occurred at least 10% higher in subjects with SHR-1222 treatment than those with placebo were decreased blood calcium, blood urine present, increased blood cholesterol, electrocardiogram T wave abnormal, urinary tract infection, increased blood pressure diastolic, and positive bacterial test. All the above adverse events were mild in severity and well resolved except one of increased blood cholesterol in a subject lost to follow-up. The serum SHR-1222 concentration increased in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of SHR-1222 upregulated the bone-formation markers N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen, osteocalcin, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, while downregulated the bone-resorption marker β-C-telopeptide. The BMD at the lumbar spine notably rose after a single dose of SHR-1222. The largest increase occurred in the 400 mg cohort (3.8, 6.7, and 6.1% on day 29, 57, and 85, respectively; compared with 1.4, 0.8, and 1.0% in the placebo group). Although 10.0% of subjects receiving SHR-1222 tested positive for anti–SHR-1222 antibodies, no obvious effects of antibody formation were found on pharmacokinetics. Overall, SHR-1222 was well tolerated at doses from 50 to 400 mg and is a promising new remedy for osteoporosis.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03870100.
Treatment With Melatonin After Corneal Graft Attenuates Rejection
Authors: Zhu Ziqian , Peng Ruiping , Shen Hongyi , Zhong Lei , Song Siqi , Wang Tao , Ling Shiqi
Published: October 2021

Background: Immunologic graft rejection is the main complication of corneal transplants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin (MT) on the rejection of corneal transplantation.

Methods: Corneal allografts were performed by grafting corneas from BALB/C mice to C57BL/6 hosts. MT (50 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into the hosts every day from the day of transplantation. The survival of grafts was observed by slit lamp biomicroscopy, and inflammatory cell infiltration was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. The balance of Teff and Treg immune cells in draining lymph nodes (DLNs) was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of cytokines related to the grafts and DLNs were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. Additionally, we used the mouse macrophage line RAW264.7 to study the effect of MT on the activation of NLRP3 inflammatory body.

Results: MT treatment improved the graft survival rate, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the graft, decreased the percentage of Th1/Th17 cells in the DLNs, and increased the percentage of Treg cells. Melatonin inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby reducing the expression of IL-1β and other related proinflammatory cytokines such as MCP-1, MIP-1, NLRP3, ASC, TNF-a and VEGF-A (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that MT promotes the survival of mouse corneal grafts by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated immune regulation, reducing immune cell activation and cell migration, and inhibiting the production of inflammatory-related cytokines. Treatment with MT might provide a potential clinical therapeutic target for corneal transplantation.
Trends in Fruit Quality Improvement From 15 Years of Selection in the Apple Breeding Program of Washington State University
Authors: Teh Soon Li , Kostick Sarah , Brutcher Lisa , Schonberg Bonnie , Barritt Bruce , Evans Kate
Published: October 2021

Washington State University's apple breeding program (WABP) was initiated in 1994 to select new apple cultivars with improved eating quality, appearance, and storability that are suitable for production in the main growing regions of the state. Fruit quality is phenotyped using various instrumental measures, such as penetrometers (texture), titrator (acidity), and refractometer (soluble solids concentration; SSC), as well as sensory assessment. The selection regime of WABP occurs in three sequential phases: phase one (P1)—single, unreplicated seedlings at one site, phase two (P2)—replicated selections at three geographically diverse sites, and phase three (P3)—highly replicated elite selections at one to two grower sites. Most of the data collection of WABP occurs in P2. Knowledge of trends/changes associated with advancing selections is essential for understanding the selection criteria and progress of WABP throughout the changing compositions of advancing and culling selections. For each post-harvest trait, P2 data from harvest years 2005 to 2019 were split across sites, and between selections and reference cultivars (e.g., Cripps Pink, Gala, and Honeycrisp). Means of instrumental crispness (Cn) and inner cortex firmness for the advancing selections increased gradually over this period and were significantly higher than those for cultivars. Means of outer cortex firmness measurements were stable for selections but significantly higher than those for cultivars. The average fruit acidity of selections increased marginally over this period and was higher than that of the cultivars. Meanwhile, the average fruit SSCs of selections and cultivars were statistically indistinguishable. These 15-year trends indicate that WABP has been selecting apples with improved eating quality and storability through increased crispness and inner cortex firmness, respectively.
An Interannual Comparative Study on Ecosystem Carbon Exchange Characteristics in the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, a Dominant Subtropical Evergreen Forest Ecosystem
Authors: Njoroge Brian , Li Yuelin , Wei Shimin , Meng Ze , Liu Shizhong , Zhang Qianmei , Tang Xuli , Zhang Deqiang , Liu Juxiu , Chu Guowei
Published: October 2021

Compared with other forest systems, research interest in the potential for a stronger ecosystem carbon sequestration of evergreen forests throughout subtropical China has greatly increased. The eddy covariance technique is widely employed to determine accurate forest-atmosphere carbon dioxide (CO2) flux, which is subsequently used to determine forest ecosystem carbon exchange characteristics. The Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve, a subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest, is a suitable study area due to its warm and humid climate (compared with other regions within the same latitude), consequently playing a role in the carbon cycle in the region. For this study, we hypothesized that the forest land in this region generally acts as a carbon sink, and that its carbon sequestration capacity increases over time despite the influence of climatic factors. Here, we compared net CO2 flux data derived from the eddy covariance technique over an 8-year study window. Additionally, we ascertained the effects of various environmental factors on net CO2 flux, while also using the Michaelis–Menten model and a physiologically based process model to track and report on ecosystem carbon exchange characteristics. We observed seasonal trends in daily ecosystem flux, indicative of sensitivity to climatic factors, such as air temperature, precipitation, and sunlight. The carbon sequestration capacity of the region exhibited seasonal variability, increasing from October to March (−264 g C m−2 year−1, i.e., 48.4%) while weakening from April to September (−150 g C m−2 year−1, i.e., 40.4%) on average. The net ecosystem exchange (NEE) rate varied from −518 to −211 g C m−2 year−1; ecosystem respiration (Re) varied from 1,142 to 899 g C m−2 year−1; and gross primary production (GPP) varied from 1,552 to 1,254 g C m−2 year−1. This study found that even though the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve generally acts as a carbon sink, its carbon sequestration capacity did not increase significantly throughout the study period. The techniques (models) used in this study are suitable for application in other ecosystems globally, which can aid in their management and conservation. Finally, the Dinghushan Biosphere Reserve is both an exemplary and a model forest system useful in exploring CO2 absorption and sequestration from the atmosphere.
Pepper Novel Pseudo Response Regulator Protein CaPRR2 Modulates Drought and High Salt Tolerance
Authors: Lim Junsub , Lim Chae Woo , Lee Sung Chul
Published: October 2021

Plants modify their internal states to adapt to environmental stresses. Under environmental stress conditions, plants restrict their growth and development and activate defense responses. Abscisic acid (ABA) is a major phytohormone that plays a crucial role in the osmotic stress response. In osmotic stress adaptation, plants regulate stomatal closure, osmoprotectant production, and gene expression. Here, we isolated CaPRR2 – encoding a pseudo response regulator protein – from the leaves of pepper plants (Capsicum annuum). After exposure to ABA and environmental stresses, such as drought and salt stresses, CaPRR2 expression in pepper leaves was significantly altered. Under drought and salt stress conditions, CaPRR2-silenced pepper plants exhibited enhanced osmotic stress tolerance, characterized by an enhanced ABA-induced stomatal closing and high MDA and proline contents, compared to the control pepper plants. Taken together, our data indicate that CaPRR2 negatively regulates osmotic stress tolerance.
Altering Sterol Composition Implied That Cholesterol Is Not Physiologically Associated With Diosgenin Biosynthesis in Trigonella foenum-graecum
Authors: Cao Liyang , Zhou Zilin , Sun Jia , Li Changfu , Zhang Yansheng
Published: October 2021

Diosgenin serves as an important precursor of most steroidal drugs in market. Cholesterol was previously deemed as a sterol origin leading to diosgenin biosynthesis. This study reports that cholesterol is not in parallel with diosgenin biosynthesis inTrigonella foenum-graecum. We first perturbed its sterol composition using inhibitors specific for the upstream isoprenoid pathway enzymes, HMGR (3-hydroxy-3-methylgutaryl-CoA reductase) on the mevalonate (MVA) and DXR (1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase) on the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol-4-phophate (MEP) pathways, and have revealed that diosgenin and cholesterol reversely or differently accumulated in either the MVA or the MEP pathway-suppressed plants, challenging the previously proposed role of cholesterol in diosgenin biosynthesis. To further investigate this, we altered the sterol composition by suppressing and overexpressing the 24-sterol methyltransferase type 1 (SMT1) gene inT. foenum-graecum, as SMT1 acts in the first committed step of diverting the carbon flux of cholesterol toward biosynthesis of 24-alkyl sterols. Knockdown ofTfSMT1expression led to increased cholesterol level but caused a large reduction of diosgenin. Diosgenin was increased upon theTfSMT1-overexpressing, which, however, did not significantly affect cholesterol biosynthesis. These data consistently supported that diosgenin biosynthesis inT. foenum-graecumis not associated with cholesterol. Rather, campesterol, a 24-alkyl sterol, was indicative of being correlative to diosgenin biosynthesis inT. foenum-graecum.
AGAMOUS Gene as a New Sex-Identification Marker in Fig (Ficus carica L.) Is More Efficient Than RAN1
Authors: Wang Xu , Song Miaoyu , Flaishman Moshe A. , Chen Shangwu , Ma Huiqin
Published: October 2021

Fig is an ancient gynodioecious fruit tree with females for commercial fruit production and hermaphrodites (males) sometimes used as pollen providers. An early sex-identification method would improve breeding efficiency. Three AGAMOUS (AG) genes were recruited from the Ficus carica genome using AG sequences from Ficus microcarpa and Ficus hispida. FcAG was 5230 bp in length, with 7 exons and 6 introns, and a 744-bp coding sequence. The gene was present in both female and male fig genomes, with a 15-bp deletion in the 7th exon. The other two AG genes (FcAG2-Gall_Stamen and FcAG3-Gall_Stamen) were male-specific, without the 15-bp deletion (759-bp coding sequence), and were only expressed in the gall and stamen of the male fig fruit. Using the deletion as the forward primer (AG-Marker), male plants were very efficiently identified by the presence of a 146-bp PCR product. The previously reported fig male and female polymorphism gene RESPONSIVE-TO-ANTAGONIST1 (RAN1) was also cloned and compared between male and female plants. Fifteen SNPs were found in the 3015-bp protein-coding sequence. Among them, 12 SNPs were identified as having sex-differentiating capacity by checking the sequences of 27 known male and 24 known female cultivars. A RAN1-Marker of 608 bp, including 6 SNPs, was designed, and a PCR and sequencing-based method was verified with 352 fig seedlings from two hybrid populations. Our results confirmed that the newly established AG-Marker is as accurate as the RAN1-Marker, and provide new clues to understanding Ficus sex determination.
Identification of the Histone Deacetylases Gene Family in Hemp Reveals Genes Regulating Cannabinoids Synthesis
Authors: Yang Liu , Meng Xiangxiao , Chen Shilin , Li Jun , Sun Wei , Chen Weiqiang , Wang Sifan , Wan Huihua , Qian Guangtao , Yi Xiaozhe , Li Juncan , Zheng Yaqin , Luo Ming , Chen Shanshan , Liu Xia , Mi Yaolei
Published: October 2021

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) play crucial roles nearly in all aspects of plant biology, including stress responses, development and growth, and regulation of secondary metabolite biosynthesis. The molecular functions of HDACs have been explored in depth in Arabidopsis thaliana, while little research has been reported in the medicinal plant Cannabis sativa L. Here, we excavated 14 CsHDAC genes of C. sativa L that were divided into three relatively conserved subfamilies, including RPD3/HDA1 (10 genes), SIR2 (2 genes), and HD2 (2 genes). Genes associated with the biosynthesis of bioactive constituents were identified by combining the distribution of cannabinoids with the expression pattern of HDAC genes in various organs. Using qRT-PCR and transcription group analysis, we verified the expression of candidate genes in different tissues. We found that the histone inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) affected the expression of key genes in the cannabinoid metabolism pathway and the accumulation of synthetic precursors, which indirectly indicates that histone inhibitor may regulate the synthesis of active substances in C. sativa L.
Engineering Production of a Novel Diterpene Synthase Precursor in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Forestier Edith C. F. , Brown Geoffrey D. , Harvey David , Larson Tony R. , Graham Ian A.
Published: October 2021

Diterpene biosynthesis commonly originates with the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway in chloroplasts, leading to the C20 substrate, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP). The previous work demonstrated that over-expression of genes responsible for the first and last steps in the MEP pathway in combination with GERANYLGERANYL PYROPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE (GGPPS) and CASBENE SYNTHASE (CAS) is optimal for increasing flux through to casbene in Nicotiana benthamiana. When the gene responsible for the last step in the MEP pathway, 4-HYDROXY-3-METHYLBUT-2-ENYL DIPHOSPHATE REDUCTASE (HDR), is removed from this combination, casbene is still produced but at lower amounts. Here, we report the unexpected finding that this reduced gene combination also results in the production of 16-hydroxy-casbene (16-OH-casbene), consistent with the presence of 16-hydroxy-geranylgeranyl phosphate (16-OH-GGPP) in the same material. Indirect evidence suggests the latter is formed as a result of elevated levels of 4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP) caused by a bottleneck at the HDR step responsible for conversion of HMBPP to dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). Over-expression of a GERANYLLINALOOL SYNTHASE from Nicotiana attenuata (NaGLS) produces 16-hydroxy-geranyllinalool (16-OH-geranyllinalool) when transiently expressed with the same reduced combination of MEP pathway genes in N. benthamiana. This work highlights the importance of pathway flux control in metabolic pathway engineering and the possibility of increasing terpene diversity through synthetic biology.
Acceleration of Aril Cracking by Ethylene in Torreya grandis During Nut Maturation
Authors: Gao Yadi , Hu Yuanyuan , Shen Jiayi , Meng Xuecheng , Suo Jinwei , Zhang Zuying , Song Lili , Wu Jiasheng
Published: October 2021

Torreyagrandis‘Merrillii’ is a famous nut with great nutritional value and high medicinal value. Aril cracking is an important process for seed dispersal, which is also an indicator of seed maturation. However, the cracking mechanism ofT. grandisaril during the maturation stage remains largely unknown. Here, we provided a comprehensive view of the physiological and molecular levels of aril cracking inT. grandisby systematically analyzing its anatomical structure, physiological parameters, and transcriptomic response during the cracking process. These results showed that the length of both epidermal and parenchymatous cell layers significantly increased from 133 to 144 days after seed protrusion (DASP), followed by a clear separation between parenchymatous cell layers and kernel, which was accompanied by a breakage between epidermal and parenchymatous cell layers. Moreover, analyses of cell wall composition showed that a significant degradation of cellular wall polysaccharides occurred during aril cracking. To examine the global gene expression changes in arils during the cracking process, the transcriptomes (96 and 141 DASP) were analyzed. KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs revealed that 4 of the top 10 enriched pathways were involved in cell wall modification and 2 pathways were related to ethylene biosynthesis and ethylene signal transduction. Furthermore, combining the analysis results of co-expression networks between different transcription factors, cell wall modification genes, and exogenous ethylene treatments suggested that the ethylene signal transcription factors (ERF11andERF1A) were involved in aril cracking ofT. grandisby regulation ofEXPandPME. Our findings provided new insights into the aril cracking trait inT. grandis.
Compatibility Evaluation and Anatomical Observation of Melon Grafted Onto Eight Cucurbitaceae Species
Authors: Xiong Mu , Liu Changjin , Guo Liping , Wang Jin , Wu Xiangshuai , Li Ling , Bie Zhilong , Huang Yuan
Published: October 2021

Melon (Cucumis melo) is one of the top 10 fruits in the world, and its production often suffers due to soil-borne diseases. Grafting is an effective way to solve this problem. However, graft incompatibility between scion and rootstock limits the application of melon grafting. In this study, the melon was grafted onto eight Cucurbitaceae species (cucumber, pumpkin, melon, luffa, wax gourd, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and watermelon), and graft compatibility evaluation and anatomical observation were conducted. Taking melon homo-grafted plants as control, melon grafted onto cucumber and pumpkin rootstocks was compatible, while melon grafted onto luffa, wax gourd, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and watermelon rootstocks was incompatible based on the scion dry weight on day 42 after grafting. Meanwhile, we found that starch–iodine staining of scion stem base is an index to predict graft compatibility earlier, on day 14 after grafting. Further, microsection observations showed that there was more cell proliferation at graft junction of melon hetero-grafted combinations; vascular reconnection occurred in all graft combinations. However, excess callose deposited at graft junction resulted in the blockage of photosynthate transport, thus, leading to starch accumulation in scion stem base, and finally graft incompatibility. In addition, undegraded necrotic layer fragments were observed at graft junctions of melon grafted onto incompatible bitter gourd and watermelon rootstocks. The above results provide clues for the selection and breeding of compatible Cucurbitaceae rootstocks of melon and demonstrate that starch accumulation in scion base and callose deposition at graft junction is associated with melon graft compatibility.
Indicators of Identity and Psychological Well-Being in Immigrant Population
Authors: Henríquez Diego , Urzúa Alfonso , López-López Wilson
Published: October 2021

Multiple research has indicated that group identity processes are critical to understanding the dynamics of psychological well-being linked to migration. However, few studies have analyzed the relationship between identity from different theoretical perspectives, and the mental health of migrants in the Latin-American context. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between several identity indicators such as ethnic identity, collective self-esteem, identity fusion (with the country of origin and the host country) simultaneously, and different dimensions of psychological well-being of Colombian migrants living in Chile. The sample consisted of 887 Colombian migrants, of whom 435 (49%) were men and 452 (51%) were women. Participants were residents of the cities of Arica (n=204; 23%), Antofagasta (n=469; 52.9%), and Santiago (n=214; 24.1%) in Chile. The results revealed by structural equation modeling indicate that collective self-esteem and ethnic identity show positive relationships with almost all dimensions of psychological well-being, while identity fusion with Colombia only showed a positive relationship with the dimension positive relationships and identity fusion with Chile only showed a positive relationship with the dimension autonomy. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed at the end.
Why Do I Seek Negative Feedback? Assessment Orientation, Self-Criticism, and Negative Feedback-Seeking
Authors: Liu Zhaoyan , Yuan Qinghong , Qian Shanshan , Ellenberg Molly , Kruglanski Arie W.
Published: October 2021

Negative feedback plays an important role in employee performance improvement, yet little research has specifically examined the motivational factor that drives employees to seek negative feedback. Drawing from the regulatory mode theory, we propose that assessment orientation could increase negative feedback-seeking by triggering individual self-criticism and participative leadership could enhance this effect. Results from a two-wave lagged survey study obtained from 216 Chinese employees suggested that assessment orientation is positively correlated with negative feedback-seeking via the mediating role of self-criticism. Moreover, the positive effect of assessment orientation on self-criticism and the positive indirect effect of assessment orientation on negative feedback-seeking via self-criticism are both stronger when participative leadership is higher. These results enrich the literature on feedback-seeking and regulatory mode and are useful for increasing employee negative feedback-seeking behavior in the organization.
Fatigue, Social Support, and Depression in Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Kazukauskiene Nijole , Bunevicius Adomas , Gecaite-Stonciene Julija , Burkauskas Julius
Published: October 2021

Background: Given that approximately one-third of individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) remain severely fatigued after completion the cardiac rehabilitation, it is necessary to identify reliable intervention targets aimed at reducing fatigue. Perceived social support is closely linked to health outcomes and depressive symptoms in individuals with CAD. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between subjective fatigue levels and social support in those with CAD has not been analyzed.

Objective: We aimed to examine the associations between perceived social support and subjective fatigue levels in individuals with CAD with and without depression symptoms.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was comprised of 1,036 participants with CAD (57±9years, 77% men) 1–2weeks after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 (MFI-20), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).

Results: In total, 12% (n=129) of study participants had elevated depression symptoms (HADS score≥8). In individuals with CAD and depressive symptoms, after adjustment for sex, age, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and anxiety, linear regression analyses showed significant inverse associations between higher social support from others and general, physical fatigue as well as reduced activity and motivation (p<0.001). Following the same method of statistical analysis and control in non-depressed individuals with CAD (88%), social support from family was inversely linked to mental fatigue (p’s<0.05). Similarly, social support from friends was significantly associated with lower general, physical, and mental fatigue as well as reduced activity, while social support from others was significantly associated with lower general and mental fatigue (p’s<0.001). The overall higher total support was linked with reduced motivation (p<0.05) in the depressed study participants, while there was lower general and mental fatigue (p<0.05) in non-depressed individuals.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that fatigue and its features could be associated by the perceived social support in individuals with CAD following ACSs. While in individuals with CAD and depressive symptoms, greater subjective fatigue is associated with less perceived social support from others, higher levels of subjective fatigue in non-depressed individuals with CAD are significantly associated with reduced perceived social support from friends.
Facial Prominence of Political Candidates: Gender Differences in Private and Public Pages on Facebook Profile
Authors: Valmori Alessia , Garau Tania , Carraro Luciana , Castelli Luigi
Published: October 2021

The face of a person is an important source of communication and information especially for politicians who are continuously portrayed through media. Voters may use this information to form an impression about the candidates and several inferences may be drawn. Within this frame, research has largely investigated gender differences. One line of research has focused on the facial prominence of people portrayed in pictures, describing a tendency to portray men with a higher face prominence as compared to women. This bias has been defined as the face-ism effect and it has a key influence on the perception of dominance, competence, intelligence, and ambition of the portrayed individuals. Several studies in recent years analyzed the differences between the self-representation of men and women in social media, but no study specifically focused on politicians directly comparing two different types of profiles: private vs. public. In two studies, we analyzed differences in face-ism index comparing male and female politicians both for pictures posted in private and public Facebook accounts. In Study 1 results showed that no difference emerged between men and women engaged in politics when considering public pages; however, when private profiles are analyzed, women displayed a higher face-ism index than their male counterparts. Study 2 partially confirmed results from Study 1 considering Italian politicians. Overall, current results showed a different pattern as compared to previous studies suggesting an increase in perceived agency and dominance for female candidates, particularly emphasized in their private profiles.
Characteristics Associated With High-Intensity Binge Drinking in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Gowin Joshua L. , Sloan Matthew E. , Morris James K. , Schwandt Melanie L. , Diazgranados Nancy , Ramchandani Vijay A.
Published: October 2021

High-intensity binge drinking, defined as consuming 2–3 times the level of a binge (4 or 5 drinks for women or men), increases the risks of overdose and alcohol-related cancer relative to lower levels of drinking. This study examined the relationship between high-intensity binge drinking and three domains hypothesized to contribute to alcohol use disorder (AUD): incentive salience, negative emotionality, and executive function. This cross-sectional study at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism examined 429 adults with AUD and 413 adults without a history of AUD. Drinking was assessed using the 90-day Timeline Followback interview. The AUD sample was divided into training and testing sets, and a machine learning model was generated in the training set and then applied to the testing set, to classify individuals based on if they had engaged in high-intensity binge drinking. We also conducted regression models for the following dependent variables: the presence of high-intensity binge drinking, frequency of high-intensity binge drinking, and number of drinks per of binge. Independent variables in these regression models were determined by variable selection from the machine learning algorithm and included time thinking about alcohol, depression rating, and positive urgency as representative variables for the three domains. These variables were assessed using self-report measures. The models were applied to the adults without a history of AUD to determine generalizability. The machine learning algorithm displayed reasonable accuracy when classifying individuals as high-intensity binge drinkers (area under ROC=0.74, 95% CI 0.67, 0.80). In adults with AUD, greater depression rating (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.070) and amount of time thinking about alcohol (OR=1.48, 95% CI 1.20, 1.91) were associated with greater likelihood of high-intensity binge drinking. They were also associated with greater frequency of high-intensity binge drinking days and greater number of drinks on binge occasions. Our findings suggest that incentive salience may contribute to high-intensity binge drinking in both controls and individuals with AUD. Negative emotionality was only associated with high-intensity binge drinking in individuals diagnosed with AUD, suggesting that it may be a consequence rather than a cause of high-intensity binge drinking.
Linking Positive Psychology and Intercultural Competence by Movies: Evidence From Brunei and Romania
Authors: Popa Daniela , Nechita Florin , Liu Yong , Wei Lee Chin Shirley
Published: October 2021

Cultural consumption provides numerous benefits for individuals, especially for younger generations. Imaginary travel narratives can shape people’s perceptions about other cultures thus are useful tools for developing intercultural competences. On the other hand, positive psychology provides an approach to understand different aspects of students/youngsters’ wellbeing. This study investigates the wellbeing associated with learning the meanings of being different and growing in emotional resilience, flexibility, and openness to other cultures through movies. The positive psychology approach was used to examine the benefits of movie consumption in order to investigate the activation of five domains of wellbeing: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment (PERMA). The research methodology consisted of the experiment and questionnaire survey. The students’ scores on the wellbeing and intercultural competences were measured before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of sessions of watching two example movies, Eat Pray Love and Hotel Transylvania 2, and subsequent group discussions about the movies’ respective messages. The participants’ group was formed by 236 university students from Brunei and Romania, ages between 18 and 49years old. The results showed an increase in students’ openness to other cultures and across some of the wellbeing PERMA dimensions. The study makes a theoretical contribution by connecting positive psychology and the intercultural competence constructs and the influences of movies.
Teacher Stroke as a Positive Interpersonal Behavior on English as a Foreign Language Learners' Success and Enthusiasm
Authors: Song Zhe
Published: October 2021

In the context of language learning, teacher-student interactions are regarded as pivotal for their impact on the education of learners and their academic journey. To help learners succeed, the teachers may employ various ways to develop this interpersonal relationship, one of which is teacher stroke which is also called teacher praise. Interpersonal skills, societal encouragement, and stroking manners, respect, consideration, or reactions that an individual provides for others can uphold such a connection and can affect the enthusiasm of the students. To this end, this study makes an effort to review the prominence of teacher stroke in the process of learning in the classroom and illustrate their relationship and their impact on the enthusiasm and success of the learners. Furthermore, this study contributes to the body of dominant literature and suggestions and recommendations have been presented for the language teaching stakeholders in the educational setting.
Reliability and Validity of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self-Report Scale in Older Adults With Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Liu Rui , Wang Fei , Liu Shou , Zhang Qinge , Feng Yuan , Sim Kang , Cui Xiling , Lin Jing-Xia , Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: October 2021

Background: Depressive symptoms are common in older adults. Developing rapid self-report tools is essential to measure the presence and severity of depressive symptoms in older adults. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology—Self-Report (QIDS-SR) scale for use in depressed older adults.

Methods: A total of 238 depressed older adults were included in the study. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the QIDS-SR were administered to assess the severity of depressive symptoms. Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Spearman rank correlations, and principal component analysis were performed to estimate the internal consistency, convergent validity, and factorial structure of the QIDS-SR, respectively.

Results: The Cronbach's alpha for the QIDS-SR was acceptable (α = 0.64). Item–total correlation analyses showed that the items of concentration/decision-making, involvement, energy level, and agitation/retardation had high correlation with the QIDS-SR total score (all correlation coefficients ≥0.60). The QIDS-SR total score was significantly correlated with the MADRS total score (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), demonstrating acceptable convergent validity. Factor analysis revealed the unidimensional structure of the QIDS-SR.

Conclusions: The QIDS-SR appears to be a reliable and valid self-report scale for estimating the severity of depressive symptoms in depressed older adults.
The Prevalence and Factors Associated With Anxiety-Like and Depression-Like Behaviors in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Lin Han , Liu Mingxing , Zhong Dongmei , Ng Ernest Hung Yu , Liu Jianping , Li Juan , Shi Yu , Zhang Chunren , Wen Xiaohui , Mai Zhefen , Ou Miaoxian , Ma Hongxia
Published: October 2021

Increasing evidence shows that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients are particularly vulnerable to anxiety/depression-like behaviors. This study sought to determine the prevalence of anxiety/depression-like behaviors among women with PCOS and to identify factors associated with these behaviors. This study was a secondary analysis of three studies performed on Chinese women who were aged 18 to 40 and diagnosed with PCOS according to the modified Rotterdam criteria. We obtained 802 useable responses for the self-rating anxiety scale and 798 responses for the self-rating depression scale. The prevalence of anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors among women with PCOS was 26.1% (209/802) and 52.0% (415/798), respectively. Anxiety-like behaviors were associated with age, body image-related factors (including body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio), and hyperandrogenism-related factors (including free androgen index and hirsutism). Depression-like behaviors were associated with age, body image-related factors, hyperandrogenism-related factors, and metabolic factors (including fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance). Body image-related factors and hyperandrogenism-related factors were related to both anxiety-like behaviors and depression-like behaviors in both infertile and fertile PCOS patients.
Academic Burnout and Problematic Smartphone Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effects of Anxiety and Resilience
Authors: Hao Zejun , Jin Liangyi , Huang Jinzi , Lyu Ruibo , Cui Qian
Published: October 2021

Background: Academic burnout has been associated with problematic smartphone use. However, the mechanism underlying this relation has been inadequately explored during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: A total of 748 Chinese undergraduate students were recruited in the study who were measured with their levels of academic burnout, anxiety, resilience, and problematic smartphone use.

Results: Our study showed that academic burnout significantly predicted problematic smartphone use both directly and indirectly via anxiety. By constructing a moderated mediation model, our study found that resilience moderated the direct impact and the second half of the indirect path (between anxiety and problematic smartphone use); however, with the moderation effects of resilience, both the indirect impact of academic burnout on problematic smartphone use via anxiety became insignificant.

Conclusions: Our findings brought additional evidence on the association between academic burnout and problematic smartphone use and significantly suggested the potential solution to alleviate the influences.
The Effect of Yijinjing on the Cognitive Function of Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Gao Hui , Luo Chao , Tu Si-Jing , Lu Ru-Ping , Jiang Lin-Na , Qiao Hui-Jun , Lin Qu , Li Ning-Ning , Chen Jian-Hua
Published: October 2021

Background: Patients with chronic schizophrenia present cognitive impairment, which affects their social function and prevents them from reintegrating into society. Yijinjing is a traditional Chinese aerobic exercise that has a putative psychosomatic effect on improving cognitive function.

Methods: From January to May 2021, 40 patients with chronic schizophrenia were recruited and randomly divided into a control group and a Yijinjing group. In the 12-week intervention, the patients in the control group received conventional treatment, whereas patients in the Yijinjing group performed Yijinjing exercise (40 min/session, twice a week) in addition to receiving conventional treatment. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Insight and Treatment Attitude Questionnaire (ITAQ), the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (SES), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to measure clinical symptoms and cognitive function at 0, 6, and 12 weeks.

Results: The demographic information was not significantly different between groups. At baseline, the scores of all the scales were not statistically different between groups. After 12 weeks of intervention, compared to those at baseline, the scores of the negative scale (t = 19.00, p < 0.0001), general psychopathology scale (t = 15.98, p < 0.0001), and total score (t = 15.47, p < 0.0001) of the PANSS and SES (t = 5.378, p < 0.0001) had significantly decreased, and the scores of the ITAQ (t = 7.984, p < 0.0001) and MMSE (t = 6.750, p < 0.0001) had significantly increased in Yijinjing group; the score of the MMSE increased in the control group as well (t = 2.491, p = 0.0222). Compared to the respective scores in the control group, the negative scale score (t = 2.953, p = 0.0054) significantly decreased, and the ITAQ (t = 3.043, p = 0.0042) and MMSE (t = 2.2.68, p = 0.0291) scores significantly increased in the Yijinjing group after 12 weeks of intervention.

Conclusion: These results provide a preliminary indication that Yijinjing exercise had the potential to improve cognitive function and negative symptoms in patients with chronic schizophrenia. A larger-scale study to determine the trajectory of change in the longer term should be undertaken.
Functional and Structural Alteration of Default Mode, Executive Control, and Salience Networks in Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Suk Ji-Woo , Hwang Soonjo , Cheong Chaejoon
Published: October 2021

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been related to aberrant functional connectivity (FC) in the salience network (SN), executive control network (ECN), and default mode network (DMN). However, there is a lack of comprehensive and simultaneous examination of these networks in patients with AUD and of their relation to potential anatomical changes. We aimed to comprehensively examine the alteration in FC in the three networks in AUD patients, and the correlation of the alteration with anatomical/structural changes (volume) in the neural areas implicated in these networks, by applying voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and region of interest-to-region of interest connectivity analysis simultaneously. In all, 22 patients with AUD and 22 healthy adults participated in the study and underwent T1 magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with AUD showed increased FCs within the DMN and SN networks, especially in terms of connectivity of the frontal areas and bilateral hippocampi. They also showed decreased FCs in the ECN. In addition, there was significant volume reduction in these areas (frontal areas and hippocampus). The increased FCs within the frontal areas or bilateral hippocampi showed a negative correlation with gray matter volume of these areas in AUD patients. Our findings add to the empirical evidence that the frontal lobe and hippocampi are critical areas that are vulnerable to functional and structural changes due to AUD.