bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Identification of potential prognosis-related LAG3 overexpression and DICER1 mutation in pituitary carcinoma: two cases
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Victoria , Liu Jifang , Zhu Huijuan , Lu Lin , Pan Hui , Wang Renzhi , Deng Kan , Yao Yong
Published: October 2023

Metastatic PitNETs are a rare life-threatening condition with poor prognosis and documentation. Due to the scarce literature and lack of precise treatment, we hope to better characterise PitNET using the next-generation whole exon sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing. This case study outlines a 54 years-old man and a 52 years-old woman who were both diagnosed with PitNET and analysis of peripheral blood and tumours were performed by WES and RNA sequencing. Analysis showed that DICER1 mutations in precancerous lesions and LAG3 overexpression were significant in aiding the prognosis and diagnosis of PitNETs. The first case with overexpressed LAG3 and DICER1 mutation died 26 months later, and the second case with LAG3 overexpression achieved partial remission. This study revealed that heightened expression of LAG3 offered promising targets for ICI and mutations in DICER1 could provide markers for effective diagnosis and prognosis.
1H-MRS neurometabolite profiles and motor development in school-aged children who are HIV-exposed uninfected: a birth cohort study
Authors: Williams Simone R. , Robertson Frances C. , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Ringshaw Jessica E. , Bradford Layla , Nyakonda Charmaine N. , Hoffman Nadia , Joshi Shantanu H. , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Donald Kirsten A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Alterations in regional neurometabolite levels as well as impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes have previously been observed in children who are HIV-exposed uninfected (CHEU). However, little is known about how neurometabolite profiles may relate to their developmental impairment. This study aimed to compare neurometabolite concentrations in school-aged CHEU and children who are HIV-unexposed (CHU) and to explore associations of neurometabolite profiles with functional neurodevelopment in the context of perinatal HIV exposure.

Methods

We used 3 T single voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to quantify absolute and relative neurometabolites in the parietal gray and parietal white matter in school-aged CHEU and aged- and community-matched CHU. Functional neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the early learning outcome measure (ELOM) tool at 6 years of age.

Results

Our study included 152 school-aged children (50% males), 110 CHEU and 42 CHU, with an average age of 74 months at the neuroimaging visit. In an adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, significantly lower glutamate (Glu) concentrations were found in CHEU as compared to CHU in the parietal gray matter (absolute Glu, p = 0.046; Glu/total creatine (Cr+PCr) ratios, p = 0.035) and lower total choline to creatine ratios (GPC+PCh/Cr+PCr) in the parietal white matter (p = 0.039). Using factor analysis and adjusted logistic regression analysis, a parietal gray matter Glu and myo-inositol (Ins) dominated factor was associated with HIV exposure status in both unadjusted (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.17–0.45, p = 0.013) and adjusted analyses (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35–0.94, p = 0.031). With Ins as one of the dominating metabolites, this neurometabolic factor was similar to that found at the age of two years. Furthermore, this factor was also found to be correlated with ELOM scores of gross motor development in CHEU (Pearson’s r = −0.48, p = 0.044). In addition, in CHEU, there was a significant association between Ins/Cr+PCr ratios in the parietal white matter and ELOM scores of fine motor coordination and visual motor integration in CHEU (Pearson’s r = 0.51, p = 0.032).

Conclusion

Reduced Glu concentrations in the parietal gray matter may suggest regional alterations in excitatory glutamatergic transmission pathways in the context of perinatal HIV and/or antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure, while reduced Cho ratios in the parietal white matter suggest regional myelin loss. Identified associations between neurometabolite profiles and gross and fine motor developmental outcomes in CHEU are suggestive of a neurometabolic mechanism that may underlie impaired motor neurodevelopmental outcomes observed in CHEU.
Targeted isolation of natural analogs of anti-mycobacterial hit compounds based on the metabolite profiling of a large collection of plant extracts
Authors: Kirchhoffer Olivier Auguste , Nitschke Jahn , Allard Pierre-Marie , Marcourt Laurence , David Bruno , Grondin Antonio , Hanna Nabil , Queiroz Emerson Ferreira , Soldati Thierry , Wolfender Jean-Luc
Published: October 2023

Antibiotics resistance is a clear threat to the future of current tuberculosis treatments like rifampicin, prompting the need for new treatment options in this field. While plants can offer a plethora of chemical diversity in their constitutive natural products to tackle this issue, finding potentially bioactive compounds in them has not always proven to be that simple. Classical bioactivity-guided fractionation approaches are still trendy, but they bear significant shortfalls, like their time-consuming nature as well as the ever-increasing risk of isolating known bioactive compounds. In this regard, we have developed an alternative method to the latter approach that allows for natural derivatives of a known bioactive scaffold to be efficiently targeted and isolated within a large library of plant extracts. Hence our approach allows for the anticipation of bioactive structure independently of preliminary bioassays. By relying on the chemical diversity of a set of 1,600 plant extracts analyzed by HRMS/MS, we were able to isolate and characterize several minor derivatives of a previously reported bioactive aza-anthraquinone compound from Cananga brandisiana, selected within the plant set. Assessment of bioactivity on these derivatives (especially onychine, with an IC50 value of 39 µM in infection) confirmed their expected activity on Mycobacterium marinum in our anti-infective assay. This proof-of-concept study has established an original path towards bioactive compounds isolation, with the advantage of potentially highlighting minor bioactive compounds, whose activity may not even be detectable at the extract level.
Transformation of arsenic species from seafood consumption during in vitro digestion
Authors: Liu Bei , Sui Jianxin , Feng Ruixue , Lin Hong , Han Xiangning , Sun Xun , Cao Limin
Published: October 2023

Arsenic (As) species analysis is important for the risk evaluation of seafood. Until now, there has been limited information on the change of As species during digestion. Here, the As species in different types of seafood before and after in vitro digestion were investigated. Although inorganic As was not detected in digested fish samples, As(V) contents in digested crabs and scallops were 17.12 ± 1.76 and 138.69 ± 7.53, respectively, which were approximately 2–3 times greater than those of the pre-digestion samples. In further experiments, arsenocholine, dimethylarsinate, arsenobetaine, and monomethylarsonate were all convertible to As(V) during in vitro digestions with different rates. The transformation demonstrates a complex process and could be affected by many factors, such as pH, time, and digestion juice composition, of which pH seemed to be particularly important. Free radicals were responsible for the oxidation in the transformation reactions. Unlike arsenobetaine, arsenocholine seemed to be able to directly transform to monomethylarsonate without the intermediate dimethylarsinate. This study reveals and validates the potential of other species (oAs or/and unknown species) to convert to iAs, identifies the main factors affecting this process, and proposes a reaction pathway. There is an important implication for promoting a more accurate risk assessment of arsenic in foodstuffs.
Health-related quality of life and patient-centred outcomes with COVID-19 vaccination in patients with breast cancer and gynaecological malignancies
Authors: Forster Marie , Wuerstlein Rachel , Koenig Alexander , Stefan Alexandra , Wiegershausen Elisa , Batz Falk , Trillsch Fabian , Mahner Sven , Harbeck Nadia , Chelariu-Raicu Anca
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Safety and tolerability of COVID-19 vaccines were demonstrated by several clinical trials which led to the first FDA/EMA approvals in 2021. Because of mass immunizations, most social restrictions were waived with effects on quality of life. Therefore, our a-priori hypothesis was that COVID-19 vaccination impacted the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients with breast and gynecological cancer.

Methods

From March 15th until August 11th, 2022, fully vaccinated patients with breast and gynecological cancer treated in the oncological outpatient clinics of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, LMU University Hospital, Munich, Germany filled out a vaccine related QoL survey. Patients were asked about demographics (age, comorbidities), clinical parameters related to previous COVID-19 infections, and HR-QoL related parameters (living situation, responsibilities in everyday life). Subsequently, a questionnaire with 12 items was designed using a 5-point Likert scale (0 – strongly disagree/4 – strongly agree), covering the aspects health and therapy, social environment, participation in everyday life and overall assessment.

Results

By August 11th, 2022, 108 out of 114 (94.7%) patients had received at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine and six patients at least two doses. More than half of the surveyed patients were >55y (52.6%; mean: 55.1y, range 29-86y). Patients with breast cancer (n= 83) had early (59.0%) or metastatic cancer (41.0%); gynecological cancers (n=31) also included metastatic (54.8%) and non-metastatic cancer (45.2%). 83.3% of the patients stated that COVID-19 vaccination had a positive impact on their HR-QoL. Furthermore, 29 patients (25.4%) had undergone a COVID-19 infection. These patients reported self-limiting symptoms for a median duration of 5.9 days and no hospital admissions were registered.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that vaccination against COVID-19 was positively associated with HR-QoL in patients with breast and gynecological cancer. Furthermore, vaccinated patients who underwent COVID-19 disease experienced only self-limiting symptoms.
FTO plays a crucial role in gastrointestinal cancer and may be a target for immunotherapy: an updated review
Authors: Ren Xiangqing , Tang Xiaolong , Huang Tian , Hu Zenan , Wang Yuping , Zhou Yongning
Published: October 2023

Gastrointestinal cancer is a common malignancy with high mortality and poor prognosis. Therefore, developing novel effective markers and therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal cancer is currently a challenging and popular topic in oncology research. Accumulating studies have reported that N6-methyladenosine is the most abundant epigenetic modification in eukaryotes. N6-methyladenosine plays an essential role in regulating RNA expression and metabolism, including splicing, translation, stability, decay, and transport. FTO, the earliest demethylase discovered to maintain the balance of N6-adenosine methylation, is abnormally expressed in many tumors. In this review, we discuss the molecular structure and substrate selectivity of FTO. we focus on the role of FTO in gastrointestinal tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, autophagy, immune microenvironment, and its molecular mechanisms. We also discuss its potential in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers.
Molecular landscape and clinical significance of exon 11 mutations in KIT gene among patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a retrospective exploratory study
Authors: Zhao Ruihua , An Tianqi , Liu Min , Zhou Yanan , Li Rui , Jiang Guozhong , Li Jing , Cao Xinguang , Zong Hong
Published: October 2023

Objective

This aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of KIT exon 11 mutation subtypes in patients with GISTs.

Methods

A total of 233 consecutive patients diagnosed with GISTs at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to August 2018 were included in this study. The prevalence and mutation landscape of exon 11 in KIT was presented. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis among the different mutation subtypes were analyzed. All the statistical analyses were performed by SPSS22.0.

Results

Somatic mutational analysis indicated that point mutations were the most frequently detected mutations followed by deletions & compound mutations and insertion and tandem duplication mutations in the stomach. Point mutations showed a low mitotic count and a high risk of recurrence, and deletions and compound mutations have a high mitotic count while insertions and tandem duplication mutations showed a low mitotic count with an intermediate recurrence risk. Point mutations and deletions frequently occurred in sequence region codons 550-560 of exon 11, while compound mutations, insertion, and tandem duplication were mainly detected in codons 557-559, 572-580, and 577-581, respectively. The multi-variation analysis demonstrated that tumor diameter and high recurrence risk groups had worse prognostic values. However, mutation types were not significant predictors of relapse-free survival (RFS) in GISTs. Survival analysis suggested no significant difference in RFS between the 557/558 deletion and the other deletions.

Conclusion

This study suggested that mutations in exon 11 of the KIT gene were common with intermediate/high recurrence risk in GISTs patients. Tumor diameter ≥5 cm, and deletions mutations might predict a worse prognosis.
Paving the way while playing catch up: mitochondrial genetics in African ancestry primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Kuang Grace , Salowe Rebecca , O’Brien Joan
Published: October 2023

Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, disproportionately affects individuals of African descent. Specifically, previous research has indicated that primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of disease, is more prevalent, severe, early-onset, and rapidly-progressive in populations of African ancestry. Recent studies have identified genetic variations that may contribute to the greater burden of disease in this population. In particular, mitochondrial genetics has emerged as a profoundly influential factor in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including POAG. Several hypotheses explaining the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial genetic contribution to disease progression have been proposed, including nuclear-mitochondrial gene mismatch. Exploring the fundamentals of mitochondrial genetics and disease pathways within the understudied African ancestry population can lead to groundbreaking advancements in the research and clinical understanding of POAG. This article discusses the currently known involvements of mitochondrial genetic factors in POAG, recent directions of study, and potential future prospects in mitochondrial genetic studies in individuals of African descent.
Characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 infections and the impact of influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations during the first two years of the pandemic
Authors: Ali Mahmoud , Phillips Lynette , Kaelber David C. , Bukulmez Hulya
Published: October 2023

The data regarding the demographics of SARS-CoV-2 in the pediatric population has been published based on several single-center experiences or on metanalyses over short time frames. This article reports data on the demographics of pediatric patients with COVID-19 on a global scale using the TriNetX COVID-19 Research Network. In addition, we examined the risk of COVID-19 infection in relation to the body mass index (BMI) category and the protective value of influenza and COVID-19 immunization against COVID-19 infection. The incidence of COVID-19 infection was higher in the younger age group (≤6 years old), but no gender differences. The incidence of COVID-19 infection was higher among African Americans/Black race (28.57%) White race (27.10%), and obese patients; across all age groups, all genders, all races, and ethnicities (p < 0.0001). The incidence of MIS-C was also higher in patients with obesity (OR 1.71, CI 1.36–2.14). We found that the patients who were neither vaccinated for COVID-19 nor influenza within one year before their COVID-19 diagnoses compared to those who received influenza vaccine only, had significantly higher odds for hospitalization (OR 1.19, CI 1.18–1.21), development of MIS-C (OR 1.52, CI 1.32–1.74), and more importantly mortality (OR 1.47, CI 1.26–1.71). In addition, those patients who were neither vaccinated for COVID-19 nor influenza within one year before their COVID-19 diagnoses, compared to those who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, had significantly higher odds for hospitalization (OR 1.11, CI 1.04–1.19). However, those patients who did not receive the influenza vaccine within one year before their COVID-19 diagnoses nor received the COVID-19 vaccine had much higher odds for hospitalization (OR 1.46, CI 1.41–1.51), MIS-C (OR 3.72, CI 2.11–6.56), and mortality compared to those who received both vaccinations (OR 13.55, CI 1.91–9.62). Using the multiplicative interaction scale, we found a positive interaction between the COVID-19 vaccine and the influenza vaccine; they both combined have a larger effect than each separately. Our study is the largest of its kind (to date) examining the global demographic of the pandemic and the first of a kind to find a link between influenza vaccine and COVID-19-related hospitalization, MIS-C, and mortality in the pediatric population.
Case report: Thrombotic microangiopathy in pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19: a case series
Authors: Nalçacıoğlu Hülya , Önal H. Gözde , Bozkaya Yücel Burcu , Tekcan Karali Demet , Erdeniz Emine , Öz Tuncer Gökçen , Aydoğ Özlem
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This report provides insight into three distinct pediatric cases exhibiting a nexus between multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) triggered by COVID-19. The aim is to underscore the range of clinical presentations and the essentiality of early interventions.

Case presentations

This report presents three cases aged 10 months, 7 years, and 3 years with persistent fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The first case, a 10-month-old girl, demonstrated acute kidney injury (AKI) and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) following a COVID-19 infection. Despite initial negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results, her condition escalated rapidly, presenting increased levels of LDH (peaking at 4,200 U/L) and requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) to manage deteriorating renal function. Interventions with eculizumab and anakinra led to marked improvements, with a stable follow-up of 13 months post-hospitalization. The second case involved a 7-year-old girl who developed symptoms of MIS-C, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) post-exposure to COVID-19, evidenced by heightened LDH levels (3,522 U/L at peak). After a precarious period of deteriorating kidney function and exacerbated hypertension, she responded positively to treatments, inclusive of IVIG, steroid therapies, and eculizumab, with a favorable 6-month follow-up showcasing stable laboratory results. The third case discusses a 3-year-old boy, without any medical history, manifesting HUS symptoms and COVID-19 infection. He exhibited increased LDH levels (peaking at 3,946 U/L) alongside elevated creatinine, marking renal impairment. He responded well to hemodialysis, IVIG, and steroid therapy, showcasing substantial recovery by the 19th day of hospitalization, which marked his discharge with a tapering steroid regimen.

Conclusion

This case series underscores that MIS-C-associated TMA is a significant complication in pediatric COVID-19. Our findings illuminate the potential for treatment success but simultaneously emphasize the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.
Efficacy and safety of the Chinese herbal medicine Xiao Yao San for treating anxiety: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Wang Yifan , Chen Xiaofeng , Wei Wei , Ding Yiyun , Guo Rongjuan , Xing Jia , Wang Jialin
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The effectiveness and safety of the Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) Xiao Yao San (XYS) used for treating anxiety disorders are still unknown. Thus, we conducted this systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) to determine its safety and efficacy.

Methods: We searched 12 databases for relevant studies from the inception of each database till 10 August 2023. We selected randomized controlled trials to compare the efficacy and safety of XYS (including XYS only and XYS + anxiolytics) to those of anxiolytics in patients with anxiety.

Results: We found 14 trials with 1,256 patients in total that met the requirements for inclusion. We assessed the majority of studies (8 out of 14) as being at high risk of bias; 6 were assessed as having a moderate risk of bias. Three trials compared oral XYS to anxiolytic medication, and 11 trials compared oral XYS plus anxiolytics to anxiolytic treatment alone. The pooled results showed that the efficacy of treatment in the XYS + anxiolytics groups was significantly higher than that of the anxiolytics alone group (RR = 1.19; 95% CI: [1.13, 1.26]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0) and the adverse event rates in the XYS + anxiolytics groups were significantly lower than those in the anxiolytics alone group (RR = 0.44; 95% CI: [0.28, 0.82]; p = 0.001 < 0.05; I2 = 13). The efficacy of treatment in the XYS alone groups was also significantly higher than that of the anxiolytics alone groups (RR = 5.41; 95% CI: [2.23, 13.11]; p < 0.0001; I2 = 0). However, there was no statistical difference between the adverse events of the XYS alone group and the anxiolytics alone group, although the incidence of adverse events in the XYS alone group was lower than that in the anxiolytics alone group. The results of the TSA confirmed the above findings.

Conclusion: The use of XYS combined with anxiolytics for treating anxiety was found to be safe and effective. However, although XYS alone is effective in the treatment of anxiety disorder, more large-scale research is needed to investigate adverse events.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=350358, identifier CRD42022350358.
Exploring the mechanism of aloe-emodin in the treatment of liver cancer through network pharmacology and cell experiments
Authors: Zhu Mingyang , He Qingmin , Wang Yanan , Duan Liying , Rong Kang , Wu Yingying , Ding Ye , Mi Yang , Ge Xiaoyang , Yang Xiaocui , Yu Yong
Published: October 2023

Objective: Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone compound extracted from the rhizome of the natural plant rhubarb. Initially, it was shown that AE exerts an anti-inflammatory effect. Further studies revealed its antitumor activity against various types of cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying these properties remain unclear. Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, this study investigated the molecular mechanism of AE in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and evaluated its therapeutic effect through in vitro experiments.

Methods: CTD, Pharmmapper, SuperPred and TargetNet were the databases to obtain potential drug-related targets. DisGenet, GeneCards, OMIM and TTD were used to identify potential disease-related targets. Intersection genes for drugs and diseases were obtained through the Venn diagram. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of intersecting genes were conducted by the website of Bioinformatics. Intersection genes were introduced into STRING to construct a protein-protein interaction network, while the Cytoscape3.9.1 software was used to visualize and analyze the core targets. AutoDock4.2.6 was utilized to achieve molecular docking between drug and core targets. In vitro experiments investigated the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of AE.

Results: 63 overlapped genes were obtained and GO analysis generated 3,646 entries by these 63 intersecting genes. KEGG analysis mainly involved apoptosis, proteoglycans in cancer, TNF signaling pathway, TP53 signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, etc. AKT1, EGFR, ESR1, TP53, and SRC have been identified as core targets because the binding energies of them between aloe-emodin were less than -5 kcal/Mol.The mRNA and protein expression, prognosis, mutation status, and immune infiltration related to core targets were further revealed. The involvement of AKT1 and EGFR, as well as the key target of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, indicated the importance of this signaling pathway in the treatment of HCC using AE. The results of the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow analysis demonstrated the therapeutic effect of AE. The downregulation of EGFR, PI3KR1, AKT1, and BCL2 in mRNA expression and PI3KR1, AKT,p-AKT in protein expression confirmed our hypothesis.

Conclusion: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking, our study initially showed that AE exerted a therapeutic effect on HCC by modulating multiple signaling pathways. Various analyses confirmed the antiproliferative activity and pro-apoptotic effect of AE on HCC through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This study revealed the therapeutic mechanism of AE in the treatment of HCC through a novel approach, providing a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AE.
Ternary combinational logic gate design based on tri-valued memristors
Authors: Li Xiao-Jing , Wang Xiao-Yuan , Li Pu , Iu Herbert H. C. , Cheng Zhi-Qun
Published: October 2023

Traditional binary combinational logic circuits are generally obtained by cascading multiple basic logic gate circuits, using more components and complicated wiring. In contrast to the binary logic circuit design in this method, ternary combinational logic circuit implementation is more complicated. In this paper, a ternary circuit design method that does not require cascading basic ternary logic gates is proposed based on a tri-valued memristor, which can directly realize specific logic functions through a series connection of memristors. The ternary encoder, ternary decoder, ternary comparator, and ternary data selector are implemented by this method, and the effectiveness of the circuits is verified by LTspice simulations.
Multi-locus genome-wide association studies reveal the genetic architecture of Fusarium head blight resistance in durum wheat
Authors: Haile Jemanesh K. , Sertse Demissew , N’Diaye Amidou , Klymiuk Valentyna , Wiebe Krystalee , Ruan Yuefeng , Chawla Harmeet S. , Henriquez Maria-Antonia , Wang Lipu , Kutcher Hadley R. , Steiner Barbara , Buerstmayr Hermann , Pozniak Curtis J.
Published: October 2023

Durum wheat is more susceptible to Fusarium head blight (FHB) than other types or classes of wheat. The disease is one of the most devastating in wheat; it reduces yield and end-use quality and contaminates the grain with fungal mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON). A panel of 265 Canadian and European durum wheat cultivars, as well as breeding and experimental lines, were tested in artificially inoculated field environments (2019–2022, inclusive) and two greenhouse trials (2019 and 2020). The trials were assessed for FHB severity and incidence, visual rating index, Fusarium-damaged kernels, DON accumulation, anthesis or heading date, maturity date, and plant height. In addition, yellow pigment and protein content were analyzed for the 2020 field season. To capture loci underlying FHB resistance and related traits, GWAS was performed using single-locus and several multi-locus models, employing 13,504 SNPs. Thirty-one QTL significantly associated with one or more FHB-related traits were identified, of which nine were consistent across environments and associated with multiple FHB-related traits. Although many of the QTL were identified in regions previously reported to affect FHB, the QTL QFhb-3B.2, associated with FHB severity, incidence, and DON accumulation, appears to be novel. We developed KASP markers for six FHB-associated QTL that were consistently detected across multiple environments and validated them on the Global Durum Panel (GDP). Analysis of allelic diversity and the frequencies of these revealed that the lines in the GDP harbor between zero and six resistance alleles. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the genetic basis of FHB resistance and DON accumulation in durum wheat. Accessions with multiple favorable alleles were identified and will be useful genetic resources to improve FHB resistance in durum breeding programs through marker-assisted recurrent selection and gene stacking.
Future time orientation, life projects, and career self-efficacy of unemployed individuals
Authors: Silva Ana Daniela , Carvalho Catarina Luzia de , Coscioni Vinicius , Taveira Maria do Céu
Published: October 2023

This study examined the relationship between two variables of the psychological future [future time orientation (FTO) and life project (LP)] and their relationship with career self-efficacy in unemployed individuals. Participants were 216 unemployed adults (151 women, 65 men), aged from 18 to 67 years old (M = 42.8, SD = 10.57), who responded to measures of distance and impact of future time orientation, identification and involvement in life project and career exploration and decision-making self-efficacy. Results of latent mediation analysis and correlational analysis indicated that there is a direct effect between FTO and LP, but also an indirect (i.e., mediating) effect between them through career self-efficacy beliefs. These findings suggest that unemployed individuals with a stronger sense of future time orientation are more likely to identify and engage with their life projects, and that this organization of their life projects is mediated by their levels of career self-efficacy. Overall, the study provides important insights into the psychological factors that can impact the careers behaviors of unemployed individuals, as well as on the characteristics of career psychological interventions with this public.
Understanding mixed emotions in organized helping through emotionography
Authors: Hepburn Alexa , Potter Jonathan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Emotionography studies emotion: (a) as it occurs naturally in display, reception, attribution, and avowal; (b) within and across diverse stretches of interaction and varied institutional contexts; (c) grounded purposefully in the perspectives of the interactants as those perspectives are displayed in real-time through unfolding talk; (d) using materials that are recorded and transcribed in sufficient precision to capture the granularity consequential for the interactants. We overview contemporary research on “mixed emotion” highlighting theoretical and methodological issues and explore the potential of emotionography as a generative alternative.

Methods

The analysis will use contemporary conversation analysis and discursive psychology to illuminate the workings of organized helping using a collection of recordings from a child protection helpline all of which include laughter alongside crying.

Results

Analysis shows, on the one hand, how crying and upset display the caller's stance on the trouble being reported, and mark its action-relevant severity; on the other, how laughter manages ongoing parallel issues such as advice resistance. We show that the “mixture” is public and pragmatic, displaying different concerns and stances, and dealing with different issues; all is in the service of action.

Discussion

When analyzing the specifics of interaction, the concept of “mixed emotion” loses clarity, and it is more accurate to observe competing pragmatic endeavors being pursued in an intricately coordinated fashion. These practices would not be captured by conventional emotion measurement tools such as scales, vignettes, or retrospective interviews. Broader implications for theories of emotion and methods of emotion research are discussed.
Feeling connected to nature: validation of the connectedness to nature scale in the Italian context
Authors: Lovati Chiara , Manzi Federico , Di Dio Cinzia , Massaro Davide , Gilli Gabriella , Marchetti Antonella
Published: October 2023

Environmental issues are at the center of the political and cultural debate, representing one of the greatest challenges of our century. Sustainability and pro-environmental conducts are recognized as increasingly urgent to address the decay of ecosystems. To support the acquisition of attitudes that give greater consideration to environmental issues, experiencing a sense of connection with nature has been acknowledged in psychology as a particularly relevant individual component. Among the most commonly used scales in Anglo-Saxon context to analyses this feeling is the Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) assessing the emotional and experiential bond between humans and nature. To examine the reliability and validity of this scale in the Italian context, a study including 271 Italian adults (44,3% female; 55% males; Mean age = 34.70; SD = 13.584; age-range = 18-65 years) was conducted to establish evidence supporting the internal consistency of the CNS, as well as its ability to measure convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that CNS in Italian has a single-factor structure as reported in the original version by Mayer and Frantz. Furthermore, as expected, positive correlations were observed between the CNS and pro-environmental attitudes and negative correlations with civic moral disengagement. Finally, as assumed, the CNS positively correlated with mental well-being. A broad vision of this study concerns the idea that individuals who have a stronger connection with nature are likely to exhibit reduced tendencies to cause harm to it.
Investigating the impact of value congruence on work engagement in EFL teachers: the role of teacher enthusiasm
Authors: Cao Jing , Zhang Weijing
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This research aimed to investigate the influence of value congruence on EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers’ work engagement, with a focus on the mediating role of teacher enthusiasm.

Methods

A sample of EFL teachers (N = 453) in China participated in the study. Data were collected using self-report measures, including the Value Congruence Scale, Teacher Enthusiasm Scale, and Work Engagement Scale. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data and test the proposed model.

Results

The results revealed that value congruence had a significant positive direct effect on work engagement. Furthermore, teacher enthusiasm was found to mediate the relationship between value congruence and work engagement.

Discussion

These findings suggest that when EFL teachers perceive a congruence between their personal values and the values upheld by their educational institutions, they are more likely to experience higher levels of work engagement, and this relationship is partially explained by their level of enthusiasm. The study contributes to the understanding of the factors that influence EFL teachers’ work engagement and highlights the importance of value congruence and teacher enthusiasm in fostering a positive work environment. These findings have implications for the development of interventions and practices aimed at enhancing EFL teachers’ well-being and job satisfaction.
Identifying person misfit using the person backward stepwise reliability curve (PBRC)
Authors: Sideridis Georgios , Jaffari Fathima
Published: October 2023

The goal of the present study was to propose a visualization of aberrant response patterns based on the idea put forth by the Cronbach-Mesbach curve. First, an index of person reliability is developed using the K-R 20 formula followed by a backward stepwise procedure in which one person at a time is deleted from the model. Observations for which reliability is no longer monotonically increasing suggest that they are candidates for aberrant responding. Using data from the quantitative domain of a national aptitude test the proposed visualization technique was demonstrated. The external validity of the procedure was tested by contrasting the person fit reliability estimates with those derived from other indices of aberrant responding such as the Ht. Results indicated that individuals not covarying with other individuals concerning their response patterns and concordance to the measurement of a unified latent trait were identified by both the present procedure and Ht and U3 at a rate of 100%. By plotting those individuals using Person Response Curves (PRCs) results confirmed the lack of monotonicity in the relationship between item difficulty and person skill. Consequently, results confirm the usefulness of the present methodology as an index for identifying responders who manifest themselves with aberrant responses and who are not conducive to the measurement of the latent trait.
Investigating the causal effects of smoking, sleep, and BMI on major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder: a univariable and multivariable two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Menglin , Zhou Jian , Li Xuehan , Wang Rurong
Published: October 2023

Background

Mental disorders, characterized as products of biopsychosocial interactions, have emerged as a leading contributor to the worldwide rise in overall morbidity and disability rates. Life's essentials can affect nearly every aspect of our lives, from physical to mental health. In this study, we try to identify the associations between life's essentials and mental disorders.

Method

Three assumptions of Mendelian randomization (MR) were applied to obtain the genetic instruments associated with smoking, sleep, and body mass index (BMI) in genome-wide association studies. Then, we conducted univariable MR (UVMR) and multivariable MR (MVMR) two-sample analyses to estimate the causal effects of these life's essentials on two mental disorders namely, major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). Additionally, multiple sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the reliability and stability of the study results.

Results

In the MR analysis of the association of smoking, sleep, and BMI with MDD, we obtained 78, 39, and 302 genetic instruments, respectively. Smoking [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.06; p = 0.004], sleep (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.06; p < 0.001), and BMI (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02; p < 0.001) were all considered as risk factors for MDD and were independent of each other (smoking: OR, 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01–1.06, p = 0.008; sleep: OR, 1.03, 95% CI, 1.01–1.05, p = 0.001; and BMI: OR, 1.01, 95% CI, 1.01–1.02, p < 0.001). Additionally, 78, 38, and 297 genetic instruments were obtained in the MR analysis of smoking, sleep, and BMI with BD, respectively. Causal associations were observed between smoking (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.17–5.15; p = 0.017), sleep (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.52–4.92; p < 0.001), and BD, and smoking (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.69–3.16; p = 0.018) might be a mediator in the causal effects of sleep on BD. Finally, there was no inconsistency between sensitivity and causality analysis, proving that our results are convincing.

Conclusion

The study results provide strong evidence that smoking, sleep, and BMI are causally related to MDD and BD, which need further research to clarify the underlying mechanism.
Examining healthcare needs and decisions to seek health services among Venezuelan migrants living in Trinidad and Tobago using Andersen’s Behavioral Model
Authors: Lyons Nyla , Bhagwandeen Brendon
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Beginning in 2016, Trinidad and Tobago experienced increasing flows of migrants and refugees from Venezuela. Through a Government Registration Exercise in 2019, followed by a Re-registration Exercise in 2020, migrants and refugees benefitted from access to publicly available primary care and emergency medical services. By applying Andersen’s Behavioral Model for Health Service Use, our study examined the non-communicable disease care needs of migrants, and factors influencing their decision to seek public and private health services.

Method

Between September and December 2020, a health questionnaire was administered via telephone to n = 250 migrants from Venezuela. Descriptive statistics summarized the constructs of Andersen’s Behavioral Model. The model comprised of predisposing factors including migrants’ social characteristics; enabling factors namely monthly earnings, education level and most trusted source of information on medical needs; need for care factors such as migrants self-reported health status, presence of non-communicable health conditions and having visited a doctor in the past 12 months; and the outcome variables which were migrants’ decisions to seek public and private health services. Pearson χ2 tests, odds ratios and multivariable logistic regression with backward elimination examined the factors influencing a migrant’s decision to seek health services.

Results

Overall, 66.8% of migrants reported they would seek public health services, while 22.4% indicated they would seek private health services. Predisposing factors namely length of time residing in Trinidad and Tobago (p = 0.031) and living with family/friends (p = 0.049); the enabling factor of receiving information from publicly available sources (p = 0.037); and the need for care factor of visiting a doctor for a physical health problem (p = 0.010) were significant correlates of their decision to seek care in the public sector. Predisposing factors namely living with family/friends (p = 0.020) and the enabling factor of having difficulty accessing healthcare services (p = 0.045) were significant correlates of their decision to seek care from private providers.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrated the positive association between social networks and a migrant’s decision to use public and private health services, thus underscoring the importance of family and friends in facilitating health service use, promoting proper health practices and preventing diseases. Overall, the use of Andersen’s Behavioral Model aided in identifying the factors associated with the use of health services by Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago. However, further studies are needed to better understand their need for ongoing care, to inform policy, and to plan targeted health interventions for addressing the gaps in health service access, barriers and use.
Health literacy: association with socioeconomic determinants and the use of health services in Spain
Authors: Tamayo-Fonseca Nayara , Pereyra-Zamora Pamela , Barona Carmen , Mas Rosa , Irles Mª Ángeles , Nolasco Andreu
Published: October 2023

Background

Health literacy (HL) is the set of social and cognitive skills that determine person’s level of motivation and the ability to access, understand and use information to promote and maintain good health. The aim of this study is to assess the level of health literacy, and to analyze its relationship with sociodemographic variables, state of health, and use of health services in the population aged 15 and over in the Valencian Community (Spain).

Methods

Cross-sectional study based on a sample of 5,485 subjects participating in the Health Survey of the Valencia Community. The HLS-EU-Q16 was used. As outcome variables we considered HL categorized into 2 levels: Inadequate or Problematic HL and Sufficient HL and the standardized literacy index. Prevalence rates and HL means were estimated and OR were calculated to analyze the association between variables.

Results

A total of 12.8% of the subjects surveyed presented an inadequate or problematic degree of HL. This percentage was higher in people >85 years (63.1%), with a low level of education (46.5%), in retired people (27.4%) or in other work situations (25.0%), in foreigners (18.1%), in low-income people (16.2%), with a perception of poor health status (26.9%), chronic disease (18.5%) or with activity limitations (56.4% severe, 19.7% not severe). Significant differences were found. With the exception of chronic disease, all the variables analyzed were associated with HL. Low HL was associated with a lower consumption of medicines, a greater use of health services, general medical consultations, poorer knowledge of new health technologies and fewer preventive health visits.

Conclusion

The percentage of inadequate or problematic HL was globally not very high, but certain population subgroups notably presented a high degree of inadequate or problematic HL. Raising the HL level of such groups should be regarded as a priority. HL was shown to be associated with the service use and new health technology use. Enhancing the population’s HL should lead to the following: a greater probability of adopting preventive practices; improving the use of the health system; and boosting people’s abilities to manage and to improve their own health.
Risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among adult patients on antiretroviral treatment at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Ntimana Cairo B. , Mashaba Reneilwe G. , Seakamela Kagiso P. , Netshapapame Tshifhiwa , Maimela Eric
Published: October 2023

Background

Worldwide, it is estimated that 38 million people are HIV-positive and that over 36 million people have died from the virus. In South Africa, the prevalence of HIV was reported to be 20.6% with Limpopo Province having 17% HIV. Given the high rate of new HIV infection in Limpopo, there is therefore a need to assess factors promoting risky sexual behavior among people living with HIV in order to help design and develop behavioral interventions aimed at reducing risky behaviors among people living with HIV.

Methods

This was a quantitative cross-sectional prospective study, conducted in Mankweng Hospital. The study consisted of 116 participants of which 40 were males and 76 were females aged 18 years and above. The participants were selected using purposive sampling. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. A comparison of proportions was performed using Chi-Square. The association between risky sexual practice and sociodemographic factors was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

The proportion of risky sexual practices in the total population was 48.3%. Participants who were married, those aged 35–44, and those with tertiary qualifications were more likely to engage in risky sexual practices. Multivariate logistic regression showed widowed participants were less likely to practice risky sexual practices.

Conclusion

The present study reported a high prevalence of risky sexual practices of 48.3%. Risky sexual behavior was determined by age, marital status, and level of education. The proportion of married participants was higher in risky sexual behavior. Based on the findings of the present study, it is recommended that targeted interventions and educational programs should be implemented to reduce risky sexual behavior among married individuals, individuals aged 35–44, and individuals with tertiary qualifications.