bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LncRNA LINC00680 Acts as a Competing Endogenous RNA and Is Associated With the Severity of Myasthennia Gravis
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Huixue , Lu Xiaoyu , Li Lifang , Wang Tianfeng , Li Shuang , Wang Xu , Xu Si , Li Lei , Li Qian , Yi Tingting , Wu Tao , Chen Zhimin , Gao Hongyu , Wang Jianjian , Wang Lihua
Published: June 2022

Background and Purpose

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell-dependent antibody-mediated autoimmune disorder that can seriously affect patients' quality of life. However, few studies have focused on the severity of MG. Moreover, existing therapeutic efforts, including those targeting biomarkers for MG, remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is vital that we investigate the pathogenesis of MG and identify new biomarkers that can not only evaluate the severity of the disease but also serve as potential therapeutic targets. Long noncoding RNA LINC00680 has been found to be associated with the progression of a variety of diseases as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). However, the specific role of LINC00680 in MG has yet to be clarified. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between LINC00680 and the severity of MG.

Methods

Bioinformatics tools, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and luciferase assays were selected to investigate key signaling pathways and RNA expression in patients with MG. The Quantitative MG Score scale and the MG Composite scale were used to evaluate the severity of MG in the included patients. Cell viability assays and flow cytometry analysis were selected to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

Compared with control subjects, the expression levels of LINC00680 and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with MG were both upregulated; the levels of miR-320a were downregulated. A positive correlation was detected between LINC00680 expression and the severity of MG. Luciferase reporter assays identified that LINC00680 acts as a target for miR-320a. The in vitro analysis confirmed that LINC00680 regulates the expression of MAPK1 by sponging miR-320a. Finally, the functional analysis indicated that LINC00680 promoted Jurkat cell proliferation and inhibited cellular apoptosis by sponging miR-320a.

Conclusion

LINC00680 may be associated with the severity of MG as a ceRNA by sponging miR-320a to upregulate MAPK1. These findings suggest that LINC00680 may represent a potential biomarker which evaluates the severity of MG and may serve as a therapeutic target.
fMRI Findings in Cortical Brain Networks Interactions in Migraine Following Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Authors: Markin Kirill , Trufanov Artem , Frunza Daria , Litvinenko Igor , Tarumov Dmitriy , Krasichkov Alexander , Polyakova Victoria , Efimtsev Alexander , Medvedev Dmitriy
Published: June 2022

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is one of the high-potential non-pharmacological methods for migraine treatment. The purpose of this study is to define the neuroimaging markers associated with rTMS therapy in patients with migraine based on data from functional MRI (fMRI).

Materials and Methods

A total of 19 patients with episodic migraine without aura underwent a 5-day course of rTMS of the fronto-temporo-parietal junction bilaterally, at 10 Hz frequency and 60% of motor threshold response of 900 pulses. Resting-state functional MRI (1.5 T) and a battery of tests were carried out for each patient to clarify their diagnosis, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of pain, and associated affective symptoms. Changes in functional connectivity (FC) in the brain's neural networks before and after the treatment were identified through independent components analysis.

Results

Over the course of therapy, we observed an increase in FC of the default mode network within it, with pain system components and with structures of the visual network. We also noted a decrease in FC of the salience network with sensorimotor and visual networks, as well as an increase in FC of the visual network. Besides, we identified 5 patients who did not have a positive response to one rTMS course after the first week of treatment according to the clinical scales results, presumably because of an increasing trend of depressive symptoms and neuroimaging criteria for depressive disorder.

Conclusions

Our results show that a 5-day course of rTMS significantly alters the connectivity of brain networks associated with pain and antinociceptive brain systems in about 70% of cases, which may shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying migraine treatment with rTMS.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Over the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Reduced Attention Bias Toward Negative Facial Expression: A Pilot Study in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhai Siyu , Guo Dongyue , Chen Sitong , He Yuchen , Ke Yufeng , Ming Dong
Published: June 2022

Research in the cognitive neuroscience field has shown that individuals with a stronger attention bias for negative information had higher depression risk, which may be the underlying pathogenesis of depression. This dysfunction of affect-biased attention also represents a decline in emotion regulation ability. Clinical studies have suggested that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) treatment can improve the symptoms of depression, yet the neural mechanism behind this improvement is still veiled. This study aims to investigate the effects of tDCS on affect-biased attention. A sample of healthy participants received 20 min active (n = 22) or sham tDCS (n = 19) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for 7 consecutive days. Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals were recorded while performing the rest task and emotional oddball task. The oddball task required response to pictures of the target (positive or negative) emotional facial stimuli and neglecting distracter (negative or positive) or standard (neutral) stimuli. Welch power spectrum estimation algorithm was applied to calculate frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) in the rest task, and the overlapping averaging method was used to extract event-related potentials (ERP) components in the oddball task. Compared to sham tDCS, active tDCS caused an obvious increment in FAA in connection with emotion regulation (p < 0.05). Also, participants in the active tDCS group show greater P3 amplitudes following positive targets (p < 0.05) and greater N2 amplitudes following negative distracters (p < 0.05), reflecting emotion-related attention biases. These results offer valuable insights into the relationship between affect-biased attention and the effects of tDCS, which may be of assistance in exploring the neuropathological mechanism of depression and anxiety and new treatment strategies for tDCS.
Foxa2 and Pet1 Direct and Indirect Synergy Drive Serotonergic Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Aydin Begüm , Sierk Michael , Moreno-Estelles Mireia , Tejavibulya Link , Kumar Nikathan , Flames Nuria , Mahony Shaun , Mazzoni Esteban O.
Published: June 2022

Neuronal programming by forced expression of transcription factors (TFs) holds promise for clinical applications of regenerative medicine. However, the mechanisms by which TFs coordinate their activities on the genome and control distinct neuronal fates remain obscure. Using direct neuronal programming of embryonic stem cells, we dissected the contribution of a series of TFs to specific neuronal regulatory programs. We deconstructed the Ascl1-Lmx1b-Foxa2-Pet1 TF combination that has been shown to generate serotonergic neurons and found that stepwise addition of TFs to Ascl1 canalizes the neuronal fate into a diffuse monoaminergic fate. The addition of pioneer factor Foxa2 represses Phox2b to induce serotonergic fate, similar to in vivo regulatory networks. Foxa2 and Pet1 appear to act synergistically to upregulate serotonergic fate. Foxa2 and Pet1 co-bind to a small fraction of genomic regions but mostly bind to different regulatory sites. In contrast to the combinatorial binding activities of other programming TFs, Pet1 does not strictly follow the Foxa2 pioneer. These findings highlight the challenges in formulating generalizable rules for describing the behavior of TF combinations that program distinct neuronal subtypes.
Intermittent Hypoxic Training as an Effective Tool for Increasing the Adaptive Potential, Endurance and Working Capacity of the Brain
Authors: Rybnikova Elena A. , Nalivaeva Natalia N. , Zenko Mikhail Y. , Baranova Ksenia A.
Published: June 2022

This review is devoted to the phenomenon of intermittent hypoxic training and is aimed at drawing the attention of researchers to the necessity of studying the mechanisms mediating the positive, particularly neuroprotective, effects of hypoxic training at the molecular level. The review briefly describes the historical aspects of studying the beneficial effects of mild hypoxia, as well as the use of hypoxic training in medicine and sports. The physiological mechanisms of hypoxic adaptation, models of hypoxic training and their effectiveness are summarized, giving examples of their beneficial effects in various organs including the brain. The review emphasizes a high, far from being realized at present, potential of hypoxic training in preventive and clinical medicine especially in the area of neurodegeneration and age-related cognitive decline.
Characterization of Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides From Sesame Seed Hull
Authors: Zhang Run-Yang , Gao Jing-Hao , Shi Yi-Lin , Lan Yi-Fei , Liu Hua-Min , Zhu Wen-Xue , Wang Xue-De
Published: June 2022

Sesame seed hull is the major by-product of sesame seed processing and is rich in polysaccharides. In this work, sesame hull polysaccharides (SHP) were extracted by ultrasound-assisted alkali extraction methods with a yield of 6.49%. Three purified polysaccharide fractions were obtained after decolorization, deproteinization, and column chromatography. Then, their main composition and antioxidant activity were investigated. The dominant fraction was SHP-2 with a yield of 3.78%. It was composed of galacturonic acid (51.3%), glucuronic acid (13.8%), rhamnose (8.9%), glucose (8.4%), and others. The linkage types of SHP-2 have the α-D-GalpA-(1,4)-linked, α-D-GlcpA-(1,2)-linked, β-T-D-Rhap-linked, β-D-Glcp-(1,6)-linked, β-T-D-Galp-linked, α-L-Xylp-(1,4)-linked, α-L-Araf-(1,3,5)-linked, and β-D-Manp-(1,4)-linked. This study might provide some useful basic data for developing applications for sesame seed hull polysaccharides in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Association of Dietary Fiber Intake With Myocardial Infarction and Stroke Events in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES 2011–2018
Authors: Dong Weiwei , Yang Zhiyong
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to detect dietary fiber intake and its association with nonfatal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events (myocardial infarction and stroke) in adults in the United States. This cross-sectional study obtained data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Using multivariate logistic regression, we compared dietary fiber intake across demographics and detected an association between dietary fiber intake and patient-reported nonfatal myocardial infarction and/or stroke events. We enrolled 8,872 participants (mean dietary fiber intake, 17.38 ± 0.22 g/day). The weighted prevalence of nonfatal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events was 5.36%, which decreased with higher dietary fiber intake (nonfatal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events: Tertile1, 6.50%; Tertile2, 5.45%; Tertile3, 4.25%). Higher fiber intake indicated a stable negative association with nonfatal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, weighted generalized additive model, and smooth curve fitting. Interaction tests showed no significant effect of demographic, socioeconomic, and disease status on the association between dietary fiber intake and nonfatal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events. Dietary fiber intake was far below the recommended amount. Higher dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower prevalence of nonfatal cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events.
Case Report: Lower Limb Muscle Weakness in a Child With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Huang Lilin , Peng Shumei , Li Jing , Xie Danyu
Published: June 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis that may impact multiple organ systems in children. Myositis is an unusual presentation of KD that presents with muscle weakness. To date, a few pediatric patients with KD and myositis have been reported. Diffuse muscle weakness involving the 4 limbs was the most common presentation in these children. However, isolated lower limb involvement was rarely reported before. Here, we report lower limb muscle weakness in an 18-month-old child with KD. He presented with fever, rash, conjunctival injection, peeling over fingers and toes, and progressive muscle weakness of the lower limbs. Muscle enzymes were normal, but electromyography indicated myositis. The symptom of fever was relieved quickly by intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin, which were ineffective for myositis. However, lower limb muscle weakness fully recovered 5 days after prednisolone treatment. This rare case might add value to the growing literature exploring the association of KD with myositis.
Mediastinal Shift Angle in Fetal MRI Is Associated With Prognosis, Severity, and Cardiac Underdevelopment in Left Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Wang Xueyao , Shi Qi , Pan Weihua , Wang Weipeng , Wu Wenjie , Liu Ming , Xie Wei , Wang Xinyun , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Fetal MRI has played an essential role in the evaluation and management of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We aimed to investigate whether the mediastinal shift angle (MSA) value was associated with the prognosis and the severity of left CDH and explore the relationship between the MSA value and fetal and neonatal cardiac structures and functions.

Methods

From January 2012 to December 2020, the fetal MSA values of left CDH in our institution were retrospectively measured. Other prenatal parameters and clinical outcomes of them are collected. We also measured the fetal and postnatal echocardiography parameters to analyze linear correlation with MSA values.

Results

A total of 94 patients with left CDH were included. MSA was significantly higher in the deceased group than in the survived group [((38.3 ± 4.7)° vs. 32.3 ± 5.3)°, p < 0.001]. The MSA value of the high-risk defect group [CDH Study Group (CDHSG) C/D type] was significantly higher than that of the low-risk defect group [CDHSG A/B type; (36.0 ± 4.9)° vs. (30.1 ± 4.8)°, p < 0.001]. The AUC for severity was 0.766 (95% CI, 0.661–0.851, p < 0.0001) and the best cut-off value for MSA was 30.7°. Higher MSA correlates with decreased fetal Z-score of left ventricle (LV) width, the diameter of the mitral valve (MV), peak velocity of MV and tricuspid valve (TV), and neonatal LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A high MSA value can effectively predict high-risk defects and high mortality of left CDH. The higher the MSA value, the worse the neonatal conditions, the respiratory and cardiovascular prognosis. The MSA values could reflect the level of left heart underdevelopment, including decreased dimensions and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle.
Toward Improving the Transition of Patients With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia From Pediatrics to Adult Healthcare in Japan
Authors: Takasawa Kei , Kashimada Kenichi
Published: June 2022

The transition of patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases from pediatric to adult healthcare systems has recently received significant attention. Since 2013, the Japan Pediatric Society developed working groups to formulate guidelines for transition of patients with childhood-onset chronic diseases from pediatric to their disease specialty. Herein, we report on the activities of the Japan Society of Pediatric Endocrinology (JSPE) and the current status of transition medicine for 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) in Japan. The JSPE proposed roadmaps and checklists for transition and prepared surveys on the current status of healthcare transition for childhood-onset endocrine diseases. In Japan, newborn screening for 21-OHD started in January 1989; however, there is no nationwide registry-based longitudinal cohort study on 21-OHD from birth to adult. The current status and the whole picture of healthcare and health problems in adult patients with 21-OHD remain unclear. Thus, we conducted a questionnaire survey on JSPE members to clarify the current status of healthcare transition of 21-OHD and discuss future perspectives for the healthcare transition of patients with 21-OHD in Japan.
Is Ivermectin Effective in Treating COVID-19?
Authors: Yang Shuangshuang , Shen Shan , Hou Ning
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 was first discovered in December 2019 and subsequently became a global pandemic with serious political, economic, and social implications worldwide. We urgently need to find drugs that can be effective against COVID-19. Among the many observational studies, ivermectin has attracted the attention of many countries. Ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug that also has some antiviral effects. We reviewed studies related to ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 over the last 2 years (2019.12–2022.03) via search engines such as PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost. Seven studies showed a lower mortality rate in the ivermectin group than in the control group, six studies found that the ivermectin group had a significantly fewer length of hospitalization than the control group, and eight studies showed better negative RT-PCR responses in the IVM group than in the control group. Our systematic review indicated that ivermectin may be effective for mildly to moderately ill patients. There is no clear evidence or guidelines to recommend ivermectin as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19, so physicians should use it with caution in the absence of better alternatives in the clinical setting, and self-medication is not recommended for patients.
Rapid Determination of 9 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Human Plasma by QuEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Jiang Wen , Zhao Tingting , Zhen Xiaolan , Jin Chengcheng , Li Hui , Ha Jing
Published: June 2022

A reliable and rapid method employing QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) pretreatment coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was successfully developed and validated for the analysis of nine tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in human plasma. Biological samples were extracted with acetonitrile and salted out with 350 mg of anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), followed by purification with 40 mg of ethyl enediamine-N-propylsilane (PSA) adsorbents. All analytes and internal standards (IS) were separated on the Hypersil GOLD VANQUISH C18 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.9 μM) column using the mobile phases composed of acetonitrile (phase A) and 0.1% formic acid in water (phase B) for 8.0 min. Detection was performed by selection reaction monitoring (SRM) in the positive ion electrospray mode. Lenvatinib, sorafenib, cabozantinib, apatinib, gefitinib, regorafenib, and anlotinib rendered good linearity over the range of 0.1–10 ng/ml, and 1–100 ng/ml for tivantinib and galunisertib. All linear correlation coefficients for all standard curves were ≥ 0.9966. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.003 to 0.11 ng/ml and 0.01–0.37 ng/ml, respectively. The method was deemed satisfactory with an accuracy of -7.34–6.64%, selectivity, matrix effect (ME) of 90.48–107.77%, recovery, and stability. The proposed method is simple, efficient, reliable, and applicable for the detection of TKIs in human plasma samples as well as for providing a reference for the clinical adjustment of drug administration regimen by monitoring the drug concentrations in the plasma of patients.
PM2.5 Synergizes With Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Suppress Alveolar Macrophage Function in Mice Through the mTOR Pathway
Authors: Zhang Jianlong , Liu Chong , Zhao Guangrong , Li Meng , Ma Di , Meng Qingguo , Tang Wenli , Huang Qingrong , Shi Peimin , Li Youzhi , Jiang Linlin , Yu Xin , Zhu Hongwei , Chen Guozhong , Zhang Xingxiao
Published: June 2022

High concentrations of PM2.5 in enclosed broiler houses cause respiratory disorders in humans and animals. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an opportunistic pathogen that can induce severe respiratory disease in animals under stress or with abnormal immune functions. Alveolar macrophages are lung-resident immune cells that play important roles in lung host defence and immune balance. In this study, the mechanism by which PM2.5 synergizes with P. aeruginosa to damage alveolar macrophage function and induce inflammation was investigated. The results will provide a theoretical basis for improving the poultry breeding environment and preventing the recurrence of infection with P. aeruginosa. Alveolar macrophages were stimulated by PM2.5 collected in an enclosed broiler house and P. aeruginosa. Phagocytosis was determined by the neutral red test. The apoptosis rate and cytoskeleton changes were observed by flow cytometry assays and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Protein levels related to autophagy and the mTOR pathway were detected by Western blotting. The results indicated that PM2.5 in combination with P. aeruginosa could decrease phagocytosis, inhibit autophagy, increase apoptosis, and destroy the cytoskeleton in alveolar macrophages. In addition, alveolar macrophages had significantly increased expression of mTOR pathway-related proteins in response to the synergistic stimulation of PM2.5 and P. aeruginosa. The above results confirmed that PM2.5 in poultry houses synergized with P. aeruginosa to impede alveolar macrophage function and caused more severe respiratory system injuries through a process closely related to the activation of the mTOR signalling pathway.
Effects of Huangqi Liuyi Decoction in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy and Tissue Distribution Difference of its Six Active Constituents Between Normal and Diabetic Nephropathy Mouse Models
Authors: Wang Qun , Shi Ya , Wu Zengguang , Song Xinli , Luo Jinfang , Yang Hong , Chen Xiaolan , Liu Xingde
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Huangqi Liuyi decoction extract (HQD) on diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the tissue distribution difference of six main active ingredients of HQD between normal and DN mouse models. DN mice were administered HQD for 12 weeks to investigate its efficacy in the treatment of DN. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the tissue distribution of the six active ingredients of HQD in normal and DN mice, including astragaloside IV, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, calycosin glucuronide, ononin, formononetin, and glycyrrhizic acid. DN mice treated with HQD showed significantly decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG), 24-h urinary protein (24 h U-Alb), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), and triglyceride levels (TG) (p < 0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences in pharmacodynamics between HQD and Huangqi Liuyi decoction. Treated mice also had decreased expression of collagen I, ɑ–smooth muscle actin (ɑ-SMA), and vimentin; and upregulated expression of E-cadherin in their kidneys. Compared to normal mice, distributions of the six ingredients in the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, stomach, small intestine, brain, and muscle of DN mice were different. The results indicated that the HQD could be used for the treatment of DN and to improve renal function. The pathological state of diabetic nephropathy may affect tissue distribution of HQD active ingredients in mice.
Mass Biosynthesis of Coumestrol Derivatives and Their Isomers via Soybean Adventitious Root Cultivation in Bioreactors
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Song Myoung Chong , Rha Chan-Su
Published: June 2022

Coumestrol (CMS) derivatives are unique compounds, which function as phytoalexins; they are derived from soybean roots, following abiotic and biotic stresses. As a phytoalexin, CMS forms a defense system that enables plants to maintain their viability. However, it is still challenging to achieve the mass production of phytoalexins, which exhibit pharmacological values,viaplant breeding. Here, the synthesis of CMS derivatives from the seedling, plant, and adventitious root (AR) ofGlycine maxwere investigated under artificial light, as well asviaa chemical elicitor treatment. In the presence of constant light, as well as under treatment with methyl jasmonate, the CMS monoglucoside (coumestrin; CMSN) and malonyl CMSN (M-CMSN) contents of the AR culture (4 weeks) increased drastically. The two CMS derivatives, CMSN and M-CMSN, were obtained as a mixture of isomers, which were identifiedvianuclear magnetic resonance analysis. These derivatives were also observed in a soybean plant that was grown on artificial soil (AS; 5 weeks) and a Petri dish (9 days) although in considerably lesser quantities than those observed in the AR culture. Compared with the two other media (AS and the Petri dish), the AR culture achieved the superior synthesis of CMSN and M-CMSN within a relatively short cultivation period (<1 month) in laboratory-scale (3 L) and pilot-scale (1,000 L) bioreactors. The isoflavone content of AR under the constant light conditions was three-fold that under dark conditions. Significant quantities of malonyl daidzin and malonyl genistin were produced in the root of AS and the seedling of Petri dish, respectively. Flavonol glycosides were not produced in the AR culture under the dark and light conditions, as well as in AS under the dark condition. However, significant contents of kaempferol glycosides were produced in the leaves of AS and seedling of Petri dish, following the light treatment. Thus, we proposed that the established soybean AR-cultivation approach represented a better method for biosynthesizing phytoalexins, such as the CMS derivatives, as plant-derived functional materials.
The Effect of Organizational Innovation Climate on Employee Innovative Behavior: The Role of Psychological Ownership and Task Interdependence
Authors: You Yutian , Hu Zhongfeng , Li Jiawei , Wang Youhan , Xu Mingli
Published: June 2022

In today’s era of rapid development of science and technology, organizations are confronted with unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Employee innovative behavior has become the key element to promote organizational innovation and achieve sustainable competitive advantages. This study examines the relationship between organizational innovation climate and employee innovative behavior by focusing on the mediating role of psychological ownership and the moderating role of task interdependence. The survey data were collected from the matched samples of 326 employees and their direct supervisors from 13 enterprises in Guangdong Province, China. The results indicate that organizational innovation climate is positively related to employee innovative behavior and that psychological ownership plays a fully mediating role between them. For the moderating effects, task interdependence positively moderates the relationship between organizational innovation climate and employees’ psychological ownership. The results also reveal an indirect effect of organizational innovation climate on employee innovative behavior through psychological ownership. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.
Measuring Positive Mental Health and Depression in Africa: A Variable-Based and Person-Centred Analysis of the Dual-Continua Model
Authors: Khumalo Itumeleng P. , Appiah Richard , Wilson Fadiji Angelina
Published: June 2022

The dual-continua model of mental health provides a contemporary framework for conceptualising and operationalising mental health. According to this model, mental health is distinct from but related to mental illness, and not the opposite or merely the absence of psychopathology symptoms. To examine the validity of the dual-continua model, previous studies have either applied variable-based analysis such as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), or used predetermined cut-off points for subgroup division. The present study extends this contribution by subjecting data from an African sample to both CFA and latent class analysis (LCA) to test the dual-continua model in Africa. We applied CFA separately for the Mental Health Continuum—Short Form (MHC-SF) and Patient Health Questionnaire—9 (PHQ-9); and LCA on combined item responses. College students (N = 892; average age = 22.74, SD = 4.92; female = 58%) from Ghana (n = 309), Kenya (n = 262), Mozambique (n = 232), and South Africa (n = 89) completed the MHC-SF and PHQ-9. With minor modifications to the measurement models, the CFA results of this study confirm the three-factor structure of the MHC-SF, and a unidimensional solution for the PHQ-9. LCA results show the presence of three distinct latent classes: languishing with moderate endorsement of depressive symptoms (25.9%), flourishing with low endorsement of depressive symptoms (63.7%), and moderate mental health with high endorsement of depressive symptoms (10.4%). These findings further contribute to affirming the evidence for the dual-continua model of mental health, with implications for the assessment of mental health, to inform policy, practise, and future research in community and clinical settings in Africa.
Reflective Thinking Skills of Academic Administrators in Higher Education
Authors: Kasalak Gamze , Dağyar Miray , Özcan Mehmet , Yeşilyurt Etem
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to determine the reflective thinking skills and reflective implementations of academic administrators in higher education and to reveal the importance of reflective thinking for higher education. The research was carried out in a holistic single case design as a case study which is known as one of the qualitative research methods. The study group of the research consists of 12 faculty members who carry out administrative duties (dean and assistant dean) in ten different faculties of a public university. The data collected through a semi-structured individual interview form were analyzed by content analysis technique. According to the results obtained from the research, it has been determined that academic administrators acquire their administerial skills mostly based on their experiences, their own competences, and their tendencies to evaluate their actions individually are high, and they also consider internal and external evaluations. Reflective thinking areas related to faculty management and individual development of academic administrators were also determined, and it was concluded that they questioned faculty management mostly in terms of education and student services, and their individual development in terms of problem solving and communication skills. In addition, in the study, the characteristics of reflective academic administrators and the contributions of reflective thinking were determined based on the views of academic administrators. Finally, metaphors describing the reflective-thinking academic administrator were included, and it was found that academic administrators have a difficult job based on their management duties, they should approach everyone equally and be in the role of administrators, and that the administerial task is temporary.
The Effects of Physical Exercise on the Quality of Life of Healthy Older Adults in China: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wei Lin , Hu Yongmei , Tao Yingying , Hu Rui , Zhang Liancheng
Published: June 2022

Objective

To systematically evaluate the effects of physical exercise on the quality of life (QOL) of healthy older adults in China.

Methods

Relevant articles published until December 2021 were retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and the Library of Congress. Inclusion criteria were studies in which the subjects were healthy Chinese older adults (aged ≥ 60 years), the reported sample size was clear, and the study design was a randomized controlled trial or a research study. In addition, studies were included if they reported the use of at least one QOL questionnaire and investigated at least one form of physical exercise.

Results

In total, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria, which included six studies that used comprehensive physical exercise type as an intervention and 13 studies that used regular physical exercise as an intervention. All 19 studies compared intervention and control groups, of which 12 (63%) were investigative studies and seven (37%) were experimental studies. Of the experimental studies, five used a positive control group and two used a negative control group. All 19 studies reported that physical exercise had varying degrees of positive effects on the QOL in older adults. Body–mind exercise was effective in improving the physical and mental health (MH) of older adults, whereas Xiyangcao only had a positive effect on physical health. Compared with no exercise or other exercise (exercise not used in the intervention group), the exercise group in the survey had a positive effect on the QOL of older adults. Regardless of the type of control group used, the exercise group in the experimental studies showed a positive effect of exercise on the QOL of older adults.

Conclusion

Physical exercise has a positive impact on the QOL of healthy older adults. However, due to the wide and varied scope of the included studies, more randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the effects of different types, intensities, durations, and the frequency of exercise on QOL.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=220115], identifier: [CRD42020220115].
Educational Robotics Intervention to Foster Computational Thinking in Preschoolers: Effects of Children’s Task Engagement
Authors: Gerosa Anaclara , Koleszar Víctor , Tejera Gonzalo , Gómez-Sena Leonel , Carboni Alejandra
Published: June 2022

Computational thinking (CT) is a broadly used term in education to refer to the cognitive processes underlying the application of computer science concepts and strategies of problem-solving. Recent literature has pointed out the value of children acquiring computational thinking skills (i.e., understanding and applying concepts, such as conditionals, iteration, or generalization), especially while learning STEM subjects. Robotics has been used as a tool to introduce computational thinking and STEM knowledge to children. As physical objects, robots have been proposed as developmentally appropriate for the early childhood setting, promoting motivation and allowing young learners to represent abstract ideas in a concrete setting. This study presents a novel educational robotics (ER) intervention using RoboTito, a robot programmable through tangible elements in its environment designed for kindergarteners. We used a quasi-experimental design with an active control group. In addition, we conducted a structured observation of the filmed material of the sessions to gather data on children’s attention and motivation throughout the activities. Fifty-one children (male = 33; mean age = 66 months, SD = 5.49 months) attending level 5 (kindergarten) at a Uruguayan public school participated in the study. Children in our experimental condition participated in an intervention programming RoboTito using tangible elements, while children in our control condition played with the robot through sensory-motor activities using a remote control and did not engage in programming. Motivational and attentional factors were assessed through video-recorded sessions of the ER activities. Four trained observers blind to the experimental conditions participated in the coding. Children’s interactions were assessed in four categories: task engagement, distractibility, oral participation, and objective fulfillment. Our results suggest children’s task engagement mediated their gains in CT after the intervention; post-hoc Tukey contrasts revealed non-significant pre-test to post-test gains for the control and low engagement groups, and significant for the high engagement group. Overall, we conclude task engagement played a central role in children’s learning gains and our robotics intervention was successful in promoting CT for engaged children. We discuss the practical implications of our results for early childhood education and developmentally appropriate ER targeted for young learners.
Work-Life Balance, Job Satisfaction, and Job Performance of SMEs Employees: The Moderating Role of Family-Supportive Supervisor Behaviors
Authors: Susanto Perengki , Hoque Mohammad Enamul , Jannat Taslima , Emely Bamy , Zona Mega Asri , Islam Md Asadul
Published: June 2022

Even though studies on work-life balance and family-supportive supervisor behaviors are prevalent, there are few studies in the SME setting, and the implications are yet unexplained. Thus, the study examines the effect of work-life balance on the performance of employees in SMEs, along with the mediating role of job satisfaction and the moderating role of family-supportive supervisor behaviors. We have developed a conceptually mediated-moderated model for the nexus of work-life balance and job performance. We collected data from SMEs and employed SEM-PLS to test the research hypothesis and model. Empirical results demonstrate that work-life balance positively influences job satisfaction and performance. Our empirical findings also revealed that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between work-life balance and job performance. We also found that when FSSB interacts with work-life balance and job satisfaction, it moderates the relationship between work-life balance and job performance and job satisfaction and job performance. Hence, our findings provide exciting and valuable insights for research and practice.
Impact of Status quo and Resistance to Innovation on the Failure of Detection and Prevention Strategies of Drugs Control Committee in Malaysia
Authors: Zeng Zhen
Published: June 2022

The detection and prevention strategies for drug control have gained significant attention from the drug control committees globally and need the researchers’ attention to improve these strategies worldwide. Hence, this research investigates the impact of the status quo (SQ) and resistance to the innovative nature of the drug control committee on the failure of detection and prevention strategies (FDPS) in Malaysia. This article also analyzes the mediating role of poor team performance (PTP) among the SQ and resistance to the innovative nature of the drug control committee and the FDPS in Malaysia. This study has employed the primary data collection ways such as questionnaires to gather the data from selected respondents. The researchers also applied the SPSS-AMOS to check the association among variables and testing of hypotheses. The results revealed that the SQ and resistance to the innovative nature of the drug control committee have a positive association with the FDPS in Malaysia. The findings have also exposed that PTP significantly mediates between the SQ and resistance to the innovative nature of the drug control committee and the FDPS in Malaysia. This study guides the policymakers that they should develop the policies that eliminate the SQ nature and motivate the committee to adopt innovations that enhance the team performance and success of detection and prevention strategies in Malaysia.
Altered Interoceptive Sensibility in Adults With Chronic Tic Disorder
Authors: Narapareddy Ashruta , Eckland Michelle R. , Riordan Heather R. , Cascio Carissa J. , Isaacs David A.
Published: June 2022

Background

Interoception refers to the sensing, interpretation, integration, and regulation of signals about the body’s internal physiological state. Interoceptive sensibility is the subjective evaluation of interoceptive experience, as assessed by self-report measures, and is abnormal in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. Research examining interoceptive sensibility in individuals with chronic tic disorders (CTDs), however, has yielded conflicting results, likely due to methodologic differences between studies and small sample sizes.

Objective

We sought to compare interoceptive sensibility between adults with CTD and healthy controls, adjusting for co-occurring psychiatric symptoms, and to examine the relationship of interoceptive sensibility with other CTD clinical features, in particular, premonitory urge.

Methods

We recruited adults with CTDs and sex- and age-matched healthy controls to complete the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, Version 2 (MAIA-2), as well as a battery of measures assessing psychiatric symptoms prevalent in CTD populations. CTD participants additionally completed scales quantifying tic severity, premonitory urge severity, and health-related quality of life. We conducted between-group contrasts (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) for each MAIA-2 subscale, analyzed the effect of psychiatric symptoms on identified between-group differences (multivariable linear regression), and examined within-group relationships between MAIA-2 subscales and other clinical measures (Spearman rank correlations, multivariable linear regression).

Results

Between adults with CTD (n = 48) and healthy controls (n = 48), MAIA-2 Noticing and Not-Worrying subscale scores significantly differed. After adjusting for covariates, lower MAIA-2 Not-Worrying subscale scores were significantly associated with female sex (β = 0.42, p < 0.05) and greater severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (β = –0.028, p < 0.01), but not with CTD diagnosis. After adjusting for severity of tics and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, a composite of MAIA-2 Noticing, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, Body Listening, and Trusting subscales (β = 2.52, p < 0.01) was significantly associated with premonitory urge.

Conclusion

Study results revealed three novel findings: adults with CTD experience increased anxiety-associated somatization and increased general body awareness relative to healthy controls; anxiety-associated somatization is more closely associated with sex and obsessive-compulsive symptoms than with CTD diagnosis; and increased general body awareness is associated with greater severity of premonitory urges.
Impact of Job Satisfaction and Social Support on Job Performance Among Primary Care Providers in Northeast China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Liu Di , Yang Xu , Zhang Congyi , Zhang Wenlin , Tang Qiaoran , Xie Yujin , Shi Lei
Published: June 2022

Background

Primary health care institutions face major challenges in maintaining the accessibility and affordability of health services. This requires primary care providers to change and improve their performance. Therefore, Study on the job performance is conducive to improve the quality of primary health care services and the sense of access of primary care providers.To understand the current status of job performance among primary care providers in Heilongjiang Province, China, and explore the impact of job satisfaction and social support on job performance, further to improve the job performance of primary care providers and ensure the stable development of primary health services.

Methods

A stratified sampling method was adopted to select 1,500 primary care providers from seven cities in Heilongjiang Province, China, using the gross domestic product development level of each city as a basis. A questionnaire survey was conducted (effective response rate was 85.8%) by using sociodemographic factors, job satisfaction scale, social support scale and job performance scale. One-way ANOVA or independent sample t-test was used to analyze the differences of demographic factors on job performance. Pearson correlation analysis was used to measure relationship between job satisfaction, social support and job performance. Hierarchical linear regression was used to analyze the relevant influencing factors associated with job performance among primary care providers.

Results

Among the primary care providers who participated in this survey, the mean job performance score was 22.189 (SD = 7.695). The job performance of primary care providers was positively correlated with job satisfaction (r=0.574, p < 0.001), and was also positively correlated with social support (r = 0.534, p < 0.001). Model 3 showed that job satisfaction (β = 0.299, p < 0.001) and social support (β = 0.149, p <0.001) are positive predictors of job performance, respectively. Moreover, the regression relationship explained that 37.6% for the variation of the dependent variable.

Conclusions

The job performance of primary care providers in Heilongjiang province is relatively low. Job satisfaction and social support are the relevant factors affecting the job performance of primary care providers. It is necessary to provide assistance to primary care providers in terms of family, organization, society, policy, etc., to improve their job performance, and to better provide high-quality health services to the grassroots.
Effects of a Smoke-Free Policy in Xi'an, China: Impact on Hospital Admissions for Acute Ischemic Heart Disease and Stroke
Authors: Chu Meng , Liu Zhiyan , Fang Xinzhu , Wu Yajun , Liu Huannan , Zhao Xuan , Zhang Tianxiao , Wu Qian , Tan Fang
Published: June 2022

Background

Smoking and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure rates are much higher in China than in other countries. A smoke-free policy was implemented in Xi'an, a city in Shaanxi Province, China, on November 1, 2018. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the smoke-free policy on changes in hospital admissions for acute ischemic heart disease (AIHD) and stroke in Xi'an.

Methods

All subjects had been hospitalized for AIHD or stroke from February 9, 2017 to December 25, 2019 (study period: 150 weeks) in six randomly selected public hospitals out of 36 tertiary hospitals in Xi'an. A generalized additive model developed using an interrupted time series design was used to compare immediate and annual percent changes in hospital admissions before and after policy implementation.

Results

The study included 31,400 cases (16,656 cases of AIHD and 14,744 cases of stroke) from 6 hospitals in Xi'an. Immediately after implementation of the smoke-free policy, AIHD admissions were reduced significantly (−31.66%, 95% CI: – 39.45 to −22.86%), but stroke admissions were not (−4.94%, 95% CI: −13.26 to 4.17%). The annual reduction in stroke-related admissions (−14.54%, 95% CI: −23.53 to −4.49%) and the annual increase in AIHD-related admissions (40.58%, 95% CI: 22.08 to 61.87%) were significant. Although there was no significant reduction in AIHD admissions, stroke admissions were significantly reduced by −15.73% (from 7,350 to 6,194) after implementation of the smoke-free policy in Xi'an.

Conclusion

The smoke-free policy had different effects on hospital admissions for AIHD and stroke in Xi'an. Xi'an should improve its smoke-free legislation and expand the measures to maintain or achieve additional significant health benefits. These findings can guide the formulation and implementation of regional and national smoke-free policies.