bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights into the genetic influences of the microbiota on the life span of a host
Authors: Zhang Fang , Wang Liying , Jin Jiayu , Pang Yulu , Shi Hao , Fang Ziyi , Wang Han , Du Yujie , Hu Yufan , Zhang Yingchun , Ding Xiaoyue , Zhu Zuobin
Published: August 2023

Escherichia coli (E. coli) mutant strains have been reported to extend the life span of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). However, the specific mechanisms through which the genes and pathways affect aging are not yet clear. In this study, we fed Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) various E. coli single-gene knockout strains to screen mutant strains with an extended lifespan. The results showed that D. melanogaster fed with E. coli purE had the longest mean lifespan, which was verified by C. elegans. We conducted RNA-sequencing and analysis of C. elegans fed with E. coli purE (a single-gene knockout mutant) to further explore the underlying molecular mechanism. We used differential gene expression (DGE) analysis, enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to screen vital genes and modules with significant changes in overall expression. Our results suggest that E. coli mutant strains may affect the host lifespan by regulating the protein synthesis rate (cfz-2) and ATP level (catp-4). To conclude, our study could provide new insights into the genetic influences of the microbiota on the life span of a host and a basis for developing anti-aging probiotics and drugs.
The influence of disturbance scale on the natural recovery of biological soil crusts on the Colorado Plateau
Authors: Jech Sierra D. , Havrilla Caroline A. , Barger Nichole N.
Published: August 2023

Up to 35% of global drylands have experienced degradation due to anthropogenic impacts, including physical disturbances like trampling and soil removal. These physical disturbances can result in the loss of soil communities known as biological soil crusts (biocrusts) and the important functions they provide, such as soil stability and fertility. The reestablishment of biocrust organisms after disturbance is determined by many factors, including propagule availability, climate, and vascular plant community structure. The role of these factors in natural recovery may be intensified by the extent (or size) of a disturbance. For example, large disturbances can result in reduced propagule availability or enhanced erosion, which impact both the dispersal and establishment of biocrust organisms on disturbed soils, leading to a slower natural recovery. To test how disturbance extent impacts biocrust's natural recovery, we installed four disturbance extents by completely removing biocrust from the mineral soil in plots ranging from 0.01 m2to 1 m2and measured productivity and erosion resistance. We found that small disturbance extents did not differ in chlorophyll a content, total exopolysaccharide content, or soil stability after 1.5 years of natural recovery. However, the concentration of glycocalyx exopolysaccharide was higher in the smallest disturbances after the recovery period. Our results indicate that disturbances <1 m2in scale recover at similar rates, with soil stability returning to high levels in just a few years after severe disturbance. Our findings align with prior work on biocrust natural recovery in drylands and highlight the opportunity for future work to address (1) cyanobacteria, moss, and lichen propagule dispersal; (2) rates and mechanisms of biocrust succession; and (3) the role of wind or water in determining biocrust colonization patterns as compared to lateral growth.
Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological findings for predicting of cognitive deterioration in memory clinic patients
Authors: Matsuda Kana , Shinohara Masaki , Ii Yuichiro , Tabei Ken-ichi , Ueda Yukito , Nakamura Naoko , Hirata Yoshinori , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Matsuyama Hirofumi , Matsuura Keita , Satoh Masayuki , Maeda Masayuki , Momosaki Ryo , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Shindo Akihiro
Published: August 2023

Objective

The severity of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been assessed using hypertensive arteriopathy SVD and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA)-SVD scores. In addition, we reported the modified CAA-SVD score including cortical microinfarcts and posterior dominant white matter hyperintensity. Each SVD score has been associated with cognitive function, but the longitudinal changes remain unclear. Therefore, this study prospectively examined the prognostic value of each SVD score, imaging findings of cerebral SVD, and neuropsychological assessment.

Methods

This study included 29 patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia at memory clinic in our hospital, who underwent clinical dementia rating (CDR) and brain MRI (3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery, 3D-double inversion recovery, and susceptibility-weighted imaging) at baseline and 1 year later. Each SVD score and neuropsychological tests including the Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices, Trail Making Test -A/-B, and the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test were evaluated at baseline and 1 year later.

Results

Twenty patients had unchanged CDR (group A), while nine patients had worsened CDR (group B) after 1 year. At baseline, there was no significant difference in each SVD score; after 1 year, group B had significantly increased CAA-SVD and modified CAA-SVD scores. Group B also showed a significantly higher number of lobar microbleeds than group A at baseline. Furthermore, group B had significantly longer Japanese Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices and Trail Making test-A times at baseline. After 1 year, group B had significantly lower Mini-Mental State Examination, Japanese Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices, and Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test scores and significantly fewer word fluency (letters).

Conclusion

Patients with worsened CDR 1 year after had a higher number of lobar microbleeds and prolonged psychomotor speed at baseline. These findings may become predictors of cognitive deterioration in patients who visit memory clinics.
Development and evolution of human glutaminyl cyclase inhibitors (QCIs): an alternative promising approach for disease-modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chen Daoyuan , Chen Qingxiu , Qin Xiaofei , Tong Peipei , Peng Liping , Zhang Tao , Xia Chunli
Published: August 2023

Human glutaminyl cyclase (hQC) is drawing considerable attention and emerging as a potential druggable target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its close involvement in the pathology of AD via the post-translational pyroglutamate modification of amyloid-β. A recent phase 2a study has shown promising early evidence of efficacy for AD with a competitive benzimidazole-based QC inhibitor, PQ912, which also demonstrated favorable safety profiles. This finding has sparked new hope for the treatment of AD. In this review, we briefly summarize the discovery and evolution of hQC inhibitors, with a particular interest in classic Zinc binding group (ZBG)-containing chemicals reported in recent years. Additionally, we highlight several high-potency inhibitors and discuss new trends and challenges in the development of QC inhibitors as an alternative and promising disease-modifying therapy for AD.
A subchronic history of binge-drinking elicits mild, age- and sex-selective, affective, and cognitive anomalies in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Jimenez Chavez C. Leonardo , Van Doren Eliyana , Scheldrup Gavin , Rivera Emely , Torres-Gonzalez Jose , Herbert Jessica N. , Denning Christopher J. E. , Khorsandi Sarah , Garcia Andrew , Castro Marian , Szumlinski Karen K.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Alcohol abuse is a risk factor for affective and cognitive disorders, with evidence indicating that adolescent-onset excessive drinking can result in long-term deficiencies in emotional regulation and cognition, with females more susceptible to the negative emotional and cognitive consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. However, our prior examination of the interactions between sex and the age of drinking-onset indicated minimal signs of anxiety-like behavior during alcohol withdrawal, which may have related to the concurrent anxiety testing of male and female subjects.

Methods

The present study addressed this potential confound by assaying for alcohol withdrawal-induced negative affect separately in males and females and expanded our investigation to include measures of spatial and working memory.

Results

Following 14 days of drinking under modified Drinking-in-the-Dark procedures (10, 20, and 40% alcohol v/v; 2 h/day), adolescent and adult binge-drinking mice of both sexes exhibited, respectively, fewer and more signs of negative affect in the light-dark shuttle-box and forced swim tests than their water-drinking counterparts. Adolescent-onset binge-drinking mice also exhibited signs of impaired working memory early during radial arm maze training during early alcohol withdrawal. When tested in late (30 days) withdrawal, only adult female binge-drinking mice buried more marbles than their water-drinking counterparts. However, adolescent-onset binge-drinking mice exhibited poorer spatial memory recall in a Morris water maze.

Discussion

These findings indicate that a subchronic (14-day) binge-drinking history induces mild, age- and sex-selective, changes in negative affect and cognition of potential relevance to understanding individual variability in the etiology and treatment of alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder.
Case report: A Chinese patient with spinocerebellar ataxia finally confirmed as Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome with P102L mutation
Authors: Chen Lin , Xu Yin , Fang Ming-juan , Shi Yong-guang , Zhang Jie , Zhang Liang-liang , Wang Yu , Han Yong-zhu , Hu Ji-yuan , Yang Ren-min , Yu Xu-en
Published: August 2023

Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is a rare genetic prion disease caused by a mutation in the prion protein (PRNP) gene. It is typically characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia and slowly progressive dementia. We present a case study of the GSS from China in which a 45-year-old male with a progressive gait and balance disorder developed cerebellar ataxia onset but was misdiagnosed as spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) for 2 years. The patient's clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological data were retrospectively analyzed. Examination revealed ataxia, dysarthria, muscle weakness, areflexia in lower limbs, including a pyramidal sign, whereas cognitive decline was insignificant. His late mother had a similar unsteady gait. An electroencephalogram (EEG) showed normal findings, and 14-3-3 protein was negative. A brain MRI was performed for global brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET–CT) (18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose, FDG) images showed mild to moderate decreased glucose metabolism in the left superior parietal lobe and left middle temporal lobe. According to genetic testing, his younger brother also had the P102L variant in the PRNP gene. This single case adds to the clinical and genetic phenotypes of GSS.
Skeletal muscle cell protein dysregulation highlights the pathogenesis mechanism of myopathy-associated p97/VCP R155H mutations
Authors: Luzzi Anna , Wang Feng , Li Shan , Iacovino Michelina , Chou Tsui-Fen
Published: August 2023

p97/VCP, a hexametric member of the AAA-ATPase superfamily, has been associated with a wide range of cellular protein pathways, such as proteasomal degradation, the unfolding of polyubiquitinated proteins, and autophagosome maturation. Autosomal dominant p97/VCP mutations cause a rare hereditary multisystem disorder called IBMPFD/ALS (Inclusion Body Myopathy with Paget’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), characterized by progressive weakness and subsequent atrophy of skeletal muscles, and impacting bones and brains, such as Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body disease, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral ALS. Among all disease-causing mutations, Arginine 155 to Histidine (R155H/+) was reported to be the most common one, affecting over 50% of IBMPFD patients, resulting in disabling muscle weakness, which might eventually be life-threatening due to cardiac and respiratory muscle involvement. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer an unlimited resource of cells to study pathology’s underlying molecular mechanism, perform drug screening, and investigate regeneration. Using R155H/+ patients’ fibroblasts, we generated IPS cells and corrected the mutation (Histidine to Arginine, H155R) to generate isogenic control cells before differentiating them into myotubes. The further proteomic analysis allowed us to identify differentially expressed proteins associated with the R155H mutation. Our results showed that R155H/+ cells were associated with dysregulated expression of several proteins involved in skeletal muscle function, cytoskeleton organization, cell signaling, intracellular organelles organization and function, cell junction, and cell adhesion. Our findings provide molecular evidence of dysfunctional protein expression in R155H/+ myotubes and offer new therapeutic targets for treating IBMPFD/ALS.
Development and internal validation of a prediction model for the presence of tinnitus in a Dutch population-based cohort
Authors: Rademaker Maaike M. , Smit Adriana L. , Stokroos Robert J. , van Smeden Maarten , Stegeman Inge
Published: August 2023

Objectives

In this study we aim to develop and internally validate a prediction model on tinnitus experience in a representative sample of the Dutch general population.

Methods

We developed a multivariable prediction model using elastic net logistic regression with data from the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study. This is a multigenerational cohort study on adults who are located in the northern parts of the Netherlands. The model was internally validated using 10-fold cross-validation. The outcome of the model was tinnitus presence, for which we used 24 candidate predictors on different domains (among others demographic, hearing specific, and mental health variables). We assessed the overall predictive performance, discrimination, and calibration of the model.

Results

Data on 122.884 different participants were included, of which 7,965 (6.5%, 0 missing) experienced tinnitus. Nine variables were included in the final model: sex, hearing aids, hearing limitations, arterial blood pressure, quality of sleep, general health, symptom checklist of somatic complaints, cardiovascular risk factors, and age. In the final model, the Brier score was 0.056 and 0.787 in internal validation.

Conclusion

We developed and internally validated a prediction model on tinnitus presence in a multigenerational cohort of the Dutch general population. From the 24 candidate predictors, the final model included nine predictors.
Flexible structure learning under uncertainty
Authors: Wang Rui , Gates Vael , Shen Yuan , Tino Peter , Kourtzi Zoe
Published: August 2023

Experience is known to facilitate our ability to interpret sequences of events and make predictions about the future by extracting temporal regularities in our environments. Here, we ask whether uncertainty in dynamic environments affects our ability to learn predictive structures. We exposed participants to sequences of symbols determined by first-order Markov models and asked them to indicate which symbol they expected to follow each sequence. We introduced uncertainty in this prediction task by manipulating the: (a) probability of symbol co-occurrence, (b) stimulus presentation rate. Further, we manipulated feedback, as it is known to play a key role in resolving uncertainty. Our results demonstrate that increasing the similarity in the probabilities of symbol co-occurrence impaired performance on the prediction task. In contrast, increasing uncertainty in stimulus presentation rate by introducing temporal jitter resulted in participants adopting a strategy closer to probability maximization than matching and improving in the prediction tasks. Next, we show that feedback plays a key role in learning predictive statistics. Trial-by-trial feedback yielded stronger improvement than block feedback or no feedback; that is, participants adopted a strategy closer to probability maximization and showed stronger improvement when trained with trial-by-trial feedback. Further, correlating individual strategy with learning performance showed better performance in structure learning for observers who adopted a strategy closer to maximization. Our results indicate that executive cognitive functions (i.e., selective attention) may account for this individual variability in strategy and structure learning ability. Taken together, our results provide evidence for flexible structure learning; individuals adapt their decision strategy closer to probability maximization, reducing uncertainty in temporal sequences and improving their ability to learn predictive statistics in variable environments.
Development of brain organoid technology derived from iPSC for the neurodegenerative disease modelling: a glance through
Authors: Jusop Amirah Syamimi , Thanaskody Kalaiselvaan , Tye Gee Jun , Dass Sylvia Annabel , Wan Kamarul Zaman Wan Safwani , Nordin Fazlina
Published: August 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases are adult-onset neurological conditions that are notoriously difficult to model for drug discovery and development because most models are unable to accurately recapitulate pathology in disease-relevant cells, making it extremely difficult to explore the potential mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, alternative models of human or animal cells have been developed to bridge the gap and allow the impact of new therapeutic strategies to be anticipated more accurately by trying to mimic neuronal and glial cell interactions and many more mechanisms. In tandem with the emergence of human-induced pluripotent stem cells which were first generated in 2007, the accessibility to human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) derived from patients can be differentiated into disease-relevant neurons, providing an unrivaled platform for in vitro modeling, drug testing, and therapeutic strategy development. The recent development of three-dimensional (3D) brain organoids derived from iPSCs as the best alternative models for the study of the pathological features of neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the overview of current iPSC-based disease modeling and recent advances in the development of iPSC models that incorporate neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, a summary of the existing brain organoid-based disease modeling of Alzheimer’s disease was presented. We have also discussed the current methodologies of regional specific brain organoids modeled, its potential applications, emphasizing brain organoids as a promising platform for the modeling of patient-specific diseases, the development of personalized therapies, and contributing to the design of ongoing or future clinical trials on organoid technologies.
A novel oxidative stress-related genes signature associated with clinical prognosis and immunotherapy responses in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Xin , Li Fenghua , Xie Wenjie , Gong Binbin , Fu Bin , Chen Weimin , Zhou Libo , Luo Lianmin
Published: August 2023

Background

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the tumorigenesis and progression of tumors. We aimed to develop a prognostic signature using oxidative stress-related genes (ORGs) to predict clinical outcome and provide light on the immunotherapy responses of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods

The information of ccRCC patients were collected from the TCGA and the E-MTAB-1980 datasets. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were conducted to screen out overall survival (OS)-related genes. Then, an ORGs risk signature was built by multivariate Cox regression analyses. The performance of the risk signature was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival. The ssGSEA and CIBERSORT algorithms were performed to evaluate immune infiltration status. Finally, immunotherapy responses was analyzed based on expression of several immune checkpoints.

Results

A prognostic 9-gene signature with ABCB1, AGER, E2F1, FOXM1, HADH, ISG15, KCNMA1, PLG, and TEK. The patients in the high risk group had apparently poor survival (TCGA: p < 0.001; E-MTAB-1980: p < 0.001). The AUC of the signature was 0.81 at 1 year, 0.76 at 3 years, and 0.78 at 5 years in the TCGA, respectively, and was 0.8 at 1 year, 0.82 at 3 years, and 0.83 at 5 years in the E-MTAB-1980, respectively. Independent prognostic analysis proved the stable clinical prognostic value of the signature (TCGA cohort: HR = 1.188, 95% CI =1.142-1.236, p < 0.001; E-MTAB-1980 cohort: HR =1.877, 95% CI= 1.377-2.588, p < 0.001). Clinical features correlation analysis proved that patients in the high risk group were more likely to have a larger range of clinical tumor progression. The ssGSEA and CIBERSORT analysis indicated that immune infiltration status were significantly different between two risk groups. Finally, we found that patients in the high risk group tended to respond more actively to immunotherapy.

Conclusion

We developed a robust prognostic signature based on ORGs, which may contribute to predict survival and guide personalize immunotherapy of individuals with ccRCC.
E-box binding transcription factors in cancer
Authors: Pan Yuanzhong , van der Watt Pauline J. , Kay Steve A.
Published: August 2023

E-boxes are important regulatory elements in the eukaryotic genome. Transcription factors can bind to E-boxes through their basic helix-loop-helix or zinc finger domain to regulate gene transcription. E-box-binding transcription factors (EBTFs) are important regulators of development and essential for physiological activities of the cell. The fundamental role of EBTFs in cancer has been highlighted by studies on the canonical oncogene MYC, yet many EBTFs exhibit common features, implying the existence of shared molecular principles of how they are involved in tumorigenesis. A comprehensive analysis of TFs that share the basic function of binding to E-boxes has been lacking. Here, we review the structure of EBTFs, their common features in regulating transcription, their physiological functions, and their mutual regulation. We also discuss their converging functions in cancer biology, their potential to be targeted as a regulatory network, and recent progress in drug development targeting these factors in cancer therapy.
COVID-19 vaccination-related autoimmune hepatitis—a perspective
Authors: Sergi Consolato M.
Published: August 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is the inflammation of the liver with clear-cut interface hepatitis and piecemeal necrosis located at the boundary between portal areas and periportal hepatocytes, and characterized by autoimmunity to hepatocytes with an increase in the antinuclear antibody. After the disastrous SARS-CoV-2 pandemic flagellated several countries, several vaccines have been commercialized and have become a ground for social responsibility. The mRNA vaccines, issued by Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) and Moderna (mRNA-1273), do not use prebuilt viruses to supply the antigen in the subject’s body and are not perfect but have been useful in tackling the pandemic. Nevertheless, both myocarditis and AIH have been reported as side effects of the vaccination programs in addition to thromboembolic events. Here, we explore this topic and give a data-based perspective, gathering a comparison between the titin protein of the sarcomere and myocarditis. The isolation of a Drosophila gene using the serum from a patient with autoimmune scleroderma recognized an epitope on chromosomes (condensed mitotic form) in both human cultured cells and early Drosophila embryos. It revealed that this gene encodes a Drosophila homolog of the vertebrate titin (D-Titin). Moreover, anti-titin antibodies have been found in a subset of patients with myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular junction disease that is mostly associated with autoimmune antibodies, such as the anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. The co-existence of myasthenia gravis and autoimmune hepatitis is rare, and a cohort of patients with myasthenia gravis anti-titin antibodies seems to be highly relevant. In consideration of these data and the number of patients who may not be symptomatic, we postulated that autoimmune phenomena may not be exceedingly rare, following the administration of mRNA technology-based vaccines, and a balance between pros and cons in administrating boosters is critical.
Molecular mechanisms of COVID-19-induced pulmonary fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Pi Peng , Zeng Zhipeng , Zeng Liqing , Han Bing , Bai Xizhe , Xu Shousheng
Published: August 2023

As the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first broke out in Hubei Province, China, at the end of 2019. It has brought great challenges and harms to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 mainly affects the lungs and is mainly manifested as pulmonary disease. However, one of the biggest crises arises from the emergence of COVID-19-induced fibrosis. At present, there are still many questions about how COVID-19 induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs and how to treat and regulate its long-term effects. In addition, as an important process of fibrosis, the effect of COVID-19 on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may be an important factor driving PF. This review summarizes the main pathogenesis and treatment mechanisms of COVID-19 related to PF. Starting with the basic mechanisms of PF, such as EMT, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, inflammation, macrophages, innate lymphoid cells, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, hedgehog pathway as well as Notch signaling. Further, we highlight the importance of COVID-19-induced EMT in the process of PF and provide an overview of the related molecular mechanisms, which will facilitate future research to propose new clinical therapeutic solutions for the treatment of COVID-19-induced PF.
Quaternionic quantum Turing machines
Authors: Dai Songsong
Published: August 2023

Quaternionic quantum theory is an extension of the standard complex quantum theory. Inspired by this, we study the quaternionic quantum computation using quaternions. We first develop a theory of quaternionic quantum Turing machines as a model of quaternionic quantum computation. Quaternionic quantum Turing machines can also be seen as a generalization of the complex quantum Turing machine. Then, we introduce the weighted sum of quaternionic quantum Turing machines and establish some of their basic properties.
Exogenously applied Casuarina equisetifolia leaf extracts act as an osmoprotectant on proline accumulation under drought stress in local rice from Indonesia
Authors: Salsinha Yustina Carolina Febrianti , Rini Dwi Setyo , Indradewa Didik , Rachmawati Diah , Alam Taufan , Purwestri Yekti Asih
Published: August 2023

The effects of exogenously supplied osmoprotectants in crops have not yet been extensively studied. In this study, an osmoprotectant containing a high concentration of proline (2.5 g mol−1 FW) was obtained from a Casuarina equisetifolia leaf extract. The effect of the extract was evaluated in local Indonesian rice cultivars Boawae Seratus Malam (BSM), Gogo Jak (GJ), Situ Bagendit (SB) (drought-tolerant), Kisol Manggarai (KM) and Ciherang (drought-susceptible) cultivars under drought at the morphological, physiological, and genetic levels. Under drought, the KM showed an increased level of OsWRKY, OsNAC, OsDREB1A, and OsDREB2A expression after application of the osmoprotectant, leading to the activation of proline synthesis genes including OsP5CS1, OsP5CR, and OsProDH, while the tolerant cultivars (BSM, GJ, and SB) showed no difference. The content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities also increased in GJ and KM, during drought stress and applied osmoprotectants, but remained low in the BSM. We conclude that the foliar application of osmoprotectants derived from C.equisetifolia caused an accumulation of proline in susceptible plants. The existence of these extracts stabilizes leaf cells and supports photosynthetic compartments and carbon assimilation in plants, leading to growth.
Impact of spiritual values on tourists’ psychological wellbeing: evidence from China’s Buddhist mountains
Authors: Zhang Ge , Huang Keji , Shen Shiwei
Published: August 2023

Spiritual values can be a source of meaning for people, and can also determine their feelings, behavior, and mental health. In China’s Buddhist mountains, we collected a total of 400 valid questionnaires from Mount Putuo and Mount Jiuhua, and identified spiritual values as transcendence, general connectedness, inner balance, positive life direction, and special religious feelings. We also explored the impact of these spiritual values on tourists’ psychological wellbeing according to the PERMA model (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and achievement). The results revealed that the more easily attained spiritual values (general connectedness, positive life direction, and special religious feelings) had a greater influence on psychological wellbeing than the less easily-attained spiritual values (transcendence and inner balance). Positive emotion and meaning, as components of psychological wellbeing, were strongly influenced by the four spiritual values, whereas engagement, accomplishment, and relationships were influenced by fewer spiritual values. The research contributes to the existing knowledge on spiritual values by analyzing their dimensions and relationships with tourists’ wellbeing from different levels, and also provides empirical suggestions for the sustainable development of religious tourism destinations.
Do you really want to hurt me? The impact of contextual factors on the moderating role of dark leadership in the relationships between learning climate facilitation, employability and turnover intention in the Netherlands and China
Authors: Habets Omar , Peters Pascale , Van der Heijden Beatrice , Stoffers Jol , Blomme Robert , Liao Shudi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Both the Dutch and Chinese labor markets experience severe shortages of skilled personnel and high turnover rates, being distressing socio-economic factors. At the same time, large cross-cultural studies indicate that these national contexts are highly different from a socio-cultural perspective. When considering issues on employee development and retainment, the public debate opens for negative attributes as dark leadership, wondering if employees accept to be hurt. This study contributes to the employability research and, moreover, it contributes to the call for the ability to contextualize theories and to the convergence/divergence debate. We applied Western theories to investigate possible contextual differences in the relationships between learning climate facilitation and turnover intention, and to investigate whether this relationship is mediated by employability, and whether dark leadership is a possible moderator.

Methods

To test our hypotheses, we collected data from 368 Dutch and 319 Chinese respondents who participate in an executive master’s program, which was analyzed using PLS-Structural Equation Modeling.

Results

Employees in the Netherlands and China were found to interpret our study variables differently. Separate analyses revealed that, in both contexts, learning climate facilitation was both directly and indirectly, via the balance dimension of employability, negatively related to turnover intention. In addition, in the Dutch sample, dark leadership appeared to weaken the relationship between learning climate facilitation and the corporate sense dimension of employability, but the latter did not seem to be a mediator in the relationship with turnover intention. In the Chinese sample, no moderation effects were found.

Discussion

Our results show that both learning climate facilitation and dark leadership are important factors in the development and retainment of personnel and that particularly focusing on ‘balancing group and individual goals’ is important to retain personnel, regardless of national context. The latter may indicate the need for convergence of HR practices. At the same time, however, the different interpretations of the study’s variables may indicate divergence in the meaning of HR concepts. In the discussion section, we elaborate on the study’s implications for HR-researchers and -practitioners in national and global business contexts.
OUT to IN: a body-oriented intervention program to promote preschoolers’ self-regulation and relationship skills in the outdoors
Authors: Veiga Guida , Guerreiro Daniela , Marmeleira José , Santos Graça Duarte , Pomar Clarinda
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Time for movement and outdoor experiences has decreased in children’s daily lives. Nevertheless, a growing body of research has shown that body-oriented interventions and outdoor time benefit preschoolers’ social–emotional development, a foundation for mental health. OUT to IN is a body-oriented intervention program implemented outdoors, designed to promote preschoolers’ social–emotional competence. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of OUT to IN on preschoolers’ self-regulation and relationship skills.

Methods

A cluster randomized trial with multi-method and multi-informant assessment was implemented including 233 children between 3 and 6 years (122 boys,Mage = 5.07 years), from 4 preschools (8 groups with OUT to IN intervention, 4 groups without intervention – control group). The 153 children allocated to the OUT to IN group participated in biweekly sessions for 10 weeks. OUT to IN sessions followed a body-oriented approach comprising exercise play, relaxation, and symbolization activities, implemented outdoors by a psychomotor therapist and the preschool teacher. Sessions enabled children to feel, observe and control their bodily states and understand the relationship between their bodies and emotions. Teachers participated in a brief course and on 20 biweekly relaxation sessions. Children’s self-regulation was measured through specific tasks and a parent questionnaire. Relationship skills (i.e., empathy, communication, cooperation and sociability) were measured through parents’ and preschool teachers’ questionnaires. Mann–Whitney test was used to study differences at baseline between the OUT to IN group and the control group, and to study differences in the 10-week changes between both groups. Wilcoxon Test was used for intragroup comparisons.

Results

After the 10-week intervention period, children who participated in OUT to IN showed significant improvements on self-regulation and relationship skills (empathy, cooperation and sociability), in comparison to the control group who did not show any significant improvements. Large size effects (η2 > 0.14) were found for most of the variables related to self-regulation and small (η2 > 0.01), medium (η2 > 0.06) and large size effects (η2 > 0.14) were found for the variables related to relationship skills.

Conclusion

OUT to IN showed to be an effective body-oriented intervention program in improving children’s self-regulation and relationship skills, which are recognized foundations for mental health and well-being.
Is environmental behavior related to economic risk preferences? An exploratory case by case analysis
Authors: Vesely Stepan , Klöckner Christian A.
Published: August 2023

Do risk preferences play a role when deciding whether to act pro-environmentally? Looking at 28 different behaviors case by case – including recycling, waste reduction, energy and water conservation, consumer behavior, and environmental policy support – our data suggest no relation between most of the behaviors and economic risk preferences. However, economic risk preferences appear to have some relevance for travel mode choice and for specific consumer preferences (eco-friendly detergents, organic food, and single-use plastics), perhaps because people are better able to appreciate aspects of these behaviors related to risk (e.g., possibility of traffic accidents, health risks).
When biology takes over: TV formats like The Bachelor and The Bachelorette confirm evolutionary theories of partner selection
Authors: Lenhard Alexandra , Minten Marie-Pierre , Lenhard Wolfgang
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In this study, we investigated the impact of age on mate selection preferences in males and females, and explored how the formation and duration of committed relationships depend on the sex of the person making the selection.

Methods

To this end, we utilized data from the television dating showsThe BachelorandThe Bachelorette. In these programs, either a single man (“bachelor”) or a woman (“bachelorette”) has the opportunity to select a potential long-term partner from a pool of candidates. Our analysis encompassed a total ofn = 169 seasons from 23 different countries, beginning with the first airing in 2002.

Results

We found that the likelihood of the final couple continuing their relationship beyond the broadcast was higher inThe Bachelorettethan inThe Bachelor, although the duration of these relationships was not significantly influenced by the type of show. On average, women were younger, both when selecting their partner and when being chosen. However, men exhibited a greater preference for larger age differences than women. Furthermore, the age of the chosen male partners significantly increased with the age of the “bachelorettes,” whereas “bachelors” consistently favored women around 25.5 years old, regardless of their own age.

Discussion

We discuss these findings within the context of parental investment theory and sexual strategies theory.
Patterns of smartphone usage associated with depressive symptoms in nursing students
Authors: Yang Yajuan , Granlund Mats , Tao Fangbiao , Tao Shuman , Zou Liwei , Wu Xiaoyan , Hong Jingfang , Enskär Karin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Rather than focusing on the activities that the smartphone has been used for, the existing literature frequently focuses on the association between problematic use of smartphone independent of the content of use (self-reported) and depressive symptoms in youth. This study aims to explore patterns of smartphone usage and the association with depressive symptoms in nursing students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of nursing freshmen (n = 1, 716) was conducted between October and November 2018. Participants were recruited from three Chinese public medical universities using stratified cluster sampling. Self-rated frequency of 12 different smartphone activities over the preceding week was evaluated. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

Of the 1,716 students recruited, 1,424 (83.0%) were girls, and the mean [SD] age was 18.90 [1.39] years. Using principal component analysis (PCA), two typical usage patterns were indicated. The “entertainment pattern” factor included a high frequency of streaming images or videos, searching for information, chatting online, online shopping, downloading, reading online, checking social media sites, taking pictures or videos, and playing games. The “communication pattern” had a high frequency of emailing, texting, and calling. Using logistic regression models, the association between smartphone usage patterns and depressive symptoms was tested. The “communication pattern” was significantly associated with a 53% increase in the odds of moderate and above depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.529; 95% CI = 1.286–1.818; p < 0.001), controlling for a set of socio-demographic and smartphone use covariates.

Discussion

This study provides insights into how the patterns of smartphone usage are associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in nursing students. It indicates that it may primarily be how we use our smartphones rather than how much we use them that poses a risk for depression.
Analysis of self-healing of depression by helping others in adolescents from the perspective of constructivism
Authors: Xin Zhonggui , Li Shuguang , Jia Yanxian , Yuan Hui
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the mechanism of psychological qualities constructed in helping others with depression and guide adolescents to actively participate in the practical activities of helping others to prevent and self-heal depression.

Method

Symptom self-rating scale, trait coping style questionnaire, and self-administered helper scale were employed. A total of 1,086 valid on-site questionnaires were collected from adolescents.

Result

The depression levels of adolescents were negatively correlated with helping beliefs, behaviors and total scores (r = −0.500, −0.401, and −0.530). Helping others had a significantly negative predictive effect on depression, effectively inhibiting depression levels. Although the positive coping style had an inhibitory effect on depression, it exerted no predictive effects on depression under the influence of helping others. In contrast, the negative coping style had a significantly positive predictive effect on depression.

Conclusion

Proactively participating in helping others is an important way to prevent and eliminate depression in adolescents. They should be instructed to give full play to their initiatives to participate in social practice and assist others actively, thus constructing positive psychological qualities, improving mental health, and achieving self-healing of depression and self-help through helping others.
Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression among Chinese prison officers during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zeng Yuze , Xiao Junze , Zhang Qingqi , Liu Xiaoqian , Ma Ai
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study examined the prevalence of anxiety and depression—along with the potential risk and protective factors—among Chinese prison officers during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

A cross-sectional survey of 1,268 officers from five prisons in western and southern China was administered between June and July 2022. The questionnaires comprised two sections. In the first section, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate the prevalence of anxiety and depression, respectively, among prison officers. In the second section, the potential influencing factors were examined. Categorical data were compared using χ2 tests and t-tests; binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with anxiety and depression.

Results

The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among the prison officers were 72.6% and 69.8%, respectively. Risk factors for anxiety were older age, being unmarried, work–family conflicts, job demands, and COVID-19 burnout; protective factors were exercise, positive family relationships, and group cohesion. Work–family conflicts, job demands, intolerance of uncertainty regarding COVID-19, and COVID-19 burnout were risk factors for depression, whereas annual income >150,000 RMB, exercise, positive family relationships, group cohesion, and job autonomy were protective factors against depression.

Conclusion

The prevalence of anxiety and depression among Chinese prison officers was relatively high during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, and more targeted measures should be implemented to improve their mental health. This study offers a reference for improving prison officers’ mental health in response to similar public health emergencies in the future.
Does air pollution exposure affect semen quality? Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 93,996 Chinese men
Authors: Liu Junjie , Dai Yanpeng , Li Runqing , Yuan Jiayi , Wang Quanxian , Wang Linkai
Published: August 2023

Background

Air pollution may impair male fertility, but it remains controversial whether air pollution affects semen quality until now.

Objectives

We undertake a meta-analysis to explore potential impacts of six pollutants exposure during the entire window (0–90 days prior to ejaculation) and critical windows (0–9, 10–14, and 70–90 days prior to ejaculation) on semen quality.

Methods

Seven databases were retrieved for original studies on the effects of six pollutants exposure for 90 days prior to ejaculation on semen quality. The search process does not limit the language and search date. We only included original studies that reported regression coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The β and 95% CIs were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random effect models.

Results

PM2.5 exposure was related with decreased total sperm number (10–14 lag days) and total motility (10–14, 70–90, and 0–90 lag days). PM10 exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70–90 and 0–90 lag days) and total motility (0–90 lag days). NO2 exposure was related with reduced total sperm number (70–90 and 0–90 lag days). SO2 exposure was related with declined total motility (0–9, 10–14, 0–90 lag days) and total sperm number (0–90 lag days).

Conclusion

Air pollution affects semen quality making it necessary to limit exposure to air pollution for Chinese men. When implementing protective measures, it is necessary to consider the key period of sperm development.
Acceptability of restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based survey in Denmark and Sweden
Authors: Nilsen Per , Seing Ida , Sekhon Mandeep , Kallemose Thomas , Tjørnhøj-Thomsen Tine , Stefánsdóttir Nina Thórný , Vrangbæk Karsten , Andersen Ove , Kirk Jeanette Wassar
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Denmark and Sweden initially adopted different responses to the COVID-19 pandemic although the two countries share many characteristics. Denmark responded swiftly with many mandatory restrictions. In contrast, Sweden relied on voluntary restrictions and a more “relaxed” response during the first wave of the pandemic. However, increased rates of COVID-19 cases led to a new approach that involved many more mandatory restrictions, thus making Sweden’s response similar to Denmark’s in the second wave of the pandemic.

Aim

The aim was to investigate and compare the extent to which the populations in Denmark and Sweden considered the COVID-19 restrictions to be acceptable during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also aimed to identify the characteristics of those who were least accepting of the restrictions in the two countries.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Denmark and Sweden in 2021. The study population was sampled from nationally representative web panels in the two countries, consisting of 2,619 individuals from Denmark and 2,633 from Sweden. The questionnaire captured key socio-demographic characteristics. Acceptability was operationalized based on a theoretical framework consisting of seven constructs and one overarching construct.

Results

The respondents’ age and gender patterns were similar in the two countries. The proportion of respondents in Denmark who agreed with the statements (“agree” alternative) that captured various acceptability constructs was generally higher for the first wave than the second wave of the pandemic. The opposite pattern was seen for Sweden. In Denmark, 66% in the first wave and 50% in the second wave were accepting of the restrictions. The corresponding figures for Sweden was 42% (first wave) and 47% (second wave). Low acceptance of the restrictions, defined as the 25% with the lowest total score on the seven acceptability statements, was associated with younger age, male gender and lower education levels.

Conclusion

Respondents in Sweden were more accepting of the restrictions in the second wave, when the country used many mandatory restrictions. In contrast, respondents in Denmark were more accepting of the restrictions in the first wave than in the second wave, implying an increased weariness to comply with the restrictions over time. There were considerable socio-demographic differences between those who expressed low acceptance of the restrictions and the others in both countries, suggesting the importance of tailoring communication about the pandemic to different segments of the population.