bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delving into the significance of the His289Tyr single-nucleotide polymorphism in the glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate-1 (Grik1) gene of a genetically audiogenic seizure model
Authors: Díaz-Rodríguez Sandra M. , Herrero-Turrión M. Javier , García-Peral Carlos , Gómez-Nieto Ricardo
Published: January 2024

Genetic abnormalities affecting glutamate receptors are central to excitatory overload-driven neuronal mechanisms that culminate in seizures, making them pivotal targets in epilepsy research. Increasingly used to advance this field, the genetically audiogenic seizure hamster from Salamanca (GASH/Sal) exhibits generalized seizures triggered by high-intensity acoustic stimulation and harbors significant genetic variants recently identified through whole-exome sequencing. Here, we addressed the influence of the missense single-nucleotide polymorphism (C9586732T, p.His289Tyr) in the glutamate receptor ionotropic kainate-1 (Grik1) gene and its implications for the GASH/Sal seizure susceptibility. Using a protein 3D structure prediction, we showed a potential effect of this sequence variation, located in the amino-terminal domain, on the stability and/or conformation of the kainate receptor subunit-1 protein (GluK1). We further employed a multi-technique approach, encompassing gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry in bright-field and confocal fluorescence microscopy, to investigate critical seizure-associated brain regions in GASH/Sal animals under seizure-free conditions compared to matched wild-type controls. We detected disruptions in the transcriptional profile of the Grik1 gene within the audiogenic seizure-associated neuronal network. Alterations in GluK1 protein levels were also observed in various brain structures, accompanied by an unexpected lower molecular weight band in the inferior and superior colliculi. This correlated with substantial disparities in GluK1-immunolabeling distribution across multiple brain regions, including the cerebellum, hippocampus, subdivisions of the inferior and superior colliculi, and the prefrontal cortex. Notably, the diffuse immunolabeling accumulated within perikarya, axonal fibers and terminals, exhibiting a prominent concentration in proximity to the cell nucleus. This suggests potential disturbances in the GluK1-trafficking mechanism, which could subsequently affect glutamate synaptic transmission. Overall, our study sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of seizures and underscores the importance of investigating the molecular mechanisms behind synaptic dysfunction in epileptic neural networks, laying a crucial foundation for future research and therapeutic strategies targeting GluK1-containing kainate receptors.
Impact of market-based home fortification with micronutrient powder on childhood anemia in Bangladesh: a modified stepped wedge design
Authors: Sarma Haribondhu , Rahman Mahfuzur , Tariqujjaman Md. , Islam Mohammad Ashraful , Mbuya Mduduzi N. N. , Aaron Grant J. , Askari Sufia , Harbour Catherine , Khondker Rudaba , Bipul Moniruzzaman , Sultana Sabiha , Rahman Mohammad Ashikur , Shahin Shaima Arzuman , Chowdhury Morseda , Afsana Kaosar , Ghosh Samik , Banwell Cathy , D’Este Catherine , Salasibew Mihretab , Neufeld Lynnette M. , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: January 2024

Background

Anemia poses a significant public health problem, affecting 1.6 billion people and contributing to the loss of 68.4 million disability-adjusted life years. We assessed the impact of a market-based home fortification program with micronutrient powder (MNP) called Pushtikona-5 implemented by Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) on the prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–59 months in Bangladesh.

Methods

We used a modified stepped wedged design and conducted three baseline, two midline, and three endline surveys to evaluate the Pushtikona-5 program implemented through three BRAC program platforms. We interviewed children’s caregivers, and collected finger-prick blood samples from children to measure hemoglobin concentration. We also collected data on coverage of Pushtikona-5 and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. We performed bivariate and multivariable analysis and calculated adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) to assess the effect of program outcomes.

Results

A total of 16,936 households were surveyed. The prevalence of anemia was 46.6% at baseline, dropping to 32.1% at midline and 31.2% at endline. These represented adjusted relative reductions of 34% at midline (RR 0.66, 95%CI 0.62 to 0.71, value of p <0.001) and 32% at endline (RR 0.68, 95%CI 0.64 to 0.71, value of p <0.001) relative to baseline. Regarding MNP coverage, at baseline, 43.5% of caregivers surveyed had heard about MNP; 24.3% of children had ever consumed food with MNP, and only 1.8% had consumed three or more sachets in the 7 days preceding the survey. These increased to 63.0, 36.9, and 4.6%, respectively, at midline and 90.6, 68.9, and 11.5%, respectively, at endline.

Conclusion

These results show evidence of a reduction in the prevalence of anemia and an improvement in coverage. This study provides important evidence of the feasibility and potential for impact of linking market-based MNP distribution with IYCF promotion through community level health workers.
Predictors of micronutrient deficiency among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: a machine learning approach
Authors: Gebeye Leykun Getaneh , Dessie Eskezeia Yihunie , Yimam Jemal Ayalew
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Micronutrient (MN) deficiencies are a major public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia, leading to childhood morbidity and mortality. Effective implementation of programs aimed at reducing MN deficiencies requires an understanding of the important drivers of suboptimal MN intake. Therefore, this study aimed to identify important predictors of MN deficiency among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia using machine learning algorithms.

Methods

This study employed data from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) and included a sample of 1,455 children aged 6–23 months for analysis. Machine Learning (ML) methods including, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Neural Network (NN), and Naïve Bayes (NB) were used to prioritize risk factors for MN deficiency prediction. Performance metrics including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curves were used to evaluate model prediction performance.

Results

The prediction performance of the RF model was the best performing ML model in predicting child MN deficiency, with an AUROC of 80.01% and accuracy of 72.41% in the test data. The RF algorithm identified the eastern region of Ethiopia, poorest wealth index, no maternal education, lack of media exposure, home delivery, and younger child age as the top prioritized risk factors in their order of importance for MN deficiency prediction.

Conclusion

The RF algorithm outperformed other ML algorithms in predicting child MN deficiency in Ethiopia. Based on the findings of this study, improving women’s education, increasing exposure to mass media, introducing MN-rich foods in early childhood, enhancing access to health services, and targeted intervention in the eastern region are strongly recommended to significantly reduce child MN deficiency.
Usual dietary intake and change in DNA methylation over years: EWAS in KORA FF4 and KORA fit
Authors: Hellbach Fabian , Freuer Dennis , Meisinger Christa , Peters Annette , Winkelmann Juliane , Costeira Ricardo , Hauner Hans , Baumeister Sebastian-Edgar , Bell Jordana T. , Waldenberger Melanie , Linseisen Jakob
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Changes in DNA methylation can increase or suppress the expression of health-relevant genes. We investigated for the first time the relationship between habitual food consumption and changes in DNA methylation.

Methods

The German KORA FF4 and KORA Fit studies were used to study the change in methylation over a median follow-up of 4 years. Only subjects participating in both surveys and with available dietary and methylation data were included in the analysis (n = 465). DNA methylation was measured using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (Illumina), resulting in 735,527 shared CpGs across both studies. Generalized estimating equation models with an interaction term of exposure and time point were used to analyze the association of 34 food groups, folic acid, and two dietary patterns with changes in DNA methylation over time.

Results

The results were corrected for genomic inflation. Significant interaction terms indicate different effects between both time points. We observed only a few significant associations between food intake and change in DNA methylation, except for cream and spirit consumption. The annotated genes include CLN3, PROM1, DLEU7, TLL2, and UGT1A10.

Discussion

We identified weak associations between food consumption and DNA methylation change. The differential results for cream and spirits, both consumed in low quantities, require replication in independent studies.
Physiological and transcriptomic analysis dissects the molecular mechanism governing meat quality during postmortem aging in Hu sheep (Ovis aries)
Authors: Li Huan , Feng Yan-Hui , Xia Chao , Chen Yu , Lu Xin-Yi , Wei Yue , Qian Le-Le , Zhu Meng-Yao , Gao Guo-Yv , Meng Ya-Fei , You Yv-Le , Tian Qi , Liang Kun-Qi , Li Yun-Tao , Lv Chao-Tian , Rui Xiang-Yun , Wei Ming-Yue , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Hu sheep, known for its high quality and productivity, lack fundamental scientific research in China.

Methods

This study focused on the effects of 24 h postmortem aging on the meat physiological and transcriptomic alteration in Hu sheep.

Results

The results showed that the 24 h aging process exerts a substantial influence on the mutton color, texture, and water content as compared to untreated group. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1,668 differentially expressed genes. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of glycolysis metabolism, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, and the FcγR-mediated phagocytosis pathway in mediating meat quality modification following postmortem aging. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction analysis uncovered complex regulatory networks involving glycolysis, the MAPK signaling pathway, protein metabolism, and the immune response.

Discussion

Collectively, these findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying meat quality changes during postmortem aging in Hu sheep, emphasizing the potential for improving quality control strategies in mutton production.
First-line monodrug chemotherapy in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Fang , Kemin Li
Published: January 2024

Objective

The efficacy of the first-line monodrug chemotherapy has been generally established for low-risk GTN. Most patients can achieve a complete response after the first-line monodrug chemotherapy. However, which monodrug chemotherapy regimen is better for individual patients with GTN is not yet certain. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of first-line monodrug chemotherapy in low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

Method

Databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were searched from inception to November 1, 2022, for case–control studies on first-line monodrug chemotherapy in GTN. Network meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy outcome of six monodrug chemotherapy regimens in GTN, with a complete response rate as the endpoint.

Result

Twenty-four studies were considered eligible, including 9 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 15 non-RCTs. A total of 3344 patients with low-risk GTN were involved. Six monodrug chemotherapy regimens were included and analyzed. In descending order of efficacy, these six regimens were VP-16 (5 days), ACT-D (5 days), MTX (5 days), ACT-D (1.25 mg/m2), MTX (8 days), and MTX (30–50 mg/m2) in all study, and five regimens were ACT-D (5 days), MTX (5 days), ACT-D (1.25 mg/m2), MTX (8 days), and MTX (30–50 mg/m2) in RCT.

Conclusion

Among the six first-line monodrug chemotherapy regimens for low-risk GTN in all study, VP-16 (5 days) was the best in terms of efficacy. And five regimens in RCT, ACT-D was the best. However, the finding needs to be validated through more high-quality clinical studies.
Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with Fanconi syndrome: a case report and literature review
Authors: Lou Lili , Guo Hui , Shao Meiying
Published: January 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations. The symptoms of SLE in children are more atypical than adults. Childhood SLE complicated with Fanconi syndrome is extremely rare and even more difficult to diagnose.

Case presentation

This article reports a preschool boy with SLE who presented with renal tubular acidosis, accompanied by weakness in both lower limbs, delayed growth, and malnutrition. It was later found that the patient had the complication of Fanconi syndrome with renal tubular acidosis. Ultimately, renal biopsy confirmed lupus nephritis. The patient was treated with corticosteroid combined with mycophenolate mofetil, hydroxychloroquine, and belimumab. The symptoms of the child were relieved.

Conclusion

Here we report an extremely rare case of childhood SLE complicated with Fanconi syndrome. There has been no similar clinical report. It is necessary to be alert to the possibility of atypical SLE in children to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Incorporating anti-infective drugs into peripherally inserted catheters does not reduce infection rates in neonates
Authors: Koppitz Julia , Ascherl Rudolf Georg , Thome Ulrich Herbert , Pulzer Ferdinand
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study assesses whether peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC), impregnated with anti-infective drugs, reduce the rate of infections in neonates compared with unimpregnated catheters.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on electronic patient records of neonates born between August 2014 and May 2020, who had PICCs inserted, either standard (S-PICC) or with anti-infective drugs (A-PICC). Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) were diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, laboratory results, and mentioning of infection in the patient record. Data on dwell time, mechanical ventilation, insertion site, maximum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and anti-infective drug use were analyzed.

Results

A total of 223 PICCs were included. The infection rates were A-PICC (18.9%) and S-PICC (12.5%), which were not significantly different (p = 0.257). A-PICCs had significantly longer dwell times than S-PICCs (median 372 vs. 219 h, p = 0.004). The time to infection was not different between the groups (p = 0.3). There were also no significant differences in maximum CRP, insertion site abnormalities, or anti-infective drug use between the groups.

Conclusion

This retrospective study did not find a significant reduction in infection rates by using PICCs containing anti-infective drugs in neonates. Current antibiotic impregnations do not seem to be effective in preventing blood stream infections.
Comparative efficacy of different Chinese patent medicines in preventing restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Fan Jiasai , Li Tianli , Pu Fenglan , Guo Nan , Wang Jing , Gao Yuqian , Zhao Hongbing , Wang Xian , Zhu Haiyan
Published: January 2024

Background: Chinese patent medicines (CMPs) have curative effectiveness in preventing coronary restenosis. However, the relative efficacy between different CPMs has not been sufficiently investigated.

Methods: Randomized clinical trials were searched from electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, VIP, WanFang, SinoMed, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed to analyze CPMs’ efficacy in preventing angiographic restenosis, recurrence angina, acute myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results: This network meta-analysis included 47 trials with 5,077 patients evaluating 11 interventions. Regarding angiographic restenosis, the efficacy of CPMs (except Xuezhikang capsule) combined with standard treatment (Std) was superior to Std alone, and Guanxin Shutong capsule plus Std reduced the risk of angiographic restenosis by 76% (relative risk 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.45, and very low to moderate certainty of evidence), most likely the best intervention. Fufang Danshen dripping pill combined with Std showed superiority over other interventions for relieving recurrence angina, which can reduce the risk by 83% (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04–0.51, very low to moderate certainty of evidence) compared to Std alone. In acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention, compared with Std alone, Danhong injection plus Std displayed a significant effect (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.00–0.69, very low to moderate certainty of evidence) and was the best treatment probably. Chuanxiongqin tablet plus Std was the most effective treatment for reducing target lesion revascularization by 90% (RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.00–0.60, very low to moderate certainty of evidence) compared with Std alone.

Conclusion: The results indicated that CPMs combined with Std reduced the risk of coronary restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to significant data limitations.
Efficacy and safety of Abelmoschus manihot capsule combined with ACEI/ARB on diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Tan Ying , Zhang Ziqi , Zhou Peipei , Zhang Qiling , Li Nan , Yan Qianhua , Huang Liji , Yu Jiangyi
Published: January 2024

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most serious microvascular complications of diabetes, with the incidence rate increasing yearly, which is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease. Abelmoschus Manihot capsule, as a proprietary Chinese patent medicine, is widely used for treating CKD in China. Currently, the combination of Abelmoschus Manihot (AM) capsule and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RASI) has gained popularity as a treatment option for DKD, with more and more randomized control trials (RCTs) in progress. However, the high-quality clinical evidence supporting its application in DKD is still insufficient.

Aim of the study: To comprehensively and systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of AM capsule combined with RASI in the treatment of DKD.

Materials and methods: English and Chinese databases such as Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CNKI, SinoMed, WF, and VIP were searched to collect the RCTs of AM capsule in treatment of DKD. Then Two investigators independently reviewed and extracted data from the RCTs which met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the data was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results: 32 RCTs with a total of 2,881 DKD patients (1,442 in the treatment group and 1,439 in the control group) were included. The study results showed that AM capsule combined with RASI could be more effective in decreasing 24h-UTP [MD = −442.05, 95% CI (−609.72, −274.38), p < 0.00001], UAER [MD = −30.53, 95% CI (−39.10, −21.96), p < 0.00001], UACR [MD = −157.93, 95% CI (−288.60, −27.25), p < 0.00001], Scr [MD = −6.80, 95% CI (−9.85, −3.74), p < 0.0001], and BUN [MD = −0.59, 95% CI (−1.07, −0.12), p = 0.01], compared to using RASI alone. According to the subgroup analyses, the combination of AM and ARB seems to be more effective in reducing UAER than the combination of ACEI, and the addition of AM may achieve a more significant clinical effect on decreasing Scr for DKD patients with 24h-UTP>2 g or Scr>110–133 μmol/L and >133 μmol/L. Furthermore, no additional adverse reactions were observed in the combination group [OR = 1.06; 95%CI: (0.66, 1.69), p = 0.82].

Conclusion: Combining AM with RASI may be a superior strategy for DKD treatment compared to RASI monotherapy. However, due to significant heterogeneity, the results should be interpreted with great caution, and more high-quality RCTs with multi-centers, different stages of DKD, large sample sizes, and long follow-up periods are still needed to improve the evidence quality of AM for DKD in the future.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails; Identifier CRD42022351422
Carnosol ameliorated cancer cachexia-associated myotube atrophy by targeting P5CS and its downstream pathways
Authors: Fang Qiao-Yu , Wang Yue-Ping , Zhang Rui-Qin , Fan Meng , Feng Li-Xing , Guo Xiao-Dong , Cheng Chun-Ru , Zhang Xiong-Wen , Liu Xuan
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Carnosol exhibited ameliorating effects on muscle atrophy of mice developed cancer cachexia in our previous research.

Method: Here, the ameliorating effects of carnosol on the C2C12 myotube atrophy result from simulated cancer cachexia injury, the conditioned medium of the C26 tumor cells or the LLC tumor cells, were observed. To clarify the mechanisms of carnosol, the possible direct target proteins of carnosol were searched using DARTS (drug affinity responsive target stability) assay and then confirmed using CETSA (cellular thermal shift assay). Furthermore, proteomic analysis was used to search its possible indirect target proteins by comparing the protein expression profiles of C2C12 myotubes under treatment of C26 medium, with or without the presence of carnosol. The signal network between the direct and indirect target proteins of carnosol was then constructed.

Results: Our results showed that, Delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) might be the direct target protein of carnosol in myotubes. The influence of carnosol on amino acid metabolism downstream of P5CS was confirmed. Carnosol could upregulate the expression of proteins related to glutathione metabolism, anti-oxidant system, and heat shock response. Knockdown of P5CS could also ameliorate myotube atrophy and further enhance the ameliorating effects of carnosol.

Discussion: These results suggested that carnosol might ameliorate cancer cachexia-associated myotube atrophy by targeting P5CS and its downstream pathways.
Pioglitazone in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage: study protocol of a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial (PSSH)
Authors: Chen Junhui , Li Mingchang , Chen Lei , Xu Qinyi , Yan Tengfeng , Zhang Chunlei , Hu Ping , He Jianqing , Zhu Xun , Zhu Xingen , Wang Yuhai
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), is a disorder that may be fatal and is primarily caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm. Despite significant leaps forward in the methods to produce aneurysms, the long-term outcomes did not much improve. Pioglitazone is a medication that has been authorized by the FDA as an agonist for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ). Pioglitazone or PPARγ has neuroprotective benefits in animal experiments both during and after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and SAH. Nevertheless, the treatment impact of Pioglitazone on humans is still unknown at this time. As a result, we will conduct a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to explore the impact of pioglitazone on SAH.

Methods/Design: This trial will recruit 400 patients with SAH from four Chinese hospitals. These patients will be equally and randomly assigned to Pioglitazone and placebo control groups for up to 30 days. Scores on the modified Rankin scale (mRS) are the primary outcomes. The secondary outcomes are a 30-day all-cause mortality rate, 6 months of Montreal cognitive assessment (Mo-CA), delayed cerebral ischemia, the requirement for intensive care, the incidence of sepsis, etc. All serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded during the hospital. Every primary and safety analysis was conducted based on the intention-to-treat technique. The participants were given either a matching placebo or 15 mg of pioglitazone, with dose titrated to a target of 45 mg daily. Data on the therapeutic use of pioglitazone after SAH will be provided as a consequence of the findings of this experiment. In addition, this pilot trial is the first to prospectively investigate the effectiveness and safety of pioglitazone in patients with SAH.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethics approval was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of 904th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA (Wuxi Taihu Hospital, approval No. 20220701). The findings of the trial will be presented at conferences, discussed in relevant patient groups, and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR2200062954.
Effects of benidipine, paracetamol, and their combination on postoperative and normal tissue pain thresholds
Authors: Bedir Zehra , Ozkaloglu Erdem Kezban Tuna , Doymus Omer , Suleyman Halis , Yavuzer Bulent , Cicek Betul , Altuner Durdu , Mammadov Renad , Yilmaz Mehmet , Coban Taha Abdulkadir , Suleyman Bahadir , Bulut Seval
Published: January 2024

Introduction: In clinical practice, inadequate pain inhibition leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Increased intracellular calcium, oxidants, and proinflammatory cytokines are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of postoperative pain. Therefore, we investigated the analgesic effects of benidipine, paracetamol, and benidipine-paracetamol combination (BPC) on postoperative and normal pain thresholds in rats.

Material and methods: Sixty-four male albino Wistar rats weighing 285–295 g were used. The without-incision rats were divided into 4 subgroups: healthy control, benidipine alone, paracetamol alone, and BPC. The scalpel-incision rats were divided into 4 subgroups: scalpel incision, scalpel incision + benidipine, scalpel incision + paracetamol, and scalpel incision + BPC. Paw pain thresholds of rats were measured using a Basile algesimeter. Biochemical analyses were performed on the paw tissues of 6 rats randomly taken from the experimental groups, each containing 8 rats. Rats were sacrificed immediately after the measurements. After the pain threshold tests were finished, the paw tissues were removed and malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), cyclooxygenase (COX), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured.

Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in paw pain threshold and measured biochemical parameters in rats without incision. The decrease in the pain threshold of the incised paw was also best prevented by BPC, followed by benidipine and then paracetamol. Furthermore, increases in scalpel-incised paw tissue MDA, COX-2, and IL-6 levels and the decrease in tGSH were significantly suppressed by benidipine and BPC, while paracetamol could only significantly inhibit the increase in IL-6 production.

Conclusion: The combination of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker benidipine and paracetamol (BPC) may provide potent analgesia. Our experimental results support that BPC may be useful in the treatment of severe pain that cannot be adequately inhibited by paracetamol.
Evaluating the Spike–hACE2 interactions in the wild type and variants of concern of SARS -CoV-2 at different temperatures
Authors: Mandal Nabanita , Rath Soumya Lipsa
Published: January 2024

The effect of temperature on SARS-CoV-2 is frequently debated upon. There is evidence of temperature sensitivity of the viral proteins; however, how heat influences the protein–protein interaction between a SARS-CoV-2 protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor remains to be elucidated. Here, we studied the receptor-binding domain of the surface glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 wild type and variants of concern bound to the human ACE2 receptor at different temperatures through atomistic simulations. We found that although there were no major conformation changes in the protein complexes at high temperatures, the dynamics of the proteins significantly increased. There was loss of protein–protein contacts and interaction energies. Thus, the protein–protein interaction was found to be rather strong. This study would be useful for viral protein studies and the design of peptide-based vaccines and therapeutics.
Awareness of opinion change: evidence from two deliberative mini-publics
Authors: Himmelroos Staffan , Christensen Henrik Serup
Published: January 2024

Although opinion changes during discussions and negotiations have been studied extensively in different fields of research, surprisingly little effort has been put into studying whether people correctly recognize that they revised their opinions. This is important because it has implications for both the cognitive mechanisms underpinning these changes and their likely consequences. We in this study examine whether participants in two deliberative mini-publics (DMP) were able to determine the extent to which they revised their opinions (DMP1 = 135; DMP2 = 207). We measure awareness with two questions asking respondents to indicate the extent to which their opinions and views changed during the processes, while we ascertain the actual developments with three measures that capture developments in opinions and attitude consistency. Our results suggest that people are generally unaware of revising their opinions during these processes, and it is only for drastic opinion changes that people have some level of awareness. The difference in how people perceive opinion change compared to how they respond to statements about policy issues shows that probing opinion changes by asking people directly about this can be problematic from a methodological standpoint.
Managerial coaches’ enacted behaviors and the beliefs that guide them: perspectives from managers and their coachees
Authors: Adele Beth , Ellinger Andrea D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Managerial coaching is considered a powerful developmental intervention in the workplace that has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. A growing base of scholarship examining the efficacy of this form of coaching has identified numerous benefits, primarily for employees receiving this form of coaching, and some limited attention has focused on benefits for managers who coach. However, an important topic related to managerial coaching that has gone under-explored is the beliefs that managers have about coaching. Since beliefs often guide behaviors, obtaining a more robust understanding of the beliefs that guide managers who serve as coaches is warranted and several scholars have called for more research on this aspect of managerial coaching. Therefore, the study reported here presents a subset of findings that relate to the coaching behaviors that managers enact along with a comprehensive understanding of their guiding beliefs.

Methods

These specific findings are drawn from a larger qualitative multi-case study employing an adaptation of the critical incident technique that was designed to examine the beliefs, behaviors, and learning and development outcomes for both managers who coach and their respective coachees. This larger study obtained perspectives about these aspects of managerial coaching from both the coaches and coachees which also reflects an approach seldom taken when researching managerial coaching.

Results and Discussion

Four research questions are addressed here: 1) What are the behaviors enacted by managers who coach (facilitate the learning of) their employees from the perspective of managers; 2), what are the behaviors enacted by managers who coach (facilitate the learning of) their employees from the perspective of employees; 3) What are the beliefs held by managers who coach (facilitate the learning of) their employees from the perspective of managers; and, 4) What are the beliefs held by managers who coach (facilitate the learning of) their employees from the perspective of their employees (coachees)? In addition to thick rich descriptions that illustrate these findings, implications for theory, research, and practice are also discussed.
Assessing the need for pre-mental health competencies in undergraduate education: insights from graduate faculty surveys
Authors: Blomquist Kerstin K. , Wenze Susan J. , Fleming C. J. Eubanks , Ernestus Stephanie M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Despite the value of clinical competencies for masters- and doctoral-level practitioners as well as the tremendous variability in preparedness for graduate school and at graduation from graduate school, there are no competency standards for students pursuing mental healthcare careers prior to graduate study. This study aimed to identify potential pre-mental health competency standards for undergraduates pursuing mental healthcare careers.

Methods

Faculty at masters and doctoral programs in a range of mental healthcare fields were asked to rate their expectations of entry-level competence and the perceived entry-level competence of their first-year, bachelor-level graduate students on 42 sub-competencies derived from the APA’s Competency Benchmarks in Professional Psychology.

Results

Faculty of both masters (N = 320) and doctoral (N = 220) programs reported high expectations of first-year graduate students for 11 competency categories (professional values/attitudes; relationships; management-administration; interdisciplinary systems; individual/cultural diversity; advocacy; scientific knowledge and methods; reflective practice, self-assessment, and self-care; ethical standards and policy; supervision, and research/evaluation) and 25 sub-competencies. Faculty in masters programs rated students as not meeting their expectations in 28 sub-competencies, while faculty in doctoral programs rated students as not meeting their expectations in 17 sub-competencies. Faculty recommended internships as well as improvement in writing, counseling skills, professional behavior, diversity, equity, and inclusion, cultural competence and humility, research methods, reading research, connecting research to practice, and education about the different mental healthcare professions.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that students would benefit from intentional training in multiple pre-mental health competency areas at the undergraduate level to facilitate graduate-level training in mental healthcare and to better prepare our future clinicians.
Acceptance and commitment therapy reduces psychological distress in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiang Xing , Sun Jian , Song Ruiwen , Wang Yue , Li Jinglian , Shi Rongwei
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the clinical efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in patients with cancer and psychological distress.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from seven English electronic databases were systematically investigated from inception to 3 October 2023. A total of 16 RCTs from 6 countries with 711 participants were included in this study. Estimated pooled effect sizes (ESs) were calculated via inverse-variance random-effects or fixed-effects (I2 ≤ 50%) model and presented by standardized mean difference (SMD). Subgroup analyses were performed to reduce confounding factors and heterogeneity, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to evaluate the quality of the pooled ESs.

Results

The pooled ESs revealed that statistically significant improvements in anxiety [postintervention SMD = −0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI), −0.71, −0.11); p = 0.008; I2 = 65%; follow-up SMD = −0.37 (95% CI, −0.66, −0.08); p = 0.01; I2 = 29%], depression [postintervention SMD = −0.45 (95% CI, −0.63, −0.27); p < 0.001; I2 = 49%; follow-up SMD = −0.52 (95% CI, −0.77, −0.28); p < 0.001; I2 = 0%], and psychological flexibility [postintervention SMD = −0.81 (95% CI, −1.50, −0.11); p = 0.02; I2 = 84%; follow-up SMD = −0.71 (95% CI, −1.12, −0.31); p = 0.0006; I2 = 38%] in ACT-treated participants were observed compared to patients treated with control conditions. However, other outcomes, such as physical symptom alleviation, were not significantly associated.

Conclusion

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that ACT is associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, and psychological flexibility in patients with cancer.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022320515.
How physical exercise influences academic burnout among Chinese “Double Non” college students: the chain mediation role of mobile phone addiction and learning engagement
Authors: Jin Chao , Fan Chunhong , Niu Jinpeng
Published: January 2024

Background

With mental anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of “lying down” has become increasingly prevalent among Chinese college students such as not thinking ahead, decadent abandonment, and being weak daily. Particularly, Chinese “Double Non” college students are more likely to face academic burnout (AB) due to lower school satisfaction and after-degree employment ratio, in comparison to “Double First-Class” college students.

Objectives

In view of this, the present study examined the structural relationships of physical exercise (PE), mobile phone addiction (MPA), learning engagement (LE), and AB among Chinese “Double Non” college students, aiming at exploring corresponding mechanism to provide supportive guidance for alleviating potential AB.

Methods

This study adopted a cross-sectional survey approach among the sample of “Double Non” college students in China. We recruited 930 participants (272 men and 658 women) in the second half of the 2022–2023 academic year, all of whom completed questionnaires involving Physical Exercise Rating Scale, Mobile Phone Dependence Index Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-Student, and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey. A series of statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and direct and indirect effects among study variables, were proceeded based on the collected data.

Results

The results showed that PE can not only directly and negatively influence AB, but also indirectly and negatively influence AB through the mediation of MPA as well as the chain mediation of both MPA and LE. While PE had no significantly indirect effect on AB via LE.

Discussion

Physical exercise was proved to be an effective way to reduce MPA and then enhance LE, consequently leading to decreased AB in Chinese “Double Non” college students. The findings were discussed in light of related research, and implications and future directions were put forward for application in potential theoretical research and educational practice.
Deviations from the balanced time perspective, cognitive fusion, and self-compassion in individuals with or without a depression diagnosis: different mean profiles but common links to depressive symptoms
Authors: Pyszkowska Anna , Åström Elisabeth , Rönnlund Michael
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Prior research indicates that depressive symptoms in unselected or sub-clinical samples are associated with time perspective biases, including a more negative view of the past and a more fatalistic attitude toward the present. In the current study, we compared time perspective profiles for a clinical sample, with a depression diagnosis with that of a control group. Additionally, we considered a measure known as deviations from the balanced time perspective (DBTP) that capture deviations across time frames, not considered in previous studies. A second obejctive was to test a model involving DPTP as a mediator of the links between cognitive fusion and self-compassion with depressive symptoms.

Method

In total, 300 individuals participated in the study, 150 participants with a depression diagnosis and 150 without a depression diagnoses. All participants filled in questions regarding background variables together with Polish adaptations of ZTPI, CFQ, SCS-S, and DASS-21 using a web-survey.

Results

The results showed significantly higher scores on Past Negative and Present Fatalistic in the clinical sample. In line with the hypothesis the clinical group also displayed elevated DBTP scores (d = 0.75), a difference that remained significant when current symptoms were adjusted for. The results of structural equation modeling moreover indicate a major role of cognitive fusion (which, as expected, was strongly associated with DBTP) in predicting symptom burden, regardless of the clinical/non-clinical distinction, but. Still, DBTP accounted for significant (unique) variance in depressive symptoms. By contrast, the inclusion of cognitive fusion and DBTP eliminated the association of self-compassion and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results indicate that levels of DBTP/fusion for persons with depression diagnosis is present regardless of current symptom burden. Thus, DBTP could be regarded as a risk factor of developing depression. Prospective research designs are needed to further evaluate the associations of the main constructs in this study and the extent to which they are predictive of future diagnosis and changes in symptom level.
Measuring users’ psychological self-withdrawal on mobile social media: the development of a context dependent instrument
Authors: Chen Cheng , Yu Hong
Published: January 2024

Introduction

MSM users have many concerns when disclosing information, such as role conflicts and privacy risks, which can result in nondisclosure. We call these negative feelings associated with MSM use “psychological self-withdrawal” (PSW).

Methods

Using a mixed-methods design, this study develops and validates an instrument for measuring PSW in the WeChat context, based on focus-group interviews (seven participants), one-on-one interviews (eight participants), and a survey of 1200 WeChat users.

Results

The result shows that PSW measure is a four-item instrument designed to measure PSW in the WeChat context. The results of two exploratory factor analysis pilot tests (n = 91 and n = 81) and a final confirmatory factor analysis test (n = 1200) indicate that the PSW measure has good internal consistency (α = 0.839), factorial validity, and a single-factor structure.

Discussion

The study defines PSW as “users’ series of negative feelings when using WeChat” and develops and validates an PSW measurement, using focus groups, interviews, and a survey. A four-item PSW with acceptable reliability and validity was finally developed.
Multilevel and general linear modeling of weather and time effects on the emotional and behavioral states of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Herbuela Von Ralph Dane Marquez , Karita Tomonori , Toya Akihiro , Furukawa Yoshiya , Senba Shuichiro , Onishi Eiko , Saeki Tatsuo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Eliciting the emotional and behavioral states of children with severe or profound intellectual disabilities (IDs) and profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) due to their complex and atypical developmental trajectories has become increasingly elusive. It is evident that the environment, influenced by weather conditions and time of the day, plays a pivotal role in molding children’s behaviors, emotions, and interactions. This underscores the significance of the environment as a critical factor in exploring the communication dynamics of children with PIMD/IDs.

Methods

Over five months during fall and winter seasons, we conducted 105 video-recorded sessions with 20 children aged 8 to 16 with PIMD/IDs. These sessions aimed to capture the emotional and behavioral states interpreted by caregivers while simultaneously collecting indoor and outdoor weather indices, location, and time data. Using cross-classified multilevel and general linear models adjusted for individual characteristics and location variability with subsequent simple slope analyses, we examined the main and seasonal interaction effects of indoor and outdoor weather indices and time of the day on the emotional and behavioral states of children with PIMD/IDs.

Results

The models revealed that higher atmospheric pressure (atm), indicative of pleasant and favorable weather conditions, was associated with increased engagement (indoor: p < 0.01; outdoor: p < 0.01) and interest (outdoor: p < 0.01) behaviors. In contrast, engagement levels decreased before lunchtime (p < 0.01; p < 0.001), and inclement or unstable weather conditions characterized by low-pressure systems (p < 0.05) and stronger wind speed (p < 0.05) led to more refusal or disagreement. During winter, children displayed significantly more agreement with their caregivers (p < 0.001). Interestingly, they also engaged more on cloudy days (p < 0.05). Furthermore, simple slope analyses revealed that high atm conditions in fall were linked to more engagement (p < 0.05) while humid conditions predicted more assent behaviors (p < 0.001). However, cloudy weather predicted less attentional focusing (p < 0.05) and interest (p < 0.01) behaviors in winter.

Conclusion

This study confirms that fluctuations in weather indices, including seasonal changes and time of the day, can provide potential pathway indicators and supplement behavioral observations to elicit the behavioral states of children with PIMD/IDs. These findings highlight the importance of considering these factors when designing meaningful interactions and communication interventions for this population.
Unveiling a novel clinical risk assessment model for identifying non-suicidal self-injury risks in depressed Chinese adolescents amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from low self-esteem, internet use, and sleep disturbance
Authors: Liu Zhongyi , Wei Yuhuan , Yang Ying , Kong Linghua
Published: January 2024

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a highly prevalent behavioral problem among depression adolescent patients that can result in numerous adverse outcomes. This study endeavors to bridge this knowledge gap by creating a comprehensive model that incorporates multiple aspects of NSSI to accurately evaluate its risk in adolescents with depression, thereby enhancing our ability to prevent and address this challenging issue.

Method

Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited 302 adolescents with depressive disorders who visited or were hospitalized at Shandong Mental Health Center from December 2021 to June 2022. The participants completed several self-report questionnaires, including the Chinese version of the Internet Addiction Test, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire, the Defeat Scale, the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale and the Children’s Depression Inventory. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the diagnostic factors, which were further used to establish clinical risk assessment models. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to identify the best model. An external validating team was introduced to verify the assessing efficiency.

Results

Based on a logistic regression analysis, three variables have been identified as significant risk factors. Specifically, adolescents with depression who experience low self-esteem, internet use, or suffer from sleep disturbance face an increased risk of NSSI. An integrated risk index for NSSI exhibits excellent accuracy in identifying depressed adolescents at risk of NSSI (area under the curve = 0.86, sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.69). In the validation cohort, the identification performance remains strong (area under the curve = 0.84, sensitivity = 0.72, specificity = 0.81).

Conclusion

This study highlighted the role of self-esteem, internet use and sleep disturbance in the development of NSSI. The risk index diagnosing NSSI onset may help to guide the design and application of novel interventions to minimize this risky behavior in future depressed adolescents.