bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammation—the role of TRPA1 channel
Authors: Yao Kaifang , Dou Baomin , Zhang Yue , Chen Zhihan , Li Yanwei , Fan Zezhi , Ma Yajing , Du Simin , Wang Jiangshan , Xu Zhifang , Liu Yangyang , Lin Xiaowei , Wang Shenjun , Guo Yi
Published: February 2023

Recently, increasing numbers of studies have demonstrated that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) can be used as a potential target for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. TRPA1 is expressed in both neuronal and non-neuronal cells and is involved in diverse physiological activities, such as stabilizing of cell membrane potential, maintaining cellular humoral balance, and regulating intercellular signal transduction. TRPA1 is a multi-modal cell membrane receptor that can sense different stimuli, and generate action potential signals after activation via osmotic pressure, temperature, and inflammatory factors. In this study, we introduced the latest research progress on TRPA1 in inflammatory diseases from three different aspects. First, the inflammatory factors released after inflammation interacts with TRPA1 to promote inflammatory response; second, TRPA1 regulates the function of immune cells such as macrophages and T cells, In addition, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in some inflammatory diseases. Third, we have summarized the application of antagonists and agonists targeting TRPA1 in the treatment of some inflammatory diseases.
Crosstalk within a brain-breast-bone axis regulates mineral and skeletal metabolism during lactation
Authors: Athonvarangkul Diana , Wysolmerski John J.
Published: February 2023

To support the increased calcium demands for milk production during lactation, a dramatic and reversible physiological response occurs to alter bone and mineral metabolism. This coordinated process involves a brain-breast-bone axis that integrates hormonal signals that allow for adequate calcium delivery to milk yet also protects the maternal skeletal from excessive bone loss or decreases in bone quality or function. Here, we review the current knowledge on the crosstalk between the hypothalamus, mammary gland, and skeleton during lactation. We discuss the rare entity of pregnancy and lactation associated osteoporosis and consider how the physiology of bone turnover in lactation may impact the pathophysiology of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Further understanding of the regulators of bone loss during lactation, particularly in humans, may provide insights into new therapies for osteoporosis and other diseases of excess bone loss.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles alleviate salpingitis by promoting M1–to–M2 transformation
Authors: Zhang Changlin , Liao Wei , Li Weizhao , Li Mengxiong , Xu Xiaoyu , Sun Haohui , Xue Yaohua , Liu Lixiang , Qiu Jiehong , Zhang Chi , Zhang Xunzhi , Ye Juntong , Du Jingran , Deng David Y. B. , Deng Wuguo , Li Tian
Published: February 2023

Background: With an increasing number of patients experiencing infertility due to chronic salpingitis after Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection, there is an unmet need for tissue repair or regeneration therapies. Treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (hucMSC-EV) provides an attractive cell-free therapeutic approach.

Methods: In this study, we investigated the alleviating effect of hucMSC-EV on tubal inflammatory infertility caused by CT using in vivo animal experiments. Furthermore, we examined the effect of hucMSC-EV on inducing macrophage polarization to explore the molecular mechanism.

Results: Our results showed that tubal inflammatory infertility caused by Chlamydia infection was significantly alleviated in the hucMSC-EV treatment group compared with the control group. Further mechanistic experiments showed that the application of hucMSC-EV induced macrophage polarization from the M1 to the M2 type via the NF-κB signaling pathway, improved the local inflammatory microenvironment of fallopian tubes and inhibited tube inflammation.

Conclusion: We conclude that this approach represents a promising cell-free avenue to ameliorate infertility due to chronic salpingitis.
The burden of diabetes on the soft tissue seal surrounding the dental implants
Authors: Zhang Zhanwei , Ji Chonghao , Wang Daobin , Wang Maoshan , Song Dawei , Xu Xin , Zhang Dongjiao
Published: February 2023

Soft tissue seal around implant prostheses is considered the primary barrier against adverse external stimuli and is a critical factor in maintaining dental implants’ stability. Soft tissue seal is formed mainly by the adhesion of epithelial tissue and fibrous connective tissue to the transmembrane portion of the implant. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the risk factors for peri-implant inflammation, and peri-implant disease may be triggered by dysfunction of the soft tissue barrier around dental implants. This is increasingly considered a promising target for disease treatment and management. However, many studies have demonstrated that pathogenic bacterial infestation, gingival immune inflammation, overactive matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), impaired wound healing processes and excessive oxidative stress may trigger poor peri-implant soft tissue sealing, which may be more severe in the T2DM state. This article reviews the structure of peri-implant soft tissue seal, peri-implant disease and treatment, and moderating mechanisms of impaired soft tissue seal around implants due to T2DM to inform the development of treatment strategies for dental implants in patients with dental defects.
L-phenylalanine in potato onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum G. Don) root exudates mediates neighbor detection and trigger physio-morphological root responses of tomato
Authors: Yu Hongjie , Gao Danmei , Khashi u Rahman Muhammad , Chen Shaocan , Wu Fengzhi
Published: February 2023

Interaction

Despite numerous recent insights into neighbor detection and belowground plant communication mediated by root exudates, less is known about the specificity and nature of substances within root exudates and the mechanism by which they may act belowground in root-root interactions.

Methods

Here, we used a coculture experiment to study the root length density (RLD) of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown with potato onion (Allium cepa var. aggregatum G. Don) cultivars with growth-promoting (S-potato onion) or no growth-promoting (N-potato onion) effects.

Results and Discussion

Tomato plants grown with growth-promoting potato onion or its root exudates increased root distribution and length density oppositely and grew their roots away as compared to when grown with potato onion of no growth-promoting potential, its root exudates, and control (tomato monoculture/distilled water treatment). Root exudates profiling of two potato onion cultivars by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS showed that L-phenylalanine was only found in root exudates of S-potato onion. The role of L-phenylalanine was further confirmed in a box experiment in which it altered tomato root distribution and forced the roots grow away. In vitro trial revealed that tomato seedlings root exposed to L-phenylalanine changed the auxin distribution, decreased the concentration of amyloplasts in columella cells of roots, and changed the root deviation angle to grow away from the addition side. These results suggest that L-phenylalanine in S-potato onion root exudates may act as an “active compound” and trigger physio-morphological changes in neighboring tomato roots.
Genome survey and genetic characterization of Acacia pachyceras O. Schwartz
Authors: Habibi Nazima , Al Salameen Fadila , Vyas Nishant , Rahman Muhammad , Kumar Vinod , Shajan Anisha , Zakir Farhana , Razzack Nasreem Abdul , Al Doaij Bashayer
Published: February 2023

Acacia pachycerasO. Schwartz (Leguminoseae), a woody tree growing in Kuwait is critically endangered. High throughput genomic research is immediately needed to formulate effective conservation strategies for its rehabilitation. We therefore, performed a genome survey analysis of the species. Whole genome sequencing generated ~97 Gb of raw reads (92x coverage) with a per base quality score above Q30. The k-mer analysis (17 mer) revealed its genome to be 720Mb in size with an average guanine-cytosine (GC) ratio of 35%. The assembled genome was analyzed for repeat regions (45.4%-interspersed repeats; 9%-retroelements; 2%-DNA transposons). BUSCO assessment of completeness of genome identified 93% of assembly to be complete. Gene alignments in BRAKER2 yielded 34,374 transcripts corresponding to 33,650 genes. Average length of coding sequences and protein sequences were recorded as 1,027nts and 342aa, respectively. GMATA software filtered a total of 901,755 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) regions against which 11,181 unique primers were designed. A subset of 110 SSR primers were PCR validated and demonstrated for its application in genetic diversity analysis ofAcacia. The SSR primers successfully amplifiedA. gerrardiiseedlings DNA depicting cross transferability among species. The principal coordinate analysis and the split decomposition tree (bootstrapping runs of 1000 replicates) distributed theAcaciagenotypes into two clusters. The flow cytometry analysis revealed theA. pachycerasgenome to be polyploid (6x). The DNA content was predicted as 2.46 pg, 1.23 pg, and 0.41 pg corresponding to 2C DNA, 1C DNA and 1Cx DNA, respectively. The results provide a base for further high throughput genomic studies and molecular breeding for its conservation.
Trends in the evolution of intronless genes in Poaceae
Authors: Chen Yong , Ma Ting , Zhang Tingting , Ma Lei
Published: February 2023

Intronless genes (IGs), which are a feature of prokaryotes, are a fascinating group of genes that are also present in eukaryotes. In the current study, a comparison of Poaceae genomes revealed that the origin of IGs may have involved ancient intronic splicing, reverse transcription, and retrotranspositions. Additionally, IGs exhibit the typical features of rapid evolution, including recent duplications, variable copy numbers, low divergence between paralogs, and high non-synonymous to synonymous substitution ratios. By tracing IG families along the phylogenetic tree, we determined that the evolutionary dynamics of IGs differed among Poaceae subfamilies. IG families developed rapidly before the divergence of Pooideae and Oryzoideae and expanded slowly after the divergence. In contrast, they emerged gradually and consistently in the Chloridoideae and Panicoideae clades during evolution. Furthermore, IGs are expressed at low levels. Under relaxed selection pressure, retrotranspositions, intron loss, and gene duplications and conversions may promote the evolution of IGs. The comprehensive characterization of IGs is critical for in-depth studies on intron functions and evolution as well as for assessing the importance of introns in eukaryotes.
GbFLSa overexpression negatively regulates proanthocyanin biosynthesis
Authors: Guo Jing , Wu Yaqiong , Wang Tongli , Xin Yue , Wang Guibin , Zhou Qi , Xu Li-An
Published: February 2023

Flavonoids are important secondary metabolites with extensive pharmacological functions. Ginkgo biloba L. (ginkgo) has attracted extensive attention because of its high flavonoid medicinal value. However, little is understood about ginkgo flavonol biosynthesis. Herein, we cloned the full-length gingko GbFLSa gene (1314 bp), which encodes a 363 amino acid protein that has a typical 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-Fe(II) oxygenase region. Recombinant GbFLSa protein with a molecular mass of 41 kDa was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The protein was localized to the cytoplasm. Moreover, proanthocyanins, including catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and gallocatechin, were significantly less abundant in transgenic poplar than in nontransgenic (CK) plants. In addition, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase, anthocyanidin synthase and leucoanthocyanidin reductase expression levels were significantly lower than those of their CK counterparts. GbFLSa thus encodes a functional protein that might negatively regulate proanthocyanin biosynthesis. This study helps elucidate the role of GbFLSa in plant metabolism and the potential molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis.
Genome-wide characterization of aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family members in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and the analysis under saline-alkali stress
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Zhong Jingwen , Cao Liang , Ren Chunyuan , Yu Gaobo , Gu Yanhua , Ruan Jingwen , Zhao Siqi , Wang Lei , Ru Haishun , Cheng Lili , Wang Qi , Zhang Yuxian
Published: February 2023

Groundnut or peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a legume crop. Its seeds are rich in protein and oil. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH, EC: 1.2.1.3) is an important enzyme involved in detoxification of aldehyde and cellular reactive oxygen species, as well as in attenuation of lipid peroxidation-meditated cellular toxicity under stress conditions. However, few studies have been identified and analyzed about ALDH members in Arachis hypogaea. In the present study, 71 members of the ALDH superfamily (AhALDH) were identified using the reference genome obtained from the Phytozome database. A systematic analysis of the evolutionary relationship, motif, gene structure, cis-acting elements, collinearity, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and expression patterns was conducted to understand the structure and function of AhALDHs. AhALDHs exhibited tissue-specific expression, and quantitative real-time PCR identified significant differences in the expression levels of AhALDH members under saline-alkali stress. The results revealed that some AhALDHs members could be involved in response to abiotic stress. Our findings on AhALDHs provide insights for further study.
Resequencing of durian genomes reveals large genetic variations among different cultivars
Authors: Nawae Wanapinun , Naktang Chaiwat , Charoensri Salisa , U-thoomporn Sonicha , Narong Nattapol , Chusri Orwintinee , Tangphatsornruang Sithichoke , Pootakham Wirulda
Published: February 2023

Durian (Durio zibethinus), which yields the fruit known as the “King of Fruits,” is an important economic crop in Southeast Asia. Several durian cultivars have been developed in this region. In this study, we resequenced the genomes of three popular durian cultivars in Thailand, including Kradumthong (KD), Monthong (MT), and Puangmanee (PM) to investigate genetic diversities of cultivated durians. KD, MT, and PM genome assemblies were 832.7, 762.6, and 821.6 Mb, and their annotations covered 95.7, 92.4, and 92.7% of the embryophyta core proteins, respectively. We constructed the draft durian pangenome and analyzed comparative genomes with related species in Malvales. Long terminal repeat (LTR) sequences and protein families in durian genomes had slower evolution rates than that in cotton genomes. However, protein families with transcriptional regulation function and protein phosphorylation function involved in abiotic and biotic stress responses appeared to evolve faster in durians. The analyses of phylogenetic relationships, copy number variations (CNVs), and presence/absence variations (PAVs) suggested that the genome evolution of Thai durians was different from that of the Malaysian durian, Musang King (MK). Among the three newly sequenced genomes, the PAV and CNV profiles of disease resistance genes and the expressions of methylesterase inhibitor domain containing genes involved in flowering and fruit maturation in MT were different from those in KD and PM. These genome assemblies and their analyses provide valuable resources to gain a better understanding of the genetic diversity of cultivated durians, which may be useful for the future development of new durian cultivars.
The influence of leader relational energy on employee cognitive well-being: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Liu Danping , Gui Siyuan , Zhang Bingran , Gao Haiyin , Yu Xiao , Wu Miaoxuan
Published: February 2023

To demonstrate how cognitive well-being effectively occurs, this study examines the interactive effects of relational energy on cognitive well-being. Based on conservation of resource (COR) theory, this study expands understanding of the relationship between leader relational energy and employee cognitive well-being, using 245 employees as the sample in the experiment of exploring the mediation role of work absorption. Meanwhile, the significance of co-worker relational energy is highlighted as a key boundary condition for effective leader relational energy. The results of a three-wave time study in China showed that employee work absorption played a mediating role between leader relational energy and employee cognitive well-being. In addition, co-worker relational energy moderated the relationship between leadership relational energy and work absorption. This study provides novel insights into management practice for leaders to improve employee cognitive well-being.
Generational differences in the relationship between media exposure and health behaviors during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: He Ruimin , He Jia , Zhang Huan
Published: February 2023

Based on a questionnaire survey (N = 857), this study analyzed generational differences in the public health behaviors of COVID-19 and provided an explanation for generational differences from the perspective of media exposure. There are significant differences in media exposure and health behaviors between the Mesozoic generation (35–55) and the young generation (18–34) during the lull. The Mesozoic generation paid greater attention to information on pandemics. Consequently, their health behaviors surpass that of the young generation. On the basis of social cognitive theory and protection motivation theory, this study develops a mediating model of media exposure on health behaviors, demonstrating that media exposure can influence health behaviors through the mediating effects of perceived severity, self-efficacy, and response efficacy, but not via perceived susceptibility. Moreover, a moderated mediation study found that generation moderates the indirect effect of media exposure on health behaviors via perceived susceptibility. Media exposure influences Mesozoic healthy behaviors positively by decreasing their perceived susceptibility. The implication of this study is that the development of health communication theory must account for generational differences and disease-specific characteristics.
Disclosing the relationship between public service motivation and job satisfaction in the Chinese public sector: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Zhang Ying
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Despite the relationship between public service motivation and job satisfaction is widely discussed, rare studies explore the theoretical mechanism of this relationship.

Methods

Through integrating public service motivation, role overload, job satisfaction, and marital status, this study explores psychological mechanisms and boundary conditions of the relationship between public service motivation and job satisfaction. Data was collected from 349 public employees in eastern China.

Results

Empirical results reveal that public service motivation is positively related to job satisfaction by decreasing role overload. Moreover, marital status moderates the relationship between role overload and job satisfaction, as well as moderates the indirect effect of public service motivation on job satisfaction through role overload.

Discussion

These findings advance our understanding of the psychological mechanism and conditional effect of PSM in relation to job satisfaction and provide valuable insights into how to improve public employees’ well-being.
The mediator role of communication skill in the relationship between empathy, team cohesion, and competition performance in curlers
Authors: Bedir Deniz , Agduman Fatih , Bedir Fatih , Erhan Suleyman Erim
Published: February 2023

Understanding the psycho-social factors such as communication, empathy, cohesion, etc., that affect successful athletic performance is a high priority and primary focus for applied sports psychology. Detailed examination of the athletes’ psycho-social characteristics is essential in revealing which processes play an active role in achieving optimum performance. Developing these features of the athlete can contribute to coordinating the team, sharing tasks, increasing motivation, preparing team members for a change, and improving performance. For this purpose, the mediating role of communication skills in the relationship between empathy, team cohesion, and competition performance was examined in a sample of 241 curlers competing in 69 teams in the Turkish Curling League in the 2021–2022 season. During the data collection process, Personal Information Form, Empathic Tendency Scale, Scale for Effective Communication in Team Sport, and Group Environment Questionnaire were used. Competition performance was calculated by giving 1 point for each match won by the teams in the competitions in which the single-circuit round-robin system is applied. Structural equation modeling was used in data analysis to determine the direct and indirect predictive effects between variables. The study showed that empathy and team cohesion predict competition performance through communication skills, and communication skills fully mediate this relationship. Based on the research results, it was evaluated that communication skills have a substantial effect on the competitive performance of athletes, and this finding was discussed in the context of the literature.
A corpus-assisted discourse study of Chinese university students' perceptions of sustainability
Authors: Huang Ruihong
Published: February 2023

Education for sustainable development (ESD) in the higher education context plays a critical role in advancing the cause of sustainable development. However, previous research on university students' perceptions of sustainable development is limited. This study used a corpus-assisted eco-linguistic approach to investigate students' perceptions of sustainability issues and responsible actors to address these issues. This quantitative and qualitative study is based on a corpus of 501 collaborative essays on sustainability written by ~2,000 Chinese university students collected with their permission. The results show that the students had a comprehensive perception of the three dimensions of sustainable development. Environmental issues have received the most attention from students, followed by economic and social issues. With regard to perceived actors, students were inclined to view themselves as active participants in the cause of sustainable development, rather than as observers. They called for coordinated action of all relevant parties, such as the government, business sectors, institutions, and individuals. On the other hand, the author also noticed a tendency toward superficial green talk and anthropocentrism in students' discourse. This study aims to contribute to sustainability education by integrating findings into English as a foreign language (EFL) classes. Implications for sustainability education in the context of higher education are also discussed.
Is my visualization better than yours? Analyzing factors modulating exponential growth bias in graphs
Authors: Melnik-Leroy Gerda Ana , Aidokas Linas , Dzemyda Gintautas , Dzemydaitė Giedrė , Marcinkevičius Virginijus , Tiešis Vytautas , Usovaitė Ana
Published: February 2023

Humans tend to systematically underestimate exponential growth and perceive it in linear terms, which can have severe consequences in a variety of fields. Recent studies attempted to examine the origins of this bias and to mitigate it by using the logarithmic vs. the linear scale in graphical representations. However, they yielded conflicting results as to which scale induces more perceptual errors. In the current study, in an experiment with a short educational intervention, we further examine the factors modulating the exponential bias in graphs and suggest a theoretical explanation for our findings. Specifically, we test the hypothesis that each of the scales can induce misperceptions in a particular context. In addition to this, we explore the effect of mathematical education by testing two groups of participants (with a background in humanities vs. formal sciences). The results of this study confirm that when used in an inadequate context, these scales can have a dramatic effect on the interpretation of visualizations representing exponential growth. In particular, while the log scale leads to more errors in graph description tasks, the linear scale misleads people when they have to make predictions on the future trajectory of exponential growth. The second part of the study revealed that the difficulties with both scales can be reduced by means of a short educational intervention. Importantly, while no difference between participants groups was observed prior to the intervention, participants with a better mathematical education showed a stronger learning effect at posttest. The findings of this study are discussed in light of a dual-process model.
A curtailed task for quantitative evaluation of visuomotor adaptation in the head-mounted display virtual reality environment
Authors: Chang Huiyeong , Woo Sung-Ho , Kang Sura , Lee Chan Young , Lee Jee-Young , Ryu Jeh-Kwang
Published: February 2023

To accurately perform a goal-directed movement in continuously changing environments, it is unavoidable for individuals to adapt accordingly. The cerebellum has been known to be responsible for such process, specifically adaptation using sensorimotor information. As shown in previous studies, using HMD-VR technology in an experimental setting has similar advantages as in the real-world environment: researchers can manipulate the experimental environment, precisely control the experiments, and quantitatively analyze errors in real time. Moreover, the HMD-VR environment provides high immersiveness and embodiment which even enhance motor learning and increase engagement and motivation of individuals more than real-world environments do. In our HMD-VR-based task, the subjects were trained to adapt to a condition in which the visual information was artificially 20°clockwise rotated from the actual cursor movement. The subjects used a virtual reality tracker to move the cursor from a starting point to a target that appeared randomly at five locations, 20 cm from the starting point with an interval of 15°. Although no significant side effects were expected from experiencing the HMD-VR environment, we considered the appropriate number of trials for patients with cerebellar disease for future use in clinical settings. To examine the feasibility of our task for analysis of visuomotor adaptation pattern as shown in a real-world-based task, we created and compared two paradigms with a difference in the number of trials. As we expected, the results showed that the heading angle error decreased as the participants of both paradigms continued the task and that there was no significant difference between the two paradigms. Next, we applied our short task paradigm to patients diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and age-matched controls for further examination of applicability to diagnosis and rehabilitation of the patients. As a result, we observed the distinguishable adaptation pattern of the patient group by using our paradigm. Overall, the results suggest that our paradigm is feasible to analyze the visuomotor adaptation pattern of healthy individuals and patients with cerebellar ataxia so may contribute to the clinical field.
Economic evaluation of interventions for treatment-resistant depression: A systematic review
Authors: Hannah Laura A. , Walsh Cathy M. , Jopling Louise , Perez Jesus , Cardinal Rudolf N. , Cameron Rory A.
Published: February 2023

Background

The extraordinarily high prevalence of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), coupled with its high economic burden to both healthcare systems and society, underscore how critical it is that resources are managed optimally to address the significant challenge it presents.

Objective

To review the literature on economic evaluation in TRD systematically, with the aim of informing future studies by identifying key challenges specific to the area, and highlighting good practices.

Methods

A systematic literature search across seven electronic databases was conducted to identify both within-trial and model-based economic evaluations in TRD. Quality of reporting and study design was assessed using the Consensus Health Economic Criteria (CHEC). A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

We identified 31 evaluations, including 11 conducted alongside a clinical trial and 20 model-based evaluations. There was considerable heterogeneity in the definition of treatment-resistant depression, although with a trend for more recent studies to use a definition of inadequate response to two or more antidepressive treatments. A broad range of interventions were considered, including non-pharmacological neuromodulation, pharmacological, psychological, and service-level interventions. Study quality as assessed by CHEC was generally high. Frequently poorly reported items related to discussion of ethical and distributional issues, and model validation. Most evaluations considered comparable core clinical outcomes – encompassing remission, response, and relapse. There was good agreement on the definitions and thresholds for these outcomes, and a relatively small pool of outcome measures were used. Resource criteria used to inform the estimation of direct costs, were reasonably uniform. Predominantly, however, there was a high level of heterogeneity in terms of evaluation design and sophistication, quality of evidence used (particularly health state utility data), time horizon, population considered, and cost perspective.

Conclusion

Economic evidence for interventions in TRD is underdeveloped, particularly so for service-level interventions. Where evidence does exist, it is hampered by inconsistency in study design, methodological quality, and availability of high quality long-term outcomes evidence. This review identifies a number of key considerations and challenges for the design of future economic evaluations. Recommendations for research and suggestions for good practice are made.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=259848&VersionID=1542096, identifier CRD42021259848.
Development, religious affiliation, and social context: Substance use disorders in Puerto Rican transitional age youth
Authors: Saunders David , Sussman Tamara , Corbeil Thomas , Canino Glorisa , Bird Hector , Alegria Margarita , Duarte Cristiane S.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Transitional age youth (i. e., ages 16–24; TAY) use higher levels of substances than any age group in the United States. Understanding what factors increase substance use during TAY could suggest novel targets for prevention/intervention. Studies suggest that religious affiliation is inversely associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, the association of religious affiliation and SUD, including the role of gender and social context, has not been studied in TAY of Puerto Rican ethnicity.

Methods

Using data from N = 2,004 TAY of Puerto Rican ethnicity across two social contexts—Puerto Rico (PR) and the South Bronx, NY (SBx)—we tested the association of religious identity (Catholic, Non-Catholic Christian, Other/Mixed, and no religious affiliation, or “None”), and four SUD outcomes (alcohol use disorder, tobacco use disorder, illicit SUD, and any SUD). Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between religious identity and SUDs, then we tested for interaction by social context and gender.

Result

Half the sample identified as female; 30, 44, and 25% were 15–20, 21–24, and 25–29 years of age, respectively; 28% of the sample received public assistance. There was a statistically significant difference between sites for public assistance (22 and 33% in SBx/PR, respectively; p < 0.001); 29% of the sample endorsed None (38 and 21% in SBx/PR, respectively.) Compared to None, identifying as Catholic was associated with reduced risk of illicit SUD (OR = 0.51, p = 0.02), and identifying as Non-Catholic Christian with reduced risk for any SUD (OR = 0.68, p = 0.04). Additionally, in PR but not SBx, being Catholic or Non-Catholic Christian was protective for illicit SUD when compared to None (OR = 0.13 and 0.34, respectively). We found no evidence of an interaction between religious affiliation and gender.

Discussion

The percentage of PR TAY who endorse no affiliation is higher than the general PR population, reflective of increasing religious non-affiliation among TAY across cultures. Critically, TAY with no religious affiliation are twice as likely as Catholics to have illicit SUD, and 1.5 times as likely as Non-Catholic Christians to have any SUD. Endorsing no affiliation is more adverse for illicit SUD in PR than the SBx, underscoring the importance of social context.
Reward enhances resilience to chronic social defeat stress in mice: Neural ECs and mGluR5 mechanism via neuroprotection in VTA and DRN
Authors: Shi Peixia , Hu Linlin , Ren Hui , Dai Qin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Stress often leads to emotional disorders such as depression. The reward might render this effect through the enhancement of stress resilience. However, the effect of reward on stress resilience under different intensities of stress needs more evidence, and its potential neural mechanism has been poorly revealed. It has been reported that the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECs) and downstream metabolic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) are closely related to stress and reward, which might be the potential cerebral mechanism between reward and stress resilience, but there is a lack of direct evidence. This study aims to observe the effect of reward on stress resilience under different intensities of stress and further explore potential cerebral mechanisms underlying this effect.

Methods

Using the chronic social defeat stress model, we applied reward (accompanied by a female mouse) under different intensities of stress in mice during the modeling process. The impact of reward on stress resilience and the potential cerebral mechanism were observed after modeling through behavioral tests and biomolecules.

Results

The results showed that stronger stress led to higher degrees of depression-like behavior. Reward reduced depression-like behavior and enhanced stress resilience (all p-value <0.05) (more social interaction in the social test, less immobility time in the forced swimming test, etc.), with a stronger effect under the large stress. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of CB1 and mGluR5, the protein expression level of mGluR5, and the expression level of 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol) in both ventral tegmental area (VTA) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) were significantly upregulated by reward after modeling (all p-value <0.05). However, the protein expression of CB1 in VTA and DRN and the expression of AEA (anandamide) in VTA did not differ significantly between groups. Intraperitoneal injection of a CB1 agonist (URB-597) during social defeat stress significantly reduced depression-like behavior compared with a CB1 inhibitor (AM251) (all p-value <0.05). Interestingly, in DRN, the expression of AEA in the stress group was lower than that of the control group, with or without reward (all p-value <0.05).

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that combined social and sexual reward has a positive effect on stress resilience during chronic social defeat stress, potentially by influencing the ECs and mGluR5 in VTA and DRN.
Communicating diagnoses to individuals with a first episode psychosis: A qualitative study of individuals perspectives
Authors: Huurman Marina Elisabeth , Pijnenborg Gerdina Hendrika Maria , Sportel Bouwina Esther , van Rijsbergen Gerard David , Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit , Boonstra Nynke
Published: February 2023

Background

Receiving the label of a psychotic disorder influences self-perception and may result in negative outcomes such as self-stigma and decreased self-esteem. The way the diagnosis is communicated to individuals may affect these outcomes.

Aims

This study aims to explore the experiences and needs of individuals after a first episode of psychosis with regard to the way in which information about diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis is communicated with them.

Design and methods

A descriptive interpretative phenomenological approach was used. Fifteen individuals who experienced a first episode of psychosis participated in individual semi-structured open-ended interviews on their experiences and needs regarding the process of providing information about diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the interviews.

Results

Four recurring themes where identified (1) timing (when); (2) content (what); and (3) the way information is provided (how). Individuals also reported that the provided information could elicit an emotional reaction, for which they would require specific attention, therefore the fourth theme is (4) reactions and feelings.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the experiences and specific information needed by individuals with a first episode of psychosis. Results suggest that individuals have different needs regarding the type of (what), how and when to receive information about diagnosis and treatment options. This requires a tailor-made process of communicating diagnosis. A guideline on when, how and what to inform, as well as providing personalized written information regarding the diagnosis and treatment options, is recommended.
Prevalence of insomnia and its association with quality of life among Macau residents shortly after the summer 2022 COVID-19 outbreak: A network analysis perspective
Authors: Chen Pan , Zhang Ling , Sha Sha , Lam Mei Ieng , Lok Ka-In , Chow Ines Hang Iao , Si Tong Leong , Su Zhaohui , Cheung Teris , Feng Yuan , Jackson Todd , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

The latest wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Macau began on 18 June 2022 and was more serious than previous waves. Ensuing disruption from the wave is likely to have had a variety of negative mental health consequences for Macau residents including increased risk for insomnia. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of insomnia among Macau residents during this wave as well as its association with quality of life (QoL) from a network analysis perspective.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between 26 July and 9 September 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses explored correlates of insomnia. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) examined the relationship between insomnia and QoL. Network analysis assessed the structure of insomnia including “Expected influence” to identify central symptoms in the network, and the flow function to identify specific symptoms that were directly associated with QoL. Network stability was examined using a case-dropping bootstrap procedure.

Results

A total of 1,008 Macau residents were included in this study. The overall prevalence of insomnia was 49.0% (n = 494; 95% CI = 45.9–52.1%). A binary logistic regression analysis indicated people with insomnia were more likely to report depression (OR = 1.237; P < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.119; P < 0.001), as well as being quarantined during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 1.172; P = 0.034). An ANCOVA found people with insomnia had lower QoL (F(1,1,008) = 17.45, P < 0.001). “Sleep maintenance” (ISI2), “Distress caused by the sleep difficulties” (ISI7) and “Interference with daytime functioning” (ISI5) were the most central symptoms in the insomnia network model, while “Sleep dissatisfaction” (ISI4), “Interference with daytime functioning” (ISI5), and “Distress caused by the sleep difficulties” (ISI7) had the strongest negative associations with QoL.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of insomnia among Macau residents during the COVID-19 pandemic warrants attention. Being quarantined during the pandemic and having psychiatric problems were correlates of insomnia. Future research should target central symptoms and symptoms linked to QoL observed in our network models to improve insomnia and QoL.
Informal caregivers in Germany – who are they and which risks and resources do they have?
Authors: Fuchs Judith , Gaertner Beate , Rommel Alexander , Starker Anne
Published: February 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to describe the social characteristics, the health and living situation and the prevalence of behavioral risk factors of adult informal caregivers compared to non-caregivers in Germany.

Methods

We used data from the German Health Update (GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS survey) which is a cross-sectional population-based health interview survey conducted between 04/2019 and 09/2020. The sample comprised 22,646 adults living in private households. Three mutually exclusive groups of providing informal care or assistance were differentiated: intense caregivers (informal care ≥10 h/week), less-intense caregivers (informal care<10 h/week) and non-caregivers. For the three groups weighted prevalences of social characteristics, health status (self-perceived health, health-related activity limitations, chronic diseases, low back disorder or other chronic back defect, depressive symptoms), behavioral risk factors (at-risk drinking, current smoking, insufficient physical activity, non-daily fruit and vegetable consumption, obesity) and social risk factors (single household, low social support) were calculated and stratified by gender. Separate regression analyses adjusted for age-group were conducted to identify significant differences between intense and less-intense caregivers vs. non-caregivers, respectively.

Results

Overall, 6.5% were intense caregivers, 15.2% less-intense caregivers and 78.3% non-caregivers. Women provided care more often (23.9%) than men (19.3%). Informal care was most frequently provided in the age group of 45 to 64 years. Intense caregivers reported worse health status, were more often current smokers, physical inactive, obese and lived less often alone than non-caregivers. However, in age-group adjusted regression analyses only few significant differences were seen: Female and male intense caregivers had more often a low back disorder and lived less often alone compared to non-caregivers. In addition, male intense care-givers reported more often worse self-perceived health, health-related activity limitation, and the presence of chronic diseases. In contrast, less-intense caregivers and non-caregivers differed in favor of the less-intense caregivers.

Discussion

A substantial proportion of the adult German population provides informal care regularly, especially women. Intense caregivers are a vulnerable group for negative health outcomes, especially men. In particular measures to prevent low back disorder should be provided. As the necessity of providing informal care will probably increase in the future, this will be important for the society and public health.
Applying the theory of planned behavior to investigate type 2 diabetes patients' intention to receive injection therapy
Authors: Hsu Su-Han , Tang Kung-Pei , Lin Chia-Hui , Chen Pei-Chun , Wang Li-Hsuan
Published: February 2023

Objectives

This study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in shared decision making (SDM) to understand behavioral intention in patients with type 2 diabetes with regard to injection therapy for blood sugar control.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted. Two hundred and fifty-four patients with type 2 diabetes participated this study and were interviewed by pharmacists in different clinics. A patient decision aid (PDA) entitled “Should I receive injection therapy regarding my type 2 diabetes condition?” was developed for this study and served as interview agenda which comprised 18 items to inquire their willingness to use injection therapy and related considerations during the SDM process.

Results

The questionnaires were revised using item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and a criteria of Cronbach's α > 0.7. This resulted in three constructs for all questionnaires that fit the TPB model. Attitude (β = 0.432;P< 0.001) and PBC (β = 0.258;P< 0.001) were directly correlated with intention. TPB explained 35.2% of the variance in intention toward the use of injection therapy.

Conclusions

Attitude and PBC toward injection therapy positively and significantly influence the patients' intention to use injection therapy.

Practical implications

These findings identify a key association for understanding behavioral intention in patients with type 2 diabetes with regard to blood sugar control during SDM.
Structural racism theory, measurement, and methods: A scoping review
Authors: Wien Simone , Miller Andres L. , Kramer Michael R.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Epidemiologic and public health interest in structural racism has grown dramatically, producing both increasingly sophisticated questions, methods, and findings, coupled with concerns of atheoretical and ahistorical approaches that often leave the actual production of health or disease ambiguous. This trajectory raises concerns as investigators adopt the term “structural racism” without engaging with theories and scholars with a long history in this area. This scoping review aims to build upon recent work by identifying current themes about the incorporation of structural racism into (social) epidemiologic research and practice with respect to theory, measurement, and practices and methods for trainees and public health researchers who are not already deeply grounded in this work.

Methods

This review uses methodological framework and includes peer-review articles written in English published between January 2000–August 2022.

Results

A search of Google Scholar, manual collection, and referenced lists identified a total of 235 articles; 138 met the inclusion criteria after duplicates were removed. Results were extracted by, and organized into, three broad sections: theory, construct measurement, and study practice and methods, with several themes summarized in each section.

Discussion

This review concludes with a summary of recommendations derived from our scoping review and a call to action echoing previous literature to resist an uncritical and superficial adoption of “structural racism” without attention to already existing scholarship and recommendations put forth by experts in the field.