bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrative review of current neuromodulation modalities for spinal cord injury
Authors: Medina Roi , Ho Alison , Reddy Rajiv , Chen Jeffrey , Castellanos Joel
Published: March 2023

Neuromodulation is a developing field of medicine that includes a vast array of minimally invasive and non-invasive therapies including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), peripheral nerve stimulation, and spinal cord stimulation (SCS). Although the current literature surrounding the use of neuromodulation in managing chronic pain is abundant, there is an insufficient amount of evidence specifically regarding neuromodulation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Given the pain and functional deficits that these patients face, that are not amenable to other forms conservative therapy, the purpose of this narrative review is to examine and assess the use of various neuromodulation modalities to manage pain and restore function in the SCI population. Currently, high-frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF-SCS) and burst spinal cord stimulation (B-SCS) have been shown to have the most promising effect in improving pain intensity and frequency. Additionally, dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRG-S) and TMS have been shown to effectively increase motor responses and improve limb strength. Although these modalities carry the potential to enhance overall functionality and improve a patient's degree of disability, there is a lack of long-term, randomized-controlled trials in the current space. Additional research is warranted to further support the clinical use of these emerging modalities to provide improved pain management, increased level of function, and ultimately an overall better quality of life in the SCI population.
Case report: Rhabdomyolysis in children in acute and chronic disease—a challenging condition in pediatric emergency medicine
Authors: Mand N. , Donath C. , Leonhardt A. , Weber S. , Kömhoff M.
Published: March 2023

Rhabdomyolysis is a challenging condition in pediatric emergency departments (PED): It ranges from asymptomatic illness with isolated elevation of creatine kinase (CK) levels to a life-threatening condition associated with extreme elevations in CK, electrolyte imbalances, circulatory failure (CF), acute kidney injury (AKI), and multi-organ disease. Most common causes of rhabdomyolysis are viral myositis and trauma, hereditary metabolic myopathies must be considered when facing rhabdomyolysis in early childhood. We report two cases of severe rhabdomyolysis with CF in our PED, thereby summarizing first-line management of rhabdomyolysis.
Case report: COPA syndrome with interstitial lung disease, skin involvement, and neuromyelitis spectrum disorder
Authors: Li Xiao , Tang Yu , Zhang Lei , Wang Yuan , Zhang Weihua , Wang Ying , Shen Yuelin , Tang Xiaolei
Published: March 2023

This report describes a case of a 22 months Chinese boy with COPA syndrome bearing the c.715G > C (p.A239P) genotype. In addition to interstitial lung diseae, he also suffered from recurrent chilblain-like rashes, which has not been previously reported, and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which is a very rare phenotype. Clinical manifestations expanded the phenotype of COPA syndrome. Notably, there is no definitive treatment for COPA syndrome. In this report, the patient has achieved short-term clinical improvement with sirolimus.
Outcomes of children with cystic fibrosis screen positive, inconclusive diagnosis/CFTR related metabolic syndrome
Authors: Gunnett Mohini A. , Baker Elizabeth , Mims Cathy , Self Staci T. , Gutierrez Hector H. , Guimbellot Jennifer S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Some infants undergoing newborn screening (NBS) tests have inconclusive sweat chloride test (SCT) results that lead to the designation of Cystic Fibrosis Screen Positive, Inconclusive Diagnosis/CFTR-related metabolic syndrome (CFSPID/CRMS). Some proportion of them transition to a CF diagnosis, but no predictive markers can stratify which are at risk for this transition. We report single-center outcomes of children with CRMS.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all infants born in Alabama from 2008 through 2020 referred to our CF Center with an elevated immunoreactive trypsinogen level (IRT) associated with a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation (IRT+/DNA+) who had at least one SCT result documented. Infants were classified per established guidelines as Carrier, CRMS, or CF based on the IRT+/DNA+ and SCT results. The electronic health record was reviewed for follow-up visits until the children received a definitive diagnosis (to carrier or CF) according to current diagnostic guidelines for CF, or through the end of the 2020 year.

Results

Of the 1,346 infants with IRT+ and at least 1 CFTR mutation identified (IRT+/DNA+), 63 (4.7%) were designated as CRMS. Of these infants, 12 (19.1%) transitioned to Carrier status (CRMS-Carrier), 40 (63.5%) of them remained CRMS status (CRMS-Persistent) and 11 (17.5%) of them transitioned to a diagnosis of CF (CRMS-CF). Of the 11 children in the CRMS-CF group, 4 (36%) had an initial SCT 30–39 mmol/L, 4 (36%) had an initial SCT 40–49 mmol/L and 3 (27%) had an initial SCT 50–59 mmol/L. These children also had higher initial sweat tests and greater yearly increases in sweat chloride values than others with CRMS. We found that in comparison to children in the CRMS-P group, a greater proportion of children in the CRMS-CF group cultured bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, had smaller weight-for-height percentiles and remained smaller over time despite slightly greater growth.

Conclusion

Infants with an inconclusive diagnosis of CF should continue to receive annual care and management given their potential risk of transition to CF. Further research is needed to assess whether certain phenotypic patterns, clinical symptoms, diagnostic tests or biomarkers could better stratify these children.
Review of neurodevelopmental disorders in patients with HNF1B gene variations
Authors: Nittel Clara Marie , Dobelke Frederike , König Jens , Konrad Martin , Becker Katja , Kamp-Becker Inge , Weber Stefanie ,   for the NEOCYST consortium
Published: March 2023

This review investigates the association between neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and variations of the gene HNF1B. Heterozygous intragenetic mutations or heterozygous gene deletions (17q12 microdeletion syndrome) of HNF1B are the cause of a multi-system developmental disorder, termed renal cysts and diabetes syndrome (RCAD). Several studies suggest that in general, patients with genetic variation of HNF1B have an elevated risk for additional neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but a comprehensive assessment is yet missing. This review provides an overview including all available studies of patients with HNF1B mutation or deletion with comorbid NDD with respect to the prevalence of NDDs and in how they differ between patients with an intragenic mutation or 17q12 microdeletion. A total of 31 studies was identified, comprising 695 patients with variations in HNF1B, (17q12 microdeletion N = 416, mutation N = 279). Main results include that NDDs are present in both groups (17q12 microdeletion 25.2% vs. mutation 6.8%, respectively) but that patients with 17q12 microdeletions presented more frequently with any NDDs and especially with learning difficulties compared to patients with a mutation of HNF1B. The observed prevalence of NDDs in patients with HNF1B variations seems to be higher than in the general population, but the validity of the estimated prevalence must be deemed insufficient. This review shows that systematical research of NDDs in patients with HNF1B mutations or deletions is lacking. Further studies regarding neuropsychological characteristics of both groups are needed. NDDs might be a concomitant of HFN1B-related disease and should be considered in clinical routine and scientific reports.
Phenotypic patient profiling for improved implementation of guideline-directed medical therapy: An exploratory analysis in a large real-world chronic heart failure cohort
Authors: Radhoe Sumant P. , Clephas Pascal R. D. , Linssen Gerard C. M. , Oortman Remko M. , Smeele Frank J. , Van Drimmelen Annemarie A. , Schaafsma Henk-Jan , Westendorp Paul H. , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Brugts Jasper J.
Published: March 2023

Aims: Implementation of guideline-recommended pharmacological treatment in heart failure (HF) patients remains challenging. In 2021, the European Heart Failure Association (HFA) published a consensus document in which patient profiles were created based on readily available patient characteristics and suggested that treatment adjusted to patient profile may result in better individualized treatment and improved guideline adherence. This study aimed to assess the distribution of these patient profiles and their treatment in a large real-world chronic HF cohort.

Methods and results: The HFA combined categories of heart rate, blood pressure, presence of atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and hyperkalemia into eleven phenotypic patient profiles. A total of 4,455 patients with chronic HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% with complete information on all characteristics were distributed over these profiles. In total, 1,640 patients (36.8%) could be classified into one of the HFA profiles. Three of these each comprised >5% of the population and consisted of patients with a heart rate >60 beats per minute with normal blood pressure (>90/60 mmHg) and no hyperkalemia.

Conclusion: Nearly forty percent of a real-world chronic HF population could be distributed over the eleven patient profiles as suggested by the HFA. Phenotype-specific treatment recommendations are clinically relevant and important to further improve guideline implementation.
The current trend of exosome in epithelial ovarian cancer studies: A bibliometric review
Authors: Baghban Neda , Ullah Mujib , Nabipour Iraj
Published: March 2023

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most common type of ovarian cancer. About 90% of ovary tumors are epithelial. The current treatment for EOC involves surgical debulking of the tumors followed by a combination of chemotherapy. While most patients achieve complete remission, many EOCs will recur and develop chemoresistance. The cancer cells can adapt to several stress stimuli, becoming resistant. Therefore, new ways to fight resistant cells during the disease are being studied. Recently, exosomes, which reflect cell behavior in normal and pathological conditions such as epithelial ovarian cancer, are of academic interest as new biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy. Consequently, the current study aimed to investigate the research output of exosomes in EOC.

Method: A bibliometric method was used for analyzing publications on exosome and epithelial ovarian cancer from the beginning to 15 October 2022 by searching keywords in Scopus, PubMed and Google scholar. Annual scientific publications, authors, citations, journals, co-authorships, and keywords co-occurrence were analyzed and plotted using Microsoft Office Excel and VOS viewer. 39 original journal articles and 3 reviews have been published since 2015 up to 15 October 2022.

Results: The findings showed that China is the top country in research output, international collaborations, organization, author, and sponsorship. The top journals were the Journal of Ovarian Research, Oncotarget, and Tumor Biology, all in the United States. The top institution was Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China. The top author was Xipeng Wang. Co-occurrence analysis showed that academics’ interest is toward:1) 1) Exosomes as prognostic biomarkers of EOC as well as their role in the proliferation and migration of cells. 2) The role of exosomes in metastasis through different mechanisms; 3) The role of exosomes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer cells; 4) The diagnostic role of EVs in EOC; and 5) Conferring chemoresistance in EOC through the exosomal transfer of miRNAs.

Conclusion: Research on the exosome and EOC has an increasing trend, and China is much more involved than other countries in research, financial support, and international cooperation. These findings could aid researcher in understanding novel ideas and subjects interested by sponsors in this field.
The therapeutic mechanism of Curcumae Radix against primary dysmenorrea based on 5-HTR/Ca2+/MAPK and fatty acids metabolomics
Authors: Qin Yuwen , Zhang Wei , Bian Zhenhua , Fei Chenghao , Su Lianlin , Xue Rong , Zhang Qian , Li Yu , Chen Peng , Shi Yabo , Li Mingxuan , Mao Chunqin , Zhao Xiaoli , Ji De , Lu Tulin
Published: March 2023

Background:Curcumae Radix (CW) is traditionally used to treat primary dysmenorrea (PD). However, the mechanisms of action of CW in the treatment of PD have not yet been comprehensively resolved.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of CW on PD and its possible mechanisms of action.

Methods: An isolated uterine spastic contraction model induced by oxytocin was constructed in an in vitro pharmacodynamic assay. An animal model of PD induced by combined estradiol benzoate and adrenaline hydrochloride-assisted stimulation was established. After oral administration of CW, a histopathological examination was performed and biochemical factor levels were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect of CW on PD. The chemical compositions of the drug-containing serum and its metabolites were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry. Network pharmacology and serum untargeted metabolomics were used to predict the mechanism of CW treatment for PD, and the predicted results were validated by RT-qPCR, WB, and targeted fatty acid (FA) metabolism.

Results:In vitro, CW can relax an isolated uterus by reducing uterine motility. In vivo, the results showed that CW attenuated histopathological damage in the uterus and regulated PGF2α, PGE2, β-EP, 5-HT, and Ca2+ levels in PD rats. A total of 66 compounds and their metabolites were identified in the drug-containing serum, and the metabolic pathways of these components mainly included hydrogenation and oxidation. Mechanistic studies showed that CW downregulated the expression of key genes in the 5-HTR/Ca2+/MAPK pathway, such as 5-HTR2A, IP3R, PKC, cALM, and ERK. Similarly, CW downregulated the expression of key proteins in the 5-HTR/Ca2+/MAPK pathway, such as p-ERK/ERK. Indirectly, it ameliorates the abnormal FA metabolism downstream of this signaling pathway in PD rats, especially the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA).

Conclusion: The development of PD may be associated with the inhibition of the 5-HTR/Ca2+/MAPK signaling pathway and FA metabolic pathways, providing a basis for the subsequent exploitation of CW.
Survival and complications of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with intra-abdominal malignancies: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jian Changchun , Mou Hai , Zhang Ye , Fan Qingxin , Ou Yunsheng
Published: March 2023

Background: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is an advanced stage of intra-abdominal malignancy with a very poor prognosis. In recent years, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) combined with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been utilized as an active treatment in the prevention and treatment of PM, with encouraging results. However, compared with CRS alone, the results of the CRS plus HIPEC strategy in the treatment of patients with intra-abdominal malignancies are still controversial. This study sought to determine the impact of HIPEC + CRS on patient survival and adverse events (AEs) by reviewing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for all types of intra-abdominal malignancies.

Methods: A PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Clinical Trials.gov search extracted all RCTs until 12 October 2022, examining the CRS + HIPEC vs. CRS alone strategies in the treatment of various types of intra-abdominal malignancies. The outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and AEs. The dichotomous data were pooled and reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The survival outcome data were pooled using hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% CIs. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.

Results: A total of 12 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, including 873 patients in the CRS + HIPEC group and 878 patients in the CRS alone group. The studies included 3 (617 patients) on colorectal cancer, 4 (416 patients) on gastric cancer, and 5 (718 patients) on ovarian cancer. Our analysis showed no difference in OS between the CRS + HIPEC and CRS alone groups (HR: 0.79, 95% CI 0.62–1.01). Subgroup analysis showed that CRS + HIPEC improved the OS of gastric cancer patients (HR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.32–0.76) compared with CRS alone. However, CRS + HIPEC did not significantly improve the OS of colorectal cancer (HR: 1.06, 95% CI 0.81–1.38) and ovarian cancer (HR: 0.82, 95% CI 0.62–1.07) patients. In addition, there was no significant difference in DFS/RFS (HR: 0.78, 95% CI 0.57–1.07) or PFS (HR: 1.03, 95% CI 0.77–1.38) between the two groups. Compared with CRS alone, CRS with HIPEC had greater nephrotoxicity (OR: 0.45, 95% CI 0.21–0.98), while other AEs did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that CRS + HIPEC may improve OS in gastric cancer patients compared with CRS alone, but we did not observe a benefit for DFS/RFS. For patients with ovarian and colorectal cancers, our results suggest that HIPEC + CRS does not appear to improve survival outcomes. In addition, CRS + HIPEC has higher nephrotoxicity than CRS alone. More evidence from RCTs is needed to evaluate whether the use of CRS + HIPEC is an appropriate option.
Research progress of Astaxanthin nano-based drug delivery system: Applications, prospects and challenges?
Authors: Chen Siqian , Wang Jiayi , Feng Jiating , Xuan Rongrong
Published: March 2023

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a kind of carotenoid widely distributed in nature, which has been shown to extremely strong antioxidative effects and significant preventive and therapeutic effects on cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc. However, its application in the medical field is greatly limited due to its poor water solubility, unstable chemical properties and other shortcomings. In recent years, the nano-based drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanodispersions, and polymer micelles, have been used as Astaxanthin delivery carriers with great potential for clinical applications, which have been proved that they can enhance the stability and efficacy of Astaxanthin and achieve targeted delivery of Astaxanthin. Herein, based on the pharmacological effects of Astaxanthin, we reviewed the characteristics of various drug delivery carriers, which is of great significance for improving the bioavailability of Astaxanthin.
Sex-specific non-linear associations between body mass index and impaired pulmonary ventilation function in a community-based population: Longgang COPD study
Authors: Huang Hao , Huang Xueliang , Liao Jiaman , Li Yushao , Su Yaoting , Meng Yaxian , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: March 2023

Aim: To investigate the prevalence of pulmonary airflow limitation and its association with body mass index (BMI) in a community-based population in Shenzhen, China.

Methods: Study participants were recruited from Nanlian Community in Shenzhen, China, and spirometry was performed to assess lung function including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, and FEV1 divided by predicted value. Pulmonary airflow limitation was determined by the Chinese Guideline of Pulmonary Function Examination. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between BMI and pulmonary airflow limitation. Age, sex, educational attainment, occupation, and current cigarette smoking were used as potential confounders.

Results: Of the 1206 participants, 612 (50.7%) were men and 594 (49.3%) were women with the average age being 53.7 years old. After adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, occupation, and current cigarette smoking, higher BMI was associated with lower odds (odds ratio: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 0.99) of pulmonary airflow limitation by assuming a linear relationship. Further investigation of the interaction terms, we found that the magnitudes of the associations differed in men and women. A U-shaped relationship was observed in women, while the association was almost linear in men.

Conclusion: The relationship between BMI and pulmonary airflow limitation was U-shaped in women and linear in men.
The therapeutic effect and mechanism of parthenolide in skeletal disease, cancers, and cytokine storm
Authors: Zhu Sipin , Sun Ping , Bennett Samuel , Charlesworth Oscar , Tan Renxiang , Peng Xing , Gu Qiang , Kujan Omar , Xu Jiake
Published: March 2023

Parthenolide (PTL or PAR) was first isolated from Magnolia grandiflora and identified as a small molecule cancer inhibitor. PTL has the chemical structure of C15H20O3 with characteristics of sesquiterpene lactones and exhibits the biological property of inhibiting DNA biosynthesis of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise the recent research progress of medicinal PTL, including the therapeutic effects on skeletal diseases, cancers, and inflammation-induced cytokine storm. Mechanistic investigations reveal that PTL predominantly inhibits NF-κB activation and other signalling pathways, such as reactive oxygen species. As an inhibitor of NF-κB, PTL appears to inhibit several cytokines, including RANKL, TNF-α, IL-1β, together with LPS induced activation of NF-κB and NF-κB -mediated specific gene expression such as IL-1β, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, IL-8, MCP-1, RANTES, ICAM-1, VCAM-1. It is also proposed that PTL could inhibit cytokine storms or hypercytokinemia triggered by COVID-19 via blocking the activation of NF-κB signalling. Understanding the pharmacologic properties of PTL will assist us in developing its therapeutic application for medical conditions, including arthritis, osteolysis, periodontal disease, cancers, and COVID-19-related disease.
Nanotechnological strategies to increase the oxygen content of the tumor
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Tang Kaiyuan , Fang Runqi , Liu Jiaming , Liu Ming , Ma Jiayi , Wang Hui , Ding Meng , Wang Xiaoxiao , Song Yanni , Yang Dongliang
Published: March 2023

Hypoxia is a negative prognostic indicator of solid tumors, which not only changes the survival state of tumors and increases their invasiveness but also remarkably reduces the sensitivity of tumors to treatments such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Thus, developing therapeutic strategies to alleviate tumor hypoxia has recently been considered an extremely valuable target in oncology. In this review, nanotechnological strategies to elevate oxygen levels in tumor therapy in recent years are summarized, including (I) improving the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, (II) oxygen delivery to hypoxic tumors, and (III) oxygen generation in hypoxic tumors. Finally, the challenges and prospects of these nanotechnological strategies for alleviating tumor hypoxia are presented.
Cognitive- and memory-enhancing effects of Augmentin in Alzheimer’s rats through regulation of gene expression and neuronal cell apoptosis
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Morsy Mohamed A. , Abd El-Lateef Hany M. , Marzok Mohamed , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Al Khodair Khalid M. , Albokhadaim Ibrahim , Venugopala Katharigatta N.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia among older persons. This study looked at how Augmentin affected behavior, gene expression, and apoptosis in rats in which AD had been induced by scopolamine.

Methods: The rats were divided into five groups: control, sham, memantine, Augmentin, and pre-Augmentin (the last group received Augmentin before scopolamine administration and was treated with memantine). A Morris water maze was utilized to measure spatial memory in the animals, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry were employed to analyze gene expression and neuronal cell apoptosis, respectively.

Results: Memantine and Augmentin increased spatial memory in healthy rats. The use of scopolamine impaired spatial memory. Both Augmentin and memantine improved spatial memory in AD rats, particularly in the group that received memantine; however, the outcomes were more substantial when Augmentin was administered before scopolamine was given to induce AD. Furthermore, the expression of presenilin-2 (PSEN2) and inositol-trisphosphate 3-kinase B (ITPKB) increased, whereas the expression of DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5) fell in the AD-treated groups; however, the results were more substantial after combination therapy. According to flow cytometry studies, Augmentin pre-treatment reduced apoptosis in AD rats.

Discussion: The results showed that administering Augmentin to AD rats before memantine improved their spatial memory, reduced neuronal cell death, upregulated protective genes, and suppressed genes involved in AD pathogenesis.
Synthetic torpor triggers a regulated mechanism in the rat brain, favoring the reversibility of Tau protein hyperphosphorylation
Authors: Squarcio Fabio , Hitrec Timna , Piscitiello Emiliana , Cerri Matteo , Giovannini Catia , Martelli Davide , Occhinegro Alessandra , Taddei Ludovico , Tupone Domenico , Amici Roberto , Luppi Marco
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Hyperphosphorylated Tau protein (PPTau) is the hallmark of tauopathic neurodegeneration. During “synthetic torpor” (ST), a transient hypothermic state which can be induced in rats by the local pharmacological inhibition of the Raphe Pallidus, a reversible brain Tau hyperphosphorylation occurs. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the – as yet unknown – molecular mechanisms underlying this process, at both a cellular and systemic level.

Methods: Different phosphorylated forms of Tau and the main cellular factors involved in Tau phospho-regulation were assessed by western blot in the parietal cortex and hippocampus of rats induced in ST, at either the hypothermic nadir or after the recovery of euthermia. Pro- and anti-apoptotic markers, as well as different systemic factors which are involved in natural torpor, were also assessed. Finally, the degree of microglia activation was determined through morphometry.

Results: Overall, the results show that ST triggers a regulated biochemical process which can dam PPTau formation and favor its reversibility starting, unexpectedly for a non-hibernator, from the hypothermic nadir. In particular, at the nadir, the glycogen synthase kinase‐β was largely inhibited in both regions, the melatonin plasma levels were significantly increased and the antiapoptotic factor Akt was significantly activated in the hippocampus early after, while a transient neuroinflammation was observed during the recovery period.

Discussion: Together, the present data suggest that ST can trigger a previously undescribed latent and regulated physiological process, that is able to cope with brain PPTau formation.
Bio-priming with salt tolerant endophytes improved crop tolerance to salt stress via modulating photosystem II and antioxidant activities in a sub-optimal environment
Authors: Irshad Khadija , Shaheed Siddiqui Zamin , Chen Jianjun , Rao Yamna , Hamna Ansari Hafiza , Wajid Danish , Nida Komal , Wei Xiangying
Published: March 2023

Abiotic stress is one of the major constraints which restrain plant growth and productivity by disrupting physiological processes and stifling defense mechanisms. Hence, the present work aimed to evaluate the sustainability of bio-priming salt tolerant endophytes for improving plant salt tolerance. Paecilomyces lilacinus KUCC-244 and Trichoderma hamatum Th-16 were obtained and cultured on PDA medium containing different concentrations of NaCl. The highest salt (500 mM) tolerant fungal colonies were selected and purified. Paecilomyces at 61.3 × 10-6 conidia/ml and Trichoderma at about 64.9 × 10-3 conidia/ml of colony forming unit (CFU) were used for priming wheat and mung bean seeds. Twenty- days-old primed and unprimed seedlings of wheat and mung bean were subjected to NaCl treatments at 100 and 200 mM. Results indicate that both endophytes sustain salt resistance in crops, however T. hamatum significantly increased the growth (141 to 209%) and chlorophyll content (81 to 189%), over unprimed control under extreme salinity. Moreover, the reduced levels (22 to 58%) of oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) corresponded with the increased antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities (141 and 110%). Photochemical attributes like quantum yield (FV/FM) (14 to 32%) and performance index (PI) (73 to 94%) were also enhanced in bio-primed plants in comparison to control under stress. In addition, the energy loss (DIO/RC) was considerably less (31 to 46%), corresponding with lower damage at PS II level in primed plants. Also, the increase in I and P steps of OJIP curve in T. hamatum and P. lilacinus primed plants showed the availability of more active reaction centers (RC) at PS II under salt stress in comparison to unprimed control plants. Infrared thermographic images also showed that bio-primed plants were resistant to salt stress. Hence, it is concluded that the use of bio-priming with salt tolerant endophytes specifically T. hamatum can be an effective approach to mitigate the salt stress cosnequences and develop a potential salt resistance in crop plants.
Fine root dynamics and its contribution to soil organic carbon stocks with Caragana intermedia plantation development in alpine sandy land
Authors: Li Qingxue , Jia Zhiqing , He Lingxianzi , Zhao Xuebin , Yang Henghua
Published: March 2023

Shrubs are the main species in desert ecosystems. Better understanding shrubs fine root dynamics and its contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks can improve the accuracy of carbon sequestration estimation and provide basic data for the calculation of carbon sequestration potential. The ingrowth core method was used to investigate the fine root (< 1 mm in diameter) dynamics of Caragana intermedia Kuang et H. C. Fu plantation with different age (4-, 6-, 11-, 17-, and 31-year-old) in Gonghe Basin of the Tibetan Plateau, and the annual fine root mortality was used for calculation the annual carbon input to SOC pool. The results showed that fine root biomass, production, and mortality first increased and then decreased as the plantation age increased. Fine root biomass peaked in 17-year-old plantation, production and mortality peaked in 6-year-old plantation, and turnover rate of 4- and 6-year-old plantations were significantly higher than other plantations. Fine root production and mortality were negative correlated with soil nutrients at depth of 0–20 and 20–40 cm. The variation range of carbon input by fine root mortality across different plantation age at 0–60 cm soil depth was 0.54–0.85 Mg ha-1 year-1, accounting for 2.40–7.54% of the SOC stocks. C. intermedia plantation has a strong carbon sequestration potential from long time scale. Fine roots regenerate faster in young stands and lower soil nutrients environment. Our results suggest that the influences of plantation age and soil depth should be taken into account when calculating the contribution of fine root to SOC stocks in desert ecosystems.
Respecting the values of the constitution: Integration in the community of value(s)
Authors: Manser-Egli Stefan
Published: March 2023

Current integration regimes increasingly require migrants to share constitutional values. Taking Switzerland as a case study, the paper analyzes this integration requirement based on the legal framework, problem-centred interviews among public authorities and street-level bureaucrats, case files and case law. It argues, first, that the requirement re/produces the social imaginary of society as a community of value(s), which in turn legitimizes aggressive integrationism. Second, the values concerned are to a very large extent an empty signifier that can be filled with almost any cultural stuff. This is the case, third, as long as the reference to abstract universal liberal principles is maintained, revealing a distinctly liberal boundary making. In conclusion, the value requirement turns out to be old-fashioned cultural assimilation in a contemporary liberal guise, positing liberal values as an achieved feature of modern societies, shared by all members of the community of value(s).
Association of relative deprivation with loneliness and its underlying mechanisms: Evidence from Chinese migrant children
Authors: Xiong Meng , Xu Wenxi
Published: March 2023

Given the increase in the number of internal migrant children, the mental health problems (e.g., loneliness) of this population have received widespread attention. Relative deprivation is considered to be related to migrant children’s loneliness. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship remain unclear. Therefore, the present study tested the possible mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of belief in a just world in the association between relative deprivation and loneliness of migrant children. A total of 1,261 Chinese rural-to-urban migrant children (10–15 years old, Mage = 12.34 years, SD = 1.67; 52.0% males, 48.0% females; 23.55% fourth grade students, 16.49% fifth grade students, 19.59% sixth grade students, 15.54% seventh grade students, 13.80% eighth grade students, and 10.86% ninth grade students) were recruited to complete measures of relative deprivation, self-esteem, belief in a just world, loneliness, and demographic variables. Relative deprivation was significantly and positively correlated with migrant children’s loneliness, and this connection could be mediated by self-esteem. Moreover, the first part of the indirect effect of self-esteem on this link was moderated by belief in a just world. These effects were stronger for migrant children with higher levels of belief in a just world. This study reveals the potential mechanisms of relative deprivation affecting loneliness, while also providing insights into how to better help migrant children alleviate loneliness and improve their mental health.
How destination brand experience influences tourist citizenship behavior: Testing mediation of brand relationship quality and moderation effects on commitment
Authors: Tang Jinwen , Wang Jingna , Zhang Min , Huang Weizhao
Published: March 2023

This study examines the potential predictors of tourist citizenship behavior based on the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework. The studies were conducted in China. Data were collected via questionnaire surveys. Structural equation path modeling and mediation as well as moderation role were used for data analyses. This model was used to test the hypotheses using a sample of 325 individuals with tourism experience in Guangzhou city. The results reveal that tourism destination brand experience and brand relationship quality significantly affect tourist citizenship behavior. Furthermore, the results show that brand relationship quality significantly mediates the relationship between tourism destination brand experience and tourist citizenship behavior and demonstrate that commitment plays a significant moderating role between brand relationship quality and tourist citizenship behavior. This study clearly shows the relationship between tourism destination brand experience, brand relationship quality, and tourist citizenship behavior. Thus, this study contributes to existing tourism studies by identifying gaps and proposing a holistic view to understand tourist citizenship behavior in the tourism industry.
The relationship between psychological capital and work engagement of kindergarten teachers: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Gao You , Yue Yaping , Li Xiaomin
Published: March 2023

Although the importance of psychological capital has been firmly supported by prior studies, the question of whether certain subgroups exist and how these various subgroups affect work engagement differentially remains under-explored. To gain an in-depth understanding of this problem, the present study conducted a person-centered method (latent profile analysis) to identify subgroups and then explore the relationship between psychological capital subgroups and work engagement. The study participants were kindergarten teachers in China (n = 2,790). The results showed that psychological capital was divided into three latent profiles: “rich type” (43.2% of the sample) “medium type” (46.3%), and “poor type” (10.5%). Compared to the other two types, the teachers with high psychological capital returned higher work engagement scores. Meanwhile, there was a significant difference among the three identified profiles regarding the location of the kindergarten, the type of kindergarten, and the teaching experience. The group owning more psychological capital tended to have more teaching experience, come from a developed area, and work in a public kindergarten. And after controlling the influence of the type of kindergarten, the location of kindergarten, and the teaching experience, the psychological capital of kindergarten teachers was still an important factor that affected teachers’ work engagement.
Exploring the mechanism of live streaming e-commerce anchors’ language appeals on users’ purchase intention
Authors: Ma Erwei , Liu Jiaojiao , Li Kai
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Live streaming e-commerce is an important way for consumers to shop nowadays. Anchors, as salesperson in live streaming e-commerce, greatly affect the sales of the broadcast room. This paper studies the influence mechanism of anchors’ language appeals, rational appeal, and emotional appeal on users’ purchase intention. This study establishes a research framework which based on stimulus-organism-response (SOR) theory, and constructs a model to reflect the relationship between anchors language appeals, self-referencing, self-brand congruity, and purchase intention.

Methods

Survey using a convenience sample (N = 509) was conducted on Chinese mainland netizens through WJX platform (October 17-23, 2022) to obtain data. The partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used for data analysis.

Results

The study found that anchors’ language appeals was positively correlated with self-referencing and self-brand congruity, and there is a positive correlation between self-referencing, self-brand congruity, and purchase intention. Self-referencing and self-brand congruity play a mediating effect between anchors language appeals and purchase intention.

Discussion

This study advances the literature on live streaming e-commerce research and SOR and provides practical implications to influence the strategy of the e-commerce anchors.
Validation of Academic Resilience Scales Adapted in a Collective Culture
Authors: Cui Tianxue , Wang Chuang , Xu Jianzhong
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to adapt and validate two popular instruments on academic resilience in a collectivistic culture. One is a brief unidimensional scale (ARS_SCV), and another is a context-specific multidimensional scale (ARS_MCV). The participants were 569 high school students in China. Based on Messick’s validity framework, we provided evidence to support the construct validity of the newly developed scales. Results first indicated that both scales were reliable with high internal consistency and construct reliability. Then, the results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFAs) showed that ARS_SCV had a unidimensional factor structure and ARS_MCV had a four-factor structure. Multi-group CFAs then showed that both models were invariant across gender and socio-economic status (SES) levels. Results of correlations demonstrated that both scales significantly correlated with each other and with other external constructs (grit, academic self-efficacy, and learning engagement). The findings of this study contribute to the literature by proposing two instruments, which provide practitioners with options for specific assessments to measure academic resilience in a collectivist culture.
Reinventing mental health care in youth through mobile approaches: Current status and future steps
Authors: Marciano Laura , Saboor Sundas
Published: March 2023

In this perspective, we aim to bring together research on mobile assessments and interventions in the context of mental health care in youth. After the COVID-19 pandemic, one out of five young people is experiencing mental health problems worldwide. New ways to face this burden are now needed. Young people search for low-burden services in terms of costs and time, paired with high flexibility and easy accessibility. Mobile applications meet these principles by providing new ways to inform, monitor, educate, and enable self-help, thus reinventing mental health care in youth. In this perspective, we explore the existing literature reviews on mobile assessments and interventions in youth through data collected passively (e.g., digital phenotyping) and actively (e.g., using Ecological Momentary Assessments—EMAs). The richness of such approaches relies on assessing mental health dynamically by extending beyond the confines of traditional methods and diagnostic criteria, and the integration of sensor data from multiple channels, thus allowing the cross-validation of symptoms through multiple information. However, we also acknowledge the promises and pitfalls of such approaches, including the problem of interpreting small effects combined with different data sources and the real benefits in terms of outcome prediction when compared to gold-standard methods. We also explore a new promising and complementary approach, using chatbots and conversational agents, that encourages interaction while tracing health and providing interventions. Finally, we suggest that it is important to continue to move beyond the ill-being framework by giving more importance to intervention fostering well-being, e.g., using positive psychology.
Investigating the intention of purchasing private pension scheme based on an integrated FBM-UTAUT model: The case of China
Authors: Wu Guo , Gong Jiaying
Published: March 2023

The newly established private pension scheme in China has received great attention as it would be an important supplement to China’s social safety net and corporate annuity amid an aging population. It provides a way of helping to address the challenge of ensuring adequate retirement income, and the scheme is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This study investigates factors affecting the intention of purchasing the private pension scheme using a conceptual model based on the integration of Fogg Behavioral Model (FBM) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The questionnaire-based data from a sample of 462 respondents had been analyzed. Both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to assess validity. The hypothesized relationships in the integrated FBM-UTAUT model were tested using structural equation modeling. The research findings indicate that anticipation, social influence, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, side benefits and facilitating conditions have significant positive impacts on intention to purchase. According to the exploratory factor analysis, the integrated FBM-UTAUT model can explain more than 70% of the total variance. Meanwhile, effort expectancy can be affected by time effort, thought effort and physical effort collectively, while performance expectancy can be affected by risk and trust. It is revealed that the integrated FBM-UTAUT model can be effective in explaining purchase intentions in a private pension scheme context, and this study is expected to offer helpful advice on the design of pension products and the reform of pension policies.
Prevalence and correlates of the misuse of z-drugs and benzodiazepines in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health
Authors: McHugh R. Kathryn , Votaw Victoria R. , Trapani Emma W. , McCarthy Megan D.
Published: March 2023

Background

Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics (z-drugs) are commonly prescribed for their anxiolytic and hypnotic properties, though they can also be misused. In studies examining the epidemiology of prescription drug misuse, these medication classes are commonly combined, rendering inadequate knowledge of their patterns of misuse. The objective of this study was to characterize the population prevalence, conditional dependence, and sociodemographic and clinical correlates of the misuse of benzodiazepines and z-drugs.

Methods

Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2015 to 2019 were used to estimate population-level prevalence and characteristics of benzodiazepine and z-drug misuse. Groups were derived based on past-year misuse of benzodiazepines alone, z-drugs alone, or both drug types. Unadjusted regression analyses were used to compare groups on characteristics of interest.

Results

Exposure to benzodiazepines and/or z-drugs via prescription or misuse was common; however, only 2% of the population was estimated to have misused a benzodiazepine in the past year, and less than 0.5% misused z-drugs. People who misused only z-drugs were generally older, more likely to have health insurance, more educated, and had less severe psychiatric symptoms. This group was also more likely to report misuse to cope with sleep difficulty. Although concurrent substance use was highly prevalent in all groups, people who misused z-drugs alone generally reported less concurrent substance use than the other groups.

Conclusion

The misuse of z-drugs is less common than benzodiazepines, and people who misuse only z-drugs appear to generally have lower clinical severity. Nonetheless, a substantial subgroup of people exposed to z-drugs report concurrent, past-year use of other substances. Further research on z-drug misuse, including consideration of whether it should be grouped with other anxiolytic/hypnotic drugs, is needed.