bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Unexplained Chest Pain in Children and Head-Up Tilt Test
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Shuo , Zou Runmei , Chen Siyang , Li Fang , Wang Yuwen , Xu Yi , Wang Cheng
Published: June 2022

Background

To explore the relationship between unexplained chest pain in children and head-up tilt test (HUTT).

Materials and Methods

A total of 825 children with the main symptom of unexplained chest pain were admitted to the Specialist Outpatient Clinic of Children’s Cardiovascular Disease from October 2000 to November 2021 at The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. Among them, 473 were male and 352 were female, with a mean age of 10.61 ± 2.21 years. The control group included 58 cases, comprising 35 males and 23 females, with a mean age of 10.26 ± 2.66 years. The detailed history, physical examinations, conventional 12-lead electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes, electroencephalogram, and blood series were all examined. Disorders of the chest wall, lung, heart, mediastinum, and esophageal reflux, as well as drug effects, were ruled out. All the children underwent HUTT. Demographic description, univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to explore the possible linear or non-linear relationships between the children’s unexplained chest pain and HUTT.

Results

Among the 825 chest pain cases, 301 (36.48%) were HUTT positive and 524 (63.52%) were HUTT negative. HUTT-positive patients were older than HUTT-negative patients (11.04 ± 2.03 vs. 10.34 ± 2.31 years, P < 0.001). The logistic regression results showed that each year of age increased the probability of being HUTT positive by 17.90% (P < 0.000), and females were 91.30% more likely to be HUTT positive than males (P < 0.000).

Conclusion

Clinically unexplained chest pain in children is mainly caused by unbalanced autonomic nervous function. HUTT can help clear the cause of unexplained chest pain.
Hospital Support for Siblings of Children With Illness in Japan
Authors: Niinomi Kazuteru , Mihira Hajime , Ochiai Ryota , Misawa Akiko , Takigawa Kuniyoshi , Kashiki Nagako , Kakee Naoko , Takata Hidemi , Ishida Yasushi , Higaki Takashi
Published: June 2022

Recent years have seen increased attention to the needs and support of siblings of children with chronic illness, and reports of intervention studies on siblings are gradually increasing worldwide. In Japan, the basic policy approved by the Cabinet in 2021 of The Basic Law for Child and Maternal Health and Development stipulates promoting support for the siblings of children with chronic illness, medical care, and disabilities. Simultaneously, practical reports are emerging. However, reports on the actual state of sibling support at medical institutions in Japan are limited. This study aimed to describe the actual state of support for siblings of children with illness in Japanese medical institutions using a cross-sectional design. Responses were obtained from 207 of 484 registered training facilities for Board-Certified Pediatricians of the Japan Pediatric Society through anonymous questionnaires investigating the actual state of siblings' support. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and the state of siblings' support was described. Fifty-two participants (25.1%) answered that the entire ward, including two outpatient departments, provided siblings' support, while 37 (17.9%) answered some staff made an effort, and 117 (56.5%) did not. Support mentioned included conversing with siblings, actively speaking to siblings, calling siblings' names, and counseling care through the parents. Of the 45 cases (21.7%) where siblings were invited to events and gatherings, 10 (22.2%) were siblings-centered events. Some cases involved collaboration with local sibling support groups such as non-profit organizations. This study clarified the actual state of siblings' support, and further expansion of this support is required.
Novel Immune-Related Gene Signature for Risk Stratification and Prognosis of Survival in ER (+) and/or PR (+) and HER2 (−) Breast Cancer
Authors: Du Feng , Zheng Fangchao , Han Ying , Zhao Jiuda , Yuan Peng
Published: June 2022

Background: Although intrinsic molecular subtype has been widely used, there remains great clinical heterogeneity of prognosis in the estrogen receptor (ER)- and/or progesterone receptor (PR)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer (BC).

Methods: The transcriptome expression data of messenger RNA (mRNA) were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Immune-related genes were acquired from the ImmPort database and additional literature search. Univariate Cox, LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression were used to screen prognostic immune-related genes and establish the risk signature. The correlation between the risk signature and clinical characteristics, the abundances of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, and cancer phenotypes were further assessed.

Results: Of note, 102 immune-related prognostic genes were identified in the METABRIC dataset by univariate Cox analysis. Consecutively, 7 immune-related genes (SHMT2, AGA, COL17A1, FLT3, SLC7A2, ATP6AP1, and CCL19) were selected to establish the risk signature by LASSO regression and multivariate Cox analysis. Its performance was further verified in TCGA and GSE21653 datasets. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the risk signature was an independent prognostic factor. The 7-gene signature showed a significant correlation with intrinsic molecular subtypes and 70-gene signature. Furthermore, the CD4+ memory T cells were significantly higher in the low-risk group while a significantly higher proportion of M0-type macrophages was found in the high-risk group in both METABRIC and TCGA cohorts, which may have an influence on the prognosis. Furthermore, we found that the low-risk group may be associated with the immune-related pathway and the high-risk group was with the cell cycle-related pathway, which also showed an impact on the prognosis.

Conclusion: These seven immune-related gene risk signatures provided an effective method for prognostic stratification in ER (+) and/or PR (+) and HER2 (−) BC.
Bioinformatics and System Biology Approach to Reveal the Interaction Network and the Therapeutic Implications for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Zhuang Zhenjie , Zhong Xiaoying , Chen Qianying , Chen Huiqi , Liu Zhanhua
Published: June 2022

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the leading cause of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), is an emerging global health crisis. Lung cancer patients are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. With the increasing number of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with COVID-19, there is an urgent need of efficacious drugs for the treatment of COVID-19/NSCLC.

Methods: Based on a comprehensive bioinformatic and systemic biological analysis, this study investigated COVID-19/NSCLC interactional hub genes, detected common pathways and molecular biomarkers, and predicted potential agents for COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Results: A total of 122 COVID-19/NSCLC interactional genes and 21 interactional hub genes were identified. The enrichment analysis indicated that COVID-19 and NSCLC shared common signaling pathways, including cell cycle, viral carcinogenesis, and p53 signaling pathway. In total, 10 important transcription factors (TFs) and 44 microRNAs (miRNAs) participated in regulations of 21 interactional hub genes. In addition, 23 potential candidates were predicted for the treatment of COVID-19 and NSCLC.

Conclusion: This study increased our understanding of pathophysiology and screened potential drugs for COVID-19 and NSCLC.
Pregnancy-Related Stress Among Pregnant Women Receiving Tocolytic and Non-Tocolytic Treatments Where Both Used Complementary Medicine
Authors: Hsu Chen-Yuan , Chen Ching-Li , Tsai Li-Yun , Tsai Jung-Mei
Published: June 2022

Objective: This study aimed to compare the pregnancy stress among pregnant women in receiving tocolytic and non-tocolytic treatments where both used complementary medicine.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 35 pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment and 35 receiving non-tocolytic treatment, where both used complementary medicine in a medical center in central Taiwan. A basic information questionnaire that contained demographic variables and types of complementary medicine used and the Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale were used for the analysis.

Results: The types of complementary medicines were surveyed using the multiple-choice questionnaire. Natural products (77.5%) were most commonly used by pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment, followed by alternative medicine (13.75%), manipulative and body-based practices (5%), and mind and body medicine (3.75%). In pregnant women who were receiving non-tocolytic treatment, natural products (59.1%) were most commonly used, followed by manipulative and body-based practices (16.4%), alternative medicine (15.4%), mind and body medicine (7.3%), and energy therapy (1.8%). According to the analysis of covariance test results, while both used complementary medicine in groups, pregnant women receiving tocolytic treatment were less stressed than those who were receiving non-tocolytic treatment (Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score, p = 0.038), especially in dimension 2 (stress caused by infant care and changes in family relationships) (p = 0.015) and dimension 5 (stress caused by changes in physical appearance and function) (p = 0.008), which showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis results showed that the gestational age significantly associated with pregnancy stress (Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale score, p = 0.029; dimension 2, p = 0.016; and dimension 5, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: Among both who used complementary medicine, pregnancy stress was significantly lower in pregnant women who were receiving tocolytic treatment than in those who were receiving non-tocolytic treatment. This finding can be used as a reference for future pregnant women’s health studies.
Pomegranate Peel Extract Decreases Plaque Necrosis and Advanced Atherosclerosis Progression in Apoe-/- Mice
Authors: Manickam Vijayprakash , Dhawan Umesh Kumar , Singh Damanpreet , Gupta Mahesh , Subramanian Manikandan
Published: June 2022

Atherosclerosis is a chronic lipid-driven inflammatory condition of the arteries and is a leading cause of stroke, myocardial infarction, and other peripheral arterial diseases. Plant products rich in polyphenols such as pomegranate juice and peel extract are known to have beneficial effects in suppressing atherogenesis. However, the mechanism of action and its effect on advanced atherosclerosis progression which results in adverse clinical outcomes are not well understood. Herein, we use a standardized hydroethanolic extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel in the Apoe-/- a murine model of advanced atherosclerosis. It was observed that the pomegranate peel extract fed mice have decreased plaque necrosis and elevated lesional collagen content which was associated with a favorable metabolic profile including lowering of blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The decrease in plaque necrosis was linked with increased lesional macrophage efferocytosis efficiency which was associated with enhanced expression of the efferocytosis receptor Mertk. Using in vitro studies, we show that pomegranate peel extract blocks the shedding of Mertk and preserves macrophage efferocytosis efficiency. These data identify a novel mechanism by which pomegranate peel extract promotes the resolution of inflammation in atherosclerosis.
Zoledronic Acid Targeting of the Mevalonate Pathway Causes Reduced Cell Recruitment and Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Tanner Lloyd , Bergwik Jesper , Single Andrew B. , Bhongir Ravi K. V. , Erjefält Jonas S. , Egesten Arne
Published: June 2022

Background and aim: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive lung disease causing irreparable scarring of lung tissue, with most patients succumbing rapidly after diagnosis. The mevalonate pathway, which is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and motility, is targeted by the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZA). The aim of this study was to assess the antifibrotic effects of ZA and to elucidate the mechanisms by which potential IPF treatment occurs.

Methods: A series of in vitro and in vivo models were employed to identify the therapeutic potential of ZA in treating IPF. In vitro transwell assays were used to assess the ability of ZA to reduce fibrotic-related immune cell recruitment. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FDPS) was screened as a potential antifibrotic target using a bleomycin mouse model. FDPS-targeting siRNA and ZA were administered to mice following the onset of experimentally-induced lung fibrosis. Downstream analyses were conducted on murine lung tissues and lung fluids including 23-plex cytokine array, flow cytometry, histology, Western blotting, immunofluorescent staining, and PCR analysis.

Results:In vitro administration of ZA reduced myofibroblast transition and blocked NF-κB signaling in macrophages leading to impaired immune cell recruitment in a transwell assay. FDPS-targeting siRNA administration significantly attenuated profibrotic cytokine production and lung damage in a murine lung fibrosis model. Furthermore, ZA treatment of mice with bleomycin-induced lung damage displayed decreased cytokine levels in the BALF, plasma, and lung tissue, resulting in less histologically visible fibrotic scarring. Bleomycin-induced upregulation of the ZA target, FDPS, was reduced in lung tissue and fibroblasts upon ZA treatment. Confirmatory increases in FDPS immunoreactivity was seen in human IPF resected lung samples compared to control tissue indicating potential translational value of the approach. Additionally, ZA polarized macrophages towards a less profibrotic phenotype contributing to decreased IPF pathogenesis.

Conclusion: This study highlights ZA as an expedient and efficacious treatment option against IPF in a clinical setting.
Synergic action of L-acetylcarnitine and L-methylfolate in Mouse Models of Stress-Related Disorders and Human iPSC-Derived Dopaminergic Neurons
Authors: Orlando Rosamaria , Ginerete Roxana Paula , Cavalleri Laura , Aliperti Vincenza , Imbriglio Tiziana , Battaglia Giuseppe , Zuena Anna Rita , Nicoletti Ferdinando , Merlo Pich Emilio , Collo Ginetta
Published: June 2022

The epigenetic agents, L-acetylcarnitine (LAC) and L-methylfolate (MF) are putative candidates as add-on drugs in depression. We evaluated the effect of a combined treatment with LAC and MF in two different paradigms of chronic stress in mice and in human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiated into dopaminergic neurons. Two groups of mice were exposed to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 28 days or chronic restraint stress (CRS) for 21 day, and LAC (30 or 100 mg/kg) and/or MF (0.75 or 3 mg/kg) were administered i.p. once a day for 14 days, starting from the last week of stress. In both stress paradigms, LAC and MF acted synergistically in reducing the immobility time in the forced swim test and enhancing BDNF protein levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, LAC and MF acted synergistically in enhancing type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu2) protein levels in the hippocampus of mice exposed to CRS. Interestingly, CRS mice treated with MF showed an up-regulation of NFκB p65, which is a substrate for LAC-induced acetylation. We could also demonstrate a synergism between LAC and MF in cultured hiPSCs differentiated into dopamine neurons, by measuring dendrite length and number, and area of the cell soma after 3 days of drug exposure. These findings support the combined use of LAC and MF in the treatment of MDD and other stress-related disorders.
Folded Resonator for Glucose Solution Density Detection Based on Airy Beam Arrays
Authors: Jin Long , Xiang Yang
Published: June 2022

We presented an investigation on the evolution properties of the finite Airy beam array (FAiBA) in metamaterial’s slab system constituting of right-handed materials and double negative materials combining the generalized Huygens–Fresnel integral equation and the light transfer matrix. The beam intensity distribution on the receiver plane and its side transmission view on the (z, x) plane are demonstrated numerically with several array numbers. Moreover, we put forward a kind of folded resonator to detect glucose solution density based on the derived principle and conclusion; the influence of curvature radius on the emerging beam’s evolution characteristics is discussed, and the empirical formula between FAiBA’s received power and glucose solution density is derived by using the fit linear analysis. We hope that the present concept and the derived conclusions can be employed for monitoring in the environmental field, as well as the biomedical and food safety detection.
Relationships Between Body Composition and Performance in the High-Intensity Functional Training Workout “Fran” are Modulated by Competition Class and Percentile Rank
Authors: Mangine Gerald T. , McDougle Jacob M. , Feito Yuri
Published: June 2022

This study examined relationships between body composition and high-intensity functional training (HIFT) workout performance. Fifty-seven men (31.4 ± 6.9 years, 177.2 ± 7.5 cm, 84.7 ± 8.5 kg) and thirty-eight women (29.2 ± 6.4 years, 166.6 ± 6.1 cm, 66.5 ± 7.7 kg) with HIFT experience (≥6 months) reported completing “Fran” (21-15-9 repetitions of barbell thrusters and pull-ups) in 4.78 ± 2.22 min and 6.05 ± 2.84 min, respectively, and volunteered to complete dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessments. Participants were grouped by competition class (men, women, master’s men, master’s women) and percentile rank in “Fran” (≤25th percentile, 25–75th percentiles, ≥75th percentile). Two-way analyses of variance revealed expected differences (p < 0.001) between men and women in non-bone lean mass (NBLM), fat-free mass index, and fat mass, and more NBLM (10.6–10.8 kg) and less fat mass (2.7–5.2 kg) in >75th percentile compared to other percentiles. Most body composition measures were significantly (p < 0.05) related to performance in men and women but limited in master’s men; no relationships were seen in master’s women. “Fran” time was negatively correlated to NBLM and fat-free mass index in all percentile groups (ρ = -0.37 to -0.64) and bone mineral characteristics for >25th percentile (ρ = −0.41 to −0.63), and positively correlated to fat mass in 25–75th percentiles (ρ = 0.33–0.60). No other relationships were seen in ≤25th percentile. The influence of body composition on “Fran” time appears to vary by both competition class and percentile rank. Though training to increase lean mass always seems relevant, reducing body fat only appears relevant in mid-skilled trainees and when it is outside healthy parameters.
Physiological Mechanism of Exogenous 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Improved the Tolerance of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L.) to Cadmium Stress
Authors: Yang Lijing , Wu Yue , Wang Xiaomin , Lv Jian , Tang Zhongqi , Hu Linli , Luo Shilei , Wang Ruidong , Ali Basharat , Yu Jihua
Published: June 2022

The 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a new type of plant growth regulator, can relieve the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) to plants. However, its mechanism has not been thoroughly studied. In the study, the roles of ALA have been investigated in the tolerance of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L.) seedlings to Cd stress. The results showed that Cd significantly reduced the biomass and the length of the primary root of seedlings but increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents. These can be effectively mitigated through the application of ALA. The ALA can further induce the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle under Cd stress, which resulted in high levels of both GSH and AsA. Under ALA + Cd treatment, the seedlings showed a higher chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance in comparison with Cd treatment alone. Microscopic analysis results confirmed that ALA can protect the cell structure of shoots and roots, i.e., stabilizing the morphological structure of chloroplasts in leaf mesophyll cells. The qRT-PCR results further reported that ALA downregulated the expressions of Cd absorption and transport-related genes in shoots (HMA2 and HMA4) and roots (IRT1, IRT2, Nramp1, and Nramp3), which resulted in the low Cd content in the shoots and roots of cabbage seedlings. Taken together, the exogenous application of ALA alleviates Cd stress through maintaining redox homeostasis, protecting the photosynthetic system, and regulating the expression of Cd transport-related genes in Chinese cabbage seedlings.
Cellular Growth in Aerial Roots Differs From That in Typical Substrate Roots
Authors: Eskov Alen K. , Viktorova Violetta A. , Abakumov Evgeny , Zotz Gerhard
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

In the roots of most vascular plants, the growth zone is small, the meristem and the elongation zone are sharply separated, and only meristematic cells divide. This statement is based almost entirely on studies with soil-rooted plants. Whether aerial roots of structurally dependent (=epiphytic/hemiepiphytic) species differ is virtually unexplored.

Methods

Growth of aerial roots in 20 structurally dependent plant species from eight families was studied ex situ. In 12 species, we studied the anatomical structure and distribution of cortex cell lengths and rhizoderm in the growth zone.

Key Results

All the studied aerial roots had an open apical meristem, and mitoses were not restricted to the meristem. In contrast to belowground roots, relative growth rate did not strongly increase upon transition to the elongation zone, while elongating growth was often prolonged. Still, the relative growth rate was lower than in belowground roots in soil, and in different species, it did not change considerably compared to each other.

Conclusions

A distinct elongation zone with rapid cell growth was missing in the studied aerial roots. Rather, there was a growth zone in which division, growth, and differentiation co-occurred. We observed a generally low relative growth rate in aerial roots and a surprisingly similar initial growth pattern in spite of the diversity in taxonomy and ecology, which resembled initial cellular growth in leaves, stems, and fleshy dicotyledonous fruit.
RNA-Seq Analysis of Developing Grains of Wheat to Intrigue Into the Complex Molecular Mechanism of the Heat Stress Response
Authors: Paul Surinder , Duhan Joginder Singh , Jaiswal Sarika , Angadi Ulavappa B. , Sharma Ruchika , Raghav Nishu , Gupta Om Prakash , Sheoran Sonia , Sharma Pradeep , Singh Rajender , Rai Anil , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Kumar Dinesh , Iquebal Mir Asif , Tiwari Ratan
Published: June 2022

Heat stress is one of the significant constraints affecting wheat production worldwide. To ensure food security for ever-increasing world population, improving wheat for heat stress tolerance is needed in the presently drifting climatic conditions. At the molecular level, heat stress tolerance in wheat is governed by a complex interplay of various heat stress-associated genes. We used a comparative transcriptome sequencing approach to study the effect of heat stress (5°C above ambient threshold temperature of 20°C) during grain filling stages in wheat genotype K7903 (Halna). At 7 DPA (days post-anthesis), heat stress treatment was given at four stages: 0, 24, 48, and 120 h. In total, 115,656 wheat genes were identified, including 309 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in many critical processes, such as signal transduction, starch synthetic pathway, antioxidant pathway, and heat stress-responsive conserved and uncharacterized putative genes that play an essential role in maintaining the grain filling rate at the high temperature. A total of 98,412 Simple Sequences Repeats (SSR) were identified from de novo transcriptome assembly of wheat and validated. The miRNA target prediction from differential expressed genes was performed by psRNATarget server against 119 mature miRNA. Further, 107,107 variants including 80,936 Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and 26,171 insertion/deletion (Indels) were also identified in de novo transcriptome assembly of wheat and wheat genome Ensembl version 31. The present study enriches our understanding of known heat response mechanisms during the grain filling stage supported by discovery of novel transcripts, microsatellite markers, putative miRNA targets, and genetic variant. This enhances gene functions and regulators, paving the way for improved heat tolerance in wheat varieties, making them more suitable for production in the current climate change scenario.
Preschoolers’ Sensitivity to Negative and Positive Emotional Facial Expressions: An ERP Study
Authors: Naumann Sandra , Bayer Mareike , Dziobek Isabel
Published: June 2022

The study examined processing differences for facial expressions (happy, angry, or neutral) and their repetition with early (P1, N170) and late (P3) event-related potentials (ERPs) in young children (N = 33). EEG was recorded while children observed sequentially presented pairs of facial expressions, which were either the same (repeated trials) or differed in their emotion (novel trials). We also correlated ERP amplitude differences with parental and child measures of socio-emotional competence (emotion recognition, empathy). P1 amplitudes were increased for angry and happy as compared to neutral expressions. We also detected larger P3 amplitudes for angry expressions as compared to happy or neutral expressions. Repetition effects were evident at early and late processing stages marked by reduced P1 amplitudes for repeated vs. novel happy expressions, but enhanced P3 amplitudes for repeated vs. novel facial expressions. N170 amplitudes were neither modulated by facial expressions nor their repetition. None of the repetition effects were associated with measures of socio-emotional competence. Taken together, negative facial expressions led to increased neural activations in early and later processing stages, indicative of enhanced saliency to potential threating stimuli in young children. Processing of repeated facial expression seem to be differential for early and late neural stages: Reduced activation was detected at early neural processing stages particularly for happy faces, indicative of effective processing for an emotion, which is most familiar within this age range. Contrary to our hypothesis, enhanced activity for repeated vs. novel expression independent of a particular emotion were detected at later processing stages, which may be linked to the creation of new memory traces. Early and late repetition effects are discussed in light of developmental and perceptual differences as well as task-specific load.
Obsession and Maladaptive Search for Raison D’être: A Condition That May Harm Psychological Wellbeing
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya
Published: June 2022

Being with raison d’être, or the meaning of living, usually has a positive effect on the psychological wellbeing of humans. The impact of an endeavor or desire to be with raison d’être on human wellbeing remains undetermined. This study investigated the potential impact of an obsession with raison d’être on human psychological wellbeing. A literature review revealed that only a limited number of studies have evaluated the relationship between attitudes toward raison d’être and psychological wellbeing. Some indicate that a pathological obsession with a self-oriented raison d’être, especially when the search is attempted via maladaptive ways, may eventually cause harm and distress to those who are the objects of obsession and the surrounding people. If obsessed people persist to preserve raison d’être in the community, they need to continuously demonstrate the advantage of their existence and differentiation from other members. As conceivable adaptive ways to search for raison d’être, people make efforts to enhance their talents, achieve certifications, be promoted, or dedicate themselves to volunteers. However, if these adaptive ways have failed, some obsessed people may change their processes to maladaptive ways, such as attacking or criticizing other members who are a threat to their satisfaction with raison d’être. Such maladaptive approaches in the community would harm both the obsessed and surrounding members. To date, the negative aspect of desiring for raison d’être has remained largely unevaluated. Research regarding the prevalence of pathologic obsession with raison d’être in the general population, its impact on human wellbeing, and treatability is warranted.
Materialism Predicts College Students' Entrepreneurial Intention: A Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Li Yanbin , Zhang Yue , Zhang Feng
Published: June 2022

Entrepreneurship is perceived as a critical pillar for unemployment alleviation and economic growth, especially in the era of COVID-19, which highlights the importance of the entrepreneurial potential of college students. The current research focused on the role of personal values in the entrepreneurial process and investigated the relationship between materialism and entrepreneurial intention among college students. Few studies have been examined this relationship, and the underlying mechanisms were also not identified. From the perspective of personal value, we hypothesized that materialism could positively predict entrepreneurial intention. Moreover, based on McClelland's theory of need for achievement and the theory of planned behavior, a serial mediation model, with achievement motivation and entrepreneurial attitude as the mediators, was proposed. We conducted a correlational study on a sample of 1,002 Chinese university students to examine our hypotheses. They participated in an online survey and completed the measurement of entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial attitude, materialism, and achievement motivation. The hypothesized models were examined through serial mediation bootstrapping procedures. The results showed that materialism positively predicted college students' entrepreneurial intention, and this relationship was serially mediated through achievement motivation and entrepreneurial attitude. Materialism boosted college students' achievement motivation, which in turn was associated with a more positive entrepreneurial attitude and subsequently stronger entrepreneurial intention. The present research is the first to empirically examine this association's mechanism and establish a serial mediation involving achievement motivation and entrepreneurial attitude. For the theoretical contribution, the present research provides a more comprehensive picture of the role of personal values in entrepreneurship by complementing the effect of materialism. And regarding the practical implications, the present research implies the silver lining of materialism and points out a possible way to enhance college students' entrepreneurial intention, i.e., entrepreneurial education could take advantage of the characteristics of materialism and transform the “harmful” value into socially beneficial entrepreneurial intentions through enhancing their achievement motivation and positive attitude toward entrepreneurship.
Toward the Role of Teacher Empathy in Students’ Engagement in English Language Classes
Authors: Zhang Zhichao
Published: June 2022

This paper aimed at examining the related studies on the relationship between teacher empathy and learner engagement in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning contexts. The positive and significant relationship between teacher empathy and learner engagement has been verified in the literature. Studies have shown the positive influence of teacher-learner rapport on learner engagement. Moreover, studies indicated that teacher empathy leads to learner self-confidence in educational contexts. The literature review has also shown that teachers’ provision of a positive environment through empathy, sympathy, and kindness can trigger learner motivation and engagement. Moreover, teachers’ empathy can reduce the stress level which, in turn, positively affects learners’ engagement level. Eventually, the pedagogical implications to engage learners and teachers in academic contexts have been provided. However, some suggestions have been offered to expand the insights over the associations between positive psychological constructs and teachers’ emotions.
The Eudemonic Wellbeing of Volunteers in a Public Health Emergency: COVID-19 in China
Authors: Tang Juan , Li Xiao-chen , Zhang Xi
Published: June 2022

With improvements in the public awareness regarding volunteer opportunities, more people are participating in social work, particularly during emergency events. The mental health of volunteers has been attracting more academic attention due to its increasing social significance. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, a qualitative interview was conducted to identify important attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control factors guiding people’s volunteering behaviors in an emergency context. Then, a sequential quantitative survey was implemented based on the results of the qualitative study to explore the impact of the aforementioned factors and job involvement on eudemonic well-being. The moderating role of empathy in these relationships was also investigated in this nested design. The results indicate that behavioral attitudes, perceived control, and job involvement have significant positive effects on volunteers’ eudemonic well-being. A high perspective taking (cognitive empathy) of volunteers positively moderates the relationship between job involvement and eudemonic well-being, while high personal distress (affective empathy) buffers this relationship. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed in relation to emergency volunteer activities.
Childhood Maltreatment Influences Autonomic Regulation and Mental Health in College Students
Authors: Dale Lourdes P. , Kolacz Jacek , Mazmanyan Jennifer , Leon Kalie G. , Johonnot Karli , Bossemeyer Biernacki Nadia , Porges Stephen W.
Published: June 2022

Childhood maltreatment history may influence autonomic reactivity and recovery to stressors. Hypothetically, the maltreatment history may contribute to a retuned autonomic nervous system that is reflected in a novel metric, vagal efficiency (VE), designed to assess the functional efficiency of vagal cardioinhibitory pathways on heart rate. We explored whether VE mediates the well-documented relationship between maltreatment history and psychiatric symptoms. We also investigated the relationship between measures of autonomic regulation in response to the physical and emotional challenges and psychiatric symptoms. Participants (n = 167) completed self-report measures of psychiatric symptoms and had continuous beat-to-beat heart rate monitored before, during, and after physical and emotional stressors. Participants with maltreatment histories exhibited lower VE, which mediated the association of maltreatment history and the psychiatric symptoms of anxiety and depression. Consistent with prior literature, there were significant associations between maltreatment history and autonomic reactivity (i.e., heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia) during emotional and physical challenges; however, when VE was entered as a covariate these associations were no longer statistically significant. Blunted VE may reflect a neural pathway through which maltreatment retunes autonomic regulation and provides a neurophysiological platform that increases mental health risk.
Euthanasia in Dementia: A Narrative Review of Legislation and Practices in the Netherlands and Belgium
Authors: Marijnissen Radboud M. , Chambaere Kenneth , Oude Voshaar Richard C.
Published: June 2022

Euthanasia was first legalized in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2001 and 2002, respectively. Currently they are among the few countries that also allow euthanasia on the basis of dementia, which is still considered controversial, both from a scientific and societal perspective. To date, euthanasia in dementia constitutes a small proportion of all Dutch and Belgian euthanasia cases. However, instances are rising due to a growing awareness among the general public about the possibilities of a self-chosen end-of-life and the willingness among medical professionals to perform euthanasia in individuals diagnosed with dementia. In both countries euthanasia is allowed under strict conditions in patients with dementia and decisional capacity regarding euthanasia, while in the Netherlands an advance euthanasia directive can also replace an oral request for euthanasia in those with late-stage dementia. Judging euthanasia requests from patients with dementia is complex and the assessment of the due care criteria (especially those related to decisional capacity and unbearable suffering) requires caution and great care. In this narrative review, we reflect on the legal regulation, clinical guidelines and societal debate regarding euthanasia in dementia in the Netherlands and Belgium. By discussing the 20 years of experience with the ethical dilemmas and controversial aspects surrounding this delicate topic, we hope to inform the preparation or implementation of new legislation on euthanasia in dementia in other countries.
Gender, Addiction, and Removal of Children Into Care
Authors: Russell Lynda , Gajwani Ruchika , Turner Fiona , Minnis Helen
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Parental addiction can result in harm to children and removal of children by the Local Authority. Less is known about the impact of removal of children on their parents and whether gender has a role in this process.

Methods

Data on 736 service users were obtained from the caseloads of 8 nurses and 12 social care workers from an Alcohol and Drug Recovery Service in Scotland. Gender differences in prevalence/patterns of child removal, associations between child removal and parental factors and the relationship between removal and suicidality were examined.

Results

Mothers were more likely to have had one or more children removed compared to fathers (56.6 vs. 17.7%; p < 0.001) and were more likely to have a series of individual child removals (22.5 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.014). In addition to female gender, younger age, drug use, mental health and suicide attempts were also associated with child removal. Mothers who had children removed and women who were not mothers were more likely to have made an attempt to end their lives than women who had children but had not had them removed.

Conclusion

Gender differences were apparent in prevalence and patterns of child removal. Mothers were six times more likely to have children removed compared to fathers. Child removal occurred alongside other risk factors suggesting that families need holistic support for their multiple areas of need. Services should be aware of the link between child removal and suicide and provide additional support to mothers during and after removal.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Popularize Legal Knowledge and Publicize the Impact on Adolescents' Mental Health Status
Authors: Liu Hao
Published: June 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements have radically altered human production and daily living. When it comes to AI's quick rise, it facilitates the growth of China's citizens, and at the same moment, a lack of intelligence has led to several concerns regarding regulations and laws. Current investigations regarding AI on legal knowledge do not have consistent benefits in predicting adolescents' psychological status, performance, etc. The study's primary purpose is to examine the influence of AI on the legal profession and adolescent mental health using a novel cognitive fuzzy K-nearest neighbor (CF-KNN). Initially, the legal education datasets are gathered and are standardized in the pre-processing stage through the normalization technique to retrieve the unwanted noises or outliers. When normalized data are transformed into numerical features, they can be analyzed using a variational autoencoder (VAE) approach. Multi-gradient ant colony optimization (MG-ACO) is applied to select a proper subset of the features. Tree C4.5 (T-C4.5) and fitness-based logistic regression analysis (F-LRA) techniques assess the adolescent's mental health conditions. Finally, our proposed work's performance is examined and compared with classical techniques to gain our work with the greatest effectiveness. Findings are depicted in chart formation by employing the MATLAB tool.
Case Report: Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis Manifesting With an Isolated Psychiatric Episode and Normal Ancillary Tests
Authors: Pavǎl Denis , Cîmpan Claudia Mihaela , Gherghel Nicoleta , Damian Laura Otilia , Tohǎnean Nicoleta , Micluţia Ioana Valentina
Published: June 2022

The majority of patients with anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis present with psychiatric symptoms and subsequently develop neurological features. However, isolated psychiatric episodes occur in <5% of affected individuals, less frequent at disease onset (<1%) compared to relapse (4%). We report the case of a previously healthy 24-year-old female who presented with psychotic symptoms and behavioral alterations. Despite therapy, she showed no improvement and subsequently developed catatonic features. While the ancillary tests were normal, the clinical warning signs raised the suspicion of anti-NMDAR encephalitis which we later confirmed. Given its strong association with underlying tumors, we screened the patient and found an ovarian teratoma. Once removed, the patient displayed a substantial improvement in the mental status. Besides being extremely rare, this case illustrates the need to maintain clinical suspicion of anti-NMDAR encephalitis even in the absence of neurological features or paraclinical anomalies.
Colorado Agricultural Workers' Rights of Access to Key Healthcare Providers: A Policy Brief
Authors: Stallones Lorann , Valley Morgan , Pennington Whitney
Published: June 2022

Health is a human right. In order to exercise their right to health, agricultural workers need to have access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Agricultural workers need to have medical, dental, and behavioral health care available at times and locations that are amenable to their work schedules and worksites. Many agricultural workers do not have access to transportation due to the nature of their working conditions, therefore policies to provide transportation will increase access to medical, dental, and behavioral health services.
Lockdown Policies, Economic Support, and Mental Health: Evidence From the COVID-19 Pandemic in United States
Authors: Yao Haitang , Wang Jiayang , Liu Wei
Published: June 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, various lockdown policies were put in place by the governments in different countries and different levels, which effectively curbed the spread of the virus, but also cause substantial damage to the mental health of local residents. We use statistics provided by the Household Pulse Survey and OxCGRT between 23 April 2020 and 30 August 2021 to analyze the impact of lockdown on overall mental health levels in US states during the COVID-19 pandemic at the macro level. The results show that the lockdown policies implemented by the state governments lead to a deterioration in psychological conditions, and this relationship varies to some extent depending on the level of high-quality economic support, that the state governments implement to alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety associated with the lockdown. Therefore, we argue that although lockdown policies are necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic, further government efforts are needed to give high-quality economic and mental health support to mitigate the negative effects of lockdown on mental health.
The Impact of Community-Based Health Insurance on Household's Welfare in Chilga District, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Asfaw Dagmawe Menelek , Shifaw Sirage Mohammed , Belete Atinkugn Assefa , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara
Published: June 2022

Household welfare is depleted by catastrophic health expenditure by forcing families to reduce the consumption of necessary goods and services, underutilization of health services, and of finally falling into the poverty trap. To mitigate such problem, the Government of Ethiopia launched CBHI schemes. Therefore, this study investigates the household welfare impact of Community based health insurance (CBHI) in the Chilga district. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 531 households (of which 356 were treated and 175 control groups). Probit and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to analyze the data. Probit model revealed the following: Level of education, access to credit, chronic disease, insurance premium, awareness, distance to health service, and health service waiting time are significant determinates for being insured in CBHI. The PSM method revealed that the insured households associated with visits increased by 2.6 times, reduced per-capita health expenditure by 17–14% points, increased the per-capita consumption of non-food items by 12–14% points, increased the per-capita consumption of food items by 12–13% points in a given matching algorithm compared to the counterparts. Therefore, CBHI has enhanced service utilization by reducing per-capita health expenditure and increasing consumption per-capita, in general, it improved household welfare. To this end, the results of this study suggested that the government (ministry of health) and concerned bodies (such as NGOs) should extend the coverage and accessibility of CBHI schemes, create aware to the society about CBHI, and subsidize premium costs of the poor.
Maternal Feeding Styles and Child Appetitive Traits: Direction of Effects in Hispanic Families With Low Incomes
Authors: Papaioannou Maria A. , Micheli Nilda , Power Thomas G. , O'Connor Teresia M. , Fisher Jennifer Orlet , Hughes Sheryl O.
Published: June 2022

Feeding styles of parents have been associated with dietary quality/intake and weight outcomes; however, much of the research to date has been cross sectional and the direction of influence unclear. This prospective longitudinal study evaluated the direction of effects between feeding styles and child appetitive traits over time in a sample of 129 Hispanic parent/child dyads that participated in a larger study. Data analyzed for the current study were collected when the children were 4–5 years old and again at ages 7–9 years. Parents (all mothers) reported on their feeding styles and children's appetitive traits using well-established questionnaires. Cross-lagged panel analyses were used to examine the direction of effects. Fully adjusted models revealed that a number of children's appetitive traits at baseline predicted later feeding styles. A bi-directional relationship was found between authoritarian feeding and satiety responsiveness such that higher satiety responsiveness was associated with authoritarian feeding and vice versa. Lower satiety responsiveness was associated with indulgent feeding, whereas higher food responsiveness was associated with authoritarian feeding. Results show preliminary evidence that children's appetitive traits may shape mothers' approach to child feeding. There is also preliminary support for the protective role of an authoritarian feeding style in the self-regulatory processes around child appetitive traits among this population of Hispanic families with low-income levels. These results warrant continued research given that other studies have shown beneficial outcomes for authoritarian feeding among ethnically diverse families with low incomes.