bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ameliorative Effects of Dietary Ellagic Acid Against Severe Malaria Pathogenesis by Reducing Cytokine Storms and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Mohanty Shilpa , Gupta Amit Chand , Maurya Anil Kumar , Shanker Karuna , Pal Anirban , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar Umrao
Published: December 2021

Ellagic acid (EA), a fruit- and vegetable-derived flavonoid, has been reported for multiple pharmacological activities, which encouraged us to examine its useful effect in severe malaria pathogenesis, especially malaria-induced cytokine storms and oxidative stress linked to damage in major organs. Malaria was induced by injecting Plasmodium berghei–infected RBCs intraperitoneally into the mice. EA was given orally (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) following Peter’s 4-day suppression test. EA exhibited the suppression of parasitemia, production of inflammatory cytokine storms and oxidative stress marker level quantified from vital organs significantly and an increase in hemoglobin, blood glucose, and mean survival time compared to the vehicle-treated infected group. EA administration also restored the blood–brain barrier integrity evidenced through Evans blue staining. Furthermore, we demonstrated the protecting effect of EA in LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine storms and oxidative stress in glial cells. The present study conclude that ellagic acid is able to alleviate severe malaria pathogenesis by reducing cytokine storms and oxidative stress–induced by malarial parasites. It also attributed promising antimalarial activity and afforded to improve the blood glucose and hemoglobin levels in treated mice. These research findings suggested the suitability of ellagic acid as a useful bioflavonoid for further study for the management of severe malaria pathogenesis.
The RyR2-R2474S Mutation Sensitizes Cardiomyocytes and Hearts to Catecholaminergic Stress-Induced Oxidation of the Mitochondrial Glutathione Pool
Authors: Wegener Jörg W. , Wagdi Ahmed , Wagner Eva , Katschinski Dörthe M. , Hasenfuss Gerd , Bruegmann Tobias , Lehnart Stephan E.
Published: December 2021

Missense mutations in the cardiac ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) characteristically cause catecholaminergic arrhythmias. Reminiscent of the phenotype in patients, RyR2-R2474S knockin mice develop exercise-induced ventricular tachyarrhythmias. In cardiomyocytes, increased mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ uptake was recently linked to non-linearly enhanced ATP synthesis with important implications for cardiac redox metabolism. We hypothesize that catecholaminergic stimulation and contractile activity amplify mitochondrial oxidation pathologically in RyR2-R2474S cardiomyocytes. To investigate this question, we generated double transgenic RyR2-R2474S mice expressing a mitochondria-restricted fluorescent biosensor to monitor the glutathione redox potential (EGSH). Electrical field pacing-evoked RyR2-WT and RyR2-R2474S cardiomyocyte contractions resulted in a small but significant baseline EGSH increase. Importantly, β-adrenergic stimulation resulted in excessive EGSH oxidization of the mitochondrial matrix in RyR2-R2474S cardiomyocytes compared to baseline and RyR2-WT control. Physiologically β-adrenergic stimulation significantly increased mitochondrial EGSH further in intact beating RyR2-R2474S but not in RyR2-WT control Langendorff perfused hearts. Finally, this catecholaminergic EGSH increase was significantly attenuated following treatment with the RyR2 channel blocker dantrolene. Together, catecholaminergic stimulation and increased diastolic Ca2+ leak induce a strong, but dantrolene-inhibited mitochondrial EGSH oxidization in RyR2-R2474S cardiomyocytes.
Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species and Mitochondria in Seed Germination
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Awais , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zafar Muhammad Mubashar , Ma Wei , Zhao Jianjun
Published: December 2021

Seed germination is crucial for the life cycle of plants and maximum crop production. This critical developmental step is regulated by diverse endogenous [hormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS)] and exogenous (light, temperature) factors. Reactive oxygen species promote the release of seed dormancy by biomolecules oxidation, testa weakening and endosperm decay. Reactive oxygen species modulate metabolic and hormone signaling pathways that induce and maintain seed dormancy and germination. Endosperm provides nutrients and senses environmental signals to regulate the growth of the embryo by secreting timely signals. The growing energy demand of the developing embryo and endosperm is fulfilled by functional mitochondria. Mitochondrial matrix-localized heat shock protein GhHSP24.7 controls seed germination in a temperature-dependent manner. In this review, we summarize comprehensive view of biochemical and molecular mechanisms, which coordinately control seed germination. We also discuss that the accurate and optimized coordination of ROS, mitochondria, heat shock proteins is required to permit testa rupture and subsequent germination.
Identification of a Wheat-Psathyrostachys huashanica 7Ns Ditelosomic Addition Line Conferring Early Maturation by Cytological Analysis and Newly Developed Molecular and FISH Markers
Authors: Tan Binwen , Zhao Lei , Li Lingyu , Zhang Hao , Zhu Wei , Xu Lili , Wang Yi , Zeng Jian , Fan Xing , Sha Lina , Wu Dandan , Cheng Yiran , Zhang Haiqin , Chen Guoyue , Zhou Yonghong , Kang Houyang
Published: December 2021

Early maturation is an important objective in wheat breeding programs that could facilitate multiple-cropping systems, decrease disaster- and disease-related losses, ensure stable wheat production, and increase economic benefits. Exploitation of novel germplasm from wild relatives of wheat is an effective means of breeding for early maturity. Psathyrostachys huashanica Keng f. ex P. C. KUO (2n=2x=14, NsNs) is a promising source of useful genes for wheat genetic improvement. In this study, we characterized a novel wheat-P. huashanica line, DT23, derived from distant hybridization between common wheat and P. huashanica. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and sequential genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analyses indicated that DT23 is a stable wheat-P. huashanica ditelosomic addition line. FISH painting and PCR-based landmark unique gene markers analyses further revealed that DT23 is a wheat-P. huashanica 7Ns ditelosomic addition line. Observation of spike differentiation and the growth period revealed that DT23 exhibited earlier maturation than the wheat parents. This is the first report of new earliness per se (Eps) gene(s) probably associated with a group 7 chromosome of P. huashanica. Based on specific locus-amplified fragment sequencing technology, 45 new specific molecular markers and 19 specific FISH probes were developed for the P. huashanica 7Ns chromosome. Marker validation analyses revealed that two specific markers distinguished the Ns genome chromosomes of P. huashanica and the chromosomes of other wheat-related species. These newly developed FISH probes specifically detected Ns genome chromosomes of P. huashanica in the wheat background. The DT23 line will be useful for breeding early maturing wheat. The specific markers and FISH probes developed in this study can be used to detect and trace P. huashanica chromosomes and chromosomal segments carrying elite genes in diverse materials.
The Entner-Doudoroff Pathway Contributes to Glycogen Breakdown During High to Low CO2 Shifts in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Lucius Stefan , Makowka Alexander , Michl Klaudia , Gutekunst Kirstin , Hagemann Martin
Published: December 2021

Cyanobacteria perform plant-like oxygenic photosynthesis to convert inorganic carbon into organic compounds and can also use internal carbohydrate reserves under specific conditions. A mutant collection with defects in different routes for sugar catabolism was studied to analyze which of them is preferentially used to degrade glycogen reserves in light-exposed cells of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 shifted from high to low CO2 conditions. Mutants defective in the glycolytic Embden–Meyerhof–Parnas pathway or in the oxidative pentose-phosphate (OPP) pathway showed glycogen levels similar to wild type under high CO2 (HC) conditions and were able to degrade it similarly after shifts to low CO2 (LC) conditions. In contrast, the mutant Δeda, which is defective in the glycolytic Entner-Doudoroff (ED) pathway, accumulated elevated glycogen levels under HC that were more slowly consumed during the LC shift. In consequence, the mutant Δeda showed a lowered ability to respond to the inorganic carbon shifts, displayed a pronounced lack in the reactivation of growth when brought back to HC, and differed significantly in its metabolite composition. Particularly, Δeda accumulated enhanced levels of proline, which is a well-known metabolite to maintain redox balances via NADPH levels in many organisms under stress conditions. We suggest that deletion of eda might promote the utilization of the OPP shunt that dramatically enhance NADPH levels. Collectively, the results point at a major regulatory contribution of the ED pathway for the mobilization of glycogen reserves during rapid acclimation to fluctuating CO2 conditions.
VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 Positively Co-regulated Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Grape Berries in Response to Root Restriction
Authors: Li Dongmei , Wang Zhenping , Sun Sijie , Xiao Kun , Cao Minghao , Li Xiangyi , Ma Chao , Zhang Caixi , Wang Lei , Lian Hongli , Wang Shiping
Published: December 2021

In most grapevine planting regions, especially in south of China, plenty of rainfall and high water level underground are the characteristic of the area, a series of problem during fruit ripening easily caused poor color quality. Thereby affecting fruit quality, yield and economic benefits. The accumulation of anthocyanin is regulated by transcriptional regulatory factor and a series of cultivation measures, root restriction can make plants in the environment of stress and stress relief, root restriction induced the higher expression of VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40, and consistent with anthocyanin accumulation. Whether and how root restriction-inducible VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 transcription factor regulate anthocyanin synthesis in grape berry is still unclear. In this study, we identified that the transient overexpression of VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 alone or both in strawberry fruits and grape berries can promote anthocyanin accumulation and increase the expression level of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, indicating VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 play a positive regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Furthermore, we confirmed that both VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 specifically bind to the promoter region of VvF3′5′H and VvUFGT, and the expression of VvF3′5′H and VvUFGT is further activated through the heterodimer formation between VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40. Finally, we confirmed that VvMYB15 promoted anthocyanin accumulation by interacting with VvWRKY40 in grape berries, our findings provide insights into a mechanism involving the synergistic regulation of root restriction-dependent coloration and biosynthesis via a VvMYB15 and VvWRKY40 alone or both in grape berries.
Integrative Study Supports the Role of Trehalose in Carbon Transfer From Fungi to Mycotrophic Orchid
Authors: Ponert Jan , Šoch Jan , Vosolsobě﻿﻿﻿ Stanislav , Čiháková Klára , Lipavská Helena
Published: December 2021

Orchids rely on mycorrhizal symbiosis, especially in the stage of mycoheterotrophic protocorms, which depend on carbon and energy supply from fungi. The transfer of carbon from fungi to orchids is well-documented, but the identity of compounds ensuring this transfer remains elusive. Some evidence has been obtained for the role of amino acids, but there is also vague and neglected evidence for the role of soluble carbohydrates, probably trehalose, which is an abundant fungal carbohydrate. We therefore focused on the possible role of trehalose in carbon and energy transfer. We investigated the common marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis) and its symbiotic fungus Ceratobasidium sp. using a combination of cultivation approaches, high-performance liquid chromatography, application of a specific inhibitor of the enzyme trehalase, and histochemical localization of trehalase activity. We found that axenically grown orchid protocorms possess an efficient, trehalase-dependent, metabolic pathway for utilizing exogenous trehalose, which can be as good a source of carbon and energy as their major endogenous soluble carbohydrates. This is in contrast to non-orchid plants that cannot utilize trehalose to such an extent. In symbiotically grown protocorms and roots of adult orchids, trehalase activity was tightly colocalized with mycorrhizal structures indicating its pronounced role in the mycorrhizal interface. Inhibition of trehalase activity arrested the growth of both symbiotically grown protocorms and trehalose-supported axenic protocorms. Since trehalose constitutes only an inconsiderable part of the endogenous saccharide spectrum of orchids, degradation of fungal trehalose likely takes place in orchid mycorrhiza. Our results strongly support the neglected view of the fungal trehalose, or the glucose produced by its cleavage as compounds transported from fungi to orchids to ensure carbon and energy flow. Therefore, we suggest that not only amino acids, but also soluble carbohydrates are transported. We may propose that the soluble carbohydrates would be a better source of energy for plant metabolism than amino acids, which is partially supported by our finding of the essential role of trehalase.
The Arabidopsis Circadian Clock and Metabolic Energy: A Question of Time
Authors: Cervela-Cardona Luis , Alary Benjamin , Mas Paloma
Published: December 2021

A fundamental principle shared by all organisms is the metabolic conversion of nutrients into energy for cellular processes and structural building blocks. A highly precise spatiotemporal programming is required to couple metabolic capacity with energy allocation. Cellular metabolism is also able to adapt to the external time, and the mechanisms governing such an adaptation rely on the circadian clock. Virtually all photosensitive organisms have evolved a self-sustained timekeeping mechanism or circadian clock that anticipates and responds to the 24-h environmental changes that occur during the day and night cycle. This endogenous timing mechanism works in resonance with the environment to control growth, development, responses to stress, and also metabolism. Here, we briefly describe the prevalent role for the circadian clock controlling the timing of mitochondrial activity and cellular energy in Arabidopsis thaliana. Evidence that metabolic signals can in turn feedback to the clock place the spotlight onto the molecular mechanisms and components linking the circadian function with metabolic homeostasis and energy.
The Longitudinal Interplay Between Social Network and Psychopathology in Multi-Problem Young Adult Men; Separating Within-and Between-Person Effects
Authors: Schenk Loïs , Sentse Miranda , Marhe Reshmi , van Duin Laura , Engbersen Godfried , Popma Arne , Severiens Sabine
Published: December 2021

Young adulthood is characterized by many life changes. Especially for young men with problems across different life domains (i.e., multi-problem), these changes may entail obstacles. Incidences of psychopathology increase during young adulthood and at the same time important shifts in social networks – such as changing relations with peers and parents, isolation, or deviant peer affiliation – take place. The present study examined the longitudinal interplay between psychopathology and social network characteristics over the course of 1 year in multi-problem young adults, at both between-person and within-person level. A sample of 696 multi-problem young adult men (age 18–27) participated in this three wave study. We used traditional cross-lagged panel models (CLPM) to examine how social network characteristics and psychopathology are related at the between-person level, and random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) to examine within-person links. Between-person associations between internalizing problems and social networks were bidirectional, and externalizing problems were related to problematic social network characteristics, but not vice versa. At the within-person level, no such cross-lagged paths were found. Overall, results indicated that in multi-problem young adults, social network characteristics and psychopathology are related. However, looking at within-person processes this relation is not reciprocal.
A Randomized Control Trial of a Brief Self-Compassion Intervention for Perfectionism, Anxiety, Depression, and Body Image
Authors: Woodfin Vivian , Molde Helge , Dundas Ingrid , Binder Per-Einar
Published: December 2021

Objective: Due to a rise in perfectionistic tendencies and growing concerns about the increase in mental health conditions among students this study aimed to examine the effects of a brief intervention in self-compassion on maladaptive perfectionism, anxiety, depression, and body image.

Methods: The intervention consisted of four seminars and a silent half-day retreat with short lectures and relevant experiential practices from Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This randomized wait-list control trial was pre-registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT03453437, Unique Protocol ID: UiBMSC2018). University students were randomly assigned to the intervention group and wait-list control group and filled out surveys weekly. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the groups pre- and post-treatment. Mixed level modeling was used to analyze changes in all outcome measures over time.

Results: Eighty-nine participants completed the intervention. Results of the ANOVA showed significant post-intervention reductions in maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies and symptoms of depression and anxiety, in addition to increased self-compassion and improved body image in the intervention group as compared to the wait-list group. Mixed level modeling showed statistically significant changes in self-compassion, maladaptive perfectionism, adaptive perfectionism, anxiety, and depression but not body image. Only the mixed level modeling showed small but significant changes to adaptive perfectionism, also called strivings. Implications of different changes to maladaptive perfectionism than adaptive perfectionism are discussed.
Push-Pull-Mooring Analysis of Massive Open Online Courses and College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kang Kebiao , Wang Ting , Chen Shihao , Su Yu-Sheng
Published: December 2021

The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) provides researchers with an analysis tool for prediction theory. As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) brings risks to teaching and learning, students have been forced to switch from classroom learning to online learning and most subjects have chosen massive open online courses (MOOCs) for online learning in China. This study examines whether MOOCs can replace traditional classroom education and explores the factors that influence the intentions of switching of the students from offline to online. We sequenced the PLS-SEM analysis of data with 397 students from a university in Zhejiang province of China, testing the model parameters, and discussing the push-pull-mooring (PPM) theory. Our data demonstrate that security risk is a push factor, switching costs are a mooring factor, and perceived usefulness and task–technology fit are pull factors that pull students from traditional, offline learning to MOOCs. In addition, the PPM model of the analysis results provides a more specific understanding of the importance–performance analysis of each factor. Our findings suggest that to constantly improve the switching intention to address unexpected challenges in the future, teachers should establish an effective emergency management measures, including curriculum design, to be consistent with their needs.
The Influence of Motivation, Attitudes and Obstacles for Middle School Students’ Participation in Leisure Activities on Their Leisure Satisfaction in Southwest China
Authors: Wu Yunlan , Sun Jianan , Fan Falu , Wang Xia , Peng Yuanqiu
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To explore the relationship among leisure motivation, barriers, attitude and satisfaction of middle school students in Chengdu, Sichuan, to help students establish a positive leisure attitude and provide a reference for youth leisure counseling.

Methods: Based on consulting research literature, this paper designs a survey volume of teenagers’ leisure motivation, barriers, attitude, and satisfaction; 2249 valid questionnaires of middle school students in Chengdu were obtained by stratified random sampling. The data were statistically processed by the combination of exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results: (1) There are significant positive correlation effects between leisure motivation and leisure attitude, leisure attitude and leisure satisfaction, and leisure motivation and leisure satisfaction; (2) There is a low degree of positive correlation effect (r = 0.35 *) between leisure barriers and leisure motivation, which is contrary to common sense and needs to be further studied in the follow-up; (3) Leisure barriers has no significant direct impact on leisure satisfaction, but it can have a significant negative impact on leisure satisfaction with the intermediary variable of leisure attitude; (4) Leisure motivation is the most important variable in the whole leisure model structure. It not only has the greatest direct impact on leisure satisfaction but also has a great positive impact on leisure satisfaction through the intermediary of leisure attitude.

Conclusion: Adolescent leisure motivation, barriers, attitude, and satisfaction are complementary and interdependent. Among them, leisure motivation is the core variable and leisure attitude is the dual intermediary variable. Through the initiation of leisure motivation, helping adolescents establish a positive leisure attitude may be the key to ensure their leisure satisfaction.
Recent Integrations of Latent Variable Network Modeling With Psychometric Models
Authors: Wang Selena
Published: December 2021

The combination of network modeling and psychometric models has opened up exciting directions of research. However, there has been confusion surrounding differences among network models, graphic models, latent variable models and their applications in psychology. In this paper, I attempt to remedy this gap by briefly introducing latent variable network models and their recent integrations with psychometric models to psychometricians and applied psychologists. Following this introduction, I summarize developments under network psychometrics and show how graphical models under this framework can be distinguished from other network models. Every model is introduced using unified notations, and all methods are accompanied by available R packages inducive to further independent learning.
Is Posttraumatic Growth Helpful in Overcoming Mental Health Disorders Due to COVID-19?: The Moderating Effect of Posttraumatic Growth in the Relationship Between COVID-19 and Psychological Health
Authors: Park Se-Ran , Im Sun-Young
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of restrictions and concerns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on depression, anxiety, and committed action, and examine whether posttraumatic growth (PTG) serves as a protective factor for mental health. In particular, this study evaluated the moderating effects of PTG on the changes in levels of anxiety, depression, and committed action according to changes in COVID-19-related restrictions and concerns using a short-term longitudinal design. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was administered to 100 adults with significant traumatic experience living in the Republic of Korea, and the participants were asked to complete diary questionnaires on anxiety, depression, committed action, and restrictions and concerns pertaining to COVID-19. The results showed that anxiety and depression decreased, and committed action increased with an increase in PTG. These results highlight a complex relationship between restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19 and psychological health; based on the results, we discussed the positive impact of PTG on psychological health.
Examining the Range and Scope of Artists’ Professional Practices With Individuals With Palliative Care Needs: An International, Cross-Sectional Online Survey
Authors: Lee Jenny Baxley , McIlfatrick Sonja , Fitzpatrick Lisa
Published: December 2021

Background: Internationally, it is recognized that artists facilitate arts engagement with individuals with palliative care needs. There is a gap in the literature describing the range and scope of artists’ professional practices in palliative care. The aim of this study was to examine an international range of professional practices among artists who work in palliative care including key professionals’ perceptions of these practices.

Methods: An international, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted with health professionals, artists, and program coordinators with experience with artists working in palliative care. This survey was part of a larger mixed methods study. An instrument was systematically developed to examine artists’ professional practices. Descriptive statistics were reported for the total sample including frequencies, means and standard deviations and open-ended items were analyzed thematically.

Results: 101 valid surveys were analyzed. Findings outlined: (1) who delivers the arts; (2) where and with whom; (3) practice descriptors; and (4) perceptions of practice. Themes identified from open-ended items on benefits and risks of practice revealed impacts on patients and artists alike, including: (1) enhanced well-being; (2) vulnerabilities; and (3) facilitators and barriers.

Conclusion: Findings demonstrated a wide range of artists’ practices in palliative and end-of-life care, featuring notable consistencies in international practice worth further exploration. Ongoing and international efforts examining artists’ practices in palliative care contribute to the development of future research, policy and practice.
Risk and Protective Factors for the Mental Wellbeing of Deployed Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in China: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Khoo Vicky Poh Hoay , Ting Rachel Sing-Kiat , Wang Xinli , Luo Yuanshan , Seeley Janet , Ong Jason J. , Zhao Min , Morsillo Julie , Su Chunyan , Fu Xiaoxing , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2021

Background:Though many literatures documented burnout and occupational hazard among healthcare workers and frontliners during pandemic, not many adopted a systemic approach to look at the resilience among this population. Another under-studied population was the large numbers of global healthcare workers who have been deployed to tackle the crisis of COVID-19 pandemic in the less resourceful regions. We investigated both the mental wellbeing risk and protective factors of a deployed healthcare workers (DHWs) team in Wuhan, the epicenter of the virus outbreak during 2020.

Method:A consensual qualitative research approach was adopted with 25 DHWs from H province through semi-structured interviews after 3 months of deployment period.

Results:Inductive-Deductive thematic coding with self-reflexivity revealed multi-layered risk and protective factors for DHWs at the COVID-19 frontline. Intensive working schedule and high-risk environment, compounded by unfamiliar work setting and colleagues; local culture adaptation; isolation from usual social circle, strained the DHWs. Meanwhile, reciprocal relationships and “familial relatedness” with patients and colleagues; organizational support to the DHWs and their immediate families back home, formed crucial wellbeing resources in sustaining the DHWs. The dynamic and dialectical relationships between risk and protective factors embedded in multiple layers of relational contexts could be mapped into a socio-ecological framework.

Conclusion:Our multidisciplinary study highlights the unique social connectedness between patient-DHWs; within DHWs team; between deploying hospital and DHWs; and between DHWs and the local partners. We recommend five organizational strategies as mental health promotion and capacity building for DHWs to build a resilient network and prevent burnout at the disaster frontline.
Measuring Motivation for Cognitive Effort as State
Authors: Blaise Max , Marksteiner Tamara , Krispenz Ann , Bertrams Alex
Published: December 2021

People's motivation to engage in cognitive effort is a variable which is relevant in different psychological domains (e.g., social cognition research). Despite its potential benefits, a psychometrically sound state measure of cognitive motivation is still lacking. We therefore developed the 10-item motivation for cognition (MFC) state scale based on the established conceptualization and measure of trait need for cognition (NFC). In two studies, we examined the psychometric properties of the new measure. Study 1 revealed that the MFC scale reliably measures a one-dimensional construct. Moreover, the MFC scale was related to NFC and choice of task effort in an expected manner. In Study 2, relationships with NFC, achievement motives, self-control capacity, subjective vitality, momentary affect, and choice of task effort provide further preliminary support for the MFC scale as being a valid measure of momentary cognitive motivation. We discuss the utility of the new scale in psychological research and practice.
Relationship Between Curative Effect and Serum Inflammatory Factors Level in Male Patients With First-Episode Schizophrenia Treated With Olanzapine
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhang Yanting , Huang Zhuowei , Liu Xuebing , Lv Luxian , Li Yi
Published: December 2021

Background: A growing body of evidence shows that immune system disorders are one of the important etiological factors of schizophrenia. Inflammatory cytokines play a very critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of schizophrenia. However, in the actual clinical practice, there is still a lack of confirmed biological indicators that can be used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of antipsychotics.

Methods: In this study, 82 male patients with first-episode schizophrenia and 30 healthy controls were included. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores were evaluated, and the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 17 (IL-17), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were detected, both at baseline and 4 weeks later. The patients were divided into two groups, the effective group and the ineffective group, according to the reduction rate of PANSS.

Results: In the case group, the levels of hs-CRP were significantly elevated (p = 0.00), whereas IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly reduced as compared to the baseline (p = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.00, respectively). Importantly, the baseline levels of the five inflammatory factors were significantly higher in the case group as compared to the control group (p = 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, 0.00, and 0.00, respectively). Post-treatment, the serum levels for IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 were significantly higher in the effective group than in the ineffective group (p = 0.00, 0.00, and 0.01, respectively). For every increase in the amount of IL-1β, the risk of ineffectiveness increased by 7% (OR = 0.93 [0.86–1.00]; p = 0.04), whereas for every increase in the amount of IL-17, the risk of ineffectiveness increased by 5% (OR = 0.95 [0.90–0.99]; p = 0.03).

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the levels of inflammatory factors in patients with different therapeutic effects were different, and the changes in the amounts of IL-1β and IL-17 acted as predictors of poor efficacy.
Social Technology: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Improving Care for Older Adults
Authors: Kleinman Arthur , Chen Hongtu , Levkoff Sue E. , Forsyth Ann , Bloom David E. , Yip Winnie , Khanna Tarun , Walsh Conor J. , Perry David , Seely Ellen W. , Kleinman Anne S. , Zhang Yan , Wang Yuan , Jing Jun , Pan Tianshu , An Ning , Bai Zhenggang , Wang Jiexiu , Liu Qing , Habbal Fawwaz
Published: December 2021

Population aging is a defining demographic reality of our era. It is associated with an increase in the societal burden of delivering care to older adults with chronic conditions or frailty. How to integrate global population aging and technology development to help address the growing demands for care facing many aging societies is both a challenge and an opportunity for innovation. We propose a social technology approach that promotes use of technologies to assist individuals, families, and communities to cope more effectively with the disabilities of older adults who can no longer live independently due to dementia, serious mental illness, and multiple chronic health problems. The main contributions of the social technology approach include: (1) fostering multidisciplinary collaboration among social scientists, engineers, and healthcare experts; (2) including ethical and humanistic standards in creating and evaluating innovations; (3) improving social systems through working with those who deliver, manage, and design older adult care services; (4) promoting social justice through social policy research and innovation, particularly for disadvantaged groups; (5) fostering social integration by creating age-friendly and intergenerational programs; and (6) seeking global benefit by identifying and generalizing best practices. As an emergent, experimental approach, social technology requires systematic evaluation in an iterative process to refine its relevance and uses in different local settings. By linking technological interventions to the social and cultural systems of older people, we aim to help technological advances become an organic part of the complex social world that supports and sustains care delivery to older adults in need.
The Evaluation of a Family-Engagement Approach to Increase Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, and Well-Being in Children and Their Parents
Authors: Crone Mathilde R. , Slagboom M. Nienke , Overmars Anneloes , Starken Lisa , van de Sande Marion C. E. , Wesdorp Noortje , Reis Ria
Published: December 2021

Prevention programs often are directed at either parents or children separately, thereby ignoring the intergenerational aspect of health and well-being. Engaging the family is likely to improve both the uptake and long-term impact of health behavior change. We integrated an intergenerational approach into a frequently used shared assessment tool for children's care needs. The current study's aim was 2-fold: to monitor this family-engagement tool's effects on both children and their parents' health behaviors and well-being, and to examine the different dynamics of health behavioral change within a family.

Method: We followed 12 children ages 10–14 years and their parents for 12 weeks using an explanatory mixed-methods design comprising interviews, questionnaires, and an n-of-1 study. During home visits at the beginning and end of the study, we interviewed children and their parents about their expectations and experiences, and measured their height and weight. Furthermore, we collected secondary data, such as notes from phone and email conversations with parents, as well as evaluation forms from professionals. In the n-of-1 study, families were prompted three times a week to describe their day and report on their vegetable intake, minutes of exercise, health behavior goals, and psychosomatic well-being. The interviews, notes, and evaluation forms were analyzed using qualitative content analyses. For the n-of-1 study, we performed multi-level time-series analyses across all families to assess changes in outcomes after consulting the family-engagement tool. Using regression analyses with autocorrelation correction, we examined changes within individual families.

Results: Five child-mother dyads and three child-mother-father triads provided sufficient pre- and post-data. The mean minutes of children's physical activity significantly increased, and mothers felt more energetic, but other outcomes did not change. In consultations related to overweight, the family-engagement tool often was used without setting specific or family goals.

Conclusions: The family-engagement approach elicited positive effects on some families' health and well-being. For multifaceted health problems, such as obesity, family-engagement approaches should focus on setting specific goals and strategies in different life domains, and for different family members.
Challenges and Opportunities for Public Health Service in Oman From the COVID-19 Pandemic: Learning Lessons for a Better Future
Authors: Al Khalili Sulien , Al Maani Amal , Al Wahaibi Adil , Al Yaquobi Fatma , Al-Jardani Amina , Al Harthi Khalid , Alqayoudhi Abdullah , Al Manji Abdullah , Al Rawahi Bader , Al-Abri Seif
Published: December 2021

Despite the apparent challenges inflicted by COVID-19 globally, the pandemic provided an opportunity to utilize and expand existing public health capacities for a more adaptive and resilient system during and after each wave of the disease. This paper provides a narrative review of Oman's public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to July 2021, and the challenges it faced for a more rapid and efficient response. The review demonstrates that the three main pillars influencing the direction of the pandemic and aiding the control are Oman's unified governmental leadership, the move to expand the capacity of the health care system at all levels, and community partnership in all stages of the response including the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The opportunities identified during response stages in the harmonization of the multisectoral response, streamlining communication channels, addressing vulnerable communities (dormitories, residences at border regions), and providing professional technical leadership provide an excellent precursor for expediting the transformation of Oman's health care system to one with a multisectoral holistic approach. Some of the major challenges faced are the shortage of the public health cadre, lack of a fully integrated digital platform for surveillance, and the scarcity of experts in risk communication and community engagement. A future health system where the center for diseases surveillance and control acts as a nucleus for multisectoral expertise and leadership, which includes community representatives, is crucial to attain optimum health. The destruction inflicted by this prolong COVID-19 pandemic at all levels of human life had valued the importance of investing on preventive and preparedness strategies.
Learning From Each Other in the Management of Natural Disaster and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Wen , Chen Guan-Wei , Lee Wei-Lin , You Shuei-Huei , Li Chia-Wen , Jang Jiun-Huei , Shieh Chjeng-Lun
Published: December 2021

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan has been one of the best performers in the world with extremely low infections and deaths. This success can be attributed to the long experiences dealing with natural disasters and communicable diseases. However, with different disastrous characteristics, the disaster management systems for communicable diseases and natural disasters are very different in terms of laws, plans, frameworks, and emergency operations. Taking the response to COVID-19 pandemic as a study subject, we found that disaster management for communicable diseases can be improved through a comparison with natural disasters, and vice versa. First, having wider and longer impacts than natural disasters, the plans and framework for communicable diseases in Taiwan focus more on national and regional scales. Local governments would need more capacity support including budgets and training to conduct investigations and quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Second, for quick response, the emergency operation for communicable diseases was designed to be more flexible than that for natural disasters by giving the commander more authority to adjust to the circumstances. The commanding system requires a more objective consultation group to prevent arbitrary decisions against the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, risk governance is important for communicable diseases as well as for natural disasters. Additional efforts should be made to enhance vulnerability assessment, disaster reduction, and risk communication for shaping responses and policies in an efficient and coordinating way.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pan-Genotypic Sofosbuvir-Based Regimens for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection in China
Authors: Zhou Hui Jun , Cao Jing , Shi Hui , Naidoo Nasheen , Semba Sherehe , Wang Pei , Fan Yi Fan , Zhu Shui Cheng
Published: December 2021

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 is the most prevalent HCV infection in China. Sofosbuvir-based direct antiviral agent (DAA) regimens are the current mainstays of treatment. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) regimens became reimbursable in China in 2020. Thus, this study aimed to identify the optimal SOF-based regimen and to inform efficient use of healthcare resources by optimizing DAA use in treating HCV genotype 1.

Methods and Models: A modeling-based cost-utility analysis was conducted from the payer's perspective targeting adult Chinese patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. Direct medical costs and health utilities were inputted into a Markov model to simulate lifetime experiences of chronically infected HCV patients after receiving SOF/LDV, SOF/VEL or the traditional strategy of pegylated interferon (pegIFN) + ribavirin (RBV). Discounted lifetime cost and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were computed and compared to generate the incremental cost utility ratio (ICUR). An ICUR below the threshold of 31,500 $/QALY suggests cost-effectiveness. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to examine the robustness of model findings.

Results: Both SOF/LDV and SOF/VEL regimens were dominant to the pegIFN + RBV regimen by creating more QALYs and incurring less cost. SOF/LDV produced 0.542 more QALYs but cost $10,390 less than pegIFN + RBV. Relative to SOF/LDV, SOF/VEL had an ICUR of 168,239 $/QALY which did not meet the cost-effectiveness standard. Therefore SOF/LDV was the optimal strategy. These findings were robust to linear and random variations of model parameters. However, reducing the SOF/VEL price by 40% would make this regimen the most cost-effective option.

Conclusions: SOF/LDV was found to be the most cost-effective treatment, and SOF/VEL was also economically dominant to pegIFN + RBV. These findings indicated that replacing pegIFN + RBV with DAA regimens could be a promising strategy.
Lysosomes in T Cell Immunity and Aging
Authors: Jin Jun , Zhang Huimin , Weyand Cornelia M. , Goronzy Jorg J.
Published: December 2021

Lysosomes were initially recognized as degradation centers that regulate digestion and recycling of cellular waste. More recent studies document that the lysosome is an important signaling hub that regulates cell metabolism. Our knowledge of the role of lysosomes in immunity is mostly derived from innate immune cells, especially lysosomal degradation-specialized cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Their function in adaptive immunity is less understood. However, with the recent emphasis on metabolic regulation of T cell differentiation, lysosomes are entering center stage in T cell immunology. In this review, we will focus on the role of lysosomes in adaptive immunity and discuss recent findings on lysosomal regulation of T cell immune responses and lysosomal dysfunction in T cell aging.
Delay in Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer in Afghanistan: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Acuti Martellucci Cecilia , Delsoz Mohammad , Qaderi Shohra , Madadi Shekiba , Bhandari Divya , Ozaki Akihiko , Mousavi Sayed Hamid
Published: December 2021

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential delays in healthcare seeking and diagnosis of women with cervical cancer (CC) in Afghanistan.

Methods: Clinical records of three hospitals in Kabul were searched for CC cases, and the women identified were interviewed by a trained physician using a semi-structured questionnaire. The main outcomes were the prevalence of potential delays over 90 days (1) from symptoms onset to healthcare seeking (patient delay), and (2) from first healthcare visit to CC diagnosis (healthcare delay). Information was also collected on: type and stage of CC, diagnostic test utilized, familiarity for CC, signs and symptoms, treatment type, and potential reasons for delaying healthcare seeking.

Results: 31 women with CC were identified, however only 11 continued their treatment in the study hospitals or were reachable by telephone, and accepted the interview. The mean age was 51 ± 14 years, and only 18.2% had a previous history of seeking medical care. Patient delay was seen in 90.9% of the women (95% CI: 58.7–99.8), with a median of 304 ± 183 days. Instead, healthcare delay was found in 45.4% (95% CI: 16.7–76.6), with a median of 61 ± 152 days. The main reasons for patient delays were unawareness of the seriousness of the symptoms (70.0%) and unwillingness to consult a healthcare professional (30.0%). None of the women ever underwent cervical screening or heard of the HPV vaccination.

Conclusions: Given the global effort to provide quality health care to all CC patients, Afghanistan needs interventions to reduce the delays in the diagnosis of this cancer, for instance by improving all women's awareness of gynecological signs and symptoms.
Impact of Window-to-Wall Ratio on Heating Demand and Thermal Comfort When Considering a Variety of Occupant Behavior Profiles
Authors: Veillette Debby , Rouleau Jean , Gosselin Louis
Published: December 2021

Energy consumption and thermal comfort in residential buildings are highly influenced by occupant behavior, which exhibits a high level of day-to-day and dwelling-to-dwelling variance. Although occupant behavior stochastic models have been developed in the past, the analysis or selection of a building design parameter is typically based on simulations that use a single “average” occupant behavior schedule which does not account for all possible profiles. The objective of this study is to enhance the understanding of how window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of a residential unit affects heating demand and thermal comfort when considering occupant behavior diversity through a parametric analysis. To do so, a stochastic occupant behavior model generates a high number of possible profiles, which are then used as input in an energy simulation of the dwelling. As a result, one obtains probability distributions of energy consumption and comfort for different WWR values. The paper shows that the shape of the probability distributions is affected by WWR and dwelling orientation, and that the influence of different occupant behavior aspects on performance also varies with WWR. This work could help designers to better assess the impact of WWR for a large spectrum of possible occupant behavior profiles.