bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Metabolomics, Proteomics and Transcriptomics Analysis Reveals Liver Toxicity of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jing , Sun Runbin , Xu Hui , Wang Guangji
Published: January 2022

As pharmaceutical excipients, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted considerable concern based on potential risks to the public. The impact of MSNs on biochemical metabolism is poorly understood, and few studies have compared the effects of MSNs administered via different routes. To evaluate the hepatotoxicity of MSNs, metabolomics, proteomics and transcriptomic analyses were performed in mice after intravenous (20 mg/kg/d) or oral ad-ministration (200 mg/kg/d) of MSNs for 10 days. Intravenous injection induced significant hepatic injury based on pathological inspection and increased the levels of AST/ALT and the inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-a. Omics data suggested intravenous administration of MSNs perturbed the following metabolites: succinate, hypoxanthine, GSSG, NADP+, NADPH and 6-phosphogluconic acid. In addition, increases in GPX, SOD3, G6PD, HK, and PFK at proteomic and transcriptomic levels suggested elevation of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, synthesis of glutathione and nucleotides, and antioxidative pathway activity, whereas oxidative phosphorylation, TCA and mitochondrial energy metabolism were reduced. On the other hand, oral administration of MSNs disturbed inflammatory factors and metabolites of ribose-5-phosphate, 6-phosphogluconate, GSSG, and NADP+ associated with the pentose phosphate pathway, glutathione synthesis and oxidative stress albeit to a lesser extent than intravenous injection despite the administration of a ten-fold greater dose. Overall, systematic biological data suggested that intravenous injection of nanoparticles of pharmaceutical excipients substantially affected hepatic metabolism function and induced oxidative stress and inflammation, whereas oral administration exhibited milder effects compared with intravenous injection.
3D Reconstruction of Non-Lambertian Surfaces by Perspective Shape-From-Shading With Fast Viscosity Solution
Authors: Wang Guohui , Zheng Hao
Published: January 2022

Shape-from-shading (SFS) is an important method to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) shape of a surface in photometry and computer vision. Lambertian surface reflectance and orthographic camera projection are two fundamental assumptions which generally result in undesirable reconstructed results since inaccurate imaging model is adopted. In this paper, we propose a new fast 3D shape reconstruction approach via the SFS method relaxing the two assumptions. To this end, the Oren-Nayar reflectance and perspective projection models are used to establish an image irradiance equation which depicts the relationship between the 3D shape of non-Lambertian surfaces and its corresponding two-dimensional (2D) shading image. Considering the light attenuation of the near point source, the image irradiance equation is transformed into a static Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation (PDE) by solving a quadratic equation. The viscosity solution of the resultant Hamilton-Jacobi PDE is approximated by using optimal control theory and iterative fast marching method starting from a viscosity supersolution. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated on both synthetic and real-world images and the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is accurate and fast.
Human Beta Defensin 2 Ameliorated Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Warner Jeffrey B. , Larsen Ida S. , Hardesty Josiah E. , Song Ying L. , Warner Dennis R. , McClain Craig J. , Sun Rui , Deng Zhongbin , Jensen Benjamin A. H. , Kirpich Irina A.
Published: January 2022

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is a prevalent liver disorder and significant global healthcare burden with limited effective therapeutic options. The gut-liver axis is a critical factor contributing to susceptibility to liver injury due to alcohol consumption. In the current study, we tested whether human beta defensin-2 (hBD-2), a small anti-microbial peptide, attenuates experimental chronic ALD. Male C57Bl/6J mice were fed an ethanol (EtOH)-containing diet for 6 weeks with daily administration of hBD-2 (1.2 mg/kg) by oral gavage during the final week. Two independent cohorts of mice with distinct baseline gut microbiota were used. Oral hBD-2 administration attenuated liver injury in both cohorts as determined by decreased plasma ALT activity. Notably, the degree of hBD-2-mediated reduction of EtOH-associated liver steatosis, hepatocellular death, and inflammation was different between cohorts, suggesting microbiota-specific mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of hBD-2. Indeed, we observed differential mechanisms of hBD-2 between cohorts, which included an induction of hepatic and small intestinal IL-17A and IL-22, as well as an increase in T regulatory cell abundance in the gut and mesenteric lymph nodes. Lastly, hBD-2 modulated the gut microbiota composition in EtOH-fed mice in both cohorts, with significant decreases in multiple genera including Barnesiella, Parabacteroides, Akkermansia, and Alistipes, as well as altered abundance of several bacteria within the family Ruminococcaceae. Collectively, our results demonstrated a protective effect of hBD-2 in experimental ALD associated with immunomodulation and microbiota alteration. These data suggest that while the beneficial effects of hBD-2 on liver injury are uniform, the specific mechanisms of action are associated with baseline microbiota.
Neuromuscular Fatigue Affects Calf Muscle Activation Strategies, but Not Dynamic Postural Balance Control in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Marcolin Giuseppe , Cogliati Marta , Cudicio Alessandro , Negro Francesco , Tonin Riccardo , Orizio Claudio , Paoli Antonio
Published: January 2022

Neuromuscular fatigue could negatively affect postural balance, but its effects on dynamic postural regulation are still debated. This study aimed to investigate whether a fatigue protocol on calf muscle could affect muscle activation strategies and dynamic balance performance. Seventeen male adults (age 24.1 ± 4.6 years; height 183.9 ± 7.2 cm; weight 80.2 ± 7.2 kg) volunteered in the study. They performed a dynamic test on an instrumented platform, which provided anterior-posterior oscillations on the sagittal plane, before and after a localized fatigue protocol. High-density surface electromyographical (EMG) signals were recorded bilaterally from the soleus and the medial gastrocnemius muscles. The fatigue protocol, consisting of two quasi-isometric tiptoe standing exercise to failure with a fixed load, did not affect the global dynamic balance performance. Conversely, the frequency value corresponding to 95% of the total power spectrum density of the angular displacement signal increased after fatigue (from 1.03 ± 0.42 to 1.31 ± 0.42 Hz; p < 0.05). The EMG analysis showed a significant difference in the PRE/POST fatigue ratio of the root-mean-square (RMS) between the soleus and the gastrocnemius medialis muscles. No differences were detected for the coefficient of variation and the barycenter coordinates of the RMS EMG values between muscles and sides. The variations in the frequency content of the angular displacement and EMG activity across muscles may be related to an increase in the calf muscles stiffness after fatigue. The role of neuromechanical calf muscle properties seems to be relevant in maintaining the dynamic postural performance after a quasi-isometric fatigue protocol until failure.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Approaches Deepen Our Knowledge of Plant–Endophyte Interactions
Authors: Chen Xue-liang , Sun Mei-chen , Chong Sun-li , Si Jin-ping , Wu Ling-shang
Published: January 2022

In natural systems, plant–symbiont–pathogen interactions play important roles in mitigating abiotic and biotic stresses in plants. Symbionts have their own special recognition ways, but they may share some similar characteristics with pathogens based on studies of model microbes and plants. Multi-omics technologies could be applied to study plant–microbe interactions, especially plant–endophyte interactions. Endophytes are naturally occurring microbes that inhabit plants, but do not cause apparent symptoms in them, and arise as an advantageous source of novel metabolites, agriculturally important promoters, and stress resisters in their host plants. Although biochemical, physiological, and molecular investigations have demonstrated that endophytes confer benefits to their hosts, especially in terms of promoting plant growth, increasing metabolic capabilities, and enhancing stress resistance, plant–endophyte interactions consist of complex mechanisms between the two symbionts. Further knowledge of these mechanisms may be gained by adopting a multi-omics approach. The involved interaction, which can range from colonization to protection against adverse conditions, has been investigated by transcriptomics and metabolomics. This review aims to provide effective means and ways of applying multi-omics studies to solve the current problems in the characterization of plant–microbe interactions, involving recognition and colonization. The obtained results should be useful for identifying the key determinants in such interactions and would also provide a timely theoretical and material basis for the study of interaction mechanisms and their applications.
Integration of Metabolome and Transcriptome Studies Reveals Flavonoids, Abscisic Acid, and Nitric Oxide Comodulating the Freezing Tolerance in Liriope spicata
Authors: Peng Zhen , Wang Ye , Zuo Wen-Tian , Gao Yue-Rong , Li Run-Zhi , Yu Chun-Xin , Liu Zi-Yan , Zheng Yi , Shen Yuan-Yue , Duan Liu-Sheng
Published: January 2022

Liriope spicata is an evergreen perennial ornamental groundcover with a strong freezing tolerance. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the freezing tolerance in L. spicata remains unclear. In this study, a comprehensive investigation of L. spicata freezing tolerance was conducted at the levels of physiology and biochemistry, metabolite, and transcript during the stress treatment. There were 581 unique differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 10,444 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between freezing treatment and normal cultured plant in leaves. Integrated analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics showed that flavonoid biosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and signal transduction pathways were prominently enriched in response to the freezing stress in L. spicata. Now, we identified genes and metabolites involved in the flavonoid pathway, abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis, and the oxidative synthesis pathway of nitric oxide (NO), which may form a regulatory network and play a synergistic effect in osmotic adjustment, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, and stomatal closure under freezing stress. These results offer a comprehensive network of flavonoids, ABA, and NO comodulating the freezing tolerance in L. spicata.
Implementation of Epigenetic Variation in Sorghum Selection and Implications for Crop Resilience Breeding
Authors: Ketumile Dikungwa , Yang Xiaodong , Sanchez Robersy , Kundariya Hardik , Rajewski John , Dweikat Ismail M. , Mackenzie Sally A.
Published: January 2022

Crop resilience and yield stability are complex traits essential for food security. Sorghum bicolor is an important grain crop that shows promise for its natural resilience to drought and potential for marginal land production. We have developed sorghum lines in the Tx430 genetic background suppressed for MSH1 expression as a means of inducing de novo epigenetic variation, and have used these materials to evaluate changes in plant growth vigor. Plant crossing and selection in two distinct environments revealed features of phenotypic plasticity derived from MSH1 manipulation. Introduction of an epigenetic variation to an isogenic sorghum population, in the absence of selection, resulted in 10% yield increase under ideal field conditions and 20% increase under extreme low nitrogen conditions. However, incorporation of early-stage selection amplified these outcomes to 36% yield increase under ideal conditions and 64% increase under marginal field conditions. Interestingly, the best outcomes were derived by selecting mid-range performance early-generation lines rather than highest performing. Data also suggested that phenotypic plasticity derived from the epigenetic variation was non-uniform in its response to environmental variability but served to reduce genotype × environment interaction. The MSH1-derived growth vigor appeared to be associated with enhanced seedling root growth and altered expression of auxin response pathways, and plants showed evidence of cold tolerance, features consistent with observations made previously in Arabidopsis. These data imply that the MSH1 system is conserved across plant species, pointing to the value of parallel model plant studies to help devise effective plant selection strategies for epigenetic breeding in multiple crops.
Genome-Wide Identification of the HD-ZIP III Subfamily in Upland Cotton Reveals the Involvement of GhHB8-5D in the Biosynthesis of Secondary Wall in Fiber and Drought Resistance
Authors: Zhang Jie , Gao Yanan , Feng Mengru , Cui Yuke , Li Shuaijie , Liu Le , Wang Ye , Xu Wenliang , Li Fuguang
Published: January 2022

A subfamily of transcription factors known as HD-ZIP III plays distinct roles in the secondary cell wall biosynthesis, which could be attributed to the quality of cotton fiber and adaptation to drought stress. In this study, 18 HD-ZIP III genes were identified as genome wide from the upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). These genes are distributed on 14 different chromosomes, and all of them have undergone segmental duplications. Numerous cis-elements were identified in the promoter regions, which are related to phytohormone responses and abiotic stresses. Expression profiling of these genes by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR illustrated their differential spatial expression, with preferential expression in cotton fiber. Among these genes, GhHB8-5D was predicted to encode a protein that is targeted to the cell nucleus and having self-activation ability. In addition, the ectopic expression of GhHB8-5D or its synonymous mutant GhHB8-5Dm in Arabidopsis resulted in stunted plant growth, curly leaves, and twisted inflorescence stems. Microscopy examination revealed that the morphology of vascular bundles and deposition of secondary wall had substantially altered in stems, which is concomitant with the significant alteration in the transcription levels of secondary wall-related genes in these transgenic Arabidopsis. Further, ectopic expression of GhHB8-5D or GhHB8-5Dm in Arabidopsis also led to significant increase in green seedling rate and reduction in root length relative to wild type when the plants were grown under mimicked drought stress conditions. Taken together, our results may shed new light on the functional roles of GhHB8-5D that is attributable for secondary cell wall thickening in response to drought stress. Such a finding may facilitate a novel strategy for improving plant adaptations to environmental changes via regulating the biosynthesis of secondary cell wall.
Exogenous Application of Salicylic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide Ameliorate Cadmium Stress in Milk Thistle by Enhancing Morpho-Physiological Attributes Grown at Two Different Altitudes
Authors: Nizar Mereen , Shaukat Kanval , Zahra Noreen , Hafeez Muhammad Bilal , Raza Ali , Samad Abdul , Ali Qasim , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Ali Hayssam M.
Published: January 2022

Cadmium (Cd+2) is a potential and widespread toxic environmental pollutant, mainly derived from a rapid industrial process that has inhibitory effects on growth, physiological, and biochemical attributes of various plant species, including medicinal plants such asSilybum marianumL. Gaertn commonly known as milk thistle. Plant signaling molecules, when applied exogenously, help to enhance/activate endogenous biosynthesis of potentially important signaling molecules and antioxidants that boost tolerance against various abiotic stresses, e.g., heavy metal stress. The present study documented the protective role of salicylic acid (SA;0.25 μM) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 10 μM) priming, foliar spray, and combinational treatments in reducing Cd+2toxicity (500 μM) in milk thistle grown at two diverse ecological zones of Balochistan Province of Pakistan i.e., Quetta (Qta) and Turbat (Tbt). The morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of milk thistle were significantly affected by Cd+2toxicity; however, priming and foliar spray of SA and H2O2significantly improved the growth attributes (root/shoot length, leaf area, and root/shoot fresh and dry weight), photosynthetic pigments (Chla,b, and carotenoids) and secondary metabolites (Anthocyanin, Soluble phenolics, and Tannins) at both altitudes by suppressing the negative impact of Cd+2. However, the oxidative damage parameters, i.e., MDA and H2O2, decreased astonishingly under the treatment of signaling molecules, thereby protecting membrane integrity under Cd+2stress. The morphological variations were profound at the low altitude (Tbt) as compared to the high altitude (Qta). Interestingly, the physiological and biochemical attributes at both altitudes improved under SA and H2O2treatments, thus hampered the toxic effect of Cd+2. These signaling compounds enhanced tolerance of plants under heavy metal stress conditions with the consideration of altitudinal, and ambient temperature variations remain to be the key concerns.
Flower and Spikelet Construction in Rapateaceae (Poales)
Authors: Koblova Sofia D. , Rudall Paula J. , Sokoloff Dmitry D. , Stevenson Dennis W. , Remizowa Margarita V.
Published: January 2022

The family Rapateaceae represents an early-divergent lineage of Poales with biotically pollinated showy flowers. We investigate developmental morphology and anatomy in all three subfamilies and five tribes of Rapateaceae to distinguish between contrasting hypotheses on spikelet morphology and to address questions on the presence of nectaries and gynoecium structure. We support an interpretation of the partial inflorescence (commonly termed spikelet), as a uniaxial system composed of a terminal flower and numerous empty phyllomes. A terminal flower in an inflorescence unit is an autapomorphic feature of Rapateaceae. The gynoecium consists of synascidiate, symplicate, and usually asymplicate zones, with gynoecium formation encompassing congenital and often also postgenital fusions between carpels. Species of Rapateaceae differ in the relative lengths of the gynoecial zones, the presence or absence of postgenital fusion between the carpels and placentation in the ascidiate or plicate carpel zones. In contrast with previous reports, septal nectaries are lacking in all species. The bird-pollinated tribe Schoenocephalieae is characterized by congenital syncarpy; it displays an unusual type of gynoecial (non-septal) nectary represented by a secretory epidermis at the gynoecium base.
Miscarriage, Perceived Ostracism, and Trauma: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Wesselmann Eric D. , Parris Leandra
Published: January 2022

Miscarriage often is a traumatic experience with serious mental health implications. Friends and family members are often uncomfortable with and avoid discussing the topic with bereaved individuals, potentially making them feel ostracized (i.e., being ignored and excluded), contributing to their mental health concerns. We investigated the correlation between posttraumatic stress symptoms, perceived ostracism, and recalled grief intensity measures in a sample of cisgender women (N = 97) who have had a miscarriage. These participants were recruited using Qualtrics’s Panel Recruitment Services. Women’s perceived ostracism correlated positively with posttraumatic stress symptoms and negatively with grief congruence (i.e., the degree to which they felt that their miscarriage process was as satisfactory as possible, given they had to experience it). Perceived ostracism also explained additional variance in posttraumatic stress symptoms when considered alongside grief intensity measures (e.g., congruence).
Sickness Presenteeism in the Aftermath of COVID-19: Is Presenteeism Remote-Work Behavior the New (Ab)normal?
Authors: Ferreira Aristides I. , Mach Merce , Martinez Luis F. , Miraglia Mariella
Published: January 2022

Due to the confinement imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic situation, companies adopted remote work more than ever. The rapid rise of remote work also affected local life and many employers introduced or extended their telework activities because of the associated advantages. However, despite the evident positive benefits, some employees were pressured to work remotely while ill. This evidence brought new challenges to the presenteeism literature. This article investigates how individual, economic/societal, and organizational/sectorial/supervisory-related variables can moderate the role of a contagious disease, such as the COVID-19, in explaining presenteeism behavior. Moreover, the current research presents a multi-level conceptual model (i.e., organizational, individual, supervisory factors) to describe how a new construct of remote-work presenteeism behavior mediates the relationship between different post pandemic health conditions (e.g., allergies, back pain, depression, anxiety) and future cumulative negative consequences. The authors suggested that the widespread pervasive adoption of remote work because of COVID-19 has important implications for the presenteeism literature and opens avenues for further research.
Anticipating Greater Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Life Is Associated With Reduced Adherence to Disease-Mitigating Guidelines
Authors: Plate Rista C. , Jenkins Adrianna C.
Published: January 2022

People regularly make decisions about how often and with whom to interact. During an epidemic of communicable disease, these decisions gain new weight, as individual choices exert more direct influence on collective health and wellbeing. While much attention has been paid to how people’s concerns about the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic affect their engagement in behaviors that could curb (or accelerate) the spread of the disease, less is understood about how people’s concerns about the pandemic’s impact on their social lives affect these outcomes. Across three studies (total N = 654), we find that individuals’ estimates of the pandemic’s social (vs. health) impact are associated with an unwillingness to curtail social interaction and follow other Centers for Disease Control guidelines as the pandemic spreads. First, these associations are present in self-report data of participants’ own behaviors and behavior across hypothetical scenarios; second, participants’ estimates of the pandemic’s impact on social life in their location of residence are associated with movement data collected unobtrusively from mobile phones in those locations. We suggest that perceptions of social impact could be a potential mechanism underlying, and therefore potential intervention target for addressing, disease-preventing behavior during a pandemic.
Ambivalent Stereotypes and Persuasion: Attitudinal Effects of Warmth vs. Competence Ascribed to Message Sources
Authors: Linne Roman , Schäfer Melanie , Bohner Gerd
Published: January 2022

The stereotype content model (Fiske et al., 2002) defines warmth and competence as basic dimensions of social judgment, with warmth often dominating perceptions; it also states that many group-related stereotypes are ambivalent, featuring high levels on one dimension and low levels on the other. Persuasion theories feature both direct and indirect source effects (Bohner et al., 1995). Combining both the approaches, we studied the persuasiveness of ambivalently stereotyped sources. Participants (total n = 296) read persuasive arguments attributed to groups stereotyped as either low in competence but high in warmth (e.g., housewives) or vice versa (e.g., lawyers). In Study 1, high competence/low warmth sources were more persuasive than low competence/high warmth sources. In Study 2, this pattern replicated when an accuracy motive had been induced, whereas it reversed when a connectedness motive had been induced. These source effects were direct, that is, independent of message processing. We discuss our findings in terms of the persuasiveness of warmth vs. competence of the source as being dependent on recipient motivation; we also consider theoretical implications and perspectives for future research.
Nursing Students’ Emotional State and Perceived Competence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Vital Role of Teacher and Peer Support
Authors: Utvær Britt Karin , Torbergsen Hanne , Paulsby Tove Engan , Haugan Gørill
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the shutdown of society and created sudden and long-lasting changes in teaching practices, forcing many nursing students to study remotely at home. These students’ relatedness with their teachers and peers has been limited and mainly online. Several studies have indicated that students’ emotional states and mental health have been negatively affected by the pandemic, representing a serious challenge for many countries. Because they use only digital tools, online students have perceived a decline in teacher and peer support. Likewise, these students have reported feelings of sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and stress, affecting their learning and competence development.

Aims

To investigate the associations between peer support, teacher support, emotional state, and perceived competence in nursing students during the pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected quantitative survey data from 329 nursing students at a large university in Norway. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test seven associations among peer support, teacher support, emotional state, and perceived competence.

Results

Teacher support had a significant direct effect on perceived competence, while peer support almost had a significant direct effect. However, the emotional state was directly affected by peer support and had a direct impact on perceived competence. Hence, teacher and peer support is important to nursing students’ perceived competence.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both peer and teacher support can significantly support students’ competence development. Therefore, students should utilize the support of their teachers and peers in a structured manner to bolster their competence development.
Parenting Styles and Disordered Eating Among Youths: A Rapid Scoping Review
Authors: Hampshire Chloe , Mahoney Bérénice , Davis Sarah K.
Published: January 2022

Youth is a critical period in the development of maladaptive eating behaviors. Previous systematic reviews suggest the etiological significance of parent-child relationships for the onset of disordered eating in youth, but less is known about the role of parenting styles. This rapid scoping review aimed to identify whether research supports the role of parenting styles in the development of disordered eating symptoms among youths. Sixteen studies, retrieved from three databases (PsycArticles, PsycInfo, and BASE), met the inclusion criteria: original studies, published in English, examined the effect of parenting styles (authoritative or neglectful) on cognitive (drives for thinness and body dissatisfaction) and behavioral (weight control behaviors) disordered eating outcomes, among young people up to 18 years of age. Studies supported an association between various youth disordered eating symptoms such as unhealthy weight control behaviors, and experiences of adverse parenting styles characterized by high levels of control and low levels of responsiveness. Associations between adverse parenting styles and youth disordered eating were frequently indirect and differed depending on the sex of the parent and offspring. Synthesis of findings was limited due to variation in the operationalization and measurement of parenting styles, family context and disordered eating across studies. Longitudinal and standardized research is required to better understand the dynamic associations between parenting styles and youth disordered eating. Implications for family-based care in clinical practice are discussed.
The Relationship Between Psychological Capital and Teacher Career Commitment in Ethnic Areas of China: The Mediating Effects of Gratitude and Career Well-Being
Authors: Hu Dong , Zhou Tianmei , Zhou Kaiji , Deng Fang
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics, relationships and mechanisms underlying the psychological capital, career commitment, gratitude and career well-being of teachers in ethnic areas. In total, 573 primary school and secondary school teachers in Sichuan Province (including 402 teachers in ethnic regions and 171 teachers in non-ethnic areas) were investigated. Following questionnaires were used to investigate these questions: “Psychological Capital Questionnaire for Primary and Secondary School Teachers,” “Gratitude Questionnaire,” “Teacher Career Well-being Questionnaire” and “Career Commitment Questionnaire for Primary and Secondary School Teachers.” The results show that the psychological capital of teachers in ethnic areas is higher than that of teachers in non-ethnic areas. Teachers in ethnic areas have lower levels of career well-being and lower levels of gratitude than teachers in non-ethnic areas. There was no significant difference in career commitment between teachers in ethnic areas and teachers in non-ethnic areas. There were significant positive correlations among psychological capital, gratitude, career well-being and career commitment. Psychological capital can predict career commitment significantly and positively. The mediating effect of career well-being between teachers’ psychological capital and career commitment was significant in both ethnic areas and non-ethnic areas. The chain of mediating effects between gratitude and career well-being was significant in non-ethnic areas. In conclusion, psychological capital can predict teacher career commitment effectively, and the prediction mechanism in ethnic areas is different from that in non-ethnic areas.
Conceptualization and Measurement of Flow in a Chinese Blended English as a Foreign Language Learning Context
Authors: Wang Xin , Huang Chenguang
Published: January 2022

This study takes a holistic view of flow and anti-flow experiences as interactive subsystems in blended English as a foreign language (EFL) learning and examines the dynamic complex construct in the field of instructed second language acquisition (ISLA). We first rephrased the 22-item Classroom Flow Questionnaire (CFQ) to better reflect the context of blended EFL learning. The modified CFQ was then administered to 661 first language Chinese EFL learners. A final 14-item Foreign Language Flow Scale (FLFS) was developed based on results from a series of reliability (e.g., item analysis, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability) and validity (e.g., construct validity, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion validity) tests. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results have demonstrated that foreign language learning flow is a three-dimensional construct involving Enjoyment, Boredom, and Anxiety, thus conceptualizing and validating flow as a continuum with both positive and negative ends. Moreover, participants reported that they experienced the lowest degree of enjoyment, while with respect to the negative flow, they almost experienced similar degree of boredom and anxiety. The present study contributes to the development of the conceptual framework for flow in ISLA as well as constructive pedagogical implications for L2 researchers and educators. Suggestions for future research are also provided.
Mental Pain Surrounding Suicidal Behaviour: A Review of What Has Been Described and Clinical Recommendations for Help
Authors: Morales Susana , Barros Jorge
Published: January 2022

Objective

To conduct a comprehensive review of scientific publications related to mental pain and suicide risk in order to deepen relevant aspects to guide clinical interventions.

Method

Using a text analysis tool, we collected the terms most frequently linked with that situation in published results of research using various tools to evaluate mental pain or psychache.

Discussion

We propose clinical interventions for the clinical conditions most commonly associated with mental pain.
Impact of Long-Term Home Quarantine on Mental Health and Physical Activity of People in Shanghai During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhu Wentong , Xu Doudou , Li Hui , Xu Gang , Tian Jingyan , Lyu Luheng , Wan Naifu , Wei Lijiang , Rong Wuwei , Liu Chenchen , Wu Beiwen , Bian Xiaolan , Lyu Ankang
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term home quarantine on the mental health of people during the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai. We conducted an online questionnaire survey on March 26 2020 and collected data on demographics, level of physical activity (PA), and mental health status of the participants. We assessed the mental health status using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), whereas PA was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Of all 2,409 valid samples, participants reported performing a total of 2015.20 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-minutes/week of total PA before the outbreak period and 1720.29 MET-minutes/week of total PA during the outbreak period (p < 0.001). Participants who spent a longer time at home reported to have a better performance on the PHQ-9 (p = 0.087) and GAD-7 (p < 0.001). A high level of PA was considered an protective factor against depression (OR = 0.755, 95% CI 0.603–0.944, p < 0.001). Additionally, a high level of PA had a preventative effect on anxiety (OR = 0.741, 95% CI 0.568–0.967, p < 0.001), and a longer working period during the outbreak was shown to be a risk factor for anxiety (11–29 days, OR 1.455, 95% CI 1.110–1.909; 30–60 days OR 1.619, 95% CI 1.227–2.316). Home confinement during the pandemic might not have a negative effect on mental health provided that people engage in more PA indoors. This study encourages interventions for mental health problems through physical exercise.
Estimating Child Mortality at the Sub-national Level in Papua New Guinea: Evidence From the Integrated Health and Demographic Surveillance System
Authors: Pham Bang Nguyen , Emori Rebecca Bogarobu , Ha Tam , Parrish Anne-Maree , Okely Anthony D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Child mortality is an important indication of an effective public health system. Data sources available for the estimation of child mortality in Papua New Guinea (PNG) are limited.

Objective

The objective of this study was to provide child mortality estimates at the sub-national level in PNG using new data from the integrated Health and Demographic Surveillance System (iHDSS).

Method

Using direct estimation and indirect estimation methods, household vital statistics and maternal birth history data were analysed to estimate three key child health indicators: Under 5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) for the period 2014–2017. Differentials of estimates were evaluated by comparing the mean relative differences between the two methods.

Results

The direct estimations showed U5MR of 93, IMR of 51 and NMR of 34 per 1000 live births for all the sites in the period 2014–2017. The indirect estimations reported an U5MR of 105 and IMR of 67 per 1000 live births for all the sites in 2014. The mean relative differences in U5MR and IMR estimates between the two methods were 3 and 24 percentage points, respectively. U5MR estimates varied across the surveillance sites, with the highest level observed in Hela Province (136), and followed by Eastern Highlands (122), Madang (105), and Central (42).

Discussion

The indirect estimations showed higher estimates for U5MR and IMR than the direct estimations. The differentials between IMR estimates were larger than between U5MR estimates, implying the U5MR estimates are more reliable than IMR estimates. The variations in child mortality estimates between provinces highlight the impact of contextual factors on child mortality. The high U5MR estimates were likely associated with inequality in socioeconomic development, limited access to healthcare services, and a result of the measles outbreaks that occurred in the highlands region from 2014-2017.

Conclusion

The iHDSS has provided reliable data for the direct and indirect estimations of child mortality at the sub-national level. This data source is complementary to the existing national data sources for monitoring and reporting child mortality in PNG.
Workplace Experiences of Women With Disability in Sport Organizations
Authors: Hanlon Clare , Taylor Tracy
Published: January 2022

Women with disability often experience barriers to employment and career progression, most notably in hyper-masculinised industry sectors such as sport. Applying an intersectionality lens and insights from critical disability theory, this research explores the lived experiences of eight women with varying types of disability through their stories of working and volunteering in sport organizations in Victoria (Australia). Analyses of the interviews highlighted the importance that these women attached to their identity as a woman with disability and the intrapersonal and organizational factors that impacted on initial sport workplace attraction and retention. The findings discuss the relationship management strategies adopted to manage these factors in workplace interactions. The interactive effect between disability and gender contributes to building a meaningful understanding of the intersectionality for women with disability in sport organizations.
6-Formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole, a Potent Ligand for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Produced Both Endogenously and by Microorganisms, can Either Promote or Restrain Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Rannug Agneta
Published: January 2022

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) binds major physiological modifiers of the immune system. The endogenous 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), which binds with higher affinity than any other compound yet tested, including TCDD, plays a well-documented role in maintaining the homeostasis of the intestines and skin. The effects of transient activation of AHR by FICZ differ from those associated with continuous stimulation and, depending on the dose, include either differentiation into T helper 17 cells that express proinflammatory cytokines or into regulatory T cells or macrophages with anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, in experimental models of human diseases high doses stimulate the production of immunosuppressive cytokines and suppress pathogenic autoimmunity. In our earlier studies we characterized the formation of FICZ from tryptophan via the precursor molecules indole-3-pyruvate and indole-3-acetaldehyde. In the gut formation of these precursor molecules is catalyzed by microbial aromatic-amino-acid transaminase ArAT. Interestingly, tryptophan can also be converted into indole-3-pyruvate by the amino-acid catabolizing enzyme interleukin-4 induced gene 1 (IL4I1), which is secreted by host immune cells. By thus generating derivatives of tryptophan that activate AHR, IL4I1 may have a role to play in anti-inflammatory responses, as well as in a tumor escape mechanism that reduces survival in cancer patients. The realization that FICZ can be produced from tryptophan by sunlight, by enzymes expressed in our cells (IL4I1), and by microorganisms as well makes it highly likely that this compound is ubiquitous in humans. A diurnal oscillation in the level of FICZ that depends on the production by the fluctuating number of microbes might influence not only intestinal and dermal immunity locally, but also systemic immunity.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus Infection in Healthy Cats in Thailand
Authors: Sprißler Fabienne , Jongwattanapisan Prapaporn , Luengyosluechakul Supol , Pusoonthornthum Rosama , Reese Sven , Bergmann Michèle , Hartmann Katrin
Published: January 2022

Infections with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) occur worldwide and are among the most important infectious diseases in cats. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of FIV and FeLV infection in healthy outdoor cats in North, Northeast and Central Thailand. So far, a study on retrovirus prevalence of healthy cats in Thailand in a larger geographic area has not been published yet. In addition, risk factors for FIV and FeLV infections were evaluated. Two hundred sixty healthy cats were prospectively recruited. They originated from 13 locations in North, Northeast, and Central Thailand and were presented for either preventive health care and/or neutering. In each cat, a physical examination was performed to confirm health status. FIV and FeLV status was determined using a commercial rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (SNAP Combo Plus FeLV/FIV, IDEXX). Risk factors were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Samples of 15/260 (5.8%) cats were positive for FIV antibodies, and 11/260 (4.2%) samples were positive for FeLV antigen. One of the 260 (0.4%) cats was positive for both, FIV and FeLV infection. In binary logistic regression analysis, no parameter was associated with a higher risk for FeLV infection. However, cats had a significantly (p= 0.025) higher risk for FIV infection when they were 2 years or older. FIV and FeLV infections occur in healthy cats in North, Northeast and Central Thailand, but prevalence was lower than expected. No risk factors for FeLV infection were detected, but risk for FIV infection increases with age.
Chemotherapy Side-Effects: Not All DNA Damage Is Equal
Authors: van den Boogaard Winnie M. C. , Komninos Daphne S. J. , Vermeij Wilbert P.
Published: January 2022

Recent advances have increased survival rates of children and adults suffering from cancer thanks to effective anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy. However, during treatment and later in life they are frequently confronted with the severe negative side-effects of their life-saving treatment. The occurrence of numerous features of accelerated aging, seriously affecting quality of life, has now become one of the most pressing problems associated with (pediatric) cancer treatment. Chemotherapies frequently target and damage the DNA, causing mutations or genome instability, a major hallmark of both cancer and aging. However, there are numerous types of chemotherapeutic drugs that are genotoxic and interfere with DNA metabolism in different ways, each with their own biodistribution, kinetics, and biological fate. Depending on the type of DNA lesion produced (e.g., interference with DNA replication or RNA transcription), the organ or cell type inflicted (e.g., cell cycle or differentiation status, metabolic state, activity of clearance and detoxification mechanisms, the cellular condition or micro-environment), and the degree of exposure, outcomes of cancer treatment can largely differ. These considerations provide a conceptual framework in which different classes of chemotherapeutics contribute to the development of toxicities and accelerated aging of different organ systems. Here, we summarize frequently observed side-effects in (pediatric) ex-cancer patients and discuss which types of DNA damage might be responsible.
Nonmalignant Features Associated with Inherited Colorectal Cancer Syndromes-Clues for Diagnosis
Authors: Haimov Diana , Lieberman Sari , Castellvi-Bel Sergi , Nielsen Maartje , Goldberg Yael
Published: January 2022

Genetic diagnosis of affected individuals and predictive testing of their at-risk relatives, combined with intensive cancer surveillance, has an enormous cancer-preventive potential in these families. A lack of awareness may be part of the reason why the underlying germline cause remains unexplained in a large proportion of patients with CRC. Various extracolonic features, mainly dermatologic, ophthalmic, dental, endocrine, vascular, and reproductive manifestations occur in many of the cancer predisposition syndromes associated with CRC and polyposis. Some are mediated via the WNT, TGF-β, or mTOR pathways. However the pathogenesis of most features is still obscure. Here we review the extracolonic features of the main syndromes, the existing information regarding their prevalence, and the pathways involved in their pathogenesis. This knowledge could be useful for care managers from different professional disciplines, and used to raise awareness, enable diagnosis, and assist in the process of genetic testing and interpretation.
Transforming Waste Clamshell into Highly Selective Nanostructured Catalysts for Solvent Free Liquid Phase Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol
Authors: Saffari Nafiseh Sadat , Aghabarari Behzad , Javaheri Masoumeh , Khanlarkhani Ali , Martinez-Huerta Maria Victoria
Published: January 2022

High yield production of benzaldehyde in the solvent-free oxidation of benzyl alcohol by using green catalysts is highly desirable. In this work, calcium hydroxide derived from waste clamshell was used as low-cost and environmentally friendly catalyst support (CaSUP) for Pd and V nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were analyzed using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The catalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was studied in a liquid phase reaction by using H2O2 as an oxidizing agent. The effects of catalyst loading, the molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to benzyl alcohol, temperature and reaction duration were investigated. In the optimized conditions, Pd nanoparticles supported on clamshell-derived supports displayed excellent catalytic conversion (88%) and selectivity to benzaldehyde (89%). Furthermore, the catalyst can be effectively reused without a significant loss in its activity and selectivity. The high yield and stability can be related to the structural and basic properties of the catalyst. These results provide important insights into the benzyl alcohol oxidation process for industrial applications.
Diagnosis of Depressive Disorder Model on Facial Expression Based on Fast R-CNN
Authors: Lee Young-Shin , Park Won-Hyung
Published: January 2022

This study examines related literature to propose a model based on artificial intelligence (AI), that can assist in the diagnosis of depressive disorder. Depressive disorder can be diagnosed through a self-report questionnaire, but it is necessary to check the mood and confirm the consistency of subjective and objective descriptions. Smartphone-based assistance in diagnosing depressive disorders can quickly lead to their identification and provide data for intervention provision. Through fast region-based convolutional neural networks (R-CNN), a deep learning method that recognizes vector-based information, a model to assist in the diagnosis of depressive disorder can be devised by checking the position change of the eyes and lips, and guessing emotions based on accumulated photos of the participants who will repeatedly participate in the diagnosis of depressive disorder.