bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) suppresses apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 to protect against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Sanyang , Yu Qiwen , Song Yaodong , Cui Zongchao , Li Mengke , Mei Chaopeng , Cui Huning , Cao Shengli , Zhu Changju
Published: September 2022

Background: Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major complication leading to surgical failures in liver resection, transplantation, and hemorrhagic shock. The role of cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in hepatic I/R injury is unclear.

Methods: We examined changes of MIF expression in mice after hepatic I/R surgery and hepatocytes challenged with hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) insult. Subsequently, MIF global knock-out mice and mice with adeno-associated-virus (AAV)-delivered MIF overexpression were subjected to hepatic I/R injury. Hepatic histology, the inflammatory response, apoptosis and oxidative stress were monitored to assess liver damage. The molecular mechanisms of MIF function were explored in vivo and in vitro.

Results: MIF was significantly upregulated in the serum whereas decreased in liver tissues of mice after hepatic I/R injury. MIF knock-out effectively attenuated I/R -induced liver inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro, whereas MIF overexpression significantly aggravated liver injury. Via RNA-seq analysis, we found a significant decreased trend of MAPK pathway in MIF knock-out mice subjected hepatic I/R surgery. Using the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitor NQDI-1 we determined that, mechanistically, the protective effect of MIF deficiency on hepatic I/R injury was dependent on the suppressing of the ASK1-JNK/P38 signaling pathway. Moreover, we found MIF inhibitor ISO-1 alleviate hepatic I/R injury in mice.

Conclusion: Our results confirm that MIF deficiency suppresses the ASK1-JNK/P38 pathway and protects the liver from I/R -induced injury. Our findings suggest MIF as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic I/R injury.
Evaluation of the combination effect of rutin and vitamin C supplementation on the oxidative stress and inflammation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Omar Samia , El Borolossy Radwa Maher , Elsaid Tamer , Sabri Nagwa A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk of malnutrition, cardiovascular complications, and all-cause mortality due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Some studies have demonstrated that rutin attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in CKD rats, but its effects in HD patients are unknown to date.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rutin and vitamin C versus vitamin C alone on oxidative stress and inflammation in HD patients.

Methods: A prospective randomized, open-label, controlled trial enrolled on hundred and five HD patients divided into three groups as follows: patients in group 1 were given a rutin/vitamin C combination (Ruta C group as the combination trade name is known as Ruta C 60 tablets), patients in group 2 were given vitamin C (1 g) (vitamin C group), and group 3 was the control group; the study period was 16 weeks. The following were assessed at baseline and at the end of the study: serum malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), lipid profile levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Results: It was found that vitamin C significantly increased serum GPx in group 2 (p = 0.001) compared to a non-significant result in both group 1 and 3; in addition, serum MDA and TNF-α values had decreased significantly in the three groups compared to their baselines; however, a non-significant difference was seen among the studied groups at the end of the study. On the other hand, MDA levels were reduced by 50% in interventional groups compared to 28% in the control group, while the Ruta C group showed an 80% reduction in the level of TNF α compared to the 78% reduction observed in the vitamin C group, and finally, the interventional drugs showed a significant improvement in the lipid profile.

Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation alone for 16 weeks had a potential effect on the antioxidant’s GPx activity. Moreover, it was reported that both vitamin C alone or the rutin/vitamin C combination (Ruta C) showed a protective role against lipid peroxidation, evidenced by the reduced levels of MDA. Finally, rutin had a favorable synergistic effect with vitamin C in reducing TG and TNF-α levels and increasing HDL-C level.
A novel gene signature based on the hub genes of COVID-19 predicts the prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Guo Run , Zhou Yuefei , Lin Fang , Li Mengxing , Tan Chunting , Xu Bo
Published: September 2022

Background: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that there was a strong correlation between COVID-19 and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, the studies are limited, and the real biological mechanisms behind the IPF progression were still uncleared.

Methods: GSE70866 and GSE 157103 datasets were downloaded. The weight gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithms were conducted to identify the most correlated gene module with COVID-19. Then the genes were extracted to construct a risk signature in IPF patients by performing Univariate and Lasso Cox Regression analysis. Univariate and Multivariate Cox Regression analyses were used to identify the independent value for predicting the prognosis of IPF patients. What’s more, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were conducted to unveil the potential biological pathways. CIBERSORT algorithms were performed to calculate the correlation between the risk score and immune cells infiltrating levels.

Results: Two hundred thirty three differentially expressed genes were calculated as the hub genes in COVID-19. Fourteen of these genes were identified as the prognostic differentially expressed genes in IPF. Three (MET, UCHL1, and IGF1) of the fourteen genes were chosen to construct the risk signature. The risk signature can greatly predict the prognosis of high-risk and low-risk groups based on the calculated risk score. The functional pathway enrichment analysis and immune infiltrating analysis showed that the risk signature may regulate the immune-related pathways and immune cells.

Conclusion: We identified prognostic differentially expressed hub genes related to COVID-19 in IPF. A risk signature was constructed based on those genes and showed great value for predicting the prognosis in IPF patients. What’s more, three genes in the risk signature may be clinically valuable as potential targets for treating IPF patients and IPF patients with COVID-19.
Fluoroquinolone-associated suspected tendonitis and tendon rupture: A pharmacovigilance analysis from 2016 to 2021 based on the FAERS database
Authors: Shu Yamin , Zhang Qilin , He Xucheng , Liu Yanxin , Wu Pan , Chen Li
Published: September 2022

Objective: The objective of this study was to scientifically and systematically explore the association between fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin) and tendonitis and tendon rupture through the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Methods: Disproportionality analysis was used to quantify the signals of fluoroquinolone-associated suspected tendonitis and tendon rupture based on the FAERS data from January 2016 to March 2021. Clinical characteristics, the onset time, oral and intravenous administrations, and the serious outcomes of fluoroquinolone-associated tendonitis and tendon rupture were further analyzed.

Results: Out of 35,667 fluoroquinolone-associated adverse events recorded in the FAERS database during the study period, 1,771 tendonitis and 1,018 tendon ruptures induced by fluoroquinolones as the suspected drug were analyzed, with a median age of 49.88–63.87 years. All three fluoroquinolones detected positive signals of tendonitis and tendon rupture in the four methods. Ciprofloxacin had the strongest statistical association with tendonitis with the highest positive signal values (ROR 98.50, PRR 93.25, IC 6.15, and EBGM 76.80), while levofloxacin showed the strongest statistical association with tendon rupture (ROR 76.38, PRR 73.75, IC 5.84, and EBGM 63.89). Compared with ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, moxifloxacin was relatively weakly associated with tendonitis and tendon rupture. Oral fluoroquinolone-induced tendonitis and tendon rupture had a stronger signal strength than intravenous administration. The majority of fluroquinolone-related suspected tendonitis and tendon rupture tended to occur within a few days or one month. As for the disability rate of tendonitis, ciprofloxacin counted the highest (n = 461, 50.94%), with moxifloxacin the lowest (n = 20, 29.41%).

Conclusion: Fluoroquinolone-induced tendonitis and tendon rupture tended to occur early and might result in serious outcomes. Our study provided valuable references for early identification of the risk of fluoroquinolone-induced tendonitis and tendon rupture.
The manipulation of ultracold atoms of high orbitals in optical lattices
Authors: Jin Shengjie , Chen Xuzong , Zhou Xiaoji
Published: September 2022

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices are a powerful tool for quantum simulation, precise measurement, and quantum computation. A fundamental problem in applying this quantum system is how to manipulate the higher bands or orbitals in Bloch states effectively. Here we mainly review our methods for manipulating high orbital ultracold atoms in optical lattices with different configurations. Based on these methods, we construct the atom-orbital qubit under nonadiabatic holonomic quantum control and Ramsey interferometry with trapped motional quantum states. Then we review the observation of the novel quantum states and the study of the dynamical evolution of the high orbital atoms in optical lattices. The effective manipulation of the high orbitals provides strong support for applying ultracold atoms in the optical lattice in many fields.
Significance of m6A regulatory factor in gene expression and immune function of osteoarthritis
Authors: Xie Xiaoyan , Zhang Yun , Yu Jian , Jiang Feng , Wu Chuyan
Published: September 2022

One of the most prevalent posttranscriptional modifications of eukaryotic mRNA is the RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulator, which plays a significant role in various illnesses. The involvement of m6A regulators in osteoarthritis (OA) is not fully known. By comparing nonosteoarthritic and osteoarthritic patients, 26 important m6A regulators were identified from the gene expression omnibus GSE48556 dataset. Seven candidate m6A regulators (IGFBP3, WTAP, IGFBP1, HNRNPC, RBM15B, YTHDC1, and METTL3) were screened using a random forest model to assess the likelihood of OA. A column line graph model founded on seven m6A modulator candidates was created. According to decision curve analysis, patients might profit from the column line graph model. Based on chosen relevant m6A modifiers, a consensus clustering approach was utilized to categorize OA into two m6A categories (group A and group B). To measure the m6A pattern, a principal component analysis technique was created to generate the m6A score for every sample. Cluster A patients exhibited more excellent m6A scores than cluster B patients. Furthermore, we discovered that patients with lower and higher m6A scores had varied immunological responses using the m6A type. At last, m6A regulators contribute significantly to the progression of OA. Our research on m6A patterns might help to guide further OA immunotherapeutic techniques.
The inspection paradox: An important consideration in the evaluation of rotor lifetimes in cardiac fibrillation
Authors: Jenkins Evan V. , Dharmaprani Dhani , Schopp Madeline , Quah Jing Xian , Tiver Kathryn , Mitchell Lewis , Xiong Feng , Aguilar Martin , Pope Kenneth , Akar Fadi G. , Roney Caroline H. , Niederer Steven A. , Nattel Stanley , Nash Martyn P. , Clayton Richard H. , Ganesan Anand N.
Published: September 2022

Background and Objective: Renewal theory is a statistical approach to model the formation and destruction of phase singularities (PS), which occur at the pivots of spiral waves. A common issue arising during observation of renewal processes is an inspection paradox, due to oversampling of longer events. The objective of this study was to characterise the effect of a potential inspection paradox on the perception of PS lifetimes in cardiac fibrillation.

Methods: A multisystem, multi-modality study was performed, examining computational simulations (Aliev-Panfilov (APV) model, Courtmanche-Nattel model), experimentally acquired optical mapping Atrial and Ventricular Fibrillation (AF/VF) data, and clinically acquired human AF and VF. Distributions of all PS lifetimes across full epochs of AF, VF, or computational simulations, were compared with distributions formed from lifetimes of PS existing at 10,000 simulated commencement timepoints.

Results: In all systems, an inspection paradox led towards oversampling of PS with longer lifetimes. In APV computational simulations there was a mean PS lifetime shift of +84.9% (95% CI, ± 0.3%) (p < 0.001 for observed vs overall), in Courtmanche-Nattel simulations of AF +692.9% (95% CI, ±57.7%) (p < 0.001), in optically mapped rat AF +374.6% (95% CI, ± 88.5%) (p = 0.052), in human AF mapped with basket catheters +129.2% (95% CI, ±4.1%) (p < 0.05), human AF-HD grid catheters 150.8% (95% CI, ± 9.0%) (p < 0.001), in optically mapped rat VF +171.3% (95% CI, ±15.6%) (p < 0.001), in human epicardial VF 153.5% (95% CI, ±15.7%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Visual inspection of phase movies has the potential to systematically oversample longer lasting PS, due to an inspection paradox. An inspection paradox is minimised by consideration of the overall distribution of PS lifetimes.
Effects of maternal fructose intake on the offspring’s kidneys
Authors: Argeri Rogério , Nishi Erika Emy , Kimura Lichtenecker Débora Conte , Gomes Guiomar Nascimento
Published: September 2022

Fructose overload is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. During pregnancy, these alterations may affect the maternal environment and predispose offspring to diseases. Aims: To evaluate the renal morphology and function of offspring of dams that received fructose overload during pregnancy and lactation. Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into the control (C) and fructose (F) groups. C received food and water ad libitum, and F received food and d-fructose solution (20%) ad libitum. The d-fructose offer started 1 week before mating and continued during pregnancy and lactation. The progeny were designated as control (C) or fructose (F); after weaning, half of the F received water to drink (FW), and half received d-fructose (FF). Blood pressure (BP) and renal function were evaluated. The expression of sodium transporters (NHE3-exchanger, NKCC2 and NCC-cotransporters, and ENaC channels) and markers of renal dysfunction, including ED1 (macrophage), eNOS, 8OHdG (oxidative stress), renin, and ACE 1 and 2, were evaluated. CEUA-UNIFESP: 2757270117. The FF group presented with reduced glomerular filtration rate and urinary osmolarity, increased BP, proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration, and increased expression of transporters (NHE3, NCC, and ENaC), 8OHdG, renin, and ACE1. The FW group did not show increased BP and renal functional alterations; however, it presented glomerular hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration, and increased expression of the transporters (NHE3, NKCC2, NCC, and ENaC), renin, and ACE1. These data suggest that fructose overload during fetal development alters renal development, resulting in the increased expression of renin, ACE1, and sodium transporters, thus predisposing to hypertension and renal dysfunction.
Identification of candidate MYB transcription factors that influence CslF6 expression in barley grain
Authors: Garcia-Gimenez Guillermo , Schreiber Miriam , Dimitroff George , Little Alan , Singh Rohan , Fincher Geoffrey B. , Burton Rachel A. , Waugh Robbie , Tucker Matthew R. , Houston Kelly
Published: September 2022

(1,3;1,4)-β-Glucan is a non-cellulosic polysaccharide required for correct barley grain fill and plant development, with industrial relevance in the brewing and the functional food sector. Barley grains contain higher levels of (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan compared to other small grain cereals and this influences their end use, having undesirable effects on brewing and distilling and beneficial effects linked to human health. HvCslF6 is the main gene contributing to (1,3;1,4)-β-glucan biosynthesis in the grain. Here, the transcriptional regulation of HvCslF6 was investigated using an in-silico analysis of transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) in its putative promoter, and functional characterization in a barley protoplast transient expression system. Based on TFBS predictions, TF classes AP2/ERF, MYB, and basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) were over-represented within a 1,000 bp proximal HvCslF6 promoter region. Dual luciferase assays based on multiple HvCslF6 deletion constructs revealed the promoter fragment driving HvCslF6 expression. Highest HvCslF6 promoter activity was narrowed down to a 51 bp region located −331 bp to −382 bp upstream of the start codon. We combined this with TFBS predictions to identify two MYB TFs: HvMYB61 and HvMYB46/83 as putative activators of HvCslF6 expression. Gene network analyses assigned HvMYB61 to the same co-expression module as HvCslF6 and other primary cellulose synthases (HvCesA1, HvCesA2, and HvCesA6), whereas HvMYB46/83 was assigned to a different module. Based on RNA-seq expression during grain development, HvMYB61 was cloned and tested in the protoplast system. The transient over-expression of HvMYB61 in barley protoplasts suggested a positive regulatory effect on HvCslF6 expression.
Target capture data resolve recalcitrant relationships in the coffee family (Rubioideae, Rubiaceae)
Authors: Thureborn Olle , Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Wikström Niklas , Rydin Catarina
Published: September 2022

Subfamily Rubioideae is the largest of the main lineages in the coffee family (Rubiaceae), with over 8,000 species and 29 tribes. Phylogenetic relationships among tribes and other major clades within this group of plants are still only partly resolved despite considerable efforts. While previous studies have mainly utilized data from the organellar genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA, we here use a large number of low-copy nuclear genes obtained via a target capture approach to infer phylogenetic relationships within Rubioideae. We included 101 Rubioideae species representing all but two (the monogeneric tribes Foonchewieae and Aitchinsonieae) of the currently recognized tribes, and all but one non-monogeneric tribe were represented by more than one genus. Using data from the 353 genes targeted with the universal Angiosperms353 probe set we investigated the impact of data type, analytical approach, and potential paralogs on phylogenetic reconstruction. We inferred a robust phylogenetic hypothesis of Rubioideae with the vast majority (or all) nodes being highly supported across all analyses and datasets and few incongruences between the inferred topologies. The results were similar to those of previous studies but novel relationships were also identified. We found that supercontigs [coding sequence (CDS) + non-coding sequence] clearly outperformed CDS data in levels of support and gene tree congruence. The full datasets (353 genes) outperformed the datasets with potentially paralogous genes removed (186 genes) in levels of support but increased gene tree incongruence slightly. The pattern of gene tree conflict at short internal branches were often consistent with high levels of incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) due to rapid speciation in the group. While concatenation- and coalescence-based trees mainly agreed, the observed phylogenetic discordance between the two approaches may be best explained by their differences in accounting for ILS. The use of target capture data greatly improved our confidence and understanding of the Rubioideae phylogeny, highlighted by the increased support for previously uncertain relationships and the increased possibility to explore sources of underlying phylogenetic discordance.
Tandem application of endophytic fungus Serendipita indica and phosphorus synergistically recuperate arsenic induced stress in rice
Authors: Sehar Shafaque , Feng Qidong , Adil Muhammad Faheem , Sahito Falak Sehar , Ibrahim Zakir , Baloch Dost Muhammad , Ullah Najeeb , Ouyang Younan , Guo Yushuang , Shamsi Imran Haider
Published: September 2022

In the context of eco-sustainable acquisition of food security, arsenic (As) acts as a deterring factor, which easily infiltrates our food chain via plant uptake. Therefore, devising climate-smart strategies becomes exigent for minimizing the imposed risks. Pertinently, Serendipita indica (S. indica) is well reputed for its post-symbiotic stress alleviatory and phyto-promotive potential. Management of phosphorus (P) is acclaimed for mitigating arsenic toxicity in plants by inhibiting the uptake of As molecules due to the competitive cationic exchange in the rhizosphere. The current study was designed to investigate the tandem effects of S. indica and P in combating As toxicity employing two rice genotypes, i.e., Guodao-6 (GD-6; As-sensitive genotype) and Zhongzhe You-1 (ZZY-1; As-tolerant genotype). After successful fungal colonization, alone and combined arsenic (10  μ M L−1) and phosphorus (50  μ M L−1) treatments were applied. Results displayed that the recuperating effects of combined S. indica and P treatment were indeed much profound than their alone treatments; however, most of the beneficial influences were harnessed by ZZY-1 in comparison with GD-6. Distinct genotypic differences were observed for antioxidant enzyme activities, which were induced slightly higher in S. indica-colonized ZZY-1 plants, with or without additional P, as compared to GD-6. Ultrastructure images of root and shoot exhibited ravages of As in the form of chloroplasts-, nuclei-and cell wall-damage with enlarged vacuole area, mellowed mostly by the combined treatment of S. indica and P in both genotypes. Gene expression of PHTs family transporters was regulated at different levels in almost all treatments across genotypes. Conclusively, the results of this study validated the promising role of S. indica and additional P in mitigating As stress, albeit corroborated that the extent of relevant benefit exploitation is highly genotype-dependent. Verily, unlocking the potential of nature-friendly solutions will mend the anthropogenic damage already been done to our environment.
Engineering the expression of plant secondary metabolites-genistein and scutellarin through an efficient transient production platform in Nicotiana benthamiana L.
Authors: Yao Xinghao , Wuzhang Kuanyu , Peng Bowen , Chen Tiantian , Zhang Yaojie , Liu Hang , Li Ling , Fu Xueqing , Tang Kexuan
Published: September 2022

Plant natural products (PNPs) are active substances indispensable to human health with a wide range of medical and commercial applications. However, excessive population growth, overexploitation of natural resources, and expensive total chemical synthesis have led to recurrent supply shortages. Despite the fact that the microbial production platform solved these challenges, the platform still has drawbacks such as environmental pollution, high costs, and non-green production. In this study, an efficient platform for the production of PNPs based on the transient expression system of Nicotiana benthamiana L. combined with synthetic biology strategies was developed. Subsequently, the feasibility of the platform was verified by a simple “test unit.” This platform was used to synthesize two high-value PNPs: genistein (5.51 nmol g–1 FW) and scutellarin (11.35 nmol g–1 FW). Importantly, this is the first report on the synthesis of scutellarin in heterologous plants. The platform presented here will possibly be adopted for the heterologous production of genistein and scutellarin in tobacco plants as a novel and sustainable production strategy.
COVID-19: The effects of perceived organizational justice, job engagement, and perceived job alternatives on turnover intention among frontline nurses
Authors: Zhou Lulin , Tetgoum Kachie Arielle Doris , Xu Xinglong , Quansah Prince Ewudzie , Epalle Thomas Martial , Ampon-Wireko Sabina , Nkrumah Edmund Nana Kwame
Published: September 2022

Nurses’ turnover intention has become a concern for medical institutions because nurses are more needed than ever under the prevalence of COVID-19. This research sought to investigate the effects of the four dimensions of organizational justice on COVID-19 frontline nurses’ turnover intention through the mediating role of job engagement. We also tested the extent to which perceived job alternatives could moderate the relationship between job engagement and turnover intention. This descriptive cross-sectional study used an online survey to collect data from 650 frontline nurses working in appointed hospitals in Jiangsu province, China. Hierarchical regression was used to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Findings revealed that all organizational justice components significantly influenced job engagement and turnover intention. Job engagement also significantly affected nurses’ turnover intention and mediated the relationships between organizational justice components and turnover intention. Besides, perceived job alternatives moderated the relationships between job engagement and turnover intention. The implications of this study include demonstrating that healthcare authorities should respect human rights through effective organizational justice as this approach could encourage nurses to appreciate their job and be more devoted to staying and achieving their institutional duties, especially under challenging circumstances.
Choice perseverance underlies pursuing a hard-to-get target in an avatar choice task
Authors: Sugawara Michiyo , Katahira Kentaro
Published: September 2022

People sometimes persistently pursue hard-to-get targets. Why people pursue such targets is unclear. Here, we hypothesized that choice perseverance, which is the tendency to repeat the same choice independent of the obtained outcomes, leads individuals to repeatedly choose a hard-to-get target, which consequently increases their preference for the target. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted an online experiment involving an avatar choice task in which the participants repeatedly selected one avatar, and the selected avatar expressed their valence reactions through facial expressions and voice. We defined “hard-to-get” and “easy-to-get” avatars by manipulating the outcome probability such that the hard-to-get avatars rarely provided a positive reaction when selected, while the easy-to-get avatars frequently did. We found that some participants repeatedly selected hard-to-get avatars (Pursuit group). Based on a simulation, we found that higher choice perseverance accounted for the pursuit of hard-to-get avatars and that the Pursuit group had significantly higher choice perseverance than the No-pursuit group. Model fitting to the choice data also supported that choice perseverance can account for the pursuit of hard-to-get avatars in the Pursuit group. Moreover, we found that although baseline attractiveness was comparable among all avatars used in the choice task, the attractiveness of the hard-to-get avatars was significantly increased only in the Pursuit group. Taken together, we conclude that people with high choice perseverance pursue hard-to-get targets, rendering such targets more attractive. The tolerance for negative outcomes might be an important factor for succeeding in our lives but sometimes triggers problematic behavior, such as stalking. The present findings may contribute to understanding the psychological mechanisms of passion and perseverance for one’s long-term goals, which are more general than the romantic context imitated in avatar choice.
Repeating patterns: Predictive processing suggests an aesthetic learning role of the basal ganglia in repetitive stereotyped behaviors
Authors: Spee Blanca T. M. , Sladky Ronald , Fingerhut Joerg , Laciny Alice , Kraus Christoph , Carls-Diamante Sidney , Brücke Christof , Pelowski Matthew , Treven Marco
Published: September 2022

Recurrent, unvarying, and seemingly purposeless patterns of action and cognition are part of normal development, but also feature prominently in several neuropsychiatric conditions. Repetitive stereotyped behaviors (RSBs) can be viewed as exaggerated forms of learned habits and frequently correlate with alterations in motor, limbic, and associative basal ganglia circuits. However, it is still unclear how altered basal ganglia feedback signals actually relate to the phenomenological variability of RSBs. Why do behaviorally overlapping phenomena sometimes require different treatment approaches−for example, sensory shielding strategies versus exposure therapy for autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder, respectively? Certain clues may be found in recent models of basal ganglia function that extend well beyond action selection and motivational control, and have implications for sensorimotor integration, prediction, learning under uncertainty, as well as aesthetic learning. In this paper, we systematically compare three exemplary conditions with basal ganglia involvement, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and autism spectrum conditions, to gain a new understanding of RSBs. We integrate clinical observations and neuroanatomical and neurophysiological alterations with accounts employing the predictive processing framework. Based on this review, we suggest that basal ganglia feedback plays a central role in preconditioning cortical networks to anticipate self-generated, movement-related perception. In this way, basal ganglia feedback appears ideally situated to adjust the salience of sensory signals through precision weighting of (external) new sensory information, relative to the precision of (internal) predictions based on prior generated models. Accordingly, behavioral policies may preferentially rely on new data versus existing knowledge, in a spectrum spanning between novelty and stability. RSBs may then represent compensatory or reactive responses, respectively, at the opposite ends of this spectrum. This view places an important role of aesthetic learning on basal ganglia feedback, may account for observed changes in creativity and aesthetic experience in basal ganglia disorders, is empirically testable, and may inform creative art therapies in conditions characterized by stereotyped behaviors.
Using team science in vascularized composite allotransplantation to improve team and patient outcomes
Authors: Griffin Joan M. , Kennedy Cassie C. , Boehmer Kasey R. , Hargraves Ian G. , Amer Hatem , Jowsey-Gregoire Sheila G.
Published: September 2022

Reconstructive allografts using Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA) are providing individuals living with upper limb loss and facial disfigurement with new opportunities for a sensate, esthetically acceptable, and functional alternative to current treatment strategies. Important research attention is being paid to how best to assess and screen candidates for VCA, measure optimal patient outcomes, and support patient adherence to lifelong behaviors and medical regimens. Far less attention, however, has been dedicated to the team science required for these complex VCA teams to form, prepare, and provide the highest quality clinical and psychosocial care to those receiving VCA. VCA teams are unique in that they require specialized team members whose scope of practice may not otherwise overlap. The team also needs to constantly negotiate balancing patient safety with multiple risks throughout the transplant process. This study aimed to elucidate the team science needed for this highly innovative and complex area of medicine. Using in-depth qualitative interviews with 14 VCA team members and observations at team meetings, we found that careful consideration of team composition, team structure, and organizational commitment (e.g., local culture and team values; investment of resources) influences team performance and patient outcomes, but that to be efficient and truly effective, teams need to commit to developing processes that foster collaboration. These processes are action-oriented (e.g., communication, leadership), strategic (e.g., planning, training) and interpersonal (e.g., conflict management, trust building). Dedication and commitment to team science allows teams to manage conflict under stress and exercise ways to leverage strengths to provide optimal performance or patient psychosocial and clinical outcomes. This study can provide insight into quality improvement efforts for VCA teams and guidance for other transplant programs that wish to consider expansion into VCA.
The impact of employee compensation restrictions on labor productivity in state-owned enterprises: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhu Bao , Ma Zhong , Qu Xiaojie
Published: September 2022

Employees are important stakeholders in an organization. This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of limits on employee compensation in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), a policy for employees of state-owned enterprises issued by the China State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) in 2010. Employing a difference-in-differences analysis for a sample of Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2013, the results show that employee compensation restriction enhances the labor productivity of SOEs. This policy effect is mainly due to the contribution of compensation limits to the external fairness of employee compensation, and the findings remain unchanged after a series of robustness testing procedures. In addition, the employee compensation restriction policy significantly affects labor productivity improvement in monopolistic industries or mature SOEs.
Motivation to participate in secondary science communication
Authors: Hu Zhichen , Ma Baolong , Bai Rubing
Published: September 2022

The rise of social media provides convenient mechanisms for audiences to participate in secondary science communication (SSC). The present study employs the theory of consumption values and theory of planned behavior to predict audiences’ SSC intentions. The results indicate that emotional value, social value, altruistic value, attitude, internal perceived behavioral control and subjective norm are significant predictors of audiences’ intentions to share or to repost science content on their social media. These results suggest that the theory of consumption values, together with the theory of planned behavior, is a useful framework for understanding SSC behaviors.
The role of digital readiness innovative teaching methods in music art e-learning students’ satisfaction with entrepreneur psychological capital as a mediator: Evidence from music entrepreneur training institutes
Authors: Huang Ye
Published: September 2022

The way of our living and working has changed intensely throughout the past half-century. The era we live in is interlinked with rapid technological changes, paving the way for digitalization. The students are considered digital natives and are expected to have e-learning abilities to improve their academic effectiveness. However, digital readiness is an important factor that can play a valuable role in boosting students’ e-learning abilities and satisfaction. The previous studies of students’ e-learning abilities revealed the lack of students’ digital readiness for academic achievements. Therefore, the present study aims to examine the role of digital readiness in the e-learning satisfaction of students. Based on the theory of motivation, the present study attempts to check the association of digital readiness with e-learning satisfaction. The current study also determines the relationship of digital readiness with entrepreneur psychological capital. Further, this study examines the correlation of entrepreneur psychological capital with e-learning satisfaction. The present study also assumes the mediating role entrepreneur of psychological capital and moderating role of mindfulness. For empirical analyses, this study gathered data from 376 music learning students of entrepreneur training institutes in China through a structured questionnaire method using a convenient sampling technique. This study applied partial least square structural equation modeling for empirical analyses using Smart PLS software. The present study confirmed that digital readiness positively correlates with e-learning satisfaction and psychological capital. The findings also acknowledged that psychological capital positively enhances e-learning satisfaction. The results also confirmed that psychological capital mediates the association between digital readiness and e-learning satisfaction. However, the outcomes revealed that mindfulness does not moderate the association between digital readiness and e-learning satisfaction. On the other hand, the findings acknowledged that mindfulness moderates the relationship between psychological capital and e-learning satisfaction. In addition, this study’s findings also serve the literature by providing important theoretical and practical implications. This study points out that digital readiness is an important antecedent to increasing students’ learning satisfaction and performance. The findings also suggest that students’ mindfulness could play a bridging role in enhancing their performance.
Case report: Open bite as an extrapyramidal side effect with aripiprazole, a dopamine partial agonist
Authors: Sumi Satoko , Nagamine Takahiko , Sumi Koji , Aijima Reona , Oka Kyoko , Toyofuku Akira
Published: September 2022

Long-term, fixed-point posttreatment observation of orthodontically treated patients provided us with the opportunity to capture the onset, development, and improvement of open bite, a type of malocclusion. Based on the chronological sequence of events, i.e., a tendency for open bite to worsen with increasing aripiprazole dosage and to improve with decreasing dosage, it was inferred that the onset of malocclusion was caused by extrapyramidal symptoms related to aripiprazole dosage. Physicians should be aware of this side effect when prescribing aripiprazole to children and adolescents. Careful consideration of medication history is necessary when dentists treat open bite in children and adolescents.
Amelioration and deterioration: Social network typologies and mental health among female domestic workers in China
Authors: Tang Binbin , Mamubieke Mahefuzha , Jilili Maitixirepu , Liu Linping , Yang Bowen
Published: September 2022

Previous quantitative studies on the effects of social network types on mental health have obtained inconsistent or conflicting results, due to problems such as sample selection bias or crude measurement of variables. In this study, we avoided these problems by using appropriate statistical methodology to examine the effect of various forms of social network on the mental health of a sample of 987 Chinese female domestic workers. Thus, we measured social network types in terms of both network attributes (friend networks and family networks) and interaction channels (face-to-face, telephone, and WeChat/QQ channels, where the latter are two popular online messaging platforms in China), and used the coarsened exact matching method to obtain a balanced sample. The results showed that social network typologies had positive and negative effects on the mental health of this sample of domestic workers, as evidenced by (1) In terms of network attributes, family networks were associated with improved mental health and friend networks were associated with worsened mental health; (2) In terms of interaction channels, the significant amelioration in mental health from family networks came from face-to-face interactions, the significant deterioration in mental health from friends networks came from telephone interactions, and in terms of other interaction channels, family networks and friends networks had no significant effect on mental health. Robustness tests indicated that these conclusions are reliable. We discuss the possible mechanisms of which different types of social networks influence mental health.
Influencing factors of and driving strategies for vegetable farmers' green pesticide application behavior
Authors: Teng Yun , Chen Xinlin , Jin Yue , Yu Zhigang , Guo Xiangyu
Published: September 2022

At present, the phenomenon of excessive pesticide residues in vegetables is prominent, causing widespread concern among all sectors of society. Excavate the influencing factors in the farmers themselves, government, market and society that affect vegetable farmers' green pesticide application behavior, clarify the influence mechanism of influencing factors on vegetable farmers' green pesticide application behavior. The study includes two parts: First, Grounded theory is used to construct a conceptual model that illustrates vegetable farmers' green pesticide application behavior. The second part applies the structural equation modeling to verify the research hypotheses, and reveals various factors in vegetable farmers' green pesticide application behavior (GB). The Results: Behavioral attitude (BA) and behavioral feedback perception (BP) are precursor variables that determine vegetable farmers' green pesticide application motivation (GM), and thus affect vegetable farmers' GB. Government supervision and regulation (GR), and market adjustment guidance (MG) are external factors that regulate the strength of the relationship between GM and GB. It is necessary to further strengthen the reference and normative role of society in vegetable farmers' GB, and provide a driving strategy for vegetable farmers' GB. Thus, it can better improve the quality of pesticide application and ensure vegetable safety.
Cross-sectional study of gender differences in physical activity-related injuries amongst Chinese college students majoring in rehabilitation
Authors: Yu Yanling , Li Xian , Yan Wangwang , Feng Beibei , Yu Jiadan , Wang Yuling
Published: September 2022

The main objective of the paper was to explore the potential risk factors for physical activity-related injuries (PARI) amongst college students majoring in rehabilitation and to analyse gender differences. A random whole group sampling method was used to recruit freshmen to seniors aged 15–25 years from over 90 universities in China that offer rehabilitation. The total number of people included was 6,032, of which 1,989 were male and 4,043 were female. The underlying risk factors for PARI of different genders were assessed using a structured self-management questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity levels, risk-taking and protective behaviors, and PARI. Totally 6,032 questionnaires were obtained for final analysis, with 792 total number of injured persons (415 males, 377 females), the sum of the cumulative frequency of injuries to injured persons is 1,607 (881 males, 726 females) and a PARI risk of 0.27 (males: 0.44, females: 0.18; p < 0.001; sum of the cumulative frequency of injuries/total number of people surveyed/year). For male and female students, participation in sports teams, having a high level of PA as well as with antisocial behavior were risk factors for developing PARI. Regarding female students, regional differences was associated with elevated odds to suffer from PARI. The prevalence rates of PARI vary between male and female students. The research subjects were university students in rehabilitation. Compared to general college students, rehabilitation students have a certain knowledge base related to injuries, which defines the specificity and research value of this subjects. This study provides guidance for reducing PARI in students in rehabilitation and may provide a basis for developing future injury prevention mechanisms for university students in general.
Concurrent trajectories of self-rated health and working hour patterns in health care shift workers: A longitudinal analysis with 8-year follow-up
Authors: Ervasti Jenni , Peutere Laura , Virtanen Marianna , Krutova Oxana , Koskinen Aki , Härmä Mikko , Kivimäki Mika , Ropponen Annina
Published: September 2022

Background

The association between health and working hours is hypothesized to be reciprocal, but few longitudinal studies have examined changes in both health and working hour patterns over time. We examined combined trajectories of self-related health and two working hour patterns (working <35 h/week and working night shifts) and the extent to which these trajectories were predicted by employees' lifestyle and mental health.

Methods

Participants of this cohort study with a 8-year follow-up were 5,947 health care shift workers. We linked self-reports of health from three repeated surveys with objective pay-roll based data on working hours. Using group-based multi-trajectory analysis we identified concurrent trajectories for self-rated health and working hour patterns. We examined their associations with baseline lifestyle-related factors (smoking, at-risk alcohol use, obesity, and physical inactivity) and mental health (sleep problems and psychological distress) using multinomial regression analysis.

Results

Three combined trajectories of self-rated health and working <35 h/week and four combined trajectories of self-rated health and night work were identified. Unhealthy lifestyle and poor mental health were associated with trajectories of moderate and declining health. Sleep problems were linked with working <35 h/week. Younger age and good mental health were associated with a combined trajectory of good health and continued night shift work.

Conclusion

Trajectories of suboptimal and declining health are associated with trajectories of reducing working hours and leaving night work, and are more common in employees with unhealthy lifestyle, sleep problems, and psychological distress.
COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who inject drugs in Tijuana Mexico
Authors: Harvey-Vera Alicia , Munoz Sheryl , Artamonova Irina , Abramovitz Daniela , Mittal Maria Luisa , Rosales Cecilia , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Rangel Maria Gudelia
Published: September 2022

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 prevalence is elevated among people who inject drugs (PWID). In Tijuana, Mexico, COVID-19 vaccines became available to the general population in June 2021, but uptake among PWID was <10%. We studied COVID-19 vaccine uptake among PWID in Tijuana following implementation of a pop-up vaccination clinic.

Methods

Beginning in October, 2020, PWID in Tijuana aged ≥18 years were enrolled into a longitudinal cohort study. At baseline and semi-annually, participants underwent interviewer-administered interviews on health behaviors and COVID-19 exposures through April 5, 2022. From June 21—September 20, 2021, staff referred PWID to a temporary COVID-19 vaccine pop-up clinic that was coincidentally established near the study office. Participants attending the clinic completed a short interview on barriers to vaccination and were offered facilitated access to free Janssen® COVID-19 vaccine. All participants were reimbursed $5 for this interview, regardless of whether or not they chose to be vaccinated. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the effect of the pop-up clinic on COVID-19 vaccination uptake, controlling forpotential confounders.

Results

Of 344 participants, 136 (39.5%) reported having received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose during the 10 months follow-up period, of whom 113 (83.1%) received vaccine at the pop-up clinic and 23 (16.9%) elsewhere. One third of those receiving COVID-19 vaccine during the pop-up clinic were previously vaccine hesitant. Attending the pop-up clinic was independently associated with higher rates of COVID-19 vaccination Adjusted Rate Ratio (AdjRR: 9.15; 95% CI: 5.68–14.74).

Conclusions

We observed a significant increase in COVID-19 vaccine uptake associated with attending a temporary pop-up vaccine clinic in Tijuana suggesting that efforts to improve vaccination in this vulnerable population should include convenient locations and staff who have experience working with substance using populations. Since COVID-19 vaccination rates remain sub-optimal, sustained interventions to increase uptake are needed.