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While negative life events (NLEs) have been linked to an increased risk of sleep disturbance among adolescents, the mechanisms of this impact still lack further examination. The current study aimed to explore whether intolerance of uncertainty (IU), a dispositional transdiagnostic vulnerability factor for psychopathology, could act as a mediator and/or moderator in the link from NLEs to sleep disturbance. A longitudinal nested subsample of 54,240 Chinese adolescents (aged 9–19) were surveyed at baseline (Timepoint 1) and six months later (Timepoint 2). They completed questionnaires to assess their IU, NLEs, sleep disturbance and sociodemographic characteristics. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted to test our hypotheses. Upon adjusting for covariates, IU was found to mediate the relationship between NLEs and residual changes in sleep disturbance over a six-month period, with the mediation effect accounting for 31.8%. Additionally, the moderating role of IU in this relationship was also identified, suggesting that a high level of IU exacerbated the effect of NLEs on sleep disturbance. In conclusion, our findings shed light on the dual roles of IU in the link from NLEs to sleep disturbance, holding significant practical implications for preventing and intervening in sleep disturbance among adolescents. To mitigate the risk of sleep disturbance among adolescents experiencing NLEs, timely assessments of IU and tailored interventions to enhance uncertainty tolerance are necessary. • IU could magnify the effects of NLEs on sleep disturbance. • NLEs could strengthen IU, thereby doing harm to sleep. • The dual roles of IU need attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research suggests that maternal parenting stress is a significant predictor of social-emotional problems in children. However, little is known regarding the mother-child relationship and the effect of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on this association. Three waves of longitudinal panel data were collected from 2893 Chinese preschoolers with a follow-up interval of 6 months. The mothers of preschoolers were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires concerning demographic variables, maternal ACEs and parenting stress in Wave 1, mother-child relationships in Wave 2, and children's social-emotional problems in Wave 3. The parallel mediation model was conducted to analyze the mediating role of three dimensions of mother-child relationships, and the moderation model was conducted to examine the moderating role of maternal ACEs. The results showed that maternal parenting stress predicted children's social-emotional problems directly or indirectly through the mother-child relationship, with an intimate mother-child relationship mediating this main effect negatively but a conflicted and dependent mother-child relationship mediating this main effect positively. In addition, moderating results indicated that the main effect of maternal parenting stress on children's social-emotional problems was more marked among participants with at least one maternal ACEs than those without maternal ACEs. Furthermore, the moderating effect was only detected in children whose mothers had a high school education or less. The subjectivity of mothers' reports may somewhat reduce the credibility due to the possible overestimation or underestimation of children's social-emotional problems. These findings provide new evidence for the effects of maternal parenting stress on children's social-emotional development and highlight the need for more attention to children with mothers having ACE exposure, lower educational level and poor parent-child relationships. • There is a paucity of literature assessing social-emotional problems in Chinese preschool children. This study assessed social-emotional development in preschool children in Anhui Province, China, using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotions, Second Edition (ASQ:SE2), which has been shown to be a standard screening tool to identify children who may have delayed or atypical social-emotional development. • This study is the first to examine the mediating role of mother-child relationships and the moderating role of maternal ACEs on the association between maternal parenting stress and children's social-emotional developmental problems in a sample of Chinese preschoolers, which has important implications for exploring the complex and diverse family environmental risk factors that impede children's social-emotional development. • By using a stratification strategy of maternal literacy to examine the interaction between maternal parenting stress and ACE, this study helps identify an important risk group of mothers with high ACE exposure and low educational attainment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis is well established, and research is now focused on identifying mechanisms that may explain this relationship. Models of trauma and psychosis increasingly emphasize a broad range of affective processes, yet the overall effect of these affective processes is not well understood. This review systematically examined the effect of any form of long-term affective dysfunction on the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis. Where possible, it used meta-analytic techniques to quantify the overall magnitude of this effect. Searches were conducted using PsychINFO, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases, and eligible studies were appraised for methodological quality. Narrative synthesis and meta-analytic methods were used to evaluate evidence. Twenty-nine studies met criteria for inclusion. Five affective mediators were found; depression, anxiety, affective dysregulation, loneliness and attachment. Findings from both the narrative synthesis (n = 29) and meta-analysis (n = 8) indicated that, overall, affect is a small but significant mediator of the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis (pooled Cohen's d = 0.178; pooled 95 % CI: 0.022–0.334). Overall, findings support affective pathways to psychosis, though highlight the need for further research on broader affective mediators (loneliness, shame). The small effect size found in the meta-analysis also points to the potential importance of non-affective mediators. Clinically, these findings highlight the value of treatment modalities that attend to multiple mechanisms in the relationship between interpersonal trauma and psychosis. Future research should focus on the interplay and causal sequence between these mechanisms to further understand pathways between interpersonal trauma and psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I) improves several sleep and health outcomes in individuals with insomnia. This study investigates whether changes in Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS) during dCBT-I mediate changes in psychological distress, fatigue, and insomnia severity. The study presents a secondary planned analysis of data from 1073 participants in a randomized control trial (Total sample = 1721) of dCBT-I compared with patient education (PE). Self-ratings with the Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep (DBAS), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were obtained at baseline and 9-week follow-up. Hayes PROCESS mediation analyses were conducted to test for mediation. sDBAS scores were significantly reduced at 9-week follow-up for those randomized to dCBT-I (n = 566) compared with PE (n = 507). The estimated mean difference was −1.49 (95% CI -1.66 to −1.31, p <.001, Cohen's d. = 0.93). DBAS mediated all the effect of dCBT-I on the HADS and the CFQ, and 64% of the change on the ISI (Estimated indirect effect −3.14, 95% CI -3.60 to −2.68) at 9-week follow-up compared with PE. Changes in the DBAS fully mediated the effects of dCBT-I on psychological distress and fatigue, and the DBAS partially mediated the effects on insomnia severity. These findings may have implications for understanding how dCBT-I works and highlights the role of changing cognitions in dCBT-I. • Need to identify mechanisms of action of Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (dCBT-I). • Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about sleep (DBAS) mediated all the observed changes on the HADS and the CFQ. • DBAS partly mediated the change in the ISI (64%) after dCBT-I. • Changing cognitions is essential for the effectiveness of dCBT-I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents with daytime sleepiness have been demonstrated to have a higher level of suicidal risk than those without. Currently, few studies had examined the pathway from daytime sleepiness to suicidal risk among female adolescents. This study aimed to explore the association among menstrual pain, daytime sleepiness, and suicidal risk among female adolescents in China. Of 7072 adolescents who participated in the follow-up survey of Shandong Adolescents Behavior & Health Cohort (SABHC), 3001 were female adolescents who had begun to menstruate and included for the analysis. A structured self-administrated questionnaire was used to measure menstrual pain, daytime sleepiness, suicidal risk and demographic characteristics. Participants were first surveyed in November–December 2015 and resurveyed 1 year later. Of 3001 participants, 11.43 % had suicidal risk, 79.8 % experienced menstrual pain. Cross-lagged analysis showed that there was cause-and-effect relationship between menstrual pain and daytime sleepiness. Moderate (OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.22–2.63) and severe (OR = 2.73, 95%CI: 1.80–4.12) menstrual pain (follow-up) were associated with suicidal risk (follow-up). Daytime sleepiness (baseline: OR = 1.04, 95%CI: 1.02–1.06, follow-up: OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.05–1.09) had effects on suicidal risk (follow-up). Mediation analysis showed that menstrual pain played a partially mediating role between daytime sleepiness and suicidal risk, with the indirect effect being 0.002 (95%CI: 0.001–0.004). All data were self-reported. Menstrual pain and daytime sleepiness had effects on each other, and they both were the risk factors of suicidal risk. Among female adolescents, the association between daytime sleepiness and suicidal risk could be partially mediated by menstrual pain. Releasing the menstrual pain of female adolescents with daytime sleepiness could reduce their suicidal risk. • This study was a prospective study in a large sample of female adolescents. • There was cross-lagged effect between menstrual pain and daytime sleepiness. • Menstrual pain partially mediated the relationship between daytime sleepiness and suicidal risk in female adolescents. • Preventing menstrual pain and reducing daytime sleepiness were suggested to prevent suicidal risk among female adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Health anxiety, or hypochondriasis, is a prevalent, disabling and costly disorder. • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can effectively be delivered via the Internet. • Psychological flexibility mediates the treatment effect of iACT. • Mindful non-reactivity mediates the treatment effect of iACT. • Understanding mediators can help tailor treatments and increase effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic selenide ZnSe-CoSe 2 as a heterogeneous mediator, which is further combined with CoCp 2 homogeneous mediator, to establish a multifunctional catalytic system. The synergistic effect between ZnSe-CoSe 2 and CoCp 2 accelerates the conversion of LiPSs and the nucleation/decomposition of Li 2 S, expediting the overall sulfur redox kinetics. [Display omitted] • The bimetallic ZnSe-CoSe 2 is prepared via one-step carbonization–selenylation reaction. • The ZnSe-CoSe 2 heterostructure shows superior capability to chemically anchor both soluble LiPSs and CoCp 2 molecules. • The ZnSe-CoSe 2 /CoCp 2 synergistic system enhances the LiPSs conversion and Li 2 S nucleation/decomposition kinetics. • The cell employing the ZnSe-CoSe 2 /CoCp 2 system exhibits superior long-term cycling stability. The practical applications of lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are hampered by poor electrical conductivity, severe shuttling of intermediate lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and sluggish redox kinetics. Herein, we introduce a multifunctional catalytic system by integrating bimetallic ZnSe-CoSe 2 with CoCp 2 mediators, aimed at serving as redox kinetic accelerators in LSBs. In this design, the ZnSe-CoSe 2 heterostructure with hierarchical pores and large surface area, is capable of immobilizing both soluble LiPSs and CoCp 2 mediators, but also provides abundant active sites for catalyzing LiPSs conversions. Concurrently, the soluble CoCp 2 mediators contribute to promoting the high-dimensional growth of Li 2 S and reducing the interface polarization. Electrochemical experiments and theoretical analyses reveal that the ZnSe-CoSe 2 /CoCp 2 system synergistically accelerates overall sulfur redox kinetics. Consequently, the cell with the ZnSe-CoSe 2 /CoCp 2 system under a sulfur loading of 2.3 mg cm−2 exhibits superior long-term cycling stability at 1.0C. Additionally, it achieves a remarkable areal capacity of 6.5 mAh cm−2 under a high sulfur loading of 8.0 mg cm−2 and a low electrolyte-to-sulfur ratio of 5.0 µL mg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite evidence linking experiences of racial discrimination by Black parents and problem behaviors in youth, little is known about the mechanisms that explain this link. To elucidate these developmental pathways, a serial mediation model was tested, in which Black parents' experiences of racial discrimination were hypothesized to predict increased parental depression and parent-child conflict in early adolescence, which in turn would be associated with youth depression, anxiety, and conduct problems in early to mid-adolescence.Method: Participants were 252 Black parent-child dyads. Youth (56% female) were on average 11.98 years old at study entry (wave 1). Parents and youth completed questionnaires during a home-based assessment at wave 1 and were assessed again 1 and 2 years later (waves 2 and 3).Results: Black parents' experiences of racial discrimination at wave 1 were linked to higher levels of parent-child conflict at wave 2 (0.20; 95% CI [0.05, 0.33]), which in turn predicted greater youth-reported depression at wave 3 (0.30; 95% CI [0.15, 0.47]). There was a significant indirect effect of racial discrimination on youth-reported depression via parent-child conflict (indirect effect: 0.06, 95% CI [0.02, 0.10]). Findings were replicated across multiple outcomes (ie, depression, anxiety, conduct problems) and multiple informants (ie, youth report, parent report). There was no evidence to support a serial mediation model via parental depression and then parent-child conflict.Conclusion: This study identified a developmental pathway from Black parents' experiences of racial discrimination to adolescent problem behaviors via parent-child conflict. Findings may inform interventions aimed at promoting resilience in parents and youth faced with pervasive racism.Clinical Trial Registration Information: Substance Use Screening and Prevention for Adolescents in Pediatric Primary Care (SKY); https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT03074877. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with major depressive disorders (MDD) have abnormalities in the frontal-limbic structures of the brain. Childhood trauma is a risk factor for both structural brain alterations and MDD. However, the relationships among the three have not been confirmed.Methods: Sixty-four patients with MDD and sixty-one healthy controls (HC) were checked by using MRI, the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare gray matter volume (GMV) differences between the two groups. Moreover, partial correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to test for potential associations between CTQ scores, different GMV, and clinical variables.Results: Compared to the HC group, the MDD patients showed decreased GMV in the right middle frontal gyrus (rMFG) and right precentral gyrus (rPreCG). In the patient group, reduced GMV in rMFG was associated with CTQ scores (r = -0.30, P = 0.019) and HAMD scores (r = -0.53, P < 0.001). Finally, in the patient group, mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of rMFG GMV in CTQ scores and HAMD scores was 0.115 and the proportion of indirect effect to total effect was 23.86%.Limitations: This study used a cross-sectional collection, and it is unclear whether at the longitudinal level the brain GMV mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and depression.Conclusions: Abnormalities in the frontal GMV were presented in the MDD patients. It is possible that childhood traumatic experiences cause inefficient GMV and ultimately lead to an increased susceptibility to depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a time-resolved nascent single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach that measures gene-specific transcriptional noise and the fraction of active genes in S. cerevisiae. Most genes are expressed with near-constitutive behavior, while a subset of genes show high mRNA variance suggestive of transcription bursting. Transcriptional noise is highest in the cofactor/coactivator-redundant (CR) gene class (dependent on both SAGA and TFIID) and strongest in TATA-containing CR genes. Using this approach, we also find that histone gene transcription switches from a low-level, low-noise constitutive mode during M and M/G1 to an activated state in S phase that shows both an increase in the fraction of active promoters and a switch to a noisy and bursty transcription mode. Rapid depletion of cofactors SAGA and MED Tail indicates that both factors play an important role in stimulating the fraction of active promoters at CR genes, with a more modest role in transcriptional noise. [Display omitted] • Method developed to probe genome-wide transcription noise and promoter activation • Only a subset of yeast mRNAs shows high variance suggestive of bursting • Transcription properties dependent on cofactor response class and promoter type • SAGA and MED Tail function primarily to stimulate the fraction of active promoters Schofield and Hahn use nascent single-cell RNA-seq to investigate transcriptional noise and gene activation. Only a subset of genes shows high mRNA variance suggestive of transcription bursting. Cofactors SAGA and Mediator Tail play an important role in stimulating the fraction of active promoters, with a modest role in transcriptional noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian-Australian monsoon (AAM) significantly shapes global weather and climate patterns, yet existing research has primarily focused on regional monsoon subsystems rather than adopting a comprehensive global perspective on the AAM. This study addresses this gap by elucidating the interannual variability of the AAM during boreal summer and underscoring the pivotal mediating role of AAM precipitation anomalies as a driving force behind surface air temperature anomalies (SATA) over central and southern North America (CSNA). To investigate AAM characteristics, we employ an empirical orthogonal function analysis to identify the primary mode of the AAM. The corresponding principal component serves as a representative measure for the AAM. Our findings reveal a distinct 'wet (dry) Maritime Continent-dry (wet) Western North Pacific (WNP)' dipole pattern in strong (weak) AAM years. Vertical motion anomalies emerge as the dominant contributors to these precipitation anomalies. Both observed data and model results indicate that the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the central and eastern Pacific (CEP) play a crucial role in explaining the vertical motion anomalies. This explanation is facilitated through two key systems: the east–west Walker circulation-like anomaly and the anomalous equatorially symmetric anticyclonic pair in the Pacific. AAM precipitation anomalies act as a mediator between SSTA in the CEP and SATA over the CSNA. These generate Rossby wave source over the WNP, triggering Rossby waves that propagate to CSNA along a great circle path. This process results in upper-level positive geopotential height anomalies, thereby influencing SATA positively over the CSNA, as illustrated by the linear baroclinic model. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the AAM but also offer novel insights into the mechanisms influencing SATA formation over North America. • Precipitation anomalies in the AAM region manifest as a 'MC - WNP' dipole pattern. • The SSTA in the CEP play a crucial role in explaining precipitation patterns in the AAM region. • Precipitation anomalies in the AAM region act as a mediator on SATA over the CSNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biocatalytic system comprising fungal laccase and mediators can generate phenol radicals and efficiently eliminate various triarylmethane dyes. This study systematically explores the kinetic impact of dissolved organic matter (DOM), represented by humic substance (HS consisting of 90% fulvic acid, from lignite), on the decolorization of seven typical triarylmethane dyes by Trametes versicolor laccase and twenty natural mediators. Among these, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HA) and methyl violet (MV) undergo in-depth investigation regarding degradation products, pathways, and reaction mechanisms. In instances where HS hampers laccase-alone decolorization, such as malachite green, Coomassie brilliant blue, bromophenol blue, and acid magenta, this inhibition may persist despite mediator introduction. Conversely, in cases where HS facilitates decolorization, such as crystalline violet and ethyl violet, most laccase-mediator systems (LMSs) can still benefit. For MV decolorization by laccase and 4-HA, HS's kinetic effect is controlled by concentration and reaction time. A 5 mg/L HS increased the decolorization rate from 50% to 67% within the first hour, whereas 10 mg/L HS only achieved 45%. After 16 h of reaction, HS's impact on decolorization rate diminishes. Furthermore, the addition of HS enhances precipitation production, probably due to its involvement in polymerization with MV and mediator. Computational simulations and spectral monitoring reveal that low HS concentrations accelerate laccase-mediated demethylation by disrupting the chromophores bound to MV, thus promoting the decolorization of MV. Conversely, inhibition by high HS concentrations stems from the competitive binding of the enzyme pocket to the mediator, and the reduction of phenol free radicals in the system. Molecular docking and kinetic simulations revealed that laccase forms complexes with both the mediator and MV. Interestingly, the decolorization of MV occurred through a non-radical mechanism in the presence of HS. This work provided a reference for screening of high catalytic performance mediators to remove triarylmethane dyes in the actual water environment. [Display omitted] • Dissolved HS had a trade-off effect on laccase-mediator (LMS) biocatalysis system. • The impact on dye removal by HS depends on its concentration and reaction time. • Competitive inhibition and radical quenching by HS lead to reduced removal rate. • Dye decolorization occurred through non-radical mechanism with HS around. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of green chemistry and sustainable industrial processes, the integration of enzymes with photocatalytic materials offers a promising avenue for achieving efficient, light-driven catalysis while minimizing environmental impact. This study introduces an enzyme-photo-coupled catalytic system (EPCS) using graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) as a photocatalyst and methyl viologen (MV2+) as an electron mediator to drive the reduction of 2-cyclohexen-1-one by the Old Yellow Enzyme (OYE), reducing the reliance on expensive and scarce bioelectronic carriers and demonstrating a sustainable alternative for biocatalytic applications. Furthermore, we explored the incorporation of a Pickering emulsion system to enhance mass transfer, especially in reactions involving highly concentrated substrates. This adaptation not only improves the yield of the EPCS at higher substrate concentrations but also offers a scalable and environmentally benign alternative to traditional photocatalytic systems. [Display omitted] • C=C reduction of 2-cyclohexen-1-one by the enzyme-photo-coupled catalytic systems (EPCS). • Methyl viologen facilitates electron transfer between g-C 3 N 4 and Old Yellow Enzyme for light-driven biocatalytic reduction. • The Pickering emulsion system for enhanced mass transfer processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Misalignment of chronotype and social schedules result in sleep and health impairments. Presenteeism, the work productivity loss caused by health problems, has much more social costs than absenteeism and is associated with sleep disturbance. However, little is known about the link between chronotype and presenteeism. In this study, the associations between chronotype, sleep schedules, presenteeism, and the mediating role of sleep disturbance were examined.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 8155 office workers from 42 companies in Japan, from 2017 to 2019. The participants answered self-administered questionnaires asking about presenteeism (Work Limitations Questionnaire [WLQ]), sleep disturbance (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), and habitual sleep schedules which enable to calculate the midpoint of sleep on free days, sleep corrected (MSFsc). The mediating effect was examined by using structural equation modeling (SEM).Results: The participants comprised 4462 males and 3677 females (mean age: 36.7 years), and their mean productivity loss was 5.97%. A later sleep onset (+0.29%/h), early wakeup (+0.14%/h), and eveningness (+0.27%/h, MSFsc) were associated with presenteeism in all participants; however, the effect size and significance differed depending on their chronotype. SEM demonstrated a complete mediation model between chronotype and presenteeism, mediated by sleep disturbance and adjusted by age.Conclusions: Chronotype did not directly, but indirectly affected presenteeism through sleep disturbance. Eveningness leads to sleep disturbance, which then causes presenteeism. On workdays, early sleep times for morningness people, and late wakeup times for eveningness people may improve their work productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Functional and psychological factors mediate the relationship between vision impairment and self-rated health in older adults, and that different mediating pathways exist in older adults in residential care institutions versus those living in the community. • Perceived usefulness was identified as a mediator for community-dwelling older adults with severe VI, while it was a significant mediator for older adults in residential care institutions with both moderate and severe VI. • It is necessary to consider the living situation when developing interventions to improve self-rated health in older adults with vision impairment. The objective of this study was to examine the mediating roles of functional and psychological factors on the relationship between vision impairment (VI) and self-rated health (SRH) in older adults in residential care institutions versus those living in the community. A cross-sectional survey study. We obtained data for this study from the public Long-term Care Insurance (LTCI) database of Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China. Our data included adults aged ≥ 60 years who had received the qualification assessment from September through December 2018. In total, 2,427 elderly individuals were included for analysis, including 747 older adults in residential care institutions and 1,680 older adults living in the community. VI and SRH were measured using participants' self-reported information. Potentially relevant functional and psychological factors were assessed using LTCI qualification assessment data, including self-care activities, mobility, incontinence, perceived usefulness, perceived fatigue, and perceived interest. The Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method was used to examine whether functional and psychological factors mediated the relationship between VI and SRH and to calculate the mediated percentage among older adults. Controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, all functional and psychological factors except mobility mediated the effect of severe VI on SRH in older adults living in the community. For older adults living in residential care institutions, self-care activities, mobility, and perceived usefulness mediated the effects of both moderate and severe VI on SRH, while perceived fatigue and perceived interest mediated the effect of severe VI on SRH. The findings of this study support the idea that functional and psychological factors mediate the relationship between vision impairment and self-rated health in older adults, and that different mediating pathways exist between older adults in residential care institutions and those living in the community. Our research highlights the importance of developing tailored interventions for visually impaired older adults through an integrative model to improve their overall well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Learning flow and cognitive load were significant predictors of clinical reasoning skills. • Cognitive load mediated the relationship between learning flow and clinical reasoning skills. • Simulation educators should apply best-practice standards in virtual simulation learning. Although the demand for virtual simulation learning is increasing to substitute clinical practicum, there are a lack of studies that identify the relationships among learning flow, cognitive load, and clinical reasoning skills in virtual simulation learning. This study was a cross-sectional survey with 148 nursing students who completed virtual simulation learning as a substitution for clinical practicum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed a web-based self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to identify the mediating effects of cognitive load on the relationship between learning flow and clinical reasoning skills. Learning flow and cognitive load were significant predictors of clinical reasoning skills. Cognitive load mediated the relationship between learning flow and clinical reasoning skills. Simulation educators should apply best-practice standards by enhancing learning flow and cognitive load to achieve clinical reasoning skills in virtual simulation learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) are commonly occurring conditions, either alone or together (MDD-SAD). Recent research linked insecure attachment and alexithymia to MDD and/or SAD, indicating that the way affected individuals relate interpersonally and their ability to identify and communicate emotions are pertinent issues. The current study investigated the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between insecure attachment and severity of MDD and SAD symptoms.Method: Using the SCID-I, participants (N=159) were identified as MDD-only (n=43), MDD-SAD (n=56), or a healthy control (n=60). Participants completed measures of adult attachment, depression, social anxiety and alexithymia (defined as difficulty identifying and describing feelings). A two-step mediation analysis approach recommended by Shrout and Bolger determined if alexithymia mediates the relationship between attachment-depression and attachment-social anxiety.Results: While alexithymia was high in MDD-only and MDD-SAD groups, individuals with MDD-SAD had significantly greater difficulty describing feelings. Alexithymia was a full mediator between attachment avoidance and depression, but only a partial mediator between attachment anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, alexithymia was a partial mediator for both attachment dimensions and social anxiety.Limitations: Causal inferences regarding insecure attachment, alexithymia, and MDD and SAD cannot be assumed given the cross-sectional data. The 'externally oriented thinking' component in alexithymia was also excluded from analyses due to low reliability.Conclusion: The results suggest emotional awareness and expression play a role in the illness severity for MDD and SAD-particularly in those with high attachment avoidance, offering a possible target for treatment and prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depuis quelques années, les robots sociaux et d'assistance sont utilisés dans le cadre d'interventions psychosociales auprès des personnes âgées. Leurs divers formats et fonctionnalités leur permettent d'être intégrés au sein de différentes activités en milieu gériatrique : thérapie, animation, aide quotidienne, etc. L'implémentation et l'adoption de ces nouvelles pratiques de soins et d'accompagnement se heurtent à un certain nombre de barrières. In recent years, social and assistive robots have been used in psychosocial interventions with the elderly. Their various formats and functionalities allow them to be integrated into different activities in geriatric settings: therapy, animation, daily assistance, etc. There are a number of barriers to the implementation and adoption of these new care and support practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Très attendu, le jugement, rendu le 29 mars 2021 par la 31e chambre correctionnelle du Tribunal de grande instance de Paris, dans l'affaire du Mediator , ne sera pas le dernier. Le parquet, les parties civiles et les laboratoires Servier ont en effet interjeté appel. Il témoigne, néanmoins, par le nombre des parties civiles, de l'étendue du dommage de masse causé par ce médicament. La complexité de la procédure met en relief les spécificités des ordres judiciaires et administratifs dans cette affaire, et les implications liées aux dispositifs transactionnels. Il conviendra d'en étudier les points saillants. The long-awaited judgment issued about the Mediator case by the 31st criminal court of the Tribunal de grande instance de Paris will not be the last one. The public prosecutor, as well as Servier and some of the victims have called for the appeal. Nevertheless, the number of victims reflects the extent of damage caused by this medicine. The complexity of the procedure highlights the specificities of the civil and administrative jurisdictions, as well as the transactional process. The purpose is to study the main points related to this articulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Two homodimeric oxidases from M. ovispora VKM F-1735 were purified and characterized. • The predominant oxidase was able to decolorize a number of dyes without mediators. • The dynamics of dye decolorization was studied. • The pathway of malachite green degradation by the fungal oxidases was proposed. • The activation phenomena for the oxidases at different conditions was shown. The new ascomycete Microthielavia ovispora VKM F-1735 has been found to produce oxidases with laccase activity capable to decolorize many industrial dyes in the absence of any mediators. The optimal conditions of submerged cultivation of the fungus for production of the oxidases decolorizing dyes were developed. Two unusual homodimeric oxidases with laccase activity and different physicochemical properties could be purified from the fungal culture liquid. The purified oxidases possessed individual selectivity in relation to different laccase substrates. The oxidases I and II (147 and 160 kDa, respectively) were most active under acidic conditions at elevated temperatures of 64 and 66 °C, correspondingly. The activation phenomena for the fungal oxidases during incubation in the presence of nonionic surfactants or K+ and Co2+ ions was shown. The dynamics of decolorization of malachite green in various concentrations by the fungus oxidases was studied. Based on the identified intermediates the scheme of the dye transformation by the oxidases has been presented. Being a non-toxic protein component exhibiting the decolorizing activity against a wide range of industrial dyes without additional expensive mediators, the M. ovispora VKM F-1735 oxidase has great potential for the development of new effective "green" technologies for bioremediation of water resources and soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) contribute to a robust muscle regeneration process after injury, which is highly orchestrated by the sequential expression of multiple key transcription factors. However, it remains unclear how key transcription factors and cofactors such as the Mediator complex cooperate to regulate myogenesis. Here, we show that the Mediator Med23 is critically important for MuSC-mediated muscle regeneration. Med23 is increasingly expressed in activated/proliferating MuSCs on isolated myofibers or in response to muscle injury. Med23 deficiency reduced MuSC proliferation and enhanced its precocious differentiation, ultimately compromising muscle regeneration. Integrative analysis revealed that Med23 oppositely impacts Ternary complex factor (TCF)-targeted MuSC proliferation genes and myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-targeted myogenic differentiation genes. Consistently, Med23 deficiency decreases the ETS-like transcription factor 1 (Elk1)/serum response factor (SRF) binding at proliferation gene promoters but promotes MRTF-A/SRF binding at myogenic gene promoters. Overall, our study reveals the important transcriptional control mechanism of Med23 in balancing MuSC proliferation and differentiation in muscle regeneration. [Display omitted] • Mediator Med23 is increasingly expressed in MuSCs in response to muscle injury • Med23 deficiency in MuSCs decreases proliferation and promotes precocious differentiation • Med23 oppositely regulates TCF-targeted genes and MRTF-targeted genes • Med23 deficiency reduces Elk1/SRF binding but favors MRTF-A/SRF binding to respective genes Fang et al. demonstrate that Mediator Med23 in myoblasts oppositely affects the binding of Elk1/SRF and MRTF-A/SRF to control the respective gene expression, which provides mechanistic insights into a transcriptional switch from proliferation to differentiation during muscle regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The underlying mechanisms of suicidal ideation in diabetes patients are still unclear. • Patients with diabetes show a 3-fold increased prevalence of suicidal ideation. • Childhood sexual and emotional abuse emerged as a risk factor. • Personality functioning was a mediator between emotional abuse and suicidal ideation. • Knowledge about these factors provides relevant information for prevention and treatment. Suicidal ideation (SID) in patients with diabetes mellitus is increasingly acknowledged. Still, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We examined SID prevalences in patients with diabetes, its association with different types of abuse, and a mediating effect of personality functioning. In a representative population sample (N = 2,515), diabetes, SID, abuse (ICAST-R), personality functioning (OPD-SQS), and depression/anxiety (PHQ-4) were assessed by self-report. Statistical analyses comprised Chi2-Tests, logistic regression and mediation analyses. The prevalence of SID (21.8 %) was three fold higher in patients with diabetes compared to the general population. Abuse further increased the likelihood to report SID in diabetes patients (sexual: 48.1 % vs. 18.2 %; χ2 (1) = 12.233, p <.001; emotional: 35.7 % vs. 15.7 %; χ2 (1) = 10.892, p <.001). A dose–response relationship between the number of abuse experiences and SID was observed (one abuse experience: OR = 1.138, 95 %-CI [0.433, 2.990], p =.793, >2 abuse experiences: OR = 2.693, 95 %-CI [1.278, 5.675], p =.009). Impaired personality functioning had an indirect effect on the association between emotional abuse and SID (b = 0.25, 95 %-CI [0.037, 0.551]). Diabetes patients experience increased SID prevalences, especially those with emotional or sexual abuse. In individuals with a history of emotional abuse, impaired personality functioning partly explained SID and should therefore be considered and addressed in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription, processing and translation occurs in the context of biomolecular condensates. How the physical properties of condensates connect with their biological regulatory functions is an ongoing area of interest, particularly for RNA metabolic pathways. Phosphorylation has emerged as an important mechanism for regulating protein phase separation propensities and localization patterns into different condensates, affecting compositions and dynamics. Key factors in transcription, mRNA processing and translation exhibit such phosphorylation-dependent changes in their roles within condensates, including their catalytic activities. Phosphorylation is increasingly understood to regulate the exchange of proteins through functionally linked condensates to fulfil their mRNA metabolic functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical factor for the performance of a biofuel cell is an immobilization of the redox enzyme for continuous catalytic reaction and efficient electron transfer. However, the main obstacle associated with enzyme electrode is the reduced surface area for the accommodation of enzymes, leading to poor power output. This study aimed to optimize the efficient electrical communication for glucose oxidase (GOx) on the surface of a graphite oxide/cobalt hydroxide/chitosan composite as mediator, thereby enhancing the generation of power output. Immobilization efficiency was affected by the different concentrations of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). Also, the surface of enzyme electrode was observed by XPS, Raman, and AFM, respectively. The electrochemical characterization showed that the immobilized GOx possesses the highest activity at EDC:NHS(40:80 mM) concentration. The power output under the optimal condition was found to be 2.24 mWcm−2 of power density using the three-electrode cell in 0.1 M PBS solution at room temperature. • We have demonstrated effect of carbodiimide reaction for efficient enzyme electrode. • The enzyme electrode compared electron transport between immobilized enzyme and mediator. • In the results, the enzyme electrode was covalently optimized to immobilized enzyme. • The resulting biofuel cells exhibit a maximum power density of 2.24 mW cm−2. • The enzyme electrode can be use efficient electrical communication for applying redox enzyme devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have analyzed the relationship between service quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions or loyalty in the field of public transport. Yet despite growing interest, there is a lack of consensus regarding a number of aspects, e.g.: the difference between service quality and satisfaction, between behavioral intentions and loyalty, or the mediating effect of satisfaction between service quality and behavioral intentions. The main objective of this article is to shed light on the type of mediator effect exerted by satisfaction between service quality and behavioral intentions or loyalty in the area of urban and metropolitan public transport. To this end, structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to compare two competitive models, one in which satisfaction plays a partial mediating role (i.e. service quality presents direct and indirect effects on behavioral intentions or loyalty), and another where satisfaction exerts a complete or full mediator effect (i.e., service quality presents only indirect effects). The comparison is based on data from a single (translated) survey of public transport users in five European cities: Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Lisbon and London. The results support the superiority of the full mediator model over the partial mediator one in the urban and metropolitan public transport sector. The use of five independent samples made it possible replicate results and generalize conclusions, as well as identify other methodological and practical aspects. From a methodological standpoint, this paper confirmed the need to consider service quality and satisfaction as different factors and to compare alternative models with different samples when applying SEM to the public transport field. From a practical standpoint, the results suggest that service quality, associated with specific attributes of service, exerts a total effect on behavioral intentions or loyalty, superior to the effect of satisfaction, a finding that has important implications for transport operators. Finally, this study confirms that in large cities, the intermodality of public transport is one of the attributes that contributes most to the appraisal of its service quality, together with frequency, punctuality and speed. • Service quality (SQ) and satisfaction (SA) are different constructs and should be measured separately. • Behavioral intentions (BI) and loyalty (LO) are different constructs. • However, BI and LO use indicators reflecting the intention to reutilize the service and to recommended it. • SA exerts a complete mediator role between SQ and BI in urban and metropolitan public transport services. • In Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Lisbon and London, SQ exerts an overall positive effect on BI, superior to the effect of SA. • In large cities, intermodality is among the most important attributes contributing to SQ. • Other important attributes contributing to SQ in large cities are frequency, punctuality and speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design of hypoallergen with low IgE reactivity is desirable for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Despite oyster tropomyosin (Cra g 1) is considered as the major allergen, no immunotherapy is available now. In the current research, we generated hypoallergens of Cra g 1 and evaluated their allergenicity. Four hypoallergenic derivatives were constructed by epitope deletion or site-directed mutagenesis on grounds of the identified epitopes. They showed obvious reduction in reactivity towards IgE from oyster-allergic patients and Cra g 1-sensitized BN rats, as well as significant decrease in degranulation and secretion of allergic mediators including histamine, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, to further investigate the molecular mechanism, we examined the effects of these variants on FcεRI-dependent signalling pathway in IgE-challenged RBL-2H3 cells. We found that the hypoallergenic mutants were able to attenuate FcεRI-mediated signaling cascades in tested cells. These results indicate that the hypoallergenic molecules have ideal characteristics and offer a promising new strategy in clinical immunotherapy for shellfish-allergic subjects. • Four hypoallergenic derivatives were constructed by epitope deletion or site-directed mutagenesis. • The derivatives showed obvious reduction in IgE reactivity, degranulation and secretion of allergic mediators. • Hypoallergenic mutants were able to attenuate FcεRI-mediated signaling cascades in RBL-2H3 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The relationship among SQ, SA, INV and BI is analyzed using 8 models and 5 samples. • Results suggest that INV is a complete mediator between SA and BI or loyalty. • Results also suggest that SA is a complete mediator between SQ and INV towards PT. • INV is the factor with the highest effect on BI, followed by SQ and SA. • The following sociodemographic characteristics produce heterogeneity in the factors. • City, household location, gender, age, travel frequency, education and income level. Several studies have made manifest that involvement with public transport play a key role in the intentions of its use. However, conflicting models exist in the literature about involvement's role in the relationship between service quality, satisfaction and behavioral intentions or loyalty. Previous studies suggest all possible roles: antecedent, mediator, moderator and direct effects. A structural equation modeling approach is applied here to further understand the role of involvement with public transport, comparing eight alternative models and using data from a single survey carried out in five European cities (Madrid, Rome, Berlin, Lisbon and London). Later, the study uses a multiple indicators and multiple causes structural equation modeling approach (SEM-MIMIC) to analyze the effect of heterogeneity present in the data over the four constructs considered (service quality, satisfaction, involvement and behavioral intentions). This comprehensive methodological approach provides a number of noteworthy findings, including the empirical verification that satisfaction is a full mediator between service quality and involvement, and involvement is a full mediator between satisfaction and behavioral intentions. The results further suggest that involvement is the factor that contributes most to behavioral intentions or loyalty, followed by service quality perceptions and satisfaction. Lastly, this study demonstrates the relevance of controlling for heterogeneity in users' perceptions, so as to obtain more robust relations among factors and identify significant differences among market segments, which could prove useful for public transport operators or policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Childhood trauma is an important early social risk factor for the development of the major depressive disorder (MDD). Both childhood trauma and depression are associated with dysfunctional attitudes and dysregulation in stress hormones. We aimed to clarify the path from childhood trauma to depression and identify potential predictors of antidepressant treatment outcomes.Objectives: One hundred and thirty-nine MDD patients and 112 healthy controls were included at baseline. Depressive symptoms were assessed with both self-reported and expert-rated scales. Childhood trauma and dysfunctional attitudes were evaluated and blood cortisol levels were assayed. Patients received an open-label antidepressant trial with paroxetine and their depressive symptoms were monitored by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) during 6 months of treatment. After 6 months, 94 patients received the same assessments as the baseline.Results: At baseline, the influence of childhood trauma on depression diagnosis was mediated by dysfunctional attitudes. In patients with MDD, the influence of childhood trauma on depression severity was mediated by both dysfunctional attitudes and cortisol levels. Baseline childhood trauma predicted the antidepressant treatment outcome during early treatment phase and baseline cortisol levels predicted the antidepressant treatment outcome at later treatment phase. After 6-month antidepressant treatment, a significant remission by time effect was found on dysfunctional attitudes and depression severity but not on cortisol levels.Conclusion: Effect of childhood trauma on depression onset was mediated by dysfunctional attitudes. The relationship between childhood trauma and depressive symptoms was mediated by dysfunctional attitudes and cortisol levels in MDD patients. Baseline childhood trauma and cortisol levels may be moderators for antidepressant treatment response at different treatment phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep disturbance is a common and key symptom that affects most of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, neural substrates underlying sleep disturbance and their clinical relevance in depression remain unclear.Methods: Ninety-six MDD patients underwent resting-state functional MRI. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) were used to measure brain function. Overnight polysomnography was performed to objectively measure sleep efficiency (SE), which was used to classify patients into normal sleep efficiency (NSE) and low sleep efficiency (LSE) groups. Between-group differences in fALFF and rsFC were examined using two-sample t-tests. Moreover, correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to test for potential associations between SE, brain functional changes, and clinical variables.Results: LSE group showed decreased fALFF in right cuneus, thalamus, and middle temporal gyrus compared to NSE group. MDD patients with low SE also exhibited lower rsFC of right cuneus to right lateral temporal cortex, which was associated with more severe depression and anxiety symptoms. More importantly, mediation analyses revealed that the relationships between SE and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms were significantly mediated by the altered rsFC. In addition, these low SE-related brain functional alterations were not affected by antidepressant medication and were independent of structural changes.Limitations: The lack of healthy controls because of "first-night effect".Conclusion: These findings not only may expand existing knowledge about neuropathology of sleep disturbance in depression, but also may inform real-world clinical practice by improving depression and anxiety symptoms through sleep regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: to explore the influence of physical exercise on social anxiety of left-behind children in rural areas, and to verify the mediator and moderator role of perceived social support.Methods: 797 rural left-behind children were studied with physical exercise rating scale, social anxiety scale and perceived social support assessment scale. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between physical exercise and social anxiety, and regression and structural equation models were used to check whether perceived social support played a mediator and moderator role or not.Results: the effect of physical exercise on social anxiety of left-behind children in rural areas is significant (P < 0.01); exercise time, exercise intensity and exercise frequency have significant effects on social anxiety; perceived social support has significant effects on social anxiety (P < 0.01); family support, friend support and other support have significant negative effects on social anxiety. Regression analysis shows that the dimensions of perceived social support (family support, friend support and other support) have some mediator effects in explaining social anxiety in sports. Perceived social support plays a moderator role in the relationship between physical exercise and social anxiety.Conclusions: The results suggests the impact of perceived social support on left-behind children in rural areas. Specifically, perceived social support has a positive impact on the level of social anxiety and a positive impact on physical exercise. It is suggested that attention should be paid to social support of rural left-behind children in the process of mental health education and school physical education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) enhance bio-Current production in MFCs. • DMIF+ stained cells exhibit excellent performance in bio-current production. • Tolerance of COEs stained cells to different concentrations was investigated. • COEs spiking cells facilitates EET process and boosts MFCs performances. The anode compartment, as an electron generation station, determines the power performance and contaminant removal in microbial fuel cell (MFC). However, the extracellular electron transfer (EET) process limits bioelectricity generation. In this work, the role of conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) on catalyzing bacterial activity toward bio-current production was investigated. In this regard, two COEs, namely [4-[1-(3-methylimidazolium chloride)]butyl] ferrocene (MIF+) and Bis [4-[1-(3-methylimidazolium chloride)]butyl] ferrocene (BMIF+) were synthesized and the increases in anodic current output were probed through MFC device. The electrochemical analyses revealed excellent performance in bio-current production for BMIF+ stained cells. The tolerance threshold of COEs stained cells for different concentrations of COEs was investigated using chronoamperometry (CA) test. Additionally, the power performance of MFC exhibited the highest value of 115.46 mW m−2 for the BMIF+ stained cells in comparison with MIF+ stained cells (73.12 mW m−2) and unstained cells (25.8 mW m−2). The results demonstrated that spiking cells' membranes with COEs is a meaningful strategy to facilitate the EET process and produce bioelectricity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RAD51 recombinase plays a central role in homologous recombination (HR) by forming a nucleoprotein filament on single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) to catalyze homology search and strand exchange between the ssDNA and a homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). The catalytic activity of RAD51 assembled on ssDNA is critical for the DNA-homology-mediated repair of DNA double-strand breaks in somatic and meiotic cells and restarting stalled replication forks during DNA replication. The RAD51-ssDNA complex also plays a structural role in protecting the regressed/reversed replication fork. Two types of regulators control RAD51 filament formation, stability, and dynamics, namely positive regulators, including mediators, and negative regulators, so-called remodelers. The appropriate balance of action by the two regulators assures genome stability. This review describes the roles of positive and negative RAD51 regulators in HR and DNA replication and its meiosis-specific homolog DMC1 in meiotic recombination. We also provide future study directions for a comprehensive understanding of RAD51/DMC1-mediated regulation in maintaining and inheriting genome integrity. • RAD51 recombinase is essential for homologous recombination and DNA replication. • Positive and negative regulators promote RAD51/DMC1 assembly and disassembly. • Antagonism between RAD51/DMC1 remodelers provides multi-layered regulation. • Appropriate balance of positive and negative regulators assures genome stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nitrogenase MoFeP was studied in the presence of low-potential electron transfer mediators. • No significant catalytic activity of the MoFeP was observed with any of the tested mediators. • Electrochemical activation of the MoFeP is not exclusively regulated by the driving force. The molybdenum-iron protein (MoFeP), a component of the enzyme nitrogenase, catalyzes the reduction of an array of small molecules, including N 2 to NH 3. In microorganisms, during the catalytic cycle, MoFeP receives electrons from the obligate biological redox partner iron protein (FeP) in a process coupled to the hydrolysis of two MgATP per one electron transferred. Despite the favorable redox properties of the cofactors, the requirement of the MgATP hydrolysis significantly decreases the energy efficiency of MoFeP. Therefore, remarkable efforts have been devoted to electrochemically activating MoFeP without FeP and MgATP. Previously, MoFeP was adsorbed on an electrode surface and revealed a slow catalysis with and without electron transfer mediators. However, enzyme adsorption can cause conformational and structural changes in a fragile protein molecule and alter its catalytic activity. In this work, MoFeP was electrochemically studied in solution. Various electron transfer mediators with potentials ranging from −0.3 V to −1 V (vs. NHE) were examined with MoFeP using cyclic voltammetry. No significant catalytic activity of the MoFeP was observed with any of the tested mediators. This indicates that efficient electrochemical activation of MoFeP cannot be achieved exclusively by increasing the driving force between the MoFeP redox cofactors and an electron donor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MnP and Mn2+ ions were co-immobilized in silica gels. • Silica gel-immobilized Mn2+ remained capable of mediating MnP catalysis. • Co-immobilization enhanced MnP catalytic activity by 4-fold in Mn2+-free solution. • MnP co-immobilized with Mn2+ outperformed MnP immobilized alone in removing dyes. Manganese peroxidase (MnP) offers significant potential in various environmental and industrial applications; however, its reliance on Mn2+ ions for electron shuttling limits its use in Mn2+-deficient systems. Herein, a novel approach is presented to address this limitation by co-immobilizing MnP and Mn2+ in silica gels. These gels were synthesized following the standard sol–gel method and found to effectively immobilize Mn2+ ions, primarily through electrostatic interactions. The MnP co-immobilized with Mn2+ ions in the silica gel exhibited 4–5 times higher activity than the MnP immobilized alone in activity assays, and generated Mn3+ within the gel, indicating the immobilized Mn2+ ions remain capable of shuttling electrons to the co-immobilized MnP. In decolorization tests with two organic dyes, the co-immobilized system also outperformed the MnP immobilized without Mn2+ ions, resulting in 2–4 times higher dye removals. This study will enable a broader application of MnP enzymes in sustainable environmental remediation and industrial catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryo-electron microscopy has enabled unprecedented progress in the quest to reveal the structure of the whole transcription preinitiation complex. Four recent studies pave the way for a complete description of how transcription is initiated at near-atomic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the first cause of death in the World. Mediator (MED) is an evolutionarily conserved protein complex, which mediates distinct protein-protein interactions. Pathogenic events in MED subunit have been associated with human diseases. Novel increasing evidence showed that missense mutations in MED13L gene are associated with transposition of great arteries while MED12, MED13, MED15, and MED30, have been correlated with heart development. Moreover, MED23 and MED25 have been associated with heart malformations in humans. Relevantly, MED1, MED13, MED14, MED15, MED23, MED25, and CDK8, were found modify glucose and/or lipid metabolism. Indeed, MED1, MED15, MED25, and CDK8 interact in the PPAR- and SREBP-mediated signaling pathways. MED1, MED14 and MED23 are involved in adipocyte differentiation, whereas MED23 mediates smooth muscle cell differentiation. MED12, MED19, MED23, and MED30 regulate endothelial differentiation by alternative splicing mechanism. Thus, MEDs have a central role in early pathogenic events involved in CVDs representing novel targets for clinical prevention and therapeutic approaches. • MED gene modifications induce heart malformations. • MED12, MED13, MED15, and MED30, have been correlated with heart development. • MED13L, MED23 and MED25 have been associated with heart malformations in human. • MED1, MED15, MED25, and CDK8 deregulate energy homeostasis. • MED12, MED19, MED23, and MED30 regulate endothelial differentiation by splicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel polymer electrolyte membrane was prepared by addition of mediators. • The conductivities were promoted by adding mediators in the membrane at −20 °C/20 °C. • The performance of SCs was improved by using mediator-containing separators. One of most difficult technical barriers for developing solid-state supercapacitors is low ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte at low temperature below the freezing point and at room temperature. In this work, a method which incorporates the addition of a small quantity of K 4 Fe(CN) 6 /K 3 Fe(CN) 6 mediators in the PVDF-LiTFS polymer electrolyte membrane was used to achieve high conductivity at −20 °C and 20 °C. When the concentration of the mediators was below 4 vol%, the ionic conductivity of the membrane was in the level of 10−3 S/cm at −20 °C and 10−2 S/cm at 20 °C and the electronic conductivity was less than 2 × 10−6 S/cm at −20 °C and at 20 °C, suggesting that the polymer electrolyte can be used as a separator in a solid-state supercapacitor. The performance of the solid-state supercapacitor with mediator-containing membrane separator was better than that with mediator-free membrane separator at −20 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imagery rescripting (IR) and imaginal exposure (IE) are two efficacious treatments for nightmare disorder, but their discrete underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown. We therefore examined mediators of the treatment effects of IR and IE in a randomized wait-list controlled trial (N = 104). Therapeutic outcomes were assessed at pre- and post-assessment, and mediator assessment took place in between treatment sessions to establish a temporal relationship between mediators and nightmare symptoms (i.e., frequency and distress). In line with the hypothesis, enhanced mastery (or self-efficacy) of the nightmare content mediated the therapeutic efficacy of IR. Furthermore, the treatment effects of IE were mediated by increased tolerability of the negative emotions elicited by nightmares. Even though IR and IE for nightmares seem to produce similar therapeutic effects, the results of this study suggest that IR and IE tap into different underlying processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to introduce a nanocomposite based bioanode for biofuel cell application. The as-prepared Kraton/MWCNTs nanocomposite was used as a current enhancer and ferritin (Frt) as a mediator between glucose oxidase (GOx) and the electrode surface. The hybrid anode achieved enzymatic oxidation of glucose by the nanocomposite reflecting an efficient energy conversion from glucose. The resulting Kraton/MWCNTs/Frt/GOx bioande exhibited good catalytic activity towards glucose oxidation along with excellent stability. The maximum current density attained by the bioanode is 1.14 mA cm−2 at the optimum glucose concentration of 60 mM. This enzymatic strategy can be employed to develop other polysaccharide or oligosaccharide fuel cells in which glucose oxidation is involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms' capability to develop sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) can be enhanced by stakeholder engagement (SE) in order to acquire a wide range of external knowledge to support innovation efforts and outcomes. While we understand some of the transactional and relational attributes at stake for firms to leverage engagement with external stakeholders, we do not yet fully understand all the underlying mechanisms that are conducive to greater SOI outputs. At the same time, stakeholder theory emphasizes the importance of such engagement for firms' financial performance (FP), even though the related findings are far from conclusive. Therefore, this paper suggests and tests a mediation model to investigate the associations between SE, SOI and FP. Based on data collected from 101 mineral companies in Norway, the results show that both transactional and relational interactions are important for improving SOI outputs, and that SOI fully mediates the association between SE and FP (measured by profitability). This suggests that external engagement activities do not directly link to FP, and that the financial benefit begins to appear once a firm is able to transform the acquired knowledge from external stakeholders into innovative outputs. Such open innovation approach thus requires a sustainability orientation to ultimately materialize into a performance benefit. • Stakeholder engagement (SE) alone does not enhance firms' financial performance. • Sustainability-oriented innovation enables firms to reap the financial benefit of SE. • Both transactional and relational stakeholder engagement enhance innovative outputs. • Transactional engagement should be frequent enough to increase innovative outputs. • Relational engagement with a diverse set of stakeholders boosts innovative outputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally there are mounting concerns about nurses' job satisfaction because of its pivotal role in nurse turnover and the quality of care of patients. To identify a more comprehensive and extensive knowledge of the job satisfaction of qualified general nurses working in acute care hospitals and its associated factors drawing upon empirical literature published in the last five years. Literature review. A comprehensive electronic database search was conducted in PubMed (2012–2017), Web of Science (2012–2017), CINAHL (2012–2017), Embase (2012–2017), PsycINFO (2012–2017) and the Applied Social Sciences Index (2012–2017), CNKI (2012–2017), WanFang (2012–2017), SinoMed (2012–2017) and VIP (2012–2017) to retrieve relevant articles published in both English and Chinese between January 2012 and October 2017. Key terms and phrases associated with job satisfaction, occupational stress, professional commitment, role conflict and role ambiguity were utilized in the subject search in combination with nurses following guidelines for searching the OVID interface. The abstracts or full texts of research papers were reviewed prior to their inclusion in the review according to inclusion criteria and quality assessment using the Strobe guidelines. A total of 59 papers were included in this review. The impact of job satisfaction upon sickness absence, turnover intention, as well as the influencing factors of job satisfaction such as working shift and leadership, job performance, organizational commitment, effort and reward style has been identified in a number of research studies yielding equivocal findings. Job satisfaction of hospital nurses is closely related to work environment, structural empowerment, organizational commitment, professional commitment, job stress, patient satisfaction, patient-nurse ratios, social capital, evidence-based practice and ethnic background. Various mediating or moderating pathways have been identified with nurses' job satisfaction being mediated by various factors. It is vital to increase nurses' job satisfaction because this has the potential both to improve patients' perceptions of care quality and ensure an adequate nursing workforce. The indirect relationships and predictors of job satisfaction contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex phenomenon of job satisfaction, which in turn may aid the development of effective strategies to address the nursing shortage and increase the quality of patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A three-dimension model is set up to simulate the transport and electrochemical processes in mediator-enhanced solid-state supercapacitors. The roles of mediators are studied in wide ranges of mediator parameters, including concentration, conductivity, and diffusivity. The simulation results are validated using experimental data previously published. The simulation results show that with a concentration of mediators greater than 0.2 mol L−1 and diffusivity of mediators greater than 3 × 10−12 m2 s−1 in electrodes, the charge/discharge behaviours are generally battery-like. The simulation results clearly reveal that if free ions are given off by mediators during the charging process, the specific capacity of the supercapacitors can be increased. The simulation results also indicate that if the diffusivity of mediators in the separator membrane is below 10−12 m2 s−1, the self-discharge of the supercapacitor due to shuttling of the redox species between the electrodes is negligible. Thus, an operational mediator supercapacitor relies on a selective separator membrane and a high diffusivity of mediators in the composite electrodes. Highlights • A three-dimensional model is set up to study the roles of mediators in MESSSCs. • Diffusivity of mediators determines the charge/discharge behaviors. • The effect of ion supply by mediators is shown at a low concentration of free ions. • Crossover is negligible with low mediator diffusivity in the separator membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maladaptive perfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk and maintaining factor for a range of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder (BD). Self-compassion represents a potential protective factor against maladaptive perfectionism, however no studies to date have examined the relationship of these constructs in BD. The aim of the present study was to examine associations between maladaptive perfectionism, self-compassion and symptoms among individuals with BD.Methods: Baseline data were collected from 302 participants with a DSM-IV diagnosis of BD participating in an international randomised controlled trial. Participants completed measures of maladaptive perfectionism, self-compassion, symptom severity and emotion regulation difficulties. Clinician-administered measures of depression and mania severity were additionally collected. Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted.Results: Maladaptive perfectionism was positively associated with depression, anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties. Lower levels of self-compassion correlated with greater self-reported depression, anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties. Self-compassion partially mediated relationships between maladaptive perfectionism, depression, anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties.Limitations: The cross-sectional design limits conclusions about causal relationships between study variables. Results may not be generalizable to other BD populations. The role of maladaptive perfectionism and self-compassion in elevated mood states of BD remains unclear.Conclusion: Self-compassion represents one mechanism through which maladaptive perfectionism influences symptoms of depression, anxiety and emotion regulation difficulties in BD. Self-compassion represents a modifiable treatment target; individuals with BD exhibiting maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies may benefit from interventions fostering self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mediators play a central role in Catellani-type reactions. Herein we reported the discovery of inexpensive 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid (N 4 ) as a general catalytic mediator (20 mol%) to facilitate ortho C–H activation and the following C–C bond formation of aryl iodides. Firstly, a cooperative catalytic system comprising N 4 and a palladium/XPhos complex was developed for the novel Catellani/redox-relay Heck cascade to construct tetrahydronaphthalenes and indanes that contain a quaternary carbon stereogenic center. The striking feature of this work was the avoidance of stoichiometric NBE mediator that are usually required for Catellani-type reactions. Then, preliminary results demonstrated that N 4 could act as a general catalytic mediator to replace NBE for other Catellani-type reactions, which will undoubtedly inspire future developments in the field of cooperative catalysis. Finally, control experiments indicated that the carboxylic acid moiety of N 4 plays an essential role in its ability to serve as a superior mediator. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Self-harm is widespread amongst young people. A growing body of research has explored factors that predict self-harm in young people, however, a systematic review of mediators and moderators of those factors has not yet been offered. This review aims to fill this gap by synthesising research about mediators and moderators of factors that prospectively predict self-harm in young people.Method: A systematic review of research trials published up until 2018 was undertaken. Electronic databases Scopus (Elsevier), CINAHL, PsychINFO (EBSCO) and Medline were searched. Included studies utilised prospective longitudinal designs with participants aged 25 years or younger and self-harm outcome measures with published or reported psychometric properties. The aim of the review was to identify mediators and moderators of factors that predict self-harm in young people.Results: Of the 25 studies that met inclusion criteria, 22 reported at least one positive finding of a mediator or moderator. Specifically, 15 significant mediators and 20 significant moderators were identified in relation to a broad range of predictors of self-harm. Predictors were classified as adverse childhood experiences and parenting factors, psychological and psychiatric factors, social factors and intrapersonal factors. A number of potentially modifiable mediators and moderators were identified including interpersonal difficulties, impulsivity, self-esteem and self-compassion. Gender was the most commonly reported moderator.Limitations: Included studies were assessed as limited by the heterogeneity of the mediators and moderators assessed, and by methodological factors including study durations, population characteristics, and the definition and assessment of self-harm. In addition, replication research was limited. Therefore it was difficult to integrate results and draw firm conclusions.Conclusions: This review allowed us to explore diverse relationships between factors predictive of self-harm in young people and to identify a number of potentially modifiable mediators and moderators. Our findings have important implications for future research and treatment efforts as the identification of mediators and moderators is demonstrated to assist in identifying high risk individuals as well informing potential targets for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lithium-sulfur batteries hold great promise for large-scale energy storage owing to their high theoretical energy density and low cost. However, the insulating nature of sulfur and shuttle effect of polysulfides result in low sulfur utilization and rapid capacity decay. Here, sulfonated graphene is fabricated using the low-cost diluted sulfuric acid as sulfonated reagent, for constructing the freestanding sulfur cathode. It is confirmed that the sulfo groups grafted on graphene serve as mediators to react with long-chain polysulfides by forming the thiosulfate/polythionate intermediates, and facilitate the conversion of long-chain polysulfides into short-chain species and solid discharge products. Crucially, the freestanding cathode with sulfur loading of 8.2 mg cm−2 exhibits an areal capacity of 7.57 mA h cm−2 and stable cycling over 100 cycles at 0.1 C. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Sulfonated graphene serves as host material for high performance sulfur cathode. • Sulfo groups on sulfonated graphene can chemically react with polysulfides. • High areal capacity of 4.42 mA h cm−2 is achieved after 100 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, uranium is one of the most crucial critical metals and a high supply-demand gap is forecasted in the coming years. However, the upsurging interest in uranium in nuclear fuel cycles prompted an engineered hydrometallurgical route capable of producing a high-grade ammonium diuranate [(NH 4) 2 U 2 O 7 ] capable of serving as an intermediate in nuclear base fuel and catalytic industries. Consequently, the processing of an indigenous boltwoodite ore containing admixtures of albite (Na 2.00 Al 2.00 Si 6.00 O 16.00), boltwoodite (Na 2.00 K 2.77 U 3.00 Si 6.00 O 9.00 H 4.00), thorite (Th 4.00 Si 4.00 O 16.00), and quartz (Si 6.00 O 6.00) by the hydrometallurgical process was examined in hydrochloric acid media. The experimental parameters during leaching including lixiviant concentration, reaction temperature, and particle size on the ore dissolution were investigated. At established conditions (2.5 mol/L HCl, 75 °C, 75 μm), 99.1% of the initial 10 g/L ore was dissolved within 120 min. The estimated activation energy of 17.30 kJ/mol indicated a mixed control reaction mechanism as the rate-determining step for the ore dissolution. The thermodynamic and kinetic tests were also examined to explore dissolution feasibility. The apparent change in enthalpy (Δ H = 73.95 kJ/mol) and negative values of Gibb's free energy change affirmed that the U(VI) extraction is endothermic and spontaneous for temperatures between 300 K and 348 K. Almost 99.3% U(VI) in the pregnant solution was quantitatively extracted using TBP in kerosene, and 97% of the total U(VI) was quantitatively precipitated using NH 4 OH solution. The precipitate was further crystallized to obtain industrial-grade ammonium diuranate comparable with the international standard specification of nuclear purity ASTM C 788–03; recommended to serve as a mediator in the nuclear fuel and catalytic industries. [Display omitted] • Leaching of U(VI) from a boltwoodite ore was examined in HCl media. • The impact of leaching parameters on the ore reaction was investigated. • At optimal conditions, a leaching efficiency of 99.1% was recorded. • The extraction of total U(VI) reached 99.3% in the loaded organic phase. • The pure U(VI) solution was beneficiated as an industrial mediator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccase, a green biocatalyst, has been widely used in the field of biodegradation with the assistance of electron mediators. Herein, a novel strategy, polyethyleneimine (PEI)-induced biomimetic mineralization, was explored and applied to co-immobilize laccase and 2,2′-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). With the PEI doping, calcium phosphate (CaP) could facilely mineralize within 20 min to form PEI@CaP; ABTS could be co-mineralized with PEI to form (PEI + ABTS)@CaP. Laccase, a negatively charged protein, was then immobilized via electrostatic adsorption onto the embedded PEI in the carriers. Both of the immobilized laccase preparations, denoted as Lac-PEI@CaP and Lac-(PEI + ABTS)@CaP, showed high activity recoveries (96.4 % and 88.0 %, respectively), and increased pH tolerance and storage stability as compared to free laccase. ABTS and laccase loading densities of Lac-(PEI + ABTS)@CaP reached 0.83 mmol g−1 and 100 mg g−1, respectively. Lac-(PEI + ABTS)@CaP presented higher malachite green (MG) degradation capability than free laccase and Lac-PEI@CaP with free ABTS, possibly due to the proximity effect of the co-immobilized laccase and ABTS. Moreover, Lac-(PEI + ABTS)@CaP exhibited reusability and kept 83.2 % of MG degradation activity after three recycles and 37.9 % in the sixth. This work provided a new strategy for the co-immobilization of laccase and electron mediator, and demonstrated the potential of the biocatalyst for organic pollutant removal. [Display omitted] • Fast mineralization of calcium phosphate (CaP) achieved with PEI or PEI plus ABTS. • Laccase was bound onto PEI@CaP and (PEI + ABTS)@CaP via electrostatic adsorption. • Lac-PEI@CaP and Lac-(PEI + ABTS)@CaP showed high activities and improved stabilities. • Lac-(PEI + ABTS)@CaP presented high performance and reusability in dye removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital alcohol interventions have been shown to exert effects in helping individuals reduce their drinking. However, little is known about the mechanisms which mediate such effects. The objective of this study was to estimate natural direct and indirect effects of a digital alcohol intervention. This secondary analysis of mediated effects used data from a randomised controlled trial which included individuals with unhealthy alcohol use with access to a mobile phone aged 18 years or older in Sweden. The comparator was basic alcohol and health information. The digital intervention was centrally designed around weekly monitoring of consumption followed by feedback and tools to support behaviour change. Mediated effects were estimated using measures from 1-, 2-, and 4-months post-randomisation. Primary outcomes were total weekly consumption (TWC) and frequency of heavy episodic drinking (HED). A counterfactual framework was used to estimate three hypothesised mediators: importance, knowledge of how to change (know-how), and confidence. Between 25/04/2019 and 26/11/2020, 2129 participants were randomised. The intervention improved know-how and confidence, which in turn mediated the effects on TWC and HED at 2- and 4-months. Analyses with imputed data were not markedly different. A digital alcohol intervention was found to exert effects in reducing consumption by means of improving individuals' knowledge of how to reduce their consumption and confidence in their ability to reduce. The use of face-valid single item measures is a study limitation notwithstanding observed findings, as is attrition and lack of blinding of participants. • Little is known about the mediators of effects of digital alcohol interventions. • Mediation of effects were estimated in an effectiveness trial. • We found evidence of mediation through know-how and confidence. • Findings suggests that the specific content in brief interventions may matter.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is evolving knowledge on change processes of digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression, little is known about how these interventions produce therapeutic change in the comorbid constellation of chronic back pain (CBP). Here, we examined whether the effects of a digital intervention to treat depression in patients with CBP are mediated by three pain-related variables (i.e., pain self-efficacy, pain-related disability, pain intensity). This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial conducted in routine care at 82 orthopedic clinics across Germany. In total, 209 adults with CBP and diagnosed depression (SCID interview) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 104) or treatment-as-usual (n = 105). Cross-lagged mediation models were estimated to investigate longitudinal mediation effects of putative mediators with depression symptom severity (PHQ-9) as primary outcome at post-treatment. Longitudinal mediation effects were observed for pain self-efficacy (ß = −0.094, 95%-CI [−0.174, −0.014], p = 0.021) and pain-related disability (ß = −0.068, 95%-CI [−0.130, −0.001], p = 0.047). Furthermore, the hypothesized direction of the mediation effects was supported, reversed causation did not occur. Pain intensity did not reveal a mediation effect. The results suggest a relevant role of pain self-efficacy and pain-related disability as change processes in the treatment of depression for patients with CBP in routine care. However, further research is needed to disclose potential reciprocal relationships of mediators, and to extend and specify our knowledge of the mechanisms of change in digital CBT for depression. • Pain-specific factors are putative mechanisms in digital CBT for depression in patients with chronic back pain (CBP). • Pain self-efficacy and pain-related disability significantly mediated the effects of the intervention on depression. • Digital CBT increased confidence in pain-management and decreased behavioral impairments due to pain. • Decreasing physiological aspects of pain might be less important in the treatment of depression in patients with CBP. • Cross-lagged longitudinal mediation analyses generate higher causal confidence in the established mediation effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]