Direct Effect Research Articles

Dupilumab prevents nasal epithelial function alteration by IL-4 in vitro: Evidence for its efficacy.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) is a typical type 2 inflammation involving interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13. Dupilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting IL-4 receptor α subunit, thereby blocking signaling by both cytokines. Our hypothesis was that IL-4 and IL-13, by inducing a severe epithelial dysregulation, are involved in CRSwNP pathogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro direct effect of IL-4, IL-13, and dupilumab on nasal epithelial functions. Nasal polyps and control mucosa from 28 patients, as well as human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC) from 35 patients with CRSwNP were used. Three major epithelial functions were investigated: the epithelial barrier function (characterized by transepithelial electrical resistance measurements and tight junction protein expression), the ciliary motion (characterized by the ciliary beating efficiency index), and wound healing (characterized by the wound repair rate) under various stimulations (IL-4, IL-13, and dupilumab). The main outcome was a significant change in epithelial functions following exposure to IL-4, IL-13, and dupilumab for 48h in the basal media. IL-4 (1, 10, and 100ng/mL) but not IL-13 induced a significant decrease in occludin and zonula-occludens protein expression, ciliary beating efficiency, and wound repair rate in HNEC. Dupilumab (0.04mg/mL) had no effect on HNEC and specifically restored all epithelial functions altered when cells were exposed to a 48-h IL-4 stimulation. Dupilumab, in vitro, restored epithelial integrity by counteracting the effect of IL-4 on the epithelial barrier (increased epithelial permeability, decreased ciliary beating efficiency, and decreased wound repair rate).

Using an extended information-motivation-behavioral skills model to explain HPV vaccination intention among men who have sex with men only and men who have sex with men and women

ABSTRACT Men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) have been reported to differ in psychosocial and sexual behavior patterns from men who have sex with men only (MSMO). However, results regarding the differences in HPV vaccination intention/behavior were inconclusive. We compared HPV vaccination intention between MSMO and MSMW and analyzed the differences in potentially associated factors in China. MSM participants were recruited online using a snowball sampling method. Cross-sectional data were collected via a questionnaire based on the extended information-motivation-behavioral skills model. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the relationship between the variables, followed by multi-group analysis to test differences between groups. Of 914 MSM, 77.68% were MSMO and 22.32% were MSMW. MSMW had a higher rate of reluctance to vaccinate than MSMO (23.53% vs. 16.20%, p = .016). Differences between the two groups were statistically significant in risky sexual behavior, behavioral skills, and promotional attitude. In both groups, promotional attitude was the most significant predictor of vaccination intention. Vaccination intention was directly influenced by motivation and indirectly by risky sexual behavior in MSMO, but not significantly in MSMW. Additionally, the direct effect of information on behavioral skills in MSMW was significantly greater than that in MSMO, but we did not find any effect of behavioral skills on vaccination intention. MSMW had lower vaccination intention than MSMO. MSMO may be influenced by risky sexual behavior and motivation, positively impacting their vaccination intention, unlike MSMW. Targeted strategies could help promote HPV vaccination, especially in MSMW.

The direct and indirect effects of cash transfer program on the consumption of nutrients: Evidence from Kenya

AbstractHow does the receipt of a cash transfer impact consumption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in households? To answer this question, we use a randomized controlled trial dataset from Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP) with 9,246 households spread across the four districts (Turkana, Marsabit, Wajir, and Mandera) of Kenya. In the experiment, HSNP treated households received a bi‐monthly cash transfer of about United States of America Dollar (USD) 20 relative to households in control sub‐locations. Using difference in‐difference specification, we find that HSNP poor beneficiary households in treated households increased (by approximately 96%, 50%, and 61%) the consumption of vitamins A, C, and beta carotene, respectively compared to those in control sub‐locations. Moreover, HSNP non‐poor, non‐beneficiary households residing in treated sub‐locations increased (by about 70% and 46%) the consumption of vitamin A and Beta carotene, respectively compared to those in control sub‐locations. In addition, HSNP‐poor beneficiary households in treated sub‐locations sourced most of their nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the market. We rule out alternative pathways that could potentially increase consumption and conclude that a rise in consumption amongst HSNP non‐poor, non‐beneficiary households is due to sharing of HSNP transfer amongst social network members.

The Media-Mediated Model of Information Seeking Behavior: A Proposed Framework in the Chinese Culture During the COVID Pandemic

ABSTRACT This study aims to unravel the key determinants of individuals’ information seeking behavior during health crises. It challenges conventional perspectives that solely emphasize individual experiences. It also undermines frameworks that draw direct parallels between individual experiences and media factors, disregarding the mediating role of media. Models like the Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) also have limitations as they prioritize media mediation over recognizing the direct impacts of individual experiences on information seeking behaviors. We hereby propose a framework, the Media-Mediated Model of Information Seeking Behavior, that sheds light on the interplay between individual and media experiences. Analysis of survey data involving 5,469 participants in three Chinese societies, including mainland China (n = 2,067), Hong Kong (n = 1,913), and Taiwan (n = 1,489), reveals that individual experiences have both direct and indirect effects on information seeking, mediated by media utility. Experience of symptoms and risk perception depend on people’s perceptions of the utility of media, while efficacy and media trust directly influence information seeking behaviors. These findings contribute to theoretical understanding and offer practical guidelines. Public institutions and health promoters can leverage media platforms to shape people’s perceptions of health issues and encourage active information behaviors. It is also crucial to prioritize cultivating public trust in media and efficacy during crises.

Regional competition, spatial spillover effects, and entrepreneurship subsidy policies—evidence from incubators in Guangdong, China

ABSTRACT Using data from 2016 to 2018 for all incubators in Guangdong, China, we find that for start-up incubators, the average subsidy level of the city where the incubator is located is significantly positively correlated with the number of patents obtained per unit area of the incubator, regardless of the subsidy amount obtained by the incubator itself. However, this phenomenon is not significant for incubators that have been established for more than 1 year. The subsidy policy of the local government has a significant positive direct effect on the number of patents obtained per unit area of local incubators, but a significant negative indirect effect on incubators in neighbouring regions. Both effects are similar in magnitude, with the overall effect of the subsidy policy being almost completely offset. Therefore, owing to the spatial spillover effect, a considerable part of the effect of the local government subsidy policy only manifests as competition for high-quality enterprises between regions, and the actual improvement of the operational performance of the enterprises themselves is not obvious. Therefore, ignoring the spatial spillover effect of subsidy policies greatly reduces their actual effect.

Natural or Reclaimed Coastal Areas? The Role of Environmental Awareness in Supporting Coastal Ecotourism

Objective – This study was undertaken to analyze the relationship between perceived negative impacts on land reclamation (LR) and support for coastal ecotourism within fishing communities (CE), with environmental awareness (EA) as the mediating variable. Methodology – This study utilized a convenience sampling technique to distribute questionnaires to 400 domestic tourists in coastal areas. Data analysis was conducted using Hayes’s PROCESS in IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS v25.0). Findings – Results showed that LR had a direct effect on CE [β= 0.183; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.095–0.270; P= 0.000 <0.05]. Furthermore, a statistically significant indirect effect between LR and CE via EA was also observed (β= 0.269; 95% CI =0.192–0.351; P= 0.000<0.05), indicating partial mediation. Novelty – These findings highlight that EA is important and essential to be promoted when considering sustainable development in both land reclamation and coastal ecotourism in fishing communities. Affected communities, usually with high environmental awareness, will comprehend the impacts of land developments and react to conserve the environment. In this case, as significant stakeholders with high environmental awareness, tourists are more inclined to support ecotourism, advocate for environmental conservation, and preserve local fishing cultures for appreciation. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: Q5, O13, P28, R5 Keywords: Sustainable development; land reclamation; coastal ecotourism; environment awareness Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Mahyudin, M.N.H.B.M; Kamaruddin, H; Hassan, M.S. (2024). The Legislative and Governance Framework of Wastewater in Malaysia, J. Bus. Econ. Review, 8(4), 38–47. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2024.8.4(4)

Relationship Between Alexithymia and Mobile Phone Addiction with an Emphasis on the Mediating Role of Anxiety, Stress, and Depression: A Structural Model Analysis

Background: Since the beginning of mobile phone addiction, alexithymia, depression, anxiety, and stress have been mentioned as complications of Internet addiction in various studies; however, the relationship between these variables has not been well investigated. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between alexithymia and mobile phone addiction, emphasizing the mediating role of anxiety, stress, and depression. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 412 students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, were included using an available sampling method in 2019. Data collection tools were the demographic questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Mobile Phone Addiction Index (MPAI). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software (version 22) and Amos software (version 16). A significance level of less than 0.05 was considered. Results: Alexithymia was a predictive factor for mobile phone addiction. Additionally, it had a direct and significant effect on depression (β = 0.540, P < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.500, P < 0.001), and stress (β = 0.53, P < 0.001). Depression (β = 0.452, P < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.408, P < 0.001), and stress (β = 0.460, P < 0.001) had a positive and significant effect on cell phone addiction. Conclusions: In this study, alexithymia was a predictive factor for mobile phone addiction. Moreover, the variables of depression, anxiety, and stress play the role of a relative mediating variable between alexithymia and mobile addiction.

DOES THE DIGITAL ECONOMY CHANGE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CARBON EMISSIONS? EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM 278 CITIES IN CHINA

The rise of the digital economy has had widespread and profound impacts on the economy and society. Extensive literature exists on digital economy and carbon emissions. However, there is a lack of literature focusing on the impact of the digital economy on the relationship between economic development and carbon emissions. This paper examines whether the digital economy has changed the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions using panel and spatial econometric modeling. Using a panel dataset of 278 prefecture-level cities in China for the period from 2011 to 2019, the results show that there is a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions, which is consistent with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) model. Moreover, the digital economy brings the turning point forward. In terms of spatial decomposition effects, both direct and indirect effects of economic growth on carbon emissions are significant, suggesting that economic growth has a positive impact on carbon emissions both in local cities and in neighboring areas. Overall, these findings provide valuable policy insights for promoting the synergistic development of the digital economy and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Quantitative Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on the Growing Season of Vegetation Gross Primary Productivity in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River

Quantitatively determining the direct, indirect, and comprehensive effects of climatic factors on the growing season of the vegetation GPP (GPPGS) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River at the regional and vegetation type scales can provide a scientific basis for the management and restoration of regional vegetation resources under the background of global climate change. Using MODIS GPP data, meteorological data, and vegetation type data, combined with Theil-Sen Median trend analysis and the Mann-Kendall significance test, the spatiotemporal characteristics of the GPPGS in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were investigated at different temporal and spatial scales. Path analysis was used to further reveal the direct, indirect, and comprehensive effects of climate factors on GPPGS variation in different vegetation types. The results showed that:① from 2000 to 2021, the vegetation GPPGS in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River showed a fluctuating upward trend, with a rising rate (in terms of C, same below) of 2.70 g·(m2·a)-1 (P<0.01). The GPPGS of different vegetation types all showed a significant upward trend (P<0.01), with shrubs having the highest upward rate of 3.31 g·(m2·a)-1 and cultivated vegetation having the lowest upward rate of 2.54 g·(m2·a)-1. ② The proportion of the area with an upward trend in GPPGS in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River was 88.11%. The proportion of the area with an upward trend in GPPGS was greater than 84% for all different vegetation types, with shrubs (49.76%) and cultivated vegetation (44.36%) having significantly higher proportions of the area with an upward trend than that in other vegetation types. ③ The path analysis results showed that precipitation and the maximum temperature had a significant positive direct effect on vegetation GPPGS (P<0.05), whereas solar radiation had a non-significant positive effect (P ≥ 0.05). The indirect effects of maximum temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation on vegetation GPPGS were all non-significantly negative (P ≥ 0.05). Under the combined effects of direct and indirect influences, precipitation and maximum temperature had a non-significant positive effect on vegetation GPPGS (P ≥ 0.05), whereas solar radiation had a non-significant negative effect on vegetation GPPGS (P ≥ 0.05). Among different vegetation types, precipitation was the main climate factor affecting the changes in GPPGS of cultivated vegetation, whereas the maximum temperature was the main climate factor affecting the changes in GPPGS of coniferous forests, broad-leaved forests, shrubs, and grasslands. ④ The changes in vegetation GPPGS in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River were mainly influenced by the direct effects of maximum temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation, with the direct effect of precipitation dominating 56.72% of the changes in GPPGS. The research results can provide a reference for quantifying the carbon sequestration potential of vegetation in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and formulating ecological restoration governance policies tailored to local conditions under the background of global climate change.

Characterizing the Causal Pathway From Childhood Adiposity to Right Heart Physiology and Pulmonary Circulation UsingLifecourse Mendelian Randomization.

Observational epidemiological studies have reported an association between childhood adiposity and altered cardiac morphology and function in later life. However, whether this is due to a direct consequence of being overweight during childhood has been difficult to establish, particularly as accounting for other measures of body composition throughout the lifecourse can be exceptionally challenging. In this study, we used human genetics to investigate this using a causal inference technique known as lifecourse Mendelian randomization. This approach allowed us to evaluate the effect of childhood body size on 11 measures of right heart and pulmonary circulation independent of other anthropometric traits at various stages in the lifecourse. We found strong evidence that childhood body size has a direct effect on an enlarged right heart structure in later life (eg, right ventricular end-diastolic volume: β=0.24 [95% CI, 0.15-0.33]; P=3×10-7) independent of adulthood body size. In contrast, childhood body size effects on maximum ascending aorta diameter attenuated upon accounting for body size in adulthood, suggesting that this effect is likely attributed to individuals remaining overweight into later life. Effects of childhood body size on pulmonary artery traits and measures of right atrial function became weaker upon accounting for adulthood fat-free mass and childhood height, respectively. Our findings suggest that, although childhood body size has a long-term influence on an enlarged heart structure in adulthood, associations with the other structural components of the cardiovascular system and their function may be largely attributed to body composition at other stages in the lifecourse.

Causes Of Rising Drug Trafficking In India And Ways To Stop Drug Trafficking

Abstract Drug trafficking is the worldwide practice of distributing drugs and other substances which are legally banned under narcotics and associated laws. It includes the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of controlled substances. In India, the use of drugs in society especially among the younger generation has increased in the past decade and continuous to increase. This has direct and hidden effects on the future growth of the country. This paper discusses the problem of drug trafficking in India, their entry inside the country through the country's border and the various drugs which are seized in the country. It also discussed on how the investigation of drug-related cases can be improved by implementing different approaches to reduce the illegal trade of drugs. Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. UNODC is continuously monitoring and researching global illicit drug markets in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their dynamics. The consequences of drug abuse can never be overemphasized as it has birthed a lot of problems not only in family but in the nation as well as the international community. Some medical issues associated with drug abuse include – mental disorder, liver cirrhosis, lethargy, irritability, heart disorders, among others. Studies also reveal that drug addiction contributes largely to social consequences such as internet fraud, gang formation, disruption of normal educational activities, cultism, violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse, reduced productivity. Drug and alcohol abuse are serious problems and has contributed largely to the sorry state of our dear nation. It has birthed a lot of social and medical problems, including school dropout, armed robbery, violence, mental disorder, irritability, heart disorders, to mention but a few. Talking about the way out the government alone cannot eradicate this social menace. It is a joint task of you and me – individuals, communities, families, schools, civil society, religious organizations, the media, business entities. Drug trafficking is a key part of this research. The author delves into analysing the current protective legislations in India in the light of drug trafficking and conclude by suggesting the necessary changes that can be implemented to stop drug trafficking.

Accumulation, tissue distribution, health hazard of microplastics in a commercially important cat fish, Silonia silondia from a tropical large-scale estuary

The current knowledge regarding the presence of microplastics (MPs) in the digestive tracts of fish, particularly the non-edible parts, provides limited assistance in assessing the risk to human health and establishing guideline values for policy-making purposes. Therefore, we conducted the first investigation into MPs within the commercially significant catfish species S. silondia, form a major tropical estuary assessing their accumulation, characteristics, and associated risks in various tissues, particularly the consumable muscle. A sum of 132 MPs were identified, and the mean abundance of MPs were 7.40 ± 4.12 item/DT, 3.20 ± 1.69 item/gill and 2.60 ± 1.65 item/muscle found in digestive tract (DT), gill and muscle of the fish, respectively. The strong relationships of MPs among three different tissues (y = 0.6069x - 22.69, R2 = 0.7589) indicated the pathways and how MPs were influenced by the physiology of organisms. The prevalence of MPs in fish muscle demonstrated their trophic transmission to humans. Moreover, fishes with higher weight had higher MPs in their gill, and DT. The dominant type, color and size of MPs were fibrous (89.67%), violet (41%) and &amp;lt; 0.5 mm sized (94%), respectively. The high percentage of fibers suggests that they might have come from ropes, fishing nets or sewage. FTIR chemical composition analyses of microplastics (MPs) identified three primary polymer types: PET (44.5%), PE (33.3%), and PP (22.2%) in fish. These polymers are commonly associated with packaging materials, household wastes and plastic pipes. Contamination level assessment by CF (CF = 2.76) and PLI (PLI &amp;gt; 1) indicated moderately to highly contaminated fish with MPs ingestion. While the complete understanding of the direct negative effects of microplastics (MPs) on human health remains elusive, their presence in estuarine fish raises concerns for both human and ecosystem health. The findings will be useful for assessing the hazards to human health from exposure to MPs and for creating effective risk management plans to reduce those risks.

Cannabinoids in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent primary malignant tumor of the nervous system. While the treatment of other neoplasms is increasingly more efficacious the median survival rate of GBM patients remains low and equals about 14 months. Due to this fact, there are intensive efforts to find drugs that would help combat GBM. Nowadays cannabinoids are becoming more and more important in the field of cancer and not only because of their properties of antiemetic drugs during chemotherapy. These compounds may have a direct cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Studies indicate GBM has disturbances in the endocannabinoid system-changes in cannabinoid metabolism as well as in the cannabinoid receptor expression. The GBM cells show expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1R and CB2R), which mediate various actions of cannabinoids. Through these receptors, cannabinoids inhibit the proliferation and invasion of GBM cells, along with changing their morphology. Cannabinoids also induce an intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in the tumor. Hence the use of cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM may be beneficial to the patients. So far, studies focusing on using cannabinoids in GBM therapy are mainly preclinical and involve cell lines and mice. The results are promising and show cannabinoids inhibit GBM growth. Several clinical studies are also being carried out. The preliminary results show good tolerance of cannabinoids and prolonged survival after administration of these drugs. In this review, we describe the impact of cannabinoids on GBM and glioma cells in vitro and in animal studies. We also provide overview of clinical trials on using cannabinoids in the treatment of GBM.

Comparative Study of the Effects of Curcuminoids and Tetrahydrocurcuminoids on Melanogenesis: Role of the Methoxy Groups

Curcuminoids are naturally occurring yellow-colored compounds that, when hydrogenated to remove their conjugated double bond, become colorless and are referred to as tetrahydrocurcuminoids. Curcuminoids consist of pure curcumin (PC) in major amounts and demethoxycurcumin (DC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC) in minor amounts. Tetrahydrocurcuminoids similarly consist mainly of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), along with minor amounts of tetrahydrodemethoxycurcumin (THDC) and tetrahydrobisdemethoxycurcumin (THBDC). Previous studies have shown the inhibitory effects of PC, DC, and BDC on melanin production, but there are contradictory findings about THC. In addition, there are currently no reports on the effects of THDC and THBDC on melanogenesis. Our previous report described that, in contrast to PC, which suppressed melanin production, THC stimulated melanin production in B16F10 and MNT-1 cells; this effect was ascribed to the loss of the conjugated heptadiene moiety of PC. However, whether this finding can be generalized to the two curcumin derivatives (DC and BDC), such that THDC and THBDC might also stimulate melanogenesis, has not been addressed. Herein, a comparative study of six curcumin derivatives (PC, DC, BDC, THC, THDC, and THBDC) was undertaken to identify their effects on melanogenesis with the goal of elucidating the structure–activity relationships (SARs) focused on assessing the two regions of the parent curcumins’ structure: (i) the hydrogenation of the two double bonds bridging the phenyl rings to the β-diketone moiety, and (ii) the effect of the ortho-methoxy substituent (-OCH3) on the two phenyl rings. To determine the direct effects of the six compounds, antioxidant activity and tyrosinase activity were assessed in cell-free systems before cellular experiments utilizing the B16F10 mouse melanoma cells, MNT-1 human melanoma cells, and primary cells. Evaluations were made on cytotoxicity, melanin concentration, and cellular tyrosinase activity. The results showed that BDC inhibited melanogenesis in B16F10 and MNT-1 cells. However, it was ineffective in primary human melanocytes, while THBDC continued to exhibit anti-melanogenic capacity in normal human melanocytes. Moreover, these findings provide a novel perspective into the role of the methoxy groups of PC on the biological effects of melanogenesis and also confirm that the removal of the conjugated double bonds abolishes the anti-melanogenic capacity of PC and DC only, but not BDC, as THBDC maintained anti-melanogenic activity that was greater than BDC. However, the outcome is contingent upon the specific kind of cell involved. To the best of our knowledge, this work presents novel findings indicating that the anti-melanogenic capacity of the colored BDC is not only intact but enhanced after its hydrogenation as observed in THBDC. The findings show potential for using colorless THBDC as a pharmacological candidate to diminish the increased pigmentation characteristic of skin hyperpigmentation disorders. Future pharmacological therapeutics that incorporate pure THBDC or THBDC-enriched extracts, which retain both a colorless appearance and potent anti-melanogenic activity, can be applied to compounds for anti-melanoma therapeutics where the demand for nontoxic novel molecules is desired for established efficacies.

Mendelian randomization analysis using multiple biomarkers of an underlying common exposure.

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis is increasingly popular for testing the causal effect of exposures on disease outcomes using data from genome-wide association studies. In some settings, the underlying exposure, such as systematic inflammation, may not be directly observable, but measurements can be available on multiple biomarkers or other types of traits that are co-regulated by the exposure. We propose a method for MR analysis on latent exposures (MRLE), which tests the significance for, and the direction of, the effect of a latent exposure by leveraging information from multiple related traits. The method is developed by constructing a set of estimating functions based on the second-order moments of GWAS summary association statistics for the observable traits, under a structural equation model where genetic variants are assumed to have indirect effects through the latent exposure and potentially direct effects on the traits. Simulation studies show that MRLE has well-controlled type I error rates and enhanced power compared to single-trait MR tests under various types of pleiotropy. Applications of MRLE using genetic association statistics across five inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1) provide evidence for potential causal effects of inflammation on increasing the risk of coronary artery disease, colorectal cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis, while standard MR analysis for individual biomarkers fails to detect consistent evidence for such effects.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership, Transactional Leadership, and Knowledge Management on Innovation Mediated by Human Capital in The Pharmaceutical Industry in Indonesia

The objective of this research is to find out how transformational leadership, transactional leadership, and knowledge management impact innovation mediated by human capital in the Pharmaceutical Industry in Indonesia. Quantitative analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) utilizing SmartPLS 4 software. An online questionnaire was carried out to obtain the data and the responses from 203 respondents resulted in 186 usable from 30 pharmaceutical industries across Indonesia. The findings point out that the direct effects of transformational leadership (TL), transactional leadership (TC), knowledge management (KN), and human capital (HC) relate positively and significantly to innovation (IN). The findings also confirmed that human capital mediates partially (complementary) the effect of transformational leadership on innovation, transactional leadership on innovation, and knowledge management on innovation. Based on this study to optimize innovation performance, it was suggested that pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia need to maintain the performance of any indicators that are already running well, and also need to put more effort into knowledge exchange among employees as well as the level of using new methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness of existing processes.

Investigating the association between blood metabolites and telomere length: A mendelian randomization study.

Telomere length refers to the protective cap at the end of chromosomes, and it plays a crucial role in many diseases. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between blood metabolites and telomere length, aiming to identify novel biological factors that influence telomere length. In this study, we extracted genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for blood metabolites from a sample of 7824 Europeans. Additionally, GWAS data for telomere length were obtained from the Open GWAS database (GWAS ID: ieu-b-4879). The primary analysis of this study utilized the random inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Complementary analyses were also conducted using the MR-Egger and weighted median approaches. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the findings. These included the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out analysis. To investigate the possibility of reverse causation, reverse MR analysis was conducted. Additionally, multivariable MR was utilized to evaluate the direct effect of metabolites on telomere length. The results suggested a potential association between 15-methylpalmitate, taurocholate, levulinate, and X-12712 and telomere length. MVMR analysis further showed that 15-methylpalmitate, taurocholate, and levulinate can directly influence telomere length, regardless of other metabolites. This study suggests that 15-methylpalmitate, taurocholate, and levulinate are likely factors correlated with telomere length. These findings will contribute to the development of strategies for protecting telomeres, preventing related diseases, and establishing a new biological foundation for achieving healthy aging.

Predictive utility of remnant cholesterol in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is the cholesterol carried in lipoproteins derived from the catabolism of chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins. Evidence supporting the causal relationship of RC with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASVD) is accumulating rapidly. The number of impactful contributions to this field are increasing and provide a pathophysiological insight into the current residual cardiovascular risk beyond low-density cholesterol (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C). They also raise the question of whether RC should be used in prediction models and become the target of new therapeutic interventions. The intent of this review is to highlight the recent advances on the role of RC in atherogenesis and the validation of RC as a predictor of ASVD. Numerous prospective and retrospective cohorts helped validate a significant causal relationship of RC with various forms of ASVD, independent of LDL-C. A recent large Mendelian randomization study reinforced the existence of this relationship and showed that the risk of atherosclerotic events was driven nearly entirely by a direct effect of RC. Both available and accumulating evidence suggest that a lifelong reduction in RC could translate into a substantial reduction in ASVD risk. The data support a revision of current guidelines to incorporate RC as an independent risk factor for ASVD. We propose that early screening of RC should be implemented and that RC lowering should become the target of future drug developments.

Effects of paternal involvement in nighttime childcare on child and maternal sleep: exploring the roles of relationship satisfaction and maternal competence about child sleep.

Supportive coparenting between couples has been shown to have positive effects on the dyadic relationship, child development, and parental and child sleep. This study aimed to investigate the association between paternal involvement in nighttime childcare and child and maternal sleep, while exploring relationship satisfaction and maternal competence about child sleep as mediators. The sample consisted of 290 mothers (mean age ± standard deviation = 34.8 ± 4.1) with children (50.7% male) aged 6-36 (mean ± standard deviation = 22.7 ± 8.6) months. Participants reported their paternal involvement in nighttime childcare and completed the following questionnaires: Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire-Revised, Dyadic Adjustment Scale-4 items, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Path analysis was conducted to examine the impact of paternal involvement on child and maternal sleep through relationship satisfaction and maternal competence. Among the sample, 74.8% responded that paternal participation in nighttime childcare was less than 25%. Path analysis showed that paternal involvement had a significant direct effect on maternal insomnia (β = -.15, P < .05) but not on child sleep. Direct pathways from paternal involvement to relationship satisfaction (β = .17), from relationship satisfaction to maternal competence (β = .19), from maternal competence to child's sleep (β = -.57), and from child sleep to maternal insomnia (β = .48) were significant (P < .01). Relationship satisfaction mediated the associations between paternal involvement and child (β = -.08, P < .05) and maternal (β = -.04, P < .05) sleep. Paternal nighttime childcare involvement was low in South Korea. The results highlight the importance of considering paternal supportive participation and relationship satisfaction in future research on child and maternal sleep. Song J, Jang E, Astbury L, Bei B, Suh S. Effects of paternal involvement in nighttime childcare on child and maternal sleep: exploring the roles of relationship satisfaction and maternal competence about child sleep. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(8):1241-1250.

Impact of a College Sexual Violence Prevention Program on Condom Use: A Mediation Analysis.

College-age students are disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections. Campus programs that reduce sexual violence have received recent investment, are increasingly common, and may offer a platform to increase condom use, but this has not yet been investigated. We explore this novel question through a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial of RealConsent, a web-based, sexual assault program for college women, on three college campuses. By estimating single and multiple-mediator models we examine the relationships between study assignment, the hypothesized mediators: self-efficacy to discuss safer sex, and clarity and assertiveness in sexual communication, and consistent condom use at follow-up. In the single mediator models, self-efficacy for safer sex communication (aOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19, p = .004), assertiveness in sexual communication (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.11, p =.004), and clarity in sexual communication (aOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00-1.05, p = .026) demonstrated significant direct effects on condom use. No statistically significant relationships between RealConsent and the mediators, nor indirect effects were found. In the multimediator model, there were no statistically significant associations identified. Self-efficacy, assertiveness, and clarity in communication about sex may have a positive impact on condom use but we did not find evidence that RealConsent impacted these mediators and thus no mediated effect was identified. Additional research is needed to develop and assess college-based sexual violence prevention programs that include an additional focus on skills specifically related to condom negotiation and use to understand if these widespread programs offer an efficient and effective platform to reduce the impact of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among this high-risk population.