The differential processing of verbal jokes by neural substrates in indigenous and Han Chinese populations: An fMRI study

Limited research has been conducted on humor among the Taiwanese indigenous (IND) population. This study attempted to identify the differential neural correlates of humor comprehension and appreciation between IND and Han Chinese (HAN) populations. Each participant was presented with jokes and non-jokes. IND participants when encountered with jokes displayed a greater activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system, including the amygdala, midbrain, and nucleus accumbens than HAN participants. This suggests a more pleasurable response and appreciation of humor. The IND group also displayed greater activation in the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) than HAN, suggesting that the IND group may experience a greater sense of novelty and be more involved in social understanding, thus exhibiting greater humor appreciation. In terms of humor comprehension, both IND and HAN showed greater activation in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). IND exhibited greater activation in the anterior STG (aSTG), while HAN showed greater activation in the posterior STG (pSTG). This suggests that the IND tends to integrate emotional messages, whereas the HAN focuses on comprehending semantic cognitive information. Interestingly, HAN did not show any greater activation than IND in terms of appreciation of humor. These group disparities have substantial implications for advancing our knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying humor comprehension and appreciation.

Weighting Assessment of the Effect of Chinese State-Changing Words on Emotions

Past studies of sentiment analysis have mainly applied algorithms based on vocabulary categories and emotional characteristics to detect the emotionality of text. However, the collocation of state-changing words and emotional vocabulary affects emotions. For example, adverbs of degree strengthen emotions, and negative adverbs reverse emotions. This study investigated the weighted effect of state-changing words on emotion. The research material comprised 73 state-changing words that were collocated with four emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, and anger. A total of 84 participants participated in the vocabulary assessment. The results revealed that state-changing words could be classified into four types: intensifying, weakening, neutralizing, and reversing. In a comparison of the weighting factors among emotions, the weighting effect of the same state-changing word in the positive emotion category was particularly evident. The results could serve as a reference for follow-up studies on detecting emotions in text.

Adolescent Use of Dating Applications and the Associations with Online Victimization and Psychological Distress

In this study, we examined the relationships between the use of online dating applications (apps), online victimization, and psychosocial distress among adolescents. This study was conducted in 2020. A sample of 2595 seventh-grade students from 30 Taiwanese middle schools was surveyed. We conducted a self-administered survey. Overall, 15% of the adolescents reported using online dating apps in the past year, while 78% reported having seen dating app advertisements on the internet in the past year. Multivariate analysis results indicated that adolescents' exposure to the marketing of dating apps and poor academic performance were both associated with the use of online dating apps. Adolescents who used dating apps were more likely to experience online privacy victimization, cyberbullying victimization, and online sexual harassment. The use of dating apps by adolescents, online privacy victimization, cyberbullying victimization, and online sexual harassment were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. In conclusion, adolescent use of dating apps is related to online victimization and psychological distress.

Verification of the Four-Stage Model of Humor Processing: Evidence from an fMRI Study by Three-Element Verbal Jokes

The four-stage model comprises the expectation, incongruity, resolution, and elaboration stages of humor processing. In previous studies, most researchers used two-element jokes (setup and punch line) as stimuli, based on experimental methods, to explore the humor process. By contrast, the present study used a humor corpus with the novelty of three-element verbal jokes to perform direct separation from the material and clarify the humor processes. In this study, we used three-element verbal jokes and nonjokes, and we conducted a repeated-measures analysis of variance with a 3 × 2 two-way within-subject design. In humor processing, the posterior insula and middle frontal gyrus were mainly activated in the expectation; the middle temporal gyrus and the medial frontal gyrus in the incongruity; the inferior frontal gyri, superior frontal gyrus, and inferior parietal lobule in the resolution; and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, amygdala, anterior insula, nucleus accumbens, and midbrain in the elaboration. The contributions of this study lie in its use of a humor corpus with the novelty of self-compiled three-element jokes, which not only successfully verified the models established in previous studies but added the expectation to the model; thus, this study separated the expectation and incongruity processes, making humor processing more complete.

[A prospective study on application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells combined with autologous Meek microskin transplantation in patients with extensive burns]

Objective: To investigate the effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) combined with autologous Meek microskin transplantation on patients with extensive burns. Methods: The prospective self-controlled study was conducted. From May 2019 to June 2022, 16 patients with extensive burns admitted to the 990th Hospital of PLA Joint Logistics Support Force met the inclusion criteria, while 3 patients were excluded according to the exclusion criteria, and 13 patients were finally selected, including 10 males and 3 females, aged 24-61 (42±13) years. A total of 20 trial areas (40 wounds, with area of 10 cm×10 cm in each wound) were selected. Two adjacent wounds in each trial area were divided into hUCMSC+gel group applied with hyaluronic acid gel containing hUCMSCs and gel only group applied with hyaluronic acid gel only according to the random number table, with 20 wounds in each group. Afterwards the wounds in two groups were transplanted with autologous Meek microskin grafts with an extension ratio of 1∶6. In 2, 3, and 4 weeks post operation, the wound healing was observed, the wound healing rate was calculated, and the wound healing time was recorded. The specimen of wound secretion was collected for microorganism culture if there was purulent secretion on the wound post operation. In 3, 6, and 12 months post operation, the scar hyperplasia in wound was assessed using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). In 3 months post operation, the wound tissue was collected for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe the morphological changes and for immunohistochemical staining to observe the positive expressions of Ki67 and vimentin and to count the number of positive cells. Data were statistically analyzed with paired samples t test and Bonferronni correction. Results: In 2, 3, and 4 weeks post operation, the wound healing rates in hUCMSC+gel group were (80±11)%, (84±12)%, and (92±9)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (67±18)%, (74±21)%, and (84±16)% in gel only group (with t values of 4.01, 3.52, and 3.66, respectively, P<0.05). The wound healing time in hUCMSC+gel group was (31±11) d, which was significantly shorter than (36±13) d in gel only group (t=-3.68, P<0.05). The microbiological culture of the postoperative wound secretion specimens from the adjacent wounds in 2 groups was identical, with negative results in 4 trial areas and positive results in 16 trial areas. In 3, 6, and 12 months post operation, the VSS scores of wounds in gel only group were 7.8±1.9, 6.7±2.1, and 5.4±1.6, which were significantly higher than 6.8±1.8, 5.6±1.6, and 4.0±1.4 in hUCMSC+gel group, respectively (with t values of -4.79, -4.37, and -5.47, respectively, P<0.05). In 3 months post operation, HE staining showed an increase in epidermal layer thickness and epidermal crest in wound in hUCMSC+gel group compared with those in gel only group, and immunohistochemical staining showed a significant increase in the number of Ki67 positive cells in wound in hUCMSC+gel group compared with those in gel only group (t=4.39, P<0.05), with no statistically significant difference in the number of vimentin positive cells in wound between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: The application of hyaluronic acid gel containing hUCMSCs to the wound is simple to perform and is therefore a preferable route. Topical application of hUCMSCs can promote healing of the autologous Meek microskin grafted area in patients with extensive burns, shorten wound healing time, and alleviate scar hyperplasia. The above effects may be related to the increased epidermal thickness and epidermal crest, and active cell proliferation.

Cultural Differences in How People Deal with Ridicule and Laughter: Differential Item Functioning between the Taiwanese Chinese and Canadian English Versions of the PhoPhiKat-45

The PhoPhiKat-45 measures three dispositions toward ridicule and laughter, including gelotophobia (i.e., the fear of being laughed at), gelotophilia (i.e., the joy of being laughed at), and katagelasticism (i.e., the joy of laughing at others). Despite numerous cultural adaptations, there is a paucity of cross-cultural studies investigating measurement invariance of this measure. Undergraduate students from a Canadian university (N = 1467; 71.4% females) and 14 universities in Taiwan (N = 1274; 64.6% females) completed the English and Chinese PhoPhiKat-45 measures, respectively. Item response theory and differential item functioning analyses demonstrated that most items were well-distributed across the latent continuum. Five of 45 items were flagged for DIF, but all values had negligible effect sizes (McFadden's pseudo R² < 0.13). The Canadian sample was further subdivided into subsamples who identified as European White born in Canada (n = 567) and Chinese born in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan (n = 180). In the subgroup analyses, no evidence of DIF was found. Findings support the utility of this measure across these languages and samples.

Humor Styles and Marital Satisfaction: Cluster Analysis of the Relationship

Humor use in communication is considered an important factor that affects relationship satisfaction according to past studies. However, there is insufficient evidence on how humor influences marital satisfaction at the couple level. This study aimed to classify couples into clusters with different humor types based on their humor styles and to investigate whether the humor styles of husbands and wives influence marital satisfaction. In total, 170 couples completed a humor style and marital satisfaction inventory by analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with grouping the data of their humor styles and using cluster analysis to determine whether there were differences in marital satisfaction among couples with different humor types. The results revealed five humor types for the couples: "positive humor couples," "aggressive husband and self-defeating wife," "humor denier husband and general humor wife," "general humor husband and humor denier wife" and "humor denier couples." The ANCOVA results indicate that the highest marital satisfaction occurs among couples with positive humor and the lowest is among couples with denier humor. This study illustrates the humor types that likely occur among couples and concludes that marital satisfaction is high when both partners use positive humor and low when neither partner uses humor.

Effects of acute slackline exercise on executive function in college students

Background

Physical exercise as an intervention for improving cognitive function, especially executive function, is receiving increasing attention because it is easily accessible, cost-effective and promises many additional health-related benefits. While previous studies focused on aerobic exercise and resistance exercise, recent findings have suggested that exercise with high coordination demand elicits beneficial effects on executive function. We therefore examined the effects of an acute slackline exercise on the executive functions of young adults.

Methods

In a crossover experimental design, 47 healthy participants (21 females), ranging in age from 18 to 27 years (M = 19.17, SD = 1.94) were randomly assigned to different sequences of two conditions (slackline exercise and film-watching). Before and after the 50 min intervention, a modified Simon task was used to assess participants' executive function (inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility).

Results

College students showed better inhibitory control performance as indicated by shorter reaction times following acute slackline exercise than those who participated in the film-watching session. As there was no difference in accuracy between the slackline exercise and film-watching sessions, the shortened reaction time after slackline exercise provides evidence against a simple speed-accuracy trade-off.

Conclusion

Compared with film-watching, acute slackline exercise provides favorable effects on executive function necessitating inhibition in young adults. These findings provide insight into exercise prescription and cognition, and further evidence for the beneficial effects of coordination exercise on executive functions.

[Detection and clinical application of HIV-1 DNA]

The persistence of the HIV-1 reservoir is still the main obstacle to the cure of HIV. In clinical research, reliable biomarkers are needed to label it. HIV-1 DNA can be continuously detected in the HIV-1 reservoir. It has significant application value in diagnosing HIV-1 infection, the timing of antiretroviral therapy, the prediction of virus rebound, and monitoring treatment effects. The detection technology based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most commonly used HIV-1 DNA detection method in clinical practice. The continuous innovation and advancement of technology can accurately detect the total, integrated, and unintegrated HIV-1 DNA in infected cells using qualitative or quantitative methods. Different forms of HIV-1 DNA in infected cells have been increasingly reported as biomarkers in HIV infection monitoring and AIDS treatment-related research. This article reviews the progress of HIV-1 DNA.

Learning to read Chinese: the roles of phonological awareness, paired-associate learning, and phonetic radical awareness

This study aimed to determine how Chinese children adapt to Chinese orthography-phonology correspondence by acquiring phonetic radical awareness (PRA). This study used two important Chinese encoding approaches (rote and orthographic approaches) as the developmental trajectory, in which the present study hypothesized that phonological awareness (PA) exerts not only a direct influence on PRA but also an indirect influence through paired- associate learning (PAL). We also explored whether the association between PA and PAL is affected by the complexity of visual stimuli embedded in PAL. This study recruited 70 s-grade students to participate in various tests, which assessed (a) PA (measured by onset and rhyme awareness), (b) PRA (measured by regularity and consistency of phonetic radicals), (c) PAL (measured by learning performance on strokes; pattern-object and strokes pattern-syllable mapping), and (d) Chinese character recognition ability. Path analyses indicated that (1) character size had a significant positive correlation with PRA but not with PAL, (2) PAL fully mediated the association between PA and PRA, and (3) compared with PAL with a low stroke count, PA had a stronger relationship with PAL with a high stroke count. The results of this study were consistent with previous studies and suggest that PRA is the most important literacy skill for children in the middle of their learning-to-read stage. The results also augment existing literature by revealing that PRA acquisition is increased by PAL supported by PA, rather than by PA alone. Moreover, when the visual complexity of PAL increases, the support of PA to PAL would increase to make up for the working memory shortage.

Development and validation of interactive creativity task platform

Co-creativity focuses on how individuals produce innovative ideas together. As few studies have explored co-creativity using standardized tests, it is difficult to effectively assess the individual’s creativity performance within a group. Therefore, this study aims to develop a platform that allows two individuals to answer creativity tests simultaneously. This platform includes two divergent thinking tasks, the Straw Alternative Uses Test and Bottle Alternative Uses Test, and Chinese Radical Remote Associates Test A and B, which were used to evaluate their open-and closed-ended creative problem-solving performance. This platform has two modes: single-player mode and paired-player mode. Responses from 497 adults were collected, based on which the fluency, flexibility, and originality of divergent thinking were measured. This study also developed a computer scoring technique that can automatically calculate the scores on these creativity tests. The results showed that divergent thinking scores from computer-based calculation and manual scoring were highly positively correlated, suggesting that the scores on a divergent thinking task can be calculated through a system that avoids time-consuming, uneconomical manual scoring. Overall, the two types of tests on this platform showed considerable internal consistency reliability and criterion-related validity. This advanced application facilitates the collection of empirical evidence about co-creativity.

The Effect of Visual Mnemonics and the Presentation of Character Pairs on Learning Visually Similar Characters for Chinese-As-Second-Language Learners

This study investigates the effects of visual mnemonics and the methods of presenting learning materials on learning visually similar characters for Chinese-as-second-language (CSL) learners. In supporting CSL learners to build robust orthographic representations in Chinese, addressing the challenges of visual similarity of characters (e.g., and ) is an important issue. Based on prior research on perceptual learning, we tested three strategies that differ in the extent to which they promote interrelated attention to the form and meaning of characters: (1) Stroke Sequence, a form-emphasis strategy, (2) Key-images, a form + meaning strategy utilizing visual code, (3) Pithy Formulas with Key-images, a form + meaning strategy combining visual and verbal codes. A pretest-posttest equivalent-group design was adopted. The independent variables were the learning strategy, the method of presenting character pairs (visually similar vs. dissimilar), and testing time. The dependent variables were learners' proportions of accurate responses to reading and writing Chinese characters through a posttest (immediately performed after learning) and a delayed posttest (1 week after learning); a learner experience survey was also administered to investigate learners' opinions on each strategy. Sixty-six non-beginning learners of Chinese participated; they were randomly assigned to one of the two groups in which participants learned ten characters via the three strategies, respectively, differing between whether the characters were presented in similar pairs or dissimilar pairs. Data were analyzed via three-way ANCOVAs. The Pithy Formulas with Key-images and the Key-images generally yielded higher writing accuracy than Stroke Sequence immediately after learning. Notably, the advantage of the Pithy Formulas with Key-images (verbal and visual) over the Key-images (visual) on writing was specific to the participants that learned with visually similar pairs rather than those that learned with dissimilar pairs. All strategies were effective for reading, yet learners' experience ratings favored the two form + meaning strategies over the strategy that focused primarily on form. Suggestions for future research and pedagogical implications on learning visually similar characters were offered.

Measuring Conceptual Associations via the Development of the Chinese Visual Remote Associates Test

Multiple versions of the Chinese Remote Associates Test (CRAT) have been developed. Thus far, all CRATs have employed verbal stimuli; other forms of stimuli have not yet been used. In this context, the present study compiled a Chinese Visual Remote Associates Test (CVRAT) that conforms to the Chinese language and culture based on a picture naming database. The developed CVRAT has two versions, CVRAT-A and CVRAT-B, each comprising 20 test questions. A typical CVRAT question consists of three stimuli pictures, requiring respondents to propose a target word that is semantically associated with all the pictures. When compiling the CVRAT, this study first selected target words, sifted through stimuli words and corresponding pictures, and analyzed pilot test questions. After compilation, their reliability and validity were examined. The results showed that the CVRAT had moderate internal consistency reliability, good criterion-related validity for the Chinese Word Remote Associates Test (CWRAT), Chinese Radical Remote Associates Test (CRRAT), Chinese Compound Remote Associates Test (CCRAT), insight problem-solving, as well as acceptable discriminant validity for fluency, flexibility, and originality of a divergent thinking test. In other words, CVRAT can effectively measure remote associative capability and provides a figural creativity test that facilitates the understanding of different kinds of remote associations.

[HCV and Treponema pallidum infection status in HIV/AIDS cases in Yunnan province, January-June, 2020]

Objective: To understand the infection status of HCV and Treponema pallidum (TP) in HIV/AIDS cases in Yunnan province,and identify the risk factors. Methods: Between January 1 and June 30 in 2020,a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yunnan. Two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were used to detect anti-HCV, the positive results of both two kits indicated HCV infection. ELISA and syphilis toluidine red untreated serum test were applied to identify TP infection. Both Excel 2016 and SPSS 22.0 software were used for statistical analysis, and logistic regression model was conducted to identify the relevant factors of HCV and TP infection. Results: A total of 5 922 HIV/AIDS cases were included in this study, the infection rates of HCV and TP were 6.5% (383/5 922) and 5.8% (344/5 922) respectively. The co-infection rate of HCV and TP was 0.4% (22/5 922). The risk for HCV infection in HIV/AIDS cases was higher in younger age groups compared with age group ≥50 years (15-19:aOR=3.53;20-29:aOR=3.02;30-39:aOR=2.91;40-49:aOR=3.61), in males than in females (aOR=2.31), in the married and unmarried than in the divorced or widowed (married:aOR=1.61;unmarried:aOR=1.63), in other ethnic groups than in Han ethnic group (aOR=1.70), in people with lower education level than in people with education level of college and above (primary school degree and below:aOR=4.69;middle school:aOR=3.96), in people living in the central and western Yunnan than in people living in eastern Yunnan (central Yunnan:aOR=2.46; western Yunnan:aOR=7.08), in injection drug users than in MSM (aOR=131.08). The risk of TP infection in HIV/AIDS cases was higher in people with education level of college and primary school than in middle school degree (primary school and below:aOR=1.73;college and above:aOR=1.77), in people with other occupations than in farmers (aOR=1.39), in people living in eastern Yunnan than in people living in western Yunnan (aOR=1.75); in MSM than in people with heterosex (aOR=9.75). Conclusions: A certain proportion of HIV/AIDS cases reported between January and June in 2020 in Yunnan were co-infected with HCV and TP, many factors were associated with the co-infection. It is suggested to strengthen HCV and TP tests in HIV/AIDS cases and conduct active treatment of the co-infection.

Neurocognitive Mechanism of Remote and Close Associations: An fMRI Study

Remote association is the ability to combine seemingly unrelated components into new concepts and is evaluated via the Remote Associates Test (RAT). The RAT has generally been used to examine brain activation during insight problem solving but not remote association. Moreover, little is known about the neural correlates of remote association and close association. To address this issue, we used the associative distance in the development of the RAT and designed remote associated items and close associated items. We collected brain images during observation of remote and close associated items from 30 adult participants and analyzed the activation of brain regions involved in remote and close associations. The results showed that processing of remote and close association occurred in the posterior cingulate cortex. After controlling for the influence of other associations, we found that the rostromedial prefrontal cortex, precuneus, and middle temporal gyrus were involved exclusively in remote association. These results showed that remote association has conjunctive and disjunctive neurocognitive mechanisms. Our results contribute to the understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms of different associations and provide empirical support for the associative theory of creativity.

Visual-Spatial and Verbal Remote Association: An fMRI Study

Although idea connections at verbal and conceptual levels have been explored by remote associates tests, the visual-spatial level is much less researched. This study investigated the visual-spatial ability via Chinese Radical Remote Associates Test (CRRAT), wherein respondents consider the positions of the stimulus and target Chinese radicals. Chinese Compound Remote Associates Test (CCRAT) questions also feature stimuli of a single Chinese character; therefore, it was adopted for comparison to distinguish the roles played by verbal and visual-spatial associations in a remote associative process. Thirty-six adults responded to CRRAT and CCRAT; their brain activities were analyzed. Upon excluding the influence of age, verbal comprehension, and working memory, it was found that the caudate, posterior cingulate cortex, postcentral gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus were activated when the respondents answered CCRAT, but only the caudate showed significant activation when they answered CRRAT. The Chinese radical remote association minus the Chinese compound remote association showed that the middle frontal gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, and precuneus demonstrated significant activation. Therefore, this study demonstrated differences in brain mechanisms between visual-spatial and verbal remote associations.

The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Shooting Performance and Cognitive Functions in Archers

This study investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) called mindfulness-based peak performance (MBPP) on athletic performance and cognitive functions in archers, as well as the role of psychological status and the dose-response relationship of MBPP in archery performance. Twenty-three archers completed a simulated archery competition and the Stroop task prior to and after MBPP training, which consisted of eight sessions over four weeks, while the mindfulness and rumination levels of the archers were assessed at three time points, namely, before, at the mid-point of, and after the MBPP program. The results revealed that the MBPP program significantly improved the shooting performance (p = 0.002, d = 0.27), multiple cognitive functions (ps < 0.001, d = 0.51~0.71), and mindfulness levels of the archers on the post-test, compared to the pre-test (p = 0.032, η_p² = 0.15 for general; p = 0.004, η_p² = 0.22 for athletic). Additionally, negative ruminations level was decreased from the pre-test to the middle-test and post-test (ps < 0.001, η_p² = 0.43). These findings provide preliminary evidence to support the view that MBPP could serve as a promising form of training for fine motor sport performance, cognitive functions, and specific psychological status, such that it warrants further study.

Three-dimensional laser scanning as a reliable and reproducible diagnostic tool in breast cancer related lymphedema rehabilitation: a proof-of-principle study

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to assess the reproducibility and reliability of a three-dimensional laser scanner (3DLS) in measuring the upper limb volume of BRCL women undergoing a 2-week complete decongestive therapy (CDT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

3DLS and CM were used to measure the upper limb volume in a cohort of BCRL women before (T0) and after (T1) a 2-week CDT. We evaluated: a) correlation between 3DLS and CM at both time points; b) level of agreement and the consistency of the different measurements at both time points; c) correlation between the inter-rater operator analysis in terms of total limb volume differences before and after rehabilitative treatment of both circumferential method and laser scanning 3D in breast cancer related lymphedema patients.

RESULTS

Taken together, 43 BCRL women (age 51.1 ± 5.4 years) were included. Both 3DLS and CM showed a significant inter and intra-operator correlation in the arm volume measurement at both time-points (T0: r2=0.99, p<0.0001; T1: r2=0.99, p<0.0001). 3DLS showed a strong correlation with CM (r2=0.99, p<0.0001) in terms of volume measurement and provided greater intra-operator correlation (r2=0.92 vs. 0.62) in detecting volume variations after the treatment (T1-T0).

CONCLUSIONS

3DLS confirmed to be highly sensitive, cheap and easy-to-use in the evaluation of the upper limb volume in BCRL women before and after a rehabilitative treatment. These findings suggest that augmented reality technologies might be very useful in oncological rehabilitation.

[Determination of n-butyl alcohol in urine by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography]

Objective: To establish a headspace solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography method for determination of n-Butyl alcohol in urine. Methods: In October 2019, the n-butyl alcohol in urine was extracted with a polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) solid-phase microextraction head. The conditions of salt amount, extraction temperature, extraction time and desorption time were optimized. The separation was performed on HP-5 (30 m×0.32 mm×0.25 μm) capillary column and detected with flame ionization detector. The quantification was based on the external standard curve. Results: The linear relationship of n-butyl alcohol in urine was good in the range of 0.04-3.00 mg/L, the correlation coefficient was 0.999, the detection limit of the method was 0.04 mg/L, the recovery was 77.4%-102.8%, the intra-run precision was 3.67%-8.11%, and the inter-assay precision was 4.94%-6.90%. Conclusion: The method has simple operation, high concentration efficiency and high sensitivity, and it is suitable for the determination of n-butyl alcohol in urine of occupational exposure to n-butyl alcohol.

A Systematic Review of Creativity-Related Studies Applying the Remote Associates Test From 2000 to 2019

The study examines how the remote associates test (RAT) has been used to examine theories of creativity through a review of recent studies on creativity. Creativity-related studies published between 2000 and 2019 were retrieved from the SCOPUS database. A total of 172 papers were chosen for further analysis. Content analysis shows that research on creativity using RAT mainly concerns remote association, insight problem-solving, general creative process, test development, individual difference, effect of treatment, clinical case, social interaction effect, and predictor or criterion. The study constructs a theoretical framework based on the 4P (Product–Person–Process–Place) model and demonstrates how empirical studies using the RAT explore the individual differences, internal processes, and external influences of creative thinking. In addition, the most commonly used version of the RAT is the Compound Remote Associates Problems (Bowden and Jung-Beeman, 2003a). Current research shows a trend whereby the creative thinking process has been receiving greater attention. In particular, a growing number of studies in this field have been carried out using cognitive neuroscience technologies. These findings suggest that the RAT provides researchers with a way to deepen their understanding of different levels of creativity.

[Characteristics of HIV-1 genotype and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2018]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance among men who have sex with men in Kunming in 2018. Methods: A total of 193 plasma samples were collected from the newly reported HIV-1 infected MSM in Kunming from January to December 2018. Viral RNA was extracted, and the gag, pol, env gene segments were amplified by nested PCR. HIV-1 genotypes and drug resistance were also analyzed. Subsequently, the evolutionary characteristics of CRF55_01B and CRF68_01B among MSM in Kunming were analyzed by Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. Results: Multiple HIV-1 genotypes were identified among these 193 samples, including CRF07_BC (39.4%, 76/193), CRF01_AE (34.2%, 66/193), unique recombinant forms (URFs) (20.2%, 39/193), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 6/193), CRF55_01B (1.6%, 3/193), subtype B (1.0%, 2/193) and CRF68_01B (0.5%, 1/193). Results from the Bayesian evolutionary analysis showed that CRF55_01B started to spread locally after being imported from other provinces, while CRF68_01B was likely to have been brought in from the eastern provinces of China. Prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strains was 2.6%(5/190) before antiviral treatment, with mutation rates resistant to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors being the highest (2.1%, 4/190) among MSM in Kunming, 2018. Conclusion: The diversity of HIV-1 was increasing among MSM in Kunming. Although the resistance rate on pretreatment drug was relatively low, the emergence of multiple resistant strains to first-line antiviral drugs posed a challenge to antiretroviral therapy, in Kunming.

Forecasting outbound student mobility: A machine learning approach

BACKGROUND

A country's ability to become a prominent knowledge economy is tied closely to its ability to acquire skilled people who can compete internationally while resolving challenges of the future. To equip students with competence that can only by gained by being immersed in a foreign environment, outbound mobility is vital.

METHODS

To analyze outbound student mobility in Taiwan using time series methods, this study aims to propose a hybrid approach FSDESVR which combines feature selection (FS) and support vector regression (SVR) with differential evolution (DE). FS and a DE algorithm were used for selecting reliable input features and determining the optimal initial parameters of SVR, respectively, to achieve high forecast accuracy.

RESULTS

The proposed approach was examined using a dataset of outbound Taiwanese student mobility to ten countries between 1998 and 2018. Without the requirements of any special conditions for the proprieties of the objective function and constraints, the FSDESVR model retained the advantage of FS, SVR, and DE. A comparison of the FSDESVR model and other forecasting models revealed that FSDESVR provided the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) results for all the analyzed nations. The experimental results indicate that FSDESVR achieved higher forecasting accuracy than the compared models from the literature.

CONCLUSION

With the recognition of outbound values, key findings of Taiwanese outbound student mobility, and accurate application of the FSDESVR model, education administration units are exposed to a more in-depth view of future student mobility, which enables the implement of a more accurate education curriculum.

[Analysis on characteristics of HIV-1 molecular networks in men who have sex with men in Kunming, 2016-2018]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of HIV-1 molecular network in men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2016 to 2018 in Kunming, Yunnan province, explore the risk factors associated with HIV-1 transmission network and provide evidence for the effective implementation of intervention. Methods: A total of 540 samples of newly reported HIV-1 positive MSM were consecutively collected in Kunming from 2016 to 2018, the pol gene fragments were amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HIV-1 molecular networks were constructed according to the bootstrap value of the maximum likelihood evolutionary tree over 95% and the genetic distance less than 3%. The factors associated with the subjects entering network and network growth were further analyzed. Results: Among 459 successfully sequenced samples, seven genotypes were found, in which CRF07_BC (49.2%, 226/459) and CRF01_AE (40.3%, 185/459 ) were predominant. Other genotypes included URFs (4.8%, 22/459), CRF08_BC (3.1%, 14/459), CRF55_01B (1.7%, 8/459), B (0.7%, 3/459) and CRF68_01B (0.2%, 1/459). A total of 163 sequences entered the network, with an entry rate of 35.5%(163/459), forming 56 clusters with the number of individuals in the cluster was between 2 and 13. The analysis of the factors associated with entering network showed that the MSM who married and had multiple homosexual partners were more likely to be found in HIV-1 molecular networks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the number of sexual partners was the factor for the growth of HIV-1 molecular network. According to the criteria for the emergence of three or more newly reported cases in every year, six transmission clusters were judged as active transmission clusters, in which MSM who were not Kunming natives, had sexually transmitted diseases (STD), were divorced and students were the key targets of intervention. Conclusions: HIV-1 genotypes in MSM in Kunming were becoming complex, the risk factors associated with transmission networks in MSM in Kunming included being married and having multiple partners, the intervention targets in active transmission clusters included MSM who were not Kunming natives, had STD, were divorced and students. This study provided the basis for applying HIV-1 molecular networks to real-time intervention in this population.

The deltopectoral flap in the management of tracheostomal stenosis post laryngectomy and radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomal stenosis is a distressing complication with a high incidence rate post laryngectomy. We aimed to assess the deltopectoral flap (DPF) for tracheostomal stenosis correction in irradiated patients.

METHODS

Six patients with tracheostomal stenosis, 3 of whom developed restenosis after prior use of local flaps, were managed using a DPF to reconstruct the defect following a vertical incision release of the stenotic band down to the inferior tracheal cartilaginous ring. Healing absence of restenosis, alleviation of the symptoms of difficulty in breathing and clearance of secretions were considered a successful composite endpoint.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up period of 11 months all patients maintained patency, and symptoms of difficulty in breathing and clearing of secretions were alleviated.

CONCLUSION

The deltopectoral flap is a rapid, reliable flap for the management of tracheostomal stenosis in irradiated patients. It brings well-vascularised tissue into the site of reconstruction and, in the short term, stomal patency and symptom relief were achieved.

Creativity in children with ADHD: Effects of medication and comparisons with normal peers

This study is to identify the performance of children with and without ADHD in open-ended and closed-ended creativity assessments, and investigate the moderating effect of medicated and unmedicated Children. The study subjects included third to sixth graders: 43 children with ADHD and 43 typically developing children. The participants with ADHD were those who were identified by local Committees of Identification, Placement and Consultation for Children with Special Needs or those who were diagnosed by medical institutions. Children with ADHD were further divided into medicated (22 participants) and unmedicated groups (21 participants) based on their current medication treatment. This study employed the New Tests of Creative Thinking to gauge the participants' open-ended creativity, while Remote Associates Test and the Insight Test were used to assess the participants' closed-ended creativity. Although previous evidence for creativity in children with ADHD have been mixed, this study includes medication as moderation variable and suggests that the performance of unmedicated children with ADHD in the open-ended creativity assessments was better than medicated children with ADHD and typically developing children. The study results can further explore the creativity characteristics of children with ADHD.

The expression of prostaglandins-related genes in erythrocytes of broiler chicken responds to thiram-induced tibial dyschondroplasia and recombinant glutathione-S-transferase A3 protein

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is a type of bone deformity found in fast-growing chickens, which induce inflammatory responses. Prostaglandins (PGs) implicate in bone formation and bone resorption, associated with inflammation in an autocrine/paracrine manner. This study used qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis to identify the expression patterns of PG-related genes in the erythrocytes of broiler chickens and explore the effects of thiram-induced TD and the recombinant glutathione-S-transferase A3 (rGSTA3) protein on the expression of PG-related genes: GSTA3, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGDS), prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES), prostaglandin E2 receptor (PTGER) 3, PTGER4 and prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1). Interestingly, the results showed that these seven PG-related genes expression was identified in the erythrocytes of broiler chicken, and thiram-induced TD suppressed the expression of these PG-related genes in the initial stage of TD and promoted their expression in TD recovery. These findings demonstrated that the immunoregulatory function of erythrocytes can be inhibited in the early stage of TD and promoted in the recovery stage by modulating the expression of PG-related genes. Further, the rGSTA3 protein can modulate the expression of PG-related genes in erythrocytes and participate in the recovery of TD.

[HIV-1 drug resistance transmission threshold survey in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province, 2015]

Objective: To study the HIV-1 drug resistance transmission level in HIV infected persons receiving no antiviral therapy in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2015. Methods: A total of 72 plasma samples were collected from recently reported HIV-infected persons aged 16-25 years in Dehong from January to July 2015 for drug resistance gene detection. Results: Forty eight samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Among them, 31.2% (15/48) were from Chinese, and 68.8% (33/48) were from Burmese. Based on pol sequences, HIV genotypes included URF (52.08%, 25/48), CRF01_AE (16.67%, 8/48), RF07_BC (10.42%, 5/48), subtype B (6.25%, 3/48), subtype C (6.25%, 3/48), CRF57_BC (6.25%, 3/48) and CRF08_BC (2.08%, 1/48). One drug resistant mutation site to non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and two drug resistant mutation site to nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) were detected in four sequences. Based on the statistical method of HIV drug resistance threshold survey, the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strain was 5%-15%. Conclusions: The proportion of Burmese among newly reported HIV-infected individuals aged 16-25 years in Dehong in 2015 was higher. HIV-1 genetic diversity was found in Dehong. The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistant strain had reached a moderate level in Dehong.

Postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema: Combined vascularized lymph node transfer and scar release with fat graft expedites surgical and patients' related outcomes. A retrospective comparative study

INTRODUCTION

Lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment is a chronic condition that can significantly compromise quality of life. Several works have documented the efficacy of vascularized lymph node flap transfer (VLNT) for the treatment of advanced-stage lymphedema. Given that the axillary scar may contribute to the patient's existing lymphedema, the authors assumed that combining VLNT and scar release with fat graft could be an effective strategy of treatment. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy in the reduction of limb circumference and health-related quality of life between a combined strategy, namely, VLN transfer (VLNT) and axillary scar release with fat grafting, and only VLNT for patients affected by postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema. The idea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with stage II and III breast cancer-related lymphedema operated between January 2012 and January 2016 were retrospectively identified, and only those treated by combined VLNT and scar release (Group A) or only VLNT (Group B) were included. The outcomes were assessed clinically by limb circumference measurement and radiologically by lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphedema-related quality of life was evaluated preoperatively and at 1 year follow-up through the LYMQOL questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients met inclusion criteria (Group A = 18; Group B = 21). Mean follow-up was 29 months for Group A and 32 months for Group B. Flap survival rate was 100%, with no donor site morbidity in all patients. A statistically significant difference between the circumference reduction rates (RR) at above elbow level was observed at 3 and 6 months of follow-up comparing the two groups (p<0.00001), with higher values in Group A than in Group B. No significant difference was detected comparing RR values at above and below elbow at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. LYMQOL metrics showed significantly better scores (p<0.0001) in all domains at all follow-up appointments in Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with postmastectomy upper limb lymphedema can benefit from combined lymph node transfer and axillary scar release with fat graft, as this approach seems to fasten the onset of improvement and to have a positive impact on patients' quality of life.

Humor Styles in Marriage: How Similar Are Husband and Wife?

Past research found that similar appreciation for humor exists between spouses, but it is not certain whether this similarity between spouses also exists in kindhearted or malicious humor. The present study investigated the similarity of Taiwanese married couples’ humor styles. Participants included 239 couples (mean age = 42.9 years) who had been married to each other for at least 10 years. We used a traditional Chinese edition of the Humor Styles Questionnaire to measure the humor style and clustered participants’ humor styles in order to examine the similarity between spouses. The results show that husbands have higher tendencies toward aggressive (Cohen’s d = 0.29, p < .01) and self-defeating (Cohen’s d = 0.35, p < .01) humor styles than wives. Results from multilevel modeling indicate that spouses’ aggressive ( p < .001, confidence interval = .17, .41) and self-defeating ( p < .01, confidence interval = .05, .30) humor styles acting as a valid predictor to the other spouses’ negative humor styles. Furthermore, the results show that personal humor styles could be categorized into four clusters: positive humor endorsers, negative humor endorsers, general humor endorsers, and humor deniers. According to the clusters within spouse pairs, results show that similarities in humor styles exist between spouses (χ2 = 16.73, p = .01). The current study finds that most couples have similar humor styles and that a high proportion of married couples share the same humor clusters.

Appreciation of different styles of humor: An fMRI study

Humor styles are important in facilitating social relationships. Following humor styles theory, this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study is the first to use “one-liner” humor to investigate the neural correlates involved in appreciating humor styles that differ in terms of target (self or other) and motivation (benign or detrimental). Interestingly, we observed greater activation in response to humor that facilitates relationships with others (self-defeating and affiliative humor) than to humor that enhances the self (self-enhancing and aggressive humor). Self-defeating humor may play an important role in Chinese culture in facilitating social relationships at one’s own expense. Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) analysis revealed temporal pole (TP)-frontal functional connectivity underlying the appreciation of self-directed humor, and temporo-parietal junction (TPJ)-frontal connectivity underlying the appreciation of other-directed humor. Amygdala-frontal coupling was observed during the appreciation of detrimental humor, while nucleus accumbens (NAc)-temporal coupling and midbrain-frontal coupling appear to play a role in the affective experience of amusement in response to benign humor. This study contributes to our understanding of the neural correlates of appreciating different humor styles, including humor that facilitates social relationships.

[Analysis of the characteristics of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood among coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients]

Objective: To preliminary analysis of the characteristics of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood among 135 cases of coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients in Huainan mining area. Methods: The peripheral bloods of 135 cases of coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients and 112 cases of health examiners were collected. Flow cytometry was used to detect peripheral blood lymphocytes, T cell subsets and CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells. Results: Compared with the control group, CD64 index of granulocytes and lymphocytes was slightly higher. The total T cells (CD3(+)) increased in peripheral blood, CD4(+) expression was reduced and CD8(+) expression was increased in infection group, CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio was inverted, the differences between the infection group and the control group were statistically significant (P<0.05) . There were significantly fewer NK (nature killer) and B cells, significantly more double negative T cells (DNT, CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-)) than the control group (P<0.05) . There was no statistically significant difference of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(+low)、CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(+hi) and the ration of Treg/CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(+hi) protein expression in peripheral blood in two groups (P>0.05) . Conclusion: The analysis of peripheral blood lymphocyte and subgroup is an ideal index to monitor the immune status of coal worker's pneumoconiosis patients. It has theoretical significance for studying the immune mechanism of pneumoconiosis and guiding clinical treatment.

White-Matter Structural Connectivity in Relation to Humor Styles: An Exploratory Study

To investigate the potential relationship between white matter (WM) microstructure and humor styles, diffusion tensor images of brain WM and humor style tendencies were obtained from thirty healthy adults. Using connectivity efficiency measures from graph theoretical analysis and controlling for the influence of gender, age, educational level, and the big five personality traits, we preliminarily examined the prediction of humor styles from brain network efficiency. The results showed that the local efficiency within particular brain networks positively predicted a self-enhancing humor style and negatively predicted an aggressive humor style. The node efficiency of the left superior temporal gyrus distinguished the benevolent or hostile way that individuals coped with interpersonal embarrassment. These findings from this exploratory study support the hypothesis that WM structure influences humor styles, and provide the initial evidence and implications regarding the relationship between biological mechanisms and mental health for future research.

Gender differences on laugh-related traits: A cross-sectional study

People have different responses to being laughed at, including fear of being laughed at, joy from being laughed at and joy from hearing others laugh. Previous studies have indicated that men have a higher tendency of laughing at others, but there were no gender differences on terms of the other two responses. Socioemotional selectivity theory indicates that individuals pay less attention to negative stimuli as they get older. It is worth investigating whether the gender differences of gelotophobia and gelotophilia occur in certain developmental stages. The present study is a cross-sectional study, with a sample size of 1247 participants; we collected information regarding laugh-related traits among participants 11-66 years old, and we particularly focused on the moderation effect of age on gender differences on gelotophobia, gelotophilia and katagelasticism. The results showed that men had a stronger tendency for laughing at others, but there were no significant gender differences on terms of gelotophobia and gelotophilia; age not only moderated the relationship between gender and gelotophobia but also the relationship between gender and katagelasticism. Male adolescents had higher incidences of gelotophobia and katagelasticism than female adolescents, but this finding was not consistent in the middle adulthood sample. The present study found age to be a moderator between gender and laugh-related traits, and it indicated the influence of age on the fear of being laughed at during early adolescence, but there was no gender difference with respect to katagelasticism in middle adulthood.

Parent-child attachment as a mediator of the relationship between parenting style and gelotophobia among adolescents

Fear of being laughed at and family interaction are highly related. Parental over-control and over-protection influence children's excessive anxiety over being laughed at. Conversely, parental attachment is an important index of the parent-child relationship and is closely correlated to children's gelotophobia. However, is it the style of parenting or the outcome of parenting (i.e. attachment) that influences a child's gelotophobia? To answer this question, the present study analysed the relationships between gelotophobia, perceived parenting of children and parent-child attachment, as well as the mediating role of attachment between parenting and children's gelotophobia, using a sample of 373 high-school students. The results show that being highly communicative and close attachment completely weakened the negative correlation between warm, caring parenting and the child's gelotophobia; moreover, being highly communicative and close attachment, together with over-protective and over-controlling parenting, influence children's gelotophobia. In sum, this study indicates that parent-child attachment has a direct and indirect influence on perceived parental care and protection and children's fear of being laughed at.

Effects of Creative Thinking and Its Personality Determinants on Negative Emotion Regulation

This study investigated the relationship between creativity and negative emotion, and the effects of integrating creative insight into the reappraisal process on negative emotions. In Study 1, participants' creativity and baseline anxiety levels were measured; then anxiety was induced, and anxiety levels were reassessed. In Study 2, participants wrote about past negative events and then completed the positive and negative affect schedule. They were split into three groups (insight reappraisal, simple reappraisal, or control groups); each of them received a separate intervention, and then they completed positive and negative affect schedule again. In Study 3, participants were randomly assigned to insight reappraisal or control groups; apart from measuring cognitive changes, the procedures were identical to Study 2. All participants were undergraduate students. Results showed that flexibility, originality, risk-taking, and complexity are negatively correlated with anxiety, and that insight reappraisal can induce insight experience and enhance cognitive changes, and reduce negative emotional responses. Therefore, integrating creative insight into the reappraisal process can enhance its effectiveness in reducing negative emotions.

The Effect of Acute Ethanol Consumption on the Human Retinal Circulation: A Study in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Subjects

The effects of acute ethanol consumption on retinal haemodynamics and retinal vascular autoregulation to oxygen in the human retinal circulation were studied in 10 diabetic (mean age +/- SD: 38.2 +/- 11.1) and 16 non-diabetic (mean age +/- SD: 32.4 +/- 8.8) subjects. Subjects drank 0.5 g of ethanol, as vodka, per kg of body weight, diluted in sugar-free orange juice. Retinal blood flow was determined using laser Doppler velocimetry and computerised image analysis. The effect of ethanol on oxygen reactivity, as a measure of autoregulation, was also determined after 60% oxygen inhalation. All subjects demonstrated a significant fall in mean arterial blood pressure (control group 3.3%, p = 0.04, diabetic subjects 5.7%, p = 0.05), after ethanol intake. Ethanol caused no significant change in retinal blood flow. Oxygen reactivity was found to be 38.3% (22.4-47.7, median and interquartile range) in the non-diabetic subjects at baseline, and 30.7% (10.8-42.1) after ethanol ingestion. In diabetic subjects, the oxygen reactivity was 33.2% (19.8-46.8) at baseline and 24.5% (21.1-32.1) after ethanol. In this study ethanol did not significantly affect retinal blood flow or impair autoregulation. These results suggest that the retinal circulation may be able to autoregulate despite the presence of ethanol, in contrast to other vascular beds where ethanol changes flow.