Neural mechanisms distinguishing two types of cooperative problem-solving approaches: An fNIRS hyperscanning study.

Collaborative cooperation (CC) and division of labor cooperation (DLC) are two prevalent forms of cooperative problem-solving approaches in daily life. Despite extensive research on the neural mechanisms underlying cooperative problem-solving approaches, a notable gap exists between the neural processes that support CC and DLC. The present study utilized a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning technique along with a classic cooperative tangram puzzle task to investigate the neural mechanisms engaged by both friends and stranger dyads during CC versus DLC. The key findings of this study were as follows: (1) Dyads exhibited superior behavioral performance in the DLC task than in the CC task. The CC task bolstered intra-brain functional connectivity and inter-brain synchrony (IBS) in regions linked to the mirror neuron system (MNS), spatial perception (SP) and cognitive control. (2) Friend dyads showed stronger IBS in brain regions associated with the MNS than stranger dyads. (3) Perspective-taking predicted not only dyads' behavioral performance in the CC task but also their IBS in brain regions associated with SP during the DLC task. Taken together, these findings elucidate the divergent behavioral performance and neural connection patterns between the two cooperative problem-solving approaches. This study provides novel insights into the various neurocognitive processes underlying flexible coordination strategies in real-world cooperative contexts.

Lnc-17Rik promotes the immunosuppressive function of Myeloid-Derived suppressive cells in esophageal cancer.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a population of immature bone marrow cells that accumulate in large numbers in the spleen, peripheral blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and local and metastatic foci of tumors. C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein ß (C/EBPß) play key roles in regulating the immunosuppressive function and differentiation of MDSCs. Our study revealed that the long noncoding RNA Lnc-17Rik was able to promote immunosuppression in tumors by facilitating the activation and expression of key genes involved in MDSC differentiation. Lnc-17Rik was shown to directly interact with CHOP and C/EBPß LIP to facilitate their dissociation from the transcriptional repressor complex involving C/EBP LAP/LIP/CHOP. Moreover, Lnc-17Rik increased the association of WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) with C/EBP LAP, promoting H3K4me3 enrichment in the promoter regions of arginase 1 (Arg-1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) to enhance the expression of these genes. Furthermore, using a CD45 chimeric model we confirmed that Lnc-17Rik promoted the differentiation of monocytic (M)-MDSCs in vivo with the introduction of Lnc-17Rik-overexpressing MDSCs shown to promote tumor growth as a result of enhancing their immunosuppressive function. Notably, human Lnc-17Rik is highly homologous to mouse Lnc-17Rik and fulfills similar functions in human MDSC-like cells. In addition, we also found a high level of Lnc-17Rik in peripheral blood MDSC of patients with esophageal cancer. These findings suggest that Lnc-17Rik plays an important role in controlling the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs in the tumor environment and may further serve as a potential therapeutic target for patients with esophageal cancer.

Does cone-beam computed tomography examination increase the micronuclei frequency in the oral mucosa exfoliated cells? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the frequency of micronuclei in the oral mucosa exfoliated cells after cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination. METHODS: We performed language-independent computer-assisted data searches using PubMed databases, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science all databases, and Google Scholar. The literature on micronucleus (MN) frequency of clinical trials before and after CBCT examination was included. The frequency of MN in exfoliated cells of the human oral mucosa was the primary outcome of the study. All statistical analyses were performed with R (version 4.1.0), RStudio (version 2022.02.2 + 485) software, and Meta packages (version 5.2-0). Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies by the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project) Modified scale with minor modifications. The heterogeneity of the data was analyzed using I2 statistics, in which I2 > 50% was considered substantial heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 559 articles were selected through the search strategy. After screening titles and abstracts, nine full-text manuscripts were assessed for eligibility, and six observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. The present study showed a significant increase in MN frequency of human oral mucosal exfoliated cells 10 days after CBCT examination compared to baseline (SMD = - 0.56, 95%-CI = - 0.99 ~ - 0.13, p = 0.01). Because of the high heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 72%), after removing one study that was the main source of heterogeneity, excluding the study (I2 = 47%), the common-effect model was chosen, and the meta-analysis also showed that the frequency of MN in human oral mucosa exfoliated cells increased significantly 10 days after CBCT examination (SMD = - 0.35, 95%-CI = - 0.59 ~ - 0.11, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: This review suggested that CBCT examination increases the frequency of micronuclei in oral mucosal exfoliated cells.

Inhibitory control training and transcranial direct current stimulation of the pre-supplementary motor area: behavioral gains and transfer effects.

Inhibitory control is a critical part of executive function and an important cognitive process in daily life. It is currently unclear how to optimally improve inhibitory control ability through behavior training and other interventions. Here, we explored the factors that influence inhibition control training in two experiments, focusing on the gains and transfer effects of training. Experiments 1 and 2 investigated the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the pre-supplementary motor area and an increase in training duration on the training effect for inhibitory control, respectively, as well as the transfer effects when participants completed the Stroop and directed forgetting tasks. The results showed a stable training effect in relation to inhibitory control and a transfer effect for the Stroop task. Anodal tDCS in the pre-supplementary motor area could effectively improve inhibitory control ability, but not further enhance the training effect for inhibitory control. Moreover, increasing the training duration did not enhance the training effect for inhibitory control. The addition of tDCS and the extension of training duration failed to enhance the training effect, indicating that there may be a limitation of improvement in inhibitory control. The findings provide evidence regarding the further intervention effects of behavioral training and tDCS.

Time perception of individuals with subthreshold autistic traits: the regulation of interpersonal information associations.

BACKGROUND: People with high subthreshold autistic traits usually share behavioral patterns similar to those of individuals on the autism spectrum, but with fewer social and cognitive changes. The effect of autistic traits on time perception and the role of interpersonal information in this effect remain unexplored. METHODS: This study used a temporal bisection task between 400 and 1600 ms to compare the time perception of individuals with higher and lower autistic traits, and to explore the regulation of interpersonal information on their time perception by establishing associations between identities and geometric shapes. Thirty-two participants with high autistic traits and thirty-one participants with low autistic traits participated in this study. RESULTS: In the absence of identity information, people with high autistic traits tended to judge short durations as longer. Their subjective bisection point was lower, and the Weber ratio was higher than for those with low autistic traits, suggesting that their overestimation of short duration was due to decreased temporal sensitivity. With the involvement of interpersonal information, the proportion of long responses for no identity was significantly lower than for self, friends, and strangers, which seemed more obvious in individuals with low autistic traits although there was no significant interaction between identity and group. The Weber ratio of no identity was lower than that for other identities. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that individuals with high autistic traits have more conservative responses that are relatively shorter in duration, and this change is related to a decline in perceptual sensitivity. Compared to individuals with high autistic traits, the time perception of individuals with low autistic traits seemed more susceptible to interpersonal information.

Prevalence of mental health problems in frontline healthcare workers after the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: More than 210,000 medical workers have fought against the outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei in China since December 2019. However, the prevalence of mental health problems in frontline medical staff after fighting COVID-19 is still unknown. METHODS: Medical workers in Wuhan and other cities in Hubei Province were invited to participate a cross-sectional and convenience sampling online survey, which assessed the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). RESULTS: A total of 1,091 responses (33% male and 67% female) were valid for statistical analysis. The prevalence was anxiety 53%, insomnia 79%, depression 56%, and PTSD 11%. Healthcare workers in Wuhan were more likely to face risks of anxiety (56% vs. 52%, P = 0.03) and PTSD (15% vs. 9%, P = 0.03) than those in other cities of Hubei. In terms of educational attainment, those with doctoral and masters' (D/M) degrees may experience more anxiety (median of 7.0, [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0-8.5] vs. median 5.0 [IQR 5.0-8.0], P = 0.02) and PTSD (median 26.0 [IQR 19.5-33.0] vs. median 23.0 [IQR 19.0-31.0], P = 0.04) than those with lower educational degrees. CONCLUSIONS: The mental problems were an important issue for the healthcare workers after COVID-19. Thus, an early intervention on such mental problems is necessary for healthcare workers.

Fearful faces modulate cognitive control under varying levels of uncertainty: An event-related potential study.

Cognitive control can reduce uncertainty, but few studies have investigated temporal dynamics of the flexible allocation of resources under varying levels of uncertainty. We used a revised majority function task with emotional faces and event-related potentials to investigate this process. The task incorporated different ratios of face orientation to quantify uncertainty. Participants performed slower in high uncertainty than in other levels. Under low uncertainty, participants showed greater amplitudes of frontal N200 and late frontal wave to neutral faces than fearful faces. Parietal P300 amplitudes decreased from low uncertainty to high uncertainty, and fearful faces elicited greater P300 amplitudes than neutral faces under all levels of uncertainty. These results suggest that emotion and uncertainty interacted in the frontal cortex during both early and late stages, while no interaction existed in the parietal cortex during the late stage. The interference of fearful faces is lessened by increasing cognitive control under high uncertainty in the frontal cortex, suggesting that humans possess the ability to flexibly allocate mental resources in the temporal domain. Our findings provide evidence to support the fronto-parietal network hypothesis of cognitive control in a novel perspective of uncertainty.

From Evaluation to Prediction: Behavioral Effects and Biological Markers of Cognitive Control Intervention.

Although the intervention effectiveness of cognitive control is disputed, some methods, such as single-task training, integrated training, meditation, aerobic exercise, and transcranial stimulation, have been reported to improve cognitive control. This review of recent advances from evaluation to prediction of cognitive control interventions suggests that brain modularity may be an important candidate marker for informing clinical decisions regarding suitable interventions. The intervention effect of cognitive control has been evaluated by behavioral performance, transfer effect, brain structure and function, and brain networks. Brain modularity can predict the benefits of cognitive control interventions based on individual differences and is independent of intervention method, group, age, initial cognitive ability, and education level. The prediction of cognitive control intervention based on brain modularity should extend to task states, combine function and structure networks, and assign different weights to subnetwork modularity.

Chlamydia trachomatis, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among Chinese women with urinary tract infections in Shanghai: A community-based cross-sectional study.

AIM: This study explored chlamydia trachomatis (CT), ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) and/or neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in 5893 women with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Shanghai. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2014, 5893 women with UTIs in Shanghai were selected to undergo CT, UU and NG detection. Baseline characteristics including age, education level, occupation, reproductive history, sexual behavior and contraceptive method were obtained for epidemiological analysis. RESULTS: The total CT, UU and/or NG infection rate in the urine samples of 5893 patients was 50.69% (2987/5893), while the infection rate in vaginal secretion samples was 56.22% (3313/5893). The two detection methods were consistent. Patients aged 21-30, service personnel and unemployed persons had the highest rates of CT, UU and/or NG infection, while patients with higher education levels exhibited lower rates. As the number of previous pregnancies, natural births, abortions, sexual partners and the frequency of sexual intercourse increased, the rates of CT, UU and/or NG infection were elevated. Sexual intercourse during the menstruation period, a lack of cleaning before sexual intercourse and the use of intrauterine devices could all lead to an increased rate of CT, UU and/or NG infection. CONCLUSIONS: These data revealed that the rate of CT, UU and/or NG infection may be associated with age, education level, occupation, reproductive history, sexual behavior and type of contraceptive method in female patients with UTI in Shanghai.

Decision-Making in Adolescents with Profound Hearing Loss.

People with profound hearing loss show differences in language-related cognitive functions that may affect decision-making processes, but few studies have examined their decision-making behavior. The current study used the Iowa Gambling Task and the Game of Dice Task to explore the decision-making characteristics of adolescents with profound hearing loss. In the Iowa Gambling Task, deaf adolescents were more inclined to choose from the deck of infrequent losses with large immediate gains and larger future losses. In the Game of Dice Task, the deaf adolescents showed a preference for high-risk choices with high gains and high losses. These results suggest that deaf adolescents show a stronger preference for choices with immediate high gains and underestimate the potential risks, which may be related to differences in executive function or utilization of feedback.

Similarities and Differences in Diagnostic Scales.

A scale plays an important role as a diagnostic tool in discriminating between addicts and non-addicts. At the beginning of this chapter, we have briefly introduced the development of substance and non-substance addiction scales, which not only include alcohol addiction, nicotine addiction and pathological gambling, but also the disputed exercise and sex addiction. While it was found that almost all addiction scales contain items relating to social impairment, preoccupation, withdrawal, and tolerance, the variability is more pronounced with non-substance addiction scales. The comparison and trends of addiction scales in the future are discussed in relation to the concept of addiction, development of assessment theory, cross-cultural applicability, and cross-sample applicability.

Expression of Dlx-5 and Msx-1 in Craniofacial Skeletons and Ilia of Rats Treated With Zoledronate.

PURPOSE: Because of the different embryologic origins of the craniofacial skeleton and ilium, differences in gene expression patterns have been observed between the jaw bones and ilium. Distal-less homeobox (Dlx) genes and Msh homeobox genes, particularly Dlx-5 and Msx-1, play major roles in cell differentiation and osteogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of zoledronate (ZOL) on the craniofacial skeleton and ilium by detecting changes in Dlx-5 and Msx-1 expression at both the protein and messenger RNA levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: ZOL group (n = 12), in which the rats were injected intraperitoneally with zoledronic acid for 12 weeks, and control group (n = 12), in which the rats were injected with saline solution for 12 weeks. By use of immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the expression levels of Dlx-5 and Msx-1 in the craniofacial skeleton (including the maxilla, mandible, and parietal bone) and ilium were examined. RESULTS: Dlx-5 expression in the maxilla and mandible was increased at the protein and messenger RNA levels in the ZOL group compared with the control group (P < .01). In addition, Msx-1 expression in the maxilla and mandible was decreased in the ZOL group (P < .01). Furthermore, Dlx-5 and Msx-1 expression in the ilium was decreased in the ZOL group (P < .05). However, no significant difference in Dlx-5 or Msx-1 expression in the parietal bone was observed between the 2 groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Site-specific differences in the effects of ZOL on the craniofacial skeleton and ilium could be explained by differently altered tendencies in Dlx-5 and Msx-1 expression. The jaw bones were more susceptible to the effects of ZOL than the parietal bone and ilium.

The activation of interactive attentional networks.

Attention can be conceptualized as comprising the functions of alerting, orienting, and executive control. Although the independence of these functions has been demonstrated, the neural mechanisms underlying their interactions remain unclear. Using the revised attention network test and functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined cortical and subcortical activity related to these attentional functions and their interactions. Results showed that areas in the extended frontoparietal network (FPN), including dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, frontal eye fields (FEF), areas near and along the intraparietal sulcus, anterior cingulate and anterior insular cortices, basal ganglia, and thalamus were activated across multiple attentional functions. Specifically, the alerting function was associated with activation in the locus coeruleus (LC) in addition to regions in the FPN. The orienting functions were associated with activation in the superior colliculus (SC) and the FEF. The executive control function was mainly associated with activation of the FPN and cerebellum. The interaction effect of alerting by executive control was also associated with activation of the FPN, while the interaction effect of orienting validity by executive control was mainly associated with the activation in the pulvinar. The current findings demonstrate that cortical and specific subcortical areas play a pivotal role in the implementation of attentional functions and underlie their dynamic interactions.

Silicon improves salt tolerance by increasing root water uptake in Cucumis sativus L.

KEY MESSAGE: Silicon enhances root water uptake in salt-stressed cucumber plants through up-regulating aquaporin gene expression. Osmotic adjustment is a genotype-dependent mechanism for silicon-enhanced water uptake in plants. Silicon can alleviate salt stress in plants. However, the mechanism is still not fully understood, and the possible role of silicon in alleviating salt-induced osmotic stress and the underlying mechanism still remain to be investigated. In this study, the effects of silicon (0.3 mM) on Na accumulation, water uptake, and transport were investigated in two cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars ('JinYou 1' and 'JinChun 5') under salt stress (75 mM NaCl). Salt stress inhibited the plant growth and photosynthesis and decreased leaf transpiration and water content, while added silicon ameliorated these negative effects. Silicon addition only slightly decreased the shoot Na levels per dry weight in 'JinYou 1' but not in 'JinChun 5' after 10 days of stress. Silicon addition reduced stress-induced decreases in root hydraulic conductivity and/or leaf-specific conductivity. Expressions of main plasma membrane aquaporin genes in roots were increased by added silicon, and the involvement of aquaporins in water uptake was supported by application of aquaporin inhibitor and restorative. Besides, silicon application decreased the root xylem osmotic potential and increased root soluble sugar levels in 'JinYou 1.' Our results suggest that silicon can improve salt tolerance of cucumber plants through enhancing root water uptake, and silicon-mediated up-regulation of aquaporin gene expression may in part contribute to the increase in water uptake. In addition, osmotic adjustment may be a genotype-dependent mechanism for silicon-enhanced water uptake in plants.

Graphene induced high-Q hybridized plasmonic whispering gallery mode microcavities.

A novel hybridized plasmonic whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavities composed of graphene monolayer coated ZnO microrod with hexagonal cross section were proposed that operates in the ultraviolet region. π and π + σ surface plasmon modes in graphene monolayer at 4.7 eV and 14.6 eV can be used to achieve the near field coupling interaction between surface plasmonic modes and the conventional WGM microcavity modes in the ultraviolet band. Significantly, the coupling, happened in the evanescent wave field excited along the interface between ZnO and graphene, can lead to distinct optical field confinement and lasing enhancement experimentally, so as well as WGM lasing characteristics, such as the higher cavity quality factor (Q), narrower linewidth, lasing intensities enhancement. The results could provide a platform to study hybridized plasmonic cavity dynamics, and also provides the building blocks to construct graphene based novel microcavity for high performance ultraviolet laser devices with potential application to optical signal processing, biological monitoring, and so on.

Prevalence and associated factors of insomnia symptoms after ending China's dynamic zero-COVID policy: a cross-sectional survey of frontline nursing staff in Chinese hospitals.

Background: After the Chinese government announced the end of the dynamic zero-COVID policy on January 8, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic peaked. Frontline nursing staff are at high risk of infection transmission due to their frequent contact with COVID-19 patients. In addition, due to the ending of China's dynamic zero-COVID policy, frontline nursing staff have grappled with increased workload, fatigue, and more. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff and its influencing factors following the end of the policy. Methods: Between January and February 2023, this study was conducted by the Wenjuanxing platform to survey frontline nursing staff in a hospital in Wuhu City, Anhui Province. All the nursing staff included in this study had a COVID-19 infection. The questionnaires included the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), PC-PTSD-5 Chinese Version Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, The 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-2) Scale, and the burden of COVID-19 Scale. Binary logistic regression methods were used to identify variables associated with insomnia symptoms. Results: Among the 694 frontline nursing staff, 74.5% (517/694) exhibited insomnia symptoms. Fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001), the burden of COVID-19 (p < 0.05), PTSD (p < 0.001), and higher technical titles (p < 0.008) were highly correlated with insomnia symptoms in frontline nursing staff. Psychological resilience (p < 0.001) was a protective factor for insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff. Conclusion: After ending China's dynamic zero-COVID policy, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among frontline nursing staff is generally higher. This study highlights the association between insomnia symptoms and PTSD, fear of COVID-19, COVID-19 burden, and resilience. Psychological assistance is needed for frontline nursing staff to prevent insomnia symptoms and protect the mental health of frontline nursing staff after the end of China's dynamic zero-COVID policy.

Prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relation with psychological distress and internet gaming disorder among medical college students.

Background: The incidence of smartphone addiction has been widely studied, but the research on the relationship between smartphone addiction and psychological distress and internet gaming disorder is limited. This study investigated the characteristics and prevalence of smartphone addiction and its relation with psychological distress and internet gaming disorder. Furthermore, it provides the scientific basis for intervention measures in schools, families, and society. Methods: A random cluster sampling method was applied to investigate 656 medical students from grades 1 to 4 at Wannan Medical College in Anhui province, People's Republic of China. The questionnaire consisted of general information, a smartphone addiction scale, an Internet gaming disorder scale, and a Kessler 6-item psychological distress test. The obtained results were first summarized using descriptive statistics. The Chi-square test was used to compare the status of smartphone addiction. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between smartphone addiction and various variables. Results: Our results showed that the prevalence of smartphone addiction in medical students was 49.5% (325/656). Psychological distress (p < 0.001), internet gaming disorder (p < 0.001), and childhood trauma (p = 0.001) were highly correlated with smartphone addiction in medical students. Psychological distress, and internet gaming disorder were positively associated with smartphone addiction (p < 0.000). Conclusion: The prevalence of smartphone addiction is high among medical students in Chinese. Smartphone addiction is highly related to related to internet gaming disorder and psychological distress.

Exosome-Transmitted miR-506-3p Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Cell Malignancy via Regulating GSTP1.

Exosome-mediated microRNA transfer has been shown to regulate cancer progression. However, the involvement of exosomal-miR-506-3p in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unknown. The goal of the research was to study into the role of exosomal-miR-506-3p in CRC. Using a qRT-PCR experiment, it was observed that CRC tissues had lower levels of miR-506-3p than non-tumor tissues. It was observed that miR-506-3p inhibited the proliferation, regulates apoptosis, and cell cycle of HT29 and SW480 cells as compared to control groups. Dual luciferase reporter assay results showed that GSTP1 was the downstream target molecule of miR-506-3p, which was consistent with the database prediction. Furthermore, FHC cells transfected with miR-506-3p could transfer miR-506-3p to SW480 cells, limiting cell growth and inducing cell death. We discovered a unique regulatory mechanism in which exosome-mediated transfer of miR-506-3p reduces proliferation and induces apoptosis in CRC through negative regulation of GSTP1, implying that exosome-mediated delivery of miR-506-3p provides fresh insight into CRC diagnostics and treatment.

Boredom Proneness on Chinese College Students' Phubbing during the COVID-19 Outbreak: The Mediating Effects of Self-Control and Bedtime Procrastination.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between boredom proneness and phubbing among Chinese college students and examine how self-control and bedtime procrastination mediate this relationship during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: A total of 707 Chinese college students were voluntarily surveyed. They completed the Generic Scale of Phubbing (GSP), Short Boredom Proneness Scale (SBPS), Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), and Self-Control Scale (SCS). Results: (1) The results revealed that men scored higher on boredom than women. (2) The analysis revealed significant associations between each of the variables. Boredom proneness was positively correlated with bedtime procrastination (r = 0.318; P < 0.001) and phubbing (r = 0.418; P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with self-control (r = -0.518; P < 0.001). (3) Mediation analysis suggested that self-control and bedtime procrastination mediate the relationship between boredom proneness and phubbing (effect of self-control = 0.094, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.062∼0.128]; effect of bedtime procrastination = 0.025, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.011∼0.042]; and effect of self-control and bedtime procrastination = 0.032, P < 0.001, 95% CI [0.020∼0.046]). Conclusion: Self-control and bedtime procrastination mediate the association between boredom proneness and phubbing among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory.

Background: The Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory (CATI) was an appropriate assessment tool that included all the principal dimensions related to autism defined in DSM-5 for the general population. However, its validity and reliability in the general Chinese population still need to be examined. Purpose: We revised the inventory and estimated the validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the CATI among 2232 general undergraduates. Methods: The Chinese version of the CATI (CATI-C) was administered to 2259 undergraduates using the online Questionnaires Star electronic system. Internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance across gender were calculated. In order to determine the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cut-off score of the CATI-C, an analysis using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) was performed. Results: The CATI-C includes 35 items of two factors and six dimensions. CFA demonstrated that the fit index of the structure of the scale was good (Satorra-Bentler chi-square/degrees of freedom [S-Bχ2 /df] = 2.406, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual [SRMR] = 0.038, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.037, Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.929, Tucker-Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.917). The convergent validity examined based on the Autism Spectrum Quotient total score was satisfactory (r = 0.54). The internal consistency reliability of social factor, non-social factor, and total scores were 0.87, 0.85, and 0.90. The test-retest reliability was 0.80. A cut-off score of 115 provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for the CATI-C (sensitivity = 0.926, specificity = 0.781, and Youden's index = 0.707). Conclusion: The CATI-C has satisfactory reliability and validity in measuring autistic traits. It showed a good model fit for social and non-social second-order bifactors and measurement invariance across gender.