Psychological determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: A comparison between immigrants and the host population in Japan.

This study explored the differences in COVID-19 vaccination readiness based on the 7C model and its association with vaccine acceptance among foreign-born immigrants, Japan-born immigrants, and locals in Japan. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in October 2021 (n = 3,690). Our results show that COVID-19 vaccination readiness, acceptance, and their relationship differ according to migratory status and nativity. Immigrant participants reported higher general vaccination readiness and acceptability for vaccination against COVID-19 than the Japanese participants, but had lower vaccination coverage, particularly among those born in Japan. The psychological determinants of Japan-born immigrants were more similar to those of Japanese participants than those of foreign-born immigrants. The effects of confidence, complacency, and constraints on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were strong among all three groups. However, the role of collective responsibility and conspiracy varied by migratory status. This study highlighted the importance of culturally tailored interventions in vaccine delivery to immigrants.

Barriers and facilitators to the future uptake of regular COVID-19 booster vaccinations among young adults in the UK.

The evidence of waning immunity offered by COVID-19 vaccines suggests that widespread and regular uptake of routine COVID-19 booster vaccines will be needed. In order to understand the hesitancy toward COVID-19 boosters, we examined the barriers and facilitators to receiving regular COVID-19 boosters in a sample of young adults in the UK. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 423 participants (M = 22.8; SD = 8.6 years) and assessed intention to receive regular COVID-19 boosters, the 7C antecedents of vaccination (i.e. confidence, complacency, constraints, calculation, collective responsibility, and compliance and conspiracy), and any previous experience of side-effects from COVID-19 vaccines. Participants also provided a free text qualitative response outlining their barriers and facilitators to receiving regular COVID-19 boosters. Overall, 42.8% of the sample were hesitant about receiving regular COVID-19 boosters. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intention to accept future boosters was associated with having higher levels of confidence in, and compliance with, vaccines, lower levels of complacency, calculation and perceptions of constraints to vaccination, and having experienced less severe side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines. Qualitative responses highlighted the main barriers included experiencing side effects with previous COVID-19 vaccines and inaccessibility of vaccination services. Key facilitators included protecting the health of friends and family members, protecting personal health, and maintaining regular activities. Our findings suggest that interventions targeted at increasing booster uptake should address the experience of side effects while also emphasizing the positive vaccine benefits relating to the individual's health and the maintenance of their regular work and social activities.

Acceptance of Booster COVID-19 Vaccine and Its Association with Components of Vaccination Readiness in the General Population: A Cross-Sectional Survey for Starting Booster Dose in Japan.

The Japanese government approved COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in November 2021. However, intentions and readiness for booster vaccines among the general population were unknown. This survey measured the intentions for COVID-19 booster vaccination. Among 6172 participants (53.2% female), 4832 (78.3%) accepted booster doses; 415 (6.7%) hesitated. Vaccination intention was associated with higher age, marital status, having children, underlying diseases, and social norms. To evaluate the readiness for vaccination, the seven component (7C) vaccination readiness scale was employed, comprising "Confidence", "Complacency", "Constraints", "Calculation", "Collective responsibility", "Compliance", and "Conspiracy". Participants with acceptance showed significantly higher 7C scores (p < 0.001) than those who hesitated or were unsure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the "social norms" predictor was the strongest predictor of acceptance (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.64-4.45). "Constraints" (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: 2.11-2.45) and "complacency" (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 2.03-2.34) were also strongly associated with acceptance, but "compliance" (AOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.18-1.31) and "conspiracy" (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.33-1.52) were weakly associated. The "7C vaccination readiness scale" is useful for measuring vaccine acceptance in the Japanese population. However, "social norms" might be more suitable than "compliance" and "conspiracy" for measuring vaccine acceptance in Japan.

Interleukin­6 signalling as a valuable cornerstone for molecular medicine (Review).

The biological abilities of interleukin­6 (IL­6) have been under investigation for nearly 40 years. IL­6 works through an interaction with the complex peptide IL­6 receptor (IL­6R). IL­6 is built with four α­chain nanostructures, while two different chains, IL­6Rα (gp80) and gp130/IL6ß (gp130), are included in IL­6R. The three­dimensional shapes of the six chains composing the IL­6/IL­6R complex are the basis for the nanomolecular roles of IL­6 signalling. Genes, pseudogenes and competitive endogenous RNAs of IL­6 have been identified. In the present review, the roles played by miRNA in the post­transcriptional regulation of IL­6 expression are evaluated. mRNAs are absorbed via the 'sponge' effect to dynamically balance mRNA levels and this has been assessed with regard to IL­6 transcription efficiency. According to current knowledge on molecular and nanomolecular structures involved in active IL­6 signalling, two different IL­6 models have been proposed. IL­6 mainly has functions in inflammatory processes, as well as in cognitive activities. Furthermore, the abnormal production of IL­6 has been found in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2; also known as COVID­19). In the present review, both inflammatory and cognitive IL­6 models were analysed by evaluating the cytological and histological locations of IL­6 signalling. The goal of this review was to illustrate the roles of the classic and trans­signalling IL­6 pathways in endocrine glands such as the thyroid and in the central nervous system. Specifically, autoimmune thyroid diseases, disorders of cognitive processes and SARS­CoV­2 virus infection have been examined to determine the contribution of IL­6 to these disease states.