bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Approach to Vascular Calcification in Patients With Non-dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: Mineral-Bone Disorder-Related Aspects
Authors: Bover Jordi , Aguilar Armando , Arana Carolt , Molina Pablo , Lloret María Jesús , Ochoa Jackson , Berná Gerson , Gutiérrez-Maza Yessica G. , Rodrigues Natacha , D'Marco Luis , Górriz José L.
Published: May 2021

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a very high morbimortality, mainly from cardiovascular origin, and CKD is currently considered in the high- or very high risk- cardiovascular risk category. CKD-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBDs), including vascular and/or valvular calcifications, are also associated with these poor outcomes. Vascular calcification (VC) is very prevalent (both intimal and medial), even in non-dialysis dependent patients, with a greater severity and more rapid progression. Simple X-ray based-scores such as Adragão's (AS) are useful prognostic tools and AS (even AS based on hand-X-ray only) may be superior to the classic Kauppila's score when evaluating non-dialysis CKD patients. Thus, in this mini-review, we briefly review CKD-MBD-related aspects of VC and its complex pathophysiology including the vast array of contributors and inhibitors. Furthermore, although VC is a surrogate marker and is not yet considered a treatment target, we consider that the presence of VC may be relevant in guiding therapeutic interventions, unless all patients are treated with the mindset of reducing the incidence or progression of VC with the currently available armamentarium. Avoiding phosphate loading, restricting calcium-based phosphate binders and high doses of vitamin D, and avoiding normalizing (within the normal limits for the assay) parathyroid hormone levels seem logical approaches. The availability of new drugs and future studies, including patients in early stages of CKD, may lead to significant improvements not only in patient risk stratification but also in attenuating the accelerated progression of VC in CKD.
Effects and Moderators of Exercise on Sarcopenic Components in Sarcopenic Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Zou Liye , Chen Si-Tong , Bae Jun Hyun , Kim Dae Young , Liu Xiaolei , Song Wook
Published: May 2021

Background: Sarcopenia is a muscle disease in loss of muscle strength, mass, and function associated with aging. Although protective effects of exercise on muscle mass and function are generally recognized, research findings in sarcopenic adults are inconsistent. It is necessary to conduct a systematic review to determine the effects of exercise on muscle strength, body composition, and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia, and to examine the potential moderators including sociodemographic characteristics and exercise-related factors.

Methods: Six electronical academic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus) were used to retrieve the eligible studies from inception to May 2020. Two reviewers independently selected and extracted the data from each included study, and effect sizes were calculated by employing random-effect models with 95% confidential interval (CI). The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale was used to assess study quality.

Results: Seventeen studies (985 participants with sarcopenia, aged 67.6–86 years) were included in this review study. The meta-analytic results showed significant improvements in muscle strength [grip strength, SMD = 0.30, 95% CI (0.15, 0.45), I2 = 6%, p < 0.01; knee extension, SMD = 0.32, 95% CI (0.15, 0.50), I2 = 0%, p < 0.01; and chair and stand, SMD = 0.56, 95% CI (0.30, 0.81), I2 = 36%, p < 0.01], in physical performance [timed up and go, SMD = 0.74, 95% CI (0.48, 1.00), I2 = 0%, p < 0.01; and gait speed, SMD = 0.59, 95% CI (0.35, 0.82), I2 = 62%, p < 0.01], and in body composition [skeletal muscle mass index, SMD = 0.37, 95% CI (0.15, 0.58), I2 = 16%, p < 0.01; and appendicular skeletal muscle, SMD = 0.31, 95% CI (0.13, 0.49), I2 = 20%, p < 0.01]. However, there were no significant differences in other body composition (SMD = 0.20–0.36). Additionally, meta-regression revealed that the higher percent of female participants was significantly associated with improved gait speed (β = 0.0096, p = 0.03) and decreased skeletal muscle mass index (β = −0.0092, p = 0.01).

Conclusions: The current meta-analysis suggests that exercise is a beneficial therapy, which has protective effects for older adults with sarcopenia. Some beneficial effects may be moderated by gender and exercise intensity.
Implications of the Thermodynamic Response of Soil Mineralization, Respiration, and Nitrification on Soil Organic Matter Retention
Authors: Taylor Anne E. , Ottoman Camille , Chaplen Frank
Published: May 2021

Considerable research has shown that modifications in global temperature regimes can lead to changes in the interactions between soil respiration and the sequestration of C and N into soil organic matter (SOM). We hypothesized that despite the interconnected nature of respiration, net N mineralization, and nitrification processes, there would be differences in their thermodynamic responses that would affect the composition of inorganic soil N and the potential for retention of N in SOM. To test this hypothesis, soil respiration, N mineralization and nitrification responses were evaluated during constant temperature incubations at seven temperatures (4–42°C) in tilled and no-till soils from two major agroecological zones in Oregon; Willamette Valley, and Pendleton located in the Columbia River Basin. We observed (1) significant thermodynamic differences between the three processes in all soils, (2) a distinctly different thermodynamic profile in Willamette vs. Pendleton, and (3) a dynamic response of Topt (optimal temperature for activity), and Tsmax (temperature of greatest rate response to temperature), and temperature sensitivity (ΔCp‡) over the incubation time course, resulting in shifts in the thermodynamic profiles that could not be adequately explained by changes in process rates. We found that differences in contributions of ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria to nitrification activity across temperature helped to explain the thermodynamic differences of this process between Willamette and Pendleton soils. A two-pool model of SOM utilization demonstrated that the dynamic thermodynamic response of respiration in the soils was due to shifts in utilization of labile and less-labile pools of C; and that the respiration response by Pendleton soils was more dependent upon contributions from the less-labile C pool resulting in higher Topt and Tsmax than Willamette soils. Interestingly, modeling of N mineralization using the two-pool model suggested that only the less-labile pool of SOM was contributing to N mineralization at most temperatures in all soils. The difference in labile and less-labile SOM pool utilization between respiration and N mineralization may suggest that these processes may not be as interconnected as previously thought.
First 1000 Days of Life: Consequences of Antibiotics on Gut Microbiota
Authors: Aires Julio
Published: May 2021

The developmental origin of health and disease highlights the importance of the period of the first 1000 days (from conception to 2 years) of life. In particular, the process of gut microbiota establishment occurs within this time window. Therefore, determinants interfering with neonatal gut establishment may disrupt its physiological functions and potentially lead to negative health outcomes. Antibiotics are among perinatal determinants that can directly or indirectly affect the pattern of gut bacterial colonization, with a long-lasting impact on intestinal ecosystem functions. In this review, we will examine the impact of antibiotics on the intestinal microbiota during the perinatal period and first years of life, a key interval for development of an individual’s health capital. Further, we will discuss the role of antibiotics during short- and long-term dysbiosis and their associated health consequences.
Circular RNA circDUS2 Is a Potential Biomarker for Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Chen Xin , Yang Shuzhe , Yang Junhua , Liu Qingyuan , Li Maogui , Wu Jun , Wang Hao , Wang Shuo
Published: May 2021

Background: CircRNAs have been found to play a crucial role in the pathological process of various kinds of diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in the formation and rupture of intracranial aneurysm is still unknown.

Methods: Differentially expressed circRNAs profiles between superficial temporal arteries (n = 5) and intracranial aneurysms (n = 5) were analyzed using the Arraystar human circRNAs microarray. Quantitative real-time PCR was utilized to validate the differential expression of circDUS2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was meant for the location of circDUS2 in human brain vascular smooth muscle cell (HBVSMC). Structural analysis was used to speculate on the function of circDUS2.

Results: Five hundred forty-three upregulated and 397 downregulated significantly in intracranial aneurysm as compared to superficial temporal arteries. Quantitative real-time PCR verified the elevated expression of the upregulated circDUS2. The FISH test revealed that circDUS2 is located in the cytoplasm of brain vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion: This study showed differential expression data of circRNAs between superficial temporal artery and intracranial aneurysm and revealed that circDUS2 is a potential molecular marker for intracranial aneurysm.
Language Impairment in Alzheimer’s Disease—Robust and Explainable Evidence for AD-Related Deterioration of Spontaneous Speech Through Multilingual Machine Learning
Authors: Lindsay Hali , Tröger Johannes , König Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a pervasive neurodegenerative disease that affects millions worldwide and is most prominently associated with broad cognitive decline, including language impairment. Picture description tasks are routinely used to monitor language impairment in AD. Due to the high amount of manual resources needed for an in-depth analysis of thereby-produced spontaneous speech, advanced natural language processing (NLP) combined with machine learning (ML) represents a promising opportunity. In this applied research field though, NLP and ML methodology do not necessarily ensure robust clinically actionable insights into cognitive language impairment in AD and additional precautions must be taken to ensure clinical-validity and generalizability of results. In this study, we add generalizability through multilingual feature statistics to computational approaches for the detection of language impairment in AD. We include 154 participants (78 healthy subjects, 76 patients with AD) from two different languages (106 English speaking and 47 French speaking). Each participant completed a picture description task, in addition to a battery of neuropsychological tests. Each response was recorded and manually transcribed. From this, task-specific, semantic, syntactic and paralinguistic features are extracted using NLP resources. Using inferential statistics, we determined language features, excluding task specific features, that are significant in both languages and therefore represent “generalizable” signs for cognitive language impairment in AD. In a second step, we evaluated all features as well as the generalizable ones for English, French and both languages in a binary discrimination ML scenario (AD vs. healthy) using a variety of classifiers. The generalizable language feature set outperforms the all language feature set in English, French and the multilingual scenarios. Semantic features are the most generalizable while paralinguistic features show no overlap between languages. The multilingual model shows an equal distribution of error in both English and French. By leveraging multilingual statistics combined with a theory-driven approach, we identify AD-related language impairment that generalizes beyond a single corpus or language to model language impairment as a clinically-relevant cognitive symptom. We find a primary impairment in semantics in addition to mild syntactic impairment, possibly confounded by additional impaired cognitive functions.
Integrative Analysis of lncRNA and mRNA and Profiles in Postoperative Delirium Patients
Authors: Song Yuxiang , Wang Xiaoyan , Hou Aisheng , Li Hao , Lou Jingsheng , Liu Yanhong , Cao Jiangbei , Mi Weidong
Published: May 2021

Delirium is a common serious complication that often occurs after major surgery. The goals of this study were to explore the expression profiles and functional networks of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in patients of postoperative delirium (POD). Microarray analysis was performed on the peripheral blood samples to identify differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs in 4 POD patients and 4 non-POD volunteers. DE lncRNAs and mRNAs were validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Bioinformatic analyses were performed to identify the critical biological functions and signaling pathways involved in POD. A total of 1195 DE lncRNAs and 735 DE mRNAs were identified between the POD and non-POD groups. Verified by the RT-qPCR, we identified 14 DE lncRNAs that may relate to the pathogenesis of POD. These 14 DE lncRNAs play important regulatory roles in “glutamate and 5-hydroxytryptamine,” “synaptotagmin 7,” “transient receptor potential channel,” “interleukin-2 production.” There was a regulatory relationship between lncRNA ENST00000530057 and synaptotagmin (Syt) 7 mRNA. The mRNA level of PCLO was up-regulated in POD group. This study showed abundant DE lncRNAs and mRNAs in POD that might help in deciphering the disease pathogenesis.
Development of an Immune-Related Prognostic Index Associated With Glioblastoma
Authors: Jiang Zhengye , Shi Yanxi , Zhao Wenpeng , Zhang Yaya , Xie Yuanyuan , Zhang Bingchang , Tan Guowei , Wang Zhanxiang
Published: May 2021

Background: Although the tumor microenvironment (TME) is known to influence the prognosis of glioblastoma (GBM), the underlying mechanisms are not clear. This study aims to identify hub genes in the TME that affect the prognosis of GBM.

Methods: The transcriptome profiles of the central nervous systems of GBM patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The ESTIMATE scoring algorithm was used to calculate immune and stromal scores. The application of these scores in histology classification was tested. Univariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify genes with prognostic value. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed to reveal the pathways and biological functions associated with the genes. Next, these prognosis genes were validated in an independent GBM cohort from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). Finally, the efficacy of current antitumor drugs targeting these genes against glioma was evaluated.

Results: Gene expression profiles and clinical data of 309 GBM samples were obtained from TCGA database. Higher immune and stromal scores were found to be significantly correlated with tissue type and poor overall survival (OS) (p = 0.15 and 0.77, respectively). Functional enrichment analysis identified 860 upregulated and 162 downregulated cross genes, which were mainly linked to immune response, inflammatory response, cell membrane, and receptor activity. Survival analysis identified 228 differentially expressed genes associated with the prognosis of GBM (p ≤ 0.05). A total of 48 hub genes were identified by the Cytoscape tool, and pathway enrichment analysis of the genes was performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The 228 genes were validated in an independent GBM cohort from the CGGA. In total, 10 genes were found to be significantly associated with prognosis of GBM. Finally, 14 antitumor drugs were identified by drug–gene interaction analysis.

Conclusions: Here, 10 TME-related genes and 14 corresponding antitumor agents were found to be associated with the prognosis and OS of GBM.
Artificial Neural Network Analyzing Wearable Device Gait Data for Identifying Patients With Stroke Unable to Return to Work
Authors: Iosa Marco , Capodaglio Edda , Pelà Silvia , Persechino Benedetta , Morone Giovanni , Antonucci Gabriella , Paolucci Stefano , Panigazzi Monica
Published: May 2021

A potential dramatic effect of long-term disability due to stroke is the inability to return to work. An accurate prognosis and the identification of the parameters inflating the possibility of return to work after neurorehabilitation are crucial. Many factors may influence it, such as mobility and, in particular, walking ability. In this pilot study, two emerging technologies have been combined with the aim of developing a prognostic tool for identifying patients able to return to work: a wearable inertial measurement unit for gait analysis and an artificial neural network (ANN). Compared with more conventional statistics, the ANN showed a higher accuracy in identifying patients with respect to healthy subjects (90.9 vs. 75.8%) and also in identifying the subjects unable to return to work (93.9 vs. 81.8%). In this last analysis, the duration of double support phase resulted the most important input of the ANN. The potentiality of the ANN, developed also in other fields such as marketing on social networks, could allow a powerful support for clinicians that today should manage a large amount of instrumentally recorded parameters in patients with stroke.
The Cardiovascular Conundrum in Ethnic and Sexual Minorities: A Potential Biomarker of Constant Coping With Discrimination
Authors: Rosati Fausta , Williams DeWayne P. , Juster Robert-Paul , Thayer Julian F. , Ottaviani Cristina , Baiocco Roberto
Published: May 2021

Background: A paradoxical profile of greater elevated sympathetic vasoconstriction (increased total peripheral resistance, TPR) and increased vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) -the so-called Cardiovascular Conundrum- has been reported in African Americans (AAs) both at rest and in response to orthostasis. Whereas some authors have attributed this pattern to genetic factors, others have pointed to the potential role of coping with repeated racial discrimination.

Objective: To disentangle between these alternative explanations, we have examined the hemodynamic profile of another population that is likely to be exposed to episodes of discrimination, i.e., sexual minorities.

Methods: The first study was conducted on a sample of AAs and European Americans (EAs) with the aim of replicating previous results on the Cardiovascular Conundrum. In the second study, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people, matched by age and sex with heterosexual participants, underwent a hemodynamic and autonomic assessment at rest and during an emotional (in the experimental group, both LGB-related and non LGB related), and a cognitive stressor.

Results: The first study confirmed a pattern of higher resting HRV, paired with higher TPR, in AAs compared to EAs. In the second study, compared to heterosexuals, the LGB group showed the Cardiovascular Conundrum pattern, characterized by greater HRV and higher TPR at baseline and a more vascular hemodynamic profile and prominent compensation deficit in response to both tasks, and particularly during the LGB-related emotional task. However, in LGB only, the vascular response was negatively correlated with perceived discrimination.

Conclusion: Present preliminary results are discussed in terms of maladaptive physiological consequences of exposure to chronic stress and the chronic use of dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies such as suppression.
Human Premotor Corticospinal Projections Are Engaged in Motor Preparation at Discrete Time Intervals: A TMS-Induced Virtual Lesion Study
Authors: Fleischmann Robert , Triller Paul , Brandt Stephan A. , Schmidt Sein H.
Published: May 2021

Objectives: The significance of pre-motor (PMC) corticospinal projections in a frontoparietal motor network remains elusive. Temporal activation patterns can provide valuable information about a region's engagement in a hierarchical network. Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS)-induced virtual lesions provide an excellent method to study cortical physiology by disrupting ongoing activity at high temporal resolution and anatomical precision. We use nTMS-induced virtual lesions applied during an established behavioral task demanding pre-motor activation to clarify the temporal activation pattern of pre-motor corticospinal projections.

Materials and Methods: Ten healthy volunteers participated in the experiment (4 female, mean age 24 ± 2 years, 1 left-handed). NTMS was used to map Brodmann areae 4 and 6 for primary motor (M1) and PMC corticospinal projections. We then determined the stimulator output intensity required to elicit a 1 mV motor evoked potential (1 mV-MT) through M1 nTMS. TMS pulse were randomly delivered at distinct time intervals (40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140 ms) at 1 mV-MT intensity to M1, PMC and the DLPFC (dorsolateral pre-frontal cortex; control condition) before participants had to perform major changes of their trajectory of movement during a tracing task. Each participant performed six trials (20 runs per trial). Task performance and contribution of regions under investigation was quantified through calculating the tracing error induced by the stimulation.

Results: A pre-motor stimulation hotspot could be identified in all participants (16.3 ± 1.7 mm medial, 18.6 ± 1.4 mm anterior to the M1 hotspot). NTMS over studied regions significantly affected task performance at discrete time intervals (F(10, 80) = 3.25, p = 0.001). NTMS applied over PMC 120 and 140 ms before changes in movement trajectory impaired task performance significantly more than when applied over M1 (p = 0.021 and p = 0.003) or DLPFC (p = 0.017 and p < 0.001). Stimulation intensity did not account for error size (β = −0.0074, p = 1).

Conclusions: We provide novel evidence that the role of pre-motor corticospinal projections extends beyond that of simple corticospinal motor output. Their activation is crucial for task performance early in the stage of motor preparation suggesting a significant role in shaping voluntary movement. Temporal patterns of human pre-motor activation are similar to that observed in intracortical electrophysiological studies in primates.
Significant Association Between XRCC1 Expression and Its rs25487 Polymorphism and Radiotherapy-Related Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Gong Li , Luo Ming , Sun Renhuang , Qiu Li , Chen Chunli , Luo Zhiguo
Published: May 2021

Background/Aims

XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1) expression and its single nucleotide polymorphism XRCC1 rs25487 (G>A) may be related to radiotherapy-related cancer prognosis or radiation-induced side effects. However, this association is controversial. We performed a bioinformatic analysis and a meta-analysis to obtain comprehensive results.

Methods

TCGA data sets and eligible publications published before November 31, 2020 were retrieved by searching the PubMed, Web of Science and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) databases. ORs (odds ratios) and HRs (hazard ratios) with their corresponding 95% CIs (confidence intervals) were calculated to evaluate associations. For XRCC1 single nucleotide polymorphisms, we employed three types of comparisons: GA vs GG, AA vs GG and GA+AA vs GG.

Results

Sixty nine articles with 10232 patients and 17 TCGA data sets with 2705 patients were included in the analysis. We observed that high XRCC1 expression was associated with an increased risk of minor treatment response and poor overall survival, XRCC1 rs25487 was associated with reduced risk of minor treatment response in esophageal cancer and an increased risk of high-grade side effects in head and neck cancer.

Conclusion

The results suggest that XRCC1 expression and rs25487 polymorphism are prognostic factors for patients receiving radiotherapy-related treatment. Considering the insufficient treatment parameters provided and the various sample sizes in most of the studies, we suggest that genetic association studies related to radiation-based treatment should include more cancer types with sufficient statistical power and more detailed clinical parameters.
Regulatory Role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) Modification in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Wang Yanyan , Ying Liwei , Tao Sifeng , Shi Mingmin , Lin Peng , Wang Yangxin , Han Bin
Published: May 2021

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy, typically occurring in childhood or adolescence. Unfortunately, the clinical outcomes of patients with osteosarcoma are usually poor because of the aggressive nature of this disease and few treatment advances in the past four decades. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is one of the most extensive forms of RNA modification in eukaryotes found both in coding and non-coding RNAs. Accumulating evidence suggests that m6A-related factors are dysregulated in multiple osteosarcoma processes. In this review, we highlight m6A modification implicated in osteosarcoma, describing its pathophysiological role and molecular mechanism, as well as future research trends and potential clinical application in osteosarcoma.
Kawasaki Disease Complicated by Late-Onset Fatal Cerebral Infarction: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Lin , Duan Hongyu , Zhou Kaiyu , Hua Yimin , Liu Xiaoliang , Wang Chuan
Published: May 2021

Background:Cerebral infarction is a rare neurological complication of Kawasaki disease (KD) and occurs in the acute or subacute stage. There have been no reported cases of late-onset fatal cerebral infarction presenting over 1 year after the onset of KD.

Case Presentation:A 5-month-old male patient with KD received timely intravenous immunoglobulin therapy; however, extensive coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) and coronary artery thrombosis (CAT) developed 1 month later. Anticoagulation and thrombolytic agents were suggested, but the child's parents refused. Fifteen months after KD onset, an attack of syncope left him with left hemiplegia; brain computerized tomography (CT) scans revealed cerebral infarction of the right basal ganglion without hemorrhage. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) revealed severe stenosis of the right middle cerebral artery, and a series of tests were performed to exclude other causes of cerebral infarction. Considering the cerebral infarction and CAT, combination therapy with urokinase and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was initiated within 24 h of syncope onset, together with oral aspirin and clopidogrel. Five days later, his clinical symptoms partially regressed and he was discharged. Unfortunately, 5 days after discharge, his clinical condition suddenly deteriorated. Repeat brain CT showed hemorrhagic stroke involving the entire left cerebral area, in addition to the previous cerebral infarction in the right basal ganglion, with obvious secondary cerebral swelling and edema, which might have been caused by previous thrombolysis. Severe cerebral hernias developed quickly. Regrettably, the patient's parents abandoned treatment because of economic factors and unfavorable prognosis, and he died soon after.

Conclusions:Cerebral infarction and cerebral artery stenosis can develop late, even 1 year after the onset of KD. Pediatricians should be aware of the possibility of cerebrovascular involvement in addition to cardiac complications during long-term follow-up of KD patients. Prompt anticoagulation therapy and regular neuroimaging evaluation are essential for the management of patients with KD with giant CAA and/or CAT.
Protocol for Outcome Evaluation of Ayahuasca-Assisted Addiction Treatment: The Case of Takiwasi Center
Authors: Rush Brian , Marcus Olivia , García Sara , Loizaga-Velder Anja , Loewinger Gabriel , Spitalier Ariane , Mendive Fernando
Published: May 2021

The present study describes the protocol for the Ayahuasca Treatment Outcome Project (ATOP) with a special focus on the evaluation of addiction treatment services provided through Takiwasi Center, the first ATOP study site. The goal of the project is to assess treatment outcomes and understand the therapeutic mechanisms of an Ayahuasca-assisted, integrative treatment model for addiction rehabilitation in the Peruvian Amazon. The proposed intervention protocol highlights the significance of treatment setting in the design, delivery, and efficacy of an addiction rehabilitation program that involves the potent psychedelic tea known as Ayahuasca. After describing the context of the study, we put forth details about our mixed-methods approach to data collection and analysis, with which we seek to gain an understanding of why, how, and for whom this specific ayahuasca-assisted treatment program is effective across a range of outcomes. The ATOP protocol employs qualitative research methods as a means to determine which aspects of the setting are meaningful to clients and practitioners, and how this may correlate with outcome measures. This paper delineates the core principles, methods, and measures of the overall ATOP umbrella, then discusses the role of ATOP in the context of the literature on long-term residential programs. To conclude, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the protocol and the intended future of the project.
Hydrodynamic Approach to Electronic Transport in Graphene: Energy Relaxation
Authors: Narozhny B. N. , Gornyi I. V.
Published: May 2021

In nearly compensated graphene, disorder-assisted electron-phonon scattering or “supercollisions” are responsible for both quasiparticle recombination and energy relaxation. Within the hydrodynamic approach, these processes contribute weak decay terms to the continuity equations at local equilibrium, i.e., at the level of “ideal” hydrodynamics. Here we report the derivation of the decay term due to weak violation of energy conservation. Such terms have to be considered on equal footing with the well-known recombination terms due to nonconservation of the number of particles in each band. At high enough temperatures in the “hydrodynamic regime” supercollisions dominate both types of the decay terms (as compared to the leading-order electron-phonon interaction). We also discuss the contribution of supercollisions to the heat transfer equation (generalizing the continuity equation for the energy density in viscous hydrodynamics).
Using a Heliospheric Upwinding eXtrapolation Technique to Magnetically Connect Different Regions of the Heliosphere
Authors: Riley Pete , Issan Opal
Published: May 2021

Understanding how coronal structure propagates and evolves from the Sun and into the heliosphere has been thoroughly explored using sophisticated MHD models. From these, we have a reasonably good working understanding of the dynamical processes that shape the formation and evolution of stream interaction regions and rarefactions, including their locations, orientations, and structure. However, given the technical expertize required to produce, maintain, and run global MHD models, their use has been relatively restricted. In this study, we refine a simple Heliospheric eXtrapolation Technique (HUX) to include not only forward mapping from the Sun to 1 AU (or elsewhere), but backward mapping toward the Sun. We demonstrate that this technique can provide substantially more accurate mappings than the standard, and often applied “ballistic” approximation. We also use machine learning (ML) methods to explore whether the HUX approximation to the momentum equation can be refined without loss of simplicity, finding that it likely provides the optimum balance. We suggest that HUX can be used, in conjunction with coronal models (PFSS or MHD) to more accurately connect measurements made at 1 AU, Stereo-A, Parker Solar Probe, and Solar Orbiter with their solar sources. In particular, the HUX technique: 1) provides a substantial improvement over the “ballistic” approximation for connecting to the source longitude of streams; 2) is almost as accurate, but considerably easier to implement than MHD models; and 3) can be applied as a general tool to magnetically connect different regions of the inner heliosphere together, as well as providing a simple 3-D reconstruction.
How Experiences Affect Psychological Responses During Supervised Fasting: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ma Qianying , Yang Chao , Wu Ruilin , Wu Manrui , Liu Wenjun , Dai Zhongquan , Li Yinghui
Published: May 2021

As an unusual event, fasting can induce strong physiological and psychological reactions, but there is still no clear understanding of how previous fasting experiences affect people’s responses to current fasting. This study aimed to investigate the influence of previous fasting experiences on participants’ basic physiological and psychological responses in a fasting experiment conducted under intensive medical monitoring. For a 22-day experiment divided into four phases (3-day Baseline; 10-day Complete Fasting; 4-day Calorie Restriction; and 5-day Recovery phases), a total of 13 persons participated; the participants were divided into a group with prior fasting experience (Experienced: N = 6) and a group without prior fasting experience (Newbie: N = 7). The results indicate no group differences in physiological responses (i.e., weight, glucose, and ketone bodies); however, differences in psychological states were observed, with the Newbie group showing more negative psychological states overall throughout the experiment (i.e., greater appetite, more negative mood states, more stress, less vitality, and fewer recovery resources). Hence, previous fasting experience may be a buffer against negative feelings during current fasting. For this reason, it is important to consider fasting experiences as a vital factor in future research.
A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effectiveness of the “Three Good Things for Others” Intervention
Authors: Laguna Mariola , Kȩdra Michał , Mazur-Socha Zofia
Published: May 2021

The aim of our study was to test the effectiveness of the “three good things for others” intervention. We used the randomized controlled trial method, with four measurements (pretest, posttest, follow-up after 2 weeks, follow-up after 4 weeks) and with random assignment of participants to experimental and placebo control groups. We investigated the effects of the intervention on prosocial behavior, and in addition on positive and negative affect, and positive orientation (a general tendency to approach reality in a positive way). The results showed an increase in positive affect and a decrease in negative affect in the experimental group a day after the intervention. These effects, however, did not endure over the next 2 or 4 weeks. We also observed a statistically significant increase in prosocial behavior in the placebo control group, in which participants were engaged in a task of recalling childhood memories. The results are discussed and recommendations for future studies are proposed.
Randomized Controlled Trial of the Picture Book Reading Program on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged People
Authors: Iizuka Ai , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Ogawa Susumu , Takahashi Tomoya , Cho Daisuke , Yamashiro Daichi , Sato Kenichiro , Li Yan , Kanabe Yuri , Kobayashi Momoko , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: May 2021

Background: To delay cognitive decline, it is important to engage actively in preventive activities from middle age (50–64 years of age). We have developed a cognitive intervention program using picture book reading, and demonstrated that it is effective for improving memory in older adults. However, the effect of the intervention on memory and other cognitive functions in middle-aged people has not been examined. The current study investigated the effects of the picture book reading program on cognitive function in middle-aged people.

Methods: This single-blind (examiners were blinded) randomized controlled trial was conducted in Tokyo, Japan. A total of 65 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG) (n = 32), in which members attended 12 picture book reading classes held once a week, or the active control group (CG) (n = 33), in which members received lectures on health maintenance. Cognitive tests were conducted before and after the intervention. The primary outcome was memory, and the secondary outcomes were verbal function and executive function.

Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the IG and the CG in change scores (post minus pre) for memory. On the other hand, there was a significant difference in change scores of the category fluency, which is a measure of verbal function, suggesting improvements in IG compared to CG. There were also no significant differences in executive function.

Conclusions: The results indicated that our previous finding of an improvement in memory function in older adults was not found in middle-aged people. However, the findings suggest that the picture book reading program may affect lexical access ability in verbal function among middle-aged people. Because maintaining verbal function is important for daily communication, these findings suggest that this program may be a useful countermeasure for cognitive decline in middle-aged people.

Clinical Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000048012, Identifier: UMIN 000042071
Case Report: GABAergic and Serotoninergic Agents for the Treatment and Prevention of Prolonged Dissociative Stupor
Authors: Yoshioka Daisuke , Iwata Masaaki , Kaneko Koichi
Published: May 2021

Dissociative stupor is a common psychiatric disease lacking an established standard treatment. The lack of therapeutic options may be due to the spontaneous and quick complete remission of most patients. However, since some patients experience multiple relapses and prolonged stupor, investigating potential prevention and treatment options is critical. We reported the case of a 61-year-old Japanese woman who presented with intermittent dissociative stupor for several months. Despite her prolonged symptoms, the administration of lorazepam, escitalopram, and aripiprazole, which selectively enhance GABAergic and serotoninergic activity, improved her stupor and prevented relapse. These findings may help with the treatment of persistent dissociative stupor.
Reliability, Validity, and Measurement Invariance of the General Anxiety Disorder Scale Among Chinese Medical University Students
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Tingting , Zeng Ping , Zhao Minghao , Zhang Guifang , Zhai Shuo , Meng Lingbing , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Deping
Published: May 2021

Background: Medical students are affected by high levels of general anxiety disorder. However, few studies have specifically focused on the applicability of universal anxiety screening tools in this sample. This study was aimed to evaluate the psychometric property of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) among Chinese medical university students.

Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,021 medical postgraduates from six polyclinic hospitals. Internal consistency and convergent validity of the GAD-7 were evaluated. Factor analyses were used to test the construct validity of the scale. An item response theory (IRT) framework was used to estimate the parameters of each item. Multi-group confirmatory analyses and differential item function analyses were used to evaluate the measurement equivalence of the GAD-7 across age, gender, educational status, and residence.

Results: Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.93 and the intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.71 to 0.87. The GAD-7 summed score was significantly correlated with measures of depression symptoms, perceived stress, sleep disorders, and life satisfaction. Parallel analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor structure of the GAD-7. Seven items showed appropriate discrimination and difficulty parameters. The GAD-7 showed good measurement equivalence across demographic characteristics. The total test information of the scale was 22.85, but the test information within the range of mild symptoms was relatively low.

Conclusions: The GAD-7 has good reliability, validity, and measurement invariance among Chinese medical postgraduate students, but its measurement precision for mild anxiety symptoms is insufficient.
Metabolite Alterations in Adults With Schizophrenia, First Degree Relatives, and Healthy Controls: A Multi-Region 7T MRS Study
Authors: Wijtenburg S. Andrea , Wang Min , Korenic Stephanie A. , Chen Shuo , Barker Peter B. , Rowland Laura M.
Published: May 2021

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies in schizophrenia have shown altered GABAergic, glutamatergic, and bioenergetic pathways, but if these abnormalities are brain region or illness-stage specific is largely unknown. MRS at 7T MR enables reliable quantification of multiple metabolites, including GABA, glutamate (Glu) and glutamine (Gln), from multiple brain regions within the time constraints of a clinical examination. In this study, GABA, Glu, Gln, the ratio Gln/Glu, and lactate (Lac) were quantified using 7T MRS in five brain regions in adults with schizophrenia (N = 40), first-degree relatives (N = 11), and healthy controls (N = 38). Metabolites were analyzed for differences between groups, as well as between subjects with schizophrenia with either short (<5 years, N = 19 or long (>5 years, N = 21) illness duration. For analyses between the three groups, there were significant glutamatergic and GABAergic differences observed in the anterior cingulate, centrum semiovale, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. There were also significant relationships between anterior cingulate cortex, centrum semiovale, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cognitive measures. There were also significant glutamatergic, GABAergic, and lactate differences between subjects with long and short illness duration in the anterior cingulate, centrum semiovale, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. Finally, negative symptom severity ratings were significantly correlated with both anterior cingulate and centrum semiovale metabolite levels. In summary, 7T MRS shows multi-region differences in GABAergic and glutamatergic metabolites between subjects with schizophrenia, first-degree relatives and healthy controls, suggesting relatively diffuse involvement that evolves with illness duration. Unmedicated first-degree relatives share some of the same metabolic characteristics as patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, suggesting that these differences may reflect a genetic vulnerability and are not solely due to the effects of antipsychotic interventions.
Food Insecurity: A Constant Factor in the Lives of Low-Income Families in Scotland and England
Authors: Shinwell Jackie , Defeyter Margaret Anne
Published: May 2021

During the school summer holidays, pressures on the already tight budgets of low-income families are compounded, particularly when the safety net of free school meals is removed. The main aim of the current study was to investigate how low-income parents and carers feed their families during term time when children receive free school meals and if, and how, strategies differ during the school summer holidays. A secondary aim was to investigate the role of holiday activity and food programmes in supporting parents and carers to feed their children during the school summer holidays. We used purposive sampling to recruit a total of 21 parents (N= 20 Female,N= 1 Male) whose children attended free summer holiday clubs in Scotland and England during summer 2017. Participants were asked about their food and shopping habits during the school term and if, and how they differed during the school summer holidays when free school meals were not available. The findings suggest that food insecurity is a constant factor in the lives of low-income parents in England and Scotland, and that the stages of food insecurity and the strategies employed to mitigate its effects appear to be cyclical, aligning with the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) food insecurity continuum and the school academic year. During term time, parents and carers worried about food, suggesting they were experiencing mild food insecurity, despite their children being in receipt of free school meals. As the school holidays approached, moderate food insecurity was experienced as parents reported that they began “provisioning,” storing food and reducing household expenditure. During the summer holidays, food did not last, and parental food acquisition habits became more intense. Parents downgraded food brands and bought reduced price items of food. Ultimately, parents self-sacrificed their own nutritional intake by only buying food their children would eat and parents often skipped meals or only ate their children's leftovers. However, children's attendance at holiday club helped make the food at home last longer and once school resumed, parents returned to their less intense, but constantly coping approach to food shopping. The findings of this study suggest that food insecurity is a constant factor in the lives of low-income families who simply do not have enough household income to prevent them from experiencing food insecurity, even when initiatives such as free school meals and access to holiday club provision with food and activities are in place.
An Effective Life–Sex–Emotions Course for Taiwanese Adolescents on Health Perceptions: A Cohort Study
Authors: Chao Kuo-Yu , Cheng Wei
Published: May 2021

Aim: Adolescence is a time of transition from childhood to adulthood, when young people go through a number of vital physical and psychological developments. It is surprising yet unfortunate that the number of teenage suicide deaths and teenage infections of gonorrhea have increased over the years, becoming serious public health concerns in Taiwan. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an education course on teenagers' understanding of adolescence and their attitudes toward life, sex, gender equality, and mental health.

Material and Methods: Participants were comprised of Taiwanese students in Grades 5 to 9 who completed a Life–Sex–Emotions course, titled “Sailing through Adolescence.” The effect of the course was measured using pre- and post-test scores on the Perception Index of Life–Sex–Emotions Education (PILSEE) instrument. Qualitative data included subjective responses to questions before and after the course. Data were collected between September 2017 and June 2020.

Results: A total of 10,506 completed questionnaires were collected. The mean PILSEE pretest scores for each subscale ranged from 8.71 to 13.37 (SD = 1.499–1.99); posttest subscale scores ranged from 9.30 to 13.95 (SD range = 1.490–2.288). The mean overall pretest score was 86.86 (SD = 10.83); the mean posttest score was 92.62 (SD = 10.30). The paired t-test demonstrated that post-test scores were significantly higher than pretest scores (t = 55.46; p < 0.01). Qualitative feedback indicated that the course improved students' self-esteem, their understanding adolescence, and awareness of influences of the media.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that an educational course about life, sex, and emotions during adolescence can be an effective intervention to help teenagers understand the impact of adolescence on attitudes toward life, sex, mental health, and gender equality.
Combining Task and Motion Planning: Challenges and Guidelines
Authors: Mansouri Masoumeh , Pecora Federico , Schüller Peter
Published: May 2021

Combined Task and Motion Planning (TAMP) is an area where no one-fits-all solution can exist. Many aspects of the domain, as well as operational requirements, have an effect on how algorithms and representations are designed. Frequently, trade-offs have to be made to build a system that is effective. We propose five research questions that we believe need to be answered to solve real-world problems that involve combined TAMP. We show which decisions and trade-offs should be made with respect to these research questions, and illustrate these on examples of existing application domains. By doing so, this article aims to provide a guideline for designing combined TAMP solutions that are adequate and effective in the target scenario.