bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Slow-Wave Activity Patterns in Resting-State Electroencephalography and Their Relation to Language Functioning in Low-Grade Glioma and Meningioma Patients
Authors: Wolthuis Nienke , Bosma Ingeborg , Bastiaanse Roelien , Cherian Perumpillichira J. , Smits Marion , Veenstra Wencke , Wagemakers Michiel , Vincent Arnaud , Satoer Djaina
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Brain tumours frequently cause language impairments and are also likely to co-occur with localised abnormal slow-wave brain activity. However, it is unclear whether this applies specifically to low-grade brain tumours. We investigate slow-wave activity in resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in low-grade glioma and meningioma patients, and its relation to pre- and postoperative language functioning.

Method

Patients with a glioma (N = 15) infiltrating the language-dominant hemisphere and patients with a meningioma (N = 10) with mass effect on this hemisphere underwent extensive language testing before and 1 year after surgery. EEG was registered preoperatively, postoperatively (glioma patients only), and once in healthy individuals. Slow-wave activity in delta- and theta- frequency bands was evaluated visually and quantitatively by spectral power at three levels over the scalp: the whole brain, the affected hemisphere, and the affected region.

Results

Glioma patients had increased delta activity (affected area) and increased theta activity (all levels) before and after surgery. In these patients, increased preoperative theta activity was related to the presence of language impairment, especially to poor word retrieval and grammatical performance. Preoperative slow-wave activity was also related to postoperative language outcomes. Meningioma patients showed no significant increase in EEG slow-wave activity compared to healthy individuals, but they presented with word retrieval, grammatical, and writing problems preoperatively, as well as with writing impairments postoperatively.

Discussion

Although the brain-tumour pathology in low-grade gliomas and meningiomas has a different effect on resting-state brain activity, patients with low-grade gliomas and meningiomas both suffer from language impairments. Increased theta activity in glioma patients can be considered as a language-impairment marker, with prognostic value for language outcome after surgery.
Cerebellar Pathology in an Inducible Mouse Model of Friedreich Ataxia
Authors: Mercado-Ayón Elizabeth , Warren Nathan , Halawani Sarah , Rodden Layne N. , Ngaba Lucie , Dong Yi Na , Chang Joshua C. , Fonck Carlos , Mavilio Fulvio , Lynch David R. , Lin Hong
Published: March 2022

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Lack of frataxin causes neuronal loss in various areas of the CNS and PNS. In particular, cerebellar neuropathology in FRDA patients includes loss of large principal neurons and synaptic terminals in the dentate nucleus (DN), and previous studies have demonstrated early synaptic deficits in the Knockin-Knockout mouse model of FRDA. However, the exact correlation of frataxin deficiency with cerebellar neuropathology remains unclear. Here we report that doxycycline-induced frataxin knockdown in a mouse model of FRDA (FRDAkd) leads to synaptic cerebellar degeneration that can be partially reversed by AAV8-mediated frataxin restoration. Loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and large DN principal neurons are observed in the FRDAkd mouse cerebellum. Levels of the climbing fiber-specific glutamatergic synaptic marker VGLUT2 decline starting at 4 weeks after dox induction, whereas levels of the parallel fiber-specific synaptic marker VGLUT1 are reduced by 18-weeks. These findings suggest initial selective degeneration of climbing fiber synapses followed by loss of parallel fiber synapses. The GABAergic synaptic marker GAD65 progressively declined during dox induction in FRDAkd mice, while GAD67 levels remained unaltered, suggesting specific roles for frataxin in maintaining cerebellar synaptic integrity and function during adulthood. Expression of frataxin following AAV8-mediated gene transfer partially restored VGLUT1/2 levels. Taken together, our findings show that frataxin knockdown leads to cerebellar degeneration in the FRDAkd mouse model, suggesting that frataxin helps maintain cerebellar structure and function.
Ridge Penalization in High-Dimensional Testing With Applications to Imaging Genetics
Authors: Gauran Iris Ivy , Xue Gui , Chen Chuansheng , Ombao Hernando , Yu Zhaoxia
Published: March 2022

High-dimensionality is ubiquitous in various scientific fields such as imaging genetics, where a deluge of functional and structural data on brain-relevant genetic polymorphisms are investigated. It is crucial to identify which genetic variations are consequential in identifying neurological features of brain connectivity compared to merely random noise. Statistical inference in high-dimensional settings poses multiple challenges involving analytical and computational complexity. A widely implemented strategy in addressing inference goals is penalized inference. In particular, the role of the ridge penalty in high-dimensional prediction and estimation has been actively studied in the past several years. This study focuses on ridge-penalized tests in high-dimensional hypothesis testing problems by proposing and examining a class of methods for choosing the optimal ridge penalty. We present our findings on strategies to improve the statistical power of ridge-penalized tests and what determines the optimal ridge penalty for hypothesis testing. The application of our work to an imaging genetics study and biological research will be presented.
Exploring Hierarchical Auditory Representation via a Neural Encoding Model
Authors: Wang Liting , Liu Huan , Zhang Xin , Zhao Shijie , Guo Lei , Han Junwei , Hu Xintao
Published: March 2022

By integrating hierarchical feature modeling of auditory information using deep neural networks (DNNs), recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) encoding studies have revealed the hierarchical neural auditory representation in the superior temporal gyrus (STG). Most of these studies adopted supervised DNNs (e.g., for audio classification) to derive the hierarchical feature representation of external auditory stimuli. One possible limitation is that the extracted features could be biased toward discriminative features while ignoring general attributes shared by auditory information in multiple categories. Consequently, the hierarchy of neural acoustic processing revealed by the encoding model might be biased toward classification. In this study, we explored the hierarchical neural auditory representation via an fMRI encoding framework in which an unsupervised deep convolutional auto-encoder (DCAE) model was adopted to derive the hierarchical feature representations of the stimuli (naturalistic auditory excerpts in different categories) in fMRI acquisition. The experimental results showed that the neural representation of hierarchical auditory features is not limited to previously reported STG, but also involves the bilateral insula, ventral visual cortex, and thalamus. The current study may provide complementary evidence to understand the hierarchical auditory processing in the human brain.
Heterogeneity and Potency of Peripheral Glial Cells in Embryonic Development and Adults
Authors: Sinegubov Artem , Andreeva Daria , Burzak Nikita , Vasyutina Maria , Murashova Lada , Dyachuk Vyacheslav
Published: March 2022

This review describes the heterogeneity of peripheral glial cell populations, from the emergence of Schwann cells (SCs) in early development, to their involvement, and that of their derivatives in adult glial populations. We focus on the origin of the first glial precursors from neural crest cells (NCCs), and their ability to differentiate into several cell types during development. We also discuss the heterogeneity of embryonic glia in light of the latest data from genetic tracing and transcriptome analysis. Special attention has been paid to the biology of glial populations in adult animals, by highlighting common features of different glial cell types and molecular differences that modulate their functions. Finally, we consider the communication of glial cells with axons of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. In conclusion, the present review details how information available on glial cell types and their functions in normal and pathological conditions may be utilized in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with neurodiseases.
Technological Approach to Mind Everywhere: An Experimentally-Grounded Framework for Understanding Diverse Bodies and Minds
Authors: Levin Michael
Published: March 2022

Synthetic biology and bioengineering provide the opportunity to create novel embodied cognitive systems (otherwise known as minds) in a very wide variety of chimeric architectures combining evolved and designed material and software. These advances are disrupting familiar concepts in the philosophy of mind, and require new ways of thinking about and comparing truly diverse intelligences, whose composition and origin are not like any of the available natural model species. In this Perspective, I introduce TAME—Technological Approach to Mind Everywhere—a framework for understanding and manipulating cognition in unconventional substrates. TAME formalizes a non-binary (continuous), empirically-based approach to strongly embodied agency. TAME provides a natural way to think about animal sentience as an instance of collective intelligence of cell groups, arising from dynamics that manifest in similar ways in numerous other substrates. When applied to regenerating/developmental systems, TAME suggests a perspective on morphogenesis as an example of basal cognition. The deep symmetry between problem-solving in anatomical, physiological, transcriptional, and 3D (traditional behavioral) spaces drives specific hypotheses by which cognitive capacities can increase during evolution. An important medium exploited by evolution for joining active subunits into greater agents is developmental bioelectricity, implemented by pre-neural use of ion channels and gap junctions to scale up cell-level feedback loops into anatomical homeostasis. This architecture of multi-scale competency of biological systems has important implications for plasticity of bodies and minds, greatly potentiating evolvability. Considering classical and recent data from the perspectives of computational science, evolutionary biology, and basal cognition, reveals a rich research program with many implications for cognitive science, evolutionary biology, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence.
Imaging for Plasma Cell Dyscrasias: What, When, and How?
Authors: Guha Amrita , Vijan Antariksh , Agarwal Ujjwal , Goda Jayant Sastri , Mahajan Abhishek , Shetty Nitin , Khattry Navin
Published: March 2022

Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis, response assessment, and follow-up of patients with plasma cell bone disease. The radiologic diagnostic paradigm has thus far evolved with developing technology and availability of better imaging platforms; however, the skewed availability of these imaging modalities in developed vis-à-vis the developing countries along with the lack of uniformity in reporting has led to a consensus on the imaging criteria for diagnosing and response assessment in plasma cell dyscrasia. Therefore, it is imperative for not only the radiologists but also the treating oncologist to be aware of the criteria and appropriate imaging modality to be used in accordance with the clinical question. The review will allow the treating oncologist to answer the following questions on the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive abilities of various imaging modalities for plasma cell dyscrasia: a) What lesions can look like multiple myeloma (MM) but are not?; b) Does the patient have MM? To diagnose MM in a high-risk SMM patient with clinical suspicion, which modality should be used and why?; c) Is the patient responding to therapy on follow-up imaging once treatment is initiated?; d) To interpret commonly seen complications post-therapy, when is it a disease and when is the expected sequel to treatment? Fractures, red marrow reconversion?; and e) When is the appropriate time to flag a patient for further workup when interpreting MRI spine done for back pain in the elderly? How do we differentiate between commonly seen osteoporosis-related degenerative spine versus marrow infiltrative disorder?
Increased Ascorbate Content of Glioblastoma Is Associated With a Suppressed Hypoxic Response and Improved Patient Survival
Authors: Burgess Eleanor R. , Crake Rebekah L. I. , Phillips Elisabeth , Morrin Helen R. , Royds Janice A. , Slatter Tania L. , Wiggins George A. R. , Vissers Margreet C. M. , Robinson Bridget A. , Dachs Gabi U.
Published: March 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme is a challenging disease with limited treatment options and poor survival. Glioblastoma tumours are characterised by hypoxia that activates the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) pathway and controls a myriad of genes that drive cancer progression. HIF transcription factors are regulated at the post-translation level via HIF-hydroxylases. These hydroxylases require oxygen and 2-oxoglutarate as substrates, and ferrous iron and ascorbate as cofactors. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to determine whether ascorbate played a role in the hypoxic response of glioblastoma, and whether this affected patient outcome. We measured the ascorbate content and members of the HIF-pathway of clinical glioblastoma samples, and assessed their association with clinicopathological features and patient survival. In 37 samples (37 patients), median ascorbate content was 7.6 μg ascorbate/100 mg tissue, range 0.8 – 20.4 μg ascorbate/100 mg tissue. In tumours with above median ascorbate content, HIF-pathway activity as a whole was significantly suppressed (p = 0.005), and several members of the pathway showed decreased expression (carbonic anhydrase-9 and glucose transporter-1, both p < 0.01). Patients with either lower tumour HIF-pathway activity or higher tumour ascorbate content survived significantly longer than patients with higher HIF-pathway or lower ascorbate levels (p = 0.011, p = 0.043, respectively). Median survival for the low HIF-pathway score group was 362 days compared to 203 days for the high HIF-pathway score group, and median survival for the above median ascorbate group was 390 days, compared to the below median ascorbate group with 219 days. The apparent survival advantage associated with higher tumour ascorbate was more prominent for the first 8 months following surgery. These associations are promising, suggesting an important role for ascorbate-regulated HIF-pathway activity in glioblastoma that may impact on patient survival.
Sex-Dependent Prescription Patterns and Clinical Outcomes Associated With the Use of Two Oral Cannabis Formulations in the Multimodal Management of Chronic Pain Patients in Colombia
Authors: Moreno-Sanz Guillermo , Madiedo Alvaro , Hernandez Paula , Kratz Janosch , Aizpurua-Olaizola Oier , Brown Matthew R. D. , López Juan R. , Patiño Jorge , Mendivelso Fredy O.
Published: March 2022

To date, the therapeutic use of cannabinoids in chronic pain management remains controversial owing to the limited clinical evidence found in randomized clinical trials (RCTs), the heterogeneous nature of the clinical indication, and the broad range of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) used in both experimental and observational clinical studies. Here we evaluate patient-reported clinical outcomes (PROMS) in a cohort of adult patients, diagnosed with chronic pain of diverse etiology, who received adjuvant treatment with oral, cannabis-based, magistral formulations between May and September 2021 at the Latin American Institute of Neurology and Nervous System (ILANS-Zerenia) in Bogotá, Colombia. During this period, 2,112 patients completed a PROMS questionnaire aimed at capturing the degree of clinical improvement of their primary symptom and any potential side effects. Most participants were female (76.1%) with an average age of 58.7 years old, and 92.5% (1,955 patients) reported some improvement in their primary symptom (p < 0.001). Two monovarietal, full-spectrum, cannabis formulations containing either cannabidiol (CBD 30 mg/mL; THC <2 mg/mL) or a balanced composition (THC 12 mg/mL; CBD 14 mg/mL) accounted for more than 99% of all prescriptions (59.5 and 39.8%, respectively). The degree of improvement was similar between both formulations, although males reported less effectiveness in the first 4 weeks of treatment. Sex-specific differences were also found in prescription patterns, with male patients increasing the intake of the balanced chemotype overtime. For many patients (71.7%) there were no adverse side effects associated to the treatment and those most reported were mild, such as somnolence (13.0%), dizziness (8.1%) and dry mouth (4.2%), which also appeared to fade over time. Our results constitute the first real-world evidence on the clinical use of medicinal cannabis in Colombia and suggest that cannabis-based oral magistral formulations represent a safe and efficacious adjuvant therapeutic option in the management of chronic pain.
Differentiating the Neuropharmacological Properties of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Activating Alkaloids
Authors: Alijevic Omar , Jaka Oihane , Alzualde Ainhoa , Maradze Diana , Xia Wenhao , Frentzel Stefan , Gifford Andrew N. , Peitsch Manuel C. , Hoeng Julia , Koshibu Kyoko
Published: March 2022

Alkaloids that target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) are of great interest because of the critical role they play in mood and anxiety. However, understanding of the neuropharmacological effects of nicotinic alkaloids, such as cotinine and anatabine, is very limited. In this study, we investigated the neuropharmacological effects of three naturally occurring alkaloids—nicotine, cotinine, and anatabine—in vitro and in vivo. A single injection of nicotine induced anxiolytic-like behavioral features in mice by using the SmartCube® behavioral profiling system, while cotinine and anatabine had no detectable effect. The results were corroborated by using the zebrafish novel tank test (NTT), which showed a profound anxiolytic-like effect induced by multiple doses of nicotine after a single 20-min treatment. When the regulation of dopamine and norepinephrine release—the neurotransmitter systems relevant for anxiety—were examined in vitro, we found that nicotine stimulated the release of both norepinephrine and dopamine, while cotinine and anatabine mainly stimulated the dopamine release. The molecular targets of nicotine were confirmed to be nAChRs with its most potent activities against α4β2 and α6/3β2β3 subtypes in vitro. Anatabine was a weaker agonist for these receptors than nicotine. Cotinine was the least potent nAChR compound, only being able to activate α4β2 and α6/3β2β3 subtypes at high doses and no detectable activities against α3β4 and α7 subtypes at the concentrations tested. The observed effects were unlikely due to the off-target effect, because these alkaloids did not bind or regulate >160 other molecular targets in vitro. Thus, the present results suggest that natural nicotinic alkaloids can induce an anxiolytic-like behavior in nonclinical animal models, potency of which may depend on the activation of various nAChRs and regulation of various neurotransmitter systems. Further investigations would help understand their effects on humans, because non-clinical studies should not be taken as a direct indication for human behavior and nicotine is not risk free.
Case Report: Recanalization of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion Due to Microthrombi Following the First Dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Kang Min Seung , Kim Sang Yoon , Kwon Han Jo
Published: March 2022

Background: We report on a patient with a branch retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and its recanalization based on multimodal retinal and angiographic images after he was administered the first dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.

Case summary: A 64-year-old man complained of a right, painless, inferior field defect 3 days after the first dose of BNT162b2 vaccination. Fundus examination revealed decolorization of the right upper macula, including microthrombi in the superior proximal branch of the retinal artery. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed upper macular hypoperfusion. Fluorescein angiography revealed prolonged arteriovenous transit to the macula. After paracentesis with antiplatelet medications, the artery was recanalized as the thrombi dissolved, and the right visual field was recovered. Re-occlusion did not occur during the 3 months after the second mRNA vaccination.

Conclusion: Non-embolic thrombotic RAO may develop shortly after the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Ophthalmologists should consider RAO as a possible post-vaccination adverse event. The temporal association between mRNA vaccination and RAO onset with evidence of microthrombi might provide additional clues to elucidate the unpredictive arterial thrombosis following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.
Pterostilbene Interferes With Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Myocardial Injury Through Oxidative Stress and Inflammasome Pathways
Authors: Zhang Lei , Jian Xiao , Yu Jiachuan , Yu Jian
Published: March 2022

Myocardial contractile dysfunction caused by sepsis is a serious threat to human health, and its pathogenesis is not completely clear. It is generally believed that excessive inflammation and oxidative stress are the main causes of myocardial damage caused by sepsis. Pterostilbene (PTS) has a variety of biological activities, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging. Whether PTS protect myocardial function in rats with sepsis through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the role of PTS in septic mice induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Mice were injected intraperitoneally with LPS (20 mg/kg) to simulate sepsis. Use Echocardiography, Masson, DHE, H&E, IHC, IF and other experimental methods to explore the effects of PTS on LPS. The results showed that PTS was indicated to significantly increase the cardiac function of mice with sepsis. PTS treatment also reduced the mRNA expression of IL-1α, IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-1β and the protein expression of NLRP3 in vivo and in vitro, and inhibited the migration of inflammatory cells. PTS treatment also reduced the mRNA expression of collagen I, collagen III and α-SMA, and inhibited fibrosis. PTS treatment reduced the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 and inhibited DHE levels in vivo and in vitro. In summary, our data indicated that PTS played a crucial role in LPS-induced myocardial injured and might be a key target for the prevention and treatment of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction.
Novel Approaches and Cognitive Neuroscience Perspectives on False Memory and Deception
Authors: Toglia Michael P. , Schmuller Joseph , Surprenant Britni G. , Hooper Katherine C. , DeMeo Natasha N. , Wallace Brett L.
Published: March 2022

The DRM (Deese–Roediger–McDermott) paradigm produces robust false memories of non-presented critical words. After studying a thematic word list (e.g., bed, rest, and pillow) participants falsely remember the critical item “sleep.” We report two false memory experiments. Study One introduces a novel use of the lexical decision task (LDT) to prime critical words. Participants see two letter-strings and make timed responses indicating whether they are both words. The word pairs Night-Bed and Dream-Thweeb both prime “sleep” but only one pair contains two words. Our primary purpose is to introduce this new methodology via two pilot experiments. The results, considered preliminary, are promising as they indicate that participants were as likely to recognize critical words (false memories) and presented words (true memories) just as when studying thematic lists. Study Two actually employs the standard DRM lists so that semantic priming is in play there as well. The second study, however, uses functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure activity in the prefrontal cortex during a DRM task which includes a deception phase where participants intentionally lie about critical lures. False and true memories occurred at high levels and activated many of the same brain regions but, compared to true memories, cortical activity was higher for false memories and lies. Accuracy findings are accompanied by confidence and reaction time results. Both investigations suggest that it is difficult to distinguish accurate from inaccurate memories. We explain results in terms of activation-monitoring theory and Fuzzy Trace Theory. We provide real world implications and suggest extending the present research to varying age groups and special populations. A nagging question has not been satisfactorily answered: Could neural pathways exist that signal the presence of false memories and lies? Answering this question will require imaging experiments that focus on regions of distinction such as the anterior prefrontal cortex.
The Application of Entrepreneurial Elements in Mathematics Teaching: Challenges for Primary School Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Mahmud Muhammad Sofwan , Maat Siti Mistima , Rosli Roslinda , Sulaiman Nur Ainil , Mohamed Shahrul Badriyah
Published: March 2022

The entrepreneurial element is one of the aspects emphasized in the primary school mathematics education curriculum in Malaysia. However, previous studies have found that application of entrepreneurial elements in mathematics teaching is still lacking. This study was therefore conducted to identify the real challenges that mathematics teachers face in applying the entrepreneurial element in mathematics teaching. This study is qualitative case study which involved six primary school mathematics teachers. Semi-structured interviews, observation, document analysis and field notes were used for the data collection process in this study. The data obtained was analyzed using the constant comparative analysis method to determine themes and sub-themes. The findings were that a teacher’s knowledge, teaching style, limited time of teaching, and attitudes, and in-service courses and training are among the identified challenges in applying entrepreneurial elements in mathematics teaching. This study expands knowledge and the literature on the challenges faced by school mathematics teachers in applying entrepreneurial elements in mathematics teaching. Various initiatives need to be taken to ensure that all the challenges can be overcome, and ultimately enable the entrepreneurial elements to be applied to students more widely.
Research on the Influence of AI and VR Technology for Students’ Concentration and Creativity
Authors: Rong Qiming , Lian Qiu , Tang Tianran
Published: March 2022

The application of digital technology in teaching has triggered the evolution of traditional teaching. Students have different corresponding relationships under digital behavior. The interactive technology of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) provides a new driving force for the development of art education and psychology. Firstly, this thesis analyzes the limitations and existing problems of traditional art education. Especially, the influence of the teaching mode of art education on the teaching of other disciplines develops a targeted student-centered digital education program. Secondly, the author used VR equipment and technology to let students experience the virtual world freely, and then, the relevant data model was established on the basis of analyzing the reasons affecting students’ creativity and concentration. Thirdly, the data model was applied to art education in order to improve students’ concentration and creativity. Then, the author compared and analyzed the data of the students under different teaching models through questionnaires. The results show that introducing VR and AI technology into art education and encouraging students to carry out deep learning can significantly improve student concentration and creativity. Finally, the influence reasons are analyzed from the perspective of psychology. VR interaction and Artificial Intelligence can be introduced into middle school fine art education which is to the benefit of students’ deep learning, thus students’ concentration and creativity can be improved.
CEO Regulatory Focus, Analysts’ Optimism Bias, and Firm Strategic Change: Evidence From Chinese-Listed Companies
Authors: Huang Chun , Zheng Wangxiongjie
Published: March 2022

With the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, technological, socio-political, and institutional changes have led to a “new normal” competitive landscape, firms must make longer-term strategic changes to deal with short-term discontinuities and great uncertainties to acquire sustainable advantage. Based on regulatory focus theory and upper echelons theory, this study explores the relationship between CEO regulatory focus and corporate strategic change and examines the moderating effects of analysts’ optimism bias in earning forecasts. The study uses data from A-share-listed companies in China during 2010–2018. We find that CEO promotion focus is positively associated with strategic change, while CEO prevention focus is negatively associated with strategic change. We also find analysts’ optimism bias in earning forecasts would moderate these relationships.
Body Image Concerns in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Henry Melissa , Albert Justine G. , Frenkiel Saul , Hier Michael , Zeitouni Anthony , Kost Karen , Mlynarek Alex , Black Martin , MacDonald Christina , Richardson Keith , Mascarella Marco , Morand Gregoire B. , Chartier Gabrielle , Sadeghi Nader , Lo Christopher , Rosberger Zeev
Published: March 2022

Objective

Head and neck cancer (HNC) treatments are known to significantly affect functionality and appearance, leading to an increased risk for body image disturbances. Yet, few longitudinal studies exist to examine body image in these patients. Based on a conceptual model, the current study aimed to determine, in patients newly diagnosed with HNC: (1) the prevalence, level, and course of body image concerns; (2) correlates of upon cancer diagnosis (pre-treatment) body image concerns; (3) predictors of immediate post-treatment body image concerns; and (4) association between body image concerns and levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, support (i.e., satisfaction with support from physician, social/family wellbeing, and unmet support needs), and alcohol and drug misuse.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty-three (participation rate = 72%), newly diagnosed with a primary HNC were assessed using structured clinical interviews and psychometric measures at three, and 6 months after diagnosis. Primary outcome was 3-month, as it was most salient to body image disturbance. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on the potential body image predictors, based on the model.

Results

Sixty-eight percent of patients with HNC (n = 148 of 218) presented some level of body image concerns. Body image concerns at baseline (i.e., upon cancer diagnosis, pre-treatment) and post-treatment were significantly related and significantly increased from pre- to post-treatment. Immediately post-treatment (i.e., at 3 month follow-up), 89% (n = 132 of 148) presented some level of body image concerns. Correlates of body image concerns in patients with HNC at baseline included: physical symptom burden, difficulties with communication and eating, coping with the cancer diagnosis using denial, suicidal ideation, and having had a past anxiety diagnosis. When controlling for sociodemographic and medical variables, body image concerns in patients with HNC in the immediate post-treatment were predicted by: baseline body image, physical symptom burden, and neuroticism.

Conclusion

This longitudinal study helps identify patients more susceptible to experience body image disturbance following head and neck cancer. Clinicians ought to pay special attention to body image concerns upon cancer diagnosis, physical symptom burden, and neuroticism, and may want to target these factors in future preventive interventions.
A Statistical Explanation of the Dunning–Kruger Effect
Authors: Magnus Jan R. , Peresetsky Anatoly A.
Published: March 2022

An explanation of the Dunning–Kruger effect is provided which does not require any psychological explanation, because it is derived as a statistical artifact. This is achieved by specifying a simple statistical model which explicitly takes the (random) boundary constraints into account. The model fits the data almost perfectly.

JEL Classification

A22; C24; C91; D84; D91; I21
Suicidal Ideation Among Children and Young Adults in a 24/7 Messenger-Based Psychological Chat Counseling Service
Authors: Kohls Elisabeth , Guenthner Lukas , Baldofski Sabrina , Eckert Melanie , Efe Zeki , Kuehne Katharina , Saee Shadi , Thomas Julia , Wundrack Richard , Rummel-Kluge Christine
Published: March 2022

Background

Suicidality in children and young adults is a pervasive problem: approximately 40% of respondents in epidemiological surveys in German schools reported suicidal ideation, while up to 9% reported a suicide attempt in the past. While there is compelling evidence for the effectiveness of telephone-based hotline services, an increasing preference of adolescents for messenger-based counseling services can be observed. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the utilization behavior and user satisfaction of users contacting a German messenger-based chat counseling service (“krisenchat”) regarding suicidal ideation.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study analyzed retrospective anonymous data on sociodemographic variables, utilization behavior, and user satisfaction of krisenchat users who used the service between May 2020 and July 2021. Chi-square-tests were used to identify associations of sociodemographic characteristics and utilization behavior with suicidal ideation. Mann-Whitney-U-tests were used to compare the user satisfaction and the recommendation-to-others-rate between suicidal and non-suicidal krisenchat-users.

Results

In total, chat data of N = 11,031 users were collected. Of the n = 6,962 users included in the final analysis, n = 1,444 (20.7%) contacted krisenchat because of suicidal ideation. The average user experiencing suicidal ideation was 17 years old, female and currently not receiving other treatment. Further, suicidal ideation was significantly and positively associated with age and non-suicidal self-injury. Regarding utilization patterns, there were significant positive associations between suicidal ideation and counseling session count, mean amount of messages sent, and mean amount of words used per message by the user. User satisfaction was high, with 64.7% (n = 413) of users that answered the feedback survey and experiencing suicidal ideation rating the help they received as at least “good” and a recommendation rate of 89.6% (n = 571). Most importantly, no differences were found between users reporting suicidal ideation and those that do not regarding satisfaction and the probability of recommending the service.

Conclusion

Results imply satisfaction with the counseling service among users with suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, there is a need for further research into messenger-based counseling services regarding the prevention of suicidal behavior in children, youths, and young adults. Longitudinal studies are especially needed to assess the effectiveness of messenger-based interventions.

Study Registration

DRKS00026671.
Psychological Impact of the Very Early Beginning of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Healthcare Workers: A Bayesian Study on the Italian and Swiss Perspectives
Authors: Uccella Sara , Mongelli Francesco , Majno-Hurst Pietro , Pavan Luca Jacopo , Uccella Stefano , Zoia Cesare , Uccella Laura
Published: March 2022

Background

We investigated the COVID19-related psychological impact on healthcare workers in Italy and in Italian-speaking regions of Switzerland, three weeks after its outbreak. All professional groups of public hospitals in Italy and Switzerland were asked to complete a 38 questions online survey investigating demographic, marital and working status, presence of stress symptoms and need for psychological support.

Results

Within 38 h a total of 3,038 responses were collected. The subgroup analysis identified specific categories at risk according to age, type of work and region of origin. Critical care workers, in particular females, reported an increased number of working hours, decline in confidence in the future, presence of stress symptoms and need for psychological support. Respondents reporting stress symptoms and those with children declared a higher need for psychological support.

Conclusions

The large number of participants in such a short time indicates for a high interest on topic among health-care workers. The COVID19 outbreak has been experienced as a repeated trauma for many health-care professionals, especially among female nurses' categories. Early evidence of the need of implementating short and long-term measures to mitigate impact of the emotional burden of COVID-19 pandemic are still relevant.
The Role of the Respiratory Therapy Team in the Treatment of Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Complicated With Pneumocystis Pneumonia Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Gu Yanmei , Xi Shuangmei , Jin Boxun , Guo Huimin , Yang Jiankun , Liu Xin , Wu Xiulian , Zhang Lili , Li Guangming
Published: March 2022

Objective

To explore the role of the respiratory therapy team in the treatment of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) complicated with pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) undergoing mechanical ventilation.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, including 60 patients with AIDS complicated with PCP undergoing mechanical ventilation in our hospital from June 2019 to July 2020. In the process of patient respiratory monitoring, hospital transport, ventilator withdrawal, airway management, various aerosol treatments and controlled oxygen therapy, patients were divided into the control group and the case group according to whether the respiratory therapy team was involved or not (30 in the control group, 25 males and five females; 30 in the case group, 24 males and six females). The baseline data, mechanical ventilation time, hospitalization time and hospitalization expenses of the two groups were compared.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the case and control groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the case group had significantly shorter mechanical ventilation times and average hospitalization lengths and the average expenses decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The participation of the respiratory therapy team in the mechanical ventilation treatment of patients with AIDS and PCP helps to shorten the mechanical ventilation time and the average length of hospitalization and reduce the hospitalization expenses of patients. It is expected to increase the cure rate of such patients and improve their prognosis.
Factors Related to Non-compliance With Non-pharmaceutical Interventions to Mitigate the Spread of SARS-CoV-2: Results From a Survey in the Swiss General Adult Population
Authors: Hengartner Michael P. , Waller Gregor , Wyl Agnes von
Published: March 2022

Background

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) play an important role in national efforts to control and contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, but some people do not comply with these public health measures. The aim of this study was thus to describe this group of noncompliant people.

Methods

A random sample of 1,157 people was drawn from the adult general population of Switzerland based on a three-stepped quota scheme considering the variables age (18–31, 32–45, 46–59, and ≥60 years), sex (male and female), and language region (German-, French-, and Italian-speaking Switzerland). We assessed a global scale of non-compliance with NPI based on several individual measures such as wearing face masks and social distancing. As predictor variables we included objective sociodemographic variables (e.g., age, sex) and easy measurable constructs (e.g., fears and worries about COVID-19, trust in medical experts).

Results

Out of 14 predictor variables tested, seven were statistically significantly associated with increased non-compliance with NPI: male sex, younger age, self-identification as low-risk group, judging the consequences of an infection with SARS-CoV-2 as non-serious, less worries and fears about the pandemic, not obtaining regular information from health authorities, and not trusting in medical experts. The most parsimonious multivariable prediction model included the variables younger age, low appraisal of negative consequences, less fear and worries, not obtaining regular information from health authorities, and not trusting in medical experts. The model accounted for 27.9% of variance explained in non-compliance with NPI.

Conclusion

Young adults who perceive COVID-19 as mostly harmless/inconsequential and who ignore and/or mistrust information from health authorities and medical experts, are the population most likely to be noncompliant with NPI. These findings may help to target a group of people at high risk of infection and to efficiently concentrate educational and interventional public health measures.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Toward Off-Label Medicine Use in Female Reproductive Health Issues
Authors: Shakeel Sadia , Iffat Wajiha , Qamar Ambreen , Nesar Shagufta , Butt Fareeha , Siddiqui Sobia Naseem , Rehman Hina , Rehman Anees ur
Published: March 2022

Background

Off-label medication usage (OLMU) is prevalent in the treatment of various diseases, including female reproductive health issues (FRHIs). However, there is a paucity of literature on the perspective of health professionals on this subject. The purpose of the current study was to assess gynecologists/obstetricians' knowledge, attitude and practice toward OLMU in the treatment of FRHIs.

Methods

The current cross-sectional study was conducted in September and October 2021, at five tertiary care hospitals (two public and three private sector), different clinics and maternity homes in a metropolitan city of Karachi, Pakistan. The target population was gynecologists, obstetricians and physicians/residents working in the ob/gyn department in various hospitals and clinical settings of Karachi.

Results

The overall response rate was 77.1%. The mean age of the study respondents was 36.1 ± 7.7 years; n = 85 (55.9%) respondents were working in primary patient care. The majorly reported OLMU by the respondents were clomiphene citrate in unexplained infertility (n = 66; 43.4%), metformin to improve cycle regularity in females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 59; 38.8%) and letrozole to induce ovulation (n = 31; 20.4%). The majorly stated categories of OLMU were at a different dose (n = 95; 62.5%) and at different indications than approved to treat (n = 89; 58.5%). It was reported by the majority of the respondents (n = 95; 62.5%) that they do not follow any guidelines or regulations for OLMU in their work setting; however, the response was statistically varied with the working organization (CI 2.14–2.93; p = 0.037) and practice area (CI 2.85–4.32; p = 0.0001) of respondents.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that the respondents were well-familiar with the practice of OLMU in the treatment of FRHIs. They expressed their concerns about decreasing such practices by being involved in collective decision-making procedures, and they were inclined to accept initiatives aimed at ensuring drug safety in patients.
Attention to Progression Principles and Variables of Exercise Prescription in Workplace-Related Resistance Training Interventions: A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials
Authors: Stassen Gerrit , Baulig Lukas , Müller Ole , Schaller Andrea
Published: March 2022

Background

The workplace is an important setting for adult health promotion including exercise training such as resistance training (RT). Since the reporting of exercise training interventions is generally inconsistent, the objective of this systematic review was to investigate the attention to principles of RT progression and variables of RT exercise prescription in workplace-related RT interventions.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases LIVIVO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science (2000–2020). Controlled trials with apparently healthy “employees” and a main focus on RT were included. RT principles and variables were extracted and rated by two reviewers (reported, not reported, or unclear). Sum scores for each RT intervention and percentages regarding each principle and variable were calculated.

Results

Overall, 21 articles were included (18 primary studies, 3 protocols). Summarized narratively, the interventions showed different positive effects on strength- or performance-related and/or health- or complaint-related outcomes. The reporting of the RT principles and variables was varied [progressive overload: 94% of the studies, specificity: 78%, variation (periodization): 39%, muscle action: 94%, loading: 94%, volume; 67%, exercise selection: 89%, exercise order: 47%, rest periods between sets: 33%, rest periods between exercises: 27%, repetition velocity: 44%, and frequency: 100%].

Conclusion

Several key RT principles and variables were reported inconsistently, reducing reproducibility and pointing to the need for standardized RT intervention reporting in workplace-related interventions. Exercise science and workplace promotion should be further linked, since accurate reporting is a prerequisite for transferring robust findings into practice.
Gut Bacteria Erysipelatoclostridium and Its Related Metabolite Ptilosteroid A Could Predict Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury
Authors: Cai Shang , Yang Yongqiang , Kong Yuehong , Guo Qi , Xu Yingying , Xing Pengfei , Sun Yanze , Qian Jianjun , Xu Ruizhe , Xie Liwei , Hu Yijia , Wang Min , Li Ming , Tian Ye , Mao Weidong
Published: March 2022

It is difficult to study the intestinal damage induced by space radiation to astronauts directly, and few prediction models exist. However, we can simulate it in patients with pelvic tumor radiotherapy (RT). Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) is common in cancer patients who receieved pelvic and abdominal RT. We dynamically analyzed gut microbiota and metabolites alterations in 17 cervical and endometrial cancer patients after pelvic RT. In patients who later developed grade 2 RIII, dysbiosis of gut microbiota and metabolites were observed. Univariate analysis showed that Erysipelatoclostridium and ptilosteroid A were related to the occurrence of grade 2 RIII. Notably, a strong positive correlation between gut bacteria Erysipelatoclostridium relative abundance and gut metabolite ptilosteroid A expression was found. Furthermore, combinations of Erysipelatoclostridium and ptilosteroid A could provide good diagnostic markers for grade 2 RIII. In conclusion, gut bacteria Erysipelatoclostridium and its related metabolite ptilosteroid A may collaboratively predict RIII, and could be diagnostic biomarkers for RIII and space radiation injury.