bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric Evaluation of Dose Calculation Uncertainties for MR-Only Approaches in Prostate MR-Guided Radiotherapy
Authors: Coric Ivan , Shreshtha Kumar , Roque Thais , Paragios Nikos , Gani Cihan , Zips Daniel , Thorwarth Daniela , Nachbar Marcel
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Magnetic resonance imaging guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) allows treatment plan adaptation on the MRI of the day. For dose calculations, a structure-specific bulk relative electron density (RED) overwrite derived from a planning computed tomography (CT) poses as one possible treatment workflow. However, this approach introduces uncertainties due to assignment of mean densities and requires a planning CT. The aim of this study was to investigate the uncertainty of the used patient-specific (PSCT) dose calculation in contrast to the correct calculation on a CT and compare to MR-only workflows using population-based bulk ED (PBCT) and artificial intelligence–based pseudo-CTs (AICT).

Methods: Twenty primary prostate cancer patients treated on the 1.5 T MR-Linac were chosen from the clinical database, based on best visual congruence between the planning CT and daily MRI. CT-based reference dose distribution was compared to different pseudo-CT approaches. 1) For PSCT, mean REDs for the femur, pelvis, sacrum, rectum, bladder, and patient were assigned based on individual mean CT densities. 2) Population-based mean REDs were derived based on 50 previous, independent patients and assigned to the structures for the PBCT approach. 3) An AI model for pseudo-CT generation was trained using end-to-end ensembled self-supervised GANs and used to create AICTs from T2w-MRIs. For comparison, the CT was registered to the MRI, structures rigidly propagated, and treatment plans recalculated. Differences of DVH parameters were analyzed, and dose distributions were compared using gamma analysis.

Results: All approaches were able to reproduce the dose distribution accurately, according to a gamma criterion of 3%/3 mm, with pass rates greater than 98%. Applying a 2%/2 mm criterion, the median gamma pass rates for PSCT, PBCT, and AICT resulted in 98.6%, 98.2%, and 99.0%, respectively. The median differences for PTV D98% resulted in 0.13 Gy for AICT, −0.31 Gy for PBCT, and −0.32 Gy for PSCT. The OAR-related DVH parameter showed similar results between the three investigated methods.

Conclusion: In this study, a detailed analysis of uncertainties of MR-only treatment planning concepts for pelvic MRgRT was performed. Both a PBCT and an AICT approach, which bypass the need for a planning CT, may be considered clinically acceptable while reducing imaging dose and registration issues.
Circle Method for Robust Estimation of Local Conduction Velocity High-Density Maps From Optical Mapping Data: Characterization of Radiofrequency Ablation Sites
Authors: Siles-Paredes Jimena G. , Crowley Christopher J. , Fenton Flavio H. , Bhatia Neal , Iravanian Shahriar , Sandoval Italo , Pollnow Stefan , Dössel Olaf , Salinet João , Uzelac Ilija
Published: August 2022

Conduction velocity (CV) slowing is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT). Clinical electroanatomical mapping systems used to localize AF or VT sources as ablation targets remain limited by the number of measuring electrodes and signal processing methods to generate high-density local activation time (LAT) and CV maps of heterogeneous atrial or trabeculated ventricular endocardium. The morphology and amplitude of bipolar electrograms depend on the direction of propagating electrical wavefront, making identification of low-amplitude signal sources commonly associated with fibrotic area difficulty. In comparison, unipolar electrograms are not sensitive to wavefront direction, but measurements are susceptible to distal activity. This study proposes a method for local CV calculation from optical mapping measurements, termed the circle method (CM). The local CV is obtained as a weighted sum of CV values calculated along different chords spanning a circle of predefined radius centered at a CV measurement location. As a distinct maximum in LAT differences is along the chord normal to the propagating wavefront, the method is adaptive to the propagating wavefront direction changes, suitable for electrical conductivity characterization of heterogeneous myocardium. In numerical simulations, CM was validated characterizing modeled ablated areas as zones of distinct CV slowing. Experimentally, CM was used to characterize lesions created by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) on isolated hearts of rats, guinea pig, and explanted human hearts. To infer the depth of RFA-created lesions, excitation light bands of different penetration depths were used, and a beat-to-beat CV difference analysis was performed to identify CV alternans. Despite being limited to laboratory research, studies based on CM with optical mapping may lead to new translational insights into better-guided ablation therapies.
Suppression of host nocifensive behavior by parasitoid wasp venom
Authors: Rana Amit , Emanuel Stav , Adams Michael E. , Libersat Frederic
Published: August 2022

The parasitoid wasp Ampulex compressa envenomates the brain of its host the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana), thereby making it a behaviorally compliant food supply for its offspring. The target of venom injection is a locomotory command center in the brain called the central complex. In this study, we investigate why stung cockroaches do not respond to injuries incurred during the manipulation process by the wasp. In particular, we examine how envenomation compromises nociceptive signaling pathways in the host. Noxious stimuli applied to the cuticle of stung cockroaches fail to evoke escape responses, even though nociceptive interneurons projecting to the brain respond normally. Hence, while nociceptive signals are carried forward to the brain, they fail to trigger robust nocifensive behavior. Electrophysiological recordings from the central complex of stung animals demonstrate decreases in peak firing rate, total firing, and duration of noxious-evoked activity. The single parameter best correlated with altered noxious-evoked behavioral responses of stung cockroaches is reduced duration of the evoked response in the central complex. Our findings demonstrate how the reproductive strategy of a parasitoid wasp is served by venom-mediated elimination of aversive, nocifensive behavior in its host.
Training machine learning models with synthetic data improves the prediction of ventricular origin in outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Doste Ruben , Lozano Miguel , Jimenez-Perez Guillermo , Mont Lluis , Berruezo Antonio , Penela Diego , Camara Oscar , Sebastian Rafael
Published: August 2022

In order to determine the site of origin (SOO) in outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs) before an ablation procedure, several algorithms based on manual identification of electrocardiogram (ECG) features, have been developed. However, the reported accuracy decreases when tested with different datasets. Machine learning algorithms can automatize the process and improve generalization, but their performance is hampered by the lack of large enough OTVA databases. We propose the use of detailed electrophysiological simulations of OTVAs to train a machine learning classification model to predict the ventricular origin of the SOO of ectopic beats. We generated a synthetic database of 12-lead ECGs (2,496 signals) by running multiple simulations from the most typical OTVA SOO in 16 patient-specific geometries. Two types of input data were considered in the classification, raw and feature ECG signals. From the simulated raw 12-lead ECG, we analyzed the contribution of each lead in the predictions, keeping the best ones for the training process. For feature-based analysis, we used entropy-based methods to rank the obtained features. A cross-validation process was included to evaluate the machine learning model. Following, two clinical OTVA databases from different hospitals, including ECGs from 365 patients, were used as test-sets to assess the generalization of the proposed approach. The results show that V2 was the best lead for classification. Prediction of the SOO in OTVA, using both raw signals or features for classification, presented high accuracy values (>0.96). Generalization of the network trained on simulated data was good for both patient datasets (accuracy of 0.86 and 0.84, respectively) and presented better values than using exclusively real ECGs for classification (accuracy of 0.84 and 0.76 for each dataset). The use of simulated ECG data for training machine learning-based classification algorithms is critical to obtain good SOO predictions in OTVA compared to real data alone. The fast implementation and generalization of the proposed methodology may contribute towards its application to a clinical routine.
Use of concentric linear velocity to monitor flywheel exercise load
Authors: Martín-Rivera Fernando , Beato Marco , Alepuz-Moner Vicente , Maroto-Izquierdo Sergio
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To propose the concentric linear velocity measurement as a valid method to quantify load and individualise the prescription of flywheel training, we investigated the relationship between inertial load and mean concentric linear velocity (MCLV) during the flywheel squat exercise in a wide spectrum of intensities. In addition, we compared MCLV and subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after each load.

Methods: Twenty-five physically active men volunteered for this study (26.5 ± 2.9 years, 179.5 ± 4.2 cm, 81.6 ± 8.6 kg). After familiarization, all participants performed two inertial progressive load tests on separated days to determine the flywheel load-velocity profile and its reliability. Each participant performed 5 set of 6 repetitions of the flywheel squat exercise with different inertial loads (0.047, 0.104, 0.161, 0.245, 0.321 kg m2) selected in a counterbalanced and randomized order for each testing day. Average MCLV and RPE for each load were compared.

Results: The inter-session intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) showed values above 0.9 in all the included outcomes (MCLV: ICC = 0.91; RPE: ICC = 0.93). A significant correlation (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.80) between inertial load and MCLV was found. Similarly, significant correlation models (p < 0.01) were observed between RPE and load (R2 = 0.87) and (R2 = 0.71) between RPE and MCLV.

Conclusion: The control of MCLV during flywheel exercise can be proposed as a valid method to quantify load and to individualize the prescription of flywheel training. In addition, RPE responses have demonstrated significant correlations with load and velocity. Therefore, RPE has been proposed as a valid and reliable alternative to control flywheel training.
High-resolution dissection of photosystem II electron transport reveals differential response to water deficit and heat stress in isolation and combination in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]
Authors: Shanker Arun K. , Amirineni Sushma , Bhanu Divya , Yadav S. K. , Jyothilakshmi N. , Vanaja M. , Singh Jainender , Sarkar B. , Maheswari M. , Singh V. K.
Published: August 2022

Heat and Water Deficit Stress (WDS) tend to impede and restrict the efficiency of photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, and maximum photochemical quantum yield in plants based on their characteristic ability to interfere with the electron transport system in photosystem II. Dissection of the electron transport pathway in Photosystem II (PSII) under water deficit and Heat Stress (HS) can be insightful in gaining knowledge on the various attributes of the photosynthetic performance of a plant. We attempt a high-resolution dissection of electron transport in PSII with studies on chlorophyll a fast fluorescence kinetics and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) as a response to and recovery from these stresses in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] in isolation and combination. In this study, we bring out the mechanisms by which both heat and water stress, in isolation and in combination, affect the photosynthetic electron transport in Photosystem II. Our results indicate that oxygen evolution complex (OEC) damage is the primary effect of heat stress and is not seen with the same intensity in the water-stressed plants. Low exciton absorption flux in heat stress and combined stress was seen due to OEC damage, and this caused an electron transport traffic jam in the donor side of PS II. Both the specific energy flux model and the phenomenological flux model developed from the derived values in our study show that water deficit stress in combination with heat stress has a much stronger effect than the stresses in isolation on the overall electron transport pathway of the PS II in pearl millet plants.
Mainstreaming orphan millets for advancing climate smart agriculture to secure nutrition and health
Authors: Babele Piyoosh K. , Kudapa Himabindu , Singh Yogeshwar , Varshney Rajeev K. , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2022

The ever-changing climate and the current COVID-19 pandemic compound the problems and seriously impact agriculture production, resulting in socio-economic insecurities and imposing health implications globally. Most of the poor and malnourished population in the developing countries depends on agriculture for food, income, and employment. Impact of climate change together with the COVID-19 outbreak revealed immense problems highlighting the importance of mainstreaming climate-resilient and low input crops with more contemporary agriculture practices. Orphan millets play a vital role in the poor and malnourished population's livelihood, food and nutrition security. Recognizing their unique potential, the United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization has announced the year 2023 as the “International Year of Millets”. However, despite the unique properties for present and future agriculture of orphan millets, their cultivation is declining in many countries. As a result, millets have gained attention from researchers which eventually decelerated “multi-omics” resource generation. This review summarizes the benefits of millets and major barriers/ bottlenecks in their improvement. We also discuss the pre- and post-harvest technologies; policies required to introduce and establish millets in mainstream agriculture. To improve and ensure the livelihood of the poor/malnourished population, intensive efforts are urgently needed in advancing the research and development, implementing pre- and post-harvest technological intervention strategies, and making favorable policies for orphan crops to accomplish food and nutrition security. National and international collaborations are also indispensable to address the uncertain effects of climate change and COVID-19.
Efficient regeneration of mature castanopsis hystrix from in vitro stem explants
Authors: Zhang Heng , Guo Mengqing , Wu Qiaona , Zhao Mengqiu , Li Ruiping , Deng Xiaomei , Xi Ruchun
Published: August 2022

Castanopsis hystrix is one of the main timber trees grown in China. However, severe shortage of natural seeds and the difficulty of explant regeneration has limited seedling supply. As such, there is a need for research on asexual multiplication of C. hystrix. This study established a rapid propagation technology system for C. hystrix genotypes, including explant treatment, proliferation, and rooting. HZ (a modified MS medium) supplemented with 4.4 μM BA and 0.5 μM IBA was found to be the optimal medium for shoot sprouting. The maximum proliferation coefficient and the number of effective shoots was obtained on HZ medium supplemented with 2.6 μM BA and 1.0 μM IBA, were 3.00 and 5.63, respectively. A rooting rate of 83.33% was achieved using half-strength HZ medium supplemented with 3.2 μM NAA. Adding vitamin C (80 mg⋅l–1) for 7 days in a dark environment reduced the browning rate, while increasing the proliferation rate. Additionally, through cytological observation, we established how and where adventitious roots occur. The survival rate of transplanted plantlets was > 90%. This is the first report of an in vitro regeneration technique that uses stem segments of mature C. hystrix as explants.
Soybean Crops Penalize Subsequent Wheat Yield During Drought in the North China Plain
Authors: Nie Jiangwen , Zhou Jie , Zhao Jie , Wang Xiquan , Liu Ke , Wang Peixin , Wang Shang , Yang Lei , Zang Huadong , Harrison Matthew Tom , Yang Yadong , Zeng Zhaohai
Published: August 2022

Contemporary wisdom suggests that inclusion of legumes into crop rotations benefit subsequent cereal crop yields. To investigate whether this maxim was generically scalable, we contrast summer soybean–winter wheat (SW) with summer maize–winter wheat (MW) rotation systems in an extensive field campaign in the North China Plain (NCP). We identify heretofore unseen interactions between crop rotation, synthetic N fertilizer application, and stored soil water. In the year with typical rainfall, inclusion of soybean within rotation had no effect on wheat ear number and yield, while N fertilization penalized wheat yields by 6–8%, mainly due to lower dry matter accumulation after anthesis. In contrast, in dry years prior crops of soybean reduced the rate and number of effective ears in wheat by 5–27 and 14–17%, respectively, leading to 7–23% reduction in wheat yield. Although N fertilization increased the stem number before anthesis in dry years, there was no corresponding increase in ear number and yield of wheat in such years, indicating compensating reduction in yield components. We also showed that N fertilization increased wheat yield in MW rather than SW as the former better facilitated higher dry matter accumulation after flowering in dry years. Taken together, our results suggest that soybean inclusion reduced soil available water for subsequent wheat growth, causing yield penalty of subsequent wheat under drought conditions. We call for more research into factors influencing crop soil water, including initial state, crop water requirement, and seasonal climate forecasts, when considering legumes into rotation systems.
Graphical Abstract

Response of wheat population and yield to soybean inclusion under limited-irrigation.
Biodiversity priority areas and conservation strategies for seed plants in China
Authors: Yang Xudong , Zhang Wendi , Qin Fei , Yu Jianghong , Xue Tiantian , Huang Yunfeng , Xu Weibin , Wu Jianyong , Smets Erik F. , Yu Shengxiang
Published: August 2022

China is known for its abundant plant resources, but biodiversity conservation faces unprecedented challenges. To provide feasible suggestions for sustainable conservation, we used the species richness algorithm and complementary algorithm to study distribution patterns of 34,082 seed plants based on 1,007,196 county-level distribution records. We reconstructed a phylogenetic tree for 95.35% of species and estimated the spatial phylogenetics, followed by correlation analyses between different distribution patterns. We identified 264 counties concentrated in southern and south-western mountainous areas as hotspots which covered 10% of the land area of China and harbored 85.22% of the Chinese seed plant species. The biodiversity conservation priorities we identified were highly representative as we have considered multiple conservation indicators. We evaluated the conservation effectiveness and gaps in the network of nature reserves and identified 31.44, 32.95, and 9.47%, respectively, of the hotspot counties as gaps in the national nature reserves, provincial nature reserves and both together, with respectively 55.77, 61.53, and 28.94% of the species. Analysis of the species composition showed there were a large number of threatened and endemic species occurring in the nature reserves’ gaps. The conservation gaps need to be filled by establishing new nature reserves or national parks, especially in south-western China, and more attentions should be paid to strengthen the conservation of specific plant taxa due to the apparent mismatches between different distribution patterns.
Recent advances in the chromatin-based mechanism of FLOWERING LOCUS C repression through autonomous pathway genes
Authors: Kyung Jinseul , Jeon Myeongjune , Lee Ilha
Published: August 2022

Proper timing of flowering, a phase transition from vegetative to reproductive development, is crucial for plant fitness. The floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is the major determinant of flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. In rapid-cycling A. thaliana accessions, which bloom rapidly, FLC is constitutively repressed by autonomous pathway (AP) genes, regardless of photoperiod. Diverse AP genes have been identified over the past two decades, and most of them repress FLC through histone modifications. However, the detailed mechanism underlying such modifications remains unclear. Several recent studies have revealed novel mechanisms to control FLC repression in concert with histone modifications. This review summarizes the latest advances in understanding the novel mechanisms by which AP proteins regulate FLC repression, including changes in chromatin architecture, RNA polymerase pausing, and liquid–liquid phase separation- and ncRNA-mediated gene silencing. Furthermore, we discuss how each mechanism is coupled with histone modifications in FLC chromatin.
A win-win scenario for photosynthesis and the plasma membrane H+ pump
Authors: Kinoshita Satoru N. , Kinoshita Toshinori
Published: August 2022

In plants, cytosolic and extracellular pH homeostasis are crucial for various physiological processes, including the uptake of macronutrients and micronutrients, cell elongation, cell expansion, and enzyme activity. Proton (H+) gradients and the membrane potential are generated by a H+ pump consisting of an active primary transporter. Plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, a PM-localized H+ pump, plays a pivotal role in maintaining pH homeostasis in plant cells and extracellular regions. PM H+-ATPase activity is regulated by protein abundance and by post-translational modifications. Several stimuli have been found to activate the PM H+-ATPase through phosphorylation of the penultimate threonine (Thr) of the carboxy terminus. Light- and photosynthesis-induced phosphorylation of PM H+-ATPase are conserved phenomena among various plant species. In this work, we review recent findings related to PM H+-ATPase regulation in the photosynthetic tissues of plants, focusing on its mechanisms and physiological roles. The physiological roles of photosynthesis-dependent PM H+-ATPase activation are discussed in the context of nitrate uptake and cytoplasmic streaming in leaves.
Mesophyll specific expression of a bacterial mercury transporter-based vacuolar sequestration machinery sufficiently enhances mercury tolerance of Arabidopsis
Authors: Uraguchi Shimpei , Ohshiro Yuka , Okuda Mayu , Kawakami Shiho , Yoneyama Nene , Tsuchiya Yuta , Nakamura Ryosuke , Takanezawa Yasukazu , Kiyono Masako
Published: August 2022

We aimed to efficiently enhance plant Hg(II) tolerance by the transgenic approach utilizing a bacterial mercury transporter MerC, an Arabidopsis mesophyll specific promoter pRBCS1A, and a vacuolar membrane targeting syntaxin AtVAM3/SYP22. We generated two independent homozygous Arabidopsis pRBCS1A-TCV lines expressing mT-Sapphire-MerC-AtVAM3 under the control of pRBCS1A. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that the transgene was expressed specifically in shoots of pRBCS1A-TCV lines. Confocal analyses further demonstrated the leaf mesophyll specific expression of mT-Sapphire-MerC-AtVAM3. Confocal observation of the protoplast derived from the F1 plants of the pRBCS1A-TCV line and the tonoplast marker line p35S-GFP-δTIP showed the tonoplast colocalization of mT-Sapphire-MerC-AtVAM3 and GFP-δTIP. These results clearly demonstrated that mT-Sapphire-MerC-AtVAM3 expression in Arabidopsis is spatially regulated as designed at the transcript and the membrane trafficking levels. We then examined the Hg(II) tolerance of the pRBCS1A-TCV lines as well as the p35S-driven MerC-AtVAM3 expressing line p35S-CV under the various Hg(II) stress conditions. Short-term (12 d) Hg(II) treatment indicated the enhanced Hg(II) tolerance of both pRBCS1A-TCV and p35S-CV lines. The longer (3 weeks) Hg(II) treatment highlighted the better shoot growth of the transgenic plants compared to the wild-type Col-0 and the pRBCS1A-TCV lines were more tolerant to Hg(II) stress than the p35S-CV line. These results suggest that mesophyll-specific expression of MerC-AtVAM3 is sufficient or even better to enhance the Arabidopsis Hg(II) tolerance. The Hg accumulation in roots and shoots did not differ between the wild-type Col-0 and the MerC-AtVAM3 expressing plants, suggesting that the boosted Hg(II) tolerance of the transgenic lines would be attributed to vacuolar Hg-sequestration by the tonoplast-localized MerC. Further perspectives of the MerC-based plant engineering are also discussed.
Genome-wide analysis of the G-box regulating factors protein family reveals its roles in response to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infection in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Sun Qinfu , Xi Ying , Lu Panpan , Lu Yingying , Wang Yue , Wang Youping
Published: August 2022

The G-box regulating factors (GRFs) are involved in a wide array of signal transduction pathway and play important roles in plant physiological and developmental processes and stress responses. The GRF proteins have previously been described in several plant species, but not in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). In this study, we carried out genome-wide analysis of GRFs in B. napus based on the available genome sequence information, and analyzed their expression in different tissues under different hormone treatments and after inoculation with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. We identified 46 putative BnaGRF genes in rapeseed, unevenly distributed on 18 chromosomes. Like the 14-3-3 proteins in other plant species, the 46 putative BnaGRFs could be classified into two major evolutionary branches: epsilon (ε) group and non-epsilon (non-ε) group. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the BnaGRF gene family expanded in both groups much before speciation. We discovered an expansion of the 14-3-3 gene family that likely occurred during a recent gene duplication event. Collinearity analysis revealed that most of the BnaGRF genes shared syntenic relationships. Global gene expression profiling of BnaGRFs by RNA-seq analysis showed 41.3% (19/46) response to S. sclerotiorum infection, and this response was probably mediated through jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathways. These results provide key insights into the role of 14-3-3s in the biotic stress response and enhance our understanding of their multiple functions in B. napus.
Effects of negative life events on depression in middle school students: The chain-mediating roles of rumination and perceived social support
Authors: Xia Hui , Han Xuexue , Cheng Jing , Liu Debiao , Wu Yili , Liu Yan
Published: August 2022

Background

Negative life events in middle school students have a significant impact on depression. However, the mechanism of this association is not fully understood. This study used rumination and perceived social support as mediating variables to explore the influence of negative life events on depression.

Materials and methods

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing, a convenient sampling method was adopted to collect information about middle school students in Shandong Province by means of online questionnaire. Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Check List, Ruminative Responses Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Children’s Depression Inventory were used. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were conducted for four variables of middle school students, including life events, depression, rumination thinking and perceived social support, and the chain mediated effect was tested by using process plug-in. All statistically analysis was conducted by SPSS 23.0.

Results

493 middle school students (16.7000 ± 0.9500 years) including 343 female students (69.6000%) from Shandong Province recruited. Results showed that the total effect between life events and depression was significant (effect = 0.2535, 95%CI: 0.2146, 0.2924). The total indirect effect was significant (effect = 0.1700, 95%CI: 0.1349, 0.2072). The indirect effect was significant (effect = 0.0988, 95%CI: 0.0741, 0.1252) with rumination as the mediating variable. The indirect effect of pathway with perceived social support as the mediating variable was significant (effect = 0.0476, 95%CI: 0.0295, 0.0674). The indirect effect of pathway with rumination and perceived social support as mediating variables was also significant (effect = 0.0236, 95%CI: 0.0147, 0.0339).

Conclusion

This study indicated that ruminant thinking and perceived social support had a significant chain mediating effect on adolescents’ life events and depression. Life events can not only directly affect depressive emotions, but also indirectly affect depressive emotions by affecting ruminant thinking and perceived social support. The results of this study not only provide new directions for the relationship between life events and depression, but also provide possible approaches for future prevention and intervention of depression in middle school students.
Student teachers’ perceived changes of learning conditions during COVID-19: The role of internal resource management strategies, intrinsic motivation, and preferences for lesson formats
Authors: Paetsch Jennifer , Schlosser Anne
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an abrupt change in higher education that had a profound impact on students. Pandemic distance learning required students to regulate their learning more independently and to find new ways of communicating with their peers and instructors. This study focused on how students perceived the learning conditions that they encountered during the first semester that took place online compared to the time before distance learning. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether students’ internal resource management strategies, intrinsic motivation, and instruction format (synchronous, asynchronous, and face-to-face) preferences were associated with the perceived changes of the learning conditions. Students enrolled in a German university (N = 330) answered an online questionnaire at the end of the summer term in 2020. Findings from structural equation modeling showed that the regulative resources of attention and intrinsic motivation were significant factors that predicted how students perceived changes in relevance, quality, and support of online instruction compared to the time before distance learning. However, our results show that these factors did not impact perceived changes in social relatedness. Moreover, the results demonstrate that preferences for digital formats were significant related to student perceptions of changes in relevance, quality, and support, whereas preferences for the face-to-face format had significant negative effects on these factors. Only the face-to-face preference had a significant (negative) effect on social relatedness. Finally, the study revealed an indirect effect of attention on students’ perceived changes of learning conditions through preferences for lesson formats. This study has important implications for digital integration in higher education and suggests that institutions should implement various methods that foster social interaction and internal regulation strategies.
Development of a novel continuous measure of adolescent mental health inspired by the dual-factor model
Authors: King Nathan , Davison Colleen M. , Pickett William
Published: August 2022

Background

According to the Dual-factor Model, mental health is comprised of two related constructs: subjective well-being and psychopathology. Combining these constructs can provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of adolescent mental health than considering either on its own. The model suggests the need to group mental health into four distinct categories, which does not recognize its potential continuum and adds statistical complexity. In this study, we developed a continuous measure inspired by, and as a complement to, the Dual-factor Model. Our goal was to demonstrate a novel approach to developing a valid measure for use in public health research that captures varying mental health states more accurately than traditional approaches and has advantages over the categorical version.

Methods

Self-report data are from the 2014 Canadian Health Behavior in School-aged Children study (n = 21,993). Subjective well-being was measured by combining indicators of life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Internalized and externalized symptoms scales were combined to measure psychopathology. The continuous dual-factor measure was created by subtracting standardized psychopathology scores from standardized subjective well-being scores. Construct validity was assessed using multivariable linear regression by examining associations between factors known to be associated with adolescent mental health status (demographic characteristics, social and academic functioning, and specific indicators of mental health) and average mental health scores.

Results

The average age was 14.0 (SD = 1.41) years. The continuous mental health score ranged from 5 to 67 [Mean (SD): 50.1 (9.8)], with higher scores indicating better overall mental health. The nature and direction of the associations examined supported construct validity. Being from a more affluent family, and having more supportive relationships with family, peers, teachers, and classmates was associated with greater mental health (Cohen’s d: 0.65 to 1.63). Higher average marks were also associated with better mental health. Average mental health scores were much lower if students reported feeling hopeless or rated their health as fair or poor.

Conclusion

A continuous measure of mental health based on the Dual-factor Model appears to be a comprehensive and valid measure with applications for research aimed at increasing our understanding of adolescent mental health.
Opinions and evaluations of mathematics teachers on concrete models of their design in the context of positive psychology
Authors: Cumhur Meryem Gülyaz , Tezer Murat , Karanfiller Tolgay , Yıldız Ezgi Pelin
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the opinions and evaluations of pre-service mathematics and pre-service primary school teachers regarding the concrete models of their design during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the context of positive psychology. In this study, a mixed research method, in which quantitative and qualitative research methods are used together was used. The participant group of the study consists of 441 pre-service mathematics and pre-service primary school teachers studying at universities. For the conduct of the qualitative research, 44 pre-service teachers were selected using the purposive sampling method. “Mathematics Teaching Practices Enriched with Concrete Models Perception Scale” developed by the researchers was used to collect the quantitative data to reveal the opinions of teachers regarding mathematics teaching practices enriched with concrete models. In this study, open-ended questions were used to obtain qualitative data, and the data were evaluated with content analysis. According to the results of the study, it was determined that the majority of the pre-service teachers had positive perceptions of concrete models. Pre-service teachers argued that they would use concrete models in their professional lives and that these models were indispensable for mathematics education. In addition, advantages and disadvantages for mathematics educators regarding the use of concrete models are presented.
The effect of the video assistant referee (VAR) on referees' decisions at FIFA Women's World Cups
Authors: Zhang Yeqin , Li Danyang , Gómez-Ruano Miguel-Ángel , Memmert Daniel , Li Chunman , Fu Ming
Published: August 2022

Video assistant referee (VAR) has been implemented in women's football, aiming to improve referees' decision-making, but its impact has not yet been analyzed. This study intended to explore how the VAR affects refereeing decisions at Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup competitions. The sample includes all 52 matches played in the 2015 tournament before VAR was introduced and all 52 matches played in the 2019 competition where VAR was deployed. For each match, data on ten variables were collected: first half playing time, second half playing time, total playing time, penalties, offsides, fouls, goals, corner kicks, yellow cards, and red cards. The match variables were compared before and after VAR implementation using a Mann–Whitney U test, a Bayesian analysis, a generalized linear model, and a non-clinical magnitude-based inference. The results demonstrated that after VAR was introduced, playing time during the first half [p < 0.001, BF10 = 547.05, Cohen's d = 1.06, 90%CI (0.71, 1.40)], the second half [p < 0.001, BF10 = 57.09, Cohen's d = 0.91, 90%CI (0.57, 1.25)], and the entire match [p < 0.001, BF10 = 1,120.39, Cohen's d = 1.33, 90%CI (0.97, 1.69)] increased significantly with moderate to large effect sizes, while the number of penalties, offsides, and fouls did not vary significantly neither did the number of goals, corner kicks, yellow cards, and red cards. This study has practical implications for professionals in terms of a better understanding of VAR's impact on elite women's football.
URB597 induces subtle changes to aggression in adult Lister Hooded rats
Authors: Warren William G. , Hale Ed , Papagianni Eleni P. , Cassaday Helen J. , Stevenson Carl W. , Stubbendorff Christine
Published: August 2022

The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in both social and cognitive processing. The endocannabinoid metabolism inhibitor, URB597, dose-dependently improves non-social memory in adult Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats, whereas its effect on social interaction (SI) is affected by both rat strain and drug dose. Lister Hooded rats consistently respond differently to drug treatment in general compared with albino strains. This study sought to investigate the effects of different doses of URB597 on social and non-social memory in Lister Hooded rats, as well as analyzing the behavioral composition of the SI. Males were tested for novel object recognition (NOR), social preference (between an object and an unfamiliar rat), social novelty recognition (for a familiar vs. unfamiliar rat) and SI with an unfamiliar rat. URB597 (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) or vehicle was given 30 min before testing. During SI testing, total interaction time was assessed along with time spent on aggressive and explorative behaviors. Lister Hooded rats displayed expected non-social and social memory and social preference, which was not affected by URB597. During SI, URB597 did not affect total interaction time. However, the high dose increased aggression, compared to vehicle, and decreased anogenital sniffing, compared to the low dose of URB597. In summary, URB597 did not affect NOR, social preference or social recognition memory but did have subtle behavioral effects during SI in Lister hooded rats. Based on our findings we argue for the importance of considering strain as well as the detailed composition of behavior when investigating drug effects on social behavior.
No association between perinatal mood disorders and hypertensive pregnancies
Authors: Araji Sarah , Griffin Ashley , Kassahun-Yimer Wondwosen , Dixon Laura , Spencer Shauna-Kay , Belk Sheila , Ohaegbulam Gail , Wallace Kedra
Published: August 2022

Mental health disorders such as anxiety and/or depression are the most common mental health disorders seen among reproductive aged women and can increase during pregnancy. Many sociodemographic risk factors have been associated with anxiety and/or depression in pregnancy, which can lead to adverse maternal and infant outcomes including the risk of a hypertensive pregnancy. The current study prospectively examined self-reported anxiety, depression and stress in pregnant women without a history of fetal loss or mood disorders beginning at 20–26 weeks. At each study visit, circulating immune factors associated with perinatal mood disorders were measured in blood samples that were collected. A total of 65 women were eligible for data analysis, 26 of which had hypertensive pregnancies. There was not a significant difference in self-reported depression, anxiety or stress between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and normotensive women. Black women were more likely to have a hypertensive pregnancy and develop a perinatal mood disorder compared to non-black women. Both the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were increased in patients with perinatal mood disorders. However, additional research is needed in a larger sample to truly understand the relationship between these factors along with the underlying etiologies and the associated outcomes.
Psychological effects and associated factors among vaccinated and unvaccinated general population against COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Dhedharul , Abedin Md. Joynal , Islam Asraful , Mosfeq-Ul-Hasan Md. , Rahman Obaydur , Xu Yi
Published: August 2022

Background

The global effort to develop herd immunity in the general public against the COVID-19 pandemic is currently ongoing. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on how the COVID-19 vaccine affects mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The present study investigated the psychological effects and associated factors among vaccinated and unvaccinated general populations against COVID-19 infection in Bangladesh.

Methods

A nationwide online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Bangladesh from June 23 to December 25, 2021. The frequency of symptoms of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and fear was assessed using the Bangla versions of the GHQ-12, PHQ-2, GAD-2, PSS-4, PC-PTSD-5, ISI, and FCV-19S scales, respectively.

Results

The study included 3,013 persons from all eight divisions of Bangladesh, with 1,272 (42.2%) being vaccinated and 1,741 (57.8%) being unvaccinated. Compared with unvaccinated populations, vaccinated populations had significantly lower prevalence rates of psychological distress (36.4 vs. 51.5%), depression (21.1 vs. 37.9%), anxiety (25.1 vs. 44.9%), stress (19.4 vs. 30.4%), PTSD (29.4 vs. 38.3%), insomnia (18.7 vs. 39.4%), and fear symptoms (16.1 vs. 27.5%). Among vaccinated populations, respondents who lived in nuclear families were significantly associated with higher risk of psychological distress (AOR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.09–1.78), depression (AOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.11–1.98), anxiety (AOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.21–1.98), and fear (AOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.11–1.83) symptoms. Participants who lost family members, friends, or colleagues due to the COVID-19 pandemic had significantly higher risk of symptoms of psychological distress (AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02–1.79), anxiety (AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11–1.87), and PTSD (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.24–2.19). On the other hand, unvaccinated populations who lived in the Dhaka division were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression (AOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.40–2.52), anxiety (AOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.15–2.47), stress (AOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.12–2.88), and insomnia (AOR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.20–2.94) symptoms. Except for PTSD and fear symptoms, unemployed participants had considerably higher rates of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia symptoms (e.g., psychological distress: AOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.10–2.62; depression: AOR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.37–2.19).

Conclusions

This study recommends immunizing unvaccinated populations as soon as possible to prevent infection and boost mental health. Vulnerable people needed special care, health-related education, and psychological assistance.
Parental perspectives on the quality of life of children with Down syndrome
Authors: Fucà Elisa , Galassi Paolo , Costanzo Floriana , Vicari Stefano
Published: August 2022

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosome abnormality and the most frequent cause of developmental delay/intellectual disabilities in children. Although the investigation of the quality of life (QoL) is crucial in children with DS, relatively poor attention has been paid to this topic. The current study aimed to evaluate parent-reported QoL in a group of children with DS and identify children's individual and clinical features associated with different levels of QoL. We included in the study 73 children with DS (5–12 years) and investigated the parent-reported levels of QoL by means of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Cognitive level and the presence of behavioral difficulties were also evaluated. The overall parent-reported QoL of children with DS was high; emotional functioning was the domain with the highest level of QoL. Moreover, parents perceived low levels of QoL in children who exhibited low IQ, worse analogical reasoning, worse adaptive skills, more frequent challenging behaviors, more ritualistic/sameness behavior and more autistic symptoms. No differences emerged for family variables, namely parental education and employment, between the two groups with high and low QoL, as perceived by parents. The understanding of cognitive and behavioral factors - such as analogical reasoning, socio-communication abilities and challenging behaviors - related with different degrees of QoL in children with DS is crucial for the development of effective strategies to promote the improvement of the QoL.
Implementation of a shared decision-making training program for clinicians based on the major depressive disorder guidelines in Japan: A multi-center cluster randomized trial
Authors: Takaesu Yoshikazu , Aoki Yumi , Tomo Yui , Tsuboi Takashi , Ishii Miho , Imamura Yayoi , Tachimori Hisateru , Watanabe Koichiro
Published: August 2022

Background

Although shared treatment decision-making with patients requires attention, it is not widely implemented, particularly in the field of psychiatry. The aim of this study was to assess whether a shared decision-making (SDM) training program for clinicians based on the major depressive disorder (MDD) guidelines improved the perceived involvement of the decision process for patients with MDD.

Methods

A multi-center cluster-randomized controlled intervention of a clinician training program based on the Japanese MDD guidelines using related decision aids compared to usual care was conducted among 56 clinicians from 23 institutions. A total of 124 patients with MDD were enrolled in this study. The primary outcomes were the scores of the Shared Decision Making-Questionnaire-9 (SDM-Q-9) and Decision Conflict Scale (DCS) after the first visit to the outpatient clinics. The secondary outcomes were patients’ satisfaction, quality of life, trust in clinicians, and depressive symptoms. Additionally, we evaluated all the observed outcomes at the first and third months of follow-up.

Results

The scores of the SDM-Q-9 in the SDM training program group were significantly higher than those in the control group at the first visit. However, no significant difference in the DCS scores was found between the two groups. There was no intervention effect for secondary outcomes and the outcomes at the first- and third-month follow-up visits.

Conclusion

The clinician training program based on the Japanese MDD guidelines can be useful for implementation of SDM. Additional research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this SDM training program.

Clinical trial registration

[https://www.umin.ac.jp/], identifier [UMIN000034397].