bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Cognitive Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors
Authors: Országhová Zuzana , Mego Michal , Chovanec Michal
Published: December 2021

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is a frequent side effect experienced by an increasing number of cancer survivors with a significant impact on their quality of life. Different definitions and means of evaluation have been used in available literature; hence the exact incidence of CRCI remains unknown. CRCI can be described as cognitive symptoms reported by cancer patients in self-reported questionnaires or as cognitive changes evaluated by formal neuropsychological tests. Nevertheless, association between cognitive symptoms and objectively assessed cognitive changes is relatively weak or absent. Studies have focused especially on breast cancer patients, but CRCI has been reported in multiple types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, ovarian, prostate, testicular cancer and hematological malignancies. While CRCI has been associated with various treatment modalities, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and novel systemic therapies, it has been also detected prior to cancer treatment. Therefore, the effects of cancer itself with or without the psychological distress may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRCI as a result of altered coping mechanisms after cancer diagnosis. The development of CRCI is probably multifactorial and the exact mechanisms are currently not completely understood. Possible risk factors include administered treatment, genetic predisposition, age and psychological factors such as anxiety, depression or fatigue. Multiple mechanisms are suggested to be responsible for CRCI, including direct neurotoxic injury of systemic treatment and radiation while other indirect contributing mechanisms are hypothesized. Chronic neuroinflammation mediated by active innate immune system, DNA-damage or endothelial dysfunction is hypothesized to be a central mechanism of CRCI pathogenesis. There is increasing evidence of potential plasma (e.g., damage associated molecular patterns, inflammatory components, circulating microRNAs, exosomes, short-chain fatty acids, and others), cerebrospinal fluid and radiological biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in cancer patients. Discovery of biomarkers of cognitive impairment is crucial for early identification of cancer patients at increased risk for the development of CRCI or development of treatment strategies to lower the burden of CRCI on long-term quality of life. This review summarizes current literature on CRCI with a focus on long-term effects of different cancer treatments, possible risk factors, mechanisms and promising biomarkers.
Polymer Concentration Maximizes Encapsulation Efficiency in Electrohydrodynamic Mixing Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Lee Kil Ho , Khan Faiz N. , Cosby Lauren , Yang Guolingzi , Winter Jessica O.
Published: December 2021

Encapsulation in self-assembled block copolymer (BCP) based nanoparticles (NPs) is a common approach to enhance hydrophobic drug solubility, and nanoprecipitation processes in particular can yield high encapsulation efficiency (EE). However, guiding principles for optimizing polymer, drug, and solvent selection are critically needed to facilitate rapid design of drug nanocarriers. Here, we evaluated the relationship between drug-polymer compatibility and concentration ratios on EE and nanocarrier size. Our studies employed a panel of four drugs with differing molecular structures (i.e., coumarin 6, dexamethasone, vorinostat/SAHA, and lutein) and two BCPs [poly(caprolactone)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PCL-b-PEO) and poly(styrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO)] synthesized using three nanoprecipitation processes [i.e., batch sonication, continuous flow flash nanoprecipitation (FNP), and electrohydrodynamic mixing-mediated nanoprecipitation (EM-NP)]. Continuous FNP and EM-NP processes demonstrated up to 50% higher EE than batch sonication methods, particularly for aliphatic compounds. Drug-polymer compatibilities were assessed using Hansen solubility parameters, Hansen interaction spheres, and Flory Huggins interaction parameters, but few correlations were EE observed. Although some Hansen solubility (i.e., hydrogen bonding and total) and Flory Huggins interaction parameters were predictive of drug-polymer preferences, no parameter was predictive of EE trends among drugs. Next, the relationship between polymer: drug molar ratio and EE was assessed using coumarin 6 as a model drug. As polymer:drug ratio increased from <1 to 3–6, EE approached a maximum (i.e., ∼51% for PCL BCPs vs. ∼44% PS BCPs) with Langmuir adsorption behavior. Langmuir behavior likely reflects a formation mechanism in which drug aggregate growth is controlled by BCP adsorption. These data suggest polymer:drug ratio is a better predictor of EE than solubility parameters and should serve as a first point of optimization.
Effect of Diabetes on Post-stroke Recovery: A Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: Yang Seoyon , Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Kwon SuYeon , Lee Min Yong , Chang Min Cheol
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with stroke often have comorbid diabetes. Considering its detrimental effects on brain function, diabetes may increase the risk of poor recovery.

Methods: The aim of this review was to investigate the effect of diabetes on post-stroke recovery by a systematic review. Several specific aspects of post-stroke recovery, including activities of daily living (ADL), motor, cognitive, and quality of life (QOL) recovery, were examined. We searched the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies on the effect of diabetes on post-stroke recovery, published until May 26, 2021. A total of 52,051 potentially relevant articles were identified. After reading the titles and abstracts and assessing their eligibility based on full-text articles, 34 publications were included in this review.

Results: Of 29 studies that assessed ADL recovery after stroke, 22 studies suggested that diabetes had a negative effect on recovery of ADL after stroke. Regarding motor recovery, only one out of four studies showed that diabetes had some effect on motor recovery after stroke. Of the two studies on cognitive recovery, one reported that diabetes was an independent predictor of poor cognitive recovery after stroke. Three studies on QOL reported that a poor QOL after stroke was associated with the presence of diabetes.

Conclusions: The current review suggests that the post-stroke recovery of ADL seems to be poorer in patients with diabetes than patients without diabetes. Further, there are insufficient data to conclude the effect of diabetes on motor and cognitive recovery, but it may have some influence on the quality of life after stroke.

Systematic Review Registration: doi: 10.37766/inplasy2021.11.0032, identifier: INPLASY2021110032.
Round Window Stimulation of the Cochlea
Authors: Jenkins Herman A. , Greene Nathaniel , Tollin Daniel J.
Published: December 2021

Mixed hearing loss associated with a sensorineural component and an impaired conductive mechanism for sound from the external ear canal to the cochlea represents a challenge for rehabilitation using either surgery or traditional hearing amplification. Direct stimulations of the ossicular chain and the round window (RW) membrane have allowed an improved hearing in this population. The authors review the developments in basic and clinical research that have allowed the exploration of new routes for inner ear stimulation. Similar changes occur in the electrophysiological measures in response to auditory stimulation through the traditional route and direct mechanical stimulation of the RW. The latter has proven to be very effective as a means of hearing rehabilitation in a group of patients with significant difficulties with hearing and communication.
Improving the Sensitivity of Task-Related Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data Using Generalized Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Kosteletou Emmanouela , Simos Panagiotis G. , Kavroulakis Eleftherios , Antypa Despina , Maris Thomas G. , Liavas Athanasios P. , Karakasis Paris A. , Papadaki Efrosini
Published: December 2021

General Linear Modeling (GLM) is the most commonly used method for signal detection in Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) experiments, despite its main limitation of not taking into consideration common spatial dependencies between voxels. Multivariate analysis methods, such as Generalized Canonical Correlation Analysis (gCCA), have been increasingly employed in fMRI data analysis, due to their ability to overcome this limitation. This study, evaluates the improvement of sensitivity of the GLM, by applying gCCA to fMRI data after standard preprocessing steps. Data from a block-design fMRI experiment was used, where 25 healthy volunteers completed two action observation tasks at 1.5T. Whole brain analysis results indicated that the application of gCCA resulted in significantly higher intensity of activation in several regions in both tasks and helped reveal activation in the primary somatosensory and ventral premotor area, theoretically known to become engaged during action observation. In subject-level ROI analyses, gCCA improved the signal to noise ratio in the averaged timeseries in each preselected ROI, and resulted in increased extent of activation, although peak intensity was considerably higher in just two of them. In conclusion, gCCA is a promising method for improving the sensitivity of conventional statistical modeling in task related fMRI experiments.
A BCI-Based Study on the Relationship Between the SSVEP and Retinal Eccentricity in Overt and Covert Attention
Authors: Zhou Yajun , Hu Li , Yu Tianyou , Li Yuanqing
Published: December 2021

Covert attention aids us in monitoring the environment and optimizing performance in visual tasks. Past behavioral studies have shown that covert attention can enhance spatial resolution. However, electroencephalography (EEG) activity related to neural processing between central and peripheral vision has not been systematically investigated. Here, we conducted an EEG study with 25 subjects who performed covert attentional tasks at different retinal eccentricities ranging from 0.75° to 13.90°, as well as tasks involving overt attention and no attention. EEG signals were recorded with a single stimulus frequency to evoke steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) for attention evaluation. We found that the SSVEP response in fixating at the attended location was generally negatively correlated with stimulus eccentricity as characterized by Euclidean distance or horizontal and vertical distance. Moreover, more pronounced characteristics of SSVEP analysis were also acquired in overt attention than in covert attention. Furthermore, offline classification of overt attention, covert attention, and no attention yielded an average accuracy of 91.42%. This work contributes to our understanding of the SSVEP representation of attention in humans and may also lead to brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that allow people to communicate with choices simply by shifting their attention to them.
A Methodological Framework to Capture Neuromuscular Fatigue Mechanisms Under Stress
Authors: Tyagi Oshin , Mehta Ranjana K.
Published: December 2021

Neuromuscular fatigue is exacerbated under stress and is characterized by shorter endurance time, greater perceived effort, lower force steadiness, and higher electromyographic activity. However, the underlying mechanisms of fatigue under stress are not well-understood. This review investigated existing methods of identifying central mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue and the potential mechanisms of the influence of stress on neuromuscular fatigue. We found that the influence of stress on the activity of the prefrontal cortex, which are also involved in exercise regulation, may contribute to exacerbated fatigue under stress. We also found that the traditional methods involve the synchronized use of transcranial magnetic stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation, and electromyography to identify the contribution of supraspinal fatigue, through measures such as voluntary activation, motor evoked potential, and silent period. However, these popular techniques are unable to provide information about neural alterations upstream of the descending drive that may contribute to supraspinal fatigue development. To address this gap, we propose that functional brain imaging techniques, which provide insights on activation and information flow between brain regions, need to be combined with the traditional measures of measuring central fatigue to fully understand the mechanisms behind the influence of stress on fatigue.
The Importance of Reference Materials and Method Validation for Advancing Research on the Health Effects of Dietary Supplements and Other Natural Products
Authors: Hosbas Coskun Sanem , Wise Stephen A. , Kuszak Adam J.
Published: December 2021

Insufficient assessment of the identity and chemical composition of complex natural products, including botanicals, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements, hinders reproducible research and limits understanding mechanism(s) of action and health outcomes, which in turn impede improvements in clinical practice and advances in public health. This review describes available analytical resources and good methodological practices that support natural product characterization and strengthen the knowledge gained for designing and interpreting safety and efficacy investigations. The practice of validating analytical methods demonstrates that measurements of constituents of interest are reproducible and appropriate for the sample (e.g., plant material, phytochemical extract, and biological specimen). In particular, the utilization of matrix-based reference materials enables researchers to assess the accuracy, precision, and sensitivity of analytical measurements of natural product constituents, including dietary ingredients and their metabolites. Select case studies are presented where the careful application of these resources and practices has enhanced experimental rigor and benefited research on dietary supplement health effects.
Development of an Efficient Gene Editing Tool in Schizochytrium sp. and Improving Its Lipid and Terpenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Huang Peng-Wei , Xu Ying-Shuang , Sun Xiao-Man , Shi Tian-Qiong , Gu Yang , Ye Chao , Huang He
Published: December 2021

Schizochytrium sp. HX-308 is a marine microalga with fast growth and high lipid content, which has potential as microbial cell factories for lipid compound biosynthesis. It is significant to develop efficient genetic editing tool and discover molecular target in Schizochytrium sp. HX-308 for lipid compound biosynthesis. In this study, we developed an efficient gene editing tool in HX-308 which was mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens AGL-1. Results showed that the random integration efficiency reached 100%, and the homologous recombination efficiency reached about 30%. Furthermore, the metabolic pathway of lipid and terpenoid biosynthesis were engineered. Firstly, the acetyl-CoA c-acetyltransferase was overexpressed in HX-308 with a strong constitutive promoter. With the overexpression of acetyl-CoA c-acetyltransferase, more acetyl-CoA was used to synthesize terpenoids, and the production of squalene, β-carotene and astaxanthin was increased 5.4, 1.8, and 2.4 times, respectively. Interestingly, the production of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids also changed. Moreover, three Acyl-CoA oxidase genes which catalyze the first step of β-oxidation were knocked out using homologous recombination. Results showed that the production of lipids increased in the three knock-out strains. Our results demonstrated that the A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation method will be of great use for the study of function genes, as well as developing Schizochytrium sp. as a strong cell factory for producing high value products.
Multiomics Approach to Precision Sports Nutrition: Limits, Challenges, and Possibilities
Authors: Nieman David C.
Published: December 2021

Most sports nutrition guidelines are based on group average responses and professional opinion. Precision nutrition for athletes aims to improve the individualization of nutrition practices to optimize long-term performance and health. This is a 2-step process that first involves the acquisition of individual-specific, science-based information using a variety of sources including lifestyle and medical histories, dietary assessment, physiological assessments from the performance lab and wearable sensors, and multiomics data from blood, urine, saliva, and stool samples. The second step consists of the delivery of science-based nutrition advice, behavior change support, and the monitoring of health and performance efficacy and benefits relative to cost. Individuals vary widely in the way they respond to exercise and nutritional interventions, and understanding why this metabolic heterogeneity exists is critical for further advances in precision nutrition. Another major challenge is the development of evidence-based individualized nutrition recommendations that are embraced and efficacious for athletes seeking the most effective enhancement of performance, metabolic recovery, and health. At this time precision sports nutrition is an emerging discipline that will require continued technological and scientific advances before this approach becomes accurate and practical for athletes and fitness enthusiasts at the small group or individual level. The costs and scientific challenges appear formidable, but what is already being achieved today in precision nutrition through multiomics and sensor technology seemed impossible just two decades ago.
The Potential Role of Phytonutrients Flavonoids Influencing Gut Microbiota in the Prophylaxis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Wang Lina , Gao Mengxue , Kang Guangbo , Huang He
Published: December 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by the chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, is comprised of two idiopathic chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. As the incidence of IBD increases, so does the need for safe and effective treatments. Trillions of microorganisms are colonized in the mammalian intestine, coevolve with the host in a symbiotic relationship. Gut microbiota has been reported to be involved in the pathophysiology of IBD. In this regard, phytonutrients flavonoids have received increasing attention for their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we address recent advances in the interactions among flavonoids, gut microbiota, and IBD. Moreover, their possible potential mechanisms of action in IBD have been discussed. We conclude that there is a complex interaction between flavonoids and gut microbiota. It is expected that flavonoids can change or reshape the gut microbiota to provide important considerations for developing treatments for IBD.
Genetic Alteration Profiling of Chinese Lung Adenocarcinoma and Its Effect on Targeted Therapy Efficacy
Authors: Liu Jie , Xu Wang-yang , Ye Maosong , Liu Zilong , Li Chun
Published: December 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and a highly heterogeneous disease with a diversity of phenotypes and genotypes in different populations. The purpose of this study is to investigate oncogenic alterations of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in eastern China and their significance in targeted therapies.

Methods

This study enrolled 101 LUAD patients and used a customized DNA panel to detect molecular alterations. Comprehensive analysis of mutations and clinical application of genomic profiling was carried out.

Results

The most commonly mutated genes were epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (53%) and tumor protein p53 (TP53) (32%). The less frequently mutated genes were erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2) (25%), ATR serine/threonine kinase (ATR) (20%), CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPA) (16%), RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1) (16%), transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2) (14%), ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) (12%) and spectrin alpha, erythrocytic 1 (SPTA1) (12%). Among them, the frequency of ERBB2, ATR, CEBPA, RB1 and TCF7L2 mutations was much higher than that in the databases. Seventy percent of the patients harbored at least one actionable alteration according to the OncoKB evidence. CEBPA mutations affected the efficacy of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. ERBB2, CEBPA and TCF7L2 mutated tumors tend to have higher tumor mutation burden (TMB).

Conclusions

LUAD patients from eastern China have a unique profile of mutations. The targeted DNA panel is helpful for personalized treatment decision of LUAD patients, and specific mutations may affect the efficacy of targeted therapies.
MRI Radiomic Features: A Potential Biomarker for Progression-Free Survival Prediction of Patients With Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Cai Mengting , Yao Fei , Ding Jie , Zheng Ruru , Huang Xiaowan , Yang Yunjun , Lin Feng , Hu Zhangyong
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate the prognostic role of radiomic features based on pretreatment MRI in predicting progression-free survival (PFS) of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC).

Methods

All 181 women with histologically confirmed LACC were randomly divided into the training cohort (n = 126) and the validation cohort (n = 55). For each patient, we extracted radiomic features from whole tumors on sagittal T2WI and axial DWI. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm combined with the Cox survival analysis was applied to select features and construct a radiomic score (Rad-score) model. The cutoff value of the Rad-score was used to divide the patients into high- and low-risk groups by the X-tile. Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test were used to assess the prognostic value of the Rad-score. In addition, we totally developed three models, the clinical model, the Rad-score, and the combined nomogram.

Results

The Rad-score demonstrated good performance in stratifying patients into high- and low-risk groups of progression in the training (HR = 3.279, 95% CI: 2.865–3.693, p < 0.0001) and validation cohorts (HR = 2.247, 95% CI: 1.735–2.759, p < 0.0001). Otherwise, the combined nomogram, integrating the Rad-score and patient’s age, hemoglobin, white blood cell, and lymph vascular space invasion, demonstrated prominent discrimination, yielding an AUC of 0.879 (95% CI, 0.811–0.947) in the training cohort and 0.820 (95% CI, 0.668–0.971) in the validation cohort. The Delong test verified that the combined nomogram showed better performance in estimating PFS than the clinical model and Rad-score in the training cohort (p = 0.038, p = 0.043).

Conclusion

The radiomics nomogram performed well in individualized PFS estimation for the patients with LACC, which might guide individual treatment decisions.
Tracking the Corticospinal Tract in Patients With High-Grade Glioma: Clinical Evaluation of Multi-Level Fiber Tracking and Comparison to Conventional Deterministic Approaches
Authors: Zhylka Andrey , Sollmann Nico , Kofler Florian , Radwan Ahmed , De Luca Alberto , Gempt Jens , Wiestler Benedikt , Menze Bjoern , Krieg Sandro M. , Zimmer Claus , Kirschke Jan S. , Sunaert Stefan , Leemans Alexander , Pluim Josien P. W.
Published: December 2021

While the diagnosis of high-grade glioma (HGG) is still associated with a considerably poor prognosis, neurosurgical tumor resection provides an opportunity for prolonged survival and improved quality of life for affected patients. However, successful tumor resection is dependent on a proper surgical planning to avoid surgery-induced functional deficits whilst achieving a maximum extent of resection (EOR). With diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) providing insight into individual white matter neuroanatomy, the challenge remains to disentangle that information as correctly and as completely as possible. In particular, due to the lack of sensitivity and accuracy, the clinical value of widely used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-based tractography is increasingly questioned. We evaluated whether the recently developed multi-level fiber tracking (MLFT) technique can improve tractography of the corticospinal tract (CST) in patients with motor-eloquent HGGs. Forty patients with therapy-naïve HGGs (mean age: 62.6 ± 13.4 years, 57.5% males) and preoperative diffusion MRI [repetition time (TR)/echo time (TE): 5000/78 ms, voxel size: 2x2x2 mm3, one volume at b=0 s/mm2, 32 volumes at b=1000 s/mm2] underwent reconstruction of the CST of the tumor-affected and unaffected hemispheres using MLFT in addition to deterministic DTI-based and deterministic constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD)-based fiber tractography. The brain stem was used as a seeding region, with a motor cortex mask serving as a target region for MLFT and a region of interest (ROI) for the other two algorithms. Application of the MLFT method substantially improved bundle reconstruction, leading to CST bundles with higher radial extent compared to the two other algorithms (delineation of CST fanning with a wider range; median radial extent for tumor-affected vs. unaffected hemisphere – DTI: 19.46° vs. 18.99°, p=0.8931; CSD: 30.54° vs. 27.63°, p=0.0546; MLFT: 81.17° vs. 74.59°, p=0.0134). In addition, reconstructions by MLFT and CSD-based tractography nearly completely included respective bundles derived from DTI-based tractography, which was however favorable for MLFT compared to CSD-based tractography (median coverage of the DTI-based CST for affected vs. unaffected hemispheres – CSD: 68.16% vs. 77.59%, p=0.0075; MLFT: 93.09% vs. 95.49%; p=0.0046). Thus, a more complete picture of the CST in patients with motor-eloquent HGGs might be achieved based on routinely acquired diffusion MRI data using MLFT.
FOLFOXIRI/Bevacizumab Plus Nivolumab as First-Line Treatment in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer RAS/BRAF Mutated: Safety Run-In of Phase II NIVACOR Trial
Authors: Damato Angela , Bergamo Francesca , Antonuzzo Lorenzo , Nasti Guglielmo , Iachetta Francesco , Romagnani Alessandra , Gervasi Erika , Larocca Mario , Pinto Carmine
Published: December 2021

The NIVACOR trial is a phase II study assessing the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in combination with FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab in first-line setting in patients affected by metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) RAS/BRAF mutated. We report safety run-in results in the first 10 patients enrolled. Patients received triplet chemotherapy with FOLFOXIRI scheme plus bevacizumab, in association with nivolumab every 2 weeks for 8 cycles (induction phase) followed by bevacizumab plus nivolumab every 2 weeks (maintenance phase), until progression of disease or unacceptable toxicities. The first ten patients were evaluated: 7 experienced at least one adverse event (AE) related to FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab and 2 related to nivolumab. The most frequent grade 1–2 AEs related to FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab were diarrhea and fatigue (71%), nausea and vomiting (57%); 3 (43%) had grade 3–4 neutropenia, and 2 (20%) patients developed grade 1–2 AEs nivolumab related: skin rash and salivary gland infection. Two patients delayed the dose because of serious AEs, proteinuria and salivary gland infection; one patient discontinued experimental treatment due to the ileo-urethral fistula and concurrent Clostridium infection diarrhea. No treatment- related death occurred. The safety run-in analysis of NIVACOR trial reassured using co-administration of FOLFOXIRI/bevacizumab and nivolumab was well tolerated with an acceptable toxicity profile.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/, (NCT04072198).
Knowledge Gaps in the Fetal to Neonatal Transition of Infants With a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: DeKoninck Philip L. J. , Horn-Oudshoorn Emily J. J. , Knol Ronny , Crossley Kelly J. , Reiss Irwin K. M.
Published: December 2021

Clinical research for infants born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has until recently mainly focused on advances in prenatal and postnatal treatment. However, during the early perinatal transition period there are major physiological adaptations. For most infants these changes will happen uneventfully, but for CDH infants this marks the beginning of serious respiratory complications. In recent years, there is emerging evidence that the clinical management during the perinatal stabilization period in the delivery room may influence postnatal outcomes. Herein, we discuss major knowledge gaps and novel concepts that aim to optimize fetal to neonatal transition for infants with CDH. One such novel and interesting approach is performing resuscitation with an intact umbilical cord, the efficacy of this procedure is currently being investigated in several clinical trials. Furthermore, close evaluation of neonatal physiological parameters in the first 24 h of life might provide early clues concerning the severity of lung hypoplasia and the risk of adverse outcomes. We will provide an overview of trending concepts and discuss potential areas for future research.
Treatment Dynamics in People Who Initiate Metformin or Sulfonylureas for Type 2 Diabetes: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Wood Stephen , Magliano Dianna J. , Bell J Simon , Shaw Jonathan E. , Ilomäki Jenni
Published: December 2021

Aim: To investigate the incidence of, and factors associated with addition and switching of glucose-lowering medications within 12-months of initiating metformin or a sulfonylurea for type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: We identified 109,573 individuals aged 18–99 years who initiated metformin or a sulfonylurea between July 2013 and April 2015 using Australian National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) data linked with national dispensing data. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with time to addition to or switch from metformin or sulfonylurea over a 12-months follow-up.

Results: Treatment addition or switching occurred in 18% and 4% of individuals who initiated metformin and in 28% and 13% of individuals who initiated sulfonylureas. Median time to addition was 104 days for metformin and 82 days for sulfonylureas. Median time to switching was 63 days for metformin and 52 days for sulfonylureas. Congestive heart failure, nicotine dependence, end stage renal disease and dispensing of systemic corticosteroids were associated with higher likelihood of treatment additions and switching in individuals initiating metformin. Antipsychotic dispensing was associated with a higher likelihood of treatment addition in individuals initiating sulfonylureas. Women initiating metformin were less likely to receive treatment additions but more likely to switch treatment than men.

Conclusion: Nearly one quarter of Australians who initiate treatment for T2D with metformin or sulfonylureas switch or receive additional treatment within 12-months, with those who initiate sulfonylureas more likely to switch or receive additional treatment than those who initiate metformin.
High-Intensity Interval Training and Sprint-Interval Training in National-Level Rowers
Authors: Turner Kirstie Jodie , Pyne David Bruce , Périard Julien D. , Rice Anthony John
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The effects of two different high-intensity training methods on 2,000 m rowing ergometer performance were examined in a feasibility study of 24 national-level rowers aged 18–27 years (17 males, 2,000 m ergometer time trial 6:21.7 ± 0:14.6 (min:s) and seven females, 2,000 m ergometer 7:20.3 ± 0:12.1. Habitual training for all participants was ~12–16 h per week).

Methods: 16 high-intensity ergometer sessions were completed across two 3-week periods. Participants were allocated into two groups according to baseline 2,000 m time. High-intensity interval session-sprint-interval session (HIIT-SIT) completed eight HIIT (8 × 2.5 min intervals; 95% of 2,000 m wattage) followed by eight SIT (three sets of 7 × 30 s intervals; maximum effort). SIT-HIIT completed eight SIT sessions followed by eight HIIT sessions. Both a 2,000-m time trial and a progressive incremental test finishing with 4 min “all-out” performance were completed before and after each 3-week phase.

Results: Both groups showed similar improvements in 2,000 m time and 4 min “all-out” distance after the first 3 weeks (2,000 m time: HIIT-SIT: −2.0 ± 0.6%, mean ± 90% CL, p = 0.01; SIT-HIIT: −1.5 ± 0.3%, p = 0.01) with no significant difference between groups. HIIT-SIT demonstrated the greatest improvements in submaximal heart rate (HR) during the progressive incremental test with eight sessions of HIIT showing a greater reduction in submaximal HR than eight sessions of SIT. The net improvement of 16 high-intensity sessions on 2,000 m time was −2.5% for HIIT-SIT (−10.6 ± 3.9 s, p = 0.01) and − 2.2% for SIT-HIIT (−9.0 ± 5.7 s, p = 0.01) and for 4 min “all-out” performance was 3.1% for HIIT-SIT (36 ± 25 m, p = 0.01) and 2.8% for SIT-HIIT (33 ± 27 m, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: Eight sessions of high-intensity training can improve 2,000 m ergometer rowing performance in national-level rowers, with a further eight sessions producing minimal additional improvement. The method of high-intensity training appears less important than the dose.
Comparative Analysis and Development of a Flavor Fingerprint for Volatile Compounds of Vegetable Soybean Seeds Based on Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry
Authors: Yuan Fengjie , Fu Xujun , Yu Xiaomin , Yang Qinghua , Jin Hangxia , Zhu Longming
Published: December 2021

Evaluating the volatile compounds and characteristic fingerprints of the core cultivars of vegetable soybean would provide useful data for improving their aroma in the breeding programs. The present study used headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) to evaluate the volatile compounds of vegetable soybean seeds at a specific growth stage. In total, 93 signal peaks were identified, 63 compounds qualitatively, with 14 volatile flavor compounds providing multiple signals. The 63 volatile compounds consisted of 15 esters, 15 aldehydes, 13 alcohols, 15 ketones, one acid, and four other compounds. The peak intensity of most of the volatile compounds varied greatly between the core cultivars. The alcohols and aldehydes determined the basic volatile flavor of the vegetable soybean seeds. Volatile flavors were determined by their respective esters, ketones, or other components. Characteristic fingerprints were found in some core vegetable soybean cultivars. Four cultivars (Xiangdou, ZHE1754, Zhexian 65018-33, and Qvxian No. 1) had pleasant aromas, because of their higher content of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP). A principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish the samples based on the signal intensity of their volatile components. The results showed that the composition and concentration of volatile compounds differed greatly between the core cultivars, with the volatile flavor compounds of soybeans being determined by the ecotype of the cultivar, the direction of breeding selection, and their geographical origin. Characteristic fingerprints of the cultivars were established by HS-GC-IMS, enabling them to be used to describe and distinguish cultivars and their offspring in future breeding studies.
Identification of Candidate Cotton Genes Associated With Fiber Length Through Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping and RNA-Sequencing Using a Chromosome Segment Substitution Line
Authors: Lu Quanwei , Xiao Xianghui , Gong Juwu , Li Pengtao , Zhao Yan , Feng Jiajia , Peng Renhai , Shi Yuzhen , Yuan Youlu
Published: December 2021

Fiber length is an important determinant of fiber quality, and it is a quantitative multi-genic trait. Identifying genes associated with fiber length is of great importance for efforts to improve fiber quality in the context of cotton breeding. Integrating transcriptomic information and details regarding candidate gene regions can aid in candidate gene identification. In the present study, the CCRI45 line and a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) with a significantly higher fiber length (MBI7747) were utilized to establish F2 and F2:3 populations. Using a high-density genetic map published previously, six quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with fiber length and two QTLs associated with fiber strength were identified on four chromosomes. Within these QTLs, qFL-A07-1, qFL-A12-2, qFL-A12-5, and qFL-D02-1 were identified in two or three environments and confirmed by a meta-analysis. By integrating transcriptomic data from the two parental lines and through qPCR analyses, four genes associated with these QTLs including Cellulose synthase-like protein D3 (CSLD3, GH_A12G2259 for qFL-A12-2), expansin-A1 (EXPA1, GH_A12G1972 for qFL-A12-5), plasmodesmata callose-binding protein 3 (PDCB3, GH_A12G2014 for qFL-A12-5), and Polygalacturonase (At1g48100, GH_D02G0616 for qFL-D02-1) were identified as promising candidate genes associated with fiber length. Overall, these results offer a robust foundation for further studies regarding the molecular basis for fiber length and for efforts to improve cotton fiber quality.
Optimization of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy of Scientific and Technological Entrepreneur Talent Using Regional Competitive Advantage Theory
Authors: Yu Xiaoxuan , Du Baogui
Published: December 2021

Under the background of mass entrepreneurship and innovation, innovative entrepreneurship research is urgently needed for entrepreneurs. The aim was to explore the innovative entrepreneurship consciousness of new entrepreneurs. First, the regional competitive advantage theory is discussed. The research method of questionnaire survey is combined with statistical analysis to obtain relevant research data. Quantitative standards are used to measure the impact of regional advantages and policy support on entrepreneurs’ innovation and entrepreneurship. The policy content analysis and questionnaire survey are applied to discuss the impact of regional competitive advantage, educational psychology, innovation and entrepreneurship policy, and entrepreneurs’ innovation consciousness. Meantime, the policies related to entrepreneurs’ innovation and entrepreneurship are further explored. The results show that the proportions of young entrepreneurs suffering anxiety and depression are 29.4 and 27.5%, respectively, which are significantly higher than the national average. Besides, in the test, F=23.11, p<0.005, which indicates that all proposed hypotheses are valid. The results suggest that the overall mental health level of young new entrepreneurs is not high, and their consciousness of innovation and entrepreneurship needs to be strengthened. Under the wave of mass innovation and entrepreneurship, the research results can strengthen entrepreneurs’ innovative entrepreneurship consciousness and may have great theoretical and practical significance for improving and optimizing government innovation and entrepreneurship policies.
Autobiographical Memory, Gratitude, Forgiveness and Sense of Humor: An Intervention in Older Adults
Authors: Chamorro-Garrido Alberto , Ramírez-Fernández Encarnación , Ortega-Martínez Ana Raquel
Published: December 2021

Research has shown that happiness and well-being play a fundamental role in the health of older adults. For this reason, programs based on Positive Psychology seek to improve quality of life, preventing and reducing the appearance of emotional disorders. The objective of this study was to verify whether an intervention based on Autobiographical Memory, Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Sense of humor would increase quality of life in institutionalized older adults. We used a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-intervention measures and follow-on measures at 3, 6, and 12 months. A total of 111 institutionalized older adults participated in the study and were randomly assigned to one of three groups: experimental (n = 36), placebo (n = 39), and control (n = 36). Measurements were taken of depression, subjective happiness, satisfaction with life, psychological well-being, and specific memories. Program duration was 11 weeks, followed by refresher sessions of the activities that had been conducted. The results showed that the intervention was effective, producing lasting increase in the participating adults’ well-being, maintained for the following 12 months, in contrast to the other two groups. In conclusion, the proposed intervention proved to be a novel tool that was effective, easily applied, and able to improve quality of life and emotional disorders in older adults.
Knowledge Sharing Among Healthcare Practitioners: Identifying the Psychological and Motivational Facilitating Factors
Authors: Wu Su-Ying , Wang Wei-Tsong , Hsiao Ming-Hsuan
Published: December 2021

There exists a lack of an understanding of how to facilitate knowledge sharing (KS) behaviors in healthcare organizations. This study is among the first to specifically address this issue through synthesizing psychological ownership (PO), self-determination theory, and psychological empowerment (PE) theory. This study developed a research model that described the impact of the psychological and motivational facilitating factors, including autonomous motivation, user PE, and PO on knowledge sharing intention (KSI) and knowledge sharing behavior (KSB). Data collected from 343 healthcare professionals were analyzed using the technique of partial least squares (PLS) to validate the research model. The results indicated that user PE, organization-based PO, and autonomous motivation all had significant direct/indirect positive effects on KSI and KSB as we hypothesized. Surprisingly, knowledge-based PO had a significant positive effect on KSI, which contradicted our original hypothesis. The implications for theory and for practice, limitations, and future research directions are discussed accordingly.
Empathy, Altruism, and Group Identification
Authors: Miyazono Kengo , Inarimori Kiichi
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the role of group identification in empathic emotion and its behavioral consequences. Our central idea is that group identification is the key to understanding the process in which empathic emotion causes helping behavior. Empathic emotion causes helping behavior because it involves group identification, which motivates helping behavior toward other members. This paper focuses on a hypothesis, which we call “self-other merging hypothesis (SMH),” according to which empathy-induced helping behavior is due to the “merging” between the helping agent and the helped agent. We argue that SMH should be interpreted in terms of group identification. The group identification interpretation of SMH is both behaviorally adequate (i.e., successfully predicts and explains the helping behavior in the experimental settings) and psychologically plausible (i.e., does not posit psychologically unrealistic beliefs, desires, etc.). Empathy-induced helping behavior, according to the group identification interpretation of the SMH, does not fit comfortably into the traditional egoism/altruism dichotomy. We thus propose a new taxonomy according to which empathy-induced helping behavior is both altruistic at the individual level and egoistic at the group level.
The Antecedents and Consequences of Metacognitive Knowledge in Mathematics Learning: A Self-Determination Perspective
Authors: Tang Yun , Wang Xiaohan , Fang Yu , Li Jian
Published: December 2021

Grounded in the self-determination theory and the metacognitive and affective model of self-regulated learning, this study investigated the longitudinal relationship of self-determined motivation as the antecedent and academic performance as the consequence of metacognitive knowledge (MK) in mathematics learning. Two waves of data were collected from senior high school students (N = 327) in the second semester in Grades 10 and 11. A longitudinal mediation model was analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results revealed that autonomous motivation was positively related to MK of competence-enhancing strategies and negatively related to MK of avoidance strategies. Furthermore, mathematics performance was positively predicted by MK of cognitive/metacognitive strategies and negatively predicted by MK of avoidance strategies. This study expands the understanding of MK and elaborates on the dynamics between MK, self-determined motivation, and mathematics performance. Especially, this study differentiates the MK of adaptive and maladaptive strategies and examines their motivational antecedents and academic effects. Our findings also suggest that autonomous motivation has longitudinal benefits on MK.
Development and Validation of the Teen Dating Aggression Measure Among Canadian Youth
Authors: Persram Ryan J. , Wong Tracy K. Y. , Vargas-Madriz Luis Francisco , Konishi Chiaki , Dryburgh Nicole S. J. , Dirks Melanie A. , Martin-Storey Alexa , Craig Wendy
Published: December 2021

Teen dating violence (TDV) victimization is a traumatic experience that can have adverse consequences for adolescents. Current measures that assess TDV do not fully distinguish between psychological and relational forms of aggression, nor do they capture aggressive acts that are common within adolescent relationships. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Teen Dating Aggression Measure (TeDAM) using a sample of 730 Canadian adolescents (M= 15.88 years,SD= 1.23). The measure is an expansion of the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory and includes items that describe other forms of violence such as coercion and control, along with more traditional indicators of dating violence (e.g., sexual aggression). Factor analyses yielded three factors, namely psychological aggression, sexual and physical aggression, and relational aggression, which were correlated with more frequent cannabis and alcohol use as well as rape myth acceptance. These results provide initial support for the utility of the TeDAM for assessing TDV with adolescents.
Cariprazine in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder: Within and Beyond Clinical Trials
Authors: Do André , Keramatian Kamyar , Schaffer Ayal , Yatham Lakshmi
Published: December 2021

Bipolar disorder (BD) is chronic psychiatric disorder associated with significant impairment in psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Although current pharmacological treatments for BD have improved its clinical management, many patients do not achieve remission, particularly those suffering from bipolar depression. In addition, available treatments are associated with a myriad of potential adverse effects, which highlights the need for novel therapeutic agents that can be effective for both phases of the illness with a reduced side effect burden. Cariprazine is a novel antipsychotic that is a dopamine D2/D3 partial agonist with a preference for D3 receptors. In this review, we examine the pharmacological properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability profile of cariprazine in patients with BD, taking into account the latest clinical trials data. We also review post hoc analyses addressing clinically relevant subgroups and symptom domains in BD. Current evidence suggests efficacy for cariprazine 3–12 mg/day in the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes; for bipolar depression, the efficacy of cariprazine appears to be dose-related, with doses of 1.5–3 mg/day beneficial as monotherapy. Cariprazine is overall well-tolerated by patients in both manic and depressive episodes. Its most common side effects relative to placebo include akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms and nausea. There are no metabolic concerns reported with cariprazine use. In summary, the latest evidence suggests that cariprazine is an effective and safe treatment option for BD.