bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive neural simulation of slow-wave sleep and highly responsive wakefulness dynamics
Authors: Goldman Jennifer S. , Kusch Lionel , Aquilue David , Yalçınkaya Bahar Hazal , Depannemaecker Damien , Ancourt Kevin , Nghiem Trang-Anh E. , Jirsa Viktor , Destexhe Alain
Published: January 2023

Hallmarks of neural dynamics during healthy human brain states span spatial scales from neuromodulators acting on microscopic ion channels to macroscopic changes in communication between brain regions. Developing a scale-integrated understanding of neural dynamics has therefore remained challenging. Here, we perform the integration across scales using mean-field modeling of Adaptive Exponential (AdEx) neurons, explicitly incorporating intrinsic properties of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. The model was run using The Virtual Brain (TVB) simulator, and is open-access in EBRAINS. We report that when AdEx mean-field neural populations are connected via structural tracts defined by the human connectome, macroscopic dynamics resembling human brain activity emerge. Importantly, the model can qualitatively and quantitatively account for properties of empirically observed spontaneous and stimulus-evoked dynamics in space, time, phase, and frequency domains. Large-scale properties of cortical dynamics are shown to emerge from both microscopic-scale adaptation that control transitions between wake-like to sleep-like activity, and the organization of the human structural connectome; together, they shape the spatial extent of synchrony and phase coherence across brain regions consistent with the propagation of sleep-like spontaneous traveling waves at intermediate scales. Remarkably, the model also reproduces brain-wide, enhanced responsiveness and capacity to encode information particularly during wake-like states, as quantified using the perturbational complexity index. The model was run using The Virtual Brain (TVB) simulator, and is open-access in EBRAINS. This approach not only provides a scale-integrated understanding of brain states and their underlying mechanisms, but also open access tools to investigate brain responsiveness, toward producing a more unified, formal understanding of experimental data from conscious and unconscious states, as well as their associated pathologies.
Prognostic value of radiomics-based hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign for patients with acute ischemic stroke after thrombectomy strategy
Authors: Li Linna , Li Mingyang , Chen Zhongping , Lu Fei , Zhao Min , Zhang Huimao , Tong Dan
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of radiomics-based hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and to establish prediction models to identify patients who may benefit more from MT.

Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 102 consecutive patients who presented with HMCAS on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) at admission and underwent MT in our hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were recruited. Among them, 46 experienced favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤ 2) at 3 months of follow-up. All patients were categorized into two sets, namely, the training set (n = 81) and the test set (n = 21). Radiomics features (RFs) and clinical features (CFs) in the training set were selected by statistical analysis to create models. The models' discriminative ability was quantified using the area under the curve (AUC) and confirmed by decision curve analyses.

Results

The prediction model established using CFs before MT includes baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) [AUC [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 0.596 (0.312–0.881)]. A total of 1,389 RFs were extracted from each hyperdense territory and 8 RFs were left to build the radiomics model [RM; AUC (95%CI) = 0.798 (0.598–0.998)]. The model using preoperative CFs and RFs showed good performance [AUC (95%CI) = 0.817 (0.625–1.000)]. The models using post-operative CFs alone [AUC (95%CI) = 0.856 (0.685–1.000)] or post-operative CFs with RFs [AUC (95%CI) = 0.894 (0.757–1.000)] also showed good discrimination.

Conclusion

The radiomics-based HMCAS might be a promising tool to predict the prognoses of patients with AIS after MT.
Mapping the nutritional value of diets across Europe according to the Nutri-Score front-of-pack label
Authors: Mertens Elly , Peñalvo José L.
Published: January 2023

Background

Front-of-pack labels, such as Nutri-Score, aim to offer clear information on the overall nutritional quality of foods and beverages to consumers, allowing them to make healthier food choices. Using the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, the present study aims to map out European food consumption patterns by applying the Nutri-Score as a benchmark for nutritional value.

Methods

Country-specific food consumption data, collected by multiple 24-h dietary recalls or food records available from EFSA, were linked to the Dutch Food Composition Database (NEVO). Foods and beverages consumed by adolescents (10–17 years), adults (18–64 years), and the elderly (65–74 years) were graded following the modified Food Standard Agency Nutrient Profiling System (FSAm-NPS) and classified according to Nutri-Score grading, from A to E. Subsequently, a dietary index score (FSAm-NPS-DI) was calculated for each country-specific diet by age-groups and sex as an energy-weighted mean of the FSAm-NPS score of all foods and beverages consumed, with lower scores for a diet of greater overall nutritional quality.

Results

On average, the daily energy intake of adults across the European countries studied is distributed in 27.6% of A-, 12.9% of B-, 17% of C-, 30.0% of D-, and 12.5% of E-classified foods and beverages. This energy distribution, according to the Nutri-Score, corresponded to a median FSAm-NPS-DI score of 6.34 (interquartile range: 5.92, 7.19). For both adult males and females, Estonia reported the highest energy share from A-classified products, scoring the lowest on the FSAm-NPS-DI. On the other hand, Latvia reported the highest energy share from E-classified products, along with the highest FSAm-NPS-DI. Females and the elderly group reported, in general, a greater energy share from A- and a lower share from E-classified products, and had the lowest FSAm-NPS-DI scores. No sex-related difference was observed for adolescents whose share of energy was predominantly from A- and D-classified products, such as for adults and the elderly.

Conclusion

Our analyses leveraging the secondary use of country-specific databases on dietary intakes found considerable variation in the nutritional value of European diets, with an overall agreement across all countries on a modestly healthier dietary profile for the elderly and among females.
Does PD-1 blockade play a decisive role in the pathological complete remission of unresectable MSS, BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer: A case report
Authors: Tan Li , Li Qing-Shu , Peng Dong , Cheng Yong
Published: January 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks third in highest incidence among human cancers. With the continuous development of anti-cancer drugs, CRC patients are treated more and more effectively. However, the treatment of patients with unresectable metastatic CRC (mCRC) remains a core point for surgeons worldwide, especially for those with microsatellite stability (MSS) and BRAF V600E mutation, who have been reported to have the worst prognosis.

Case description

We report a case of pathological complete remission in a patient with unresectable MSS, BRAF V600E-mutated metastatic rectal cancer after using Vemurafenib and Cetuximab in combination with Camrelizumab.

Conclusions

This case suggested that Vemurafenib and Cetuximab combined with Camrelizumab is effective in the treatment of MSS, BRAF V600E-mutated mCRC. To benefit more patients, further studies need to be completed.
Pediatric surgery and self-reported anxiety in children and their parents: A psychometric analysis of the state-trait operation anxiety (STOA) questionnaire
Authors: Barkmann Claus , Härter Valentina , Trah Julian , Reinshagen Konrad
Published: January 2023

Objective

The preoperative experience in pediatric surgery can cause significant anxiety for both, children and their parents. To date there is no questionnaire available that assesses the child's self-report or both, the child's and parent's self-reported anxiety. The aim of this study was to perform a psychometric analysis of the State-Trait Operation Anxiety (STOA) which provides this option.

Methods

The data based on a randomized controlled study conducted with n = 90 child-parent dyads. The psychometric analyses were performed using classical test theory, including item statistics, Cronbach's α, factor analysis, and test-retest reliability.

Results

The statistics of the anxiety items were good overall for both ratings following common guidelines. The item means indicated that the items tended to be rather difficult which reduces the reliability for lower anxiety levels. The given scale structure was confirmed overall for both informants. However, a one-factor structure instead of two factors was found for state anxiety. The internal consistencies and retest reliabilities were good to very good. Follow-up analyses confirmed the sensitivity to change for state anxiety. Child anxiety was hardly correlated with parental anxiety, and age and gender effects were rather small.

Conclusions

The STOA questionnaire is the first psychometrically tested questionnaire specifically for fears of surgery that can be used for self-report among children, adolescents, and their parents. Future studies should collect further evidence of its validity as well as comparative scores for specific patient groups and norm values to increase the utility of the instrument.
Determination of HMGB1 in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients with acute kidney injury: Early prediction and prognostic implications
Authors: Liu Yu , Yuan Wei , Fang Miao , Guo Hongying , Zhang Xin , Mei Xue , Zhang Yuyi , Ji Longshan , Gao Yating , Wang Jiefei , Qian Zhiping , Li Man , Gao Yueqiu
Published: January 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) and is associated with high rates of mortality. We aimed to estimate serum high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) levels in hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients and analyze their clinical value in the development and outcomes of Acute kidney injury.

Methods: A total of 251 consecutive patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure were enrolled in this retrospective study. Using the International Club of Ascites staging criteria of Acute kidney injury, 153 patients developed Acute kidney injury. The clinical data of patients were collected and serum levels of high mobility group protein 1 were measured by ELISA. All patients were followed up until death or for a minimum of 3 months. Early prediction and prognostic implications of high mobility group protein 1 in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Patients with Acute Kidney Injury were investigated in different cohorts, including a propensity score-matched ACLF cohort.

Results: Among all individuals with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure, the incidence of Acute kidney injury was 61.0% (153/251). The patients who developed stage 2/3 Acute kidney injury showed the highest high mobility group protein 1 levels, followed by those who developed stage 1 Acute kidney injury, and those without Acute kidney injury showed the lowest high mobility group protein 1 levels. Moreover, high mobility group protein 1 levels were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors among hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients with Acute kidney injury. Furthermore, analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) indicated that serum high mobility group protein 1 levels (pre-matching: AUC = 0.740; post-matching: AUC = 0.661) may be a potential predictive factor for Acute kidney injury development and that high mobility group protein 1 (AUC = 0.727) might be a reliable biomarker for prognosis in patients with Acute kidney injury.

Conclusion: In patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure, Acute kidney injury is universal. Acute kidney injury and its stages negatively influence the 90-day transplant-free mortality rate. Serum high mobility group protein 1 levels can serve as a positive predictor of Acute kidney injury development, and high mobility group protein 1 might also be a prognostic biomarker for Acute kidney injury among hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure patients.
Cellular mechanism of action of forsythiaside for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Xu Chunmei , Miao Huikai , Chen Xiaoxuan , Zhang Haiqing
Published: January 2023

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) becomes the leading cause of death for end-stage renal disease, whereas the potential mechanism is unclear and effective therapy is still rare. Our study was designed to investigate the cellular mechanism of Forsythiaside against DKD.

Materials and Methods: The targets of Forsythiaside and the DKD-related targets were obtained from databases. The overlapping targets in these two sets were regarded as potential targets for alleviation of DKD by Forsythiaside. The targets of diabetic podocytopathy and tubulopathy were also detected to clarify the mechanism of Forsythiaside ameliorating DKD from the cellular level.

Results: Our results explored that PRKCA and RHOA were regarded as key therapeutic targets of Forsythiaside with excellent binding affinity for treating DKD podocytopathy. Enrichment analysis suggested the underlying mechanism was mainly focused on the oxidative stress and mTOR signaling pathway. The alleviated effects of Forsythiaside on the reactive oxidative species accumulation and PRKCA and RHOA proteins upregulation in podocytes were also confirmed.

Conclusion: The present study elucidates that Forsythiaside exerts potential treatment against DKD which may act directly RHOA and PRKCA target by suppressing the oxidative stress pathway in podocytes. And Forsythiaside could be regarded as one of the candidate drugs dealing with DKD in future experimental or clinical researches.
Pharmacokinetics of active compounds of a Terminalia chebula Retz. Ethanolic extract after oral administration rats using UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Yao Guangzhe , Miao Xinxin , Wu Mengxuan , Lv Zhenguo , Bai Yu , Chang Yanxu , Ouyang Huizi , He Jun
Published: January 2023

Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC) is a well-known Chinese herbal medicine and rich in chemical components with multiple pharmacological effects. In this study, an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and used to determine the blood concentrations of nine active compounds (chebulic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, corilagin, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloylglucose, ellagic acid and ethyl gallate) after oral administration of TC extracts in rats. Pretreatment of plasma samples with protein precipitate with methanol was carried out, and caffeic acid was used as the internal standard (IS). Compounds precisions of intra- and inter-day were less than 14.6%, and the accuracy ranged from −11.7% to 13.5%. The extraction recoveries of compounds were between 84.9% and 108.4%, while matrix effects occurred between 86.4% and 115.9%. Stability tests showed that all nine analytes had been stable under four storage conditions, and statistically significant the relative standard deviations were under 13.7%. The validated UPLC-MS/MS method was applied with great success to plasma pharmacokinetics analysis of the TC extracts, and the pharmacokinetic results showed that among the nine components, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC(0-tn), 231112.38 ± 64555.20 h ng/mL) and maximum concentration (Cmax, 4,983.57 ± 1721.53 ng/mL) of chebulagic acid were relatively large, which indicated that it had a higher level of plasma exposure. The half-life of elimination (T1/2) of chebulinic acid, corilagin and chebulagic acid were 43.30, 26.39 and 19.98 h, respectively, suggesting that these analytes showed prolonged retention and metabolize more slowly in vivo. This study would deliver a theoretical foundation for the further application of TC in clinical practice.
Transcriptomic comparison of seeds and silique walls from two rapeseed genotypes with contrasting seed oil content
Authors: Guo Xupeng , Yan Na , Liu Linpo , Yin Xiangzhen , Chen Yuhong , Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Jingqiao , Cao Guozhi , Fan Chengming , Hu Zanmin
Published: January 2023

Silique walls play pivotal roles in contributing photoassimilates and nutrients to fuel seed growth. However, the interaction between seeds and silique walls impacting oil biosynthesis is not clear during silique development. Changes in sugar, fatty acid and gene expression during Brassica napus silique development of L192 with high oil content and A260 with low oil content were investigated to identify key factors affecting difference of their seed oil content. During the silique development, silique walls contained more hexose and less sucrose than seeds, and glucose and fructose contents in seeds and silique walls of L192 were higher than that of A260 at 15 DAF, and sucrose content in the silique walls of L192 were lower than that of A260 at three time points. Genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis were activated over time, and differences on fatty acid content between the two genotypes occurred after 25 DAF. Genes related to photosynthesis expressed more highly in silique walls than in contemporaneous seeds, and were inhibited over time. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested photosynthesis were activated in L192 at 25 and 35 DAF in silique walls and at both 15 and 35 DAF in the seed. Expressions of sugar transporter genes in L192 was higher than that in A260, especially at 35 DAF. Expressions of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis, such as BCCP2s, bZIP67 and LEC1s were higher in L192 than in A260, especially at 35 DAF. Meanwhile, genes related to oil body proteins were expressed at much lower levels in L192 than in A260. According to the WGCNA results, hub modules, such as ME.turquoise relative to photosynthesis, ME.green relative to embryo development and ME.yellow relative to lipid biosynthesis, were identified and synergistically regulated seed development and oil accumulation. Our results are helpful for understanding the mechanism of oil accumulation of seeds in oilseed rape for seed oil content improvement.
Integrated cytological and transcriptomic analysis reveals insights into pollen fertility in newly synthetic Brassica allohexaploids
Authors: Tian Zhaoran , Ji Chengyan , Xie Zhengqing , Shi Xinjie , Tian Baoming , Cao Gangqiang , Wei Xiaochun , Yang Yan , Wei Fang , Shi Gongyao
Published: January 2023

Trigenomic Brassica allohexaploids (AABBCC, 2n = 6x = 54) have great potential in oilseed breeding and genetic diversity. However, Brassica allohexaploids do not exist naturally, and the underlying mechanism regulating pollen fertility in artificially synthesized Brassica allohexaploids is still unclear. In this study, synthetic Brassica allohexaploids were produced by crossing allotetraploid B. carinata (BBCC, 2n = 4x = 34) and diploid B. rapa (AA, 2n = 2x = 20), followed by chromosome doubling. The results showed that the pollen fertility was significantly reduced and the pollen structures were mostly distorted, but the nursing anther tapetum developed normally in the synthetic Brassica allohexaploids. Furthermore, the data showed that the meiotic events occurred irregularly with uneven chromosome segregation and microspore development appeared mostly abnormal. Transcription analysis showed that the upregulation of genes related to the negative regulation of flower development and the downregulation of genes related to chromosome segregation might play an essential role in reduction of pollen fertility in the Brassica allohexaploids. In conclusion, this study elucidated the related mechanisms affecting pollen fertility during male gametophytic development at the cytological and transcriptomic levels in the newly synthesized Brassica allohexaploids.
Genetic dissection of cassava brown streak disease in a genomic selection population
Authors: Nandudu Leah , Kawuki Robert , Ogbonna Alex , Kanaabi Michael , Jannink Jean-Luc
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a major threat to food security in East and central Africa. Breeding for resistance against CBSD is the most economical and sustainable way of addressing this challenge.

Methods

This study seeks to assess the (1) performance of CBSD incidence and severity; (2) identify genomic regions associated with CBSD traits and (3) candidate genes in the regions of interest, in the Cycle 2 population of the National Crops Resources Research Institute.

Results

A total of 302 diverse clones were screened, revealing that CBSD incidence across growing seasons was 44%. Severity scores for both foliar and root symptoms ranged from 1.28 to 1.99 and 1.75 to 2.28, respectively across seasons. Broad sense heritability ranged from low to high (0.15 - 0.96), while narrow sense heritability ranged from low to moderate (0.03 - 0.61). Five QTLs, explaining approximately 19% phenotypic variation were identified for CBSD severity at 3 months after planting on chromosomes 1, 13, and 18 in the univariate GWAS analysis. Multivariate GWAS analysis identified 17 QTLs that were consistent with the univariate analysis including additional QTLs on chromosome 6. Seventy-seven genes were identified in these regions with functions such as catalytic activity, ATP-dependent activity, binding, response to stimulus, translation regulator activity, transporter activity among others.

Discussion

These results suggest variation in virulence in the C2 population, largely due to genetics and annotated genes in these QTLs regions may play critical roles in virus initiation and replication, thus increasing susceptibility to CBSD.
Suitable split nitrogen application increases grain yield and photosynthetic capacity in drip-irrigated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different water regimes in the North China Plain
Authors: Hamani Abdoul Kader Mounkaila , Abubakar Sunusi Amin , Si Zhuanyun , Kama Rakhwe , Gao Yang , Duan Aiwang
Published: January 2023

Chemical fertilizer overuse is a major environmental threat, critically polluting soil and water resources. An optimization of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in association with various irrigation scheduling is a potential approach in this regard. A 2-year field experiment was carried out to assess the growth, yield and photosynthetic capacity of drip-irrigated winter wheat subjected to various split applications of urea (240 kg ha−1, 46% N). The eight treatments were, two irrigation scheduling and six N application modes in which, one slow-release fertilizer (SRF). Irrigation scheduling was based on the difference between actual crop evapotranspiration and precipitation (ETa-P). The two irrigation scheduling were I45 (Irrigation scheduling when ETa-P reaches 45 mm) and I30 (Irrigation scheduling when ETa-P reaches 30 mm). The six N levels were N0-100 (100% from jointing to booting), N25-75 (25% during sowing and 75% from jointing to booting), N50-50 (50% during sowing and 50% from jointing to booting), N75-25 (75% during sowing and 25% from jointing to booting), N100-0 (100% during sowing), and SRF100 (240 kg ha−1, 43% N during sowing). N top-dressing application significantly (P<0.05) influenced wheat growth, aboveground biomass (ABM), grain yield (GY) and its components, photosynthetic and chlorophyll parameters, and plant nutrient content. According to the averages of the two winter wheat-growing seasons, the I45N50-50 and I45SRF100 treatments, respectively had the highest GY (9.83 and 9.5 t ha−1), ABM (19.91 and 19.79 t ha−1), net photosynthetic rate (35.92 and 34.59 µmol m−2s−1), stomatal conductance (1.387 and 1.223 mol m−2s−1), SPAD (69.33 and 64.03), and chlorophyll fluorescence FV/FM (8.901 and 8.922). The present study provided convincing confirmation that N applied equally in splits at basal-top-dressing rates could be a desirable N application mode under drip irrigation system and could economically compete with the costly SRF for winter wheat fertilization. The I45N50-50 treatment offers to farmers an option to sustain wheat production in the NCP.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Blue Economy: Why they matter and how do we achieve them?
Authors: Issifu Ibrahim , Dahmouni Ilyass , Deffor Eric Worlanyo , Sumaila U. Rashid
Published: January 2023

The Blue Economy (BE) has captured the attention of diverse interests to the ocean and there is rising concern about making it more equitable and inclusive. As it currently stands, diversity, social equity, and inclusion considerations have not been foregrounded in the discourse surrounding the BE and are continuously overlooked and undervalued. This paper reviews the ongoing social inequalities in the BE and distribution of benefits and costs across different groups in society. It also explores why equity matters, and how it can be achieved. Mirroring the call for under-represented or marginalized social groups to receive a fair share of the returns, which may be more than they have received to date. Our analysis shows that between 1988 and 2017, a Germany–based company has registered about 39% of all known marine genetic resources, while three companies in Asia control 30% of the market share of seafood sector in 2018. These findings show high consolidation of the ocean space by top corporations. Therefore, this paper argues that the exclusion of equity considerations within the BE investments can undermine ocean-based activities such as marine wildlife conservation initiatives that may disrupt the ocean sustainability agenda.
The influence mechanism of parental emotional companionship on children’s second language acquisition
Authors: Cheng Xiaoxia , Zhou Shike
Published: January 2023

It has become a consensus that parental emotional companionship can promote the healthy growth of children. However, the theoretical circle still knows little about the relationship between parental emotional companionship and children’s second language acquisition and the internal processes. In this study, the path analysis method was adopted to analyze the academic quality testing data of Grade 5 and Grade 9 students obtained by questionnaire survey method in Jiangsu Province in 2020, so as to explore the influence mechanism of parental emotional companionship on children’s second language acquisition. The results show that parental emotional companionship promotes second language acquisition. Learning confidence and internal learning motivation play an intermediary role in this relationship. Learning confidence positively influences internal learning motivation and plays a chain mediating role. The indirect effect of internal learning motivation in the middle school group is the masking effect. The conclusion of this study reveals the influence mechanism of parental emotional companionship on children’s second language acquisition, which enriches and deepens the theoretical understanding of the affective factors affecting second language acquisition. Theoretical and practical implications, along with limitations and future research directions were discussed.
Treating the musician rather than the symptom: The holistic tools employed by current practices to attend to the non-motor problems of musicians with task-specific focal dystonia
Authors: Détári Anna
Published: January 2023

Musicians Focal Dystonia (MFD) is a task-specific movement disorder affecting highly skilled musicians. The pathophysiology is poorly understood, and the available treatments are unable to fully and reliably rehabilitate the affected skill. Recently, the exclusively neurological nature of the condition has been questioned, and additional psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial contributing factors were identified. However, very little is known about how these factors influence the recovery process, and how, if at all, they are addressed in ongoing practices. For this study, 14 practitioners with substantial experience in working with musicians with MFD were interviewed about the elements in their approach which are directed at the cognition, emotions, attitudes, and behaviors of their patients and clients. A wide variety of tools were reported in three areas: (1) creating a supportive learning environment and addressing anxiety and perfectionism, (2) using body-oriented methods to optimize the playing behaviors and (3) consciously channeling the focus of attention to guide the physical retraining exercises and establishing new habits. The study also revealed that in-depth knowledge of the instrumental technique is profitable to retrain the impaired motor patterns. Therefore, the importance of including music educators in developing new therapeutic approaches will also be highlighted.
Too much is too little: Estimating the optimal physical activity level for a healthy mental state
Authors: Shimura Akiyoshi , Masuya Jiro , Yokoi Katsunori , Morishita Chihiro , Kikkawa Masayuki , Nakajima Kazuki , Chen Chong , Nakagawa Shin , Inoue Takeshi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Although physical activity and exercise are generally thought to have favorable effects on mental health, excessive physical activity may have unfavorable effects. In this study, the associations between physical activity and the states of mental health with U-shaped dose–response curves were hypothesized, and the ranges of physical activity resulting in optimal effects on mental health were investigated.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1,237 adult volunteers in 2017 and 2018. Of these volunteers, 526 participants validly answered the self-administered questionnaires asking about physical activity, depression, anxiety, resilience, insomnia vulnerability, and life events. A comparison of mental health measures by physical activity levels and quadratic equation model regressions were performed.

Results

No significant linear associations between physical activity levels and mental health measurements were observed; however, the U-shaped, quadratic equation models indicated a significance. The following levels of physical activity per week optimized the mental health measurements values of the participants: 6,953 MET-minutes and 25.70 h for depression, 5,277 MET-minutes and 21.60 h for state anxiety, 5,678 MET-minutes and 22.58 h for trait anxiety, 25.41 h for resilience, and 9,152 MET-minutes and 31.17 h for insomnia vulnerability.

Conclusion

Physical activities in the optimal range were associated with more favorable mental health measurements. Physical activities that were too much or too long and outside of the optimal range were associated with less favorable mental health measurements.
Making and revising predictive inferences during Chinese narrative text reading: Evidence from an electrophysiological study
Authors: Xu Fei , Fan Lin , Tian Lingyun , Cheng Lulu
Published: January 2023

The current study employed the event-related potential (ERP) technique to investigate predictive inference revision during Chinese narrative text reading among Chinese native speakers. Experiment 1 studied predictive inference revision by ensuring high contextual constraints for activation of the primary predictive inferences. Experiment 2 inspected the effects of the weaker inference alternatives on the revision process. Longer reading time and less positive mean average amplitude with two subcomponents of P300 (P3a and P3b) in the revise condition suggest that readers could detect inconsistent information and disconfirm the incorrect predictive inferences. However, they have difficulties in either integrating the alternative predictive inferences (N400) or revising the incorrect ones (P600), especially when the alternatives are of weaker activation levels. This study supports the Knowledge Revision Components (KReC) framework by verifying remaining activation of the disconfirmed primary inferences and extends it by considering effects of competitive alternatives on the predictive inference revision process.
Resting frontal alpha asymmetry as a predictor of executive and affective functioning in children with neurodevelopmental differences
Authors: Edmunds Sarah R. , Fogler Jason , Braverman Yael , Gilbert Rachel , Faja Susan
Published: January 2023

The relative difference of resting EEG frontal alpha activation between left and right hemispheres (FAA; i.e., asymmetry) correlates with global approach and avoidance tendencies. FAA may relate to problems with executive and affective functioning in children with neurodevelopmental differences, including autism and ADHD. We (1) characterize relative left vs. right FAA in autistic, ADHD, and neurotypical children (NT) and (2) investigate whether FAA predicts “hot” executive function or emotion dysregulation. Participants were 97 7- to 11-year-old autistic, ADHD, and NT Children. Children with ADHD displayed greater left (relative to right) FAA compared to autistic and neurotypical children. Children with ADHD displayed greater challenges with “hot” EF on a gambling task than autistic children, whereas children with co-occurring autism and ADHD had greater parent-reported emotion dysregulation than NT and autism-only groups. Greater left FAA predicted worse hot EF for all children but was not significantly related to emotion dysregulation. Regardless of clinical diagnosis, relatively greater left FAA relates to hot EF. While hot EF deficits may be specific to ADHD rather than autism, both together confer additive risk for emotion dysregulation. Future research should explore the functional relation between FAA, reward processing, and affect for children with different EF-related neurodevelopmental differences.
Family functioning buffers the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for children’s quality of life and loneliness
Authors: Skeens Micah A. , Hill Kylie , Olsavsky Anna , Ralph Jessica E. , Udaipuria Shivika , Akard Terrah Foster , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 resulted in mass quarantine measures early in the pandemic. This disruption of daily life widened inequities and made children one of the most vulnerable populations during the crisis. This national, cross-sectional “COVID-Kids” study collected data from almost 500 parent–child dyads using standardized measures to better understand the effects of COVID exposure and impact on children’s quality of life and loneliness. Data were collected via social media from May to July 2020. According to parent proxy and child self-report, United States children experienced worse quality of life (p < 0.0001; d = 0.45 and 0.53) and greater child-reported loneliness (p < 0.0001) when compared to normative, healthy samples (i.e., children who do not have a chronic medical condition). Older children (r = 0.16, p = 0.001) and female children (r = 0.11, p = 0.02) reported greater loneliness. Higher child-reported family functioning scores were associated with better quality of life (r = 0.36, p < 0.0001) and less loneliness (r = −0.49, p < 0.0001). Moderated mediation analyses indicated the indirect effect of parent COVID impact on the association between COVID exposure and child quality of life was weaker in the context of better family functioning. Results of this study raise concern for the short-and long-term sequelae of the pandemic on the physical and mental health of children. Healthcare providers and researchers must find new and innovative ways to protect the well-being of children. Strengthening family functioning may buffer the effects of the pandemic and improve overall quality of life in our “COVID Kids.”
A computational cognitive model of behaviors and decisions that modulate pandemic transmission: Expectancy-value, attitudes, self-efficacy, and motivational intensity
Authors: Pirolli Peter , Lebiere Christian , Orr Mark
Published: January 2023

We present a computational cognitive model that incorporates and formalizes aspects of theories of individual-level behavior change and present simulations of COVID-19 behavioral response that modulates transmission rates. This formalization includes addressing the psychological constructs of attitudes, self-efficacy, and motivational intensity. The model yields signature phenomena that appear in the oscillating dynamics of mask wearing and the effective reproduction number, as well as the overall increase of rates of mask-wearing in response to awareness of an ongoing pandemic.
Non-antipsychotic medicines and modified electroconvulsive therapy are risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Yang Yan , Kong Di , Li Qiwen , Chen Wei , Zhao Guocheng , Tan Xi , Huang Xincheng , Zhang Zipeng , Feng Can , Xu Min , Wan Ying , Yang Mi
Published: January 2023

Background

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) has a significant and detrimental impact on schizophrenia patients. Non-antipsychotic medicines and modified electroconvulsive therapy (MECT) are frequently used in conjunction with antipsychotics to treat schizophrenia. Whether non-antipsychotic medicines or MECT are risk factors for HAP in schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics is still unknown.

Methods

Patients with schizophrenia who were admitted to the Fourth People's Hospital of Chengdu between January 2015 and April 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Individuals with HAP were 1:1 matched to individuals without HAP (non-HAP) using propensity score matching (PSM). The risk factors for HAP were analyzed by comparing the two groups.

Results

A total of 7,085 schizophrenia patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 39.77 ± 14.45 years. 193 patients developed HAP on an average of 22.26 ± 21.68 days after admission with an incidence of 2.73%. After 1:1 PSM, 192 patients from each group (HAP and non-HAP) were included. The HAP group had significantly more patients with MECT and taking benzodiazepines, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-parkinsonians both before and after PSM by Bonferroni correction (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, combined with antipsychotics, non-antipsychotic medicines including benzodiazepines (OR = 3.13, 95%CI = 1.95-5.03, P < 0.001), mood stabilizers (OR =3.33, 95%CI =1.79–6.20, P < 0.001) and MECT (OR =2.58, 95%CI =1.49–4.46, P = 0.001) were associated with a significantly increased incidence of HAP.

Conclusion

The incidence of HAP in schizophrenia patients in our cohort was 2.73%. MECT and non-antipsychotic medicines, including benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers were risk factors for HAP in schizophrenia patients treated with antipsychotics.
Community health worker team integration in Medicaid managed care: Insights from a national study
Authors: Wennerstrom Ashley , Haywood Catherine G. , Smith Denise O. , Jindal Dakshu , Rush Carl , Wilkinson Geoffrey W.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Community health workers (CHWs) have historically worked in community-based settings. Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) are integrating CHWs into their teams, largely to support social determinants of health. Little is known about how teams are structured in these environments or how CHWs and their supervisors perceive CHW roles in MCOs.

Methods

In 2021, two CHW professional associations and a university partnered to conduct a national cross-sectional survey of CHWs working with MCOs.

Results

A total of 146 CHWs representing 29 states and 55 supervisors working in 34 states completed the survey. Although two-thirds of supervisors said only a high school diploma or equivalent was required for hiring, over half of CHWs reported having a bachelors or graduate degree. The majority of CHWs (72.6%) and employers (80%) said CHWs receive training in core competencies. Under half of CHWs reported working with a registered nurse (RN) (45.8%) or social worker (43.8%), and about a third work with a behavioral health (36.3%) or primary care provider (33.6%). Among supervisors, 70.9% identified social workers as CHWs' team members and over half indicated CHW work with RNs (56.4%), behavioral health (54.5%) and primary care providers (52.7%). Over half of CHWs (52.1%) and roughly two thirds (63.6%) of supervisors indicated that CHWs use electronic health records. Roughly 85% of CHWs make referrals and roughly three quarters conduct social screenings. Around half of CHWs said they assist with care planning (54.1%), conduct health screenings (52.1%) or participate in case reviews (49.3%). About three quarters of CHWs (75.3%) and over two thirds of supervisors (67.3%) believed that CHWs are utilized to their full potential. Under three quarters of CHWs (72.6%) and over half of supervisors (54.4%) believe CHWs are equitably compensated for their work.

Discussion

Overall, CHWs roles in MCOs appear to focus on supporting clinical care and making referrals for social issues, rather than addressing community-level concerns. Health plans should ensure that CHWs have the professional freedom to develop community-based solutions to common social needs. MCOs should also ensure that CHWs receive equitable compensation and ensure that CHWs have opportunities for promotion.
Responding to health policy recommendations on managing opioid use disorder during Russia's invasion of Ukraine: Divergent responses from the frontline to the west
Authors: Ivasiy Roman , Galvez de Leon Samy J. , Meteliuk Anna , Fomenko Tetiana , Pykalo Iryna , Bromberg Daniel J. , Madden Lynn M. , Farnum Scott O. , Islam Zahedul , Altice Frederick L.
Published: January 2023

Summary: Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, followed by Ukraine's Martial law, has disrupted the routine delivery of healthcare services, including opioid agonist treatment (OAT) programs. Directors (chief addiction treatment physicians) of these programs in each region had flexibility with implementing a series of adaptations to their practice to respond to war disruptions like mass internal displacement and legislation updates allowing more flexibility with OAT distribution policies and take-home dosing regulations. We conducted 8 in-depth interviews with directors from seven regions of Ukraine to describe their experiences providing OAT during a specific time during the war and the local crisis-response approach under the emergency policy updates. We categorized their experiences according to the level of exposure to conflict in each region and displacement of patients across the country, which may provide future guidance for OAT provision during the conflict.
Two-year follow-up of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico
Authors: Loza Antonio , Wong-Chew Rosa María , Jiménez-Corona María-Eugenia , Zárate Selene , López Susana , Ciria Ricardo , Palomares Diego , García-López Rodrigo , Iša Pavel , Taboada Blanca , Rosales Mauricio , Boukadida Celia , Herrera-Estrella Alfredo , Mojica Nelly Selem , Rivera-Gutierrez Xaira , Muñoz-Medina José Esteba , Salas-Lais Angel Gustavo , Sanchez-Flores Alejandro , Vazquez-Perez Joel Armando , Arias Carlos F. , Gutiérrez-Ríos Rosa María
Published: January 2023

Background

After the initial outbreak in China (December 2019), the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11th, 2020. This paper aims to describe the first 2 years of the pandemic in Mexico.

Design and methods

This is a population-based longitudinal study. We analyzed data from the national COVID-19 registry to describe the evolution of the pandemic in terms of the number of confirmed cases, hospitalizations, deaths and reported symptoms in relation to health policies and circulating variants. We also carried out logistic regression to investigate the major risk factors for disease severity.

Results

From March 2020 to March 2022, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Mexico underwent four epidemic waves. Out of 5,702,143 confirmed cases, 680,063 were hospitalized (11.9%), and 324,436 (5.7%) died. Even if there was no difference in susceptibility by gender, males had a higher risk of death (CFP: 7.3 vs. 4.2%) and hospital admission risk (HP: 14.4 vs. 9.5%). Severity increased with age. With respect to younger ages (0–17 years), the 60+ years or older group reached adjusted odds ratios of 9.63 in the case of admission and 53.05 (95% CI: 27.94–118.62) in the case of death. The presence of any comorbidity more than doubled the odds ratio, with hypertension-diabetes as the riskiest combination. While the wave peaks increased over time, the odds ratios for developing severe disease (waves 2, 3, and 4 to wave 1) decreased to 0.15 (95% CI: 0.12–0.18) in the fourth wave.

Conclusion

The health policy promoted by the Mexican government decreased hospitalizations and deaths, particularly among older adults with the highest risk of admission and death. Comorbidities augment the risk of developing severe illness, which is shown to rise by double in the Mexican population, particularly for those reported with hypertension-diabetes. Factors such as the decrease in the severity of the SARS-CoV2 variants, changes in symptomatology, and advances in the management of patients, vaccination, and treatments influenced the decrease in mortality and hospitalizations.
The impact of internet use on old-age support patterns of middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Gao Lifei , Wang Guojun , Hu Baibao
Published: January 2023

Background

The trend towards low fertility and low mortality is prominant worldwide. The accelerating ageing and the pressure on public pensions are making the “dependent pattern of old-age support”, which relies on family and government, unsustainable. It is urgent for people to change their mindset about ageing and to develop a sense of “relying on themselves for oldage support”.

Methods

This study incorporates the commercial pension insurance, formal care and the attitude towards independent old-age support pattern into the framework of “independent pattern of old-age support”, using the probit regression model and instrumental variables approach to examine the impact of internet use on old-age support patterns of middleaged and older people based on the CGSS 2012–2018 five-period data.

Results

The more frequent internet use increased the likelihood of purchasing commercial pension insurance, accepting formal care, and endorsing independence in later life. The internet can promote the acceptance of independent pattern of old-age support by delivering information and facilitating social interaction.

Discussion

Consistent with previous research, this study finds that internet use can promote the purchase of commercial pension insurance. There are no relevant studies on the impact of internet use on formal care and attitude towards independent old-age support pattern. Our finding provides important empirical and theoretical references for ageing countries to further transform old-age support patterns.