bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of dietary intervention on eating behavior after ischemic stroke
Authors: Besseau Samuel , Sartori Eric , Larnier Pauline , Paillard François , Laviolle Bruno , Mahé Guillaume
Published: June 2023

Objective

Ischemic stroke is a major health issue. Currently, the relationship between dietary patterns and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases including stroke is established, but the effect of systematic dietary intervention on dietary changes in ischemic stroke patients is unknown. Our objective was to compare changes in the dietary pattern of ischemic stroke patients who received a systematic diet intervention with changes in the dietary pattern of ischemic stroke patients who did not receive a systematic dietary intervention during their hospitalization.

Methods

In this before-and-after study, two groups of patients with ischemic stroke were compared: Group 1 included 34 patients admitted with an ischemic stroke without a systematic dietray intervention; Group 2 included 34 patients admitted with an ischemic stroke with a systematic dietary intervention. Dietary patterns were assessed by a validated food frequency questionnaire of 19 questions (from a previously validated questionnaire of 14 questions), at the onset of stroke and at 6 months after stroke. This questionnaire allows the calculation of different scores as follows: global food score, saturated fatty acids score (SFA), unsaturated fatty acids score (UFA), fruit and vegetable score, and alcohol score.

Results

Score changes were more important in group 2 than in group 1 for the global food score (7.4 ± 7 vs. 1.9 ± 6.7, p = 0.0013), the fruit and vegetable score (2 ± 2.6 vs. 0.6 ± 2.2, p = 0.0047), and the UFA score (1.8 ± 2.7 vs. 0.1 ± 3.3, p = 0.0238), whereas no significant differences were observed for the SFA score (−3.9 ± 4.9 vs. −1.6 ± 6, p = 0.1779) and the alcohol score (−0.4 ± 1.5 vs. −0.3 ± 1.1, p = 0.6960).

Conclusion

This study showed that systematic dietary intervention during hospitalization improves the dietary patterns of ischemic stroke patients. The impact on the recurrence of ischemic stroke or cardiovascular events after dietary pattern changes needs to be studied.
Interleukin 17 in early invasive breast cancer
Authors: Popović Marina , Dedić Plavetić Natalija , Vrbanec Damir , Marušić Zlatko , Mijatović Davor , Kulić Ana
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) has a key role in inflammatory responses. Increased serum concentrations of IL-17 have been reported in patients with different types of cancer. Some studies suggest antitumor activity of IL-17 while others speak in favor of its association with poorer prognosis. The lack of data on IL-17 behavior in vivo hinders the efforts to clarify the exact role of IL-17 in breast cancer patients and precludes the usage of IL-17 as potential therapeutic target.

Methods

The study included 118 patients with early invasive breast cancer. The serum concentration of IL-17A was measured before surgery and during adjuvant treatment and compared with healthy controls. The correlation of serum IL-17A concentration and different clinical and pathological parameters, including IL-17A expression in the corresponding tumor tissue samples, was analyzed.

Results

Significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-17A were found in women with early breast cancer before surgery, but also during adjuvant treatment in comparison to healthy controls. No significant correlation to tumor tissue IL-17A expression was observed. There was a significant postoperative decrease of serum IL-17A concentrations even in patients with relatively lower preoperative values. A significant negative correlation was found between serum IL-17A concentrations and the tumor estrogen receptor expression.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the immune response in early breast cancer is mediated by IL-17A, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer. IL-17A-mediated inflammatory response subsides postoperatively, but IL-17A concentrations remain elevated compared to the values in healthy controls, even after the removal of the tumor.
Lymph node metastasis-related gene signature shows good performance in predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Yilin , Wang Lu , Xu Zhen , Li Mengqi , Wang Wuliang , Bai Yangyang , Xu Xingyue , Li Rui , Zhao Hu
Published: June 2023

Aims

This study aimed to construct a lymph node metastasis-related gene signature to predict prognosis and immune infiltration in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods

Clinical and RNA sequencing data of 193 patients with cervical cancer, which were divided into lymph node metastasis (N1) and non-lymph node metastasis (N0) groups, were acquired from TCGA. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the N1 and N0 groups were detected, and protein-protein interaction combined with LASSO analysis was conducted to further screen lymph node metastasis-related genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to establish a predictive signature. The genetic features, potential biological behavior, and immune infiltration characteristics of the predictive signature were explored. Furthermore, the sensitivity of patients to chemotherapy drugs was estimated based on the predictive signature and the expression of TEKT2 and RPGR was investigated in the cervical cancer tissue samples.

Results

A total of 271 lymph node metastasis-related DEGs, including 100 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes, were identified. Two genes, TEKT2 and RPGR, were associated with lymph node metastasis and prognosis in cervical cancer, and were used to construct a lymph node metastasis-related predictive signature. Based on the predictive signature, patients with cervical cancer were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The high-risk group, characterized by a higher tumor mutation burden and somatic mutation rate, indicated a poor overall survival. The activation of immune infiltration and increased expression of checkpoint genes were observed in the high-risk group, indicating that they might benefit from immunotherapy. Cytarabine, FH535, and procaspase-activating compound-1 were estimated as reasonable chemotherapy options for patients in the high-risk group, whereas two taxanes and five tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including etoposide and vinorelbine, had therapeutic significance for patients in the low-risk group. The expression of TEKT2 and RPGR was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues, especially in metastatic lymph node tissues.

Discussion

The lymph node metastasis-related predictive signature based on TEKT2 and RPGR showed good performance in predicting the survival outcomes of patients with cervical cancer. The risk score of the predictive signature was related to genetic variation and immune infiltration, which could guide immunotherapy and chemotherapy strategies.
The applications and techniques of organoids in head and neck cancer therapy
Authors: Qi Hao , Tan Xiaolin , Zhang Wenshuo , Zhou Yihong , Chen Shaoyi , Zha Dasong , Wang Siyang , Wen Jinming
Published: June 2023

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers on the planet, with approximately 600,000 new cases diagnosed and 300,000 deaths every year. Research into the biological basis of HNC has advanced slowly over the past decades, which has made it difficult to develop new, more effective treatments. The patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are made from patient tumor cells, resembling the features of their tumors, which are high-fidelity models for studying cancer biology and designing new precision medicine therapies. In recent years, considerable effort has been focused on improving “organoids” technologies and identifying tumor-specific medicine using head and neck samples and a variety of organoids. A review of improved techniques and conclusions reported in publications describing the application of these techniques to HNC organoids is presented here. Additionally, we discuss the potential application of organoids in head and neck cancer research as well as the limitations associated with these models. As a result of the integration of organoid models into future precision medicine research and therapeutic profiling programs, the use of organoids will be extremely significant in the future.
Case Report: An exceptional response to neoadjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma following checkpoint inhibitor use
Authors: Jeon Won Jin , Moon Jin Hyun , Pham Bryan , Joung Bowon , Denham Laura , Brothers Joel
Published: June 2023

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), a subtype of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), is an uncommon malignancy associated with a poor prognosis. As with other forms of sarcoma, surgical resection remains the only form of treatment with curative potential. The role of perioperative systemic therapy has not been definitively elucidated. Due to high recurrence rates and metastatic potential, management of UPS can pose a difficult task for clinicians. In cases of unresectable UPS due to anatomic limitations and in patients with comorbidities and poor performance status (PS), management options are limited. We describe a patient with UPS involving the chest wall with poor PS who achieved complete response (CR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation in the setting of prior immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
Novel nomograms for predicting survival for immediate breast reconstruction patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer—a single-center 15-year experience
Authors: He Shanshan , Chen Qingjinan , Li Gang , Ding Bowen , Wang Shu , Han Chunyong , Sun Jingyan , Huang Qingfeng , Yin Jian
Published: June 2023

Background

Immediate breast reconstruction is widely accepted following oncologic mastectomy. This study aimed to build a novel nomogram predicting the survival outcome for Chinese patients undergoing immediate reconstruction following mastectomy for invasive breast cancer.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing immediate reconstruction following treatment for invasive breast cancer was performed from May 2001 to March 2016. Eligible patients were assigned to a training set or a validation set. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to select associate variables. Two nomograms were developed based on the training cohort for breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Internal and external validations were performed, and the C-index and calibration plots were generated to evaluate the performance (discrimination and accuracy) of the models.

Results

The 10-year estimated BCSS and DFS were 90.80% (95% CI: 87.30%–94.40%) and 78.40% (95% CI: 72.50%–84.70%), respectively, in the training cohort. In the validation cohort, they were and 85.60% (95% CI, 75.90%–96.50%) and 84.10% (95% CI, 77.80%–90.90%), respectively. Ten independent factors were used to build a nomogram for prediction of 1-, 5- and 10-year BCSS, while nine were used for DFS. The C-index was 0.841 for BCSS and 0.737 for DFS in internal validation, and the C-index was 0.782 for BCSS and 0.700 for DFS in external validation. The calibration curve for both BCSS and DFS demonstrated acceptable agreement between the predicted and actual observation in the training and the validation cohorts.

Conclusion

The nomograms provided valuable visualization of factors predicting BCSS and DFS in invasive breast cancer patients with immediate breast reconstruction. The nomograms may have tremendous potential in guiding individualized decision-making for physicians and patients in choosing the optimized treatment methods.
An integrative multi-omics analysis based on disulfidptosis-related prognostic signature and distinct subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Xi , Liu Zhanpeng , Han Tian , Zhao Kai , Xu Xinchi , Zhang Xu , Ren Xiaohan , Qin Chao
Published: June 2023

Background

The association between clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and disulfidoptosis remains to be thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We conducted multiple bioinformatics analyses, including prognostic analysis and cluster analysis, using R software. Additionally, we utilized Quantitative Real-time PCR to measure RNA levels of specific genes. The proliferation of ccRCC was assessed through CCK8 and colony formation assays, while the invasion and migration of ccRCC cells were evaluated using the transwell assay.

Results

In this study, utilizing data from multiple ccRCC cohorts, we identified molecules that contribute to disulfidoptosis. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the prognostic and immunological roles of these molecules. Among the disulfidoptosis-related metabolism genes (DMGs), LRPPRC, OXSM, GYS1, and SLC7A11 exhibited significant correlations with ccRCC patient prognosis. Based on our signature, patients in different groups displayed varying levels of immune infiltration and different mutation profiles. Furthermore, we classified patients into two clusters and identified multiple functional pathways that play important roles in the occurrence and development of ccRCC. Given its critical role in disulfidoptosis, we conducted further analysis on SLC7A11. Our results demonstrated that ccRCC cells with high expression of SLC7A11 exhibited a malignant phenotype.

Conclusions

These findings enhanced our understanding of the underlying function of DMGs in ccRCC.
Characterization and outcome of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders within a collaborative study
Authors: Lückemeier Philipp , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Holtick Udo , Kurch Lars , Monecke Astrid , Platzbecker Uwe , Herling Marco , Kayser Sabine
Published: June 2023

Background

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are heterogeneous lymphoid disorders ranging from indolent polyclonal proliferations to aggressive lymphomas that can arise after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation (allo-HSCT).

Methods

In this multi-center retrospective study, we compare patient characteristics, therapies, and outcomes of PTLD after allo-HSCT and SOT. Twenty-five patients (15 after allo-HSCT and 10 after SOT) were identified who developed PTLD between 2008 and 2022.

Results

Median age (57 years; range, 29-74 years) and baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (allo-HSCT vs SOT), but median onset of PTLD was markedly shorter after allo-HSCT (2 months vs. 99 months, P<0.001). Treatment regimens were heterogeneous, with reduction of immunosuppression in combination with rituximab being the most common first-line treatment strategy in both cohorts (allo-HSCT: 66%; SOT: 80%). The overall response rate was lower in the allo-HSCT (67%) as compared to the SOT group (100%). Consequently, the overall survival (OS) trended towards a worse outcome for the allo-HSCT group (1-year OS: 54% vs. 78%; P=0.58). We identified PTLD onset ≤150 days in the allo-HSCT (P=0.046) and ECOG >2 in the SOT group (P=0.03) as prognostic factors for lower OS.

Conclusion

PTLD cases present heterogeneously and pose unique challenges after both types of allogeneic transplantation.
Copper in cancer: from limiting nutrient to therapeutic target
Authors: Tang Xiaolong , Yan Zaihua , Miao Yandong , Ha Wuhua , Li Zheng , Yang Lixia , Mi Denghai
Published: June 2023

As an essential nutrient, copper’s redox properties are both beneficial and toxic to cells. Therefore, leveraging the characteristics of copper-dependent diseases or using copper toxicity to treat copper-sensitive diseases may offer new strategies for specific disease treatments. In particular, copper concentration is typically higher in cancer cells, making copper a critical limiting nutrient for cancer cell growth and proliferation. Hence, intervening in copper metabolism specific to cancer cells may become a potential tumor treatment strategy, directly impacting tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we discuss the metabolism of copper in the body and summarize research progress on the role of copper in promoting tumor cell growth or inducing programmed cell death in tumor cells. Additionally, we elucidate the role of copper-related drugs in cancer treatment, intending to provide new perspectives for cancer treatment.
Recent advances in nanomedicine preparative methods and their therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer: a critical review
Authors: Jain Arinjay , Bhattacharya Sankha
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy that affects a large percentage of the global population. The conventional treatments for CRC have a number of limitations. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising cancer treatment method due to their ability to directly target cancer cells and regulate drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. This compilation examines the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for CRC treatment. Different nanomaterials can be used to administer anticancer drugs, including polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles. In addition, we discuss recent developments in nanoparticle preparation techniques, such as solvent evaporation, salting-out, ion gelation, and nanoprecipitation. These methods have demonstrated high efficacy in penetrating epithelial cells, a prerequisite for effective drug delivery. This article focuses on the various targeting mechanisms utilized by CRC-targeted nanoparticles and their recent advancements in this field. In addition, the review offers descriptive information regarding numerous nano-preparative procedures for colorectal cancer treatments. We also discuss the outlook for innovative therapeutic techniques in the management of CRC, including the potential application of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The review concludes with a discussion of current nanotechnology patents and clinical studies used to target and diagnose CRC. The results of this investigation suggest that nanoparticles have great potential as a method of drug delivery for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Atrial arrhythmias following lung transplant: a single pediatric center experience
Authors: Sill Jordan , Baskar Shankar , Zang Huaiyu , Spar David , Iliopoulos Ilias , Morales David L. S. , Hayes Don , Koh Wonshill
Published: June 2023

Background

Outcomes after lung transplant (LTx) in children have slowly improved. Although atrial arrhythmia (AA) is a common and adverse complication following LTx among adults, there is limited data on pediatric recipients. We detail our pediatric single-center experience while providing further insights on occurrence and management of AA following LTx.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of LTx recipients at a pediatric LTx program from 2014 to 2022 was performed. We investigated timing of occurrence and management of AA following LTx, and its effect on post-LTx outcome.

Results

Three out of nineteen (15%) pediatric LTx recipients developed AA. The timing of occurrence was 9–10 days following LTx. Those patients in the older age group (age >12 years old) were the only ones who developed AA. Developing AA did not have a negative effect on hospital stay duration or short-term mortality. All LTx recipients with AA were discharged home on therapy that was discontinued at 6 months for those who was on mono-therapy without recurrence of AA.

Conclusions

AA is an early post-operative complication in older children and younger adults undergoing LTx at a pediatric center. Early recognition and aggressive management can mitigate any morbidity or mortality. Future investigations should explore factors that place this population at risk for AA in order to prevent this complication post-operatively.
Case report: Bilateral parotid abscess in a 54-day-old infant
Authors: Huang Lilin , Yang Xiaole , Peng Shumei , Li Ronghan
Published: June 2023

Acute parotid abscess (PA) is rare in children and is prone to occur in neonates or preterm infants with high-risk factors. Sporadic cases of unilateral PA have been reported in older children. Here, we report a case of a 54-day-old child who developed bilateral PA due to Staphylococcus aureus infection. The infant showed bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy initially following a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). However, bilateral PA developed 6 h after he was diagnosed with lymphadenitis on Day 9 of illness. Rapid PA progression from cervical lymphadenitis is rare. He recovered quickly under treatment with appropriate antibiotics based on susceptibility testing and surgical incision and drainage.
Efficacy and safety of trastuzumab deruxtecan in the treatment of HER2-low/positive advanced breast cancer: a single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zongyu , Guo Shangwen , Xue Haoyi , Li Luying , Guo Yuyuan , Duan Sinuo , Zhu He
Published: June 2023

Background: Clinical trials have shown that the use of trastuzumab deruxtecan (DS-8201) alone is expected to provide novel therapeutic options for HER2-low/positive patients. Nevertheless, there are some variations in the efficacy of trial results, with potential risks at the safety level. Most DS-8201 trials in HER2 advanced breast cancer (ABC) have been conducted in the form of small-sample nonrandomized controlled studies, resulting in a lack of validated indicators to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DS-8201. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to pool the results of various trials of DS-8201 alone to explore the efficacy and safety of DS-8201 in patients with HER2-low/positive advanced breast cancer.

Methods: Relevant studies were searched in seven databases, including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP database and WanFang data, to collect single-arm studies on DS-8201 for HER2-low/positive ABC. MINORS was adopted for quality assessment and STATA 16.0 for data analysis.

Results: Ten studies involving 1,108 patients were included in this meta-analysis. As for the tumor response rate, the pooled ORR and DCR of all studies reached 57% (95% CI: 47%–67%) and 92% (95% CI: 89%–96%) respectively, and the pooled ORRs of the HER2-low expression group and the HER2-positive expression group were 46% (95% CI: 35%–56%) and 64% (95% CI: 54%–74%). Only the low expression group achieved median survival time, with a pooled median PFS and median OS of 9.24 (95% CI: 7.54–10.94) months and 23.87 (95% CI: 21.56–26.17) months, respectively. The most common treatment-related adverse events from DS-8201 were nausea (all grades: 62%; ≥ grade III: 5%), fatigue (all grade: 44%; ≥ grade III: 6%), and alopecia (all grades: 38%; ≥ grade III: 0.5%). Drug-related interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis occurred in 13% of the 1,108 patients, with only a 1% incidence of AE ≥ grade III.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that DS-8201 is effective and safe in the treatment of ABC with low or positive HER2 expression, providing additional relevant information for its clinical application. However, further strengthening of the pairs is needed, as well as more clinical studies to support individualized treatment.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023390316.
Comparative analysis of 17 complete chloroplast genomes reveals intraspecific variation and relationships among Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax populations
Authors: Zhang Wujun , Zhang Zhaolei , Liu Baocai , Chen Jingying , Zhao Yunqing , Huang Yingzhen
Published: June 2023

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax is a well-known medicinal and ecologically important plant. Effectively distinguishing its different genetic resources is essential for its breeding. Plant chloroplast genomes can provide much more information than traditional molecular markers and provide higher-resolution genetic analyses to distinguish closely related planting materials. Here, seventeen P. heterophylla samples from Anhui, Fujian, Guizhou, Hebei, Hunan, Jiangsu, and Shandong provinces were collected, and a genome skimming strategy was employed to obtain their chloroplast genomes. The P. heterophylla chloroplast genomes ranged from 149,356 bp to 149,592 bp in length, and a total of 111 unique genes were annotated, including 77 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Codon usage analysis showed that leucine had the highest frequency, while UUU (encoding phenylalanine) and UGC (encoding cysteine) were identified as the most and least frequently used codons, respectively. A total of 75–84 SSRs, 16–21 short tandem repeats, and 27–32 long repeat structures were identified in these chloroplast genomes. Then, four primer pairs were revealed for identifying SSR polymorphisms. Palindromes are the dominant type, accounting for an average of 47.86% of all long repeat sequences. Gene orders were highly collinear, and IR regions were highly conserved. Genome alignment indicated that there were four intergenic regions (psaI-ycf4, ycf3-trnS, ndhC-trnV, and ndhI-ndhG) and three coding genes (ndhJ, ycf1, and rpl20) that were highly variable among different P. heterophylla samples. Moreover, 10 SNP/MNP sites with high polymorphism were selected for further study. Phylogenetic analysis showed that populations of Chinese were clustered into a monophyletic group, in which the non-flowering variety formed a separate subclade with high statistical support. In this study, the comparative analysis of complete chloroplast genomes revealed intraspecific variations in P. heterophylla and further supported the idea that chloroplast genomes could elucidate relatedness among closely related cultivation materials.
Analysis of emotional prosody as a tool for differential diagnosis of cognitive impairments: a pilot research
Authors: Oh Chorong , Morris Richard , Wang Xianhui , Raskin Morgan S.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This pilot research was designed to investigate if prosodic features from running spontaneous speech could differentiate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT), vascular dementia (VaD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy cognition. The study included acoustic measurements of prosodic features (Study 1) and listeners’ perception of emotional prosody differences (Study 2).

Methods

For Study 1, prerecorded speech samples describing the Cookie Theft picture from 10 individuals with DAT, 5 with VaD, 9 with MCI, and 10 neurologically healthy controls (NHC) were obtained from the DementiaBank. The descriptive narratives by each participant were separated into utterances. These utterances were measured on 22 acoustic features via the Praat software and analyzed statistically using the principal component analysis (PCA), regression, and Mahalanobis distance measures.

Results

The analyses on acoustic data revealed a set of five factors and four salient features (i.e., pitch, amplitude, rate, and syllable) that discriminate the four groups. For Study 2, a group of 28 listeners served as judges of emotions expressed by the speakers. After a set of training and practice sessions, they were instructed to indicate the emotions they heard. Regression measures were used to analyze the perceptual data. The perceptual data indicated that the factor underlying pitch measures had the greatest strength for the listeners to separate the groups.

Discussion

The present pilot work showed that using acoustic measures of prosodic features may be a functional method for differentiating among DAT, VaD, MCI, and NHC. Future studies with data collected under a controlled environment using better stimuli are warranted.
Supporting second language acquisition of bilingual preschool children through professionalization of caregivers in specialized preschool programs
Authors: Boese Jannika , Busch Julian , Leyendecker Birgit , Scherger Anna-Lena
Published: June 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of a training program on language support strategies and dialogic reading for caregivers working in specialized preschool programs. These programs serve children without a regular childcare place who grow up with one or more languages other than German as the environmental language. Recent studies investigating the development of children attending these programs found only moderate improvements in German receptive language skills, while language support quality of the programs was rated as average. We assessed receptive second language competencies in vocabulary and grammar of n = 48 children and language support competencies of n = 15 caregivers using an interventional pre-posttest design. Receptive vocabulary skills of children supported by trained caregivers (intervention group) were compared to children supported by untrained caregivers (control group, n = 43). We found that both children’s and caregivers’ competencies increased from pre- to posttest, whereas the control group’s receptive vocabulary skills did not increase noticeably. The caregivers’ language support competencies influenced the increase of children’s receptive grammar but not vocabulary skills. The comparison between the intervention group and control group consistently showed no effect of group membership on children’s receptive vocabulary acquisition over time. Since the control group data came from a secondary analysis, only receptive vocabulary skills could be compared. The preliminary results of our study suggest that a caregivers’ training on language support strategies and dialogic reading in everyday educational situations support bilingual children’s grammar acquisition.
Help others—be happy? The effect of altruistic behavior on happiness across cultures
Authors: Weiss-Sidi Merav , Riemer Hila
Published: June 2023

Research has established that altruistic behavior increases happiness. We examined this phenomenon across cultures, differentiating between individualistic and collectivist cultures. We propose that cultural variations in the notion of altruism lead to different effects of helping on the helper’s happiness. For individualists, altruism is linked to self-interest (“impure” altruism), and helping others results in increased happiness for the helper. For collectivists, altruism is focused on the recipient (“pure” altruism), and helping others is less likely to enhance the helper’s happiness. Four studies support our predictions. Study 1 measured the dispositions toward altruism among people with various cultural orientations. Consistent with our predictions, the findings showed that individualism (collectivism) was positively associated with tendencies reflecting more “impure” (“pure”) altruism. Two experimental studies then examined the moderating role of cultural orientation on the effect of spending money on oneself versus others (Study 2) or of doing a kind action (making tea for oneself versus others; Study 3). Both experimental studies demonstrated that altruistic behavior had a positive effect on happiness for individualists but not for collectivists. Finally, Study 4, which utilized data from the World Values Survey to examine the altruism–happiness link in various countries, displayed a stronger link between altruistic behavior and happiness in individualistic (vs. collectivist) cultures. Altogether, this research sheds light on cultural differences in the display of altruism, revealing different motivations for and consequences of altruistic behaviors.
Speech recognition in noise task among children and young-adults: a pupillometry study
Authors: Trau-Margalit Avital , Fostick Leah , Harel-Arbeli Tami , Nissanholtz-Gannot Rachel , Taitelbaum-Swead Riki
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Children experience unique challenges when listening to speech in noisy environments. The present study used pupillometry, an established method for quantifying listening and cognitive effort, to detect temporal changes in pupil dilation during a speech-recognition-in-noise task among school-aged children and young adults.

Methods

Thirty school-aged children and 31 young adults listened to sentences amidst four-talker babble noise in two signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) conditions: high accuracy condition (+10 dB and  + 6 dB, for children and adults, respectively) and low accuracy condition (+5 dB and + 2 dB, for children and adults, respectively). They were asked to repeat the sentences while pupil size was measured continuously during the task.

Results

During the auditory processing phase, both groups displayed pupil dilation; however, adults exhibited greater dilation than children, particularly in the low accuracy condition. In the second phase (retention), only children demonstrated increased pupil dilation, whereas adults consistently exhibited a decrease in pupil size. Additionally, the children’s group showed increased pupil dilation during the response phase.

Discussion

Although adults and school-aged children produce similar behavioural scores, group differences in dilation patterns point that their underlying auditory processing differs. A second peak of pupil dilation among the children suggests that their cognitive effort during speech recognition in noise lasts longer than in adults, continuing past the first auditory processing peak dilation. These findings support effortful listening among children and highlight the need to identify and alleviate listening difficulties in school-aged children, to provide proper intervention strategies.
ERP evidence for Slavic and German word stress cue sensitivity in English
Authors: Ivanova Marina , Neubert Christiane R. , Schmied Josef , Bendixen Alexandra
Published: June 2023

Word stress is demanding for non-native learners of English, partly because speakers from different backgrounds weight perceptual cues to stress like pitch, intensity, and duration differently. Slavic learners of English and particularly those with a fixed stress language background like Czech and Polish have been shown to be less sensitive to stress in their native and non-native languages. In contrast, German English learners are rarely discussed in a word stress context. A comparison of these varieties can reveal differences in the foreign language processing of speakers from two language families. We use electroencephalography (EEG) to explore group differences in word stress cue perception between Slavic and German learners of English. Slavic and German advanced English speakers were examined in passive multi-feature oddball experiments, where they were exposed to the word impact as an unstressed standard and as deviants stressed on the first or second syllable through higher pitch, intensity, or duration. The results revealed a robust Mismatch Negativity (MMN) component of the event-related potential (ERP) in both language groups in response to all conditions, demonstrating sensitivity to stress changes in a non-native language. While both groups showed higher MMN responses to stress changes to the second than the first syllable, this effect was more pronounced for German than for Slavic participants. Such group differences in non-native English word stress perception from the current and previous studies are argued to speak in favor of customizable language technologies and diversified English curricula compensating for non-native perceptual variation.
How, when and why abilities go social: researching children’s empathy and prosocial behaviors in context
Authors: Roerig Simone , van Wesel Floryt , Evers Sandra J. T. M. , van der Meulen Anna , Krabbendam Lydia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The current paper undertakes interdisciplinary research on empathy in children by combining insights and methodological tools from the fields of psychology, education and anthropology. The researchers aim to map how children’s individual empathic abilities studied on a cognitive level do or do not coincide with their empathic expressions as part of group dynamics in daily life at the classroom level.

Method

We combined qualitative and quantitative methods within three different classrooms at three different schools. In total, 77 children aged between 9 to 12 years participated.

Results

The results indicate how such an interdisciplinary approach can provide unique insights. Through the integration of data from our different research tools we could reveal the interplay between different levels. More specifically this meant showing the possible influence of rule-based prosocial behaviors versus empathy based prosocial behaviors, the interplay between community empathic abilities and individual empathic abilities, and the role of peer culture and school culture.

Discussion

These insights can be seen as encouragement toward a research approach that extends beyond the single disciplinary field in social science research.
A comparison of two group cognitive behavioral therapy protocols for anxiety in urban schools: appropriateness, child outcomes, and cost-effectiveness
Authors: Lawson Gwendolyn M. , Jawad Abbas F. , Comly Rachel , Khanna Muniya , Glick Henry A. , Beidas Rinad S. , Goldstein Jessica , Brizzolara-Dove Shelby , Wilson Tara , Rabenau-McDonnell Quinn , Eiraldi Ricardo
Published: June 2023

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric anxiety is efficacious for reducing anxiety symptoms and improving functioning, but many children are unable to access CBT for anxiety in community settings. Schools are an important setting in which children access mental health care, including therapy for anxiety. In this setting, therapy is usually delivered by Masters-level therapists.

Objectives

Friends for Life (FRIENDS), a 12-session, manualized, group CBT program for anxiety has demonstrated effectiveness when implemented in schools. However, prior research has also found challenges regarding feasibility and cultural fit when delivering FRIENDS in the urban school context. To address these challenges, we adapted FRIENDS for implementation in the school setting so that it might be more feasible and culturally appropriate for low-income, urban schools in the United States, while maintaining the core components of treatment. The current study uses a mixed-method approach to compare the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and perceived appropriateness of FRIENDS and CATS when delivered by Masters-level therapists with train-the-trainer support.

Materials and methods

First, we compared change scores for student outcomes (i.e., child-report MASC-2 total score, parent-report MASC-2 total score, teacher-report Engagement and Disaffection subscale scores) from pre- to post- treatment between students receiving FRIENDS and students receiving CATS to assess whether the two conditions resulted in equivalent outcomes. Second, we compared the cost and cost-effectiveness between the groups. Finally, we used an applied thematic analysis to compare appropriateness of the interventions as perceived by therapists and supervisors.

Results

The mean change score for the child-reported MASC-2 was 1.9 (SE = 1.72) points in the FRIENDS condition and 2.9 (SE = 1.73) points in the CATS condition; results indicated that the conditions were similar in their treatment effects, and symptom reductions were small in both groups. The modified protocol, CATS, was shown to cost significantly less to implement compared to FRIENDS and showed greater cost-effectiveness. Finally, compared to therapists and supervisors in the CATS condition, therapists and supervisors in the FRIENDS condition more strongly described aspects of the intervention that were not appropriate for their context and in need of more extensive adaptations.

Conclusion

Relatively brief, group CBT for anxiety, with adaptations to improve cultural fit, is a promising approach to treat youth anxiety symptom when delivered by school-based therapists with train-the-trainer implementation support.
Identifying psychosocial problems, needs, and coping mechanisms of adolescent Syrian refugees in Jordan
Authors: Al-Shatanawi Tariq N. , Khader Yousef , ALSalamat Husam , Al Hadid Lourance , Jarboua Alaa , Amarneh Basil , Alkouri Osama , Alfaqih Mahmoud A. , Alrabadi Nasr
Published: June 2023

Background

Refugees who have fled war zones are at a heightened risk of psychosocial problems that can impact their ability to function in day-to-day life and place a significant burden on the family structure. This study aimed to assess the psychosocial problems and needs and coping mechanisms of Adolescent Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Methods

Between October and December 2018, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a sample of key and individual informants. Our sample included 20 primary healthcare professionals, 20 schoolteachers, 20 Syrian parents, and 20 adolescents aged 12–17 years. All interviews were transcribed verbatim, and we utilized thematic analysis to group, categorize, and analyze the original Arabic language transcripts. To ensure thorough analysis, we adopted a bottom-up inductive approach that covered the six-phase iterative process proposed by Braun and Clarke.

Results

The main psychosocial problems encountered by Syrian adolescents included stress, depression, loneliness, lack of a sense of security, isolation, aggressiveness, fear of war, and family disintegration. Almost all schoolteachers reported that they observed that Jordanian adolescents are more settled, self-confident, and financially stable relative to their Syrian peers. The Jordanian government and community were praised for their support, including education, recreational centers, health services, and awareness campaigns. Going to school, praying and reading the Holy Quran, listening to music, and talking to friends and engaging with them were reported as the main coping mechanisms. The majority of respondents said that more services are still needed for adolescents, including more places for entertainment, psychosocial support and psychological counseling, medical care, job creation, and providing health insurance.

Conclusion

Syrian refugees are aware of the psychological aspects of their situation, but they are not always able to access clinic-based humanitarian assistance for mental health and psychosocial support. Stakeholders must interact with refugees to learn about their needs and develop services that are appropriate for their culture.
Serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate effects on sleep in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Mattingly Greg W. , Childress Ann C. , Cutler Andrew J. , Estrada José , Corliss Meg
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Sleep-related problems are common in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Sleep disorders are also side effects of all stimulant ADHD medications. Serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate (SDX/d-MPH) is a once-daily treatment approved for patients age 6 years and older with ADHD. In this analysis, sleep behavior was assessed during SDX/d-MPH treatment in children with ADHD.

Methods

In a 12-month, dose-optimized, open-label safety study in 6- to 12-year-old participants (NCT03460652), a secondary endpoint was assessment of sleep behavior based on the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) consisting of 8 sleep domains (bedtime resistance, sleep onset delay, sleep duration, sleep anxiety, night wakings, parasomnias, sleep-disordered breathing, and daytime sleepiness). This post hoc analysis examined the individual sleep domains in the 12-month safety study.

Results

Of 282 participants enrolled, 238 were included in the sleep analysis. At baseline, mean (SD) CSHQ total sleep disturbance score was 53.4 (5.9). After 1 month of treatment, the mean (SD) CSHQ total score significantly decreased to 50.5 (5.4); least-squares mean change from baseline was −2.9 (95% CI: −3.5 to −2.4; p < 0.0001) and remained decreased up to 12 months. Mean sleep-score improvements from baseline to 12 months were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) for 5 of 8 sleep domains, including bedtime resistance, sleep anxiety, night wakings, parasomnias, and daytime sleepiness. Parasomnias and daytime sleepiness sleep domains showed the greatest mean improvement from baseline to 12 months. Sleep onset delay and sleep duration scores increased from baseline to 12 months. No statistically significant worsening occurred from baseline in sleep duration and sleep-disordered breathing domains; however, worsening of sleep onset delay was statistically significant.

Conclusion

In this analysis of children taking SDX/d-MPH for ADHD, sleep problems did not worsen based on the mean CSHQ total sleep disturbance score. Statistically significant improvements in most CSHQ sleep domains were observed after 1 month and lasted for up to 12 months of treatment.
Factors influencing the satisfaction of community senior care services in China: an analysis based on an extended Anderson model
Authors: Ma Wei , Wang Junfeng , Liu Lihong , Zhang Han
Published: June 2023

Community-based senior care, as a convenient and promising care model, has gradually been accepted by the public. However, community services developed to facilitate older adults often fail to achieve the expected effect. With the fast-growing aging population in China, the problems of underutilization and low service satisfaction of senior care facilities need to be resolved urgently. In this study, we further developed an extended Anderson behavior model by incorporating social psychological factors, and the vertical and horizontal fairness perceptions. In addition, a binary logistic regression model was used to analyze factors affecting the satisfaction of older adults in life care services, health care services, and mental and spiritual comfort services. The study used data from a survey of 322 urban area seniors in Shaanxi Province. The results showed that factors influencing older adults’ satisfaction of different service categories are different. Moreover, with the addition of the social psychological factors, we observed that the vertical fairness perception of the survey respondents affected their satisfaction of senior care services significantly more than the horizontal fairness perception.
The psychological impact of Early Pregnancy Loss in Portugal: incidence and the effect on psychological morbidity
Authors: Mendes Diana C. Gonçalves , Fonseca Ana , Cameirão Mónica S.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Worldwide, up to a quarter of all recognized pregnancies result in Early Pregnancy Loss (EPL), also known as miscarriage. For many women, this is a traumatic experience that leads to persistent negative mental health responses. The most common morbidity reported in studies from different countries is complicated grief, usually comorbid with depression, anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). To our best knowledge, no studies characterizing the psychological impact of EPL have been made in Portugal.

Methods

An online survey was conducted to evaluate clinical symptoms of perinatal grief, anxiety, depression, and PTSD in women who suffered a spontaneous loss within 20  weeks of gestation. Out of 1,015 women who answered this survey, 873 were considered eligible, and subsequently distributed in 7 groups according to the time passed between their loss and their participation in the study.

Results

The proportion of women showing symptoms of all comorbidities was greater in those whose loss had happened within a month, and there was a significant gradual decrease over time in scores and proportions of clinical perinatal grief and PTSD. In terms of depression symptoms, scores dropped significantly in the group whose loss occurred 13–24  months before their participation but proportions oscillated without great changes in the other groups. Regarding anxiety, there were small oscillations, but there was no significant decrease of symptoms over time.

Discussion

Overall, despite a general drop in scores for most morbidities over time, substantial proportions of women showed persistent symptoms of clinical morbidities 3  years or more after the loss. Therefore, it is essential to promote monitoring of possible complicated responses to the event, to provide appropriate and timely intervention to those women in need.