bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residual Volume of Lymph Nodes During Chemoradiotherapy Based Nomogram to Predict Survival of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patient Receiving Induction Chemotherapy
Authors: Li Yan , Zang Jian , Liu Jingyi , Luo Shanquan , Wang Jianhua , Hou Bingxin , Zhao Lina , Shi Mei
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To accurately stratify nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients who were benefit from induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), we established residual volume of lymph nodes during chemoradiotherapy based nomogram to predict survival for NPC patients.

Methods

Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate predictive effects of tumor volume parameters. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify the prognostic factors, and nomogram models were developed to predict survival of NPC patients receiving IC followed by CCRT.

Results

Compared with other tumor volumetric parameters, midRT GTVnd was the best predictive factor for OS (HR: 1.043, 95%CI: 1.031-1.055), PFS (HR: 1.040, 95%CI: 1.030- 1.051), and DMFS (HR: 1.046, 95%CI: 1.034 – 1.059) according to the HR of Cox regression analysis. Based on multivariate analysis, three nomograms included midRT GTVnd were constructed to predict 4-year survival. The C-index of nomograms for each survival endpoints were as follow (training cohort vs. validation cohort): 0.746 vs. 0.731 for OS; 0.747 vs. 0.735 for PFS; 0.768 vs. 0.729 for DMFS, respectively. AUC showed a good discriminative ability. Calibration curves demonstrated a consistence between actual results and predictions. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the nomograms had better clinical predictive effects than current TNM staging system.

Conclusion

We identified the best volumetric indicator associated with prognosis was the residual volume of lymph nodes at the fourth week of chemoradiotherapy for patients receiving IC followed by CCRT. We developed and validated three nomograms to predict specific probability of 4-year OS, PFS and DMFS for NPC patient receiving IC followed by CCRT.
Letermovir Prophylaxis for Cytomegalovirus Infection in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Real-World Experience
Authors: Martino Massimo , Pitino Annalisa , Gori Mercedes , Bruno Benedetto , Crescimanno Alessandra , Federico Vincenzo , Picardi Alessandra , Tringali Stefania , Ingrosso Claudia , Carluccio Paola , Pastore Domenico , Musuraca Gerardo , Paviglianiti Annalisa , Vacca Adriana , Serio Bianca , Storti Gabriella , Mordini Nicola , Leotta Salvatore , Cimminiello Michele , Prezioso Lucia , Loteta Barbara , Ferreri Anna , Colasante Fabrizia , Merla Emanuela , Giaccone Luisa , Busca Alessandro , Musso Maurizio , Scalone Renato , Di Renzo Nicola , Marotta Serena , Mazza Patrizio , Musto Pellegrino , Attolico Immacolata , Selleri Carmine , Canale Filippo Antonio , Pugliese Marta , Tripepi Giovanni , Porto Gaetana , Martinelli Giovanni , Carella Angelo Michele , Cerchione Claudio
Published: September 2021

Despite effective treatments, cytomegalovirus (CMV) continues to have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) recipients. This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of the safety and efficacy of commercially available letermovir for CMV prophylaxis in a real-world setting. Endpoints were rates of clinically significant CMV infection (CSCI), defined as CMV disease or CMV viremia reactivation within day +100-+168. 204 adult CMV-seropositive allo-SCT recipients from 17 Italian centres (median age 52 years) were treated with LET 240 mg/day between day 0 and day +28. Overall, 28.9% of patients underwent a haploidentical, 32.4% a matched related, and 27.5% a matched unrelated donor (MUD) transplant. 65.7% were considered at high risk of CSCI and 65.2% had a CMV seropositive donor. Low to mild severe adverse events were observed in 40.7% of patients during treatment [gastrointestinal toxicity (36.3%) and skin rash (10.3%)]. Cumulative incidence of CSCI at day +100 and day +168 was 5.4% and 18.1%, respectively, whereas the Kaplan-Meier event rate was 5.8% (95% CI: 2.4-9.1) and 23.3% (95% CI: 16.3-29.7), respectively. Overall mortality was 6.4% at day +100 and 7.3% at day +168. This real-world experience confirms the efficacy and safety of CMV.
Case Report: A Pediatric Case of Lipoprotein Glomerulopathy in China and Literature Review
Authors: Song Yue , Yang Changqiang , Liu Lan , Wang Hua
Published: September 2021

Background: Lipoprotein glomerulopathy is a rare kidney disease characterized by lipoprotein thrombi in the glomerulus. Here, we report a case of lipoprotein glomerulopathy in a Chinese pediatric patient. Furthermore, we summarized the clinical features and genetic characteristics of lipoprotein glomerulopathy in China.

Case Presentation: An 11-year-old Chinese girl presented with nephrotic syndrome with anemia (98 g/L). After excluding secondary causes, primary nephrotic syndrome was considered. Treatment with prednisone (60 mg/day) did not improve her condition. Renal biopsy showed marked dilation of the capillary lumen with lipoprotein thrombi and positive oil red O staining. Genetic testing revealed the genetic variant c.127C > T (p.R43C), known as the Kyoto mutation of the APOE gene. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of lipoprotein glomerulopathy. Prednisone was gradually tapered and captopril was initiated. A 2-year follow-up revealed elevated urine protein and serum creatinine levels. We also reviewed 17 pediatric and 156 adult cases of lipoprotein glomerulopathy reported in China from the year of creation to 2021. The most common clinical features were edema, hematuria, hypertriglyceridemia, and increased serum apoE levels. Extra-renal manifestations included anemia, splenomegaly, and cardiac lipoprotein deposition.

Conclusion: APOE Kyoto is the most common mutation in patients with lipoprotein glomerulopathy. In China, homozygosity for E3 (E3/3) is the most common isoform.
Being the Father of a Preterm-Born Child: Contemporary Research and Recommendations for NICU Staff
Authors: Baldoni Franco , Ancora Gina , Latour Jos M.
Published: September 2021

Background:Most studies on parental reactions to a preterm birth and to hospitalization of the newborn in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have involved mothers. However, emotional responses and behaviors of fathers are equally important. Usually, the father is the first to meet the preterm newborn, to find out information about baby's condition and to communicate to the mother and other family members. In this context he is often left alone and can show psychological difficulties including affective disorders such as depression or anxiety. This paper describes the role of fathers in the NICU, the best practices to support fathers, and to explain the role of a psychologist in the NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered to support parents, with a focus on the role of fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and Discussion:Considering contemporary research data and following an attachment perspective, we analyze the role of the father of a preterm-born child in the relation with the partner and in newborn caring. Research has shown that involving fathers in newborn care in NICU and at home is essential not only because it promotes the father/son attachment relationship and has positive effects on the psychological and somatic development of the newborn, but also for the health of the mother and whole family.

Conclusion:Recommendations are provided to enhance the functions of fathers in the NICU, promote their involvement in the care of their infant, and interventions to prevent the manifestation of psychological suffering and/or perinatal affective disorders. The commitments of a psychologist in a NICU team are presented and require not only clinical skills, but also the ability to manage the emotional and relational difficulties of fathers, family and NICU staff. Considerations and suggestions are provided on the difficulties encountered by parents in the NICU during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Novel GLDC Compound Heterozygous Variant Leading to Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cao Yanyan , Meng Lingzhi , Zhang Yudong , Jiao Jiancheng , Pu Weicong , Ma Li
Published: September 2021

Nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a lethal autosomal recessive disease resulting from alterations in glycine metabolism, commonly caused by mutations in glycine decarboxylase (GLDC). The symptoms of NKH usually manifest in the neonatal period, and can be categorized into severe NKH and attenuated NKH based on the clinical outcome. To date, only a few NKH cases have been reported in China. We here report a case of a neonate with severe NKH carrying a novel compound heterozygous variant in GLDC. The patient was a 68-h-old girl who had progressive lethargy, no crying, and poor sucking ability from birth, and was therefore transferred to our department. On admission, the patient was supported by intubation and ventilation and presented with profound coma. Metabolic investigation indicated a markedly increased glycine concentration both in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Symptomatic treatments were administered, but the patient's condition did not improve substantially. Whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous mutations (c.1261G>C, p.G421R and c.450 C>G, p.N150K) in GLDC, which were inherited from the mother and the father, respectively. The patient was hospitalized for 8 days in our department and died 2 days after discharge. We further summarize the clinical features, genetic characteristics, administered treatment, and prognosis of previously reported Chinese NKH patients for context. Our results highlight that due to the non-specific clinical phenotypes of NKH and difficulty in obtaining CSF samples, genetic testing is a crucial tool, not only for a diagnosis but also for predicting the clinical outcome and can potentially help to determine the optimal therapeutic strategy.
Yisaipu® Provide AS Patients With an Economical Therapeutic Option While Original Biologicals are More Advantageous in the COVID-19 Epidemic Situation
Authors: Lu Hongjuan , Wang Yuanqiong , Wang Xiuwen , Wu Xin , Zhou Ling , Lin Li , Sheng Rong , Tian Haoran , Li Ting , Xu Huji
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents have been regarded as the most effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) so far. However, economic factors limited the prescription of original biologicals in China. Yisaipu® is a biosimilar for etanercept as pre fill syringes (PFS), which has entered China’s national medical insurance catalog for more than 10 yr and was widely used because it greatly reduced the economic burden of AS patients. Yisaipu® is provided subcutaneous injection in hospital setting only. We collected clinical data of AS patients before, during and after COVID-19 epidemic, in an attempt to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of original biologicals and Yisaipu® during regular follow up and COVID-19 epidemic.

Methods: AS patients who received original biologicals or Yisaipu® in our department for more than 1 yr were included in our study. General data, demographic characteristics, disease activity, quality of life and medical compliance were collected from regular visits. The patients were followed up through telephone interviews from April 20th to 27th, 2020 about the overall impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Results: There was no significant difference in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-CRP (ASDAS-CRP) between the two groups. Health Assessment Questionnaire for Spondyloarthropathies (HAQ-s) showed that Yisaipu® group was superior to original biological group in terms of eating, gripping and driving. In addition, the medical cost of Yisaipu® was lower than that of original biologicals. The overall impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on patients of original biological group was comparatively smaller than that on Yisaipu® group.

Conclusions: Yisaipu® provided AS patients with an economical selection during regular follow-up, while original biologicals had certain advantages in the COVID-19 epidemic setting, including a longer time interval between two drug administrations and the self-injection dose form of medication.
Hypertension Induced by Combination Therapy of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Clinical Trials
Authors: Guo Xiaodan , Qian Xiaoyu , Jin Ying , Kong Xiangyi , Qi Zhihong , Cai Tie , Zhang Lin , Wu Caisheng , Li Weihua
Published: September 2021

Background: Nowadays, due to the limitation of single therapy, combination therapy for cancer treatments has become important strategy. With the advancement of research on cardiotoxicities induced by anti-cancer treatment, among which cancer treatment-induced hypertension is the most frequent case. However, due to the small sample size and the absence of comparison (single-arm study alone), these studies have limitations to produce a feasible conclusion. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a meta-analysis focusing on hypertension caused by cancer combination therapy.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and CNKI, from database inception to November 31, 2020, with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) associated with hypertension induced by cancer combination drugs. The main endpoint of which was to assess the difference in the incidence of hypertension in cancer patients with monotherapy or combination therapy. We calculated the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CIs) according to the random effect model and evaluated the heterogeneity between different groups.

Results: According to the preset specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 23 eligible RCTs have been included in the present meta-analysis, including 6,241 patients (Among them, 2872 patients were the control group and 3369 patients were the experimental group). The results showed that cancer patients with combination therapy led to a higher risk of hypertension (All-grade: RR 2.85, 95% CI 2.52∼3.22; 1∼2 grade: RR 2.43, 95% CI 2.10∼2.81; 3∼4 grade: RR 4.37, 95% CI 3.33∼5.72). Furthermore, compared with the control group who received or did not receive a placebo, there was a higher risk of grade 3-4 hypertension caused by cancer combination treatment.

Conclusion: The present meta-analysis carries out a comprehensive analysis on the risk of patients suffering from hypertension in the process of multiple cancer combination therapies. Findings in our study support that the risk of hypertension may increase significantly in cancer patients with multiple cancer combination therapies. The outcomes of this meta-analysis may provide a reference value for clinical practice and may supply insights in reducing the incidence of hypertension caused by cancer combined treatment.
CYP2C19 Genotyping May Provide a Better Treatment Strategy when Administering Escitalopram in Chinese Population
Authors: Huang Xinyi , Li Chao , Li Chaopeng , Li Zhenyu , Li Xiaohui , Liao Jianwei , Rao Tai , Chen Lulu , Gao Lichen , Ouyang Dongsheng
Published: September 2021

Depression disorder is one of the most serious mental illnesses in the world. Escitalopram is the essential first-line medication for depression disorder. It is the substrate of hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP2C19 with high polymorphism. The effect of CYP2C19 on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics on Caucasian population has been studied. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline provides dosing recommendations for escitalopram on CYP2C19 genotypes on the basis of the studies on Caucasian population. However, the gene frequency of the alleles of CYP2C19 showed racial differences between Chinese and Caucasian populations. Representatively, the frequency of the *2 and *3 allele, which were considered as poor metabolizer, has been shown to be three times higher in Chinese than in Caucasians. In addition, the environments might also lead to different degrees of impacts on genotypes. Therefore, the guidelines based on the Caucasians may not be applicable to the Chinese, which induced the establishment of a guideline in China. It is necessary to provide the evidence of individual treatment of escitalopram in Chinese by studying the effect of CYP2C19 genotypes on the pharmacokinetics parameters and steady-state concentration on Chinese. In this study, single-center, randomized, open-label, two-period, two-treatment crossover studies were performed. Ninety healthy Chinese subjects finished the trials, and they were included in the statistical analysis. The pharmacokinetics characteristics of different genotypes in Chinese were obtained. The results indicate that the poor metabolizer had higher exposure, and increased half-life than the extensive metabolizer and intermediate metabolite. The prediction of steady-state concentration based on the single dose trial on escitalopram shows that the poor metabolizer might have a higher steady-state concentration than the extensive metabolizer and intermediate metabolite in Chinese. The results indicate that the genetic testing before medication and the adjustment of escitalopram in the poor metabolizer should be considered in the clinical treatments in Chinese. The results provide the evidence of individual treatment of escitalopram in Chinese, which will be beneficial for the safer and more effective application of escitalopram in the Chinese population.

Clinical Trial Registration: identifier ChiCTR1900027226.
Research Progress of Pharmacogenomics in Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Shao Qihui , Mao Xinyu , Zhou Zhixuan , Huai Cong , Li Zhiling
Published: September 2021

Background: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common and serious adverse drug reaction with insufficient clinical diagnostic strategies and treatment methods. The only clinically well-received method is the Roussel UCLAF Causality Assessment Method scale, which can be applied to both individuals and prospective or retrospective studies. However, in severe cases, patients with DILI still would develop acute liver failure or even death. Pharmacogenomics, a powerful tool to achieve precision medicine, has been used to study the polymorphism of DILI related genes.

Summary: We summarized the pathogenesis of DILI and findings on associated genes and variations with DILI, including but not limited to HLA genes, drug metabolizing enzymes, and transporters genes, and pointed out further fields for DILI related pharmacogenomics study to provide references for DILI clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Key Messages: At present, most of the studies are mainly limited to CGS and GWAS, and there is still a long way to achieve clinical transformation. DNA methylation could be a new consideration, and ethnic differences and special populations also deserve attention.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Regulate K+ Channel Activity in Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Gawali Vaibhavkumar S. , Chimote Ameet A. , Newton Hannah S. , Feria-Garzón Manuel G. , Chirra Martina , Janssen Edith M. , Wise-Draper Trisha M. , Conforti Laura
Published: September 2021

Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) interaction negatively regulates T cell function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Overexpression of PD-1 reduces intracellular Ca2+ fluxes, and thereby T cell effector functions. In HNSCC patients, PD-1 blockade increases KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 activity along with Ca2+ signaling and mobility in CD8+ peripheral blood T cells (PBTs). The mechanism by which PD-L1/PD-1 interaction regulates ion channel function is not known. We investigated the effects of blocking PD-1 and PD-L1 on ion channel functions and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in CD8+ PBTs of HNSCC patients and healthy donors (HDs) using single-cell electrophysiology and live microscopy. Anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies increase KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 function in CD8+ PBTs of HNSCC patients. Anti-PD-1 treatment increases Ca2+ fluxes in a subset of HSNCC patients. In CD8+ PBTs of HDs, exposure to PD-L1 reduces KCa3.1 activity and Ca2+ signaling, which were restored by anti-PD-1 treatment. The PD-L1-induced inhibition of KCa3.1 channels was rescued by the intracellular application of the PI3 kinase modulator phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) in patch-clamp experiments. In HNSCC CD8+ PBTs, anti-PD-1 treatment did not affect the expression of KCa3.1, Kv1.3, Ca2+ release activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels, and markers of cell activation (CD69) and exhaustion (LAG-3 and TIM-3). Our data show that immune checkpoint blockade improves T cell function by increasing KCa3.1 and Kv1.3 channel activity in HNSCC patients.
Biomechanical Response of the Lower Extremity to Running-Induced Acute Fatigue: A Systematic Review
Authors: Apte Salil , Prigent Gäelle , Stöggl Thomas , Martínez Aaron , Snyder Cory , Gremeaux-Bader Vincent , Aminian Kamiar
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate (i) typical protocols used in research on biomechanical response to running-induced fatigue, (ii) the effect of sport-induced acute fatigue on the biomechanics of running and functional tests, and (iii) the consistency of analyzed parameter trends across different protocols.

Methods: Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, and IEEE databases were searched using terms identified with the Population, Interest and Context (PiCo) framework. Studies were screened following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and appraised using the methodological index for non-randomized studies MINORS scale. Only experimental studies with at least 10 participants, which evaluated fatigue during and immediately after the fatiguing run were included. Each study was summarized to record information about the protocol and parameter trends. Summary trends were computed for each parameter based on the results found in individual studies.

Results: Of the 68 included studies, most were based on in-lab (77.9%) protocols, endpoint measurements (75%), stationary measurement systems (76.5%), and treadmill environment (54.4%) for running. From the 42 parameters identified in response to acute fatigue, flight time, contact time, knee flexion angle at initial contact, trunk flexion angle, peak tibial acceleration, CoP velocity during balance test showed an increasing behavior and cadence, vertical stiffness, knee extension force during MVC, maximum vertical ground reaction forces, and CMJ height showed a decreasing trend across different fatigue protocols.

Conclusion: This review presents evidence that running-induced acute fatigue influences almost all the included biomechanical parameters, with crucial influence from the exercise intensity and the testing environment. Results indicate an important gap in literature caused by the lack of field studies with continuous measurement during outdoor running activities. To address this gap, we propose recommendations for the use of wearable inertial sensors.
Cardiovascular Effects of Epinephrine During Experimental Hypothermia (32°C) With Spontaneous Circulation in an Intact Porcine Model
Authors: Mohyuddin Rizwan , Dietrichs Erik Sveberg , Sundaram Predip , Kondratiev Timofey , Figenschou Marie Fjellanger , Sieck Gary C. , Tveita Torkjel
Published: September 2021

Aims: Rewarming from accidental hypothermia and therapeutic temperature management could be complicated by cardiac dysfunction. Although pharmacologic support is often applied when rewarming these patients, updated treatment recommendations are lacking. There is an underlying deficiency of clinical and experimental data to support such interventions and this prevents the development of clinical guidelines. Accordingly, we explored the clinical effects of epinephrine during hypothermic conditions.

Materials and methods: Anesthetized pigs were immersion cooled to 32°C. Predetermined variables were compared at temperature/time-point baseline, after receiving 30 ng/kg/min and 90 ng/kg/min epinephrine infusions: (1) before and during hypothermia at 32°C, and after rewarming to 38°C (n = 7) and (2) a time-matched (5 h) normothermic control group (n = 5).

Results: At 32°C, both stroke volume and cardiac output were elevated after 30 ng/kg/min administration, while systemic vascular resistance was reduced after 90 ng/kg/min. Epinephrine infusion did not alter blood flow in observed organs, except small intestine flow, and global O2 extraction rate was significantly reduced in response to 90 ng/kg/min infusion. Electrocardiographic measurements were unaffected by epinephrine infusion.

Conclusion: Administration of both 30 ng/kg/min and 90 ng/kg/min at 32°C had a positive inotropic effect and reduced afterload. We found no evidence of increased pro-arrhythmic activity after epinephrine infusion in hypothermic pigs. Our experiment therefore suggests that β₁-receptor stimulation with epinephrine could be a favorable strategy for providing cardiovascular support in hypothermic patients, at core temperatures >32°C.
Expression Profiles and Functional Characterization of Chemosensory Protein 15 (HhalCSP15) in the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha halys
Authors: Wang Zehua , Yang Fan , Sun Ang , Shan Shuang , Zhang Yongjun , Wang Shanning
Published: September 2021

Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) have been identified in the sensory tissues of various insect species and are believed to be involved in chemical communication in insects. However, the physiological roles of CSPs in Halyomorpha halys, a highly invasive insect species, are rarely reported. Here, we focused on one of the antennal CSPs (HhalCSP15) and determined whether it was involved in olfactory perception. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that HhalCSP15 was enriched in nymph and male and female adult antennae, indicating its possible involvement in the chemosensory process. Fluorescence competitive binding assays revealed that three of 43 natural compounds showed binding abilities with HhalCSP15, including β-ionone (Ki=11.9±0.6μM), cis-3-hexen-1-yl benzoate (Ki=10.5±0.4μM), and methyl (2E,4E,6Z)-decatrienoate (EEZ-MDT; Ki=9.6±0.8μM). Docking analysis supported the experimental affinity for the three ligands. Additionally, the electrophysiological activities of the three ligands were further confirmed using electroantennography (EAG). EEZ-MDT is particularly interesting, as it serves as a kairomone when H. halys forages for host plants. We therefore conclude that HhalCSP15 might be involved in the detection of host-related volatiles. Our data provide a basis for further investigation of the physiological roles of CSPs in H. halys, and extend the olfactory function of CSPs in stink bugs.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Reduces Marathon-Induced Oxidative Stress and Decreases Liver and Heart Injury Markers in the Serum
Authors: Mieszkowski Jan , Stankiewicz Błaz∙ej , Kochanowicz Andrzej , Niespodziński Bartłomiej , Borkowska Andz∙elika , Sikorska Katarzyna , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła , Brzezińska Paulina , Antosiewicz Jędrzej
Published: September 2021

Clinical studies continue to provide evidence of organ protection by remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC). However, there is lack of insight into impact of RIPC on exercise-induce changes in human organs’ function. We here aimed to elucidate the effects of 10-day RIPC training on marathon-induced changes in the levels of serum markers of oxidative stress, and liver and heart damage. The study involved 18 male amateur runners taking part in a marathon. RIPC training was performed in the course of four cycles, by inflating and deflating a blood pressure cuff at 5-min intervals (RIPC group, n=10); the control group underwent sham training (n=8). The effects of RIPC on levels of oxidative stress, and liver and heart damage markers were investigated at rest after 10 consecutive days of training and after the marathon run. The 10-day RIPC training decreased the serum resting levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine transaminase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and malondialdehyde (MDA). After the marathon run, creatinine kinase MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin level (cTn), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ALT, total bilirubin (BIL-T), and MDA levels were increased and arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR) levels were decreased in all participants. The changes were significantly diminished in the RIPC group compared with the control group. The GGT activity remained constant in the RIPC group but significantly increased in the control group after the marathon run. In conclusion, the study provides evidence for a protective effect of RIPC against liver and heart damage induced by strenuous exercise, such as the marathon.
Effect of Functional Training on Physical Fitness Among Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xiao Wensheng , Soh Kim Geok , Wazir Mohd Rozilee Wazir Norjali , Talib Othman , Bai Xiaorong , Bu Te , Sun He , Popovic Stevo , Masanovic Bojan , Gardasevic Jovan
Published: September 2021

There is evidence that functional training is beneficial for the overall physical fitness of athletes. However, there is a lack of a systematic review focused on the effects of functional training on athletes' physical fitness. Thus, the aimed of the present review is to clarify the effects of functional training on physical fitness among athletes. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA)Statementguidelines, the systematic search of PubMed, SCOPUS, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), and CINAHL Plus databases was undertaken onthe 2nd November2020 to identify the reported studies, using a combination of keywords related to functional training, physical fitness,andathletes.From the 145 studies, only nine articles met all eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The assessment was performed on the Pedro scale, and the quality of the study included in the nine studies was fair (ranging from 3 to 4). The results showed that speed (n= 6) was theaspect of physical fitnessstudied in functional training interventions, followed by muscular strength (n= 5), power (n= 4), balance (n= 3), body composition (n= 3), agility (n= 3), flexibility (n = 1) and muscular endurance (n= 1). Existing evidence concludes that functional training significantly impacts speed, muscular strength, power, balance, and agility.Furthermore, there are still limit numbers of evidence showing effect offunctional training on flexibility and muscular endurance. In contrast, no significant improvement was found in body composition where functional training was conducted.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD4202123092.
How Authoritarian Leadership Affects Employee's Helping Behavior? The Mediating Role of Rumination and Moderating Role of Psychological Ownership
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Zhiying Liu , Nadeem Muhammad Athar , Ghani Usman , Arshad Mahwish , Yi Xu
Published: September 2021

Interpersonal helping behaviors, i.e., voluntarily assisting colleagues for their workplace related problems, have received immense amount of scholarly attention due to their significant impacts on organizational effectiveness. Among several other factors, authoritarian leadership style could influence helping behavior within organizations. Furthermore, this relationship could be mediated by workplace stressor such as rumination, known as a critical psychological health component leading to depressive symptoms, hopelessness and pessimism. In the meantime, less research attention has devoted to probe the crucial role of psychological ownership, which can buffer the adverse effects of authoritarian leadership upon rumination. Building on conservation of resources theory, this study investigates the adverse impacts of authoritarian leadership on employees' helping behaviors through mediating role of rumination, and also examines the moderating effect of psychological ownership between the relationship of authoritarian leadership and rumination. The data were collected from 264 employees in education and banking sectors and the results show: (i) authoritarian leadership has adverse impacts on helping behavior, (ii) rumination mediates the relationship between authoritarian leadership and employees' helping behaviors, and (iii) psychological ownership moderates the positive relationship between authoritarian leadership and rumination. This study concludes that authoritarian leadership has adverse impacts upon helping behavior, which needs to be controlled/minimized. The findings are of great significance for managers, employees, and organizations in terms of policy implications. The limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
Information Easiness Affects Non-experts’ Evaluation of Scientific Claims About Which They Hold Prior Beliefs
Authors: Scharrer Lisa , Bromme Rainer , Stadtler Marc
Published: September 2021

Usually, non-experts do not possess sufficient deep-level knowledge to make fully informed evaluations of scientific claims. Instead, they depend on pertinent experts for support. However, previous research has shown that the easiness by which textual information on a scientific issue can be understood seduces non-experts into overlooking their evaluative limitations. The present study examined whether text easiness affects non-experts’ evaluation of scientific claims even if they possess prior beliefs about the accuracy of these claims. Undergraduates who strongly believed that climate change is anthropogenic read argumentative texts that were either easy or difficult to understand and that supported a claim either consistent or inconsistent with their beliefs. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that text easiness affects non-experts’ judgment of scientific claims about which they hold prior beliefs—but only when these claims are in accordance with their beliefs. It seems that both text difficulty and belief inconsistency remind non-experts of their own limitations.
Neuromuscular Diseases Affect Number Representation and Processing: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Schmidt Hendrikje , Felisatti Arianna , von Aster Michael , Wilbert Jürgen , von Moers Arpad , Fischer Martin H.
Published: September 2021

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) both are rare genetic neuromuscular diseases with progressive loss of motor ability. The neuromotor developmental course of those diseases is well documented. In contrast, there is only little evidence about characteristics of general and specific cognitive development. In both conditions the final motor outcome is characterized by an inability to move autonomously: children with SMA never accomplish independent motoric exploration of their environment, while children with DMD do but later lose this ability again. These profound differences in developmental pathways might affect cognitive development of SMA vs. DMD children, as cognition is shaped by individual motor experiences. DMD patients show impaired executive functions, working memory, and verbal IQ, whereas only motor ability seems to be impaired in SMA. Advanced cognitive capacity in SMA may serve as a compensatory mechanism for achieving in education, career progression, and social satisfaction. This study aimed to relate differences in basic numerical concepts and arithmetic achievement in SMA and DMD patients to differences in their motor development and resulting sensorimotor and environmental experiences. Horizontal and vertical spatial-numerical associations were explored in SMA/DMD children ranging between 6 and 12 years through the random number generation task. Furthermore, arithmetic skills as well as general cognitive ability were assessed. Groups differed in spatial number processing as well as in arithmetic and domain-general cognitive functions. Children with SMA showed no horizontal and even reversed vertical spatial-numerical associations. Children with DMD on the other hand revealed patterns in spatial numerical associations comparable to healthy developing children. From the embodied Cognition perspective, early sensorimotor experience does play a role in development of mental number representations. However, it remains open whether and how this becomes relevant for the acquisition of higher order cognitive and arithmetic skills.
Exploring the Relationship Between Visual Aesthetics and Social Commerce Through Visual Information Adoption Unimodel
Authors: Yang Yongzhong , Tang Yunyan , Zhang Yu , Yang Ruo
Published: September 2021

The visual revolution and attention economy of the digital world have put visual aesthetic communication into the primary position of social media marketing. However, this phenomenon remains underexplored within social commerce research. This study thus develops a visual information adoption unimodel (VIAUM), to explore the relationship between visual aesthetics and social commerce intentions. Users with social commerce experience are invited to complete our online survey, and 321 valid data are collected. The results reveal that visual aesthetics has direct and indirect (via perceived usefulness) effects on the social commerce intention of users. Besides, interdependent self-construal (InterSC) strengthens the direct effect between visual aesthetics and social commerce intention. In contrast, independent self-construal weakens the mediation effects of perceived usefulness. This study is among the first attempts to empirically examine the intervening mechanism and boundary conditions between the visual aesthetics of self-presentation of micro-celebrity and the social commerce intention of consumers.
Mechanisms of Music Impact: Autonomic Tone and the Physical Activity Roadmap to Advancing Understanding and Evidence-Based Policy
Authors: McCrary J. Matt , Altenmüller Eckart
Published: September 2021

Research demonstrates that both music-making and music listening have an ability to modulate autonomic nervous system activity. The majority of studies have highlighted acute autonomic changes occurring during or immediately following a single session of music engagement. Several studies also suggest that repeated music-making and listening may have longer-term effects on autonomic tone—the prevailing balance of sympathetic vs. parasympathetic activity. Autonomic imbalance is associated with a range of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health conditions and non-communicable diseases. Established behavioral interventions capable of restoring healthy autonomic tone (e.g., physical activity; smoking cessation) have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in broadly promoting health and preventing disease and up to 7.2 million annual deaths. Accordingly, this article proposes that music’s suggested ability to modulate autonomic tone may be a key central mechanism underpinning the broad health benefits of music-making and listening reported in several recent reviews. Further, this article highlights how physical activity research provides a relevant roadmap to efficiently advancing understanding of music’s effects on both autonomic tone and health more broadly, as well as translating this understanding into evidence-based policy and prescriptions. In particular, adapting FITT—Frequency, Intensity, Timing, Type—criteria to evaluate and prescribe music-making and listening in observational and intervention studies has excellent prospective utility.
Repeated Sessions of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, and Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Prillinger Karin , Radev Stefan T. , Amador de Lara Gabriel , Klöbl Manfred , Lanzenberger Rupert , Plener Paul L. , Poustka Luise , Konicar Lilian
Published: September 2021

Background: Social–emotional difficulties are a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Accordingly, individuals with ASD have problems with social cognition such as recognizing emotions from other peoples' faces. Various results from functional magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography studies as well as eye-tracking data reveal a neurophysiological basis of these deficits by linking them to abnormal brain activity. Thus, an intervention targeting the neural origin of ASD impairments seems warranted. A safe method able to influence neural activity is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). This non-invasive brain stimulation method has already demonstrated promising results in several neuropsychiatric disorders in adults and children. The aim of this project is to investigate the effects of tDCS on ASD symptoms and their neural correlates in children and adolescents with ASD.

Method: This study is designed as a double-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled trial with a target sample size of 20 male participants (aged 12–17 years) diagnosed with ASD. Before randomization, the participants will be stratified into comorbid depression, comorbid ADHS/conduct disorder, or no-comorbidity groups. The intervention phase comprises 10 sessions of anodal or sham tDCS applied over the left prefrontal cortex within 2 consecutive weeks. To engage the targeted brain regions, participants will perform a social cognition training during the stimulation. TDCS-induced effects on ASD symptoms and involved neural circuits will be investigated through psychological, neurophysiological, imaging, and behavioral data at pre- and post-measurements. Tolerability will be evaluated using a standardized questionnaire. Follow-up assessments 1 and 6 months after the intervention will examine long-lasting effects.

Discussion: The results of this study will provide insights into the changeability of social impairments in ASD by investigating social and emotional abilities on different modalities following repeated sessions of anodal tDCS with an intra-simulation training. Furthermore, this trial will elucidate the tolerability and the potential of tDCS as a new treatment approach for ASD in adolescents.

Clinical Trial Registration: The study is ongoing and has been registered in the German Registry of Clinical Trials (DRKS00017505) on 02/07/2019.
Digital Shared Decision-Making Interventions in Mental Healthcare: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vitger Tobias , Korsbek Lisa , Austin Stephen F. , Petersen Lone , Nordentoft Merete , Hjorthøj Carsten
Published: September 2021

Background:Shared decision-making (SDM) in mental healthcare has received increased attention as a process to reinforce person-centered care. With the rapid development of digital health technology, researchers investigate how digital interventions may be utilized to support SDM. Despite the promise of digital interventions to support SDM, the effect of these in mental healthcare has not been evaluated before. Thus, this paper aims to assess the effect of SDM interventions complimented by digital technology in mental healthcare.

Objective:The objective of this review was to systematically examine the effectiveness of digital SDM interventions on patient outcomes as investigated in randomized trials.

Methods:We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on digital SDM interventions for people with a mental health condition. We searched for relevant studies in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search strategy included terms relating to SDM, digital systems, mental health conditions, and study type. The primary outcome was patient activation or indices of the same (e.g., empowerment and self-efficacy), adherence to treatment, hospital admissions, severity of symptoms, and level of functioning. Secondary outcomes were satisfaction, decisional conflict, working alliance, usage, and adherence of medicine; and adverse events were defined as harms or side effects.

Results:Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria with outcome data from 2,400 participants. Digital SDM interventions had a moderate positive effect as compared with a control condition on patient activation [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.56, CI: 0.10, 1.01,p= 0.02], a small effect on general symptoms (SMD = −0.17, CI: −0.31, −0.03,p= 0.02), and working alliance (SMD = 0.21, CI: 0.02, 0.41,p= 0.03) and for improving decisional conflict (SMD = −0.37, CI: −0.70, −0.05,p= 0.02). No effect was found on self-efficacy, other types of mental health symptoms, adverse events, or patient satisfaction. A total of 39 outcomes were narratively synthesized with results either favoring the intervention group or showing no significant differences between groups. Studies were generally assessed to have unclear or high risk of bias, and outcomes had a Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) rating of low- or very low-quality evidence.

Conclusions:Digital interventions to support SDM may be a promising tool in mental healthcare; but with the limited quality of research, we have little confidence in the estimates of effect. More quality research is needed to further assess the effectiveness of digital means to support SDM but also to determine which digital intervention features are most effective to support SDM.

Systematic Review Registration:PROSPERO, identifier CRD42020148132.
Descriptive Epidemiology of the Tuberculosis Service Delivery Project Beneficiaries in Northwest Syria: 2019-2020
Authors: Alashavi Hani , Daher Mahmoud , Chorgoliani Dato , Saflo Molham , Zeidan Mohammed , Huseyinibrahim Fedi , Ismail Eyup , Yousef Abdul Raouf Haj , Ayat Khalil , Elobayd Ekrem , Dadu Andre , Shaikh Masood Ali
Published: September 2021

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic communicable disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis that thrives in protracted humanitarian crises. It is an important cause of morbidity and mortality burden in the developing world. Globally, TB is the number one cause of death from any single infectious disease agent that plagued an estimated 10 million (range, 8.9–11.0 million) people in 2019 alone. The Eastern Mediterranean region comprised 8.2% of the worldwide share of TB cases in 2019.

Methods: in April 2019, the World Health Organization's (WHO) country office of Turkey started three TB centers in the cities of A'zaz, Idleb, and Afrin in northwest Syria, to provide the population with quality TB treatment curative services. The objectives of the project involved provision of full package of TB services in alignment with WHO TB standards and protocols. Three contractors i.e., national NGOs, were selected after a rigorous process in accordance with WHO policies. These newly established centers were equipped with the essential medical supplies, including well-functioning X-ray and microscopy laboratories run by WHO-trained medical doctors and lab technicians.

Results: Based on the quarterly reports submitted by the WHO partners, from the last two quarters of the year 2019, and the four quarters for the year 2020, out of 785 cases diagnosed either by clinical, laboratory, or radiological assessment, 251 cases were bacteriologically confirmed as TB cases against the backdrop of 2236 bacteriological investigations done and a weekly average of 31 sputum specimens processed. A total of 316 smear positive slides were identified during the study period, with the proportion of smear positive slides to be 14.13%. Clinical status determined after 6 months of treatment revealed that out of the 181 patients enrolled in the third quarter of 2019, 128 patients were either cured or successfully completed their TB treatment; with a treatment success rate of 70.7% and in quarter 4, 2019 those figures were respectively: 133, 82 and 61.7%.

Conclusion: Despite the challenging and protracted complex humanitarian situation in northwest Syria, the number of patients enrolled and the proportion who successfully completed the TB treatment is acceptable. However, these results are preliminary, as clinical outcomes were available only for the first and second cohorts of patients enrolled. Innovative solutions and flexibility in the execution and continued expansion of this promising project are imperative.