bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical considerations at the intersection of hematopoietic cell transplantation and hereditary hematopoietic malignancy
Authors: O’Connor Timothy E. , Shaw Reid , Madero-Marroquin Rafael , Roloff Gregory W.
Published: May 2023

In recent years, advances in genetics and the integration of clinical-grade next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays into patient care have facilitated broader recognition of hereditary hematopoietic malignancy (HHM) among clinicians, in addition to the identification and characterization of novel HHM syndromes. Studies on genetic risk distribution within affected families and unique considerations of HHM biology represent exciting areas of translational research. More recently, data are now emerging pertaining to unique aspects of clinical management of malignancies arising in the context of pathogenic germline mutations, with particular emphasis on chemotherapy responsiveness. In this article, we explore considerations surrounding allogeneic transplantation in the context of HHMs. We review pre- and post-transplant patient implications, including genetic testing donor selection and donor-derived malignancies. Additionally, we consider the limited data that exist regarding the use of transplantation in HHMs and safeguards that might be pursued to mitigate transplant-related toxicities.
The role of TSC2 in breast cancer: a literature review
Authors: Zhu Qiao-Yan , He Zhe-Min , Cao Wen-Ming , Li Bei
Published: May 2023

TSC2 is a tumor suppressor gene as well as a disease-causing gene for autosomal dominant disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Research has found that some tumor tissues have lower TSC2 expression levels than normal tissues. Furthermore, low expression of TSC2 is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. TSC2 acts as a convergence point of a complex network of signaling pathways and receives signals from the PI3K, AMPK, MAPK, and WNT pathways. It also regulates cellular metabolism and autophagy through inhibition of a mechanistic target of rapamycin complex, which are processes relevant to the progression, treatment, and prognosis of breast cancer. In-depth study of TSC2 functions provides significant guidance for clinical applications in breast cancer, including improving the treatment efficacy, overcoming drug resistance, and predicting prognosis. In this review, protein structure and biological functions of TSC2 were described and recent advances in TSC2 research in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer were summarized.
Effects of a false-positive result in newborn congenital hypothyroidism screening on parents in Guangxi, China
Authors: Tu Si-Jing , Wei Yu-Jia , Chen Bu-Tong , Zhang Xiao-Fei , Luo Chao , Dong Bai-Qing
Published: May 2023

Background

As more than 500,000 neonates participate in newborn congenital hypothyroidism (CH) screening in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region each year, the overall number of false-positive (FP) cases has increased. We aim to assess the parental stress in parents of neonates with FP CH results in Guangxi, find out the influence factors related to demographics, and provide the basis for personalized health education.

Methods

The parents of neonates with FP CH results were invited to participate in the FP group, and the parents of neonates with all negative results were invited to participate in the control group. The parents completed a questionnaire on demographics, knowledge of CH, and the parental stress index (PSI) in the hospital for the first time. The follow-up visits for PSI were conducted 3, 6, and 12 months afterward through telephone and online.

Results

A total of 258 and 1,040 parents participated in the FP and control groups, respectively. The parents in the FP group had better knowledge of CH and higher PSI scores than the parents in the control group. The result of logistic regression showed that the major influence factors related to the knowledge of CH were FP experience and source of knowledge. The parents in the FP group who were well-informed during the recall phone call had lower PSI scores than the other parents. The parents in the FP group showed decreasing PSI scores gradually in follow-up visits.

Conclusion

The results suggested that FP screening results may affect parental stress and parent–child relationship. FP results increased the stress on the parents and increased their knowledge of CH passively.
A funnel-type stepwise filtering strategy for identification of potential Q-markers of traditional Chinese medicine formulas
Authors: Jiang Yuhang , Chen Mengying , Gang Hongchuan , Li Xuejiao , Zhai Chuanjia , Feng Zhiyang , Luo Gan , Gao Xiaoyan
Published: May 2023

Quality marker (Q-marker) serves as an important driver for the standardization of quality control in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas. However, it is still challenging to discover comprehensive and representative Q-markers. This study aimed to identify Q-markers of Hugan tablet (HGT), a famous TCM formula with ideal clinical effects in liver diseases. Here, we proposed a funnel-type stepwise filtering strategy that integrated secondary metabolites characterization, characteristic chromatogram, quantitative analysis, literature mining, biotransformation rules and network analysis. Firstly, the strategy of “secondary metabolites-botanical drugs-TCM formula” was applied to comprehensively identify the secondary metabolites of HGT. Then, the secondary metabolites with specificity and measurability in each botanical drug were identified by HPLC characteristic chromatogram, biosynthesis pathway and quantitative analysis. Based on literature mining, the effectiveness of botanical metabolites that met the above conditions was evaluated. Furthermore, the metabolism of the above metabolites in vivo was studied to reveal their biotransformation forms, which were used for network analysis. At last, according to biotransformation rules of the prototype drugs in vivo, the secondary metabolites were traced and preliminarily chosen as Q-markers. As a result, 128 plant secondary metabolites were identified in HGT, and 11 specific plant secondary metabolites were screened out. Then, the content of specific plant secondary metabolites in 15 batches of HGT was determined, which confirmed their measurability. And the results of literature mining showed that eight secondary metabolites had therapeutic effects in treating liver disease at the in vivo level, and three secondary metabolites inhibited liver disease-related indicators at the in vitro level. After that, 26 compounds absorbed into the blood (11 specific plant metabolites and their 15 metabolites in vivo) were detected in rats. Moreover, 14 compounds, including prototype components and their metabolites, were selected as Q-marker candidates by the “TCM formula-botanical drugs-compounds-targets-pathways” network. Finally, 9 plant secondary metabolites were defined as comprehensive and representative Q-markers. Our study not only provides a scientific basis for the improvement and secondary development of the quality standard of HGT, but also proposes a reference method for discovering and identifying Q-markers of TCM preparations.
Effects of adjuvant huaier granule therapy on survival rate of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Ke , Bi Yufei , Zeng Xuanwei , Wang Xianbo
Published: May 2023

Objective: Clinical trials have reported that Huaier granule inhibits the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after resection. However, its efficacy in patients at different clinical stages of HCC remains unknown. We investigated the effects of Huaier granule on the 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of patients at different clinical stages.

Design: This cohort study included 826 patients with HCC, screened between January 2015 and December 2019. The patients were divided into Huaier (n = 174) and control groups (n = 652), and the 3-year OS rates were compared between the two groups. To eliminate bias caused by confounding factors, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. We used the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate OS rate and tested the difference using the log-rank test.

Results: Multivariable regression analysis revealed that Huaier therapy was an independent protective factor for 3-year survival rate. After PSM (1:2), the Huaier and control groups comprised 170 and 340 patients, respectively. The 3-year OS rate was remarkably higher in the Huaier group than in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.36; 95% confidence interval: 0.26–0.49; p < 0.001). The aHR for Huaier use for 3–12, 12–24, and >24 months was 0.48, 0.23, and 0.16, respectively, indicating a dose-response pattern. For the 3–12-, 12–24-, and >24-month groups, the 3-year OS rate was 54.1%, 68.6%, and 90.4%, respectively. Multivariate stratified analysis confirmed that the mortality risk in Huaier users was lower than that in non-Huaier users in most subgroups.

Conclusion: Adjuvant Huaier therapy improved the OS rate in patients with HCC. However, these findings require further verification through prospective clinical studies.
Identification of a lipid metabolism-related gene for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Jiang Xin , Du Wenqi , Shi Ce , Kang Mengjie , Song Qiuya , Zhang Lansheng , Pei Dongsheng
Published: May 2023

Background: Tumors frequently evade immune surveillance through multiple pathways to escape T cell recognition and destruction. Previous studies indicated that lipid metabolism alteration could affect the anti-tumor immunity of cancer cells. Nonetheless, the studies that investigated lipid metabolism-related gene for cancer immunotherapy are still few.

Materials and methods: By mining the TCGA database, we screened out carnitine palmitoyltransferase-2 (CPT2), a key enzyme in the fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) process associated with anti-tumor immunity. We then analyzed the gene expression and clinicopathological features of CPT2 using open-source platforms and databases. Molecular proteins interacting with CPT2 were also identified using web interaction tools. Subsequently, the relationship between CPT2 and survival was analyzed in cancer patients.

Results: Our study revealed that CPT2 played a vital role in tumor microenvironment and immune response signaling pathways. We have also demonstrated that increased CPT2 gene expression could enhance the level of tumor immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, high CPT2 expression positively related with overall survival associated with immunotherapy. CPT2 expression was also associated with the prognosis of human cancers, suggesting that CPT2 may be a potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the relationship between CPT2 and tumor immune microenvironment was first proposed in this study. Therefore, further studies on CPT2 may provide new insights into the development of effective cancer immunotherapy.
Determination of birefringence of biological tissues using modified PS-OCT based on the quaternion approach
Authors: Ke Qiuqing , Li Ke , Wu Weijie , Li Wangbiao , Chen Haiyu , Cai Renhui , Li Zhifang
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a functional extension of standard OCT. PS-OCT systems can be generally categorized into two categories based on the number of input polarization states on the sample: multi-input polarization state (multi-IPS) and single IPS. In addition, each category includes two configurations: fiber-based system and bulk optics-based system. However, there are complex and time-consuming steps to calibrate the polarization states of light among the reference, the sample, and detection arms for fiber-based system. And it is not compact and robust enough for bulk optics-based system.

Methods: In the modified SD PS-OCT system with structural symmetry in both arms of the reference and sample, there are no bulk polarization optical elements in both arms of the reference and the sample. A circularly polarized light was used to incident on sample, and Stokes vector of backscattered light was employed to characterize the birefringence of biological tissues based on the quaternion approach, which directly establishes the relationship between Stokes vectors of backscattered light and Jones matrix of the sample.

Results and discussion: The new algorithm provides the analytic solution of retardance and fast-axis orientation. To evaluate the performance of the developed system, an eighth-wave plate is used. Then, the polarization properties of the myocardial tissue in vivo are quantitatively reconstructed based on the quaternion approach. The results demonstrated that the proposed method has an advantage over Jones formalism based on a single input state and two polarization input states. In the future, the modified SD PS-OCT could be improved as a common path SD PS-OCT for clinical applications.
Wrist ballistocardiography and invasively recorded blood pressure in healthy volunteers during reclining bike exercise
Authors: Steffensen Torjus L. , Schjerven Filip E. , Flade Hans M. , Kirkeby-Garstad Idar , Ingeström Emma , Solberg Fredrik S. , Steinert Martin
Published: May 2023

Objective: Ballistocardiogram (BCG) features are of interest in wearable cardiovascular monitoring of cardiac performance. We assess feasibility of wrist acceleration BCG during exercise for estimating pulse transit time (PTT), enabling broader cardiovascular response studies during acute exercise and improved monitoring in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We also examine the relationship between PTT, blood pressure (BP), and stroke volume (SV) during exercise and posture interventions.

Methods: 25 participants underwent a bike exercise protocol with four incremental workloads (0 W, 50 W, 100 W, and 150 W) in supine and semirecumbent postures. BCG, invasive radial artery BP, tonometry, photoplethysmography (PPG) and echocardiography were recorded. Ensemble averages of BCG signals determined aortic valve opening (AVO) timings, combined with peripheral pulse wave arrival times to calculate PTT. We tested for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: BCG was successfully recorded at the wrist during exercise. PTT exhibited a moderate negative correlation with systolic BP (ρSup = −0.65, ρSR = −0.57, ρAll = −0.54). PTT differences between supine and semirecumbent conditions were significant at 0 W and 50 W (p < 0.001), less at 100 W (p = 0.0135) and 150 W (p = 0.031). SBP and DBP were lower in semirecumbent posture (p < 0.01), while HR was slightly higher. Echocardiography confirmed association of BCG features with AVO and indicated a positive relationship between BCG amplitude and SV (ρ = 0.74).

Significance: Wrist BCG may allow convenient PTT and possibly SV tracking during exercise, enabling studies of cardiovascular response to acute exercise and convenient monitoring of cardiovascular performance.
Detoxifying the heavy metals: a multipronged study of tolerance strategies against heavy metals toxicity in plants
Authors: Ejaz Ujala , Khan Shujaul Mulk , Khalid Noreen , Ahmad Zeeshan , Jehangir Sadia , Fatima Rizvi Zarrin , Lho Linda Heejung , Han Heesup , Raposo António
Published: May 2023

Heavy metal concentrations exceeding permissible limits threaten human life, plant life, and all other life forms. Different natural and anthropogenic activities emit toxic heavy metals in the soil, air, and water. Plants consume toxic heavy metals from their roots and foliar part inside the plant. Heavy metals may interfere with various aspects of the plants, such as biochemistry, bio-molecules, and physiological processes, which usually translate into morphological and anatomical changes. They use various strategies to deal with the toxic effects of heavy metal contamination. Some of these strategies include restricting heavy metals to the cell wall, vascular sequestration, and synthesis of various biochemical compounds, such as phyto-chelators and organic acids, to bind the free moving heavy metal ions so that the toxic effects are minimized. This review focuses on several aspects of genetics, molecular, and cell signaling levels, which integrate to produce a coordinated response to heavy metal toxicity and interpret the exact strategies behind the tolerance of heavy metals stress. It is suggested that various aspects of some model plant species must be thoroughly studied to comprehend the approaches of heavy metal tolerance to put that knowledge into practical use.
Culture, executive functions, and academic achievement
Authors: Cho Isu , Hosseini-Kamkar Niki , Song Hyun-joo , Morton J. Bruce
Published: May 2023

Although it is well known that children of East Asian immigrants show higher academic achievement than native-born North American children, the social-cognitive determinants of this difference remain poorly understood. Given the importance of executive functions (EF) for academic achievement, and evidence that EF develops more quickly in East Asian compared to North American cultures, it is conceivable that differences in academic achievement might be rooted in EF differences between these groups. We examine this possibility by reviewing evidence of cross-cultural differences in EF development but find core concepts and findings limited in several key respects. To address these limitations, we propose a framework for relating EF, culture, and academic achievement that draws on new theoretical ideas about the nature of EF and its relation to social context. We conclude by discussing avenues for future research on the relations between culture, executive functions, and academic achievement.
Cognitive tasks and combined statistical methods to evaluate, model, and predict mental workload
Authors: Louis Lina-Estelle Linelle , Moussaoui Saïd , Van Langhenhove Aurélien , Ravoux Sébastien , Le Jan Thomas , Roualdes Vincent , Milleville-Pennel Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Mental workload (MWL) is a concept that is used as a reference for assessing the mental cost of activities. In recent times, challenges related to user experience are determining the expected MWL value for a given activity and real-time adaptation of task complexity level to achieve or maintain desired MWL. As a consequence, it is important to have at least one task that can reliably predict the MWL level associated with a given complexity level. In this study, we used several cognitive tasks to meet this need, including the N-Back task, the commonly used reference test in the MWL literature, and the Corsi test. Tasks were adapted to generate different MWL classes measured via NASA-TLX and Workload Profile questionnaires. Our first objective was to identify which tasks had the most distinct MWL classes based on combined statistical methods. Our results indicated that the Corsi test satisfied our first objective, obtaining three distinct MWL classes associated with three complexity levels offering therefore a reliable model (about 80% accuracy) to predicted MWL classes. Our second objective was to achieve or maintain the desired MWL, which entailed the use of an algorithm to adapt the MWL class based on an accurate prediction model. This model needed to be based on an objective and real-time indicator of MWL. For this purpose, we identified different performance criteria for each task. The classification models obtained indicated that only the Corsi test would be a good candidate for this aim (more than 50% accuracy compared to a chance level of 33%) but performances were not sufficient to consider identifying and adapting the MWL class online with sufficient accuracy during a task. Thus, performance indicators require to be complemented by other types of measures like physiological ones. Our study also highlights the limitations of the N-back task in favor of the Corsi test which turned out to be the best candidate to model and predict the MWL among several cognitive tasks.
Bystanders’ reactions to animal abuse in relation to psychopathy, empathy with people and empathy with nature
Authors: Martín Ana M. , Vera Andrea , Marrero Rosario J. , Hernández Bernardo
Published: May 2023

Social and academic interest in animal abuse has recently increased thanks to greater awareness of the importance of biodiversity in promoting sustainability. The redefinition of human-animal relationships, in the context of the fight against speciesism and the defense of veganism, has also contributed to this greater attention. Moreover, public awareness of animal rights has strengthened social reactions to violence against animals, though there are still some social sectors that are indifferent to these changes. Thus, better knowledge of the psychological mechanisms underlying reactions to animal abuse could contribute to better informal, social control of such abuse. The main aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between psychopathy, empathy with people, and empathy with nature arising from people’s reactions to protected and domestic animal abuse and illegal dumping. Also, as previous studies have shown differences between men and women, both in animal abuse and in personality traits, thus gender is taken into account when analyzing these relationships. A total of 409 people, resident in a highly environmentally protected territory, participated in this study. They were aged between 18 and 82 years old and 49.9% women. Participants were asked about assigned punishments, as well as the probability of intervening personally and/or calling the police, in relation to ten scenarios, based on press releases, describing one of three types of transgression of environmental laws: abuse of protected animals, abuse of domestic animals or illegal dumping. They also responded to Spanish adaptations of the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits, the Basic Empathy Scale, the Dispositional Empathy with Nature Scale, and the Social Desirability Scale. Each participant was randomly given ten scenarios corresponding to just one transgression type but all the personality scales. Results show that people’s reactions were greater for abuse of domestic than protected animals or for illegal dumping, irrespective of gender. Empathy with nature was related to the reaction against animal abuse more than empathy with people and psychopathy. Results are discussed highlighting the need for future research into similarities and differences between animal abuse and other types of environmental offences, which have many victims but no single being suffering.
Inspiring IDEA: Girls on the Run’s developmental approach to and assessment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access programming
Authors: Weiss Maureen R. , Kipp Lindsay E. , Riley Allison
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Evaluation studies of positive youth development (PYD) programs show promising impact on children’s psychosocial and behavioral outcomes, but less is known about how programming affects youth of varying racial, ethnic, and cultural identities. Girls on the Run, a physical activity-based PYD program, has developed curricula and coach training with a lens toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA). The purpose of this study was to assess the program’s effectiveness in achieving IDEA programming goals.

Methods

Surveys were completed by youth (n = 342), caregivers (n = 2,375), and coaches (n = 1,406), and focus groups/interviews were conducted with 12 youth, 20 caregivers, and 9 coaches, diverse in race, ethnicity, ability, and other identities. Survey and focus group/interview questions addressed participants’ thoughts and experiences regarding inclusion, diversity, equity, andaccess in Girls on the Run.

Results

Quantitative analyses of survey responses revealed favorable responses by all groups that the program: (a) provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive climate for all youth; (b) consists of teams with racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds; and, (c) successfully engages in strategies to reduce barriers to participation. Qualitative analyses of focus group/interview data resulted in 5 higher-order themes: (a) positive sentiments by girls, caregivers, and coaches; (b) social justice in the curriculum; (c) access to programming; (d) considerations regarding racial diversity; and, (e) serving gender-diverse participants.

Discussion

Collective findings characterized Girls on the Run as successful in meeting its pledge toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and access to participation. All groups recognized the program’s positive impact on girls’ social and emotional learning and fostering an atmosphere of community connectedness. Curricular lessons and coach training align with evidence based strategies for inclusive and equitable programming, which can serve as an exemplar for other out-of-school-time programs.
The future of mobility-as-a-service: trust transfer across automated mobilities, from road to sidewalk
Authors: Hunter Jacob G. , Ulwelling Elise , Konishi Matthew , Michelini Noah , Modali Akhil , Mendoza Anne , Snyder Jessie , Mehrotra Shashank , Zheng Zhaobo , Kumar Anil R. , Akash Kumar , Misu Teruhisa , Jain Neera , Reid Tahira
Published: May 2023

While trust in different types of automated vehicles has been a major focus for researchers and vehicle manufacturers, few studies have explored how people trust automated vehicles that are not cars, nor how their trust may transfer across different mobilities enabled with automation. To address this objective, a dual mobility study was designed to measure how trust in an automated vehicle with a familiar form factor—a car—compares to, and influences, trust in a novel automated vehicle—termed sidewalk mobility. A mixed-method approach involving both surveys and a semi-structured interview was used to characterize trust in these automated mobilities. Results found that the type of mobility had little to no effect on the different dimensions of trust that were studied, suggesting that trust can grow and evolve across different mobilities when the user is unfamiliar with a novel automated driving-enabled (AD-enabled) mobility. These results have important implications for the design of novel mobilities.
Development, testing, and application of a mathematics learning scale of self-direction
Authors: Lin Chia-Hui , Chen Chang-Hua
Published: May 2023

Many countries’ curriculum reforms focus on developing the next generations’ competencies of self-directed learning (SDL) to address rapid social changes and sustainable environmental development. Taiwan’s curriculum reform corresponds with the global trend in education. The latest curriculum reform, which proposed a 12-year basic education, was implemented in 2018 and included SDL explicitly in its guidelines. The reformed curriculum guidelines have been followed for over 3  years. Thus, it is necessary to conduct a large-scale survey to examine its impact on Taiwanese students. However, existing research instruments help provide a generalized analysis of SDL and have yet to be designed specifically for SDL of mathematics. Therefore, we developed a mathematics SDL scale (MSDLS) and examined its reliability and validity in this study. Subsequently, MSDLS was utilized to investigate Taiwanese students’ SDL of mathematics. The MSDLS consists of four sub-scales with 50 items. It has acceptable reliability, validity, and measurement invariance across gender and grade groups. The MSDLS was administered online to 5,575 junior high school students, and 5,456 valid responses were collected. The findings highlight the gender and grade differences in SDL of mathematics. Male students are higher than female students in many factors. It is noted that the SDL in mathematics does not increase with grade. In sum, the MSDLS is a helpful instrument for examining secondary school students’ SDL of mathematics.
Uncertainty: a neglected determinant of health behavior?
Authors: Berrigan David , Dean David , Senft Everson Nicole , D’Angelo Heather , Boyd Patrick , Klein William M. P. , Han Paul K. J.
Published: May 2023

Health behaviors are critical determinants of the well-being of individuals and populations, and understanding the determinants of these behaviors has been a major focus of research. One important determinant that has received little direct attention in past health research is uncertainty: a complex phenomenon that pertains not only to scientific issues regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of health problems, but also to personal issues regarding other important health-related concerns. Here, we make the case for greater attention to uncertainty in health behavior theory and research, and especially to personal uncertainties. We discuss three exemplary types of personal uncertainty—value uncertainty, capacity uncertainty, and motive uncertainty—which relate, respectively, to moral values, capacities to enact or change behaviors, and the motives and intentions of other persons or institutions. We argue that that personal uncertainties such as these influence health behaviors, but their influence has historically been obscured by a focus on other constructs such as self-efficacy and trust. Reconceptualizing and investigating health behavior as a problem of uncertainty can advance both our understanding of the determinants of healthy behaviors and our ability to promote them.
Regularities in vertical saccadic metrics: new insights, and future perspectives
Authors: Greene Harold H. , Diwadkar Vaibhav A. , Brown James M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Asymmetries in processing by the healthy brain demonstrate regularities that facilitate the modeling of brain operations. The goal of the present study was to determine asymmetries in saccadic metrics during visual exploration, devoid of confounding clutter in the visual field.

Methods

Twenty healthy adults searched for a small, low-contrast gaze-contingent target on a blank computer screen. The target was visible, only if eye fixation was within a 5 deg. by 5 deg. area of the target’s location.

Results

Replicating previously-reported asymmetries, repeated measures contrast analyses indicated that up-directed saccades were executed earlier, were smaller in amplitude, and had greater probability than down-directed saccades. Given that saccade velocities are confounded by saccade amplitudes, it was also useful to investigate saccade kinematics of visual exploration, as a function of vertical saccade direction. Saccade kinematics were modeled for each participant, as a square root relationship between average saccade velocity (i.e., average velocity between launching and landing of a saccade) and corresponding saccade amplitude (Velocity = S*[Saccade Amplitude]0.5). A comparison of the vertical scaling parameter (S) for up- and down-directed saccades showed that up-directed saccades tended to be slower than down-directed ones.

Discussion

To motivate future research, an ecological theory of asymmetric pre-saccadic inhibition was presented to explain the collection of vertical saccadic regularities. For example, given that the theory proposes strong inhibition for the releasing of reflexive down-directed prosaccades (cued by an attracting peripheral target below eye fixation), and weak inhibition for the releasing of up-directed prosaccades (cued by an attracting peripheral target above eye fixation), a prediction for future studies is longer reaction times for vertical anti-saccade cues above eye fixation. Finally, the present study with healthy individuals demonstrates a rationale for further study of vertical saccades in psychiatric disorders, as bio-markers for brain pathology.
The animacy advantage in memory occurs under self-paced study conditions, but participants’ metacognitive beliefs can deter it
Authors: Serra Michael J. , DeYoung Carlee M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Animacy distinguishes living (animate) things from non-living (inanimate) things. People tend to devote attention and processing to living over nonliving things, resulting in a privileged status for animate concepts in human cognition. For example, people tend to remember more animate than inanimate items, a phenomenon known as the “animacy effect” or “animacy advantage.” To date, however, the exact cause(s) of this effect is unknown.

Methods

We examined the animacy advantage in free-recall performance under computer-paced versus self-paced study conditions and using three different sets of animate and inanimate stimuli (Experiments 1 and 2). We also measured participants’ metacognitive beliefs (expectations) about the task before it began (Experiment 2).

Results

We consistently obtained an animacy advantage in free-recall, regardless of whether participants studied the materials under computer-paced or self-paced conditions. Those in self-paced conditions spent less time studying items than did those in computer-paced conditions, but overall levels of recall and the occurrence of the animacy advantage were equivalent by study method. Importantly, participants devoted equivalent study time to animate and inanimate items in self-paced conditions, so the animacy advantage in those conditions cannot be attributed to study time differences. In Experiment 2, participants who believed that inanimate items were more memorable instead showed equivalent recall and study time for animate and inanimate items, suggesting that they engaged in equivalent processing of animate and inanimate items. All three sets of materials reliably produced an animacy advantage, but the effect was consistently larger for one set than the other two, indicating some contribution of item-level properties to the effect.

Discussion

Overall, the results suggest that participants do not purposely allocate greater processing to animate over inanimate items, even when study is self-paced. Rather, animate items seem to naturally trigger greater richness of encoding than do inanimate items and are then better remembered, although under some conditions participants might engage in deeper processing of inanimate items which can reduce or eliminate the animacy advantage. We suggest that researchers might conceptualize mechanisms for the effect as either centering on intrinsic, item-level properties of the items or centering on extrinsic, processing-based differences between animate and inanimate items.
Scientific collaborations and research trends in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ulaş Sümeyye , Seçer İsmail , Victory Erinn J. , McNeil Cheryl B.
Published: May 2023

Parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) is considered to be an effective intervention for children aged 2–7 years with conduct problems. PCIT research has been conducted for approximately 50 years; however, an analysis of general research patterns has not been published. In this context, the present study outlines a bibliometric analysis of scientific collaborations, prevalence across locations on the basis of countries and organizations, leading researchers, and trends within PCIT research. Findings demonstrate that PCIT is an area in which international scientific collaborations are intense and current, and collaborations continue to be formed around the world. Additionally, results indicate that dissemination of intercultural PCIT adaptations are continuous.
The effect of performance pressure and error-feedback on anxiety and performance in an interceptive task
Authors: Harris David John , Arthur Tom , Vine Samuel James , Rahman Harith Rusydin Abd , Liu Jiayi , Han Feng , Wilson Mark R.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Whilst the disruptive effects of anxiety on attention and performance have been well documented, the antecedents to anxiety in motivated performance scenarios are less well understood. We therefore sought to understand the cognitive appraisals that mediate the relationship between pressurised performance situations and the onset of anxiety.

Methods

We tested the effects of performance pressure and error feedback on appraisals of the probability and cost of failure, the experience of anxiety, and subsequent impacts on visual attention, movement kinematics, and task performance during a virtual reality interception task.

Results

A series of linear mixed effects models indicated that failure feedback and situational pressure influenced appraisals of the probability and cost of failure, which subsequently predicted the onset of anxious states. We did not, however, observe downstream effects on performance and attention.

Discussion

The findings support the predictions of Attentional Control Theory Sport, that (i) momentary errors lead to negative appraisals of the probability of future failure; and (ii) that appraisals of both the cost and probability of future failure are important predictors of anxiety. The results contribute to a better understanding of the precursors to anxiety and the feedback loops that may maintain anxious states.
Contributions to auditory system conduction velocity: insights with multi-modal neuroimaging and machine learning in children with ASD and XYY syndrome
Authors: Berman Jeffrey I. , Bloy Luke , Blaskey Lisa , Jackel Carissa R. , Miller Judith S. , Ross Judith , Edgar J. Christopher , Roberts Timothy P. L.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The M50 electrophysiological auditory evoked response time can be measured at the superior temporal gyrus with magnetoencephalography (MEG) and its latency is related to the conduction velocity of auditory input passing from ear to auditory cortex. In children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and certain genetic disorders such as XYY syndrome, the auditory M50 latency has been observed to be elongated (slowed).

Methods

The goal of this study is to use neuroimaging (diffusion MR and GABA MRS) measures to predict auditory conduction velocity in typically developing (TD) children and children with autism ASD and XYY syndrome.

Results

Non-linear TD support vector regression modeling methods accounted for considerably more M50 latency variance than linear models, likely due to the non-linear dependence on neuroimaging factors such as GABA MRS. While SVR models accounted for ~80% of the M50 latency variance in TD and the genetically homogenous XYY syndrome, a similar approach only accounted for ~20% of the M50 latency variance in ASD, implicating the insufficiency of diffusion MR, GABA MRS, and age factors alone. Biologically based stratification of ASD was performed by assessing the conformance of the ASD population to the TD SVR model and identifying a sub-population of children with unexpectedly long M50 latency.

Discussion

Multimodal integration of neuroimaging data can help build a mechanistic understanding of brain connectivity. The unexplained M50 latency variance in ASD motivates future hypothesis generation and testing of other contributing biological factors.
Long-term outcomes of the recovery approach in a high-security mental health setting: a 20 year follow-up study
Authors: Thomson Lindsay , Rees Cheryl
Published: May 2023

Background

This study examined the outcomes of a descriptive, longitudinal cohort consisting of 241 patients initially examined in a population study at the high secure State Hospital for Scotland and Northern Ireland in 1992–93. A partial follow-up focusing on patients with schizophrenia was conducted in 2000–01, followed by a comprehensive 20 year follow-up that began in 2014.

Aims

To explore what happens to patients who required high secure care during a 20 year follow-up period.

Method

Previously collected data were amalgamated with newly collected information to examine the recovery journey since baseline. Various sources were employed, including patient and keyworker interviews, case note reviews, and extraction from health and national records, and Police Scotland datasets.

Results

Over half of the cohort (56.0%) with available data resided outside secure services at some point during the follow-up period (mean 19.2 years), and only 12% of the cohort were unable to transition out of high secure care. The symptoms of psychosis improved, with statistically significant reductions observed in reported delusions, depression, and flattened affect. Reported sadness [according to the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] at baseline, first, and 20 year follow-up interviews was negatively correlated with the questionnaire about the process of recovery (QPR) scores at the 20 year follow-up. However, qualitative data depicted progress and personal development. According to societal measures, there was little evidence of sustained social or functional recovery. The overall conviction rate post-baseline was 22.7%, with 7.9% violent recidivism. The cohort exhibited poor morbidity and mortality, with 36.9% of the cohort dying, primarily from natural causes (91%).

Conclusions

Overall, the findings showed positive outcomes in terms of movement out of high-security settings, symptom improvement, and low levels of recidivism. Notably, this cohort experienced a high rate of deaths and poor physical morbidity, along with a lack of sustained social recovery, particularly among those who had negotiated a path through services and who were current residents in the community. Social engagement, enhanced during residence in low secure or open ward settings, diminished significantly during the transition to the community. This is likely a result of self-protective measures adopted to mitigate societal stigma and the shift from a communal environment. Subjective depressive symptoms may impact broader aspects of recovery.
Does sports therapy affect momentary affective states? Feasibility of intensive longitudinal case studies in forensic psychiatry
Authors: Reimer Vanessa , Kanning Martina K.
Published: May 2023

Physical exercise interventions improve quality of life in people with mental disorders and improve abstinence and cravings in substance use disorders patients in both the short term and long term. In people with mental illness, physical exercise interventions significantly reduce psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia and symptoms of anxiety. For forensic psychiatry, there is little empirical evidence supporting mental health-enhancing effects of physical exercise interventions. Interventional studies in forensic psychiatry deal mainly with three problems: heterogeneity of the individuals, a small sample size, and a low compliance rate. Intensive longitudinal case studies could be a suitable approach to address these methodological challenges in forensic psychiatry. This study uses an intensive longitudinal design to determine whether forensic psychiatric patients are content to complete several data assessments per day over the course of several weeks. The feasibility of this approach is operationalized by the compliance rate. Additionally, single-case studies examine the effects of sports therapy (ST) on momentary affective states (energetic arousal, valence, and calmness). The results of these case studies reveal one aspect of feasibility and offer insights into the effects of forensic psychiatric ST on the affective states among patients with different conditions. The patients’ momentary affective states were recorded before (PRE), after (POST) and 1 h after (FoUp1h) ST by questionnaires. Ten individuals (Mage = 31.7, SD = 11.94; 60% male) participated in the study. A total of 130 questionnaires were completed. To perform the single-case studies, data of three patients were considered. Repeated-measures ANOVA was performed for the individual affective states to test for main effects of ST. Due to the results, ST has no significant effect on none of the three affect dimensions. However, effect sizes varied between small to medium (energetic arousal: η2 = 0.01, η2 = 0.07, η2 = 0.06; valence: η2 = 0.07; calmness: η2 = 0.02) in the three patients. Intensive longitudinal case studies are a possible approach to address heterogeneity and the low sample size. The low compliance rate in this study reveals that the study design needs to be optimized for future studies.
Adherence to antipsychotic laboratory monitoring guidelines in children and youth: a population-based study
Authors: Antoniou Tony , Wang Tianru , Pajer Kathleen , Gardner William , Lunsky Yona , Penner Melanie , Tadrous Mina , Mamdani Muhammad , Juurlink David N. , Gomes Tara
Published: May 2023

Background

In 2011, the Canadian Alliance for Monitoring Effectiveness and Safety of Antipsychotics in Children (CAMESA) published guidelines for the metabolic monitoring of antipsychotic-treated children and youth. Population-based studies examining adherence to these guidelines are needed to ensure the safe use of antipsychotics in children and youth.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study of all Ontario residents aged 0 to 24 who were newly dispensed an antipsychotic between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associating sociodemographic characteristics with the receipt of baseline and follow-up (3- and 6-month) laboratory testing using log-Poisson regression models.

Results

Overall, 6,505 of 27,718 (23.5%) children and youth newly dispensed an antipsychotic received at least one guideline-recommended baseline test. Monitoring was more prevalent among individuals aged 10 to 14 years (PR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.38), 15 to 19 years (PR 1.60; 95% CI 1.41 to 1.82), and 20 to 24 years (PR 1.71; 95% CI 1.50 to 1.94) compared to children under the age of 10. Baseline monitoring was associated with mental health-related hospitalizations or emergency department visits in the year preceding therapy (PR 1.76; 95% CI 1.65 to 1.87), a prior diagnosis of schizophrenia (PR 1.20; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.26) or diabetes (PR 1.35; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.54), benzodiazepine use (PR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.24), and receipt of a prescription from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or developmental pediatrician versus a family physician (PR 1.41; 95% CI 1.34 to 1.48). Conversely, monitoring was less frequent in individuals co-prescribed stimulants (PR 0.83; 95% CI 0.75 to 0.91). The prevalence of any 3- and 6-month follow-up monitoring among children and youth receiving continuous antipsychotic therapy at these time points was 13.0% (1,179 of 9,080) and 11.4% (597 of 5,261), respectively. Correlates of follow-up testing were similar to those of baseline monitoring.

Conclusion

Most children initiating antipsychotic therapy do not receive guideline-recommended metabolic laboratory monitoring. Further research is needed to understand reasons for poor guideline adherence and the role of clinician training and collaborative service models in promoting best monitoring practices.