bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating the Pathway to Care in Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Hurvitz Edward A. , Whitney Daniel G. , Waldron-Perrine Brigid , Ryan Dayna , Haapala Heidi J. , Schmidt Mary , Gray Cathryn , Peterson Mark D.
Published: September 2021

As individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) age, they face unique challenges which complicate their ability to access and receive appropriate health care. These problems exist at the level of the health care system, the clinician, and the individual. At the system level, there is an inadequate number of professionals who are informed of and interested in the care of adults with CP. Pediatric clinicians prefer treating children, and adult caregivers are not knowledgeable about and may feel less competent about CP. Pediatric care does not translate well to the adult population, and information about best practices for adults is just starting to develop. Differences in the physiologic development of individuals with CP render well-established clinical protocols for risk screening of chronic diseases less effective. Moreover, lack of supportive resources decreases a caregiver's sense of self-efficacy in treating this population. The patient's ability to navigate these barriers is complicated by the high prevalence of comorbid cognitive impairment and mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders; a bidirectional relationship between challenges in navigating care/needs and comorbid mental health conditions appears likely. Many patients have additional barriers related to social determinants of health, such as access to transportation, accessible health care facilities, and other personal and environmental factors that may impede health maintenance and wellness. Increasing and disseminating knowledge, harnessing the power of new technologies such as telemedicine, and addressing mental health issues are some of the methods that are available to help adults with CP navigate this road.
Acceleration of the SPADE Method Using a Custom-Tailored FP-Growth Implementation
Authors: Porrmann Florian , Pilz Sarah , Stella Alessandra , Kleinjohann Alexander , Denker Michael , Hagemeyer Jens , Rückert Ulrich
Published: September 2021

The SPADE (spatio-temporal Spike PAttern Detection and Evaluation) method was developed to find reoccurring spatio-temporal patterns in neuronal spike activity (parallel spike trains). However, depending on the number of spike trains and the length of recording, this method can exhibit long runtimes. Based on a realistic benchmark data set, we identified that the combination of pattern mining (using the FP-Growth algorithm) and the result filtering account for 85–90% of the method's total runtime. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a customized FP-Growth implementation tailored to the requirements of SPADE, which significantly accelerates pattern mining and result filtering. Our version allows for parallel and distributed execution, and due to the improvements made, an execution on heterogeneous and low-power embedded devices is now also possible. The implementation has been evaluated using a traditional workstation based on an Intel Broadwell Xeon E5-1650 v4 as a baseline. Furthermore, the heterogeneous microserver platform RECS|Box has been used for evaluating the implementation on two HiSilicon Hi1616 (Kunpeng 916), an Intel Coffee Lake-ER Xeon E-2276ME, an Intel Broadwell Xeon D-D1577, and three NVIDIA Tegra devices (Jetson AGX Xavier, Jetson Xavier NX, and Jetson TX2). Depending on the platform, our implementation is between 27 and 200 times faster than the original implementation. At the same time, the energy consumption was reduced by up to two orders of magnitude.
Olfactory Receptor Gene Regulation in Insects: Multiple Mechanisms for Singular Expression
Authors: Mika Kaan , Benton Richard
Published: September 2021

The singular expression of insect olfactory receptors in specific populations of olfactory sensory neurons is fundamental to the encoding of odors in patterns of neuronal activity in the brain. How a receptor gene is selected, from among a large repertoire in the genome, to be expressed in a particular neuron is an outstanding question. Focusing on Drosophila melanogaster, where most investigations have been performed, but incorporating recent insights from other insect species, we review the multilevel regulatory mechanisms of olfactory receptor expression. We discuss how cis-regulatory elements, trans-acting factors, chromatin modifications, and feedback pathways collaborate to activate and maintain expression of the chosen receptor (and to suppress others), highlighting similarities and differences with the mechanisms underlying singular receptor expression in mammals. We also consider the plasticity of receptor regulation in response to environmental cues and internal state during the lifetime of an individual, as well as the evolution of novel expression patterns over longer timescales. Finally, we describe the mechanisms and potential significance of examples of receptor co-expression.
Intake of Dietary Fiber From Grains and the Risk of Hypertension in Late Midlife Women: Results From the SWAN Study
Authors: Du Peng , Luo Kaifeng , Wang Yali , Xiao Qi , Xiao Jiansheng , Li Yong , Zhang Xingjian
Published: September 2021

Background: The possible effects of dietary fiber intake on hypertension have not been clarified fully. The association of dietary fiber intake with hypertension risk in midlife women was analyzed in this study.

Methods: Baseline data were obtained from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). Smooth curve, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations of four indices of daily dietary estimate (DDE) of dietary fiber (dietary fiber intake, dietary fiber intake from beans, dietary fiber intake from vegetables/fruit, and dietary fiber intake from grains) with blood pressure in midlife women. For this research purpose, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg was defined as diastolic hypertension, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg was defined as systolic hypertension.

Results: This study included 2,519 participants with an average age of 46. The smooth curve showed approximate negative correlations between three fiber indices (DDE dietary fiber, DDE fiber from vegetables/fruit, and DDE fiber from grains) and blood pressure, including DBP and SBP (all P < 0.005). There were also approximate negative correlations between two fiber indices (DDE dietary fiber and DDE fiber from grains) and the risk of diastolic hypertension and systolic hypertension (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis suggested that DDE dietary fiber (Sβ = −0.057, 95% CI −0.194 – −0.012, P = 0.027), DDE fiber from vegetables/fruit (Sβ = −0.046, 95% CI −0.263 – −0.007, P = 0.039), and DDE fiber from grains (Sβ = −0.073, 95% CI −0.600 – −0.099, P = 0.006, Model 4) were still negatively correlated with DBP after adjusting for confounding factors. Only DDE fiber from grains was independently and negatively associated with SBP (Sβ = −0.060, 95% CI −0.846 – −0.093, P = 0.015) after these same confounding factors were adjusted for. Importantly, multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that only higher DDE fiber from grains was independently associated with a reduced risk of diastolic hypertension (OR = 0.848, 95% CI 0.770–0.934, P = 0.001, Model 4) and systolic hypertension (OR = 0.906, 95% CI 0.826–0.993, P = 0.034, Model 4) after the adjustments were made for confounding factors.

Conclusions: We found that dietary fiber intake, especially DDE fiber from grains, contributes to a lower risk of systolic hypertension and diastolic hypertension in midlife women.
Thirty Days of Montmorency Tart Cherry Supplementation Has No Effect on Gut Microbiome Composition, Inflammation, or Glycemic Control in Healthy Adults
Authors: Hillman Angela R. , Chrismas Bryna C. R.
Published: September 2021

Tart cherries possess properties that may reduce inflammation and improve glycemic control, however human data on supplementation and the gut microbiota is equivocal. Processing (i.e., juice concentrate, dried, frozen) may affect the properties of tart cherries, and therefore alter their efficacious health benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 30 days of supplementation with Montmorency tart cherry (MTC) in concentrate or freeze-dried form on the gut microbiome and markers of inflammation and glycemic control. Healthy participants with no known disease (n = 58, age: 28 ± 10 y, height: 169.76 ± 8.55 cm, body mass: 72.2 ± 12.9 kg) were randomly allocated to four groups and consumed either concentrate or freeze-dried capsules or their corresponding placebos for 30 days. Venous blood samples were drawn at baseline, day 7, 14, and 30 and analyzed for inflammatory markers TNF-alpha, uric acid, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate and glycemic control markers glycated albumin, glucose and insulin. A fecal sample was provided at baseline, day 14 and 30 for microbiome analysis. TNF-alpha was significantly lower at 30 vs. 14 days (p = 0.01), however there was no other significant change in the inflammatory markers. Insulin was not changed over time (p = 0.16) or between groups (p = 0.24), nor was glycated albumin different over time (p = 0.08) or between groups (p = 0.56), however glucose levels increased (p < 0.001) from baseline (4.79 ± 1.00 mmol·L−1) to 14 days (5.21 ± 1.02 mmol·L−1) and 30 days (5.61 ± 1.22 mmol·L−1) but this was no different between groups (p = 0.33). There was no significant change in composition of bacterial phyla, families, or subfamilies for the duration of this study nor was there a change in species richness. These data suggest that 30 days of MTC supplementation does not modulate the gut microbiome, inflammation, or improve glycemic control in a healthy, diverse group of adults.

Clinical Trail Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04467372, identifier: NCT04467372.
Influence of Using a Contrast-Enhanced CT Image as the Primary Image on CyberKnife Brain Radiosurgery Treatment Plans
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Wang Lin , Xu Benhua , Huang Miaoyun , Chen Yuangui , Li Xiaobo
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose

This study aimed to quantify the differences between pre- and post-contrast agent (CA) CT for CyberKnife brain SRS plans.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-five patients were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two categories, inhomogeneous cases (13 patients) and homogeneous cases (12 patients), according to whether the tumor was close to the cavity and inhomogeneous tissues or not. The pre-CA and post-CA plans were designed and calculated using the same monitor unit and paths as those in the ray-tracing algorithm, respectively.

Results

The CT number difference of tumor between pre- and post-CA was significant (on average, 24.78 ± 18.56 HU, P-value < 0.01). The deviation value of the target was the largest at approximately 37 HU (inhomo-) and 13 HU (homo-) (P < 0.01), and the values of the organs at risk (OARs) were not statistically significant (P-value > 0.05). However, it was not statistically significant for the dose difference between the two groups with the injection of CA (P-value > 0.05). The absolute effective depth difference generally remained at a level of 1 mm, but the dose difference was quitely fluctuated sometimes more than 20%. The absolute effective depth difference of the inhomo-case (0.62 mm) was larger than that of the homo-case (0.37 mm) on median, as well as the variation amplitude (P-value < 0.05). Moreover, the relative dose differences between the two cases were 0.38% (inhomo-) and 0.2% (homo-), respectively (P-value < 0.05). At the criterion of 1 mm/1%, the gamma pass rate of the homo-case (95.89%) was larger than that of the inhomo-case (93.79%). For the OARs, except for the cochlea, the two cases were almost the same (>98.85%). The tumor control probability of the target was over 99.99% before and after injection of a CA, as well as the results for the homo-case and inhomo-case.

Conclusions

Considering the difference of evaluation indexes between pre- and post-CA images, we recommended plain CT to be employed as the primary image for improving the CK treatment accuracy of brain SRS, especially when the target was close to CA-sensitive OARs and cavity.
Recurrence Patterns After IMRT/VMAT in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Bollen Heleen , van der Veen Julie , Laenen Annouschka , Nuyts Sandra
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), two advanced modes of high-precision radiotherapy (RT), have become standard of care in the treatment of head and neck cancer. The development in RT techniques has markedly increased the complexity of target volume definition and accurate treatment delivery. The aim of this study was to indirectly investigate the quality of current TV delineation and RT delivery by analyzing the patterns of treatment failure for head and neck cancer patients in our high-volume RT center.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2014, 385 patients with pharyngeal, laryngeal, and oral cavity tumors were curatively treated with primary RT (IMRT/VMAT). We retrospectively investigated locoregional recurrences (LRR), distant metastases (DM), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Median follow-up was 6.4 years (IQR 4.7–8.3 years) during which time 122 patients (31.7%) developed LRR (22.1%) and DM (17.7%). The estimated 2- and 5-year locoregional control was 78.2% (95% CI 73.3, 82.3) and 74.2% (95% CI 69.0, 78.8). One patient developed a local recurrence outside the high-dose volume and five patients developed a regional recurrence outside the high-dose volume. Four patients (1.0%) suffered a recurrence in the electively irradiated neck and two patients had a recurrence outside the electively irradiated neck. No marginal failures were observed. The estimated 2- and 5-year DM-free survival rates were 83.3% (95% CI 78.9, 86.9) and 80.0% (95% CI 75.2, 84.0). The estimated 2- and 5-year OS rates were 73.6% (95% CI 68.9, 77.8) and 52. 6% (95% CI 47.3, 57.6). Median OS was 5.5 years (95% CI 4.5, 6.7).

Conclusion

Target volume definition and treatment delivery were performed accurately, as only few recurrences occurred outside the high-dose regions and no marginal failures were observed. Research on dose intensification and identification of high-risk subvolumes might decrease the risk of locoregional relapses. The results of this study may serve as reference data for comparison with future studies, such as dose escalation or proton therapy trials.
Upregulation of ADAM12 Is Associated With a Poor Survival and Immune Cell Infiltration in Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Zigao , Lai Hao , Liao Jiankun , Cai Jinghua , Li Baojia , Meng Linghou , Wang Wentao , Mo Xianwei , Qin Haiquan
Published: September 2021

Background

A disintegrin and metalloprotease 12 (ADAM12) is a member of the multidomain protein family, but the mechanisms by which it affects prognosis and immune cell infiltration in patients with colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) remain unclear. Here, our study aimed to analyze the prognostic value of ADAM12 and investigate the correlation between ADAM12 expression and immune cell infiltration in patients with COAD.

Methods

Differential expression analyses were performed using the Oncomine and UALCAN databases, and prognostic analyses were conducted using PrognoScan, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Then, the cBioPortal database was used to analyze alterations in the ADAM12 gene, and the STRING and Metascape websites were used to conduct Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Additionally, relationships between ADAM12 and the immune microenvironment were evaluated based on the TIMER, GEPIA, and TISIDB databases.

Results

ADAM12 was overexpressed in COAD tissues, and higher ADAM12 expression correlated with a worse prognosis for patients with COAD. The gene regulatory network suggested that ADAM12 was mainly enriched in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, ECM proteoglycans, skeletal system development, and ossification, among other pathways. Moreover, ADAM12 expression significantly correlated with the abundance of CD4+ T cells, B cells, CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, and their markers, as well as lymphocytes, immunomodulators, and chemokines.

Conclusions

In colorectal tumors, ADAM12 may play vital roles in regulating the ECM and the recruitment of immune cells, and we suggest that ADAM12 will become a reliable biomarker for determining response to immunotherapy and the prognosis of patients with COAD.
A Novel Seven Gene Signature-Based Prognostic Model to Predict Distant Metastasis of Lymph Node-Negative Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Peng Wenting , Lin Caijin , Jing Shanshan , Su Guanhua , Jin Xi , Di Genhong , Shao Zhiming
Published: September 2021

Background

The prognosis of lymph node-negative triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still worse than that of other subtypes despite adjuvant chemotherapy. Reliable prognostic biomarkers are required to identify lymph node-negative TNBC patients at a high risk of distant metastasis and optimize individual treatment.

Methods

We analyzed the RNA sequencing data of primary tumor tissue and the clinicopathological data of 202 lymph node-negative TNBC patients. The cohort was randomly divided into training and validation sets. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression were used to construct the prognostic model.

Results

A clinical prognostic model, seven-gene signature, and combined model were constructed using the training set and validated using the validation set. The seven-gene signature was established based on the genomic variables associated with distant metastasis after shrinkage correction. The difference in the risk of distant metastasis between the low- and high-risk groups was statistically significant using the seven-gene signature (training set: P < 0.001; validation set: P = 0.039). The combined model showed significance in the training set (P < 0.001) and trended toward significance in the validation set (P = 0.071). The seven-gene signature showed improved prognostic accuracy relative to the clinical signature in the training data (AUC value of 4-year ROC, 0.879 vs. 0.699, P = 0.046). Moreover, the composite clinical and gene signature also showed improved prognostic accuracy relative to the clinical signature (AUC value of 4-year ROC: 0.888 vs. 0.699, P = 0.029; AUC value of 5-year ROC: 0.882 vs. 0.693, P = 0.038). A nomogram model was constructed with the seven-gene signature, patient age, and tumor size.

Conclusions

The proposed signature may improve the risk stratification of lymph node-negative TNBC patients. High-risk lymph node-negative TNBC patients may benefit from treatment escalation.
Folate Reverses NF-κB p65/Rela/IL-6 Level Induced by Hyperhomocysteinemia in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Li Zhongliang , Xing Changcheng , Gao Ning , Xu Rui
Published: September 2021

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is derived from the abnormal metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) and is related to metabolic-related diseases. In addition, HHcy combined with hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, the mechanism of HHcy aggravating hypertensive arterial damage and the efficacy of folate (FA) as a beneficial supplement have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we established a rat HHcy model and a hypertension combined with HHcy model. Rat tail artery blood pressure (BP), plasma Hcy, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Rat thoracic aorta was for pathological analysis after 12 weeks of the experiment. The relative expression levels of oxidative stress and immune/inflammation in rat arterial tissues were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. The results demonstrated that the relative expression levels of oxidative stress and immune/inflammation were the highest in the hypertension combined with HHcy group, followed by the hypertension group. Compared with the hypertension group, the hypertension combined with HHcy group up-regulated the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor-κ-gene binding (NF-κB) p65/Rela, but not NADPH oxidase (Nox). Furthermore, folate inhibited the expression of IL-6 and NF-κB p65/Rela, reduced the levels of MDA and HHcy, but significantly increased the SOD level. In conclusion, HHcy synergistically aggravated the arterial damage factor of hypertension through immune/inflammatory response. However, folate demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties and reversed the NF-κB p65/Rela/IL-6 level induced by HHcy in hypertensive rats.
Lido-OH, a Hydroxyl Derivative of Lidocaine, Produced a Similar Local Anesthesia Profile as Lidocaine With Reduced Systemic Toxicities
Authors: Yin Qinqin , Zhang Weiyi , Ke Bowen , Liu Jin , Zhang Wensheng
Published: September 2021

Background: lidocaine is one of the most commonly used local anesthetics for the treatment of pain and arrhythmia. However, it could cause systemic toxicities when plasma concentration is raised. To reduce lidocaine’s toxicity, we designed a hydroxyl derivative of lidocaine (lido-OH), and its local anesthesia effects and systemic toxicity in vivo were quantitively investigated.

Method: the effectiveness for lido-OH was studied using mouse tail nerve block, rat dorsal subcutaneous infiltration, and rat sciatic nerve block models. The systemic toxicities for lido-OH were evaluated with altered state of consciousness (ASC), arrhythmia, and death in mice. Lidocaine and saline were used as positive and negative control, respectively. The dose-effect relationships were analyzed.

Results: the half effective-concentration for lido-OH were 2.1 mg/ml with 95% confident interval (CI95) 1.6–3.1 (lidocaine: 3.1 mg/ml with CI95 2.6–4.3) in tail nerve block, 8.2 mg/ml with CI95 8.0–9.4 (lidocaine: 6.9 mg/ml, CI95 6.8–7.1) in sciatic nerve block, and 5.9 mg/ml with CI95 5.8–6.0 (lidocaine: 3.1 mg/ml, CI95 2.4–4.0) in dorsal subcutaneous anesthesia, respectively. The magnitude and duration of lido-OH were similar with lidocaine. The half effective doses (ED50) of lido-OH for ACS was 45.4 mg/kg with CI95 41.6–48.3 (lidocaine: 3.1 mg/kg, CI95 1.9–2.9), for arrhythmia was 16.0 mg/kg with CI95 15.4–16.8 (lidocaine: 3.0 mg/kg, CI95 2.7–3.3), and for death was 99.4 mg/kg with CI95 75.7–124.1 (lidocaine: 23.1 mg/kg, CI95 22.8–23.4). The therapeutic index for lido-OH and lidocaine were 35.5 and 5.6, respectively.

Conclusion: compared with lidocaine, lido-OH produced local anesthesia at similar potency and efficacy, but with significantly reduced systemic toxicities.
Trends of High-Impact Studies in Pharmacology and Pharmacy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Lingmin , Yang Yi , Fan Jin , Zhang Yonggang , Li Nian
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate the trends of high-impact studies in pharmacology and pharmacy research and to provide evidence for future research in the field of pharmacology and pharmacy.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to understand the current status of high-impact studies (top 1%) in pharmacology and pharmacy research via InCites tool based on Web of Science Core Collection. VOSViewer software was used to visualize the results. The outcomes included development trends, countries, subject areas, research institutes, collaborative networks, and subject terms.

Results: We found 4,273 high-impact (top 1%) studies between 2011 and 2020 in the field of pharmacology and pharmacy. The number of studies increased from 366 in 2011 to 510 in 2020. These studies were mainly distributed in the following Web of Science subject categories: pharmacology and pharmacy (n = 4,188); neurosciences (n = 397); chemistry, multidisciplinary (n = 359); chemistry, medicinal (n = 314); microbiology (n = 301); biotechnology and applied microbiology (n = 280). These studies were cited in 646,855 studies from more than 100 Web of Science subject categories, and studies in pharmacology pharmacy accounted for the largest share of these citations. The top three countries that contributed the highest number of studies were the United States, United Kingdom, and China. The top three institutions that contributed the highest number of studies in the United States were the University of California System, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Harvard University. The top research collaborative circle was from universities in the United States. The top international collaborative circle was from universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and China. The subject-term analysis indicated that cancer was still the top disease, NF-κB was the top signaling pathway, and drug-delivery and nanoparticles were the top methods.

Conclusion: The high-impact studies in pharmacology and pharmacy research have grown over time. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China are the top countries that contributed the high-impact studies. Cancer is still the greatest challenge in the field of disease treatment. It calls for more international collaboration in pharmacology and pharmacy research, which will help discover novel drugs.
A Cost-Effective Photonic Radar Under Adverse Weather Conditions for Autonomous Vehicles by Incorporating a Frequency-Modulated Direct Detection Scheme
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Chaudhary Sushank , Malhotra Jyoteesh , Saadi Muhammad , Al Otaibi Sattam , Nebhen Jamel , Wuttisittikulkij Lunchakorn
Published: September 2021

In recent years, there have been plenty of demands and growth in the autonomous vehicle industry, and thus, challenges of designing highly efficient photonic radars that can detect and range any target with the resolution of a few centimeters have been encountered. The existing radar technology is unable to meet such requirements due to limitations on available bandwidth. Another issue is to consider strong attenuation while working under diverse atmospheric conditions at higher frequencies. The proposed model of photonic radar is developed considering these requirements and challenges using the frequency-modulated direct detection technique and considering a free-space range of 750 m. The result depicts improved range detection in terms of received power and an acceptable signal-to-noise ratio and range under adverse climatic situations.
Interindividual Variability in Fat Mass Response to a 1-Year Randomized Controlled Trial With Different Exercise Intensities in Type 2 Diabetes: Implications on Glycemic Control and Vascular Function
Authors: Magalhães João P. , Hetherington-Rauth Megan , Júdice Pedro B. , Correia Inês R. , Rosa Gil B. , Henriques-Neto Duarte , Melo Xavier , Silva Analiza M. , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Little is known about the interindividual variability in fat mass (FM) loss in response to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate continuous training (MCT) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, the impact on health-related outcomes in those who fail to reduce FM is still unclear. The aims of this investigation were (1) to assess if the individuals with T2DM who FM differed across MCT, HIIT, and control groups over a 1-year intervention and (2) to assess the changes on glycemic control and vascular function in the exercising patients who failed to lose FM.

Methods: Adults with T2DM were randomized into a 1-year intervention involving a control group (n=22), MCT with resistance training (RT; n=21), and HIIT with RT (n=19). FM was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a change in total body FM above the typical error was used to categorize FM responders. Glycemic control and vascular stiffness and structure were assessed. A chi-square test and generalized estimating equations were used to model the outcomes.

Results: Both MCT (n=10) and HIIT (n=10) had a similar proportion of individuals who were categorized as high responders for FM, with the percent change in FM on average −5.0±9.6% for the MCT and −6.0±12.1% for the HIIT, which differed from the control group (0.2±7.6%) after a 1-year intervention (p<0.05). A time-by-group interaction for carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) (p for interaction=0.042) and lower-limb pulse wave velocity (LL PWV; p for interaction=0.010) between those categorized as low FM responders and the control group. However, an interaction was observed between the high responders for FM loss and controls for both brachial and carotid hemodynamic indices, as well as in cIMT, carotid distensibility coefficient, carotid beta index, and LL PWV (p for interactions <0.05). No interactions were found for glycaemic indices (p for interaction >0.05).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the number of FM responders did not differ between the MCT or HIIT, compared to the control, following a 1-year exercise intervention in individuals with T2DM. However, low responders to FM may still derive reductions in arterial stiffness and structure.

Clinical Trial Registration: Comparing Moderate and High-intensity Interval Training Protocols on Biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes Patients (D2FIT study) – number: NCT03144505 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03144505).
Elbow Joint Angles in Elbow Flexor Unilateral Resistance Exercise Training Determine Its Effects on Muscle Strength and Thickness of Trained and Non-trained Arms
Authors: Sato Shigeru , Yoshida Riku , Kiyono Ryosuke , Yahata Kaoru , Yasaka Koki , Nunes João Pedro , Nosaka Kazunori , Nakamura Masatoshi
Published: September 2021

The present study compared two unilateral arm curl resistance exercise protocols with a different starting and finishing elbow joint angle in the same ROM for changes in elbow flexors strength and muscle thickness of the trained and non-trained arms. Thirty-two non-resistance trained young adults were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: extended joint training (0°–50°; EXT, n = 12); flexed joint training (80°–130°; FLE, n = 12); and non-training control (n = 8). The exercise training was performed by the dominant arms twice a week for 5 weeks with gradual increases in the training volume over 10 training sessions, and the non-dominant (non-trained) arms were investigated for the cross-education effect. Maximal voluntary contraction torque of isometric (MVC-ISO), concentric (MVC-CON), and eccentric contractions (MVC-ECC), and thickness (MT) of biceps brachii and brachialis of the trained and non-trained arms were assessed at baseline and 4–8 days after the last training session. The control group did not show significant changes in any variables. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in MVC-ISO torque (16.2 ± 12.6%), MVC-CON torque (21.1 ± 24.4%), and MVC-ECC torque (19.6 ± 17.5%) of the trained arm were observed for the EXT group only. The magnitude of the increase in MT of the trained arm was greater (P < 0.05) for EXT (8.9 ± 3.9%) than FLE (3.4 ± 2.7%). The cross-education effect was evident for MVC-ISO (15.9 ± 14.8%) and MVC-CON (16.7 ± 20.0%) torque of the EXT group only. These results suggest that resistance training at the extended elbow joint induces greater muscle adaptations and cross-education effects than that at flexed elbow joint.
Exercise-Induced Lactate Release Mediates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Hippocampus of Mice via Monocarboxylate Transporters
Authors: Park Jonghyuk , Kim Jimmy , Mikami Toshio
Published: September 2021

Regular exercise training induces mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain via activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). However, it remains unclear whether a single bout of exercise would increase mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain. Therefore, we first investigated whether mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus is affected by a single bout of exercise in mice. A single bout of high-intensity exercise, but not low- or moderate-intensity, increased hippocampal PGC-1α mRNA and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number at 12 and 48h. These results depended on exercise intensity, and blood lactate levels observed immediately after exercise. As lactate induces mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain, we examined the effects of acute lactate administration on blood and hippocampal extracellular lactate concentration by in vivo microdialysis. Intraperitoneal (I.P.) lactate injection increased hippocampal extracellular lactate concentration to the same as blood lactate level, promoting PGC-1α mRNA expression in the hippocampus. However, this was suppressed by administering UK5099, a lactate transporter inhibitor, before lactate injection. I.P. UK5099 administration did not affect running performance and blood lactate concentration immediately after exercise but attenuated exercise-induced hippocampal PGC-1α mRNA and mtDNA copy number. In addition, hippocampal monocarboxylate transporters (MCT)1, MCT2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression, except MCT4, also increased after high-intensity exercise, which was abolished by UK5099 administration. Further, injection of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor) into the hippocampus before high-intensity exercise suppressed glycogen consumption during exercise, but hippocampal lactate, PGC-1α, MCT1, and MCT2 mRNA concentrations were not altered after exercise. These results indicate that the increased blood lactate released from skeletal muscle may induce hippocampal mitochondrial biogenesis and BDNF expression by inducing MCT expression in mice, especially during short-term high-intensity exercise. Thus, a single bout of exercise above the lactate threshold could provide an effective strategy for increasing mitochondrial biogenesis in the hippocampus.
Sorghum Grains Grading for Food, Feed, and Fuel Using NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Ejaz Irsa , He Siyang , Li Wei , Hu Naiyue , Tang Chaochen , Li Songbo , Li Meng , Diallo Boubacar , Xie Guanghui , Yu Kang
Published: September 2021

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) is a non-destructive, fast, and low-cost method to measure the grain quality of different cereals. However, the feasibility for determining the critical biochemicals, related to the classifications for food, feed, and fuel products are not adequately investigated. Fourier-transform (FT) NIR was applied in this study to determine the eight biochemicals in four types of sorghum samples: hulled grain flours, hull-less grain flours, whole grains, and grain flours. A total of 20 hybrids of sorghum grains were selected from the two locations in China. Followed by FT-NIR spectral and wet-chemically measured biochemical data, partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to construct the prediction models. The results showed that sorghum grain morphology and sample format affected the prediction of biochemicals. Using NIR data of grain flours generally improved the prediction compared with the use of NIR data of whole grains. In addition, using the spectra of whole grains enabled comparable predictions, which are recommended when a non-destructive and rapid analysis is required. Compared with the hulled grain flours, hull-less grain flours allowed for improved predictions for tannin, cellulose, and hemicellulose using NIR data. This study aimed to provide a reference for the evaluation of sorghum grain biochemicals for food, feed, and fuel without destruction and complex chemical analysis.
Activists Against Autocrats: TSMO Networks and Democratic Diffusion
Authors: Pinckney Jonathan , Chin John Joseph
Published: September 2021

Do transnational social movement organizations (TSMOs) promote the international diffusion of democracy? If so, how? Scholars of democratization have studied a plethora of international factors in the spread of democracy, including geographic or regional proximity, colonial history, trade and alliance networks, and joint inter-governmental organization (IGO) memberships. Few have studied the role of TSMO networks in democratic diffusion. We theorize that TSMOs empower and connect civil societies and thus promote democracy from the “bottom up.” Leveraging a new TSMO Dataset and data on the dimensions of democracy from the Varieties of Democracy project over the 1953–2013 period, we find that TSMOs promote democratic diffusion. TSMOs are strongest at diffusing participatory democracy. TSMOs also contribute to the diffusion of electoral democracy but do so by promoting the diffusion of freedom of association and freedom of expression rather than elections.
Improving Reading Through Videogames and Digital Apps: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ostiz-Blanco Mikel , Bernacer Javier , Garcia-Arbizu Irati , Diaz-Sanchez Patricia , Rello Luz , Lallier Marie , Arrondo Gonzalo
Published: September 2021

Background: The use of electronic interventions to improve reading is becoming a common resource. This systematic review aims to describe the main characteristics of randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies that have used these tools to improve first-language reading, in order to highlight the features of the most reliable studies and guide future research.

Methods: The whole procedure followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered before starting the process (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/CKM4N). Searches in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and an institutional reference aggregator (Unika) yielded 6,230 candidate articles. After duplicate removal, screening, and compliance of eligibility criteria, 55 studies were finally included.

Results: They were research studies on improving first-language reading, both in children and adults, and including a control group. Thirty-three different electronic tools were employed, most of them in English, and studies were very diverse in sample size, length of intervention, and control tasks. Risk of bias was analyzed with the PEDro scale, and all studies had a medium or low risk. However, risk of bias due to conflicts of interest could not be evaluated in most studies, since they did not include a statement on this issue.

Conclusion: Future research on this topic should include randomized intervention and control groups, with sample sizes over 65 per group, interventions longer than 15 h, and a proper disclosure of possible conflicts of interest.

Systematic Review Registration: The whole procedure followed the PRISMA guidelines, and the protocol was registered before starting the process in the Open Science Framework (doi: 10.17605/OSF.IO/CKM4N).
Bilingual Brains Learn to Use L2 Alliterations Covertly like Poets: Brain ERP Evidence
Authors: Yang Siqin , Zhang Xiaochen , Jiang Minghu
Published: September 2021

Bilinguals were documented to access their native or first language (L1) during comprehension of their second languages (L2). However, it is uncertain whether they can access L2 when reading their first language. This study used the event-related potential (ERP) technique to demonstrate the implicit and unconscious access to English words when Chinese–English bilinguals read words in Chinese, their native language. The participants were asked to judge whether the Chinese words presented in pairs were semantically related or not, meanwhile unconscious of the occasional alliteration (repetition of the first phoneme) if the Chinese words were translated into English. While the concealed prime in English translations failed to affect the reaction time, the alliteration significantly modulated N400 among advanced English learners, especially for semantically unrelated word pairs. Critically, this modulation effect was discrepant between bilinguals with high-level and normal-level English proficiency. These results indicate that L2 activation is an unconscious correlate of native-language processing depending on L2 proficiency.
Effects of Combined Plyometric and Short Sprints Training on Athletic Performance of Male U19 Soccer Players
Authors: Aloui Ghaith , Souhail Hermassi , Hayes Lawrence D. , Bouhafs El Ghali , Chelly Mohamed Souhaiel , Schwesig René
Published: September 2021

This project investigated adding 8 weeks of biweekly plyometric and short sprints training into standard training in elite youth soccer players. An experimental group (EG, n = 18, age: 17.6 ± 0.6 years, body mass: 67.6 ± 5.8 kg, height: 1.75 ± 0.06 m, and body fat: 11.5 ± 1.6%) and control group (CG, n = 18, age: 17.5 ± 0.6 years, body mass: 68.8 ± 3.6 kg, height: 1.77 ± 0.04 m, and body fat: 11.7 ± 1.2%) participated. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measures were squat-jump (SJ), countermovement-jump (CMJ), standing long jump (SLJ), 5 and 20 m sprints, change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test [S 4 × 5 m] and sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with backward and forward running [SBF]), repeated change of direction (RCOD), and static balance (the stork balance test). For all parameters, significant (p < 0.001, ηp2 > 0.10) time and interaction (group × time) effects were observed. For three parameters (SBF, RCOD fastest time, and SLJ) no significant group effects were observed. The EG consistently showed a significantly higher performance level than the CG and a higher amount of effect sizes d (EG: drange: 1.27–2.61; CG: drange: 0.13–0.79) as an indicator for the development of performance between pre-intervention and post-intervention measures. Adding biweekly plyometric and short sprint training to standard training improves the athletic performance of young soccer players. Such plyometric and short sprint training conditioning can be highly recommended as part of the annual short training program for male elite under-19 (U19) soccer players.
A Short Media Training Session Is Effective in Reinforcing Psychiatrists’ Communication Skills About Suicide
Authors: Walter Karl , Wathelet Marielle , Valdenaire Sacha , Grandgenèvre Pierre , Pauwels Nathalie , Vaiva Guillaume , Notredame Charles-Edouard
Published: September 2021

Because it has been associated with significant increases [through the Werther Effect (WE)] or decreases [through the Papageno Effect (PE)] of suicide rates, media coverage of suicide-related events is recognized as a prevention leverage. Unfortunately, the recommendations that the World Health Organization (WHO) has published to help journalists reporting on suicide remain poorly applied. The Mini Media Training (MMT) is a short media training session designed to increase psychiatrists’ ability to communicate about suicide during interviews. We aimed at assessing the effect of the MMT on psychiatrists’ ability to help journalists complying with the WHO recommendations. From June 2017 to December 2019, 173 physicians and residents in psychiatry were recruited during French national congresses. At baseline (T0) and 1 and 3 months later (T1), participants received the MMT, which consisted in a simulated interview where they we asked to answer a journalist about a mock suicide. Communication skills were measured with a score summing the number of delivered pieces of advice in relation to the WHO recommendations, with a maximum score of 33. A weighted score was also derived based on the degree of directivity needed for the participant to provide these items, again with a possible maximum of 33. A total of 132 psychiatrists participated in the study at T0 and T1. Both the weighted and unweighted score significantly increased from T0 to T1 (d = +2.08, p < 0.001, and d = +1.24, p < 0.001, respectively). Having a history of contacts with journalists, a short professional experience (<3 years) and prior knowledge of the WE, PE, and WHO recommendations were significantly associated with greater unweighted and weighted scores at baseline. The latter two variables also predicted greater T0–T1 improvement of the weighted score. These results suggest that the MMT could be effective for improving the ability of psychiatrists to guide journalists toward more responsible media coverage of suicide. As a short, easy to implement educational activity, the MMT could therefore be considered in association with other measures to help media professionals mitigating the WE and promoting the PE.
The Substance of Cold: Indonesians’ Use of Cold Weather Theory to Explain Everyday Illnesses
Authors: Anggoro Florencia K. , Jee Benjamin D.
Published: September 2021

Many people across the world use cold conditions, such as cold air and wet clothes, to explain everyday illness, such as colds and flu. In Indonesia, the conceptmasuk angin, or “trapped wind,” appears to reflect this line of folknatural thinking. Interestingly, Indonesians distinguish masuk angin from the common cold, which is a frequent target for “cold weather” explanations in other cultures. We interviewed Indonesian 8- and 10-year-old children, lay adults, and medical expert adults, about the cause, contagiousness, and treatment of everyday illnesses: the common cold, the flu, and masuk angin. Most Indonesian children, and especially adults, believed that cold and flu are caused by germs and are contagious. In contrast, most children and lay adults (but not experts) attributed masuk angin to cold conditions and viewed it as non-contagious. These findings reveal how folknatural and scientific theories of illness coexist in the minds of Indonesian children and lay adults.
Initial Evidence for Symptoms of Postpartum Parent-Infant Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (PI-ROCD) and Associated Risk for Perturbed Maternal Behavior and Infant Social Disengagement From Mother
Authors: Ratzoni Nathalie , Doron Guy , Frenkel Tahl I.
Published: September 2021

Infant socioemotional development and underlying brain maturation occur primarily within the context of early caregiver-infant relationships. Perinatal research demonstrates detrimental impact of postpartum pathology, including postnatal onset of maternal OCD—on the mother-infant relationship. The present study is the first to examine postnatal onset of a particular dimension of OCD symptoms focusing on close interpersonal relationships (relationship-OCD, i.e., ROCD) within a general population sample. Specifically, we assessed whether symptoms of Parent-Child ROCD (PC-ROCD), may onset postnatally, thus yielding symptoms of Parent-Infant ROCD (PI-ROCD). We adapted the previously validated Parent-Child ROCD measure for use during infancy to assess symptoms of PI-ROCD. The adapted measure, Parent-Infant Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Symptoms Inventory (PI-PROCSI), was administered to 143 mothers from the general population at 4-months postpartum. We investigated concurrent associations between postnatal onset of PI-ROCD, maternal depression and bonding, as well as longitudinal predictive associations with observed maternal and infant behaviors in dyadic interactions at 10 months. Due to dropout across the 1st year postpartum, the subsample with longitudinal data was substantially reduced compared to the full sample. PI-PROCSI scores explained unique variance in concurrent maternal depression over and above concurrent anxiety. PI-PROCSI scores also associated with concurrent impairments of maternal bonding. Moreover, unique associations emerged between maternal PI-ROCD scores and perturbations in both maternal and infant observable behaviors at 10-months. Specifically, observable perturbations in maternal behaviors mediated associations between symptoms of PI-ROCD at 4-months and observable infant avoidance of social engagement behaviors at 10-months. Findings suggest that parent-child ROCD symptoms may onset during the postnatal period, and that such symptoms may play a significant role in shaping quality of reciprocal caregiver-infant interactions. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.