bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral Contraceptives Modulate the Relationship Between Resting Brain Activity, Amygdala Connectivity and Emotion Recognition – A Resting State fMRI Study
Authors: Menting-Henry Shanice , Hidalgo-Lopez Esmeralda , Aichhorn Markus , Kronbichler Martin , Kerschbaum Hubert , Pletzer Belinda
Published: March 2022

Recent research into the effects of hormonal contraceptives on emotion processing and brain function suggests that hormonal contraceptive users show (a) reduced accuracy in recognizing emotions compared to naturally cycling women, and (b) alterations in amygdala volume and connectivity at rest. To date, these observations have not been linked, although the amygdala has certainly been identified as core region activated during emotion recognition. To assess, whether volume, oscillatory activity and connectivity of emotion-related brain areas at rest are predictive of participant’s ability to recognize facial emotional expressions, 72 participants (20 men, 20 naturally cycling women, 16 users of androgenic contraceptives, 16 users of anti-androgenic contraceptives) completed a brain structural and resting state fMRI scan, as well as an emotion recognition task. Our results showed that resting brain characteristics did not mediate oral contraceptive effects on emotion recognition performance. However, sex and oral contraceptive use emerged as a moderator of brain-behavior associations. Sex differences did emerge in the prediction of emotion recognition performance by the left amygdala amplitude of low frequency oscillations (ALFF) for anger, as well as left and right amygdala connectivity for fear. Anti-androgenic oral contraceptive users (OC) users stood out in that they showed strong brain-behavior associations, usually in the opposite direction as naturally cycling women, while androgenic OC-users showed a pattern similar to, but weaker, than naturally cycling women. This result suggests that amygdala ALFF and connectivity have predictive values for facial emotion recognition. The importance of the different connections depends heavily on sex hormones and oral contraceptive use.
Crystallin Alpha-B Overexpression as a Possible Marker of Reactive Astrogliosis in Human Cerebral Contusions
Authors: Becerra-Hernández Lina Vanessa , Escobar-Betancourt Martha Isabel , Pimienta-Jiménez Hernán José , Buriticá Efraín
Published: March 2022

The pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not yet been fully elucidated. Crystallin alpha-B (CRYAB) is a molecular chaperone that apparently tries to stabilize the rapid thickening of the intermediate filaments of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) during the process of reactive astrogliosis in response to TBI. Previous analyses of the gene expression profile in human brain contusion tissue showed us an exacerbated CRYAB overexpression. Here, we used 3, 3’-diaminobenzidine (DAB) immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to verify CRYAB overexpression and to describe its expression and distribution in samples of contused cortical tissue derived from emergency decompressive surgery after severe TBI. The histological expression of CRYAB was mainly seen in subcortical white matter astrocytes of injured tissue. Most of the cells that overexpressed GFAP in the analyzed tissue also overexpressed CRYAB, a finding corroborated by the co-localization of the two markers. The only difference was the presence of a few pyramidal neurons that expressed CRYAB in layer V of the cerebral cortex. The selective vulnerability of layer V of the cerebral cortex during TBI could explain the expression of CRYAB in neurons of this cortical layer. Our results indicate a parallel behavior in the cellular expression of CRYAB and GFAP during the subacute response to TBI. These results lead us to postulate CRYAB as a possible marker of reactive astrogliosis in contused cortical tissue.
Do Muscle Changes Contribute to the Neurological Disorder in Spastic Paresis?
Authors: Pradines Maud , Ghédira Mouna , Bignami Blaise , Vielotte Jordan , Bayle Nicolas , Marciniak Christina , Burke David , Hutin Emilie , Gracies Jean-Michel
Published: March 2022

Background

At the onset of stroke-induced hemiparesis, muscle tissue is normal and motoneurones are not overactive. Muscle contracture and motoneuronal overactivity then develop. Motor command impairments are classically attributed to the neurological lesion, but the role played by muscle changes has not been investigated.

Methods

Interaction between muscle and command disorders was explored using quantified clinical methodology—the Five Step Assessment. Six key muscles of each of the lower and upper limbs in adults with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were examined by a single investigator, measuring the angle of arrest with slow muscle stretch (XV1) and the maximal active range of motion against the resistance of the tested muscle (XA). The coefficient of shortening CSH= (XN-XV1)/XN(XN, normally expected amplitude) and of weakness CW= (XV1-XA)/XV1) were calculated to estimate the muscle and command disorders, respectively. Composite CSH(CCSH) and CW(CCW) were then derived for each limb by averaging the six corresponding coefficients. For the shortened muscles of each limb (mean CSH> 0.10), linear regressions explored the relationships between coefficients of shortening and weakness below and above their median coefficient of shortening.

Results

A total of 80 persons with chronic hemiparesis with complete lower limb assessments [27 women, mean age 47 (SD 17), time since lesion 8.8 (7.2) years], and 32 with upper limb assessments [18 women, age 32 (15), time since lesion 6.4 (9.3) years] were identified. The composite coefficient of shortening was greater in the lower than in the upper limb (0.12 ± 0.04 vs. 0.08 ± 0.04;p= 0.0002, while the composite coefficient of weakness was greater in the upper limb (0.28 ± 0.12 vs. 0.15 ± 0.06, lower limb;p< 0.0001). In the lower limb shortened muscles, the coefficient of weakness correlated with the composite coefficient of shortening above the 0.15 median CSH(R= 0.43,p= 0.004) but not below (R= 0.14,p= 0.40).

Conclusion

In chronic hemiparesis, muscle shortening affects the lower limb particularly, and, beyond a threshold of severity, may alter descending commands. The latter might occur through chronically increased intramuscular tension, and thereby increased muscle afferent firing and activity-dependent synaptic sensitization at the spinal level.
Characteristics of Whale Müller Glia in Primary and Immortalized Cultures
Authors: Pereiro Xandra , Beriain Sandra , Rodriguez Lara , Roiz-Valle David , Ruzafa Noelia , Vecino Elena
Published: March 2022

Müller cells are the principal glial cells in the retina and they assume many of the functions carried out by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells in other regions of the central nervous system. Müller cells express growth factors, neurotransmitter transporters and antioxidant agents that could fulfill important roles in preventing excitotoxic damage to retinal neurons. Vertebrate Müller cells are well-defined cells, characterized by a common set of features throughout the phylum. Nevertheless, several major differences have been observed among the Müller cells in distinct vertebrates, such as neurogenesis, the capacity to reprogram fish Müller glia to neurons. Here, the Müller glia of the largest adult mammal in the world, the whale, have been analyzed, and given the difficulties in obtaining cetacean cells for study, these whale glia were analyzed both in primary cultures and as immortalized whale Müller cells. After isolating the retina from the eye of a beached sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis), primary Müller cell cultures were established and once the cultures reached confluence, half of the cultures were immortalized with the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T-antigen commonly used to immortalize human cell lines. The primary cell cultures were grown until cells reached senescence. Expression of the principal molecular markers of Müller cells (GFAP, Vimentin and Glutamine synthetase) was studied in both primary and immortalized cells at each culture passage. Proliferation kinetics of the cells were analyzed by time-lapse microscopy: the time between divisions, the time that cells take to divide, and the proportion of dividing cells in the same field. The karyotypes of the primary and immortalized whale Müller cells were also characterized. Our results shown that W21M proliferate more rapidly and they have a stable karyotype. W21M cells display a heterogeneous cell morphology, less motility and a distinctive expression of some typical molecular markers of Müller cells, with an increase in dedifferentiation markers like α-SMA and β-III tubulin, while they preserve their GS expression depending on the culture passage. Here we also discuss the possible influence of the animal’s age and size on these cells, and on their senescence.
Activity-Dependent Modulation of Tonic GABA Currents by Endocannabinoids in Hirudo verbana
Authors: Paulsen Riley T. , Burrell Brian D.
Published: March 2022

Endocannabinoids are lipid neuromodulators that are synthesized on demand and primarily signal in a retrograde manner to elicit depression of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Despite the considerable interest in their potential analgesic effects, there is evidence that endocannabinoids can have both pro-nociceptive and anti-nociceptive effects. The mechanisms contributing to the opposing effects of endocannabinoids in nociception need to be better understood before cannabinoid-based therapies can be effectively utilized to treat pain. Using the medicinal leech, Hirudo verbana, this work investigates whether endocannabinoids modulate tonic inhibition onto non-nociceptive afferents. In voltage clamp recordings, we analyzed changes in the tonic inhibition in pressure-sensitive (P) cells following pre-treatment with endocannabinoids, 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) or anandamide (AEA). We also tested whether high frequency stimulation (HFS) of nociceptive (N) cells could also modulate tonic inhibition. Both endocannabinoid application and N cell HFS depressed tonic inhibition in the P cell. Depression of tonic inhibition by N cell HFS was blocked by SB 366791 (a TRPV1 inhibitor). SB 366791 also prevented 2-AG-and AEA-induced depression of tonic inhibition. HFS-induced depression was not blocked by tetrahydrolipstatin (THL), which prevents 2-AG synthesis, nor AM 251 (a CB1 receptor inverse agonist). These results illustrate a novel activity-dependent modulation of tonic GABA currents that is mediated by endocannabinoid signaling and is likely to play an important role in sensitization of non-nociceptive afferent pathways.
Complete Response to Combined Chemotherapy and Anti-PD-1 Therapy for Recurrent Gallbladder Carcinosarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Qin-qin , Lin Hao-ming , Han Hong-wei , Yang Cai-ni , Liu Chao , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2022

Background

Gallbladder carcinosarcoma (GBCS) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with extremely poor prognosis. Although surgery is regarded as the primary therapy for GBCS, the effective therapeutic strategies for unresected lesions have been poorly defined.

Case Presentation

We presented a case of a 74-year-old male who underwent radical resection of gallbladder carcinoma at a local hospital. Seven months later, he was admitted to our hospital due to right upper abdominal discomfort. Postoperative radiological examinations showed multiple hepatic lesions, hilar lymph node metastasis, and main portal vein tumor thrombus. The pathological consultation results confirmed GBCS and immunohistochemical examinations revealed PD-L1 expression in 20% of tumor cells. Then, the patient received chemotherapy (Gemcitabine plus Oxaliplatin, GEMOX) in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. After nine courses of the combination therapy, complete regression of the tumors was achieved with no evidence of relapse till now.

Conclusions

We, for the first time, reported a patient with recurrent GBCS who benefited from the combined chemotherapy and immunotherapy, providing a potential effective management strategy for the refractory malignant tumor.
Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of WNT/Beta-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Shah Kinjal , Kazi Julhash U.
Published: March 2022

WNT/β-catenin signaling is a highly complex pathway that plays diverse roles in various cellular processes. While WNT ligands usually signal through their dedicated Frizzled receptors, the decision to signal in a β-catenin-dependent or -independent manner rests upon the type of co-receptors used. Canonical WNT signaling is β-catenin-dependent, whereas non-canonical WNT signaling is β-catenin-independent according to the classical definition. This still holds true, albeit with some added complexity, as both the pathways seem to cross-talk with intertwined networks that involve the use of different ligands, receptors, and co-receptors. β-catenin can be directly phosphorylated by various kinases governing its participation in either canonical or non-canonical pathways. Moreover, the co-activators that associate with β-catenin determine the output of the pathway in terms of induction of genes promoting proliferation or differentiation. In this review, we provide an overview of how protein phosphorylation controls WNT/β-catenin signaling, particularly in human cancer.
Amniotic Fluid: A Perspective on Promising Advances in the Prevention and Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: de Kroon Rimke Romee , de Baat Tessa , Senger Stefania , van Weissenbruch Mirjam Maria
Published: March 2022

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common and potentially fatal disease that typically affects preterm (PIs) and very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). Although NEC has been extensively studied, the current therapeutic approaches are unsatisfactory. Due to the similarities in the composition between human amniotic fluid (AF) and human breast milk (BM), which plays a protective role in the development of NEC in PIs and VLBWIs, it has been postulated that AF has similar effects on the outcome of NEC and potential therapeutic implications. AF has been long used for its diagnostic purposes and is often discarded after birth as “biological waste”. However, researchers have started to elucidate its therapeutic potential. Experimental studies in animal models have shown that diseases of various organ systems can possibly benefit from AF-based therapy. Hence, we have identified three approaches which show promising results for future clinical application in the prevention and/or treatment of NEC: (1) administration of processed AF (PAF) isolated from donor mothers, (2) administration of AF stem cells (AFSCs), and (3) administration of simulated AF (SAF) formulated to mimic the composition of physiological AF. We have highlighted the most important aspects that should be taken into account to guide further research on the clinical application of AF-based therapy. We hope that this review can provide a framework to identify the challenges of AF-based therapy and help to design future studies to better evaluate AF-based approaches for the treatment and/or prevention of NEC in PIs and VLBWIs.
Efficacy and Safety of Triple Combination Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Modulators in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wang Yizi , Ma Bin , Li Wenya , Li Peiwen
Published: March 2022

Background: Cystic fibrosis is a rare, recessive, progressive genetic disease caused by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. Small molecules have recently been developed to treat the molecular consequences of CFTR mutations and restore CFTR protein function. However, the data on triple combination therapy (mainly from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which is most tested in clinical trials) are limited. This meta-analysis was aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of this therapy according to different mutation genotypes and comparators.

Methods: Relevant publications were identified through searching several medical databases before 31 December 2021. The primary outcomes of ppFEV1, sweat chloride concentration and Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) score were pooled and analyzed. The secondary outcomes were adverse events in triple combination therapy.

Results: Six randomized controlled trials were eligible for analysis. The total outcome of the ppFEV1 change was higher with triple combination therapy than triple placebo or active control (mean difference, MD, 13.6% and 8.74%, respectively). The pooled result of sweat chloride concentrations with triple combination therapy was lower than that of triple placebo or active control (MD, −44.13 and −39.26, respectively). The pooled estimate of the CFQ-R score was higher with triple combination therapy than triple placebo or active control (MD, 19.8% and 14.63%, respectively). No clear differences in adverse events were found between triple combination therapy and the control (placebo or active control).

Conclusion: CFTR modulators in triple combination achieve better clinical results than placebo and active control, and result in comparable adverse events.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021293402, identifier PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021293402.
Enhancement of Secondary Cell Wall Formation in Poplar Xylem Using a Self-Reinforced System of Secondary Cell Wall-Related Transcription Factors
Authors: Nakano Yoshimi , Endo Hitoshi , Gerber Lorenz , Hori Chiaki , Ihara Ayumi , Sekimoto Masayo , Matsumoto Tomoko , Kikuchi Jun , Ohtani Misato , Demura Taku
Published: March 2022

The secondary cell wall (SCW) in the xylem is one of the largest sink organs of carbon in woody plants, and is considered a promising sustainable bioresource for biofuels and biomaterials. To enhance SCW formation in poplar (Populus sp.) xylem, we developed a self-reinforced system of SCW-related transcription factors from Arabidopsis thaliana, involving VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN7 (VND7), SECONDARY WALL-ASSOCIATED NAC-DOMAIN PROTEIN 1/NAC SECONDARY WALL THICKENING-PROMOTING FACTOR3 (SND1/NST3), and MYB46. In this system, these transcription factors were fused with the transactivation domain VP16 and expressed under the control of the Populus trichocarpa CesA18 (PtCesA18) gene promoter, creating the chimeric genes PtCesA18pro::AtVND7:VP16, PtCesA18pro::AtSND1:VP16, and PtCesA18pro::AtMYB46:VP16. The PtCesA18 promoter is active in tissues generating SCWs, and can be regulated by AtVND7, AtSND1, and AtMYB46; thus, the expression levels of PtCesA18pro::AtVND7:VP16, PtCesA18pro::AtSND1:VP16, and PtCesA18pro::AtMYB46:VP16 are expected to be boosted in SCW-generating tissues. In the transgenic hybrid aspens (Populus tremula × tremuloides T89) expressing PtCesA18pro::AtSND1:VP16 or PtCesA18pro::AtMYB46:VP16 grown in sterile half-strength Murashige and Skoog growth medium, SCW thickening was significantly enhanced in the secondary xylem cells, while the PtCesA18pro::AtVND7:VP16 plants showed stunted xylem formation, possibly because of the enhanced programmed cell death (PCD) in the xylem regions. After acclimation, the transgenic plants were transferred from the sterile growth medium to pots of soil in the greenhouse, where only the PtCesA18pro::AtMYB46:VP16 aspens survived. A nuclear magnetic resonance footprinting cell wall analysis and enzymatic saccharification analysis demonstrated that PtCesA18pro::AtMYB46:VP16 influences cell wall properties such as the ratio of syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units of lignin, the abundance of the lignin β-aryl ether and resinol bonds, and hemicellulose acetylation levels. Together, these data indicate that we have created a self-reinforced system using SCW-related transcription factors to enhance SCW accumulation.
Identification of Wheat LACCASEs in Response to Fusarium graminearum as Potential Deoxynivalenol Trappers
Authors: Sun Zhengxi , Zhou Yilei , Hu Yi , Jiang Ning , Hu Sijia , Li Lei , Li Tao
Published: March 2022

Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum) can cause huge yield reductions and contamination of grain with deoxynivalenol (DON), and thus is one of the most problematic pathogen of wheat worldwide. Although great efforts have been paid and great achievements have been made to control the pathogens, there is still a wide gap for understanding the mechanism underlying F. graminearum resistance. Plant LACCASEs (LACs) catalyze the oxidative polymerization of monolignols by reinforcing cell-wall of various cell types to provide mechanical support, xylem sap transportation, and defense against pest and pathogens. To date, little has been known about LAC genes in bread wheat and their potential roles in wheat-F. graminearum interaction. Through systematic analysis of the genome-wide homologs and transcriptomes of wheat, a total of 95 Triticum aestivum laccases (TaLACs) were identified, and 14 of them were responsive to F. graminearum challenge. 3D structure modelings of the 14 TaLAC proteins showed that only TaLAC78 contains the entire activity center for oxidation and the others lack the type 1 copper ion ligand (T1Cu). Both amino acid sequence alignment and three-dimensional reconstruction after amino acid mutation showed that the loss of T1Cu is not only related to variation of the key amino acid coordinating T1Cu, but also closely related to the flanking amino acids. Significantly differential temporal expression patterns of TaLACs suggested that their subfunctionalization might occur. Promoter array analysis indicated that the induction of TaLACs may be closely associated with salicylic acid signaling, dehydration, and low-oxygen stress under F. graminearum infection. Molecular docking simulation demonstrated that TaLACs can not only catalyze lignin as a substrate, but also interact with DON, which may be docked into the binding position of the monolignols, where the LACs recognize substrates. The current study provides clues for exploring the novel functions of TaLACs in wheat resistance to F. graminearum, and TaLACs maybe candidates for conferring a high level of resistance against F. graminearum in wheat.
Unraveling the Genetic Basis of Key Agronomic Traits of Wrinkled Vining Pea (Pisum sativum L.) for Sustainable Production
Authors: Alemu Admas , Brantestam Agnese Kolodinska , Chawade Aakash
Published: March 2022

Estimating the allelic variation and exploring the genetic basis of quantitatively inherited complex traits are the two foremost breeding scenarios for sustainable crop production. The current study utilized 188 wrinkled vining pea genotypes comprising historical varieties and breeding lines to evaluate the existing genetic diversity and to detect molecular markers associated with traits relevant to vining pea production, such as wrinkled vining pea yield (YTM100), plant height (PH), earliness (ERL), adult plant resistance to downy mildew (DM), pod length (PDL), numbers of pods per plant (PDP), number of peas per pod (PPD), and percent of small wrinkled vining peas (PSP). Marker-trait associations (MTAs) were conducted using 6902 quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from the diversity arrays technology sequencing (DArTseq) and Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) sequencing methods. The best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values were estimated from the two-decades-long (1999–2020) unbalanced phenotypic data sets recorded from two private breeding programs, the Findus and the Birds eye, now owned by Nomad Foods. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant variation between genotypes and genotype-by-environment interactions for the ten traits. The genetic diversity and population structure analyses estimated an intermediate level of genetic variation with two optimal sub-groups within the current panel. A total of 48 significant (P < 0.0001) MTAs were identified for eight different traits, including five for wrinkled vining pea yield on chr2LG1, chr4LG4, chr7LG7, and scaffolds (two), and six for adult plant resistance to downy mildew on chr1LG6, chr3LG5 (two), chr6LG2, and chr7LG7 (two). We reported several novel MTAs for different crucial traits with agronomic importance in wrinkled vining pea production for the first time, and these candidate markers could be easily validated and integrated into the active breeding programs for marker-assisted selection.
Working as a Healthcare Professional and Wellbeing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Work Recovery Experiences and Need for Recovery as Mediators
Authors: Rus Claudia Lenuţa , Oţoiu Cătălina , Băban Adriana Smaranda , Vâjâean Cristina , Kassianos Angelos P. , Karekla Maria , Gloster Andrew T.
Published: March 2022

Considering the high impact strain that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has put on medical personnel worldwide, identifying means to alleviate stress on healthcare professionals and to boost their subjective and psychological wellbeing is more relevant than ever. This study investigates the extent to which the relationships between the status of working in healthcare and the subjective and psychological wellbeing are serially mediated by work recovery experiences and the need for recovery. Data were collected from 217 Romanian employees (44 health professionals and 173 employees from other domains) using a cross-sectional design with self-report instruments, during the first stage of the nationwide lockdown. The results of the serial mediation analyses revealed that working in the medical field is indirectly related to subjective and psychological wellbeing through the following: (i) mastery experiences and (ii) mastery experiences as an antecedent of the need for recovery. As such, our findings indicate that (i) working in the medical field is, in fact, linked to healthcare professionals’ subjective and psychological wellbeing, and they provide some input on (ii) how recovery experiences and the need for recovery intervene in these relationships. Based on these findings, theoretical, methodological, and practical implications were suggested, and future research directions were proposed to maximize healthcare professionals’ wellbeing.
Seeing Is Believing: Making Wellbeing More Tangible
Authors: Vella-Brodrick Dianne A. , Gill Anneliese , Patrick Kent
Published: March 2022

Positive Psychology has been instrumental in promoting wellbeing science in the modern era. However, there are still ways in which positive psychology interventions and positive education programmes can be improved to achieve more robust and sustained effects. One suggested method is to make wellbeing more salient and tangible through the use of objective tools that assess the relationship between psychological and physiological wellbeing, and enable wellbeing status and change to be seen. With the addition of an interdisciplinary team, as well as technology-enabled and pedagogically sound learning tools and approaches, the potential for positive outcomes and impact increases exponentially. Monitoring wellbeing progress in this way can provide evidence, motivation and belief in positive psychology and wellbeing interventions. This can lead to engaged learning, sustained benefits and systemic impact. Positive psychology needs to strategically extend on the emerging work in this field to help everyone, including policy makers, notice and value wellbeing.
Approaches Toward Building the Digital Enterprise and Sustainable Economic Development: The Moderating Role of Sustainability
Authors: Pei Jianhua
Published: March 2022

Achieving enduring economic development is the biggest challenge of today’s humanity. However, at present, there is a consensus that the digital economy plays a significant role in achieving sustainable economic development. The advancement of the digital enterprise is critical for obtaining socioeconomic stability and growth. In explanation, this study focuses on gaining economic progression through deploying the modern concept of digitalization. The study analyzes the mediating relationship of digital enterprise among e-commerce, digitalization, and digital marketing and their effect on China’s economic development while considering sustainability as a moderating variable. The study has used primary data collection techniques, and the study sample size is 400 respondents. The research has used SmartPLS software to measure the relationship through bootstrapping and algorithms. The study has found significant positive mediation of digital enterprise and moderation of sustainability between digital enterprise and economic development. This study suggests the theoretical and practical implications toward political stability, policymakers, and researcher perspective.
Stimulating Brand Innovation Strategy via Knowledge Acquisition, Market Orientation, and Strategic Capability Using Social Media Within China’s Online Technology Industry
Authors: Yang Yaliu , Zheng Xiaowei
Published: March 2022

In the context of China’s online technology business, this study explores the linkages between knowledge acquisition via social media, two modes of market orientation (proactive and responsive), social media strategic capability, and brand innovation strategy. Data were collected from 853 Chinese technology firms with the help of questionnaire. To analyze the collected data structure, equation modeling was applied using smart-PLS 3.3 version. Results indicate that knowledge acquisition from social media, market orientation (proactive and responsive), and strategic capability has significant impact on brand innovation in the context of social media. Furthermore, strategic capability on social media moderates the relationship between knowledge, market orientation (proactive and responsive), and brand innovation in the context of social media. This study offers new perspectives on market orientation and brand innovation strategy by extending the literature and testing key assumptions. Moreover, using social media knowledge in social media marketing and innovation management is a sensible approach for making changes and transforming an organization.
Does Adding Social Cognitive Remediation Therapy to Neurocognitive Remediation Therapy Improve Outcomes in Young People With a Severe Mental Illness?—The Advantage Trial
Authors: Harris Anthony W. F. , Kightley Michelle , Williams Joanna , Ma Cassandra , Dodds Carlie
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Cognitive impairments are a common and significant issue for young people with a severe mental illness. Young people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression all experience significant cognitive problems that impede their ability to return to work or study. These neurocognitive problems are frequently exacerbated by social cognitive deficits that interfere with their ability to integrate into the community and understand the social and emotional nuances about them. This study aimed to assess if the addition of a social cognitive remediation treatment to a neurocognitive remediation therapy improved functional outcome.

Methods

Five youth mental health services were trained in both the Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation (NEAR) and the Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) treatments. Participants were randomised between receiving either NEAR + SCIT or NEAR + treatment as usual (TAU) over a 20-week period, with all participants receiving the NEAR treatment first. Symptoms, neurocognition, social cognition and functioning were examined at baseline, end of treatment and at 3 months follow-up and compared between the two arms of the study. The primary outcome was function.

Results

Thirty-nine participants were randomised to treatment (Schizophrenia spectrum = 28, Bipolar disorder = 7, Major Depression = 2). The trial was curtailed by Covid-related service restrictions. There was an overall significant improvement in function over time with a trend towards a greater improvement in the NEAR + SCIT arm. No changes in symptoms, neurocognitive or social cognitive measures were seen. While 74% completed treatment only 49% agreed to follow up at 3 months affecting our ability to interpret the findings. Attrition did not differ by arm.

Conclusions

In a pragmatic, service-based research project, treatment aimed at improving cognition enhanced functional outcome in young people with a range of severe mental illnesses. There was a trend towards improved function in young people who had a combined NEAR + SCIT approach.

Clinical Trial Registration

Identifier: ACTRN12622000192785.
Prevalence of Anxiety Symptoms and Associated Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors in Mexican Adults Seeking Psychological Support for Grief During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dominguez-Rodriguez Alejandro , Herdoiza-Arroyo Paulina Erika , Martínez Arriaga Reyna Jazmin , Bautista Valerio Eduardo , Mateu Mollá Joaquín , de la Rosa-Gómez Anabel , Farfallini Luis , Hernández Jiménez María Jesús , Esquivel Santoveña Esteban Eugenio , Ramírez-Martínez Flor Rocío , Castellanos Vargas Rosa Olimpia , Arzola-Sánchez Carlos Armando , Arenas-Landgrave Paulina , Martínez-Luna Sofía Cristina
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the greatest challenges in modern history, with more than four million confirmed deaths worldwide. To date, evidence regarding the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on grievers is scarce for developing countries such as Mexico. This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety and associated concerns in a sample of Mexican adults bereaved during the COVID-19 outbreak. A cross-sectional study was conducted through the Duelo COVID (COVID Grief) platform, which is a self-guided online treatment. A total of 5,224 participants reported their anxiety, depression, sleep quality, avoidance, and arousal, prolonged grief symptoms, and medication consumption. Independent sample Mann-Whitney U-tests, chi-square tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, as well as multinomial logistic regression, were conducted. Results indicated that 90.4% of the participants reported clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and sleep affectations. The people who lost someone during the last 5 months scored higher in normal grief symptoms compared to the people whose loss was 6 months ago or more, and 9.8% of individuals reported the use of prescription medication, with anxiolytics and antidepressants being the most common. Females, younger respondents, unemployed people with a lower educational level, and participants who disclosed a recent suicide attempt were among those who reported medication consumption. Sleep problems were more frequent in older participants.
Clinical Guidelines of the Egyptian Psychiatric Association for the Management of Treatment-Resistant Unipolar Depression in Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Momtaz , Okasha Tarek , Shaheen Mostafa , Nasr Mohamed , Molokheya Tarek , Omar Abd ElNasser , Rabie Menan A. , Samy Victor , Hamed Hany , Ali Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a public health burden that creates a strain not only on individuals, but also on the economy. Treatment-resistant depression in the course of major depressive disorder represents a clinically challenging condition that is defined as insufficient response to two or more antidepressant trails with antidepressants of the same or different classes that were administered at adequate daily doses for at least 4 weeks.

Objective/Hypothesis

To develop a treatment guideline for Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD).

Methodology

Experts in the field gathered and reviewed the available evidence about the subject. Then, a series of meetings were held to create recommendations that can be utilized by Egyptian psychiatrists.

Results

The guidelines provide recommendations in various clinical settings. It evaluates different situations, such as patients at risk of resistance, those with resistance and recommends strategies to resolve the clinical case.

Conclusion

The consensus guidelines will improve the outcomes of patients, as they provide recommendations across various domains that are of concern for the practicing psychiatrist.
Process Evaluation of an Application-Based Salt Reduction Intervention in School Children and Their Families (AppSalt) in China: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Sun Yuewen , Li Yuan , He Feng J. , Liu Hueiming , Sun Jingwen , Luo Rong , Guo Chunlei , Zhang Puhong
Published: March 2022

Background

Salt reduction is a cost-effective, and rather challenging public health strategy for controlling chronic diseases. The AppSalt program is a school-based multi-component mobile health (mhealth) salt reduction program designed to tackle the high salt intake in China. This mixed-methods process evaluation was conducted to investigate the implementation of this program across sites, identify factors associated with the implementation, and collect evidence to optimize the intervention design for future scale-up.

Methods

Mixed methods were used sequentially to collect data regarding five process evaluation dimensions: fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, reach, and context. Quantitative data were collected during the intervention process. Participation rate of intervention activities was calculated and compared across cities. The quantitative data was used for the selection of representative intervention participants for the qualitative interviews. Qualitative data were collected in face-to-face semi-structured interviews with purposively selected students (n = 33), adult family members (n = 33), teachers (n = 9), heads of schools (n = 9), key informants from local health, and education departments (n = 8). Thematic analysis technique was applied to analyze the interview transcripts using NVivo. The qualitative data were triangulated with the quantitative data during the interpretation phase.

Results

The total number of families recruited for the intervention was 1,124. The overall retention rate of the AppSalt program was 97%. The intervention was implemented to a high level of fidelity against the protocol. About 80% of intervention participants completed all the app-based salt reduction courses, with a significant difference across the three cities (Shijiazhuang: 95%; Luzhou: 73%; Yueyang: 64%). The smartphone app in this program was perceived as a feasible and engaging health education tool by most intervention participants and key stakeholders. Through the interviews with participants and key stakeholders, we identified some barriers to implementing this program at primary schools, including the left-behind children who usually live with their grandparents and have limited access of smartphones; perceived adverse effects of smartphones on children (e.g., eyesight damage); and overlooked health education curriculum at Chinese primary schools.

Conclusion

This process evaluation demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of using smartphone applications delivered through the education system to engage families in China to reduce excessive salt intake.

Clinical Trial Registration

The AppSalt study was registered at www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR1800017553. The date of registration is August 3, 2018.
A School Intervention's Impact on Adolescents' Health-Related Knowledge and Behavior
Authors: Nagy-Pénzes Gabriella , Vincze Ferenc , Bíró Éva
Published: March 2022

Background

Many factors can influence health behavior during adolescence, and the lifestyle of adolescents is associated with health behavior during adulthood. Therefore, their behavior can determine not only present, but also later health status.

Objective

We aimed to develop an intervention program to improve high school students' health behavior and to evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods

We performed our study at a secondary school in a rural town in East Hungary between 2016 and 2020. Sessions about healthy lifestyles were organized regularly for the intervention group to improve students' knowledge, to help them acquire the right skills and attitudes, and to shape their behavior accordingly. Data collection was carried out via self-administered, anonymous questionnaires (n = 192; boys = 49.5%; girls = 50.5%; age range: 14–16). To determine the intervention-specific effect, we took into account the differences between baseline and post-intervention status, and between the intervention and control groups using individual follow-up data. We used generalized estimating equations to assess the effectiveness of our health promotion program.

Results

Our health promotion program had a positive effect on the students' health-related knowledge and health behavior in the case of unhealthy eating, moderate to vigorous physical activity, and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that school health promotion can be effective in knowledge transfer and lifestyle modification. To achieve a more positive impact on health behavior, preventive actions must use a complex approach during implementation.
China's COVID-19 Control Strategy and Its Impact on the Global Pandemic
Authors: Ding Difeng , Zhang Ruilian
Published: March 2022

Public health crises are challenging for governments and health systems, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented huge challenges to humans worldwide. In the context of COVID-19 in China, we explore China's control strategies and challenges. Our analysis examines seven strategies: digital technology pandemic prevention, zero-case policy, all-staff nucleic acid testing, all-staff vaccinations, the long-term quarantine system, and the official accountability system. Additionally, it considers three challenges: repeated pandemic waves, increased downward pressure on the economy and social exhaustion. We identify the causes of these challenges, including social and natural factors, and the controls put in place. We contend that China's control strategies slowed the spread of the global pandemic and that Chinese vaccines have promoted global vaccine equity.
Sex Differences in the Metabolome of Alzheimer's Disease Progression
Authors: González Zarzar Tomás , Lee Brian , Coughlin Rory , Kim Dokyoon , Shen Li , Hall Molly A.
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia; however, men and women face differential AD prevalence, presentation, and progression risks. Characterizing metabolomic profiles during AD progression is fundamental to understand the metabolic disruptions and the biological pathways involved. However, outstanding questions remain of whether peripheral metabolic changes occur equally in men and women with AD. Here, we evaluated differential effects of metabolomic and brain volume associations between sexes. We used three cohorts from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), evaluated 1,368 participants, two metabolomic platforms with 380 metabolites in total, and six brain segment volumes. Using dimension reduction techniques, we took advantage of the correlation structure of the brain volume phenotypes and the metabolite concentration values to reduce the number of tests while aggregating relevant biological structures. Using WGCNA, we aggregated modules of highly co-expressed metabolites. On the other hand, we used partial least squares regression-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to extract components of brain volumes that maximally co-vary with AD diagnosis as phenotypes. We tested for differences in effect sizes between sexes in the association between single metabolite and metabolite modules with the brain volume components. We found five metabolite modules and 125 single metabolites with significant differences between sexes. These results highlight a differential lipid disruption in AD progression between sexes. Men showed a greater negative association of phosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins and a positive association of VLDL and large LDL with AD progression. In contrast, women showed a positive association of triglycerides in VLDL and small and medium LDL with AD progression. Explicitly identifying sex differences in metabolomics during AD progression can highlight particular metabolic disruptions in each sex. Our research study and strategy can lead to better-tailored studies and better-suited treatments that take sex differences into account.
Parent-Researcher Perspectives on Role Intersectionality Related to Autism Research
Authors: Hall Laura J. , Hoxie Natalie A. , Grundon Gretchen S. , Cordero Yulian N.
Published: March 2022

Although parents of children with autism who are also experts in a related profession have been instrumental in shaping current practices, there is little known about parent-researchers and the benefits and obstacles to including individuals with these intersectional identities on autism focused research teams. The following study used collaborative autoethnographies from three parent-researchers hired for a large scale, federally funded project. The parent-researchers, and co-authors, collaborated on all phases of the reported study. Common themes generated from the shared perspectives included: prioritizing children and professional sacrifices; professional training as an asset for parents; potential bias toward parents in professional contexts; assets as parent-professionals; and obstacles for maintaining intersectional roles of parent-professionals. Recommendations for autism researchers and considerations for employing and supporting parent-researchers are discussed.
Irinotecan (CPT-11) Treatment Induces Mild Gonadotoxicity
Authors: Levi Mattan , Ben-Aharon Irit , Shalgi Ruth
Published: March 2022

Background:

Gonadal toxicity following chemotherapy is an important issue among the population of young cancer survivors. The inhibitor of DNA topoisomerase I, irinotecan (CPT-11), is widely used for several cancer types. However, little is known about the effect of irinotecan on the fertility of both genders. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate irinotecan gonadotoxicity, using a mouse model.

Methods

Mature male and female mice were injected intraperitoneally with either saline (), irinotecan (100 mg/kg) or cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg); and sacrificed one week or three months later for an acute or long-term toxicity assessment, respectively. We used thorough and advanced fertility assessment by already established methods: Gonadal and epididymal weights, as well as sperm count and sperm motility were determined; serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry (Ki-67), immunofluorescence (PCNA, CD34), terminal transferase-mediated deoxyuridine 5-triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and computerized analysis were performed to examine gonadal proliferation, apoptosis and vascularization. qPCR was used to assess the amount of testicular spermatogonia (Id4 and Gafra1 mRNA) and ovarian primordial oocytes reserves (Sohlh2, Nobox and Figla mRNA).

Results

Females: Irinotecan administration induced acute ovarian apoptosis and decreased vascularity, as well as a mild, statistically significant, long-term decrease in the number of growing follicles, ovarian weight, and ovarian reserve. Males: Irinotecan administration caused an acute testicular apoptosis and reduced testicular spermatogenesis, but had no effect on vascularity. Irinotecan induced long-term decrease of testicular weight, sperm count and testicular spermatogonia and caused elevated serum AMH.

Conclusion

Our findings imply a mild, though irreversible effect of irinotecan on mice gonads.