bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Over the Right Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus Promotes the Feature Discrimination Processing
Authors: Zhou Qihui , Song Penghui , Wang Xueming , Lin Hua , Wang Yuping
Published: June 2021

Attention is the dynamic process of allocating limited resources to the information that is most relevant to our goals. Accumulating studies have demonstrated the crucial role of frontal and parietal areas in attention. However, the effect of posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) in attention is still unclear. To address this question, in this study, we measured transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)-induced event-related potentials (ERPs) to determine the extent of involvement of the right pSTS in attentional processing. We hypothesized that TMS would enhance the activation of the right pSTS during feature discrimination processing. We recruited 21 healthy subjects who performed the dual-feature delayed matching task while undergoing single-pulse sham or real TMS to the right pSTS 300 ms before the second stimulus onset. The results showed that the response time was reduced by real TMS of the pSTS as compared to sham stimulation. N270 amplitude was reduced during conflict processing, and the time-varying network analysis revealed increased connectivity between the frontal lobe and temporo-parietal and occipital regions. Thus, single-pulse TMS of the right pSTS enhances feature discrimination processing and task performance by reducing N270 amplitude and increasing connections between the frontal pole and temporo-parietal and occipital regions. These findings provide evidence that the right pSTS facilitates feature discrimination by accelerating the formation of a dynamic network.
Did My Hand Move in a Mirror? Body Ownership Induced by the Mirror Hand Illusion
Authors: Iida Akihiro , Saito Hidekazu , Ota Hisaaki
Published: June 2021

Although the illusion that the mirror image of a hand or limb could be recognized as a part of one’s body behind the mirror, the effect of adding tactile stimulation to this illusion remains unknown. We, therefore, examined how the timing of tactile stimulation affects the induction of body ownership on the mirror image. Twenty-one healthy, right-handed participants (mean age = 23.0 ± 1.0 years, no medical history of neurological and/or psychiatric disorders) were enrolled and a crossover design was adopted in this study. Participants’ right and left hands were placed on the front and back sides of the mirror, respectively, then they were asked to keep looking at their right hand in the mirror. All participants experienced two experiments; one was with tactile stimulation that was synchronized with the movement of a mirror image (synchronous condition), and the other one was with tactile stimulation that was not synchronized (asynchronous condition). The qualitative degree of body ownership for the mirrored hand was evaluated by a questionnaire. Proprioceptive drift (PD), an illusory shift of the felt position of the real hand toward the mirrored hand was used for quantitative evaluation of body ownership and measured at “baseline,” “immediately after stimulation,” “2 min after stimulation,” and “4 min after stimulation.” The results of the questionnaire revealed that some items of body ownership rating were higher in the synchronous condition than in the asynchronous condition (p < 0.05). We found that PD occurred from immediately after to 4 min after stimulation in both conditions (p < 0.01) and there was no difference in the results between the conditions. From the dissociation of these results, we interpreted that body ownership could be elicited by different mechanisms depending on the task demand. Our results may contribute to the understanding of the multisensory integration mechanism of visual and tactile stimulation during mirror illusion induction.
Serum and Fecal Markers of Intestinal Inflammation and Intestinal Barrier Permeability Are Elevated in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Dumitrescu Laura , Marta Daciana , Dănău Adela , Lefter Antonia , Tulbă Delia , Cozma Liviu , Manole Emilia , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Ceafalan Laura Cristina , Popescu Bogdan Ovidiu
Published: June 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by alpha-synuclein misfolding with subsequent intraneuronal amyloid formation and accumulation, low grade neuroinflammatory changes, and selective neurodegeneration. Available evidence suggests that the pathology usually begins in the gut and olfactory mucosa, spreading to the brain via the vagus and olfactory nerves, by a prion-like mechanism. A causal relationship has not been established, but gut dysbiosis is prevalent in PD and may lead to intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Additionally, epidemiological data indicate a link between inflammatory bowel diseases and PD. Calprotectin and zonulin are markers of intestinal inflammation and barrier permeability, respectively. We evaluated their serum and fecal levels in 22 patients with sporadic PD and 16 unmatched healthy controls. Mean calprotectin was higher in PD, both in serum (14.26 mcg/ml ± 4.50 vs. 5.94 mcg/ml ± 3.80, p = 0.0125) and stool (164.54 mcg/g ± 54.19 vs. 56.19 mcg/g ± 35.88, p = 0.0048). Mean zonulin was also higher in PD serum (26.69 ng/ml ± 3.55 vs. 19.43 ng/ml ± 2.56, p = 0.0046) and stool (100.19 ng/ml ± 28.25 vs. 37.3 ng/ml ± 13.26, p = 0.0012). Calprotectin was above the upper reference limit in 19 PD serums and 6 controls (OR = 10.56, 95% CI = 2.17–51.42, p = 0.0025) and in 20 PD stool samples and 4 controls (OR = 30, 95% CI = 4.75–189.30, p = 0.000045). Increased zonulin was found only in the stool samples of 8 PD patients. Despite the small sample size, our findings are robust, complementing and supporting other recently published results. The relation between serum and fecal calprotectin and zonulin levels and sporadic PD warrants further investigation in larger cohorts.
The Paraventricular Thalamus as a Critical Node of Motivated Behavior via the Hypothalamic-Thalamic-Striatal Circuit
Authors: Iglesias Amanda G. , Flagel Shelly B.
Published: June 2021

In this review, we highlight evidence that supports a role for the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) in motivated behavior. We include a neuroanatomical and neurochemical overview, outlining what is known of the cellular makeup of the region and its most prominent afferent and efferent connections. We discuss how these connections and distinctions across the anterior-posterior axis correspond to the perceived function of the PVT. We then focus on the hypothalamic-thalamic-striatal circuit and the neuroanatomical and functional placement of the PVT within this circuit. In this regard, the PVT is ideally positioned to integrate information regarding internal states and the external environment and translate it into motivated actions. Based on data that has emerged in recent years, including that from our laboratory, we posit that orexinergic (OX) innervation from the lateral hypothalamus (LH) to the PVT encodes the incentive motivational value of reward cues and thereby alters the signaling of the glutamatergic neurons projecting from the PVT to the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh). The PVT-NAcSh pathway then modulates dopamine activity and resultant cue-motivated behaviors. As we and others apply novel tools and approaches to studying the PVT we will continue to refine the anatomical, cellular, and functional definitions currently ascribed to this nucleus and further elucidate its role in motivated behaviors.
New Insight Into the Structure-Activity Relationship of Sweet-Tasting Proteins: Protein Sector and Its Role for Sweet Properties
Authors: Zhao Xiangzhong , Wang Congrui , Zheng Yue , Liu Bo
Published: June 2021

Sweet-tasting protein is a kind of biomacromolecule that has remarkable sweetening power and is regarded as the promising sugar replacer in the future. Some sweet-tasting proteins has been used in foods and beverages. However, the structure and function relationship of these proteins is still elusive, and guidelines for their protein engineering is limited. It is well-known that the sweet-tasting proteins bind to and activate the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3, thus eliciting their sweetness. The “wedge-model” for describing the interaction between sweet-tasting proteins and sweet taste receptor to elucidate their sweetness has been reported. In this perspective article, we revealed that the intramolecular interaction forces in sweet-tasting proteins is directly correlated to their properties (sweetness and stability). This intramolecular interaction pattern, named as “protein sector,” refers to a small subset of residues forming physically connections, which cooperatively affect the function of the proteins. Based on the analysis of previous experimental data, we suggest that “protein sector” of sweet-tasting proteins is pivotal for their sweet properties, which are meaningful guidelines for the future protein engineering.
The Expression Profile and Prognostic Values of EPHA Family Members in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xixun
Published: June 2021

Background

EphAs are a class of ephrin receptors that belong to the membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases group. Accumulating experimental evidence has shown that the EphA family is involved in tumor progression, namely in cell proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis. EphAs are a promising target for anticancer therapy. However, their role in breast cancer (BC) is still not well understood.

Materials and Methods

We used a series of bioinformatic approaches to analyze the expression of the EphA family members and investigate their prognostic value in BC.

Results

Lower expression levels of EphA2, EphA3, EphA4, EphA5, and EphA7 and higher expression levels of EphA10 were found in BC tissues compared to those in normal tissues. The expression levels of the EphA family genes were correlated with molecular subtyping but not with tumor stage. High expression levels of most EphAs indicated a better prognosis in BC.

Conclusions

This study suggested that EphA2, EphA3, EphA4, and EphA5 can act as tumor-inhibiting factors as well as biomarkers for the prognosis of BC.
The Neurogenic Compound P7C3 Regulates the Aerobic Glycolysis by Targeting Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1 in Glioma
Authors: Chen Wenjin , Jia Weiqiang , Wu Cuiying , Chen Lihua , Sun Kai , Wang Ji , Ding Boyun , Liu Ning , Xu Ruxiang
Published: June 2021

Background

P7C3 is a neurogenic compound that exhibits neuroprotective properties in neural cells. However, its target proteins and effects in glioma are unknown.

Methods

The candidate P7C3 target proteins were analyzed using a human protein microarray containing 23136 human proteins. A streptavidin agarose affinity assay was used to verify the direct interaction between P7C3 and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). Mass spectrometry was used to identify the binding sites of PGK1 for P7C3 binding. Seahorse XF96 extracellular flux analyzer was used to measure the cell oxygen consumption rate and extracellular acidification rate. Glycolytic metabolites were measured using the related kits. Protein level was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Autophagy was analyzed using a transmission electron microscope and western blotting. The malignancy of tumor progression in vitro and in vivo was analyzed based on cell viability, apoptosis and proliferation, migration and invasion, and xenograft model. Glial cells were marked by antibodies via immunohistochemical staining.

Results

The human protein microarray identified 577 candidate P7C3 target proteins. The global profile of P7C3 target proteins indicated that P7C3 regulates glycolysis. Metabolic experiments confirmed that P7C3 regulates aerobic glycolysis in glioma cells. The underlying mechanism of P7C3 was found to be direct targeting PGK1 at lysine residues and asparagine residues, and the specific P7C3-PGK1 interaction led to decreased protein level and total intracellular kinase activity of PGK1. The Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases indicated that the mRNA level of PGK1 is significantly increased in high-grade glioma, and the abnormally high mRNA level of PGK1 is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with glioma, suggesting that PGK1 is a promising target for glioma therapy. The inhibition of PGK1 and the subsequent suppression of aerobic glycolysis caused by P7C3 inhibited the malignant growth of glioma in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, P7C3 did not damage normal glial cells under concentration, which exhibit an inhibitory effect on gliomas.

Conclusions

This study revealed that P7C3 suppresses glioma by regulating aerobic glycolysis via directly targeting PGK1. Furthermore, we identified the P7C3 target proteins for the first time which is expected to provide scientific clues for future studies.
Case Report: Nintedanib for Pembrolizumab-Related Pneumonitis in a Patient With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xie Xiao-Hong , Deng Hai-Yi , Lin Xin-Qing , Wu Jian-Hui , Liu Ming , Xie Zhan-Hong , Qin Yin-Yin , Zhou Cheng-Zhi
Published: June 2021

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) approved for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, has shown superior survival benefits. However, pembrolizumab may lead to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), such as checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP). The routine treatment of CIP was based on systemic corticosteroids, but the therapies are limited for patients who are unsuitable for steroid therapy. Here, we present the first successful treatment of nintedanib for pembrolizumab-related pneumonitis in a patient with advanced NSCLC.
A Novel Classification of Glioma Subgroup, Which Is Highly Correlated With the Clinical Characteristics and Tumor Tissue Characteristics, Based on the Expression Levels of Gβ and Gγ Genes
Authors: Cai Zehao , Yu Chunna , Li Shenglan , Wang Can , Fan Yaqiong , Ji Qiang , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Glioma is a classical type of primary brain tumors that is most common seen in adults, and its high heterogeneity used to be a reference standard for subgroup classification. Glioma has been diagnosed based on histopathology, grade, and molecular markers including IDH mutation, chromosome 1p/19q loss, and H3K27M mutation. This subgroup classification cannot fully meet the current needs of clinicians and researchers. We, therefore, present a new subgroup classification for glioma based on the expression levels of Gβ and Gγ genes to complement studies on glioma and Gβγ subunits, and to support clinicians to assess a patient’s tumor status.

Methods

Glioma samples retrieved from the CGGA database and the TCGA database. We clustered the gliomas into different groups by using expression values of Gβ and Gγ genes extracted from RNA sequencing data. The Kaplan–Meier method with a two-sided log-rank test was adopted to compare the OS of the patients between GNB2 group and non-GNB2 group. Univariate Cox regression analysis was referred to in order to investigate the prognostic role of each Gβ and Gγ genes. KEGG and ssGSEA analysis were applied to identify highly activated pathways. The “estimate” package, “GSVA” package, and the online analytical tools CIBERSORTx were employed to evaluate immune cell infiltration in glioma samples.

Results

Three subgroups were identified. Each subgroup had its own specific pathway activation pattern and other biological characteristics. High M2 cell infiltration was observed in the GNB2 subgroup. Different subgroups displayed different sensitivities to chemotherapeutics. GNB2 subgroup predicted poor survival in patients with gliomas, especially in patients with LGG with mutation IDH and non-codeleted 1p19q.

Conclusion

The subgroup classification we proposed has great application value. It can be used to select chemotherapeutic drugs and the prognosis of patients with target gliomas. The unique relationships between subgroups and tumor-related pathways are worthy of further investigation to identify therapeutic Gβγ heterodimer targets.
Combination of Decitabine and a Modified Regimen of Cisplatin, Cytarabine and Dexamethasone: A Potential Salvage Regimen for Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma After Second-Line Treatment Failure
Authors: Hu Junxia , Wang Xin , Chen Fei , Ding Mengjie , Dong Meng , Yang Wanqiu , Yin Meifeng , Wu Jingjing , Zhang Lei , Fu Xiaorui , Sun Zhenchang , Li Ling , Wang Xinhua , Li Xin , Guo Shuangshuang , Zhang Dianbao , Lu Xiaohui , Leng Qing , Zhang Mingzhi , Zhu Linan , Zhang Xudong , Chen Qingjiang
Published: June 2021

Objective

The prognosis for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (R/R-DLBCL) after second-line treatment failure is extremely poor. This study prospectively observed the efficacy and safety of decitabine with a modified cisplatin, cytarabine, and dexamethasone (DHAP) regimen in R/R-DLBCL patients who failed second-line treatment.

Methods

Twenty-one R/R-DLBCL patients were enrolled and treated with decitabine and a modified DHAP regimen. The primary endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and safety. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

ORR reached 50% (complete response rate, 35%), five patients (25%) had stable disease (SD) with disease control rate (DCR) of 75%. Subgroup analysis revealed patients over fifty years old had a higher complete response rate compared to younger patients (P = 0.005), and relapsed patients had a better complete response rate than refractory patients (P = 0.031). Median PFS was 7 months (95% confidence interval, 5.1-8.9 months). Median OS was not achieved. One-year OS was 59.0% (95% CI, 35.5%-82.5%), and two-year OS was 51.6% (95% confidence interval, 26.9%-76.3%). The main adverse events (AEs) were grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities such as neutropenia (90%), anemia (50%), and thrombocytopenia (70%). Other main non-hematologic AEs were grade 1/2 nausea/vomiting (40%) and infection (50%). No renal toxicity or treatment-related death occurred.

Conclusion

Decitabine with a modified DHAP regimen can improve the treatment response and prognosis of R/R-DLBCL patients with good tolerance to AEs, suggesting this regimen has potential as a possible new treatment option for R/R-DLBCL patients after second-line treatment failure.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03579082.
Tetraspanins: Novel Molecular Regulators of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Deng Yue , Cai Sicheng , Shen Jian , Peng Huiming
Published: June 2021

Gastric cancer is the fourth and fifth most common cancer worldwide in men and women, respectively. However, patients with an advanced stage of gastric cancer still have a poor prognosis and low overall survival rate. The tetraspanins belong to a protein superfamily with four hydrophobic transmembrane domains and 33 mammalian tetraspanins are ubiquitously distributed in various cells and tissues. They interact with other membrane proteins to form tetraspanin-enriched microdomains and serve a variety of functions including cell adhesion, invasion, motility, cell fusion, virus infection, and signal transduction. In this review, we summarize multiple utilities of tetraspanins in the progression of gastric cancer and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In general, the expression of TSPAN8, CD151, TSPAN1, and TSPAN4 is increased in gastric cancer tissues and enhance the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer cells, while CD81, CD82, TSPAN5, TSPAN9, and TSPAN21 are downregulated and suppress gastric cancer cell growth. In terms of cell motility regulation, CD9, CD63 and CD82 are metastasis suppressors and the expression level is inversely associated with lymph node metastasis. We also review the clinicopathological significance of tetraspanins in gastric cancer including therapeutic targets, the development of drug resistance and prognosis prediction. Finally, we discuss the potential clinical value and current limitations of tetraspanins in gastric cancer treatments, and provide some guidance for future research.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Routine Childhood Immunization: A Saudi Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Baghdadi Leena R. , Younis Afnan , Al Suwaidan Hessah I. , Hassounah Marwah M. , Al Khalifah Reem
Published: June 2021

Background: Routine childhood immunization is the most cost-effective method to prevent infection and decrease childhood morbidity and mortality. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected access to health care in Saudi Arabia, including mandatory vaccinations for young children. We aimed to assess the prevalence of intentionally delayed vaccinations in children aged ≤ 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic curfew in Saudi Arabia, its relation to the caregivers' fear of infection, and identifying factors affecting the caregivers' decision.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered survey that targeted primary caregivers of children aged ≤ 2 years residing in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic curfew (March 4–July 6, 2020).

Results: We received responses from 577 caregivers, of whom 90.8% were mothers. The prevalence of intentional vaccination delay was 37%. Upon adjusting the potential confounders, the odds of delaying scheduled childhood vaccination because of COVID-19 pandemic fears were greater among caregivers with higher levels of fear (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.11). Common reasons for delaying vaccinations were COVID-19 infection and prevention of exposure to COVID-19 cases.

Conclusion: Intentional vaccination delay leaves young children vulnerable to preventable infectious diseases. Identifying these children and offering catch-up vaccinations reduces this risk. Campaigns to increase awareness about the dangers of delaying vaccine-preventable diseases must be promoted to caregivers in addition to the promotion of home vaccination services. In preparation for future pandemics, we recommend countries consider interventions to control the level of fear and anxiety provoked by the pandemics and media, and interventions for improved access to vaccinations.
Dynamic Programming for Resource Allocation in Multi-Allelic Trait Introgression
Authors: Han Ye , Cameron John N. , Wang Lizhi , Pham Hieu , Beavis William D.
Published: June 2021

Trait introgression is a complex process that plant breeders use to introduce desirable alleles from one variety or species to another. Two of the major types of decisions that must be made during this sophisticated and uncertain workflow are: parental selection and resource allocation. We formulated the trait introgression problem as an engineering process and proposed a Markov Decision Processes (MDP) model to optimize the resource allocation procedure. The efficiency of the MDP model was compared with static resource allocation strategies and their trade-offs among budget, deadline, and probability of success are demonstrated. Simulation results suggest that dynamic resource allocation strategies from the MDP model significantly improve the efficiency of the trait introgression by allocating the right amount of resources according to the genetic outcome of previous generations.
The Effect of Spatial Ability in Learning From Static and Dynamic Visualizations: A Moderation Analysis in 6-Year-Old Children
Authors: Chikha Anis Ben , Khacharem Aïmen , Trabelsi Khaled , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: June 2021

Previous studies with adult human participants revealed mixed effects regarding the relation between spatial ability and visual instructions. In this study, we investigated this question in primary young children, and particularly we explored how young children with varying levels of spatial abilities integrate information from both static and dynamic visualizations. Children (M = 6.5 years) were instructed to rate their invested mental effort and reproduce the motor actions presented from static and dynamic 3D visualizations. The results indicated an interaction of spatial ability and type of visualization: high spatial ability children benefited particularly from the animation, while low spatial ability learners did not, confirming therefore the ability-as-enhancer hypothesis. The study suggests that an understanding of children spatial ability is essential to enhance learning from external visualizations.
A Gestalt Theory Approach to Structure in Language
Authors: Buffart Hans , Jacobs Haike
Published: June 2021

The fact that human language is highly structured and that, moreover, the way it is structured shows striking similarities in the world’s languages has been addressed from two different perspectives. The first, and more traditional, generative hypothesis is that the similarities are due to an innate language faculty. There is an inborn ‘grammar’ with universal principles that manifest themselves in each language and cross-linguistic variation arises due to a different parameter setting of universal principles. A second perspective is that there is no inborn, innate language faculty, but that instead structure emerges from language usage. This paper purports to develop and illustrate a third perspective, according to which the structural similarities in human languages are the result of the way the cognitive system works in perception. The essential claim is that structural properties follow from the limitations of human cognition in focus.
Chinese App User’s Needs Profile: From Questionnaire Measurement to Behavior Analysis
Authors: Sun Zaoyi , Xu Liang , Zhong Qi , Qian Xiuying
Published: June 2021

With the widespread use of mobile devices, the Apps people install and use could be closely linked to their needs. A precise profile of the needs of the user has become a vital foundation of the experience of the user. Previous studies mainly rely on self-reporting to understand the subjective attitudes of the App user toward a single App. This research combined questionnaire measurement and behavior analysis to profile the needs of the App user from a broader perspective. Based on the theoretical model of previous research studies, study 1 developed a novel needs questionnaire measurement of a Chinese App user, which showed good reliability and validity. In study 2, authorized App usage data were collected to construct the behavioral needs profile of a Chinese user. The results showed that the primary needs of the Chinese user remained a relatively high consistency between the questionnaire and the behavior data. The questionnaire-based and behavioral data-based needs profiles provide a reference for further personalized user experience design.
Maintaining or Losing Intervention-Induced Health-Related Behavior Change. A Mixed Methods Field Study
Authors: Skarin Frida , Wästlund Erik , Gustafsson Henrik
Published: June 2021

The aim of this mixed methods field study was to gain a better understanding of how psychological factors can contribute to success in intervention-induced behavior change over time. While it can be difficult to change behavior, the use of interventions means that most participants succeed in change during the intervention. However, it is rare for the immediate change to automatically transform into maintained behavior changes. Most research conducted on health-related behavior change interventions contains quantitative studies that investigate key intervention components on a group level. Hence, to bring more knowledge about maintained intervention-induced behavior change, there is need for a study approach that enhances the understanding of individual participants' experiences during and after the intervention. Therefore, the present study, which was conducted in Sweden, used a mixed methods design (triangulation) consisting of pre-, post-, and follow-up quantitative data (questionnaires and body measurements) and qualitative data (interviews), where the individuals' accounts are used to broaden the understanding of the intervention and the behavior change process. All study participants were enrolled in a volitional (fee-based and non-manipulated) intervention given by certified gyms. The quantitative data collection included 22 participants who completed questionnaires and body measurements before and after the intervention, plus 13 complete body measurements 6 months after the intervention. The qualitative data included pre-interviews with 12 participants and six follow-up-interviews. The questions in both questionnaires and interviews related to expectations, efficacy, motivation, goals, achievements, behavior change, and future. Overall, the results show that levels of expectations, efficacy, and motivation cannot be used in isolation to predict maintained intervention-induced behavior change. To successfully extend and maintain immediate change, it was crucial to experience goal achievement (but not BMI change). Furthermore,enabling talkwas salient in the pre-interviews with participants reporting successful immediate (and maintained) change. By contrast, pre-interviewdisabling talkturned out to be evident in interviews, with participants not responding to follow-up. When the qualitative and quantitative results are summarized and integrated, it appears that subjective goal achievement, combined with enabling self-talk, were crucial factors in successful maintained behavior change.
Growing Up With Terrorism: The Age at Which a Terrorist Attack Was Suffered and Emotional Disorders in Adulthood
Authors: Prieto Sara , Sanz Jesús , García-Vera María Paz , Fausor Rocío , Morán Noelia , Cobos Beatriz , Gesteira Clara , Navarro Roberto , Altungy Pedro
Published: June 2021

Abundant scientific literature shows that exposure to traumatic situations during childhood or adolescence has long-term psychopathological consequences, for example, in the form of a higher prevalence of emotional disorders in adulthood. However, an evolutionary perspective suggests that there may be differential vulnerabilities depending on the age at which the trauma was suffered. As there are no studies on the psychopathological impact in adulthood of attacks suffered during childhood or adolescence, the objective of this study was to analyze the influence of the age at which a terrorist attack was suffered in the presence of emotional disorders many years after the attack. A sample of 566 direct and indirect victims of terrorist attacks in Spain was recruited, of whom 50 people were between the age of 3 and 9 when they suffered the attack, 46 were between 10 and 17 years old, and 470 were adults. All of them underwent a structured diagnostic interview (SCID-I-VC) an average of 21 years after the attacks. No significant differences were found between the three age groups at which the attack occurred in terms of the current prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, or anxiety disorders. The results of several multiple binary logistic regression analyses also indicated that, after controlling for the effect of sex, current age, the type of victims, and the time since the attack, the age at which the attack was suffered was not related to the current prevalence of those emotional disorders. The results are discussed concerning the differences between various types of trauma and in the context of the theories that propose that traumatic experiences are processed differently at different ages and can lead to differences in the likelihood of developing different emotional disorders.
The Difficulties and Mental Health Intervention Need of Doctors and Nurses in Biological Emergencies: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Liang Mining , Li Yamin , Chen Qiongni , Tan Haihong , He Li , Sheng Caihua , Cai Yiwen , Li Xiaojuan , Zhang Zhanzhou , Wang Jianjian , Wang Qian , Guo Jincai
Published: June 2021

When a biological public health event breaks out, due to the characteristics of their work, doctors and nurses must face risks directly when the situation is unknown. Their difficulties and psychological pressure are unimaginable. However, few studies have investigated the difficulties encountered by those doctors and nurses and their requirements for psychological interventions. This study aimed to explore the difficulties and psychological intervention needs of doctors and nurses during the new biological public health events in China in 2019. We carried out a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. We used convenience sampling to identify participants who provided direct care and treatment for patients with biological events such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They participated in semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Analysis of this study was divided into the difficulties encountered by doctors and nurses and their mental health need. The difficulties encountered by doctors and nurses included four themes: being worried about the impact on others, lack of knowledge and skills, difficult patients, being socially isolated, and the feeling of uncertainty. The mental health need was summarized into two parts, needs expressed by doctors and nurses and needs observed by researchers. Doctors and nurses mostly did not feel that they needed any psychological support, but the researchers noticed several signs of stress or potential mental health problems among interviewees. Doctors and nurses faced significant complex and multidimensional difficulties. Many denied needing psychological support, even though the researchers noted signs that it might be helpful. Interventions and support strategies that involve mental health promotion activities should consider individual needs related to doctors and nurses' situation.
Chinese Medicine Combined With EGFR-TKIs Prolongs Progression-Free Survival and Overall Survival of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients Harboring EGFR Mutations, Compared With the Use of TKIs Alone
Authors: Wang Yujia , Wu Guoyu , Li Ru , Luo Yingzhe , Huang Xingmei , He Lifang , Zhong Huihui , Xiong Shaoquan
Published: June 2021

Objective: To explore the efficacy comparison between epidermal growth factor receptor–tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and single EGFR-TKIs for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: A total of 91 NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation were divided into an experimental group and a control group (in a ratio of 2:1) to receive TCM and EGFR-TKIs (61 cases) or single EGFR-TKIs (30 cases). Patients in the control group took EGFR-TKIs and those in the experimental group took EGFR-TKIs plus TCM. We analyzed the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and treatment-related adverse events of two groups.

Results: The mPFS of the experimental group and the control group was 12.3 and 8.9 months (P = 0.02), respectively, and the mOS of the experimental group and the control group was 28.2 and 24.2 months (P = 0.02), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that for the patients with exon 19 deletion mutation (19DEL), mPFS between experimental group and control group was 12.7 and 10.1 months, respectively (P = 0.12). For exon 21 deletion mutation (L858R), the PFS of two groups was 10.8 vs. 8.2 months, respectively (P = 0.03). The subgroup analysis also showed that, for the patients with exon 19 deletion mutation, mOS between the experimental group and the control group was 30.3 and 28.7 months, respectively (P = 0.19). For exon 21 deletion mutation, the mOS of two groups was 25.5 vs. 21.3 months, respectively (P = 0.01). The DCR of the experimental group and the control group was 93.3% and 80.1%, respectively (P = 0.77). Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events were less common with the experimental group (11.48%) than the control group (26.67%).

Conclusion: For NSCLC patients with EGFR mutation, EGFR-TKIs combined with TCM had a certain effect to prolong mPFS and mOS, compared with the use of EGFR-TKIs alone, especially for the patients with L858R. This conclusion has a significant effect on improving the survival of NSCLC patients after EGFR-TKIs resistance. It deserves further study.
Learning Medical Materials From Radiography Images
Authors: Molder Carson , Lowe Benjamin , Zhan Justin
Published: June 2021

Deep learning models have been shown to be effective for material analysis, a subfield of computer vision, on natural images. In medicine, deep learning systems have been shown to more accurately analyze radiography images than algorithmic approaches and even experts. However, one major roadblock to applying deep learning-based material analysis on radiography images is a lack of material annotations accompanying image sets. To solve this, we first introduce an automated procedure to augment annotated radiography images into a set of material samples. Next, using a novel Siamese neural network that compares material sample pairs, called D-CNN, we demonstrate how to learn a perceptual distance metric between material categories. This system replicates the actions of human annotators by discovering attributes that encode traits that distinguish materials in radiography images. Finally, we update and apply MAC-CNN, a material recognition neural network, to demonstrate this system on a dataset of knee X-rays and brain MRIs with tumors. Experiments show that this system has strong predictive power on these radiography images, achieving 92.8% accuracy at predicting the material present in a local region of an image. Our system also draws interesting parallels between human perception of natural materials and materials in radiography images.
Higher Education and the Sustainable Knowledge Society: Investigating Students' Perceptions of the Acquisition of Sustainable Development Competences
Authors: Cavicchi Caterina
Published: June 2021

The application of a constructivist approach to competence-based frameworks for sustainable development (SD) in higher education can empower students to become change agents. Acknowledging this development, this paper examines the extent to which an SD-directed master's programme at an Italian university effectively developed students' SD competences before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is based on a mixed method approach that includes a survey and interviews in order to (a) discuss students' experiences with pedagogies that emphasize SD competences as learning outcomes and (b) analyze students' perceptions of acquiring SD competences with reference to their experience of internships, project work, and job positions (in the case of graduates). The results show that, among the analyzed SD pedagogies, case studies were perceived to enrich students' understanding of the complexity of SD issues through collective learning. However, to develop critical thinking, students recognized the need to customize the case studies' plots. Regarding practical SD activities, internships, and project work were perceived as opportunities to network with stakeholders and to develop problem-solving abilities. The pandemic significantly decreased the use of such SD pedagogies, thereby prioritizing self-directed learning and research-based internships. Despite the increase in e-learning events involving stakeholders, the prospect of interacting with them on SD topics was hampered by the limitations of information technology support. Nevertheless, the students' perceptions of the effectiveness of teaching and learning processes provide recommendations to improve the SD pedagogies and e-learning adopted by higher education institutions (HEIs).
Does Parental Investment Shape Adult Children’s Fertility Intentions? Findings From a German Family Panel
Authors: Tanskanen Antti O. , Danielsbacka Mirkka
Published: June 2021

Parents can play an important role in the childbearing plans of adult children. However, studies testing whether changes in parental investment are associated with subsequent changes in fertility intentions over time are lacking. We investigated whether parental investment, measured as contact frequency, emotional closeness, financial support, and childcare, is associated with adult children’s intentions to have a first and a second, or subsequent, child within the next 2 years. These associations were studied in four different parent-adult child dyads based on the sex of parents and adult children (i.e, mother-daughter, mother-son, father-daughter, father-son). The participants are from the German Family Panel, which is a longitudinal survey of younger and middle-aged adults with eight follow-up waves. We exploited within-person (or fixed-effect) regression models, which concentrated an individual’s variation over time (i.e., whether changes in parental investment frequencies are associated with subsequent changes in adult children’s fertility intentions). It was detected that increased emotional closeness between fathers and daughters was associated with increased adult daughter’s intentions to have a first child but father-daughter contact decreased daughter’s intentions to have another child, and maternal financial support decreased son’s intentions to have a first child. Overall, statistically nonsignificant associations outweighed significant ones. Although it is often assumed that parental investment is an important factor influencing the childbearing decisions of adult children, the present findings indicate that parental investment may not increase adult children’s intentions to have a/another child in Germany.
Comparative Secretome Analyses of Mycoplasma bovis Virulent and Attenuated Strains Revealed MbovP0145 as a Promising Diagnostic Biomarker
Authors: Zhang Hui , Hu Guyue , Lu Doukun , Zhao Gang , Zhang Yiqiu , Zubair Muhammad , Chen Yingyu , Hu Changmin , Chen Xi , Chen Jianguo , Chen Huanchun , Yang Liguo , Guo Aizhen
Published: June 2021

Mycoplasmas are successful pathogens both in humans as well as in animals. In cattle, Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is known to be responsible for serious health complications, including pneumonia, mastitis, and arthritis. However, M. bovis pathogenesis remains unclear. Secreted proteins of M. bovis could influence infection and modify host defense signaling pathways after they enter their extracellular space in the host micro-environment. Therefore, this study was aimed to compare the secretomes of M. bovis HB0801 virulent (P1) and attenuated (P150) strains and identify potential pathogenesis-related secreted proteins and biomarkers. The cells of P1 and P150 strains were grown in pleuropneumonia-like organism medium to log phase and then transferred to phosphate-buffered saline for 2 h. Then, the supernatant was analyzed by using label-free quantitative proteomics, and 477 potential secreted proteins were identified. Combined with the bioinformatics prediction, we found that 178 proteins were commonly secreted by the P1 and P150 strains, and 49 of them were encoded by mycoplasmal core genes. Additionally, 79 proteins were found to have a different abundance between the P1 and P150 strains. Among these proteins, 34 were more abundant and uniquely expressed in P1, indicating a possible association with the virulence of M. bovis. Three differentially secreted proteins, MbovP0145, MbovP0725, and MbovP0174, as well as one equally secreted protein, MbovP0481, as positive control and one protein of inner membrane, MbovP0310, as negative control were, respectively, cloned, expressed, and evaluated for antigenicity, subcellular location, and the secretion nature with their mouse antisera by western blotting and colony immunoblotting assay. Among them, MbovP0145 was confirmed to be more secreted by P1 than P150 strain, highly reactive with the antisera from naturally infected and P1 experimentally infected cattle but not with the P150 vaccinated calves, indicating its potential as a diagnostic antigen. In conclusion, these findings may represent the most extensive compilation of potentially secreted proteins in mycoplasma species and the largest number of differentially secreted proteins between the virulent and attenuated M. bovis strains to date and provide new insights into M. bovis pathogenesis and diagnosis.
Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate as Treatments for Chronic Hindlimb Proximal Suspensory Desmopathy
Authors: Maleas Grigorios , Mageed Mahmoud
Published: June 2021

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and leukocyte rich PRP (LR-PRP) compared to horses undergoing controlled exercise alone in horses with >3 months proximal suspensory desmopathy in hindlimbs (HPSD). Nighty-three horses were divided into three groups according to the treatment: a control (n = 22), LR-PRP (n = 46), and BMAC (n = 25) group. Lameness and ultrasound scores were recorded before treatment (T0) and at 6 months (T1) post-treatment. Records horses considered sound at evaluation and level of performance were additionally registered at 12 months (T2) and 18 months (T3) after treatment. The BMAC cytology profiles from 22 horses were also analysed and compared to clinical outcomes. The results at T1 showed that 9% (2/22) of the horses in the control group were sound compared to 59% (25/46) and 84% (21/25) in the LR-PRP and BMAC groups, respectively. Additionally, ultrasound scores at T1 in the BMAC and LR-PRP groups were improved in comparison with the control group (p = 0.02). At T2, 68% of the horses in the BMAC group and 39% of the horses in the LR-PRP group had returned to the previous performance level. At T3, a significantly higher percentage of horses in the LR-PRP (43%) and BMAC (72%) group were sound when compared to the control (4.6%) group (p = 0.02). Similarly, at T3, significantly more horses of the BMAC (16/25) and of the LR-PRP (15/46) group had returned to the previous or a higher performance level compared to the control (1/22) group (p = 0.01). No correlation was found between long-term clinical outcome and cytology profiles in the BMAC group. In conclusion, long-term outcomes of treatment with LR-PRP or BMAC are significantly better than conventional treatment of the hindlimb chronic PSD in horses. Additionally, BMAC yielded better lameness scores than LR-PRP at short- and long-term follow-up.
Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Analysis of Non-Tumorigenic Tissues Reveals Aging-Related Prognostic Markers and Drug Targets in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Oh Euiyoung , Kim Jun-Hyeong , Um JungIn , Jung Da-Woon , Williams Darren R. , Lee Hyunju
Published: June 2021

The relationship between expression of aging-related genes in normal tissues and cancer patient survival has not been assessed. We developed a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis approach for normal tissues adjacent to the tumor to identify aging-related transcripts associated with survival outcome, and applied it to 12 cancer types. As a result, five aging-related genes (DUSP22, MAPK14, MAPKAPK3, STAT1, and VCP) in normal tissues were found to be significantly associated with a worse survival outcome in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This computational approach was investigated using nontumorigenic immune cells purified from young and aged mice. Aged immune cells showed upregulated expression of all five aging-related genes and promoted RCC invasion compared to young immune cells. Further studies revealed DUSP22 as a regulator and druggable target of metastasis. DUSP22 gene knockdown reduced RCC invasion and the small molecule inhibitor BML-260 prevented RCC dissemination in a tumor/immune cell xenograft model. Overall, these results demonstrate that deciphering the relationship between aging-related gene expression in normal tissues and cancer patient survival can provide new prognostic markers, regulators of tumorigenesis and novel targets for drug development.