bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ME2 Promotes Proneural–Mesenchymal Transition and Lipogenesis in Glioblastoma
Authors: Yang Mengting , Chen Xi , Zhang Junyao , Xiong Ermeng , Wang Qianqian , Fang Wenjing , Li Li , Fei Fei , Gong Aihua
Published: July 2021

Malic enzyme 2 (ME2) catalyzes the formation of pyruvate from malic acid and is abnormally expressed in some tumors. However, the exact effects of ME2 on proneural–mesenchymal transition (PMT) and lipogenesis in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remain unexplored. Here, we found that ME2 expression was significantly higher in GBM than in normal brain tissues and negatively correlated with overall survival of patients with GBM. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ME2 was positively correlated with mesenchymal features in GBM and promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells. Moreover, ME2 upregulated the expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin, vimentin, YKL40, and MET), whereas it inhibited the expression of proneural maker OLIG2, indicating that ME2 might promote PMT in GBM. We also found that ME2 inhibited the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and AMPK phosphorylation, resulting in SREBP-1 maturation and nuclear localization and enhancing the ACSS2 lipogenesis pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that ME2 promotes PMT and is linked with reprogramming of lipogenesis via AMPK–SREBP-1–ACSS2 signaling in GBM. Therefore, ME2 has potential as a new classification marker in GBM and could provide a new approach to glioma treatment.
Enhancement of Insulin/PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway and Modulation of Gut Microbiome by Probiotics Fermentation Technology, a Kefir Grain Product, in Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease Model in Mice
Authors: El Sayed Nesrine S. , Kandil Esraa A. , Ghoneum Mamdooh H.
Published: July 2021

Sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder with cognitive dysfunction. Remarkably, alteration in the gut microbiome and resultant insulin resistance has been shown to be connected to metabolic syndrome, the crucial risk factor for AD, and also to be implicated in AD pathogenesis. Thus, this study, we assessed the efficiency of probiotics fermentation technology (PFT), a kefir product, in enhancing insulin signaling via modulation of gut microbiota to halt the development of AD. We also compared its effectiveness to that of pioglitazone, an insulin sensitizer that has been confirmed to substantially treat AD. AD was induced in mice by a single injection of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ; 3 mg/kg). PFT (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (30 mg/kg) were administered orally for 3 weeks. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess cognitive function, and hippocampal levels of acetylcholine (Ach) and β-amyloid (Aβ1–42) protein were assessed along with histological examination. Moreover, the expression of the insulin receptor, insulin degrading enzyme (IDE), and the phosphorylated forms of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and tau were detected. Furthermore, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers were estimated. Treatment with PFT reversed STZ-induced neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment, enhanced hippocampal Ach levels, and reduced Aβ1–42 levels after restoration of IDE activity. PFT also improved insulin signaling, as evidenced by upregulation of insulin receptor expression and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling with subsequent suppression of GSK-3β and mTOR signaling, which result in the downregulation of hyperphosphorylated tau. Moreover, PFT significantly diminished oxidative stress and inflammation induced by STZ. These potential effects were parallel to those produced by pioglitazone. Therefore, PFT targets multiple mechanisms incorporated in the pathogenesis of AD and hence might be a beneficial therapy for AD.
South African Regulatory Authority: The Impact of Reliance on the Review Process Leading to Improved Patient Access
Authors: Keyter Andrea , Salek Sam , Danks Lorraine , Nkambule Portia , Semete-Makokotlela Boitumelo , Walker Stuart
Published: July 2021

Background: The aims of this study were to compare the overall regulatory review timelines achieved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) in 2020 to the timelines historically achieved by the Medicines Control Council (MCC). This study also aimed to evaluate the regulatory review processes and the good review practices that have been implemented by SAHPRA to support the assessment of new chemical entities and generic product applications for market authorization in the business-as-usual and backlog process streams.

Methods: A questionnaire was completed and verified by SAHPRA to describe the structure of the organization, the resources available, the process for regulatory review of new chemical entities and generic products and the level of implementation of good review practices and regulatory decision-making practices for market authorization. Data were collected and analyzed on the overall approval timelines for new chemical entities and generic products registered by SAHPRA in 2020 in the business-as-usual and backlog process streams.

Results: A full, independent scientific review was conducted for all new chemical entities and generic product applications in the business-as-usual stream. Facilitated regulatory pathways were introduced for the review of new chemical entities and generic products in the backlog stream. As a result, the timelines for approval of applications in the backlog stream were 68% quicker for both new chemical entities and generics, using facilitated regulatory pathways, such as abridged and verification review models.

Conclusion: The comparisons made through this study provided insight into the improvements that have been made through the establishment of SAHPRA and the transition in 2018 from the MCC. The re-engineered processes that have been developed and implemented by SAHPRA to address the backlog in the review of the applications for market authorization have demonstrated a decrease in the overall median approval times. The expansion of these processes into the routine review of medical products will contribute to the enhanced regulatory performance of SAHPRA and patients’ access to new medicines.
Reynoutrin Improves Ischemic Heart Failure in Rats Via Targeting S100A1
Authors: Yang Wenkai , Tu Hanjian , Tang Kai , Huang Haozhong , Ou Shi , Wu Jianguo
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the effects of reynoutrin on the improvement of ischemic heart failure (IHF) and its possible mechanism in rats. The rat heart failure model was established by permanently ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and administering different doses of reynoutrin. Cardiac function, inflammatory factors releasing, oxidative stress, cardiomyocytes apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis were evaluated. Western blotting was used to determine protein expression levels of S100 calcium-binding protein A1 (S100A1), matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2), MMP9, phosphorylated (p-) p65, and transforming growth factor -β1 (TGF-β1) in myocardial tissue of the left ventricle. Results showed that reynoutrin significantly improved cardiac function, suppressed the release of inflammatory factors, reduced oxidative stress, inhibited cardiomyocytes apoptosis, and attenuated myocardial fibrosis in rats with IHF. In rat myocardial tissue, permanent LAD-ligation resulted in a significant down-regulation in S100A1 expression, whereas reynoutrin significantly up-regulated S100A1 protein expression while down-regulating MMP2, MMP9, p-p65, and TGF-β1 expressions. However, when S100A1 was knocked down in myocardial tissue, the above-mentioned positive effects of reynoutrin were significantly reversed. Reynoutrin is a potential natural drug for the treatment of IHF, and its mechanism of action involves the up-regulation of S100A1 expression, thereby inhibiting expressions of MMPs and the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor kappa-B.
Ultra-High-Density QTL Marker Mapping for Seedling Photomorphogenesis Mediating Arabidopsis Establishment in Southern Patagonia
Authors: Matsusaka Daniel , Filiault Daniele , Sanchez Diego H. , Botto Javier F.
Published: July 2021

Arabidopsis thaliana shows a wide range of genetic and trait variation among wild accessions. Because of its unparalleled biological and genomic resources, Arabidopsis has a high potential for the identification of genes underlying ecologically important complex traits, thus providing new insights on genome evolution. Previous research suggested that distinct light responses were crucial for Arabidopsis establishment in a peculiar ecological niche of southern Patagonia. The aim of this study was to explore the genetic basis of contrasting light-associated physiological traits that may have mediated the rapid adaptation to this new environment. From a biparental cross between the photomorphogenic contrasting accessions Patagonia (Pat) and Columbia (Col-0), we generated a novel recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, which was entirely next-generation sequenced to achieve ultra-high-density saturating molecular markers resulting in supreme mapping sensitivity. We validated the quality of the RIL population by quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for seedling de-etiolation, finding seven QTLs for hypocotyl length in the dark and continuous blue light (Bc), continuous red light (Rc), and continuous far-red light (FRc). The most relevant QTLs, Rc1 and Bc1, were mapped close together to chromosome V; the former for Rc and Rc/dark, and the latter for Bc, FRc, and dark treatments. The additive effects of both QTLs were confirmed by independent heterogeneous inbred families (HIFs), and we explored TZP and ABA1 as potential candidate genes for Rc1 and Bc1QTLs, respectively. We conclude that the Pat × Col-0 RIL population is a valuable novel genetic resource to explore other adaptive traits in Arabidopsis.
Predicting Protein–Protein Interactions Between Rice and Blast Fungus Using Structure-Based Approaches
Authors: Zheng Cunjian , Liu Yuan , Sun Fangnan , Zhao Lingxia , Zhang Lida
Published: July 2021

Rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most devastating disease affecting rice production. Identification of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is a critical step toward understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to blast fungus in rice. In this study, we presented a computational framework for predicting plant–pathogen PPIs based on structural information. Compared with the sequence-based methods, the structure-based approach showed to be more powerful in discovering new PPIs between plants and pathogens. Using the structure-based method, we generated a global PPI network consisted of 2,018 interacting protein pairs involving 1,344 rice proteins and 418 blast fungus proteins. The network analysis showed that blast resistance genes were enriched in the PPI network. The network-based prediction enabled systematic discovery of new blast resistance genes in rice. The network provided a global map to help accelerate the identification of blast resistance genes and advance our understanding of plant–pathogen interactions.
Foliar Growth Regulator Sprays Induced Tolerance to Combined Heat Stress by Enhancing Physiological and Biochemical Responses in Rice
Authors: Pantoja-Benavides Alvaro Daniel , Garces-Varon Gabriel , Restrepo-Díaz Hermann
Published: July 2021

Rice yield has decreased due to climate variability and change in Colombia. Plant growth regulators have been used as a strategy to mitigate heat stress in different crops. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of foliar applications of four growth regulators [auxins (AUX), brassinosteroids (BR), cytokinins (CK), or gibberellins (GA)] on physiological (stomatal conductance, total chlorophyll content, Fv/Fm ratio, plant canopy temperature, and relative water content) and biochemical (Malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline contents) variables in two commercial rice genotypes exposed to combined heat stress (high day and nighttime temperatures). Two separate experiments were carried out using plants of two rice genotypes, Fedearroz 67 (“F67”) and Fedearroz 2000 (“F2000”) for the first and second experiments, respectively. Both trials were analyzed together as a series of experiments. The established treatments were as follows: absolute control (AC) (rice plants grown under optimal temperatures (30/25°C day/nighttime temperatures), heat stress control (SC) [rice plants only exposed to combined heat stress (40/30°C)], and stressed rice plants and sprayed twice (5 days before and after heat stress) with a plant growth regulator (stress+AUX, stress+BR, stress+CK, or stress+GA). The results showed that foliar CK sprays enhanced the total chlorophyll content in both cultivars (3.25 and 3.65 mg g−1 fresh weight for “F67” and “F2000” rice plants, respectively) compared to SC plants (2.36 and 2.56 mg g−1 fresh weight for “F67,” and “F2000” rice plants, respectively). Foliar CK application also improved stomatal conductance mainly in “F2000” rice plants compared to their heat stress control (499.25 vs.150.60 mmol m−2s−1). Foliar BR or CK sprays reduced plant canopy temperature between 2 and 3°C and MDA content in plants under heat stress. The relative tolerance index suggested that foliar CK (97.69%), and BR (60.73%) applications helped to mitigate combined heat stress mainly in “F2000” rice plants. In conclusion, foliar BR or CK applications can be considered an agronomic strategy to help to ameliorate the negative effect of combined heat stress conditions on the physiological behavior of rice plants.
A Tissue-Specific Landscape of Alternative Polyadenylation, lncRNAs, TFs, and Gene Co-expression Networks in Liriodendron chinense
Authors: Tu Zhonghua , Shen Yufang , Wen Shaoying , Liu Huanhuan , Wei Lingmin , Li Huogen
Published: July 2021

Liriodendron chinense is an economically and ecologically important deciduous tree species. Although the reference genome has been revealed, alternative polyadenylation (APA), transcription factors (TFs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and co-expression networks of tissue-specific genes remain incompletely annotated. In this study, we used the bracts, petals, sepals, stamens, pistils, leaves, and shoot apex of L. chinense as materials for hybrid sequencing. On the one hand, we improved the annotation of the genome. We detected 13,139 novel genes, 7,527 lncRNAs, 1,791 TFs, and 6,721 genes with APA sites. On the other hand, we found that tissue-specific genes play a significant role in maintaining tissue characteristics. In total, 2,040 tissue-specific genes were identified, among which 9.2% of tissue-specific genes were affected by APA, and 1,809 tissue-specific genes were represented in seven specific co-expression modules. We also found that bract-specific hub genes were associated plant defense, leaf-specific hub genes were involved in energy metabolism. Moreover, we also found that a stamen-specific hub TF Lchi25777 may be involved in the determination of stamen identity, and a shoot-apex-specific hub TF Lchi05072 may participate in maintaining meristem characteristic. Our study provides a landscape of APA, lncRNAs, TFs, and tissue-specific gene co-expression networks in L. chinense that will improve genome annotation, strengthen our understanding of transcriptome complexity, and drive further research into the regulatory mechanisms of tissue-specific genes.
Wheat Blast: A Disease Spreading by Intercontinental Jumps and Its Management Strategies
Authors: Singh Pawan K. , Gahtyari Navin C. , Roy Chandan , Roy Krishna K. , He Xinyao , Tembo B. , Xu Kaijie , Juliana Philomin , Sonder Kai , Kabir Muhammad R. , Chawade Aakash
Published: July 2021

Wheat blast (WB) caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) is an important fungal disease in tropical and subtropical wheat production regions. The disease was initially identified in Brazil in 1985, and it subsequently spread to some major wheat-producing areas of the country as well as several South American countries such as Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. In recent years, WB has been introduced to Bangladesh and Zambia via international wheat trade, threatening wheat production in South Asia and Southern Africa with the possible further spreading in these two continents. Resistance source is mostly limited to 2NS carriers, which are being eroded by newly emerged MoT isolates, demonstrating an urgent need for identification and utilization of non-2NS resistance sources. Fungicides are also being heavily relied on to manage WB that resulted in increasing fungal resistance, which should be addressed by utilization of new fungicides or rotating different fungicides. Additionally, quarantine measures, cultural practices, non-fungicidal chemical treatment, disease forecasting, biocontrol etc., are also effective components of integrated WB management, which could be used in combination with varietal resistance and fungicides to obtain reasonable management of this disease.
Hallucinations and Delusions as Low-Quality Attributions: Influencing Factors and Proposal for Their Analysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Testal Juan F. , Senín-Calderón Cristina , Moreno Rafael
Published: July 2021

Hallucinations and delusions, in keeping with the distress accompanying them, are major features in the diagnosis of psychosis in international classifications. In spite of their human and clinical importance, the concepts are unclear. The distinction between hallucinations and delusions in terms of perception-thought is not precise enough, causing problems in analyzing the patient’s words. Nor are the differentiations or variations within each precise enough. Continuing the long clinical tradition discussing the distinction between hallucinations and delusions while assuming their similarities, this study poses a concept integrating the two phenomena as attributions people make about themselves and their settings. Then the elements of any attribution can be used as guides for structuring significant literature on both, and reduce analytical ambiguity. Such attributions make more sense within the structure of two-way relationships with factors in a person’s own framework and setting. This structure is described with its variables and relationships as a guide to assessment, follow-up, and intervention. Two checklists are provided for orientation.
Give a Man a Fish or Teach a Man to Fish: A Cross-Level Moderated Mediation Model of Cognitive and Performance Responses of Team Members to Help of Team Leaders
Authors: Zhu Yanting , Zhang Lihua , Guo Yungui
Published: July 2021

Drawing upon theoretical lenses of social cognitive theory, this study explores whether, when, why, and how the helping behaviors of team leaders influence individual work role performance of team members (in terms of individual task proficiency, task adaptivity, and task proactivity) through self-efficacy of team members. The consequences of different types of help of leaders are uncovered in this study. By proposing a cross-level moderated mediation model and using multisource and multistage data from 303 team members in 39 work teams, autonomy-oriented help of leaders was found to have a differential effect on individual work role performance of membersviathe self-efficacy of the latter when controlling for dependency-oriented help of leaders. Moreover, the multilevel analysis of moderation uncovered that leader–member exchange relationship at the team level engendered a boundary condition for the mediating role of member self-efficacy in the relationship between autonomy-oriented help of leaders and individual work role performance of members in this model.
The Search for Origin of Young Adoptees—A Clinical Study
Authors: Skandrani Sara , Moro Marie-Rose , Harf Aurelie
Published: July 2021

In the current area of social media propagation, the adoptees' search for the birth family is increasingly reversed: more and more adopted adolescents are contacted directly by their birth parents, even if they did not search for them. This study explores the impact of these new forms of contact between adoptive family members and birth family members, through the qualitative analysis of clinical protocols of five adoptive families that sought counseling in a clinical setting devoted to international adoption. The interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three themes. Two of them shared by the parents and their children: the feelings of anxiety and intrusion, as well as the feelings of guilt and debt. The last theme concerns only the parents: feelings of endangered family relations and can be divided into two sub-themes: feelings of threat by the birth family, feelings of an undermined parental role. Nevertheless, these new kinds of confrontations with the children's origins bear a potential of renegotiating adoptive family relationships and positive effects on mutual feeling of filiation. Exploring the impact of the search of adoptees by the birth family enables professionals involved in adoption to improve preventive and supportive work in the adoption process.
Cultural Responses to Covid-19 Pandemic: Religions, Illness Perception, and Perceived Stress
Authors: Ting Rachel Sing-Kiat , Aw Yong Yue-Yun , Tan Min-Min , Yap Chee-Khong
Published: July 2021

Many psychological researchers have proven the deteriorating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on public mental health. In Malaysia, various Covid-19 clusters were associated with religious gatherings. From a cultural psychology perspective, how ethno-religious groups respond to this crisis originating from their unique rationality and ecological systems. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the illness perceptions of major religious groups (Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist) in Malaysia toward the Covid-19 pandemic, their stress levels, and the relationship between illness perception, stress, and forms of religious expression during the lockdown period. Through an online survey method, 608 Malaysian religious believers were included in this mixed-method empirical study, which adapted standardized instruments [Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)]. Statistical analysis showed that all three groups reported moderate levels of stress in average without any significant difference after controlling for age. Both internal and external forms of religious expression had a significant negative relationship with stress levels. Personal control, comprehension, and emotions domains of illness perception accounted for a significant variance in the stress level. Furthermore, religious expression significantly moderated the relationship between some illness perception domains and stress. Qualitative coding revealed that most participants perceived human behavior and attitudes, sociopolitical, and sociological factors as causal factors to the current pandemic. These findings confirmed the relationship between religious expression, illness belief, and stress regulation during the pandemic lockdown. Incidental findings of age as a potential protective factor for Malaysian believers warrants further study. In the conclusion, implications for public health policymakers and religious communities on pandemic prevention and well-being promotion were discussed.
Aping Language: Historical Perspectives on the Quest for Semantics, Syntax, and Other Rarefied Properties of Human Language in the Communication of Primates and Other Animals
Authors: Rendall Drew
Published: July 2021

In 1980, Robert Seyfarth, Dorothy Cheney and Peter Marler published a landmark paper inScienceclaiming language-like semantic communication in the alarm calls of vervet monkeys. This article and the career research program it spawned for its authors catalyzed countless other studies searching for semantics, and then also syntax and other rarefied properties of language, in the communication systems of non-human primates and other animals. It also helped bolster a parallel tradition of teaching symbolism and syntax in artificial language systems to great apes. Although the search for language rudiments in the communications of primates long predates the vervet alarm call story, it is difficult to overstate the impact of the vervet research, for it fueled field and laboratory research programs for several generations of primatologists and kept busy an equal number of philosophers, linguists, and cognitive scientists debating possible implications for the origins and evolution of language and other vaunted elements of the human condition. Now 40-years on, the original vervet alarm call findings have been revised and claims of semanticity recanted; while other evidence for semantics and syntax in the natural communications of non-humans is sparse and weak. Ultimately, we are forced to conclude that there are simply few substantive precedents in the natural communications of animals for the high-level informational and representational properties of language, nor its complex syntax. This conclusion does not mean primates cannot be taught some version of these elements of language in artificial language systems – in fact, they can. Nor does it mean there is no continuity between the natural communications of animals and humans that could inform the evolution of language – in fact, there is such continuity. It just does not lie in the specialized semantic and syntactic properties of language. In reviewing these matters, I consider why it is that primates do not evince high-level properties of language in their natural communications but why we so readily accepted that they did or should; and what lessons we might draw from that experience. In the process, I also consider why accounts of human-like characteristics in animals can be so irresistibly appealing.
Global Overview of Youth Development: Comparison of the 5 Cs and Developmental Assets Across Six Countries
Authors: Fernandes Danielle , Pivec Tina , Dost-Gözkan Ayfer , Uka Fitim , Gaspar de Matos Margarida , Wiium Nora
Published: July 2021

Positive Youth Development (PYD) frameworks which describe young people's strengths and their relation to thriving and risk outcomes have gained significance among developmental researchers globally. As these models are being increasingly adopted, concerns remain about their generalizability outside of North America. It has been observed that the distribution and salience of assets differ for young people based on their cultural context. To better understand these varying developmental patterns, this paper studies the distribution of developmental assets and 5 Cs (Competence, Confidence, Character, Caring, and Connection) in youth from various countries and contrasting backgrounds. The total sample consisted of 4,175 students (62.5% females) with age ranging from 15 to 25 years (M= 18.95,SD= 2.49). 981 students were from Ghana (52.5% females), 900 students from Kosovo (66.7% females), 425 students from Norway (73.5% females), 247 students from Portugal (42.1% females), 648 students from Slovenia (63.4% females,), and 974 students from Turkey (68.7% females). Before comparisons of the countries, partial scalar invariance was confirmed. Analyses revealed that all countries differed in at least some internal or external developmental assets and at least in one of the 5 Cs. When considering internal assets, participants from Ghana seemed to have higher levels of internal assets together with participants from Norway who have the highest commitment to learning. Slovenian youth reported the highest levels of external assets of support and empowerment. Regarding the 5 Cs, Ghanaian youth reported having the highest confidence and character, and youth from Ghana, Kosovo, and Turkey are more caring and connected to others. The results uncovered unique patterns of PYD for each included country which are discussed through the lens of its political and social context. Through this focus on cross-national PYD patterns, this study advanced knowledge about the experiences of youth from a wide range of backgrounds and put forth suggestions for better policy measures and more culturally relevant interventions for optimal development of youth embedded in different cultures and countries.
Multiculturalism, Culture Mixing, and Prejudice: Effects of Priming Chinese Diversity Models Among Hong Kong University Students
Authors: Ye Frank Tian-Fang , Buchtel Emma E.
Published: July 2021

In two studies, we investigated how Hong Kong university students reacted to descriptions of China as multicultural vs. assimilatory, examining effects on emotions, prejudice toward Mainland Chinese, attitudes toward Hong Kong/China culture mixing, and cultural identities. Study 1 compared a multicultural priming condition to a control condition and found that the multiculturalism prime significantly reduced desire to socially distance from Mainland Chinese. Study 2 compared multiculturalism, assimilation, or control primes’ effects, and found that the multiculturalism prime, through increased positive emotions, indirectly reduced social distancing from Mainland Chinese and disgust toward culture mixing, and increased Chinese ethnic identity and multicultural identity styles; the assimilation prime had the opposite indirect effects through increasing negative emotions. Results show new evidence of the importance of emotion in how non-immigrant regional groups, who are both minority and majority culture members, react to different diversity models. Multicultural frames increased positive emotions, with downstream positive effects on both intergroup attitudes and integrated identities.
Rehospitalization and “Revolving Door” in Anorexia Nervosa: Are There Any Predictors of Time to Readmission?
Authors: Marzola Enrica , Longo Paola , Sardella Federica , Delsedime Nadia , Abbate-Daga Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Objective: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric illness with multifactorial etiology and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes. Hospitalization is required for a substantial number of patients, and readmission (RA) commonly occurs. Some individuals need multiple hospitalizations sometimes over a short amount of time, thus, delineating the “revolving door” (RD) phenomenon. However, very little is known about readmissions and their frequency in AN. Therefore, we aimed to longitudinally investigate readmissions in AN in order to: (a) characterize patients with AN who need readmission (i.e., RA-AN), sometimes rapidly (RD-AN); (b) ascertain differences between RA-AN and non-RA-AN groups during baseline hospitalization; (c) investigate as to whether clinical or psychometric parameters worsened on RA; and (d) analyze predictors of time-to-readmission in AN.

Methods: A total of 170 inpatients with AN were enrolled at their baseline hospitalization; all their subsequent rehospitalizations were recorded with a longitudinal design by which each patient has been observed for 3 years. Patients were classified as RD-AN if requiring a readmission <12 months since last discharge. Clinical characteristics were measured upon admission and discharge for each hospitalization, and at all time points, patients completed questionnaires assessing eating and general psychopathology, and body shape concerns.

Results: Sixty-seven patients (39.4%) needed at least one readmission and 62 (92.5% of RA-AN) reported RD. Compared with non-RA-AN, those with RA-AN were younger, reported a shorter duration of illness, and were more frequently diagnosed with AN-BP. Also, greater severity of anxious and depressive symptoms and body shape concerns emerged in the RA-AN group. The outcome of baseline hospitalization did not differ between groups, and only depressive symptoms worsened at readmission. Shorter duration of AN and low weight gain during baseline hospitalization predicted early readmission but did not survive statistical control. In contrast, high scores on drive for thinness upon baseline hospital entry robustly predicted a shorter time to readmission even after statistical control.

Discussion: Individuals with AN who require readmission do so over a short period notwithstanding a positive treatment outcome during their baseline hospitalization. Shorter time-to-readmission can be predicted mostly in case of marked drive for thinness and poor weight gain at baseline hospital admission.
Impact of Warning Pop-Up Messages on the Gambling Behavior, Craving, and Cognitions of Online Gamblers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Caillon Julie , Grall-Bronnec Marie , Saillard Anaïs , Leboucher Juliette , Péré Morgane , Challet-Bouju Gaelle
Published: July 2021

Background: Many features of Internet gambling may impact problem severity, particularly for vulnerable populations (availability, anonymity, a convenience and ease of play, digital forms of payment, and a higher level of immersion). To prevent the risks associated with excessive gambling and to inform gamblers, we need responsible gambling strategies. Gambling-related warning messages are one possible strategy that can help minimizing gambling-related harm.

Methods: Our experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of self-appraisal and informative pop-up messages compared to a control condition (blank pop-up messages), for both at-risk (ARG) and low risk/non-problem Internet gamblers (LR/NPG) according to their favorite type of game, in a semi naturalistic setting and with a 15-day follow-up. During the experimental session, participants were invited to gamble on their favorite website with their own money in the laboratory. Effectiveness was investigated through the impact of pop-ups on gambling behavior (money wagered and time spent), craving, cognitive distortions, and gambling experience, taking into account message recall. We analyzed data from 58 participants, playing preferentially either to skill and chance bank games (sports betting, horse race betting) and skill and chance social games (poker).

Results: We observed a significant decrease in the illusion of control for ARG in the informative pop-up condition at the 15-day follow-up. A significant effect of self-appraisal pop-ups compared to blank pop-up messages was also demonstrated only for sport and horse bettors, with a decrease on time spent gambling and an increase of gambling-related expectancies at the follow-up. Finally, we also observed that a majority of the participants were disturbed and irritated by pop-ups during their gambling session.

Conclusions: The results of our study demonstrated the limited impact of pop-up warning messages on gambling behavior and cognition in Internet gamblers according to the type of game and the status of gamblers. The limited impact of warning messages on gambling behavior and the inconvenience of the pop-ups for Internet gamblers lead us to only consider warning messages as one piece of a larger responsible gambling strategy.

Trial Registration Number: NCT01789580 on February 12, 2013.
Recommencement of Sport Leagues With Spectators at the Adelaide Oval During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Planning, Experience, and Impact of a Globally Unprecedented Approach
Authors: Chan Joel Ern Zher , Lee Angela , Lease Chris , Spurrier Nicola
Published: July 2021

Non-pharmaceutical interventions including physical distancing and restriction on public gatherings were the cornerstone in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, in the absence of effective vaccines and available treatment options. Many sport mega-events and sport leagues were canceled or indefinitely postponed, leaving stadiums globally empty or converted to be used as part of the COVID-19 response. There were calls for exit strategies to be developed. With the early containment of COVID-19 in South Australia, various restrictions were lifted in a staged and controlled manner, including the reopening of the Adelaide Oval for recommencement of sport leagues with spectator attendance. This involved the collaboration between public health authorities, other governmental agencies, Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority, various sporting leagues etc. Recommencement of sport leagues with staged increase in number of attending spectators allowed various measures to be introduced, revisited, and implemented accordingly, demonstrating that a case-by-case risk assessment can be conducted for mega-events during COVID-19, accounting for the epidemiological context at the time. Economic impacts and non-economic benefits of this recommencement were documented. This globally unprecedented, staged and controlled approach in returning spectators to sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic could inform the reopening strategy of stadiums, recommencement of sport leagues and mega-events all over the world before herd immunity is achieved or in the event of future outbreaks.
Toward Achieving a Vaccine-Derived Herd Immunity Threshold for COVID-19 in the U.S.
Authors: Gumel Abba B. , Iboi Enahoro A. , Ngonghala Calistus N. , Ngwa Gideon A.
Published: July 2021

A novel coronavirus emerged in December of 2019 (COVID-19), causing a pandemic that inflicted unprecedented public health and economic burden in all nooks and corners of the world. Although the control of COVID-19 largely focused on the use of basic public health measures (primarily based on using non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as quarantine, isolation, social-distancing, face mask usage, and community lockdowns) initially, three safe and highly-effective vaccines (by AstraZeneca Inc., Moderna Inc., and Pfizer Inc.), were approved for use in humans in December 2020. We present a new mathematical model for assessing the population-level impact of these vaccines on curtailing the burden of COVID-19. The model stratifies the total population into two subgroups, based on whether or not they habitually wear face mask in public. The resulting multigroup model, which takes the form of a deterministic system of nonlinear differential equations, is fitted and parameterized using COVID-19 cumulative mortality data for the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Conditions for the asymptotic stability of the associated disease-free equilibrium, as well as an expression for the vaccine-derived herd immunity threshold, are rigorously derived. Numerical simulations of the model show that the size of the initial proportion of individuals in the mask-wearing group, together with positive change in behavior from the non-mask wearing group (as well as those in the mask-wearing group, who do not abandon their mask-wearing habit) play a crucial role in effectively curtailing the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. This study further shows that the prospect of achieving vaccine-derived herd immunity (required for COVID-19 elimination) in the U.S., using the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, is quite promising. In particular, our study shows that herd immunity can be achieved in the U.S. if at least 60% of the population are fully vaccinated. Furthermore, the prospect of eliminating the pandemic in the U.S. in the year 2021 is significantly enhanced if the vaccination program is complemented with non-pharmaceutical interventions at moderate increased levels of compliance (in relation to their baseline compliance). The study further suggests that, while the waning of natural and vaccine-derived immunity against COVID-19 induces only a marginal increase in the burden and projected time-to-elimination of the pandemic, adding the impacts of therapeutic benefits of the vaccines into the model resulted in a dramatic reduction in the burden and time-to-elimination of the pandemic.
Relationship Between Government Expenditures on Health and Residents' Consumption: New Evidence From China Based on the Bootstrap Rolling-Window Causality Test
Authors: Jiang Ting-Yu
Published: July 2021

This paper explores the necessity of expanding government expenditures on health (GEH) from the perspective of promoting residents' consumption (RC). It employs bootstrap full- and subsample rolling-window Granger causality tests to investigate the mutual causal influence between GEH and RC. It finds that GEH have a positive impact on RC in some periods and a negative impact in other periods. The positive effect from GEH to RC reveals that Chinese governments at all levels should continue to increase GEH, narrow the gap between their medical and health investments and those of developed countries', directly reduce current medical expenses of residents, and increase the immediate consumption of residents. However, this opinion cannot always be upheld because a negative impact from GEH to RC also exists. The current paper shows that the government should improve the efficiency of the use of health expenditures; effectively shorten the time lag of government health fiscal policies; and promote the positive effect of government health expenditures on RC.
Network Topology of Biological Aging and Geroscience-Guided Approaches to COVID-19
Authors: Landay Alan , Bartley Jenna M. , Banerjee Dishary , Hargis Geneva , Haynes Laura , Keshavarzian Ali , Kuo Chia-Ling , Kwon Oh Sung , Li Sheng , Li Shuzhao , Oh Julia , Ozbolat Ibrahim Tarik , Ucar Duygu , Xu Ming , Yao Xudong , Unutmaz Derya , Kuchel George A.
Published: July 2021

Aging has emerged as the greatest and most prevalent risk factor for the development of severe COVID-19 infection and death following exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The presence of multiple coexisting chronic diseases and conditions of aging further enhances this risk. Biological aging not only enhances the risk of chronic diseases, but the presence of such conditions further accelerates varied biological processes or “hallmarks” implicated in aging. Given the growing evidence that it is possible to slow the rate of many biological aging processes using pharmacological compounds has led to the proposal that such geroscience-guided interventions may help enhance immune resilience and improve outcomes in the face of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our review of the literature indicates that most, if not all, hallmarks of aging may contribute to the enhanced COVID-19 vulnerability seen in frail older adults. Moreover, varied biological mechanisms implicated in aging do not function in isolation from each other and exhibit intricate effects on each other. With all of these considerations in mind, we highlight limitations of current strategies mostly focused on individual single mechanisms and propose an approach that is far more multidisciplinary and systems-based emphasizing network topology of biological aging and geroscience-guided approaches to COVID-19.
Experiential Learning of Local Relational Tasks for Global Sustainable Development by Using a Behavioral Simulation
Authors: Craps Marc , Brugnach Marcela
Published: July 2021

The interdependent character of sustainability challenges calls for collaboration among actors with different capabilities, interests, and knowledge frames. Behavioral simulations offer good opportunities to learn about dealing with these differences. They are based on an “experiential learning” approach that integrates the direct experience of the participants during a simulation exercise with reflection, theorizing, and acting. As such the simulation is able to mobilize the “minds, hearts, and hands” of the participants to stimulate not only cognitive, but also affective and moral learning in an embodied way. This is considered of utmost importance in education for sustainable development. The simulation exercise presented in this manuscript is inspired by a real case in the Southern Andes of Ecuador, where an existing multi-actor committee for the co-management of the regional UNESCO Biosphere is challenged by the arrival of an international mining company. The results are based on an analysis of the simulation sessions with three different groups: (1) social and environmental experts that have experience in the context of the case; (2) students in International Business Management; and (3) students in Water Engineering. The participants tap into the potential of individual and group reflection to learn from their own experience. They demonstrate an increased awareness of the importance of the relations between the stakeholders to deal adequately with the wicked nature of the case. The innovation of the tool consists in the possibility to address in a systematic and explicit way the relational tasks that are needed in local contexts to address global sustainability challenges. Especially the attention given to ambidexterity to address the tough tension between collaboration and power plays is rarely covered by other tools.
Testing, Analysis and Classification of No-Dig Manhole Rehabilitation Materials
Authors: Kaushal Vinayak , Najafi Mohammad , Entezarmahdi Alimohammad
Published: July 2021

Gravity flow wastewater collection systems are comprised of sewer pipes and manholes. Failure of a manhole may have catastrophic consequences such as developing a sinkhole in the street and roadway, and at a minimum, wastewater flow will be blocked, and stream of the manhole will backup causing a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO). Improving structural conditions of a manhole is critical to minimize these types of failures. This paper considers the impact of several lining materials including cement mortar, epoxy, polyurethane, cured-in-place composites, and a multi-layer structure material on increasing the structural capabilities of deteriorated manholes. The tasks included in this research consist literature search and, preliminary laboratory and main testing of select manhole rehabilitation materials. A finite element analysis is included to complement the experiments. Several preliminary tests according to ASTM C-39 on coated concrete cylinders, and ASTM C-293 on lined concrete beams, were performed at UT Arlington's Center for Underground Infrastructure Research and Education (CUIRE) Laboratory. The test results showed significant increase in the performance of concrete samples under compression and flexure. A second round of testing was performed on 4-ft long, 24-in. diameter concrete pipe sections with 3-in. wall thickness manufactured according to ASTM C-76. These pipe sections were lined internally with the same materials as the preliminary tests, and tested according to ASTM C-497 under Three-Edge-Bearing testing. Using computer data acquisition system, strain gages and displacement extensometers, stress/strain data were measured. The results showed that tested No-Dig manhole rehabilitation materials can significantly improve structural performance of deteriorated manholes.
Reusing Stadiums for a Greener Future: The Circular Design Potential of Football Architecture
Authors: Wergeland Even Smith , Hognestad Hans Kristian
Published: July 2021

Since the turn of the new Millennium, there has been an increase in efforts to build environmental-friendly sports arenas around the world. Fuelled by large sporting events like the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the ‘Green Games,’ and the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, stadium architecture has become a vehicle for this trend. So far, the emphasis has primarily been on new arenas, in line with the widespread belief in international architecture of the 2000s that older buildings are less energy-efficient by default. In addition to that comes a conviction that newness is needed to attract sponsors, investors, and larger audiences—a position powered by commercial interest and the idea of the stadium as an ‘urban generator.’ While new stadiums may have a significant potential when it comes to green performability, that does not necessarily mean that older stadiums are surplus to requirements, even from a climate perspective. In this paper, we look critically at the well-established strategy of replacing old stadiums with new ones by questioning the climate impact of new arenas and investigating the reuse potential of existing ones. We carry out in-depth analysis of two existing stadiums, Tynecastle Park in Edinburgh and Stadio Flaminio in Rome. One of them has already gone through renovation to remain in use while the other is vacant but currently under way to be renovated. We bring in fresh perspectives from sports science, preservation, architecture, and circular design theory to explain why older stadiums become obsolete and to challenge the premise of that destiny. The aim is not only to scrutinize the general lack of reuse but also to highlight green strategies which could give existing stadiums a longer life.